Saudi Arabia, Jordan Call for Protecting Palestinians from Israeli Attacks

Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded person at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque on May 1, 2021. (AFP)
Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded person at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque on May 1, 2021. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia, Jordan Call for Protecting Palestinians from Israeli Attacks

Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded person at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque on May 1, 2021. (AFP)
Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded person at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque on May 1, 2021. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia and Jordan called on Tuesday for effective international efforts to protect Palestinians from Israeli attacks and violations.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi held a telephone call to emphasize the need of develop an effective international effort to protect the Palestinians from Israeli attacks and violations. They also discussed boosting their bilateral relations.

The statement said the two ministers condemned "illegal Israeli practices", warning that continued Israeli aggression and the eviction of Palestinian families from their homes will have consequences on the regional security and stability.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia categorically rejected the forced displacement of Jerusalemites from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.

The Saudi statement came during the emergency virtual meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held upon the request of Palestine.

The meeting, chaired by Niger, discussed the situation in Palestine following the recent brutal attacks by the Israeli forces on the Palestinian people, especially in Jerusalem.

The Kingdom's permanent OIC representative, Saleh al-Suhaibani, indicated that Saudi Arabia's continuous support for the Palestinians stems from its deep belief in the just Palestinian cause.

Suhaibani asserted the need to intensify international efforts to end this conflict in order to allow the Palestinians to recover their legitimate rights and establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The representative underscored Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of the plans and measures carried out by Israeli forces aimed at evicting Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem by force and imposing sovereignty over them.

He warned that such measures will have consequences, condemning at the same time any unilateral measures and any Israeli decisions that violate international resolutions and agreements.

Saudi Arabia stressed it will continue to defend the Palestinian cause regionally and internationally, foremost of which at the UN Security Council, to confront Israeli practices that threaten international peace and security and undermine efforts aimed at promoting stability in the region.

Suhaibani renewed the Kingdom’s support of the Palestinian people, their just cause, their legitimate rights and all the efforts aimed at reaching a fair and comprehensive solution to the conflict.

Saudi Arabia called on the international community to take immediate action to put an end to the Israeli violations and help the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights in establishing security and safety and achieving economic growth that allows them to live a decent life.

For its part, the OIC condemned Israel’s persistence in pursuing its colonial program in building settlements and seeking to forcibly seize Palestinian properties and displace them from their land.

The meeting also denounced the attacks against the residents of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhoods of Jerusalem, describing them as flagrant violations of international humanitarian law.

In a speech, OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef al-Othaimeen praised the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in Jerusalem and their response to the Israeli attacks on the holy sites, especially al-Aqsa Mosque.

Othaimeen renewed the organization’s commitment to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to end the occupation, gain freedom and independence and establish a sovereign independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.



Qatar PM: We Will Continue to Pressure Israel and Hamas for a Truce

Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. (AFP)
Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. (AFP)
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Qatar PM: We Will Continue to Pressure Israel and Hamas for a Truce

Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. (AFP)
Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. (AFP)

Qatar's prime minister said on Sunday Doha will continue to pressure Israel and Hamas for a truce despite "narrowing" chances.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani added that hostages were released from Gaza because of negotiations and not because of Israeli military actions, Reuters reported.
He was speaking at the Doha Forum conference in Qatar. 
He added that an entire generation in the Middle East is at risk of becoming radicalized because of the Gaza war.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh told the gathering that the United States should also be held responsible for Israeli attacks on Gaza and the loss of Palestinian lives.
For his part, Jordan's foreign minister Ayman Safadi said that Israel was implementing a systematic policy of pushing Palestinians out of Gaza by a war that has killed thousands of civilians.
Safadi, whose country borders the West Bank and had absorbed the bulk of Palestinians after Israel's creation in 1948, also said Israel had created an "amount of hatred " that would "haunt the region" and "define generations to come", reported Reuters.


