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Egypt, Qatar Seek Further Rapprochement

Qatar's ambassador to Cairo, Salem Mubarak al-Shafi, with Egyptian Minister of Trade Nevine Gamea (the Egyptian government)
Qatar's ambassador to Cairo, Salem Mubarak al-Shafi, with Egyptian Minister of Trade Nevine Gamea (the Egyptian government)
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Egypt, Qatar Seek Further Rapprochement

Qatar's ambassador to Cairo, Salem Mubarak al-Shafi, with Egyptian Minister of Trade Nevine Gamea (the Egyptian government)
Qatar's ambassador to Cairo, Salem Mubarak al-Shafi, with Egyptian Minister of Trade Nevine Gamea (the Egyptian government)

Egypt and Qatar are intensifying their efforts to further develop their relations at the political and economic levels, within the framework of restoring bilateral ties.

Qatar's ambassador to Cairo Salem Mubarak al-Shafi discussed with Egypt's Minister of Trade Nevine Gamea boosting bilateral relations.

Shafi addressed the common desire of both countries to start a new phase of bilateral cooperation in various fields and at multiple levels.

Last January, Saudi Arabia witnessed the signing of the AlUla Agreement between Riyadh, Cairo, Manama, and Abu Dhabi, resorting ties with Doha after nearly four years of severed relations.

The meeting reviewed several economic issues of common interest.

The Egyptian minister said that the current period is witnessing intensive efforts to achieve further rapprochement at the political and economic levels.

Gamea urged the translation of agreements between the two countries political leadership into concrete projects that serve the two peoples' interests.

She also called for building on the "solid" ground laid by President Abdulfattah el-Sisi and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad during their meeting last August to enhance trade exchange rates and develop joint investments.

Gamea underscored the significance of establishing new frameworks for cooperation between Cairo and Doha in the commercial, investment, and industrial fields.

A statement issued by the ministry said that she called for forming an Egyptian-Qatari trade committee to follow up on all bilateral cooperation projects during the coming phase.

The minister stressed the importance of activating joint work between the two countries at the ministerial level to push the bilateral relations between Egypt and Qatar to "unprecedented levels."

Gamea extended through the Qatari ambassador an invitation to Qatar's Trade and Industry Minister Mohammad bin Hamad to visit Cairo "to discuss files and themes of joint work between the two countries during the next stage."

Several ministers and ambassadors from both countries met over the past few days to discuss relations and mechanisms for enhancing them.

Qatari ambassador stressed that both countries share a common desire to start a new phase of bilateral cooperation in various fields, saying, "Egypt represents a strategic depth for the regional countries."

Shafi also called for boosting the rates of intra-regional trade and joint investments between Egypt and Qatar "to reflect the great potentials of both countries and to translate the distinguished relations that bind the two brotherly peoples," the statement added.

"There is a consensus between the Egyptian and Qatari governments on a substantial number of cooperation files," the Qatari ambassador stressed.

He also hailed the recent economic reforms and urban development in Egypt.

He highlighted that Qatar has investments in the Egyptian market, especially in the financial and real estate sectors.

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Arab World

France Says Israel Vote Will Not Deter Push for Two-State Solution

France's Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot addresses the audience during a session of questions to the government at the National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament in Paris on October 27, 2026. (AFP)
France's Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot addresses the audience during a session of questions to the government at the National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament in Paris on October 27, 2026. (AFP)
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France Says Israel Vote Will Not Deter Push for Two-State Solution

France's Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot addresses the audience during a session of questions to the government at the National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament in Paris on October 27, 2026. (AFP)
France's Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot addresses the audience during a session of questions to the government at the National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament in Paris on October 27, 2026. (AFP)

France will continue to push for a two-state solution regardless of the outcome of Israel's election, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Wednesday.

"Our course will not change," whether the coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wins or the opposition bloc under Gadi Eisenkot claims victory, Barrot told France 2 television.

France and Israel have had a strained relationship, particularly since President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of a Palestinian state a year ago.

More recently, Macron announced that France would cease trade with illegal Israeli settlements located in the occupied West Bank.

Barrot declined to say, however, whether the relationship would be any smoother should the opposition bloc come to power.

"Our course is very clear, and our position remains unchanged," Barrot said.

"What we want is security for Israel, but also the prospect of two states living side-by-side -- recognized, respected in their rights, and at peace."

No clear majority had emerged as of early Wednesday -- following the counting of half the votes.

"We must let things take their course. We must accept the governments that the people choose," Barrot said.

Arab World

Lebanon’s Aoun Says Israeli Attacks Obstruct Agreement, US Efforts Yield No Results

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun receives Irish Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister Helen McEntee (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun receives Irish Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister Helen McEntee (Lebanese Presidency)
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Lebanon’s Aoun Says Israeli Attacks Obstruct Agreement, US Efforts Yield No Results

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun receives Irish Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister Helen McEntee (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun receives Irish Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister Helen McEntee (Lebanese Presidency)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of obstructing the implementation of a US-brokered agreement through continued attacks on southern Lebanon, saying Beirut’s contacts with Washington to halt the strikes have so far yielded no results.

The president also reiterated Lebanon’s desire to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) beyond this year, expressing openness to a European replacement force and warning that an international security vacuum in the south could threaten regional stability.

 

A photograph taken during a media tour organised by the French Catholic charity L'Oeuvre d'Orient shows peacekeepers with the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrolling near the southern Lebanese village Biout es Sayed on July 20, 2026. (Photo by Anwar AMRO / AFP)

During a meeting with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defense Helen McEntee, Aoun accused Israel of failing to honor the agreement reached during negotiations in Washington.

