West Asia News Live: Lawsuit against Qatar Airways, Gaza aid scandals and Iran-Afghanistan crisis mark turbulent day

A protest by US doctors and veterans outside the Capitol urged President Donald Trump to halt aid to Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting political pressures that could affect US foreign policy and defence-sector interests, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The advocates called on the Trump administration and Congress to cease support for Israeli military actions, citing the severe hunger in the region. From a market perspective, this growing public dissent represents a notable political risk, potentially impacting companies in the US defence sector that are significant suppliers to Israel. A tangible shift in US aid policy, should this pressure prove effective, could alter government contracts and influence investor sentiment towards firms with high exposure to the region.

The e7 Group, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled plans for a special dividend payment totalling Dh800 million. In addition to the special dividend, the company has also announced a forward-looking, three-year dividend payout plan for its shareholders, Gulf News says in a report. This corporate action reflects the company’s financial position and its strategy for capital returns.

A foreign firm has acquired ownership of a Saudi Arabian football club for the first time, a development that represents a significant milestone in the kingdom’s economic strategy, according to a report in Gulf News. This move is a direct component of the ‘Vision 2030’ initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil by attracting foreign direct investment into sectors such as sports and entertainment. The acquisition is notably distinct from the recent state-led takeovers of four major clubs by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), as it involves a private, non-Saudi entity. This signals a deeper market liberalisation and an increased openness to international private capital within the country’s rapidly commercialising sports industry.

The UAE is expected to receive rainfall and small hail from Friday, July 25, to Monday, July 28, 2025, as per a report in Gulf News. A weather alert has been issued for the period, signaling unsettled conditions across the country for the upcoming weekend.

An Indian expatriate doctor from Kerala, identified as Dr Dhanalakshmi, has been found dead in Abu Dhabi, according to a report in Gulf News. The source article was titled ‘Abu Dhabi bids farewell to Dr Dhanalakshmi’, indicating a focus on the community’s response to her death.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister and his Eritrean counterpart held a phone call to review bilateral relations and discuss recent regional and international developments, Asharq Al-Awsat reports. The discussions focused on enhancing security and stability in the Red Sea, a critical corridor for international shipping and energy exports. The diplomatic engagement occurs as Saudi Arabia advances major economic projects on its Red Sea coast, such as NEOM, which are dependent on maritime safety in the region.

Archaeologists in northern Israel have uncovered a 100,000-year-old burial site at Tinshemet Cave, revealing evidence of complex early human rituals, The Times of Israel says in a report. The discovery includes skeletons found alongside intentionally placed items such as pebbles and animal remains. Experts also identified a reddish pigment made from rocks, which they believe was part of the burial practices, suggesting a sophisticated level of symbolic behavior among early humans in the region.

Greece is deploying a salvage ship to the Red Sea to manage the aftermath of recent attacks on commercial shipping by Yemen’s Houthi militants, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The non-combat vessel’s primary mission is to recover, repair, or remove damaged ships and clear navigational hazards created by the attacks. This deployment is part of Greece’s contribution to the EU’s EUNAVFOR Aspides mission, which aims to protect maritime security in the region amidst ongoing disruptions to global trade routes caused by the Houthi campaign.

An unnamed Israeli official has described a recent ceasefire and hostage release proposal from Hamas as “workable,” indicating it provides a basis for further discussion, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This development comes amid continued Israeli military operations in Gaza and significant international pressure for a ceasefire due to the severe humanitarian crisis. The term “workable” is understood to mean the proposal is not an outright rejection and can be negotiated, though it does not imply acceptance of the terms. The specifics of the Hamas proposal were not detailed, but the statement is seen as a potential opening in the stalled talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

Speaking at a state memorial ceremony at Mount Herzl, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Hamas regarding ongoing hostage and ceasefire negotiations, Israel National News says in a report. Netanyahu stated that if Hamas perceives Israel’s readiness for a deal as an opportunity to dictate “surrender terms that would endanger the State of Israel,” it is making a “big mistake.” The statement comes amid stalled talks where Hamas has reportedly demanded a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, conditions Israel has publicly rejected as a threat to its security.

