Middle East https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:33:31 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 Middle East – Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 Rights group accuses Egypt of disappearing 2 men detained in Bahrain https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-rights-group-accuses-egypt-of-disappearing-2-men-detained-in-bahrain/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:33:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658671 Egyptian citizens, Al-Sayyed Al-Ajez and Muhammad Al-Iraqi, were detained in Bahrain and forcibly deported to Egypt [@TheirRightAR/TWITTER]Their Right, a human rights organisation which specialises in defending prisoners of conscience in Egypt, yesterday accused the Egyptian authorities of disappearing two citizens who were detained in Bahrain and deported. The organisation posted on Facebook that Al-Sayyed Al-Ajez and Muhammad Al-Iraqi, both Egyptian citizens, were detained in Bahrain and forcibly deported to Egypt, but were not presented to the public prosecution, and their current whereabouts are unknown. Earlier, Egyptian human rights organisations said the Bahraini authorities had arrested the two Egyptian citizens on political grounds, although they had been legally residing in the country for eight years. Fifty-nine-year-old Al-Sayyed Al-Ajez, a father of eight who hails from Dakahlia Governorate, was arrested on 2 August over a 2014 judicial order […]]]> 658671 MP warns against law granting Israelis right to own land in Jordan https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-mp-warns-against-law-granting-israelis-right-to-own-land-in-jordan/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:14:38 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658669 Saleh Al-Armouti [Gettyimages]Jordanian MP Saleh Al-Armouti yesterday warned against amending the real estate property bill to give Israelis the right to buy land in Jordan as investors, Quds Press reported. Speaking to the news site, Al-Armouti said that this law may lead to state land being handed to Zionist firms or figures who hold foreign passports without sufficient checks being made. "This is dangerous," he said, "and it will give Zionists a chance to own land in the kingdom," recalling previous Zionist attempts to own land in Wadi Musa and Wadi Araba. If this happens, he explained, their ambitions may expand to points beyond this "as there are Zionist voices who claim rights to Jordanian lands." OPINION: What remains of Jordan's special role in […]]]> 658669 PA security forces continue detention of Palestinian fighters https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-pa-security-forces-continue-detention-of-palestinian-fighters/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 08:43:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658641 Palestinian fighters and civilians march in the village of Kafr Dan, to show solidarity with the families of 2 Palestinians killed in overnight clashes with Israeli security forces near a checkpoint inorth of the occupied West Bank town of Jenin, on September 14, 2022 [Photo by JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images]The Palestinian Authority (PA) continues detaining Palestinian fighters in the occupied West Bank, including Islamic Jihad members and leaders, Islamic Jihad in Palestine (IJP) said yesterday. In a press release, the IJP said that the PA security services raided homes of several of its leaders and members in Hebron. "This is part of a wide detention campaign targeting IJP fighters across the occupied West Bank," the movement said in the press release, describing the detention campaigns "as brutal as those carried out by the Israeli occupation." Meanwhile, the IJP said that two of its fighters have been on hunger strike for ten days in protest against their "harsh detention conditions in Jericho slaughterhouse," where they have been suffering since July. A large number of IJP members have […]]]> 658641 Israeli settler violence rocks the West Bank https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-israeli-settler-violence-rocks-the-west-bank/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 08:36:08 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658635 Israeli settler violence rocks the West BankREAD: Palestinian teen, 17, dies after being shot by Israel settler ]]> 658635 Netanyahu: Normalisation with Saudi not linked to creation of Palestinian state https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-netanyahu-normalisation-with-saudi-not-linked-to-creation-of-palestinian-state/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 08:31:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658632 Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, on July 2, 2023 [RONEN ZVULUN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that reaching a normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia is not conditional on creating a Palestinian state, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported Netanyahu saying that Israel and Saudi Arabia will deepen economic and business ties even if they don't formally recognise each other. Netanyahu said he is confident he can strike a deal with the Saudis under which the countries have official diplomatic relations. Without one, the two can still build an "economic corridor" running from the Arabian Peninsula to Europe that encompasses energy, transport and communications technology, he explained. At the same time, Netanyahu implied that the Saudis are note specially concerned about what the Palestinians get out of a potential deal. "I think the Palestinian thing is brought […]]]> 658632 Lebanon sets measures to stop Ain Al-Hilweh clashes spreading out of the camp https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-lebanon-sets-measures-to-stop-ain-al-hilweh-clashes-spreading-out-of-the-camp/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:59:03 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658625 Smoke rises within the clashes between Fatah movement members and some Palestinian Islamic groups at Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon's southern port city of Sidon on 28 February 2017 [Ratib Al Safadi - Anadolu Agency]Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said yesterday that measures have been taken to maintain security in Lebanon after clashes that broke out in the Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp last month and killed 11 people. Mawlawi said in a press conference that Lebanon is as concerned for the Arabs on Lebanese soil as it is for the Lebanese citizens, and security violations and the endangering of lives will not be tolerated. The head of the Federation of Tourism Syndicates in Lebanon, Pierre Al-Ashqar, said that nothing has changed after some foreign embassies had issued warnings over the past few days against their citizens travelling to Lebanon. OPINION: Who ignited Ain Al-Hilweh and why?]]