黑料社区

Saudi Cabinet rejects displacement of Palestinians, backs Arab summit鈥檚 Gaza plan

Saudi Cabinet rejects displacement of Palestinians, backs Arab summit鈥檚 Gaza plan
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Cabinet rejects displacement of Palestinians, backs Arab summit鈥檚 Gaza plan
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Cabinet rejects displacement of Palestinians, backs Arab summit鈥檚 Gaza plan
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Cabinet rejects displacement of Palestinians, backs Arab summit鈥檚 Gaza plan
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Updated 05 March 2025

Saudi Cabinet rejects displacement of Palestinians, backs Arab summit鈥檚 Gaza plan

Saudi Cabinet rejects displacement of Palestinians, backs Arab summit鈥檚 Gaza plan

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Cabinet on Tuesday affirmed full support for the decisions of the extraordinary Arab League summit in Cairo that rejected the displacement of Palestinians from their land, and aimed to end the disastrous repercussions resulting from the war.

It reiterated the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to obtain their legitimate rights, including their right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The final statement adopted by the summit called for the deployment of an international protection and peacekeeping force in the Palestinian territories.

It adopted the plan submitted by Egypt with regard to Gaza, in full coordination with Palestine and Arab countries.

It also emphasized the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace that fulfills the rights of the Palestinian people.

During the weekly Cabinet session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, ministers condemned Israel鈥檚 decision to stop the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards these serious violations, activate international accountability mechanisms, and ensure sustainable access to aid.

The Cabinet tackled the joint statement issued after President Joseph Aoun鈥檚 visit to Riyadh regarding the importance of fully implementing the Taif Agreement, which ended Lebanon鈥檚 civil war and was negotiated in 黑料社区 in 1989, and relevant international resolutions.

The joint statement also stressed the importance of ensuring Lebanon鈥檚 sovereignty over all its territories, restricting weapons to the Lebanese state, supporting the Lebanese army鈥檚 national role, and calling for the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from all Lebanese territories.

Aoun was welcomed at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday, where discussions with the crown prince focused on strengthening bilateral relations.

During their talks, both leaders agreed to study obstacles affecting the resumption of exports from Lebanon to 黑料社区 and procedures to facilitate Saudi travel to Lebanon. They also reaffirmed their commitment to Lebanon鈥檚 economic recovery and the implementation of reforms aligned with international standards.

In a diffident matter, the Cabinet affirmed the state鈥檚 continued support for the social services system and national initiatives that aim to provide adequate housing for qualifying families, praising in this regard the cooperation and integration of roles between government, private and non-profit entities, in addition to community members, to achieve the goals of the Jood Regions campaign.

The Jood Regions campaign was first launched during Ramadan 2024 to provide more than 10,000 housing units for the most needy families across the Kingdom鈥檚 13 provinces.

King Salman and the crown prince have donated a total of SR150 million ($40 million) to the second Jood Regions campaign, launched at the start of this year鈥檚 Ramadan.

The Cabinet reviewed the progress of major development and service projects that aim to enhance the comprehensive development process in the Kingdom.

The ministers offered congratulation on the opening of the first phase of Sports Boulevard project in Riyadh, which will contribute to consolidating the position of the city among the best global cities.

The project, led by the Sports Boulevard Foundation, is now 40 percent complete, with 83 km of the route being accessible to visitors since Feb. 27.

The initiative, launched by King Salman in March 2019, aligns with the country鈥檚 Quality-of-Life Program, outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, by creating greener, more sustainable cities that encourage participation in activities like walking, cycling, and horse riding. It also aims to transform Riyadh into one of the world鈥檚 most livable cities by blending sports with cultural, artistic, and environmental opportunities.


Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul
Updated 33 min 15 sec ago

Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul
  • Was speaking during opening session of 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom鈥檚 unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the opening session of the 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Istanbul on Saturday.

The foreign minister also condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a 鈥渂latant鈥 violation of international law and an infringement on Iranian sovereignty and security.

The meeting, hosted by Turkiye, marked the start of its presidency of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Prince Faisal congratulated Turkiye on assuming the role and extended thanks to Cameroon for its efforts during its previous term.

In his address, Prince Faisal underscored the importance 黑料社区 placed on the Palestinian issue, highlighting the Kingdom鈥檚 ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza, alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis, and unify Arab and Islamic positions on the conflict.

He reiterated 黑料社区鈥檚 firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Turning to the Israeli-Iranian conflict, he said: 鈥淭hese attacks threaten the security and stability of the region,鈥 and called for an immediate halt to military operations, de-escalation, and a return to negotiations between Iran and the international community.

Prince Faisal also reiterated 黑料社区鈥檚 continued backing of efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen, expressing support for a comprehensive political solution and the restoration of peace, stability, and security in the country.


Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines
Updated 6 sec ago

Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate meetings on Saturday with his Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on Saturday.

The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.

During talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the two sides reviewed the close relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and discussed regional developments and their impact on the security of the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal also met with Pakistan鈥檚 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to address them, SPA added.

Both meetings were attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr, Saudi ambassador to Turkiye.


