عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Mediators Push to Uphold Gaza Deal, Speed Up Stabilization Force

Palestinians mourn a relative killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City (AFP)
Palestinians mourn a relative killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City (AFP)
TT
TT

Mediators Push to Uphold Gaza Deal, Speed Up Stabilization Force

Palestinians mourn a relative killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City (AFP)
Palestinians mourn a relative killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City (AFP)

Mediators are pressing ahead with efforts to uphold a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip despite continued Israeli violations, as attention turns to a meeting scheduled in Istanbul on Monday.

The meeting, announced by Türkiye, one of the guarantors of the deal reached in Sharm el-Sheikh last month, is expected to carry several messages, according to Palestinian and Turkish analysts who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat.

Chief among them is a call to Israel to maintain the ceasefire and expedite approval for the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza.

The gathering will also urge Washington to sustain pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to remove any obstacles to the agreement’s implementation.

As the Israeli army confirmed on Saturday that the crisis over the bodies of hostages remains unresolved, and continued its strikes for a fourth consecutive day across Gaza, mediation efforts have intensified.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a press conference on Friday that the foreign ministers of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group, who met US President Donald Trump in New York in September, will convene in Istanbul on Monday.

“The meeting will discuss the ceasefire in Gaza and how to move to the second phase, which is the stabilization force,” Fidan said, adding that Ankara was concerned about the fragility of the truce, according to Reuters.

Palestinian political analyst Abdel Mahdi Mutawe said the Istanbul meeting would serve as “a platform for influential countries to help consolidate the Gaza ceasefire after repeated Israeli violations,” noting that Türkiye seeks to play a more active role in this phase.

Turkish political analyst Taha Odeh Oglu said the upcoming meeting carries significant implications amid the complex situation caused by Israeli breaches and delays in advancing to the next stage.

“It will be a real test for forging a unified stance to confront Israeli challenges, a message to Washington, which continues to back Israel, and a signal that the Arab and Islamic coalition remains engaged,” he said.

Hours after the process of returning hostages’ bodies faltered again, when Israel announced that three bodies handed over by Hamas were not those of the captives, Israeli forces carried out new airstrikes on Gaza on Saturday, a security source in the enclave told Agence France Presse.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Friday that Israeli forces had bombed the Gaza Strip for the third straight day, killing two people.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Israel responded to the killing of one of its soldiers with airstrikes that Gaza’s Health Ministry said left 104 people dead. Israel said on Wednesday it “remains committed to the ceasefire agreement despite its military response.”

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Wednesday that mediators were in contact with both sides to preserve the ceasefire.

“We are closely following the challenges the Gaza ceasefire faced on Tuesday. Our focus is to ensure the truce holds, and intensive communication has taken place with both parties to maintain it,” he said.

In a televised interview on Thursday, Diaa Rashwan, head of Egypt’s State Information Service, said Netanyahu “does not want to move to the second phase of the Gaza agreement,” which includes forming a Palestinian administration to govern the enclave.

He added that the Gaza agreement remains intact despite Israeli violations, which he described as “not surprising from an occupying power responsible for killing 70,000 Palestinians over the past two years.”

Rashwan said Netanyahu aims to create tension for both the Palestinians and mediators, particularly Egypt and Qatar, and is seeking to reshape Israel’s domestic political scene by calling early elections.

The Istanbul meeting comes as Netanyahu last week hinted at his opposition to any role for Turkish security forces in Gaza as part of a US-backed mission to monitor the ceasefire with Hamas. On Saturday, Israeli officials again cited the unresolved issue of the hostages’ bodies.

Mutawe said Egypt’s role remains crucial, especially as it hosted the signing of the Gaza deal last month, which is expected to continue under US guarantees.

He added that the Istanbul meeting is unlikely to overcome major obstacles, particularly those related to the stabilization force.

“Israel is exerting heavy pressure to exclude any Turkish involvement in Gaza, whether in reconstruction or through international forces, and it has explicit US backing for that position,” he said, adding that the Istanbul talks are unlikely to pressure Washington to dissuade Israel from its veto.

However, Oglu said the meeting could still succeed in forming a unified bloc to counter Israeli efforts to sway Washington over the agreement’s terms.

He noted that Ankara’s role in the international forces remains complicated, given the personal rivalry between Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Boeing to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Air Partnership Marks New Chapter in Saudi Relationship

A Boeing 787 aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States. (X)
A Boeing 787 aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States. (X)
TT
TT

Boeing to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Air Partnership Marks New Chapter in Saudi Relationship

A Boeing 787 aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States. (X)
A Boeing 787 aircraft at Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States. (X)

US planemaker Boeing expects Saudi Arabia to become one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets in the coming years, powered by major investments in airports, tourism and logistics and by plans to turn the kingdom into a global hub linking Asia, Europe and Africa.

The forecast comes as Riyadh Air builds its international network ahead of expansion into new markets, including the United States.

Asaad Aljomoai, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the kingdom is one of Boeing’s most important growth markets. He said the company’s long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia has entered a new phase that goes beyond aircraft supply to supporting the national aviation ecosystem, transferring knowledge and investing in future technologies.

