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Saudi FM Warns of Worse ‘Flare-Up’ if Peace Agreement Fails

Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan during his meeting with EU's Josep Borrell in Munich (SPA)
Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan during his meeting with EU's Josep Borrell in Munich (SPA)
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Saudi FM Warns of Worse ‘Flare-Up’ if Peace Agreement Fails

Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan during his meeting with EU's Josep Borrell in Munich (SPA)
Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan during his meeting with EU's Josep Borrell in Munich (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan warned on Saturday that Israel's approach to the war in Gaza does not enhance its security but rather further increases threats to it.
Prince Farhan stressed that most Palestinians support the two-state solution, cautioning that if a solution is not reached, "the next explosion will be worse."
The Saudi Foreign Minister said in a panel discussion on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2024 that Israel's "excessive response" in Gaza would inevitably inflame the feelings, saying it could lead to an increase in extremism.
The death toll is approaching 30,000 civilians, and at least 17,000 children have become orphans as a result of the ongoing crisis, said the FM, adding that the "tragedy we are witnessing" would mobilize many emotions and risks revitalizing the idea that coexistence is not possible.
Prince Faisal stressed that Saudi Arabia's priority now is to deal with the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and focus on a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israelis from Gaza, and increasing aid to the Palestinians.
He added, "It is unacceptable that we have not yet been able to resolve the simple issue of access for humanitarian goods into Gaza."
The Saudi minister also reiterated that the path to regional security and stability could be realized through the establishment of a Palestinian state, calling on the international community to focus on this.
The top diplomat indicated that the Kingdom is not in direct talks with Israel, asserting that there are no relations with Tel Aviv.
Riyadh confirmed through the US that "the highest priority is to address the humanitarian crisis and end the conflict," said bin Farhan, adding that normalization discussions can be opened afterward.
He stressed that the priority in discussions with Israel after its resumption "will be the establishment of a Palestinian state."
The FM said the Palestinians have the right to self-determination, the most important solution to ensure international security and stability.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan added that Saudi Arabia's normalization with Israel depends on the Arab Peace Initiative.
"Normalization of relations with Israel depends on implementing the Arab Peace Treaty. We do not talk to them directly," he said.
He explained that Palestinians must be able to decide their fate to ensure sustainable security, which requires difficult decisions within Israel as well.
Prince Faisal refused to blame any party for the delay in reaching a peace agreement, saying it can't be placed on any side, but the time has come to put all efforts to achieve peace, including those who stood as an obstacle whether it was Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, or Israel.
For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that Egypt informed Israel that the deportations of Rafah residents is a "red line" and constitutes a threat to Egypt's national security.
Speaking at the same panel, Shoukry added that there are catastrophic consequences of displacing the population of Gaza.
The Egyptian FM said that the lack of political will within the international community has obstructed reaching a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians over the past years, adding that both parties must make concessions to reach an agreement.
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Prince Faisal held a series of bilateral meetings where he met Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Bonne, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Leader of British Labour Party Keir Starmer, and Shadow Foreign Minister David Lammy.
On Friday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his British counterpart, David Cameron.
The two officials addressed the bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.
Prince Faisal also met with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel.

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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.