A Region on Fire
Issue 53 - November 18, 2024
Hochstein-Berri Negotiations: A Wheel of Fortune or Russian Roulette?
The ceasefire situation in Lebanon and Gaza has been shifting constantly. In less than 24 hours, there was optimism about U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein's visit to Beirut on Tuesday, following a positive response from Speaker Nabih Berri to the U.S. proposal. But then, the visit was delayed as Lebanon asked for clarifications. Later, the visit was confirmed again, and Lebanon seemed to accept the U.S. plan. The exact details and conditions are not officially clear, with different versions in the media.
Meanwhile, violence is increasing in the south and Beirut, with Israel showing no signs of backing down from its goals.
This rise in tension is happening as the new U.S. administration takes a tough stance. The new Republican Senate leader said he would support a law to sanction International Criminal Court judges if they issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu or other Israeli officials. In Europe, there is another debate. EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell, whose term ends soon, wants to stop talks with Israel to pressure them to end the war in Gaza and Lebanon. But many EU countries with far-right governments oppose this, in line with President-elect Trump's views.
Gaza
The head of UNRWA said there is no alternative to their work in Gaza and the West Bank if Israel decides to ban their activities. He emphasized, "There is no backup plan in the UN because no other agency can do what we do." He added, "No UN agency can replace us in providing education to hundreds of thousands of children. Without UNRWA, many children will lose their right to education."
The UN's humanitarian office (OCHA) reported that over 65,000 Palestinians in northern Gaza are living in terrible conditions due to Israeli airstrikes and a lack of basic supplies.
UN Security Council members have urged more aid for Gaza, warning that the situation is getting worse.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health stated that since October 7, 2023, 43,922 Palestinians have been killed and 103,898 injured by Israeli attacks.
Battlefield Updates in Lebanon
By Sunday, November 17, the Israeli offensive had caused 3,516 deaths and 14,929 injuries.
The Lebanese News Agency reported that 26 Lebanese were killed in Israeli airstrikes on towns in southern Lebanon, including Tyre and Nabatiyeh. Israel's attacks on Nabatiyeh were some of the heaviest so far, with four major strikes hitting residential and commercial areas, resulting in 15 deaths and many injuries.
An Israeli airstrike on an Islamic Health Organization center in Arabsalim killed six medics. Ten more strikes in central Nabatiyeh led to eight more deaths.
Israeli forces used incendiary shells while trying to advance toward Khiam, leading to clashes with Hezbollah fighters.
On Monday evening, Israel bombed the Zoqaq al-Blat area in Beirut, killing five and injuring 24. The strike was near government buildings and embassies.
Hezbollah shelled Israeli troops in Khiam and northern Israel. Israeli media reported heavy rocket fire from Lebanon, damaging homes and cars in Kiryat Shmona.
Later, rockets hit near a shopping center east of Tel Aviv, causing four explosions. Parts of Tel Aviv lost power, and Ben Gurion Airport briefly shut down.Bottom of Form