A Region on Fire
Issue 33 - October 29, 2024
The world merely counts the victims and destroyed cities, while the Knesset again disrespects the United Nations, banning UNRWA’s operations in Israel.
Israel has added another rejection of UN Security Council resolutions and international law, with the Knesset voting to prohibit UNRWA's work in Israel. This decision was condemned by the UN Secretary-General, who warned of serious consequences for Palestinian refugees, as well as by the Secretary-General of the Arab League and numerous countries including the U.S., the U.K., Norway, Spain, Qatar, and others.
Meanwhile, actions and responses to events in Gaza and Lebanon remain ineffective, mostly limited to counting the dead, wounded, displaced, and intentionally demolished homes, villages, and neighborhoods by the Israeli army without deterrence. At the same time, media outlets report conflicting information about talks and initiatives regarding Gaza and Lebanon, creating ambiguity and hinting at plans being prepared behind closed doors, far from the opinions and influence of the victims, especially Palestinians in Gaza and those in Lebanon, which currently lacks a national representative.
Battlefield Developments in Lebanon
The Israeli army attacked 110 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Over 35 Israeli airstrikes hit Baalbek, Hermel, and other Bekaa areas, resulting in 67 deaths and 120 injuries, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. In Jbaa, Nabatieh, nine intense airstrikes struck official sites, including General Security, Civil Defense, and the main square, causing extensive damage.
The Israeli army bombed Mount Rihan and continued strikes across the south and Bekaa. Reports indicate Israeli forces planted explosives in homes in Dhahira, detonated them, then swept the area with machine guns and mortars.
Israeli airstrikes in Haret Saida, a dense residential area housing southern Lebanese refugees, led to the collapse of three buildings, killing nine and injuring dozens. More are missing under the rubble. An airstrike in Sarafand left eight dead and 20 injured, while five were killed in Bazourieh in Tyre district.
Raids continued throughout the Bekaa, including the Masnaa border crossing with Syria, and missiles struck near Baalbek’s ancient ruins. Israeli spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned residents of 16 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately to the north of the Awali River due to Hezbollah activity.
The Islamic Resistance Operations Room reported blocking Israeli forces from fully controlling or occupying any front-line villages. Fierce clashes continued in Khiyam’s southern neighborhoods, where Hezbollah targeted Israeli troops and launched rockets into northern Israel. Hezbollah downed an Israeli "Hermes 900" drone over Marjayoun with a ground-to-air missile. Several farmers went missing in Wadi Khiyam after an Israeli incursion.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense reported 900 injured soldiers hospitalized since ground operations began. The Lebanese Red Cross reported a missile hit near UNIFIL-coordinated ambulances in Biyout al-Siyyad, damaging two vehicles.
In the past 24 hours, 138 airstrikes hit Lebanon, mainly in the south, Nabatieh, and Baalbek-Hermel, bringing the total attacks to 11,478. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 77 deaths and 180 injuries in the last 24 hours, totaling 2,787 killed and 12,772 injured. By October 27, 2024, 168 healthcare workers had died, 232 were injured, and 38 hospitals, 79 medical centers, and 239 vehicles were damaged.
Humanitarian Response
A plane carrying aid from Pakistan arrived today at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. Between October 30 and November 13, 2024, eight more planes carrying various humanitarian and medical aid from Saudi Arabia are expected to arrive as part of the Saudi relief air bridge.
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the total amount of financial assistance transferred to citizens reached $21,507,195. Of this, $19,342,205 was allocated through the Aman Program, benefiting 166,772 families; $1,031,760 was distributed as cash assistance to 12,624 individuals with disabilities; and $1,133,230 was allocated through the National Program for the Poorest Families, benefiting 9,950 families in seven southern districts.
As of today, 1,118 designated shelters have been opened to host and receive displaced individuals, with 941 shelters reaching maximum capacity. The total number of registered displaced individuals has reached 188,690 (43,586 families), with the highest percentage located in Mount Lebanon and Beirut. However, actual displacement numbers are estimated to be significantly higher.
Between September 23 and October 29, 2024, General Security recorded the crossing of 355,010 Syrian citizens and 167,295 Lebanese citizens into Syria.
Political Positions
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants on Tuesday announced it has filed a complaint with the UN Security Council regarding Israeli assaults on the health sector in Lebanon from October 8, 2023, to October 24, 2024. The complaint, details 281 reported attacks on hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and emergency services, resulting in the deaths of 163 healthcare workers and injuring hundreds more.
The ministry urged UN member states to condemn Israel, hold it accountable, and take effective steps to prevent attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel, emphasizing that such actions amount to war crimes under international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of healthcare institutions and workers during armed conflicts.
Hezbollah announced in a statement the election of Naeem Qassem as the party's secretary-general. The deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council told Al Jazeera that they do not accept any negotiations under fire and that they have not received any political proposals or initiatives officially. Israeli Defense Minister Gallant says his appointment likely to prove temporary and that the countdown has begun.
