Saudi Arabia urges UN Security Council to take action on Gaza violence, forced displacement

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses the 78th UN General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 23, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 14 October 2023
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Saudi Arabia urges UN Security Council to take action on Gaza violence, forced displacement

  • The comments come as Israeli strikes have killed around 1,900 people in the Gaza Strip over the past week
  • The territory has also been cut off from food, water and medical supplies, and under a total power blackout

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday made a series of diplomatic calls to urge members of the UN Security Council to fulfill their responsibility to maintain international peace and security and Israeli stop military operations in Gaza, the foreign ministry said.

His comments came as relentless Israeli strikes have killed around 1,900 people in the Gaza Strip over the past week, with more than half under the age of 18, or women, while the territory has also been cut off from food, water and medical supplies, and under a total power blackout.

During calls with his counterparts from the UK, Brazil, Malta, Albania, India, Norway and Sweden, Prince Faisal stressed the importance of implementing Security Council resolutions on the Palestinian issue, in order to establish a just and comprehensive solution in accordance with the relevant international laws. 

He also stressed the need for Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law, including allowing food and relief supplies to reach Gaza and lifting the siege.

They discussed the latest developments in the situation in Gaza and its surroundings, and the international efforts made to solve the crisis, and Prince Faisal called for the need to stop all forms of targeting civilians and prevent the forced displacement of the population of Gaza. 

Prince Faisal also made calls to his counterparts from Indonesia and Gabon, as well as EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, where they held similar discussions on protecting civilians, the flow of aid, the need for the international community to help stop the violence and prevent forced displacement of Gazans, and for Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law to ensure regional and global security and stability.


New filmmaking initiative in AlUla aims to boost Saudi creative talent

Updated 15 December 2025
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New filmmaking initiative in AlUla aims to boost Saudi creative talent

  • Efforts aim to support young talent, contribute to growth of Kingdom’s film sector

ALULA: Villa Hegra, in collaboration with Film AlUla, has launched a specialized filmmaking program to develop cinematic skills and support creative talent, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The initiative reflects Villa Hegra’s commitment to strengthening cultural and cinematic activity while fostering an inspiring environment for content creators and film enthusiasts.

The program offers training courses and workshops covering all stages of film production, from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and post-production.

These efforts aim to support young talent and contribute to the growth of the Kingdom’s film sector, the SPA added.

Villa Hegra also runs educational and interactive programs for children to develop their talents and enhance their creative abilities.

The programs include workshops that simplify scientific concepts and integrate them with modern artistic practices, creating a learning environment that encourages discovery and innovation.

They have attracted strong student participation across the governorate due to their hands-on, interactive approach, which enhances children’s thinking and creativity.

The initiatives are implemented in collaboration with French and Saudi institutions, reflecting cultural diversity and international partnerships while improving the quality of educational content for younger generations.

Villa Hegra is the first joint Saudi-French cultural foundation based in AlUla. Launched in October, it supports the region’s cultural scene by providing educational platforms that develop skills among Saudi children and youngsters, while strengthening AlUla’s presence on the international cultural stage.