OIC Secretary-General: Hospital Massacre in Gaza a War Crime, State Terrorism

The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to deliver aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to deliver aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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OIC Secretary-General: Hospital Massacre in Gaza a War Crime, State Terrorism

The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to deliver aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to deliver aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has emphasized the necessity of lifting the siege on Gaza and establishing humanitarian corridors.

On Wednesday, the top Saudi diplomat called on the international community to take action, reiterating that the Kingdom had repeatedly warned of the danger of the situation deteriorating in the region.

During a conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, the Saudi minister stated that Saudi Arabia reaffirms its rejection of the “repeated aggressions” by Israeli forces in Gaza.

“We have repeatedly warned of the dangers of war and its unpredictable consequences, creating fertile ground for extremism,” noted Prince Faisal.

The Saudi minister further asserted in his speech that the international community must take a responsible stance to protect Palestinians in Gaza, ensure the delivery of aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, and underscore the importance of establishing a Palestinian state and implementing international legal resolutions.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha condemned in the strongest terms the horrific massacre committed by Israel by bombing the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

The bombing had left hundreds of Palestinians dead and wounded, including women and children.

Taha slammed the attack as a war crime, a crime against humanity, and organized state terrorism that deserves accountability.

The secretary-general held Israel accountable for the consequences of its crimes, practices and brutal attacks against the Palestinian people, which contradict all human values and constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

He renewed his call to the international community, especially the UN Security Council, for the need to intervene urgently to stop the war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza and provide international protection for the Palestinian people.

Taha also expressed full solidarity with the Palestinian people and unwavering support for their just struggle to attain their right to self-determination and the establishment of their sovereign independent state.

He stressed the necessity of concerted efforts to halt the unprecedented Israeli aggression and ensure the opening of humanitarian corridors for the facilitation of access to medicines, food supplies, and basic necessities for Gaza.

Taha explained that the OIC had warned on multiple occasions about the dangers of the continued open warfare against the Palestinian people, noting that such occurrences would not persist if there were a legal and political deterrent on the international stage, as well as respect for international law.



Saudi Crown Prince, Japanese PM Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince, Japanese PM Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call on Thursday from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The Crown Prince and Takaichi reviewed relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields.

They also addressed the latest regional developments, and their security and economic implications on the region and the world.

The discussion further covered efforts to de-escalate tensions, enhance regional security and stability, and ensure maritime security, along with its economic impact and implications for global supply chains.


Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands Discuss Efforts to Maintain Security of Int’l Waterways

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Wednesday with his Dutch counterpart (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Wednesday with his Dutch counterpart (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands Discuss Efforts to Maintain Security of Int’l Waterways

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Wednesday with his Dutch counterpart (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Wednesday with his Dutch counterpart (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has discussed with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen efforts to keep international waterways safe, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting held in Riyadh on Wednesday, the two sides reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and exchanged views on regional developments, SPA said.

The Dutch side reiterated its condemnation of Iran's attacks on the Kingdom and several countries in the region. They also discussed joint efforts to maintain the security and safety of international waterways, the news agency added.


Emir of Qatar, Syrian President Hold Talks on Regional Developments

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
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Emir of Qatar, Syrian President Hold Talks on Regional Developments

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held talks in Doha on Wednesday with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, focusing on regional and international developments.

Sheikh Tamim hoped the visit would strengthen cooperation and expand ties between their two countries across various sectors.

Sharaa stressed Syria's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations in a way that serves the shared interests of both nations and their peoples.

He also expressed solidarity with Qatar following Iranian attacks targeting the country and other states in the region, voicing support for measures taken by Doha to safeguard its sovereignty, security and citizens.

The leaders underscored their commitment to supporting regional security and stability, while discussing bilateral relations and ways to further develop them.

The meeting was attended by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, and Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, as well as a number of senior officials.

Also in attendance were Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani, along with a number of senior officials.

Sheikh Tamim and Al-Sharaa held a separate bilateral meeting to exchange views on key issues of mutual interest, followed by an official luncheon hosted in honor of the visiting delegation.

Al-Sharaa is on a tour of the Gulf that he kicked off in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday where he met with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.