Saudi Ksrelief Delivers Humanitarian Aid in Lebanon, Syria's Aleppo

These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief, to assist those in need and those affected worldwide - SPA
These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief, to assist those in need and those affected worldwide - SPA
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Saudi Ksrelief Delivers Humanitarian Aid in Lebanon, Syria's Aleppo

These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief, to assist those in need and those affected worldwide - SPA
These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief, to assist those in need and those affected worldwide - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 1,076 shopping vouchers that enable the beneficiaries from the neediest families of Syrian refugees and the host community in several Lebanese regions to purchase winter clothing as part of the second phase of the winter clothing distribution project (Kanaf) for 2023.

These projects come within the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the KSrelief.

The Riyadh-based center has also executed the fourth stage of the Al-Amal Charitable Bakery project for the year 2023, in several Lebanese Governorates.
Last week, the project distributed 150,000 bundles of bread daily to needy Syrians and Palestinians families, and the host community living in northern Lebanon, benefiting 125,000 individuals

Also, a total of 316 families, among the most in need, who were affected by the earthquake in Aleppo governorate, Syrian Arab Republic, benefited from winter aid distributions.
This initiative is part of a project to distribute vouchers for winter clothing to families affected by the earthquake in northern and western Syria.


OIC Expresses Dismay at Security Council’s Failure to Reach Ceasefire in Gaza

Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023.  EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023. EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
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OIC Expresses Dismay at Security Council’s Failure to Reach Ceasefire in Gaza

Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023.  EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023. EPA/HAITHAM IMAD

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Ibrahim Taha, expressed dismay on Saturday after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a crucial ceasefire resolution on the Gaza Strip.

“He sees this failure as a detrimental reflection on the Council's vital role in upholding global peace, safeguarding civilians, and halting the deteriorating humanitarian crisis caused by relentless Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Taha cautioned that the Security Council's inaction allows the Israeli occupation to persist in and intensify its assaults on the Palestinian population,” SPA said.

He praised the nations that supported the draft resolution and stressed the necessity of ongoing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, and provide international protection for Palestinians.


Saudi FM, Blinken Discuss Developments in Gaza

The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
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Saudi FM, Blinken Discuss Developments in Gaza

The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Washington on Saturday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss bilateral relations, developments in the Gaza Strip, and several other regional issues of common concern.
Prince Faisal stressed the need to take urgent steps to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, and make all possible efforts to de-escalate the situation and ensure that the violence does not expand with dangerous repercussions on international peace and security.
He also stressed the need to create conditions for the return of stability and to restore the path of peace, to ensure that the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights, as well as to exert more efforts to secure relief corridors to deliver urgently needed humanitarian, food and medical aid to Gaza Strip.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz and Director General of the Foreign Minister's Office Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.


Saudi Arabia Provides Additional $8 Mn to Mitigate Threat Posed by Safer Tanker

KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Provides Additional $8 Mn to Mitigate Threat Posed by Safer Tanker

KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)

Saudi Arabia provided an additional financial contribution of $8 million to the UN Development Program (UNDP) to address the threat of the Safer oil tanker anchored off the coast of Yemen.

The Assistant General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) for Operations and Programs, AhmedaAl-Baiz, and UNDP Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Arab Countries Abdullah al-Dardari signed the memorandum of the additional financial contribution submitted by the Kingdom.

The additional aid comes as an extension of the efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to address the environmental and economic threat associated with the Safer tanker on the Yemeni coast and neutralize its potential dangers.

Dardari stressed that Saudi Arabia's contribution is a step towards solving the Safer problem that threatens the Red Sea environment.

He noted that the oil was transferred from the corroded and leaking tanker to a new oil vessel, indicating that the meeting addressed the best solution for treating the remaining oil in the new tank and using its revenues.

Dardari lauded Riyadh's efforts in addressing the problem of the Safer oil tanker, which allowed the UNDP to achieve positive results.

The official also thanked Saudi Arabia, represented by the KSrelief, for stressing the depth of the strategic relations between the Program and the Center, highlighting its essential and extensive partnership worldwide, not only in the Arab region.

