RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday discussed efforts made by the Kingdom, in cooperation with its partners, to enhance joint action to stop the war in Gaza.

Efforts to ensure the protection of civilians, deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and obtain international recognition of an independent Palestinian state were also discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s keenness to spread peace and security internationally and support paths to stability and development in the Middle East and the rest of the world, SPA added.

It was also briefed on bilateral and multilateral talks that took place during the past few days between the Kingdom and various other countries to expand areas of political and economic cooperation in a way that serves common interests and enhances coordination on global issues and challenges.

It also praised the outcomes of the special meeting of the World Economic Forum that took place in Riyadh on Sunday and Monday, and said that the meeting consolidated the Kingdom’s position as a global investment destination.

The Cabinet also expressed appreciation for King Salman’s sponsorship of celebrations commemorating the golden jubilee of the Islamic Development Bank which reiterated the Kingdom’s firm commitment to the principles of Islamic solidarity and common development, and its keenness to continue working with the bank to achieve its goals in supporting economic cooperation between member states and other states.

Ministers discussed the outcomes of the recently held Umrah and Ziyarah Forum including future initiatives and development projects that will contribute to enhancing the experience of pilgrims.

The Cabinet also approved various memoranda of understanding for cooperation between the Kingdom and other countries in various fields.

RIYADH: More than half of the patients who contracted food poisoning caused by the clostridium botulinum bacteria last Thursday were released from intensive care and 25 discharged from a local hospital, the Ministry of Health reported on X.

The ministry’s spokesperson Dr. Mohammed Khalid Alabdulaali confirmed that the only source of the contaminated food was from the local Hamburgini fast-food restaurant chain.

“We confirm that there are no other sources to which the cases were linked other than what was previously explained, and we recommend the importance of taking information from official sources and the necessity of avoiding spreading rumors and unconfirmed information,” he said.

Botulism, caused by the bacteria, is a life-threatening neurological disorder resulting in paralysis and death if not treated promptly.

Gastroenterologist Mohammed Al-Awamy told Arab News that botulism is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food.

“In situations where the anaerobic bacteria thrive, for example in situations where oxygen is minimal ... this is seen in canned goods and in meats that have been packed in vacuum-sealed packing.

He said that botulism can be avoided by making sure that sources of contamination are eliminated. “This would mean tracing any source of possible contaminated food and ensuring the safe storage and processing of food products.”

He said botulism is life-threatening. “Symptoms start in the face and then descend to involve the limbs and trunk. Respiratory failure ensues due to involvement of the respiratory system leading to cardiopulmonary collapse.”

He said anyone who has symptoms or is suspected of having botulism must seek urgent medical attention.

“Treatment is supportive but may require the utilization of advanced life-support measures. Anti-toxin is available and will be administered in suspected cases pending confirmatory tests. ICU admission and mechanical ventilation may be needed in more advanced cases.”