West Asia News Live: Stay informed with real-time updates from across West Asia. Follow major developments in geopolitics, energy trends, diplomatic relations, regional security, economic transformations, grassroots movements and religious affairs
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From a major Australian court ruling against Qatar Airways to deepening aid controversies in Gaza and sweeping deportations from Iran, today’s updates reflect a region grappling with legal reckonings, diplomatic disputes and widening humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, Egypt signals tentative economic recovery, even as the lines between commerce and humanitarian aid blur in Gaza. Stay with us for real-time coverage of these developing stories
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West Asia News Live: Stay informed with real-time updates from across West Asia. Follow major developments in geopolitics, energy trends, diplomatic relations, regional security, economic transformations, grassroots movements and religious affairs
July 25, 2025, 06:00:02 (IST)
Israel-France tensions rise over Palestinian statehood, creating regional investment uncertainty
A significant diplomatic rift has emerged between Israel and France following statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned French President Emmanuel Macron that a Palestinian state would serve as a ‘launch pad to annihilate Israel’, as per a report in Israel National News. This declaration, echoed by other Israeli officials who claim a potential Palestinian state would become a ‘Hamas state’, comes as France considers following other European nations like Spain, Ireland, and Norway in formally recognising Palestinian statehood. From a market perspective, the heightened rhetoric increases geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia, a critical factor that could influence investor sentiment, risk premiums, and potentially impact bilateral trade and technology cooperation between Israel and key European economies.
July 25, 2025, 04:32:42 (IST)
US protest against Israel aid signals political risk for defence sector
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.
July 25, 2025, 04:27:27 (IST)
UAE’s e7 Group announces Dh800 million special dividend and 3-year payout policy
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.
July 25, 2025, 04:23:48 (IST)
First foreign firm acquires ownership of a Saudi football club
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.
July 25, 2025, 04:20:05 (IST)
UAE to experience rainfall and small hail from Friday to Monday
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.
July 25, 2025, 04:15:10 (IST)
Indian expatriate doctor from Kerala found dead in Abu Dhabi
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.
July 25, 2025, 04:07:43 (IST)
Saudi and Eritrean foreign ministers discuss Red Sea security in phone call
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.
July 25, 2025, 04:04:20 (IST)
Complex 100,000-year-old burial rituals discovered at site in Israel
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.
July 25, 2025, 04:01:16 (IST)
Greece to send salvage ship to Red Sea following Houthi attacks
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.
July 25, 2025, 04:00:13 (IST)
Israeli official calls latest Hamas ceasefire proposal ‘workable’
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.
July 25, 2025, 03:45:14 (IST)
Netanyahu warns Hamas against dictating ‘surrender terms’ in hostage talks
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.
July 25, 2025, 02:30:03 (IST)
Gazan artist destroys his paintings to use frames for firewood
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.
July 25, 2025, 02:23:23 (IST)
Deepening hunger crisis in Gaza forces residents to trade prized possessions for food
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.
July 25, 2025, 02:15:10 (IST)
Global media outlets increase focus on Gaza humanitarian crisis
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.
July 25, 2025, 00:30:09 (IST)
Israeli government postpones vote on dismissing attorney general amid judicial overhaul tensions
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.
July 25, 2025, 00:00:07 (IST)
Israeli lawmakers call for probe into Supreme Court justice over potential conflict of interest
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.
July 24, 2025, 23:20:17 (IST)
Israel’s government advances bill to close foreign media without court approval
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.
July 24, 2025, 23:18:37 (IST)
Gaza reporter seeks protection after alleging threats from IDF
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.
July 24, 2025, 23:16:28 (IST)
Mysterious explosions at weapons sites raise concerns in Syria
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.
July 24, 2025, 22:51:28 (IST)
Surge in anti-Druze hate speech linked to Syria unrest, report finds
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.
July 24, 2025, 22:47:12 (IST)
Iraqi prime minister meets new anti-ISIS mission commander
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.
July 24, 2025, 22:19:51 (IST)
Canada calls for immediate resumption of UN-led aid in Gaza
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.
July 24, 2025, 22:19:17 (IST)
Saudi Arabia and Syria plan investment forum to strengthen economic partnership
Saudi Ara