Chaos in the Middle East: Latest Updates
Dead toll reaches 23 in Gaza air strikes; Israelis detained in West Bank operations, and Yemen's Houthis launch a missile at Israeli territory...
Get the skinny on the hottest developments in the Middle East conflict, courtesy of Liberation's editors. Check out our previous report here.
23 Lives Lost in Gaza Clashes
Gaza's Civil Defense reported 23 fatalities due to Israeli airstrikes and shelling over the weekend. These incidents have occurred throughout the small Palestinian territory, which has endured over twenty months of unrelenting war. Mahmoud Bassal, the Civil Defense spokesperson, disclosed six airstrikes, allegedly conducted by drones or fighter jets, that resulted in a death toll of 21, including three children in a residential bombing in Jabalia, located in northern Gaza. Two more casualties occurred when Israelis opened fire on residents waiting for emergency food distribution in the Netzarim region.
Six Israelis Detained for Assaulting Soldiers
Six Israeli citizens found themselves handcuffed by authorities on Saturday, as a result of assaulting soldiers in central Cisjordania. This violent confrontation reportedly took place near the village of Kafr Malik, where settlers attacked Palestinians, causing fatalities according to Palestinian authorities. The army deployed to the area on Friday evening to disperse an Israeli gathering, only to be pelted with stones, physically and verbally assaulted, and even driven at by vehicles.
Missile Strike on Israel by Houthi Rebels
Yemeni Houthi rebels boasted about launching a ballistic missile towards Israel on Saturday, claiming revenge for alleged Israeli atrocities committed against Palestinians in Gaza. As of yet, no significant damage or injuries have been reported. The military spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, stated the attack targeted an unspecified Israeli military facility in Beer Sheva, in southern Israel. This is the first missile fired by the Houthis against Israel since June 24, following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Trump Announces Potential Gaza Ceasefire
Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Friday that a ceasefire agreement involving Israel and Hamas may materialize within the next week. Trump's team has made some progress in negotiations, creating a fragile hope for a respite from the ongoing hostilities. While this announcement triggered cautious optimism, Saudi and Arab league officials have warned Hamas that Israel might escalate military actions if diplomatic efforts fail.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Lebanon, as Israel continues its sporadic bombing campaigns despite a ceasefire on November 27, 2024. The latest strike on Saturday in southern Lebanon left one man dead, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Israel has yet to comment on the incident.
Stay tuned for updates on this complicated and volatile situation in the Middle East. Until then, let's keep our fingers crossed for peace.
War-and-conflicts in the Middle East continue to escalate, with the latest casualties reported in Gaza, where the Civil Defense stated 23 lives were lost due to Israeli airstrikes and shelling over the weekend. Politics also play a significant role, as evidenced by the detention of six Israeli citizens for assaulting soldiers in Cisjordania. General news outlets are closely monitoring these developments to provide updates on the ongoing situation.
