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Traffic in Suez Canal Resumes after Stranded Ship Refloated

This satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies shows the MV Ever Given container ship in the Suez Canal on the morning of March 28, 2021. (Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies/AFP)
This satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies shows the MV Ever Given container ship in the Suez Canal on the morning of March 28, 2021. (Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies/AFP)
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Traffic in Suez Canal Resumes after Stranded Ship Refloated

This satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies shows the MV Ever Given container ship in the Suez Canal on the morning of March 28, 2021. (Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies/AFP)
This satellite imagery released by Maxar Technologies shows the MV Ever Given container ship in the Suez Canal on the morning of March 28, 2021. (Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies/AFP)

Egypt’s Suez Canal will reopen for shipping traffic in both directions on Monday evening after a giant container ship which had been blocking the busy waterway for almost a week was refloated, with more than 400 ships waiting to pass through.

The Suez Canal Authority’s chairman Osama Rabie said the channel was navigable after the 400-meter (430-yard) long vessel Ever Given was freed undamaged earlier on Monday.

“The ship came out intact and it has no problems. We’ve just searched the bottom and soil of the Suez Canal and thankfully it is sound and has no issues, and ships will pass through it today,” he told Nile TV.

The authority informed shipping agencies that convoys of ships will resume running both ways through the canal from 7 pm (1700 GMT), two agents told Reuters.

The Ever Given had become jammed diagonally across a southern section of the canal in high winds early last Tuesday, halting traffic on the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia.

Live footage on a local television station showed the ship surrounded by tug boats moving slowly in the center of the canal on Monday afternoon. The station, ExtraNews, said the ship was moving at a speed of 1.5 knots.

After dredging and excavation work over the weekend, rescue workers from the SCA and a team from Dutch firm Smit Salvage had succeeded in partially refloating the ship earlier on Monday.

“The time pressure to complete this operation was evident and unprecedented,” said Peter Berdowski, CEO of Smit Salvage owner Boskalis, after the Ever Given was refloated.

The company said approximately 30,000 cubic meters of sand was dredged to refloat the 224,000-ton container ship and a total of 11 tugs and two powerful sea tugs were used to pull the ship off.

Evergreen Line, which is leasing the Ever Given, confirmed the ship had been successfully refloated and said it would be repositioned in a lake that sits between two sections of the canal and inspected for seaworthiness.

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), the technical managers of the container ship, said there were no reports of pollution or cargo damage.

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At least 400 vessels are waiting to transit the canal, including dozens of container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessels, Nile TV reported.

The authority said earlier it would be able to accelerate convoys through the canal once the Ever Given was freed. “We will not waste one second,” Rabie told Egyptian state TV.

He said it could take up to three days to clear the backlog, and a canal source said more than 100 ships would be able to enter the channel daily. Shipping group Maersk said the knock-on disruptions to global shipping could take weeks or months to unravel.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who had not publicly commented on the blockage, said Egypt had ended the crisis and assured resumption of trade through the canal.

Oil prices were more than 1 percent lower at $63.85 a barrel after the ship was refloated. Shares of Taiwan-listed Evergreen Marine Corp had closed 1.75% higher.

About 15% of world shipping traffic transits the Suez Canal, which is an important source of foreign currency revenue for Egypt. The stoppage was costing the canal $14-15 million a day.

Shipping rates for oil product tankers nearly doubled after the ship became stranded, and the blockage has disrupted global supply chains, threatening costly delays for companies already dealing with COVID-19 restrictions.

Maersk was among shippers rerouting cargoes around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to two weeks to journeys and extra fuel costs.

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Arab World

Israel Uses Gas Deal as Leverage to Curb Egyptian Military Presence in Sinai

A view of Egyptian-Israeli border. (Reuters)
A view of Egyptian-Israeli border. (Reuters)
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Israel Uses Gas Deal as Leverage to Curb Egyptian Military Presence in Sinai

A view of Egyptian-Israeli border. (Reuters)
A view of Egyptian-Israeli border. (Reuters)

Israel is reportedly using its pending natural gas agreement with Egypt as a political pressure card to restrict the Egyptian military’s deployment in the Sinai Peninsula. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two neighbors following the war in Gaza, which has complicated border security arrangements.

According to the Israeli daily Israel Hayom, Energy Minister Eli Cohen has been withholding final approval of a major gas export deal with Egypt “despite strong pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump.”

The paper cited what it described as “alleged Egyptian violations of the peace treaty provisions concerning troop deployment in Sinai,” in addition to “concerns over rising gas prices for Israeli consumers.”

Days earlier, citing unnamed officials, Israeli media including Yedioth Ahronoth reported that US Energy Secretary Chris Wright canceled a planned visit to Israel after the Israeli government refused to endorse the large-scale gas export agreement with Cairo.

