Pope Condemns Israeli Airstrikes Amid Middle East Turmoil; Saudi Arabia Advances Solar Energy and Health Initiatives
Pope Francis condemns Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon as "beyond morality," urges for proportional defense; Saudi Arabia secures $3.2 billion for three new solar PV projects as part of its renewable energy goals.
Pope Francis, aboard his flight back to Rome, has condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, calling them "beyond morality" and stressing the need for proportional defense to adhere to the rules of war. He emphasized the immorality of war and urged the international community to halt the violence, continuously communicating with a parish in Gaza.
Transitioning from calls for peace to strides in renewable energy, Saudi Arabia has secured $3.2 billion for three new solar PV projects through a collaboration involving ACWA Power, Badeel, and SAPCO. These projects contribute to the nation's ambitious goal of achieving 70 percent renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Health has fined three airlines for breaching health surveillance regulations at Madinah Airport. The violations pertained to inadequate disease vector control from flights originating in infected areas, underscoring the importance of stringent health measures to protect public safety.
On the humanitarian front, Saudi Arabia has partnered with the UNDP through a $3.5 million agreement to improve water and sanitation for up to 5 million people in Sudan. This initiative, announced during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, will focus on constructing solar-powered water systems and enhancing sanitation facilities in Kassala and Gedaref states.
In other news, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have led to nearly 50 deaths, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East. The airstrikes have also targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen, resulting in significant civilian casualties and prompting international calls for a ceasefire.
Lastly, at the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed the Middle East's stability and the need for global financial reforms. Guterres praised Egypt's leadership role, while Abdelatty emphasized the necessity for better financial access for developing countries.
Transitioning from calls for peace to strides in renewable energy, Saudi Arabia has secured $3.2 billion for three new solar PV projects through a collaboration involving ACWA Power, Badeel, and SAPCO. These projects contribute to the nation's ambitious goal of achieving 70 percent renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Health has fined three airlines for breaching health surveillance regulations at Madinah Airport. The violations pertained to inadequate disease vector control from flights originating in infected areas, underscoring the importance of stringent health measures to protect public safety.
On the humanitarian front, Saudi Arabia has partnered with the UNDP through a $3.5 million agreement to improve water and sanitation for up to 5 million people in Sudan. This initiative, announced during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, will focus on constructing solar-powered water systems and enhancing sanitation facilities in Kassala and Gedaref states.
In other news, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have led to nearly 50 deaths, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East. The airstrikes have also targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen, resulting in significant civilian casualties and prompting international calls for a ceasefire.
Lastly, at the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed the Middle East's stability and the need for global financial reforms. Guterres praised Egypt's leadership role, while Abdelatty emphasized the necessity for better financial access for developing countries.