The 16th Al Jazeera Forum took place in Doha, on 15 and 16 February 2025, under the title, “From the War on Gaza to Change in Syria: Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East”, featuring a distinguished group of politicians, experts and researchers from various countries, and with a large audience in attendance. Over the course of two days, the forum's sessions discussed the most prominent geopolitical shifts the region is experiencing, particularly in light of the Israeli war on Gaza and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and the resulting changes in regional power balances and international alliances.
Opening and keynote speeches
Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Al Jazeera Media Network, opened the forum with a speech emphasising the essence of journalism and its mission to convey the truth, despite the immense challenges and serious consequences journalists face. He noted that Al Jazeera had been directly targeted, citing the killing of its reporters and the closure of its offices, in an attempt to silence its voice. In this context, he stressed that a dedicated journalist provides an invaluable service to the world by reporting events as they are, ensuring that people are aware of the truth. He affirmed that it is unjust to accuse journalists of terrorism or to target them and their families simply for fulfilling their professional duties.
Sheikh Hamad also addressed the challenges faced by Al Jazeera Media Network due to its commitment to professional and impartial coverage. He highlighted the names of its martyrs who fell in Palestine and Syria, as well as the reporters who were injured while on duty. He expressed condolences for those lost and wished a swift recovery to the injured, who are still receiving medical care.
Sheikh Hamad then spoke about the forum’s importance, pointing out that the discussions and precise analyses from last year had proven accurate this year, as the region saw many of the predicted developments come to pass, such as the threat of displacement in Gaza, the situation in Syria and the challenges faced by other countries involved in the conflict.
He predicted that the region would continue to face major challenges, emphasising that the underlying causes of these crises remain and continue to impact the region. He stressed the importance of deep analysis and careful interpretation of the sessions in this forum, as the region is still undergoing significant transformations. In this context, he pointed out the need for sound decisions to address these changes effectively, warning that any neglect could lead to even more severe consequences.
Sheikh Hamad concluded his speech by affirming that the sacrifices of Al Jazeera's reporters have not been in vain. He noted that people around the world had mobilised to express their solidarity with the Palestinians against the massacres they are enduring, thanks to the courageous and professional reporting by Al Jazeera's journalists. He also emphasised that the network will remain committed to reporting the truth with integrity and professionalism, despite the pressures, challenges and sacrifices.
On his part, South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, remarked that South Africa had suffered from persecution and injustice in the past and would continue to stand with oppressed peoples, particularly the Palestinian people, who have been enduring a brutal war and aggression for nearly 15 months, resulting in tens of thousands of victims. Botes confirmed that South Africa would persist in prosecuting Israel before the International Criminal Court and continue its pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people until they achieve their legitimate rights. He also praised Al Jazeera Media Network for its role in exposing the truth to the world, considering the network a distinguished example of free journalism that supports peoples in need of advocacy.
The situation in Gaza: Post-war challenges
The forum began with the session titled, “The situation in Gaza: Post-war challenges”. At the outset, Basem Naim, a member of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), outlined the details of the Gaza reconstruction plan. He explained that all the countries Hamas had engaged with had confirmed they would not participate in the reconstruction process until a complete ceasefire was reached and Israeli forces fully withdrew. Naim revealed that Hamas, in cooperation with mediators and Arab countries, is working intensively to develop a comprehensive plan based on a humanitarian protocol agreed upon within the current ceasefire agreement. This plan includes stages for relief, shelter and reconstruction.
Naim clarified that the plan, led by Egypt in coordination with Qatar, several Arab and European countries and UN organisations, is estimated to cost between $50 billion and $70 billion. He emphasised that the implementation of this plan does not require the displacement of Gaza’s population, rejecting the proposal promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump. Naim also reaffirmed Hamas's commitment to the current agreement, despite Israel not explicitly indicating its readiness for the second phase of the agreement, which was initially scheduled to be announced on the 16th day of the first phase. However, he noted that Hamas had received serious assurances from mediators that an announcement from Israel on this matter is forthcoming. Naim pointed out that Gaza's future cannot be separated from humanitarian, developmental and political considerations, stressing that the occupation refuses to implement a ceasefire as long as Hamas—or even Fatah—is in power. He assured that Hamas is not clinging to power and is willing to relinquish it if there is a national consensus to manage the Gaza Strip in a broader national framework.
