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KSRelief Criticizes UN Organizations for Ignoring Houthi Violations

KSRelief aid is delivered to Yemen. (SPA)
KSRelief aid is delivered to Yemen. (SPA)
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KSRelief Criticizes UN Organizations for Ignoring Houthi Violations

KSRelief aid is delivered to Yemen. (SPA)
KSRelief aid is delivered to Yemen. (SPA)

Some UN organizations do not dare to denounce Houthi abuses because they fear that their work inside Yemen will be affected, officials at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) charged.

KSRelief spokesman Samer al-Jatili said that new reports revealed that the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen are preventing civilians from leaving Hodeidah to liberated areas.

He listed during a press conference in Riyadh a number of programs implemented by the Center, including educational projects and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the displaced.

“Some international organizations fear that denouncing Houthis will affect their work inside Yemen,” added the spokesman.

He announced that Saudi Arabia topped the list of donors in Yemen with this aid amounting to $11.1 billion. This aid covered several sectors including a donation to the Central Bank.

In cooperation with 80 partners, KSRelief implemented 296 projects throughout Yemen over the past three years. He added that the center has implemented a water sanitation program in Hodeidah and programs to combat malnutrition and dengue fever.

Jatili explained that a plan has been set for Hodeidah to establish a sea aid corridor that connects it to Aden. He announced that the Houthis continue to disrupt ships from docking at Hodeidah port.

The Saudi-led Arab coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen provided aid worth some $16 billion, including medical and food aid in three years, according to the spokesman, who added that Saudi Arabia alone provided $11 billion.

He also noted that UN organizations lack detailed reports on the abuses committed by the Houthis and face a problem of transparency.

Jatili accused the militias of using civilians as human shields and blocking the delivery of aid.

KSRelief Director of Medical Assistance, Dr. Abdullah al-Moallem referred to some health issues that existed in Yemen four years ago, saying the Houthi coup has exacerbated these problems.

Houthi militias are barring food, air and medicine, from reaching citizens, he added.

He also pointed to the several victims of mine explosions. The Center treated the wounded, he said, adding that Houthis concealed several mines as toys to target children.

Moallem asserted the Center will continue its assistance to Yemeni children, who were recruited by the militias, stressing that KSRelief will continue to operate hospitals in Yemen.

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Saudi Arabia Boosts US Ties to Promote Middle East Stability

US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts US Ties to Promote Middle East Stability

US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday in the first call from an Arab leader since Trump took office. They discussed boosting cooperation to support peace, security, and economic ties.

The Crown Prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s desire to expand investment partnerships with the United States. He revealed plans for Saudi investments totaling $600 billion over the next four years, with the potential for further increases should additional opportunities arise.

Moreover, the Crown Prince spoke with Trump about boosting ties in various fields. He voiced confidence in Trump’s ability to drive major economic reforms in the US.

The White House said Thursday that the two leaders discussed Saudi Arabia’s global economic goals, trade, and other opportunities. They also talked about efforts to stabilize the Middle East, improve security, and fight terrorism.

The Saudi Crown also received a phone call on Thursday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, areas of mutual cooperation, and ways to strengthen their partnership. They also addressed regional and global developments and several issues of shared concern.

Rubio expressed his eagerness to advance shared interests in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and other areas, emphasizing the threats posed by Iran and its proxies, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

“They also discussed the benefits of the US-Saudi economic partnership and the opportunities to grow their economies in a variety of fields including AI. The Secretary expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s partnership and efforts to promote regional peace and stability,” said Bruce.

Saudi Arabia’s plans to expand investments in the US reflect the deep economic and strategic partnership between the two nations, analysts told Asharq Al-Awsat.

These investments, they said, build on promising opportunities and underscore the importance of bilateral efforts to bolster global peace and security.

Dr. Fawaz Al-Alami, an international trade expert, said the strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and the US, which spans eight decades, is set to grow further. Saudi Arabia aims to expand its partnerships in key sectors, including technology transfer, defense industries, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy development.

“Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on its rapid economic growth—the fastest among G20 nations—by strengthening its trade and investment ties with the US,” Al-Alami said.

He highlighted the kingdom’s plans to invest $600 billion in the US over the next four years, positioning this partnership as a cornerstone of mutual prosperity.

Al-Alami noted that trade relations are the foundation of Saudi-US economic cooperation, reflecting shared strategic interests and evolving global dynamics.

He added that Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil align with the United States’ ability to support this transition through investments in manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy—key pillars of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan.

“By fostering innovation, developing human capital, and expanding into new industries, both nations can secure a resilient and prosperous future built on mutual growth and collaboration,” he said.

Dr. Saud Al-Otaibi, a political science professor at King Abdulaziz University, emphasized that shared interests bind Saudi Arabia and the US, benefiting both nations.

He noted that Saudi Arabia, as a pivotal regional power, leverages its positive relationship with the US to promote stability and peace in the Middle East.

“Saudi Arabia plays a central role in the region and uses its soft power to influence its surroundings positively,” Al-Otaibi said. “It consistently works toward regional stability and security through foreign policies aimed at the greater good.

Al-Otaibi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategy of diversifying its partnerships, maintaining strong ties with major powers like Russia and China while strengthening its relationship with the US.

He explained that these efforts are rooted in a commitment to global peace and security.

“Saudi Arabia’s partnership with the US remains crucial given America’s influence and the kingdom’s pragmatic approach to addressing regional challenges,” he said.

“The historical record demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s realistic and balanced perspective in navigating complex issues, making this relationship essential for both nations,” added Al-Otaibi.