> 658625 Football star Mohamed Salah isn't heading for Saudi https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-football-star-mohamed-salah-isnt-heading-for-saudi/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:50:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658622 Mohamed Salah of Liverpool warms up prior to the Premier League match at Anfield on May 08, 2021 in Liverpool, England [Alex Pantling/Getty Images]Liverpool football player Mohamed Salah will not be transferred to the Saudi club Al-Ittihad, according to the Egyptian player's agent Rami Abbas. "If we considered leaving LFC this year, we wouldn't have renewed the contract last summer. Mohamed remains committed to LFC," Abbas wrote on Twitter yesterday after recent reports in the Saudi press that Al-Ittihad had offered the Egyptian international €180 million ($198 million) for two seasons, in addition to the £60 million ($77 million) that his club, Liverpool, would receive. The Egyptian football star has a contract with Liverpool that is valid until 2025; and is currently preparing for the start of the English Premier League season. Liverpool will not participate in the Champions League this season because it […]]]> 658622 Israel army veteran commits suicide day after his former comrade https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-israel-army-veteran-commits-suicide-day-after-his-former-comrade/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:46:16 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658618 Israeli veteran soldier, Or Donio, from the Kfir Brigade [SHMS]An Israeli veteran from the Kfir Brigade committed suicide yesterday evening a day after his former comrade took his own life. Or Donio, from the Kfir Brigade, committed suicide a day after another Israeli army veteran, Bar Klaf, set himself on fire. Both veterans suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their military service. Donio was awaiting recognition of the trauma he incurred while in the Israeli military. "He fought in the Kafir Brigade and participated in Operation Brother's Keeper," Donio's parents said. They went on to explain that despite waiting ten months following a request to be recognized as a disabled veteran, he had heard nothing from the Defence Ministry. 'Operation Brother's Keeper' was an 11-day Israeli […]]]> 658618 4 Syrian regime soldiers killed in Israeli airstrike on Damascus https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-4-syrian-regime-soldiers-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-on-damascus/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 19:55:46 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658369 Flares of syrian air defense rockets are seen in the sky of Damascus on April 4, 2023 [STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images]Four Syrian regime soldiers were killed in an Israeli airstrike near the capital Damascus early Monday, Syria's official media reported, says Anadolu Agency. Citing an anonymous Syrian military source, SANA said: "The Israeli enemy carried out an aerial act of aggression from the direction of occupied Syrian Golan, targeting some sites in Damascus." Four regime soldiers were killed and another four injured in the attack, SANA said, adding that the regime's air defense batteries downed some Israeli missiles. Israel has launched airstrikes on the regime's military sites and Iranian-backed groups since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011. READ: Israel detects missile attack attempt from Syria]]> 658369 1st batch of migrants in UK moved to Bibby Stockholm barge, more expected https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-1st-batch-of-migrants-in-uk-moved-to-bibby-stockholm-barge-more-expected/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 19:01:16 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658363 A group of supportive demonstrators welcome asylum-seekers as they are transferred to the Bibby Stockholm, a barge turned into a temporary housing, at the Portland Harbour in Dorset, United Kingdom on August 07, 2023 [Raşid Necati Aslım/Anadolu Agency]The first batch of UK asylum seekers has arrived on the Bibby Stockholm barge as more migrants are expected to move later Monday, reports Anadolu Agency. Video footage showed a bus with the migrants entering the port, although the exact number of arrivals is yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, a number of people also gathered near the entrance of the port to protest the government's asylum policies, especially the barge plan. Carrying placards, the protesters chanted slogans: "'Refugees are welcome here,' 'No prison barge,' and 'Stop the far-right'." The British government's plan to start moving the first batch of 50 migrants to the barge, moored at Portland Port in Dorset in the country's southwest for three weeks, was delayed last […]]]> 658363 UK increases fines for bosses, landlords supporting 'illegal migrants' https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-uk-increases-fines-for-bosses-landlords-supporting-illegal-migrants/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:35:44 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658361 Border Force Vigilant and Typhoon bring migrants ashore at Dover Harbour in Dover, United Kingdom on May 17, 2022 [Stuart Brock/Anadolu Agency]Fines in the UK will be more than tripled for employers and landlords who allow "illegal migrants" to work for them or rent their properties, the government announced on Monday, terming it the "biggest shake up" of civil penalties since 2014, reports Anadolu Agency. It is the latest attempt by the government to prevent asylum seekers crossing the English Channel on small boats. "The civil penalty for employers, which was last increased in 2014, will be raised to up to £45,000 ($57,400) per illegal worker for a first breach from £15,000 ($19,130), and up to £60,000 (some $76,500) for repeat breaches from £20,000 ($25,500)," the Home Office said in a statement. Meanwhile, fines will increase for landlords from £80 per […]]]> 658361 Iranian foreign minister meets with Japanese Premier Kishida in Tokyo https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-iranian-foreign-minister-meets-with-japanese-premier-kishida-in-tokyo/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:09:04 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658358 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian (L) meets with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Kishida's official residence in Tokyo on August 7, 2023 [ISSEI KATO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Monday and discussed bilateral cooperation as well as the Iran nuclear deal, reports Anadolu Agency. Amirabdollahian arrived in the Japanese capital on Sunday evening and is also scheduled to meet with senior government officials to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues. "As a supporter of the Iran nuclear deal, Japan is seriously concerned about the expansion of Iran's nuclear-related activities and requested full and unconditional cooperation in the joint statement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," Kishida said in a statement released by the Japanese Foreign Ministry. He also urged Iran to respond in a "constructive" way. Earlier, the Iranian […]]]> 658358 The director of the Palestinian Museum reflects on her years in charge https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-the-director-of-the-palestinian-museum-reflects-on-her-years-in-charge/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:00:36 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658336 Dr Adila Laidi-Hanieh Director of the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, Brazil [Palmuseum]Duty and care are the words that would best describe the approach of Dr Adila Laidi-Hanieh towards the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit. She is stepping down as