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Arab World

Mladenov Shuttle Talks between Israel and Ramallah Hasten Gaza Administration Committee

A general view shows the destruction in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP)
A general view shows the destruction in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP)
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Mladenov Shuttle Talks between Israel and Ramallah Hasten Gaza Administration Committee

A general view shows the destruction in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP)
A general view shows the destruction in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP)

Nickolay Mladenov, the man chosen to serve as the director-general for US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace in Gaza, discussed arrangements for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh.

The meeting, which took place a day after Mladenov met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was viewed by experts speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat as increasing the chances of launching the second phase and announcing the formation of a body to administer Gaza.

Netanyahu had announced the selection of Bulgarian diplomat Mladenov, the former United Nations Middle East envoy from early 2015 until the end of 2020, to serve as director general of the Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump and tasked with overseeing the peace process in Gaza.

Al-Sheikh received Mladenov and his accompanying delegation on Friday at his office in the West Bank city of Ramallah, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Majed Faraj, head of the General Intelligence Service, according to the Palestinian News Agency, which did not describe Mladenov by his new American-appointed title.

The meeting discussed “the role of the Palestinian administrative committee and Palestinian police and security forces in assuming their duties and linking them to the Palestinian Authority, the holder of sovereignty and legitimacy, as well as ways to implement the second phase of President Trump’s plan as the announcement of the Board of Peace approaches.”

Al-Sheikh stressed the need to begin implementing the second phase, underlining the importance of a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as part of that phase, which includes ending Hamas rule, handing over its weapons, and moving toward reconstruction under President Trump’s plan.

He also stressed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the State of Palestine, highlighting the importance of political, administrative, and legal linkage between Palestinian institutions in Gaza and the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank, and respect for the principle of one authority, one law, and one legitimate weapon.

Al-Sheikh said that while a transitional plan is being implemented in Gaza, there must be an urgent plan to halt all unilateral actions that violate international law, foremost among them settlement expansion, settler violence, and the release of withheld Palestinian funds.

On Thursday evening, the Israeli prime minister’s office said in a statement that Netanyahu insisted on the need to disarm Hamas and demilitarize Gaza, describing both as conditions under the Trump administration’s 20-point ceasefire plan.

Tarek Fahmy, a professor of political science specializing in Palestinian and Israeli affairs, said Mladenov is a professional diplomat with a good reputation and will be the board’s appointed director, despite being ranked second after former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who did not enjoy widespread Arab acceptance.

Fahmy said Mladenov is “preparing the ground and accelerating steps toward announcing a technocratic committee under Palestinian leadership.”

Palestinian political analyst Abdul Mahdi Moutawe said Mladenov is not new to Gaza, noting his previous role at the UN in the Middle East.

He said Mladenov met Netanyahu and al-Sheikh to gauge positions and narrow differences in order to reach understandings leading to partial Palestinian administration of Gaza, which would expand as progress is made in the second phase, and depending on the ability to resolve obstacles, particularly those related to disarming Hamas and the enclave.

Under Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, the territory would be governed by a temporary Palestinian transitional committee composed of nonpartisan technocrats, under the supervision and oversight of the Board of Peace.

The US website Axios cited American officials and informed sources as saying Trump is expected to announce the Board of Peace this week as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on Oct. 10.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, in a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday evening, stressed the importance of an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the announcement of a temporary Palestinian technocratic committee to administer the enclave, and the formation of an international stabilization force.

Fahmy expects the Board of Peace to be announced in the coming days, alongside pressure to announce the committee and avoid objections to proposed names, in order to begin implementing the second phase in earnest and away from any Israeli maneuvering or obstruction.

Moutawe believes the board and the administrative committee will be announced this week, allowing them to move forward with the second phase and begin its actual implementation.

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Arab World

Beijing Ready to Cooperate with Yemen in Investigating Reports of Military Components Supplied to Houthis

Shao Zheng affirmed that China is closely monitoring recent military developments in Yemen (Photo: Naif Al-Otaibi)
Shao Zheng affirmed that China is closely monitoring recent military developments in Yemen (Photo: Naif Al-Otaibi)
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Beijing Ready to Cooperate with Yemen in Investigating Reports of Military Components Supplied to Houthis

Shao Zheng affirmed that China is closely monitoring recent military developments in Yemen (Photo: Naif Al-Otaibi)
Shao Zheng affirmed that China is closely monitoring recent military developments in Yemen (Photo: Naif Al-Otaibi)

Shao Zheng, chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Yemen, rejected reports that equipment and components linked to the Houthi group's missile programs had been supplied by Chinese companies, dismissing the allegations as baseless.

He stressed that Beijing maintains strict controls on exports of dual-use materials and complies with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Shao said China was prepared to receive any information or reports provided by the Yemeni government concerning the allegations and conduct a comprehensive investigation.

He explained that Beijing had repeatedly informed the Yemeni government of its willingness to examine any evidence or reports related to the matter and investigate them thoroughly.

The Chinese diplomat also said his country was closely monitoring military developments in Yemen and continued to support the internationally recognized Yemeni government, as well as the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.

