Saudi Arabia has issued emergency alerts throughout the kingdom, culminating in Riyadh, late on Friday and into Saturday morning, citing a “hostile aerial threat.” Reports indicated that at least one explosion was heard in the capital, stirring concern among residents. The government did not specify the cause of these alerts or the nature of the explosions.

However, Saudi authorities have previously noted interception of missiles and drones reportedly launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. This marked the first aerial threat alert in Riyadh amid escalating tensions with the Houthis. Following the incident, local officials lifted the alerts, confirming that no casualties or damage had been reported in the capital. This quick resolution, however, has not alleviated the heightened state of alert in the region.

Regional Developments and Humanitarian Concerns

In tandem with Saudi Arabia’s situation, the UN Security Council condemned Houthi missile attacks, highlighting the potential for escalating the regional conflict. The council warned that further military actions would jeopardise maritime security and international trade, compounded by the already dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The 15-member council urged collective action to prevent the Iran-backed Houthis from accessing arms and other military resources, reaffirming the necessity for all nations to uphold the UN arms embargo towards these rebels. This plea reflects ongoing concerns about stability in Yemen, particularly after waves of violence have resulted in severe humanitarian conditions.

In a related incident, Iran’s state television reported the execution of Hossein Pedram, convicted of espionage for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad. This imminent action follows a troubling trend of increased executions in Iran, attracting scrutiny from various human rights groups.

Civilian Casualties and Impact on Edu in Gaza

In Gaza, violence continues to take its toll on civilians, with recent reports confirming the deaths of two men, including one identified as the son of the General Director of Gaza’s Health Ministry. These deaths occurred amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, and although major fighting has subsided since a ceasefire last October, the mortality rate remains high.

According to health officials, over 13,780 Palestinians have reportedly died in the conflict since the ceasefire, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis. As a further consequence, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) indicated that more than 280,000 children in Gaza are attending classes in tents or damaged facilities, revealing the impact on education.

UNRWA officials reported that many students are forced to sit on the ground due to a shortage of proper classrooms and desks. This stark reality reflects a significant decline in educational infrastructure, with only 5 per cent of schools remaining operational in satisfactory condition since the peak years of educational facilities in 2019. UNICEF provided comparable data, noting that around 700,000 children in Gaza have missed formal schooling over the past three years.

Energy Supply and Regulatory Actions

In a separate development, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding energy supplies and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping routes. The dialogue emphasised the necessity of secure maritime operations amid price pressures and potential disruptions affecting global supply chains.

Meanwhile, in Iran, the prosecutor’s office has initiated legal actions against race organisers following an event where female participants reportedly ran without the mandated headscarves. This incident highlights ongoing tensions related to adherence to legal and religious norms within the country.

In Turkiye, regulatory actions were taken as the banking authority revoked the operating licence of the Istanbul branch of Iran’s Bank Mellat, a move influenced by the need to protect financial stability amidst increasing pressure to tighten sanctions against Iran.

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