international-relations-middle-east-conflict4.47 min read
Tensions Rise as Israeli Drone Strike Hits Near Isfahan, Iran
1 year ago•Source: The Guardian
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5.97 min•1 year ago
"Stalled Hostage Negotiations: Qatari PM Warns of Delicate Phase as Sinwar Mocks Progress"
Hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel are at a standstill after Hamas rejected a US proposal, leading to a suspension of contacts. The refusal has sparked tensions, with Hamas accusing the US of adopting the Israeli position and the US official criticizing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for keeping hostages to maintain the conflict. Families of the hostages are calling for action, with one urging a military intervention to retrieve the hostages from Gaza, while another emphasizes the need to return both living and deceased hostages for burial in Israel.
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Tensions Rise: US General Visits Israel Amid Threat of Imminent Attack from Iran
The New York Times•1 year ago
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"U.S. Officials Coordinate with Israel Amid Fears of Imminent Iranian Attack"
President Biden has reaffirmed the US commitment to defend Israel against potential Iranian attacks, amid rising concerns in Washington that Iran may launch a significant strike in retaliation for the bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus. Tensions have escalated with Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowing to retaliate against Israel, and Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, promising to respond if Iran attacks from its territory. The Biden administration is seeking to prevent escalation and maintain diplomatic efforts to deter further conflict in the region.
"Antony Blinken Questions World's Focus on Israel Amid Gaza Conflict"
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed frustration at the lack of outrage directed at Hamas for its actions, contrasting it with the criticism of Israeli and U.S. foreign policy. He emphasized the need for Hamas to cease its violence and expressed concern over potential Israeli military operations in Rafah, urging for a focus on minimizing civilian casualties. Talks are ongoing in Cairo to secure a deal to end the devastating war and bring home hostages held by Hamas.
"Iran's Influence in the Middle East: Shaping Conflict and Threatening Israel"
The Israel-Hamas conflict has disrupted U.S. efforts to pivot away from the Middle East, leading to increased American engagement in the region. Iran, a primary patron of Hamas, has exploited the chaos to advance its own interests, including escalating the war, expanding its influence, and challenging U.S. hegemony. The conflict has also complicated U.S. efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. To counter Iran's ambitions, the Biden administration must work with regional allies to erode Hamas's capabilities, ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians, and outline a path to peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
Netanyahu: Hamas is Blocking Hostage Deal, Israel 'One Step Away' from Victory
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refutes US President Joe Biden's claims that Israel is preventing a hostage deal, stating that it is Hamas obstructing the agreement. Netanyahu insists that there will be no ceasefire without the return of the hostages and vows to destroy Hamas. Negotiations in Cairo aim to revive a deal for a temporary pause in the war in exchange for the release of some captives, with the main sticking point being the return of Palestinians to their homes in Gaza. Netanyahu also emphasizes the threat posed by Iran and calls for national unity amidst domestic tensions.
"Breaking: Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates in Gaza and the Middle East"
The recovery of a hostage's body in Gaza has fueled anger and grief in Israel, as thousands gather to demand the return of over 130 hostages still missing since October. Israeli officials are meeting with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to discuss a hostage deal, while President Biden pressures for an immediate ceasefire and hostage return. Meanwhile, Israel is on high alert, awaiting a promised strike by Iran in response to an Israeli attack in Syria that killed several senior Iranian commanders. Aid workers in Gaza face unusual challenges, including nighttime travel, as they navigate the conflict zone to deliver essential supplies.
"Iran Threatens Retaliation for Deadly Strike on Consulate as Israel Braces for Tensions"
The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard has vowed retaliation against Israel for an apparent airstrike that killed seven Guard members, including two Iranian generals, at the Iranian embassy in Syria. The strike, attributed to Israel, has escalated tensions between the two archenemies, raising fears of a widening regional conflict amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Iran's proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, have also been involved in recent attacks, and the funeral procession for the slain Guard members in Tehran included chants of "death to Israel" and threats of retribution.
"Iran's Retaliation Threatens Escalation in Israel Conflict"
U.S. officials are working to distance themselves from recent Israeli military actions in Syria and Gaza, including a strike on an Iranian embassy building in Damascus and an attack on a humanitarian convoy in Gaza. The strikes have raised tensions in the region and drawn criticism from aid groups and other countries. Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel, and the U.S. is being held accountable for Israeli actions due to its support for the Israeli military. The U.S. has urged Israel to conduct impartial investigations into the incidents, but has not condemned the attacks.
"Iran Hosts Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas Meetings Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict"
Leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas visited Iran, signaling a potential new phase in the conflict with Israel. The visits come amidst Ramadan unrest and on the eve of the six-month anniversary of the October 7 massacre. Iran aims to unite these groups in meetings to coordinate multiple fronts against Israel, potentially escalating tensions. Iran's annual "World Quds Day" on April 5 may further exacerbate the situation. Iran seeks to leverage recent events to create more successes in other arenas, viewing it as part of a larger war for the world order.
"Palestinian Leaders Express Confidence in Victory Over Israel with Iran's Support"
The leader of the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, Ziad al-Nakhalah, vowed victory over Israel in the war in Gaza during talks in Tehran with Iran’s foreign minister. Iran provides financial and political support to Islamic Jihad and Hamas, and both groups emphasized the need for intensifying resistance and thanked other anti-Israeli militant groups for their support. The U.N Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire and the unconditional release of hostages in Gaza, where nearly six months of war have caused widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis.
"Escalating Tensions: Israel-Hamas Conflict Updates and US Involvement"
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is set to meet with U.S. officials in Washington despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cancellation of another high-level delegation's visit to the U.S. over the U.N. Security Council's abstention on a cease-fire resolution. The U.S. expressed support for defeating Hamas but opposed a major ground operation in Rafah, while Israel and Hamas blamed each other for lack of progress in cease-fire talks in Qatar. The U.S. stated that its abstention did not signal a change in policy, and casualties in Gaza continue to rise amid the ongoing conflict.