Israeli Intelligence Arrests Hamas Cell in Jerusalem
Religious Jews in a Jerusalem suburb during Purim celebrations (EPA)
The Israeli intelligence (Shin Bet) arrested a Palestinian cell in Jerusalem that transferred $250,000 from Turkey to finance alleged terrorist activities and pay families of martyrs and prisoners.
The Israeli Public Prosecution has submitted an indictment to a court in Jerusalem against four citizens from Sur Baher and Beit Hanina, on the outskirts of Jerusalem.
They were accused of running a terrorist group, encouraging terrorist activities, financing terrorism, tax offenses, and money laundering.
The Shin Bet claimed the detainees were assigned to carry out military operations that led to clashes during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Shin Bet and the Israeli police arrested the four suspects last month, but a media blackout was imposed, which was removed Friday during the trial.
The indictment named the detainees as freed prisoner Khaled Sabah, a senior Hamas official in Jerusalem, his two sons Munib and Musab and Firas Tawtah, claiming some were trained outside the country.
Tawtah is accused of using the Zakat Committee that he leads for funneling money to Hamas and collecting and distributing $8.6 million between 2007 and 2021.
The police claimed that Sabah had recently met with Khaled Atoun and Musa Ekry, Hamas top officials, who currently live and work in Turkey, and that they appointed Sabah in charge of "Hamas" funds in Jerusalem.
A sum of $250,000 was recently handed over to him for financing Hamas' activities during Ramadan, but he was unable to bring such a large sum across the border, and he started entering the money in small amounts.
The operators urged Sabah to find a way to enter the money, so he deposited it in a Turkish bank account and spent the amount from his Palestinian bank account.
Israeli authorities confiscated $246,000 in cash that was found in his home.
The indictment added that Sabah's two sons aided him as members of Hamas, and the money was transferred to Hamas activists and their families and persons convicted of offenses of terrorism and breach of public order.
The Shin Bet claimed Sabah met in Turkey with Hamas leaders, including Zakaria Najib, who was convicted of kidnapping the soldier Nahshon Waxman in 1994.
The indictment added that during his last month's visit to Turkey, Sabah's responsibilities were expanded, and he was appointed as the head of Hamas in Jerusalem to advance its military activity in the city.
Sabah was asked to form and move military and organizational infrastructure in Jerusalem and prepare for Ramadan month.
It claimed that Mosab helped his father and formed a link with Hamas's leadership in Turkey, and Munib helped relay messages between the officials in Turkey and collected money on his father's behalf.
In 2012-2022, Tawtah collected nearly $150,000 for the charity to be transferred to the families and orphans affiliated with Hamas.
The charity had a total income of $8.6 million between 2007 and 2020, the indictment read, which were transferred to the martyrs' families.
The association also transferred a large part of the money to orphans not affiliated with Hamas.
Lebanon's President to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Chose Negotiation to Limit the Occupation and the Suffering of Southernershttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5294039-lebanons-president-asharq-al-awsat-we-chose-negotiation-limit-occupation-and
Lebanon's President to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Chose Negotiation to Limit the Occupation and the Suffering of Southerners
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (AP)
With increasing military tension between the US and Iran in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun is trying to hold onto hope of emerging from the catastrophe that has afflicted his country.
Using the word "catastrophe" is not an exaggeration. The Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon has expanded, bringing with it destruction, exacerbating the suffering of displaced persons, and intensifying division over responsibility for the war and ways out of it.
Facing the Israeli military occupation of the South, Lebanon has no choice but to rely on American assistance, which it hopes will materialize further after the scheduled meeting at the White House on July 21 between the US and Lebanese presidents.
Aoun's Priorities for the Meeting with Trump
At Baabda Palace, Asharq Al-Awsat asked Aoun what Lebanon seeks from the White House meeting.
He replied: "First, we want Lebanon to remain on the American agenda ... There is no need to reiterate the importance of having a good relationship with the US and benefiting from President Donald Trump's expressed desire to help us; his role is vital, and we are counting on it."
"We face an extremely difficult and complex situation. We know well that the US is the only party capable of exerting pressure on the Israeli government to prevent it from targeting the southern suburbs (of Beirut), infrastructure, or expanding occupied areas in southern Lebanon. No other party can fulfill this role."
"We want the US administration to help us restore our entire land. We will not relinquish a single inch or a single citizen. The issue of our sovereignty is not subject to concession or interpretation. It is at the forefront of the national principles that we are keen to adhere to. We want the land to be returned and to be under the sole authority of the Lebanese army, meaning under the authority of legitimate Lebanese institutions," Aoun added.
