West Asia News Live: Gaza conflict, Israeli pressure, Lebanese raids raise regional risks

Adelphi University has placed its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter on probation as a disciplinary measure, Israel National News said in a report. The action was taken after the university concluded that social media posts made by the student group created a hostile environment for Jewish students on campus. The probation serves as a formal censure of the SJP chapter’s activities related to the posts.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has opposed a military plan for Gaza City, viewing it as insufficient and a tactic to restart political talks, The Times of Israel said in a report. A spokesperson for the minister stated that Smotrich voted against the proposed operation because he believes it is not decisive enough. Furthermore, the minister articulated a broader objective of working to ‘erase’ the possibility of a Palestinian state and to ‘correct’ Israel’s 2005 disengagement from Gaza. This public dissent highlights significant ideological divisions within Israel’s governing coalition, creating political uncertainty that could impact investor sentiment and economic stability. Such a hardline stance against a two-state solution, a cornerstone of international diplomacy in the region, also raises the prospect of increased diplomatic friction with key economic partners, potentially affecting trade and foreign investment.

The United Nations has initiated a probe into the disappearance of a Syrian man following his deportation from Austria in July, The New Arab says in a report. Concerns over the man’s fate and whereabouts have been raised as he has not been heard from since his return to Syria. The investigation brings renewed scrutiny to European deportation policies and the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they face a real risk of persecution or torture. Human rights organizations have consistently documented the dangers, including arbitrary arrest and forced disappearance, faced by individuals returning to Syria.

Keith and Aviva Siegel, an Israeli couple released from captivity after being abducted during the October 7, 2023 attacks, walked their daughter, Shir Siegel, down the aisle at her wedding, The Times of Israel said in a report. Shir had postponed her wedding plans following her parents’ abduction. The celebration was also attended by several other Israelis who had been held captive in Gaza and were subsequently freed.

Israel has seized a portion of a Palestinian village in the West Bank with the stated purpose of creating an archaeology park, The New Arab said in a report. Palestinian residents have raised significant concerns that the land confiscation will eliminate a critical agricultural lifeline for the community, directly affecting their economic livelihood. This action is part of a broader pattern of Israeli land confiscation in the West Bank, which contributes to regional instability. Such developments can increase geopolitical risk, potentially deterring investment and complicating economic prospects in the area by undermining the stability required for a negotiated political settlement.

Syria has reopened the crucial rail link between its former industrial hub, Aleppo, and the city of Hama, marking the first time the service has run in 13 years, according to a report in The New Arab. This development represents a tangible step in the Syrian government’s strategy to restore economic infrastructure and facilitate the movement of goods and people between two of the country’s key urban centres. While the resumption of the service may modestly reduce logistics costs and support local commerce, its broader economic impact remains constrained by significant headwinds. The national economy continues to be hampered by stringent international sanctions, widespread infrastructure devastation from the civil war, and pervasive corruption, which collectively deter significant foreign investment and limit the potential for a large-scale recovery.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned Israel’s plan to take over part of Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel National News said in a report. Carney stated that the proposed plan would worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region and further endanger the hostages currently being held.

An Israel Defense Forces soldier, approximately 20 years old, died in a traffic accident on Route 222 south of Be’er Sheva on Friday, Israel National News said in a report. The soldier was killed after the vehicle they were in collided with a safety barrier. Magen David Adom medics arrived at the scene and pronounced the soldier dead. A joint investigation into the circumstances of the crash is now underway.

An Israeli activist group etched a large message into the sand on a Tel Aviv beach urging US President Donald Trump to intervene in the ongoing conflict, Al Jazeera says in a report. The message, which read ‘end BB’s war,’ was created near a US diplomatic building and directly references Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for whom ‘BB’ is a common nickname.

