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EU Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Truce in Gaza

A handout photo made available by the Saudi Foreign Ministry press office, shows Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (R) receiving EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell at AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 08 January 2024. (EPA/ Saudi Foreign Ministry handout)
A handout photo made available by the Saudi Foreign Ministry press office, shows Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (R) receiving EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell at AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 08 January 2024. (EPA/ Saudi Foreign Ministry handout)
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EU Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Truce in Gaza

A handout photo made available by the Saudi Foreign Ministry press office, shows Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (R) receiving EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell at AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 08 January 2024. (EPA/ Saudi Foreign Ministry handout)
A handout photo made available by the Saudi Foreign Ministry press office, shows Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (R) receiving EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell at AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 08 January 2024. (EPA/ Saudi Foreign Ministry handout)

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell renewed on Monday the call for an "immediate humanitarian truce" in the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip that has been ongoing for more than three months.

During a visit to Saudi Arabia's AlUla, Borrell discussed with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan the war in Gaza and the "joint peace initiative."

This was Borrell’s fourth trip to the region since Oct. 7 when the war in Gaza erupted.

He confirmed, in statements to reporters before leaving AlUla, that Europe will not participate in protecting commercial ships navigating the Red Sea as part of Operation Atalanta.

The military operation is being carried out by the EU Naval Force to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Replying to a question by Asharq Al-Awsat, Borrell said the Europeans have no intention of taking part in protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea amid the attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen on international shipping.

The operation is aimed at combating piracy, he stated.

Borrell stressed that his discussions in Saudi Arabia focused on the efforts to achieve an immediate truce in the Gaza Strip and deal with the significant humanitarian crisis.

In a post in the "X" platform, he added that he discussed with the Saudi FM the joint peace initiative and steps to translate the international consensus on the two-state solution into action.

He declared: "The path will be difficult, but there is no alternative to peace."

He also extended an invitation to Prince Faisal to visit Brussels on Jan. 22.

Borrell had previously urged the need to stop the unfolding human tragedy in Gaza.

"We need an immediate humanitarian pause, leading to a more sustainable one and for hostages to be released," he posted on X.

The EU official also met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Saudi Arabia.

They compared notes about their talks in the region and efforts to de-escalate, alleviate the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and bolster the indispensable UN role.

According to Reuters, a US official revealed that Blinken and Borrell discussed efforts to prevent the expansion of the Gaza conflict.

Back in September, the Saudi Foreign Ministry announced that the Kingdom, in cooperation with the Arab League, the EU, Egypt, and Jordan, had launched efforts to revitalize the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.

Gulf

OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
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OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.

Gulf

Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
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Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)

Bahrain and France signed on Friday a joint defense cooperation agreement during talks between King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The French presidency said the agreement consolidates cooperation in the field of defense, training and exchange of strategic information.

“This agreement will ⁠also open ‌up ‍new ‍opportunities for industrial ‍cooperation in defense, and strengthen solidarity between our two countries in a ⁠global and regional geopolitical context marked by increasing tensions,” it added.

The agreement was signed by Bahrain’s National Security Adviser and Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and France’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Alice Rufo.

Macron highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Bahrain and France, as well as the progress achieved across various domains in support of common interests, reported Bahrain’s state news agency (BNA).

For his part, King Hamad commended the French president’s keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The talks also addressed means to bolster bilateral relations across all sectors to achieve shared interests.

Both sides commended the efforts of the Joint Bahraini-French High Committee. They highlighted the positive outcomes achieved in advancing cooperation and underlined the importance of continuing the committee’s work to expand cooperation across various domains.

The talks addressed regional and international developments, and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic solutions and reducing tensions.