Hani Al-Masri, Director General of Masarat, the Palestinian Centre for Policy Research and Strategic, highlighted that the West Bank is the “forgotten victim”, even though it is the primary target of the Zionist project, which views it as the “Promised Land” or “Judea and Samaria”. He explained that plans to Judaise the West Bank were already in motion before Operation Tufan al-Aqsa, noting that the new Israeli government's programme includes the full annexation of the West Bank, seeing it as a historic opportunity to resolve the conflict, rather than merely manage it as previous Israeli governments have done. Al-Masri pointed out that the recent war accelerated these plans, transforming the West Bank into isolated prisons with 900 checkpoints and 150 gates, making movement between cities difficult and dangerous, as Palestinians may face arrest or assault by settlers. He emphasised that the occupation controls over 60% of the West Bank’s security, preventing 200,000 workers from being employed in Israel, while the number of detainees after 7 October 2023 has surpassed 10,000, with more than 1,000 Palestinians martyred and thousands injured. This highlights that the impact of the war extends far beyond Gaza.
Meanwhile, Riyadh Almasharqah, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Palestinian Doctors Assembly in Europe (PalMed Europe), shed light on the unprecedented health crisis caused by the war. He reported that around 1,200 doctors and healthcare workers were martyred, and nearly 59% of the [62,000] martyrs were women and children, with around 111,000 people injured, including over 21,000 with serious injuries. Almasharqa confirmed that the occupation destroyed 212 medical facilities, including 34 hospitals that were put completely out of service and 191 ambulances. He pointed to a recent study that suggested the actual number of martyrs might be 41% higher than the official figures, meaning the true death toll could have ranged between 55,000 and 78,000 by June 2024. Almasharqah stressed that the war, which lasted for 471 days, has led to an unprecedented health catastrophe, requiring urgent humanitarian relief and the opening of safe corridors under UN supervision to operate hospitals and ensure they are not targeted again.
At the end of the session, journalist and political researcher Tawfik Chouman warned about the “strategy of exporting crises” adopted by the Trump administration. He explained that the plan to displace Gaza’s population is part of an effort to evade responsibility for reconstruction and shift it onto Arab countries. This could create tensions between Palestinians and Arabs, he said, likening it to the Israeli threat to close Beirut’s airport and the internal disruptions it could cause in Lebanon. He also pointed out that imposing financial, political and security conditions on Arab countries by Tel Aviv and Washington is part of this strategy, which aims to shift the Palestinian issue from being a conflict with the occupation to an internal Arab affair.
Transitional justice in post-conflict countries: Opportunities and challenges
During the session titled, “Transitional justice in post-conflict countries: Opportunities and challenges”, participants emphasised the need to swiftly address harm, compensate victims, hold those responsible for violations accountable, and implement measures to prevent such violations from happening again. They affirmed that one of the central objectives of transitional justice is to achieve societal reconciliation.
Speakers cautioned that the absence of a clear framework for amnesty and forgiveness after accountability could result in a society trapped in cycles of vengeance and retribution. They stressed the importance of fostering a community culture based on strong religious and cultural values that supports peaceful coexistence among all segments of society.
The session recommended establishing an independent body made up of impartial judicial and human rights experts, alongside representatives of the victims, to ensure transparency and credibility in the pursuit of social justice. They highlighted that the success of transitional justice depends on upholding the rule of law and achieving broad national consensus.
In this context, former Moroccan Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Mohamed Oujar, shared his country's experience with transitional justice. He highlighted the importance of public hearings, organised across various Moroccan regions, cities and villages, as a key component of the process. These hearings were broadcast live on television, enhancing transparency and community participation. He described Morocco’s experience as one of the most successful in the Arab world and Africa, emphasising that the fundamental question after any political change or revolution is how to address severe human rights violations, compensate victims and ensure that such violations are not repeated.
He noted that, while there is no single model for transitional justice, successful cases share common values and principles. Oujar pointed out that countries like Spain, Portugal and Greece chose to move on from their pasts without relying on transitional justice or holding officials accountable after transitioning from authoritarian regimes to democracies. He stressed that the success of transitional justice depends on having a strong rule of law, an impartial state that stands equidistant from all parties, electoral legitimacy, and broad national consensus, with the essential inclusion of victims in the process to ensure success
International law professor Mahmoud Burhan Attour emphasised that transitional justice is not just a legal concept, but a humanitarian necessity aimed at achieving fairness. He explained that the international system needs to be rebuilt to ensure more inclusive justice on a global scale. Attour observed that the absence of justice was a key factor in the Arab Spring revolutions, which began with calls for reform but evolved into revolutions demanding regime change after the failure of those reforms. These revolutions, he explained, sought to create a more just future that ensures the rights and freedoms of people.