He stressed that Lebanon is asking for its natural right to extend the authority of its legitimate institutions over all Lebanese territories. "We cannot leave southern Lebanon captive to regional developments, with its people paying heavy prices in lives and property."
"Lebanon's fate cannot be separated from the fate of its south, neither in security, nor in economy, nor in stability," Aoun added.
Relatives of missing victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
"We want President Trump to support our legitimate demands for the restoration of our entire land, and he is expected to succeed in persuading Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. I want to inform him of the reality in southern Lebanon and the dangers of maintaining the current situation or returning to escalation," Aoun told Asharq-Awsat.
He also hoped for American support for the Lebanese army, which is tasked with difficult missions, and for the reconstruction of what the war has destroyed and assistance to stimulate the Lebanese economy after the significant losses it has suffered.
Calculations of Direct Negotiation with Israel
Regarding the division over the method of direct negotiations with Israel, Aoun said: "We were not in a situation that allowed for ideal choices. The war threatened to expand, along with Israel threatening to occupy more territory. The scenes of displacement were harsh, as were the scenes of destruction."
"There was a risk of widespread destruction to Beirut and its infrastructure. We were effectively faced with a single option, especially given the significant imbalance of power. We had no choice but to seek assistance from the US. Direct negotiations were the only available option for us to make a serious attempt to shorten the period of occupation of our land, alleviate the suffering of the displaced, open the door for their return to their villages, and strive to rebuild what was destroyed."
President Joseph Aoun meeting with the Lebanese negotiating delegation before heading to Washington (Lebanese Presidency)
Aoun pointed out that "the state is responsible for the fate of every inch and every citizen. There is no distinction between one inch and another, or one citizen and another. We made difficult decisions based on our national responsibilities. We cannot continue to pay prices for any other party."
"Lebanon's decisions must be made within its legitimate institutions. Lebanon must defend its interests, sovereignty, and stability, which is why we said we would not accept anyone else negotiating on our behalf or in our name, nor becoming a bargaining chip in others' calculations," he stated.
Regarding the uproar caused by Trump's suggestion of a meeting between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Aoun stated that "the idea of this meeting is fundamentally ruled out, but social media and others sometimes indulge in baseless scenarios."
Attempts to Overthrow the Government
Regarding the possibility of opponents of the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel resorting to overthrowing the government, he said: "Changing the government is guided by constitutional frameworks. However, using the street to overthrow the cabinet is rejected. Furthermore, institutions play their role, always within the limits of available capabilities."
He stressed that "the government's performance is excellent, and the ministers are productive."
Hezbollah supporters block the old airport road in the southern suburbs of Beirut, with burning tires to protest against the trilateral agreement that was signed between the US, Israel and Lebanon on June 27, 2026. (Photo by Ibrahim AMRO / AFP)
Regarding his ties with Hezbollah, Aoun said: "We did not choose to sever ties with anyone. Our offices are open to everyone without exception."
"There is an objection to a choice made by the state to shorten the period of occupation and the suffering of the people. Whoever has another option to achieve this goal should present it, and we will discuss it. The option of continued war is not an option," he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
On the inclusion of a ceasefire in Lebanon in the first clause of the American-Iranian Memorandum of Understanding and its impact on the framework agreement, he said: "We welcome any assistance that aligns with Lebanon's interests. America is the only one capable of exerting pressure on Israel or persuading it. And Iran is the only one capable of influencing Hezbollah and its decisions. Of course, while affirming that Lebanon is the one negotiating on all matters related to it."
Regarding Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's opposition to the framework agreement with Israel, Aoun said: "Speaker Berri is a statesman, and we share what are considered red lines, which are not compromising civil peace, the reputation and role of the army, and not resorting to street protests."
He also noted that his relationship with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is excellent.
Relationship Between Aoun and the Army Commander
Asked about the army's cohesion given Lebanon's circumstances and about rumors of renewed tensions between him and Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, the Lebanese president replied that "the army is cohesive and has not faltered. It is already implementing government decisions, naturally within the available capabilities."
"The army and all security institutions are doing everything they can. My relationship with General Haykal is excellent. There is no truth to the claims circulated by some media outlets."
President Joseph Aoun meeting with Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal (Lebanese Presidency)
Aoun also expressed his satisfaction with Arab support for Lebanon. He said: "Saudi Arabia, as always, has not hesitated to provide any assistance we request to support our efforts in restoring our rights and sovereignty."
"I would like to thank the Saudi leadership, especially Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the decision to resume Lebanese exports. I also want to thank the Qatari government for assisting Lebanon, and the same applies to the United Arab Emirates, which allowed its citizens to visit Lebanon."
