Hamid El-Shaeri: The Man Who Defied Tradition From Benghazi to Cairo
In 1978, at the heart of Tripoli's Al-Saha Al-Khadraa, pianos, violins, guitars, drums, and keyboards were set ablaze—accused of being Western, un-Libyan, and tools of cultural corruption. The scene echoed the infamous Nazi book burnings of 1933, where works by Ernest Hemingway, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and others were reduced to ashes for being deemed un-German. At the time, the Libyan authorities ordered inspections of homes, schools, and universities to ensure they were cleared of all so-called 'corrupting instruments.'
Amongst the onlookers was a teenage Abdelhamid Ali Ahmed al-Shaeri—later known as Hamid El-Shaeri, and then as Il Capo—who watched helplessly as his prized piano, awarded to him for his academic excellence, and a keyboard gifted by his father were destroyed in the flames. At this moment, he knew had to flee Libya. The young teenager couldn't really understand why he had suddenly been made a national enemy, or why he was made to feel this way—but he knew the only answer would be heading to Cairo.
Hamid El-Shaeri was not an isolated case of personal ambition clashing with political authority. He belonged to a pioneering generation in Libya that listened to music with a new ear and read its notes with a fresh vision. His peers—like Nasser El Mezdawy, who fled to Italy, and Ahmed Fakroon, who sought refuge in France—were part of a generation defined by defiance and the courage to create, pursuing renewal at a time when the safest path in Libya, musically, was strict adherence to artistic tradition.
Stepping into Egypt as a stranger, a foreigner entering a land he had only seen on television, Hamid El Shaeri brought with him what would come to define his distinct sound—his roots, carried all the way from his hometown in Benghazi. Though he never studied music academically, he understood it instinctively. That unorthodox path shaped the unique direction his music would take—marked by deep sentiment and raw emotion. This was evident in his debut album 'Ayonha' (1983). While it didn't achieve widespread success at the time, it laid the foundation for the Hamid we know today. That early neglect didn't last; a year later, his second album 'Raheel' (1984) found resounding success, especially amongst younger audiences.
Hamid El Shaeri didn't just enter the Arabic music scene — he rewired it. Dubbed the godfather of 'Al-Jeel' music, he introduced a sound that was bold, electronic, and unapologetically modern. He layered his vocals to mimic the effect of multiple singers — a stark contrast to the traditional Egyptian style that relied heavily on a single performer's vocal prowess. Using synthesizers, drum machines, and Western funk and pop grooves fused with Arabic melodies, Hamid injected the region's music with a much-needed jolt of youth and energy. At a time when Arabic music was steeped in classical orchestras and long-winded ballads, he trimmed the excess and cranked up the soul, creating catchy, yet emotionally rich tracks that resonated across generations.
Egypt was changing—and so was its soundtrack. In the early 1980s, the country was still reeling from the seismic shifts brought on by President Sadat's Infitah, the open-market policy that restructured Egypt's economy and daily life. After Sadat's assassination, the streets felt restless. Uncertainty lingered in the air, and with it, a growing hunger for something different—something that spoke to a new generation trying to find its voice in the chaos. That's where Hamid El-Shaeri stepped in. Bold, modern, and unapologetically different, it echoed the pulse of a nation in flux. The youth welcomed Hamid like a long-awaited answer. He didn't just arrive on the scene—he arrived right on time.
Hamid wasn't just a trailblazing solo artist—he was the mastermind behind the scenes, crafting enduring hits for stars like Amr Diab, Hisham Abbas, Mostafa Amar, Mohamed Fouad, Simone, Ihab Tawfik, Ali Hemeida, and Hakim. He gave many of them their first real break, and in doing so—whether by design or instinct—he helped shape the future of Egyptian music, as these artists went on to dominate the scene for years.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Hamid in Egypt. Controversy seemed to be his constant companion. When politics wasn't the reason pulling him down, other forces found ways to hold him back. The changes Hamid brought to Egyptian music didn't sit well with many — was the shift too radical? Maybe. Hamid El Shaeri found himself clashing with the establishment once again—and, ironically, the same accusations followed him all the way from Libya. He was blamed for destroying Egyptian music heritage and corrupting the youth. To many, his music was once again labeled too Westernized, accused of lacking any authentic identity.
To his surprise, the slamming wasn't limited to his music— even his appearance on stage drew disapproval from the musical aristocracy of the time, as he often performed in sportswear. What they didn't realize was that he was setting a new benchmark. Many musicians would soon start imitating his style, paving the way for the sporty-funky aesthetic that became a hallmark of the '80s and '90s.
