Saudi Arabia strongly condemns intrusion by Netanyahu into Palestinian Jordan Valley

Saudi Arabia strongly condemns intrusion by Netanyahu into Palestinian Jordan Valley
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned what it described as a blatant Israeli intrusion by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into a Palestinian-controlled area of the Jordan Valley. (Reuters/File)
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Updated 13 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia strongly condemns intrusion by Netanyahu into Palestinian Jordan Valley

Saudi Arabia strongly condemns intrusion by Netanyahu into Palestinian Jordan Valley
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs says such violations harm efforts to ease tensions in the region and to provide protection for Palestinian civilians
  • It also renews call for the international community to fully live up to its responsibility to do all it can to halt Israeli aggression

JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned what it described as a blatant Israeli intrusion by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into a Palestinian-controlled area of the Jordan Valley.

It said the incident was a provocative action carried out with the aim of expanding Israeli settlement activity that violates international law and resolutions designed to prevent such actions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu, accompanied by Israeli army commanders, visited part of the valley close to the border with Jordan and announced his intention to build a wall along the border to prevent what he described as attempts to smuggle weapons and fighters into the West Bank and Israel. It is a revival of a project initially proposed by Israeli authorities about 20 years ago.

The ministry said such violations harm efforts to ease tensions in the region and to provide protection for civilians in the Palestinian territories.

It reiterated the important need for an end to Israel’s aggression in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the territory, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, and increased flows of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The ministry also renewed its call for the international community to fully live up to its responsibility to do all it can to halt all Israeli aggression against Palestinians and their territories, and stressed the need for mechanisms to ensure accountability for actions in Gaza and to help end actions by Israeli authorities that threaten security and undermine peace efforts in the region.


Restoration of Qalaa Mosque in Madinah enhances Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage

Restoration of Qalaa Mosque in Madinah enhances Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage
Updated 15 sec ago
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Restoration of Qalaa Mosque in Madinah enhances Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage

Restoration of Qalaa Mosque in Madinah enhances Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage
  • Expansion under the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques 

Riyadh: The historic Qalaa Mosque in the town of Al-Hinakiyah, northeast of Madinah, is among the places of worship undergoing restoration as part of a national project.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques focuses on preserving the building, which is over a century old, in Madinah’s historical architectural style, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The initiative aims to enhance the Islamic heritage of the Kingdom as the land where the Qur’an was revealed, and the location of the Two Holy Mosques. 

The project will expand the mosque’s area from 181 sq. meters to 263 sq. meters to accommodate 171 worshippers. The mosque was previously unused, the SPA added.

The renovation will include the use of natural materials including clay and local wood, to ensure the mosque returns to its original form. 

It will preserve the unique building techniques that are adapted to the local environment and hot desert climate.

The crown prince’s project aims to balance traditional and modern construction standards to ensure the sustainability of historic mosques, the SPA reported.

Saudi Arabia companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the work.

Phase two of the crown prince’s project follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions across the Kingdom.


AlUla festival celebrates celestial heritage, adventure, discovery

AlUla festival celebrates celestial heritage, adventure, discovery
Updated 14 min 26 sec ago
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AlUla festival celebrates celestial heritage, adventure, discovery

AlUla festival celebrates celestial heritage, adventure, discovery

RIYADH: AlUla, the oasis city known for its heritage and landscapes, is hosting the AlUla Skies Festival from April 18 to 27.

The festival highlights humanity’s connection to the skies, reflecting the legacy of ancient travelers who navigated the desert using the stars, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

A key feature of the festival is AlUla Manara, a global observatory focused on astronomy research and education. 

Developed with local and international partners, it will provide interactive exhibits, telescopes, and workshops blending ancient celestial knowledge with modern science.

The festival offers various sky-themed experiences, including daily hot-air balloon flights, tethered rides at Old Town and Elephant Rock, and Balloon Glow Shows featuring illuminated balloons, aerial performers, and music.

Visitors can explore astronomy at the Celestial Sky Port in Jabal Ikmah, where exhibits, telescopes, and workshops provide insight into the cosmos. 

The Pop-Up Planetarium in Old Town offers 360-degree projections of constellations and space exploration.

On April 25, regional singers will perform at the Thanaya AlUla Outdoor Venue.

Other activities include Cinema Under the Stars at Maraya, Moonlight Yoga Sessions, and expert-led stargazing experiences. 

The festival celebrates AlUla’s heritage and its commitment to astrotourism, offering visitors a chance to explore the skies in a unique setting.


Saudi aid agency distributes food baskets worldwide

Saudi aid agency distributes food baskets worldwide
Updated 04 March 2025
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Saudi aid agency distributes food baskets worldwide

Saudi aid agency distributes food baskets worldwide

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, is distributing food baskets worldwide through its Etaam initiative during the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

In Indonesia, KSrelief launched the project at the National Zakat Agency headquarters in Jakarta, aiming to distribute 7,911 food baskets to 47,466 individuals across four regions.

In Kosovo, 8,110 food baskets will be distributed across 30 governorates, benefiting about 40,550 people. The baskets include rice, oil, pasta, sugar and flour.

In Benin, KSrelief launched the Etaam project, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude to the Saudi government.

In Guinea, 7,500 families will receive food baskets in the cities of Conakry, Dubreka, Mamou, Kankan and Nzerekore.

In Mauritania, 7,352 food baskets will be distributed to 44,112 individuals, while in Tajikistan, 7,120 baskets will benefit 35,000 vulnerable individuals across several cities.

In Burkina Faso, KSrelief launched the project in Ouagadougou to distribute 8,400 food baskets to 50,400 people.

Overall, KSrelief plans to distribute 390,109 food baskets across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting more than 2.3 million people at a total cost exceeding SR67 million ($18 million).


New project focuses on restoring degraded lands in Kingdom 

New project focuses on restoring degraded lands in Kingdom 
Updated 04 March 2025
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New project focuses on restoring degraded lands in Kingdom 

New project focuses on restoring degraded lands in Kingdom 

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched a project to study and assess degraded sites in Saudi Arabia’s western and southern regions. 

Using advanced technology, the project will develop rehabilitation plans aligned with global standards as part of a broader national strategy, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. 

It focuses on identifying degraded areas and analyzing direct and indirect causes in Makkah, Madinah, Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran.

Tailored plans will be developed to monitor and evaluate land degradation, considering local conditions and national priorities, the SPA added.

The strategy includes short-, medium-, and long-term plans to restore degraded lands using internationally recognized methods.

As a part of the implementation, the center will conduct in-depth assessments with remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems to determine degradation severity.

The project also involves extensive field and lab analyses of soil, vegetation and water, along with economic and social evaluations, the SPA reported.

Practical methodologies and mechanisms will be developed to guide rehabilitation efforts based on prioritized restoration needs.


AI-operated Qur’an-learning project launched in Makkah

AI-operated Qur’an-learning project launched in Makkah
Updated 04 March 2025
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AI-operated Qur’an-learning project launched in Makkah

AI-operated Qur’an-learning project launched in Makkah

MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered project in Makkah, Al-Maqraa, which offers Qur’anic education in 10 languages.

Al-Sudais said Al-Maqraa is a platform, available globally, that integrates modern methods, rigorous methodology, and AI technology, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The platform provides recitation, tajweed or proper pronunciation, and memorization courses under the supervision of qualified teachers.

It includes a Shariah-compliant administrative system for monitoring Qur’anic study circles, detailed analytical reports, stimulating learning environment, flexible enrollment, and an accredited certification system.

The project aims to instill Islamic values in the minds of Qur’an students at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the SPA reported.