The Israeli occupation has been conducting combing operations across Mount Hermon’s peak, seeking to establish a position overlooking rural Damascus.
The Israeli occupation forces are combing the entirety of Mount Hermon’s peak, and are establishing a new post overlooking Damascus‘ southwestern countryside, local sources told Al Mayadeen on Monday.
According to exclusive sources, the Israeli army seized military equipment in the area, as well as the wreckage of an Israeli helicopter downed during the 1973 war.
On Sunday, a local source told Al Mayadeen that Israeli tanks and armored patrols infiltrated the al-Hamidiyah axis in the countryside of Quneitra towards the provincial center in the town of al-Baath, southwest of Syria, coinciding with inspection campaigns carried out by Israeli forces, which targeted some homes and farms in the villages of the central countryside.
Israeli occupation forces also indiscriminately opened fire toward the al-Hamidiyah and al-Hurriya forests in the Quneitra countryside, local sources reported, amid movements the IOF suspected near the “disengagement line”.
IOF establish permanent posts along Syria ‘disengagement line’
This comes in light of the IOF having established seven permanent positions throughout the buffer zone along the line, which stretches across the rural areas of Damascus, Daraa, and Quneitra.
The positions are as follows: Hermon 1, Hermon 2, and the Beit Jinn Gap on the slopes of Mount Sheikh in the southwestern rural area of Damascus; Qurs al-Nafal Hill, west of Hader in northern Quneitra; Kassarat Jubat al-Khashab in northern Quneitra; the 74th barracks in southern Quneitra; and the al-Jazeera barracks at the Syrian-Jordanian border in the Yarmouk Basin in western Daraa.
Points 1 and 2 in Mount Hermon provide a strategic vantage point, overlooking the capital Damascus, and its entire western suburbs.
To date, “Israel” has completely occupied nearly 500 square kilometers of southern Syria, demolishing all Syrian military sites on the slopes of Mount Hermon and the hills of Quneitra and Daraa.
The Israeli occupation forces bomb Kfar Kila and Taybeh, south Lebanon (Dec 22, 2024)
The Lebanese Red Cross has facilitated the release of seven Lebanese citizens detained by Israeli occupation forces after the ceasefire agreement, transporting them from the Ras Al-Naqoura border crossing, according to Al-Manar’s correspondent in southern Lebanon.
The correspondent also noted that the released individuals would undergo medical examinations at a hospital in Tyre before being handed over to Lebanese Army intelligence in Sidon.
#BREAKING The Lebanese Red Cross, along with UNIFIL, received 7 Lebanese who were kidnapped by Israel after the ceasefire from the Wazzani and Tyre Harfa Triangle areas. pic.twitter.com/30HPmuekbT
This development follows the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from locations in the border town of Al-Naqoura, adjacent to occupied Palestine.
Ongoing Israeli Violations
In related developments, an Israeli occupation infantry unit, supported by armored Hummer vehicles, advanced this morning to the intersection of the Al-Mari and Ain Arab villages in the Marjayoun and Hasbaya districts of southern Lebanon. The Zionist troops raided homes in the village of “Rihanet Bari,” located near Al-Mari and north of the border town of Abbassieh.
Al-Manar’s correspondent reported that the advancing forces spread throughout the village while another Israeli enemy unit stationed itself on the outskirts of Ain Arab. These incursions are part of the Israeli enemy’s continued daily violations of the ceasefire agreement, which has been in place for roughly three weeks.
Explosions in Southern Villages
Israeli occupation forces also continued conducting explosions in various southern Lebanese villages, with the latest occurring today in the western sector, where loud detonations were heard. This follows a series of aggressions in the region yesterday.
During the night, explosions were reported in Kfar Kila and the eastern outskirts of Al-Taybeh. Israeli forces were observed moving from Al-Azziyah Hill, east of Al-Taybeh, toward Deir Mimas. The movement caused collisions with multiple vehicles in Deir Mimas as another Zionist unit blocked roads leading to the Al-Khardali area from the Deir Mimas side.
شدّد قائد الثورة والجمهورية الإسلامية في إيران، السيد علي خامنئي، على أنه “مخطئ من يكرّر أن إيران خسرت قواتها بالنيابة لأن ايران لا تمتلك قوات بالنيابة من الأصل”، مؤكّداً عدم حاجة إيران لقوات بالنيابة.
وأشار السيد خامنئي إلى أنّ “مخطّط أميركا لفرض هيمنتها على بلد ما يكون إما تنصيب نظام استبدادي يخدم مصلحتها، أو إثارة الفوضى”، مؤكداً أن “مخطّط أميركا في سوريا هو نشر الفوضى والشغب”.
وشدّد على أن الأميركيين الذين “يقولون إنهم سيدعمون من يثير الفوضى في إيران”، هم “حمقى واهمون جداً ومخطئون”، فالشعب الإيراني “سيسحقّ كلّ من يقبل أن يصبح مرتزقة للولايات المتحدة”.
ورأى أنّ اعتبار أميركا والكيان الصهيوني ومن يدعمهما بأنهم انتصروا ليس إلا “هذياناً وكلاماً فارغاً”.
وتساءل السيد خامنئي: أين كان انتصاركم؟ هل كان في غزة بقتل أكثر من 40 ألف بريء أو بالقضاء على حماس أو بتحرير الأسرى من غزة؟
وقال إنّ “الكيان الصهيوني أراد القضاء على حزب الله لكنّ حزب الله اليوم حيّ والمقاومة الفلسطينية حية وحماس حية وحركة الجهاد حية”.
وأضاف السيد خامنئي، “أتوقّع أن تؤدّي الأحداث في سوريا إلى ظهور مجموعة من الشرفاء الأقوياء”، فالشباب السوري “ليس لديهم ما يخسرونه”، إذ إنّ “جامعاتهم، ومدارسهم، ومنازلهم، وشوارعهم وحياتهم غير آمنة، ولذا عليهم أن يواجهوا من خطّطوا لزعزعة أمن بلادهم ومن نفّذوا ذلك وسيتغلّبون عليهم” وسيكون “مستقبل المنطقة أفضل من واقعها الحالي”.
يُذكر أنّ حكومة الاحتلال سارعت فور الإعلان عن سقوط النظام السوري السابق إلى التوغّل في الجولان السوري المحتل وتوسّعت في عمق ريف دمشق الجنوبي على امتداد الحدود مع لبنان، وفي ريف القنيطرة الجنوبي عند الحدود الإدارية لمحافظة درعا، بالتوازي مع احتلالها الكامل لحوض اليرموك.
وفي حين باتت قوات الاحتلال على بعد 15 كلم من الطريق الدولية بين دمشق وبيروت، فإنّها سيطرت أيضاً على أهم المنابع المائية العذبة الموجودة في جنوبي سوريا في حوض اليرموك.
أكد الرئيس الروسي فلاديمير بوتين أنّ روسيا «لم تُهزم في سورية بل حققنا أهدافنا هناك»، مشيراً إلى أنّ بلاده تدخلت عسكرياً في سورية «لمنع نشوء كيان إرهابي فيها».
ولفت بوتين، خلال مؤتمر صحافي سنوي، أنّ موسكو تفكر بشأن مستقبل قواعدها في سورية «انطلاقاً من تصرفات السلطات الحالية هناك»، وقال: «لا نعلم إلى أيّ درجة نحن بحاجة لقواعدنا في سورية وما الذي يمكن أن تقدّمه، لكن علينا أن نبحث ما إذا كنّا سنحتفظ بقواعدنا العسكرية هناك».
وكشف أنّ روسيا أجلت 4 آلاف مقاتل من قاعدة حميميم إلى إيران بطلب من طهران، موضحاً أنّ جزءاً من «القوات المحسوبة على إيران غادر إلى لبنان وآخر إلى العراق».
من جهة أخرى، أكد بوتين أنه لم يلتقِ الرئيس بشار الأسد، لكنه “عازم على مقابلته”.
وعن الحرب في أوكرانيا، قال بوتين إنّ “القوات الروسية تقترب من تحقيق أهدافها الأساسية في أرض المعركة في أوكرانيا وتتمكّن كلّ يوم من السيطرة على مساحات كبيرة من الأراضي”، مؤكداً أنّها “تتقدّم على طول جبهة المواجهة”.
كما أكد أنّ القوات الأوكرانية في منطقة كورسك الروسية “ستُجبر بالتأكيد على الخروج” من دون الإشارة إلى موعد محدد.
وطمأن الرئيس الروسي إلى أنّ “الاقتصاد الروسي مستقرّ على الرغم من بعض العوامل التي تؤدي إلى ارتفاع التضخم”، مشيراً إلى أنه “قد ينمو بأربعة في المئة هذا العام إلّا أن التضخم يبعث بإشارة مثيرة للقلق”.
The Yemeni Armed Forces successfully thwarted an American-British attack on the country, shooting down an F-18, forcing the USS Harry Truman to withdraw, and warning of further action to defend Yemen and support Palestine.
The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced a significant victory in repelling an American-British attack against the country, which was reportedly orchestrated to support the oppression of the Palestinian people and in retaliation for the ongoing support front that the Yemeni people have launched after October 7.
According to a statement from the Yemeni military, an operation was carried out with eight cruise missiles and 17 drones. The operation led to several key outcomes:
First, the Yemeni forces successfully shot down an F-18 aircraft, while enemy destroyers attempted to confront the Yemeni drones and missiles launched against the aircraft carrier simultaneous to the US-UK aggression against the country.
Second, the statement noted, most of the hostile aircraft retreated from Yemeni airspace to international waters in the Red Sea in an effort to defend the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman, which was being targeted.
Third, the attack launched by the coalition on Yemeni territory failed, and the Yemeni Armed Forces marked a crucial defeat for the aggressors.
Fourth, the USS Harry S. Truman, after being subjected to multiple attacks from the missile force, naval forces, and air force, withdrew from its previous location in the Red Sea towards the northern waters.
The Yemeni Armed Forces, while confirming their success in thwarting the American-British aggression, reaffirmed their readiness to confront any further American-British-Israeli provocations in the future.
The statement concluded with a strong warning directed at the Israeli and American forces: “The Yemeni Armed Forces warn the Israeli and American enemy against aggression on Yemen and that the Yemeni Armed Forces will use their full right to defend Yemen and continue to support the Palestinian people until the aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted.”
It is worth noting that earlier, the US Armed Forces had claimed that a US Navy F/A-18 fighter jet was shot down by friendly fire over the Red Sea.
US-UK aggression on Sanaa, Israeli media rush to deny IOF involvement
A violent explosion rocked the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Saturday evening, with reports of intensive fighter jet activity in the skies, according to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent who confirmed that two airstrikes targeted Mount Attan, located south of the city.
Yemen’s state news agency, SABA, reported that American-British warplanes carried out an aggression targeting Sanaa’s Attan area.
In turn, Israeli media quickly denied any involvement, which comes amid escalating tensions between “Israel” and Yemen.
These tensions have been further fueled by “Israel’s” increasing threats against Sanaa, particularly in light of its continued support for Palestine, its people, and its Resistance.
CENTCOM published a statement on X announcing the aggression against Yemen. In the statement, CENTCOM claimed to have targeted Ansar Allah’s “missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility.”
The statement also claimed that the attack aimed “to disrupt and degrade Houthi operations, such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden.”
Additionally, it stated that “CENTCOM forces also shot down multiple Houthi one way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) over the Red Sea,” adding that the aggression “involved U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including F/A-18s.”
Meanwhile, Sanaa’s Information Minister Hashem Sharaf al-Din commented on the aggression saying that Washington has clearly “learned from [past] mistakes,” adding that the US will continue to be “humiliated” by Yemenis.
On his part, Sanaa’s Foreign Minister Jamal Ahmad Amer said that any state that assists Israeli aggression on Yemen would be considered a partner of the aggression.
Robert Inlakesh is a political analyst, journalist and documentary filmmaker currently based in London, UK. He has reported from and lived in the occupied Palestinian territories and hosts the show ‘Palestine Files’. Director of ‘Steal of the Century: Trump’s Palestine-Israel Catastrophe’. Follow him on Twitter @falasteen47
A CNN report claiming to show one of its journalists freeing a Syrian detainee from a secret prison has been debunked as false. Far from an isolated incident, this report aligns with a broader pattern of fabricated news stories crafted to serve as cinematic propaganda in support of regime change.
On December 12, CNN correspondent Clarissa Ward appeared in a broadcast report focused on prisoners reportedly freed following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The segment captured Ward and her crew filming the dramatic moment of a prisoner’s release. The footage showed the detainee lying under a blanket before raising his hands above his head as Ward approached.
The dramatic report concluded with the freed prisoner gazing skyward in apparent awe before leaning forward to kiss the CNN reporter. However, skepticism about the authenticity of the story quickly emerged. Observers pointed to glaring inconsistencies and narrative holes, fueling speculation that the entire scene may have been staged.
