Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Calls to ‘Erase’ West Bank Town of Huwara

A man waves the Palestinian flag during a demonstration at the entrance to the village of Huwara in the West Bank (EPA)
A man waves the Palestinian flag during a demonstration at the entrance to the village of Huwara in the West Bank (EPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Calls to ‘Erase’ West Bank Town of Huwara

A man waves the Palestinian flag during a demonstration at the entrance to the village of Huwara in the West Bank (EPA)
A man waves the Palestinian flag during a demonstration at the entrance to the village of Huwara in the West Bank (EPA)

Saudi Arabia on Friday strongly condemned radical statements in which an Israeli official called for erasing the occupied West Bank town of Huwara.

“The Kingdom completely rejects these racist and irresponsible remarks that reflect the magnitude of violence and extremism practiced by the occupying Israeli entity toward the brotherly Palestinian people,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It also called on the international community to deter these “shameful” practices, end escalation and provide “necessary protection to civilians.”

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi also denounced the Israeli statements.

Al-Budaiwi said in a press statement that it is necessary to address the discourse of hatred and violence, and to promote the values of tolerance and human coexistence instead, just as part of efforts being exerted to reduce escalation and ensure stability in the region.

The GCC chief called for backing all regional and international efforts to push forward the Middle East peace process and put an end to illegal practices that put the two-state solution in jeopardy.



Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Cybersecurity Authority, is set to host on Monday the inaugural meeting of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council.

The meeting will be attended by ministers and officials responsible for cybersecurity in Arab League member states, alongside the organization’s Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The agenda includes discussions on key topics of mutual interest, such as drafting the Arab cybersecurity strategy, organizing joint cybersecurity exercises, and reviewing working papers submitted by Arab League member states. These initiatives aim to foster enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity across the Arab region.

The Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council, established following a proposal by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by all Arab countries, is tasked with formulating general policies, strategies, and priorities to advance joint Arab efforts in cybersecurity.

Its objectives include enhancing collaboration, coordinating efforts among Arab states on cybersecurity issues, sharing knowledge and expertise, and safeguarding member states' interests in international cybersecurity organizations. The council also seeks to develop a unified Arab stance on cybersecurity matters in international forums and contribute to creating a secure and trustworthy Arab cyberspace that promotes growth and prosperity for all member states.