Israel Detains 3 Palestinian Election Candidates in Jerusalem

16 April 2021, Palestinian Territories, Jerusalem: Palestinian and Israeli activists gather in front of Israeli settlers house during a demonstration against the expulsion of Palestinian families from their homes, in the Palestinian neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. Photo: Jamal Awad/APA Images
16 April 2021, Palestinian Territories, Jerusalem: Palestinian and Israeli activists gather in front of Israeli settlers house during a demonstration against the expulsion of Palestinian families from their homes, in the Palestinian neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. Photo: Jamal Awad/APA Images
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Israel Detains 3 Palestinian Election Candidates in Jerusalem

16 April 2021, Palestinian Territories, Jerusalem: Palestinian and Israeli activists gather in front of Israeli settlers house during a demonstration against the expulsion of Palestinian families from their homes, in the Palestinian neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. Photo: Jamal Awad/APA Images
16 April 2021, Palestinian Territories, Jerusalem: Palestinian and Israeli activists gather in front of Israeli settlers house during a demonstration against the expulsion of Palestinian families from their homes, in the Palestinian neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. Photo: Jamal Awad/APA Images

Israeli police arrested three Palestinian activists, who were planning to hold a news conference ahead of the election for the Palestinian Authority’s legislative assembly, scheduled for May.

Palestinians saw the arrest that took place in East Jerusalem as a measure to undermine Palestinian democracy and an indication that Israel intends to ban the elections in Jerusalem.

The Israeli intelligence informed the management of St. George Hotel Jerusalem that any activity belonging to the Palestinian Authority is banned and handed them a decision from the Israeli Minister of Public Security which bans any PA-related activity there, according to WAFA.

Fatah movement decried the arrest of the three candidates - Ashraf A’war, Nasser Qous, and Ratiba Natsha - and the ban of the press conference.

Fatah movement spokesman Osama al-Qawasmi stated that the practices of Israel in Jerusalem reflect a fascist, racist and oppressive policy.

He stressed the stance of the movement that Jerusalem is the political capital of Palestinians.



Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict

An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
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Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict

An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Iraq is nervously eyeing the potential fallout from a conflict that could have deep and lasting consequences for the country.

While Iraqi authorities and political parties maintain a publicly cautious and reserved stance, behind closed doors, concerns are mounting over what many see as Iraq’s overreliance on Iran in critical sectors such as energy and trade.

A political source speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that, although officials are holding back from public commentary, there is a growing consensus among political actors that Iraq could face significant disruption regardless of how the conflict unfolds. “There’s an unspoken recognition that many things will change after this war,” the source said.

Already, early signs of strain are surfacing. Iraq’s Ministry of Trade unveiled a new contingency plan this week to safeguard food security amid fears of disrupted supply chains.

Spokesperson Mohammed Hanoun stated the plan aims to “ensure continuity of essential supplies without significant price hikes,” through the buildup of strategic reserves and strengthened market oversight to prevent hoarding or price manipulation.

Security services, meanwhile, reported the arrest of 660 individuals accused of exploiting regional instability. More visibly, daily life is beginning to feel the pressure: consumer activity is slowing, prices of some goods are creeping up, and travel logistics have grown more complex.

With Baghdad International Airport temporarily closed, Basra has become the only functional air entry point. According to sources, the cost of returning to Iraq by land via Jordan has soared from $70 to $250 per passenger.

Experts warn that Iraq’s economic fragility and its deep entanglement with Iran leave it acutely vulnerable. Dr. Siham Youssef, a professor of international economics, explained that Iraq’s heavy dependence on oil exports - comprising over 90% of state revenue - offers little cushion in times of geopolitical upheaval.

While global oil prices have risen by 8% to 12%, Youssef cautioned that any benefit could be wiped out by rising transportation costs, insurance premiums, or damage to infrastructure.

Compounding the issue is Iraq’s reliance on Iranian gas for electricity production. If the conflict interrupts Iranian gas flows, Iraq may face severe power shortages, rising costs, and mounting pressure on an already stretched budget.

Shipping risks are also increasing, with Iraq’s ports located dangerously close to potential conflict zones. Youssef noted that international shipping and insurance firms may soon classify Iraqi ports as “high-risk,” leading to surging logistics costs. Additionally, the closure of Iraqi airspace threatens not only civil aviation but also the loss of overflight revenues.