An investigative report published by Verify-SY, a Syrian fact-checking platform, on December 15 substantiated the suspicions circulating on social media. The report revealed that the identity of the man featured in the broadcast had been misrepresented. Initially identified as Adel Ghurbal, it was later uncovered that his true name is Salama Mohammed Salama.
Not only was the man’s name misreported, but he was far from an ordinary civilian. Verify-SY uncovered that he was, in fact, an intelligence officer who had served as a first lieutenant in the Syrian Air Force under Bashar al-Assad’s government. The discrepancies in the report quickly gained wider attention, with France24’s True or Fake segment investigating the claims. In response, CNN defended the report’s authenticity but conceded that the prisoner’s identity might have been inaccurately portrayed.
Instead of issuing a formal apology for the flawed report—which sparked accusations that CNN had undermined genuine stories of recently released prisoners—the network chose to publish a piece that appeared to fact-check itself. In its self-assessment, CNN acknowledged the error in misidentifying Salama but maintained that no foul play had occurred.
However, a Kurdish activist on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted a critical inconsistency in the CNN report. The activist pointed out that the Syrian opposition had raided the Air Force intelligence prison two days before CNN’s arrival, freeing all its prisoners during a Facebook livestream of the event. “So for 2 days the cell was locked despite all other cells having been opened…?” the activist remarked, questioning the narrative’s plausibility. They also noted that the prisoner’s condition appeared inconsistent with that of other freed detainees.
This is not the first time CNN’s chief international correspondent, Clarissa Ward, has faced scrutiny for allegedly staging elements of her reports. In October 2023, Ward reported from a location near Gaza, where she was shown dramatically taking cover beside a road as a “massive barrage of rockets” was described as passing overhead.
Although a doctored version of the video featuring a fake voiceover circulated online, falsely portrayed as a leaked version of the report, the original broadcast still drew criticism for its seemingly staged nature. The way the scene was directed appeared overly dramatized, designed for maximum television impact. No evidence was presented to substantiate claims that there was rocket fire nearby, and no sirens were heard during the segment.
Another CNN report faced backlash in 2018 when journalist Arwa Damon was filmed sniffing a backpack for traces of chemicals at the site of an alleged sarin gas attack in Douma. Critics were quick to point out the implausibility of such an act, as exposure to sarin—a highly toxic nerve agent—could have caused severe illness or death.
While genuine accounts of prisoner liberations are often harrowing, they bore little resemblance to the narrative crafted in Clarissa Ward’s report. This tactic of amplifying specific stories while downplaying others has been a recurring theme in CNN’s coverage, most notably during the Gaza-Israel war.
In a particularly infamous instance, CNN’s Sara Sidner reported that Israeli babies had been beheaded in the Kibbutz of Kfar Aza—a claim that later unraveled. Sidner eventually issued an apology over the inaccuracy of her report.
On June 17, 2011, then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton publicly voiced her “concerns” over allegations that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s troops were using rape as a weapon of war. These claims were initially based on a report by none other than CNN’s Sara Sidner, who later retracted the story. Despite the retraction, the narrative gained traction after U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, testified before the Security Council that Gaddafi was allegedly supplying his troops with Viagra to encourage mass rape. The dramatic nature of the accusations ensured they would remain in the public consciousness, even as subsequent investigations were debunking the claims.
In another example of CNN’s role in amplifying dubious narratives, the network contributed to the 2020 controversy surrounding alleged “bounties” paid to the Taliban for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan. While most mainstream media outlets attributed the claims to Russian involvement, CNN ran a report citing two unnamed sources who alleged that Iran was behind the payments.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the story gained traction only for the narrative to unravel the following year. In 2021, the Biden administration acknowledged that the CIA intelligence underpinning these reports was “inconclusive.”
Even after retractions, such misinformation often persists in the public’s mind, leaving an enduring impact on what policies and wars they support. CNN’s consistent alignment of errors with U.S. government narratives raises questions about the systemic biases and editorial practices that enable such claims to gain traction in the first place.
Hezbollah has suffered a significant blow with the loss of its Syrian supply route and major setbacks on the battlefield. However, the movement’s ability to adapt – through local weaponry production, scaling back operations, and tapping into black market networks – has enabled its survival and set it on a path to recovery as the year draws to an unpredictable close.
Since the devastating setbacks in September, Hezbollah has faced a grueling test of resilience. The losses have been severe – key leaders, cadres, and fighters have fallen – but the damage has not been limited to the human cost.
A significant portion of Hezbollah’s extensive arsenal, spanning light and heavy weaponry, has been targeted and disrupted, leaving the group in need of urgent reconstruction alongside its allies in the Axis of Resistance.
As the guns fell temporarily silent in Lebanon with the onset of an already violated ceasefire, the conflict took on a new dimension in neighboring Syria. Armed factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) – formerly known as the Nusra Front – launched a swift and coordinated offensive, seizing one city after another, leading to the fall of Damascus.
The speed of their advance triggered the collapse of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s government in a matter of 11 days. Assad’s government was a critical ally of Hezbollah and a key logistical artery for the transfer of weapons and fighters from Iran. This collapse marked the severing of a lifeline that had long sustained Hezbollah’s military operations.
Hezbollah loses the Syrian supply line
Meanwhile, Israel intensified its aerial campaign, carrying out hundreds of precision strikes across Syria. These targeted not only the Syrian army’s strategic stockpiles but also warehouses used by Hezbollah and its allies as reserve storage. The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, confirmed on Saturday what many had already suspected: the supply route through Syria has been severed.
“Yes, Hezbollah has lost the military supply route through Syria at this stage, but this loss is a detail in the resistance’s work,” Qassem said before adding, “A new regime could come, and this route could return to normal, and we could look for other ways.”
This predicament raises fundamental questions: Can Hezbollah overcome the loss of its most vital supply line? What strategies might allow it to adapt to this new reality? Are there alternative pathways to replenish its capabilities?
The role of domestic manufacturing
Hezbollah’s resilience in overcoming past crises has largely relied on its focus on local manufacturing, especially of missiles and drones. Over the years, the resistance movement has domestically developed and modified weapon systems, combining ingenuity with limited resources.
Many of the launchers destroyed in recent strikes were locally produced, including those designed for saturation missile launches like the Fadi rocket.
In the field of precision missiles, systems such as Nasr 1 and Qader 2 appear to be modified versions of older models, like Zelzal and Khaybar, equipped with upgraded guidance systems. While most physical components – bodies, warheads, and fuel – are produced locally, critical electronic parts, despite being smaller and more discreet, may have been smuggled in or assembled using civilian-grade materials.
The same applies to drones. Systems like the Ababil 2-T and Shahed 101 have gained prominence precisely because their design relies heavily on civilian technologies: engines, imaging devices, and basic guidance systems. Warheads are then tailored to meet specific operational needs.
The expertise to produce these weapons remains unharmed. Yet what is uncertain is the extent to which Hezbollah can rebuild its production capacity under current pressures, given the difficulties in acquiring specialized components like thermal sensors or military-grade electronics.
Adapting strategy: Downsizing and redefining priorities
Faced with immense logistical challenges and diminishing resources, Hezbollah may need to transition from an offensive strategy to a more defensive stance. Previously, the group maintained two distinct forces in southern Lebanon: the geographic defense units, such as the Nasr and Aziz that were tasked with holding territory, and the elite Radwan Brigade trained for offensive operations deep into northern Israel.
The changing realities on the ground may now compel Hezbollah to redirect its offensive forces to bolster defensive operations. This would not only reduce logistical demands but also align with the group’s immediate needs: secrecy, flexibility, and a focus on resilience.
Naturally, defensive operations require fewer specialized weapons and mostly rely on geographic familiarity and asymmetric tactics. The recent Israeli strikes primarily inflicted losses on offensive capabilities – assets that may no longer be immediately necessary.
By consolidating its forces, Hezbollah can reallocate its resources to rebuilding its defensive infrastructure while maintaining strategic reserves for contingencies.
Smuggling and the black market
While the Syrian supply route has been disrupted due to the collapse of the Assad government, alternative avenues for acquiring arms remain. Lebanon’s black market has long served as a source for small and medium weapons, including machine guns, sniper rifles, and ammunition.
Smuggling networks – by land, sea, or even air – have proven resilient in the past and may provide a temporary solution. Despite international monitoring efforts led by an unreliable UNIFIL and western powers, Hezbollah could take advantage of enforcement gaps, similar to how weapons shipments previously reached Syrian rebels undetected.
Smuggling is risky, but history shows that where there is demand, supply routes will emerge – however clandestine they may be.
As long as trade routes exist, so will the black market and smuggling, allowing people to acquire what they need at the right price, much like the Lutfallah ship did when it entered to supply arms to the Syrian rebels in the past.
A partner in post-Assad Syria?
While Hezbollah was once firmly aligned with Assad, the movement has shown pragmatism in dealing with Syria’s new leadership – despite ongoing hostilities and Israeli incursions. The new authority in Damascus faces a stark choice: align with Arab states that favor normalization with the occupation state, or seek alternative alliances to secure its survival.
If it opts for the latter, a renewed partnership with Iran and Hezbollah cannot be ruled out. However, such a scenario remains distant, contingent on shifting political and military dynamics. As Naim Qassem said in his speech on Saturday:
“We also hope that this new ruling party will consider Israel an enemy and not normalise relations with it. These are the headlines that will affect the nature of the relationship between us and Syria.”
The blow dealt to Hezbollah in recent months is undeniable, but it is far from decisive. While the loss of Syria as a supply line poses a significant challenge, the resistance movement’s history is one of adaptation and resilience.
From local manufacturing to strategic downsizing and exploiting black market networks, Hezbollah has proven its ability to adjust to even the harshest circumstances. While the current phase may be one of the most challenging the group has encountered, it is not without precedent.
Since its formation during the Lebanese Civil War and Israel’s ill-fated invasion of south Lebanon, Hezbollah has consistently demonstrated its ability to operate discreetly, adapt strategically, and endure when survival is at stake. Regardless of whether the resistance movement will ally with the new Syrian government or not, its primary focus remains clear: to weather the storm and emerge intact, prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
With Assad gone, Syria’s future hangs in the balance as foreign powers and internal divisions threaten to pull the country apart. Can a unified state emerge, or is partition inevitable?
For years, discussions of Syria’s Balkanization have lingered as a realistic option that could be imposed on the country one day. The recent political upheaval – marked by the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad – has brought the break-up of the Syrian Arab Republic back into focus.
Over the past decade, Syria has become a stage for competing foreign powers. Russia and Iran supported the Assad government, while the US and its allies, including France, the UK, and Italy, aligned with opposition groups. The actions of Turkiye, and to a lesser extent Qatar, meanwhile, reflected their own ambitions in the fertile crescent of the Levant.
Until recently, four countries – Russia, Iran, Turkiye, and the US – maintained a significant military presence in Syria, collectively controlling 801 bases and outposts, according to this year’s data from the Jusoor Center for Studies.
Competing for influence
Each country’s strategy reflects its interests – with Turkiye supporting the dominant militant faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a UN-designated terrorist organization, and Washington backing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Ultimately, they all contribute to Syria’s fragmented sovereignty and the competing agendas that dominate its future.
With the collapse of Syria’s former authority, Iran and Hezbollah’s withdrawal, and Russia’s growing uncertainty about its future military presence, new dynamics have emerged that could determine the country’s future. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are taking steps to counterbalance the growing power of HTS and its leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, more commonly known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani.
These Persian Gulf states view recent developments as both a threat and an opportunity. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi fear the return of political Islam, heavily backed by Ankara and Doha, through a Damascus-led gateway. Simultaneously, they see a chance to strengthen their investments in opposition groups to secure influence in shaping Syria’s next ruling structure.
Other than Israel, which now controls swathes of southern Syria, Turkiye has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of Assad’s fall. Long opposing his rule, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his stance as early as 2011, warning Assad that his reign would inevitably end.
In November of that year, the Turkish president reportedly told Assad at a meeting in Istanbul: “You can stay in power with tanks and cannons only for a certain period. The day will come when you will leave as well.”
Map showing Syrian territories seized by the Israeli military following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Turkiye and the Kurdish threat
Ankara has consistently pursued its strategic goals in Syria, particularly in curbing Kurdish territorial ambitions. Erdogan repeatedly vowed to launch military operations in northern Syria, aiming to eliminate fighters linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara, the US, and the EU have officially designated a terrorist organization.
The fall of Assad offered Turkiye an unprecedented opportunity to assert its dominance and block the formation of an independent Kurdish entity, and Ankara’s early support of Julani provided it with leverage over its rivals.
