Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Friday, Apr 18, 2025

UK Suspends Arms Export Licenses to Israel; Global Geopolitical Developments Unfold

UK suspends arms export licenses to Israel over humanitarian law concerns, while New Zealand cites China as a major intelligence threat in annual report.
The UK has suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel over concerns that the equipment might be used for serious violations of international humanitarian law. This decision drew criticism from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for potentially undermining Israel without contributing to peace or hostage release. Foreign Minister David Lammy, however, defended the move as a necessary safeguard.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service has deemed China a "complex intelligence concern" in its annual threat report, highlighting Beijing's covert influence and manipulation of media through front organizations. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stressed the need for caution in maintaining New Zealand's independent values, despite significant economic ties with China.

Shifting to the global energy market, Brent oil prices have dropped to $77.35 a barrel amid concerns about China's slow economic growth, which overshadowed the halt in Libyan oil production. On the other hand, West Texas Intermediate crude saw a rise to $74.05 as the market remains jittery about demand and ongoing geopolitical disruptions. OPEC+ plans to boost output, despite these uncertainties.

In the fintech sector, Tabby, a Saudi buy-now-pay-later company, has acquired the digital wallet provider Tweeq, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 National Fintech Strategy. This strategic move, announced at the 24 Fintech event in Riyadh, aims to expand Tabby's financial products and enhance digital spending access for consumers.

On the humanitarian front, Riyadh's Project Masam has cleared over 1,000 explosive devices in Yemen, facilitating safe passage and aid delivery. Since its inception in 2018, the project has successfully removed 457,711 mines and unexploded ordnances, significantly improving the safety of civilians in regions such as Marib, Aden, and Sanaa.

Lastly, Iran's Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence for a Basij volunteer involved in the killing of 60-year-old Mohammad Jamehbozorg during the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests. This marks an unusual instance of accountability within security forces amid a crackdown that resulted in over 500 deaths and 22,000 detentions. The current administration continues to investigate allegations of police brutality, including a recent controversial custodial death.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Worldwide Markets Decline as U.S.-China Trade Frictions Intensify
OpenAI Lands Unprecedented $40 Billion Investment
Removing the Political Adversary is Dismantling What's Remaining of Turkey's Economy.
Ex-FIFA President and French Football Icon Acquitted of Corruption Allegations
White House Investigates Security Breach After Journalist Accidentally Added to Secret Yemen Strike Chat
Volunteers in Jeddah Ensure No One Goes Hungry During Ramadan Iftar
New Restaurant Opens in Makkah's Iconic Clock Tower for Ramadan Iftar
Saudi Arabia's Project Masam Removes 552 Houthi Mines in Yemen
Saudi Arabia Fines Over 400 Foreign Trucks for Regulatory Violations
Saudi National Campaign for Charitable Work Reports Significant Donations in Ramadan
Historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque Restored in Asir as Part of National Heritage Initiative
KSrelief Expands Humanitarian Efforts in Syria, Sudan, and Lebanon
Saudi Arabia Advocates for Global Water Cooperation at Forum
Madinah Governor Tours Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
Saudi Foreign Minister in Cairo to Lead Meeting on Gaza Developments
Recognition of Saudi and Pakistani Entrepreneurs at Riyadh Ceremony
UAE Announces $1.4 Trillion Investment Plan in the United States
Saudi Arabia Innovates in Soil Quality and Water Conservation
Governor of Taif Engages with Rose and Aromatic Plants Cooperative
Saudi Food and Drug Authority Enhances Preparations for Hajj Season
Saudi Arabia Distributes Aid to Yemen and Romania
Restoration of Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh Underlines Heritage Preservation Efforts
Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 25,000 for Immigration Violations in One Week
UAE’s ADQ and Energy Capital Partners Announce $25 Billion Energy Venture in the U.S.
KSrelief Launches Extensive Ramadan Food Aid Initiative
Ramadan Celebrations Revitalize Historic Jeddah
Makkah Authorities Urge Worshippers to Follow Crowd Management Guidelines
Direct Flights Between Dammam and Damascus Reestablished for Syrian Residents
Saudi Main Index Rises to Close at 11,760 Amid Mixed Market Performance
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch Visits Prophet's Mosque in Madinah
Cultural Development Fund Hosts Third Annual Storytellers Event in Riyadh
Investment Surge in Fintech, Gaming, and Health Care Across MENA Region
Surging Prices for Religious Tourism in Saudi Arabia Amid Ramadan Rush
Middle Eastern Airlines’ Fleet Projected to Surge Above Global Growth Rates
Oil Prices Rise Amid Supply Concerns and Sanctions on Iran
Saudi Arabia Reports Significant Decrease in US Treasury Holdings
Tabuk's Transformative Economic Landscape: A Hub of Growth and Innovation in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's Strategic Advances in Water Sustainability
Merrill Lynch Appointed as Market Maker for 20 Securities on Saudi Exchange
Gold Prices Set for Third Weekly Gain Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Uncertainty
Saudi Banks Increase Debt Market Activities Amid Sukuk Surge
Saudi Aramco Launches Direct Air Capture Technology to Combat Emissions
Saudi Arabia Enhances Crowd Management at Grand Mosque for Ramadan
Abeer Al Akel Appointed CEO of Royal Commission for AlUla
Ukraine Pursues Partial Ceasefire in Saudi Arabia Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict
Saudi Arabia Arrests Over 25,000 Illegal Residents in Week-long Security Campaign
Royal Order Extends Dr. Eman Al-Mutairi’s Tenure as Deputy Minister of Commerce
Prophet’s Mosque Hosts 4,000 Mu’takifs for Ramadan Itikaf
Yemeni National Arrested for Exploiting Children for Begging in Riyadh
Makkah Region Records Highest Rainfall in Saudi Arabia
×