A Region on Fire
Issue 52 - November 17, 2024 

Cautious Progress in Negotiations with Lebanon Leads to Intense Escalation

The media in recent days points to progress in ceasefire talks in Lebanon. At the same time, Israel's military actions have sharply escalated. In the last two days, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Lebanese army and hit key areas in Beirut, including Ras al-Nabaa and Mar Elias. Ground forces are also putting pressure on towns from Khiam to Bint Jbeil and Shamaa, along the coastal road between Naqoura and Tyre. Israeli military sources continue to speak of ongoing attacks as routine. This cycle includes warnings to evacuate, followed by bombings both day and night, across Lebanon.

In Lebanon, many are calling for transparency in the ceasefire talks. They want authorized institutions to handle negotiations, rather than the current approach.

The real dispute is about what happens after the ceasefire. Key issues include the future of Hezbollah's weapons and how power will be shared. These differences are tied to debates over Resolution 1701, how it should be enforced, and its links to other international resolutions like 1056 and 1680. For Hezbollah and Iran, these are the main sticking points.

Gaza: Over 100 Killed in One Day


On Sunday, over 100 people were killed in Gaza from a series of Israeli airstrikes. The deadliest was in northern Gaza, where 70 people died in a single strike in Beit Lahia.

Gaza’s Government Media Office said these attacks are part of the ongoing 408-day genocide. The strikes also coincide with the collapse of Gaza's health system, particularly in the north, where four hospitals are now out of service.


Ongoing Raids in West Bank Cities

The Israeli army raided several areas in the West Bank, leading to clashes in various locations. At the same time, settlers attacked Palestinians.