The Israeli military’s coming push into southern #Gaza is driven by the belief that intelligence gleaned from hundreds of militants captured during recent fighting in the north will allow them to find and kill leaders of #Hamas.
#Israel ‘using #Hamas prisoners to track down terror chiefs’ | Gaza | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/02/israel-using-hamas-prisoners-to-track-down-terror-chiefs
#Israel’s widening ground offensive in #Gaza since the end of a truce with #Hamas has heightened concerns for the 137 hostages who the Israeli military believes are still being held, with the families of hostages calling for an urgent meeting with Israel's Security Cabinet, saying time is “running out to save those still held by Hamas.”
'Humiliated' families of Israeli hostages demand to meet war cabinet - France 24 [Video]
https://www.france24.com/en/video/20231204-humiliated-families-of-israeli-hostages-demand-to-meet-war-cabinet
Israeli authorities are investigating claims by #US researchers that some #investors may have known in advance of a #Hamas plan to attack Israel on 7 October and used that information to profit from Israeli securities.#Israel #StockMarket
Israeli authorities investigate claims of #ShortSelling before Hamas attacks | #IsraelHamasWar | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/04/israeli-authorities-investigate-claims-of-short-selling-before-hamas-attacks
On Wednesday, a UN commission of inquiry investigating #WarCrimes on both sides of the #Israel-#Hamas conflict said it would focus on gathering evidence of #SexualViolence in the October 7 attacks.
#MeToo, for Israeli victims too: #Gaza war drives wedge between French feminists
https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231204-metoo-for-israeli-victims-too-gaza-war-drives-wedge-between-french-feminists
French feminist groups have come under fire for purportedly turning a blind eye to the sexual violence unleashed on Israeli women during the October 7 attacks by Hamas, echoing the anger levelled at rights organisations elsewhere. The accusation is indicative of the competing narratives and loyalties elicited by the devastating conflict. It also reflects a failure to rapidly investigate and establish the specific, gender-based nature of some of the atrocities committed.
Decrying a 'spiraling humanitarian nightmare,' UN Secretary-General #AntonioGuterres declared that nowhere in #Gaza was safe for civilians, hours before the #US vetoed a #SecurityCouncil resolution backed by the vast majority of its members. #Israel
Gaza fighting intensifies, US vetoes Security Council demand for ceasefire
https://www.rappler.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-war-updates-december-9-2023/
Decrying a 'spiraling humanitarian nightmare,' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared that nowhere in Gaza was safe for civilians, hours before the US vetoed a Security Council resolution backed by the vast majority of its members
Speaking at the #DohaForum in #Qatar, Guterres did not directly criticise the #US in his address but said the security council is “paralysed by geostrategic divisions”. He added world institutions “are weak and outdated, caught in a time warp reflecting a reality of 80 years ago”.
#UN chief vows to go on seeking ceasefire in Gaza despite US veto | #Israel-#Gaza war | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/10/un-chief-vows-to-go-on-seeking-ceasefire-in-gaza-despite-us-veto
According to several reports, #DavidBarnea, the head of #Mossad, had wanted to travel to #Qatar but was blocked by the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin #Netanyahu, and other cabinet ministers.
The decision prompted demands from the families of hostages for an explanation, saying that they were “shocked” by it.
Israeli ministers block Mossad head’s effort to restart Gaza hostage talks | #Israel-#Gaza war | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/14/israeli-ministers-block-mossad-heads-effort-to-restart-gaza-hostage-talks
#US efforts to show it retains significant influence over the Israeli government were dealt a double blow yesterday when the Israeli defence minister said it would take months to complete the task of rooting out #Hamas, and a leaked US intelligence assessment revealed up to 45% of the 29,000 air-to-ground munitions that #Israel has dropped on #Gaza since 7 October have been unguided “dumb bombs”.
The protest, which followed another demonstration on Friday night, erupted after an official from the Israel Defense Forces revealed Saturday that the hostages “had a stick with a white cloth on it” before they were killed. #Israel #Gaza
Anger at Israeli government mounts after military admits to mistakenly killing hostages
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-hamas-war-hostages-killed-idf-white-cloth-protests-netanyahu-rcna130049
"We have this exchange of fire between #Israel and #Hezbollah and the trend line is one of escalation. This is the most worrying thing about the situation, this trend of escalation. Nobody wants to have a full-scale war but we can get there anyway.” Orna Mizrahi, a former Israeli deputy national security adviser #Gaza #Hamas
Fears grow of all-out Israel-Hezbollah war as fighting escalates | Israel | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/17/fears-grow-of-all-out-israel-hezbollah-war-as-fighting-escalates-lebanon
Recent attacks by #Iran-aligned Yemeni #Houthi militant group on vessels forced leading shipping companies including Maersk to reroute around the #CapeOfGoodHope to avoid the #SuezCanal, the shortest shipping route between #Europe and #Asia. #Israel #Gaza
Companies rush to avert disruption from #RedSea attacks as shipping rates rise
https://www.rappler.com/business/companies-rush-avert-disruption-red-sea-attacks-shipping-rates-rise/
Muslim–majority #Malaysia has long championed #PalestinianRights and causes. Like nearby #Indonesia, #Brunei, #Bangladesh, the #Maldives and #Pakistan, it does not recognize #Israel.
