MWL Condemns Israeli Forces' Burning of Hospital in Gaza

People carry the dead body of a Palestinian at Kamal Adwan Hospital, during the ongoing Israeli military operation, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, December 17, 2024. (Reuters)
People carry the dead body of a Palestinian at Kamal Adwan Hospital, during the ongoing Israeli military operation, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, December 17, 2024. (Reuters)
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MWL Condemns Israeli Forces' Burning of Hospital in Gaza

People carry the dead body of a Palestinian at Kamal Adwan Hospital, during the ongoing Israeli military operation, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, December 17, 2024. (Reuters)
People carry the dead body of a Palestinian at Kamal Adwan Hospital, during the ongoing Israeli military operation, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, December 17, 2024. (Reuters)

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned on Saturday Israeli forces for burning a hospital in the Gaza Strip and forcing the evacuation of patients and medical staff.

In a statement, MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa slammed the “horrific crimes that the Israeli forces continue to commit against civilians and civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip without deterrence, in flagrant violation of all international and humanitarian laws and norms.”

Israeli soldiers stormed and burned a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcibly removing staff and patients on Friday, Health Ministry officials said. The Israeli military said the hospital was being used by Hamas fighters as a base, although it did not provide evidence.

Gaza's Health Ministry said Israeli troops set fires in several parts of Kamal Adwan Hospital, including the lab and surgery department. Israel's military said there was only a small fire in an empty hospital building, and was unaware of any Israeli gunfire causing the blaze.



Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" tactical exercise serves to bolster Gulf security integration and embodies the unity and shared destiny of member states.

The statement was made Wednesday during Albudaiwi’s participation in the closing day of the exercise, held in Qatar. The event was attended by Qatari Interior Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with the GCC Ministers of Interior.

"This fourth edition of the drill, conducted by the GCC Ministries of Interior with the participation of specialized units from the friendly United States of America, is of paramount importance in supporting the collective Gulf security framework," the secretary-general said.

He stressed its role in enhancing coordination and integration among the respective ministries and elevating joint readiness and response to security challenges, thereby contributing to the consolidation of security and stability across the GCC.

He further highlighted that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" exercise reflects a mutual commitment to advancing security operational mechanisms, exchanging expertise and best practices, as well as unifying efforts to counter transnational risks and threats. He pointed out that such maneuvers constitute a fundamental pillar for strengthening institutional integration and security cooperation pathways among member states.

The secretary-general expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Interior of Qatar in hosting and organizing the exercise, noting that the extensive resources and capabilities provided were instrumental to its success.

Closing his remarks, he voiced his aspiration that the exercise achieves its strategic objectives, fulfilling the visions of leaders of the GCC states, and ensuring sustained security and stability for the peoples of the GCC.


Saudi FM Holds Phone Talks with Iranian Counterpart, Receives Benin FM

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - SPA
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Saudi FM Holds Phone Talks with Iranian Counterpart, Receives Benin FM

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

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah spoke by telephone with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Abbas Araghchi, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The foreign ministers discussed regional developments and underscored the need to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomatic means. They also reviewed efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.

On Wednesday, the Saudi minister received in Riyadh Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.

The two officials reviewed relations between their countries and discussed regional and international developments and the efforts being made in this regard.


Saudi Crown, German Chancellor Hold Talks in Riyadh

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Al-Yamamah Palace. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Al-Yamamah Palace. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown, German Chancellor Hold Talks in Riyadh

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Al-Yamamah Palace. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Al-Yamamah Palace. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Wednesday evening.

The two sides held an official meeting during which they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries, areas of cooperation, and opportunities to further develop them across various sectors.

They also discussed the latest regional and international developments and the efforts being made in this regard.