That relentless challenge to the academic order led to his ban from the Musicians' Syndicate for a full four years. What did they tell the public? They claimed the delayed payment of a whole EGP 16 was behind the non-renewal of his license. Did it stop him? Not quite. Hamid wasn't even sure why he'd been banned, but he knew the issue ran deeper than a missed fee. He kept producing and composing under pseudonyms, quietly crafting hits while others took the credit such as 'Sabry Aleek Tal' for Rajaa Belmaleeh and 'Maktoob' for Alaa Abdelkhalek.
In fact, much of Egypt's music scene feared Hamid El Shaeri for his heavy use of electronic music, which they believed threatened the livelihoods of traditional instrumentalists, according to Egyptian music journalist Amgad Alaa. Hamid was leading a shift, and the question naturally arose: was Egyptian music about to change forever?
'Anything new sparks concern. Our generation appeared out of nowhere — we were a shock, not just to the audience, but to the people in charge of Egyptian music at the time,' Hamid El Shaeri said in a TV interview. 'They were stunned. Keyboards? Guitars? Drums? Where's the classical structure? It became a generational clash. They couldn't process what was happening — an album with just eight songs? A track that lasts three minutes? What even is that? The shock was simply too much to handle.'
Once his suspension was lifted, it marked a clear victory over the establishment, tradition, and the old guard. Hamid returned with an even broader musical vision, blending more genres than ever before. Flamenco music with Arabic melodies—who would've thought? His comeback was defined by rhythms and instrumental styles he had rarely explored. He returned with 'Nour El Ein' by Amr Diab, his biggest hit to date, along with the singer's entire new album.
Beside Amr Diab, there was 'Sidi Mansour' with Saber Al Rubai and 'El Soud Oyouno' for Mostafa Amar. For Hisham Abbas, he produced 'Habibi Dah' and the iconic 'Nari Nareen'. And of course, 'Lolaky' by Ali Hemeida—a track that became a runaway hit. These are just a drop in the ocean—examples of the remarkable work Hamid crafted for others.
In Italian, Il Capo means "the chief" or "the boss." In the Arab music dictionary, it means Hamid El-Shaeri. Perhaps it was his courage to defy norms that earned him the title. Or maybe it was his relentless drive to innovate—and his readiness to clash when necessary. That, essentially, is what made Hamid so distinctive. The nickname was first given to him by Fares, a singer Hamid himself discovered. And from that moment on, Il Capo stuck—becoming part of his legacy.
'Art is eternal. We, the artists, are only temporary,' Hamid El Shaeri once said.
We still sing his songs by heart—but just as much, we remember the battles he fought. That's the thing about real art—it doesn't play it safe. It breaks rules, stirs things up, and leaves a mark. Sticking to the script never made anyone unforgettable. It's the ones who dare to be different, who stay true to what they feel, that end up becoming legends. Hamid didn't force it. He just poured his heart into the music—and people felt that. No act. No polish. Just honesty, raw and real.
Il Capo rose just as Egypt was shifting in the 1980s, delivering the sound they didn't know they needed
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Mada
12 hours ago
- Mada
Sudan Nashra: PM Kamel Idris yet to form govt, pledges nonpartisan cabinet RSF launches major assault on Babanusa, West Kordofan Military airstrikes on Nyala continue
A month after his appointment, Prime Minister Kamel Idris, whose selection drew regional and international support and expression of hope that he could steer Sudan toward a new political phase, has yet to form a government. Now tasked with leading a country worn down by two years of war, Idris is facing serious obstacles. Chief among them are the competing demands of political and armed groups aligned with the military and who believe their share of power is secured under the Juba Peace Agreement. At the same time, Idris is grappling with the difficult task of apportioning political power among Sudan's diverse geographic and social communities. The war has only deepened the role of ethnic and regional identity as a basis for political representation. On top of all this, Idris is trying to govern a country already mired in poverty amid an economic crisis brought on by the ongoing war. On the combat front, the military has stepped up its drone strikes on Nyala — the capital of South Darfur and the main stronghold of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — after weeks of sustained attacks, suggesting it may now have gained air dominance over the city. Meanwhile, the RSF continues to gain ground in Kordofan. Its forces mobilized on the outskirts of Babanusa, attacking the last major military-held city in West Kordofan — a region bordering South Sudan and home to the majority of Sudan's oil fields. The RSF's campaign comes as the military's 22nd Division, based in Babanusa, remains cut off from supply lines following the paramilitary group's recent takeover of surrounding cities and towns. On Friday, the RSF launched an attack on Babanusa, which the military was able to repel. The border triangle between Egypt, Sudan and Libya continues to be a hotbed for military action. Earlier this week, the RSF seized the Karb al-Toum area in Northern State. Inside the triangle on the Libyan side, Military units loyal to Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar stepped up their presence, securing further arms shipments to the RSF via the Kufra airport. The RSF is coming under airstrikes, however, in an effort to dislodge them from their newly opened supply route. In North Darfur, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate rapidly, particularly in the city of Fasher, which has been under RSF siege for over a year. Hundreds of thousands of residents are living amid acute shortages of food, water, medicine and other basic necessities, as fears grow over a possible cholera outbreak. Thousands