The ongoing bombardment of #Gaza by Israel’s military following #Hamas’ deadly October 7 attacks has sparked mass rallies in Malaysia and put domestic political pressure on Anwar.
Malaysia bans Israeli owned and linked shipping citing ‘cruelty against the Palestinian people’ | CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/20/asia/malaysia-israel-shipping-ban-palestine-support-intl-hnk/index.html
The #Iran-backed #Houthis have repeatedly targeted vessels in the vital shipping lane with strikes they say are in support of #Palestinians in #Gaza, where #Israel is battling militant group #Hamas.
More than 20 countries join US-led coalition to protect #RedSea shipping
https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231222-more-than-20-countries-join-us-led-coalition-to-protect-red-sea-shipping
#WASHINGTON – A chemical tanker that was struck on Dec 23 off the coast of India was targeted “by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran”, the Pentagon said.The #DroneStrike occurred 200 nautical miles (370km) off the coast of #India, it added. No US Navy vessels were in the vicinity. #Israel #Gaza #ArabianSea
Tanker off India hit by attack drone fired from #Iran: Pentagon | The Straits Times
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/tanker-ship-off-india-hit-by-attack-drone-fired-from-iran-pentagon
Back toot: Zhongzhi https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111610929656431194
A total of twenty countries have agreed to take part in the multi-national naval security coalition. Of those 20, only a fraction will supply actual ships or other major assets to help the cause. In addition, #Spain, #Italy, and #France have rejected the #US demand that their vessels fall under U.S. Navy command. #RedSea #Iran #Israel
Cracks Form In New Naval Coalition, #DroneStrikes Spread To #IndianOcean (#ArabianSea)
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/cracks-form-in-new-naval-coalition-drone-strikes-spread-to-indian-ocean
"#Bethlehem is a message. It is not a city, it is a message of #peace to the whole world. From this sacred place we convey a message of peace…stop the war, stop the blood, the killing and the revenge,” said Father Ibrahim Faltas, a friar at the vigil.#Israel
Somber Bethlehem marks #Christmas with vigil as bombs rain on #Gaza
https://www.rappler.com/world/middle-east/somber-bethlehem-marks-christmas-vigil-bombs-rain-gaza/
Nearly three months after the start of the war between #Israel and #Hamas, the humanitarian situation in the #GazaStrip is catastrophic according to the #UnitedNations, with 85 percent of the population displaced. #PopeFrancis
Pope deplores 'desperate humanitarian situation' in Gaza, calls for immediate ceasefire
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20231225-pope-deplores-desperate-humanitarian-situation-in-gaza-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire
Three stealth-guided missile destroyers were deployed “in various areas of the sea” to “maintain a deterrent presence” considering the “recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea”, the ministry said in a statement late on Monday. It was also using long-range maritime patrol aircraft for “domain awareness”, it said. #DroneStrikes
#India’s navy deploys warships to #ArabianSea after tanker attack | #IsraelGazaWar #Israel #Iran
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/26/indias-navy-deploys-warships-to-arabian-sea-after-tanker-attack
Paul, who until October worked on the US’s foreign arms transfers, said he was concerned by the expedited process as it could bypass the state department’s pre-transfer controls. “There’s no review of human rights, there’s no review of regional balance, there’s none of the conventional arms transfer policy review that would normally happen,” he said.
#GazaWar puts #US’s extensive weapons stockpile in #Israel under scrutiny | #IsraelGazaWar | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/27/gaza-war-puts-us-extensive-weapons-stockpile-in-israel-under-scrutiny
Edan Kleiman, who himself was wounded inside the #GazaStrip in the early 1990s, said he thinks Israeli authorities are not grasping the severity of the situation. He said the number of wounded is likely to stretch close to 20,000 once those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder are included. #Israel #Gaza
Associated Press reports that the number of Israeli service personnel injured during the war against #Hamas has now reached roughly 3,000.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/dec/28/israel-gaza-war-live-macron-calls-for-lasting-ceasefire-as-israel-intensifies-attacks-on-gaza?page=with:block-658d53c58f083c8fda16ad01#block-658d53c58f083c8fda16ad01
#Cyprus, the closest #EU member state to the #MiddleEast, has offered to establish a humanitarian corridor to collect, inspect and store aid before shipping it to #Gaza, about 230 miles (370km) away.