He asserted that the two programs work together in the Arab region, especially in conflict areas, describing it as a solid partnership with a promising future that benefits all.


Saudi FM, Borrell Discuss Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi FM, Borrell Discuss Developments in Gaza

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 received a telephone call on Friday from European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
The two officials discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings, and the efforts exerted to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They also discussed the consequences of the current crisis, especially at the humanitarian level.


Saudi Defense Minister Receives Telephone Call from US Secretary of Defense

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
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Saudi Defense Minister Receives Telephone Call from US Secretary of Defense

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).

Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, received a telephone call from US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, SPA said on Thursday.
During the call, the two men discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the defense field.
They also discussed the current international and regional situations and the efforts being made in that direction.


Saudi Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Mission in Eastern Region, Crew Dies

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
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Saudi Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Mission in Eastern Region, Crew Dies

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane and the martyrdom of its aircrew.

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, confirmed that the aircraft crash occurred at 12:50 p.m. Thursday during a routine training mission from King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran.

He pointed out that an investigation into the crash has been launched.


Saudi Crown Prince Launches Urban Plan and Branding of Qiddiya City

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Launches Urban Plan and Branding of Qiddiya City

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has launched the urban design for the city of Qiddiya and Qiddiya’s brand.

The Crown Prince is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).

He stated that the city of Qiddiya will become, in the near future, the foremost global destination in the fields of entertainment, sports, and culture. This will have a positive impact on the Kingdom's economy and its international standing, enhancing Riyadh's strategic position and contributing to its economic growth. It aims to improve the quality of life, making Riyadh one of the top 10 economies globally.

The Crown Prince added that this qualitative investment in Qiddiya is a cornerstone of the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, creating thousands of job opportunities for the ambitious Saudi youth.

Qiddiya philosophy of Play is based on decades of research that has proven that play is a vital element for human cognitive development, emotional expression, social skills, creativity, and physical health. Studies have also shown the positive effects of recreational activities on society, their ability to bridge differences between individuals, and enhance empathy and social cohesion.

Qiddiya's offering will be Qiddiya City, a one-of-a-kind destination located on the outskirts of Riyadh, that promises endless fun and excitement for its residents and visitors through unrivalled offerings in entertainment, sports, culture, and urban living.

Construction is progressing with contracts worth SAR10 billion awarded. With 60,000 buildings in an overall area of 360 square kms, it will eventually host over 600,000 residents. Qiddiya City is expected to create over 325,000 job opportunities, yielding nominal GDP of SAR135 billion per annum.

Additionally, Qiddiya City expects to attract an anticipated 48 million visits per year with its never-built-before array of world-class attractions and venues.

Located 40 minutes from Riyadh center and overlooking the stunning cliffs of the formidable Tuwaiq mountains, Qiddiya City will be a home of the first gaming and e-sports district, a speed park track, golf courses, a massive water theme park, and Six Flags Qiddiya.

In addition, the city will also host a stadium which will feature the world’s largest Olympic museum.

Qiddiya City’s unparalleled proximity and concentration of sports, culture and entertainment experiences in one place will make it a globally unique destination.
Qiddiya plans to launch its first assets over the next two years.


Saudi Arabia, Russia Stress Need to Stop Military Operations in Palestinian Territories

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 6, 2023.  Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 6, 2023. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
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Saudi Arabia, Russia Stress Need to Stop Military Operations in Palestinian Territories

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 6, 2023.  Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 6, 2023. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Russian President Vladimir Putin have expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In a joint statement published on Thursday after they met a day earlier in Riyadh, the Crown Prince and Putin “stressed the need to stop military operations in the Palestinian territories, and the need to protect civilians in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.”

They called for enabling international humanitarian organizations to play their role in providing humanitarian and relief aid to the Palestinian people, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and to support their efforts.

The two sides stressed security and stability in Palestine could only be achieved through the implementation of international resolutions related to the two-state solution in order to ensure the creation of appropriate conditions for peaceful coexistence and economic development, and to enable the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.