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Hamas Gets Mediator Assurances on Rafah Reopening, Israel Seeks Delay

Palestinians walk on Wednesday amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza City (Reuters)
Palestinians walk on Wednesday amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza City (Reuters)
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Hamas Gets Mediator Assurances on Rafah Reopening, Israel Seeks Delay

Palestinians walk on Wednesday amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza City (Reuters)
Palestinians walk on Wednesday amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza City (Reuters)

As Hamas says it has received firm assurances from mediators, including the US, that the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt will reopen, Israeli media report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is working to slow the move as much as possible.

Sources from Hamas told Asharq Al-Awsat that the information and assurances received by the movement indicate that “the Rafah crossing will open during the current week, with Thursday the most likely date.”

Israeli media, however, offered conflicting timelines. While the public broadcaster said the crossing would open on Thursday, the Walla news site reported that it would reopen next Sunday.

According to Hamas sources, mediators have provided reassurances that the crossing will indeed open. They said that since efforts began to recover the body of the last Israeli captive, and after it was found, Hamas leaders were told the crossing would be reopened during the current week.

Entry of the Gaza Administration Committee

One Hamas source told Asharq Al-Awsat that it is “likely that some members of the Gaza Administration Committee will be allowed to enter the Strip through the Rafah crossing in the coming days” to hold meetings with Hamas government officials, in preparation for assuming some governmental duties as an initial step toward transferring authority to the committee.

The Palestinian Authority and the European Union mission have confirmed their readiness to begin operating at the crossing immediately under the terms of the 2005 agreement.

While Hamas sources say the crossing “is supposed to open under a full-movement mechanism as stipulated in the agreement,” Netanyahu said at a press conference on Tuesday that it would open in a limited manner and under agreed arrangements, allowing a specific daily number of Palestinians to enter and exit.

Netanyahu added that “Israel will maintain full security control over the crossing and over the entire Gaza Strip.”

What does complete security control mean?

Netanyahu’s remarks about “full security control” have raised widespread questions and concerns among Palestinian factions over how Israel intends to implement such control.

Factional sources estimate that Israel “may seek to remain along the so-called yellow line, which would allow it to retain control over more than 53% of Gaza’s territory.”

They said that while the conditions of the second phase call for an Israeli withdrawal to the limits of the buffer zone, Netanyahu’s government has linked that step to the disarmament of Hamas, an issue still under discussion and likely to face significant obstacles.

If the conditions of the second phase are not implemented, Israel may seek to impose security control by expanding its military presence inside Gaza and taking control of additional areas west of the yellow line, particularly in the north and east of the enclave, while maintaining its military presence in the south.

Even if Israel withdraws, it may seek to maintain a buffer zone larger than that specified in the agreed ceasefire withdrawal maps, extending to more than one kilometer in some areas and possibly up to two kilometers, while remaining smaller in others.

In the event of a withdrawal, Israel would also ensure its continued presence at the Rafah crossing and along the Philadelphi Corridor, which it considers crucial to preventing the smuggling of weapons, explosives, and other materials.

This follows Israel’s destruction of all tunnels along the corridor, strengthening its security grip there, extending to the maritime boundary.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has exercised complete control over Gaza’s coastal waters, preventing Palestinian fishing boats from approaching those areas or exceeding one nautical mile westward and up to five nautical miles southward toward Egypt’s maritime border.

Sources reiterated their assessment that Israel, by repeatedly emphasizing “full security control,” may aim to carry out surprise targeted killings similar to those conducted in Lebanon, or to strike targets on the pretext that they contain military objectives.

They did not rule out Israel carrying out special operations, including the abduction of faction members deep inside areas controlled by Hamas in Gaza or in the West Bank, to demonstrate its full security control over the enclave.

