A Region on Fire
Issue 48 - November 13, 2024
New U.S. Administration's Bias Towards Israel Might Hinder Peace
President Trump's key appointments have raised questions about how they align with his campaign promises to work for peace, especially in the Middle East. These appointments include figures known for their strong support of Israel, hostility towards Palestinians, migrants, and the UN. This does not bode well for achieving balanced, fair, and sustainable solutions to end the conflict.
The increasing clashes in Gaza and Lebanon, along with bold statements from Israeli officials about their vision for the region, highlight this shift. This includes the Finance Minister's call for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank and the Defense Minister's insistence on continuing military operations in southern Lebanon.
A report in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed Israel's intention to re-occupy Gaza and plans to divide it into four separate sections. The report indicates that this plan started in the northern part of Gaza, where remaining buildings were demolished. The second section, Netzarim, will transform from a small road into a major corridor, 5-6 kilometers wide and 7 kilometers long, cutting across Gaza from east to west. The paper also noted that the Israeli army is opening new routes and expanding roads in Gaza, preparing for large settlements and infrastructure for a long-term presence.
Meanwhile, there is uncertainty among Lebanese officials, who are not revealing any substantial information about behind-the-scenes discussions concerning Lebanon. On the Iranian side, President Bazakshian has called for quiet dialogue with the U.S., expressing a willingness to engage with the Trump administration, while Iran's Foreign Minister noted that indirect negotiations with the Americans have not stopped.
Gaza: Current Situation
The United Nations reports that over 50,000 children in Gaza need treatment due to chronic malnutrition. The UN's Human Rights Commissioner in the occupied territories told Al Jazeera that Israel has blocked or delayed aid deliveries to Gaza.
The UN's Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that in November, all UN attempts to deliver food and medical aid to northern Gaza have been stopped or obstructed by Israel. Around 130,000 people have been displaced from northern Gaza due to heavy Israeli attacks on residential buildings and repeated evacuation orders. UN workers reported seeing dogs scavenging on bodies left in open areas.
In October alone, UNICEF recorded 64 attacks on schools, many of which were being used as shelters for displaced families.
The U.S. sent a letter to Israel on October 13, giving a 30-day deadline to allow aid into Gaza. Israel claims it has met most of the 16 U.S. demands but is still discussing some. On Tuesday, the U.S. said Israel is not currently blocking aid and is not violating American laws, so military support will not be affected. However, international aid groups say Israel has not fully met any of the demands.
On the 404th day of the Israeli offensive, Gaza's Ministry of Health reported seven massacres in the last 24 hours, with 47 dead and 182 wounded arriving at hospitals. The total number of casualties has now reached 43,712 dead and 103,258 wounded.
Battlefield Developments in Lebanon
Israeli warplanes carried out nine airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburb early Wednesday. The strikes followed a warning from Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee, urging residents of three neighborhoods to evacuate. Bombing continued throughout the day.
The Israeli army said it targeted Hezbollah sites in the southern suburb. The Mayor of Haret Hreik reported 100 buildings destroyed and hundreds damaged. Israeli strikes also hit the Bekaa Valley and villages around Tyre and Nabatiyeh.
An Israeli airstrike early Wednesday hit an apartment in Aramoun, south of Beirut, killing 11 people.
On Wednesday morning, the Israeli army issued more evacuation warnings before launching further airstrikes. Some targeted areas did not receive warnings.
The Israeli army said it killed three Hezbollah commanders in Khiam, Tebnine, and Ghajar, as well as an anti-tank commander in Hujair. They reported six Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon.
Israeli media reported 11 soldiers died when a booby-trapped building collapsed on them in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah expanded its rocket attacks, hitting three Israeli bases south of Tel Aviv, north of Acre, and south of Haifa. A strike on Nahariya killed two people. Hezbollah warned that Israel’s ground operation would fail and lead to more losses. They also launched a second missile attack on Israel’s Defense Ministry.
Since the conflict began, Lebanon’s death toll is 3,365 with 14,344 injured.
Political Developments in Lebanon
Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that the priority is to pressure Israel to stop its aggression and implement UN Resolution 1701. He emphasized Lebanon's commitment to this resolution and support for full cooperation between the Lebanese Army and the UN Interim Force in South Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah said that despite the heavy losses in infrastructure and civilian areas, Lebanon has no choice but to continue resisting and standing firm against Israeli aggression. He added that Lebanon will not submit to Israel's conditions, and Netanyahu will not get what he wants.
Humanitarian Response
OCHA reported that violence is still killing people, destroying homes, and damaging infrastructure. Residential buildings hosting displaced people have been repeatedly targeted.
WHO said 127 health facilities and eight hospitals stopped operations. Nine hospitals reduced their services. In early November, two health workers were killed, and seven were injured. Since October 8, 2023, there have been 103 attacks on healthcare, with 123 injuries and 145 deaths.
The Lebanese General Security reported:
- Over half a million people left Lebanon in 50 days (September 23 to November 12, 2024).
- More Lebanese have left than the average number of annual migrants since 2019.
- 4% of Lebanese residents have left due to Israeli attacks.
- 53% of those leaving are Syrians, making up about 20% of the 1.5 million Syrians in Lebanon.
Humanitarian aid continues to arrive in Lebanon from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
International Developments
President Erdoğan confirmed Turkey cut trade and relations with Israel. Turkey supports Palestine until the end.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister said Egypt will keep working to stop the attack on Lebanon. Egypt is in daily contact with the US, France, the EU, and Arab countries.
France condemned Smotrich’s call to annex the West Bank to Israel.
Axios reported that Amos Hochstein said a ceasefire in Lebanon may happen soon.
The US State Department said Blinken and Israeli Minister Dermer discussed a diplomatic solution for Lebanon. Blinken confirmed US support for Israel’s security and stressed improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza.Bottom of Form
Syria
Syrian state media reported that an "Israeli aggression" targeted the Qusayr area in the southern countryside of Homs in central Syria.
Sudan
In Sudan, the UN Population Fund reported disturbing cases of rape and assault. They said 27 women and girls, aged 6 to 60, were victims of sexual violence. These cases are part of widespread sexual attacks.
The UN warned that the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces is worsening.
There are increasing massacres and sexual violence. UN officials said the leaders of the conflict are not willing to negotiate.
Since April 2023, the war has caused over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 13 million people.
