OIC Urges Int'l Community to Assume its Responsibilities Towards Israeli Violations at Al-Aqsa

Israeli police accompany a group of Jewish visitors past the Dome of the Rock mosque at the al-Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem on May 5, 2022. (AFP)
Israeli police accompany a group of Jewish visitors past the Dome of the Rock mosque at the al-Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem on May 5, 2022. (AFP)
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OIC Urges Int'l Community to Assume its Responsibilities Towards Israeli Violations at Al-Aqsa

Israeli police accompany a group of Jewish visitors past the Dome of the Rock mosque at the al-Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem on May 5, 2022. (AFP)
Israeli police accompany a group of Jewish visitors past the Dome of the Rock mosque at the al-Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem on May 5, 2022. (AFP)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) warned on Wednesday of the ongoing violations by Israeli settlers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

It said the settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, were seeking to perform Talmudic prayers in its courtyard and raise the Israeli flag.

The OIC deemed the move a flagrant violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions and an infringement on the sanctity of the mosque.

It held Israel fully responsible for the repercussions of the ongoing violations, which it said are provocative to Muslims.

It warned the violations may fuel violence and tensions and lead to igniting a religious war that threatens international security and stability.

The OIC urged the United Nations Security Council to assume its duties and pressure Israel to cease its violations against the Palestinian people and their Islamic and Christian holy sites.



Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Canadian Foreign Minister

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
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Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Canadian Foreign Minister

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Jeddah on Thursday with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand to review bilateral relations and discuss ways to expand cooperation and partnership between Saudi Arabia and Canada.

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations targeting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz alongside the heinous attacks targeting a number of countries in the region.

They stressed the need to de-escalate tensions, return to the negotiating track, and prioritize dialogue to achieve a comprehensive agreement that consolidates regional and international peace and security.


Saudi Arabia Calls for Accountability, End to Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Session

The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Accountability, End to Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Session

The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil participated in the Security Council session on sexual violence in areas of armed conflict, during which he delivered the Kingdom's statement affirming that such violence threatens international peace and security and necessitates holding perpetrators accountable to end impunity.

He stressed the importance of full adherence to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, alongside the necessity of protecting civilians and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian aid, SPA reported.

He also commended the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in supporting those affected by conflicts, including victims of sexual violence, in cooperation with international organizations.

Furthermore, Alwasil pointed out that violations in the Palestinian territories, including sexual violence, constitute a grave breach of international law, calling for urgent international action to protect civilians and hold those responsible accountable.

He concluded by emphasizing that protecting civilians from sexual violence is a shared legal and moral responsibility, requiring enhanced international cooperation and a response to the suffering of victims.


Qatar Tells Iran All Parties Should Commit to Diplomacy Following Escalation with US

17 May 2023, Qatar, Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani makes remarks at a press conference at the Emir's palace in Doha. (dpa)
17 May 2023, Qatar, Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani makes remarks at a press conference at the Emir's palace in Doha. (dpa)
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Qatar Tells Iran All Parties Should Commit to Diplomacy Following Escalation with US

17 May 2023, Qatar, Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani makes remarks at a press conference at the Emir's palace in Doha. (dpa)
17 May 2023, Qatar, Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani makes remarks at a press conference at the Emir's palace in Doha. (dpa)

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in a phone call on Thursday ‌that Iran ‌and the United ‌States ⁠should commit to ⁠diplomacy.

Al-Thani added that the Washington and Tehran should implement the signed memorandum ⁠of understanding aimed ‌at ‌ending the war, ‌the Qatari foreign ‌minister said.

Iran launched drones towards a site in Qatar ‌earlier on Thursday and a Qatari ⁠tanker ⁠was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz earlier the week.

Al-Thani condemned the attack in the call, saying they “undermine trust, threaten international navigation and harm efforts to consolidate regional security and stability,” the foreign ministry said.

He stressed the need for all parties to commit to dialogue and diplomacy, adding that Qatar “supports all efforts aimed at containing the escalation and reaching a comprehensive agreement that consolidates security and stability and achieves sustainable peace in the region.”