Saudi Arabia Reiterates Its Categorical Rejection of Israel’s ‘State Land’ Decision in West Bank

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Its Categorical Rejection of Israel’s ‘State Land’ Decision in West Bank

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government condemned on Tuesday Israel’s decision to West Bank lands as "state lands."

Reiterating its absolute rejection of these illegal measures, the Cabinet warned that they undermine peace efforts and violate the Palestinian people's inherent right to establish an independent, sovereign state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session that was held in Riyadh.

The Cabinet congratulated citizens and Muslims on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, expressing gratitude for the Kingdom's honor in caring for the two holy mosques and their visitors.

The Cabinet highlighted the success of the Hajj and Umrah seasons, noting that the Kingdom welcomed 19.5 million international pilgrims and Umrah performers in 2025, setting new records that reflect rapid progress toward the goals of Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The Cabinet described the Kingdom's Founding Day celebration on February 22 as an expression of pride in the Saudi state's nearly three-century history, underscoring the foundations of justice, unity, and development established by leaders and citizens throughout history to ensure the nation remains a global leader in all fields.

The Cabinet was briefed on recent talks between Saudi Arabia and various nations, which focused on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation and boosting coordination to foster regional and international security, stability, and prosperity.

The session further reviewed the Kingdom's economic, cultural, and social activities, stressing the state's commitment to social solidarity and giving. This includes continued support for the sixth National Campaign for Charitable Work, set to begin on Friday.

The Cabinet commended the success of the third World Defense Show held in Riyadh under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' patronage, during which strategic partnerships, agreements, and memoranda of understanding were signed to localize military technologies and strengthen local supply chains in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives.



Qatari Gas Tanker Struck in Gulf

FILE PHOTO: QatarEnergy's liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facilities, in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: QatarEnergy's liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facilities, in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
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Qatari Gas Tanker Struck in Gulf

FILE PHOTO: QatarEnergy's liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facilities, in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: QatarEnergy's liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facilities, in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

A Qatari tanker has been attacked with "unidentified objects" while transiting Gulf waters, the country's state news agency reported Sunday.

The attack on Friday evening struck a liquefied natural gas carrier, Al Mayeda, which belongs to the Qatar Gas Transport Company, Qatar News Agency said.

None of the crew members onboard the vessel struck on Friday were injured and there was no environmental impact from the attack, the report said.

The ship was in a "safe condition" and operational, the Qatari company was cited as saying.


Saudi Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has provided 62 water projects and development initiatives across 14 Yemeni governorates to improve distribution, expand access to safe drinking water and strengthen water security in urban and rural areas.

Implemented through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), the initiatives have helped secure sustainable freshwater supplies, improve the efficiency of water systems, reduce losses and strengthen local communities’ ability to manage their resources.

The projects have met 100% of water needs in the Al-Ghaydah, Al-Mahra Governorate, 50% in Socotra Governorate and part of the demand in Aden Governorate, helping improve the continuity and reliability of water services.

The program combines infrastructure development with modern technology and environmental and operational sustainability. Its work includes building and upgrading water networks, connecting Yemeni communities to water sources and using renewable energy to power wells and pumps.

These measures have also improved production and distribution efficiency, reduced operating costs and extended water services to areas most in need.

Sustainable water resource management

The program has supported agriculture by introducing modern irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, to improve water-use efficiency, reduce waste and promote sustainable agricultural production and food security.

In Socotra, a project to establish an integrated water system for a sustainable freshwater supply illustrates this approach by diversifying water sources, upgrading supply networks and strengthening resource sustainability.

Efforts have also focused on empowering local communities and building technical and institutional capacity through training programs designed to develop the skills of workers and beneficiaries in water resource management, system operation and maintenance.

SDRPY has conducted awareness campaigns to encourage community participation and promote sustainable water consumption and management practices, helping maintain services and improve the long-term operational efficiency of the projects.

Strategic solutions

In January, SDRPY announced a project to establish Yemen’s first desalination plant of its kind in the Aden Governorate, using modern desalination technology to expand freshwater supplies and reduce the depletion of water resources.

The project is intended to strengthen water security and improve living conditions.

It also includes transferring Saudi expertise and training Yemeni personnel in saline water desalination to boost technical and operational capabilities and ensure the sustainability of services in the governorate.

Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemen’s water sector forms part of a broader development effort implemented through SDRPY in coordination with the Yemeni government and local authorities.

The program has undertaken 300 development projects and initiatives across 16 Yemeni governorates, covering eight sectors: education, health, energy, water, transport, agriculture and fisheries, development programs, and capacity building and support for the Yemeni government.

Together, these efforts aim to strengthen coordination among development initiatives and deliver lasting improvements in essential services and living conditions for Yemenis.


Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Security with Russian, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Security with Russian, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday.

The talks focused on bilateral relations and key regional developments, including the escalating security situation in Yemen and ongoing threats to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The ministers also discussed efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand

Prince Faisal also held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on bilateral relations and the latest regional developments. The two ministers condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and underscored the importance of joint efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and EU European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas

The Saudi minister also met European Union foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas. The two sides underscored the importance of promoting security and stability in the region.