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Arab normalization with Israel: an illusion without a Palestinian state

Arab normalization with Israel remains an illusion without a Palestinian state. Can peace be achieved in the Middle East without a two-state solution? Discover more in our article.

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Arab normalization with Israel: an illusion without a Palestinian state

Normalization and peace in the Middle East: An Arab and Israeli perspective

In the context of ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, affirmed that Israel's notion of normalization with Arab states without ending the occupation and achieving peace with the Palestinians is "pure illusion." This statement was made during his participation in a dialogue session at the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in New York.

International efforts to achieve peace

During the session, Aboul Gheit, along with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuička, presented the final results of the eighth working group on “Peace Day efforts,” co-chaired by the League of Arab States and the European Union. He noted the commitments and constructive contributions made by several countries, international and regional organizations, and civil society organizations in support of peace efforts.

He also referred to the EU-sponsored “peace support package,” which could be offered to Palestinians, Israelis, and the region as a whole if the two-state solution is implemented and a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state is established.

The Arab Peace Initiative: A Saudi Vision for Resolving the Conflict

Aboul Gheit emphasized the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, which was launched 23 years ago without any response from Israel. This initiative, presented by Saudi Arabia to the Arab Summit in Beirut in 2002 and endorsed by Arab leaders, is considered one of the most prominent initiatives for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. The initiative proposes full normalization of relations with Israel in exchange for its withdrawal from the territories occupied in 1967, the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and a just solution to the refugee issue.

Challenges and future prospects

The peace process faces significant challenges related to settlement activity and current Israeli policies. However, promising opportunities exist that can be leveraged through international and regional cooperation to promote stability and peace in the region. Saudi Arabia's support for the Arab Peace Initiative demonstrates a strategic commitment to achieving a comprehensive and just settlement of the conflict that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people and ensures security and stability for all.

Continued dialogue and international and regional support are essential for advancing the peace process. Hope remains that the parties involved will be able to overcome obstacles and reach solutions that fulfill the aspirations of the region's people for lasting and stable peace.

The Saudi News Network first launched on Twitter via its official account, @SaudiNews50, and quickly became one of the Kingdom's leading independent news sources, thanks to its fast and reliable coverage of major local and international events. Due to the growing trust of its followers, the network expanded by launching its website, a comprehensive news platform offering regularly updated content in the fields of politics, economics, health, education, and national events, presented in a professional style that meets the public's expectations. The network strives to enhance public awareness and provide accurate information in a timely manner through on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis, and a specialized editorial team, making it a trusted source for anyone seeking up-to-the-minute Saudi news.

Politics

The Crown Prince contacted the King of Morocco to inquire about his health

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a telephone call to King Mohammed VI of Morocco to check on his health, in a gesture that reflects the depth of the historical and strategic relations between the two countries.

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The Crown Prince contacted the King of Morocco to inquire about his health

In a fraternal gesture reflecting the depth of the personal and historical ties between the leaderships of the two brotherly countries, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, made a telephone call to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of the Kingdom of Morocco.

During the call, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince inquired about the health of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, expressing his sincere wishes for his continued good health and well-being. For his part, His Majesty the King of Morocco expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for these sincere and noble sentiments, which reflect the strength of the distinguished bilateral relations between the two kingdoms.

Historical background and established relationships

This contact is not merely a protocolary gesture, but a natural extension of the long-standing historical and strategic relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco. This relationship rests on solid foundations of Islamic solidarity, Arab identity, and a shared destiny, in addition to the close ties between the two countries' royal families. Riyadh and Rabat have consistently stood shoulder to shoulder in various regional and international forums, maintaining continuous coordination and converging visions on key regional and global issues, making their partnership a model for Arab-Arab relations.

Strategic and diplomatic importance

Such high-level contacts are of paramount importance, especially given the challenges facing the Arab region. They not only contribute to strengthening bilateral relations on the political and economic levels, but also send a clear message about the continuity of the strategic alliance between the two countries, which is considered a cornerstone of security and stability in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Furthermore, inquiring about the health of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who enjoys a prominent position on the international stage, reflects Saudi Arabia's interest in the stability and prosperity of the Kingdom of Morocco, which has a positive impact on the entire region.

Humanitarian implications and reassuring messages

This contact comes in a context that highlights the human dimension of relations between the leaders, something highly valued in Arab culture. The Crown Prince's personal concern for the health of King Mohammed VI underscores that the relationship between the two countries transcends official frameworks, reaching the level of genuine brotherhood. At the same time, this gesture carries reassuring messages to the Moroccan people and to regional and international partners regarding His Majesty's health, thus strengthening confidence and stability. This direct communication affirms the ongoing consultation and coordination between the two leaderships to address shared challenges and realize the aspirations of their peoples for greater progress and prosperity.

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Saudi Arabia supports Yemen with 9 new health and education projects

The Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen signs an agreement to implement 9 vital projects in the health and education sectors in Yemeni governorates, with the aim of improving basic services and supporting stability.

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Saudi Arabia supports Yemen with 9 new health and education projects

In a further step reaffirming Saudi Arabia's continued support for the Yemeni people, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) signed an agreement on Sunday to implement nine vital development projects in partnership with the Social Fund for Development in Yemen. These projects directly target the health and education sectors, which are among the most severely affected, and represent an extension of the Kingdom's efforts to support Yemeni state institutions and ensure the continued provision of services to citizens.