director of the museum at the end of this month, and we took the opportunity for her to reflect on her years in charge, changing the institution from the inside out. The museum is in a beautifully designed building which nestles in green terraces and overlooks the Mediterranean. It aims to represent the history and aspirations of the Palestinian people; explore their past and present; and reflect on their future. The flagship project of private foundation Taawon Welfare Association, the museum opened in 2016 and held its first on-site exhibition in 2017. However, […]]]> 658336 Erdogan: Palestinian leader's meeting with Hamas political chief in Turkiye has 'different dimension' https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-erdogan-palestinian-leaders-meeting-with-hamas-political-chief-in-turkiye-has-different-dimension/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 17:35:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658350 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L) and Head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh (R) on July 26, 2023 [Mustafa Kamacı/Anadolu Agency]Palestinian president's meeting with Hamas political chief in Turkiye has a "different dimension," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, reiterating support for the Palestinian cause and the struggle of the Palestinian people, reports Anadolu Agency. "We hosted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara. On this occasion, we once again renewed our strong support for the Palestinian cause and the struggle of the Palestinian people," Erdogan said after a Cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara. On July 27, Erdogan held a closed-door meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas group's political chief. "The meeting of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh, hosted by our country, added a different dimension to […]]]> 658350 US, Ukraine discuss 'security arrangements,' Saudi Arabia peace talks https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-us-ukraine-discuss-security-arrangements-saudi-arabia-peace-talks/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 17:28:49 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658347 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on August 1, 2023 [Celal Güneş/Anadolu Agency]US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, over the phone, discussing recently held peace talks in Saudi Arabia, and "long-term security arrangements", reports Anadolu Agency. "The two discussed developments in Ukraine's counteroffensive efforts, recent conversations about a just and durable peace in Ukraine held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and long-term security arrangements between the two countries," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. "The Secretary reiterated the United States' staunch and ongoing support of Ukraine's defense against Russia's aggression and reaffirmed continued support of a strong Ukrainian military and accountable defense institutions," Miller added. Talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah on the Ukraine conflict concluded Sunday with the participants […]]]> 658347 Pakistan abandons gas pipeline project with Iran due to US sanctions threat https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-pakistan-abandons-gas-pipeline-project-with-iran-due-to-us-sanctions-threat/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:06:57 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658340 Image of the South Pars Gas Complex plant in Iran [Hamed Malekpour/Wikipedia]Pakistan has cancelled the building of its major gas pipeline with Iran due to the threat of economic sanctions imposed by the United States. The decision seemingly concludes around a decade of expectations for the project. According to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, the country's Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Musadik Malik, said in written testimony to the National Assembly that, "Pakistan has issued a Force Majeure and Excusing Event notice to Iran under the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA), which resultantly suspends Pakistan's obligations under the GSPA." He confirmed that the pipeline – which aimed to supply 750 million cubic feet of gas per day to Pakistan from its western neighbour – "is stalled due to international sanctions on […]]]> 658340 Israel to incorporate Palestinian Americans in Gaza into the US visa waiver pilot https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-israel-to-incorporate-palestinian-americans-in-gaza-into-the-us-visa-waiver-pilot/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:00:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658338 This picture taken on August 3, 2020 shows the tail end of an Israeli El Al airline Boeing 737-958 aircraft on the tarmac at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Lod, east of Tel Aviv. [JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images]Israel has followed the US' demand to allow American citizens residing in Gaza to travel via Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport, as part of the continuous negotiations between Israel and the United States regarding Israel's inclusion in the visa waiver programme (VWP). According to Gil Bringer, Israel's VWP project manager, there are approximately 100 to 130 Palestinian Americans residing in Gaza. As part of the pilot programme, those who meet Israel's security criteria will be eligible to enter the country on "B2" tourist visas and depart from the main Ben Gurion Airport, reported Reuters. Israel will also grant Palestinian-Americans living in Gaza tourist visas allowing them to stay in Israel for three months. READ: Palestinian teen, 17, dies after being shot by […]]]> 658338 Israel can no longer rely on an acquiescent international community https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-israel-can-no-longer-rely-on-an-acquiescent-international-community/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:00:09 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658321 Israeli protesters march 'for judicial independence' at the Kaplan street, after the coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu passed the controversial 'judicial reform' law in parliament in Tel Aviv, Israel on August 5, 2023 [Mostafa Alkharouf - Anadolu Agency]The Zionist state of Israel has been receiving preferable treatment and support from an acquiescent international community, mainly countries in the West which dominate international bodies and other countries around the world, even before it was created in occupied Palestine in 1948. Despite never declaring where its borders lie (so that it can continue to expand on stolen Palestinian land) and not even fulfilling a major condition of its membership the UN — allowing the Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland — it is recognised as a full member of the international organisation. Most of its citizens are so uncertain about its viability that they maintain dual citizenship. Meanwhile, most countries of the world do not recognise the State […]]]> 658321 Petition to Bear Grylls draws 900 in support of scout leader expelled on anti-Semitism claims https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-petition-to-bear-grylls-draws-900-in-support-of-scout-leader-expelled-on-anti-semitism-claims/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:39:10 