Fighting escalated between Turkish-backed forces, including the Syrian National Army (SNA), and US-supported Kurdish militants in the northeast as HTS-led forces gained momentum. Recently, clashes intensified around Ain al-Arab (Kobani), where Turkish troops and their allied militias reportedly massed, raising fears of a new cross-border offensive.
Washington brokered a ceasefire earlier this month between Ankara, Turkish-backed militants, and US-backed Kurdish forces, which has now been extended to the end of this week, according to the US State Department.
However, a Turkish Defense Ministry official disputed this claim on 19 December, telling Reuters that there is no talk of a ceasefire.
Turkish forces continued strikes in areas like Ain al-Arab and Ain Issa, showcasing Ankara’s readiness to capitalize on its current strategic advantage.
Erdogan’s confidence stems from Turkiye’s strengthened position as rival powers like Iran and Russia diminish in influence. Meanwhile, Ankara’s growing sway complicates the SDF’s ability to garner regional support, leaving the group at its weakest point.
The SDF’s recent decision to adopt the three-starred Syrian independence flag suggests an attempt to integrate into Syria’s post-Assad political framework, but its future remains precarious, with fears of renewed attacks by ISIS and other adversaries.
The semi-autonomous Kurdish administration described the flag as a “symbol of this new stage, as it expresses the aspirations of the Syrian people towards freedom, dignity and national unity.”
Partition: A divisive question
The question of Syria’s partition remains unresolved, influenced by overlapping local, regional, and international factors. The idea gained traction during the so-called Arab Spring and has recently resurfaced, as has the notion of a revival of the Arab Spring and its loosely defined ideals.
Assad’s fall has reignited speculation about splitting the state into distinct entities, including a Sunni-majority region, a Kurdish-controlled federal zone, an Alawite stronghold along the coast, and a Druze enclave in the south.
The transitional government’s ability to maintain Syria’s unity will be a critical factor in testing its stated intention to keep Syria’s territorial integrity whole. Opposition forces, now returning to their original territories, may reorganize and seek roles in shaping the country’s administration.
This recalls the emergence of ‘Rojava’ in northeastern Syria, where the Kurds, in March 2016, declared a federal system from the province of Hasakah. While the Syrian government and most opposition groups rejected this move, the Kurds managed to maintain control over nearly a third of Syria in the intervening years.
Alongside this, discussions about an Alawite stronghold along the coastal Sahel and a Druze entity centered in Suwayda have also regained momentum. In southern Syria, some local armed groups from Suwayda and Daraa, which border Jordan, have actively participated in joint operations with opposition factions.
Map showing the partitioning of Syrian territories based on the speculations that first emerged during the so-called Arab Spring, and are now resurfacing after Assad’s fall.
Holding together a fragile state
It must be noted that the exit of opposition militants from northern Syria and their entrance into all Syrian territories means that the groups once under HTS rule in Idlib have today returned to their basic geography and demographics. This raises the possibility that these groups will reconstitute themselves in their areas and demand a share within the new administration of the country.
The current political stage is marked by anticipation of whether HTS and the interim government can prevent further chaos and consolidate governance under their umbrella. Its leader, Julani, appears to be racing against time to establish a new authority before internal divisions grow insurmountable, all while Israel maintains its grip on the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
His strategy includes preserving state institutions, accommodating both resident foreign fighters and minority groups, and sending overtures to Arab states and western powers.
These overtures focus on economic recovery, avoiding incendiary Islamic rhetoric, downplaying Israel’s massive territorial grab in southern Syria, and distancing Damascus from Iran and its allies, all while aiming to encourage the west to lift sanctions. The biggest challenge facing the new authorities is whether they can achieve stability and unity, or whether internal fractures and external pressures will drive Syria further toward chaos and fragmentation.
Map showing the current distribution of control accross Syrian territories.
People walk past tents set up as temporary shelters by displaced families fleeing the Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, on Beirut’s corniche, Lebanon, on Monday, October 14, 2024. (AP)
The so-called evacuation orders issued by the Israeli occupation triggered waves of mass displacement, placed civilians at risk, and violated all standards of international humanitarian law.
The forced displacement orders issued for Lebanon by the Israeli military during the 62-day war were “woefully inadequate, unnecessarily dangerous and likely illegal,” Oxfam stated in a recent report.
The so-called “evacuation warnings”, targeting 25% of Lebanon’s territories and forcing at least 1.4 million civilians out of their homes and towns, were either notices for the mass displacement of civilians or encompassed vague directives, the organization affirmed.
The report, titled “Forced Displacement Orders: Debunking the Myth of Humane Attacks,” saw ActionAid and Oxfam examine evacuation warnings issued between September 23 and October 31. The findings of the analysis found that the 136 notices could amount to a “forcible transfer” campaign and consequently a violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
The aftermath of the evacuation notices was the displacement of millions of civilians and thousands of families into shelters or the streets, rendering them illegitimate and unsafe, and raising grave concerns for potential war crimes.
‘Chaos, destruction, disruption’
The report further found that the notices were impossible to comply with and triggered waves of mass displacement that failed to meet all IHL standards, which demand effective, clear, and specific warnings that give civilians sufficient time to safely leave, as well as a timeline for them to return home.
Out of the 3,334 Israeli airstrikes conducted over the examined timeframe, only 117 (3.5%) are- specific forced displacements notices were issued. On average, the notices were sent only 15-45 minutes before a strike, with the majority issued in the middle of the night between 10 pm and 4 am.
“The chaos, destruction, and disruption caused by these displacements will continue to affect the most vulnerable communities long after the ceasefire,” said Oxfam Lebanon Country Director Bachir Ayoub, further explaining that entire families and communities, a significant majority of whom were already vulnerable, were forced out of their homes and thrown into life-threatening conditions.
He further stressed the implications of the war, such as gender-based violence in shelters, the disruption of schooling for thousands of children, and the absence of hygienic standards amid the absence of clean water and healthcare services.
A ceasefire to mitigate all dangers
Therefore, to help the tens of thousands of civilians who remain unable to return home rebuild their lives and to safeguard Lebanon’s fragile peace, the agencies are urging efforts to maintain the current ceasefire in Lebanon, secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, and ensure the prompt and safe return of displaced people in southern Lebanon.
“The only way to protect people in Lebanon from further upheaval is to agree to an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Lebanon and in Gaza. Until then, families in Lebanon will continue to live in fear that bombs could start dropping on their homes again at any moment,” Sudipta Kumar, ActionAid’s Regional Director for the Arab Region, said.
This comes as the Israeli occupation continues breaching the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, launching airstrikes and raiding southern villages it was unable to infiltrate during the war.
The Israeli occupation army has, for the first time, acknowledged, on Wednesday, that settlers successfully crossed the border into Lebanon and erected tents, claiming the area for settlement.
Israeli media exposed the alarming violation from the Israeli side, as settlers from the “Ori HaTzafon” movement (The Northern Skins), known for advocating settlement in South Lebanon, breached Lebanese territory.
Initially denied by the Israeli army, an internal investigation confirmed that settlers crossed several meters beyond the Blue Line and audaciously set up tents on Lebanese soil. This provocative act, met with delayed acknowledgment, underscores yet another Israeli violation of the current ceasefire.
An Israeli occupation Air Force Black Hawk helicopter flies over Mount Hermon near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)
“Israel” has set up seven permanent military positions along the “disengagement line” in southern Syria, including strategic points overseeing Damascus and its suburbs.
Israeli occupation forces have indiscriminately opened fire toward the al-Hamidiyah and al-Hurriya forests in the Quneitra countryside, local sources told Al Mayadeen amid movements the IOF suspected near the “disengagement line”.
This comes in light of the IOF having established seven permanent positions throughout the buffer zone along the line, which stretches across the rural areas of Damascus, Daraa, and Quneitra.
The positions are as follows: Hermon 1, Hermon 2, and the Beit Jinn Gap on the slopes of Mount Sheikh in the southwestern rural area of Damascus; Qurs al-Nafal Hill, west of Hader in northern Quneitra; Kassarat Jubat al-Khashab in northern Quneitra; the 74th barracks in southern Quneitra; and the al-Jazeera barracks at the Syrian-Jordanian border in the Yarmouk Basin in western Daraa.
Points 1 and 2 in Mount Hermon provide a strategic vantage point, overlooking the capital Damascus and its entire western suburbs.
To date, “Israel” has completely occupied nearly 500 square kilometers of southern Syria, demolishing all Syrian military sites on the slopes of Mount Hermon and the hills of Quneitra and Daraa.
The Israeli occupation’s military has expanded its advance in southern Syria, starting from the town of Sayda and moving eastward, advancing 9 kilometers deep, reaching three important water bodies in the area: Sheikh Hussein, the Sahm Golan Dam, and the western Bakara.
IOF admit to opening fire on protesters in southern Syria
Earlier in the day, the Israeli occupation forces acknowledged their use of live ammunition against protesters in southern Syria, claiming the action targeted what they described as a “threat.”
According to an IOF statement, one protester sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the village of Maaria.
The incident unfolded during a demonstration against the Israeli military presence and its encroachment on agricultural lands in the area.
Residents of the multiple towns in the Yarmouk Basin, in the western Daraa countryside, in southern Syria, protested on Friday the presence of Israeli occupation forces in the area.
Locals demanded the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the area, specifically the al-Jazeera barracks. Demonstrators demanded an immediate halt to Israeli incursions into Syrian territory, calling on the international community to intensify efforts and exert pressure on the Israeli entity to ensure compliance with international laws and sovereignty.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesman of the Yemeni Armed Forces during a mass rally in support of Gaza in Sanaa (Friday, December 20, 2024).
Yemeni Armed Forces carried out more strikes against the Zionist entity, as people took to streets in the capital, Sanaa, to voice unwavering support to Gaza and Palestine, just a day after the Israeli aggression on Yemen.
During a million-man march in Sanaa, Yemeni Armed Forces Spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced two drone strike against targets in the Zionist entity, stressing they were “in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and their fighters, and in response to the massacres committed against our brothers in Gaza.”
“The Yemeni Armed Forces, in cooperation with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, carried out a qualitative military operation targeting vital “Israeli” enemy sites in southern occupied Palestine with several drones. The operation successfully achieved its objectives, by Allah’s grace,” Brig. Gen. Saree said in a statement.
He added that the Air Force executed another qualitative military strike targeting an Israeli military site in occupied Jaffa using a drone.
“This operat
ion also successfully met its target, by Allah’s grace,” the spokesman noted.
He stressed that the Yemeni Armed Forces will respond to any Israeli or US escalation against Yemen with “equivalent escalation.”
“The ongoing crimes against our brothers in Gaza will only lead to intensified strikes by our missile forces, drones, and joint operations with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq against the Israeli enemy. These operations will not cease until the aggression on Gaza ends, and the siege is lifted, Brig. Gen. Saree stated.
Earlier on Thursday, a Yemeni missile targeted the Israeli city of Ramat Gan, causing damage in the area.
Unfortunately, a machine has not yet been developed that can take one back in time and undo terrible mistakes being made due to lack of appreciation of possible downstream consequences of certain actions. If Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary had been somewhere else other than in Sarajevo back in June 1914 Serbian Gavrilo Princip might never have been able to assassinate him and the European system of military alliances might never have been triggered to start World War I. Going through the subsequent history of wars since the Great War, there are certainly any number of historical mistakes or omissions that might have been rectified to stop those wars from starting in the first place.
Unfortunately, one must concede that many of the wars without any raison d’etre were initiated or expanded by the United States of America, which came into being as a constitutional republic in part to overturn the tendency of Europe’s monarchs to go to war for any or no reason. With that in mind, one must consider the truly awful decision-making being initiated by the current governing regime of Democratic Party President Joe Biden now that the November 5th election is over and Republican Party candidate Donald Trump has won convincingly. Now comes the reaction by Biden and his cohorts, where farce becomes tragedy, as Biden seeks to do whatever he can to limit the foreign policy and national security options that Trump will be able to exercise when he assumes office on January 20th. It is politics at its most sordid in addition to being a formula for disaster with consequences that might easily lead to a nuclear World War 3 erupting both in Eastern Europe and in the Middle East.
Let’s examine for a moment what Biden has done, as well as the exacerbating factors linked to Trump’s actions that could produce an abrupt escalation of hostilities both in Ukraine and in Palestine/Israel. Biden has enhanced his presumed “war powers” and done so in spite of the fact that he has no constitutional authority for starting or sustaining wars at all except in the case of an imminent attack. Authorizing war is a responsibility relegated to Congress by the Constitution though America’s many wars since World War 2 have all been fought without any declaration of war. Biden has served as an instigator from the beginning, acting as an enabler and escalator of both conflicts currently taking place, supplying Israel and Ukraine with weapons and money. Most international law authorities consider the US active role to be that of a belligerent in those wars, which has included the stationing of US military in both Israel and Ukraine, a fact that is denied regularly in the case of Ukraine. US troops are openly present in Israel, possibly to serve as a trip wire if Iran should attack to create a pretext for a US war against the Mullahs.