of Sudanese people in Fasher and neighboring displacement camps have fled to nearby areas such as Tawila, which has become a central hub for the displaced across the state. But with resources overstretched and infrastructure deteriorating, these destinations are struggling to meet the rising demand for essential services, particularly healthcare, food and shelter. *** A month after his appointment, Prime Minister Kamel Idris has yet to form a government, as political infighting in the administrative capital of Port Sudan continues over power sharing in the upcoming administration. In a speech addressing the Sudanese people on Thursday night, Idris unveiled the broad outlines of what he called the 'government of hope' — a civilian technocratic administration. A former UN official, lawyer and past presidential hopeful, Idris was chosen for his nonpartisan background — unlike Ambassador Dafallah al-Hajj Ali, who had initially been tapped for the post by Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) Chair and military Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Concerns over Ali's ties to the former regime and the sweeping powers attached to the premiership ultimately led the TSC to favor Idris instead. Idris said his cabinet would be composed of technocrats with no political party affiliations, describing it as a government that 'represents the voice of the silent majority' with a mandate to deliver prosperity and improved living conditions for the Sudanese people. But according to a former ministerial official who spoke to Mada Masr, Idris faces four major challenges in forming his cabinet. The first is balancing Sudan's complex web of political and social blocs. Idris, according to the source, wants to correct the lack of representation from certain regions in previous governments and insists on appointing ministers based on merit and professionalism — criteria that may rule out several candidates favored by political blocs, the source said. Secondly, Idris aims to fill most cabinet posts with younger figures, a goal that proves difficult, according to the source, given youth underrepresentation across Sudan's political and social structures. The third obstacle concerns Idris's stance toward Islamist factions. While groups such as the former ruling National Congress Party and other Islamist-aligned forces welcomed his appointment, two high-level TSC sources told Mada Masr that Idris has since kept his distance from any Islamist entities — an approach they said reassures the TSC leadership. The final hurdle is the Juba Peace Agreement. Armed movements that signed the 2020 deal are insisting on their full share of cabinet positions as stipulated by the agreement. In his Thursday speech, Idris stressed that he retains the right as prime minister to independently select members of his cabinet using a range of selection methods. Membership in the 'government of hope,' he said, would be open to Sudanese citizens regardless of race or religion, provided they have no party affiliation. A senior source in the Justice and Equality Movement, led by Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim, told Mada Masr that Idris is bound by the terms of the Juba agreement. The constitutional amendments passed in February did not override the peace deal, the source said, and would not do so until the 39-month transitional period concludes. Idris announced that he would begin forming the government immediately and incrementally, pledging not to betray the public trust and to lay the foundation for a state governed by the rule of law. *** A week after capturing border triangle, RSF advances in Northern State, Haftar-aligned forces expand border deployment Just over a week after the RSF took control of the border triangle between Sudan, Egypt and Libya, the paramilitary group continued its advance into Northern State while military units loyal to Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar stepped up their presence on the Libyan side of the border. On Tuesday, RSF fighters took control of the Karb al-Toum area in Northern State, following the withdrawal of the military toward the Atrun military base, a source from the Sudanese Armed Forces told Mada Masr. Located near the border triangle, Karb al-Toum is considered a key military and commercial gateway in Sudan's northern desert. A former Sudanese military officer told Mada Mar that the RSF's continued advance is backed by newly opened supply routes through Libyan territory. The officer warned that unless the military intervenes with ground and air forces, the group is likely to target the Atrun base and the Khandaq area in the Dongola locality next. The RSF seized the strategic border triangle on June 18, just hours after the military said it had vacated the area. The military accused the Haftar-aligned Subul al-Salam Battalion of aiding the RSF's takeover, which the LNA denied. The Subul al-Salam Battalion, which has controlled the border area since 2011, expanded its military deployment around Jebel Uweinat in the triangle earlier this week, a source close to the battalion told Mada Masr. Backed by the 87th special operations unit — under the LNA's ground forces command led by Saddam Haftar, son of Khalifa Haftar — the battalion launched additional patrols aimed at tracking a group suspected of ties to the Sudanese military-aligned joint force of the armed movement, the source said. The 87th unit dispatched reinforcements to Libya's far southeast on Sunday, deploying around Jebel Uweinat with surveillance aircraft overhead, the source said. The Subul al-Salam forces, meanwhile, remain stationed on the Libyan side of the border triangle as part of a broader plan to prevent infiltration or potential cross-border attacks. According to the source, the Subul al-Salam Battalion received what is believed to be a military shipment delivered earlier this week aboard two Emirati cargo planes. The cargo was heavily secured and transferred to private storage facilities in the nearby city of Kufra. Another military source told Mada Masr that three