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Israel's Smotrich sets out plan to 'Judaise' Arab population centres
Middle East Eye·1 hour agoPolitics
Israel's Smotrich sets out plan to 'Judaise' Arab population centres Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Thursday laid out his party's plan to dramatically increase the number of Jews living in two areas of the country with large Arab-Israeli populations, ahead of Israeli elections in October. "Today I present to you the Religious Zionism's plan for the Judaisation of the Negev and Galilee: the revolution we carried out in Judea and Samaria – we will carry out in the Negev and Galilee, and on a massive scale," he wrote on X, using the Hebrew names for the West Bank. Smotrich said that the goal of the project is "one million additional Jews in the Negev and Galilee, 40 new settlements, dozens of farms, expansion of existing settlements and hundreds of thousands of housing units," adding that "we will cancel the reckless plans in the Arab settlements that have seized land reserves and threaten Jewish settlement in the area.
Qatari and Iranian officials meet in Tehran to discuss de-escalation of regional tensions
Middle East Eye·2 hours agoPolitics
Qatari and Iranian officials meet in Tehran to discuss de-escalation of regional tensions The Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met on Thursday with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran to discuss regional developments and the need to de-escalate tensions. During the meeting, Al Thani "stressed the necessity of resuming the diplomatic process, emphasizing that dialogue is the best way to address differences and avoid further escalation in the region," according to a statement from Qatar's foreign ministry. Iran's Tasmin news agency also reported that Ghalibaf had emphasised the need to de-escalate regional tensions and creating suitable conditions for resuming dialogue.
Moroccan minister questions Spanish sovereignty over enclave of Ceuta
Middle East Eye·3 hours agoPolitics
Moroccan minister questions Spanish sovereignty over enclave of Ceuta Submitted by Alex MacDonald on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 13:53 Ahmed Toufiq evoked 'occupied cities' in North Africa soon after Morocco's justice minister asserted the kingdom's 'historical and geographical right' to Ceuta and Melilla Migrants on Trampolin beach after receiving food from the Red Cross in Ceuta, on 22 August 2026 (Antonio Sempere/AFP) Off A Moroccan minister has questioned Spain 's sovereignty over the enclave of Ceuta during an official ceremony marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, made the comments at the Royal Palace of Rabat at an event presided over by King Mohammed VI. Speaking about scholars who had informed the understanding of the Prophet Muhammad throughout the centuries, Toufiq referenced a number of works by intellectuals from Ceuta.
Israel considers expelling UK from Gaza monitoring centre
Middle East Eye·3 hours agoPolitics
Israel considers expelling UK from Gaza monitoring centre Submitted by MEE staff on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:18 Mooted move is a response to Andy Burnham's plans to introduce stronger measures against illegal Israeli settlements Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham listens to hospital staff upon arrival at the Main Military Hospital in Kyiv on 24 August 2026 (AFP) Off Israel is considering expelling British officials from the US -led International Gaza Support Center (IGSC), which was established to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The move is being considered in response to Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plans to introduce stronger measures against illegal Israeli settlements. According to the Financial Times , the Israeli government is also considering expelling Italy and Germany from the IGSC.
Israel replaces Damascus Gate name on East Jerusalem signs
Middle East Eye·5 hours agoPolitics
Israel replaces Damascus Gate name on East Jerusalem signs Submitted by Fayha Shalash on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:51 Israeli authorities change public signage as Palestinians warn of efforts to reshape the city's historic and cultural identity Israeli municipality workers install a new sign for Damascus Gate in occupied East Jerusalem (X) Off Israeli authorities have replaced “Damascus Gate” with “Ancient Gate” on public signs in occupied East Jerusalem, in what critics describe as a further attempt to erase the city’s Palestinian identity. Damascus Gate, on the northern side of Jerusalem’s Old City, is one of the most prominent entrances through its ancient walls. It is also a main route for Palestinians travelling to Al-Aqsa Mosque and a key social gathering point.
Iranian press review: Principlists warn that regional mediation could be US trap
Middle East Eye·7 hours agoPolitics
Iranian press review: Principlists warn that regional mediation could be US trap Submitted by Heba Nasser on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 10:00 Meanwhile, there's a mixed response to new US sanctions, former diplomat criticises 'too much courtesy' towards Gulf states, and Sharif university expels six dissident students Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) meets with Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi in Tehran, 25 August 2026 (Iranian foreign ministry/Wana/Handout via Reuters) Off Principlists warn of 'US deception' in talks Recent efforts by Pakistan and Oman to mediate between Iran and the US have been met with scepticism from Iran’s principlist camp, which views regional diplomatic initiatives as part of Washington’s efforts to mislead Tehran and alter its calculations. The Kayhan daily, an outlet close to this camp, described the visits by Pakistani and Omani officials to Tehran as part of a “new phase in the White House’s deception operation”. This scepticism towards mediation stems from the fact that the US and Israel have, on two occasions so far, launched attacks while negotiations with Iran were under way; an experience that has contributed to deeper distrust of any proposal for negotiations or a ceasefire.