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658333 Bear Grylls [Wikimedia]A petition from expelled scout leader Pete Gregson to Chief Scout Bear Grylls has raised 900 signatures, just a month after it was launched on Change.Org. Gregson, treasurer of the 150th Craigalmond Scout Group, was expelled for being affiliated to the Campaign Against Bogus Antisemitism (CABA). He believes the Scouts appear to be working to the IHRA Definition of anti-Semitism which equates criticism of Israel to anti-Semitism, while Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss of Neturei Karta says: "Pete is in no way anti-Jewish." Gregson was expelled after a complaint was lodged because his number was used on a CABA Facebook page five years after the same number was published in a 2017 advert on behalf of the Scout Group seeking volunteers for the committee. […]]]> 658333 UK government divided over labelling Iran's Revolutionary Guards terrorist group https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-uk-government-divided-over-labelling-irans-revolutionary-guards-terrorist-group/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:09:53 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658326 People gather near Baghdad International Airport to commemorate the second anniversaries of the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani and the vice president of the Hashd al-Shaabi group Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, on January 01, 2022 in Bahgdad, Iraq [Murtadha Al-Sudani - Anadolu Agency]The UK government is divided over designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists, the Financial Times has reported. Disagreement between Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on labelling Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group is said to be causing tension within the government. Braverman is increasingly alarmed by alleged plans of Iranian agents to target British citizens. However, Cleverly and officials at the Foreign Office are hesitant to classify the Revolutionary Guards as terrorists, fearing that such a move could be counterproductive. READ: UK security minister labels Iran-funded mosque a 'vile threat' to the country Labelling the armed force of another nation as terrorists is quite unusual for the UK, officials in the Foreign Office have argued. There are […]]]> 658326 UAE: Bear sedated after escaping cargo crate from Iraqi Airways plane https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-uae-bear-sedated-after-escaping-cargo-crate-from-iraqi-airways-plane/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 13:39:40 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658318 Bear breaks out from a container in the cargo hold of an Iraqi Airways flight from Baghdad to Dubai [@IraqiNews_com/Twitter]An Iraqi Airways plane travelling from Baghdad to Dubai was delayed on Friday, after a bear escaped from its crate in the cargo hold on Friday at Dubai International Airport. In a statement, Iraqi Airways said: "The company apologises to the passengers of the flight from Baghdad International Airport to Dubai Airport for reasons beyond the control of the company, regarding a shipment in the cargo hold." "Upon arrival to Dubai Airport, the animal escaped the crate specified for its shipment," the airline said, adding that the animal was being transported in line with international animal welfare guidelines: "The plane crew co-ordinated with UAE's authority who sent a specialised team to sedate the animal and take it off the plane." […]]]> 658318 Palestinian teen, 17, dies after being shot by Israel settler  https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-palestinian-teen-17-dies-after-being-shot-by-israel-settler/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 13:07:53 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658310 Ramzi Fathi Hamed [manniefabian/Twitter]A 17-year-old Palestinian has died this morning as a result of wounds he sustained after being reportedly shot by an Israeli settler near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, reported WAFA news agency. The Palestinian Health Ministry announced that Ramzi Fathi Hamed was shot on Friday while sitting in a car near the illegal Ofra settlement, which is built on the land of the towns of Silwad and Ein Yabroud in Ramallah. According to Raed Hamed, the mayor of Silwad, the settler was a guard for the Ofra settlement and shot Ramzi with two bullets in the chest and belly. He also suffered a severe pulmonary embolism while undergoing treatment in hospital, resulting in his death, according to medics. It comes after […]]]> 658310 Saudi signs deal to localise production of Turkiye drones https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-saudi-signs-deal-to-localise-production-of-turkiye-drones/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:47:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658308 The B model of Bayraktar AKINCI UAV-A (Unmanned Air Vehicle-Attack), developed by Baykar Technologies with domestic and national means, within the scope of the AKINCI Project carried out under the leadership of the Department of Defense Industry of Turkiye, is seen flying at control center, located in Corlu district of Tekirdag, Turkiye on March 02, 2022. [Baykar - Anadolu Agency]Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with key Turkish defence firm Baykar Tech to help the kingdom localise the manufacturing of drones, in the latest deal signifying the improved relations between Riyadh and Ankara. In a post on the platform X, formerly Twitter, the state-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) yesterday announced "the signing of a strategic localisation agreement with Baykar Tech, to localise the manufacturing of the 'Bayraktar Akıncı' UAVs and their systems within the Kingdom." It added that the agreement, which was signed under the patronage of Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, "will enhance SAMI's role in supporting the national defence industry and strengthening our local capabilities." برعاية سمو #وزير_الدفاع؛ يسرنا أن نعلن عن […]]]> 658308 Israel: far-right minister defends 'Jewish terrorist' following murder of young Palestinian https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-israel-far-right-minister-defends-jewish-terrorist-following-murder-of-young-palestinian/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:49:41 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658301 Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in Beersheba on April 25, 2023 [GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images]Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has backed a Jewish settler accused of carrying out a terrorist attack against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, following the killing of 19-year-old Palestinian Qusay Jamal Matan. Two illegal Israeli settlers are currently under arrest on suspicion of shooting Matan on Friday in the West Bank village of Burqa, east of Ramallah. A security official said that they are far-right activists from the Ramat Migron outpost. Matan was shot four times according to details of the deadly incident reported in Haaretz. In unusually sharp language indicating tense relations between Washington and Tel-Aviv, the US condemned the incident as terrorism committed by Israeli settlers. "We strongly condemn yesterday's terror attack by Israeli extremist […]]]> 