July 24, 2025| 13:00 EST| 20:00 LEVANT
★ SYRIA
Reuters: Syria’s President’s Brother, Foreign Terrorist Conduct $1.6 Billion Heist
A covert economic committee led by Ahmad al-Shara’a’s brother and Australian-designated terrorist Ibrahim Bin Mas’ud (Abu Mariem al-Australi) seized $1.6 billion in Assad-era assets, bypassing courts and sanctions enforcement to entrench a new oligarchy. The operation bypasses courts and legal oversight while allowing war profiteers tied to smuggling networks to retain wealth through immunity deals. Australia sanctioned Succarieh under counter-terrorism financial sanctions implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001). His Australian passport (No. M9381974) was revoked on July 8, 2014. He left Australia in September 2013 to join Jabhat al-Nusra and received approximately US$43,400 from his brother Omar in early 2014 to fight in Syria. Authorities believe he is currently in Syria. According to Reuters, Hazem al-Shara’a is leading the takeover. Their unacknowledged committee has confiscated assets from regime-linked elites, including Syria’s telecom operator and palace-run firms. Operating in secrecy, they pressure sanctioned businessmen to surrender wealth for immunity, allowing war profiteers tied to smuggling and looting to retain profits and avoid prosecution. A Reuters investigation—based on over 100 interviews and internal documents—reveals that despite regime promises of privatization and wealth redistribution, foreign diplomats fear these opaque operations will deter global investment and erode sanctions compliance. Hazem, Succarieh, and Syria’s Information Ministry declined to comment.
Türkiye Confirms Official Syrian Request for Military Support Against ISIS
Türkiye confirmed receiving an official request from Syria for defense support and counterterrorism assistance, particularly against ISIS. Ankara pledged training, technical aid, and advanced military systems. Recent Israeli airstrikes and unrest in Sweida increased tensions, while Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces advanced integration efforts. Turkish-Syrian military coordination deepened through leadership meetings and joint defense planning.
Fidan and Al-Shaibani Head to Baghdad for Tripartite Talks
Türkiye and Syria’s foreign ministers will visit Baghdad for talks on economic coordination and security. U.S. support for Syria’s new government and regional pressure are pushing Iraq to normalize ties with Damascus despite political hesitation in Baghdad.
Saudi Arabia Pledges $6 Billions Reconstruction Deals to Syria
Saudi Arabia signed 47 agreements worth $6.4 billion with Syria’s government Thursday, establishing Riyadh as the dominant patron of post-Assad reconstruction. The deals target strategic infrastructure including energy, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence sectors. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih led over 120 investors in agreements creating 50,000 direct jobs, building Syrian economic dependency on the Kingdom.
Seven Killed, Over 100 Injured in Ammo Depot Blast Near Idlib
An explosion at an ammunition depot near Maarrat Misrin in Idlib countryside killed seven people and injured over 100 on Thursday. The blast damaged nearby residential camps, with most casualties treated at Maarrat Misrin Hospital. Civil defense teams reported six injured staff. Ongoing secondary explosions and structural collapse raised fears of more victims under the debris.
U.S. Hosts Syrian–Israeli Paris Talks, Ceasefire Agreement Reached
Two days ago, on July 22, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack hosted Israeli and Syrian officials in Paris to contain the escalation in Suwayda and negotiate localized security arrangements in southern Syria. Damascus, seeking to restore internal stability and end Israeli strikes, reaffirmed its commitment to the 1974 disengagement pact. Israel, in turn, demanded guarantees on Iran’s exclusion, protection for the Druze, and halting arms transfers to Hezbollah.
Syrian–Syrian Kurdish Talks In Paris Collapse
Paris talks between the SDF and Syrian government were canceled after Damascus rejected the SDF’s refusal to disarm. Syria insists on no armed groups outside the state military, while the SDF demands integration as a unified corps. Earlier U.S.-brokered progress in Amman stalled over these terms.
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★ ISRAEL
Hamas Demands Massive Prisoner Release, Israel Recalls Doha Delegation
Israel recalled its negotiating team from Doha after Hamas added new demands to the proposed ceasefire and hostage deal. Hamas is seeking guarantees Israel won’t resume war after a 60-day truce, release of 200 prisoners serving life sentences and 2,000 detainees arrested in Gaza, access to the Rafah crossing, and changes to aid delivery. Israel rejected the demands but says talks haven’t collapsed. Hostage families urged swift action, warning of another missed chance. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met Qatar’s PM, while Hamas signals a deal is still possible.