aircraft were spotted at the Kufra airport on Tuesday, amid what the source described as a significant uptick in logistical movements from Libya into RSF-held areas in Sudan's northern desert. A military source told Mada Masr last week that the border tensions stemmed from the RSF's attempts to establish alternative logistics routes via Libya after Chadian generals pressured President Mahamat Deby to halt the use of the Um Jaras base, which has served as a major RSF supply hub over the past year. Civilians fleeing the border triangle into Dongola, the capital of Northern State, told Mada Masr that RSF positions near the area have come under heavy airstrikes in recent days. A military source said that RSF fighters were hit by three strikes throughout Monday and Tuesday, two of which took place inside Sudanese territory. The strikes were intended to destroy the RSF drone platforms operating in Karb al-Toum, a source from the military's 19th Infantry Division said, warning that the paramilitary's presence in the area poses a direct threat to towns west of the Nile in Northern State. On Thursday morning, the military's air defenses intercepted three RSF drones carrying explosives launched toward the division's base in Merowe, eyewitnesses told Mada Masr. They described hearing loud blasts over the city as all drones were downed. The Sudan's Doctors Network warned on Monday of deteriorating humanitarian conditions among civilians fleeing the border area. The network said nearly 2,000 displaced people have arrived in safer areas of Northern State but lack basic necessities such as shelter, food, clean water and healthcare. After capturing Nuhud and Khawi in West Kordofan in recent weeks, the RSF launched a major attack on the military's largest stronghold in the state, the city of Babanusa, on Friday, following two days of artillery exchanges and military drone strikes targeting RSF positions in the city's outskirts. Throughout Monday and Wednesday, the RSF deployed reinforcements to the north and east of the city in a bid to encircle it from the two directions. They then began shelling the military's 22nd Infantry Division over two consecutive days, a military source in the division's command told Mada Masr. The 22nd Division responded with airstrikes and artillery shelling on Wednesday and Thursday, killing over 60 RSF fighters and destroying 13 of their combat vehicles, according to statements from the military unit. On Friday, the RSF launched a large-scale assault, with heavy fighting breaking out around the 89th Infantry Brigade command near the division's camp, a field source told Mada Masr. The military repelled the initial wave of the attack, but the source warned that Babanusa is likely to face more RSF offensives in the coming days. Located near the South Sudanese border, Babanusa is a strategic city home to the majority of Sudan's oil fields. According to the military source, the terrain surrounding the 22nd Infantry Division camp — characterized by hills and rocky plateaus — presents significant challenges to a full encirclement. Following the RSF's recent takeovers of Nuhud and Khawi in West Kordofan and Dubeibat in South Kordofan, the RSF leadership now believes the military's 22nd Division may struggle to hold out for as long as it did over the past year, RSF military sources in the West Kordofan sector told Mada Masr. According to RSF field commanders who spoke to Mada Masr, new fighters arrived in the city earlier this week with the goal of launching renewed attacks on the military division — after several failed attempts to seize it last year. Witnesses in Babanusa confirmed seeing large-scale reinforcements near the city. Local sources warned that the situation in Babanusa is becoming increasingly precarious, especially as the military appears ill-prepared for a full-scale confrontation, they said. Disruption to supply lines, the city's geographic isolation and the suspension of military air drops have left military forces exposed to what could be a decisive RSF offensive, they said. Babanusa entered the frontlines of the war between the military and the RSF in early January 2024. Operations in the area were initially delayed as local leaders from the Messiria tribe sought to broker an agreement between the two sides to spare the military's camp in the city, given its role in protecting the southern borders against cross-border raids by gangs from South Sudan. However, the initiative ultimately failed after RSF Deputy Commander Abdel Rahim Dagalo insisted on capturing the 22nd Division camp. Renewed clashes between military, SPLM-N in South Kordofan Fighting resumed between the military and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, in South Kordofan on Tuesday in the town of Dashoul, near Korgol, south of the capital, Kadugli. Forces of the SPLM-N, which holds significant territory in South Kordofan, launched an attack on military positions in the area, attempting to cut the main road linking Kadugli and Dalang, a field source told Mada Masr. The military repelled the assault. Military spokesperson Nabil Abdallah confirmed that the 14th Infantry Division in Kadugli pushed back the SPLM-N offensive on the Dashoul outpost, adding that their forces seized weapons, combat vehicles and three tanks during the operation. Fighting between the military and the SPLM-N has escalated in recent weeks along the Um Deheilib and Korgol fronts. In May, the military captured the town of Um Deheilib, located about 45 km east of Kauda, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu)'s stronghold. The armed group had long maintained a camp there, using the village as a forward defensive position for its main base in Kauda. Military cooperation between the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) and the RSF has been steadily growing since the signing of the Nairobi charter in February. Endorsed by over 40 civilian, political and armed groups, the agreement established a military-political alliance and laid the foundation for a parallel government in Sudan. The charter quickly