#Israel grants preliminary approval for maritime aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/dec/28/israel-gaza-war-live-macron-calls-for-lasting-ceasefire-as-israel-intensifies-attacks-on-gaza?page=with:block-658d96678f08eff61a0b199f#block-658d96678f08eff61a0b199f
“#Russia now has an interest in prolonging this conflict in the #MiddleEast,” said a senior European diplomat in #Moscow, speaking on conditions of anonymity. He said he feared an all-out #Israel-#Hezbollah war would further derail any help for #Ukraine.
Why are ties between Russia and Israel ‘at lowest point since fall of the #SovietUnion’? | Russia | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/30/why-are-ties-between-russia-and-israel-at-lowest-point-since-fall-of-the-soviet-union
Lana Nusseibeh, the envoy of the #UnitedArabEmirates, expressed the uneasiness of the Arab world that in the absence of “bold and perhaps uncomfortable decisions” to reverse the drift towards regional conflict, “the alternative is the hellscape of #Gaza expanded into the #WestBank, #Israel, #Lebanon, and other parts of the #MiddleEast”.
Middle East is sliding closer to the edge of a wider regional conflict | Israel-Gaza war | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/31/middle-east-sliding-closer-wider-regional-conflict-israel-iran-us
The captain and crew deserve a big fat New Year bonus.
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The #MaerskHangzhou was struck by a missile at around 1730 GMT on Dec 30 about 100km south-west of Al Hodeidah, #Yemen. Then a US warship shot down another two anti-ship ballistic missiles.
Later at around 0330 GMT on Dec 31, the same ship was attacked by #Houthi rebels in four small boats. #Israel #Iran
#Maersk pauses #RedSea sailings
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/maersk-pauses-red-sea-sailings-after-houthi-attack-on-container-ship
More details on the Houthi attacks on the #MaerskHangzhou container ship. #Iran #Israel
U.S. forces killed boat crews in a Houthi ship attack in the Red Sea : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2023/12/31/1222339528/u-s-forces-say-they-killed-the-boat-crews-in-a-houthi-ship-attack-in-the-red-sea
The warning comes after the #US military said four boats from #Houthi-controlled areas in #Yemen fired at the #MaerskHangzhou and came within metres of the vessel as US helicopters fired back. #Iran #Israel #Gaza
#Britain ‘considering airstrikes’ on Houthi rebels after Red Sea attacks | Middle East and north Africa | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/31/britain-considering-airstrikes-on-houthi-rebels-after-red-sea-attacks
#Iran confirms deploying warship to #RedSea as tensions rise
Iranian state media confirmed #Tehran sent a warship to the Red Sea as the area rapidly militarises.
The #IRISAlborz , part of the 94th Naval Fleet of the Iranian army, travelled through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait near #Yemen to arrive at the Red Sea. #Israel #Houthi #Gaza
In 2020 #Iran's frigate warship, the #IRISAlborz, was upgraded with new indigenously developed combat systems including an improved fire control system (FCS) and an electronic warfare system (EWS).
It's almost certain the #Houthis asked for backup after #US combat helicopters sank three Houthi raider boats attacking the #MaerskHangzhou in the #RedSea. #Israel
Under the plan, originally proposed by #Nicosia last month, ships would travel to #Cyprus for security checks before heading 370 kilometers to #Gaza's coast in a route that would avoid Egyptian or Israeli borders.
#Israel green-lights Cypriot aid plan for #Palestinians as military pounds Gaza – POLITICO
https://www.politico.eu/article/israel-green-lights-cypriot-aid-plan-for-palestinians-as-military-pounds-central-gaza/
After the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by #Hamas, #Netanyahu suspended efforts to change the country's judiciary.
On Monday, Netanyahu's #Likud party said the ruling was against the will of the people at a time of war.
In landmark ruling, #Israel's #SupremeCourt rejects right-wing changes to judiciary
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/01/1222400537/israel-supreme-court-ruling-judiciary-changes
#Israel will appear at #InternationalCourtOfJustice: Israeli media
Israel “will not boycott” proceedings launched by #SouthAfrica at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi has said, the Israeli news site Ynet is reporting.