He said Israeli forces continued to bombard southern villages and towns, destroy property and bulldoze homes.

Aoun stressed that Israel’s actions were preventing the Lebanese Army from extending state authority to the international border, ending the presence of armed groups and restoring stability.

He called on friendly countries, including Ireland, to press Israel to end its attacks, withdraw from South Lebanon and release Lebanese prisoners.

Such steps, he noted, would allow the Lebanese state to rebuild devastated communities and enable displaced residents to return home.

Warning Against Security Vacuum in South Lebanon

Turning to UNIFIL’s mandate, which expires at the end of the year, the president reaffirmed Lebanon’s wish for the peacekeeping force to continue its operations throughout 2027.

He emphasized its role in monitoring developments in South Lebanon and supporting the Lebanese Army as it deploys to the international border following an Israeli withdrawal.

UNIFIL also provides humanitarian, social and healthcare assistance to residents of southern villages, he underlined.

If an extension proves impossible, Beirut would welcome the participation of a European force under arrangements agreed with the European Union or individual European countries, in cooperation with the United Nations.

The Lebanese head of state warned that UNIFIL’s departure without a replacement could leave a security vacuum in the south, with potentially damaging consequences for regional stability.

He added that logistical and technical assistance from an alternative force could facilitate the army’s mission and improve living conditions for southern communities.

 

Aoun receiving Irish Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister and the accompanying delegation (Lebanese Presidency)

Government Presses Ahead With Reforms

On domestic affairs, Aoun affirmed that the government was pursuing economic and financial reforms in cooperation with parliament despite the difficult circumstances facing Lebanon.

He welcomed potential Irish assistance in the humanitarian, social, military and educational sectors.

The president also thanked Ireland for its contribution to international peacekeeping operations in South Lebanon since 1978 and paid tribute to Irish soldiers killed while serving there.

McEntee welcomed the opportunity to visit Lebanon, assess conditions firsthand and meet Irish troops deployed in the south.

She reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to participating in peacekeeping operations, supporting the Lebanese Army and civil society, and working with public institutions to deliver needed assistance.

The Irish minister stressed that her country would continue supporting Lebanon despite the difficult circumstances facing the region.

Arab World

Jordanian Source: Areas Outside Govt Control in South Syria Are Haven for Terrorists, Drug Traffickers

Men inspect the aftermath of a Jordanian airstrike in Al-Tuff, in the countryside of Daraa province in southern Syria, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP)
Men inspect the aftermath of a Jordanian airstrike in Al-Tuff, in the countryside of Daraa province in southern Syria, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP)
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Jordanian Source: Areas Outside Govt Control in South Syria Are Haven for Terrorists, Drug Traffickers

Men inspect the aftermath of a Jordanian airstrike in Al-Tuff, in the countryside of Daraa province in southern Syria, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP)
Men inspect the aftermath of a Jordanian airstrike in Al-Tuff, in the countryside of Daraa province in southern Syria, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP)

An informed Jordanian source confirmed that “areas near the northern border with Syria have provided, and continue to provide, a haven for terrorists and drug traffickers.”

The source told Asharq Al-Awsat that “numerous targets inside Syria are not under the control of the Syrian government,” noting that these gatherings “have served as a launchpad to target Jordanian security.”

Jordanian security asserted that it “seeks to protect its borders from sites that serve as a launchpad for operations targeting its security and stability, which are areas outside the control of regular Syrian security forces.”

Meanwhile, Jordan has found itself “at the forefront of confronting the risks of terrorist activity on its borders,” according to the source.

The source stated that the death toll from Jordanian airstrikes targeting ISIS operatives in southern Syria has risen “to at least 24 terrorists.”

The same source linked “ISIS to drug trafficking networks, which have recently resumed their operations in southern Syria.”

The Jordanian source maintained that the strikes were based on precise intelligence.

Amman also expressed its willingness to cooperate with Damascus on security assessments, intelligence sharing and border protection.

Syria, however, condemned the bombardment, denied any prior coordination with Jordan and accused Amman of carrying out strikes that killed several civilians.

Jordanian sources disputed that account, insisting the operation had been coordinated with Syrian authorities and targeted locations identified through confirmed intelligence.

They linked the ISIS operatives targeted in the strikes to the cell behind last Friday’s attack at a church in the village of Hammoud, in Jordan’s Karak governorate.

The Jordanian source noted that the kingdom had largely secured its northern border through its own efforts since 2012, confronting militias and militant groups operating in southern Syria that have repeatedly threatened Jordanian civilians.

The airstrikes destroyed warehouses holding large quantities of weapons and narcotics near Sweida and in the Syrian desert, according to intelligence information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat.

The intelligence also pointed to cooperation between militant groups in southern Syria and smuggling networks along the Jordanian border.

An informed source described the links, coupled with a recent rise in intercepted smuggling attempts, as a dangerous development for the kingdom’s security.

Jordanian forces have intercepted 160 infiltration and smuggling attempts along the Syrian border since the beginning of the year, including 22 infiltration attempts and 138 operations involving drugs and weapons.

Seized contraband included large quantities of narcotic pills and other drugs, weapons, explosives, drones, GPS devices and communications equipment.

Smugglers have increasingly used drones and balloons, complicating border surveillance and efforts to trace the origins of cross-border operations.

Jordanian Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani warned that his country’s patience was running out over militant activity threatening national security.

Between 2024 and 2026, Jordan carried out several airstrikes against drug-traffickers, arms smugglers and militant groups under security and intelligence-sharing arrangements with the Syrian government.

The operations were aimed at protecting civilians on both sides of the border from militant and criminal networks.