Commander Fathi Khazem (Abu Raad) Martyred by Israeli Occupation Forces in Jenin

West Bank

Commander Fathi Khazem, known as “Abu Raad,” was martyred early today after Israeli special forces raided his home in the city of Jenin and opened heavy fire on him, killing him instantly.

Khazem was the father of martyrs Raad and Monadhil Khazem, who were affiliated with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). His son Raad carried out a major operation in Tel Aviv in 2022 that killed three Israeli settlers. The attack is considered one of the most prominent resistance operations in the West Bank in terms of planning and execution. His brother Monadhil was later martyred in clashes with Israeli occupation forces.

The assassination has triggered widespread reactions among Palestinians, with many viewing it as part of a systematic targeting of the families of resistance fighters, amid escalating Israeli military operations across West Bank cities, particularly Jenin and its refugee camp, which is considered a stronghold of armed factions.

Israeli occupation forces continue to impose a military cordon around Jenin, while intensive drone activity persists. No official statement has yet been issued by the Israeli side regarding the operation.

Damascus Turns East — Syria Weighs a New Security Axis

Islamabad | August 21, 2026

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Pakistan signals a major strategic shift in post-Assad Damascus.

The message is clear: Syria is moving closer to Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan while reducing its dependence on Iran and exploring the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.

Iran ties come with conditions. Damascus says any restoration of relations with Tehran would require Iran to acknowledge responsibility for its military role in Syria during the war.

Israel is also facing a direct warning: Damascus rejects Israeli attempts to dictate Syria’s foreign partnerships and insists on its sovereign right to choose its own security alliances.

Meanwhile, Syria and Pakistan agreed to:

• Reactivate their joint ministerial commission

• Establish a bilateral business council

• Hold an investment forum

• Restore direct commercial flights

• Upgrade Syria’s embassy in Islamabad to full ambassadorial status

Strategic takeaway: Damascus is not simply rebuilding its economy—it is rebuilding its regional position. The emerging architecture places Syria closer to the Turkish-Saudi-Pakistani camp and further from Tehran, potentially reshaping the balance of power across the Levant.