RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Egypt on Monday condemned Israel for undermining Palestinian rights as days of clashes in Jerusalem erupted into an exchange of fire between Israel and Gaza.
The comments came after talks between Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry on developments in Jerusalem.
The ministers discussed “the rapid developments in the Palestinian arena, and the recent Israeli incursions into the compounds of the Al-Aqsa mosque,” Ahmed Hafez, the Egyptian foreign ministry spokesman, said.
Shoukry briefed Prince Faisal on an Egyptian statement calling on Israel to “assume its responsibility to stop these violations in accordance with the rules of international law, and to provide the necessary protection for Palestinian civilian.”
The two ministers also affirmed their rejection of all illegal practices aimed at undermining legitimate Palestinian rights.
During the call, they also reviewed relations between their countries, and ways to enhance cooperation, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
Earlier on Monday, Egypt strongly condemned Israeli forces for storming Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, expelling Palestinian worshippers from inside the compound, and denying them access.
The foreign ministry called on Israel to assume its responsibility regarding these rapid and dangerous developments, “which will lead to more tension and escalation.”
More than 300 people were wounded on Monday in renewed clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police at the compound, ahead of an Israeli celebration of its 1967 takeover of Jerusalem.
Egypt also stressed the need to stop all practices that violate the sanctity of Al-Aqsa, especially during Ramadan.
“This is in line with the rules of international law and in order to provide all types of protection for Palestinian civilians in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the rest of East Jerusalem, while not targeting the Arab, Islamic and Christian identity of Jerusalem and its holy sites.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed also expressed his concern about the violent events taking place in occupied East Jerusalem, a number of innocent civilians have been injured, state-run WAM reported.
During a meeting with Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh, the crown prince said he condemns “all forms of violence and hatred that are inconsistent with human values and principles, and the importance of stopping the attacks and practices that lead to a continuing state of tension in the Holy City and violate the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa mosque.”
The violence since Friday has been Jerusalem’s worst since 2017, fueled by a long-running bid by Jewish settlers to evict several Palestinian families from the nearby Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in east Jerusalem.
A Supreme Court hearing on a Palestinian appeal in the case originally set for Monday was pushed back by the justice ministry due to the tensions.
The UN Security Council held an informal meeting at Tunisia’s request on Monday on the unrest and Arab League foreign ministers and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation said they will hold emergency sessions on Tuesday.
(With AFP)
Saudi and Egyptian foreign ministers condemn Israel for undermining Palestinian rights
https://arab.news/989mp
Saudi and Egyptian foreign ministers condemn Israel for undermining Palestinian rights
- Egypt condemns Israeli forces for storming Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem
- Abu Dhabi crown prince also expressed his concern about the violent events
New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched the Agroforestry Action Plan Development Project to enhance environmental sustainability, social development and economic growth.
The project assesses agroforestry conditions, applies global best practices and promotes investment for sustainable forest management, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it supports environmental sustainability and combats desertification, the SPA added.
As part of the project, the center will activate its December 2024 memorandum with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry to enhance research collaboration and implement advanced agroforestry techniques.
The initiative aims to restore land, expand vegetation, protect habitats and reduce carbon emissions. It also fosters resilient forest ecosystems and improves forest areas across the Kingdom.
Additionally, the center is advancing sustainable forests through its initiative to plant 60 million trees, rehabilitating 300,000 hectares by 2030.
Ithra to host three-day Eid Al-Fitr festivities
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran will host more than 25 Eid Al-Fitr events from March 31 to April 2, featuring exhibitions, performances, and interactive activities.
The program includes an exhibition showcasing eight master artisans in papermaking, calligraphy, and ornamentation. Visitors can explore an installation inspired by mudbrick architecture and traditional palm-based crafts.
At the Children’s Museum, activities include an immersive Eid celebration and workshops such as “Balloon Art,” “Eid in a Bag,” and “The Scent of Eid.”
Families can enjoy the “Eid Wheel” game and storytelling sessions where children create their own cloud keepsake.
