U.S. Strikes Target Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq and Syria
Plus: Israel readies for Rafah incursion. Biden criticizes Israel. Israel rejects Hamas demands amid ceasefire negotiations. Uncertain Pakistani election results.
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.
U.S. Strikes Target Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq and Syria
Last week, the U.S. conducted strikes in Iraq and Syria in response to a drone strike that killed three American troops in Jordan on January 28.
These strikes targeted 85 locations in a key region where Iran-backed fighters operate.
Iran-backed militias control the Iraqi border and operate in Syria alongside Lebanese Hezbollah and other Shiite groups.
The U.S. targeted command centers, intelligence facilities, and storage sites associated with these militias and Iran's Quds Force.
Casualty reports vary, with estimates of 29 fighters killed in Syria and 16 in Iraq, along with significant property damage.
Furthermore, Abu Baqir al-Saadi, a senior commander of Kataib Hezbollah, linked to the January 27 attack, was killed in a drone strike in Baghdad on February 7. Al-Saadi was reportedly responsible for the group's drone operations in Syria.
Why it matters
Three U.S. troops were killed in January in a drone attack near the Jordan-Syria border, attributed to Kataib Hezbollah. The group initially announced the halt of military operations against U.S. troops, but after U.S. retaliation, it announced they would resume attacks in response to the killing of al-Saadi. This escalation is part of the broader conflict triggered by the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.
IDF Readies for Potential Southern Gaza Incursion as Netanyahu Signals Rafah Evacuation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Friday, February 9, that he had instructed the military to prepare for the evacuation of the population from Rafah, signaling a potential ground assault on southern Gaza.
Rafah is currently home to over 1.3 million people, the majority of whom have been displaced from other parts of Gaza. Netanyahu previously stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing to enter Rafah, described as Hamas's final stronghold.
Amid the IDF's advancing campaign in Gaza, many Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah. However, their future remains uncertain as the city shares a border with Egypt to the south, which has been closed for several months.
Why it matters
Rafah stands as Gaza's remaining major population center not under IDF control. It has seen a rapid influx of displaced Palestinians. Netanyahu's government aims to eradicate Hams, but analysts see this goal as an exceedingly challenging task. The U.S. warned that an invasion without refugee protection planning would be disastrous, echoing concerns from human rights groups about potential fatalities among displaced civilians and hindrance to humanitarian aid.
Biden Criticizes Israel's operations in Gaza
On Thursday, February 8, U.S. President Joe Biden remarked that Israel's military actions in Gaza appear excessive and expressed his desire for a sustained cessation of hostilities to aid suffering Palestinian civilians. Speaking at the White House, Biden said the response in Gaza has been "over the top." He further disclosed his efforts to increase humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians and negotiate a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Why it matters
Biden's statement represents his strongest criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government yet and comes amid growing domestic pressure for the U.S. to urge Israel to halt its military operations. Israel launched its offensive in response to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 casualties and 253 hostages. As a result of Israel's retaliation, over 27,000 Palestinians have been killed, with thousands more feared trapped under rubble.
Israel Rejects Most of Hamas' Demands, Stays Open to Negotiations
On Thursday, February 8, Israeli officials communicated to Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries that they rejected most of Hamas' demands in response to the latest proposal regarding the hostage situation. However, Israel expressed a willingness to continue negotiations. Hamas' demands include the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners and cessation of hostilities in Gaza, along with other requests not directly related to Gaza, such as discussions regarding the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that conceding to Hamas' ceasefire demands, which he described as "delusional," would not secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza. Instead, he warned it could provoke another attack by Hamas.
Why it matters
Israel's stance indicates a willingness to continue negotiating a new hostage deal despite Netanyahu's recent strong criticism of Hamas' demands. Israel clarified to mediators that it will not accept Hamas' demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip nor allow the return of civilians to northern Gaza during the initial phase of the agreement.
Khan, Sharif Claim Victory Amid Uncertain Pakistan Election Results
Following the declaration of most results in Pakistan's election, no single political entity has secured a definitive majority. However, candidates affiliated with imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan have garnered the most seats thus far. Despite this, Khan claims victory. Conversely, another former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, claims that his party has emerged as the largest and seeks coalition partners.
The declarations of victory from both Sharif and Khan come amid a backdrop of delayed results and militant incidents, adding to political uncertainty in the country.
Why it matters
Analysts had foreseen the possibility of no decisive winner, exacerbating the challenges faced by a nation grappling with economic crises and escalating militancy within a deeply divided political landscape.
Analysts caution that a coalition government will encounter difficulties in addressing numerous challenges, notably securing a new bailout program from the International Monetary Fund following the imminent expiration of the current arrangement in three weeks.
The election was anticipated to alleviate Pakistan's ongoing crises; however, a fragmented outcome may exacerbate instability, leaving the nation vulnerable to further disruptive forces.
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 get in touch with me on Twitter to report any issues, and I will do my best to rectify them promptly.
Cover photo | nournews.ir