RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday urged the United Nations Security Council to get its act together and find a way to stop the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from widening further.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting in New York, Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat lamented that despite the successive resolutions passed by the General Assembly, there is no end in sight to the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” the people of Gaza are facing.
Prince Faisal made the plea as fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah continued to escalate, with Israel expanding its air strikes to the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, while Hezbollah targeting key Israeli facilities with missiles.
He faulted members of the council for being quick to use the veto rather than find consensus to resolve the Gaza crisis. He noted that since last October there were six draft resolutions where the veto was used out of ten.
Even then, he said, the resolutions that were adopted failed to achieve a ceasefire, failed to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and failed to pave the way for a creditable political path towards peace.
Last March, Russia and China vetoed a US-proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an Israel-Hamas hostage deal. Other resolutions saw the US objecting and Britain abstaining.
In the 15-member Security Council, the permanent members — Britain China, France, Russia and the US — are entitled to a special voting power known as the ‘”right to veto.” A veto could defeat a resolution even if it is supported by a majority of the council members.
“What does the UNSC need to end the suffering, to implement international law?,” Prince Faisal said. “It is clear there is a widening gap between international consensus and divides within the Security Council, which undermine its performance.”
Prince Faisal cited the General Assembly for passing successive resolutions that reflected what countries where calling for: the urgent need for a ceasefire, providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip without interruption, and the right of Palestinians to self determination,
“We value the resolution of the General Assembly that recognized the eligibility of Palestine for full membership at the UN, by virtue of which Palestine received additional privileges, as well as the latest resolutions that called on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territory, he said.
Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
https://arab.news/gqndd
Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
- Prince Faisal spotlighted the growing rift between a divided Security Council and the international consensus
AlUla revives Tantora Ceremony, reaffirming cultural tradition
- Event is cornerstone of intangible heritage
ALULA: The historic Tantora Ceremony will be revived in AlUla Old Town on Monday, reaffirming one of the region’s most distinctive cultural traditions while also being a cornerstone of its intangible heritage.
The Tantora is a sundial that residents once relied on to mark the start of the agricultural season and the arrival of Al-Marba’aniyah, a key winter period, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This year’s ceremony forms part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage and make it a part of contemporary public life.
The program features a range of activities highlighting the Tantora’s historic role and enduring significance. Visitors can expect traditional performances, artisan showcases, and sessions that explore how the Tantora was used, alongside demonstrations that evoke everyday life in AlUla’s past.
The event will deepen public understanding of the Tantora as one of AlUla’s most notable expressions of intangible heritage. By revisiting its connection to seasonal change, winter’s onset and agricultural preparation, the ceremony will shed light on the rhythms that once shaped life in the region.
Reviving the Tantora Ceremony reflects the commission’s commitment to encourage community participation and connect younger generations with AlUla’s historic legacy, the SPA added.
The commission said the celebration underscored AlUla’s dedication to protecting its assets and enhancing their role in sustainable development, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its core pillars of quality of life and balanced national growth.
The Winter at Tantora Festival runs until Jan. 10, and attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.
In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.
