Author: Gulf News Week
Israel’s approval of 19 new settlements stands to redraw the occupied West Bank, undermining prospect of two-state solution.The Israeli security cabinet has approved 19 new settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank as the right-wing government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moves to prevent the formation of a viable Palestinian state.As Netanyahu’s government has made the annexation of occupied Palestinian territory a priority, the United Nations has said Israeli settlement expansions in 2025 have reached their highest level since 2017.“These figures represent a sharp increase compared to previous years,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, noting an average of 12,815…
Violence comes as top Syrian and Turkish officials held talks on integrating SDF forces into Syria’s new army.At least two people have been killed after clashes broke out between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Aleppo, as a deadline to integrate the SDF into Syria’s state institutions looms.A medical source told media that two civilians were killed and 11 others wounded after SDF forces opened fire on Syrian security force positions near the Sheihan and Lairmoun roundabouts in Aleppo on Monday.Dozens of families and local workers were also seen fleeing the area amid the violence,…
Prosecutors accuse the official, named as Fahad A, of torturing dozens of prisoners in jail run by Syrian intelligence.German prosecutors have charged a former Syrian security official with crimes against humanity, accusing him of torturing dozens of prisoners at a Damascus jail while ex-President Bashar al-Assad was in power.Germany’s Federal Public Prosecutor General’s office announced the indictment on Monday, alleging the ex-prison guard, named only as Fahad A, took part in more than 100 interrogations between 2011 and 2012 in which prisoners were “subjected to severe physical abuse”.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Post‑Assad Syria’s security challenges persist…
Authorities have shuttered drug factories that were cash pipeline for former ruler Bashar al-Assad, UN report.Syria’s government has cracked down on the Captagon industry, which boomed under former longtime leader Bashar al-Assad, according to a United Nations report.Since al-Assad’s ouster a year ago, Syria’s new authorities have dismantled a network of factories and storage sites, a research brief published on Monday by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Israel launches new raids in Syria’s Quneitra, establishes checkpointslist 2 of 3US aerial bombardment strikes ‘ISIS thugs’ in Syrialist 3 of 3Post‑Assad…
All-rounder’s brilliant spell and cool finish propel team to third straight victory, lifting them to second place in the standings. DUBAI — Shakib Al-Hasan delivered a match-winning all-round display as MI Emirates defeated league leaders Desert Vipers by four wickets in the DP World ILT20 on Sunday, securing their third consecutive victory. Chasing a modest 125 at the Dubai International Stadium, MI Emirates overcame a shaky start thanks to a vital cameo from captain Kieron Pollard and a calm, unbeaten 17 from Shakib, who struck the winning boundary to seal the win with 15 balls to spare. Shakib Shines with…
Savings of up to 50% and instant access to coveted pieces fuel a major shift in shopping habits, creating a thriving pre-owned market in Riyadh and beyond. RIYADH — A significant transformation is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s luxury scene, as a booming market for pre-owned high-end accessories takes hold. Driven predominantly by female shoppers, consumers are increasingly opting for authenticated second-hand luxury goods, attracted by substantial savings and the allure of immediate ownership. Fueling this trend are rising retail prices and lengthy waiting lists at official boutiques for iconic items from brands like Cartier and Rolex. In response, specialized stores in…
Palestinian officials condemn the actions as part of a ‘systematic policy of displacement’ in the occupied territory.Israeli forces have stormed towns in the occupied West Bank and demolished a residential building.Soldiers fired stun grenades and tear gas on Monday as they carried out the demolition in East Jerusalem. Palestinian officials accused Israel of a campaign of displacement in the city, saying the operation was part of a systematic attempt to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from their land.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Japan set to restart world’s biggest nuclear power plantlist 2 of 4Thousands of Serbians protest government pressure…
The Trump administration seeks to recalibrate US influence in the Middle East and wants to ‘make Iraq great again’.United States President Donald Trump’s second administration has introduced a bold and unconventional strategy for the Middle East. The administration intends to recalibrate US influence in a region historically scarred by conflict, prioritising regional stability through economic strength and military consolidation by asserting a stronger, business-minded US presence.At the centre of Trump’s ambitious goal is what the new US envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, described as his goal to “make Iraq great again”. This approach moves away from traditional endless war tactics…
On December 16, Sudanese political parties, armed movements, civil society organisations, and prominent political figures signed a nine-point political roadmap in Nairobi, presenting it as a civilian-led initiative aimed at ending Sudan’s war and restoring a democratic transition.Framed as an antiwar, pro-peace platform, it seeks to position civilians as a “third pole” against the two military actors in Sudan’s conflict: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).Its authors say it represents an attempt to reclaim political agency for civilians after months of marginalisation by armed actors and foreign mediators, even though the declaration does not…
Host nation Morocco overcome a spirited challenge by Africa Cup of Nations minnows Comoros to kick off the tournament.Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosts Morocco overcame a nervy start to beat the Comoros 2-0 in the tournament’s opening game on Sunday, after Brahim Diaz and substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored second-half goals.It was a far-from-convincing showing from the highly fancied Morocco, who are 97 places above the small Indian Ocean island nation in the world rankings and had to toil hard for the points in the rain at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of…