Gazan artist Taha Abu Ghali shared a video showing him destroying his paintings in order to use their wooden frames as firewood for cooking, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The act highlights the extreme desperation and severe shortages of essential supplies, including fuel, that residents in Gaza are facing. Ghali’s decision to sacrifice his own artwork for basic survival needs underscores the severe humanitarian conditions in the region.

A deepening hunger crisis in Gaza, described as a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, is forcing residents to trade their most valuable and sentimental possessions for food, according to a report in Haaretz. This level of desperation indicates a complete breakdown of the local economy and monetary systems, where basic survival supersedes all else. The situation is driven by ongoing military operations, severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, and the widespread destruction of infrastructure, agricultural land, and markets. This recent escalation of hardship is compounded by the long-standing blockade on the territory, which has been in place since 2007 and has severely weakened Gaza’s economic resilience.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is receiving prominent front-page coverage across global media, including right-wing publications like The Daily Express, according to a report in Haaretz. The increased media attention is focusing on the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict, exemplified by a recent front page featuring a starving Gazan child accompanied by a plea to end the war. This development indicates a broadening of media narratives to emphasize the widespread suffering, reflecting growing international concern and calls for a ceasefire.

The Israeli government has postponed a contentious cabinet vote on the potential dismissal of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, citing the solemn Tisha B’Av fast period, as per a report in The Times of Israel. The decision delays a critical and divisive step related to the government’s broader judicial overhaul, a plan that has already fuelled significant political instability and mass protests. From a market perspective, this postponement prolongs a period of uncertainty that has previously impacted the shekel and investor confidence. While the delay averts an immediate political crisis, it underscores the deep rifts within the governing coalition and keeps the issue of institutional independence at the forefront, a key concern for international investors and credit rating agencies monitoring Israel’s political risk.

Israeli lawmakers are demanding an investigation into Supreme Court Justice Khaled Kabub over a potential conflict of interest, according to a report in Israel National News. The calls from Members of Knesset (MKs) follow a ruling by Justice Kabub that delayed the demolition of a property belonging to Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. The controversy arises from the fact that Justice Kabub had previously accepted an award from Sheikh Sabri, prompting allegations from the MKs of impropriety and a lack of impartiality in his judicial decision regarding the residence, which Israeli authorities have deemed an unauthorised structure.

The Israeli government is advancing legislation that would make permanent a temporary order allowing for the closure of foreign media outlets deemed a threat to national security, according to a report in Haaretz. The proposed bill seeks to solidify the so-called ‘Al Jazeera Law’, which was first passed as a temporary measure in April 2024. A key change in the new legislation is the removal of the requirement for judicial approval, which would grant the government the power to shut down foreign news organisations without court oversight.

A reporter in Gaza is pleading for protection after alleging to have received threats from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), according to a report in Haaretz. The journalist has stated there is an “acute danger” to his life, prompting a call for safety amidst the ongoing conflict. This incident occurs in a high-risk environment for media personnel covering the hostilities, where numerous journalists have previously been killed or injured, and press freedom organizations have repeatedly called for greater protection for reporters in the region.

A series of mysterious and sometimes deadly explosions at weapons storage sites is increasing concern among Syrians, according to a report in The New York Times. The blasts have raised questions about the security of ordnance remaining from the country’s long civil war. While improperly secured stockpiles are one potential cause, the incidents also align with the pattern of undeclared airstrikes, often attributed to Israel, which frequently target Iranian and Hezbollah military assets and weapons depots within Syria. The events highlight both the lingering dangers of the civil war’s aftermath and the ongoing geopolitical tensions playing out on Syrian territory.

There has been a significant increase in online anti-Druze hate speech connected to the ongoing unrest in Syria, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. The watchdog organization CyberWell, which monitors such activity, found that the incitement includes explicit antisemitic language. Furthermore, the report highlights the spread of conspiracy theories that falsely portray the Syrian Druze community as collaborators with Israel.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with Brig.-Gen. Kevin J. Lambert, the newly appointed commander for the international anti-ISIS mission in the country, as per a report in The Jerusalem Post. The meeting signifies a routine leadership transition within the U.S.-led coalition’s Operation Inherent Resolve. The discussion centered on the ongoing security cooperation and the mission’s continued role in advising and assisting Iraqi forces in their fight against ISIS remnants.