Attour also pointed out that the challenges to transitional justice, particularly in Syria and other countries, include political, legislative, organisational and cultural obstacles. He noted that achieving societal reconciliation would be a difficult goal without clear political will.
In this regard, Mohammad Alnsour, Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasised that the primary goal of transitional justice is to prevent the repetition of tragedies. He explained that human rights violations in Syria did not start in the last 14 years but go back 54 years due to the lack of respect for basic rights. Alnsour noted that transitional justice must consider the unique context of each country. He shared that during his recent visit to Damascus, he observed a misunderstanding of transitional justice, where some believed it was a form of lenient justice that could be overlooked due to other pressing challenges. He warned that this misconception could impede progress toward a more just future in Syria, urging the establishment of an independent body to reflect the state’s commitment to human rights.
Fadel Abdulghany, Founder and Chairman of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, highlighted that Syria's case is particularly unique due to the prolonged 14-year conflict and the scale of violations it has caused, including 115,000 cases of enforced disappearance, millions of refugees and countless victims. Abdulghany stressed the need for a governing body to oversee the establishment of a transitional justice authority through a constitutional declaration, rather than relying on previous constitutions. He also pointed out that Syria lacks specialised courts for war crimes and crimes against humanity, which it desperately needs.
A war of strategies
The session titled, “A war of strategies”, highlighted the intense competition between regional and international powers in the Middle East, which has been exacerbated by the Israeli war on Gaza and its extensions into Lebanon, Iran, Yemen and Iraq, as well as the geopolitical changes following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Speakers discussed the ongoing conflict, both visible and covert, between the strategies of Iran, Israel and Turkey, questioning whether the Arab role could become more independent and influential, free from dependency and reactive responses.
The session began with a presentation by Mojtaba Ferdosipour, a diplomat and university professor, who referred to shifts in the global order, describing it as moving toward a “post-polar” order. In this new order, big data, along with regional and international alliances, play a crucial role in shaping global dynamics. He quoted American international relations scholar John Mearsheimer, who argued that the events of 7 October disrupted the traditional balance of international powers, prompting the Western project to adopt a more chaotic approach to maintain its influence in the Middle East—especially after the failure of plans to replace the Israeli regime and secure its interests in the region.
Ferdosipour also pointed to new natural gas discoveries in the Levant Basin, estimated at 122 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.7 billion barrels of extractable oil, making control over Gaza and its coast a strategic goal for both the West and Israel. Most of these resources lie under the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, extending to the Syrian coast. This explains the Western interest in developments in both Syria and Gaza.
He discussed the meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Trump's inauguration, where the main goal was to save Netanyahu’s government and complete occupation plans in Gaza, which include the idea of forcing Palestinians out of the Gaza strip and into Syria in exchange for lifting sanctions on Syria. This would make Syria the primary target in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ferdosipour argued that Syria’s fall would disrupt the balance of power against Israel and threaten Syria's national identity due to regional and international interventions.
Murat Yeşiltaş, a professor of international relations, presented Turkey’s view of regional developments after 7 October and the fall of the Assad regime. He noted that Turkey is closely monitoring the dynamics of retreat and ascent in the region, particularly the decline of Iranian influence in Lebanon and Syria and the absence of Russian influence due to the Ukraine war. Yeşiltaş emphasised that Turkey is recalibrating its strategies to address these changes, focusing on building a new Syrian army during the transitional period, as the role of regional proxies like Hezbollah and Iran diminishes.
Yeşiltaş stressed that Turkey seeks to maintain its political influence in Syria through cooperation with international powers, while taking into account UN Security Council decisions and the ongoing UN process. He highlighted the formation of a new Syrian army as a strategic priority for Turkey, especially with the decline of Russian and Iranian influence.
