Kuwait in a Week

Amir reviews MoE preparations

 HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Monday Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, who presented to HH the Amir a report on the preparations for the new 2025-2026 academic year and briefed him on the new curricula.

HH the Amir praised the efforts of the ministry of education to meet the needs of school students and foster the talents of a creative generation. He emphasized the importance of early preparation and attention to developmental requirements, wishing all students success in their studies. — KUNA 

Kuwait Amir representative highlights Palestinians' plight before UNSC, urges end of suffering

 The Representative of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, addressed an emergency UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East, speaking on behalf of the GCC states. He highlighted the "grotesque suffering" of the Palestinian people, describing the situation in the Gaza Strip as "genocide and ethnic cleansing", citing the loss of over 60,000 martyrs, mostly women and children.

The Crown Prince vehemently condemned "brutal Israeli attacks" on Qatar, affirming that undermining any GCC state's security is an attack on all members. He asserted that fair and permanent peace is only achievable through the two-state solution, based on international resolutions and the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital.

His Highness urged the international community, particularly the Security Council, to hold perpetrators accountable, prevent further violations, and ensure the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. He welcomed the recent international recognition of the Palestinian state and asked the Security Council to translate words into immediate action: stop Israeli aggression, ensure humanitarian aid, protect civilians, and end the "illegitimate occupation." The GCC reiterated its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinians, viewing the crimes as a threat to regional and international security.—KUNA

 Crown Prince: Israeli collective punishment of Palestinians runs counter to religion, law, and humanity

 The Middle East region has been witnessing serious escalation of Israeli occupation military operations against the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip and the remaining parts of Palestine, including Jerusalem and the West Bank, Representative of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said.

Those military operations, along the two-year long "collective punishment" of the Palestinian people, run counter to religion, law, and humanity and have claimed the lives of tens of thousands, most of whom are children and women while using starvation as a tool of war, His Highness said as he delivered Kuwait's speech at the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York on Wednesday.

The Israeli occupation's operations undermine the pursuit of peace in the region, which could only be achieved by the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the borders of June 4, 1967, in accordance with the resolutions of international and the Arab Peace Initiative, His Highness stressed. Kuwait welcomes the recognition of the State of Palestine by many countries over the past year, and urges other countries to take similar steps, His Highness said, adding that Kuwait will keep backing Palestinians' rights, referring to Kuwait's supportive stances, especially to UNRWA.

His Highness also voiced Kuwait support to the sovereignty of both Syria and Lebanon, as well as best wishes for their future prosperity, while pointing out to Kuwait's "concern" over the security situations in Libya, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia. His Highness renewed the call for the Islamic Republic of Iran to take serious confidence-building measures to restart a dialogue based on mutual respect for states' sovereignty, and non-interference in their internal affairs.

Pending issues

Delivering Kuwait's speech before the 80th session of UN General Assembly late on Wednesday, His Highness the Crown Prince said, "I'm pleased to convey to you congratulations of His Highness the Amir on the success of this session."

His Highness the Crown Prince called on the brotherly Republic of Iraq to take tangible steps to address all pending issues between the two countries. His Highness the Crown Prince stressed the importance of the demarcation of maritime boundary beyond the 162 mark with Iraq, in accordance with international laws and charters, as well as addressing the issues of POWs and missing persons, in addition to the country's national archive for the last three decades.

His Highness also appealed to the Iraqi brothers to abide by bilateral agreements related to security and technical aspects of Khor Abdullah issue.

His Highness the Crown Prince congratulated Annalena Baerbock on being elected as President of the 80th UNGA Session, extolling efforts made by the outgoing president Philemon Yang during his tenure. He commended the constructive endeavors of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to maintain international peace and security amid accelerated global changes.

His Highness the Crown Prince said UN Secretary General launched the UN80 Initiative, which is compatible with reform efforts aiming to boost the UN efficacy to be able to face future threats and challenges. "When speaking about reforms within the framework of a multilateral international system, reforming the UN must be on the top of these priorities. And we are fully convinced that there is a necessity to make reforms which consolidate just principles, transparency and credibility without double standards policies. This will strengthen the Security Council to confront contemporary threats for a structure that mirrors the world in which we live," His Highness the Crown Prince highlighted.

In the same vein, Kuwait is honored to preside over the current (45th) GCC Supreme Council, reiterating "our" firm resolve to carry on this blessed path, strengthen the strategic partnership with regional and international organizations and achieve desired goals, as the bloc proved being a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the region, His Highness noted. His Highness also renewed the Council's solidarity with member state Qatar in the aftermath of the recent Israeli attack on its territory. - KUNA

 Kuwaiti activists on Sumud Flotilla brave challenges to break Gaza siege

The Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest convoy of its kind carrying medical and food aid, set sail for the Gaza Strip to challenge the siege imposed by Israel. The mission, organized by a coalition of activists, humanitarians, and professionals from around the world, gathered in Tunisia after setting off from Spain and Italy.