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Arab World

Political, Military Activity in Lebanon to Address Weapons, Ceasefire Mechanism Crisis

Lebanese army soldiers look toward the Israeli military position of Hanita (left) and the Labbouneh position, part of the five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year (right), from a Lebanese military post in the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP) 
Lebanese army soldiers look toward the Israeli military position of Hanita (left) and the Labbouneh position, part of the five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year (right), from a Lebanese military post in the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP) 
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Political, Military Activity in Lebanon to Address Weapons, Ceasefire Mechanism Crisis

Lebanese army soldiers look toward the Israeli military position of Hanita (left) and the Labbouneh position, part of the five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year (right), from a Lebanese military post in the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP) 
Lebanese army soldiers look toward the Israeli military position of Hanita (left) and the Labbouneh position, part of the five hills occupied by Israeli forces since last year (right), from a Lebanese military post in the village of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP) 

Lebanon is preparing political and military conditions to ensure the success of an upcoming visit by Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal to the United States, consolidate stability at home, and pave the way for a Paris conference in March to support the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The effort involves coordinated steps, beginning with setting a date for the army to present its vision to the government for implementing the second phase of the “exclusive state control of weapons” plan, alongside intensified international contacts to reactivate the work of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism.

Lebanese sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the success of the Paris conference depends on US backing, while Washington is awaiting the army’s proposed approach for launching the second phase of the weapons plan.

Political and military initiatives aim to unlock multiple obstacles simultaneously, strengthen stability, and enable the army to carry out its government-mandated tasks.

Army Plan Presented to Cabinet

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet Friday afternoon at Baabda Palace under President Joseph Aoun. A key agenda item is the army’s plan for deployment and operations north of the Litani River, which Haykal is expected to present in detail.

The Central News Agency (Al-Markaziah) reported that the briefing will cover the operational framework, implementation stages, assigned missions, and logistical and security requirements, considering recent developments in the south and Lebanon’s state commitments.

Official sources said the plan will define geographic scope, types of weapons, implementation tools, and timelines, and will be reviewed pending approval by relevant parties, an implicit reference to US and Israeli consent.

They noted that exclusive state control of weapons is a government commitment, and that Hezbollah, as part of the government, is expected to adhere to the plan.

During the first phase south of the Litani, the army worked to prevent the transfer of weapons between governorates. Proposals to “contain weapons” north of the Litani — an initiative put forward by Egypt and previously approved by the United States — are also under discussion.

The “Mechanism” Impasse

The resumption of meetings of the ceasefire “mechanism” is seen as the most significant obstacle.

On the military level, a Lebanese army delegation traveled to the United States on Wednesday ahead of Haykal’s planned visit on Feb. 5. Senior officers are expected to meet Gen. Joseph Clairfield, head of the mechanism committee, with sources confirming that no changes have been made to the committee overseeing the ceasefire.

Politically, the Lebanese presidency announced that Aoun’s security and military adviser, retired Brig. Gen. Antoine Mansour, met US Col. David Leon Klingensmith, deputy head of the mechanism committee, in the presence of Defense Attaché Col. Jason Belknap at the US Embassy in Beirut. Discussions focused on the committee’s work, cooperation with the Lebanese side, and preparations for the next meeting.

The meeting also explored whether Israel had responded to Lebanese demands regarding the ceasefire, withdrawal, and prisoner releases. Ministerial sources stressed that the mechanism remains the sole framework for security, military, and political negotiations to implement the agreement.

Next Meeting and Growing Tensions

The next mechanism meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25. While the agenda has not been finalized, official estimates suggest it will focus on security issues rather than political ones, amid continued Israeli violations despite Lebanon’s fulfillment of its commitments.

Lebanese authorities maintain that Lebanon has extended state authority south of the Litani, removed weapons, refrained from firing toward Israel, and advanced phased implementation of exclusive state control of arms — steps taken unilaterally, while Israel has not halted attacks, withdrawn from occupied positions, or released detainees.

Sources stressed the need for international pressure on Israel to honor its obligations and demonstrate good faith in the ceasefire process.

Arab World

Yemeni Officer: Drug-Smuggling Networks Linked to Houthi Preventive Security

Colonel Osama al-Assad said that coordination with the Saudi side is at the highest level to safeguard border security (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
Colonel Osama al-Assad said that coordination with the Saudi side is at the highest level to safeguard border security (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
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Yemeni Officer: Drug-Smuggling Networks Linked to Houthi Preventive Security

Colonel Osama al-Assad said that coordination with the Saudi side is at the highest level to safeguard border security (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
Colonel Osama al-Assad said that coordination with the Saudi side is at the highest level to safeguard border security (Asharq Al-Awsat). 

