2024-11-23 16:34:00
Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue this Saturday, November 23, killing at least 30 people, as fierce fighting on the ground pits the Israeli army against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. In the Gaza Strip, the armed wing of Hamas announces the death of a hostage
Information to remember
⇒ Strategic gateway to southern Lebanon, the city of Khiam has been at the center of fighting for several days
⇒ Several Israeli attacks in Beirut and eastern Lebanon left at least 30 dead this Saturday
⇒ Hamas announces the death of a hostage in the Gaza Strip
Fierce fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army for a “strategic gate” in southern Lebanon
Fierce fighting between Lebanese Hezbollah and the Israeli army is raging in the border town of Khiam, a “strategic gateway” in southern Lebanon that Israel has been trying to seize for several days, the national security agency (ANI) said on Saturday. . “Israel continued its night attacks on the city of Khiam until the morning, using all types of weapons to gain control of the locality,” according to ANI. Israeli tanks have been stationed east of Khiam, 6 km from the border, for more than three weeks. Tank movements were also recorded north of the city on Tuesday, according to the agency, indicating that the Israeli army is trying to “surround the city from all sides”, aided by massive air and ground cover in and around the town of the locality, where it blows up buildings and houses and claims to destroy Hezbollah tunnels.
In the last two days Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for around twenty attacks against Israeli soldiers in Khiam.
Israel says it wants to remove Hezbollah from the border areas of southern Lebanon to allow the return of around 60,000 inhabitants of the north of the country displaced by the Islamic movement’s rockets. According to the Lebanese agency, Khiam is considered by Israel as a “strategic gateway that facilitates the rapid progression of the territory”. Israeli troops withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000, under pressure from Hezbollah, after 22 years of occupation. During the occupation, Khiam was home to a prison run by the South Lebanon Army, an Israeli proxy militia.
Hamas announces the death of a hostage
The armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas announced on Saturday the death, in a combat zone in northern Gaza, of a hostage kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attacks, a claim not confirmed by the Israeli army.
In a statement, Abou Obeida, spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, specified that the resumption of contacts, interrupted for several weeks, with the hostage guards had made it possible to establish that this woman had
Abou Obeida made it clear that the life of another hostage held with the alleged victim is also in danger and placed responsibility on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his government and his army.
During the unprecedented attack by Hamas commandos on October 7, 2023, 251 people were kidnapped on Israeli soil. 97 hostages remain in Gaza, 34 of whom have been declared dead by the army.
16 killed in Israeli attack in eastern Lebanon
16 people, including four children, were killed in an Israeli attack in eastern Lebanon on Saturday, the Lebanese Health Ministry announced. National news agency Ani said the attack “killed a family, including a mother and her four children.”
In the south, another Hezbollah stronghold, at least 14 people died, including five in the coastal city of Tyre, according to the same source, bringing the death toll in Lebanon this Saturday to 30 people.
The United States says it wants a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Lebanon
American Defense Minister Lloyd Austin recalled the United States’ “commitment” to a “diplomatic solution in Lebanon” on Saturday during an exchange with his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz. The Pentagon chief “reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return home safely on both sides of the border,” according to a Pentagon statement. Israel says it wants to incapacitate Lebanese Hezbollah and Hamas, both supported by Iran, after this Palestinian movement’s unprecedented attack on its territory on October 7, 2023, which triggered the devastating war in Gaza.
Israel’s main political and military backer, the United States says it wants to end these conflicts through diplomatic means. Washington also continues to reiterate its desire to see an improvement in the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Lloyd Austin once again called on “the Israeli government to continue to take measures to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza”, where the approximately 2.4 million inhabitants besieged by Israel for more than a year are threatened with famine according to the UN. Washington, however, said last week that Israel was not violating US law on humanitarian aid in Gaza and called for further progress, a month after threatening to suspend its military aid.
