Arab League Chief Says Iran is Obstructing Peace in Yemen, Slams Turkey's Regional Interventions

Secretary-General of Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit speaks during a news conference after the 29th Arab Summit in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, April 15, 2018. (REUTERS)
Secretary-General of Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit speaks during a news conference after the 29th Arab Summit in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, April 15, 2018. (REUTERS)
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Arab League Chief Says Iran is Obstructing Peace in Yemen, Slams Turkey's Regional Interventions

Secretary-General of Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit speaks during a news conference after the 29th Arab Summit in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, April 15, 2018. (REUTERS)
Secretary-General of Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit speaks during a news conference after the 29th Arab Summit in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, April 15, 2018. (REUTERS)

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit accused Iran of obstructing a comprehensive peace settlement in Yemen, saying the Houthi group decisions are linked to Tehran.

Speaking to Egyptian media, the secretary-general said the situation in the region is unprecedentedly complicated, given the magnitude of threats and challenges, especially with Iranian and Turkish interventions that threaten the national security of several Arab countries, as well as the security of Arabs as a whole.

Turkish interference in Arab affairs is increasing, and now include violations of Iraqi sovereignty through repeated military attacks, said Aboul Gheit.

“There is an occupation of part of the Syrian region, and there is military involvement in the Libyan crisis.”

Also, the sec-gen asserted that the Arab League will continue to support the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.

He added that the Palestinian state will inevitably be established and a solution will be reached for the long-term regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Aboul Gheit called for ending the intra-Palestinian divisions, urging the Palestinian factions to prioritize the interests of the people above all other considerations.

“Our responsibility is to support the Palestinian people, and encourage the leadership to rise out of this extremely difficult situation that the Palestinian cause is going through.”

The secretary-general strongly denied claims that he supports the US peace plan, also known as the "deal of the century", confirming that he is against it.

“The Arab countries have not abandoned the Palestinian cause,” he noted.

He also stressed the need for an honest and in-depth dialogue between Arab countries regarding the Arab Peace Initiative.

Some Western countries talk about human rights, but refrain from discussing what the Israeli occupation is doing to the Palestinian people, said Aboul Gheit, adding that the Palestinian people will never accept conceding their rights in the state and the land.

Aboul Gheit denounced calls to end the role of the League, wondering who would benefit from such a move.

He pointed out that the establishment of the League is different from the EU or the UN, describing it as an entity for coordination between the positions of Arab countries.



Israel Expands Drone Use in Southern Lebanon to Intercept Civilians

An armed Israeli drone flies over villages in southern Lebanon in July (Hezbollah Media)
An armed Israeli drone flies over villages in southern Lebanon in July (Hezbollah Media)
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Israel Expands Drone Use in Southern Lebanon to Intercept Civilians

An armed Israeli drone flies over villages in southern Lebanon in July (Hezbollah Media)
An armed Israeli drone flies over villages in southern Lebanon in July (Hezbollah Media)

Israeli drones are now being used for more than just tracking and targeting fighters in southern Lebanon. They’re also setting fires to forests, intimidating residents, and stopping cars at night to broadcast messages through loudspeakers.

Recent reports and social media videos show these new uses. In one troubling incident, an Israeli drone blocked a civilian in his car in the border town of Khallwat in the Hasbaya district, holding him for several minutes.

Local TV channel Al-Jadeed reported that an Israeli drone briefly held a civilian in his car and shone bright lights on him. The man was able to leave safely.

Other reports say the drone stopped the man early in the morning on his way home, using strong green lights that caused him pain.

The type of light used by the Israeli drone is not clear, but experts believe it’s not a laser.

Instead, it was likely a spotlight used to help the drone’s camera scan the driver’s face and collect information. This process involves a camera that captures the image and sends it to a computer where AI can identify the person quickly.

Experts tell Asharq Al-Awsat that Israel’s advanced technology means the bright light could be used for intimidation, to confirm the person’s identity, or to analyze body shape data.

They agree that the situation is concerning.

In another incident, a new video showed an Israeli drone dropping burning materials on forests near borders in Lebanon’s town of Adaisseh. The footage shows the drone releasing the substance, which started a fire.

Israeli drones with loudspeakers have been also flying over border villages, warning residents and broadcasting messages. Locals say the drones not only relay army statements but also insult Hezbollah and incite against the group.

This has been happening in multiple villages over the past month.

Moreover, Israeli warplanes have been striking the outskirts of Zibkin, Naqoura, and Wadi Hamoul, causing severe damage to property, crops, and forests.

The Israeli military also shelled the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab and hit areas around Naqoura and Alma al-Shaab with artillery fire.