Hassan Barari, professor of international relations at Qatar University, argued that the Arab system is weak, fragile and internally competitive, which makes it continually dependent on external factors. He explained that a strategy requires a clear goal and a means to achieve it within a complex environment filled with both risks and opportunities. He pointed out that Israel has had a clear strategic goal since its establishment: to control all of Palestine and get rid of its population through military might. In contrast, the Arab world lacks a counter-strategy, making individual initiatives, like Operation Tufan Al-Aqsa merely reactive rather than part of a unified Arab strategy.
Chafic Choucair, a researcher at Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, concluded the session by analysing the current Arab system. He argued that any effort to restore it must begin with Syria, drawing a comparison to how the fall of the Berlin Wall marked a turning point in Europe. He emphasised that rebuilding the Arab system requires internal consensus, starting with Syria, and a unified stance on the Palestinian cause as a minimum. He warned that neglecting this could lead to a new Arab system built on the rubble of Gaza, with no clear vision for the future of the Palestinian cause.
The Middle East facing new balances
The fourth session of the 16th Al Jazeera Forum discussed the transformations in the Middle East following the recent war on Gaza, which left devastating effects on the Palestinian people and their environment amidst complex regional and international interventions. The session addressed the challenges facing the Palestinian cause after Israel’s failure to achieve its goal of eradicating resistance, and the implications this has on the balance of power in the region, including the potential costs or gains for Arabs in the ongoing arrangements.
Osama Hamdan, a senior official in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), began his speech in the session by emphasising that the 7th of October marked a “historic achievement for the Palestinians”. He noted that a small group of resistance fighters, armed with simple individual weapons, successfully dismantled an Israeli military unit of approximately 4000 soldiers in just six hours. This accomplishment strengthened the Palestinian sense of capability to take the initiative and achieve rapid victories.
In response to questions about what is known in the media as the “Gaza Plan”, which allegedly includes disarming the resistance, removing Hamas from ruling the Gaza Strip, and severing its ties with Iran as conditions for reconstruction, Hamdan stressed that “the American approach of creating shock by calling for displacement will not succeed in dealing with the Palestinian people.” He explained that the Trump administration seeks to “deceive” the Palestinians into thinking they have been defeated and that they must pay the price for their defeat, asserting, “This approach will not work with the Palestinians. The truth is that the resistance has won. The idea of resistance has triumphed. Therefore, I am not in a position to make concessions. As for managing Palestinian national affairs, that is our matter.”
Hamdan reaffirmed Hamas' firm stance, stating: “There is no ‘second day’. The Israeli attempt to create shock before it even existed failed, and they kept repeating the phrase ‘the day after’ and asking what the situation in the Gaza Strip will be like after Hamas. The truth is that the ‘second day’ was and will remain Palestinian.”
Regarding internal Palestinian affairs, he said: “[We] are the ones who decide what the Palestinian situation will be. Fatah is unresponsive, and [Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas] is upset. This is an internal Palestinian issue, and we will settle it among ourselves. We will tolerate each other, but being asked by the defeated to pay for their defeat is not [acceptable].”
On the issue of displacement, Hamdan clarified that “this is not a new matter,” reminding that it was raised as early as 1954. He recalled the mass protests in Gaza in 1956, led by the Muslim Brotherhood and communists, who, despite their ideological differences, agreed to reject the displacement project and succeeded in preventing it. “This history must be read clearly,” he said.
Regarding Lebanon's role, Hamdan said: “Yes, the resistance was hurt in Lebanon, and the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and senior military leaders who fought alongside the resistance from day one is proof of that.” He denied that Hamas had requested military support from Hezbollah, emphasising that “Hezbollah's position was taken independently. We did not ask, nor did Iran send a message requesting this stance.”
He added: “I want to make one thing clear for the record: let's read things properly so we can come to the right conclusions.". Iran does not have an operations room issuing coded or uncoded orders and sending them to Hamas, Hezbollah, Ansar Allah, or anyone else. We have a common enemy, which is Israel, and we cooperate.”
He emphasised that “it is wrong to blame Iran for helping the [Palestinian] resistance," criticising those who “didn't support the resistance or the Palestinian people, and may have even conspired against the Palestinians by working with Israel, hoping to profit from their suffering.”