TEL AVIV — Israel says five of its military brigades, including many reservists, will be withdrawing from the #GazaStrip this week in an effort to pace itself for an expected long-term conflict and to mitigate damage to Israel’s economy.
#Israel withdrawing some units from #Gaza
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-withdrawing-units-gaza-rcna131800
“I don’t think he has the ability [to respond]" , says Amit Segal, chief political analyst at #Israel’s Channel 12. “Prior to the war, his allies (far-right ministers, Itamar) Ben Gvir, and (Bezalel) Smotrich would have demanded him to do so and dragged him to do it. Now they can’t because it’s a war and after the war, I think it will be the least of his problems.”
Israel’s #SupremeCourt deals huge blow to #Netanyahu, but one he may have to swallow | CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/02/middleeast/israels-supreme-court-analysis-intl/index.html
Officials say four people were killed in the attack, including a “senior #Palestinian official”, Reuters reports, quoting two unnamed security sources. The Associated Press, citing #Hezbollah TV, named the person as “top #Hamas official #SalehArouri” #Israel #Lebanon
#Hamas confirms deputy head killed in reported Israeli #DroneStrike
An Israeli drone strike killed the deputy head of Hamas, #SalehAlArouri, in #Beirut, reports on Tuesday said. His death, which was confirmed by a Hamas radio station, would be a significant blow to the group in #Gaza #Israel #Lebanon
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/02/israel-gaza-war-live-israeli-military-kills-four-alleged-palestinian-militants-in-west-bank-idf-says?page=with:block-65943e088f0892175dae604b#block-65943e088f0892175dae604b
Who was Saleh al-Arouri?
The death of #Hamas’s deputy leader, #SalehAlArouri, in a reported drone strike in #Beirut on Tuesday is a significant victory for the #Israel Defense Forces as the military campaign against the group in Hamas continues.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/02/israel-gaza-war-live-israeli-military-kills-four-alleged-palestinian-militants-in-west-bank-idf-says?page=with:block-659442918f083d1e9a9aeb87#block-659442918f083d1e9a9aeb87
Witness reports spoke of two explosions 15 minutes apart in the south-central city of #Kerman tearing into the crowds that had gathered to mark the death of #Suleimani, once regarded as the most powerful figure in the Middle East, and responsible for extending Iranian influence in #Lebanon, #Syria and #Iraq.
Almost 100 dead in blasts at #Iran memorial for assassinated commander | Iran | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/03/dead-in-blasts-at-memorial-for-assassinated-iranian-commander
Crack legal teams are being assembled, countries are issuing statements in support of #SouthAfrica, and #Israel has said it will defend itself in court, reversing a decades-old policy of boycotting the #UN’s top court and its 15 elected judges.
The first hearing in #TheHague is set for 11 and 12 January.
Stakes high as South Africa brings claim of genocidal intent against Israel | #ICC | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/stakes-high-as-south-africa-brings-claim-of-genocidal-intent-against-israel
Attached: 1 image Witness reports spoke of two explosions 15 minutes apart in the south-central city of #Kerman tearing into the crowds that had gathered to mark the death of #Suleimani, once regarded as the most powerful figure in the Middle East, and responsible for extending Iranian influence in #Lebanon, #Syria and #Iraq. Almost 100 dead in blasts at #Iran memorial for assassinated commander | Iran | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/03/dead-in-blasts-at-memorial-for-assassinated-iranian-commander
At least 84 people died when two blasts ripped through the crowd near #Suleimani’s tomb in the city of #Kerman, four years after he was killed by a US drone strike in #Baghdad. Suleimani had been a staunch enemy of IS, which resents the damage he did to its cause in #Iraq and #Syria. #ISIS #Israel
#IslamicState claims responsibility for Iran bombings that killed at least 84
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/iran-kerman-attack-islamic-state-suspicion-border-afghanistan-pakistan
The ship sent a message on the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations portal, saying five to six unknown armed personnel had boarded on Thursday evening, the statement said.
At least 15 Indian crew members were on board the #MVLilaNorfolk, which was hijacked near #Somalia’s coast. #Houthi #Israel
#India navy says responding to Liberian-flagged vessel hijack in #ArabianSea | Shipping News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/5/india-navy-says-responding-to-liberian-flagged-vessel-hijack-in-arabian-sea?traffic_source=rss&utm_source=press.coop
Wow, if our own secretary of defense tried this stunt he'd be fired and out a job by morning 🙄
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Under the plan, #Israel’s war in the territory would continue until it had secured the return of the #hostages taken on 7 October, dismantled #Hamas’s “military and governing capabilities” and removed any remaining military threats.
