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)
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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.



Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
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Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Arabia has signed a headquarters agreement with the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, under which the council will designate the city of Riyadh as its permanent headquarters.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the first regular session of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, which was held on Monday in the Saudi capital, also includes the council’s affiliated bodies, including the general secretariat and the executive office.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Eng. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, chaired the first regular session of the council.

The session was attended by officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states and the Secretary-General of the organization, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

In his opening statement, Al-Mazyed affirmed that the Kingdom's initiative to propose the establishment of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council stems from its firm and fundamental principle of preserving Arab collective security.

The council was established based on a proposal put forward by Saudi Arabia to comprise Arab ministers responsible for cyber security affairs. It falls within the scope of the Arab League and operates under the umbrella of the league’s council. The council’s tasks include formulating general policies, developing strategies, and setting priorities to enhance joint Arab cybersecurity work.
The council also addresses all cybersecurity issues and developments related to security, economic, developmental, and legislative aspects. It is responsible for approving joint Arab cybersecurity plans for implementing the endorsed policies and strategies.

The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers also approved Monday the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih as the council's secretary-general for a five-year term.