King Salman: Saudi’s Stance on Palestine Remains Firm

Jeddah, 14 Ramadaan 1437/20 June 2016 (MINA) – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman receives at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Sunday Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The King emphasized the Kingdom’s firm stance toward the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

King Salman received a gift from President Abbas, SPA reported.

Their meeting comes in the same day when Israel’s government approved some $18 million in additional financing for West Bank settlements, calling it a response to security concerns, though the money is to be used in a variety of ways.

The decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing cabinet will see some 70 million shekels ($18 million, 16 million euros) allocated to settlement-related spending.

According to Haaretz newspaper, the amount is in addition to an already allocated $88 million.

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law and major stumbling blocks to peace as they are built on land Palestinians view as part of their future state.

The United States, the European Union and many others in the international community have called for a halt to settlement building. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)