Following the Gaza ceasefire, tensions persist across Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran, where fears of renewed conflict loom. Netanyahu seeks to secure his political survival, possibly by reopening these fronts. Lebanon worries Israel will target Hezbollah next, while Yemen’s Houthis and Iran remain on alert amid regional uncertainty. Despite the truce, analysts warn the war’s end in Gaza hasn’t brought peace — only a fragile pause in a wider Middle East conflict.

Israel’s recent actions and statements show it is pursuing a “Greater Israel” plan—aimed at territorial expansion and regional dominance rather than peace. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza and expanded West Bank settlements reveal ambitions to block a Palestinian state. Arab and global leaders condemn these moves as threats to Middle East security, warning they could destabilise the region, erode international law, and destroy hopes for peace. True stability, they argue, requires recognition of a Palestinian state and an end to Israel’s expansionist agenda.

Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris plans to invest USD50 billion in US infrastructure projects after merging his companies OCI Global and Orascom Construction, which will soon list in Abu Dhabi. With a $9 billion net worth, Sawiris aims to tap growing demand in data centers, airports, and university housing, leveraging Orascom’s $14 billion project backlog and US presence through Weitz. The merger marks a strategic shift toward large-scale global infrastructure growth.

Emirati tycoon Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, ranks 20th on Forbes’ Richest Arabs 2025 with a USD2.3 billion fortune. He built icons like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, leads Eagle Hills, owns stakes in Americana Restaurants, Noon, and founded the UAE’s first digital bank, Zand.

The global recognition of Palestine isn’t driven by Hamas’s 2023 attacks but by renewed support for a two-state solution led by Saudi Arabia and France. Over 155 countries now recognise Palestine, including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia. Despite Israeli resistance, the move marks growing acceptance that recognising Palestine also means recognising Israel — though extremists on both sides still threaten peace efforts.

Egypt’s credit rating is expected to be upgraded soon, supported by stronger economic indicators — flexible exchange rates, rising growth and investment, and lower debt insurance risks. Exports, tourism, and remittances all increased, boosting foreign currency stability. However, high external debt and inflation still pose challenges. Moody’s outlook for Egypt is positive, while S&P and Fitch remain stable.