The Canadian government, led by new Prime Minister Mark Carney, has issued a formal call urging the immediate resumption of United Nations-led humanitarian aid efforts in the Gaza Strip, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The statement from Canada stresses the urgent need to address the severe humanitarian situation in the territory and underscores the critical role of UN agencies in providing essential supplies and services to the civilian population.

Saudi Arabia and Syria are planning to hold the ‘Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum 2025’ to establish a durable economic partnership, representing a significant move towards Syria’s reintegration into the regional economy, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The forum builds on the resumption of diplomatic ties in 2023 after a decade-long break and Syria’s reinstatement to the Arab League. The initiative aligns with a broader trend of de-escalation in West Asia and Saudi Arabia’s strategy for economic diversification, while addressing Syria’s critical need for foreign investment for post-war reconstruction. However, potential investments face significant hurdles from extensive Western sanctions, including the US Caesar Act, which remain in place against the Assad regime and complicate international financial engagement.

Turkish football club Fenerbahçe defeated Saudi side Al Ittihad 4-0 in a preseason friendly match on Thursday at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira in Portugal, according to a report in Daily Sabah. The match, part of both teams’ preparations for their upcoming seasons, saw goals from Youssef En-Nesyri and Jhon Durán. The result comes as Fenerbahçe prepares for its Champions League campaign.

The Turkish government has implemented a revision to the special consumption tax (SCT) targeting certain automobiles, including electric vehicles, as announced in the country’s Official Gazette on Thursday, Daily Sabah said in a report. This policy adjustment is part of Ankara’s broader economic strategy to manage high inflation and influence consumer spending. The move is also seen as a measure to support the domestic automotive industry and promote the adoption of EVs, aligning with the government’s push for national projects like the domestically produced TOGG electric car.

Turkish defence major Aselsan has showcased new systems developed for integration into Türkiye’s indigenous ‘Steel Dome’ multilayered air defence network at this week’s International Defense Industry exhibition, according to a report in Daily Sabah. This development represents a critical milestone in Türkiye’s long-term strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in critical defence technologies, a policy accelerated by previous restrictions on foreign military acquisitions. The advancement enhances the nation’s military deterrence and is poised to bolster Aselsan’s market position, opening up significant opportunities for export revenue and solidifying Türkiye’s growing role as a key supplier in the global defence market. The ‘Steel Dome’ is a national project, distinct from other systems, designed to provide a comprehensive shield against a wide range of aerial threats.

Turkish police in the province of Hatay have captured Nazmi Gezginci, who was wanted for 41 years in connection with the 1984 murder of 19-year-old Maria Köhler in Aschaffenburg, Germany, as per a report in Daily Sabah. Gezginci was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, which led to his arrest decades after the crime.

Türkiye’s Justice Minister, Yılmaz Tunç, has firmly rejected media reports alleging that around 700 convicted members of the PKK would be released from prison, Daily Sabah says in a report. The minister’s statement on Wednesday addressed what he described as baseless claims circulating in the media. The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU.

Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz warned that increasing international pressure on Israel is being exploited by Hamas as a tool in negotiations, which he claims undermines the prospects of reaching a hostage deal, Israel National News says in a report. Gantz asserted that Hamas perceives this external pressure as a reason to harden its stance, believing it can secure more concessions from Israel without significant compromise. He called for a unified international position against the group to counter this strategy and improve the chances of securing the release of hostages.

Saudi Arabia has announced a significant $6.4 billion investment package for territories in Syria under the control of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, according to a report in Daily Sabah. This major financial commitment is aimed at areas in northwest Syria, such as Idlib province, which remain outside the control of the central government in Damascus. The investment signals a complex strategic move by Riyadh, occurring even as it has taken steps to normalise diplomatic relations with the government of Bashar al-Assad. The move could have substantial economic implications, potentially stabilising the economy in the HTS-controlled region while also challenging the authority of the Damascus government and influencing future power dynamics in the fragmented country.