The Kuwaiti Delegation and the Call to Action

Among the hundreds of international volunteers were six Kuwaiti citizens, including Abdullah Al-Mutawaa and his friend Khalid Al-Abduljader. Since mid-August, they had been waiting in Tunisia, having put their lives on hold for what Al-Mutawaa called a "rightful and necessary mission, one that is worth making sacrifices for," and emphatically stating it was "not an adventure."

Logistical issues and suspected "intentional sabotage," including drone attacks and damaged engines, forced the steering committee to reduce the number of participants. Out of the six Kuwaitis, only three were able to secure a spot on a vessel: businessman Al-Mutawaa, lawyer Al-Abduljader, and Dr. Mohammed Jamal. The remaining three—Duaa Aldrees, Ahmad Al-Awadhi, and Ahmed Abdulkarim—continued to support the mission via social media, with Aldrees stressing the need for "real action" beyond prayers and donations while "an entire people are being annihilated."

A Miraculous Boarding

The final boarding of Al-Mutawaa and Al-Abduljader was described as a moment of "divine decree." After days of uncertainty, Al-Mutawaa, guided by an intuition after praying istikhara, checked out of his hotel with his essentials ready. Unexpectedly, a seat opened up. Because Al-Mutawaa was the only one fully prepared, he was given the spot. He then successfully pleaded for his friend Al-Abduljader to join him, arguing, "We’re like one body, split into two souls. We can’t be separated."

The pair highlighted the longstanding Kuwaiti support for Palestine as their inspiration, citing the examples of Kuwait’s late Amirs and confirming that their actions were guided by "their example and our love for their deeds."

The Message and the Risk

The flotilla's core message is purely humanitarian. Al-Mutawaa made it clear that the vessels carry only aid like "medicines and milk for babies," and that if confronted with violence, they would not resist, stating, "If we break the siege, we’ve completed the mission, and we leave." The organizing coalition is independent, with its "allegiance... to justice, freedom, and the sanctity of human life."

Activists are fully aware of the security risks, including the history of attacks on previous flotillas and threats from Israeli officials to treat them as terrorists. They underwent extensive training in first-aid, emergency procedures, and legal rights in different maritime zones, including what to do if intercepted. Threats remain constant, with drones and reconnaissance aircraft repeatedly sighted overhead.

In a show of solidarity, sixteen countries, including Turkey, Qatar, Oman, and South Africa, issued a joint statement demanding protection for the flotilla and warning that any attack or detention would violate international law. The flotilla's ultimate goal is to remain off the coast of Gaza, allowing local boats to safely approach and receive the aid, including the chocolate and candy Al-Mutawaa hopes to deliver to the children of Gaza.

 Kuwait dispatches 11th relief plane to support Palestinians

 Kuwait is intensifying its humanitarian efforts for Gaza under the "Kuwait by Your Side" campaign, with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) coordinating an ongoing airlift. On Sunday, the 11th relief plane delivered 10 tons of food supplies to El-Arish Airport in Egypt, bringing the total urgent aid since August 10th to 200 tons. KRCS Chairman Khaled Al-Mughamis affirmed the society’s commitment to continue dispatching relief convoys in line with Kuwait’s political leadership, stressing that the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza require "intensified efforts" to mitigate the crisis.

In a separate development marking the International Day of Peace, Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammad Al-Yamahi asserted that lasting peace in the region hinges on ending the Israeli occupation of Arab territories and establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Al-Yamahi stressed the need to hold Israel accountable for genocide against the Palestinian people and reiterated that the Palestinian cause remains the cornerstone for regional stability.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world not to be "intimidated" by Israel and its threats of "creeping annexation" of the West Bank. Ahead of the UN General Assembly, Guterres described the events in Gaza as "horrendous," citing the worst level of death and destruction he has witnessed, along with famine and the collapse of health care. This warning comes as several countries, despite strong opposition from Israel and its allies like the US, prepare to formally recognize a Palestinian state.—Agencies

  Kuwait Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights  

Kuwait’s permanent delegation to the United Nations in Geneva has reaffirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and its full cooperation with all mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.

Second Secretary Dr. Nada Al-Dhubaib, speaking during an interactive dialogue at the Council’s 60th session, highlighted Kuwait’s domestic efforts to advance human rights. These efforts are primarily channeled through its National Development Plan, New Kuwait 2035.