鈥楢mbassador extraordinaire鈥: well wishes pour in as Saudi envoy concludes tenure in London

鈥楢mbassador extraordinaire鈥: well wishes pour in as Saudi envoy concludes tenure in London
Updated 21 June 2025

鈥楢mbassador extraordinaire鈥: well wishes pour in as Saudi envoy concludes tenure in London

鈥楢mbassador extraordinaire鈥: well wishes pour in as Saudi envoy concludes tenure in London
  • Prince Khalid bin Bandar credited with 鈥榤odernizing the tone, scope of Saudi-UK engagement鈥

RIYADH: As Prince Khalid bin Bandar concludes his role as 黑料社区鈥檚 ambassador to the UK, his six-year tenure is being marked as a period of renewed engagement and modernization in Saudi-UK relations. As per Royal Decree issued last March, Prince Khalid has been appointed as an advisor at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is expected to head back to Riyadh in the next few days.

Since his appointment in 2019, Prince Khalid has led efforts to strengthen ties and redefine the Kingdom鈥檚 image across political, economic, academic and cultural spheres.

His approach is marked by transparency, accessibility and strategic foresight as well as consistent outreach to both political institutions and the wider British public.

In April this year, he was named Diplomat of the Year for the Middle East and North Africa by Diplomat Magazine, an award voted on by representatives of more than 180 missions in the UK.

One of his final public engagements was an on-the-record panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas at the Frontline Club, hosted by the MENA-based think tank SRMG Think (videos above).

Current British Ambassador to 黑料社区 Neil Crompton described Prince Khalid as 鈥渁n exemplary ambassador鈥 and said: 鈥淗e tirelessly engaged the media, universities, and parliamentarians to explain Saudi views and illuminate the changes under Vision 2030. He will be much missed.鈥

(Prince Khalid) tirelessly engaged the media, universities, and parliamentarians to explain Saudi views and illuminate the changes under Vision 2030.

Neil Crompton
British ambassador to 黑料社区

Former UK ambassador to the Kingdom, Sir John Jenkins, said, 鈥淧rince Khalid has been one of the best connected and most visible 鈥 and articulate 鈥 ambassadors in the whole of the London diplomatic corps 鈥 The Kingdom needs advocates like him, and we need friends like him.鈥

Prince Khalid has been one of the best connected and most visible 鈥 and articulate 鈥 ambassadors in the whole of the London diplomatic corps.

Sir John Jenkins
Former UK ambassador to the Kingdom

Among the hallmark initiatives of his tenure was the Great Futures event in Riyadh, a flagship moment for UK-Saudi engagement. The event brought together investors, policymakers, academics and creatives, fostering trade, education and public understanding of the Kingdom鈥檚 transformation.

Sir Ben Elliot, former chairman of the Conservative Party, commended Prince Khalid鈥檚 diplomatic instinct: 鈥淗is unwavering dedication over six years has transformed the UK-Saudi relationship. The UK has now become the largest source of visitors to 黑料社区 鈥 a milestone he personally championed. He reshaped perceptions of the Kingdom with diplomacy, charm and grace.鈥

The UK has now become the largest source of visitors to 黑料社区 鈥 a milestone he personally championed.

Sir Ben Elliot
Conservative Party, former chairman

This vision of diplomacy extended beyond politics to academia and community engagement. Prince Khalid actively reached out to British Muslim communities, students and universities such as Oxford and Durham 鈥 not as formalities, but as forums for real dialogue and shared values.

Othman Al-Omeir, veteran Saudi journalist and former editor of the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat, told Arab News: 鈥淚 have witnessed the tenure of seven Saudi ambassadors who served at the Saudi Embassy in London. In truth, Prince Khalid stands out for his profound and precise understanding of British society, and for the universal respect he commands due to his competence, capability and discernment. His presence was positive, effective and influential.鈥

Prince Khalid stands out for his profound and precise understanding of British society, and for the universal respect he commands due to his competence, capability and discernment.

Othman Al-Omeir
Veteran Saudi journalist

Dr. Najah Al-Osaimi, a trustee of the Saudi British Society, said: 鈥淧rince Khalid changed the dynamic. For decades, relations were political and elite driven. He brought it to the people 鈥 through media, academia and civil society. His television appearances tackled complex issues with openness.

鈥淚 was fortunate to meet him many times, particularly through the Saudi British Society, where he is our patron alongside King Charles. Thanks to his support, we launched the annual Ghazi Al-Gosaibi Memorial Lecture. His efforts brought momentum to 黑料社区鈥檚 presence in the UK鈥檚 cultural, sports and economic landscape.鈥

His efforts brought momentum to 黑料社区鈥檚 presence in the UK鈥檚 cultural, sports and economic landscape.

Dr. Najah Al-Osaimi
Saudi British Society trustee

Prince Khalid prioritized public diplomacy, focusing on transparency and dialogue. One of his final appearances was at the Frontline Club in London last February鈥 moderated by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas 鈥 which offered a rare candid conversation about Saudi reform and regional diplomacy with British journalists and policy thinkers.

Prince Khalid ensured Saudi voices were better represented in British media, academic panels and think tanks, earning him praise across the diplomatic spectrum.

Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, said: 鈥淧rince Khalid brought a dignified presence to the Arab diplomatic circuit in London, especially during times of regional turmoil.鈥

Prince Khalid brought a dignified presence to the Arab diplomatic circuit in London, especially during times of regional turmoil.

Chris Doyle
Council for Arab-British Understanding director

Prince Khalid also deepened ties with institutions like the Saudi British Society, one of the UK鈥檚 oldest platforms for cultural diplomacy. He supported its events and initiatives, highlighting arts, heritage and mutual understanding.

Roxana Mohammadian-Molina, deputy chair of the Saudi British Joint Business Council, added: 鈥淧rince Khalid鈥檚 presence brought energy, engagement and a modern perspective to the bilateral relationship, particularly at a time of profound transformation in the Kingdom.

We were honored to work alongside him to advance commercial and cultural ties, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of UK-Saudi collaboration.

Roxana Mohammadian-Molina
Saudi British Joint Business Council deputy chair

鈥淎t the Saudi British Joint Business Council, we were honored to work alongside him to advance commercial and cultural ties, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of UK-Saudi collaboration. He leaves a lasting legacy, and we wish him every success in his future endeavors.鈥


False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week

False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week
Updated 21 June 2025

False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week

False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week
  • Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat
  • Saudia confirms to Arab News security threat was ultimately deemed false

RIYADH: A Saudia Airlines flight carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia from the Middle East was diverted on Saturday following a bomb threat, according to reports.

It is the second such incident in a week involving a Saudia flight.

Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat, and was due to land in Surabaya on the island of Java.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said air traffic controllers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta received a call alerting them to a bomb threat onboard the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday morning.

The head of the regional airport authority, Asri Santosa, said in a statement that officers were inspecting the aircraft upon arrival, though the airport remained fully operational.

All 376 passengers, Hajj pilgrims from Java, and 13 crew members were reported safe, according to a North Sumatra police spokesperson. The passengers are expected to resume their journey on Sunday.

On request for comment by Arab News, Saudia confirmed the security threat was ultimately deemed false.

鈥淚n strict accordance with safety protocols, Saudia diverted flight SV5688 operating to Surabaya to Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia as a precautionary measure,鈥 the airline said.

鈥淭he aircraft landed, and all guests and crew have deplaned safely. Local authorities conducted the required checks shortly after landing and have cleared the aircraft for continued operation.

鈥淭he safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain Saudia鈥檚 highest priority no matter the cost. Full care and support have been provided, and onward travel arrangements to Surabaya are being made,鈥 it added.

On Tuesday, another Saudia flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims from 黑料社区 to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after authorities received an email containing a bomb threat.


鈥楥olor Your Summer鈥 program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors

鈥楥olor Your Summer鈥 program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors
Updated 21 June 2025

鈥楥olor Your Summer鈥 program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors

鈥楥olor Your Summer鈥 program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors

The Saudi Tourism Authority has launched 鈥淐olor Your Summer,鈥 a program showcasing 黑料社区鈥檚 natural and cultural diversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The initiative will run until the end of September.

Activities will be hosted in six main destinations 鈥渢hat blend the sea and mountains and merge adventure with relaxation.鈥

The STA expects the program to attract more than 41 million visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom this year, with projected tourism spending surpassing SR73 billion ($19.47 billion).

Asir will host its Summer Season, featuring 鈥渁 rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events such as Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event,鈥 as well as 鈥渁dventure trails and outdoor activities amid lofty mountains and pleasant weather, while the region鈥檚 ancient stone houses evoke a rich cultural memory, adding an authentic touch for visitors.鈥

The STA, in partnership with Jazeera Airways, recently announced that direct flights from Kuwait to Asir will be available three times a week from July 15 until the end of September, strengthening the airline鈥檚 presence in the Saudi market and supporting the authority鈥檚 efforts to promote various summer destinations in the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Riyadh will make its mark this summer by hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, which is set to attract visitors from around the world. 鈥淭he city is also a hub for artistic and cultural events and a variety of entertainment shows throughout the summer,鈥 the SPA stated.

Jeddah will be welcoming visitors with new beaches and luxury resorts this summer, and its diverse selection of marine activities and 鈥渞elaxation events鈥 make it 鈥渢he right place for family and water sports enthusiasts alike,鈥 the SPA wrote, adding: 鈥淰isitors can explore City Walk and circus performances at Circus 1903.鈥

Sheybarah and Ummahat islands will also be featured as part of the Kingdom鈥檚 luxury tourism network. 鈥淲ith their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, the islands add a maritime adventure to the portfolio of the Kingdom鈥檚 destinations,鈥 the SPA stated.

Taif will greet its summer visitors this year with 鈥渞efreshing mountain breezes and the fragrant blooms of Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, nestled between traditional markets and lush orchards,鈥 according to the SPA. 鈥淢eanwhile, Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains cast a magical misty aura, providing experiences for adventure and culture enthusiasts steeped in the city鈥檚 rich heritage and history.鈥

And in Baha, visitors will encounter 鈥渟tunning natural beauty from the heights of the mountains to the depths of the valleys in Raghadan Forest.鈥