Arab League’s Zaki: Turkish, Iranian Meddling Crossed Red Lines

Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki
Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki
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Arab League’s Zaki: Turkish, Iranian Meddling Crossed Red Lines

Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki
Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki

Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki described the situation in the Arab world as very delicate and said it requires careful dealing so as not to have external interventions make matters worse.

At the same time, Zaki stressed it was too early to judge the results of protests in Iran and their impact on Lebanon and Iraq.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat Zaki also said that Turkish and Iranian interventions in the affairs of Arab countries have crossed red lines, urging inter-Arab reconciliation.

Zaki defended the performance of the Arab League against the heated criticism it is currently facing.

Speaking about external interference by regional states, such as Iran and Turkey, Zaki said: “The issue of meddling is particularly clear in the case of Iran, because it is evident in the way it has dealt with its Arab neighbors for years: exporting its revolution through creating, arming and using militias in times of crisis or even peace. This has made the atmosphere tense in several countries.”

As for Turkish intervention in the affairs of Arab states, Zaki said: “We have recently spotted a new and alarming course in Turkey’s behavior and it calls for an Arab stance.”

“What these two countries (Iran and Turkey) are doing has crossed all red lines,” he highlighted.

When asked about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent criticism of the Arab League, Zaki said: “The Arab League criticized the Turkish actions, but if the Turkish regime does not want to hear criticism of its practices, that’s up to it; because the Arab League will continue to make clear and explicit decisions on Turkish interventions.”

Erdogan had previously said that the Arab League is taking contradictory blunders as decisions.

On Syria, Zaki said: “The Arab League is prepared to interfere, but the question is whether there is willingness on the part of other parties for the League to play a role in the Syrian file.”



Red Cross Spokesperson: War in Sudan Caused Catastrophic Humanitarian Conditions

Smoke billows from al-Jaili oil refinery north of Omdurman, the Sudanese capital's twin city, during battles between the Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on January 15, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke billows from al-Jaili oil refinery north of Omdurman, the Sudanese capital's twin city, during battles between the Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on January 15, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
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Red Cross Spokesperson: War in Sudan Caused Catastrophic Humanitarian Conditions

Smoke billows from al-Jaili oil refinery north of Omdurman, the Sudanese capital's twin city, during battles between the Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on January 15, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke billows from al-Jaili oil refinery north of Omdurman, the Sudanese capital's twin city, during battles between the Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on January 15, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

The spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sudan, Adnan Hazam, has described the situation in Sudan as catastrophic, stating that the war has created a “grim humanitarian reality.”

He emphasized that the scale of needs is enormous, but humanitarian aid remains modest due to the complexities of accessing conflict zones, delivering assistance, and ensuring its distribution within the country.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Hazam noted that millions of Sudanese are in urgent need of aid. He revealed that tens of thousands have been killed and injured as a result of the war, which has also displaced over 11 million people both internally and externally. The conflict has caused severe damage to infrastructure, particularly water, healthcare, and electricity services.

Hazam explained that the aid being delivered is aimed at alleviating suffering as much as possible under the current circumstances.

According to Hazam, the ICRC is concentrating its efforts this year on life-saving activities and meeting basic humanitarian needs. These include healthcare, protection, food relief, and financial assistance for the most affected communities near conflict zones. The organization is also working to reunite families separated by the war and locate missing persons.

The spokesperson added that the ICRC is coordinating with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society in most parts of the country and collaborating with official health authorities. He acknowledged the immense challenges facing humanitarian organizations in Sudan, saying: “The scale of needs is staggering. Our efforts aim to mitigate suffering, but ending it completely is beyond reach, as the conflict has created a deeply painful humanitarian reality.”

He stressed that the ICRC is in constant communication with all parties to the conflict to facilitate access to those in need.

“We remind all sides of their moral and legal obligations under international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, guarantees safe passage for displaced persons, and protects healthcare and public service facilities—80% of which are no longer functional,” he remarked.

Hazam highlighted the deteriorating health and environmental conditions in Sudan, which have severely impacted the population and made access to healthcare increasingly difficult.

“With the spread of epidemics and seasonal diseases, the burden on the few operational healthcare institutions has doubled,” he said.

He also called for an end to attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel, emphasizing the need for greater adherence to international humanitarian law.

Regarding the evacuation of civilians trapped in conflict zones, Hazam explained that the ICRC is engaged in ongoing dialogue with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He noted that the organization is urging both parties to open safe corridors in conflict areas, stressing that this is a “legal and moral obligation that must be fulfilled.”

Hazam noted that the ICRC has previously acted as a neutral mediator to facilitate the evacuation of detainees from both sides, but such actions require direct requests and security guarantees. He emphasized: “Civilians who choose to remain must be protected, as they are not participants in the hostilities.”

The ICRC official expressed hope for lasting peace and stability in Sudan, noting that it would significantly ease humanitarian suffering.

“The Sudanese people deserve to live in safety,” he said. He reiterated that the ICRC operates with neutrality and independence, striving to reach those most in need.

According to the latest UN reports, over 25.6 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance, with 755,000 at risk of severe famine.