A dispute has intensified between Washington and Baghdad over the actions of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) factions, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The conflict stems from a cycle of rocket and drone attacks by PMF-affiliated groups on US bases and diplomatic missions in Iraq, which prompts retaliatory US military strikes. The Iraqi government is in a difficult position, condemning the US strikes as a violation of its national sovereignty while also struggling to control the autonomous actions of certain PMF groups. These developments are complicating ongoing discussions about the future of the US military’s advisory presence in the country.

Pressure is growing on UK ministers to assist 40 students in Gaza who cannot take up full scholarships at British universities because they are unable to provide required biometric data, The Guardian says in a report. The students’ inability to fulfil the visa requirement has prevented them from travelling for the September term. Following calls from MPs and campaigners for government action to ensure the students’ safe passage, a high-level meeting was reportedly held at the Home Office on Tuesday. The situation is critical, with reports that some of the students have been killed while waiting for a resolution.

Iran is prepared to re-engage in negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear programme, but has stipulated that Washington must first take ‘meaningful steps’ to rebuild trust, according to a report in AP. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi made the statement on Thursday, signalling a potential diplomatic opening amidst ongoing tensions. This development comes as Iranian officials are scheduled to meet with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany (the E3), along with the European Union’s deputy foreign policy commissioner, in Istanbul on Friday. From a market perspective, any move towards de-escalation could reduce the geopolitical risk premium affecting global energy prices and potentially lead to the eventual return of Iranian crude to the international market, should sanctions be eased.

Arab citizens in northern Israel have initiated a legal challenge by petitioning against a housing auction for land in the region, as its eligibility is restricted solely to Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reservists, Haaretz says in a report. The petitioners argue that this policy, managed by the Israel Land Authority, is intentionally discriminatory and effectively prevents Arab citizens from purchasing the land, as the vast majority do not perform mandatory military service. The move highlights ongoing tensions over land allocation and housing policies which critics claim systematically disadvantage Israel’s Arab minority.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported that 89 people were declared dead in the territory over the past 24 hours, according to a report in Haaretz. This announcement of daily fatalities comes amid the ongoing conflict in the region between Israel and Hamas. The reported casualty figures from the ministry do not provide a breakdown between civilians and combatants.

The chairman of Israel’s United Torah Judaism party, Yitzhak Goldknopf, stated the Haredi community would leave the country if forced into military service, a move that significantly raises political risk for the current government, as per a report in Israel National News. This declaration represents a firm red line from a key coalition partner, creating a substantial dilemma for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which relies on Haredi parties for its majority. The ongoing dispute, intensified by High Court rulings against draft exemptions and greater military personnel requirements, threatens to trigger a government crisis or new elections, creating uncertainty for the Israeli economy and investment climate.

Greece is set to deploy a salvage vessel in the Red Sea to assist in maritime accidents and safeguard seafarers and global shipping, Al-Monitor says in a report. The announcement by the Greek shipping minister on Thursday follows attacks this month by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants which resulted in the sinking of two Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ships, Magic Seas and Eternity C, off the coast of Yemen.

An explosion in the town of Maarat Misrin, located in Syria’s northern Idlib countryside, has resulted in at least four fatalities and 116 injuries, Al Jazeera said in a report. The casualty figures were confirmed by the Health Ministry operating under the de facto ‘Salvation Government’ in the opposition-held province. The blast occurred in Idlib, a region that remains the last major stronghold for opposition groups in the country.

The operational capacity of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to respond to severe humanitarian needs in Gaza is directly dependent on approvals and facilitation from Israel, according to a report in Al Jazeera. UNRWA official Sam Rose stated that the agency could replicate the effective aid delivery achieved during the November 2023 ceasefire if it were permitted to do so. The statement highlights that Israel’s control over Gaza’s entry points is the primary determinant for the volume and consistency of humanitarian supplies entering the territory, amid a deepening crisis and ongoing international pressure for unimpeded access.

A third Member of Knesset (MK) has resigned from Benny Gantz’s National Unity party to join a new political movement led by Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, according to a report in Haaretz. The resignation follows the recent withdrawal of both Gantz and Eisenkot from Israel’s emergency unity government over strategic disagreements concerning the Gaza war. This development occurs amid ongoing speculation about the possibility of early elections and represents a further shift within the opposition’s internal alignment.