On the reconstruction of Gaza, Hamdan clarified that “Gaza is not just numbers; it is our families and loved ones.” He added, “Those talking about 50,000 martyrs may see them as mere numbers, but for us, they are our families, our wives, our daughters and our sons.” He highlighted the significant sacrifices made by Hamas leaders, noting that “Ismail Haniyeh (former head of Hamas' political bureau) lost 10 family members, including three of his children and seven of his grandchildren, who were martyred at different times,” and that “Yahya Sinwar (leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip and chairman of the political bureau who succeeded Haniyeh) was martyred while fighting on the front lines.”
Hamdan firmly rejected any attempts to marginalise the resistance or exclude it from the Palestinian political scene, explaining that “there is an attempt to create a stereotype that the resistance launched the 7 October attack and then hid; but in reality, the resistance was at the forefront.” He added, “The resistance that achieved this victory will not allow anyone to ask its leaders and members to step aside or tell them, 'You have no place in the Palestinian national project.' That is unacceptable and impossible.”
He emphasized this by saying: “How we manage our internal affairs is up to us. Therefore, anyone who comes to replace Israel will be treated like Israel. Anyone who works as a proxy for Israel must bear the consequences of being Israel's proxy.” He stressed that “the arms, leaders and people of the resistance are non-negotiable. They are not up for discussion at all. They are off the table, and we, very clearly, will not allow anyone to discuss them with us.”
In conclusion, Hamdan called on the region to “seize the opportunity”, pointing out that “the region is currently suffering from an imbalance due to recent events,” but this “imbalance has not negated existing equations. It has weakened some, but it has not negated them. It has not negated the idea of resistance. The resistance team will rebuild what was damaged and go on.” He affirmed that “we have an opportunity to expand the resistance team. I speak seriously and am not talking about fantasies.”
He noted that “even the change that occurred in Syria will serve the resistance because the Golan Heights are occupied, and 400 kilometres of new Syrian territory was occupied. The Israeli[s] will only withdraw from this land through resistance," maintaining that “the new Syria should be part of [the axis of resistance].”
Hamdan concluded by saying: “Resistance is an option for the region. As Arabs, we have a historic opportunity. Tufan al-Aqsa demonstrated that there are neighbours who can be relied upon and benefited from. These neighbours are Iran, Turkey and Africa, which stood by us before Camp David, but after Camp David, we sidelined them. [Nevertheless], South Africa came into this battle and raised a case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.”
He emphasised that “the Arabs have an opportunity to break free from the sphere of dominance. This requires some courage, some organisation, and dialogue within this vicinity to build a region that is free, independent, and in control of its own decisions.” He confirmed that the key tool to achieve this is “our ability to hit Israel whenever we want and with high efficiency”, pointing out that “7 October proved that”.
Liqaa Maki, senior researcher at Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, pointed out that the war between Israel and Iran has become a tangible reality, with escalating mutual bombardments and the presence of factions fighting by proxy for Iran, such as Hezbollah, some Iraqi factions and the Houthis. Maki also mentioned that Israel, with U.S. support, is preparing to launch an attack on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to U.S. and Israeli media reports. He highlighted that Trump is seeking to revive the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project, linking India, Israel and Europe, which requires a stable security environment free of the threats of Gaza and Hamas, which pose a risk to the project despite all efforts to secure the region.
Mohsen Mohammed Saleh, Director General of Al-Zaytouna Center for Studies and Consultations, began his remarks by analysing the character of Trump, noting his high level of narcissism and pragmatism, as well as the influence of evangelical doctrine regarding Palestine on him. Saleh argued that Trump often combines market considerations, strategic calculations and humanitarian values, leading him to overlook the reality of the Palestinian people and their deep connection to their land, despite the failure of all displacement projects over the past 77 years. He emphasised that despite all that Israel has done, it has not been able to control Gaza, making any talk of owning or displacing its inhabitants an illusion.
Meanwhile, journalist and political analyst Johnny Mounir stated that the recent war was not only aimed at securing Israeli settlements but also at expelling Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. He noted that the Israeli mindset has long sought to rid itself of Gaza, as former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin had expressed. Mounir considered that the plans of Trump and Netanyahu to expel Palestinians are based on destroying infrastructure and making life impossible, but the Palestinians’ commitment to their land remains the greatest challenge to these plans. He concluded that confronting these “crazy” ideas requires a conscious and firm approach from both Palestinians and Arabs alike.