Biden’s moves concerning Ukraine/Russia might rightly be regarded as bizarre. In spite of the fact that nearly all military authorities consider that there is a high probability that Ukraine will have to surrender, possibly before Biden leaves office, the White House has, on November 17th, dropped objections to the Ukrainian use of state-of-the art ATACMS missiles provided by and to a certain extent manned and controlled by the US, that are capable of striking two hundred miles into Russia. Russia has declared that such action has “qualitatively” altered the nature of the conflict, making it indisputably an act of war, crossing a red line that would trigger the Kremlin’s use of all resources available to it to counter the threat. “All resources” clearly includes nuclear as well as missile attacks on the United States itself as well as on NATO states. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly took advantage of the newly available weapon by launching an attack against the Bryansk region in Russia on November 19th in which six missiles were launched, five of which were intercepted. Russia retaliated on November 21st by destroying a Ukrainian military base near Dnipro apparently using an RS-26 Ruzhek advanced medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile, described by Kiev as an “ICBM,” which was carrying a conventional warhead, though capable also of being fitted with a nuclear device.
Only one brave congressman, Tom Massie of Kentucky, has objected to Biden’s action, posting on X that “By authorizing long range missiles to strike inside Russia, Biden is committing an unconstitutional Act of War that endangers the lives of all US citizens. This is an impeachable offense, but the reality is he’s an emasculated puppet of a deep state.” Indeed, did Joe Biden seriously consider whether his move, which will not alter the outcome of the war in Ukraine, is supportive of the interests of the American people? I think it has been demonstrated that the hobbled and befuddled thinker currently in the White House would be incapable of such a consideration. Biden followed up on his folly by allowing the Ukrainians to deploy US supplied land mines, a weapon whose use has been condemned as a war crime by more than 140 nations worldwide, and he also gave the green light to British supply of their own version of the upgraded Storm Shadow missile to Ukrainian forces. Biden has also authorized the Treasury Department to support Ukraine with the $7 billion that is still sitting in the US government coffers as Ukrainian aid after being budgeted. Biden appears to want to make sure that it is all gone by the time Trump is in power. In other words, he is making sure that the war will go on after he is gone, but the tragic end result could be that a containable conflict has now become something quite different, particularly if other NATO countries follow the British lead and get into the fight. The expanded war will have the potential to go global and nuclear.
And then there is Israel. It was, of course, a Biden decision in mid-October to send US Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense antiaircraft missiles (THAAD) plus their US military crews to Israel. And there was also a warning by Biden made on October 13th, giving Israel 30 days to take steps to remedy the starvation policies in Gaza or the US would consider cutting back on arms shipments. Well, the 30 days have come and gone and, if anything, Israel has tightened its grip on food and medicines going into Gaza, yet and predictably Biden and the criminal gang that he leads have done nothing but lie about what Israel is up to. In fact, they have further protected Israel by vetoing a UN Security Council resolution on November 20th regarding Gaza that demanded “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire to be respected by all parties, and further” repeats a “demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” American negotiators had previously indicated that Israel had supported the resolution, but that was not the case, hence the flip-flop US vote in support of Netanyahu. The voting was 14 in favor and only the United States opposed, demonstrating once again how the US has shot itself in the foot vis-à-vis its standing in the world due to its support of what is an openly declared and carried out genocide. Biden’s veto comes in spite of the fact that he and his accomplices keep whining how they want the fighting to stop by way of a ceasefire. It demonstrates both the basic dishonesty of Biden and also tells one who is in charge, that when Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu says “No”, Biden can be expected to jump to his feet and salute the force majeure.
The other unfortunate thing about the one-sided relationship between Israel and the US is that the pander to the Jewish state is likely to continue, as is evident from the strongly pro-Israeli cabinet that President-elect Trump has been assembling. Trump accepted a $100 million political donation from casino magnate Miriam Adelson and in exchange will likely support Israeli annexation of all what is left of historic Palestine on the West Bank. He has also been encouraging the Israelis to “finish the job” on the Palestinians. He has committed himself to making sure the weapons procurement system will no longer experience any delays or restrictions when it comes to Israel. That means that the remaining Palestinians will either be killed or driven from their homes into exile in some undesignated location, if they are lucky, and Trump will likely look the other way.
So there’s plenty of bad news, but there was one item of good news on November 20th, when the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and his recently removed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the clearly demonstrated issue of Israel’s deliberate starving the Gazans. That means that if either of them travels to any one of the 124 countries that recognize the jurisdiction of the court (the US and Israel do not) there is an obligation on the part of those nations to have the accused arrested. Several European countries have already indicated that they will act on the warrant. Two Hamas leaders, one of whom is dead, also were indicted. Netanyahu has already denounced the decision as based on “antisemitism.” Republicans predictably also reacted sharply to the news. Florida Congressman and incoming Trump National Security Advisor Mike Waltz slammed the issuance of the warrants on the following day, saying the international court has “no credibility… These allegations have been refuted by the US government. Israel has lawfully defended its people & borders from genocidal terrorists. You can expect a strong response to the antisemitic bias of the ICC & UN come January.” Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton called the ICC a “kangaroo court” and called Prosecutor Karim Khan “…a deranged fanatic. Woe to him and anyone who tries to enforce these outlaw warrants. Let me give them all a friendly reminder: the American law on the ICC is known as The Hague Invasion Act for a reason. Think about it.”
I applaud the court for its courage to go after these war criminals in spite of threats from folks like Cotton and Senator Lindsay Graham to go after the court members’ families as well as a warning of sanctions against the court itself coming from the new Republican Speaker of the Senate John Thune. Personally speaking, I am disappointed only because I want to to make the story even better. I long to see an ICC investigation, indictment, arrest, conviction and imprisonment of Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Lloyd Austin and Jake Sullivan for their warmongering and material support for and complicity in Israel’s crimes against humanity. I would also like the American public and media to understand that what those individuals have done might well be considered to be treason since they swore an oath to uphold the US Constitution, a document that they have deliberately trashed.
Philip M. Giraldi, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Council for the National Interest, a 501(c)3 tax deductible educational foundation (Federal ID Number #52-1739023) that seeks a more interests-based U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Website is councilforthenationalinterest.org, address is P.O. Box 2157, Purcellville VA 20134 and its email is inform@cnionline.org.
Residents check the damage after rockets were fired from Lebanon, in Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv on November 24, 2024. Lebanon’s Hezbollah group said on November 24 that it launched missiles at an Israeli army intelligence base in the Tel Aviv suburbs in the second such attack on and near the city. (Photo by AFP)
Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance reaffirmed its resilience against relentless Israeli aggression on Sunday, demonstrating firm control over the battlefield. The group’s fighters executed strategic equations, particularly the “Beirut-Tel Aviv” equation emphasized by Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem, which materialized into major operations targeting the heart of the Israeli entity.
This equation materialized into major operations targeting the heart of the Israeli entity, following an Israeli massacre in Beirut that claimed 22 civilian lives.
Israeli media reported “powerful explosions in Greater Tel Aviv” after 10 rockets were launched from Lebanon, marking the second strike on the area today. At least six injuries were confirmed when a rocket landed near Tel Aviv.
Hezbollah’s military media released a series of statements detailing the attacks and their outcomes:
The initial statement indicated that at 00:05 AM on Sunday, November 24, 2024, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Kfar Blum settlement with a rocket salvo.
The second statement declared that at 7:30 AM on Sunday, Hezbollah fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy forces at the Metula site with a barrage of rockets.
Hezbollah’s third statement noted that at 8:45 AM, the group’s fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy forces east of the city of Khiyam with a rocket salvo.
Simultaneously at 9:10 on Sunday, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Ma’alot-Tarshiha and Hatzor HaGlilit settlements with rocket salvoes, according to the fourth and fifth statements.
The group’s sixth statement declared that as part of Hezbollah’s “Khaybar Operations,” the fighters launched, for the first time, a drone swarm attack at 9:00 AM on Sunday, November 24, 2024. The strike targeted the Ashdod naval base, located 150 kilometers from the Lebanese borders with occupied Palestine, and hit its targets with precision.
Hezbollah’s seventh statement confirmed that, as part of the Khaybar operations series, Islamic Resistance fighters carried out a complex operation at 6:30 AM, targeting a military site in Tel Aviv with a salvo of advanced missiles and a squadron of attack drones, successfully achieving their objectives.
The eighth statement of the day announced that, as part of the Khaybar operation, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Palmachim Airbase—a key Israeli Air Force facility housing drone squadrons, military helicopters, a research center, and the Arrow missile defense system. Situated 140 km from the Lebanese-Palestinian border, south of Tel Aviv, the base was targeted with a salvo of advanced missiles, successfully achieving its objectives.
The ninth statement reported that at 7:00 AM on Sunday, Hezbollah fighters conducted an aerial attack using a squadron of strike drones, precisely targeting a newly established Israeli military operations room in the Metula settlement.
The tenth statement revealed that at 1:00 PM on Sunday, as part of the Khaybar operations, Islamic Resistance fighters launched a salvo of advanced missiles at the Glilot base, the headquarters of the 8200 Military Intelligence Unit, located 110 km from the Lebanese-Palestinian border on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.
Hezbollah also announced on Sunday, November 24, 2024, that the group’s fighters intercepted an IsraeliHermes 450 UAV in the skies over Western Bekaa. Using a surface-to-air missile, they forced the drone to retreat.
Between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted twice gatherings of Israeli enemy forces in the Kiryat Shmona settlement with rocket salvoes.
The fourteenth and fifteenth statements reported that, simultaneously at 11:30 AM, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli forces in the Manara settlement and Israeli artillery positions in the Dishon settlement, which had been attacking Lebanese civilians and villages, with a salvo of rockets.
Between 1:10 PM and 1:30 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters launched a rocket salvo targeting the Shraga base, the administrative headquarters of the Golani Brigade, north of the occupied city of Acre, and a gathering of Israeli occupation forces east of the city of Khiyam for the second time.
Hezbollah’s eighteenth statement of the day announced that at 1:45 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy forces east of the city of Khiyam for the third time with a salvo of rockets.
At 12:05 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters launched a rocket salvo targeting the Kerem Ben Zimra settlement, as per the group’s nineteenth statement.
Simultaneously, at 12:10 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters launched missile salvoes targeting the occupied city of Safed and the Beria base, the main air and missile defense base of the Northern Command.
According to the twenty-third and twenty-fourth statements, between 12:45 PM and 1:10 PM on Sunday, Hezbollah fighters launched rocket salvoes targeting the Dovev barracks and the Yir’on settlement.
Simultaneously, at 1:40 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters launched rocket salvoes targeting the settlements of Kfar Blum and Amir.
Between 1:50 PM and 2:18 PM on Sunday, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Sasa and Meron settlements with rocket salvoes.
Simultaneously, at 2:30 PM on Sunday, Hezbollah fighters launched missile salvoes targeting the Dadobase, the headquarters of the Northern Region Command, as well as the Mishar base, the headquarters of the Northern Region’s main intelligence.
The thirtieth and thirty-first statements declared that between 3:00 PM and 3:15 PM, Islamic Resistance fighters launched a rocket salvo targeting Camp 100, a training camp for ground forces north of Ayelet HaShahar, and the Yesud HaMa’ala settlement.
Simultaneously, at 3:20 PM, Islamic Resistance fighters launched a rocket salvo targeting a gathering of Israeli occupation forces east of the city of Khiyam for the fourth time, as well as Israeli artillery positions northeast of the Ga’aton settlement, which had been attacking Lebanese civilians and villages.
The thirty-fourth statement reported that at 3:30 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters launched a rocket salvo targeting the Zevulon Military Industries base, located north of the occupied city of Haifa.
Video shows the damage in Haifa and Nahariyya caused by Hezbollah missiles
Between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli enemy infantry force west of the site with a guided missile, resulting in casualties among its members. Additionally, they struck a Merkavatank on the eastern outskirts of Al-Bayada, destroying it and killing and wounding its crew.
Simultaneously, at 4:45 PM on Sunday, Hezbollah fighters targeted three Merkava tanks with guided missiles on the eastern outskirts of Al-Bayada, destroying them and killing and wounding their crews. They also struck a Merkava tank on Al-Lubia Hill, on the western outskirts of Deir Mimas, destroying it and killing and wounding its crew.
The group’s thirty-ninth statement declared that at 5:15 PM, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank attempting to advance and recover a destroyed tank on the eastern outskirts of the town of Al-Bayada with a guided missile, destroying it and causing casualties among its crew.