Badenoch must answer for the Tories' blanket support for Israel
Middle East Eye·7 hours agoPolitics
Badenoch must answer for the Tories' blanket support for Israel Submitted by Peter Oborne on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 15:45 Despite ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, the UK Conservative Party remains staunchly allied with the Netanyahu regime UK Tory leader Kemi Badenoch speaks in London earlier this month (Justin Tallis/AFP) Off UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s change of stance on Israel is popular in Britain , though many consider that it comes much too late and does not go far enough. It has naturally been condemned by Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denouncing the “Islamic Republic of Britain” and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar slapping down his counterpart , Ed Miliband, for his “patronising tone”. Israel can, however, continue to rely on one significant supporter: Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative Party.
Iran’s Pezeshkian urges Muslim nations’ for unity despite differences
Middle East Eye·11 hours agoPolitics
Iran’s Pezeshkian urges Muslim nations’ for unity despite differences Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian is delivering a speech at the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran. During the speech, he called for unity among Muslim nations despite their differences. Masoud Pezeshkian also slammed US-Israeli aggression against his country, and said that "Iran stood strong against US-Israeli aggression".
Morning update
Middle East Eye·11 hours agoPolitics
Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Here are the latest developments: Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa said that his country has entered a new phase of "reconstruction" after the US lifted sanctions. "We are at the beginning of a long and sustainable road defined by dignity, revival, reconstruction, development and civilisation," Sharaa said during the opening of the 63rd Damascus International Fair. The head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (Unrwa) told Al Jazeera that the Israeli government’s raid on the last remaining facility run by the UN agency earlier this weep is an attempt to "eliminate the presence of the United Nations" in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Netanyahu vows to establish more settlements in the occupied West Bank
Middle East Eye·13 hours agoPolitics
Netanyahu vows to establish more settlements in the occupied West Bank Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue establishing settlements in the occupied West Bank despite mounting international pressure, while promising a major wave of Israeli immigration to the occupied Palestinian territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue establishing settlements in the occupied West Bank despite mounting international pressure, while promising a major wave of Israeli immigration to the occupied Palestinian territory. pic.
US senator slams Ben Gvir and 'extremists' in the Israeli government after Unrwa raid
Middle East Eye·16 hours agoPolitics
US senator slams Ben Gvir and 'extremists' in the Israeli government after Unrwa raid US Senator Chris Van Hollen has criticised Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and "extremists" in the Israeli government after a raid on an Unrwa facility in occupied East Jerusalem. "Ben-Gvir & extremists in the Israeli govt want to get rid of UNRWA with the hopes of ensuring that there is no such thing as a Palestinian refugee," Van Hollen said in a post on X. "The world should not continue to sit back & let this happen to UNRWA.
Can Israel’s alliance with Greece survive growing public opposition?
Middle East Eye·17 hours agoPolitics
Can Israel’s alliance with Greece survive growing public opposition? Former CIA officer John Kiriakou tells MEE that Greece views Israel as a key strategic partner against Turkey, but anger over Gaza, arms sales and rising rents blamed on Israeli property buyers are turning the relationship into a domestic liability. Former CIA officer John Kiriakou tells MEE that Greece views Israel as a key strategic partner against Turkey, but anger over Gaza, arms sales and rising rents blamed on Israeli property buyers are turning the relationship into a domestic liability.
Qatar’s PM to visit Tehran to discuss de-escalation
Middle East Eye·22 hours agoPolitics
Qatar’s PM to visit Tehran to discuss de-escalation Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani will visit Tehran on Thursday where he will meet a number of Iranian officials to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions, foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said on Wednesday on X. HE Sheikh @MBA_AlThani_ , will arrive in Tehran tomorrow, where he will meet with a number of Iranian officials to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions & create the conditions conducive to dialogue. The visit comes in line with the State of Qatar’s firm position that the… — د.
