Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians

Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians
President Donald Trump (right( meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, US, on Feb. 4, 2025. (AP/File)
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Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians

Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians
  • Kingdom reiterates the right of Palestinian people ‘will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them’
  • Lasting peace will only be achieved by ‘returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence,’ it adds

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday reiterated its categorical rejection of statements regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, particularly those made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it rejected “such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza, including the ethnic cleansing they are subjected to.”

The ministry likewise expressed its appreciation of the “condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries” regarding the Israeli leader’s comments.

“The Kingdom also points out that this extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means to the brotherly people of Palestine and their emotional, historical and legal connection to this land, and it does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place, as it has completely destroyed the Gaza Strip, killed and injured more than 160,000, most of them children and women, without the slightest human feeling or moral responsibility,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom affirms that the Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled whenever the brutal Israeli occupation wishes.

 

 

“The Kingdom notes that the proponents of these extremist ideas are the ones who prevented Israel from accepting peace by refusing peaceful coexistence, rejecting the peace initiatives adopted by the Arab countries, and systematically practicing injustice toward the Palestinian people for more than 75 years, with disregard to the truth, justice, law and the values established in the United Nations Charter, including the human’s right to live in dignity on his land,” the statement added.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also reiterated that the right of the Palestinian people “will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them no matter how long it takes.”

It added lasting peace would only be achieved by “returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence through the two-state solution.”

Egypt earlier condemned as “irresponsible” statements by Israeli officials suggesting establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, with its Foreign Ministry emphasizing that the suggestion was a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty.” It added that the Kingdom’s security was a “red line for Egypt.”

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry described the Israeli remarks as “inflammatory and a clear violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions and state sovereignty.”

Spokesperson Sufian Qudah criticized what he described as Israel’s continued provocative policies and rhetoric, stressing that such statements reflect an exclusionary and hostile approach that undermines regional stability, Petra reported.

Jordan, he added, stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these statements, urging international actors to take a firm stance against irresponsible rhetoric that threatens peace efforts.

The UAE also strongly condemned and denounced Netanyahu’s “reprehensible and provocative” statements regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia and “affirmed its categorical rejection of these unacceptable statements.”


Mahmoud Abbas thanks Kingdom for support after France makes commitment to recognize Palestinian statehood

Mahmoud Abbas thanks Kingdom for support after France makes commitment to recognize Palestinian statehood
Updated 32 min 31 sec ago
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Mahmoud Abbas thanks Kingdom for support after France makes commitment to recognize Palestinian statehood

Mahmoud Abbas thanks Kingdom for support after France makes commitment to recognize Palestinian statehood
  • French President Emmanuel Macron made announcement of move on Thursday

RIYADH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has thanked Saudi Arabia for its efforts in helping to contribute to a historic French commitment to recognizing Palestine as a state.

The French President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement on Thursday.

“This solution is the only path that can address the legitimate aspirations of both the Israelis and the Palestinians. It must now be brought about as quickly as possible,” Macron said in a letter to Abbas.

“The prospect of a negotiated solution to the conflict in the Middle East seems increasingly distant. I cannot resign myself to that,” he added.

The Palestinian leader said the French move represented a victory for his people and he urged other countries to take a similar stance to support a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict.

The Kingdom has long been a supporter of Palestinian statehood and has repeatedly condemned Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

More than 140 countries already recognize Palestine as a state. Macron has said France will formally declare its recognition at the UN General Assembly in September.


A Saudi’s journey through Indian culture wins hearts

Newlyweds Yazhini Kumar and Praveen Pandi with Hashim Abbas, who performed at their wedding. (Supplied)
Newlyweds Yazhini Kumar and Praveen Pandi with Hashim Abbas, who performed at their wedding. (Supplied)
Updated 25 July 2025
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A Saudi’s journey through Indian culture wins hearts

Newlyweds Yazhini Kumar and Praveen Pandi with Hashim Abbas, who performed at their wedding. (Supplied)
  • Hashim Abbas’ story highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing era of connection, shared understanding

RIYADH: A Saudi national who taught himself Hindi, starred in an Indian film and sang for the prime minister of India is now seen as a symbol of the cultural bridges emerging under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Hashim Abbas, an actor, first began learning Hindi in 2008 to improve communication with colleagues at an Indian IT company in the Kingdom.

“My love for Indian culture started while working at the company, but it didn’t stay just professional; it quickly became something much more personal and meaningful,” Abbas told Arab News. 

In 2023, he played the lead role role in the Malayalam-language Indian film ‘Kondotty Pooram.’ (Supplied)

As he built friendships with his Indian coworkers, Abbas became a cultural guide, showing them around Saudi cities and historic landmarks.

