GCC Condemns Israeli Settlers’ Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

A view of the Dome of Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound during the first Friday prayers of the holy month of Ramadan in Jerusalem's old city, 24 March 2023. (EPA)
A view of the Dome of Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound during the first Friday prayers of the holy month of Ramadan in Jerusalem's old city, 24 March 2023. (EPA)
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GCC Condemns Israeli Settlers’ Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

A view of the Dome of Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound during the first Friday prayers of the holy month of Ramadan in Jerusalem's old city, 24 March 2023. (EPA)
A view of the Dome of Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound during the first Friday prayers of the holy month of Ramadan in Jerusalem's old city, 24 March 2023. (EPA)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi strongly condemned Israeli settlers’ storming of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces.

He slammed Israeli violations during the holy month of Ramadan, saying they were a dangerous escalation, flagrant violation of international law and relevant resolutions and the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, and a provocation of sentiments of Muslims across the globe.

He called on the international community to immediately intervene to stop the violations and intensify efforts to push the peace process forward.

He underscored the GCC’s firm position that prioritizes resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state according to the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.



Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.