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Arab World

Israeli Interior Minister Seeks Expulsion of Palestinian Family from Jerusalem

An elderly Palestinian man faces member of the Israeli forces as Israeli, foreign and Palestinian activists demonstrate against the eviction of Palestinian villages to make way for an Israeli military training zone, in the southern hills of Yatta, south of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 20, 2022. (AFP via Getty Images)
An elderly Palestinian man faces member of the Israeli forces as Israeli, foreign and Palestinian activists demonstrate against the eviction of Palestinian villages to make way for an Israeli military training zone, in the southern hills of Yatta, south of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 20, 2022. (AFP via Getty Images)
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Israeli Interior Minister Seeks Expulsion of Palestinian Family from Jerusalem

An elderly Palestinian man faces member of the Israeli forces as Israeli, foreign and Palestinian activists demonstrate against the eviction of Palestinian villages to make way for an Israeli military training zone, in the southern hills of Yatta, south of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 20, 2022. (AFP via Getty Images)
An elderly Palestinian man faces member of the Israeli forces as Israeli, foreign and Palestinian activists demonstrate against the eviction of Palestinian villages to make way for an Israeli military training zone, in the southern hills of Yatta, south of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 20, 2022. (AFP via Getty Images)

Israeli Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev on Monday rejected a request by Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked to implement a court order to expel a Palestinian family from Jerusalem, citing tensions in the Palestinian territories.

He stressed he will wait until after Jewish holidays to decide whether to carry out the order.

In 2017, then Interior Minister Aryeh Deri revoked the residency status of seven members of the al-Qonbar family after their son, Fadi, a 28-year-old from East Jerusalem, rammed a truck into a group of Israeli soldiers in the Armon HaNetziv settlement, killing four troops and injuring 18 civilians. A Palestinian was also killed in the ensuing clashes.

The family rejected Israel’s collective punishment, saying it was unacceptable to penalize all of Fadi’s relatives for acts that they did not commit.

Still, an Israeli court approved the Interior Ministry’s decision, arguing that it would deter future attacks.

Two weeks ago, Shaked ordered the implementation of the order, requesting that Bar Lev prepare the police to expel the family by October 6.

Bar Lev replied that the police had asked him to wait before expelling the family.

Sources close to Bar Lev said Shaked’s requests are politically-motivated as Israel prepares to hold elections in November.

In return, Shaked accused Bar Lev of negligence and inaction, claiming that failure to expel the family encourages the Palestinians to carry out terrorist attacks.

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Arab World

Arab Nations Say Israel-Hamas Truce Should Be Extended, Aid Ramped Up

Palestinians bury bodies in a mass grave in Khan Yunis cemetery, in the southern Gaza Strip on November 22, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP)
Palestinians bury bodies in a mass grave in Khan Yunis cemetery, in the southern Gaza Strip on November 22, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP)
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Arab Nations Say Israel-Hamas Truce Should Be Extended, Aid Ramped Up

Palestinians bury bodies in a mass grave in Khan Yunis cemetery, in the southern Gaza Strip on November 22, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP)
Palestinians bury bodies in a mass grave in Khan Yunis cemetery, in the southern Gaza Strip on November 22, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP)

Arab foreign ministers welcomed an agreement for a temporary truce between Israel and Gaza militant group Hamas on Wednesday but said it should be extended and become a first step toward a full cessation of hostilities.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan told a media briefing in London that the agreement, which includes hostage releases and stepped-up aid into the devastated Gaza Strip, should also ultimately lead to a resumption of talks for a two-state solution.

Under Wednesday's temporary ceasefire deal, Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day pause in fighting to allow the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said the humanitarian aid should be sustained and expanded, and it should not later become contingent on further hostage releases.

"Whatever humanitarian access now increases as a result of this hostage deal must remain in place and must be built upon," he said.

"There must at no point be a reduction in this access based on progress for further release of hostages ... Punishing the civilian population of Gaza for the holding of those hostages is absolutely not acceptable."

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas gunmen and other militants burst across the border into Israel, killing 1,200 civilians and Israeli soldiers, and taking about 240 hostages.

