Saudi Arabia calls for UN Security Council resolution to compel Israel to end war, ‘starvation’ of Gazans

Saudi Arabia calls for UN Security Council resolution to compel Israel to end war, ‘starvation’ of Gazans
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil said Tel Aviv must comply with the UN Security Council’s own resolutions, which call for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of aid into Gaza. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 18 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia calls for UN Security Council resolution to compel Israel to end war, ‘starvation’ of Gazans

Saudi Arabia calls for UN Security Council resolution to compel Israel to end war, ‘starvation’ of Gazans
  • Tel Aviv must end its ‘aggression’ and allow for urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged Gaza
  • UN failure to stop Israel driven by ‘short-sighted, selfish political interests,’ says Saudi envoy Abdulaziz Alwasil

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, on Wednesday called on the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution that would compel Israel to end its war on Gaza.

Alwasil said Tel Aviv must comply with the Security Council’s own resolutions, which call for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of aid into Gaza.

He said Israel, as the occupying power, must be forced to respect international law. This includes implementing the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures to end the genocide being perpetrated on the Palestinian people.

Alwasil said the UN Security Council, since the beginning of the assault on Gaza 10 months ago, has been holding “meeting after meeting to no avail.”

Meanwhile, the world continues to witness the Israeli “war machine deliberately targeting civilians and imposing the harshest forms of collective punishment by killing, displacing, starving and imposing a blockade on civilians.”

Alwasil added: “All of these blatant violations are happening before the eyes of the world and the international community continues to turn a blind eye.

“And this inaction pushed the occupation power, which is hiding behind a solid wall, to take advantage of this weakness and international silence to impose its inhumane, violent practices unabated.”

The Saudi Arabia envoy was speaking at a signature UN Security Council meeting called by Russia, which is holding the rotating presidency of the body for the month of July. It was chaired by Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Alwasil lamented the failure of the Security Council to stop the war, which he blamed on members of the body being bound by “short-sighted, selfish political interests that have impeded its ability to take the necessary firm actions to stop the Israeli aggression.”

“The failure by the international community and the Security Council to protect the innocent civilians has led so far to the killing of 38,000 people and the injury and maiming of tens of thousands, most of whom are women and children,” said Alwasil.

He added: “How can such a forced displacement that is recurrent in Gaza be justified? How can we stay silent in the face of this systematic starvation and deliberative blockade? How can the international community stand idly while a major humanitarian catastrophe is taking place before our eyes?”

Alwasil vowed that his country would continue to support the Palestinian right to self-determination and the establishment of a state on the lines of 1967 with East Jerusalem as the capital.

This would “ensure comprehensive justice (and) peace in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.”


KSrelief’s role in global aid efforts praised at UN donor support meeting

KSrelief’s role in global aid efforts praised at UN donor support meeting
Updated 23 sec ago
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KSrelief’s role in global aid efforts praised at UN donor support meeting

KSrelief’s role in global aid efforts praised at UN donor support meeting
  • The meeting was organized by the UN Pooled Fund Working Group

RIYADH: Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor general for planning and development at the Saudi aid agency KSrelief and Saudi Arabia’s representative in the Donor Support Group for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, participated in a high-level meeting in Jersey, UK.

The meeting was organized by the UN Pooled Fund Working Group and attended by senior representatives from donor countries and international humanitarian organizations.

In his speech, Al-Ghamdi emphasized the need to strengthen joint action and coordination among donor countries and UN institutions to ensure equitable and effective aid access, especially for the most vulnerable.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the meeting was a key milestone in global efforts to improve financing mechanisms and responses to humanitarian needs.

Al-Ghamdi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to continue supporting global humanitarian efforts, helping to protect lives and improve living conditions in affected communities.

He noted that the Kingdom is among the world’s largest humanitarian donors and has led significant initiatives through KSrelief in recent years. These efforts have reached more than 100 countries and were implemented in partnership with UN agencies and international organizations.

At the meeting’s conclusion, participants praised Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in humanitarian support and stressed the need to sustain international momentum for effective and lasting impact.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion in 107 countries, in collaboration with at least 318 organizations.

These programs cover food security, early recovery, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, camp coordination, education, protection, emergency aid, logistics, telecommunications, and nutrition. 


Historic Qur’an texts displayed at Grand Mosque

Historic Qur’an texts displayed at Grand Mosque
Updated 48 min 22 sec ago
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Historic Qur’an texts displayed at Grand Mosque

Historic Qur’an texts displayed at Grand Mosque
  • Event highlights the Qur’an’s global relevance and fosters values of tolerance, moderation and balance

MAKKAH: An awareness exhibition aimed at enriching pilgrims’ experiences and spreading the Holy Qur'an’s guidance and cultural insights has opened in the third Saudi expansion area of the Grand Mosque.