658301 Palestinians in Israel hold protest to highlight Israeli 'indifference' to murders https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-palestinians-in-israel-hold-protest-to-highlight-israeli-indifference-to-murders/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:39:21 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658293 Palestinians in Israel hold protest to highlight Israeli ‘indifference’ to murdersHamas: praising settler who killed Palestinians reflects Israeli 'fascism']]> 658293 Egypt hotel asks Israel model to leave over 'nationality' https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-egypt-hotel-asks-israel-model-to-leave-over-nationality/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:40:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658289 Shay Zanco [shayzanco_/Instagram]An Israeli model and influencer was expelled from a hotel in Egypt after management discovered her nationality, according to Israeli media. Yesterday, the Jerusalem Post reported that Shay Zanco "arguably one of Israel's most successful models," was kicked out of the hotel in Cairo having arrived in the country as part of the entourage of US rapper Travis Scott whose planned concert at the Pyramids in Giza was cancelled by Egypt's Musicians Syndicate over the show being at odds "with the societal values, customs, and traditions of Egypt and the Arab world." The Post reported that despite the show being called off, Zanco decided that she would visit tourist sites and make the most of her stay, "However, within about a day of her arrival, her hotel discovered […]]]> 658289 Israel forcibly displaces Palestinian Bedouin families in occupied West Bank https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-israel-forcibly-displaces-palestinian-bedouin-families-in-occupied-west-bank/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:34:53 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658287 Children wave the Palestinian flag in Khan al-Ahmar Village as it faces the threat of demolition in Jerusalem, on January 23, 2023. [Issam Rimawi - Anadolu Agency]The Israeli authorities have forced six Palestinian families from the Al-Qaboun Bedouin community east of Ramallah in the central occupied West Bank to leave their homes due to attacks and threats by extremist settlers and the Israeli army. The general supervisor of Al-Baydar Organisation for the Defence of Bedouin Rights, Hassan Malihat, said that the six families had no choice but to leave their homes as a result of a sharp rise in almost daily attacks and violence by both Israeli settler militias and soldiers. He added that a total of 36 individuals from the Kaabneh family had to leave the community which was displaced from their land during the 1948Nakba, "only to face another story of displacement today." Malihat […]]]> 658287 US slams murder of Palestinian by Israel settlers as 'terrorism' https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-us-slams-murder-of-palestinian-by-israel-settlers-as-terrorism/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:10:00 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658284 Relatives of 19-year-old Qusay Jamal Matan, who killed by Israeli settlers in gun attack, mourn during funeral ceremony in Burka village of Ramallah, West Bank on August 05, 2023. [Issam Rimawi - Anadolu Agency]Washington has condemned as "terrorism" the killing of a Palestinian by suspected Jewish settlers, in language that appears to reflect US frustration with surging violence in the occupied West Bank under Israel's hard-right government, Reuters reported. Israeli police detained two settlers following Friday's attack near the village of Burqa. According to Palestinians, they were part of a group that threw rocks, torched cars and, when confronted by villagers, shot a 19-year-old dead and wounded several others. Initial findings by Israel's military described the incident as a confrontation that escalated, with casualties on both sides. A defence lawyer said the settlers – one of whom was absent from a court hearing due to a head injury – acted in self-defence. In their arraignment, a transcript […]]]> 658284 Khamenei accuses US of encouraging smugglers in Gulf region https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-khamenei-accuses-us-of-encouraging-smugglers-in-gulf-region/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:01:49 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658282 Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on April 22, 2023 [Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu Agency]Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the US of encouraging smuggling by sea in the Gulf region, in the latest sign of rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. "Today, the Americans are targeting oil tankers while helping the maritime smuggling networks in our region," said Khamenei on state television yesterday, Bloomberg News has reported. "This is a major violation on their part." Media reports said on 3 August that the US might seek to station military personnel on board civilian vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to counter "Iranian aggression". The state-run Nour News agency in Iran responded by saying that the US "cannot use maritime protection as an excuse to expand its military […]]]> 658282 Venezuela mural expresses solidarity with Palestine https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-venezuela-mural-expresses-solidarity-with-palestine/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:32:02 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658278 Palestine solidarity mural in Caracas, Venezuela, July 2023. [Pal Youth]Artists have been working diligently for the past few weeks to create a mural that covers a whole building in 23 de Enero neighbourhood in Caracas, Venezuela. The artists were brought together by local artist Julvio Millar to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people and put the spotlight on Palestine's ongoing struggle to resist Israeli colonialism. The mural includes a map of Palestine, a key of return, the Palestinian flag, as well as a picture of a Palestinian fighter wearing the traditional keffiyeh and making the V for Victory sign. The giant artwork is part of a larger project undertaken by Plataforma de solidaridad con Palestina group that is currently working on several initiatives and activities in Venezuela to […]]]> 658278 Israel: security agency warns Netanyahu about settler violence https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-israel-security-agency-warns-netanyahu-about-settler-violence/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:28:25 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658276 Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, on July 2, 2023 [RONEN ZVULUN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]The head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency has warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the danger posed by the increasing level of violence by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, Ynet News reported on Sunday. Ronen Bar called the settler violence a "strategic threat" and warned that the Palestinians are expected to increase their attacks on Israelis in retaliation for the settler attacks. Bar also said that settler "terror" boosts Islamic Jihad and Hamas in the occupied territories. He warned of attempts to kidnap a settler