When asked if he was concerned about his safety, Aoun replied with a smile: "God is the guardian. No one dies before their time comes."
US to Remove Syria from Terror Blacklisthttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5293969-us-remove-syria-terror-blacklist
US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, on July 8, 2026. (AFP)
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US to Remove Syria from Terror Blacklist
US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, on July 8, 2026. (AFP)
The United States said Wednesday it will delist Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, a decades-old designation that severely impeded investment, in a new vote of confidence in President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally informed Congress of the long-expected move, which will be effective in 45 days unless lawmakers take the unlikely step of blocking it.
The step came as President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Türkiye with Sharaa, who led a 2024 opposition offensive that toppled the Assad family, which ruled with an iron fist for a half century.
"This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness," Rubio said in a statement.
"Lifting sanctions on Syria will unlock international trade and investment, give Syria a chance to rebuild, and open up a new chapter for the Syrian people," he said.
Trump's embrace of Sharaa comes despite misgivings from Israel, which has repeatedly launched airstrikes in Syria.
Trump had earlier publicly pressed for Syria to make peace with Israel but went ahead with the delisting decision despite a lack of tangible progress.
Rubio said in his statement that "a stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region, but the entire world."
A year ago, Trump started lifting most sanctions on Syria after Saudi Arabia and Türkiye both encouraged him to meet Sharaa.
Meeting with Sharaa, Trump said: "He's doing an unbelievable job in unifying Syria. What a job he's doing."
"Syria was a mess with what happened with the previous government," Trump said.
The United States listed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979.
The designation creates legal risks to working in Syria for businesses, especially American ones or those with transactions in the world's largest economy.
Amnesty Urges Investigating Israeli Attacks on Lebanon as ‘War Crimes’https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5293958-amnesty-urges-investigating-israeli-attacks-lebanon-%E2%80%98war-crimes%E2%80%99
This picture taken from a position in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel shows Israeli military vehicles driving past houses destroyed in Israeli strikes in the southern Lebanese village near the Israel-Lebanon border, on July 1, 2026. (AFP)
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Amnesty Urges Investigating Israeli Attacks on Lebanon as ‘War Crimes’
This picture taken from a position in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel shows Israeli military vehicles driving past houses destroyed in Israeli strikes in the southern Lebanese village near the Israel-Lebanon border, on July 1, 2026. (AFP)
Amnesty International on Thursday accused Israel of wiping out families in its strikes on Lebanon during its war with Hezbollah, calling for these attacks to be investigated as war crimes.
Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war on March 2 by launching rockets at Israel in support of its backer Iran.
Israel responded with major airstrikes and a ground invasion, killing more than 4,300 people according to Lebanese authorities, including more than 250 children.
Amnesty analyzed three strikes on civilian homes between March 6 and 13, in which 24 civilians were killed, 12 of them children.
The London-based rights group accused Israel of "wiping out families" in those strikes and called for them to be treated as "war crimes".
The group said it reached out to Israeli authorities, who said that some of the attacks "were carried out against Hezbollah military objectives", while others were "referred for examination".
The authorities told Amnesty they were "committed to mitigating harm to civilians during operational activity".
"Despite follow up, the Israeli military did not provide specific information regarding the three attacks... including what the targets may have been," Amnesty added.
Its findings in the investigation were based on interviews with 15 people, including survivors, relatives, paramedics, journalists who visited attack sites and local officials.
"Based on the evidence gathered, in each of these air strikes, Amnesty International has reasonable basis to conclude that Israeli forces violated international humanitarian law, including by failing to distinguish between civilians and military objectives, by carrying out attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects, or by failing to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians," the report read.
Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty's deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, said that "within the space of just a week -- the Israeli military obliterated entire families, including a dozen children, in Lebanon, demonstrating a callous disregard for civilian lives".
"States must impose an immediate comprehensive arms embargo on Israel and use universal and extraterritorial jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute those responsible," she added.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said, in a statement on Thursday, that the military's operations in Lebanon were a response to attacks by Hezbollah.
"The terrorist organization Hezbollah has attacked Israel twice on its own initiative," Katz said, without specifying whether he was responding to Amnesty's report.
"Israel responded with force and, over the past two and half years, has crushed most of Hezbollah's capabilities and its leadership," adding that Israeli forces would remain in their self-declared "security zone" inside occupied Lebanese territory "as long as necessary" to protect Israel's northern communities.
Last month, Lebanon and Israel concluded a US-backed framework agreement aiming to pave the way for a permanent end to hostilities.
It was preceded by a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States to end the broader Middle East conflict, which included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Despite this, Israel still carries out intermittent strikes on southern Lebanon, some of them deadly.
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