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RIYADH: ��������’s former ambassador to the US, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, said that Israel’s war on Gaza is “far from over,” adding “the work is still in progress.” He called on the international community to advance what he described as the “broader and more comprehensive framework” championed by �������� and France — a pathway toward a lasting peace built on the two-state solution and an end to hostilities between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Speaking at a panel hosted on Thursday by the Dr. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna Chair for Energy and Specialized Media at King Saud University, Prince Turki said that �������� had taken the initiative back in 2002 through the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s peace proposal, which sought to achieve “a comprehensive solution benefiting all parties involved.”

The veteran intelligence figure struck a cautious tone on the prospects for peace in Gaza, warning against premature optimism. “Let’s not cheer or celebrate until we see what truly unfolds,” he said. “These well-intentioned efforts remain unfinished, and their outcome is far from certain.”

Prince Turki added that only the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan had been signed, with additional stages still pending. He said that Israel had previously agreed to a ceasefire “but reneged when it came time to implement the second phase, resuming its brutal and inhumane bombardment of Palestinians — not only in Gaza but across the West Bank as well.

“Let’s wait and see where the next steps will lead,” he said.

Prince Turki also highlighted the powerful influence of social media on societies worldwide, describing it as a driver of a “profound and positive transformation” in global public attitudes toward the Palestinian cause.

“It’s a miracle,” he said, “to see hundreds of thousands across the world taking to the streets and squares, calling for freedom, independence and the establishment of a Palestinian state. I never imagined witnessing this before the advent of social media.” He added: “Social platforms have broken the barriers that once constrained public expression.”

While urging the international community to agree on unified frameworks to regulate artificial intelligence, Prince Turki voiced concern over the dark web, saying it contains “unacceptable activities and money laundering,” a result, he said, of the absence of early regulation when the internet was first created.

Prince Turki described the joint defense agreement between �������� and Pakistan as a “foregone conclusion,” adding that the relationship has always been one of strategic alignment — even in the absence of a formal accord. He pointed to a “shared intellectual and emotional harmony” between the two countries, highlighting several examples that reflect their mutual commitment to national and religious priorities.

Shifting to the role of the media, Prince Turki urged Saudi media leaders to adopt a more open and assertive stance in communicating the Kingdom’s message. “We have no fear of opening our doors and windows for others to see for themselves,” he said, acknowledging a “shortfall” in the performance of media institutions. “There must be greater engagement — one cannot conceal what takes place at home, whether good or bad.”

Addressing Western criticism head-on, he called on officials not to fear the “fierce campaigns” waged by some outlets against ��������, and highlighted the importance of “presenting the truth and ensuring that the Kingdom’s statements and data reach others clearly.”

Prince Turki expressed satisfaction with ��������’s cooperation with several African nations, saying it stems “not only from geographic proximity, but from a human and cultural continuity rooted in the Kingdom’s values, principles and social fabric.” He recalled that throughout history, interaction between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa flowed through corridors such as the Sinai Peninsula and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

He added that some Saudi tribes still have a presence on the African side, and that large African communities live and work in the Kingdom — many of whom have acquired Saudi citizenship. Prince Turki said that this enduring connection across the Red Sea should serve the interests of both sides, and highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations and supporting peace across the continent.

Prince Turki also called for greater focus on establishing research centers across ��������, describing them as vital engines of intellectual progress and social contribution.

“Such institutions play a key role in fostering the exchange of ideas and cultivating independent thought,” he said, adding that their “degree of autonomy from official sources” allows for a freer and more dynamic flow of perspectives.

The former ambassador welcomed what he described as a rising “research and intellectual awareness” across the Kingdom’s various fields, reflecting a broader shift toward innovation and open dialogue.
 

DHAHRAN: “Baseqat: The Palm Tree,” an exhibition exploring the cultural heritage and creative legacy of the date palm, considered a symbol of the history and identity of the Arabian Peninsula, has opened in Dhahran at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra.

Curated by Samer Yamani and Razan Masri, the exhibition features 15 works by 25 artists from �������� and beyond. Organizers said visitors can discover the ways in which the date palm has helped shape life across the centuries and civilizations, from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to modern-day Arabia, through its contributions to food, shelter, medicine and crafts.

�������� has more than 33 million palm trees, about 27 percent of the world’s total. The UNESCO-recognized Al-Ahsa Oasis alone contains 2.5 million trees, making it the largest date palm oasis in the world.

“Baseqat invites makers, families and young learners to take part in a rooted practice we continue to build together,” said Farah Abushullaih, the head of museum at Ithra.

“In doing so, palm wisdom is carried hand to hand, generation to generation, renewing heritage through care, creativity and community-led continuity.”

The exhibition is organized into thematic sections titled Oasis, Roots, Trunk, Fronds, Dates and the Lab, which combine artistic exploration with hands-on workshops and film screenings, including filmmaker Mahmoud Kaabour’s short documentary “Sa’fa” about the palm weavers of Al-Ahsa Oasis.

Featured artworks include: “Al-Kar” by Saudi artist Fatimah Al-Nemer, a woven rug created in collaboration with local craftswomen using palm fibers; “Bouhattam” by Tunisian artist Mohammed Amine Hamouda, a sculptural installation made from oasis waste; and “La Cabra Chair” by Mexican designer Daniel Valero, which merges rural tradition with contemporary design.

Other highlights include “Toob Toob Ya Bahar” by Bahraini artists Abdulla Buhijji and Noor Alwan; “Palm Ladies” by Saudi artist Sumaya Shelbi; and “Palm in Eternal Embrace” by Saudi artist Obaid Alsafi, winner of Ithra’s 2023 Art Prize, which is described as a reflection on climate change and resilience.

The exhibition also showcases works by local, regional and international artists, including the Kingdom’s own Bashaer Hawsawi, whose pieces “The Chain that Rebelled Against the Earth” and “Holy Thirst 4” explore themes of memory, belonging and craftsmanship.

The exhibition is running at Ithra until March 2026.