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The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an emergency session in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to examine the grave implications of the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.The session discussed the serious humanitarian and human rights consequences of the unlawful Israeli attack on Qatar on September 9, describing it as a blatant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law, and a threat to regional peace, safety, and stability.In a statement delivered on behalf of the Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha, by Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al Quds Affairs, the organisation strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Qatar, calling it a flagrant breach of international law, including the UN Charter and the fundamental principles governing peaceful relations between states.**media[361808]**He added that targeting a member state of the OIC that actively contributes to mediation and peace efforts sets a dangerous precedent and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Israel bears full responsibility for this unlawful and unjustified attack and must be held accountable.The OIC also denounced ongoing Israeli violations and crimes in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, including collective punishment, starvation, forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.The aggression against Qatar, he noted, marks a dangerous escalation in the regional context, not only an assault on Qatar's sovereignty but also on the collective international efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages and detainees.**media[361810]**He expressed the OIC's deep solidarity with Qatar and pledged unwavering support for any measures the country may take to safeguard its security, sovereignty, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents.HE the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and member of the IPHRC Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah stated that the Israeli aggression against Qatar has left deep wounds and humanitarian tragedies, most notably the martyrdom of six individuals, numerous injuries, and the terrorising of civilians.As a member of the IPHRC, HE Al Attiyah strongly condemned this attack, which targeted a civilian area and posed a serious threat to residents and diplomatic missions, adding that it resulted in severe violations, including worsening health conditions for people with chronic illnesses and the temporary deprivation of education for at least 1,000 students due to damage to schools and kindergartens, in addition to acute psychological trauma suffered by children and their families.HE Al Attiyah emphasised that the meeting represents a vital step toward justice for victims and their families, and toward bringing perpetrators of the most serious violations to international accountability.She stressed that the recurrence and expansion of grave violations reflect a deeply troubled international landscape, driven by complicity with aggressors and the failure of protection mechanisms to fulfill their roles. This, she said, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the global system to fulfill the objectives of the UN Charter, translate justice and equality into lived realities, end impunity, and restore hope to millions yearning for a world governed by the values of truth, justice, and peace.She reaffirmed the Commission's role in confronting the grave violations committed by Israeli occupation authorities and expressed confidence that the emergency session would yield conclusions and recommendations capable of shaping a unified and unequivocal international stance against the crimes of aggression, condemning all resulting violations, and ensuring accountability and non-repetition.HE Al Attiyah also highlighted the importance of supporting national human rights institutions and civil society organisations in documenting violations and encouraging their coordination and participation in all actions undertaken by the Commission.For his part, the Chairperson of the OIC's IPHRC Dr. Haci Ali Acikgul condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar, saying it is an unjustified and illegitimate aggression against a sovereign state, and constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the fundamental principles of international law, and international humanitarian law.He emphasised that the attack on the State of Qatar was not an isolated incident but rather part of a systematic pattern pursued by the Israeli occupation to target civilians, especially women and children in the Gaza Strip, through a policy of collective punishment, forced displacement, the use of starvation as a weapon, and deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure.He added that the Committee reaffirms its full solidarity with the State of Qatar, both government and people, adding that the attack on a state that acts as a mediator to end the conflict is, in essence, an attack on the principle of negotiation itself. The Committee also supports the unanimous condemnation issued by the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Doha on September 15, and supports the roadmap laid out by the Summit for coordinated diplomatic, political, and legal action, he said.He pointed to the importance of demanding that the United Nations Security Council, the Human Rights Council, and other relevant bodies take urgent and decisive action to condemn the Israeli aggression, prevent any future violations, and enforce binding obligations under international law. He called for the opening of independent and impartial investigations into the attack, holding Israel accountable at the international level, and supporting the referral of violations committed by Israel against the State of Qatar and in the occupied Palestinian territories to international judicial mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.Executive Director of the OIC's IPHRC Dr. Hadi bin Ali Alyami said that this emergency session reflects their deep awareness of the gravity of the situation and their shared commitment to their responsibilities as the OIC's IPHRC, which comes in response to the serious human rights repercussions resulting from the unlawful Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.Alyami added that this aggression was not a passing incident but rather represents a flagrant violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and a blatant breach of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which constitute the fundamental pillar of international peace and security. The world was shocked by the targeting of a country known for its active role in humanitarian and diplomatic mediation, its tireless efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to facilitate the release of detainees in Gaza.He pointed out that the IPHRC took the initiative from the outset to condemn the attack on the State of Qatar, calling on everyone to raise their voices in international forums to end impunity, protect civilians, and preserve human dignity in accordance with the principles of international peace and security.For her part, the President of the Human Rights Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Hala bint Mazyad Al Tuwaijri said this session comes amid a grave incident, namely the attack launched by the Israeli occupation authorities against the State of Qatar, which carries serious repercussions for human rights and international humanitarian law, and poses a direct threat to regional and international peace and security.Al Tuwaijri pointed out that the attack constitutes a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights law, violating the right to life and the right to security. It resulted in the killing and wounding of many people, as well as terrorising innocent civilians, especially women and children in the targeted civilian area.She added that they are fully aware that the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar at this time, while sponsoring mediation efforts to stop the war in Gaza and end the humanitarian crisis there, poses an obstacle to efforts to establish peace in the region through diplomatic means.She stressed that such actions cannot be justified under any pretext, but rather reflect a disregard for international standards and a determination to violate the rules agreed upon by the international community to protect humanity.