As part of the Khaybar operations, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Haifa naval base—belonging to the Israeli occupation Navy and housing a fleet of missile boats and submarines—at 1:05 PM on Sunday. The base, located 35 km north of the occupied city of Haifa and near the Lebanese-Palestinian border, was struck with a salvo of advanced missiles.
Simultaneously, at 6:30 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters launched rocket salvoes targeting a gathering of Israeli forces at the Deir Mimas-Kfar Kila triangle, as well as another gathering of Israeli forces on the southeastern outskirts of Deir Mimas.
Between 7:15 and 8:00 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters launched rocket salvoes targeting a gathering of Israeli forces east of the city of Khiyam for the fifth time, as well as a gathering of Israeli forces at the Avivim barracks.
At 8:15 PM on Sunday, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Avivim settlement with a rocket salvo.
Simultaneously at 4:30 PM, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy forces south of the city of Khiyam with a precision-guided drone, successfully hitting their targets, and another gathering of Israeli forces in the town of Shamaa, also striking their targets with precision.
At 8:00 PM on Sunday, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy forces at the Deir Mimas-Kfar Kila triangle for the second time with a rocket salvo.
The forty-ninth statement reported that at 10:00 PM, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli enemy force attempting to advance and recover a destroyed tank on Al-Lubia Hill, on the western outskirts of the town of Deir Mimas, with a rocket salvo.
At 18:05 on Sunday, Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Shtula settlement with a rocket salvo.
Hezbollah’s fifty-first and final statement reported that at 11:45 PM on Sunday, the group’s fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy forces east of the city of Khiyam for the sixth time with a salvo of rockets.
New Footage Released
Hezbollah’s military media released scenes on Sunday showing the targeting of Israeli military bases in the occupied city of Tel Aviv (Jaffa) using precision-guided drones and “Fadi 6” and “Qader 2” missiles.
Lebanese kids stand on the rubble of a destroyed building hit by Israeli airstrikes, as they hold an Arabic banner that reads: “Despite the displacement we will be victorious”, in Tyre, south Lebanon, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 (AP)
Israeli newspaper Maariv says Hezbollah still retains its rocket capabilities and will persist in its launches in the coming days.
Hezbollah can continue to drain “Israel” and launch its projectiles for many months, Israeli newspaper Maariv suggested on Tuesday.
It also highlighted that the Lebanese Resistance still retains its rocket capabilities and will persist in its launches in the coming days, with significant fire directed at Safad and Haifa.
In a related context, Israeli media cited former Gaza Division commander, Reserve General Gadi Shamni, as saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a “cold-hearted person” who does not care about the captives held in Gaza and is disconnected from “his people” and soldiers.
Shamni acknowledged a complete failure of Netanyahu’s government, asserting that the premier has caused immense damage to “Israel”.
“Israel” needs to end the war and bring back the captives, he stressed.
On his part, former commander of the Israeli Northern Corps, Noam Tibon, highlighted that more than 800 Israeli soldiers have been killed and around 12,000 injured, with thousands suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the war began a year ago.
“We have lost the manpower of a whole division, and we need three additional divisions; otherwise, we will find it difficult to defend Israel,” Tibon underscored.
An analysis by Seth Frantzman published in the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post pointed out that, after a month into war with Lebanon, the Israeli operation has begun to “take toll”.
The strikes “Israel” conducted to supposedly weaken Hezbollah’s command and control have failed to meet their objectives, as the Lebanese group’s leadership remains intact and capable of continuing its deadly operations, Frantzman indicated.
Despite that the assassination of Hezbollah commanders and Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah “should have weakened the group’s command and control,” the Gaza war has revealed that such movements “are capable of replacing commanders even as they suffer blows,” according to Frantzman.
“Hezbollah continues to fight on,” the writer stressed.
“The challenge in southern Lebanon is that while Hezbollah has suffered blows to its command and control, the group appears to be clinging on and it is capable of continued deadly operations.”
He said that although the goal behind “Israel’s” ground incursion into Lebanon was to return 60,000 Israelis to northern settlements, “However, in a month of war, the rocket fire continues to average around 100-200 rockets fired by Hezbollah a day.”
The report highlighted that fighting on two fronts — Gaza and Lebanon — along with Hezbollah’s ongoing rocket launches demonstrates that despite some Israeli “successes”, these do not necessarily reduce losses on the front lines or bring about a swift defeat of these groups.
Frantzman also noted that Hezbollah has started releasing statements listing specific locations it intends to target, signaling that the Lebanese group units carrying out rocket attacks are able to supply central command with intelligence.
After approximately 27 days of ground combat with Hezbollah and over a month of intense Israeli operations against Lebanon, “Israel” still has a long way to go to “defeat Hezbollah”, the analysis suggested.
Hezbollah declares that its Shura council has elected Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem as Secretary-General.
Hezbollah’s Shura Council announced that it had elected Sheikh Naim Qassem as Secretary-General, succeeding Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. This decision, “grounded in the principles of true Islam and the steadfast ideals of Hezbollah, follows the party’s established procedures for selecting the Secretary-General.”
In a statement, Hezbollah expressed its commitment to upholding the legacy of Sheikh Qassem’s predecessor, describing the election as part of a sacred mission. “We pledge to God Almighty, to the soul of our beloved martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah (may God be pleased with him), to the martyrs, to the Islamic resistance fighters, and to our resilient and loyal people, to work together to fulfill Hezbollah’s principles and goals.”
Hezbollah emphasized the organization’s dedication to carrying forward the cause of resistance. The Shura Council expressed its hope for Sheikh Qassem’s success in leading Hezbollah, entrusting him with the responsibility of preserving the movement’s resistance and raising its banner until victory.
Who is Sheikh Naim Qassem
Sheikh Naim Qassem, born in 1953 in Beirut, Lebanon, hails from a family with roots in the village of Kfar Fila in the Iqlim al-Tuffah region of southern Lebanon.
He holds a degree in chemistry in French and worked as a teacher for several years. Alongside his studies in natural sciences, he pursued religious education in a seminary, earning a degree in jurisprudence and Islamic fundamentals.
Sheikh Qassem is recognized as part of the founding generation of Shiite Islamic cultural and activist organizations in Lebanon. He was active in groups that eventually formed Hezbollah, including the Lebanese Union of Muslim Students, and played a significant role in the Amal Movement founded by Imam Musa al-Sadr.
In 1982, following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem was among Hezbollah’s founding core. He has been elected to Hezbollah’s Shura Council three times, managing various portfolios, including the Executive Council and educational activities.
In 1991, Sheikh Qassem became Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, serving under Secretary-General Abbas al-Moussawi. He remained in this role until his election as the party’s Secretary-General following the martyrdom of Sayyed Nasrallah. Over the years, Sheikh Qassem has led Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc in Lebanon and overseen its governmental and institutional affairs.
An author of several books, Sheikh Qassem has written on political, cultural, and educational topics, notably his book on Hezbollah’s political and military experience. Following the assassination of Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces, Sheikh Qassem delivered several speeches defining the course of the resistance and issuing significant political and military messages to both the pro-Resistance public and its enemies.
Hezbollah announces martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah
On September 28, Hezbollah released a statement announcing the martyrdom of its Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, joining a handful of Resistance leaders who dedicated their lives for the sake of fighting against the Israeli occupation.
“Israel” had earlier launched a series of heavy airstrikes on residential neighborhoods in the Southern Suburb of Beirut. The IOF announced that the goal of the attack was the assassination of Sayyed Hassan, and Israeli Army Radio pointed out that F-35 aircraft carried out the airstrikes using bunker-buster bombs.
The Islamic Resistance began its statement with the verse: Let those fight in the way of Allah, who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter; and whoever fights in the way of Allah, and then is slain, or he subdues [the enemy], soon We shall give him a great reward. [Surah al-Nisa’, verse 74]
“His eminence, the leader of the Resistance, the pious servant of God, has passed on to God as a great leader, a brave martyr, joining the martyrs of Karbala…on the path of prophets,” the statement read.
“Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, joined his great, eternal companions, whose journey he led for over 30 years through victory after victory” after succeeding Sayyed Abbas al-Mousawi in 1992, leading them in “the liberation of Lebanon in 2000 and the Divine Victory of 2006,” and up to the battle of support for Palestine and the oppressed people of Palestine.
Hezbollah extended its condolences to the Islamic nation and the steadfast people of Lebanon, and all the free and oppressed people of the world, congratulating Sayyed Hassan on achieving the greatest of divine gifts, through which he was granted his greatest wish, that of a martyr on the path to Palestine and al-Quds.
The son of prominent Palestinian leader and detainee Marwan Barghouti expressed deep concern after emerging reports about his father being subjected to brutal assault at the hands of Israeli prison guards and said he fears leaving Palestinian detainees at the mercy of the brutal conditions in occupation prisons.
“What we have heard about my father’s condition is very distressing for us as a family, especially after he was assaulted by prison guards,” Arab Barghouti told Al Mayadeen.
He pointed out that since October 7 last year, Barghouti has been subjected to pressure, beaten, and forcefully dragged and has been transferred between four or five Israeli prisons.
“Despite everything he is enduring, my father met his lawyer with his head held high and his usual smile,” Barghouti said, adding that his father reaffirms to the Palestinian people and the world that “he stands firm against the occupation.”
According to the Palestinian leader’s son, Barghouti’s message has been clear throughout the past 22 years, “His sole concern is uniting the Palestinian people.”
“We are optimistic and fully trust the negotiators that our detainees, including my father, will be freed from prison,” the leader’s son said.
Elsewhere, Barghouti told Al Mayadeen that Palestinian detainees are “freedom seekers who have rejected oppression and occupation.”
“If we abandon them, then we are of no good.”
Barghouti, nicknamed the “Palestinian Mandela”, played a key role in both the first and second Intifadas (uprisings) and was sentenced by an Israeli court in 2004. His release has been a primary objective for various Palestinian Resistance groups opposing the Israeli occupation.
Barghouti, 12 other detainees subjected to brutal Israeli assaults
In the same context, the head of the Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs Commission, Qadura Fares, told Al Mayadeen that Barghouti, along with 12 other detainees from various factions, was subjected to brutal assaults by Israeli prison forces at Megiddo Prison.
Previously, a lawyer from the commission confirmed that during a recent visit, Barghouti reported being attacked with repressive tools and endured severe physical abuse, resulting in injuries across his body, fractured ribs, bleeding from his right ear, a wound on his arm, and persistent back pain.
The attack, which took place in September, was part of a series of recurring incidents involving the Israeli prison’s special units.
Fares condemned these repeated assaults, stating, “There is no justification for these attacks, which are systematically directed at detainees.”
The Fatah Central Committee also strongly condemned the repeated brutal assaults against its member leader Marwan Barghouti.
It was noted that Barghouti has been gradually recovering in the weeks following the incident, during which he experienced difficulty moving, chest and back pain, and infections in his wounds and ear due to the blood clot caused by the bleeding, as he was denied any treatment or medication.
Barghouti had previously suffered two brutal assaults in the past year and has been held in solitary confinement since the beginning of the war on Gaza. The first assault occurred in December in the isolation cells of Ofer Prison followed by a second assault at Megiddo Prison on March 6.
The Popular Campaign for the Release of Barghouti and the detainees called on international institutions and organizations to fulfill their duty to protect the prominent leader and other detainees, in accordance with international law.
It added that the paralysis affecting international and human rights organizations when it comes to the rights of the Palestinian people and the crimes of genocide being committed is what encourages the occupation to continue its aggression and crimes.
Special coverage | Prisoner Marwan Barghouti is brutally assaulted in the occupation prisons 2024-10-28
Son of Marwan Barghouti: “Despite brutal tactics, my father’s spirit remains unbroken
The son of Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian leader and detainee, shared an emotional message, in an interview for Al Mayadeen, regarding his father’s condition and the support shown by Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza. Barghouti’s family, who had been without updates on his condition for three months, was finally able to learn of his well-being during a rare lawyer visit on Monday, marking only the third time in a year they received any information about him. “Despite the pain, suffering, and the brutal tactics used against him, he greeted his lawyer with his head held high and his usual smile drawn on his face,” said Barghouti’s son, emphasizing his father’s resilience in the face of isolation and continuous punishment. “No matter what they do, they will not break his spirit,” he asserted, noting that his father has been detained by Israeli forces for fifty years, yet he remains steadfast.
In a statement to Al Mayadeen, MP Ihab Hamadeh assured all depositors in al-Qard al-Hassan that they would not “lose a penny” following the Israeli aggression on several branches of the institution.
MP Ihab Hamadeh, a member of the Loyalty to the Lebanese Resistance Bloc, assured depositors in al-Qard al-Hassan that they would not lose any of their funds.
His remarks to Al Mayadeen follow a series of aggressive raids by the occupation on Sunday, which specifically targeted branches of al-Qard al-Hassan financial institution in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Baalbek, and southern Lebanon.