“I took them to different cities, cultural landmarks and historical places,” he said. 

Over time, the shared experiences deepened his appreciation for Indian culture and inspired him to use music as a tool for connection.

Thanks to Vision 2030, people are beginning to see the real Saudi Arabia: Modern, open, creative and full of life. I witness this shift in almost every conversation I have with Indian audiences.

Hashim Abbas, Saudi actor

“What truly inspired me were my Indian friends. They supported me with pure hearts — no judgment, no pressure,” he said. “Their encouragement made me feel like I belonged, and that gave me the confidence to sing in their beautiful language."

In April 2025, Abbas experienced a career-defining moment when he performed in front of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the leader’s official visit to the Kingdom in April 2025.

He sang the Indian patriotic song “Ae Watan,” which translates to “my homeland.”

Abbas said: “I consider myself very lucky. I had prepared the perfect song a year earlier — without knowing it would one day be used in front of Prime Minister Modi.

“I worked on it with passion, even adding a few Arabic lines to give it a cultural bridge between our two nations.”

In 2023, Abbas played a role in the Malayalam-language Indian film “Kondotty Pooram.”

He said: “This role showed that Saudi talent can be embraced at the highest levels, even in one of the most linguistically and artistically rich industries in India.” 

Abbas’ story reflects a broader societal openness in Saudi Arabia, which is increasingly engaging with international communities through social, cultural and economic avenues.

India remains one of the Kingdom’s most important international partners, with strong relations spanning trade, education and culture.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, Indians represent the second-largest expatriate group in Saudi Arabia, with about 1.7 million residents contributing to sectors such as IT, education and healthcare.

Abbas’ relationship with India continued to grow during his visits to the country, particularly the southern state of Kerala. There, he met many people who had lived and worked in the Kingdom for decades.

“They always speak about their time in the Kingdom with warmth, gratitude and deep respect,” he said.

“What touches me most is that some of them even speak Arabic fluently, which reflects the strong connection and cultural bond between our two nations,” he added.

Abbas also highlighted how Indian perceptions of Saudi Arabia have evolved in recent years.

“Like any country, there used to be some stereotypes or misconceptions about Saudi Arabia. But now, many of those outdated views are fading — especially with how fast the Kingdom is progressing,” he said. 

“Thanks to Vision 2030, people are beginning to see the real Saudi Arabia: Modern, open, creative and full of life. I witness this shift in almost every conversation I have with Indian audiences ... it has completely reshaped how Saudi Arabia is perceived, both inside and outside the country.”

 

 


Fruit exhibition launched in Buraidah Dates City

Fruit exhibition launched in Buraidah Dates City
Updated 26 July 2025
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Fruit exhibition launched in Buraidah Dates City

Fruit exhibition launched in Buraidah Dates City
  • The exhibition will run for three days, displaying a wide array of seasonal agricultural crops for which Al-Qassim region is renowned

BURAIDAH: The “Atayeb Thimar Al-Qassim” exhibition (Arabic for “Al-Qassim fruit delights”) launched at Al-Nakhla Center in Buraidah Dates City on Thursday.

The event is organized by the Emirate of Al-Qassim in collaboration with Al-Qassim Chamber of Commerce and attracted a large number of farmers and people interested in the food and agriculture sectors.

The exhibition will run for three days, displaying a wide array of seasonal agricultural crops for which Al-Qassim region is renowned. These include watermelons, melons, strawberries, grapes, pomegranates, peaches, and figs. A special highlight of the exhibition is a display of more than 150 varieties of pumpkins, including giant pumpkins weighing more than 500 kilograms. This feature aims to show the skill of local farmers and the richness of regional agricultural production.

Salman Al-Suwainea, director general of the Qassim branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said that “the region is distinguished by its unique agricultural diversity, which has helped cement its status as a leading agricultural hub across the Kingdom.”

 


How Saudi Arabia is restoring its mangroves to fight climate change and boost tourism

How Saudi Arabia is restoring its mangroves to fight climate change and boost tourism
Updated 25 July 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is restoring its mangroves to fight climate change and boost tourism

How Saudi Arabia is restoring its mangroves to fight climate change and boost tourism
  • On International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, Saudi Arabia steps up its reforestation drive
  • Experts say mangroves offer unmatched benefits for carbon storage, biodiversity, tourism, and climate resilience

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is scaling up efforts to protect and expand its mangrove forests — hailed as “nature’s super ecosystems” — as part of a push to restore coastal habitats, combat climate change, and diversify the Kingdom’s tourism economy.

As the world marks the UN-designated International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, new initiatives are building on earlier successes and harnessing cutting-edge technology, long-term planning, and private-sector collaboration.

