Israel Escalates Airstrikes on Gaza Amid Looming Rafah Invasion
Plus: Gaza war protests escalate across US universities; Hezbollah downs Israeli drone; Mass graves uncovered in Gaza; North Korea sent a delegation to Iran and much more.
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Israel Escalates Airstrikes on Gaza Amid Looming Rafah Invasion
Israel is intensifying airstrikes on Rafah, despite warnings from allies about potential mass casualties, as it announced plans to evacuate civilians from the southern Gazan city and launch a full-scale assault.
In addition to targeting Rafah, Israeli forces resumed bombing northern and central areas of Gaza, as well as east of Khan Younis in the south.
Israel’s goal is to dismantle Hamas, but their strategy remains unclear.
Gaza health authorities reported that over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the offensive, devastating much of the densely populated enclave and displacing most of its 2.3 million residents, leaving many without basic necessities.
Israeli warnings of an impending invasion of Rafah have prompted some families to flee to nearby areas or attempt to move northward, although many are uncertain about where to find safety, given the prolonged conflict.
Mass Graves Uncovered in Gaza, Prompting Calls for Investigation
Officials in Gaza have disclosed the discovery of mass graves containing 392 bodies, including women, children, and older people, some with signs of torture and executions. Palestinian Civil Defence officials provided details about the graves near Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals, where only 65 bodies have been identified. The bodies found stacked together indicate field executions. The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, has urged for independent and transparent investigations into these deaths.
Israel Fails to Back Claims of UNRWA Employee Militant Ties, Review Finds
An independent review has found that Israel has not presented evidence to support its allegations that UNRWA employees have ties to militant groups. The review, led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna and commissioned by the United Nations, comes after Israel accused a dozen Gaza-based UNRWA employees of involvement in attacks on Israel. Despite these allegations, Israel has not provided substantiating evidence. Meanwhile, several countries are set to resume funding for UNRWA, which had faced a funding shortfall after donors suspended $450 million in funding.
Israel’s military intelligence chief resigns over failure to prevent Hamas attack on October 7
The head of Israeli military intelligence resigned on Monday following Hamas’ October 7 attack, marking the first senior official to step down due to the failure to anticipate or promptly respond to the deadliest assault in Israel’s history.
Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva’s resignation may pave the way for further resignations among top Israeli security officials.
In his resignation letter provided by the military, Haliva expressed regret for the intelligence directorate’s failure to fulfill its duties, stating that he carries the burden of that day’s events and the ensuing war’s pain.
Hezbollah Downs Israeli Drone Amid Escalating Tensions
Hezbollah announced on Sunday that it had shot down an Israeli drone engaged in combat in southern Lebanon. This incident occurs amid ongoing hostilities between Israeli and Hezbollah forces, coinciding with Israel’s conflict with Gaza, marking the most serious confrontation since 2006. The downed drone was identified as an Israeli Hermes 450, manufactured by Elbit Systems. Tensions have heightened, raising concerns about further escalation. Additionally, Hezbollah reported launching drone attacks on Israeli bases near Acre in retaliation for the killing of one of its fighters, marking a significant incursion into Israeli territory. However, Hezbollah refuted Israeli claims of having eliminated half of its commanders in southern Lebanon, stating that only a few were killed.
Protests Escalate Across US Universities, Hundreds Arrested
Hundreds more protesters have been arrested across the U.S. as demonstrations against the Gaza war escalate on university campuses. Boston police reported 108 arrests at Emerson College, while 93 individuals were taken into custody at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles for trespassing. Clashes between protesters and police also erupted at the University of Texas in Austin, resulting in 34 arrests. Numerous universities have witnessed student walkouts and attempts to establish protest encampments against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Recent protests follow similar events at Columbia, Yale, Brown, and New York University. The demonstrations have spread nationwide, sparked by over 100 arrests at Columbia University in New York City a week earlier. At Columbia, Jewish students expressed concerns about the campus environment, while some protesters dismissed claims of harassment, viewing them as exaggerated.
US Congress Approves Over $26 Billion Foreign Aid Package for Israel
The U.S. Congress has passed a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies. The bill allocates $26.38 billion for Israel, including funds for military operations, humanitarian aid, and missile defense systems. Additionally, $9.15 billion is designated for humanitarian assistance. The package excludes funds for the UNRWA, which aids Palestinian refugees.
US and Allies Imposing Sanctions on Iran’s Drone Industry
The U.S. and its allies unveiled fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s drone industry, a critical component of its military presence in the Middle East. Among the targets is Sahara Thunder, a shell company allegedly aiding Iran’s military in supplying combat drones abroad. Additionally, Iranian drone manufacturers, key business figures, and shipping services facilitating military cargo transportation are facing US sanctions. Britain has imposed sanctions on two individuals and four companies involved in Iran’s drone industry, particularly linked to recent attacks on Israel. Canada also anticipates announcing further sanctions.
Assad Reveals Occasional Meetings with Washington
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, sanctioned by the U.S., revealed in a Sunday interview that Syria has engaged in occasional meetings with Washington, seeking openings after over a decade of isolation. The U.S. was among the first to sever ties with Assad due to the repression of anti-government protests in 2011, leading to the war. Despite Western sanctions, Syria has sought better relations with wealthy Gulf states for reconstruction funding. Assad, in an interview with a Russian-backed official, mentioned the meetings but didn’t provide details. Following the outbreak of war, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Syria, including the Caesar Act in 2020, targeting companies collaborating with Assad. This legislation aims to hold accountable those involved in human rights abuses and foster a political solution.
Erdogan Meets Hamas Leader to Discuss Gaza Aid and Peace Efforts
The meeting between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul last Saturday focused on delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and pursuing a fair and lasting peace in the region. This marked the first encounter between Erdogan and a Hamas delegation since Israel’s military offensive in Gaza began. Discussions included Israel’s attacks on Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery and fostering a just and enduring peace process. The meeting occurred amid escalating tensions following reported Israeli strikes on Iran. Turkey, a NATO member, has condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire, and announced export restrictions to Israel shortly after local elections.
North Korea Sends High-Level Delegation to Iran Amid US Concerns
North Korea sent this week its highest-level delegation to Iran in five years amid heightened concerns from the U.S. over arms sales from Pyongyang and Tehran contributing to conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine. The official Korean Central News Agency reported the trip, led by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho, indicating North Korea’s ongoing military cooperation with Iran. Although further details of the visit are unlikely to be disclosed, it underscores the close ties between the two countries and their defiance of U.S. pressure. Pyongyang’s delegation to Iran is significant, given their shared support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and accusations of providing military assistance to Russia.
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My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news with a focus on the MENA region.
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