An evening ministerial meeting was held with military leadership to consider proposals made by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein regarding a ceasefire initiative. Hochstein left the region for Washington immediately after meeting with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv yesterday.
In Doha, the Emir of Qatar met with Israeli Mossad and U.S. Central Intelligence officials to discuss a ceasefire initiative in Gaza and Lebanon. According to sources, progress is being made regarding Gaza, unlike the negotiations on Lebanon, which remain at a standstill. The Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson announced that there are parallel efforts to de-escalate tensions in both Lebanon and Gaza, confirming ongoing meetings in Doha, Cairo, and European capitals in search of negotiation proposals.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that an Israeli military presence must be maintained in Lebanon to defend northern towns near the border, where residents may be invited to return home after weeks. Regarding Naeem Qassem's appointment as Hezbollah secretary-general, he noted that anyone at the head of the party is a target for assassination.
UNIFIL issued a statement regarding a missile that struck the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, causing a fire in a vehicle repair workshop. Peacekeepers were not in the shelters at the time of the incident. While some peacekeepers sustained minor injuries, initial information indicated that the missile was fired from the north of the UNIFIL headquarters, believed to be by Hezbollah or a related group. An investigation into the incident has been opened. UNIFIL reminded Hezbollah and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property, stating that any deliberate attack on them constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Resolution 1701.
Earlier, the Austrian Ministry of Defense announced that eight Austrian peacekeepers from UNIFIL were injured in a missile attack on Naqoura, noting that the injuries were not serious.
Yedioth Ahronoth reported Israeli officials stating that negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials aimed at reaching a ceasefire have reached advanced stages.
International Positions
UNIFIL confirmed that peacekeepers remain at all their position in southern Lebanon and continue their operational activities, adapted to the current situation. Supply convoys and rotations of contingents in and out of Lebanon continue as normal, despite the challenges.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takashi Iwaya affirmed Japan's commitment to the safety and security of UNIFIL. He stressed the need to de-escalate tensions in Lebanon and the region and announced Japan's intent to provide additional aid to displaced persons.
Israeli Defense Minister Gallant stated that the election of Naim Qassem as Hezbollah's Secretary-General is a temporary appointment, and the countdown has begun.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said that an Israeli military presence in Lebanon must be maintained to defend northern towns near the border. Residents may be invited to return home after weeks. Regarding Naim Qassem's appointment, he stated that anyone leading the party is a target for assassination.
The French president said nothing justifies the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and a ceasefire must be established.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to stop Israeli attacks during a meeting with foreign ambassadors. He stated that the UN Security Council must stand against Israel and its insistence on continuing the war and killing innocents in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatened to deliver more "devastating" strikes against Israel in the coming days.
Regarding Israel's decision to prevent UNRWA from operating, several international positions were announced:
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that applying "Israeli laws" to UNRWA could have devastating consequences for Palestinian refugees. He sent a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu protesting the law.
- UNRWA condemned the Israeli Knesset's decision to ban its activities and end its services, describing it as "shameful." The agency affirmed that this action will not strip Palestinians of their refugee status.
- The British Prime Minister expressed grave concern over Israel’s ban on UNRWA. He warned that this legislation could make it impossible for UNRWA to operate, it also risks jeopardizing the entire international humanitarian response in Gaza.
- Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned Israel's decision to ban UNRWA. He stated that the decision represents a judgment that "will confiscate the future of millions of Palestinians" and represents the latest step in Israel's ongoing plan to eliminate the agency's role and undermine its international reputation.
- Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain jointly condemned the Israeli parliament's vote to ban UNRWA. They stated that the agency's work is essential for millions of Palestinians, especially in the current situation in Gaza. They considered the legislation passed by the Israeli parliament a very dangerous precedent for UN operations.
- A spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry said that stopping support for UNRWA would have catastrophic results, and Qatar strongly believes in the agency's role.
- The U.S. State Department announced that there could be consequences under U.S. law and U.S. policy for the implementation of this legislation.
Gaza
The World Food Program warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza could soon turn into famine if urgent action is not taken.
Israeli broadcasting authority reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering changes to the negotiation team for the hostages. He is currently focused on finding any possible solution that could lead to a deal with Hamas.
The Gaza Health Ministry announced that the number of victims from the Israeli aggression has risen to 43,061 martyrs and 101,223 injured since October 7, 2023.
The Health Director in Gaza stated that the resources in northern Gaza only allow for first aid, and many injured people are at risk due to a lack of care facilities.
The Gaza Government Media Office reported 93 martyrs and around 40 missing persons in the widespread Israeli massacre in the Beit Lahiya project in northern Gaza. They confirmed that the Israeli army was aware that the residential building contained dozens of displaced civilians, mostly women and children who had been uprooted from their neighborhoods.
In related news, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, stated that they are unable to treat many injured people from the Beit Lahiya massacre due to a lack of resources. The Israeli army is shelling the area around the hospital. He called on the world to send specialized medical teams to assist the injured and not to merely watch the genocide in Gaza.
The Director of Field Hospitals in Gaza announced that contact has been lost with several medical teams in northern Gaza.
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