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Saudi Arabia Hails Gaza Deal, Launch of ‘First Phase’ of Trump’s Plan

Displaced Palestinians walk along the coastal road, backdropped by smoke rising into the sky after an Israeli military strike in Gaza City, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Displaced Palestinians walk along the coastal road, backdropped by smoke rising into the sky after an Israeli military strike in Gaza City, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
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Saudi Arabia Hails Gaza Deal, Launch of ‘First Phase’ of Trump’s Plan

Displaced Palestinians walk along the coastal road, backdropped by smoke rising into the sky after an Israeli military strike in Gaza City, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Displaced Palestinians walk along the coastal road, backdropped by smoke rising into the sky after an Israeli military strike in Gaza City, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Saudi Arabia on Thursday welcomed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement after US President Donald Trump announced that the parties had agreed to the “first phase” of a deal signaling a major breakthrough in the two-year war in Gaza.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised Trump’s influential role and the mediation efforts exerted by Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye to reach an agreement.

Saudi Arabia expressed hope that this step would lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, a complete Israeli withdrawal, the restoration of security and stability, and the initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

Saudi Arabia emphasized that this includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the New York Declaration on a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue.

On Thursday, Israel and Hamas said they had agreed to a long-awaited ceasefire and hostage deal, the first phase of Trump's plan to end a war in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people and reshaped the Middle East. 

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Gulf

Ambrey: Vessel Veers off Course Diverting to Iranian Waters

A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. EPA/STRINGER
A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. EPA/STRINGER
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Ambrey: Vessel Veers off Course Diverting to Iranian Waters

A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. EPA/STRINGER
A boat sails in the Arabian Sea near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in the port city of Aden, Yemen, 21 December 2023. EPA/STRINGER

British maritime security firm Ambrey reported on Friday that it had received information about an incident occurring 20 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the UAE.

The agency described the situation as “suspicious activity” and said authorities were investigating it.

Shortly afterward, it revealed that a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker had been en route from Ajman toward Iranian territorial waters, heading to Singapore via the Strait of Hormuz, when three small boats approached it.

Ambrey added that the tanker abruptly veered off its course while transiting the Gulf of Oman and headed toward Iranian territorial waters.

 

Gulf

MWL Condemns Violence against Civilians, Holy Sites in Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Condemns Violence against Civilians, Holy Sites in Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) has strongly condemned the escalating wave of violence and criminal attacks perpetrated by Israeli settlers and police forces against civilians, their livelihoods, and their holy sites in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The most recent of these attacks included the burning of a mosque in the Salfit Governorate by settlers and the assault by Israeli police on Christians attempting to enter a church in occupied Jerusalem, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

In a statement, the MWL's Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the Israeli acts and stressed the urgent need for the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to halt such criminal approach, activate firm mechanisms to deter it, and hold those responsible accountable.

Gulf

Over 3,000 Agreements, Strategic Partnerships Signed during Hajj Conference

The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
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Over 3,000 Agreements, Strategic Partnerships Signed during Hajj Conference

The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA
The event was organized in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program - SPA

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah affirmed that the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has significantly contributed to the success of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition.

The event was organized by the ministry in collaboration with the Pilgrims Experience Program.

Al-Rabiah expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his continuous keenness for the safety and service of pilgrims, as well as his interest in enhancing the ecosystem for Hajj, Umrah, and visitation, SPA reported.

In the concluding statement of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, he praised the participation of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) in highlighting the historical legacy of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques.

Al-Rabiah also acknowledged the efforts of Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Board Chairman of Board of Directors of Darah Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. He hailed the Cabinet's commendation of the "History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques Forum" and the foundation's role in documentation, museum displays, and digital presentations.

He further shared that the number of pilgrims whose contracts have been finalized so far has exceeded one million from various countries. This reflects the ecosystem's readiness and proactive preparations for this year's Hajj season.

The fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition achieved remarkable results, including receiving over 204,000 visitors, representing an increase of more than 70% compared to last year. Additionally, there were over 270 exhibitors and representation from more than 150 countries.

More than 3,000 agreements and strategic partnerships were signed between government and private entities, as well as between Hajj affairs offices and providers of catering, transportation, and accommodation services, which have strengthened the integration of efforts and enhanced the services provided to pilgrims.