KUWAIT CITY, Sept 17: Kuwait’s Cabinet on Tuesday condemned the recent Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar, describing it as a flagrant violation of sovereignty and international law. The Council reaffirmed full support for Doha’s right to protect its security and stability, and praised the remarks of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, at Bayan Palace, was followed by statements from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Sherida Al-Muasherji.

The Cabinet reviewed messages received by the Amiri Diwan from heads of brotherly and friendly nations, addressed to His Highness the Amir, concerning ways to enhance bilateral ties and activate cooperation in various sectors.

At the summit, His Highness the Amir reiterated Kuwait’s condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces' “brutal aggression” on September 9, calling the attack on Qatar a direct threat to regional and international peace. He emphasized that Qatar’s security is an essential pillar of both the Arab and Islamic nations, offering condolences to Qatar’s leadership and people, including for the martyrdom of Bader Saad Al-Dosari.

The Amir warned that repeated violations by Israeli forces reflect a dangerous escalation and deliberate disregard for international norms. He urged the international community and the UN Security Council to take immediate and effective steps to halt the aggression and hold the perpetrators accountable.

He also commended Qatar’s efforts since the onset of the Gaza conflict nearly two years ago, praising its attempts to protect Palestinian civilians, push for ceasefire agreements, and uphold international legitimacy, including support for the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Cabinet welcomed the final communiqué issued by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Supreme Council, which condemned the Israeli aggression against Qatar and reiterated that the security of GCC states is indivisible. It endorsed full solidarity with Doha and expressed readiness to support it with all capabilities.

The GCC leaders instructed the Joint Defense Council to convene urgently in Doha, preceded by a meeting of the Supreme Military Committee, to assess collective defense postures and direct the Unified Military Command to activate joint deterrence mechanisms in response to the Israeli threat.

Separately, the Cabinet was informed of the upcoming official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to New York, where he will head Kuwait’s delegation to the high-level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly session, taking place from September 19 to 26. The delegation will include Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Director General Sheikh Dr. Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and senior officials from the Amiri Diwan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On the domestic front, the Cabinet reviewed a presentation by Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei on preparations for the 2025–2026 academic year. The briefing covered infrastructure readiness, educational plans, and the opening of ten new schools—including seven in Al-Mutlaa City, two specialized schools for the hearing impaired, and one in Ashbilia. The Ministry also introduced the “Balag” electronic system to monitor rehabilitation and logistics work in schools.

The presentation highlighted ongoing curriculum updates aimed at strengthening national identity, unity, and patriotism, and discussed new standards for school cafeterias, including the accreditation of 20 companies and an agreement with Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company for investment in school food services.

Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed a report presented by the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, and the Acting Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem. The report assessed the first-quarter progress of Kuwait’s 2025–2026 annual development plan, which encompasses 141 projects with a financial allocation of KWD 1.3 billion. It also outlined legislative, administrative, and technical challenges affecting implementation and noted 63 proposed laws related to economic reform, infrastructure, privatization, and investment zones.

The Cabinet approved a draft decree-law amending Law No. 67 of 1983, which establishes the Public Authority for Minors’ Affairs. The amendments introduce Articles 6 bis and 21 bis, which authorize the formation of a permanent committee from the General Investment Authority to oversee investment programs, and empower the Minister of Justice to regulate notifications and procedures under the law. The draft was submitted to His Highness the Amir for approval.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to Article 10 of Decree No. 257 of 1993, giving the Endowment Resources Development and Investment Committee sole authority over strategies and operations for investing endowment funds, in accordance with Islamic Sharia and regulatory laws. The draft decree will be submitted to His Highness the Amir.

Furthermore, the Cabinet endorsed a draft decree-law to repeal Law No. 114 of 2014 on health insurance for retired citizens, citing inefficiencies, high costs, and duplication of health services that strained public finances. The draft law will also be submitted to His Highness the Amir.

In closing, the Cabinet mourned the passing of former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil, Dr. Emad Mohammed Al-Ateeqi, praising his distinguished service to Kuwait and extending condolences to his family.

The Council reviewed additional items on its agenda, approving several and referring others to relevant ministerial committees for further study and implementation.