Assassination of Hamas Leader in Lebanon Escalates Middle East Tensions
The Middle East started 2024 with a bang.
Hello and welcome to Inshallah! I'm here to bring you the top stories from the Middle East every week. Come along on this journey with me to stay informed about the latest news and trends in the region.
The Middle East began 2024 with significant events that escalated tensions in the region within just one week. It's evident that Israel is shifting its Gaza war strategy in response to international criticism and U.S. pressure to minimize civilian casualties.
However, Israel risks expanding the conflict along the Lebanese border following the Beirut strike that killed a senior Hamas official, presenting Hezbollah with a crucial decision on its response.
Iran was likely caught off guard by the Kerman bombings claimed by the Islamic State. Although the group has been relatively inactive in the confrontation between Israel and the Axis of Resistance, this incident could have implications for Iran.
Meanwhile, another significant development with potential global ramifications involves the military operations by the Houthis, the Iran-backed Yemeni group that is trying to disrupt global trade in the Red Sea as a show of solidarity with Palestinians. However, their operations also carry both domestic and regional complexities.
In response, the U.S. and its allies have cautioned the Houthis about the escalating Red Sea crisis. I have written an analysis for The New Arab discussing the implications of the Houthi military operations in the Red Sea on global trade. You can read it here.
Top Stories of the Week
The killing of Hamas senior leader Saleh al-Arouri
Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas' deputy leader in the West Bank, was killed in a Beirut drone strike on January 2, along with six others. Although Israel hasn't officially claimed responsibility, sources suggest Israeli involvement. Al-Arouri, under U.S. sanctions and targeted by Israeli intelligence, was a pivotal Hamas figure. The U.S. designated him a "global terrorist" in 2015, with a $5 million reward for his whereabouts. This marked Beirut's first such attack since 2006.
Why it matters
The killing of a senior Hamas official in Lebanon may intensify the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. Following this, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated that his group would engage without restraint if Israel initiated a full-scale war in Lebanon. Israel has previously carried out targeted military operations abroad, such as the recent airstrike in Syria on December 25, which killed Sayyed Razi Mousavi, a senior adviser in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Islamic State claims Kerman bombings
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the two explosions at an Iran ceremony honoring Qassem Soleimani on January 3, resulting in at least 84 deaths and numerous injuries. Soleimani was killed by a U.S. drone in Baghdad in 2020. Before the Islamic State's claim, Iran accused Israel and the U.S. of the attack.
Why it matters
The Kerman bombings may exacerbate Middle East tensions amid the war in Gaza. This isn't the first instance of Islamic State targeting Iran; they claimed a 2022 attack on a Shi'ite shrine, killing 15, and 2017 bombings at Iran's parliament and Ayatollah Khomeini's tomb.
South Africa files genocide case against Israel amid the war in Gaza
South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
This action paves the way for a significant legal clash, as it focuses on the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, established after World War II and the Holocaust.
According to the convention, genocide involves actions aimed at entirely or partially destroying a specific national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
South Africa's comprehensive 84-page document alleges that Israel's actions in Gaza have genocidal characteristics, pointing to harm inflicted on Palestinians and statements by Israeli officials suggesting genocidal intentions.
Israel quickly dismissed these claims, deeming South Africa's case unfounded and criticizing its approach.
The International Court of Justice has slated public hearings on this issue for January 11 and 12.
Why it matters
This case intensifies the global scrutiny and criticism of Israel, particularly following significant casualties in Gaza: over 22,000 as of this week. The conflict escalated after an October 7 Hamas attack that resulted in about 1,200 deaths among civilians and military personnel.
Israel to withdraw some troops from Gaza
Israel announced plans to withdraw thousands of soldiers from Gaza this week, marking a significant move since the conflict with Hamas began. Specifically, the 551st and 14th brigades, composed of reservists, will return to civilian life, while other brigades will resume their training activities, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Why it matters
The U.S. has urged Israel to adopt more targeted military actions. The Biden administration emphasized the need for Israel to minimize civilian casualties and avoid tactics that garnered international criticism.
U.S. strike kills Iran-backed militia leader in Baghdad
A U.S. airstrike on January 4 in Baghdad killed Mushtaq Jawad Kazim al-Jawari, identified as a leader of the Iranian-backed Shia militia Harakat al-Nujaba. He was targeted as he was about to enter his group's Baghdad headquarters. Harakat al-Nujaba operates in Syria and Iraq and is affiliated with Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). The Iraqi government condemned the airstrike as a "dangerous escalation and aggression."
Why it matters
This incident adds to regional tensions, following Israel's strike on a Hamas leader in Beirut and a joint warning from the U.S. and its allies against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, escalating the situation and testing the Iran-led Axis of Resistance.
What I Read This Week
The New York Times
'Screams Without Words': How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on October 7
A Times investigation uncovered new details showing a pattern of rape, mutilation and extreme brutality against women in the attacks on Israel.
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Mondoweiss
Family of key case in New York Times October 7 sexual violence report renounces story, says reporters manipulated them
A New York Times story claiming a pattern of gender-based violence on October 7 hinged on the story of Gal Abdush. But the Abdush family says there is no proof she was raped, and that Times reporters interviewed them under false pretenses.
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The Wall Street Journal
The 'CEO' of Hamas Who Found the Money to Attack Israel
Zaher Jabarin looks after a portfolio of companies that deliver income annually to the militant group.
That's a wrap for this week! Thank you for joining Inshallah! Don't forget to share and subscribe.
About me
My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news focusing on the MENA region.
Check out my work at dariosabaghi.com.
You can follow me on Twitter: @DarioSabaghi
Errors and editing mistakes may occasionally occur. I appreciate your feedback and take all complaints seriously. Please contact me on Twitter to report any issues, and I will do my best to rectify them promptly.
Cover photo | Reuters: Mohamed Azakir/ABC