OIC Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon

OIC Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon
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OIC Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon

OIC Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha has condemned Israel’s aggression on Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
Taha, whose statement came at an international conference in Paris to support Lebanon, reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty was held in Paris at the call of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Taha condemned Israel's brutal aggression on Lebanon, reaffirming the OIC's commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He called for an immediate ceasefire and urged the international community to achieve lasting peace by fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
He also called on states and international organizations to increase humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict, including forcibly displaced people.
The Paris conference aimed to rally international support for Lebanon amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.



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.


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.


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.