Aljomoai said Boeing’s relationship with Saudi Arabia spans more than eight decades, dating back to the early days of commercial aviation in the kingdom. The launch of Riyadh Air, the new national carrier, marks a new chapter in that partnership, he said.

He said the 787 Dreamliner would be central to supporting Saudi Arabia’s target of becoming a global hub for aviation, travel and trade.

Saudi Arabia is now one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, backed by major investments in airports, infrastructure, tourism and logistics, as well as the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, Aljomoai said.

He said the kingdom’s geographic position gives it a strategic advantage to become a global hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. He expected strong growth to continue in passenger numbers, aircraft fleets and international destinations in the coming years.

787 Dreamliner

Aljomoai said the choice of the 787 Dreamliner aligns with Riyadh Air’s strategy to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030.

He said the aircraft was designed to help airlines operate long-haul routes with high efficiency, lower fuel consumption, operational flexibility and an advanced passenger experience. That would help carriers open new markets in an economically viable and sustainable way.

Aljomoai said Boeing’s role in Saudi aviation extends beyond aircraft deliveries. It includes training and qualifying national talent, engineering services, digital solutions, supply chains and logistics services, as well as industrial and research partnerships aimed at transferring knowledge and strengthening local capabilities.

He pointed to one of the latest initiatives in this field: an announcement by SkyGrid, a Boeing subsidiary, to activate a memorandum of understanding with the General Authority of Civil Aviation to conduct an operational feasibility study on advanced air mobility technologies.

The study, carried out in cooperation with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, or KAUST, aims to assess the operational and regulatory aspects of those technologies ahead of their potential deployment in the kingdom, in support of Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Operational balance and economic sustainability

On Riyadh Air’s aircraft configuration, Aljomoai said the 787 Dreamliner is among the most efficient aircraft in operation, giving the new national carrier an advantage in achieving economic efficiency from the early stages of its operations.

He said the cabin design uses lower cabin altitude pressure to reduce passenger fatigue, along with the latest connectivity, entertainment and digital service technologies. That would give business and leisure travelers a more comfortable and productive travel experience.

Asked about expansion plans toward the United States, Aljomoai said the aircraft’s range, efficiency and reliability make it an ideal platform for long-haul routes between the kingdom and global markets, including US destinations.

He said the aircraft would help Riyadh Air balance operational expansion with economic sustainability.

New aircraft deliveries

Aljomoai said deliveries of new aircraft would continue according to the timelines and operational plans agreed between Boeing and Riyadh Air.

He said the two sides would maintain close cooperation to ensure aircraft are delivered according to the highest standards of quality and safety, supporting Riyadh Air’s growth plans in the coming years.

Aljomoai said Boeing’s partnership with the kingdom goes beyond commercial ties and reflects the ambition to reshape Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

He said Boeing was proud of its role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by investing in national talent, industrial partnerships and advanced technologies, and by helping build a more prosperous and sustainable future for aviation in the kingdom.

Arab World

Iraqi Government Faces Political Resistance in Anti-Corruption Drive

The Coordination Framework alliance announced its support for the Iraqi prime minister’s anti-corruption measures. (X)
The Coordination Framework alliance announced its support for the Iraqi prime minister’s anti-corruption measures. (X)
TT
TT

Iraqi Government Faces Political Resistance in Anti-Corruption Drive

The Coordination Framework alliance announced its support for the Iraqi prime minister’s anti-corruption measures. (X)
The Coordination Framework alliance announced its support for the Iraqi prime minister’s anti-corruption measures. (X)

Multiple sources confirmed on Tuesday that Iraq's anti-corruption campaign has begun facing "serious disputes and disagreements" between the government and leaders of Shiite parties, a development that could hinder the execution of new arrest warrants against ministers, senior officials, and lawmakers accused of corruption.

The developments coincide with information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat indicating that authorities have begun implementing a settlement mechanism with a limited number of defendants, on the condition that embezzled public funds are returned to the state treasury.

Last week, Iraqi security forces arrested politicians, lawmakers, and senior government officials in what security and legal sources described as the start of a broader anti-corruption campaign ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Al-Zaidi, who took office in May, has pledged to eradicate corruption, one of Iraq's most persistent challenges despite repeated accountability pledges by successive governments.

Further arrests

The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Coordination Framework, the ruling alliance of Shi’ite forces, is trying to “engineer the pursuit procedures” against corrupt figures. But the effort could clash with a US push to use the campaign to dry up channels used to smuggle money to Iran through its allies and proxies in Iraq.

The Coordination Framework held its regular meeting on Monday evening to discuss “the anti-corruption campaign and halting the waste of public funds,” according to a press statement.

The alliance renewed its “support for government and judicial measures aimed at combating corruption,” and stressed that it would “move ahead with steps that preserve public funds and strengthen the authority of the law.”

The meeting drew attention because it was attended by Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zidan. Observers said his presence could suggest that the campaign’s continuation is facing political scrutiny and requires additional backing for al-Zaidi.

