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
Saudi manga producer participates in one of world’s largest anime events in Tokyo
- Held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, the four-day festival drew more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 global exhibitors
- A subsidiary of Misk, Manga Production’s participation underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing position in the global anime industry
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Manga Productions made a historic debut as the first Middle Eastern sponsor of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world’s largest anime events.
Held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, the four-day festival drew more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 global exhibitors, organizers said in a statement.
A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, known as Misk, Manga Production’s participation underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing position in the global anime industry.
Attendees experienced interactive exhibitions, including traditional Saudi attire try-ons and authentic Saudi coffee tastings, offering a unique fusion of heritage and creativity.
Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote speech titled “A New Era of Animation! The Future of ‘Saudinimation’ Driven by Japan and Saudi Arabia,” outlining the collaborative opportunities between the two nations.
He said: “The overwhelming response reflects our mission to position Saudi creativity globally. AnimeJapan 2025 was a milestone in fostering co-production and content partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision to be a hub for entertainment innovation.”
The pavilion also welcomed high-profile Japanese officials, including Akamatsu Ken, vice minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, and Kobayashi Fumiaki, vice minister of the environment, signaling strong governmental interest in cultural exchange.
Abdulaziz Al-Mowani, director of marketing and communications, said: “This platform allowed us to share Saudi Arabia’s creative identity while forging strategic media and industry connections.
“Effective storytelling bridges cultures, and the event proved the power of our narrative.”
Saudi hospital launches palliative care program for young patients
JEDDAH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has launched the first dedicated palliative care program for adolescents and young adults in the Arab world.
This initiative aims to improve the quality of life of young patients with life-threatening illnesses by offering integrated care throughout their treatment journey.
The program not only enhances patient care but also serves as a model for similar initiatives, addressing a critical gap in palliative services for young patients across the Arab world.
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses, such as advanced cancers, heart disease, neurological disorders and organ failure. It also offers psychological and social support, aids decision-making and improves the overall patient experience.
For adolescents and young adults, the program addresses age-specific challenges including balancing treatment with education or work, coping with the psychological impact of illness and maintaining autonomy in care decisions.
The program features a multidisciplinary team of palliative care physicians, specialized nurses, social workers and mental health experts to support both patients and their families.
The World Health Organization reports that only 14 percent of patients globally who need palliative care receive it, highlighting a significant service gap.
Research shows that integrating palliative care into treatment plans for young patients with critical illnesses reduces symptom burden and improves overall quality of life. Cancer patients, in particular, often face inadequate pain management, psychological support, and guidance during their treatment.
The program has earned accreditation from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, the European Society for Medical Oncology and the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care.
This ensures the highest standards of clinical competency, enabling healthcare professionals to deliver evidence-based, culturally sensitive palliative care.
Saudi AI chief reviews crowd management tech in Makkah
- Abdullah Al-Ghamdi explores advanced technologies for Grand Mosque operations and highway security
RIYADH: Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority President Abdullah Al-Ghamdi has visited the Grand Mosque Operations Center in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He met the director of Public Security and chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, along with several security officials and Saudi programmers from the authority working at the center.
Al-Ghamdi reviewed the operations of the Baseer platform, developed by the authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, represented by Public Security.
The platform uses computer vision and AI to monitor and analyze the movement of visitors to the Grand Mosque, ensuring smooth crowd management and assisting in locating missing persons.
He also reviewed the Sawaher platform, designed to enhance the safety of the Grand Mosque, contributing to a secure and smart environment that facilitates worshippers and Umrah performers in performing their rituals seamlessly.
Al-Ghamdi also visited the Highway Security Center in Al-Shumaisi, where he was briefed on the Banan device, which enhances identity verification using biometric features.
He observed the center’s operations, the command room and the advanced technology used in the Saudi Lucid vehicle, which is equipped with AI tools.
KSrelief delivers aid to Syria, Yemen, Lebanon
- Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people
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 Wednesday.
In Syria, 170 packages were distributed to families in need in the Rif Dimashq governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.
In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 1,300 baskets to vulnerable groups in the Al-Wadi district of the Marib governorate, benefiting 9,100 individuals. In the Aden governorate, 1,188 parcels were given to people with disabilities.
The Etaam project in Yemen targets displaced individuals, those in greatest need, and people with disabilities in Aden, Hadramout, Marib, Al-Mahra, Shabwah, and Hajjah, benefiting 160,812 individuals.
Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project 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).
Additionally, KSrelief distributed 564 food baskets to people in need in Deir Ammar, northern Lebanon, benefiting 2,820 individuals.
In Syria, KSrelief provided food baskets and hygiene kits to 803 families in Harem, benefiting 4,818 individuals.
White House thanks crown prince for facilitating Russia, Ukraine talks
RIYADH: The White House has thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating talks with Russia and Ukraine about safe navigation in the Black Sea.
A statement said: “The United States expresses gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and hospitality in once again facilitating these important discussions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The US reached separate agreements with Russia and Ukraine in Riyadh to keep the waterway — a vital route for agricultural goods — secure.
The two parties visited the Kingdom to discuss, along with US and Saudi officials, first steps on settling crucial issues in the hopes of reaching a wider resolution to the conflict.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and has annexed parts of the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the talks, calling them early steps toward a peaceful settlement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: “We will need clear guarantees. And given the sad experience of agreements with just Kyiv, the guarantees can only be the result of an order from Washington to Zelensky and his team to do one thing and not the other.”
