Saudi Arabia leads condemnation of Israeli attacks on Rafah 

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people Sunday and hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Above, Palestinians search for food among burnt debris from the strike on May 27, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 27 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia leads condemnation of Israeli attacks on Rafah 

  • Jordan, Kuwait, and the UAE also condemn ‘ongoing war crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned the Israeli attacks on Rafah, the latest of which was the targeting of tents of displaced Palestinians near the warehouses of UNRWA that killed at least 45 people, mostly children and women. 

The foreign ministry, in a statement on social media X, also affirmed the Kingdom’s rejection of the blatant violations by the Israeli occupation forces of all international and humanitarian laws. 

It also called on the international community to intervene immediately.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Monday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is completely unacceptable.

Prince Faisal stressed that the two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains the foundation for permanent peace and security in the region.

He also noted that there are several European countries planning to officially recognize the State of Palestine to follow Spain, Ireland and Norway, in an attempt to implement the two-state solution.

Jordan also strongly condemned the “ongoing war crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza,” particularly the ‘latest incident involved the bombing of a refugee camp near the UNRWA headquarters in western Rafah.

“This act defies the rulings of the International Court of Justice and constitutes a severe violation of international law and international humanitarian law,” a statement from the Jordanian foreign ministry said.

Jordan reiterates its ‘unequivocal condemnation of these actions’, embassy spokesperson Sufian Qudah said.

Qudah described them as blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law, contravening all human and moral values.

These actions were war crimes that the international community must confront, ensuring accountability for those responsible, he said, calling for an immediate and effective international action to hold Israel accountable for its practices and violations.

Qudah urged the international community to “stop Israel’s continuous breaches of international law and international humanitarian law, to ensure the protection of unarmed civilians in Gaza, and to safeguard aid organizations and their staff, particularly UNRWA.”

Turkiye will ‘do everything possible’ to hold ‘barbaric’ Israel to account over Rafah strikes, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.

“We will do everything possible to hold these barbarians and murderers accountable who have nothing to do with humanity,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said he was “outraged” over Israel’s latest strikes on Rafah that killed dozens of displaced persons.

“These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians,” Macron said on social network X.

Kuwait similarly condemned the “Israeli occupation’s aggression on Rafah’s displaced people’s tents, killing tens including women and children.”

In a statement, the foreign ministry asserted that the Israeli occupation’s actions against

Palestinians “exposes its blatant war crimes and unprecedented genocide to the whole world.”

Kuwait called for an “immediate and firm intervention by the international community to compel these forces into adhering to international legitimacy resolutions, including International Justice Court resolution on immediately ceasing aggression against Rafah, and protecting the Palestinian people.”

The United Arab Emirates also condemned what it said was Israel targeting tents of displaced people in Rafah.

The UAE stressed the importance of implementing the ICJ's ruling that demanded Israel immediately halt its military operations in Rafah, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also issued separate statements condemning the continuous Israeli aggression’ on the UN Relief Works Agency refugee camps in Rafah.”

 “We present this new crime to the international courts to reinforce the evidences to pin these war crimes and indict them,” the Arab League’s Secretary General Ahmad Abul-Gheit said.

OIC Secretary General Hussein Taha meanwhile said the organization was holding the Israeli occupation responsible for its atrocious crimes against Palestinians, and its practices that go against humanitarian principles and violate international law.

The Arab Parliament also strongly condemned the brutal massacre committed by Israeli occupation forces on Palestinian civilians, state news agency SPA reported.

The parliament expressed concern over the actions of the Israeli occupation forces, emphasizing that they have violated laws, norms, international resolutions, and legitimate principles that demand an immediate end to aggression, the statement said.

The attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population had sought shelter before Israel’s incursion earlier this month.

Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled. Footage from the scene of the largest airstrike showed heavy destruction. Israel’s army confirmed the strike and said it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants. It said it was investigating reports that civilians were harmed.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the “deepening of operations” there, his office said.