Israel responded with a heavy bombardment and then invasion of the Gaza Strip, killing more than 13,000 Palestinians, including at least 5,600 children, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run government.

The Arab foreign ministers are leading a so-called contact group of mostly Muslim countries which are lobbying Israel's major allies and the UN Security Council to bring about an end to the Gaza war and move towards a permanent solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Arab World

Türkiye’s Erdogan Says He May Visit Egypt Soon to Discuss Gaza Patients Evacuation

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks to the media at a press conference during his visit at the chancellery with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (AP)
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks to the media at a press conference during his visit at the chancellery with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (AP)
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Türkiye’s Erdogan Says He May Visit Egypt Soon to Discuss Gaza Patients Evacuation

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks to the media at a press conference during his visit at the chancellery with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (AP)
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks to the media at a press conference during his visit at the chancellery with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (AP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he may travel to Egypt soon and discuss how to accelerate the evacuation of patients from Gaza and other steps, broadcaster Haberturk and other Turkish media reported on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters on his plane returning from a trip to Algeria, he said: "I may arrange a trip to Egypt as soon as possible."

"We will talk about what steps we can take and how can we pave the way for the evacuation of patients." Many of the sick have already been brought from Gaza via Egypt to Türkiye.

Erdogan said the Islamic world must act in a spirit of unity and solidarity and be a "single fist" on Gaza. "When that fist hits the table with all its force, it will not be possible for Israel to continue its occupation or oppression."

He said efforts must be made to ensure a ceasefire, deliver sufficient aid to Gaza and rebuild the city, using economic, political and diplomatic means.

"We must force Israel to comply with international law and be held accountable for its actions," he added.

Arab World

Iraq Condemns US Strikes South of Baghdad, Says Were Not Coordinated with Authorities

Supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr wave the national flag during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in the capital Baghdad's Tahrir Square on November 5, 2023. (AFP)
Supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr wave the national flag during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in the capital Baghdad's Tahrir Square on November 5, 2023. (AFP)
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Iraq Condemns US Strikes South of Baghdad, Says Were Not Coordinated with Authorities

Supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr wave the national flag during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in the capital Baghdad's Tahrir Square on November 5, 2023. (AFP)
Supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr wave the national flag during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in the capital Baghdad's Tahrir Square on November 5, 2023. (AFP)

The Iraqi government condemned overnight US strikes on targets south of Baghdad, saying they were not coordinated with Iraqi authorities in a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

A government statement said the strikes were also a clear violation of the mission of the international coalition to fight ISIS.

Arab World

Iranian Militias Mobilize, Reinforce Positions in Homs Desert

Joint patrol of the International Coalition forces in the 55 area (Free Syrian Army)
Joint patrol of the International Coalition forces in the 55 area (Free Syrian Army)
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Iranian Militias Mobilize, Reinforce Positions in Homs Desert

Joint patrol of the International Coalition forces in the 55 area (Free Syrian Army)
Joint patrol of the International Coalition forces in the 55 area (Free Syrian Army)

Iranian-backed militias have reinforced their positions in the desert of Homs, central Syria, according to reports made by sources from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
In the past few hours, these militias have brought in military reinforcements, including weapons and ammunition such as short and medium-range missiles, along with logistical equipment and soldiers.
The reinforcements were sent from Deir ez-Zor and the countryside of Damascus, following orders from the militia leadership amidst heightened tensions in the region.
This mirrors the reinforcement and mobilization observed in the elite forces supported by Iran, near the borders with the occupied Golan Heights in the countryside of Damascus and Quneitra.
According to the Observatory, the reinforcements have reached the vicinity of the village of Marhatan and the Alayaniya area, located approximately 30 kilometers away from the area known as 55.
This region is where the “Tanf” base, affiliated with the US-led International Coalition forces, is situated.
Recently, US forces deployed in eastern Syria have faced aerial drone attacks and mortar shelling targeting the Tanf and Koniko bases in the Conoco gas field.
The leadership of Iran-backed elite forces issued orders for its members to maintain “maximum readiness and constant preparedness around the clock” in anticipation of any strike that may target their positions or points in the region by Israel.
During this time, the Observatory reported considerable dissatisfaction among elements and officers of Syrian regime forces deployed in Quneitra and the western countryside of Damascus.
This discontent stems from the stringent orders issued by the Syrian military command prohibiting the firing of any shells or bullets toward the occupied Golan Heights.
It is noteworthy that the Iran-backed elite forces comprise fighters from Syrian, Iraqi, and Palestinian origins and fighters of other nationalities.
Their number is estimated to be over 700, trained by Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