Hamadeh emphasized that the foundation serves all Lebanese citizens and noted its provision of scholarships for 5,000 university students studying abroad. He also highlighted that the attacks on al-Qard al-Hassan coincided with the arrival of the US envoy Amos Hochstein in Beirut.
In a related context, Hamadeh said, rebuking Israeli claims that the foundation is ‘Hezbollah’s financial arm’, saying “al-Qard al-Hassan is a costly institution for us and we do not make any profit from it.”
Al-Qard al-Hassan is a social institution focused on providing loans to individuals for specific periods to support their economic needs and services. It was established in 1982 following the Israeli war on Lebanon by Hussein al-Shami.
In recent years, the institution has expanded by opening several branches across most Lebanese regions, operating as a licensed institution under the Lebanese government.
However, the US government has imposed sanctions on the institution as part of the financial siege targeting Hezbollah and its social network. Additionally, it has faced incitement over the years from US media, as well as Western and Arab outlets.
Moreover, Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) reported 11 airstrikes on Beirut’s Southern Suburb, many aimed at al-Qard Al-Hassan, with one strike landing near the Beirut airport—the main entry point for humanitarian aid to the country.
The NNA further added that the strike in Baalbek targeted a commercial market that housed a building previously used by al-Qard al-Hassan.
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Robert Inlakesh is a political analyst, journalist and documentary filmmaker currently based in London, UK. He has reported from and lived in the occupied Palestinian territories and hosts the show ‘Palestine Files’. Director of ‘Steal of the Century: Trump’s Palestine-Israel Catastrophe’. Follow him on Twitter @falasteen47
Robert Inlakesh
Following its re-invasion and siege of northern Gaza, Israel is moving to designate the area as a “closed military zone,” a move that critics argue amounts to an effective annexation of the territory. While Israel has used similar strategies in the past, opponents claim the current plan would essentially see a mass extermination of northern Gaza’s population.
After nearly a year of Israeli deliberations over what the “next phase” strategy in its conflict with the Gaza Strip should be, Israeli media reports began indicating that the plan would likely involve annexation and settlement expansion.
While Israel officially denies that any specific plan is being implemented, the invasion and siege of northern Gaza align with discussions Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held in “secret meetings” in the months leading up to the operation. northern Gaza
What is now referred to as the “General’s Plan” is likely the strategy Tel Aviv aims to implement in northern Gaza. This approach would involve seizing all territory north of the Netzarim Corridor and designating it as a closed military zone. The plan would block all aid from entering the area and impose a “surrender or starve” scenario on the remaining Palestinian fighters.
Approximately 300,000 Palestinians still reside in northern Gaza despite being ordered to evacuate. Some cannot leave, fearing for their safety during the journey, while others refuse, as there is nowhere else to seek shelter. Under the “General’s Plan,” these civilians would be given a week to flee the north, after which all remaining individuals would be considered enemy combatants. Critics say that this approach could lead to the mass killing of civilians.
The General
The proposal for northern Gaza is credited to retired Major General Giora Eiland. Once considered a figure of Israel’s political “left,” Eiland previously worked with former Israeli President Shimon Peres during the “peace process” in the early 2000s.
Eiland’s increasingly extreme stances since the start of the war in Gaza have made him an Israeli media darling. He’s used that spotlight to call for “starving Gaza” and advocate for exterminationist policies. Following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, Eiland recommended the Israeli military avoid a costly ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.
In November 2023, Eiland penned an op-ed where he argued that no Palestinian civilian should be considered innocent, even mocking the idea. “Who are the poor women of Gaza? They are all the mothers, sisters or wives of Hamas murderers,” he wrote.
The retired Major General went even further, suggesting that Israel should create conditions for starvation and epidemics. “Israel must not provide the other side with any capability that prolongs its life,” he wrote.
“The international community warns us of a humanitarian disaster in Gaza and severe epidemics. We must not shy away from this, as difficult as that may be. After all, severe epidemics in the south of the Gaza Strip will bring victory closer and reduce casualties among IDF soldiers.“
Israel’s leading human rights organization, B’Tselem, cited Eiland’s statements as evidence that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was not an unintended consequence but rather a deliberately manufactured “intended result” of the ongoing war.
Genocidal Intent
The General’s Plan does not solely reflect Giora Eiland’s views; it aligns with what Israel’s most senior leaders have advocated since October 2023. It embodies the sentiments expressed by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in his speech, where he stated, “We are fighting human animals and will act accordingly,” and declared that “there will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed.”
“It is an entire nation out there that is responsible for the actions of Hamas,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog, adding, “It is not true, this rhetoric about civilians not being aware, not involved. It’s absolutely not true. They could have risen up.”
When South Africa cited Herzog’s remarks at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to argue that Israel intended to commit genocide, the Israeli president attempted to walk back his statements, claiming that his words had been misinterpreted and twisted.
Despite Herzog’s attempt to walk back his comments, the Israeli government continued to escalate its rhetoric. Government accounts posted a video online stating, “There are no innocent civilians” in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly referred to Palestinians in Gaza as “Amalek,” a term from biblical tradition often associated with the call for the destruction of an entire people, indirectly advocating for the killing of women, children, the elderly, and even livestock.
While Israel attempted to deny that the reference to “Amalek” was genocidal in nature, South Africa’s legal team demonstrated at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that this was precisely how Israeli soldiers interpreted the message.
This rhetoric, whether from the architect of the General’s Plan or other senior Israeli leaders, clearly aligns with the intended outcomes of the strategies proposed for northern Gaza. And any doubt remained, since January, Israeli settler groups—endorsed by ministers in Netanyahu’s government—have already begun organizing conferences laying the groundwork for illegal settlements in northern Gaza.
The mayor of Nabatieh, in southern Lebanon, was killed along with several members of the municipality, in one of the Israeli raids that targeted the city on Wednesday.
In a call with his French counterpart, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned against any Israeli escalation in the region, stressing the necessity of stopping the aggression on Lebanon and Gaza.
Hussam Abu Safiya, the Director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital said that hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip are in a catastrophic situation, and called for the opening of safe corridors to save the lives of patients in the area.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry (Gaza), 42,289 Palestinians have been killed, and 98,684 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7, 2023.
Hospitals in Northern Gaza are in ‘Catastrophic Situation’
DIRECTOR OF KAMAL ADWAN HOSPITAL: Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, told Al Jazeera that hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip are in a catastrophic situation, and called for the opening of safe corridors to save the lives of patients in the area.
Fereshteh Sadeghi is a Tehran-based journalist, with a focus on Iranian domestic politics. She previously worked for Iran’s Press TV and Qatar’s Al Jazeera English.
Last week, Iran’s Quds Force leader, Esmail Qaani, became the target of a coordinated propaganda campaign by western, Israeli, and Arab media outlets. But with his surprise public appearance today, the focus now shifts to the Israeli media proxies who concocted a pack of lies.
After weeks of rumors and speculative reports that Esmail Qaani, head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGCQF), had been killed in last month’s Israeli bombardment of Beirut – which claimed the life of Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah – Iranian state television quashed the rumors by airing footage of Qaani at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport.
The Quds Force commander was present for the repatriation of the body of IRGC General Abbas Nilforushan, who had been assassinated in the Beirut airstrikes. Qaani, who appeared to be in good health, also attended the funeral procession for Nilforushan, which began at Imam Hossein Square in central Tehran.
Confrontations between Iran and Israel, which were simmering after Iran’s 13 April retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israeli-occupied territories, flared up again following the assassinations of Nasrallah and Nilforushan – as well as the earlier killing of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. In response, Iran launched a second, more destructive barrage of missiles targeting Israel on 1 October.
The world held its breath as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened harsh retaliation for the Iranian missile attack. Two weeks later, however, Israel’s threats remain unfulfilled, although the latest reports suggest that Israeli authorities have reached a full agreement with the US on “the method, timing, and strength” of their expected attack against Iran.
In the interim, the Israeli government and its allies turned to psychological warfare, with a media campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Qaani and Iran’s IRGCQF.
Qaani: Missing, dead, injured, or a collaborator?
On 3 October, Israel dropped US-made bunker-buster bombs on residential areas in Beirut’s southern suburb, Dahiyeh. Several media outlets, both western and Arab, reported that Nasrallah’s likely successor, Hashem Safieddine, was the target. They also speculated that Qaani had been killed in the strike, although Israeli forces denied knowledge of Qaani’s presence.
Tehran and the IRGC remained kept tight-lipped about the whereabouts of their top general, understandably, given Tel Aviv’s record of assassinating top Resistance Axis officials. After two days of speculative reporting, Reuters news agency quoted two Iranian officials as saying, “Iran has lost contacts with the Quds Force chief since the Beirut strike.”
Qaani was last seen on 29 September at Hezbollah’s office in Tehran, where he had paid condolences for Nasrallah. As media claims about him dead or wounded grew, the deputy head for IRGC coordinations and former Iranian ambassador to Baghdad, Iraj Masjedi, came forward to dismiss the rumors, saying, “Qaani is neither martyred nor injured. He is safe and healthy, performing his normal duties.”
On 7 October, Iranian media released a message from Qaani during an event to commemorate the first anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, also reporting that the Quds Force commander was unable to be present at the special ceremony in Tehran “due to his presence in another meeting.”
That set off yet another round of speculation about Qaani’s physical state – neither Masjedi’s statement nor Qaani’s message was sufficient to quell the media rumors. In response, another IRGC general and military advisor revealed that “Qaani will soon be awarded the First-Class Order of Fat’h [Conquest] medal by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”
A coordinated media attack on the Resistance Axis
Despite all official reassurances, the rumors continued to swirl. But with reassurances that Qaani was alive, the speculations took on an entirely different tone.
On 10 October, Qatari-funded London-based Middle East Eye (MEE) published an explosive report, quoting multiple high-ranking sources, that Qaani was under house arrest and was being interrogated over suspicions that he had played a role in exposing Nasrallah’s location to Israeli forces:
Ten sources in Tehran, Beirut, and Baghdad, including senior Shia figures and sources close to Hezbollah and in the IRGC, told MEE that even Qaani, one of Iran’s most senior generals, and his team are under lockdown as investigators seek answers.
Sky News Arabia followed suit, claiming Qaani had suffered a heart attack while under interrogation for allegedly collaborating with Israel.
Then, Iranian opposition media outlet Iran International covered the claims made by its Qatari and Emirati counterparts in three languages: Farsi, English, and Arabic.
Established in 2017, the London-based Iran International is known to have been funded by a media firm with links to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is believed that in the wake of the China-brokered normalization agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia last year, the channel’s management was handed over to Israel.
Neither the Iranian foreign ministry nor the IRGC saw fit to respond to the claims by MEE and Sky News Arabia. Rather, Tasnim, a news agency with close connections to the IRGC, was left to mock the bizarre reports, noting that “20 informed sources have fundamentally rejected the claims of the MEE’s 10 sources, as lies.”
Strategy to sow discord in the resistance
In just seven days, media reports on Qaani went from speculating about his assassination or injury in an Israeli bombing – to tarnishing him as a top-level traitor who sold out Nasrallah and the resistance to enemy agents.
The flurry of reports in major media raises questions about why there was so much attention focused on a commander who is rarely in the spotlight, who is often characterized as being “a man in the shadows,” and Qassem Soleimani’s lower-profile successor.
The media speculation on Qaani’s whereabouts and misdeeds appeared to be part of an orchestrated, multi-front campaign to undermine the IRGC’s reputation, cause paranoia, and sow suspicion within the region’s Axis of Resistance.
Gulf media outlets affiliated with Qatar and the UAE spread the rumors, Iran International and US-ownedAlhurra added commentary to those rumors, and Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya aired a documentary alleging Hezbollah involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafic al-Hariri.
The broader aim appears to be an attempt to weaken the coalition of anti-Israel forces led by Iran, Hezbollah, and their allies. As Abbas Golrou, a member of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, explains to The Cradle:
One of the enemy’s strategies is to sow discord within the Axis of Resistance as well as the public opinion that has thrown its weight behind the Resistance network … these rumors are mainly spread on social and online media but one should not pay attention to them.
Tehran’s firm diplomacy and regional solidarity prevail
A plausible explanation for this heavy media campaign may be related to the stern warning Tehran issued to Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia regarding a possible Israeli strike on Iran.
As in past Iranian confrontations with an enemy – notably, Tehran’s ballistic missile retaliation against US military bases in Iraq following the assassination of IRGCQF Commander Qassem Soleimani – Iran has again made clear to its neighbors that any collaborative action by a Persian Gulf state to allow the enemy use of airspace or military bases, will be regarded as a direct act of aggression against Iran.