The global landscape under the new U.S. administration
Political analyst and foreign policy expert Mohamed Elmenshawy opened the session titled, “The global landscape under the new U.S. administration”, by expressing his surprise at the astonishment some in the Middle East have regarding Trump’s personality and policies. He emphasised that Trump is an “open book” who can be dealt with easily, pointing out that his first term was a clear precursor to what we are witnessing today. Elmenshawy noted that Trump is an entirely unorthodox and radical president, and the only U.S. president to reach the White House without any prior electoral experience, even at local or school board levels. His first electoral experience was the 2016 presidential election, which he won. Elmenshawy explained that all previous presidents had prior experience in state elections, Congress or had participated in foreign wars, while Trump came from outside this traditional framework, shaking the foundations of U.S. politics and making radical changes, both within the U.S. and globally. He views what Trump is doing in his second term as simply an extension of his first term.
Elmenshawy highlighted that there has been an intellectual and elite consensus in the U.S. after World War II to maintain the global order established at that time. The U.S. emerged as the world's strongest country after defeating all its enemies in the war, with only one challenge remaining, the Soviet Union – which it later overcame. He explained that this order relies on two key principles: ensuring global stability to allow the growth and expansion of global capitalism, and maintaining U.S. dominance within this order. Elmenshawy argued that Trump disregards this legacy, which all previous U.S. presidents preserved, seeking to dismantle what was built after World War II.
Elmenshawy confirmed that Trump has made history by being elected for two non-consecutive terms, which has not happened in over 100 years, believing that Trump aims to create a personal legacy to satisfy his ego. Regarding the Middle East, he noted that Trump aspires to succeed where 13 previous U.S. presidents have failed since the start of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Every U.S. president, whether Republican or Democrat, has tried to bring peace to the Middle East, especially through the two-state solution, but has failed to do so. Trump, according to Elmenshawy, came with a radical vision for peace in the region, albeit not a just peace, as justice means nothing to him, whether in the Middle East or Ukraine. His aim is to achieve peace solely to portray himself as a peacemaker, reflecting his ambition to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Elmenshawy concluded by emphasising the significance of Trump's comments on the future of the Middle East and Gaza, pointing out that while the U.S. ties the world together with chains of gold, iron, or copper, it ultimately has the power to shake the entire globe.
On his part, Mahmoud Yazbak, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies and Palestinian History at the University of Haifa, affirmed that Trump’s election and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to the U.S. clearly mark the beginning of a new phase in global politics, particularly Middle Eastern politics, that differs from previous strategies. He explained that with the statements made just before Trump’s inauguration, expectations arose that the new U.S. administration would bring about significant changes in the Middle East, especially regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Yazbak pointed out that the first of these changes was Netanyahu being unexpectedly forced to proceed with the prisoner exchange deal. He also added that Trump’s invitation for Netanyahu to be the first leader he met after taking office sparked widespread debate and significant contradictions in expectations regarding the new direction of U.S. policy.
Yazbak also mentioned that the two nights before the Trump-Netanyahu meeting saw differing articles and analyses about whether Trump would pressure Netanyahu in a certain direction or vice versa. He noted that Trump’s statements during the joint press conference with Netanyahu were shocking to many, as many could not understand the meaning of his words. He confirmed that for the first time since World War II, a U.S. president could make terms like “ethnic cleansing” and “forced displacement”, which had been rejected and internationally unacceptable, subjects of discussion, as if they were now acceptable on the international political stage, in a clear challenge to international law.
Haoues Taguia, a researcher at the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies specialising in international relations, highlighted that Trump employs a shock-and-awe strategy similar to the one used by former U.S. Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld during wartime. Taguia called Trump a “pale version” of former President Richard Nixon and his Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, who developed the “madman theory” in international politics. While Nixon had used the threat of nuclear weapons in his dealings with Vietnam, Taguia noted that Trump lacks this particular element in both his personality and policies.
Taguia explained that Nixon and Kissinger used media leaks to apply pressure on adversaries without making direct statements, a tactic that contrasts with Trump's more overt approach. Unlike his predecessors, Trump openly issues threats, such as warning of the “hell” Hamas will face if it does not release the Israeli hostages, while simultaneously declaring his unwavering support for the Israeli government. Taguia argued that this reflects Trump’s lack of the political acumen that characterised his predecessors. He also pointed out that Trump’s refusal to engage in new wars limits his ability to use traditional methods of coercion in international relations. Citing former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt's famous advice, "Speak softly and carry a big stick," Taguia noted that Trump’s public stance of avoiding military force weakens his capacity to make credible threats, leaving him reliant on economic sanctions—yet without the economic leverage to back them up.
