Saudi Arabia Condemns Ongoing Israeli Escalation in Palestinian Territories

Smoke rises from the outskirts of the city Jenin, West Bank, as seen from Al Muqabila village, Israel 04 July 2023. (EPA)
Smoke rises from the outskirts of the city Jenin, West Bank, as seen from Al Muqabila village, Israel 04 July 2023. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Ongoing Israeli Escalation in Palestinian Territories

Smoke rises from the outskirts of the city Jenin, West Bank, as seen from Al Muqabila village, Israel 04 July 2023. (EPA)
Smoke rises from the outskirts of the city Jenin, West Bank, as seen from Al Muqabila village, Israel 04 July 2023. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Tuesday the ongoing Israeli escalation in the Palestinian Territories, with the attack on Jenin city the latest of its acts of aggression.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry underscored the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the dangerous violations by the Israeli forces.

It offered its condolences to the relatives of the victims, as well as the Palestinian government and people.



Prophet’s Mosque Receives over 21 Million Visitors in September

As part of efforts to enrich visitors’ knowledge, 81,243 people visited the Prophet’s Mosque Library, while the mosque’s exhibitions received 137,867 visitors - SPA
As part of efforts to enrich visitors’ knowledge, 81,243 people visited the Prophet’s Mosque Library, while the mosque’s exhibitions received 137,867 visitors - SPA
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Prophet’s Mosque Receives over 21 Million Visitors in September

As part of efforts to enrich visitors’ knowledge, 81,243 people visited the Prophet’s Mosque Library, while the mosque’s exhibitions received 137,867 visitors - SPA
As part of efforts to enrich visitors’ knowledge, 81,243 people visited the Prophet’s Mosque Library, while the mosque’s exhibitions received 137,867 visitors - SPA

The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced that 21,615,977 people visited the Prophet’s Mosque in September 2026.

The authority said 1,449,791 visitors prayed in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah. It added that 355,130 visitors used wayfinding services, while 287,886 used the guest care centers, SPA reported.

As part of efforts to enrich visitors’ knowledge, 81,243 people visited the Prophet’s Mosque Library, while the mosque’s exhibitions received 137,867 visitors.

The authority noted that these figures reflect its ongoing efforts to provide high-quality services that enrich pilgrims’ experiences and facilitate prayer in a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere at the Prophet’s Mosque.


Gulf Calls on Russia to Play Role in Stopping Attacks by Iran, Starting Dialogue with it

GCC Foreign Ministers and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
GCC Foreign Ministers and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
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Gulf Calls on Russia to Play Role in Stopping Attacks by Iran, Starting Dialogue with it

GCC Foreign Ministers and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
GCC Foreign Ministers and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (Russian Foreign Ministry)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries called on Russia on Sunday to play an active role in urging Iran to cease its attacks on regional countries and to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions.

They also urged Iran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to engage in a dialogue with Gulf states based on the principles of good neighborliness, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that Russia supports the peace efforts exerted by Arab countries to prevent the Middle East from sliding into a major war.

The call came during the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia, which was hosted by the Bahraini capital, Manama. The meeting took place amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing threats facing the security of Gulf states, international navigation, and energy supplies.

Chaired by Bahrain’s FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the meeting underlined the importance of working with Moscow in de-escalation efforts and addressing regional crises through political and diplomatic means.

Lavrov stressed the need to grant Gulf states a decisive role in determining regional security arrangements.

Officials are seen at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (GCC)

Deepening contacts with the GCC remains a priority for Russian diplomacy, he added, pointing out that his country supports efforts to prevent the region from sliding into a large-scale war.

"We must give the Gulf states the decisive word and the firm decision in ensuring the security of the region," he remarked, expressing his country's determination to move forward in strengthening the strategic dialogue with the Gulf states.

In the same context, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Moscow and Riyadh expressed their concern over the tensions in the southern Arabian Peninsula and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The Bahraini Foreign Minister valued the Russian positions calling for de-escalation, stressing that the security of the GCC states is a pillar of international security.

Addressing crises requires respecting the sovereignty of states and refraining from interfering in their internal affairs, he noted.


Bahrain, UAE, Oman Offer Condolences to Saudi Arabia over Najran Helicopter Crash Victims

General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Bahrain, UAE, Oman Offer Condolences to Saudi Arabia over Najran Helicopter Crash Victims

General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Bahrain, the UAE and Oman extended condolences to Saudi Arabia over the death of two officers in a helicopter crash in the Najran region due to technical failure, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

In statements issued by their foreign ministries, the three countries expressed deep sympathy with Saudi Arabia's leadership, government, and people.
They affirmed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in this painful loss, praying that Allah Almighty bestow His mercy on the two officers and grant their families patience and solace.

On Sunday, official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said in a ⁠statement that a Saudi AH-6i helicopter crashed in Najran due to technical malfunction, killing its two crew members.

The helicopter crashed in an area under the jurisdiction of the Saudi National ⁠Guard Ministry, the statement added.