Jerusalem Police Thwart ISIS Cell Targeting Security Checkpoint
Jerusalem Police and Shin Bet arrested three ISIS supporters plotting attacks against Israeli security forces at Sheikh Saad checkpoint in Jabel Mukaber. The suspects planned gunfire, car bomb, and drone strikes after maintaining contact with ISIS operatives in Syria and the West Bank. Police discovered a concealed pistol and ammunition during arrests of the East Jerusalem residents. The cell intended to travel to Syria for bomb-making training. Their plan aimed to execute a car bombing designed to cause mass casualties. The operation shows active ISIS coordination between Jerusalem’s Palestinian neighborhoods and Syrian-based terrorist networks threatening Israeli security infrastructure.
Knesset Backs West Bank Sovereignty In Symbolic Vote
The Israeli Knesset passed a non-binding resolution backing sovereignty over the West Bank and Jordan Valley, calling them part of the Jewish homeland. National Security Minister Ben Gvir urged full control over Gaza and the West Bank. Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh condemned the move as a threat to peace and a violation of international law.
Nine Israeli Soldiers Injured in Suspected Ramming Attack in Kfar Yona
Nine Israeli soldiers were injured Thursday in a ramming attack at a bus stop in Kfar Yona, central Israel. Six sustained moderate injuries, and three were lightly wounded. The driver fled, prompting a large-scale manhunt involving helicopters, drones, and special units. Police suspect the attack was deliberate. The vehicle used was found nearby. In response, authorities sealed several crossings near the area, including roads toward Tulkarm in the northern West Bank. No group has claimed responsibility.
Herzog Says Hamas Sabotaging Gaza Aid, Praises Soldiers
President Herzog addressed criticism of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, stating: “We respect international law. Hundreds of aid trucks are entering each week, and Hamas is the one sabotaging this aid to protect its infrastructure.” He also told soldiers: “You are fighting to change the reality and bring our hostages home. Thanks to your dedication and intensive negotiations, we hope for meaningful progress.”
Reuters: Israeli Strike Kills Gaza Journalist, Family in Sleep
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City overnight killed freelance journalist Wala al-Jaabari, her husband, and their five children while they slept, according to local health officials. Local reports said the Al-Shaer family was at home when the strike occurred. More than 100 Palestinians were killed in 24 hours by Israeli fire, as hunger mounts and conditions worsen.
Hamas Seeks Withdrawal Map Changes, Aid Guarantees In Truce Deal
Hamas submitted its formal response to the 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal via Qatari mediators, requesting amendments to Israeli withdrawal maps, prisoner release terms, and aid delivery guarantees. The group demanded that Israeli forces fully withdraw from residential areas and Salah al-Din Road, with troops restricted to no more than 800 meters from Gaza’s eastern and northern borders. Hamas also requested an increased release of long-term Palestinian prisoners per captured Israeli soldier. An Egyptian source said the agreement is in its final stages, with both parties accepting security maps. Final discussions focus on aid entry through Gaza’s ports and relief platforms.
Israel and Ukraine Launch Strategic Dialogue on Iranian Threat in Kyiv
During a visit to Kyiv, Israeli Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Ukrainian officials announced a new Israel-Ukraine strategic dialogue focused on countering Iran’s influence. The initiative highlights shared concerns over Iranian military support to Russia and regional destabilization, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation as security threats grow.
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★ IRAN
Iranian Missile Unit on Alert as Israel Signals Possible Renewed Strikes
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard placed missile forces on full alert after Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warned of new strikes on Iran’s nuclear and missile sites. Missile unit chief Majid Mousavi urged full readiness for all scenarios. Iran claims Israel failed to meet its goals in the war, citing 2,000 espionage-related arrests.
Iran Claims Helicopter Warned U.S. Destroyer Near Gulf Waters
Iran claimed it deployed a helicopter to warn the USS Fitzgerald from nearing its waters in the Gulf of Oman on July 23. The U.S. denied any incursion, calling the interaction “safe and professional.” Iranian media framed the event as a show of strength post-conflict, though U.S. officials dismissed it as a propaganda move with no operational impact.
