RIYADH: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council has condemned Israel’s escalation in Jerusalem and repeated attacks by Israeli soldiers on Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi criticized the violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa and the lack of respect of Israeli forces during Ramadan.

Albudaiwi said that Israeli aggression during the holy month and the continuation of the incursions at the mosque were a violation of the sanctities of the holy sites.

RIYADH: A Jordanian cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Bishr Khasawneh on Sunday decided to approve measures to facilitate transfer of non-Jordanian workers into various economic sectors and activities, aimed to regulate the country’s labor market and reduce number of illegal workers.

The Council of Ministers set a three-month deadline to implement the procedures, provided that the situation is re-assessed after the end of this period.

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis noted his “deep concern” on Sunday over a flare-up in tensions between Israel and Palestinians, delivering an Easter Mass in which he denounced the barriers to peace in the world.
He said the renewed violence “threatens the desired climate of trust and mutual respect needed to resume dialogue,” addressing a crowd of some 100,000 gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

RIYADH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has strongly condemned repeated incursions by Israeli forces and settlers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, Kuwait News Agency reported on Saturday.
In a statement issued following an extraordinary meeting called by Palestine and Jordan, the OIC described the incidents as a serious escalation, and condemned continued aggression by Israelis on the holy city, as well as attacks on worshippers, including women and children.

RAMALLAH: Christians of all denominations prepared to celebrate Easter in Jerusalem amid expectations that — like last year — Israeli authorities would limit the number of Palestinian Christians allowed to participate in these celebrations.

With Christian families from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip required to obtain permits to enter the Old City, and with military checkpoints stationed there and on roads leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, many were dissuaded from participating in the celebrations, Arab News was told.