RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefed the council of ministers on Tuesday about developments in the Gaza Strip, following a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The crown prince emphasized the urgent need to end the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people, ensure a complete Israeli withdrawal, and take steps toward achieving peace based on the two-state solution.

The cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for regional and international efforts aimed at promoting global security and peace. It also welcomed the agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan on an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to strengthen lasting peace and stability between the two countries.

Minister of Media Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari said the cabinet reviewed progress on several government development programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing services, improving productivity, and achieving sustainable growth.

The council welcomed the launch of the King Salman Gate Project, describing it as a major transformation in Makkah’s infrastructure that will enhance services for visitors to the Grand Mosque.

The cabinet also reviewed ongoing efforts to expand housing supply and achieve real estate balance across the Kingdom, supporting development, offering citizens diverse housing options, and attracting more investors and developers to the Saudi market.

Dosari said that the Kingdom’s recent international awards in open education, rural development, and rail transport reflect its commitment to excellence and global leadership in these sectors.

The council also praised the success of the Saudi International Railway Exhibition and Conference, which saw participation from 22 countries and the signing of over 50 contracts and agreements supporting the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services.