Colonel Osama al-Assad, commander of Yemen’s Security and Protection Battalion at the Al-Wadiah border crossing, said that most drug-smuggling networks operating from Yemen toward Saudi Arabia are directly linked to the Houthi group’s so-called Preventive Security apparatus.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Assad revealed that his unit recently arrested a senior Houthi figure who attempted to enter Saudi Arabia using a forged passport and a fake Umrah visa. He suggested that the suspect’s motives were security-related rather than religious, as claimed.

Al-Assad said his battalion faces daily attempts of various types of smuggling, including narcotics, human trafficking, forged documents, and unidentified individuals. He stressed that the unit’s experience has enabled it to thwart many illegal activities.

He also highlighted the high level of coordination with Saudi authorities, expressing appreciation for Riyadh’s continued support for Yemen in general and for border security forces in particular.

Battalion’s Mission

Al-Assad explained that the battalion’s core mission is to secure the Al-Wadiah crossing and combat all forms of smuggling. He noted that the unit arrests around 10 individuals daily carrying forged Umrah visas.

The battalion’s security zone extends 30 kilometers west toward the Rayyan area in Al-Jawf governorate, 50 kilometers toward the 11th Border Guard Brigade, and 40 kilometers toward the Al-Abr region. Its tasks also include arresting wanted members of Al-Qaeda and fugitives evading court rulings.

Links to Houthi Networks

According to al-Assad, most contraband-smuggling operations are directly connected to the Houthi Preventive Security apparatus in Sanaa, with interrogations of suspects revealing direct ties.

He said Houthi-linked networks support both human and drug-smuggling operations. During one operation, a network offered one million Saudi riyals in exchange for releasing a smuggler, abandoning the vehicle and seized contraband.

Secret Meetings

Investigations indicate that smugglers affiliated with the Houthi apparatus hold meetings in border areas near Oman. Some secret gatherings reportedly took place in Al-Ghaydah, the capital of Al-Mahra governorate in eastern Yemen. Al-Assad said Ali al-Huraizi plays a prominent role in these networks.

Close Coordination with Saudi Arabia

Al-Assad noted that security cooperation with Saudi Arabia is at the highest level, with continuous information exchange on smuggling cases. He described Saudi security measures as strong and vigilance as high.

He confirmed that the battalion recently arrested a senior Houthi official attempting to enter Saudi Arabia with a forged Umrah visa, describing the operation as “dramatic.”

Drug Production

Al-Assad further claimed that the Houthis, whom he described as an Iranian proxy, have moved to establish drug-production facilities in Sanaa and Saada following the fall of the Assad regime. He cited the dismantling of a drug factory in Al-Mahra, allegedly under the supervision of Ali al-Huraizi, with a production capacity of about 10,000 pills per hour.

Challenges

Al-Assad said the battalion’s main challenge is limited resources, relying heavily on human effort. He called for heavy equipment to build earth barriers and trenches to curb internal smuggling.

 

 

Arab World

Erbil Mediation in Syria Hinges on Sidelining the PKK

Kurdish fighters aboard Syrian Democratic Forces military vehicles flash victory signs in Hasakah (AP)
Kurdish fighters aboard Syrian Democratic Forces military vehicles flash victory signs in Hasakah (AP)
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Erbil Mediation in Syria Hinges on Sidelining the PKK

Kurdish fighters aboard Syrian Democratic Forces military vehicles flash victory signs in Hasakah (AP)
Kurdish fighters aboard Syrian Democratic Forces military vehicles flash victory signs in Hasakah (AP)

Mediation efforts led from Iraq’s Kurdistan region are gathering pace to avert a new escalation in northeastern Syria, as Damascus presses ahead with a Turkish-backed military campaign and Ankara seeks guarantees that Kurdish forces will be severed from the Kurdistan Workers Party.