While the governments in Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi may have caved to Iranian warnings and demands and even joined the US in working to stop Israel from bombing Iranian oil facilities, their media outlets made a beeline for Iran’s jugular – its security apparatus – via what looks like a coordinated media campaign, deploying rumors, lies, and disinformation as their primary weapons.
Tehran’s dispatch of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Ghalibaf to Beirut in the midst of Israel’s aggressive bombing campaign was a meaningful show of Iran’s commitment to its allies in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Gaza.
At the highest levels, Axis officials, in deed and words, remain resolute in their commitment to their Unity of Fronts and often warn about the enemy’s psychological war to destabilize their ranks and supporters.
The Qaani media frenzy was a miscalculation, though. Those outlets lost reputations over something so easily proven wrong, which is exactly what happened when the Quds Force commander popped up in Tehran today, looking physically fit and with nary a shackle in sight.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of The Cradle.
Hezbollah’s infrastructure has proven that its role as a social and political force does not collapse with the loss of one figure, even one as important as Sayyed Nasrallah.
The martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, a monumental figure in Hezbollah and the broader resistance movement against “Israel”, marks a turning point not in Hezbollah’s demise but in its renewal. Sayyed Nasrallah’s martyrdom, while symbolically significant, has unveiled the inner core of the Resistance’s structure that transcends individual leadership. The spirit of revolution within Hezbollah is not simply the product of charismatic leadership but rather a response to systemic imperialist violence and the structural waste that capitalism imposes on the Global South.
As seen in the genocide of Arabs in Gaza, Sayyed Nasrallah’s martyrdom fits into the broader imperialist strategy of waste—the systematic destruction and consumption of labor and resources in the Global South, as theorized by Ali Kadri. Under capitalism, Resistance movements like Hezbollah emerge as responses to what Kadri calls the “accumulation of waste,” where imperialism not only exploits but consumes populations, reducing them to wasted labor and discarded lives. Sayyed Nasrallah’s martyrdom represents an imperialist tactic to neutralize symbols of defiance, but as history shows, the death of leaders often galvanizes rather than demoralizes resistance.
Resistance Beyond Leadership
Hezbollah’s infrastructure has proven that its role as a social and political force does not collapse with the loss of one figure, even one as important as Sayyed Nasrallah. The movement’s provision of services, from education to healthcare, has created a social base that aligns with its military and political strategies. Thus, Hezbollah’s endurance lies not just in its military capabilities but in its ability to provide for its people in ways that the Lebanese state and foreign aid have consistently failed to do.
However, while Hezbollah maintains its resistance, much of the Lebanese government population and parties that advocate against Hezbollah have largely bought into the mindset of normalization with the Zionist entity. Their lack of resistance against normalization mirrors an acceptance and an internalization of defeatism, as well as a willingness to engage diplomatically with “Israel,”, thinking little of the Resistance in its fight against occupation and imperialism.
Such structure is reflective of how imperialist powers attempt to reduce the Global South to dependency on aid and charity, a form of waste where oppressed populations are treated as disposable. The demand for action over aid is a shared call from both indigenous resistance movements and the international proletariat, which sees through the facade of charity. Aid, they argue, perpetuates dependency and fails to address the structural violence of occupation, displacement, and imperialism. Instead, the global proletariat, alongside movements like Hezbollah, demands real action to dismantle the systems of exploitation and occupation. In other words, enough talk, we now need action.
Diplomacy, as seen in the innumerable attempts at reaching a ceasefire, has largely served the interests of imperialist powers. Each repetitive failure to secure a lasting ceasefire has not only caused delays but also increased profits for defense contractors, who benefit from prolonged conflicts. Meanwhile, the continuation of these failed efforts has resulted in a rise in the martyrdom of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and, more recently, in Lebanon—where with every death, defense companies see their profits grow.
For Hezbollah and similar movements, talking has proven ineffective in the face of “Israel’s” military aggression and systemic violence. Resistance leaders like Sayyed Nasrallah understood that there is no reasoning with the unreasonable, especially when that unreasonable force is backed by the vast machinery of Western imperialism. The ongoing mass murder of civilians, from Gaza to Lebanon, is not an accident of war but the result of a deliberate policy of population control and destruction. This violence is framed by the West as collateral damage, but to those on the ground, it is the lived reality of structural genocide.
The West’s historical complicity
While “Israel” remains the visible force behind the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, Western powers, particularly the United States, play an equally complicit role by providing financial and military support. The West’s involvement in the war on Gaza is often concealed behind diplomatic rhetoric, yet its responsibility is clear. Western nations provide “Israel” with the resources needed to maintain its military occupation and perpetuate its acts of aggression, while global institutions like the United Nations fail to hold “Israel” accountable for war crimes. The defect within the UN is not just an oversight but a structural flaw in international law that privileges imperialist powers and their allies.
This complicity is not new; it is rooted in the very foundation of “Israel.” The creation of “Israel” by European powers served as a means to resolve their internal “Jewish problem,” as they dubbed it, by exporting it to the Arab world. The Arab world, and Lebanon in particular, has not historically had a problem with Jews. Arab-Jewish coexistence prior to the establishment of “Israel” was largely peaceful, a reality that counters the narrative of inherent Arab anti-Semitism. The European problem with Jews, whom they thought were a lesser people, culminating in the Holocaust, was exported to the Middle East through the establishment of “Israel,” turning what was once a European issue, a symptom of Europe’s racism, into a colonial conflict, creating decades of violence, occupation, and displacement for Palestinians and neighboring countries like Lebanon.
Shifting perceptions of resistance
In the face of this history, resistance movements like Hezbollah have emerged not as aggressors, but as defenders of their people’s right to exist. Sayyed Nasrallah’s martyrdom has not weakened Hezbollah’s standing, but rather strengthened its narrative that these indigenous resistance movements are not terrorist organizations. The historical complicity of the West in fueling the conflict makes it clear why such movements are perceived as necessary by the oppressed. In fact, the masses are waking up to the reality that groups like Hezbollah and the Palestinian Resistance are fighting for their survival in the face of extermination.
The labeling of these movements as “terrorist” by imperialist powers and their media outlets reflects a broader strategy to delegitimize their struggle for liberation. Yet, as more people around the world, particularly the international proletariat, recognize their shared oppression under global capitalism, solidarity with these movements grows.
A Continued Struggle
The martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah does not mark the end of Hezbollah but rather signals the continuation of its struggle against imperialism. The spirit of resistance that Sayyed Nasrallah embodied lives on, not only in Lebanon but in the hearts of the global proletariat that seeks to dismantle the systems of exploitation and oppression that imperialism sustains.
Hezbollah’s fight is not an isolated battle; it is part of a global resistance against a system that values profits over human lives and wastes entire populations to sustain its dominance. The future of resistance, both in Lebanon and worldwide, lies in the continued solidarity between oppressed peoples and the growing recognition that real change requires dismantling the imperialist structures that perpetuate global suffering.
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Israeli occupation forces operate in the West Bank (August 15, 2023).
In a deadly Israeli aggression on the West Bank city of Jenin and its refugee camp, two Palestinians, including a 17-year-old, were martyred, and four others were injured, according to Palestinian officials.
The eight-hour incursion on Monday resulted in the deaths of Rayan Ibrahim al-Sayyed, 17, and Mahmoud Ma’moun Abu al-Rub, 23, who succumbed to their injuries from Israeli gunfire, medical sources confirmed.
The raid also caused widespread destruction, with Israeli bulldozers demolishing part of a house and uprooting infrastructure in the refugee camp.
Israeli occupation forces demolish a fuel station in the village of Lubban esh-Sharkiya, south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. pic.twitter.com/0tKChE46MX
This latest incident is part of a series of major Israeli occupation forces operations in Jenin and other West Bank refugee camps that have resulted in the deaths of 36 Palestinians since September, according to the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank since October 7, 2023, has risen to 755, including 165 children, with more than 6,250 others injured
Hezbollah is intensifying its use of ballistic missiles and targeting Haifa with two surface-to-surface missiles, according to the Israeli Army Radio.
At least 45 Palestinians have been killed since dawn on Tuesday in the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, Al-Jazeera reported, citing medical sources.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that 170,000 weapons have distributed to Israelis in the last eight months.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry (Gaza), 42,289 Palestinians have been killed, and 98,684 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7, 2023.
ISRAELI MEDIA: Casualties in Safed as a result of the recent rocket barrage from Lebanon.
Wed, Oct 16, 2:36 AM (Palestine Time)
Clashes in Askar Refugee Camp
AL-AQSA MARTYRS BRIGADES (Nablus): Fierce clashes with enemy forces storming the vicinity of the old Askar refugee camp with machine guns and explosive devices.
Wed, Oct 16, 2:36 AM (Palestine Time)
50 Rockets Fired from Lebanon
ISRAELI ARMY: About 50 rockets fired into northern Israel coming from Lebanon.
Wed, Oct 16, 1:08 AM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Airstrike on Tyre
AL-JAZEERA: An Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Al-Shahabiya in the Tyre district in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese News Agency reported 10 killed and 15 wounded in an Israeli 🇮🇱 airstrike on Qana, town in southern Lebanon located 10 kilometres southeast of the city of Tyre, south Lebanon 🇱🇧 https://t.co/7238mVEub7pic.twitter.com/gpWAouffY2
HOME FRONT COMMAND: Sirens sounded in the Galilee Finger due to suspected drone infiltration.
Wed, Oct 16, 1:08 AM (Palestine Time)
Biden Says US Soldiers Will Operate THAAD System in Israel
US PRESIDENT BIDEN (in a message to Congress):
Our forces will remain stationed in the region to protect our interests against attacks by Iran and its proxies.
I have directed the deployment of the THAAD system in Israel and its operators from our soldiers as long as this defensive position is justified.
Tue, Oct 15, 11:40 PM (Palestine Time)
France Bans Israeli Companies from Naval Defense Exhibition
KAN: France has decided not to allow Israeli companies to participate in a naval defense exhibition next month.
Tue, Oct 15, 11:40 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Artillery Shelling of Beit Lahia
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli artillery shelling is still ongoing in Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip.
Beit Lahia, Jabalia Refugee Camp, and Beit Hanoun are three major civilian areas in northern Gaza, where 400,000 Palestinians live. Israel is attempting to depopulate these areas entirely. Over the past week, an average of 40 to 100 civilians have been killed daily in Israeli… pic.twitter.com/Y39zYnnLqj
Gaza Authorities Demand Safe Passage to Save Health System
GAZA GOVERNMENT MEDIA OFFICE: The government media in Gaza called for the opening of a safe corridor “immediately” to save the health system, which is going through a “catastrophic situation” in northern Gaza.
Tue, Oct 15, 10:39 PM (Palestine Time)
Hezbollah Shots Down Second Israeli Drone
HEZBOLLAH: We shot down a second Israeli Hermes 450 drone.
Tue, Oct 15, 10:39 PM (Palestine Time)
White House: Everyone Must Respect UNIFIL
WHITE HOUSE: UNIFIL plays an important role in maintaining peace and we want everyone to respect it, including Israel.
WESTERN GALILEE HOSPITAL: We received six wounded people who were hit by rocket shrapnel on the northern border with Lebanon.
Tue, Oct 15, 10:39 PM (Palestine Time)
Hezbollah Bombs Israeli Military Site
HEZBOLLAH: We fired a barrage of rockets at an Israeli army artillery position in Dishon in the Galilee region of northern Israel.
Tue, Oct 15, 10:39 PM (Palestine Time)
One Killed, 30 Injured in Israel Raid on Qana
LEBANESE CIVIL DEFENSE: Ten people were killed and at least 30 others were injured in an Israeli raid on the town of Qana.
Israeli forces committed a massacre by targeting a residential building in the town of Qana, southern Lebanon, resulting in the killing of 10 civilians and several others injured. pic.twitter.com/5S4C64JGyJ
HOME FRONT COMMAND: Sirens sounded in Ras al-Naqoura, Shlomi and other towns in the Western Galilee in northern Israel.
Tue, Oct 15, 9:25 PM (Palestine Time)
Netanyahu Holds Security Consultations
KAN: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding security consultations today in preparation for an attack on Iran.
Tue, Oct 15, 9:25 PM (Palestine Time)
US STATE DEPARTMENT: Horrified by People Burned to Death
AL-JAZEERA: The US State Department said it was “horrifying to see people burn to death in the wake of Israeli airstrikes,” referring to the attack launched by the occupation army yesterday on tents for displaced people at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.
AL-JAZEERA: Isreali occupation forces sent military reinforcements to the Jenin camp in the northern West Bank, amid clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters.
Fierce clashes are ongoing between the resistance and Israeli occupation forces in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. pic.twitter.com/wNBhyLmyjT
CHANNEL 12: 20 rockets were fired towards the Lower Galilee.
Tue, Oct 15, 8:23 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Raids on Southern Lebanon
AL-JAZEERA: Israeli raids targeted the towns of Toul, Kfarjouz and Habbush in southern Lebanon.
