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 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.