Latest news with #normalization
Bloomberg
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Saudi Arabia Says Palestinian State a Must for Ties With Israel
Saudi Arabia can normalize ties with Israel only after the establishment of a Palestinian state, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan said, reiterating the kingdom's stance days after President Emmanuel Macron said France would recognize it in September. 'For the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, normalization with Israel can only come through the establishment of a Palestinian state,' Bin Farhan said at a United Nations press conference with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, on the two-state solution.
Arab News
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Thousands in Morocco call for end to Gaza war
RABAT: Tens of thousands of Moroccans demonstrated Sunday in the capital Rabat against the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, calling for the reversal of the kingdom's normalization deal with Israel. Protesters gathered in the city center, brandishing Palestinian flags and placards calling for the free flow of aid to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory. 'It's a disgrace, Gaza is under fire,' 'Lift the blockade,' 'Morocco, Palestine, one people' and 'no to normalization,' chanted the demonstrators. They had gathered at the call of various organizations, including a coalition bringing together the Islamist movement Al-Adl Wal-Ihssane and left-wing parties. Moroccans wave Palestinian flags during a march to express their solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in Rabat on July 19, 2025. (AFP) The war in Gaza, sparked by militant group Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has created dire humanitarian conditions for the more than two million people who live in the coastal territory. Most people have been displaced at least once by the fighting, and doctors and aid agencies say they were seeing the physical and mental health effects of 21 months of war, including more acute malnutrition. 'Palestinians are being starved and killed before the eyes of the whole world,' said Jamal Behar, one of the demonstrators in Rabat on Sunday. 'It is our duty to denounce this dramatic, unbearable situation.' Morocco and Israel in 2020 signed a US-brokered normalization deal, which has increasingly come under attack in the North African kingdom as the war in Gaza rages into its 22nd month.
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Preliminary US-backed talks underway between 'Israel', Syria: Axios
The Trump administration has begun early discussions with "Israel" and Syria about a potential security agreement, US and Israeli officials told Axios, marking the first steps toward reducing tensions between the longtime adversaries. While formal normalization is not yet on the table, the talks aim to update border security arrangements and possibly pave the way for future diplomacy. Following the fall of the Assad government last year, Donald Trump announced plans to ease sanctions on Syria to support its reconstruction and reintegration. According to Axios, while the US envisions a gradual approach, "Israel" is looking for firm commitments that talks will lead to full normalization. Read more: Trump could bring Netanyahu, Syria's al-Sharaa to normalization talks In early June, Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed to President Trump's Syria envoy, Tom Barrack, his interest in pursuing a US-brokered security agreement with Syria's post-Assad government. According to a senior Israeli official, Netanyahu envisions a phased approach, beginning with an updated version of the 1974 disengagement of forces agreement and eventually leading to a full peace treaty and diplomatic normalization. After Ahmad al-Sharaa took power in December, "Israel" launched a series of airstrikes that decimated Syria's remaining military assets, including its air force, navy, missile systems, and air defenses. "Israel" also seized control of the buffer zone and advanced into Syrian territory, occupying key areas such as the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, a strategic high point. Israeli officials now see their hold on these territories as critical bargaining chips and have made clear that any withdrawal will depend on Syria agreeing to a comprehensive "peace deal" and full normalization of relations. "Israel" is currently engaging with Syria through at least four separate channels: "National Security" Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad Director David Barnea, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar for political and strategic dialogue, and the Israeli occupation forces, which handle daily military coordination. Despite these ongoing lines of communication, Israeli officials are urging the US to take a more prominent mediating role, believing American involvement would encourage Syria's new leadership to engage more seriously. US and Israeli officials confirmed that Trump's Syria envoy, Tom Barrack, has maintained contact with Syrian counterparts since his visit to "Israel" in early June, aimed at exploring the launch of formal negotiations. "We are having very soft preliminary discussions. Diplomatic breakthroughs are like unwrapping an onion — we are peeling," a senior US official told Axios, adding that President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are fully supportive and that coordination between the US and "Israel" is strong. For now, the talks involve only mid-level officials and do not include Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, nor are there plans yet for a leaders' summit, according to a US official. Two senior Israeli officials acknowledged that while a deal is within reach, progress will be gradual. "We hope to see the Trump administration pushing more assertively on this track," one official said. One of the key unresolved issues in any potential Israeli-Syrian "peace deal" is the status of the Syrian Golan Heights, a strategic plateau that "Israel" occupied during the 1967 war. In past negotiations spanning three decades, the al-Assad regime consistently demanded full or near-full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan in exchange for "peace". During his first term, President Trump formally recognized Israeli sovereignty over the territory, a controversial move that the Biden administration chose not to reverse. On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reaffirmed that while "Israel" is open to reaching an agreement with Syria, the Golan Heights will remain under Israeli control as part of any future deal. Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "Israel's" minister for strategic affairs, is in Washington this week for meetings with senior White House officials, where the potential Syria agreement is expected to be on the agenda. Israeli officials say Netanyahu is also preparing for an upcoming visit to the White House, where Syria and broader regional developments will feature prominently in talks with President Trump.
