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)
TT

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 Govt: Escalation in Yemen Not Aligned with UAE’s Pledges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Govt: Escalation in Yemen Not Aligned with UAE’s Pledges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday that the Kingdom “will not hesitate in taking the necessary steps and measures to confront any violation or threat to its national security.”

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The cabinet “reiterated its commitment to the security, stability and sovereignty of Yemen and its full support to Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi and his government.”

It regretted that “Saudi Arabia’s efforts to restore calm in Yemen were met with unjustified escalation that go against the foundations of the coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen.”

“The escalation does not serve efforts to achieve security and stability in Yemen and goes against all the pledges Saudi Arabia had received from the United Arab Emirates,” added the cabinet.

The cabinet expressed Saudi Arabia’s hope that “wisdom would prevail and that priority would be given to the principles of fraternity and good neighborliness and close relations between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members.”

It hoped that “the UAE would comply with the Yemeni republic’s demand that it withdraw its forces from the country withing 24 hours and that it would cease all military and financial support to the Southern Transitional Council and any other party in Yemen.”

It hoped that “the UAE would take the desired step to maintain bilateral relations between the two countries, which Saudi Arabia is keen on bolstering.”

The cabinet also reviewed regional and international developments.

It hailed the role of the coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen in protecting civilians in the Hadhramaut and Mahra governorates.

The cabinet renewed Saudi Arabia’s support to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity, rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and warning that the move encourages separatist agendas that violate international law.

King Salman also briefed the cabinet on the message he received on Tuesday from Russian President Vladimir Putin that tackled bilateral ties between their countries.


UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)
TT

UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it was pulling its remaining forces out of Yemen.

In a statement, it said: “In light of recent developments and their potential implications for the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defense announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen of its own volition, in a manner that ensures the safety of its personnel and in coordination with the concerned partners.”

It added that the UAE “has participated as part of the Arab Coalition since 2015 in support of legitimacy in Yemen, in backing international efforts to combat terrorist organizations, and in pursuit of security and stability for the brotherly Yemeni people. The UAE has made great sacrifices in achieving these objectives.”

“The UAE Armed Forces concluded their military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing the assigned missions within the agreed official frameworks,” it noted. “The remaining presence was limited to specialized personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts, in coordination with relevant international partners.”

It stressed that “this measure comes within the context of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase, and in line with the commitments of the UAE and its role in supporting security and stability in the region.”


Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty
TT

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

The Muslim World League (MWL) has affirmed its full support for the supplementary statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding recent escalatory actions by the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen's Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.

The league expressed its support for the statement from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen concerning the unauthorized movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from the Port of Fujairah to the Port of Mukalla, SPA reported.

 

These shipments were reportedly transported without the necessary official permits from the coalition’s Joint Forces Command. The MWL emphasized its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its national security.

In an official statement by General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa commended the decisive and wise content of the Saudi statement.

 

Speaking on behalf of the league’s global assemblies and councils, Al-Issa noted that these measures are vital to ensuring peace, security, and the unity of the Yemeni people under their internationally recognized leadership.

Al-Issa highlighted that the priority remains preserving stability in Yemen and the broader region. He noted that outstanding issues, including the Southern cause, must be resolved through dialogue within established legal and legitimate frameworks.

Furthermore, he warned that supporting illegitimate practices only deepens internal divisions and serves those who do not have Yemen’s best interests at heart. He cautioned that any further steps deviating from the legitimate path would only ignite sedition, the heavy cost of which would be borne by the Yemeni people.

Concluding the statement, Al-Issa called upon all Yemeni parties to prioritize wisdom and the national interest. He urged them to unite under their legitimate leadership to preserve the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, paving the way for a secure and prosperous future for Yemen.