The Syrian Democratic Forces have lost areas previously under their control following a military operation launched by Damascus and strongly backed by Ankara, aimed at asserting control over all Syrian territory, as Kurdish factions demand what they describe as fair representation in government.

Observers tend to believe Türkiye’s motivation for supporting the Syrian army’s offensive stems from fears that Kurdish self-rule in Syria could pave the way for secession. Ankara has repeatedly threatened to launch a military operation against Syrian Kurdish areas near its border unless SDF forces are integrated into the Syrian army.

Part of the solution

Politicians in Erbil are pushing to support political tracks that respect good neighborly relations with Türkiye and guarantee the rights of all components in Syria.

Dlawar Faeq, an adviser to the Kurdistan Regional Government, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Kurds in the Kurdistan region would remain part of the solution and a factor of stability in the region, as they have been since 1991.

Faeq said the vision of Kurds in Iraq’s Kurdistan aligns with a new, democratic, constitutional Syria that guarantees the rights of ethnic and religious components, while upholding principles of good neighborliness with Türkiye and other regional states and non-interference in internal affairs.

Kurds in the Kurdistan region are in contact with parties to the Syrian conflict, including actors in self-administration areas, authorities in Damascus, and the United States, Faeq said, adding that the goal of these contacts is to reach a permanent settlement.

In recent weeks, Masoud Barzani has held several contacts with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, US envoy Tom Barrack, and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi to bolster civil peace through dialogue and mutual understanding, according to statements issued by the Kurdistan Democratic Party since the crisis erupted.

Faeq warned that a military solution would harm Syria’s components and the Syrian state and could increase the likelihood of remnants of ISIS regrouping.

PKK as an obstacle

Despite these efforts, the Kurdistan Workers Party has emerged as a significant obstacle to ongoing understandings.

Abdulsalam Brwari, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, said Erbil’s efforts to resolve the crisis and prevent escalation continue. Still, Türkiye views the situation with Syrian Kurds through the lens of the PKK, which has waged an armed insurgency against it for years.

Türkiye has launched a peace process with the outlawed party, conditional on its disarmament, but clashes in northern Syria now threaten to undermine negotiations between the two sides.

While Erbil understands Ankara’s concerns, it is trying to correct misunderstandings surrounding the Kurdish issue.

Brwari said Kurdish rights in Türkiye and Syria predate even the emergence of the PKK, adding that resolving the issue with the Kurdish people would eliminate any pretexts for escalation.

He described Erbil’s relations with Ankara as good, saying the Kurdistan region is working with Türkiye and the international community to resolve the issue between Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government, calling this the priority.

Developments involving Syrian Kurds have had repercussions inside Türkiye, where hundreds took part in angry protests against military operations in northeastern Syria.

This prompted Turkish authorities in the southeastern province of Mardin, bordering Syria, to impose a six-day ban on all protests and events on Monday.

Mediation moves slowly

Soran al-Dawoudi, a leader in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, said Iraq’s Kurdistan region is likely seeking to play an undeclared mediating role between Türkiye and Syrian Kurds, but within carefully calculated limits.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that this complex role is primarily based on strong political and economic relations with Ankara, and longstanding communication channels with Syrian Kurdish actors, particularly those outside the influence of the PKK.

Al-Dawoudi said there are quiet, unofficial contacts between Erbil and influential Kurdish figures aimed at narrowing differences. Still, these face key obstacles, most notably Türkiye’s stance toward the People’s Protection Units, the armed wing of the Democratic Union Party and the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces, which Ankara views as an extension of the PKK.

He also pointed to another division deepening the crisis within the Syrian Kurdish arena between the Syrian Democratic Forces on one side and the Kurdish National Council on the other.

Despite attempts by the Kurdistan region to sustain dialogue, al-Dawoudi said the impact of this mediation remains limited and is moving slowly.

Still, the repeated arrival of key figures involved in the crisis in Erbil has fueled optimism among politicians such as al-Dawoudi that the city could serve as a suitable venue for genuine understanding among Damascus, Ankara, the Kurdish parties, and Washington.