The context of support and its strategic importance

This support comes amidst complex humanitarian and economic conditions in Yemen, where years of instability have led to the deterioration of basic infrastructure, particularly health and education facilities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its development arm, the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, plays a pivotal role in rebuilding what has been damaged and contributing to stability and sustainable development. Since its inception, the program has implemented more than 268 projects and initiatives across eight key sectors, including health, education, water, energy, transportation, and others, reflecting a long-term commitment to supporting Yemen on all levels.

Health projects to save lives and improve care

The new package includes four high-quality health projects aimed at expanding medical services in underserved areas. These projects include:

  • Establishing the rural eye hospital in Al-Mawasit, Taiz: to provide integrated medical services to the residents of rural areas.
  • Establishing Al-Dhali Rural Hospital: To enhance the capacity of the health sector in the governorate.
  • Establishing and equipping the Maternity and Childhood Center in Ras Al-Ara, Lahj: This is a vital project to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
  • Establishing and equipping an emergency obstetrics center in Ras Al-Ara, Lahj: to ensure a rapid response to critical cases and cesarean births.

These facilities will be equipped with the latest medical equipment, including emergency departments, specialized clinics, operating rooms, intensive care units, laboratories, and blood banks, which will contribute to improving safe birth rates and providing decent healthcare for citizens.

Building the future of generations through education

On the educational front, the agreement includes five projects to build model schools in the governorates of Ma'rib, Lahj, Al Dhale'a, Shabwa, and Abyan. The design of these schools goes beyond simply providing classrooms; it focuses on creating a stimulating and integrated learning environment. The schools will include science and computer labs, sports facilities, and administrative offices, all furnished with modern school furniture. Most importantly, their design takes into account the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion and facilitating their movement within the school environment. These projects are expected to contribute to raising the quality of education, reducing classroom overcrowding, and equipping students with the practical and technical skills necessary for their future.

Expected impact extends beyond construction

The anticipated impact of these projects extends far beyond mere construction. Locally, they will provide employment opportunities for skilled Yemenis in the health and education sectors and will bolster the stability of local communities by delivering essential services. Nationally, they represent direct support to the Yemeni government in fulfilling its duties and serving its citizens, thereby strengthening its legitimacy and its ability to establish stability. The signing ceremony was attended by high-level representatives, including the Saudi side, represented by the program's General Supervisor, Ambassador Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, and the Yemeni side, represented by the Executive Director of the Social Fund for Development, Hossam Qaid, along with the Yemeni Ministers of Health and Education, underscoring the strong coordination and effective partnership between the two sides.

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Yasser Galal calls for teaching digital citizenship to protect children in Egypt

Senator Yasser Galal called for the inclusion of digital citizenship in school curricula as a proactive step to protect children from cyberbullying and the dangers of the internet.

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Yasser Galal calls for teaching digital citizenship to protect children in Egypt

A proactive call to protect future generations

In a move reflecting a growing awareness of the impact of the digital age, MP Yasser Galal, Deputy Chairman of the Culture and Media Committee in the Egyptian Senate, called for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach to address the challenges posed by the internet and social media to children and youth. His call came during a Senate plenary session, chaired by Counselor Essam Farid, where he emphasized that protecting future generations is a shared societal responsibility.

What is “digital citizenship” and why is it necessary?

Jalal emphasized the importance of including the concept of “digital citizenship” in Egyptian school curricula. Digital citizenship refers to the set of rules, standards, and behaviors aimed at the safe, responsible, and ethical use of technology. This call comes in the context of the massive digital transformation the world and Egypt are witnessing, where children and adolescents are spending long hours online, exposing them to various risks such as cyberbullying, digital addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy violations.

General context: Egypt at the heart of the digital revolution

Over the past decade, Egypt has witnessed a dramatic surge in internet penetration and smartphone usage, making the digital world an integral part of millions of families' lives. This technological revolution has brought with it new challenges that were previously nonexistent. Integrating digital citizenship into education is no longer a luxury, but a pressing necessity to equip students with the skills to navigate this virtual world consciously and maturely, transforming them from passive consumers of content into active and engaged participants.

Expected impact extends beyond classrooms

Implementing this proposal will not only protect children within schools but will also shape a new societal culture. When students learn how to verify information, respect intellectual property, protect their personal data, and combat bullying, they contribute to building a safer digital environment for everyone. Regionally, such an initiative could serve as a leading model for other Arab countries facing similar challenges, strengthening collaborative efforts to create a safe and responsible Arab cyberspace.

Jalal explained that the goal of regulating children's internet use is not to restrict their freedom or prevent them from keeping pace with technological advancements, but rather to protect them and guide them towards making the most of the internet's potential while avoiding its risks. He emphasized that this responsibility does not fall solely on the government and educational institutions, but is a shared responsibility that families must also undertake through continuous monitoring and guidance.

Parallel artistic activity

On another note, and away from the political arena, actor Yasser Galal is preparing to compete in the upcoming Ramadan season with the series "They All Love Mody." The show falls under the category of light social comedy and features a stellar cast including Mervat Amin, Ayten Amer, Salwa Othman, and Huda El-Etreby. Written by Ayman Salama and directed by Ahmed Shafik, the series promises a diverse entertainment experience for viewers during the holy month.

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