He urged the Houthis to abandon military action and return to peaceful dialogue.

China-Yemen Relations

Shao said China and Yemen are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, noting that Beijing is working to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Yemen in political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and other fields.

He described Yemen as a close friend, brotherly nation and valued partner, expressing China's readiness to build on seven decades of diplomatic relations to deepen cooperation across various sectors.

The two countries recently organized several events to mark the anniversary, including seminars, interviews and press conferences.

Shao noted that many Yemenis, including government officials, had praised bilateral relations, with some describing the friendship between China and Yemen as deeper than the ocean and higher than the mountains.

He expressed hope that relations would continue to grow stronger.

Coordination with the Yemeni Government

Shao described coordination between China and the Yemeni government as excellent, noting that communication and exchanges between the two sides continue through correspondence, telephone calls and official visits.

He said China had recently hosted several Yemeni officials, including the interior minister, who spent 10 days in the country discussing ways to strengthen cooperation in public security.

A delegation of approximately 10 Yemeni government officials is also scheduled to visit China later this month, with Beijing having prepared a comprehensive program for the visit.

Turning to student exchanges, Shao said a group of around 10 Yemeni students from the University of Aden and other universities visited China last month.

During their visit, the students learned about developments in the country, met Chinese counterparts and toured artificial intelligence centers and Chinese universities.

He said they showed considerable interest in what they saw.

Military Developments in Yemen

Shao said China was closely following recent developments in Yemen, noting that events had accelerated significantly over the past several months, with new developments emerging almost daily.

He reaffirmed Beijing's consistent support for the internationally recognized Yemeni government, as well as Yemen's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, stressing that China would maintain this position.

Navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb

Shao emphasized China's opposition to attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, stressing the importance of ensuring the uninterrupted flow of international trade and supplies.

He said Beijing supports freedom of navigation in both waterways and hopes to see an end to the war in Yemen, which has lasted nearly 12 years.

The Yemeni people have suffered greatly throughout the conflict, he said, adding that China is providing additional humanitarian assistance and hopes for de-escalation and an eventual peaceful settlement.

Shao reaffirmed China's commitment to safe passage for vessels through Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, as well as other strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.

He noted that Beijing had repeatedly emphasized, both at the UN Security Council and in regional forums, the need to prevent attacks on shipping.

Shao said approximately 10 percent of international trade passes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including shipments of gas, oil, fertilizers and grain.

Many developing countries depend on these essential commodities, particularly fertilizers needed for agricultural production, he explained.

He stressed that China is working with other countries to protect trade flows and maritime navigation.

Attacks on Civilians in Saudi Arabia

Shao also conveyed China's condemnation of attacks targeting airports and other similar facilities in Saudi Arabia. He called for de-escalation and urged all parties to take steps to prevent further tensions in the region and beyond.

He reaffirmed Beijing's support for peaceful dialogue and a political settlement to achieve regional peace and stability.

Contacts with the Houthis

Asked whether China maintains any contact with the Houthis, Shao emphasized Beijing's support for the internationally recognized Yemeni government, Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi, the council itself, the prime minister and the new government formed earlier this year.

He said China was calling on all Yemeni parties to return to the negotiating table and urging the Houthis to abandon military action in favor of peaceful dialogue.

Shao stressed that China's efforts remain focused on reducing tensions, restoring peace and stability, and helping Yemen return to calm as soon as possible.

Reports of Chinese Equipment Reaching the Houthis

Responding to reports that Chinese suppliers had provided the Houthis with equipment and components associated with military applications, Shao said Beijing strictly regulates exports of dual-use materials and goods.

He stressed that China complies with UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and other relevant resolutions.

Shao rejected the allegations against China as entirely unfounded, insisting that the country's strict export controls meant the claims would not withstand scrutiny.

Asked whether Beijing had discussed the issue with the Yemeni government, he said communication and exchanges between the two sides were continuing at various levels.

He explained that China had made its position on controlling exports of such goods clear to the Yemeni authorities and would continue enforcing its regulations.

Shao reiterated China's readiness to investigate any information submitted by the Yemeni government, saying Beijing would welcome relevant materials or reports and conduct a comprehensive investigation into their contents.

He also denied that any Chinese personnel were stationed in Sanaa.

China withdrew all its diplomats from the city after the war broke out in 2015, he explained, and the embassy has since operated from temporary premises in Riyadh.

Chinese Projects in Yemen

Shao said China has undertaken numerous development and humanitarian projects in Yemen, with approximately 100 such projects in place before the war.

He revealed that Beijing signed a new development assistance agreement earlier this year, providing the Yemeni government with an additional grant of 50 million yuan, building on previous commitments.

China is also working to provide further investments and assistance, he said.

Shao noted that he had held discussions with several Yemeni ministers and officials, including representatives of the Interior Ministry, to explore ways of strengthening the ministry's capabilities and improving working conditions in public security.

He also highlighted China's announcement that it would apply zero tariffs to all Yemeni exports, allowing Yemeni products, including fisheries products, to enter the Chinese market directly.

