A Region on Fire
Issue 32 - October 28, 2024
International Calls to Halt Genocide, But Gaza and Lebanon Remain Under Attack
South Africa has submitted "evidence" to the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, as stated by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office. The document reportedly includes proof of Israel’s violation of the Genocide Convention—a claim that Israel denies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that he seeks peace with Arab countries. “I aspire to continue the process initiated a few years ago, with the signing of the historic Abraham Accords, to achieve peace with other Arab nations,” Netanyahu said in a speech to lawmakers. However, Defense Minister Gallant informed Netanyahu that Israel is conducting "a war without clear direction" and urged for new strategic goals.
The claims of seeking peace do not seem to apply to Palestine or Lebanon. There is no progress toward a ceasefire in Gaza, with the partial Egyptian initiative expected to fail. In Lebanon, entire neighborhoods in southern villages resemble Gaza's devastation, as Israeli forces level entire areas with massive explosives, preventing residents' return.
Despite Lebanon’s worsening crisis, state institutions and influential political groups remain inactive, with no political initiatives to halt the destruction, secure a ceasefire, or enforce international resolutions. Lebanon has lacked a national negotiator to defend its interests and contribute to a resolution, with the presidential seat vacant for two years.
Gaza
On the 388th day of the Israeli assault on Gaza, medical sources told Al Jazeera that 32 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes on Monday morning. Israeli Army Radio reported that about 600 people were arrested from Jabalia Camp and northern Gaza, following a deadly day yesterday with 53 Palestinians killed.
The Gaza Ministry of Health announced that Israel committed five massacres in the past 48 hours, with 96 people killed and 277 injured reaching hospitals. The total death toll has risen to 43,020, with 101,110 injured since October 7, 2023.
Attempted Assassination of Marwan Barghouti
The central committee of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) has announced that Palestinian leader and detainee Marwan Barghouti is reportedly the target of an assassination attempt authorized by the Israeli government. The committee confirmed that what Barghouti is facing in Megiddo Prison is an attempt to eliminate him by an extremist occupation government
Lebanon: Battlefield Developments
Israeli attacks on Lebanon continued, especially in the villages of Tyre and Bint Jbeil, from last night through Monday morning. Israeli airstrikes on Tyre in southern Lebanon killed 18 people and injured about 30 others.
In the past 48 hours, there were 179 airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Nabatiyeh, bringing the total attacks since the start of the assault to 11,340.
The official Lebanese news agency confirmed civilian deaths across Lebanon, from the south to the Beqaa region, reaching the outskirts of Saida and the coastal areas.
From Monday afternoon, after Israeli threats and evacuation orders to the Tyre municipality, Israeli aircraft launched heavy attacks on Tyre, causing extensive damage to the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.
Lebanese Civil Defense personnel faced warning artillery fire from the Israeli army while extinguishing an olive grove fire, forcing them to withdraw.
Hezbollah announced targeting various Israeli sites. In statements, Hezbollah confirmed three rocket attacks on Israeli troops at the Fatima Gate border point and two attacks on soldiers between the Manara and Margaliot settlements in northern Israel. Israeli Channel 12 reported 15 shells fired from Lebanon toward Kiryat Shmona and its surroundings in Galilee.
Hezbollah warned residents of Kiryat Shmona to evacuate immediately and previously advised residents of 25 other Israeli settlements to leave.
On Sunday night, Hezbollah's media released footage showing their fighters repelling an Israeli military incursion on the southern Lebanese border, forcing Israeli forces to retreat. The footage, from October 25, showed precise tracking of Israeli military vehicles followed by missile and mortar attacks.
A Public Health Ministry report listed the total casualties since the assault began, with 2,710 dead and 12,592 injured as of Sunday, October 27. In the last 24 hours, there were 38 deaths and 124 injuries.
To date, 1,114 approved shelters have opened, with 935 reaching maximum capacity. There are 189,298 registered displaced people in these shelters (43,616 families).
Between September 23 and October 28, 2024, 353,410 Syrian citizens and 165,030 Lebanese citizens crossed into Syria.
Political Positions
Lebanon and Spain called for an immediate, lasting ceasefire to fully implement UN Resolution 1701.
This would restore Lebanon's full sovereignty, allow displaced people on both sides of the Blue Line to return, and condemn attacks on UNIFIL and the Lebanese army, as emphasized by a statement after a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib spoke at the opening of the Union for the Mediterranean session in Barcelona, he urged support from member states for an immediate ceasefire and the balanced implementation of U.N. Resolution 1701 by both sides. He called for Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories and a return to its recognized borders. he requested aid to reinforce Lebanon's defensive capabilities and assistance for repatriating displaced populations along both borders, asserting that the Lebanese state is the sole legitimate authority. He also stressed the importance of returning displaced individuals on both sides of the border to their homes and sought humanitarian aid for 1.4 million displaced Lebanese. Bou Habib also urged redirecting international aid for Syrian refugees back to Syria, as Lebanon's current conditions make Syria a safer destination.
