As the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon falters, put to the test by numerous Israeli attacks, the IDF intensifies it’s operations in the gaza Strip. While maintaining pressure in the north, the scene of several hundred deaths and massive destruction as the beginning of last October, the Israeli army conducted a new incursion into the south of the Palestinian enclave, causing dozens of deaths on Wednesday alone. Amnesty International in turn accuses Tel Aviv of genocide, while the UN General Assembly calls for the creation of a palestinian state. Donald Trump is already sending an emissary to find a deal that will lead to the release of the hostages, promising a “terrible price to pay” if thay are not released before his inauguration.
israeli operations in northern and southern Gaza
Israeli tanks entered the northern part of Khan Yunis, the main town in the southern Gaza Strip, on Wednesday, a day after new evacuation orders. Civil Protection reported 20 deaths after a strike against displaced people’s tents in al-Mawassi camp. Israel claims it targeted Hamas officials.Five children are among the victims and the number of injured rises to dozens.
The Israeli army said it carried out an attack ”precisely to target Hamas officials involved in terrorist activities in the Khan Younes humanitarian zone.”
In central Gaza, doctors said 11 people, including six children and a nurse, were killed in three airstrikes. Five of the people killed were queuing in front of a bakery, it was explained. In Rafah, also to the south, near the border with Egypt, tank fire caused the death of nine Palestinians.
In the far north, where the IDF has been conducting ground operations that have resulted in more than 1,400 deaths since early October, gunfire targeted the Kamal Adouane hospital in Beit Lahia for the fifth consecutive day. In Jabalia and Beit Hanoun, dozens of houses were bombed.
The Ministry of Health of the Hamas government announced yesterday, November 5, a new toll of 44,580 victims in the Palestinian territory since the start of the war with Israel, more than a year ago. At least 48 people have been killed in the last 24 hours, it is explained, and almost 300 in a week. 105,739 people were injured.
Amnesty denounces genocide, Trump wants the hostages released<span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":
These Israeli operations and their immense damage, both human and material, have earned Tel Aviv new accusations of genocide in Gaza. This time it is a 300-page report published Thursday by the human rights organization Amnesty International, which claims to be based on the criteria of the United Nations Convention and on elements collected in the field such as “genocide declarations”, satellite images and research among the inhabitants of Gaza.
Israel quickly rejected this “fabricated” report, saying it “respects international defence law.” This new accusation adds to those of numerous other NGOs, several states and the staff of some United Nations agencies.
On Monday, US President-elect Donald Trump warned of a “terrible” reaction if the hostages still held were not released before his inauguration. “If the hostages are not released before january 20 (…), the price to pay will be terrible for the Middle East and for those responsible for these atrocities against humanity,” he wrote on the Truth Social platform.
Reuters reports that donald Trump’s future envoy for the Middle East has already visited Qatar and Israel with the aim of obtaining an agreement on a truce in Gaza in exchange for the release of the Israeli Hamas hostages before the Republican president’s arrival in White House on January 20.
In June a conference for the creation of a Palestinian state
The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday called for an end to Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories and the creation of a Palestinian state. He is calling for an international conference in June aimed at promoting the two-state solution.
the conference will be co-chaired by Emmanuel Macron and Saudi leader mohammed Ben Salmane. “We have decided to co-chair a conference between the two states next June (…) with the idea that in the coming months we will multiply and unite our diplomatic initiatives together to bring everyone on this path”,he told the press.
In lebanon, where the ceasefire came into force last week, accusations of violation of the agreement have been added to the exchanges of rockets. Israel announced that it had bombed several dozen Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. On Monday, hezbollah reacted, for the first time since the ceasefire agreement, with an attack on an Israeli position. <span data-ccp-props="{"134
The former minister and current Hezbollah deputy, Hussein Hajj Hassan, assured in an interview with the Russian media Sputnik that ”the Resistance does not want the collapse of the ceasefire”. The Lebanese movement is accused of taking advantage of this truce “to rebuild itself”.
What are the main causes of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, notably regarding recent escalations?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Conflict Resolution Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.News! Today, we have with us Dr. sarah Cohen,a renowned expert in conflict resolution and humanitarian law,to discuss the escalating situation between Israel and Palestine,particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. Dr. Cohen, thank you for joining us.
dr.Cohen: Thank you for having me.It’s a crucial time for discourse on this topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel seems to be crumbling, alongside intensified Israeli operations in Gaza. How shoudl we interpret these developments?
Dr. Cohen: The breakdown of the ceasefire is deeply concerning. It indicates a cycle of violence that is perpetuating itself, especially as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launch more operations in Gaza. The civilian toll, particularly among women and children, underscores the catastrophic humanitarian implications. In conflicts like this, military actions frequently enough lead to heightened retaliation, escalating the violence even further.
Editor: You mentioned the humanitarian implications. reports have emerged of critically important casualties, including children, due to military strikes targeting supposed Hamas officials. What is the responsibility of military forces in such complex scenarios?
Dr. Cohen: Under international humanitarian law, parties involved in a conflict must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. The principle of proportionality should guide military actions to minimize civilian harm. When strikes result in numerous civilian casualties, as the reports indicate, it raises serious legal and ethical issues. Amnesty International’s recent report labeling the situation as genocide adds gravity to these concerns,calling for an urgent international response.
Editor: Speaking of international response, how does the evolving political landscape, including Donald Trump sending an emissary to negotiate for hostages, impact the situation on the ground?
Dr. Cohen: The involvement of international figures can be a double-edged sword. while attempts to negotiate for hostages signal a desire for peace, they can also complicate existing negotiations and potentially exacerbate tensions. It’s crucial that any envoy respects the complexities of the situation and prioritizes the humanitarian crises at hand, rather than just political maneuvering.
Editor: The recent figures from the Health Ministry in Gaza are staggering—over 44,000 casualties since the escalation began, with thousands injured. How does this affect the public perception in Israel and internationally?
Dr. Cohen: These numbers are horrific and challenge the narrative ofen portrayed by media outlets. When civilians bear such heavy losses, it contributes to growing international outrage and demands for accountability, which can lead to diplomatic isolation for Israel. It can also fuel anti-war sentiment and calls for policy reforms among Israeli citizens. The psychological effects on both palestinians and Israelis must not be overlooked, as protracted violence creates lasting trauma.
Editor: How can we move towards a constructive resolution amid such ongoing violence?
Dr.Cohen: Dialog is crucial, but it needs to be inclusive and involve all stakeholders, including representatives of civil society on both sides. addressing root causes—like territorial disputes, socio-economic disparities, and historical grievances—is essential for any sustainable peace. Additionally, a more robust role from international mediators focusing on humanitarian relief and rebuilding efforts could create a conducive habitat for peace.
Editor: What role do international organizations like the UN play in these situations?
Dr. cohen: The UN can facilitate humanitarian aid, provide platforms for dialogue, and help uphold international law. Though,their effectiveness is frequently enough hampered by geopolitical interests and lack of consensus among member states. Recent calls from the UN General Assembly for a Palestinian state highlight the need for legal and political recognition of Palestinian rights, which can be a step towards durable peace.
Editor: Dr. Cohen, your insights are invaluable. As we continue to watch the situation unfold, it’s imperative that both the global community and local leaders work towards a resolution that avoids further tragedy. Thank you for your time today.
Dr.Cohen: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a swift end to the violence.