GCC Slams Israel for Allowing Extremists to Parade through Jerusalem's Old City

A Palestinian man waves his national flag as Israelis mark Jerusalem Day, an Israeli holiday celebrating the capture of the Old City during the 1967 Mideast war, outside Jerusalem's Old City, Sunday, May 29, 2022. (AP)
A Palestinian man waves his national flag as Israelis mark Jerusalem Day, an Israeli holiday celebrating the capture of the Old City during the 1967 Mideast war, outside Jerusalem's Old City, Sunday, May 29, 2022. (AP)
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GCC Slams Israel for Allowing Extremists to Parade through Jerusalem's Old City

A Palestinian man waves his national flag as Israelis mark Jerusalem Day, an Israeli holiday celebrating the capture of the Old City during the 1967 Mideast war, outside Jerusalem's Old City, Sunday, May 29, 2022. (AP)
A Palestinian man waves his national flag as Israelis mark Jerusalem Day, an Israeli holiday celebrating the capture of the Old City during the 1967 Mideast war, outside Jerusalem's Old City, Sunday, May 29, 2022. (AP)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf condemned on Sunday Israel for allowing extremists and members of the Israeli Knesset to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the Israeli police.

He warned that the development could lead to a security flareup, especially in wake of nationalists holding a provocative march in occupied Jerusalem.

He slammed the rally, which he said was a flagrant violation and dangerous escalation.

Al-Hajraf underscored the importance of Israel respecting the historical, legal and religious status of Jerusalem.

He called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility to preserve the safety of Al-Aqsa mosque and respecting its commitments.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.