Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of military targeting of Iran, calls for restraint and de-escalation

Update Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of military targeting of Iran, calls for restraint and de-escalation
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Updated 26 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of military targeting of Iran, calls for restraint and de-escalation

Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of military targeting of Iran, calls for restraint and de-escalation
  • The Kingdom calls on international community to take action towards de-escalation and ending conflicts in the region
  • UAE condemns military targeting of Iran, urges ‘maximum restraint’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Saturday the military targeting of Iran, denouncing it as a violation of Tehran’s sovereignty and a breach of international laws and norms, state news agency SPA reported.

In a statement, the Kingdom urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and to work toward de-escalation and warned of the grave consequences that prolonged military confrontations could have on the region.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its steadfast stance against the ongoing escalation in the region and the widening scope of conflicts that threaten the security and stability of neighboring countries.

It called on the international community to fulfill their responsibilities in promoting peace, reducing tensions, and supporting efforts to end conflicts in the Middle East.

The UAE also condemned the targeting of Iran and stressed the importance of exercising “maximum restraint” to avoid escalation.

In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored commitment to diplomatic channels as the optimal path to de-escalate tensions, urging parties to move away from confrontation and escalation.

Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, at war with Israel in Gaza, said it strongly condemned Israeli strikes on military targets in Iran.

“We... condemn in the strongest terms the Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the targeting of military sites in several provinces,” the movement said in a statement, calling the move “a blatant violation of Iranian sovereignty and an escalation that threatens the security of the region.”

Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Iran and urged restraint and dialogue to avoid regional instability.

Oman, which has long played a mediating role between Iran and Western countries, said Israel’s attack on Iran “fuels the cycle of violence and undermines efforts” to de-escalate.

It said the international community should “put an end to these blatant violations on the territory of neighboring countries”.

Kuwait’s foreign ministry also expressed condemnation and accused Israel of “endangering the security of the region”.

Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry described the strikes as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

Bahrain condemned the military actions against Iran, expressing deep concern over escalating Middle East tensions and warning of severe impacts on civilians and the humanitarian crisis.

In a statement, Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to push for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, calling on all parties to de-escalate and prioritize peace efforts.

The statement also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and southern Lebanon, protection of civilians, safe return of the displaced, and unrestricted humanitarian aid.

Bahrain further emphasized adherence to UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1701 for Lebanon, and ending violence to achieve regional stability.

Meanwhile, Jordan said no military planes were allowed to cross its airspace by any conflicting regional parties, state media cited an armed force source as saying.

Expressing its “solidarity” with Iran, the Syrian foreign ministry said in a statement that it supported “Iran’s legitimate right to defend itself and protect its territory and the lives of its citizens.”

The Egyptian foreign ministry expressed grave concern over the Israeli attack on Iran, saying it condemns all measures that threaten regional security and stability.

On Saturday morning, Israel struck military sites in Iran in retaliation against Tehran’s strikes on Israel this month, risking fears of wider war in the Middle East.


Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
Updated 7 min 46 sec ago
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Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
  • Meeting will also be attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Sunday to chair a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Gaza.

The meeting has been assigned by the Extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

It will also be attended by Kaya Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, to discuss the latest developments in the enclave amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.


KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon
Updated 23 March 2025
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KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.

KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.

The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.

KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.


Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
  • The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage

RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.

These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque’s reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported.

The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers.

A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages’ urban fabric.

Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style’s urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture.

It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.


Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.

The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.

This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.

As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.

Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.

This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.


Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 552 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 513 unexploded ordnances, 35 anti-tank mines and four explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 485,501 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.