MWL chief inaugurates Qur'anic initiatives in Makkah
These include the launch of the First Coordination Forum for Global Qur'anic Digital Maqari, the Digital Portal for the Global Electronic Maqra'a, and the establishment of the League of Global Qur'anic Digital Maqari, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Al-Issa said that the initiatives aligned with the league's mission to strengthen the unity of the Islamic nation, emphasizing that its goal was the service of the Holy Qur'an.
The forum issued several key recommendations, notably the establishment of an international technical Qur'an recitation association, a global body affiliated with the league and dedicated to overseeing technical aspects of Qur'anic recitation.
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Anyone following developments in the Middle East will have noticed a clear surge in Saudi Arabia's engagement with the Palestinian cause since Oct. 7, 2023. This momentum goes beyond a political or humanitarian position; it reflects a strategic vision. The Kingdom has reinforced this commitment by sponsoring international conferences, building broad alliances with partner nations, and providing critical funding for food and medical supplies to Palestinians in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Saudi efforts have evolved steadily from vocal advocacy to leading a political process aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state, strengthened by a strong partnership with European nations. The international conference on the two-state solution, held in July at the UN headquarters in New York, and co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, brought together representatives from more than 125 countries. The summit aimed to initiate a clear political process to end the war in Gaza and advocate for the recognition of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with UN resolutions. The conference adopted a declaration presenting a comprehensive framework with clear, time-bound measures. These included an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the transfer of administrative control to the Palestinian Authority, and the deployment of a temporary international mission under UN supervision to help stabilize the situation. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan highlighted that 'these outcomes offer a comprehensive set of proposals encompassing political, humanitarian, security, economic, legal, and strategic dimensions,' forming 'a practical and actionable framework for implementing the two-state solution and securing lasting peace and security for all.' 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Another major political achievement — long a source of concern for Israel and a point of unease for the US administration — has been the momentum gained in pushing key European countries toward recognizing the state of Palestine. France is set to lead this initiative in September, along with other nations, such as Ireland, Portugal, and the UK. The conference also firmly linked the peace process to halting settlement expansion, rejecting the illegal annexation of Palestinian land, and ending violence against Palestinian civilians. This stance was underscored by the explicit use of the term 'terrorism' to describe the violent attacks carried out by extremist settlers against unarmed Palestinians and their property. This summit was not a reiteration of past initiatives, but rather a unified political declaration to redefine the negotiating framework and establish a new political and legal balance of power. 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Arab News
36 minutes ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia, Jordan and UAE choose action over apathy
In times of profound geopolitical upheaval, and moral testing, the true character of nations and their leadership is revealed — not through slogans, but through action. As the Arab region continues to witness one of the gravest humanitarian catastrophes in its modern history — the brutal and prolonged assault on Gaza — the disparity between rhetoric and reality grows ever starker. Since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, the world has watched in horror as entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, children buried under debris, and hospitals transformed into graveyards. The death toll has become a number, numbingly rising with each passing day. Yet amid this unbearable human suffering, the Arab and Islamic world's response has been mixed. Outrage has been loud, but tangible solidarity has been scarce. In this paradox, we see the stark division between those who choose to act and those who are content to comment. 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Some denied the images and videos altogether; others accused us of coordinating with the Israeli occupation, as if helping the wounded and starving somehow equates to betrayal. This intellectual and moral duplicity not only undermines Jordan's efforts but also exposes a deeper rot — an obsession with ideological purity over practical compassion. Critics, often ensconced in digital echo chambers and hotel lobbies, prefer slogans over solutions. They vilify aid because it is not coupled with revolution, and they attack those who do something, however small, because it is not everything. Every child saved today is a future voice for Palestine. Hani Hazaimeh Let us be clear: Jordan's support for Palestine is neither cosmetic nor contingent. It is rooted in history, blood, and political principle. From the 1948 Nakba to the ongoing siege of Gaza, Jordan has carried a disproportionate burden of the Palestinian tragedy — hosting millions of refugees, advocating at every international forum, and absorbing the political and economic consequences of standing by Palestine. What Jordan has done, and continues to do, is a reflection of state policy grounded in pan-Arab nationalism and a moral worldview. And Jordan has not stood alone. Saudi Arabia has played a critical diplomatic and financial role, pressing international actors to ceasefire negotiations and providing major aid packages. The UAE, too, has dispatched multiple aid convoys and field hospitals, particularly to northern Gaza. These efforts represent a concerted Arab move to alleviate suffering — not because it is easy, but because it is right. Do these efforts resolve the core issue of occupation? No. But are they futile? Absolutely not. 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Arab News
36 minutes ago
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Saudi crown prince receives Kuwaiti PM at NEOM Palace
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at NEOM Palace on Monday. The two officials reviewed the historic relations between their countries, aspects of bilateral cooperation, and ways to enhance and develop it in various fields. They also exchanged views on a number of topics of common interest, Saudi Press Agency reported.