when attacks against Palestinian villages take place. On Friday, settlers shot and killed a Palestinian from the village of Burqa and wounded three others after storming the village and attacking residents. According […]]]> 658276 Palestine slams Israel minister's call to honour settlers who murdered Palestinian https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-palestine-slams-israel-ministers-call-to-honour-settlers-who-murdered-palestinian/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:24:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658274 The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned in the strongest terms Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's calls to honour settlers who murdered Palestinian Qusai Jamal Maatan in "cold blood" and provide them immunity. On Saturday morning, the Israeli authorities arrested two settlers suspected of killing Maatan after violently storming his village of Burqa on Friday and shooting residents there. Israeli media outlets said one of the settlers is a spokesman for a member of the Knesset in the government coalition, and an activist in Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power Party. In a statement, the Palestinian ministry considered Ben-Gvir's rants a call to encourage Jewish terrorists to murder more Palestinians. It warned against the Israeli occupation government's release of the murderers under "false pretexts". It […]]]> 658274 Gaza sentences 7 to death for collaborating with Israel https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-gaza-sentences-7-to-death-for-collaborating-with-israel/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 08:25:52 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658270 Palestinians in Gaza, City on July 03, 2023. [Mustafa Hassona - Anadolu Agency]The Court of Appeal in Gaza yesterday issued death sentences against seven people charged with collaborating with the Israeli occupation, the Interior Ministry said. Seven others were handed life terms with hard labour. According to the ministry, the sentences were issued with reference to Article 131 of the Palestinian Revolutionary Penal Code of 1979. The collaborators were indicted for having contacts with the Israeli occupation's intelligence, carrying out missions related to spying on Palestinian fighters and providing information about the Palestinian resistance. READ: Gaza Palestinian-Americans urge Washington to include them in Israel visa deal]]> 658270 Israel: Smotrich freezes grants for Arab municipalities https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-israel-smotrich-freezes-grants-for-arab-municipalities/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 08:10:06 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658263 Israel's Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks during a parliament (Knesset) meeting in Jerusalem on July 10, 2023 [MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images]Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has frozen grants planned for Arab municipalities in the apartheid state, Kan public broadcaster reported on Sunday. The amount frozen is NIS 200 million ($55m) set by the previous Israeli government for economic development. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel from Shas party warned of negative consequences if the grant was not transferred to Arab local authorities. Far-right Smotrich told Kan that he is "reconsidering" the transfer of funds as he weighs his "priorities" for the funding and the "supervision mechanisms" in place. He added that the current government is "not beholden" to a promise made by former Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked to Ra'am party chief Mansour Abbas. At the same time, the far-right extremist minister blocked […]]]> 658263 Hamas: praising settler who killed Palestinians reflects Israeli 'fascism' https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-hamas-praising-settler-who-killed-palestinians-reflects-israeli-fascism/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:44:25 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658258 People attend the funeral of 19-year-old Qusay Jamal Matan, who killed by Israeli settlers in gun attack, in Burka village of Ramallah, West Bank on August 05, 2023. [Issam Rimawi - Anadolu Agency]The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement has condemned the call by Israel's far-right minister of national security to award a "medal of honour" to the illegal Jewish settler who murdered a 19-year-old Palestinian in the occupied West Bank. "Such a move reflects how terrorist and fascist the extreme far-right Israeli occupation government is," said Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem on Sunday. He pointed out that the call by Itamar Ben-Gvir proves the Israeli occupation government's disregard for international law. The praise for the Israeli colonial settler came after he shot dead Palestinian youth Qusai Maatan on Friday during a brutal attack by settlers on the village of Burqa, near Ramallah. READ: Jewish settlers raid Palestinian village in occupied West Bank]]> 658258 Israel heading for self-destruction, says former Mossad chief https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-israel-heading-for-self-destruction-says-former-mossad-chief/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:41:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658256 Israeli protesters march 'for judicial independence' at the Kaplan street, after the coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu passed the controversial 'judicial reform' law in parliament in Tel Aviv, Israel on August 5, 2023. [Mostafa Alkharouf - Anadolu Agency]The former head of Israel's Mossad spy agency has said that he believes that the occupation state is heading for self-destruction, the religious-Zionist Makor Rishon news outlet reported on Sunday. Tamir Pardo explained that he came to his conclusion after the signing of the coalition agreement among the current parties in the far-right cabinet, even before the announcement of the judicial reform plan by Minister of Justice Yariv Levin. Israel, said Pardo, has been trapped in a destructive operation – the judicial overhaul plan – for the past five months without any logical reason. He noted that the present cabinet is moving towards self-destruction with the whole Zionist state. If Iran did this when he was in office, he pointed […]]]> 658256 Preacher: We will not allow Israel to harm Al-Aqsa https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-preacher-we-will-not-allow-israel-to-harm-al-aqsa/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:20:18 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658250 Some of Palestinian demonstrators meet with Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the grand imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, at his home in As-Suvvane neighborhood to show their support to him in Jerusalem on 3 June 2020. [Mostafa Alkharouf - Anadolu Agency]The preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, affirmed yesterday that the Israeli occupation is "seeking to impose its hegemony on Al-Aqsa Mosque," adding and that "our Palestinian people will not allow it to be harmed or touched." Sheikh Sabri stressed that the Israeli occupation is seeking to convert Al-Aqsa into military barracks to allow non-Muslims to enter it in the morning. He added that despite Israeli