Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Peace Plan for Gaza

 Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairing the Cabinet session held in Riyadh on Tuesday (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairing the Cabinet session held in Riyadh on Tuesday (SPA).
TT

Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Peace Plan for Gaza

 Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairing the Cabinet session held in Riyadh on Tuesday (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairing the Cabinet session held in Riyadh on Tuesday (SPA).

The Saudi Cabinet welcomed the US administration’s announcement of US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, rebuild the strip, and facilitate the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Cabinet also welcomed the president’s declaration that he would not allow the annexation of the West Bank by Israel.

During Tuesday's session in Riyadh, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Cabinet affirmed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to cooperate with the US to achieve a comprehensive agreement to halt the war in the Gaza Strip, ensure Israel’s complete withdrawal from the strip, and provide adequate, unrestricted humanitarian assistance.

The Cabinet emphasized that these efforts would support the pursuit of a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The session also reviewed the Kingdom’s efforts to increase the number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine, highlighting the growing international commitment to securing the right of the brotherly Palestinian people to self-determination.

In his statements to the Cabinet, the Crown Prince further expressed his thanks and appreciation to the leaders of brotherly and friendly countries for the sincere feelings they conveyed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the 95th National Day.

He offered praise and gratitude to Allah Almighty for the blessings bestowed upon this blessed nation, including its stability, prosperity, and development, as well as the unprecedented achievements it has realized along its path of progress, SPA reported.

Notably, during the session, the Cabinet reviewed recent overall state affairs, with a particular focus on efforts to strengthen relations with countries worldwide. It commended the positive outcomes of Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the Kingdom, during which the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement was signed to enhance defense cooperation between the two brotherly nations and promote security and peace in the region and beyond.

In a statement to SPA following the session, Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary emphasized the Cabinet's appreciation for the Saudi delegation's active participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly and the associated international meetings.

The minister stated that the Cabinet expressed appreciation for the election of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This election reflects the international community's confidence in the Kingdom's proactive role and its ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation in this field, promoting global development and peace.

The Cabinet also recognized the Kingdom's election to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), having secured 175 out of 184 votes, which reflects the member states’ recognition of the Kingdom’s leadership and contributions in aviation.

It affirmed that the inclusion of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve in UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program underscores the Kingdom's commitment to protecting natural environments and advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Additionally, the Cabinet praised the outcomes of the second edition of the Global Infrastructure Forum held in Riyadh, noting the extensive participation from various countries and the signing of agreements to foster a sustainable future in this vital sector, enhancing the quality of life and urban landscapes.

The meeting also reviewed developments in the water sector across all regions of the Kingdom, including the inauguration and foundation laying of 122 environmental, water, and agriculture projects in Eastern Region, with investments exceeding SAR28.8 billion. These projects aim to achieve environmental and water sustainability while strengthening production, storage, distribution, treatment, and water quality systems.



Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.


OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
TT

OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.


Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
TT

Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)

Bahrain and France signed on Friday a joint defense cooperation agreement during talks between King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The French presidency said the agreement consolidates cooperation in the field of defense, training and exchange of strategic information.

“This agreement will ⁠also open ‌up ‍new ‍opportunities for industrial ‍cooperation in defense, and strengthen solidarity between our two countries in a ⁠global and regional geopolitical context marked by increasing tensions,” it added.

The agreement was signed by Bahrain’s National Security Adviser and Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and France’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Alice Rufo.

Macron highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Bahrain and France, as well as the progress achieved across various domains in support of common interests, reported Bahrain’s state news agency (BNA).

For his part, King Hamad commended the French president’s keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The talks also addressed means to bolster bilateral relations across all sectors to achieve shared interests.

Both sides commended the efforts of the Joint Bahraini-French High Committee. They highlighted the positive outcomes achieved in advancing cooperation and underlined the importance of continuing the committee’s work to expand cooperation across various domains.

The talks addressed regional and international developments, and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic solutions and reducing tensions.