Saudi Arabia’s Libraries Commission has announced the expansion of its ‘Cultural House’ project to five additional regions within the Kingdom, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This initiative is a direct implementation of the country’s Vision 2030 framework, which prioritises economic diversification and the development of non-oil sectors. The ‘Cultural Houses’ are positioned as modern, multi-purpose centres offering educational programmes, workshops, and community events, moving beyond the scope of traditional libraries. This state-led investment in social infrastructure is strategically aimed at improving the quality of life, which is seen as crucial for attracting and retaining talent, while also fostering the growth of the cultural and creative industries. The nationwide scope of the expansion signals a significant government commitment to developing assets that can enhance Saudi Arabia’s ‘soft power’ and attractiveness for tourism and foreign investment.

Iranian authorities have reportedly threatened the lives of 45 journalists and more than 300 of their relatives in what is described as a coordinated campaign to suppress media and silence dissent, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The threats are reportedly aimed at the staff of a foreign-based, Persian-language news network. This action is part of a broader crackdown on dissent and is expected to draw international condemnation, potentially leading to further sanctions and increasing geopolitical risk for regional markets.

Raids by Yemeni forces on migrant smuggling sites disrupt a significant illicit economy and have security implications for trade and labour markets in neighbouring Gulf states, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. These smuggling networks represent a substantial, albeit illicit, economic activity within Yemen’s war-torn landscape, fuelled by migration from the Horn of Africa towards the Gulf. The disruption of these routes, while targeting criminal enterprises, could have secondary effects on informal labour supplies in destination countries. For regional states, the move is viewed through a security lens, as these routes can also be exploited for trafficking other contraband, potentially affecting regional stability. The ambiguity over which Yemeni faction conducted the raids adds a layer of political risk, impacting assessments of stability and control over key territories.

The US Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has issued a security advisory urging American nationals to avoid locations affiliated with Israel and Judaism, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The alert stems from heightened regional tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict and applies even though the UAE has formally normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza City amid the ongoing conflict, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This official stance reinforces the kingdom’s position on the Palestinian issue and is viewed as a significant setback for the previously reported normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The condemnation aligns with broader sentiment across the Arab and Islamic world, adding to the international pressure on Israel regarding its military operations and the future status of Gaza.

An EU official has warned that Israel’s proposed plan for post-war Gaza must lead to “consequences” for its relations with the European Union, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The statement reflects an increasingly firm EU position amid growing international pressure on Israel regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s plan, which reportedly includes maintaining long-term security control and preventing the Palestinian Authority from governing the territory, is viewed by the EU as a significant obstacle to a two-state solution.

The United States has no current plans to recognise a Palestinian state, a position articulated by US Vice President JD Vance, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The announcement clarifies the Trump administration’s policy that statehood must be the result of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, not through unilateral international actions. This stance contrasts with the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by several European nations and is consistent with past US vetoes of related UN Security Council resolutions.

Prominent Haredi leader Rabbi Dov Lando is spearheading an initiative for several ultra-Orthodox factions to withdraw their investment funds from Israel, as per a report in Israel National News. This move is a direct protest against the recent arrest of yeshiva students who refuse to enlist in the military, an issue intensified by the state’s increased manpower needs. While economic analysts suggest the direct financial impact of the capital withdrawal may be limited, they highlight a more significant risk: the action signals deep political instability. This could negatively affect broader market sentiment and deter foreign investment, particularly as it places immense pressure on the ruling government coalition, which relies on Haredi party support for its stability.

Member of Knesset Tzvi Sukkot has postponed a scheduled parliamentary discussion on the shooting of Israeli civilians in Judea and Samaria, according to a report in Israel National News. The meeting, initiated by Sukkot of the Religious Zionist Party, was intended to address incidents of live fire directed at civilians in the territory, internationally known as the West Bank, over the past five years. The postponement is due to the observance of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

India has formally recognised the new interim government in Syria, aligning with the US and Turkey in a significant diplomatic shift that could unlock economic opportunities, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. This recognition is timed as the war-torn country, after 13 years of conflict, pivots towards reconstruction. For India, the move is seen as a strategic step to gain a foothold in the rebuilding efforts, potentially opening up avenues for Indian businesses in infrastructure and development projects, and reinforcing its foreign policy engagement in West Asia.