“Mangrove forests are nature’s super ecosystems — capable of storing large amounts of carbon, preventing coastal erosion, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating floods,” said Raed Al-Basseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global.

Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees that grow in the intertidal zones of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. They stabilize coastlines, trap pollutants, act as carbon sinks, and provide vital breeding grounds for marine life.

Their dense roots protect against erosion and storm surges, while their branches shelter nesting birds, and marine species, such as shrimp, lay their eggs among their roots. Their leaves also serve as food for many other organisms.

Today, two species dominate Saudi Arabia’s mangrove zones: Rhizophora mucronata (Al-Qundil), found along the southern Red Sea coast, and Avicennia marina (Al-Qarm), which thrives on the Arabian Gulf and northern Red Sea shores.

DID YOU KNOW?

• International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is marked every year on July 26.

• Saudi Arabia aims to plant more than 100 million mangrove trees along its coastlines by the year 2030.

• Red Sea Global has cultivated more than 3 million seedlings as part of its environmental restoration strategy.

According to Saudipedia, Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 400 million mangrove trees, spread across 60 million square meters, with an average density of over 86,000 trees per hectare.

As part of the Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021 to support the Kingdom’s sustainability goals and its net-zero emissions target by 2060, authorities have committed to planting more than 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.

NCVC launched several initiatives to plant 13 million mangrove trees along the coasts of Jazan, Makkah, Tabuk, Madinah, Asir, and the Eastern Province. (NCVC photo)

That is a fraction of the SGI’s broader ambition to plant 10 billion trees across Saudi Arabia in the coming decades, but mangroves are a priority given their powerful role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity.

In 2023, a pilot mangrove restoration scheme began at Jeddah Islamic Port. Meanwhile, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is spearheading coastal planting projects in Jazan, Makkah, Tabuk, Madinah, Asir, and the Eastern Province, using nurseries and protective measures to ensure long-term survival.

NCVC announced this week the successful completion of three major projects for cultivating mangrove trees along the coasts of Tabuk, the Eastern Province, and Jazan. (SPA)

As of the 2021 mangrove conservation day, officials had already planted more than 14.6 million mangrove trees, in partnership with private and public sector entities.

“The cultivation and transplantation of mangrove trees is a highly technical process that demands detailed planning and precision,” said Al-Basseet. “We carefully monitor tidal cycles to identify suitable low-tide periods and avoid windy conditions during planting.”

Saudi Arabia’s mangrove reforestation programs are increasingly powered by geographic information systems, drones, and satellite imagery, helping experts pinpoint ideal sites based on factors like sediment composition, salinity, and tidal movement.

To protect young trees, conservation teams install fencing and even deploy camera traps to deter animals, such as camels, from grazing on the saplings.

“Mangrove regeneration is integral to our broader environmental sustainability strategy,” said Tariq Al-Abassi, senior director of environmental programs at RSG. “By following a science-led approach, we ensure the long-term viability and regeneration of these ecosystems as a renewable natural asset.”

Mangroves are among the most carbon-dense forests on Earth, locking away CO2 in both biomass and soil. They also reduce ocean acidification by moderating localized pH levels, helping buffer marine life against the effects of climate change.

But their value is not only environmental. Mangroves support eco-tourism — such as kayaking, birdwatching, and nature tours — and provide ingredients used in cosmetics and dyes.

Mangrove trees provide shelter for many species. Birds nest in their branches, and marine species, such as shrimp, lay their eggs among the roots of the trees. (SPA)

Increasingly, they are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s vision to develop eco-friendly marine parks and coastal attractions that align with its economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.

With rising global awareness around the importance of coastal ecosystems, Saudi Arabia’s mangrove strategy positions the Kingdom not only as a regional conservation leader but as a global one.

As Al-Basseet put it: “They are among our most efficient natural tools for climate resilience.”

 

 


Saudi transport minister tours Hail International Airport

Saudi transport minister tours Hail International Airport
Updated 25 July 2025
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Saudi transport minister tours Hail International Airport

Saudi transport minister tours Hail International Airport
  • The minister highlighted the importance of efforts to position Hail as a comprehensive logistics center that links northern Saudi Arabia with the Kingdom’s central and western areas

HAIL: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser conducted an inspection tour of Hail International Airport alongside his accompanying delegation.

During the visit, the minister was briefed on details regarding passenger services and the airport’s strategic vision for upcoming projects and destination expansions.

Al-Jasser toured various airport terminals and operational areas, monitored workflow processes, evaluated operational preparedness and examined work protocols. He also reviewed passenger amenities and services available throughout the airport complex.

The minister highlighted the importance of efforts to position Hail as a comprehensive logistics center that links northern Saudi Arabia with the Kingdom’s central and western areas.