Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s office in Washington, would return to the Palestinian territories Wednesday,
Holy city
Gaza
Saudi Arabia, UAE slam Israeli fire in Gaza
UAE rejects use of force to confront peaceful demonstrations, which mark the 70th anniversary of Nakba
Gaza
Israeli forces kill 55 in Gaza clashes as US opens Jerusalem embassy
US blocked the adoption of a United Nations Security Council statement that would have called for an independent probe into the violence
Al-Aqsa mosque
Defying 50-year taboo, Palestinians run for Jerusalem elections
This year, at least two groups of east Jerusalem Palestinians say they plan an unprecedented run for the municipal council in October to air Palestinian grievances and lobby for their neighbourhoods in the city
Abu Dhabi Financial Group
Abu Dhabi’s ADFG seeks new projects in Saudi holy city
Abu Dhabi Financial Group and Jabal Omar Development Company sign agreement for Makkah partnership
Holy city
Four British pilgrims killed in Saudi road crash
Crash occurred on Saturday near the western Saudi town of Al Khalas while the pilgrims were on their way to the holy city of Mecca
Holy city
Saudi Arabia’s first Taj hotel to open in holy city
Indian Hotels Company Limited says 340-room hotel will open in Makkah in 2023
Donald Trump
Trump denies US embassy to be moved to Jerusalem within a year
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said last month the embassy move was ‘probably no earlier than three years out’
Donald Trump
Sweden warns against cutting US aid to Palestinians
US administration reportedly withheld $125m in funds due on January 1 for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
US Vice President Pence to travel to Middle East next week
Pence’s Middle East tour was delayed amid anger over Washington’s policy shift on Jerusalem
Ahmed Abul Gheit
Arabs seek recognition for Palestinian capital in east Jerusalem
Arab League talks attended by the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs Anwar Gargash
Donald Trump
UN to vote Monday on measure rejecting US Jerusalem decision
Diplomats said they expected the United States to use its veto power to block the measure
Holy city
Saudi ruler orders creation of ‘King Salman Complex’
New complex will house a council of expert scholars to promote Islamic teachings