translated into military cooperation between the RSF and SPLM-N leaderships in terms of troop mobilization and training in SPLM-N-held territories in South Kordofan and the southern Blue Nile State — where the rebel group has been in conflict with the military since 2011. Following the ouster of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and in the years leading up to the outbreak of the war in 2023, the military and SPLM-N (al-Hilu) continued to renew a ceasefire agreement on an annual basis. Since the war, however, fighting has resumed between the two. *** Military drones continue to strike RSF strongholds in Nyala, South Darfur For the third consecutive week, the military carried out drone strikes on RSF positions in South Darfur's Nyala, the group's largest stronghold. On Wednesday, the military launched a surprise attack on the Rahman neighborhood, where RSF Deputy Commander Abdel Rahim Dagalo was attending the funeral of one of his commanders who was recently killed in the Kordofan battles, a senior military source in the General Staff told Mada Masr. The strike killed several of the attendees, who comprised fighters and field commanders engaged in logistical operations, according to the source. On Saturday morning, residents heard loud explosions and saw smoke rising near the city's international airport — the RSF's primary logistical and military base. Later that evening, drone strikes resumed, hitting multiple locations across Nyala, local sources told Mada Masr. At least three powerful blasts were heard across the city's central, southern and eastern neighborhoods. Among the sites targeted was Nyala University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which the RSF had repurposed as a military base, one of the local sources said. According to eyewitnesses, the strikes killed and wounded around 25 RSF fighters. The injured were taken to the Turkish Hospital in southern Nyala — a facility that the RSF has recently reopened. Earlier this year, the RSF developed a military airbase and strategic cargo facilities at the Nyala International Airport, a senior military officer had previously told Mada Masr. RSF Deputy Commander Abdel Rahim Dagalo had also moved the group's command to Nyala and has been working to designate the city as the administrative capital for the paramilitary group, according to an RSF military source who spoke to Mada Masr in April. *** Direct clashes resumed in Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, with the military repelling a major assault by elite RSF units on Sunday. The two sides exchanged heavy artillery fire again on Tuesday and Wednesday. A field source told Mada Masr that the RSF deployed elite units — which they said recently trained in Nyala — in an attempt to storm Fasher and seize the military's Sixth Infantry Division command, along with the rest of the city. The assault began in the early morning hours from the eastern side and was preceded by heavy shelling and drone strikes on military defenses, as well as those of the armed movements' joint force and locally mobilized fighters. According to the source, the joint force repelled the assault and inflicted heavy losses on RSF fighters. In a statement, the joint force said it had foiled the 214th RSF attack on Fasher, destroying six Emirati-made armored vehicles and 10 combat trucks along with their crews. The statement added that dozens of RSF fighters were killed or dispersed, with the remainder pursued to the city's outskirts. On Tuesday, the military launched heavy artillery strikes on RSF positions east of the city, prompting retaliatory fire from the RSF, another field source told Mada Masr. The same exchange continued the following day, with RSF surveillance and combat drones flying overhead, according to the source. *** Health official: Nearly 30,000 dead or wounded in North Darfur since war broke out Since May 2024, North Darfur's Fasher has grappled with daily bombardments and a tight siege that has deprived hundreds of thousands of residents of essential supplies. North Darfur Health Ministry General Director Ibrahim al-Khater told Mada Masr that nearly 30,000 people across the state have died or been wounded — whether through direct attacks or illnesses and injuries exacerbated and caused by the RSF's siege and the attacks on healthcare facilities — since the outbreak of war in April 2023. According to Khater, the toll has been heaviest in Fasher and its surrounding areas, as well as in the localities of Kutum, Malit, Um Kadada, Tawila and Dar al-Salam. On the medical front, only three hospitals remain operational across North Darfur. Khater pointed to critical shortages of medicine, medical supplies and food. The ongoing siege has cut off all humanitarian aid, while daily bombardments of health facilities and civilian shelters have led to mounting casualties, he said. Most of those sheltering in these facilities, he added, are elderly people, women, children or already in poor health. The collapse of humanitarian conditions in Fasher was echoed by Adam Regal, the spokesperson for Fasher's General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees. Regal told Mada Masr that the destruction of key health facilities — most notably the clinic at the Abu Shouk displacement camp, north of Fasher — due to RSF artillery shelling has led to a total breakdown of healthcare services. He estimated that dozens of displaced people are wounded everyday in the ongoing artillery attacks. The destruction, compounded by a shortage of medicines and deteriorating living conditions, has driven many to flee the camp, according to Regal. As the situation in Fasher worsens, the areas of Tawila and Kurma have become the destination for thousands fleeing the violence. But these areas are now overwhelmed by the influx and are equally lacking in basic and healthcare services, he said. Regal called on international organizations and donors to scale up aid to Sudan in general — and to Darfur in particular — warning that a cholera outbreak may be imminent if swift containment measures are not taken.
