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Fatah Stresses Egypt’s Pivotal Role in Palestinian Reconciliation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Fatah Secretary-General Jibril Rajoub. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Fatah Secretary-General Jibril Rajoub. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
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Fatah Stresses Egypt’s Pivotal Role in Palestinian Reconciliation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Fatah Secretary-General Jibril Rajoub. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Fatah Secretary-General Jibril Rajoub. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

A Fatah delegation discussed in Egypt the developments of the Palestinian reconciliation process, stressing Cairo’s “pivotal” role in achieving it, days after it concluded talks with Hamas in Turkey and Qatar.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received Fatah Secretary-General Jibril Rajoub, and committee member Rawhi Fattouh, at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

A statement issued by the ministry reaffirmed Egypt's steadfast stance on the Palestinian cause.

It reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with international resolutions.

The Ministry affirmed Egypt's support for all efforts to achieve stability, peace and security.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Hafez said in a statement that the officials conveyed Palestinian appreciation for Egypt’s unwavering support.

They briefed Shoukry on the latest developments and efforts to unify Palestinians, emphasizing the centrality of Egypt’s role in achieving the reconciliation.

Shoukry, in turn, stressed Egypt’s support to the Palestinian leadership and people during these delicate circumstances.

Hamas politburo member Hossam Badran had clarified that the intra-Palestinian talks were hosted by Turkey, and not under its auspices.

He expressed his appreciation and respect to all the sponsors of the previous dialogues, adding that Palestinians are keen on maintaining good relations with all Arab and Islamic countries.

Most Arab countries have welcomed the Palestinian reconciliation and there was no official objection from any state, according to Badran.

He reported that the aim is to hold elections, followed by the formation of a national unity government that includes all parties.

The official added that the elections are the first step towards forming the new National Council.

Badran stressed that the Fatah-Hamas talks are not a substitute for a general national dialogue, indicating that any bilateral understanding can’t be implemented without the approval of all Palestinian factions.

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Arab World

Houthi Charges of Espionage: A Tool to Intimidate, Control the Population

Houthis demonstrate in the center of the capital Sanaa against American and British strikes on their positions. (AP)
Houthis demonstrate in the center of the capital Sanaa against American and British strikes on their positions. (AP)
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Houthi Charges of Espionage: A Tool to Intimidate, Control the Population

Houthis demonstrate in the center of the capital Sanaa against American and British strikes on their positions. (AP)
Houthis demonstrate in the center of the capital Sanaa against American and British strikes on their positions. (AP)

The Houthi militia has recently released several individuals it had abducted for celebrating Yemen’s September Revolution. However, over the past few days, it has detained hundreds of residents in its stronghold of Saada, accusing them of espionage.

The campaign coincides with the airing of alleged confessions from a purported spy cell and the abduction of a former employee of the US Embassy in Yemen.

Local sources in Saada province, approximately 242 kilometers north of Sanaa, report that the Houthis have launched a widespread campaign of arrests targeting civilians. These individuals have been taken from their homes, workplaces, and businesses under allegations of collaborating with Western nations and Israel. Families of those detained have been warned to remain silent and refrain from discussing the arrests with the media or on social media platforms.

According to the sources, more than 300 individuals, including dozens of women, have been abducted across various districts in Saada. The arrests have also targeted relatives and associates of Othman Mujalli, a member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, who hails from the region.

The sources suggest that the Houthis are detaining women as hostages to pressure their relatives, who may either be out of the militia’s reach or living outside Houthi-controlled areas. They also appear to be using the women to coerce confessions from male relatives. Last month, the Houthis accused Hamid Mujalli, Othman Mujalli’s brother, of engaging in espionage for Arab and Western nations for nearly two decades.

In a separate incident, the Houthis abducted a former employee of the US Embassy in Sanaa from his home on Monday without providing any explanation for their actions.

Release of Detainees

The Houthis recently released Sheikh Amin Rajeh, a tribal leader from Ibb province, after detaining him for four months. Several other individuals were also freed, none of whom had been formally charged during their detention. Rajeh, a member of the General People’s Congress Party, was one of many political activists, students, workers, and public employees abducted in September for celebrating Yemen’s September 26, 1962, revolution.

One of the released individuals, a shop owner, told Asharq Al-Awsat that he was unaware of the reason for his detention. He had been abducted in November, two months after the Houthis initiated a crackdown on those commemorating the revolution.

Alleged Spy Cell

Houthi-controlled media recently broadcast confessions from what they claimed was a newly uncovered spy cell. The group linked the cell to its broader narrative of “promised conquest and sacred jihad” against the West and Israel.

According to Houthi security officials, the alleged spy cell was working to compile a “target database,” monitor sites linked to missile forces and drones, and track specific military and security locations. They also claimed the cell had been observing the residences and movements of Houthi leaders.

In response, the Houthis issued warnings to residents, forbidding them from discussing or sharing information about militia-controlled sites, facilities, or the whereabouts of their leaders.

The Houthis’ actions reflect mounting concerns over potential strikes targeting their senior leadership, similar to the recent attacks on Hezbollah figures in Lebanon. Those fears come amid ongoing tensions with Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom, following the Houthis’ assaults on international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and missile attacks on Israel.