Why Has the Conflict Between Israel and Palestine Escalated Into Violence Once Again?

Plus: Blinken holds talks with Palestinian Authority, Iran attacked by drone, Russia and Iran create a new trade route, and much more.

Feb 3

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Why Has the Conflict Between Israel and Palestine Escalated Into Violence Once Again?

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated, with a series of recent violent attacks raising concerns of an all-out war. A recent raid by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank resulted in the deaths of 10 Palestinians, which sparked back-and-forth violence between Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Tensions have risen since last year's Operation Breakwater by the IDF, which has led to the highest death toll in the region since 2005. The recent formation of a right-wing and anti-Arab government in Israel, along with the low support for the peace process and disillusionment with the Palestinian leaders in the West Bank, adds to the current volatile situation fuel to the fire.

Blinken Holds Talks with Palestinian Authority Following Escalation of Conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the West Bank on January 31 to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He called for a reduction in violence in the region but acknowledged that the prospects for Palestinian independence have diminished. Blinken and Abbas discussed the growing insecurity and fear among Israelis and Palestinians and announced $50 million in U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which provides aid to the Palestinians. Blinken also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the day before to make similar calls for de-escalation. Abbas accused Israel of depriving Palestinians of their rights and taking over West Bank land, but he also criticized the international community for allowing it to happen.

Iran Claims Defense Site in Isfahan Attacked by Drone

An Iranian defense factory in Isfahan was targeted by bomb-carrying drones on January 29, with minor damage inflicted. The Iranian Defense Ministry said three drones were launched at the facility, with two shot down and the third striking the building, causing minor damage to the roof. The cause of the attack is unknown, but Iran has been targeted in previous suspected Israeli drone strikes. Tensions in Iran remain high as the country faces challenges both at home and abroad, with nationwide protests and its local currency plummeting to new lows, as well as its nuclear program rapidly enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade levels.

Russia and Iran Establishing a Sanctions-Defying Trade Route

Russia and Iran are creating a new trade route connecting the eastern part of Europe to the Indian Ocean, which is beyond the control of foreign powers. The two nations are investing billions of dollars in improving cargo delivery along rivers and railways connected by the Caspian Sea. Data shows that many Russian and Iranian ships, including some under sanctions, are already using the route. This reflects how major powers are transforming trade networks in a world economy that is likely to break into rival blocs. Russia and Iran, facing sanctions, are turning towards each other and looking towards Asia to establish commercial links free from Western interference and to connect with rapidly growing Asian economies.

Egyptian Police's Targeting of the LGBT Community on Dating Apps Exposed

The Egyptian authorities are using dating and social apps to arrest LGBT individuals and prosecute them for homosexuality, which is not explicitly illegal in the country but can be charged as "debauchery" under a sex work law. The police initiate conversations and manipulate evidence to incriminate individuals and, in some cases, pressure them into agreeing to sex for money.

Read more on BBC and watch the whole investigation on BBC iPlayer.

Syrian Arab Air Forces Responsible for Chemical Attack in Douma, New Investigation Finds

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) has concluded in its third report published on January 27 that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian Arab Air Forces were behind the chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria on April 7, 2018. This conclusion was reached based on a thorough assessment of various evidence, including environmental and biomedical samples, witness statements, and satellite images. The IIT was tasked with identifying the perpetrators of chemical weapon use in Syria and conducted its investigation from January 2021 to December 2022. However, the IIT is not a judicial or prosecutorial entity, and the report is only shared with the United Nations Secretary-General. At that time, the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad denied using chemical weapons in the past, despite widespread evidence of barrel bomb attacks containing chlorine. The OPCW is responsible for overseeing the elimination of chemical weapons and has been successful in destroying over 99% of declared chemical weapon stockpiles.

Reading pick of the week:

Baghdad Loses Green Space to Real Estate Boom

Baghdad is losing its green spaces to the construction boom, with orchards and gardens being destroyed to make way for new buildings. The unregulated growth is happening due to a housing shortage and illegal investments, and experts say the city is losing its "living lungs." Baghdad was once known for its elaborate gardens, but now green space has contracted to only 12% of what it was 20 years ago.

Read the full story on the New York Times.

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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.

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