Other experiences include “Eid Echoes,” a 360-degree audio journey capturing the festive sounds of Eid, set in the plaza. The library will host Eid-themed storytime.
The “Eid on the Big Screen” program will feature global cinema and Japanese anime, including “The Wind Rises,” “Chibi Maruko-chan,” and “A Mosquito.”
Visitors can also explore an AI-powered interactive display and a vitual reality journey through historical Eid celebrations. Live oud performances will take place in Ithra’s gardens, creating a festive open-air concert.
Lush Garden will offer a vibrant space with games and challenges for families and children to enjoy Eid’s joyful atmosphere. The “Energy Exhibit” will also feature special Eid programming for kids of all ages.
Chad president arrives in Jeddah
The President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was recently received by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of the Makkah Region, on his arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The Mayor of Jeddah Saleh Al-Turki, and Ambassador of Chad to the Kingdom Hassan Saleh Al-Qadam Al-Junaidi were among the officials present, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Smart solutions make life easier for growing pilgrim numbers at Grand Mosque
- The system enables seamless crowd control during peak periods, facilitating smooth entry and exit processes
MAKKAH: The safety, comfort and experience of millions of pilgrims at the Grand Mosque will be better than ever, thanks to the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques harnessing advanced technology and improving its strategic oversight.
At the heart of the transformation is a command center which gives the authority a comprehensive overview of operations. Advanced sensors at key entrances track pilgrim numbers in real time, enabling precise crowd monitoring and management in collaboration with relevant authorities.
A camera system captures real-time entry movements, providing instantaneous insights into pilgrim flows and pinpointing potential congestion risks. This dual-system approach has transformed crowd control within the mosque and is particularly effective in critical areas such as the Tawaf and Sa’i routes.
The system enables seamless crowd control during peak periods, facilitating smooth entry and exit processes. By leveraging precise and historical data, it ensures decision-makers can make swift, informed choices.
Over 200 digital panels have also been installed to improve spatial navigation, helping pilgrims move more efficiently through the mosque complex.
The number of electric golf carts has been expanded to 400, as well as custom-designed manual carts being available. This meets the diverse needs of pilgrims during the season, ensuring comfortable and seamless transportation that simplifies the performance of religious rituals.
A huge cooling infrastructure spans the sacred space, utilizing 155,000 tonnes of refrigeration to maintain perfect ambient temperatures across the Grand Mosque. Balanced lighting illuminates every corner, while a precision audio system ensures that calls to prayer and religious services resonate with clarity. A new luggage storage service also offers secure, QR-coded smart tags for easy tracking and retrieval of belongings.
The authority maintains rigorous standards and conducts periodic updates as part of efforts to maintain service efficiency and accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
How Saudi charities amplify Ramadan’s generosity
- Organizations across the Kingdom see surge in activity in the charitable spirit of the holy month
- Kingdom committed to transparent, responsible giving through approved and regulated charities
RIYADH: For Muslims across Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is exemplified by its spirit of reflection and generosity, with a surge in charitable initiatives during the holy month.
Communities rally to fund medical treatments for the sick, sponsor orphans’ education, and equip families with tools to build self-reliance — all fueled by a faith that sees giving as essential.
To safeguard this spiritual momentum, Saudi Arabia has strengthened frameworks ensuring that donations flow securely to causes that transform lives.
The Presidency of State Security has underscored how donations must be made through official channels.
For international donations, the agency emphasized that the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) remains the sole authorized entity, adding that violations would be met with legal consequences per the Kingdom’s laws.
Among the approved organizations driving this Ramadan’s charitable momentum is the Charitable Society for Orphans Care (Ensan), a Riyadh-based organization dedicated to orphan welfare, which empowers mothers and children to rebuild their lives.
Mohammed Al-Muharib, director-general of Ensan, told Arab News that “Ramadan is a blessed month marked by increased charitable giving and virtuous deeds.”