The Royal Court of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom. The late Grand Mufti also served as head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Royal Court said that the funeral prayer will be performed today at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh following the Asr prayer.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has described the International Conference on the Two-State Solution as a pivotal moment to advance peace and reinforce international commitment to a just resolution of the Palestinian issue.Delivering remarks on behalf of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al- Saud, Prince Faisal addressed the opening session of the high-level conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian conflict, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.In his speech, the Saudi Foreign Minister condemned what he called the brutal crimes of the Israeli occupation in Gaza, ongoing violations in the West Bank, and repeated infringements on the sovereignty of Arab and Islamic nations - citing most recently the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar.Prince Faisal welcomed France's recent recognition of the State of Palestine and commended the growing number of countries taking similar positions. He also pointed to the overwhelming support for the UN General Assembly's adoption of the New York Declaration, which calls for a peaceful resolution and the realization of the two-state solution. With 142 countries voting in favor, he said, the resolution reflects a strong international consensus in support of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, grounded in international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.The minister warned that Israel's continued hostile actions threaten regional and global stability and risk derailing peace efforts. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's longstanding position that the two-state solution remains the only credible path toward a comprehensive and lasting peace.Prince Faisal affirmed the Kingdom's readiness to work closely with France and other nations committed to peace in order to implement the outcomes of the conference. He stressed the urgent need to end the conflict in Gaza, stop all unilateral measures undermining Palestinian sovereignty, and advance a political solution to the crisis.He concluded by thanking the countries that have already recognized, or declared their intention to recognize, the State of Palestine, and called on others to follow suit and take what he described as a historic and necessary step toward justice and stability.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of his country's National Day.

His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of his country's National Day.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Friday expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the aggressive statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister against the State of Qatar.In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its solidarity with the State of Qatar in its measures, stressing that these aggressive statements and practices by the Israeli occupation authorities and their grave and serious violations of international laws and norms require the international community to continue taking effective measures to put an end to these destructive Israeli policies in the region.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the brutal Israeli aggression and blatant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, affirming its full solidarity and support for Qatar, and deploying all its capabilities to support it in all measures it may take.In a statement on Tuesday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia warned of the dire consequences of the Israeli occupation's continued criminal aggression and its blatant violation of the principles of international law and all international norms.The Kingdom urged the international community to condemn this heinous attack and put an end to Israeli violations that undermine the security and stability of the region.

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met in his office at the Amiri Diwan on Tuesday morning with Ambassador of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar, Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Farhan Al-Saud, who called on His Highness to greet him on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. HH the Amir granted the Al Wajbah Decoration to the Saudi Ambassador in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, wishing him success in his future missions, and the relations between the two countries further development and progress. For his part, the Saudi Ambassador expressed his thanks and appreciation to HH the Amir and to the state officials for the cooperation he received that contributed to the success of his work in the country.

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met on Monday with HH Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar, Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Farhan Al-Saud, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country.HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked HE the Ambassador for his efforts in enhancing and promoting bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met Sunday with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Qatar Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah al-Farhan al-Saud, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country.During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs wished the Saudi ambassador success in his future assignments, and further progress and prosperity for relations between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the UN, ambassador Abdulaziz al-Wasil, presented an oral draft resolution during Saturday's session of the UN General Assembly on behalf of Saudi Arabia and France.The resolution pertained to the resumption of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. It was adopted by consensus without a vote.Ambassador al-Wasil reaffirmed the shared commitment of Saudi Arabia and France to upholding international law and implementing relevant UN resolutions, highlighting that the key objectives of the conference include the protection of international legitimacy and taking practical steps toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East region.On July 28, 2025, the aforementioned conference kicked off at the headquarters of the UN General Assembly in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.It primarily aimed to bring the occupation to an end and to support the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

Saudi Arabia sharply revised up its 2024 foreign direct investment, with new data showing it attracted a near-record sum from overseas investors. The kingdom said FDI reached 119bn riyals ($31.7bn) last year, almost 37% more than it previously reported.That matched the 2022 level and was just shy of the record $32.5bn in 2021, according to official data. Saudi Arabia has yet to explain where the revision came from, but the new tally shows it surpassed its annual target for last year.It also suggests the kingdom is gaining ground in attracting foreign partners to support Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to diversify the economy. The need for inflows is growing as the government sustains high levels of spending while crude prices fall and oil export revenues weaken.Its goal is to draw in about $100bn annually, more than triple what it has ever done, by the end of the decade. “The fact that the inflow was again above target is positive,” said Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC. “However, given the lower oil price, FDI inflows need to be significantly higher to support the transformation programme.” Last year’s inflows were driven by investments in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and construction.Financial services and insurance also saw strong activity. The United Arab Emirates remained the leading source of foreign investments for a fourth year, while inflows from Germany and the US more than tripled from a year earlier. Hong Kong accounted for $2bn, a more than ten-fold increase from 2023.Flows from France and Spain slumped. Saudi Arabia sees foreign investment as key to training its young population, developing new industries and easing the government’s spending burden under the Vision 2030 economic transformation programme. FDI inflows amounted to $6.4bn in the first quarter of this year, according to preliminary data.