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Malki: Palestinian Authority Will Rule Gaza After War

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki speaking at the Third Antalya Diplomatic Forum (AP)
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki speaking at the Third Antalya Diplomatic Forum (AP)
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Malki: Palestinian Authority Will Rule Gaza After War

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki speaking at the Third Antalya Diplomatic Forum (AP)
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki speaking at the Third Antalya Diplomatic Forum (AP)

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki expressed hope on Saturday for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip before the Holy month of Ramadan and he criticized Western countries for not regarding Palestinians as human beings.
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the Third Antalya Diplomatic Forum held in south Türkiye, Malki said it was important to announce a ceasefire before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
“It is important not only because Ramadan is a holy month, but also because the number of innocent Palestinians killed and injured is increasing by the day,” he said, adding that if “we are serious about saving lives, we have to act quickly."
Regarding who will govern Gaza after the war, Malki affirmed, “Us, the Palestinian Authority. That's for sure. No doubt about it.”
Commenting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements about the future of governance in Gaza, he said, “Who cares about Netanyahu? Netanyahu is an occupier (and) has no political or legal weight to say so.”
“He is saying it solely to undermine the discussion, but he has no political or legal weight,” Malki added.
“His statement has no significance, and I ignored them... so please ignore them the way that I ignored them,” he said.
Regarding Western countries' stance on events in Gaza, the FM said these countries do not regard Palestinians as human beings, possibly because they do not value Palestinian lives.
Palestinians’ lives may be less important than those of others, he noted.
Malki added that Israel has tried to “dehumanize Palestinians since day one” to have a simple way to kill them, affirming that it appears that the West is still living in the era of colonialism, as evidenced by their behavior and actions.
Unfortunately, he said, “they are unable to rid themselves of their ugly past. As a result, “they judge us precisely from that perspective.”
The FM then expressed sadness over considering Palestinians' killings, as well as the destruction of hospitals, shelters, schools, churches, and mosques as normal.
Malki also praised the achievements made at the Moscow meetings, held last Thursday in the presence of representatives of Palestinian factions, most notably Fatah, Hamas, and the Islamic Jihad.
He said the meeting was capable of solving the basic problem faced by the Palestinians in previous talks. “All participants agreed that the PLO is the body that represents all the Palestinian people,” he added, pointing out that the coming period will witness more internal Palestinian dialogues on elections.
“The conditions are now fit for reaching an internal agreement, and we feel responsibility from everyone,” the FM noted.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Contact Group panel formed during the Riyadh Arab-Islamic Summit held a meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Forum, with the participation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Egyptian FM Sameh Shourky, and Al-Maliki.
In his opening remarks at the panel, Fidan asserted that Israel's actions constitute war crimes, destabilizing the international order.
“Now we are taking this problem into our own hands. We are really taking this job with a regional responsibility. In fact, as a result of this kind of thinking, the Gaza Contact Group was commissioned at the joint OIC-Arab League Summit and is working to take responsibility for the ongoing war in Palestine”, Fidan said.
He added that the Contact Group is continuously pressuring countries supporting Israel and its attacks, aiming to increase humanitarian aid and cease-fire support from a few Western countries.
He also pointed out that the "yes" vote in the UN sessions on the humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza increased from 121 votes in October to 153 after that.
Fidan opposed the hegemony narrative, stating that the current war does not provide security for Israel, emphasizing Palestinians' need for security and self-defense.
He noted that there is another obstacle, saying international calls for a cease-fire and calls for a two-state solution have no impact on Israel.
“It is important to go to the 1967 borders. Only then will the people of Israel truly achieve sustainable security,” the FM said, underlining that Israel will not be safe unless it declares that it does not want to acquire the Palestinian territories.
The Turkish diplomat also noted that Egypt has always been at the heart of the Gaza issue and its role in international humanitarian assistance has been admirable.
For his part, Shoukry emphasized the need for a permanent solution to Israel's Gaza attacks, stating that they have caused “severe instability and insecurity in the region.”
He noted that there were difficulties in the passage of aid from Rafah due to Israeli attacks; they tried to keep the crossing open from the first stage.
Shoukry also noted that Cairo was working to convince the Israeli government to provide support to the Gazans.
“Our efforts have always been blocked. There have been manipulative and restrictive studies, especially related to the amount of aid that can be distributed. There is a very heavy pressure on our brothers in Gaza,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Oncu Keceli, the Turkish Foreign Ministry's spokesperson said that Israeli officials will be brought to justice "sooner or later" for their crimes in the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza.
“We are closely following the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice,” Keceli said in a statement on his X account.
Responding to accusations published by Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz concerning a meeting between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and the head of the Hamas Movement, Ismail Haniyeh, Keceli said, “We are convinced that sooner or later all members of the Israeli government will be brought to justice for the crimes they are committing in Gaza.”