But the sources said, “Shi’ite party leaders needed further clarifications and direct talks with the head of the judiciary over the course of the operation and the nature of the arrest warrants.”

Forces within the ruling alliance had earlier declared support for the government’s anti-corruption campaign. Still, that did not prevent “a wave of anger and objections” from sweeping through the Coordination Framework over the way the campaign was carried out and the limits it should observe, informed sources said.

The sources said the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, was among the parties most “displeased” by the latest campaign, especially after the arrest of a significant number of its lawmakers and affiliates.

A view has taken hold inside the coalition that the campaign is directly targeting the bloc of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, rather than other Shi’ite leaders.

The government has defended the campaign's legality, saying it is acting on “arrest warrants issued by judicial institutions.”

Engineering prosecutions

Many political leaders believe the anti-corruption drive must be "carefully managed" to ensure it remains under control and does not extend to highly sensitive positions and influential figures, the sources said.

The sources said most factions within the Coordination Framework seek to leverage the anti-corruption campaign in two ways. The first is to "absorb public anger over rampant corruption across much of the state apparatus by targeting a specific group of corrupt officials."

The second is to "restore the reputation of the political system, which has suffered severe damage as a result of corruption and poor governance."

The sources added that most political factions favor, as part of managing the process, having the authorities develop "a settlement mechanism for certain defendants." Authorities have already applied such a mechanism to some of the individuals named on the wanted list issued by the judiciary last week, in exchange for recovering embezzled public funds for the state treasury.

However, the sources believe this could "clash with pressing US demands to cut off corruption networks that Iran and its allies exploit to secure funding within various state institutions."

Meanwhile, State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki said in a televised interview that "corruption is not limited to Adnan al-Jumaili," referring to the deputy oil minister whose case came to light last week and whose confessions implicated lawmakers and senior government officials.

Parliamentary anger

The latest anti-corruption campaign has stirred alarm in parliament. Political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that “a number of lawmakers are now worried that the next wave of arrests could reach them, to the point that some are avoiding attending sessions.”

Some political parties have accused the parliament speaker of “favoring” certain blocs and punishing others in handling requests to lift the immunity of certain lawmakers, while ignoring similar requests against others, paving the way for their arrest.

On Monday, lawmaker Samiya al-Ghallab of the Taqaddum party, led by former parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, voiced anger over the latest measures against some lawmakers.

She said the most recent parliamentary session had seen a protest over the way arrest warrants were carried out against defendants in corruption cases linked to the confessions of Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili.

“The way the arrests were carried out resembled a Hollywood action movie,” Ghallab said in a televised interview.

Ghallab said Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi had “ordered the formation of an investigative committee to examine the force that carried out the arrest warrants, and another committee to review Jumaili’s confessions and visit the detained lawmakers.”

But Taqaddum rejected Ghallab’s remarks and issued a disciplinary reprimand against her, saying her statements were “contrary to the party’s positions.”

The party said it supports the measures taken by the executive, legislative and judicial authorities to combat corruption.

Arab World

France to Give Syria 50 Mn Euros Stolen by Assad Uncle, Says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP)
TT
TT

France to Give Syria 50 Mn Euros Stolen by Assad Uncle, Says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday on a visit to Syria that Paris will return more than 50 million euros ($57 million) stolen by the family of former ruler Bashar al-Assad to the country.

During his landmark visit to Damascus, the first of a European Union head of state since Assad fell in late 2024, the two countries signed several agreements focusing on development and reconstruction after more than a decade of civil war.

One of them involves the return of money that France had confiscated from Rifaat al-Assad, the ousted leader's uncle.

Macron told a joint press conference with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa that "more than 50 million euros from the seizure of ill-gotten gains by the family of the former dictator... will be returned to the Syrian people to finance concrete development projects in the territory".

The declaration of intent signed by both countries' foreign ministers said that the two nations will "begin the process of returning 51 million euros from the seizure of Rifaat al-Assad's ill-gotten gains, confiscated by the French justice system".

Rifaat went into exile in 1984 after a failed attempt to overthrow him, moving to Switzerland then France, and later presenting himself as an opponent of his nephew Bashar, who succeeded Hafez in 2000.

In 2021, he returned to Syria from France to escape a four-year prison sentence for money laundering and misappropriation of Syrian public funds.

Two years later, Rifaat appeared in a family photo alongside Bashar, the ruler's wife Asma and other relatives.

Shortly after Bashar's ousting, Rifaat crossed into Lebanon and then flew out of Beirut airport, a Lebanese security source said at the time, without specifying his final destination.

His family announced his death in January, aged 88.

Rifaat's role in a February 1982 massacre as part of a crackdown on an armed revolt by the Muslim Brotherhood earned him the nickname "the Butcher of Hama", referring to the central Syrian city.

The death toll from 27 days of violence, which took place under a media blackout, has never been formally established, though estimates range from 10,000 to 40,000.

Swiss prosecutors had accused Rifaat of a long list of crimes, including ordering "murders, acts of torture, inhumane treatment and illegal detentions" while an officer in the Syrian army.