In a statement coinciding with reports, Cohen’s office said that “outstanding issues related to local pricing and national interests” remained unresolved, stressing that Israel “will not proceed until fair pricing for the domestic market and full energy security are guaranteed.”

Israel Hayom later quoted Cohen as saying: “Israel’s top priority remains protecting its security and economic interests.”

Tel Aviv continues to delay the final approval of gas exports from the Leviathan field to Egypt “until a clear settlement is reached regarding the presence of Egyptian forces in Sinai,” it added.

Egyptian military analyst and professor at the Military Academy for Advanced Studies, Major General Nasr Salem, dismissed Israel’s claims as “baseless,” saying: “Israel benefits far more from the gas agreement, since it lacks liquefaction facilities to export its gas to Europe. Without Egypt, Israel cannot market its production.”

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Salem emphasized: “Egypt has not violated any terms of the peace treaty, otherwise the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) would have reported it.”

Military deployments in Sinai are “subject to coordination between Egyptian and Israeli security agencies,” he explained, adding: “Egypt will not be swayed by these false accusations or any Israeli pressure over troop presence or gas arrangements.”

In August, NewMed Energy, a partner in Israel’s Leviathan field, announced an amendment to the gas supply contract with Egypt, extending it to 2040 and raising its total value to $35 billion.

However, by early September, amid the Gaza conflict, Israeli media suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered a review of Egypt’s “full compliance” with the peace treaty before granting final approval.

Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs member and Israel affairs expert Ahmed Fouad Anwar described Israel’s stance as “a sign of weakness,” noting that the treaty’s security annex has already been amended twice to allow additional Egyptian forces in Sinai.

“Israel itself violates the peace arrangements, particularly in Zone D along the Philadelphi (Salah al-Din) Corridor,” he added.

In that area - designated a demilitarized buffer zone under the 1979 peace treaty - Israeli forces recently re-entered during the Gaza war.

Egyptian MP Mostafa Bakry accused Israel on X of occupying the corridor’s 14-kilometer stretch along Egypt’s border with Gaza “in violation of the 2005 security protocol.”

Arab World

Panel of Experts Confirm Growing Houthi Threats in Yemen and Across Region

Houthis continue to exploit the conflict in Gaza and their proclaimed solidarity with the Palestinians to justify their attacks on foreign ships (AFP) 
Houthis continue to exploit the conflict in Gaza and their proclaimed solidarity with the Palestinians to justify their attacks on foreign ships (AFP) 
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Panel of Experts Confirm Growing Houthi Threats in Yemen and Across Region

Houthis continue to exploit the conflict in Gaza and their proclaimed solidarity with the Palestinians to justify their attacks on foreign ships (AFP) 
Houthis continue to exploit the conflict in Gaza and their proclaimed solidarity with the Palestinians to justify their attacks on foreign ships (AFP) 

The situation in Yemen remains a protracted crisis characterized by political and military complexity, a stalled peace process, and severe humanitarian deterioration, leaving two-thirds of the population in need of assistance, according to a final report presented by the Panel of Experts on Yemen to the Security Council.

The report noted that despite the issuance of several UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 (2015), the implementation of the financial sanctions against Houthis has been limited.

It said asset freezes and travel bans have a limited or constrained effect on the militia group, which actively and successfully circumvents restrictions through sophisticated networks of intermediaries and front companies in the region.

Therefore, the Panel called for the strengthening of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which inspects ships travelling to Houthi-controlled ports to promote compliance with the arms embargo on the group.

Also, it said, the Houthis continue to pose a significant threat to peace, security and stability in Yemen and across the region.

Their deadly attacks against vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden undermined maritime security and the freedom of international trade.

The Panel said the Houthis continue to exploit the conflict in Gaza and their proclaimed solidarity with the Palestinians to justify their attacks on foreign ships as part of “the axis of resistance.

It warned that in the absence of a decisive deterrence, “grave consequences threaten regional stability and international navigation.” The Panel called on the Security Council to take stronger action, and support diplomatic efforts to revive the comprehensive Yemeni dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations.

Maritime Attacks

The Houthis have conducted at least 25 verified attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, using missiles, drones and rocket-propelled grenades with increasing frequency and sophistication, the Panel said in its report. The attacks were carried out between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.

It said the sinking of two vessels, the killing of seafarers and the environmental hazards caused were major concerns.

The report noted that the United States and Israel carried out military operations against Houthi positions in Sana'a, Hodeidah, and Saada, targeting weapons storage facilities and missile launchers.

However, according to the report, the militia group “maintained a high operational capability” and continues to develop its military arsenal with funding and logistical support from regional parties, in a reference to Iran.

Foreign Support and Economy of War

The Panel said analysis of Houthi smuggling trends revealed continued violation of the arms embargo, including through concealment or misdeclarations.

Detections have increased owing to the diversion of vessels to Aden port after air strikes affected the infrastructure and capacity of Hodeidah port.