The event, launched by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, highlights the Qur’an’s global relevance and fosters values of tolerance, moderation and balance.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, said it underlined the Qur’an’s message and aligned with the leadership’s commitment to serving the holy book and spreading its sciences, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity for millions of pilgrims to view rare and ancient copies of the Qur’an, some dating back more than 1,000 years. These include old handwritten copies, wooden panels with Qur’anic verses, and other significant manuscripts.


Saudi, Dutch deal to enhance farm services

Saudi, Dutch deal to enhance farm services
Updated 51 min 3 sec ago
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Saudi, Dutch deal to enhance farm services

Saudi, Dutch deal to enhance farm services
  • Partnership will focus on improving services in Kingdom’s agricultural sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Co. for Agricultural Services, known as AgriServ, and the Netherlands’ Delphy signed a cooperation agreement during the recent GreenTech exhibition in Amsterdam.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in the agricultural sector by transferring best practices and advanced expertise, enhancing operational efficiency and improving services for farmers and agricultural establishments across Saudi Arabia.

It was signed by Omar Alsuhaibani, CEO of AgriServ, and Jacco van der Wekken, CEO of Delphy, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The partnership will focus on improving services in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector, including cooperation on certification, specialized training programs, and technical consultations for farmers and agricultural projects.

AgriServ is a government entity established by Cabinet decision and is tasked with providing agricultural services assigned by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.


3-month ban on midday outdoor work in Saudi Arabia from June 15

A labourer has a drink of water from a plastic bottle at a construction site in Riyadh. (File/AFP)
A labourer has a drink of water from a plastic bottle at a construction site in Riyadh. (File/AFP)
Updated 11 June 2025
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3-month ban on midday outdoor work in Saudi Arabia from June 15

A labourer has a drink of water from a plastic bottle at a construction site in Riyadh. (File/AFP)
  • The ministry said employers must ensure workers avoid direct exposure to the sun during this period and urged them to adjust working hours accordingly

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a three-month ban on outdoor work between noon and 3 p.m. for all private sector establishments, effective from June 15 to Sept. 15.

The ministry said employers must ensure workers avoid direct exposure to the sun during this period and urged them to adjust working hours accordingly, with the goal of reducing occupational injuries and health risks.

The regulation, issued in cooperation with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, aims to protect workers’ health and promote a safer working environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

To support implementation, the ministry has published a procedural guide on preventing sun exposure and an advisory guide for working in hot environments. Both are available on its website.

Violations can be reported via the ministry’s hotline — 19911 — or its smartphone app.


Global traditions shine at Ithra’s Eid festivities

Ithra attracted more than 50,000 visitors during the Eid Al-Adha holiday, offering a range of activities and programs.
Ithra attracted more than 50,000 visitors during the Eid Al-Adha holiday, offering a range of activities and programs.
Updated 11 June 2025
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Global traditions shine at Ithra’s Eid festivities

Ithra attracted more than 50,000 visitors during the Eid Al-Adha holiday, offering a range of activities and programs.
  • Visitors of all ages enjoyed more than 31 events, including artistic displays, live performances and interactive experiences under the theme “The Ribbon of Giving”

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, attracted more than 50,000 visitors during the Eid Al-Adha holiday, offering a range of activities and programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed more than 31 events, including artistic displays, live performances and interactive experiences under the theme “The Ribbon of Giving.”

Highlights included a concert at Ithra Theater by Egyptian oud virtuoso Islam Al-Qasabgy, known for blending classical Arabic music with modern styles.

The “A Melody from Every Land” event drew large crowds by showcasing diverse Eid customs and traditions from various cultures.

The center was beautifully decorated to reflect the spirit of giving. The Ithra Library shared Eid stories exploring different aspects of generosity.

The Energy Exhibit featured interactive displays such as “Nature’s Bounty,” “Treasures from the Desert,” “Wings of Giving” and “Wealth of Nature.”

In Ithra Gardens, visitors engaged with experiences such as “The Gift of Storytelling” and “Pathways of Earth and Palm.”

The Children’s Museum offered a range of activities, including “The Kindness Keeper,” “The Giving Reflection,” “The Art of Giving,” “The Eid Journey,” and “The Gift of Us.”

Ithra Cinema screened content featuring the Japanese manga character Chibi Maruko-chan, along with the animated fantasy film “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” subtitled in Arabic.

Other festive highlights included a 96 km trek along the historic Hajj trail, reviving stories of persistence and generosity passed down through generations.