Author: MEE staff

Italy has decided to appoint an ambassador to Syria after over a decade of absence due to the turmoil caused by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the subsequent civil war. Stefano Ravagnan, currently serving as the foreign ministry’s special envoy for Syria, has been selected for this crucial role. The move comes as Assad’s government, with support from Iran and Russia, has regained control of much of the country, while other regions remain under different forces’ control. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani hopes this decision will shine a spotlight on Syria and contribute to the ongoing discussions about the country’s…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has decided to withdraw the UK’s opposition to an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The spokesperson for the new prime minister announced this on Friday, reversing the previous government’s stance on the matter. Additionally, sources from the Labour Party revealed plans to impose restrictions on arms sales to Israel in response to its actions during the conflict in Gaza. These developments signify a significant shift in the UK’s approach towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under the new leadership. This decision marks a departure from the UK’s…

The US is on the verge of reaching a ceasefire deal in Gaza as President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden is expected to push for an agreement during their talks, emphasizing the need to bring an end to the conflict. The meeting between Biden and Netanyahu, long-time acquaintances, comes at a critical time when tensions in the region are high. The US has expressed concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza and Netanyahu’s reluctance to discuss a post-war plan for the region. While Netanyahu continues to receive support from some US lawmakers, there is growing disapproval…

The recent recovery of Emirati passports in Sudan has unveiled the UAE’s involvement in the conflict within the North African country. The passports, believed to be linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), provide evidence of the UAE’s support for the paramilitary group led by Hemeti in Darfur. Despite the UAE’s denial of arming the RSF, international human rights groups have found proof of genocide committed by the group against non-Arab groups in Darfur. This revelation puts pressure on Western countries to intervene and curb their allies’ interference in the region. The passports, belonging to male Emiratis, highlight the extent…

The UAE, US, and Israel held a meeting in Abu Dhabi to discuss post-war plans for Gaza, with the UAE signaling willingness to send peacekeeping forces. Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan hosted the meeting with top US and Israeli officials, following an opinion article in The Financial Times supporting the deployment of an international force in Gaza for “law and order.” Lana Nusseibeh proposed the international force could assist in achieving a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine. However, her pre-conditions for peacekeeping contradict Israel’s current stance. Despite skepticism, there is progress in recruiting Gulf states for Gaza’s security and reconstruction.…

The US is set to weigh in on the International Criminal Court’s intention to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas officials, and Israeli officials over the war in Gaza, according to court documents. The Biden administration’s potential involvement was revealed by Middle East Eye earlier this month. On Monday, the ICC released court filings showing the US government joining others in filing a brief on the case, which may delay the decision on arrest warrants. This move is significant as the US had previously lobbied against the ICC. Unlike the UK, the US is not a…

Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Houthi movement have signed an agreement to ease tensions, allowing for the relaxation of banking restrictions and the resumption of flights by the national airline. The UN confirmed the agreement, which includes cancelling recent decisions against banks and restoring flights to various destinations. With the ongoing war since 2015, the government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, has been in conflict with the Houthis, who control the capital and much of the country. The fighting has resulted in devastation and food shortages, with hundreds of thousands dead. Despite past commitments to a UN-led roadmap for…

Several Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, have signed the Beijing Declaration in China, committing to end their divisions and strengthen unity. The agreement was reached after three days of reconciliation talks between 14 groups in Beijing. Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuk emphasized the importance of national unity, signaling a positive step forward after 17 years of dispute. China hailed the agreement as a move to jointly govern Gaza once the current conflict ceases. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the formation of an interim national reconciliation government around post-war Gaza governance as a key outcome. Despite past failed attempts,…

Progressive US lawmakers rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden endorsed her candidacy, despite criticism from pro-Palestinian groups. Members of Congress like Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ayanna Pressley backed Harris, emphasizing the need to defeat Donald Trump. The endorsement came from the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which includes 101 progressive lawmakers. However, Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, remained silent on endorsing Harris, reflecting the divide on policies towards Gaza. Critics like Dr. Jill Stein and Briahna Joy Gray condemned Biden’s support for Harris, highlighting concerns over the continuation of pro-Israel policies. Pro-Palestinian groups…

A British doctor, Dr Wahid Shaida, who was suspended by NHS London for his appearance on Piers Morgan’s show on Talk TV, has been reinstated, according to his lawyers. Dr Shaida, who was the UK chair of Hizb ut-Tahrir, appeared on the show after an attack in southern Israel, where he debated Islamic law and the justifications for the attacks with Piers Morgan. Despite his suspension in January, Dr Shaida’s legal team emphasized that his political beliefs were separate from his medical practice, and his views during the interview were within his right to freedom of expression. The panel at…