Saudi Arabia, Other GCC States Restrict Movement over Coronavirus

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia, Other GCC States Restrict Movement over Coronavirus

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia closed malls, restaurants, cafes and public parks on Sunday and other Gulf states expanded measures to contain the coronavirus.

In Saudi Arabia, local municipalities tweeted directives for the closure of malls, restaurants, coffee shops and public parks, while exempting supermarkets, pharmacies and food delivery.

The justice ministry postponed all non-urgent judicial hearings indefinitely.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have already halted international passenger flights.

The United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar reported new cases on Sunday, raising the total number in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to 948, with no deaths reported.

The UAE recorded 12 more travel-linked infections among various nationalities, raising the country's total to 98.

Dubai joined the UAE capital Abu Dhabi in closing cinemas, arcades, spas, gyms and parks.

Oman reported two more infections, including a national who had visited Italy.

Oman suspended the entry of non-Omanis except for GCC citizens. It closed parks, and suspended Friday prayers and social gatherings.

Qatar also decided to ban inbound flights to Doha, with the exception of cargo and transit flights, as of Wednesday for 14 days.

Qatar Airways later clarified that the entry ban did not apply to Qatari citizens.

Qatar's health ministry announced 64 new cases on Sunday.



Saudi FM, State Officials Discuss Developments in Palestine in Phone Calls

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (SPA)
TT

Saudi FM, State Officials Discuss Developments in Palestine in Phone Calls

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call on Sunday with Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty.
The two ministers discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, and the efforts to enhance joint Arab and Islamic action to achieve an immediate cessation of Israeli violations in Gaza. They expressed support for the establishment of a secure and stable Palestinian state.
The Saudi Minister also held phone talks on Sunday with Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan.
They discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian territories stressing the need to intensify joint coordination to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, and address the flagrant Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws.
Also, during phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan Ayman Safadi, the ministers emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
They stressed the importance of supporting all Arab and Islamic efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian people by establishing their independent state in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.
In another phone call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, the two officials stressed the need for Arab-Islamic action in support of establishing an independent Palestinian state.
They also addressed the restoration of the rights of the Palestinian people and the need to halt Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law, as well as the ongoing efforts in this regard.
Prince Faisal, in his phone talks with Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Gambia, emphasized the importance of intensifying Arab-Islamic efforts to halt all forms of Israeli violations against the State of Palestine and its people. They also reviewed the ongoing efforts in this regard.