Strike in central Beirut causes at least 11 deaths
The Israeli attack that targeted a residential area of Beirut on Saturday morning left 11 dead and 63 injured, the Lebanese Health Ministry announced in a new report. In a press release, the ministry stated that the final toll will be determined “after DNA analysis of the human remains found on site.” An earlier report reported four deaths.
LExpress
– What are the key factors contributing to the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon and Gaza?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Miriam El-Ghazali, Middle East Conflict Expert
[Scene: A sleek, modern studio with a backdrop featuring the Time.news logo. The editor, David Stern, sits across from Dr. El-Ghazali, a renowned expert in Middle Eastern affairs.]
David Stern: Welcome, Dr. El-Ghazali. Thank you for joining us today amidst such troubling news.
Dr. Miriam El-Ghazali: Thank you, David. It’s a pleasure to be here, though I wish it were under better circumstances.
David Stern: Indeed. The violence in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip has escalated dramatically, with recent reports indicating that Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 30 deaths in Lebanon alone. Can you provide some context on what’s happening there?
Dr. El-Ghazali: Certainly. The fighting in the border town of Khiam is particularly intense right now. It’s been described as a “strategic gateway” by Israel, which has been trying to regain control of the area since its withdrawal in 2000. The Israeli military is reportedly using heavy artillery and air strikes to target Hezbollah positions, which they claim are threatening the security of their northern border.
David Stern: And Hezbollah has responded with its own attacks against Israeli soldiers. How significant is this back-and-forth?
Dr. El-Ghazali: It’s quite significant. Hezbollah’s ability to launch attacks against Israeli forces shows that they remain a formidable presence despite Israel’s military advancements. This could potentially lead to an all-out conflict, given the high stakes on both sides. The international community, including the U.S., has called for a diplomatic solution, but these calls can often fall on deaf ears in times of militarized engagement.
David Stern: Speaking of international responses, the U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently mentioned America’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution. How effective do you think these diplomatic efforts can be in the current crisis?
Dr. El-Ghazali: Diplomatic efforts are critical, but their effectiveness largely hinges on both local and international willingness to engage in serious negotiations. The complexities of the conflict, including ongoing hostilities and deep-seated grievances, create significant barriers. However, a robust diplomatic initiative could provide a pathway to de-escalation, particularly with the humanitarian crises unfolding.
David Stern: Speaking of humanitarian issues, we’ve learned about the tragic loss of life, including children, in the recent attacks. What implications does this have for civilian populations in Lebanon and Gaza?
Dr. El-Ghazali: The impact on civilians is devastating. In Lebanon, the reported deaths of families, including children, illustrates the perilous situation for those living near conflict zones. This not only heightens calls for humanitarian aid but also exacerbates tensions, as civilian casualties often fuel anger and resentment, potentially leading to more violence rather than peace.
David Stern: Hamas has also made headlines with the announcement of a hostage’s death, claiming that their lives are in danger. How does this psychological tactic play into the larger conflict dynamics?
Dr. El-Ghazali: Using hostages as a bargaining chip is a tactic employed by Hamas to exert pressure on the Israeli government. It creates a high-stakes scenario that complicates any negotiations. The suffering of hostages and their families resonates deeply within Israel, which can politically and emotionally influence public sentiment and government policy.
David Stern: Given these layers of complexity, what do you believe is the pathway forward for peace in the region?
Dr. El-Ghazali: Achieving peace will require a multifaceted approach. Engaging with local leaders, addressing humanitarian concerns, and fostering open lines of communication between all stakeholders are essential. An acknowledgment of mutual grievances and a commitment to non-violence are crucial starting points. The road is long and fraught with challenges, but it is a necessary journey for both Lebanon and Israel.
David Stern: Thank you, Dr. El-Ghazali. Your insights shed light on an incredibly complex situation. We can only hope for a resolution that brings peace to the region.
Dr. El-Ghazali: Thank you, David. I share that hope.
[Scene fades as the discussion wraps, highlighting the ongoing conflicts while emphasizing the need for dialog and humanitarian considerations.]
