GCC Expresses Deep Concern over Escalation in the Region

Thick smoke billows from a raging fire at oil storage tanks a day after Israeli strikes on the port of Yemen's Houthi-held city of Hodeidah on July 21, 2024. (AFP)
Thick smoke billows from a raging fire at oil storage tanks a day after Israeli strikes on the port of Yemen's Houthi-held city of Hodeidah on July 21, 2024. (AFP)
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GCC Expresses Deep Concern over Escalation in the Region

Thick smoke billows from a raging fire at oil storage tanks a day after Israeli strikes on the port of Yemen's Houthi-held city of Hodeidah on July 21, 2024. (AFP)
Thick smoke billows from a raging fire at oil storage tanks a day after Israeli strikes on the port of Yemen's Houthi-held city of Hodeidah on July 21, 2024. (AFP)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi expressed on Sunday his deep concern over the military escalation in Yemen in wake of the recent Israeli attacks on the Hodeidah Governorate.

In a statement, Al-Budaiwi said the development deepens the current tension in the region and disrupts ongoing efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip and reach a political solution in Yemen.

The continuation of military operations threatens regional and international security and stability, deepening the humanitarian crisis, he warned.

Al-Budaiwi called on all parties to exercise restraint and urged the international community and key nations to fulfill their responsibility in ending the conflict.

He underscored the tireless efforts of GCC member countries to end the war in Gaza and support peace efforts in Yemen.

He also stressed the need to maintain international efforts to compel the Israeli forces to halt their violations, achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and all Palestinian territories, and resolve the conflict through a peaceful solution in line with relevant international resolutions.



King Salman Orders Name Change of Saudi Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, Housing

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
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King Salman Orders Name Change of Saudi Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, Housing

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued on Sunday an order to amend the name of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.

It will now be called the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.

Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the move.

He emphasized that the name change reflects the ongoing commitment to developing an advanced urban environment in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

This effort aims to boost the ministry's overall performance and its municipalities to achieve sustainable urban development plans, he remarked. Additionally, it aims to improve the quality of life in cities and develop the housing sector to provide innovative services.

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs was established by royal order in 1975 with the responsibility for urban planning and development of municipal and rural areas. It has also been tasked with managing municipal services to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

In 2020, a royal decree merged the Ministry of Housing into the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, becoming the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. The move sought to ensure the continuation of achievements and fulfill the aspirations of the Kingdom, positioning it among advanced countries.