RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Iran and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) all condemned yesterday the twin bombings at the Boston Marathon, calling them an act of terrorism.
Three people were killed and more than 170 wounded in the bombings in the worst attack in the United States since the September 11, 2001 atrocities. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque King Abdullah bin Abdulazizi of Saudi Arabia sent a message of condolences to the American people, saying he was “saddened by the news of the two explosions in Boston,” state news agency SPA reported.
“We condemn these acts of terrorism targeting innocent people and committed by criminals who represent only themselves and have neither religion nor faith.”
Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary general of the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation of 57 Muslim states, said in a statement that “such actions targeting an event are cowardly and reprehensible.” And Abdelatif Zayani, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemned “cowardly terrorist acts that go against all values and principles.”
Iran’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the twin bomb blasts at the Boston Marathon that killed at least three people, the country’s state television reported yesterday. “Iran strongly condemns the killing of American citizens in Boston,” said ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast, calling the bombings a “source of sorrow”.
Palestinians open Israeli jail
replica to honour prisoners
GAZA: Palestinians opened a replica of a former Israeli prison in Gaza yesterday to help illuminate the plight of 4,800 kin jailed in Israel after weeks of protests that have triggered clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Murals of famous leaders of Palestinian militant groups who were once held in the Saraya prison decorated walls at the site, along with a leather banner listing the names of 12 detainees who died in what locals dubbed “the slaughterhouse”.
“Prisoner Day,” an annual Palestinian national rite that commemorates the detainees, is set for Wednesday and more street violence with Israeli troops is anticipated.
Palestinians view compatriots held in Israel as heroes of their struggle for statehood, whereas the Jewish state says that many are guilty of killing or hurting innocents and the detentions guarantee its security.
A hunger strike by a handful of prisoners and the deaths of two inmates in custody this year have touched off deadly clashes with Israeli security forces that some analysts say could snowball into a third Palestinian uprising.
Israel capable of attacking Iran on its own: Army chief
JERUSALEM: Israel’s army is capable of attacking Iran on its own without foreign support, Chief of Staff Benny Gantz told public radio on the 65th anniversary of the Jewish state’s foundation.
Asked in an interview if Israel’s military could wage attacks “alone” — without the support of countries such as the United States — against the Islamic republic, Gantz replied, “Yes, absolutely.”
“We have our plans and forecasts... if the time comes we’ll decide” on whether to take military action against Tehran,” he said.
Gantz’s comments echoed statements earlier this month by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Israel would “at no stage... abandon our fate into the hands of other countries, even our best friends.” Israel believes the Islamic republic, which has issued numerous bellicose statements against the Jewish state, is working to achieve military nuclear capabilities. It has not ruled out a military strike to prevent this development.Agencies