 

 

Arab World

RSF Seize Fourth Sudanese Army Division in Darfur

A snapshot from a video broadcasted by the RSF depicting their forces at the headquarters of the 20th Infantry Division in El Daein, Darfur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A snapshot from a video broadcasted by the RSF depicting their forces at the headquarters of the 20th Infantry Division in El Daein, Darfur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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RSF Seize Fourth Sudanese Army Division in Darfur

A snapshot from a video broadcasted by the RSF depicting their forces at the headquarters of the 20th Infantry Division in El Daein, Darfur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A snapshot from a video broadcasted by the RSF depicting their forces at the headquarters of the 20th Infantry Division in El Daein, Darfur (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan announced on Tuesday their successful takeover of the 20th Infantry Division, a unit belonging to the Sudanese Army that is located outside the city of El Daein in the state of Darfur.
This marks the fourth military division which has been subdued by the RSF in the western part of the country.
“We assure the people of East Darfur and all of Sudan that El Daein will remain secure under the protection of our brave forces, following the expulsion of the forces loyal to Al-Burhan,” the RSF said in a statement released on “X.”
El-Daein had witnessed intense clashes on Monday between the Sudanese Army and the RSF, following days of tension between the two parties.
However, media reports quoted witnesses confirming that the army forces withdrew from the 20th Infantry Division in accordance with an agreement with tribal leaders in East Darfur.
This withdrawal was aimed at safeguarding the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians who had fled the region’s cities after the RSF insisted on attacking the division.
The RSF announced that their forces “achieved a new victory in their continuous string of triumphs by liberating the 20th Infantry Division in the city of El Daein in East Darfur.”
There has been no official comment from the army amid circulating reports about the withdrawal of its forces from the military standoff.
Unexpectedly, a sudden outbreak of fighting erupted between the Sudanese Army and the RSF in mid-April, following weeks of escalating tensions between the two factions.
This conflict unfolded at a time when military and civilian entities were finalizing the details of an internationally-supported political process.

Arab World

UNISFA Condemns Attacks in Abyei Disputed Area

A UN peacekeeping force patrol in the Abyei region in Sudan (File photo: UN)
A UN peacekeeping force patrol in the Abyei region in Sudan (File photo: UN)
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UNISFA Condemns Attacks in Abyei Disputed Area

A UN peacekeeping force patrol in the Abyei region in Sudan (File photo: UN)
A UN peacekeeping force patrol in the Abyei region in Sudan (File photo: UN)

