NEW YORK: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states warned at the United Nations that ongoing Zionist violations not only endanger regional security but also undermine the foundations of the international order based on law, justice and human rights, while weakening prospects for sustainable development and peace. The remarks came in a statement delivered by Rashid Al-Abhoul, Third Secretary of Kuwait’s Permanent Delegation to the UN, before the Second Committee under the agenda item on the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Al-Abhoul said the humanitarian situation in the occupied territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip, has reached “an unprecedented level of deterioration” after two years of Zionist aggression. He noted the destruction of infrastructure, significant civilian casualties, soaring poverty and unemployment, and the collapse of health, education and economic services. He added that similar suffering extends to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where Palestinians continue to face discrimination, home demolitions, land confiscation, movement restrictions, escalating settler violence and illegal settlement expansion.

The Gulf Group, he said, is deeply concerned over the impact of Zionist practices on the education sector, highlighting that systematic destruction in Gaza has deprived large numbers of children of their right to schooling. Al-Abhoul also condemned Zionist entity’s continued depletion of natural resources in the occupied Syrian Golan through land and water confiscation and their use in illegal settlement and economic projects – including a wind turbine initiative that has caused severe environmental and health harm to Syrian communities.

Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to UN, Rashid Al-Abhoul

He stressed the need for full commitment to the ceasefire, implementation of its provisions, and the facilitation of urgent humanitarian aid into Gaza to end famine and restore stability. He expressed the GCC’s welcome of the Gaza Agreement signed during the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, based on the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, and made possible through the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. Al-Abhoul noted the group’s anticipation of the International Court of Justice’s upcoming advisory opinion on the obligations of the occupying power, describing it as an important legal reference that reinforces international justice, accountability and efforts to end the occupation and secure the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.

Commenting on the UN Secretary-General’s latest report, he said the Gulf states are following with grave concern the painful realities it outlines, reflecting the depth of suffering experienced by Palestinians and the Syrian population in the occupied Golan as a result of ongoing policies of repression, expansion and settlement.

He concluded by reaffirming the GCC’s unwavering support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities to end the occupation, lift the siege on Gaza, stop all violations and hold perpetrators accountable under international humanitarian and human rights law.

Separately, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tariq Al-Bannai, affirmed the readiness of GCC states to constructively contribute toward building consensus that would lead to a realistic and balanced outcome aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the UN system. Speaking on behalf of the Gulf Group before the UN General Assembly session on the “UN80” initiative, Al-Bannai said genuine reform requires an objective review that promotes institutional integration and preserves balance among the UN’s main pillars.

He described the “UN80” initiative as a real opportunity to strengthen UN bodies, improve performance and achieve a qualitative shift in efficiency and effectiveness. He called for efforts to remain focused on promoting multilateralism in full respect of the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Al-Bannai stressed the need for a pragmatic approach that prioritizes qualitative progress in the next stage and considers the priorities of developing countries, while avoiding their marginalization or diminished geographical representation within the UN system. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) has announced that Kuwait will host the inaugural Gulf Red Crescent Conference on Artificial Intelligence on October 22, under the patronage of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya. The event marks a pioneering step toward developing a unified Gulf vision for harnessing artificial intelligence in humanitarian work, strengthening Kuwait’s role as a hub for humanitarian innovation and Gulf cooperation.

Chairman of the KRCS Board of Directors Khaled Al-Mughamis told KUNA on Saturday that the conference, held under the slogan “Towards New Horizons in Humanitarian Work and Development Media – Investing in the Power of Artificial Intelligence,” will take place in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from October 22 to 23 at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center. He noted that the event coincides with Gulf Red Crescent Day, observed annually on October 23, and will bring together an elite group of experts and specialists from the GCC and beyond, along with representatives of international humanitarian organizations.

Al-Mughamis said the conference reflects the society’s commitment to keeping pace with modern technological developments and using artificial intelligence to support humanitarian work and development media. The event aims to explore how AI can enhance relief and humanitarian programs. The conference agenda features several main sessions covering topics such as the use of AI in collecting and analyzing humanitarian data, early prediction and rapid response mechanisms, data challenges in relief operations, and the ethical and legal aspects of AI use in humanitarian settings.

Sessions will also examine AI applications in relief operations and highlight the experiences of Gulf national societies in the field, in addition to reviewing initiatives that use these technologies in health, environmental and social awareness campaigns. Al-Mughamis added that the conference will also witness the launch of a Gulf digital initiative, as well as a regional workshop to train media professionals in the humanitarian and relief sectors. The workshop will address crisis media coverage, field reporting skills, occupational safety, media ethics, and the production and documentation of digital humanitarian content.— KUNA

AMMAN: The Kuwaiti Embassy in Jordan participated in the 61st annual International Diplomatic Corps Charity Bazaar, organized by the Jordanian Um Al Hussein Charity Association in cooperation with accredited diplomatic missions and under the supervision of the Jordanian Foreign Ministry. Kuwaiti Ambassador to Jordan Hamad Al-Marri told KUNA that the Embassy’s participation reflects Kuwait’s continued commitment to supporting humanitarian and charitable initiatives and promoting social solidarity with the most vulnerable segments of society.

He added that the bazaar highlights cooperation and cultural exchange between nations and provides a unique opportunity to experience the heritage and civilizational diversity of participating countries. Al-Marri emphasized that Kuwaiti embassies worldwide, under the directives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are always keen to participate in events that combine humanitarian work with cultural engagement.

He noted that the patronage of Princess Basma bint Talal underscores Jordan’s steadfast commitment to charitable work and reflects the shared values between the two brotherly countries in supporting and empowering humanity. “The noble efforts of the Um Al Hussein Charity to care for children and provide them with a safe and supportive environment is an inspiring model of humanitarian work that we in Kuwait are keen to support and enhance,” he said. During the event, Ambassador Al-Marri and members of the Kuwaiti Embassy presented an honorary shield to Princess Basma in recognition of her patronage of the bazaar and her ongoing contributions to the Um Al Hussein Charity.

The Kuwaiti pavilion attracted wide public attention, with visitors admiring the range of exhibits showcasing authentic Kuwaiti heritage, local handicrafts, and traditional foods. The Diplomatic Corps Charity Bazaar is among Amman’s most prominent annual events, combining humanitarian and cultural dimensions. Proceeds support the Um Al Hussein Charity, affiliated with the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, which provides care and a safe environment for orphaned children. – KUNA