Saudi Cabinet Condemns Israeli Occupation of Gaza
Neom, The Gulf Observer: The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in NEOM on Tuesday, strongly condemned the Israeli occupation authorities’ decision to fully seize the Gaza Strip, denouncing ongoing crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.
The Council of Ministers warned that the continued failure of the international community and the UN Security Council to stop these violations undermines the foundations of international order and legitimacy, threatens regional and global peace and security, and risks grave consequences, including genocide and forced displacement.
Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, said the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on his meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan. The leaders reviewed bilateral relations, discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, and addressed key Arab and Islamic issues, particularly the latest developments in Palestine.
The Crown Prince also updated the Cabinet on his telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Abbas noted that Saudi Arabia’s principled stance has encouraged many countries to recognize the State of Palestine.
The Cabinet welcomed Australia’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine and New Zealand’s consideration of a similar step, commending the growing international consensus in support of a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Reviewing the Crown Prince’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Cabinet reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, achieve peace, and facilitate dialogue between the parties.
The session also welcomed the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing hope for a new phase of understanding, cooperation, and stability in the Caucasus region.
The Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom’s participation in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan, underlining the importance of coordinated international efforts to address global challenges, ensure economic stability, and promote sustainable development.
On domestic matters, the Cabinet discussed the progress of national strategies and programs, commending the significant advancement of government agencies in the 2025 Digital Experience Maturity Index. It reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing public services, facilitating business, and improving its standing in global performance indicators.
The Cabinet approved the requirement that labor disputes be submitted to the Labor Office for one year before being accepted by labor courts, effective Thursday, Safar 20, 1447 AH (August 14, 2025). This measure is aimed at promoting amicable settlements before court proceedings.
The Council also amended articles of the Saudi Bar Association’s organizational framework and approved a series of cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs), including:
- Establishment of a strategic partnership council between Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
- Environmental protection cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
- Social development cooperation with Malaysia.
- Logistics sector cooperation with Singapore.
- Development of trade relations with Cambodia.
- Customs cooperation agreement with Morocco for mutual recognition of the Authorized Economic Operator program.
- Development of non-oil exports with Tajikistan.
- Cooperation on the peaceful use of outer space with South Korea.