The vision focuses on key areas to improve the quality of life, including building a diversified and sustainable economy, empowering women and youth, promoting social justice, and enhancing education and healthcare services. Dr. Al-Dhubaib also noted initiatives to support small and medium enterprises, broaden social protection, and ensure equal opportunities for all segments of society.

She emphasized the indivisible nature of economic, social, and cultural rights from civil and political rights, stressing the need for a fair international environment built on multilateral cooperation, respect for international law, and the non-politicization of human rights issues. — KUNA

 Crown Prince: Gaza genocide a deep wound in human conscience

Representative of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, shed light on the Gaza catastrophe and the brotherly Palestinian people’s suffering. This came in a speech delivered on Tuesday by HH the Crown Prince on behalf of GCC states, during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian cause.

HH the Crown Prince said the brotherly Palestinian people have been facing the most grotesque suffering, an unfair suffocating siege, devastation and the loss of over 60,000 martyrs, most of them women and children. What is going on in the Strip is genocide and ethnic cleansing, which are a deep wound in human conscience that need immediate action, HH Sheikh Sabah noted.

“We have worriedly followed up the last military escalation. We condemn in the strongest terms the brutal Israeli attacks on the sisterly State of Qatar,” he told the attendees. “We clearly affirm that undermining a GCC state’s security is an attack of all GCC members. Our security, position and fate are shared,” he underlined.

HH the Amir’s Representative added fair and permanent justice in “our” region could only be achieved through the two-state solution based on the international legitimacy resolutions topped with the Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. This is the only way to end the Zionist occupation, ensure legitimate Palestinian people’s rights and establish an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, HH the Crown Prince stressed. “We warn against undermining this solution through the policies of settlement, displacement and imposing the status quo,” he affirmed.

HH the Crown Prince urged the international community, mainly the Security Council, to bear its full responsibility to prevent the repetition of these violations, and ensure the perpetrators would not go unpunished and the access of Palestinian people’s inalienable rights to self-determination. He welcomed the countries’ recognition of Palestinian state on Monday during the high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of Palestine’s issue and the implementation of the two-state solution. He termed the step as “blessed and courageous” that goes in harmony with international law and justice.

In addition, HH the Crown Prince said that the GCC reiterated its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, and that these crimes are not only against Palestinians, as they pose a threat to regional and international security as a whole. He asked the Security Council to translate its words into practical steps to immediately stop the Zionist aggression and ensure humanitarian aid access, protect civilians and end the unfair and illegitimate occupation for the sake of safety and security. HH Sheikh Sabah thanked the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) request to hold this emergency session. – KUNA

 Kuwait records unprecedented medical milestone with the longest-distance remote robotic surgery

 Relying on Zain's leadership in international connectivity and with the support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), the Ministry of Health, represented by the surgical team at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, led by Dr Suleiman Al-Mazidi, Dr Muhannad Al-Haddad, and Dr Humoud Al-Rashidi, has achieved a new global feat by performing an intercontinental remote robotic surgery from Kuwait on a patient in Brazil, at a distance exceeding 12,000 kilometers. It is the farthest by distance in history, under review by the Guinness World Records.

Minister of Health, Dr Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi, said: “The wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is guiding Kuwait with steady steps and an ambitious will toward a sustainable digital future for the health sector.” Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, said: “Following the directives of His Highness the Amir to make Kuwait a platform for digital medical innovation that the region and the world look to, today we are building bridges to the future between medicine and technology to serve Kuwait and open new horizons for healthcare.”

Dr Al-Awadhi and Al-Kharafi observing the remote robotic surgery.

Dr Saleh Al-Aqeli, Deputy Director General for Support Services at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), said: “This initiative represents a model of trials that harness the latest advances in technology in the service of humanity, in line with KFAS’ vision of advancing science, technology, and innovation, and of cementing Kuwait’s position as a center of science and innovation for a prosperous, resilient and sustainable future.”

• Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi: The wise vision of HH the Amir is leading Kuwait with steady steps and an ambitious will toward a digitally sustainable future for the health sector.
• Bader Al-Kharafi: Following the directives of HH the Amir to make Kuwait a platform for digital medical innovation that the region and the world look to, today we are building the bridges of the future between medicine and technology in service of Kuwait and to open new horizons for healthcare.
• Dr Saleh Al-Aqeli: This initiative is a model harnessing the latest technological advances in the service of humanity, aligning with KFAS’ vision that advancing science, technology, and innovation will cement Kuwait’s position as a center of science and innovation for a prosperous, resilient and sustainable future. -- KT