Taguia added that while Trump threatens to impose severe sanctions on Iran to force negotiations over its nuclear programme, he recognises that Iran has the resilience to withstand sanctions for an extended period. Furthermore, there is growing fatigue in the U.S. regarding foreign military interventions. On the Middle East, Taguia noted that Trump attempts to burden allies like Jordan and Egypt with the responsibility of displacing Palestinians, using annual economic aid as leverage. This strategy risks destabilising these countries. He pointed out that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s refusal to visit Trump was a clear rejection of these pressures; and later, Trump praised Egypt for its firm resistance to his policies.
Meanwhile, Taras Zhovtenko, an international security and defence analyst at the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, confirmed in his remarks that the Trump administration seeks to initiate negotiations with the Russian Federation for a ceasefire in Ukraine, paving the way for broader diplomatic negotiations to end the war. However, Trump lacks a clear strategy for starting this process or the tools he would use to persuade Moscow to negotiate.
In addition, Zhovtenko noted that Trump’s plan relies on placing the responsibility for ensuring security in Ukraine on European countries, including deploying European peacekeeping forces, which is causing concern among Europeans who are considering various scenarios for handling the situation. He pointed out that by the autumn of 2024, European countries did not expect Trump to win the election, leaving them unprepared to deal with a plan that may require deploying military forces on Ukrainian soil to guarantee a ceasefire and oversee negotiations, potentially imposing significant financial and military burdens on them.
Oyoun Gaza [Eyes of Gaza]: Film screening and discussion (Al Jazeera 360)
The session, through the documentary, Oyoun Gaza [Eyes of Gaza], offered both a humanitarian and journalistic perspective on the dire situation in Gaza, documenting the immense hardships faced by its inhabitants amidst ongoing genocide. The film, through the eyes of journalists and their testimonies, captures the harsh reality of daily life under constant bombardment, revealing the dangers of reporting in an environment marked by violence and the direct targeting of media professionals.
Wael Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's Bureau Chief in Gaza, spoke poignantly about the severe challenges journalists face in the Strip, saying, "In Gaza, it's not easy to be a journalist, it's not easy to be a human, and it's not easy to be a victim, the father of a martyr, or the relative of a martyr. Imagine being all of these at once. This is beyond human capacity." He explained that the situation in Gaza is extraordinary and illogical, pushing journalists to rise above unimaginable circumstances. Dahdouh emphasised that their role was crucial not only for their own survival and that of their families but also for the integrity of journalism and its ability to inform millions worldwide, who were following the events in real-time through their cameras.
Dahdouh shared the unique difficulties journalists faced during the war, noting that although they had prepared for previous conflicts, this one was entirely different, forcing them to take on unprecedented roles. Journalists in Gaza, he explained, paid a heavy price, constantly in the line of fire and fearing for both their lives and those of their families. The challenge of balancing journalistic responsibilities with family life, amid forced displacement and sudden evacuations, added to their burdens. Despite the overwhelming tragedies, Dahdouh highlighted that journalists often had to put their work above their personal suffering, noting that even his injured daughters encouraged him to continue his mission: “Father, we are with you; either we live together or die together.”
Asef Hamidi, Director of News at Al Jazeera, reflected on the silence that often accompanies such suffering, stating that it is the most eloquent expression of the plight of journalists in Gaza. He stressed the importance of continuing to document the truth, noting that the film only offered a glimpse of the horrors unfolding in Gaza. Hamidi pointed out that many journalists had lost their lives and limbs, but their determination and professional conscience remain unshaken. He argued that describing journalism as “the profession of trouble” does not capture the full extent of the reality for journalists in Gaza, where it is more accurately the “profession of disasters, risks, humanity and sacrifice”. Despite the occupation’s attempts to break their resolve through incitement, accusations and murder, Hamidi emphasised that Gaza’s journalists remained steadfast, continuing their work to document the truth and uphold the integrity of their profession.
