Gaza-Israel Conflict | October 2023

[ghazi52]

Gaza ceasefire talks to resume in coming days​

Tom Bennett
BBC News
Reporting from London

AFP

Negotiations over a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal are set to resume in Doha in the coming days, officials from the US, Israel and Qatar have said.

A spokesperson for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said an Israeli delegation will travel to Qatar on Sunday.

It is not yet clear whether Hamas has agreed to participate in the talks.

The US believes the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar last week - seen as one of the group's most extreme figures - may open the door to an agreement, though Hamas has accused Israel of being the primary block to any deal.

“With Sinwar gone,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told journalists, “there is a real opportunity to bring [the hostages] home and to accomplish the objective.”

That objective, Mr Blinken said, was to reach a deal "so that Israel can withdraw, so that Hamas cannot reconstitute, and so that the Palestinian people can rebuild their lives and rebuild their futures".


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cew1jkgd7n8o
Qatar’s foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Qatari mediators had "re-engaged" with Hamas since Sinwar's death, but there was “no clarity” over the groups current plans with regards to ceasefire talks.

"There has been an engagement with the representatives from the political office in Doha. We had some meetings with them in the last couple of days," he said, adding that Egypt was also in "ongoing" discussions with Hamas.

A Hamas delegation met with Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo on Thursday evening to discuss the situation in Gaza, one senior Palestinian official and one Egyptian official told the BBC.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a post on X that he welcomes Egypt's "readiness to advance a deal for the release of the hostages".

Previous discussions over the long-sought after deal have centred around a proposal from US President Joe Biden in May, which was “positively” received by Hamas.

That proposal laid out a three-step plan that would begin with a six-week ceasefire, in which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza.

There would also be a "surge" of humanitarian aid, as well as an exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

It would eventually lead to a permanent "cessation of hostilities" and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.

But talks faltered, with a key sticking-point being Netanyahu's insistence on an Israeli troop presence on the Gaza-Egypt border, known as the Philadelphi corridor.

Blinken is on his 11th visit to the Middle East since the start of the current war between Israel and Hamas more than a year ago, and is set to end his trip on Friday.

During the visit, he announced an additional $135 million of aid “in humanitarian assistance, water, sanitation, maternal health for Palestinians in Gaza, in the West Bank, as well as in the region”, taking the total amount of US aid since the start of the war to some $1.2 billion.

 

[ghazi52]

Gaza war's 'darkest moment' unfolding in north, UN says​

David Gritten
BBC News

World Health Organization

The WHO posted a photo showing patients being treated inside Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia

The UN human rights chief has said the war in Gaza's “darkest moment” was unfolding in the north of the territory.

“As we speak, the Israeli military is subjecting an entire population to bombing, siege and risk of starvation,” Volker Türk said.

He called on the world’s leaders to act, saying states had a duty under the Geneva Conventions to ensure respect for international humanitarian law.

There was no immediate response from the Israeli military, but it has said its troops have killed “hundreds of terrorists” and evacuated 45,000 civilians in Jabalia since going back into the area for the third time on 6 October with the aim of stopping Hamas fighters regrouping there.

It comes as the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said he was deeply disturbed by reports that Israeli troops have raided one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the WHO had lost contact with Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia, which was overflowing with almost 200 patients amid an Israeli offensive in nearby Jabalia.

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said Israeli troops had detained patients, staff and displaced people, while Israel's military said its forces were operating “in the area” based on intelligence “regarding the presence of terrorists".

Hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly been killed and tens of thousands displaced since Israeli forces went back into Jabalia.

Residents unwilling or unable to comply with Israeli evacuation orders are said to be living in increasingly desperate conditions, with food and other essential supplies running out.

The UN human rights chief warned on Friday that the entire population of northern Gaza was being subjected to “non-stop” bombing, with hundreds of thousands ordered to move with no guarantees of return.

“Unimaginably, the situation is getting worse by the day,” Türk said.

“The Israeli government’s policies and practices in northern Gaza risk emptying the area of all Palestinians. We are facing what could amount to atrocity crimes, including potentially extending to crimes against humanity.”

 

[ghazi52]

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to put pressure on Israel over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the mass displacement of civilians in the north.

“We look at northern Gaza and we do see ethnic cleansing taking place, and that has got to stop,” he said at the start of a meeting in London.

Many Palestinians believe the Israeli military is implementing out the so-called “Generals’ Plan” in the north, which would see the forced displacement of all of the estimated 400,000 civilians there to the south followed by a siege of any remaining Hamas fighters.

The Israeli military has denied having such a plan and that it is making sure that civilians get out of harm’s way.

Safadi also warned that the Middle East stood on the “brink of regional war”, adding that every time he met Blinken the situation was getting worse, “not for lack of us trying but because we do have an Israeli government that is not listening to anybody, and that has got to stop”.

“The only path to save the region from that is for Israel to stop the aggressions on Gaza, on Lebanon, stop unilateral measures, illegal measures in the West Bank, that is also pushing the situation to the abyss,” he stated.

Blinken met with Arab leaders and foreign ministers in the UK following a diplomatic tour of the Middle East.

The US is believed to be working on a plan for post-conflict Gaza, trying to get buy-in from Arab countries even though progress on a ceasefire and hostage deal for Gaza has been stalled for weeks.