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on Tuesday strongly condemned attacks by a group of armed youths on villages in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan which resulted in an estimated 27 people killed and 14 injured.
The organization denied reports published in the media claiming UNISFA peacekeepers were killed or wounded during the incident.
In response to the attacks, UNISFA said in a statement that it rushed to enhance security in the affected area by intensifying patrols and closely monitoring the situation.
UNISFA leadership was also engaging with the Abyei Area Administration and Ngok Dinka traditional leadership and stakeholders in Juba to ensure peace and security are maintained in the Abyei area.
UNISFA's Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, reiterated the mission's commitment to protecting civilians and called on all communities to refrain from violence and commit to ensuring sustainable peace in Abyei.
- Troika worry
Meanwhile, the Troika embassies (Norway, the UK, and the US) in Juba expressed their concern about "ongoing violence in Rumameer County, Abyei Administrative Area and Twic County, Warrap State."
The Troika expressed its deepest condolences to the families and communities where casualties have occurred.
The statement called for calm and restraint and urged all those in a position to influence the communities involved to take all appropriate steps to prevent further escalation and push for an end to the violence.
"We renew our calls upon the Transitional Government to urgently withdraw its troops in line with its commitments under the 2011 Status of Forces Agreement."
- Abyei Democratic Movement
Abyei Democratic Movement (ADM), a peaceful political movement, said that the villages were attacked by a force affiliated with the South Sudan Defense Forces, the 3rd Division, led by Major General Akoy Ajo, and the militias of the Twic Waqai Machik tribe.
It noted that the former Minister of Infrastructure in the local government, Miot Konet, was assassinated, and 31 civilians were killed and 20 others injured during the attack.
The movement condemned the attacks on the villages, holding the UNISFA forces responsible for failing to protect civilians.
The Sudan-South Sudan Joint Supervisory Committee urged UNISFA to activate its role in monitoring the security and military conditions and implement the temporary security arrangements clause.
It also called for an urgent investigation into the events that involved the South Sudan Defense Forces and ending the repeated attacks and assaults on defenseless people.
It also urged the two countries to assume responsibility for achieving peace and maintaining regional stability.
Under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the oil-rich Abyei region, a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan, was given the right to hold a referendum to determine whether it wanted to be part of the north or the south.
The Dinka Ngok tribes are in the region's south, while the north is inhabited by the Misseria tribes, who move with their livestock across the shared border between Sudan and South Sudan.

The two groups have been coexisting for a long time, but conflicts over pastures occur occasionally.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague redrew the boundaries of Abyei, ceding key oilfields to north Sudan.

Arab World

US Renews Support of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in the Sahara

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. (AP)
US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. (AP)
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US Renews Support of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in the Sahara

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. (AP)
US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. (AP)

The US renewed its position on the Sahara issue and supported Morocco’s autonomy plan,

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington considers “Morocco’s autonomy plan” was “serious, credible, and realistic, and one potential approach to meet the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara.”

During a press briefing in Washington, the spokesman asserted that Washington “fully supports the UN personal envoy of the secretary-general as he intensifies the UN-led political process on Western Sahara to advance an enduring and dignified solution without further delay.”

Observers said the State Department statement consolidates Washington’s firm position, contributing to the historic 2020 recognition of Morocco’s complete sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara.

In response to a question about the recent visit by US Ambassador to Algeria Elizabeth Aubin to Tindouf, Miller explained that it falls within the framework of a UN-organized visit to the region, which brought together a broad range of international donors.

He stressed that the United States is the most significant contributor worldwide to international humanitarian efforts, including through its support for the vital work of UN agencies in Tindouf.

He stressed that there was “no bilateral engagement with the Polisario during this UN donor visit.”

The official Moroccan News Agency stated that the unequivocal US statement refutes allegations promoted by some media, which reported alleged meetings between the ambassador and leaders of the separatist Polisario Front.

Arab World

Six Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strike on West Bank’s Tulkaram, Say Ministry, WAFA

Damage following an Israeli army operation which resulted in the death of seven Palestinians in the West Bank city of Tulkaram, 15 November 2023. (EPA)
Damage following an Israeli army operation which resulted in the death of seven Palestinians in the West Bank city of Tulkaram, 15 November 2023. (EPA)
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Six Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strike on West Bank’s Tulkaram, Say Ministry, WAFA

Damage following an Israeli army operation which resulted in the death of seven Palestinians in the West Bank city of Tulkaram, 15 November 2023. (EPA)
Damage following an Israeli army operation which resulted in the death of seven Palestinians in the West Bank city of Tulkaram, 15 November 2023. (EPA)

Six Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in Tulkaram camp in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said in a statement.

The Palestinians were targeted in an Israeli drone strike, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported earlier on Wednesday.

Another Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces near the city of Qalqilia, WAFA said, raising the number of Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday to seven.