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Arab World

Boeing to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Air Partnership Marks New Chapter in Saudi Relationship

A Boeing 787 aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States. (X)
A Boeing 787 aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States. (X)
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Boeing to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Air Partnership Marks New Chapter in Saudi Relationship

A Boeing 787 aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States. (X)
A Boeing 787 aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States. (X)

US planemaker Boeing expects Saudi Arabia to become one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets in the coming years, powered by major investments in airports, tourism and logistics and by plans to turn the kingdom into a global hub linking Asia, Europe and Africa.

The forecast comes as Riyadh Air builds its international network ahead of expansion into new markets, including the United States.

Asaad Aljomoai, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the kingdom is one of Boeing’s most important growth markets. He said the company’s long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia has entered a new phase that goes beyond aircraft supply to supporting the national aviation ecosystem, transferring knowledge and investing in future technologies.

Aljomoai said Boeing’s relationship with Saudi Arabia spans more than eight decades, dating back to the early days of commercial aviation in the kingdom. The launch of Riyadh Air, the new national carrier, marks a new chapter in that partnership, he said.

He said the 787 Dreamliner would be central to supporting Saudi Arabia’s target of becoming a global hub for aviation, travel and trade.

Saudi Arabia is now one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, backed by major investments in airports, infrastructure, tourism and logistics, as well as the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, Aljomoai said.

He said the kingdom’s geographic position gives it a strategic advantage to become a global hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. He expected strong growth to continue in passenger numbers, aircraft fleets and international destinations in the coming years.

787 Dreamliner

Aljomoai said the choice of the 787 Dreamliner aligns with Riyadh Air’s strategy to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030.

He said the aircraft was designed to help airlines operate long-haul routes with high efficiency, lower fuel consumption, operational flexibility and an advanced passenger experience. That would help carriers open new markets in an economically viable and sustainable way.

Aljomoai said Boeing’s role in Saudi aviation extends beyond aircraft deliveries. It includes training and qualifying national talent, engineering services, digital solutions, supply chains and logistics services, as well as industrial and research partnerships aimed at transferring knowledge and strengthening local capabilities.

He pointed to one of the latest initiatives in this field: an announcement by SkyGrid, a Boeing subsidiary, to activate a memorandum of understanding with the General Authority of Civil Aviation to conduct an operational feasibility study on advanced air mobility technologies.

The study, carried out in cooperation with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, or KAUST, aims to assess the operational and regulatory aspects of those technologies ahead of their potential deployment in the kingdom, in support of Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Operational balance and economic sustainability

On Riyadh Air’s aircraft configuration, Aljomoai said the 787 Dreamliner is among the most efficient aircraft in operation, giving the new national carrier an advantage in achieving economic efficiency from the early stages of its operations.

He said the cabin design uses lower cabin altitude pressure to reduce passenger fatigue, along with the latest connectivity, entertainment and digital service technologies. That would give business and leisure travelers a more comfortable and productive travel experience.