It said the June 2025 seizure of 750 tons of illicit materiel and weapons by the government proves that violations of the arms embargo continue to occur.

The seizure included several advanced cruise, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles that displayed characteristics similar to those of weapons produced in Iran, such as the Ghadir anti-ship cruise missile, Shahed uncrewed aerial vehicle, AM-50 Sayyad anti-materiel rifle and the Misagh series man-portable air defense system.

The Panel noted that the knowledge and ability to manufacture weapons systems domestically remains in place, making it challenging to eliminate the Houthis’ capabilities.

In addition, the availability of financial resources plays a major role in maintaining supply lines and manufacturing capabilities, taking into account the Panel’s assessment that the asset freeze has had limited effect.

According to the Panel, the main source of revenue for the Houthis are taxes, including on the income of both individuals and companies, real estate, a sales tax on fuel and cigarettes and on all imports.

Those taxes are in addition to customs duties. The Houthis, as the de facto authority, collect a major share of surplus profits from all sectors, mainly from the financial and banking sector.

Widespread Violations

The Panel showed that widespread and systematic violations of international humanitarian and human rights law continue in Yemen, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian objects, arbitrary killings and detentions, conflict-related sexual violence, child recruitment and obstruction of humanitarian assistance.

The Houthis also continued to detain personnel of the United Nations, national and international NGOs, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions.

In addition, the Houthis used a range of repressive measures and heightened surveillance of people to prevent any opposition.

The Houthi practices therefore aim to establish a closed society with absolute loyalty to the group's leadership.

Coordination with Other Armed Groups

The Panel said it continued its investigations into the evolving relationship between the Houthis and Somali Harakat Al-Shabaab.

“That cooperation involves weapons smuggling, technical training, including in relation to operational tactics, and exchange of logistical support,” it wrote.

The Panel then proved the ability of the Houthis to conduct intricate operations inside and outside Yemen and establish a web of relations with armed groups in other countries.

It then noted that the strengthening of ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab could pose a growing threat to peace, security and stability not only in Yemen, but in the region as a whole.

 

 

 

Arab World

Fatah Likely to Skip Upcoming Palestinian Factions’ Meeting in Cairo

Displaced Palestinians shelter in tents, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, November 4, 2025. (Reuters)
Displaced Palestinians shelter in tents, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, November 4, 2025. (Reuters)
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Fatah Likely to Skip Upcoming Palestinian Factions’ Meeting in Cairo

Displaced Palestinians shelter in tents, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, November 4, 2025. (Reuters)
Displaced Palestinians shelter in tents, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, November 4, 2025. (Reuters)

Two senior officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) told Asharq Al-Awsat on Monday that consultations are underway to hold a meeting of several Palestinian factions in Cairo this week. However, they said the Fatah movement is unlikely to participate in the talks, which are expected to focus on forming a committee to run the Gaza Strip.

One of the officials said that several factions are already present in Cairo, including the Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), and the Reformist Current led by exiled Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan. He added that Hamas had not yet arrived.

“Cairo is organizing the meeting, but no official invitations have been sent so far,” the source said, explaining that the event remains informal due to Fatah’s reluctance to join at this stage.

A source close to Fatah said the movement insists that any dialogue must take place within the framework of a comprehensive national dialogue, similar to previous rounds held in Egypt and China.

He argued that a limited meeting of a few factions “does not amount to a national consensus that could end the division or form a unified national strategy,” particularly amid “attempts by some to isolate the Gaza Strip.”

The upcoming talks follow an earlier Cairo meeting on October 24, which Fatah also boycotted. During that gathering, the factions agreed to continue implementing the ceasefire arrangements and to hand over Gaza’s administration to an interim Palestinian committee composed of independent figures from the enclave.

The factions endorsed the creation of an international committee to oversee the funding and implementation of Gaza’s reconstruction, emphasizing the unity of the Palestinian political system and the need for an independent national decision.

However, disputes later emerged over who should lead the new administrative committee, after Israeli media reports claimed that the factions had agreed to appoint Amjad Shawa as its head.

Last week, Abdelfattah Dawla, a spokesperson for Fatah, told Asharq Al-Awsat that his movement “will not stand in the way of any proposed candidate for the Gaza Administrative Committee, provided they are qualified professionals from the Strip.”

He declined to give further details about potential candidates, but another senior Fatah official said Dr. Majed Abu Ramadan, the Palestinian health minister and a native of Gaza, remains among the leading contenders to chair the committee.

“He is a national figure with extensive field experience and high competence that qualifies him to assume such responsibility,” the source added.

Taher al-Nounou, a senior Hamas official, said in a televised interview from Doha last week that the movement had proposed 45 independent technocrats to serve on the Gaza Administrative Committee.

He noted that these nominees “have no political affiliations” and were approved by all participating factions during the October 24 Cairo meeting.