US designates Palestine Action activist group 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist'
Middle East Eye·23 hours agoPolitics
US designates Palestine Action activist group 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' The Trump administration has designated the UK activist group Palestine Action a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), as part of its efforts to go after what it described as "violent far-left terror networks". Wednesday's decision comes a year after the United Kingdom banned the group for damaging materials at weapons factories run by Elbit Systems. Elbit is a key provider of weapons to the Israeli military, which has for nearly three years carried out what the United Nations and Holocaust scholars have called a genocide in the Gaza Strip.
UAE president's letter to elderly Saudi king seen as jab at Crown Prince
Middle East Eye·1 day agoPolitics
UAE president's letter to elderly Saudi king seen as jab at Crown Prince Submitted by Sean Mathews on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 14:18 Handwritten letter viewed as attempt to bypass powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (R) meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Qasr al-Rawdha in Abu Dhabi on 1 December 2024 (AFP) Off UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed's direct outreach to Saudi Arabia's elderly King Salman has been viewed by US and Arab diplomats as an effort to bypass the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Several Saudi and Emirati news outlets reported on Monday that the leader of the UAE sent a handwritten letter to Saudi Arabia's 90-year-old King Salman. Saudi news sites reported that the letter addressed the status of ties between the two Gulf neighbours, while the UAE's official news agency, WAM, said the letter was a personal invitation to Abu Dhabi to attend a UN-sponsored water conference in December.
Iran’s nuclear chief says attacked nuclear sites not secure for IAEA inspection
Middle East Eye·1 day agoPolitics
Iran’s nuclear chief says attacked nuclear sites not secure for IAEA inspection Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said on Wednesday that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would not be able to inspect the country's nuclear sites that have suffered attacks in recent months until it develops a specific inspection protocol for such sites and their security is ensured, adding that Iran is still in a wartime situation, in comments carried by Iran’s IRNA news agency. Eslami said that Trump's threats to bomb the alleged secret Iranian nuclear site show the IAEA are pawns of the US and Israel, and accused the countries of pressuring the IAEA for an inspection.
Turkey recruits Trump insiders for new Washington lobbying push
Middle East Eye·1 day agoPolitics
Turkey recruits Trump insiders for new Washington lobbying push Submitted by Ragip Soylu on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 13:05 The Turkish defence ministry signed a $2. 4m contract with Ballard Partners as Ankara seeks to rejoin the F-35 programme Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump during the Nato Summit in Ankara, Turkey, 8 July 2026 (Ludovic Marin/AFP) Off The Turkish government hired a lobbying firm with close ties to US President Donald Trump earlier this month under a year-long contract worth $2. 4m, according to US Justice Department filings reviewed by Middle East Eye.
Iran-Oman Hormuz agreement not yet finalised: Iranian source
Middle East Eye·1 day agoPolitics
Iran-Oman Hormuz agreement not yet finalised: Iranian source Iran and Oman are still finalising an agreement on shares of the Strait of Hormuz and its revenues, Reuters is reporting, citing a senior Iranian source. According to the source, the countries are still working on the details of the agreement. This comes shortly after Iranian media, citing an IRGC spokesman, reported that the two countries had "reached results that have been accepted by both sides".
How Islamophobia has become Israel's Trojan Horse to win over westerners
Middle East Eye·1 day agoPolitics
How Islamophobia has become Israel's Trojan Horse to win over westerners Submitted by Andreas Krieg on Tue, 08/25/2026 - 12:31 Netanyahu and his ministers now work to turn European fear of Muslims into political capital Protesters stand behind a banner reading 'islamophobia, fascist gangrene' during a rally against Islamophobia, in Paris on 11 May 2025 (AFP) On Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli has explained his own strategy more candidly than any critic could. Antisemitism , he told an interviewer, does not much interest the average European or American, whereas fear of "radical Islam" interests them "very, very much", and Israel therefore needs "to take advantage of that". Here is a senior cabinet minister admitting that Islamophobia has become a Trojan Horse for Israel to win over European and American hearts and minds.
Netanyahu denounces Iran as 'savages' who cannot be dealt with
Middle East Eye·1 day agoPolitics
Netanyahu denounces Iran as 'savages' who cannot be dealt with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a diplomatic deal was not possible with the "savages" who rule Iran as he hailed US President Donald Trump's new campaign of economic pressure. Recounting a recent meeting with Trump, Netanyahu said they had discussed the possibility of diplomacy with the Islamic republic and added: "I doubt, however, that an agreement can be reached with that group there, with those savages. "I tell you - an agreement cannot be reached," Netanyahu told an event late Tuesday at an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank.

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