Asked about expansion plans toward the United States, Aljomoai said the aircraft’s range, efficiency and reliability make it an ideal platform for long-haul routes between the kingdom and global markets, including US destinations.

He said the aircraft would help Riyadh Air balance operational expansion with economic sustainability.

New aircraft deliveries

Aljomoai said deliveries of new aircraft would continue according to the timelines and operational plans agreed between Boeing and Riyadh Air.

He said the two sides would maintain close cooperation to ensure aircraft are delivered according to the highest standards of quality and safety, supporting Riyadh Air’s growth plans in the coming years.

Aljomoai said Boeing’s partnership with the kingdom goes beyond commercial ties and reflects the ambition to reshape Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

He said Boeing was proud of its role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by investing in national talent, industrial partnerships and advanced technologies, and by helping build a more prosperous and sustainable future for aviation in the kingdom.

Arab World

Iraqi Government Faces Political Resistance in Anti-Corruption Drive

The Coordination Framework alliance announced its support for the Iraqi prime minister’s anti-corruption measures. (X)
The Coordination Framework alliance announced its support for the Iraqi prime minister’s anti-corruption measures. (X)
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Iraqi Government Faces Political Resistance in Anti-Corruption Drive

The Coordination Framework alliance announced its support for the Iraqi prime minister’s anti-corruption measures. (X)
The Coordination Framework alliance announced its support for the Iraqi prime minister’s anti-corruption measures. (X)

Multiple sources confirmed on Tuesday that Iraq's anti-corruption campaign has begun facing "serious disputes and disagreements" between the government and leaders of Shiite parties, a development that could hinder the execution of new arrest warrants against ministers, senior officials, and lawmakers accused of corruption.

The developments coincide with information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat indicating that authorities have begun implementing a settlement mechanism with a limited number of defendants, on the condition that embezzled public funds are returned to the state treasury.

Last week, Iraqi security forces arrested politicians, lawmakers, and senior government officials in what security and legal sources described as the start of a broader anti-corruption campaign ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Al-Zaidi, who took office in May, has pledged to eradicate corruption, one of Iraq's most persistent challenges despite repeated accountability pledges by successive governments.

Further arrests

The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Coordination Framework, the ruling alliance of Shi’ite forces, is trying to “engineer the pursuit procedures” against corrupt figures. But the effort could clash with a US push to use the campaign to dry up channels used to smuggle money to Iran through its allies and proxies in Iraq.

The Coordination Framework held its regular meeting on Monday evening to discuss “the anti-corruption campaign and halting the waste of public funds,” according to a press statement.

The alliance renewed its “support for government and judicial measures aimed at combating corruption,” and stressed that it would “move ahead with steps that preserve public funds and strengthen the authority of the law.”

The meeting drew attention because it was attended by Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zidan. Observers said his presence could suggest that the campaign’s continuation is facing political scrutiny and requires additional backing for al-Zaidi.

But the sources said, “Shi’ite party leaders needed further clarifications and direct talks with the head of the judiciary over the course of the operation and the nature of the arrest warrants.”

Forces within the ruling alliance had earlier declared support for the government’s anti-corruption campaign. Still, that did not prevent “a wave of anger and objections” from sweeping through the Coordination Framework over the way the campaign was carried out and the limits it should observe, informed sources said.

The sources said the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, was among the parties most “displeased” by the latest campaign, especially after the arrest of a significant number of its lawmakers and affiliates.

A view has taken hold inside the coalition that the campaign is directly targeting the bloc of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, rather than other Shi’ite leaders.

The government has defended the campaign's legality, saying it is acting on “arrest warrants issued by judicial institutions.”

Engineering prosecutions

Many political leaders believe the anti-corruption drive must be "carefully managed" to ensure it remains under control and does not extend to highly sensitive positions and influential figures, the sources said.

The sources said most factions within the Coordination Framework seek to leverage the anti-corruption campaign in two ways. The first is to "absorb public anger over rampant corruption across much of the state apparatus by targeting a specific group of corrupt officials."

