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RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief continues to provide pediatric hematology and oncology services in the Mukalla area of Hadhramaut, Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The program, which began on Sept. 14 and runs until Sept. 21, is led by five specialists. They have already examined 21 children with cancerous tumors.
The program is a part of KSrelief’s volunteer specialist medical services for needy people across the world.
LONDON: Now is the time to embark on an irreversible path to resolving the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that culminates in the establishment of two independent states in which the peoples can live side by side in peace, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said.
In an op-ed published in the Financial Times on Wednesday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan wrote that a two-state solution is the only viable way to ensure the long-term security of Palestine, Israel and the wider region.
The Kingdom will work tirelessly to help create an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until this happens, he added. His comments echoed a reaffirmation of the Saudi stance by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a recent address to the Shoura Council.
Prince Faisal said an independent Palestinian state would deliver the dividends the Kingdom seeks: regional stability, integration and prosperity. His op-ed follows a sharp escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in recent weeks, and an Iranian missile attack against Israel on Tuesday.
“It is essential to understand that the true obstacles to peace are not the Palestinians and Israelis, who yearn for stability and coexistence, but rather the radicals and warmongers on both sides who reject a just resolution and seek to spread this conflict across our region and beyond,” he wrote.
“These extremists should not dictate the future of our peoples or force war upon them. The voices of moderation must rise above the din of conflict, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are heard.”
Prince Faisal said self-determination is a right the Palestinian people deserve and are entitled to, and Saudi Arabia and other countries are working to secure global recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. He encouraged those nations that have privately expressed a willingness to do this to do so publicly, because now is the “time to stand on the right side of history.”
He continued: “Merely recognizing Palestine is not enough. We must demand more accountability, in line with International Court of Justice opinions. This includes the implementation of UN resolutions, the imposition of punitive measures against those that work to undermine Palestinian statehood, and incentives for those who support it.”
He said the continuing assault on Gaza, expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and imposition of restrictions on movement by Israeli authorities “creates a reality that diminishes prospects for a sovereign Palestinian state.”
Israeli “intransigence only exacerbates tensions and erodes trust, making diplomatic negotiations increasingly difficult, prolonging the suffering of both sides and pushing the region ever closer to wider war,” he added.
The prince called for support of the Palestinian Authority, which he said has shown perseverance “in maintaining calm in the occupied West Bank despite unrelenting obstacles.”
He continued: “Its commitment to non-violence and cooperation must be supported. A lasting resolution cannot be achieved without both Gaza and the occupied West Bank being under PA control.
“Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for peace, rather than its by-product. This is the only path that can lead us out of this cycle of violence and into a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, with security and mutual respect. Let us not delay any longer.”
MAKKAH: Thabhloten Center, part of Al-Ahsa governorate in the Eastern Province and over 1,500 km from Riyadh and 1,200 km from Al-Ahsa, is Saudi Arabia’s most remote village.
Thabhloten, considered the largest sand basin in the world, is characterized by towering sand dunes on all sides, rich natural resources, and lakes in the middle.
It is the most remote village in Saudi Arabia, with few paved roads and connections to cities in the Kingdom.
Mubarak bin Klot, a resident of Thabhloten, said that the locals speak Arabic, contrary to the misconception that they converse in Mehri.
He said people have lived in the area for generations and have a connection to the land. “We grew up on its hills and were shaped by its vast landscape.”
He also spoke fondly of the first documented journey across the Empty Quarter in 1930, which included British travelers and explorers.
This included Thomas Bertram, with the support of Sheikh Saleh bin Klot Al-Rashidi.
This historic expedition took place during the reign of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom.
He continued: “Seventeen years later, the journey was undertaken once again by Wilfred Thesiger, whom the Bedouins called Mubarak bin London.
“He crossed the Empty Quarter with my grandfather, Mohammed bin Saleh bin Klot, traveling from Manukh to the Emirates, then to Oman, and finally to Mukalla, successfully traversing the entire Empty Quarter alongside three companions from the same tribe.
“These remarkable journeys were thoroughly documented in Britain, and we have copies of the records.”
He added that Thabhloten is the only village in the Empty Quarter, with around 436 properties and a population of just 400 people, all from the Al-Rashid tribe.
The villagers are primarily Bedouins, whose lives are shaped by the natural elements, relying on the weather, grazing lands, water sources, and livestock.
He said the village has produced several educated individuals, with many having graduated from various universities.
Bin Klot said that he completed his initial education in the village before pursuing a degree in political science in Jordan.
He chose to return to his village, driven by a strong sense of attachment and the deep significance the village holds for its people.
Bin Klot said the nearest city where residents can access supplies, medical care, and essential goods is Al-Ahsa. Members of the community face significant challenges to cover these distances.
He said the roads leading to and from the village are challenging, unpaved, and often impassable.
Despite this, he said there was a strong community spirit, with people sharing resources.
Bin Klot said the government supplies the village with fuel to ensure electricity is provided to all its residents.
He said people prefer to live in the area because of its mild winters and compelling natural beauty.
When asked about children leaving for opportunities elsewhere, he said these decisions were up to their guardians.
Some families have moved to cities in the Kingdom, while others preferred to stay.
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Wednesday to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after he officially took office on Tuesday.
The crown prince wished the premier success and the Japanese people further progress and prosperity. He praised Saudi-Japanese relations and said the Kingdom is keen to develop them “in all fields.”
Ishiba officially took office after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, replacing Fumio Kishida.
Kishida stepped down as the leader of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
RIYADH: The second International Conference on Mass Gatherings and Emergency Medicine brings together doctors, health care practitioners and medical students to discuss recent developments and challenges in mass gatherings and emergency medicine.
The conference is organized by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce.
Conference chairman and pediatric emergency medicine consultant at Alfaisal University, Dr. Mohammad Alfaifi, said that the three-day conference, ending on Thursday, features sessions dedicated to papers and research presented by speakers from the Kingdom and abroad.
Among the speakers is Professor Abdo Khoury, who discussed preparations and challenges during the Paris Olympics. Dr. Muna Al-Musleh, a consultant in emergency medicine from Qatar, addressed her country’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research presented a paper on using AI in crowd management during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Alfaifi emphasized the conference’s role in enhancing the expertise of medical staff in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s upcoming international events, including the World Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup.
He highlighted that such gatherings provided opportunities to discuss and address crowd management challenges, suggesting optimal solutions and best practices, while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience in managing crowds during Hajj and Umrah.
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.
This event aims to preserve falconry heritage for future generations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
In the race, falcons will compete to cover 200 meters in the shortest time to qualify for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival.
This year’s race will feature a category for young falcons, or “farkh,” including hur, shaheen, gyr pure, gyr shaheen, gyr taba, and mathlooth gyr.
A total of SR750,000 ($200,000) in prizes will be awarded to 18 winners in each of the six rounds.
Club spokesperson Walid Al-Taweel noted that the Al-Mellwah race will coincide with the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, starting on Oct. 3, featuring over 400 exhibitors from 45 countries.
Two Saudi royal reserves will also participate in the exhibition, which will run until Oct. 12 in Malham.
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority’s pavilion will showcase various ecotourism projects and significant historical sites, including the King Abdulaziz Palace and the Laynah heritage market. It will also present information on the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting, including types of prey and permitted hunting methods.
The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority’s pavilion will highlight the reserve’s natural and historical components, biodiversity, initiatives, and achievements in line with the environmental objectives of Vision 2030.
The authority aims to raise awareness about preserving natural resources for future generations and emphasizes community involvement in environmental protection initiatives.