Representatives from various Lebanese parliamentary blocs gathered Monday at the Parliament Library in downtown Beirut to discuss the issue of displaced persons in Lebanon. They agreed on the following points:
- The Lebanese government must intensify efforts to provide more shelters for displaced people and meet their basic needs. They also called on the international community to take responsibility. The MPs expressed gratitude to donors, stating that the assistance provided so far is far from sufficient.
- The Lebanese army, security forces, and municipalities need to ensure the safety of displaced persons and residents, enforce the law firmly, and prevent any armed presence from either displaced individuals or residents.
- All citizens, whether residents or displaced, are expected to adhere to public order, respect private property, and avoid unauthorized use.
- The government must support municipalities in effectively registering displaced individuals, overseeing related issues, and coordinating aid distribution with the Disaster Management Authority.
- Displaced individuals wishing to engage in business or professional activities must obtain permits from relevant authorities and local municipalities.
Humanitarian Response
Spain allocated 5.5 million euros in humanitarian aid for the Lebanese people as of October 27, 2024. They also provided over 12 tons of medicine and blankets for vulnerable populations.
Two aid planes from Pakistan arrived in Lebanon carrying 117 tons of supplies. More aid is expected from Pakistan in the coming days.
Today, a Brazilian plane arrived with relief supplies.
An Emirati plane also arrived with aid and medical supplies.
International Positions
The Israeli parliament has voted to ban the activities of UNRWA in areas under Israeli control. Ninety-two members approved the decision, while ten opposed it.
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that this decision will prevent UNRWA from operating any representative office or providing services in the occupied territories.
Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, condemned the Israeli decision as "shameful and a serious precedent." He stated that it violates the UN Charter and international law. He emphasized that ending the agency's services will not strip Palestinians of their refugee status.
UNRWA viewed the Knesset's decision as an unprecedented historical escalation against UN agencies.
The Palestinian presidency rejected the decision, stating that it aims to eliminate the refugee cause and their right to return and compensation. They insisted that this will not be allowed.
Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the world should treat Israel as racist and remove it from international legitimacy. He added that Israel would not have dared to challenge the international community without U.S. support.
Jordan's foreign ministry condemned the Knesset's decision. Spokesman Sufyan al-Qudah said it is part of a systematic campaign targeting the agency.
Governments of Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain issued a joint statement condemning the Knesset's legislation against UNRWA. They called it a serious precedent for UN operations and affirmed that the agency's work is essential for millions of refugees.
In the UK, Foreign Minister David Lammy stated that the laws passed by the Knesset restricting UNRWA are "completely wrong."
Netanyahu's office said reports of an agreement with the U.S. to prevent the escalation of fighting in Lebanon are "pure imagination." They affirmed that there would be no withdrawal from fighting in Lebanon until Hezbollah leaves the south. They also denied consultations with Washington to limit the fighting in Lebanon for 60 days.
Iran's foreign ministry announced that Tehran will not give up its legitimate right to respond to Israel and will use all available tools for this response.
Russia's foreign ministry stated that Moscow is doing its utmost to prevent the Middle East from sliding into a major war.
Norway's Prime Minister expressed concern over the looming famine and death among hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in northern Gaza.
Haaretz reported that the Mossad chief will remain in Doha after an overnight meeting about the outlines of a hostage deal with Hamas.
The UN Security Council held a meeting on Monday evening to discuss the implications of the Israeli attack on Iran. This followed an official request from Iran for an emergency meeting, supported by Algeria, China, and Russia. They condemned Israel's recent strikes on Iran, warning that these actions pose a serious threat to international peace and security and increase instability in the Middle East.
The Algerian representative stated that the Israeli attacks on Iran violate international peace, and Israel must be held accountable for its actions. He added that real peace requires compliance with UN principles and international law, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Chinese representative stated that the situation in the Middle East is fragile, and all parties must ceasefire. He emphasized that China opposes any aggressive actions threatening regional peace and security. He noted that a ceasefire in Gaza remains elusive and that Security Council resolutions have been ignored.
Russian representative Vasily Nebenzya expressed concern over Israel's intentions to strike Iran, noting that Israel has repeatedly attacked cities in Syria and Lebanon and has carried out political assassinations. He raised worries about the escalating tension between Israel and Iran, alongside Israel's disregard for the international community with U.S. support. He stated that Israeli hostilities aim to ignite war and must be stopped.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated that the U.S. did not participate in the Israeli strikes on Iran and that the U.S. will help Israel defend itself. She added that Israel conducted airstrikes outside residential areas in Iran and called on Iran to stop its attacks on Israel.
Iran's UN representative Amir Saeed Iravani said that the Israeli aggression against Iran is a clear violation of the UN Charter and part of a broader approach by Israel to act with impunity. He added that U.S. support has encouraged Israel to continue its crimes in violation of international law, which threatens international peace and security.