Blinken said he was having important conversations “on ending the war in Gaza and charting a path for what comes next”. He also said there was a “sense of real urgency in getting a diplomatic resolution” to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

On Thursday, Israel said it would send the head of its Mossad intelligence agency to Doha on Sunday to meet the CIA director and Qatar’s prime minister amid renewed efforts to restart the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release talks.

It came after a Hamas delegation met Egyptian security officials in Cairo. Hamas said there had been no change in its conditions for a deal, which include the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Israel launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the group's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

More than 42,840 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

 

[sidkhan2]

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[HamzaWaseem]

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[AbdulQadir7]

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be held criminally responsible for crimes against Palestinians. He emphasized the need to end the illegal occupation and recognized the establishment of a “State of Palestine” based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.

Key Points:​

• Criminal Accountability: Bin Salman's remarks reflect a strong stance against Israel's actions in Palestinian territories, advocating for accountability for perceived violations of international law.
• Recognition of Palestine: The Crown Prince's call for recognizing a Palestinian state aligns with longstanding Arab positions, which have historically conditioned normalization with Israel on progress regarding Palestinian statehood.
• Regional Context: This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, where the Palestinian issue remains a significant hurdle. While Saudi Arabia has been moving closer to establishing formal ties with Israel, it continues to assert the importance of addressing Palestinian rights and aspirations.
• International Reactions: The comments from Bin Salman may influence regional dynamics and highlight the complexities involved in any potential agreements, as they underscore the necessity of addressing humanitarian concerns in parallel with diplomatic negotiations.

This development illustrates the delicate balance Saudi Arabia seeks to maintain between pursuing diplomatic relations with Israel and advocating for Palestinian rights on the international stage.

 

[AbdulQadir7]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1850837637189247095

 

[AbdulQadir7]

Netanyahu rejected the new Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

 

[HaiderAfan]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1850513240809148762

 

[HaiderAfan]

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be held criminally responsible for crimes against Palestinians. He emphasized the need to end the illegal occupation and recognized the establishment of a “State of Palestine” based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.

Key Points:​

• Criminal Accountability: Bin Salman's remarks reflect a strong stance against Israel's actions in Palestinian territories, advocating for accountability for perceived violations of international law.
• Recognition of Palestine: The Crown Prince's call for recognizing a Palestinian state aligns with longstanding Arab positions, which have historically conditioned normalization with Israel on progress regarding Palestinian statehood.
• Regional Context: This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, where the Palestinian issue remains a significant hurdle. While Saudi Arabia has been moving closer to establishing formal ties with Israel, it continues to assert the importance of addressing Palestinian rights and aspirations.
• International Reactions: The comments from Bin Salman may influence regional dynamics and highlight the complexities involved in any potential agreements, as they underscore the necessity of addressing humanitarian concerns in parallel with diplomatic negotiations.

This development illustrates the delicate balance Saudi Arabia seeks to maintain between pursuing diplomatic relations with Israel and advocating for Palestinian rights on the international stage.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1850634583739445638

 

[HaiderAfan]

Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, has reportedly been killed during Israeli military operations in Gaza. This information was confirmed by Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who stated that Sinwar was among three militants killed in a recent operation. The Israeli military is currently conducting DNA analysis to verify the identity of the deceased.

Background on Yahya Sinwar​

Sinwar has been a prominent figure in Hamas, having risen to power following a series of violent confrontations with Israel. He is accused of orchestrating the October 7 attacks that resulted in significant casualties and hostages taken by Hamas. Known for his hardline stance, Sinwar was considered one of Israel's most wanted individuals and had been operating from an extensive network of tunnels in Gaza to evade capture.

Details of the Operation​

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted operations in southern Gaza, where they engaged militants and reported the deaths of three individuals. The military emphasized that there were no indications of Israeli hostages in the vicinity during these operations, which were executed with caution amid ongoing conflict.

Implications of His Death​

The potential elimination of Yahya Sinwar could have significant ramifications for Hamas and the broader conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to armed resistance against Israel, and his absence may lead to shifts in Hamas's strategic direction and operational capabilities.As the situation develops, further updates are expected regarding the confirmation of Sinwar's death and its impact on ongoing hostilities in Gaza.

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In a poignant moment during the recent conflict in Gaza, the youth reportedly moved the sofa that Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, was sitting on in his last moments to protect it from potential damage by Israeli forces. This act symbolizes the deep emotional connection and reverence that many in Gaza feel towards Sinwar, who was seen as a significant figure in their struggle.

Key Context:​

• Final Moments: Israeli military footage shows Sinwar in a devastated room, injured and attempting to confront a drone. His last moments have been characterized by both vulnerability and defiance, as he was reportedly alone and surrounded by destruction when he was killed.
• Symbolic Gesture: The act of moving the sofa reflects not just a desire to preserve a physical object but also an effort to honor Sinwar's memory amid the chaos of conflict. It highlights how he is perceived by some as a martyr for the Palestinian cause.
• Reactions: Sinwar's death has elicited mixed reactions within Gaza and beyond. While some mourn his loss and view him as a martyr, others see it as an opportunity for change amidst ongoing violence. The youth's actions can be interpreted as a form of resistance against the narrative imposed by external forces.

This incident underscores the complex emotions surrounding leadership, sacrifice, and identity in conflict zones, illustrating how individual actions can carry significant cultural and political weight.