Bruno Finel

It is a moment that would seem surreal—if not so predictably cynical.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slightly revised Egypt’s economic growth forecast for the fiscal year ending in June 2025, raising it to 4 percent, up from its previous estimate of 3.8 percent, according to the July 2025 update of its World Economic Outlook (WEO) report.

During a high-level conference in New York centered on the renewed global push for the recognition of a Palestinian state, Egypt surprised many observers by issuing a clear and firm call for the disarmament of Hamas, the militant organization that rules the Gaza Strip and is widely held responsible for the ongoing conflict with Israel.

As French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot touts what he calls a “historic moment” at the United Nations—a two-day conference co-organized with Saudi Arabia aimed at pushing forward the recognition of a Palestinian state—critics see the event for what it is: a media spectacle, orchestrated to serve President Emmanuel Macron’s political vanity, not the cause of peace.

France’s announcement that it will formally recognize a Palestinian state in September—becoming the first G7 country to do so—has sparked intense debate both domestically and internationally. 

Caroline Yadan, member of Parliament for French citizens living abroad (8th constituency, including Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Turkey), announced on Friday that she is leaving President Emmanuel Macron’s parliamentary majority following his decision to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Recent remarks by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas raise serious concerns about the bloc’s understanding—and handling—of the war in Gaza. 

In an unusually political speech on the eve of Belgium’s National Day, King Philippe made strong comments on the war in Gaza, calling the situation “a disgrace to humanity” and denouncing what he described as “serious humanitarian abuses.” 

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged the United States to help bring an immediate end to the Syrian conflict during a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a source in the Turkish foreign ministry on Saturday.

Not long ago, Western powers, Arab nations, and even the European Union spoke too soon—and too naively—about a so-called “new Syria.” 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Egypt marks a major diplomatic milestone in strengthening China-Egypt ties, said Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liu Licheng in a statement issued Wednesday.

As Algeria marks the 63rd anniversary of its independence this July 5, there is little cause for celebration among its citizens. Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in North Africa in terms of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, the country remains mired in stagnation, corruption, and repression.