excavations under the mosque, the occupation authorities have failed to find proof to support their imaginary stories or to obtain international legitimacy. Israel will not succeed in implementing its goals of Judaising the mosque, he continued, adding that it has no right to Al-Aqsa Mosque, and that Muslims will remain present in the mosque […]]]> 658250 Will Saudi Arabia make Friday a working day? https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-will-saudi-arabia-make-friday-a-working-day/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:45:33 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658192 Prospective pilgrims continue their worship to fulfill the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. [Elif Öztürk Özgöncü - Anadolu Agency]In a thought-provoking op-ed published on Friday by Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Okaz, entitled "Friday is a working day," writer Mona Al-Otaibi questions whether the Kingdom's traditional Friday-Saturday weekend needs an overhaul, igniting a debate on social media. The piece highlighted the potential financial losses incurred due to Friday being an important workday in the financial world, and it has sparked discussions about whether Saudi Arabia should consider shifting its weekend to Saturday-Sunday, following in the footsteps of neighbouring UAE which made the controversial change last year, after plans were announced in 2021. At the time, the Emirati the government said it would "ensure smooth financial, trade and economic transactions with countries that follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend, facilitating stronger international […]]]> 658192 Brazilians remember Beirut port tragedy at Copacabana beach https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-brazilians-remember-beirut-port-tragedy-at-copacabana-beach/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:13:11 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658185 Brazilians remember Beirut port tragedy at Copacabana beachREAD: Lebanon marchers mourn port blast victims three years on, angry at stalled probe]]> 658185 Iraq seeks Interpol alerts for former officials over $2.5bln graft https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-iraq-seeks-interpol-alerts-for-former-officials-over-2-5bln-graft/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:46:18 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658183 Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi holds a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq [Iraqi PM Press Office - Anadolu Agency]Iraq plans to ask Interpol to issue international alerts seeking the arrest of former senior officials including an ex-finance minister and an ex-intelligence chief over the alleged theft of more than $2.5 billion from the country's Tax Commission, Reuters reports. The scandal centres on suspected illegitimate cash withdrawals from the Commission between 2021 and 2022 totalling around $2.5 billion, according to Iraqi officials – a staggering amount even in a country that regularly ranks among the world's most corrupt. Iraq's top anti-corruption official, Integrity Commission chief Judge Haider Hanoun, announced the move to seek so-called Interpol Red Notices on Sunday. Hanoun said the judiciary would also ask for notices to be issued for the private secretary and a political adviser […]]]> 658183 Iranian, Sri Lankan foreign ministers dissuss relations, regional, international issues in Tehran https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-iranian-sri-lankan-foreign-ministers-dissuss-relations-regional-international-issues-in-tehran/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:17:36 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658181 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on August 31, 2022 [Iranian Foreign Ministry/Handout/Anadolu Agency]Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Ali Sabry, discussed relations and regional and international issues Saturday in Tehran, according to a statement, Anadolu reports. Amirabdollahian said Iran is prepared to increase collaboration with Sri Lanka across various domains, encompassing the establishment of the Iran-Sri Lanka joint economic commission and the joint consular and tourism committee, according to his Foreign Ministry. "Amirabdollahian further enumerated the possibilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the field of new technologies and the capabilities of Iranian knowledge-based companies, saying Iran is ready to export technical and engineering services, technologies and medical equipment," it said. READ: Wildfire sets off landmines around Tehran's Evin Prison, Iran judiciary says He noted implementation of previously […]]]> 658181 Iraq blocks Telegram app, cites personal data violations https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-iraq-blocks-telegram-app-cites-personal-data-violations/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 13:56:12 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658176 The logo of instant messaging platform "Telegram" is displayed on a smartphone. [Ali Balıkçı - Anadolu Agency ]Iraq's telecoms ministry said it has blocked the Telegram messaging app over national security concerns and in order to preserve the integrity of users' personal data, which it said the app had mishandled, Reuters reports. The app is widely used in Iraq for messaging but also as a source of news and for sharing content. Some channels contain large amounts of personal data including the names, addresses and family ties of Iraqis. The ministry said in a statement it had asked the app to close down "platforms that leak the data of the official state institutions and the personal data of citizens… but the company did not respond and did not interact with any of these requests." "The Ministry of […]]]> 658176 Israelis continue to protest judiciary regulation for 31st straight week https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-israelis-continue-to-protest-judiciary-regulation-for-31st-straight-week/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 12:17:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658163 An aerial view of the people gather to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan, in Tel Aviv, Israel on on August 5, 2023. [Yair Palti - Anadolu Agency]Israeli protesters took to the streets again Saturday to protest the coalition government's judiciary regulation, Anadolu reports. Demonstrators, who have organized mass protests every Saturday against the far-right coalition government's judiciary regulation and conservative policies led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were on the streets for the 31st straight week of protests. Tens of thousands attended demonstrations in Tel Aviv, West Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, Herzliya and Rehovot. As usual, the most significant demonstration took place in Tel Aviv, where protesters gathered in front of the Government Complex on Kaplan Street and made speeches criticizing the regulation. Protest leaders accused Netanyahu of attempting to undermine the rule of law and potentially causing a constitutional crisis. Demonstrators holding Israeli flags chanted slogans […]]]> 658163 Jewish settlers raid Palestinian village in occupied West Bank https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-jewish-settlers-raid-palestinian-village-in-occupied-west-bank/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 