Arab World

Israeli Intelligence Predicted Hamas Attack, Netanyahu Ignored Warning

The destruction left by the Israeli airstrikes on the city of Gaza on Nov. 8. (AFP)
The destruction left by the Israeli airstrikes on the city of Gaza on Nov. 8. (AFP)
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Israeli Intelligence Predicted Hamas Attack, Netanyahu Ignored Warning

The destruction left by the Israeli airstrikes on the city of Gaza on Nov. 8. (AFP)
The destruction left by the Israeli airstrikes on the city of Gaza on Nov. 8. (AFP)

Two documents surfaced in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, revealing that the research division of the Israeli military intelligence, known as Aman, had predicted an impending attack by either Hamas or Hezbollah, or both, in 2023.

A warning about this was communicated to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, it seems that Netanyahu paid little attention and took no action to alter his policy that encourages Palestinian movements or the Lebanon-based Hezbollah to plan attacks.

The head of the research division at Aman personally warned Netanyahu in letters sent to him in March and July that the sociopolitical crisis that rocked Israel was encouraging Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas to risk action against Israel, even simultaneously.

Brigadier General Amit Sa’ar wrote to Netanyahu on March 19, a week before the first attempt to confirm the judicial overhaul legislation, and the attempted dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and again on July 16, a week before the Knesset vote on repealing the “reasonableness standard”.

He attached raw intelligence reports to each of the letters, which were published by the Haaretz daily. The reports contained a brief analysis warning of an impending danger of military escalation.

The first letter was sent with the heading, “The view from over there – how is Israel perceived in the [regional] system?” Sa’ar noted that “all actors in the systems indicate that Israel is in a blistering, unprecedented crisis threatening its cohesion and weakening it for our main enemies, Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.”

“This weakness is an expression of a process ending in the collapse of Israel, and the current situation is an opportunity to accelerate and deepen its distress.”

Sa’ar clarified that “this analysis is not an interpretive view of reality, but the basis for a situation assessment by leadership figures, intelligence, and communications systems. It is already leading to changes in decision-making and risk-taking of various actors, who analyze and deduce implications from Israel’s internal condition.”

Arab World

Turkish, Algerian Leaders Discuss Gaza War, Bilateral Economic Partnership

A handout photo provided by the Algerian Presidency Press Service shows Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (R) meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) during a meeting in Algiers, Algeria, 21 November 2023. (EPA/Algerian Presidency Press Service handout)
A handout photo provided by the Algerian Presidency Press Service shows Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (R) meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) during a meeting in Algiers, Algeria, 21 November 2023. (EPA/Algerian Presidency Press Service handout)
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Turkish, Algerian Leaders Discuss Gaza War, Bilateral Economic Partnership

A handout photo provided by the Algerian Presidency Press Service shows Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (R) meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) during a meeting in Algiers, Algeria, 21 November 2023. (EPA/Algerian Presidency Press Service handout)
A handout photo provided by the Algerian Presidency Press Service shows Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (R) meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) during a meeting in Algiers, Algeria, 21 November 2023. (EPA/Algerian Presidency Press Service handout)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Algiers on Tuesday on an official visit.
He was received by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. They later held talks at the Algiers International Airport's Hall of Honor.
The discussions focused on the Israeli war on Gaza and the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on Nov. 11.
They also tackled the implementation of agreements reached during a visit Tebboune made to Ankara in July.
Erdogan and Tebboune will chair the second session of the Algerian-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council.
The council had first met in Ankara in 2021 and focused on promoting Turkish investments in Algeria.
In September, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf in Ankara.
Attaf said bilateral relations between their countries have significantly improved over the past three years and are continuing to expand to include all areas of partnership and cooperation.
He also noted that the two countries plan to increase their trade exchange to $10 billion.
“Algeria has become Türkiye's second trading partner with bilateral trade exceeding $5 billion, as well as the first destination for Turkish direct investments currently worth more than $6 billion,” the Algerian minister said, adding that this places Türkiye as the first foreign investor in Algeria outside the hydrocarbons sector.
After assuming the presidency, Tebboune made his first visit to Türkiye in May 2022, 17 years after the last visit made by late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Tebboune made a second visit in July.
About 1,560 Turkish companies are active in the Algerian market, a jump from 900 companies in early 2022.