Al-Ahram Weekly
14 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Al-Azhar grand imam condemns Israel's aggression against Iran in Persian statement - Foreign Affairs
Ahmed El-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the world's largest Sunni Islamic institution, has issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's ongoing actions against Iran, delivering his message not only in Arabic and English but, for the first time, in Persian on social media. 'I strongly condemn the ongoing aggression by the occupying entity against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the systematic attacks and continued recklessness committed by this usurping aggressor and its backers,' he wrote on his social media accounts. El-Tayyeb warned that such actions risk "dragging the region to the brink of explosion and igniting a full-scale war, from which only arms dealers and profiteers of bloodshed would benefit." He also slammed the international community's response, saying its "silence in the face of this tyranny, and its failure to put an end to it, amounts to complicity in the crime." He added that such inaction "yields nothing but a growing threat to global security." "War cannot create peace," he concluded. His remarks come as the aerial confrontation between Israel and Iran enters its eighth consecutive day, with destruction and casualties mounting on both sides. Meanwhile, investigative reports—such as Seymour Hersh's recent piece detailing an alleged US-backed 'all-out bombing campaign' against Iran, including plans to strike the heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility—suggest a broader escalation. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
14 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
🔴 LIVE UPDATES: Egypt's Al-Azhar Grand Imam condemns Israeli 'rampage' in unprecedented Persian tweet - Region
Ahram Online provides live coverage of the unfolding military confrontation between Israel and Iran as the two sides waged deadly strikes against one another for the eighth day in a row. Related Trump says will decide whether to attack Iran 'within two weeks' - as it happened Israel expands assassination policy with threat to target Khamenei Israeli army says struck inactive nuclear reactor in Iran's Arak The face-off between Israel and Iran has continued to intensify overnight and into this morning. Overnight, the Israeli military reported carrying out dozens of strikes on military targets across Iran, including a significant attack on the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) headquarters in Tehran, which Israel claims is involved in Iran's nuclear weapons development project. Other targets included missile production sites in Tehran and the northern city of Rasht. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also confirmed that Israel's rockets had damaged Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Production Plant. In retaliation, Iran launched fresh barrages of missiles towards Israel. These missiles struck southern Israel, particularly the city of Beersheba for the second consecutive day, causing damage to residential buildings, including a six-story structure. Sirens were activated across southern Israel as missiles were detected, and while most were reportedly intercepted, some impacted areas. Casualty figures remain high, with an Iranian human rights group stating that Israeli strikes have now killed at least 657 people and wounded over 2,000 in Iran since the conflict began. Iran's retaliatory strikes have resulted in 24 deaths in Israel. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with the Iranian Foreign Minister expected to meet with top European diplomats in Geneva today, although Iran continues to reject direct negotiations with the US as long as Israeli attacks persist. Concerns are also rising regarding potential cyberattacks, with reports of Iranian hackers targeting Israeli home security cameras. 19:00 Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's ongoing actions against Iran. He notably delivered his message not only in Arabic and English but, for the first time, in Persian on social media. This unprecedented outreach directly targets Iranian audiences as tensions escalate, signaling a significant pan-Islamic appeal from Sunni Islam's highest seat of learning. In his tweet, El-Tayeb stated, "I strongly condemn the ongoing aggression by the occupying entity against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the systematic attacks and continued recklessness committed by this usurping aggressor and its backers, acts that risk dragging the region to the brink of explosion and igniting a full-scale war, from which only arms dealers and profiteers of bloodshed would benefit." El-Tayeb further criticized the international community's inaction, arguing that "The international community's silence in the face of this tyranny, and its failure to put an end to it, amounts to complicity in the crime. Such inaction yields nothing but a growing threat to global security. War cannot create peace!" 18:00 Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it targeted Israeli Channel 14's field broadcasting headquarters in Haifa on Friday with Sejil-3 long-range missiles, describing the strike as part of a wider operation involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles.' According to Nour News, which is affiliated with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the strike formed part of 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3. The news outlet said the attack followed a prior warning issued by the Guard. 17:00 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel is nearing 'the point of no return', as the United States weighs the possibility of direct military involvement. 