A balcony collapsed in Gaza as a crowd of Palestinians rushed to secure an airdropped humanitarian aid pallet, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Video of the incident shows the structure giving way while people were on it, attempting to reach the aid. The event occurred as residents face a severe humanitarian crisis and struggle to access essential supplies delivered via airdrops.

A 75-year-old man collapsed and died during morning prayer services at a synagogue in Holon, Israel, on Friday, Israel National News says in a report. Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene but confirmed the man’s death upon their arrival.

Leaked WhatsApp messages reportedly show that Yisrael Einhorn, an aide to a former Israeli prime minister, created pro-Qatar content and sent it to individuals named Urich and Feldstein to be published in the media, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The revelations are said to be linked to the broader ‘Qatargate’ corruption scandal involving alleged Qatari influence. In response to the leak, Einhorn has stated that he and Feldstein operated independently and maintained that they ‘had no connection’ with the Prime Minister’s Office in this matter.

Riyadh Air, the new national airline wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has entered into a strategic agreement with the travel technology company Amadeus, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This partnership will provide the airline with access to the Amadeus Altéa PSS suite, a critical platform for managing reservations, inventory, and departure control, alongside the Amadeus global distribution system (GDS) for worldwide ticket sales. The deal is a foundational step for Riyadh Air’s planned launch and is integral to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and establish the kingdom as a major global hub for aviation, logistics, and tourism, intensifying competition with other established carriers in the region.

A train derailment in southern Iran on Friday resulted in 30 injuries, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The incident occurred on August 8 in one of the country’s southern provinces.

A court in Israel has banned an anti-war protester from attending rallies and raised questions over the use of Arabic on protest banners. The ruling occurs amid the ongoing war with Hamas, which began in October 2023, and is part of a broader trend of increased restrictions on public dissent. For investors and businesses, such judicial actions heighten the country’s political risk profile by underscoring deep social divisions and the potential for instability. The suppression of expression, particularly targeting the use of Arabic, an official language, could deter foreign direct investment and negatively impact sectors sensitive to social cohesion, such as tourism, by highlighting a legal and political environment that may be perceived as increasingly unpredictable.

Israel’s Judicial Complaints Commissioner, Asher Kula, has issued a rebuke against an Israeli justice for their attendance at an event honouring an academic critical of the government’s Gaza War policies, according to a report in Haaretz. The report notes that Commissioner Kula is known for his connections to Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a central figure in the government’s controversial judicial overhaul initiative. This action occurs amid heightened political tensions in Israel surrounding the judiciary’s independence and public expressions of dissent concerning the war that began in October 2023.

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has posted an 88% surge in profits, a result attributed to strong global product prices and increased sales volumes of phosphate and gold, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This performance is a key indicator of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the national economy beyond oil. The company, which is majority-owned by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), benefited from elevated gold prices amidst global economic uncertainty and high phosphate prices driven by strong agricultural demand. These results highlight the kingdom’s strategic push to establish its mineral wealth as a major pillar of the economy.

US President Donald Trump reportedly shouted at and interrupted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent phone call, stating he had proof of children starving in Gaza, as per a report in The Times of Israel. The tense exchange was allegedly initiated by Netanyahu after Trump had publicly contradicted the prime minister’s stance on the humanitarian situation. According to the unconfirmed report, Trump interrupted Netanyahu to make his point about the severity of the hunger crisis.

Saudi Arabia’s national basketball team secured a victory against Jordan in the second match of the ongoing FIBA Asia Cup, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The game is part of the major international basketball competition for national teams from Asia and Oceania.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) has registered new records for both passenger traffic and flight operations, a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s economic agenda, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This growth is a direct indicator of progress for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil by developing key sectors like tourism, logistics, and aviation. The airport’s expansion is crucial for accommodating an anticipated influx of visitors for major events, including Expo 2030, and is bolstered by new tourism-friendly policies such as e-visas. These record figures intensify the regional competition, positioning Riyadh as a growing challenger to established aviation hubs in Dubai and Doha.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed strengthening their bilateral strategic partnership and coordinating on international matters, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The talks are significant given the nations’ key roles within the OPEC+ oil alliance, which has considerable influence over global energy policy and prices. This engagement also reflects the UAE’s recent entry into the BRICS economic bloc, in which Russia is a prominent member, and underscores the UAE’s overarching foreign policy of maintaining balanced relationships with major global powers.