On education, Shao said China encourages Yemeni students to pursue their studies at Chinese institutions.

Approximately 6,500 Yemeni students are currently studying in China, he said, adding that Beijing is offering additional scholarships.

Coordination with Saudi Arabia

Shao confirmed that he maintains frequent contact and exchanges with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber.

He said the two diplomats meet regularly and communicate by telephone whenever necessary, describing their relationship as one of friendship and partnership.

Shao expressed hope that China and Saudi Arabia could cooperate in helping Yemen rebuild and achieve lasting peace and stability as soon as possible.

He praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to assist the Yemeni people, including the construction of schools, hospitals, bridges and other development projects.

The Chinese diplomat said his country possesses extensive expertise in reconstruction and development, noting that discussions with the Saudi side have included the possibility of implementing solar energy projects and other initiatives.

He added that trilateral cooperation involving China, Saudi Arabia and Yemen could provide an opportunity to explore a wide range of development projects.

Arab World

UN Experts Urge Israel to Protect West Bank Olive Farmers

Palestinian volunteers douse an olive tree set on fire by Israeli settlers, near the village of Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on October 16, 2026. Ahmad Gharabli, AFP
Palestinian volunteers douse an olive tree set on fire by Israeli settlers, near the village of Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on October 16, 2026. Ahmad Gharabli, AFP
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UN Experts Urge Israel to Protect West Bank Olive Farmers

Palestinian volunteers douse an olive tree set on fire by Israeli settlers, near the village of Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on October 16, 2026. Ahmad Gharabli, AFP
Palestinian volunteers douse an olive tree set on fire by Israeli settlers, near the village of Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on October 16, 2026. Ahmad Gharabli, AFP

UN rights experts on Monday called on Israel to protect Palestinian farmers in the West Bank as settler attacks worsen with the annual olive harvest.

"Palestinian farmers must be protected and able to access their land safely. Yet, year after year, the violence, destruction and restrictions intensify," the experts said in a statement.

"The olive harvest should be a time when farmers can enjoy, in safety and dignity, the food and livelihoods their nature and land provide, not another season of fear, loss, violence and destruction."

The experts urged Israel to ensure that its forces protect Palestinian farmers from settler attacks and refrain from interference with their access to land. They also urged the international community to "exercise maximum pressure to protect Palestinian civilians", reported AFP.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. About 500,000 Israelis live in the West Bank, alongside three million Palestinians.

Violence is surging in the territory ahead of Israel's bitterly fought October 27 elections. The vote coincides with Palestinians' annual olive harvest which has been repeatedly disrupted by Israeli settlers as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to shore up his pro-settlement right-wing base.

According to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, 178 settler attacks related to the 2025 olive harvest were recorded in the West Bank, affecting 88 Palestinian communities.

More than 6,000 trees and saplings were "vandalised", it said -- nearly double the number in 2024 and the highest figure in six years.

"The olive harvest is an essential source of food, income and livelihood for thousands of Palestinian families," the UN experts said.

"Olive trees take years to mature and can sustain families for generations. Their destruction deprives families of far more than a single harvest: it undermines local food systems, cultural practices and ways of life, as well as the right to food and the food sovereignty of Palestinian communities."

The seven signatories to the statement include Sofia Monsalve Suarez, special rapporteur on the right to food; and Francesca Albanese, special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The special rapporteurs are independent experts mandated by the Human Rights Council. They do not speak for the United Nations itself.

Arab World

UK Urges Firms Not to Take Part in E1 Settlement Tender or Risk Sanctions

Israeli settlers (foreground) harvesting olives confront a Palestinian family outside the settlement of Alei Zahav, near the Palestinian town of Kafr al-Dik in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on October 13, 2026. (AFP)
Israeli settlers (foreground) harvesting olives confront a Palestinian family outside the settlement of Alei Zahav, near the Palestinian town of Kafr al-Dik in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on October 13, 2026. (AFP)
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UK Urges Firms Not to Take Part in E1 Settlement Tender or Risk Sanctions

Israeli settlers (foreground) harvesting olives confront a Palestinian family outside the settlement of Alei Zahav, near the Palestinian town of Kafr al-Dik in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on October 13, 2026. (AFP)
Israeli settlers (foreground) harvesting olives confront a Palestinian family outside the settlement of Alei Zahav, near the Palestinian town of Kafr al-Dik in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on October 13, 2026. (AFP)

British foreign minister Ed Miliband on Monday urged companies and individuals not to proceed with bids for the E1 West Bank settlement project on Monday, warning those involved in the ‌construction of ‌illegal settlements could face ‌sanctions.

"We ⁠urge businesses and ⁠individuals not to proceed with bids for E1 construction tenders," Miliband said in a statement. "They should be ⁠aware of legal ‌and ‌reputational consequences, including the risk ‌of involving themselves in ‌serious breaches of international law."

The E1 project would bisect the Israeli-occupied West Bank and ‌cut it off from East Jerusalem, fragmenting ⁠the ⁠land Palestinians hope will form the heart of a state.

Many Western states and campaign groups have opposed the project over concerns that it could undermine a future peace deal with the Palestinians.