Saudi and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe sign an MoU to enhance co
Updated 22 November 2024
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Saudi and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation

  • Ministers sign MoU to enhance cultural exchange between the two countries

 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe on Friday, Nov. 22. The two discussed various ways to enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Badr met with Abe as part of his official visit to Japan to attend the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” show in Tokyo, which took place on Thursday.

The Saudi minister noted that the Kingdom’s upcoming participation at Expo 2025 in Osaka highlights the strong relations between the two countries, and wished Japan success in hosting the event.

In their meeting, the ministers addressed the importance of “strengthening cultural relations between the Kingdom and Japan,” the SPA reported, and of “enhancing existing cooperation between the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and the Japanese to train Saudi students in the art of creating manga comics.”

Prince Badr and his Japanese counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at “enhancing cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries through the exchange of knowledge in systems and regulations related to cultural affairs, in the field of animation, and projects related to preserving heritage of all kinds, in addition to digital preservation technologies for heritage, and developing artistic residency programs between the two countries.”

The MoU is part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to enhance international cultural exchange, one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.


26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone

Updated 22 November 2024
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26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone

  • The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species
  • NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has successfully reintroduced 26 endangered animals to their natural habitat in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Souda region.
Thursday’s ceremony was attended by Souda Development Company CEO Saleh Al-Arini and National Center for Wildlife Development General Supervisor of Planning and Empowerment Abdulmohsen Al-Shanif.
The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species while enhancing biodiversity and ensuring ecosystems thrive throughout the Kingdom. The project also aims to boost the region’s tourism appeal while supporting environmental sustainability.
NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected following comprehensive biodiversity studies to assess both current conditions and potential future impacts.
“This project not only enhances our ecosystems but also strengthens ecotourism opportunities and creates new economic channels for the Kingdom,” he said, adding NCW’s breeding centers ranked among the world’s leading facilities for endangered species propagation. The centers maintain the highest international standards while conducting vital research on species’ living conditions.
The organization employs cutting-edge technology to monitor wildlife populations, collect data and assess potential risks to biodiversity in protected areas.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to preserve its natural heritage and promote sustainable development in the region.


Saudi Arabia advocates for quality of life during COP29

Updated 22 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia advocates for quality of life during COP29

  • One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification
  • This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom

BAKU: While COP29, the 29th climate change conference, continues discussions for a 12th day in the capital city of Azerbaijan to elevate health and well-being for people all over the world, sustaining the level of quality of life after the implementation of policies is important.
Sustainability, in general, has emerged as a critical focal point for countries worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. As the Kingdom moves from a predominantly oil-based economy to a more diverse and sustainable model, the implications for quality of life are profound.
One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification.
This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom.
The Saudi government is working to create a more resilient and prosperous future through various investments in sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly technologies and projects.
Sustainable urban development is central to enhancing the quality of life. Projects such as NEOM, a futuristic city planned to integrate smart technology and sustainable living, show how urban environments can be designed while keeping growth sustainable even after the completion of the city.
Such projects aim to provide residents with green spaces, efficient public transport and smart infrastructure, all contributing to a higher standard of living.
Aeon Collective is another example that shows the Kingdom’s commitment to raising living standards for people.
The company is an interdisciplinary, non-profit organization based in Riyadh, committed to advancing the concept of sustainability and development in Saudi Arabia, while at the same time focusing on the intersection of social, economic, and ecological well-being.
Aeon Collective is considered a Waqf, which is an Arabic word meaning assets that are donated, bequeathed, or purchased to be held in perpetual trust for general or specific charitable causes that are socially beneficial.
Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shalan, co-founder of Aeon Collective, explained to Arab News during COP29 the concept and objective of the organization.
“As you know, Waqf is one of the oldest legal Islamic structures, (established) almost 1400 years ago,” she said. “The intention was to reorient this legal structure (Waqf) into a space that allowed us to focus on sustainability in the longer run, but in the shorter run try to answer one key basic question, ‘what would it take to align opportunities for socio-economic mobility for individuals through the active action of repairing our planet?’”
Princess Mashael spoke further of the need to reclaim the Islamic framework Amarat Alardh, which, according to her, means “custodianship of the land.”
“It is within our own heritage, our culture, Islamic, Arabic, Saudi, that we have to be there to take care of our fellow citizens, our fellow humans, but importantly, every other being, plant, animal, that we share this planet with,” she said.
Moreover, public awareness and engagement in sustainability practices are being fostered through educational campaigns and community initiatives. By encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable habits, such as recycling and energy conservation, the government aims to create a culture of sustainability that enhances community well-being.
Throughout the conversation, Princess Mashael praised the perspectives Saudi Arabia is bringing to the table of negotiations during this event, yet stressed also the responsibility of individuals to raise the bar of ambition on a national level to ensure that those goals and ambitions are translated on the ground.
In addition, Princess Mashael was a speaker at one of the panels on Wednesday, regarding sustainability in cities.
“Cities tend to not only be the biggest congregators of carbon but also where most of the brains we are trying to attract, who solve these issues, live ... So it is having a mentality that goes beyond scarcity, beyond fear-mongering and eco-anxiety; to a mentality of growth, to a mentality of being able to do.”
Sustainability in Saudi Arabia is not merely a response to environmental concerns; it is a holistic approach to improving quality of life through strategic initiatives in numerous sectors, including urban planning and community engagement; the country is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future for its people.