Gallant unveiled the plan to the press before submitting it to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, #PostWarGaza
The commander-in-chief of #Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said at the funeral on Friday for the victims of twin #IslamicState bombings two days earlier that their deaths would be avenged. #IRGC #KermanBombing #IsraelGazaWar
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/05/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-antony-blinken-israel-palestine-gaza-hamas?page=with:block-6597b2b88f0825b4df60e6ce#block-6597b2b88f0825b4df60e6ce
#Teheran - Iranian President #EbrahimRaisi joined mourners in #Kerman on Jan 5 for the funerals of the 89 people killed in twin blasts claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (#ISIS) group, state media said. Despite the claim of responsibility by ISIS, Iranian officials have continued to suggest #Israel's and #US involvement. #KermanBombing
Iran lays to rest victims of Islamic State twin bombings | The Straits Times
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/iran-lays-to-rest-victims-of-isis-twin-bombings
In a second nationally televised address within three days, #Nasrallah said that all of #Lebanon would be “exposed” if there was no response from his group to the killing of #SalehAlArouri, further heightening fears of a dangerous escalation in the conflict, even as #Israel warned its military was ready for any eventuality. #Hezbollah
About 90% of #children under the age of two are consuming two or fewer food groups, #UNICEF said in a statement on Friday.
Most families said their children are only getting grains – including bread – or milk, which would meet the definition of severe #FoodPoverty, it said. #Gaza #Israel
#SalehAlArouri’s assassination took place in the #Hezbollah stronghold of #Beirut’s southern suburbs, even as the group has attempted to pursue a policy of supporting #Hamas in #Gaza while stopping short of triggering its own major war with #Israel.
Friday’s comments by Hezbollah’s head, #HassanNasrallah, were, however, more forceful than those made earlier this week.
#India’s navy said its commandos have rescued all crew members from a Liberian-flagged merchant vessel after its attempted hijack in the #ArabianSea, and that it had not found any pirates on board.
The subcontinent’s navy said on Friday that 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, were rescued from the #MVLilaNorfolk after they intercepted the vessel. #Israel
Indian navy intercepts ship, rescues crew after Arabian Sea hijack attempt
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/5/india-navy-says-responding-to-liberian-flagged-vessel-hijack-in-arabian-sea
The #US learned that the terror group #IslamicState (IS) was behind Wednesday’s twin bomb attacks in Iran that killed dozens from “communications intercepts”, Reuters is reporting. #KermanBombing #Iran #Israel
The The US secretary of state, #AntonyBlinken, arrived in #Istanbul late on Friday for the first leg of a trip that includes visits to #Israel and #WestBank, along with five Arab states.
Blinken’s fourth crisis tour since the start of the Israel-Hamas war three months ago comes with fears mounting that the conflict will engulf swathes of the #MiddleEast.
Blinken to discuss #Gaza with #Erdoğan
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/06/middle-east-crisis-israel-gaza-war-hamas-us-blinken-trip-erdogan?page=with:block-6598e21c8f08640ae963af69#block-6598e21c8f08640ae963af69
The dramatic first week of 2024 has tipped the scale towards those who say the daily diet of #DroneStrikes, #assassinations and #MaritimeAssaults will at some point combust into a major war across the #MiddleEast.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/06/middle-east-crisis-israel-gaza-war-hamas-us-blinken-trip-erdogan?page=with:block-659914588f08640ae963b01f#block-659914588f08640ae963b01f
@Norobiik Nasrallah's claim, that "all of Lebanon" were "exposed", if Hezbollah weren't "responding" to the killing of a Palestinian Hamas leader in Beirut is laughably absurd:
The Lebanese Shia, which Iran-backed Hezbollah claims to represent makes for about 31.2% of the Lebanese population, mostly in southern Lebanon, with Sunnis accounting for 31.9% & Christians (mostly Maronites) at 32.4%, the latter ones not at all guaranteed to agree with the aggressive moves by Hezbollah.
[Figures see CIA World Factbook 2020]
🇮🇱 🇵🇸 🇱🇧
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon
#IsraelPalestine #Israel #Lebanon #Hamas #Hezbollah #Terrorism #Oct7 #PeaceSalaamShalom
@Norobiik Yeah, and that's as you exactly say just the major factions somehow existing side by side after long years of civil war & foreign interference, with Hezbollah emerging as an insanely armed force thanks (?) to Iranian intrusion into Lebanon's domestic affairs.
Besides eg Arafat's PLO (ab)using Lebanon as a base for terrorist operations against Israel — until they had to go.
While eg Beirut had once even been called Paris of the Middle East... :🙄
Norobiik @
Arena Cops 🇺🇦✌