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Flame of resistance will remain ignited: Hezbollah's Sheikh Qassem
During a powerful speech at the annual Ashura commemoration in Beirut, Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah's unwavering commitment to resisting "Israel" and defending Lebanon. He condemned ongoing occupation violations, rejected normalization, and voiced strong support for Gaza and Yemen. The Hezbollah chief noted that this year's overwhelming turnout at the commemoration was striking and deeply symbolic, particularly since some had expected public participation to wane in light of recent regional events. "This resistance is that of Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr and the master of the martyrs of the Ummah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and it will uphold the covenant," the Secretary-General of Hezbollah stated in his speech. He further emphasized that "the flame of resistance will remain ignited, even if the circumstances were difficult." Sheikh Qassem emphasized their unwavering commitment to preserving the resistance movement, which they consider a sacred duty that must be protected. He firmly rejected any role in normalizing or justifying occupation in the region, describing normalization as deeply degrading and unacceptable. "We confront the enemy by defending Lebanon, and this defense will continue, even if the whole world stands against us. Liberation is a duty, no matter how long it takes," Sheikh Qassem stated, adding, "How can you expect us to stop when the enemy persists in its aggression? We cannot accept this, and we carry the wills of our martyrs on our shoulders." "We will never accept surrender. We are men of the field, and our position is clear: either our rights prevail or their falsehood is defeated," he asserted. The Lebanese leader affirmed that Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, do not lack any strength or capabilities, emphasizing that the two stand united in every confrontation. "We find it ridiculous to be asked to hand over our rockets, which form the foundation of our defense. We are determined to live in a free, sovereign, and dignified country," Sheikh Qassem indicated, highlighting that were it not for the resistance, "Israel" would have overrun Lebanese towns and villages a long time ago. #Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, delivered a speech today at the annual #Ashura commemoration in #Beirut, reaffirming that the Resistance will not relinquish its rockets, the core of its defensive power amid continued Israeli aggression and violations in… will keep resisting and confronting [the enemy]. The ceasefire agreement was supposed to halt the aggression, but the occupation has committed thousands of violations," the Secretary-General emphasized, adding, "We cannot be intimidated into submission. No one has the right to demand we soften our position or disarm as long as the enemy's attacks persist." Sheikh Qassem stated that "Israel" must implement the first phase of the agreement by withdrawing its forces, halting all aggression and aerial attacks, releasing prisoners, and allowing reconstruction efforts to begin, emphasizing that "once the first phase is completed, we are ready for discussions." "We are not concerned by threats from the occupation or Washington, be it of killing or calls for surrender," the Hezbollah Secretary-General underlined. He affirmed, "We are ready for peace and state-building, just as we are prepared for confrontation and defense, and we will not relinquish our rights, no matter the sacrifices." The Hezbollah leader addressed the people of Gaza and Palestinian Resistance factions, stating, "With your resistance, you are among the most honorable people in the world and the finest of this land." "Palestine will remain for its people, and we will continue to stand by you," he added. Additionally, Sheikh Qassem hailed the role of Yemen in the region, emphasizing that "Yemen has become a torch of resistance and honor, setting a unique example by humiliating both America and Israel." Elsewhere, the Lebanese leader saluted the Iranian people "who stood firm and prevented Israel from achieving its objectives."
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
‘Israel'-Syria ties dramatic development in Middle East: Israeli media
Israeli-Syrian ties were the topic least debated in public, despite being one of the hot topics discussed behind closed-door meetings between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump at the White House, Yedioth Ahronoth reported. Though absent from public discourse, the newspaper describes the topic as one of the most dramatically significant undercurrents in recent diplomacy. According to the report, efforts to normalize ties between Tel Aviv and Damascus could allow Syria's leadership to claim a major political breakthrough before its citizens. The paper claims that normalization, however limited, could serve as a springboard for broader regional stability and act as a catalyst for renewed 'peace talks' across the Middle East. It speculates that the evolving dynamic might eventually lead to a partial reconfiguration of ties between 'Israel' and Syria's post-conflict regime. One potential gesture mentioned is the return of the remains of Israeli spy Eli Cohen, executed in Syria in 1965, as part of a series of mutual confidence-building measures. Read more: How Eli Cohen's documents arrived in 'Israel': Israeli media "Why could this meeting change the rules of the game?" the report asks, highlighting the potentially dramatic nature of such diplomacy. Furthermore, Ynet suggests 'Israel' might consider withdrawing from the demilitarized buffer zone in exchange for firm security guarantees from the US and not the UN. This would, according to the paper, allow 'Israel' to act 'preemptively' in the event of intelligence pointing to any military movement near the border, similar to the threat it faces from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Read more: Israeli army preparing for a long stay in Syria: Israeli media The report further notes that such steps could pave the way for an expanded diplomatic process, starting with formalizing bilateral relations, followed by reforms in Syria's educational system and even Israeli support for agricultural development in border regions. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, 'If peace efforts between Israel and Syria progress and the relationship stabilizes, moderate Sunni states such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates would be more inclined to invest in Syria without the looming fear of war.' This, in turn, would significantly reduce the financial risks tied to major investments. The newspaper also links the potential thaw in 'Israel'-Syria relations to broader US ambitions in the region. It argues that Trump's push to expand the so-called 'Abraham Accords' could bolster his status, positioning him as a frontrunner for the Nobel Peace Prize, which is on his checklist. Such a diplomatic win, the article suggests, would serve as a cornerstone of Trump's agenda to 'Make America Great Again,' both by reasserting US influence in the Middle East and positioning the United States as a central player in the reconstruction and development of a post-war Syria. Read next: Syrian-Israeli normalization 'very possible', Trump allies say