Women’s traditional market in Al-Baha: a cultural hub empowering local artisans

The market in Al-Aqiq distinctively features artisans creating handmade crafts in real time. (SPA)
Updated 22 November 2024
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Women’s traditional market in Al-Baha: a cultural hub empowering local artisans

  • Traditional marketplace provides a platform where local women gather to practice ancestral handicrafts

RIYADH: Women’s traditional markets in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Aqiq governorate have emerged as a vibrant center of cultural preservation and economic empowerment in Al-Baha region.

This traditional marketplace provides a platform where local women gather to practice ancestral handicrafts and trade indigenous products.

Through their participation, women play a vital role in safeguarding Saudi national identity and cultural heritage.

The marketplace enables them to use government support programs designed for productive families and small to medium enterprises, transforming traditional handicrafts into viable commercial products.

A recent tour by the Saudi Press Agency revealed the market’s rich tapestry of products, from woven carpets and jewelry to local delicacies and traditional spices.

Visitors can find authentic products including al-kadi (Pandanus) plants, rayhan (natural clothing fragrance), local honey, traditional ghee, various types of incense, metalwork, textiles, and traditional clothing.

The market distinctively features artisans creating handmade crafts in real time.

Umm Abdullah, a craftswoman, said the market’s significance goes beyond commerce. 

“This space has become a crucial meeting point for women to exchange news, experiences and expertise,” she said. 

“It is not just about trading goods — it is about discovering talents and creating job opportunities, while strengthening cooperation among women to pass our heritage to the next generation in innovative ways that reinforce national identity.”

Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Sawat, Al-Baha region’s secretary, underscored the market’s role in supporting productive families by organizing women’s work and providing a secure environment for women entrepreneurs and their products while promoting cultural values.

Al-Sawat highlighted the municipality’s commitment to supporting community projects, praising Al-Aqiq Municipality’s initiative in establishing the market.

The facility covers an impressive 4,000 sq. meters and houses 47 shops. The space includes prayer facilities, restrooms and ample parking, complemented by landscaped green spaces, seating areas and children’s recreational facilities.

 


Saudi defense minister meets Swedish counterpart

Updated 22 November 2024
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Saudi defense minister meets Swedish counterpart

  • Discussions focused on bolstering cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sweden

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met Johan Stuart, minister of state at the Swedish Prime Minister’s office, in Riyadh on Thursday.

They discussed ways in which relations and cooperation between their countries might be enhanced, along with other issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Other Saudi officials present during the discussions included Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, chief of the general staff of the Kingdom’s armed forces, and Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, director general of the defense minister’s office.

The Swedish minister was accompanied by a delegation that included Bjorn Kalvakov, charge d’affaires of the Swedish Embassy in Riyadh, and Sophie Becker, deputy head of the Middle East and North Africa department at Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.