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OIC Condemns Israel’s Confiscation of Palestinian Land, Archeological Sites

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Israel’s colonial practices. (SPA)
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Israel’s colonial practices. (SPA)
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OIC Condemns Israel’s Confiscation of Palestinian Land, Archeological Sites

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Israel’s colonial practices. (SPA)
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Israel’s colonial practices. (SPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned on Monday the ongoing Israeli colonial practices, particularly the confiscation of thousands of dunums of Palestinian land and archeological sites.
Israel has recently seized archaeological sites in the village of Sebastia, in the Nablus governorate.
The OIC emphasized that Israel’s actions are part of its destructive policy against hundreds of archaeological, historical, and scientific sites, as well as places of worship in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the occupied city of Jerusalem, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The OIC stressed that these actions aim to erase, plunder and distort the cultural and civilizational heritage of the Palestinian people, in clear defiance of international law, the Geneva Convention, relevant UN resolutions, and the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its protocols.
The organization urged the international community, especially the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to take immediate action to safeguard the tangible and intangible cultural assets in the occupied Palestinian territory.

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Saudi Minister of Tourism Inspects Readiness of Hospitality Facilities for Pilgrims in Makkah

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and other officials are seen during his inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and other officials are seen during his inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Tourism Inspects Readiness of Hospitality Facilities for Pilgrims in Makkah

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and other officials are seen during his inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and other officials are seen during his inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb inspected the readiness of hospitality facilities and temporary accommodations designated for pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, reviewing the level of services provided to pilgrims at their residences, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The tour included hospitality facilities and temporary accommodations across Makkah. He assessed operational procedures, facility preparedness, and the services offered to pilgrims. This contributes to boosting service quality within accommodation facilities.

During the tour, Al-Khateeb met with trained tourism personnel serving pilgrims and reviewed their readiness and role in delivering services. This reflects the impact of the ministry’s training and qualification programs aimed at empowering national talent in the tourism sector.

He visited the Ministry of Tourism branch in the Makkah Region. The branch supports the ministry’s year-round field presence, brings services closer to investors and operators, and strengthens monitoring and oversight of hospitality facilities and temporary accommodations designated for pilgrims during the Hajj season.

At the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, Al-Khateeb met with investors and operators of hospitality facilities and temporary accommodations. They discussed the sector’s readiness for the Hajj, explored ways to improve service quality for pilgrims, and enhanced coordination and integration across all aspects of pilgrim accommodation services.

He stressed to investors and operators the importance of providing a hospitality experience that enriches pilgrims' journey to the Grand Mosque. He underlined the need to fulfill the national responsibility of caring for pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals in comfort and peace.

The minister announced the achievement of the target to increase bed capacity in Makkah’s hospitality sector.

He underscored the success of the ministry’s initiatives, including the launch of the “Temporary Accommodation” licensing service for pilgrims and expanded hospitality capacity in Makkah.

This year, the Ministry of Tourism assumed full responsibility for overseeing the pilgrim accommodation sector in Makkah. The “Temporary Accommodation” licensing service contributed to adding more than 566,000 beds to the pilgrim hospitality sector in Makkah through a structured framework and clear standards that enhance service quality and diversify accommodation options for pilgrims.

Gulf

Makkah Police Arrest Five Residents for Violating Hajj Regulations

Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on April 24, 2026. (SPA)
Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on April 24, 2026. (SPA)
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Makkah Police Arrest Five Residents for Violating Hajj Regulations

Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on April 24, 2026. (SPA)
Worshippers perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on April 24, 2026. (SPA)

Makkah Region police arrested five Egyptian residents for violating Hajj regulations and instructions by entering and remaining in Makkah without obtaining a Hajj permit, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday. They also documented and shared the violation on social media.

The individuals have been detained, and legal action has been taken against them.

The General Directorate of Public Security urged all to comply with the regulations governing the Hajj season and to cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, stressing that violations will result in legal penalties.

It also called for the prompt reporting of violators through the dedicated hotlines.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Discusses Means to Ease Regional Tensions

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Discusses Means to Ease Regional Tensions

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held on Monday a series of a telephone calls with his various counterparts to tackle efforts to ease tensions in the region.

He held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on regional developments and means to contain the tensions.

He also received a telephone call from Afghanistan’s FM Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Prince Faisal telephoned Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Omani FM Badr Albusaidi and Egyptian FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty to discuss regional developments and joint efforts to restore security and stability.