RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Sunday an Israeli strike that killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded at least 20 others on Saturday at a school in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp currently sheltering displaced families.

The Abu Assi school is run by United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the main agency that has been procuring and distributing aid in the Gaza Strip.

The Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom reiterates its “categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation’s continued targeting of civilians and relief and humanitarian agencies amid the silence of the international community.”

It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards ongoing Israeli violations that increase the suffering of the Palestinian people and undermine the chances of achieving peace in the region.

Recently passed Israeli laws have effectively banned UNRWA activities in Israel and the the commissioner-general of the agency Philippe Lazzarini has warned that this will leave a vacuum that will cost more Palestinian lives and create further instability in Gaza and the West Bank.

RIYADH: The Thailand International Mega Fair brought Thai businesses in contact with Arab flair in Riyadh.

The three-day event, which concluded on Sunday, showcased Thailand’s presence in the Middle East by featuring innovative Thai products and services across various industries.

Marking a historic collaboration between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, the fair signaled a new era of trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

One of the featured brands was Oud Era, a Thai lifestyle brand offering oud-infused products including perfumes, oils, oud chips, and body care items. Its perfumes incorporate Arabian notes like musk, rose, and amber.

Kasaama Pohsa, chief brand officer at Oud Era, said that the oud is sourced directly from the brand’s agarwood factory, ensuring an entirely in-house production process.

Thailand is recognized as one of the leading exporters of oud, which is valued for its longevity and a scent that intensifies as the wood matures. Pohsa said that her clientele primarily comprises customers from Gulf countries.

Pohsa said: “The reason that we came to this exhibition is because we saw the high potential of the Saudi market. It is a very big market with high purchasing power.”

The fair also showcased fashion brands like Marada Clothing, a label known for its distinctive textiles and bold designs.

Panasan Suksanguan, brand officer of Marada, told Arab News that the brand aims to establish itself in the Middle Eastern market with its unique take on long dresses.

Suksanguan said: “We want to be the first ones from Thailand to be here. Whenever you think about fashion in Thailand, you think of me.”

The event showcased more than 200 brands offering prominent Thai products across sectors including food and beverages, tourism and hospitality, health, automotive parts, smart agriculture, innovation, and fragrances.

It was organized by Index Creative Village in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, and Cosmos Events company, with support from the Royal Thai Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The event attracted thousands of visitors, including specialists and buyers, and helped to create opportunities to connect with industry experts, suppliers, and sector leaders to foster partnerships and support business expansion in the Kingdom.

Visitors also participated in various events, including seminars, discussion panels, and forums, which provided valuable insights into the region’s economic landscape.