A recent Israeli poll suggests a significant shift in the political landscape, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party projected to secure only 23 seats, a notable decline from its current 32, as per a report in Israel National News. This outcome points towards a highly fragmented Knesset, where forming a stable 61-seat majority coalition would be exceptionally challenging for any political bloc. The prospect of prolonged government negotiations or even further elections introduces considerable uncertainty, which could affect investor confidence and delay crucial economic policy decisions. The poll also highlights the potential emergence of a new centrist force, with a hypothetical party led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot garnering 11 seats, indicating a public appetite for security-focused leadership that could influence future defence and economic strategies.

Israel’s military is set to transition to a new operational phase in the Gaza war, which has become the country’s longest-ever sustained combat engagement, The Washington Times says in a report. This shift comes as the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are reportedly ‘overstretched’, raising significant concerns about long-term military readiness, budgetary strain, and the economic impact of sustained reserve mobilisation. The prolonged nature of the conflict carries substantial financial implications, including the direct costs of the war and the future expense of veteran care and mental health support. From a strategic perspective, the IDF’s deep engagement in Gaza could affect its capacity to address other regional threats, a factor with considerable implications for regional stability and investor confidence.

Fatah Secretary Muhammad Hamdan was reportedly seen in a video addressing children at a summer camp in Shechem, also known as Nablus, Israel National News said in a report. In the video, which was translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Hamdan is said to have urged the children to become the next generation of fighters in order to defend their Palestinian Arab identity.

Oil prices have risen, buoyed by indicators of strong demand from a robust US economy, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This upward pressure is counterbalanced by significant macroeconomic uncertainty, stemming from global inflation trends, central bank interest rate policies, and the inconsistent economic performance of major importers such as China. For West Asian producers, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the higher prices boost state revenues but also underscore the need for production discipline amid potential long-term demand threats. The market is further influenced by a substantial geopolitical risk premium arising from regional instability, including Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which threaten key supply routes.

A father in Gaza is desperately trying to save his remaining children after one of his sons died from severe malnutrition, a stark indicator of the region’s complete economic collapse and the severe humanitarian crisis, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This death underscores the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict and blockade, which have decimated local infrastructure and agriculture and severely restricted the flow of humanitarian aid. The incident highlights the materialisation of famine warnings from international bodies like the UN and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), signalling a catastrophic failure in the supply chain of essential goods and the breakdown of the civilian economy.

Brazil has not responded to a recent diplomatic outreach from Israel aimed at mending relations, Israel National News says in a report. The lack of response signifies a continued diplomatic freeze following a period of severe tension. This tension escalated significantly after Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s comments in February 2024, where he accused Israel of ‘genocide’ in Gaza, and Brazil’s subsequent support for South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The diplomatic standoff has potential implications for bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade and technology.

Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid was killed on Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike while he was waiting to receive humanitarian aid in Gaza, Al Jazeera says in a report. The death of the prominent sports figure occurs amid the ongoing conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The incident highlights the dangers civilians face while attempting to access basic necessities.

Israel is reportedly considering a withdrawal of defence and security cooperation with the United Kingdom if the British government moves forward with its plan to formally recognise a Palestinian state, as per a report in Israel National News. Diplomatic sources have warned of significant security and economic fallout from such a decision, which would impact extensive intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and defence trade between the two nations. The potential Israeli action is a response to indications from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron that Britain could recognise a Palestinian state before a final peace agreement is reached, a shift from its long-standing policy. This development highlights a potential diplomatic and economic rift between the two allies amid renewed international pressure for a two-state solution.