'Unfortunately, the genocide in Gaza and the conflict with Iran are quickly reaching the point of no return. This madness must end as soon as possible,' he said, according to AFP. Erdoğan cautioned that the consequences of the war could extend far beyond the Middle East, affecting Europe and Asia 'for many years'. He made the comments during an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) youth forum in Istanbul, ahead of a meeting of OIC foreign ministers scheduled for the weekend. In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Erdoğan warned the war could trigger a surge in migration and the risk of nuclear contamination. "The spiral of violence triggered by Israel's attacks could harm the region and Europe in terms of migration and the possibility of nuclear leakage," he said, adding that the conflict had "raised the threat to regional security to the highest level". 16:30 Qatar held crisis talks with energy firms this week after Israeli strikes hit Iran's South Pars gas field, which it shares with Qatar, a regional diplomat and an industry source told Reuters. The South Pars/North Dome field, jointly owned by the two countries, is the world's largest known natural gas reserve. Iranian media reported a 'massive explosion' and fire on Saturday following an Israeli drone strike on one of the South Pars facilities. Qatar urged companies to raise the alarm with US, UK and European governments over mounting risks to global gas supplies, the source said. 16:00 Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the north and south, according to Israel's Home Front Command. Al Jazeera initially reported that the salvo involved around 30 projectiles. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. Channel 12 confirmed a direct hit in Haifa that caused significant damage and injured 21 people, some seriously. Army radio cited strikes at multiple sites, while Channel 7 later said around 20 missiles were involved. Iran's Nour News said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Channel 14's field broadcast centre in Haifa with Sejil-3 long-range missiles after a prior warning. The IRGC called the barrage 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3, describing it as a coordinated strike involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles'. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: 'The Zionist enemy is now receiving its punishment.' The attack marks one of the largest direct missile strikes by Iran since the war began on 13 June. The Israeli army later lifted nationwide shelter orders and confirmed impacts in Haifa, as well as central and southern regions. Earlier, Israeli forces said their air force was conducting renewed strikes on targets in western and central Iran. 15:15 Iran will not accept a demand for zero uranium enrichment, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, calling it unacceptable while Israeli strikes continue. However, the official said Tehran was open to negotiating limits on enrichment levels, provided its right to peaceful nuclear development is recognised. The remarks come ahead of talks in Geneva with the UK, France, and Germany, where efforts are underway to restore diplomatic engagement over Iran's nuclear programme. 14:45 Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh warned that the United States is preparing for heavy bombing of Iran, possibly as early as this weekend, citing long-standing Israeli and American sources. Hersh said the Trump administration is fully backing Israel's campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, while hoping for the collapse of the government in Tehran. In a Substack post published Thursday, titled 'What I Have Been Told Is Coming in Iran – The Initial Battle Plan for a New War,' Hersh wrote: 'It will entail heavy American bombing,' based on information confirmed by a senior US official. The official reportedly said the situation would remain 'under control' if Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'departs.' 'Just how that might happen, short of his assassination, is not known,' Hersh added. He criticised the lack of a coherent US strategy: 'There has been a great deal of talk about American firepower and targets inside Iran, but little practical thinking… about how to remove a revered religious leader with an enormous following.' Hersh also warned of wider consequences: 'The most important unanswered question… will be the response of the world, including that of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who has been an ally of Iran's leaders.' On continued US support for Israel, Hersh wrote: 'The United States remains Israel's most important ally, although many here and around the world abhor Israel's continuing murderous war in Gaza.' 14:30 Brent crude fell over 2 percent, dragging energy stocks lower, as fears of imminent US strikes on Iran eased. European markets rebounded, while Asian indices closed mixed and the dollar slipped. The shift followed President Donald Trump's comments that he would delay a decision on joining Israeli attacks for up to two weeks. His remarks came ahead of talks in Geneva between Iranian and European diplomats. 'Brent crude has dropped... as traders price out the worst-case scenario for geopolitics,' said Kathleen Brooks of trading firm XTB. Earlier concerns that the conflict could disrupt oil supplies had driven prices higher and global equities lower. 'While the immediate prospect of a US intervention may have diminished, it remains a live issue for markets,' said Dan Coatsworth of investment platform AJ Bell. The main US oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), edged up on low post-holiday trading and a drop in US crude stockpiles. Markets are also watching Trump's trade war, as a 90-day pause on new tariffs nears its end. 'Until then... headlines could have an outsized impact,' said David Sekera of Morningstar. 14:00 Russia warned against any attempt to assassinate Iran's supreme leader, saying it would be 'unacceptable' and risk triggering uncontrollable escalation, Sky News reported. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would react 'very negatively' if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed, describing the situation as 'extremely tense and dangerous not only for the region but globally.' Speaking in Saint Petersburg, Peskov said regime change in Iran would 'open the Pandora's box' and warned that further escalation would only deepen the regional confrontation. He did not specify how Russia would respond, but said any such act would provoke a strong reaction 'from inside Iran.' 