Jamal Elshayyal, Manager of Content Strategy at Al Jazeera 360, shared that the platform’s content strategy aimed to maintain Al Jazeera's mission, connecting with audiences and conveying the truths that others seek to erase. He noted that documentaries like Oyoun Gaza have become vital tools for communication during times of war, with scenes such as children playing included to highlight the human side of the conflict. Elshayyal acknowledged the challenge of keeping the world’s attention focused on Gaza’s suffering, given the risk of desensitisation. He observed that the recent war had taught them a new lesson in journalism – “innovation and holding on to life” – especially given the silence of international institutions and the lack of sufficient responses to the martyrdom of over 200 journalists.
Participating remotely, Mohammed Ahmed, Al Jazeera's reporter in northern Gaza, explained that documenting the aftermath of the war was even more difficult than covering the war itself. He described the harsh working conditions, including the lack of transportation and communication with institutions, and the hunger they endured in December 2023, alongside injuries and psychological and physical stress. Ahmed shared that, often without professional equipment, they had to rely on mobile phones for their coverage, traveling over 20 kilometres daily to capture footage. He highlighted the emotional challenge of covering scenes of injured children, which reminded him of his own son, born far away from him. Ahmed also shared the experience of his colleague, Abdelqader, whose family remained in the targeted area, resulting in the injury of his son, father and wife, as well as the loss of several family members.
In conclusion, Ahmed emphasised the unwavering determination of Gaza’s journalists, who despite overwhelming adversity, continue to carry out their primary responsibility: to tell the world what is happening, no matter the personal cost.
Publications
Alongside the forum sessions, a book signing event was held for Iran wa Hamas: Min Marj az-Zuhur ila Tufan al-Aqsa [Iran and Hamas: From Marj al-Zuhur to Tufan al-Aqsa] by Fatima Alsmadi, senior researcher at Al Jazeera Centre for Studies. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving relationship between Iran and Hamas from its inception, shedding light on key moments, crises and the regional and international factors that have influenced it, all the way to the impact of regional positions on current events.
In the same context, Al Jazeera Centre for Studies’ Annual Strategic Report for 2024-2025 was released under the title, “Muraja’at al-Istratijiyat al-Mutasari’a fi dhou’ al-Harb ‘ala Ghazza wa at-Taghyir fi Surya” [A Review of Conflicting Strategies in Light of the Gaza War and Changes in Syria]. The report offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of these strategies, their goals and priorities, focusing on the developments the region has experienced over the past year, and assessing their effectiveness in achieving their objectives or the need for their restructuring in response to rapidly evolving circumstances.
Speech of the Acting Director of Al Jazeera Network
During his speech at the gala dinner held in honour of the guests of the 16th Al Jazeera Forum, Dr. Mostefa Souag, the Acting Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network, emphasised that Al Jazeera was founded on the principle of the “opinion and the other opinion”. He highlighted the network’s confidence in the intelligence of its audience, trusting their ability to choose the positions and information that best suit them, without imposing a single viewpoint.
Regarding the changes in Syria, Souag noted that the country has liberated itself from tyranny and expressed optimism about the early stages of building a remarkable state, thanks to the intellectuals that are capable of achieving this vision.
Speaking about the situation in Gaza, Souag explained that the current crisis is the result of Israeli occupation and oppression. He called on Arab nations to unite and prevent exploitation and destruction by external powers, underscoring the need to confront Israeli ambitions, which, in his view, know no boundaries.
Souag concluded his speech by praising the Al Jazeera Forum for its role in bringing together minds and expertise to discuss Arab issues with depth and objectivity, stressing the importance of continuing dialogue in the face of ongoing challenges.
Closing remarks
At the conclusion of the forum, Dr. Mohammed Mukhtar Al Khalil, Director of Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, emphasised that the forum aimed to provide an open space for dialogue, bringing together policymakers and the media. He explained that its purpose was to promote awareness in the right direction and thanked the attendees, as well as all the teams at Al Jazeera Media Network who contributed to the event's organisation. Al Khalil also confirmed that the forum will take place again next year, with plans for more diversity and creativity in both format and content. He expressed his excitement for the return of fresh voices that will continue to contribute to awareness and ongoing discussions.
The forum sessions are available to watch via the following links:
Opening, keynote speeches, and the situation in Gaza: Post-war challenges
Regime change in Syria: Domestic impacts and regional dimensions
The Middle East facing new balances
Transitional justice in post-conflict countries: Opportunities and challenges
The global landscape under the new U.S. administration
Oyoun Gaza [Eyes of Gaza]: Film screening and discussion (Al Jazeera 360)