The second is to "restore the reputation of the political system, which has suffered severe damage as a result of corruption and poor governance."

The sources added that most political factions favor, as part of managing the process, having the authorities develop "a settlement mechanism for certain defendants." Authorities have already applied such a mechanism to some of the individuals named on the wanted list issued by the judiciary last week, in exchange for recovering embezzled public funds for the state treasury.

However, the sources believe this could "clash with pressing US demands to cut off corruption networks that Iran and its allies exploit to secure funding within various state institutions."

Meanwhile, State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki said in a televised interview that "corruption is not limited to Adnan al-Jumaili," referring to the deputy oil minister whose case came to light last week and whose confessions implicated lawmakers and senior government officials.

Parliamentary anger

The latest anti-corruption campaign has stirred alarm in parliament. Political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that “a number of lawmakers are now worried that the next wave of arrests could reach them, to the point that some are avoiding attending sessions.”

Some political parties have accused the parliament speaker of “favoring” certain blocs and punishing others in handling requests to lift the immunity of certain lawmakers, while ignoring similar requests against others, paving the way for their arrest.

On Monday, lawmaker Samiya al-Ghallab of the Taqaddum party, led by former parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, voiced anger over the latest measures against some lawmakers.

She said the most recent parliamentary session had seen a protest over the way arrest warrants were carried out against defendants in corruption cases linked to the confessions of Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili.

“The way the arrests were carried out resembled a Hollywood action movie,” Ghallab said in a televised interview.

Ghallab said Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi had “ordered the formation of an investigative committee to examine the force that carried out the arrest warrants, and another committee to review Jumaili’s confessions and visit the detained lawmakers.”

But Taqaddum rejected Ghallab’s remarks and issued a disciplinary reprimand against her, saying her statements were “contrary to the party’s positions.”

The party said it supports the measures taken by the executive, legislative and judicial authorities to combat corruption.

Arab World

France to Give Syria 50 Mn Euros Stolen by Assad Uncle, Says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP)
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France to Give Syria 50 Mn Euros Stolen by Assad Uncle, Says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday on a visit to Syria that Paris will return more than 50 million euros ($57 million) stolen by the family of former ruler Bashar al-Assad to the country.

During his landmark visit to Damascus, the first of a European Union head of state since Assad fell in late 2024, the two countries signed several agreements focusing on development and reconstruction after more than a decade of civil war.

One of them involves the return of money that France had confiscated from Rifaat al-Assad, the ousted leader's uncle.

Macron told a joint press conference with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa that "more than 50 million euros from the seizure of ill-gotten gains by the family of the former dictator... will be returned to the Syrian people to finance concrete development projects in the territory".

The declaration of intent signed by both countries' foreign ministers said that the two nations will "begin the process of returning 51 million euros from the seizure of Rifaat al-Assad's ill-gotten gains, confiscated by the French justice system".

Rifaat went into exile in 1984 after a failed attempt to overthrow him, moving to Switzerland then France, and later presenting himself as an opponent of his nephew Bashar, who succeeded Hafez in 2000.

In 2021, he returned to Syria from France to escape a four-year prison sentence for money laundering and misappropriation of Syrian public funds.

Two years later, Rifaat appeared in a family photo alongside Bashar, the ruler's wife Asma and other relatives.

Shortly after Bashar's ousting, Rifaat crossed into Lebanon and then flew out of Beirut airport, a Lebanese security source said at the time, without specifying his final destination.

His family announced his death in January, aged 88.

Rifaat's role in a February 1982 massacre as part of a crackdown on an armed revolt by the Muslim Brotherhood earned him the nickname "the Butcher of Hama", referring to the central Syrian city.

The death toll from 27 days of violence, which took place under a media blackout, has never been formally established, though estimates range from 10,000 to 40,000.

Swiss prosecutors had accused Rifaat of a long list of crimes, including ordering "murders, acts of torture, inhumane treatment and illegal detentions" while an officer in the Syrian army.