'It would lead to the birth of extremist moods inside Iran and those who are speaking about [killing Khamenei], they should keep it in mind. They will open the Pandora's box.' 13:30 European foreign ministers meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva are expected to relay that the US remains open to direct talks, Reuters reported, citing diplomats. Two diplomats said Araghchi would be urged to send a 'clear signal' by accepting tough restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly signalled willingness to engage directly with Tehran, though Washington has not formally confirmed this. CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supports European-led diplomacy aimed at reviving talks. The UK, France and Germany and the EU's foreign policy chief met in Geneva ahead of their meeting with Araghchi. The Swiss city hosted the early stages of talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Trump withdrew the US from that agreement on 8 May 2018, reimposing sanctions and triggering the collapse of follow-up negotiations. An EU diplomat said: 'The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can. We'll urge them to return to the table before the worst-case scenario.' Iran has repeatedly said it will not engage with the US while Israeli attacks continue. 'There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops,' Araghchi said on state television. 13:15 Thousands of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr rallied in Baghdad and other cities against Israel's war with Iran, AFP correspondents said. "No to Israel! No to America!" chanted demonstrators gathered after Friday prayers in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, Moqtada Sadr's stronghold in the capital, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from Iraq's scorching summer sun. "It is an unjust war... Israel has no right" to hit Iran, said protester Abu Hussein. "Israel is not in it for the (Iranian) nuclear (program). What Israel and the Americans want is to dominate the Middle East," added the 54-year-old taxi driver. He said he hoped Iran would come out of the war victorious, and that Iraq should support its neighbour "with money, weapons and protests". In Iraq's southern city of Basra, around 2,000 people demonstrated after the prayers, according to an AFP correspondent. Cleric Qusai al-Assadi, 43, denounced Israel's use of Iraqi airspace to bomb Iran. "It is a violation of Iraq's sovereignty," he said, warning against "a third world war against Islam." Echoing the views of Sadr, Assadi said that Iraq should not be dragged into the conflict. Iraq has long attempted to balance ties between Iran and the US, and has only recently emerged from decades of instability following the 2003 US invasion. 13:00 Thousands of people joined a protest against Israel in the Iranian capital after weekly prayers, chanting slogans in support of their leaders, images on state television showed, AFP reported. "This is the Friday of the Iranian nation's solidarity and resistance across the country," the news anchor said. Footage showed protesters in Tehran holding up photographs of commanders killed since the start of the war with Israel, while others waved the flags of Iran and the Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah. "I will sacrifice my life for my leader," read a protester's banner, a reference to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to state television, protests took place in other cities around the country, including in Tabriz in northwestern Iran and Shiraz in the south. 12:45 French President Emmanuel Macron said European powers will present Iran with a 'comprehensive diplomatic and technical offer' to end the escalating conflict with Israel. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is expected to meet Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva later Friday, alongside UK and German officials. Macron said the proposal includes four points: full IAEA access and zero uranium enrichment; limits on ballistic capabilities; restrictions on financing regional proxies; and the release of foreign detainees. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran poses an 'existential risk' to Israel, but criticised Israeli strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, saying 'nothing justifies this'. He added that military action alone cannot eliminate Iran's nuclear programme. "No one seriously thinks that this risk (posed by the Iranian atomic drive) can be responded to only through the operations that are currently underway," he said. "There are facilities that are extremely well protected we do not know exactly where the uranium enriched to 60 percent is." 12:00 Several major US airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East, AP reported. United Airlines said it has indefinitely paused flights between Newark, New Jersey, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. American Airlines announced it is suspending service between Philadelphia and Doha, Qatar, at least through Sunday, and will make 'additional adjustments as needed'. Both airlines said they are monitoring the situation and working to rebook affected passengers. Last week, Delta Air Lines suspended flights to Tel Aviv, where Ben Gurion Airport remains closed to regular scheduled passenger traffic. 11:30 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out any negotiations with the United States, calling it a 'partner to Israeli crime against Iran'. 'There is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression stops,' Araqchi told Iranian state television, according to Reuters. 11:15 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to the Guardian, held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the planned Geneva meeting with his UK, German, and Iranian counterparts. A French diplomatic source said Rubio conveyed that the United States is 'ready for direct contact with the Iranians at any moment.' 11:00 Seven people were injured during Iran's missile attack on the southern Israeli city of Beersheba earlier this morning. According to a spokesperson for Soroka Medical Centre, quoted by The Jerusalem Post, the individuals sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters during the barrage. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