Iran Agrees to UN Nuclear Watchdog Visit for Talks, Not Inspections
Iran will host a UN nuclear team to discuss cooperation terms, not conduct inspections, Deputy FM Kazem Gharibabadi said. Talks continue with Western powers and the U.S. through Oman.
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★ IRAQ
Hezbollah Brigades Warn Iraqi PM as U.S. Withdrawal Deadline Nears
Iraq’s Hezbollah Brigades warned PM Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani to uphold the U.S. troop withdrawal deal. The process is set to begin in September 2025. The group’s security chief said factions gave Al-Sudani “enough time” and will act if U.S. forces remain. The 2024 agreement outlines a 12-month exit of coalition troops from bases, including Ain al-Asad and Baghdad Airport.
Drone Strikes Slash Kurdistan Oil Output by Over 70 Percent
Drone strikes on oil fields in Erbil, Dohuk, and Zakho cut Kurdistan’s output from 280,000 to 81,000 barrels per day.
The strikes damaged facilities operated by local and international firms, halting exports and deepening the region’s fiscal crisis. No party has claimed responsibility, while investigations continue as Erbil-Baghdad tensions persist.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Turkish Defense Minister Meets Saddam Haftar
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler met Saddam Haftar, son of Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, in Istanbul during the IDEF25 defense expo. The meeting reflects Ankara’s growing engagement with Libya’s eastern administration, rival to the UN-backed Tripoli government it once supported militarily.
Aselsan Unveils Next-Generation Systems for Türkiye’s Steel Dome
Aselsan unveiled new air defense systems at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul. These include the Ejderha electromagnetic drone neutralizer, an upgraded Koral 200 jammer, and the AI-driven Turan command network for Türkiye’s Steel Dome. The Gurz autonomous vehicle and Goktan precision system complete the suite, supporting NATO’s integrated air defense.
Turkish Eurofighter Deal Triggers Israeli Strategic Concern
Israel voiced unease after Türkiye confirmed a deal to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Germany. An Israeli official called the move a “nagging headache,” warning it could erode regional military balance over time. Though not a direct threat to Israel’s F-35 edge, the jets enhance Türkiye’s air power. Opposition leader Yair Lapid blamed Netanyahu’s government for failing to diplomatically block the deal.
Russia and Ukraine Agree on New Prisoner Swap in Istanbul Talks
Russia and Ukraine concluded a third negotiation round in Istanbul, agreeing to exchange 1,200 prisoners each. They may also return 3,000 soldiers’ remains. Ukraine proposed a leaders’ summit by late August. Türkiye, facilitating the talks, urged a ceasefire. Despite limited expectations, both sides viewed progress on prisoner exchanges as a modest success in the ongoing conflict.
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★ LEBANON
U.S. Envoy Says Israel Sets Timeline for Hezbollah Disarmament
U.S. envoy Thomas Barak said in Beirut that Israel, not Washington, will set the deadline for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Barak reiterated U.S. support for Lebanon enforcing arms control and said France and Gulf states are ready to assist in a diplomatic solution.
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★ YEMEN
Comoros-Flagged Ship Fired on in Red Sea Near Yemen, No Claim Yet
A Comoros-flagged livestock carrier was fired upon by unidentified attackers in a wooden boat near Yemen’s Red Sea coast, maritime firm Ambrey reported Thursday. The vessel, en route from Somalia to Saudi Arabia, was told to divert to Mocha. No group has claimed responsibility, though the area has seen repeated Houthi attacks since the Gaza war began.
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★ GULF COUNTRIES
Saudi Arabia Hits Record High in Non-Oil Exports for May 2025
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, surged 6% year-on-year in May 2025 to a record $8.29 billion. Total trade reached $45.6 billion, with a $2.4 billion surplus. Non-oil exports comprised 21% of total exports. In Q1 2025, non-oil exports rose 13.4% annually, despite an 8.4% drop in oil exports and a 28% trade surplus.
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★ EGYPT
China Commits $65.5 Million to Textile Projects in Suez Canal Zone
Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone signed $65.5 million in new Chinese-funded textile investments, including three projects in Qantara West with Shandong Sunshell and Zhejiang Charming. The deals span 223,000 m², creating 6,000 direct jobs and targeting 90% of output for export. This raises the zone’s total contracted projects to 31, worth nearly $800 million.
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★ Disclaimer: The Early Phoenix is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