He spoke about how the organization leverages this spiritual momentum to support orphans through initiatives like Eid Gift Packages, which are designed to “bring joy and share the happiness of Eid” with children.
Rather than traditional meal distributions, Ensan prioritizes direct financial empowerment, depositing funds for Ramadan Baskets into families’ accounts — a method Al-Muharib described as aligning with modern, dignified aid.
While healthcare and education remain the core focus of Ensan’s year-round work, Al-Muharib noted that Ramadan sharpens their focus.
“Education and healthcare are part of our year-round programs, but they receive heightened focus during Ramadan,” he explained.
He linked this to Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of communal solidarity, framing empowerment as a tool to break cycles of dependency.
For time-sensitive projects like Eid gifts and iftar gatherings, Al-Muharib stressed urgency. “We run the Eid Gift Project for Ensan’s children by depositing gift funds into families’ accounts,” he said, urging donors to contribute via Ensan’s official platforms.
He also highlighted partnerships with community stakeholders as critical to fulfilling what he termed a “shared social responsibility,” echoing the article’s theme of collective action.
The cirector general reiterated Ensan’s commitment to accountability. “Ensan prioritizes transparency in all programs and services, earning awards for accountability,” he said, referencing post-Ramadan statistical reports that detail expenditures and outcomes.
Founded in 1981, Al-Bir Society in Jeddah provides social services for families, orphans, and kidney failure patients.
As of March 17, 2025, the society reported significant milestones. Its Hisham Attar and Abdulkarim Bakr Medical Centers have conducted over 660,000 dialysis sessions using more than 70 machines, supplemented by psychological, health, and social services for patients.
The society supports more than 37,000 families through rehabilitation, job training, and project funding to enhance self-reliance.
It also cares for 14,000 orphans within their families and 1,100 in residential facilities, offering comprehensive educational, health, and recreational support.
Another charity with longstanding service the people of Saudi Arabia is Qatif Charity, an organization that has been operating for over 60 years.
Qatif Charity specializes in providing social services, aiming to improve the economic, social, and health standards of its beneficiaries.
Today, the organization supports around 1,300 students, including 201 university students, with 22 students graduating this year.
Qatif Charity has also supported a total of 370 families and 500 orphans, with over 70 projects under its belt.
Osama Al-Zayer, president of the charity, told Arab News that “the organization’s Ramadan programs begin before the arrival of the holy month.”
Qatif Charity distributes Ramadan food baskets to all of its beneficiaries. The organization initiates charitable programs including the Friday Charity, the Night of Decree (Laylat Al-Qadr) Charity, and Zakat Al-Fitr.
“These programs ensure that donations reach those in need in an organized manner, creating a positive and lasting impact,” Al-Zayer said, adding that these charitable contributions support programs such as education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure development.
The organization also runs the Fawanees (Lanterns) Program, where selected words and sayings from the teachings and sermons of the Prophet Muhammad are written across lanterns and distributed online.
Two of its Ramadan campaigns, “Eid Joy” and “Eid Clothing,” ensure that beneficiary families experience the festive spirit of Eid without worry.
“Every contribution, whether small or large, supports the organization and strengthens its diverse programs,” he added.
To facilitate donations, the organization has launched an online donation platform.
“Giving is deeply rooted in our society’s religious and social values, fostering generosity, selflessness, and the support of others in need,” Al-Zayer said.
“The organization embodies this noble trait within our community by assisting the poor and orphans who require help.”
The essence of generosity and kindness is particularly evident during Ramadan due to its religious significance as a month of mercy, goodness, and generosity, Al-Zayer noted.
“It is a time when the charitable spirit of our community shines, as people actively engage in supporting and helping others.”
In the southern region of Asir, an initiative named Ajaweed carried out charitable visits to provide healthcare at patients’ homes including vaccinations, laboratory analyses, and delivery of prescriptions throughout the month.
Together, these are some of the organizations that exemplify the Kingdom’s vision of structured, impactful philanthropy.
