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Saudi Arabia Urges Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Reaffirms Support for UNRWA at UNGA Session

Saudi Flag / File/Reuters
Saudi Flag / File/Reuters
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Saudi Arabia Urges Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Reaffirms Support for UNRWA at UNGA Session

Saudi Flag / File/Reuters
Saudi Flag / File/Reuters

Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, the permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza as he delivered statements at the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA’s) 10th emergency special session on Palestine.
The session addressed two resolutions presented to the General Assembly regarding support for the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.
Al-Wasil stated that the abuse of veto power and the selectivity in applying international law have contributed to the continuation of the war of genocide, the aggravation of Israeli crimes in Gaza, and the expansion of aggression.
He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza and also welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, condemning Israeli breaches of the agreement.
Al-Wasil emphasized the vital role of UNRWA and denounced Israeli legislation against the agency and deliberate targeting of its mandate.
Furthermore, the ambassador called for active participation in the upcoming high-level international conference on the settlement of the Palestinian cause. The conference, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, is scheduled for June in New York.
Al-Wasil reaffirmed steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their rights, highlighting peace as the strategic choice, based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative and in line with international legitimacy resolutions.
In light of the recent developments in Syria, Al-Wasil expressed condemnation of Israeli attacks on Syrian territories. He stressed that such actions emphasize Israel's continued violation of international law and determination to sabotage Syria's opportunities for reclaiming its security, stability, and territorial integrity. He also reiterated the Arab and Syrian identity of the occupied Golan Heights.
The Saudi delegation voted in favor of both resolutions at the UNGA session and both resolutions were adopted. The resolution supporting UNRWA’s mandate was adopted with 159 countries in favor and 9 against, with 11 abstentions. Meanwhile, the resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, received 158 votes in favor, 9 against, and 13 abstentions.

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Gulf

GCC Secretary-General Meets with Swiss FM in Türkiye

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Meets with Swiss FM in Türkiye

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi met on Friday with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Antalya, Türkiye, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

During the meeting, they discussed several regional and international issues, including the recent Iranian attacks on GCC states and their serious implications for regional security and stability, as well as the regional and global economy.

The secretary-general expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s supportive stance toward the GCC position on these attacks.

Cassis reaffirmed his country’s condemnation of the Iranian attacks and its support for all measures taken by GCC states. He also expressed condolences for the loss of lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening political coordination under the memorandum of understanding between the GCC and Switzerland, contributing to security, stability, prosperity, and development for the two sides.

Gulf

Prince Faisal, Rubio Discuss Continued Flow of Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Prince Faisal, Rubio Discuss Continued Flow of Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a telephone call on Friday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the latest regional developments.

The two officials reviewed efforts to ensure the continued flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the need to consolidate the ceasefire in Lebanon.

They underscored the importance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomatic solutions to achieve security and stability across the region.

Gulf

Shehbaz Sharif, Tamim bin Hamad Support Path of De-escalation

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
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Shehbaz Sharif, Tamim bin Hamad Support Path of De-escalation

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)

Following his shuttle tour that kicked off in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the latest regional and international developments, particularly those in the Middle East, during a meeting held Thursday at the Amiri Diwan.

The Pakistani Prime Minister reiterated his country's condemnation of the attacks targeting Qatar and other countries in the region, affirming Pakistan's full solidarity with Doha and support for the measures it takes to protect its sovereignty and safeguard its security and stability, the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

During the meeting, Qatar’s Emir expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's role in supporting efforts to deescalate tensions and promote diplomatic dialogue in the service of regional peace and security.

According to official sources, both sides stressed the necessity of supporting the path of deescalation and strengthening international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, especially maintaining the smooth flow of energy supply chains through vital maritime routes.

They further discussed the cooperation and friendship relations between the two countries and ways to develop them, aiming to strengthen the partnership and open new horizons for bilateral cooperation.

The Qatari Emir and the Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting, where they exchanged views on current developments of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries, particularly amidst current events and their repercussions on the region's security and stability.

Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday morning for a working visit to the country. The PM and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.