Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026

Saudi Arabia Launches Global Harmony Initiative Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

Saudi Arabia's Global Harmony Initiative aims to unite expatriate communities and strengthen international ties, as the nation also extends humanitarian aid to Lebanon amid regional tensions.
Saudi Arabia has embarked on a significant journey with the launch of its Global Harmony Initiative in Riyadh, designed to celebrate the rich cultural diversity within its expatriate communities. This effort, integrated into Saudi Vision 2030, promises to unite communities through collaborative events involving key figures from countries like India and Indonesia, thereby enhancing bilateral ties and societal integration.

Meanwhile, across the globe, UK charities, spearheaded by the Disaster Emergency Committee, have issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian aid directed at Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank amidst the escalating Middle East crisis. With 15 organizations uniting to address the dire needs exacerbated by conflict, the UK government has committed to matching up to £10 million in donations, closely monitoring the unfolding situation in Israel for additional support.

Back in the United States, a poignant moment unfolded as President Joe Biden, alongside former Presidents Obama and Clinton, paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Ethel Kennedy. Celebrated for her unwavering advocacy and resilience, Ethel's contributions to social justice were remembered fondly at a memorial service, highlighting her efforts in founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

On the humanitarian front, Saudi Arabia continues its outreach with the dispatch of a fourth relief plane to Lebanon, reinforcing its commitment to regional support through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. This ongoing Saudi air bridge delivers essential supplies, buttressed by international collaborators like the UAE and France, to alleviate the suffering of those affected by Israeli airstrikes and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Meanwhile, in a strategic military move, US and UK forces carried out airstrikes targeting Houthi weapons facilities in Yemen, marking ongoing efforts to curtail Iran-backed Houthi control amid rising tensions. These operations highlight the continued geopolitical complexities, with military actions aimed at destabilizing adversarial footholds in the region.

In a related development of regional unrest, Israeli airstrikes in Syria's port city of Latakia have sparked significant fires, with Syrian air defenses reportedly engaging the incoming Israeli forces. This escalation aligns with Israel's intensifying military operations targeting Iran-affiliated locations, a response to recent provocations from adversarial factions.
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