11:00:13 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658164 Israeli forces intervene to Palestinians who staged a demonstration against land confiscation of Jewish settlers in Hebron, West Bank [Mamoun Wazwaz - Anadolu Agency]Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank raided a Palestinian village Saturday, accompanied by soldiers, Anadolu reports. Dozens of settlers conducted the raid in Et-Tevane, in the Mesafir Yatta area in southern Hebron, according to sources. Settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned vehicles and attacked Palestinians who protested, leading to fighting with residents. Israeli soldiers intervened and used tear gas and rubber-coated bullets against Palestinians. Some victims faced suffocation due to the tear gas. Soldiers also assaulted and arrested a 19-year-old Palestinian, according to the Palestinian official news agency, WAFA. In another incident, a group of Jewish settlers gathered at a checkpoint to the entrance to Ramallah and threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles, causing damage. At the entrance to the Turmus […]]]> 658164 Turkish Coast Guard saves 130 migrants pushed back by Greece https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-turkish-coast-guard-saves-130-migrants-pushed-back-by-greece/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:47:43 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658160 Turkish Coast Guard units rescue 130 irregular migrants after Greek authorities pushed them into Turkish territorial waters in Izmir, Turkiye. [Turkish Coast Guard Command - Anadolu Agency]A total of 130 irregular migrants pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek forces were rescued on Saturday by the Turkish Coast Guard off the coasts of western Izmir province's Menderes, Karaburun, Foca and Cesme districts, Anadolu reports. Meanwhile, 265 irregular migrants and a migrant smuggler were caught off the coasts of Karaburun and Dikili. Irregular migrants were handed to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management after procedures. READ: Tunisia rescues 15,000 migrants in first half of 2023 And 170 irregular migrants in rubber boats were caught by the Coast Guard off the coast of western Canakkale province's Ayvacik district. Coast Guard Northern Aegean Group Command teams detected four rubber boats with irregular migrants off the coast of Ayvacik. During […]]]> 658160 Saudi Arabia sends 18th aid plane for earthquake victims in Turkiye, Syria https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-saudi-arabia-sends-18th-aid-plane-for-earthquake-victims-in-turkiye-syria/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:43:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658157 Turkish flag is raised as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (not seen) arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia [Emin Sansar - Anadolu Agency]Saudi Arabia sent an 18th humanitarian plane to support victims of the Feb. 6 twin earthquakes in southern Kahramanmaras province which affected several cities in Turkiye and Syria, according to media reports, Anadolu reports. The Saudi Arabian official news agency SPA said the plane carrying 32 tons of medical supplies and equipment, departed from the International King Khalid Airport in the Saudi capital of Riyadh for Gaziantep Airport. The plane was sent as part of the aid bridge established by Saudi Arabia for earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria. Saudi Arabia sent the last aid plane to Turkiye on June 17. READ: Saudi Arabia urges its citizens to quickly leave Lebanon]]> 658157 Turkish FM, US secretary of state discuss Black Sea grain deal, NATO enlargement https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-turkish-fm-us-secretary-of-state-discuss-black-sea-grain-deal-nato-enlargement/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:30:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658152 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L). [Murat Gök - Anadolu Agency]Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke over the phone on Saturday and discussed the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the security of the Black Sea and NATO enlargement, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the two also discussed developments in the South Caucasus and the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia during the phone call held at Blinken's request. READ: UK takes lead in Turkiye earthquake aid, donating over £150 million]]> 658152 Egyptian, UAE presidents discuss bilateral relations, regional issues https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-egyptian-uae-presidents-discuss-bilateral-relations-regional-issues/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:28:39 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658153 President of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (L) is welcomed by the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (R) with an official ceremony at Al Ittihadiyah Palace in Cairo, Egypt. [Presidency of Egypt - Anadolu Agency]Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is on an official visit to Egypt, Anadolu reports. According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, the two leaders met in the city of Al-Alamain and discussed regional and international issues. The meeting discussed ways to strengthen the frameworks and mechanisms of joint cooperation between the two countries. The two also underlined the 'importance of intensifying joint Arab action to confront the growing regional and global challenges.' READ: US senators call for withholding of military aid to Egypt over human rights record]]> 658153 Helping Palestinians in need is not 'terrorism'; they are the victims of Israeli terrorism https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-helping-palestinians-in-need-is-not-terrorism-they-are-the-victims-of-israeli-terrorism/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 09:37:14 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658149 People demonstrate in support of Palestine on May 15, 2021 in Los Angeles [PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images]I know none of the details of the arrest of Palestinian Amin Abu Rashid and his daughter Israa in Holland recently. I do know, however, that the track record of European governments in levelling allegations of "funding terrorism" against Palestinian-European organisations over the past twenty years or so has been abysmal. In almost every case, when taken to court the authorities have lost the legal argument. Will this happen again with Abu Rashid and Israa? Time will tell, but what is interesting is that it introduces to the world another no doubt well-funded "Israeli activist group", Ad Kan. It is well known, of course, that all allegations of "terrorism" and "funding Hamas" arise from "intelligence" shared by Israel and its […]]]> 658149 Virtual Reality initiative enables Palestinians to visit their homeland https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-virtual-reality-initiative-enables-palestinians-to-visit-their-homeland/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 08:31:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658144 Virtual Reality initiative enables Palestinians to visit their homelandREAD: Palestine minister attacked during West Bank anti-settlement protest]]> 658144