saudi arabia

Hundreds died in intense heat during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials say

By Samy Magdy, Jon Gambrell, Associated Press

Hundreds of people have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom.

As Muslim pilgrims perform final rites of Hajj, 14 Jordanians die of sunstroke in Saudi Arabia

By Samy Magdy, Associated Press

Masses of pilgrims on Sunday embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia under the soaring summer heat. The ritual marks the final days of the Hajj, or Islamic pilgrimage, and the start of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for…

The Hajj pilgrimage and why it's significant for Muslims

By Mariam Fam, Associated Press

Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam.

Aramco announces $121 billion profit in 2023, Saudi oil giant's 2nd highest on record

By Jon Gambrell, Associated Press

Saudi oil giant Aramco on Sunday reported it made $121 billion in profit last year, down from its 2022 record due to lower energy prices.

Experts discuss obstacles to Palestinian statehood and Saudi-Israeli normalization

By Nick Schifrin, Dan Sagalyn

Saudi leaders say diplomatic normalization with Israel isn’t possible without steps toward a Palestinian state. The U.S. hopes a pause in fighting could lead to progress on reforming the Palestinian Authority, normalization and two states. Nick Schifrin discussed more with…

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Obstacles loom as Blinken returns to Middle East to negotiate plans for Gaza

By Matthew Lee, Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy, Associated Press

Blinken hopes to press ahead with a potential cease-fire deal and postwar planning while tamping down regional tensions. But on on all three fronts he faces major challenges.

Saudi Arabia won't normalize Israel relations without Palestinian state plan, top diplomat says

By Melanie Lidman, Wafaa Shurafa, Associated Press

The dispute over Gaza’s future pits Israel against its top ally, the United States, as well as much of the international community.

In Davos, Israel's president calls ties with Saudi Arabia key to ending war in Gaza

By Jamey Keaten, Melanie Lidman, Associated Press

Isaac Herzog said Thursday at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that the relationship is still fragile but is "an opportunity to move forward."…

Germany approves missile export to Saudi Arabia in departure from previous policy

By Associated Press

News of the Iris-T export approval comes after Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Sunday that Germany is open to delivering more Eurofighter jets, made by a multinational consortium in which Berlin is involved, to Saudi Arabia.

Blinken meets with leaders in Saudi Arabia, UAE in push to contain Israel-Hamas war

By Matthew Lee, Associated Press

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that four key Arab nations and Turkey have agreed to begin planning for the reconstruction and governance of Gaza once Israel’s war against Hamas ends.