Tue, Oct 15, 8:23 PM (Palestine Time)
Netanyahu Opposes Unilateral Ceasefire in Lebanon
NETANYAHU TO MACRON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told French President Emmanuel Macron that he opposes any unilateral ceasefire in Lebanon.
NETANYAHU TO MACRON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told French President Emmanuel Macron that he opposes any unilateral ceasefire in Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/kCgRCLB7ZW
Hezbollah Targets Merkava Tank with Guided Missile
HEZBOLLAH: We targeted a Merkava tank with a guided missile while it was trying to advance to the outskirts of the town of Ramya, and its crew was killed and wounded.
Tue, Oct 15, 8:23 PM (Palestine Time)
Two Killed in Gaza City
AL-JAZEERA: Two people were killed in an Israeli drone strike on Ahmed Yassin Street, north of Gaza City.
Tue, Oct 15, 6:57 PM (Palestine Time)
Italy Says UNIFIL Withdrawal Would Be Grave Mistake
ITALIAN PM MELONI: The withdrawal of UNIFIL at Israel’s request would be a grave mistake and would undermine the credibility of the United Nations.
UNIFIL 🇺🇳 have a very simple message for Benjamin Netanyahu.
HEZBOLLAH: We targeted a gathering of Israeli occupation forces near the Ramia site with artillery shells.
Tue, Oct 15, 6:57 PM (Palestine Time)
Fires Break Out in Metulla Due to Rockets from Lebanon
ISRAEL HAYOM: The fall of 10 rockets launched from Lebanon caused damage to infrastructure and homes, and caused widespread fires in Metulla in the Upper Galilee.
Tue, Oct 15, 6:57 PM (Palestine Time)
Three Killed in Khan Yunis
AL-JAZEERA: Three people were killed and others were injured in an Israeli bombardment of the town of Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis.
Breaking | Three Palestinians have been killed and several others injured due to Israeli bombardment that targeted Bani Suheila town, east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. pic.twitter.com/OmUxF9v9dR
CHANNEL 12: “I, the prime minister, and the chief of staff see an eye for an eye in the matter of responding to Iran”.
Tue, Oct 15, 5:39 PM (Palestine Time)
Israeli Artillery on Southern Lebanon
AL-JAZEERA: Israeli artillery shelling targeted the town of Aita al-Shaab in southern Lebanon.
Tue, Oct 15, 5:39 PM (Palestine Time)
New Israeli Military Division in Lebanon
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: A fifth military division has begun participating in ground operations in southern Lebanon.
Tue, Oct 15, 5:39 PM (Palestine Time)
Concerns in Israeli Army about Decision-Making regarding Hezbollah
YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: Soldiers in the Egoz unit spoke with their commanders about their concerns about the way decisions were made in the unit during the confrontation with Hezbollah.
Tue, Oct 15, 4:34 PM (Palestine Time)
Sirens Sound in Upper Galilee
AL-JAZEERA: Sirens sounded in the areas of Hurfeish and Matat in the Upper Galilee.
Tue, Oct 15, 4:34 PM (Palestine Time)
Iraqi Resistance Attacks ‘Vital Target’ in Northern Israel
ISLAMIC RESISTANCE IN IRAQ: We attacked a vital target in the north of the occupied Palestinian territories this morning using drones.
Tue, Oct 15, 4:34 PM (Palestine Time)
Hezbollah’s New Equation
DEPUTY-SECRETARY GENERAL NAIM QASSEM:
Hezbollah is strong despite the severe blows it has suffered, and we have regained our field health and capabilities.
A week ago we decided to implement a new equation, which is to hurt the enemy, and it is an equation that will continue.
What the resistance achieved on the ground in two weeks was better than it had expected.
We support the Palestinians to ward off danger and prevent Israel’s expansion.
Tue, Oct 15, 4:34 PM (Palestine Time)
Injuries in Direct Hit by Hezbollah’s Missiles
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Injuries were reported in Kiryat Bialik, east of Haifa, as a result of rockets being fired from Lebanon.
🚨 At least one rocket made impact near Kiryat Biyalik, north of Haifa, after a barrage was launched from Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/mjhFTiG7Bu
TURKISH FM: Israel launches attacks to prevent the two-state solution. Al-Aqsa Mosque is a red line for all Muslims in the world.
Tue, Oct 15, 1:37 PM (Palestine Time)
New Israeli Raids on Lebanon
LEBANESE MEDIA: Israeli artillery shelling targeted the outskirts of the town of Shebaa in southern Lebanon.
Tue, Oct 15, 1:37 PM (Palestine Time)
Paramedics Injured in Rafah
GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: A number of paramedics were injured in an Israeli attack that targeted their vehicles while evacuating the wounded west of Rafah and in the northern Gaza Strip.
A number of paramedics were injured in an Israeli attack that targeted their vehicles while evacuating the wounded west of Rafah and in the northern Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/P00jE59uxm
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Three Israelis were injured, one of them seriously, in a shooting at two locations near the city of Ashdod and the attacker was killed. The operation is ongoing and the police are sending more forces to the Nir Galim area near the city.
Tue, Oct 15, 11:43 AM (Palestine Time)
Shooting in Several Locations near Ashdod
ISRAELI MEDIA:
Shooting took place in several locations near Ashdod.
An Israeli policeman was killed.
ISRAELI MEDIA: Shooting took place in several locations near Ashdod.
IRGC: I Rule out Washington’s Folly of Confronting Iran.
ADVISOR TO THE COMMANDER OF IRGC: Despite US military support for Israel, I rule out Washington committing the folly of confronting Iran.
ADVISOR TO THE COMMANDER OF IRGC: Despite US military support for Israel, I rule out Washington committing the folly of confronting Iran. pic.twitter.com/xSL4JaNWGE
Iran: We Will Defend Ourselves with Great Determination
IRANIAN GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN:
We have never started a war against any country, and we have the ability to defend ourselves with great determination.
We will not hesitate or rush to respond, but we will respond to any attack at the appropriate time and place.
We welcome any peace proposals, and are ready to play a role in improving the situation in Gaza and Lebanon.
Humanity witnessed a humanitarian disaster last year, and we are working to reduce the suffering in Palestine and Lebanon.
Tue, Oct 15, 11:43 AM (Palestine Time)
Decision to Attack Iran
YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: The decision to attack Iran will be made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, while the cabinet will review the broad outlines.
YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: The decision to attack Iran will be made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, while the cabinet will review the broad outlines. pic.twitter.com/smUOZmGvMX
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli bombardment that targeted a house on Al-Tarnis Street in Jabalia camp, north of the Gaza Strip.
يوميًا يصلنا عشرات المناشدات من عائلات محاصرة في شمال غزة. أجريت هذا الاتصال قبل قليل مع أحد أفراد عائلة السيد، التي ارتكب الجيش الإسرائيلي مجزرة بحقها، ما أسفر عن استشهاد وإصابة 20 شخصًا، بينهم جرحى ما زالوا تحت الأنقاض، في ظل عجز طواقم الإسعاف عن الوصول إليهم نتيجة الاستهداف… pic.twitter.com/iYFEht2oiW
ISRAEL HAYOM: An Israeli drone fell in one of the northern towns.
Tue, Oct 15, 11:43 AM (Palestine Time)
Israel Mulls Deportation for Palestinians
CHANNEL 12: The Knesset is discussing a bill today that would allow the deportation of the families of Palestinians who carried out operations inside Israel.
Al-Quds Brigades Bombed Israeli Soldiers in Jabaliya
AL-QUDS BRIGADES: We shelled Israeli occupation soldiers and vehicles stationed at the Civil Administration east of Jabalia camp with mortar shells.
Tue, Oct 15, 10:02 AM (Palestine Time)
Australia Asks Citizens to Leave Israel
MAARIV: Australia is asking its citizens to leave Israel immediately.
Tue, Oct 15, 10:02 AM (Palestine Time)
Three Killed in Jabaliya
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Three people were killed and others were injured in an Israeli bombardment of the Abu Rashid Baraka area in Jabaliya camp, north of the Gaza Strip.
Three people were killed and others were injured in an Israeli bombardment of the Abu Rashid Baraka area in Jabalia camp, north of the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/eb2dMiZLPy
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: The Israeli army radio reported a sharp increase in the rate of shootings since the beginning of the year, resulting in the killing of 39 Israelis.
Tue, Oct 15, 10:02 AM (Palestine Time)
170,000 Weapons DIstributed to Israelis
BEN-GVIR:
We have a chance to cut off the head of the snake by striking Iran and Netanyahu is making courageous decisions.
Within 8 months, 170,000 weapons were distributed to Israelis.
If we had stopped the entry of oil into the Gaza Strip, we would have succeeded in returning the kidnapped.
BEN-GVIR:
We have a chance to cut off the head of the snake by striking Iran and Netanyahu is making courageous decisions.
Within 8 months, 170,000 weapons were distributed to Israelis.
If we had stopped the entry of oil into the Gaza Strip, we would have succeeded in… pic.twitter.com/z2CJwMm1Ak
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Hezbollah is intensifying its use of ballistic missiles and targeting Haifa with two surface-to-surface missiles.
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: The Israeli army reported intercepting two rockets fired from Lebanon towards Haifa.
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Hezbollah is intensifying its use of ballistic missiles and targeting Haifa with two surface-to-surface missiles. pic.twitter.com/ovXz2UZikn
HOME FRONT COMMAND: Sirens sounded in several cities and towns south of Haifa, in Zichron Yaakov and the Carmel region after rocket fire was detected.
Tue, Oct 15, 10:02 AM (Palestine Time)
Hezbollah Clashes with Israeli Infantry Force
HEZBOLLAH: Our fighters clashed with an occupation infantry force while it was trying to infiltrate the outskirts of the town of Rab Thalatheen, and the clashes are still ongoing.
A vehicle is on fire after it was hit by a projectile from the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon in Karmiel, occupied Palestine, October 14, 2024 (Social media)
Hezbollah attacks numerous Israeli sites, assembly points, barracks, advancements, and military sites, striking central “Israel”.
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon – Hezbollah carried out a plethora of operations targeting Israeli military positions and movements on Monday across various areas in southern Lebanon and the occupied territories.
In the early morning, Hezbollah launched a rocket salvo at Israeli forces in Labouneh, followed by another salvo targeting a gathering of Israeli troops in Khallet Wardeh, which was hit again in a subsequent strike. An Israeli infantry unit attempting to infiltrate Lebanese territory from the direction of Markaba was struck by Hezbollah with artillery fire during its advance. Further into the morning, Israeli troop movements in Labouneh were targeted with another barrage of rockets.
Later in the morning, Hezbollah struck the Zibdeen barracks in the occupied Shebaa Farms with rockets, achieving direct hits. In response to Israeli aggressions and massacres, Hezbollah launched a precision rocket salvo at the Stella Maris naval base northwest of Haifa. Around the same time, artillery fire was directed at Israeli forces south of Maroun al-Ras.
Mid-morning, as Israeli forces attempted to advance towards Aita al-Shaab, they were forced to retreat under heavy artillery fire from Hezbollah fighters. Later, Hezbollah launched another precision rocket salvo targeting Beit Lid barracks east of Netanya. Additionally, Hezbollah fighters targeted the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Shmona with rockets.
Later on, the resistance struck an Israeli infantry unit attempting to infiltrate the outskirts of Markaba with artillery fire. Hezbollah forces then engaged in fierce confrontations with Israeli troops in Aita al-Shaab using rockets and machine guns, during which a guided missile destroyed an Israeli armored personnel carrier, killing and wounding those inside.
Hezbollah went on to launch a rocket salvo targeting Israeli forces in the Ramot Naftali settlement, followed by artillery fire hitting Israeli forces positioned at Roueissat al-Alam in the occupied hills of Kfar Chouba.
Hezbollah fighters also targeted the settlement of Karmiel with a barrage of rockets. Around the same time, they launched a large salvo at Israeli forces gathered in the settlement of Tziv’on. Later in the afternoon, Israeli forces east of Markaba were struck by another round of rocket fire, and a second salvo targeted troops in Khallet Wardeh.
As the day went on, Israeli forces at the Misgav Am site were shelled with artillery fire, followed by another rocket salvo directed at Israeli troops in the settlement of Manara. Shortly after, a rocket strike hit an Israeli military position at Marj.
By the evening, Hezbollah fighters launched a major rocket strike on the occupied city of Safad.
In response to an Israeli tank advance on the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab, Hezbollah targeted three Merkava tanks with guided missiles, setting them ablaze and inflicting casualties and destruction. Around the same time, Israeli forces at the Radar site in the occupied Shebaa Farms were hit by rockets, alongside another strike on Israeli troops at Roueissat al-Alam in the Kfar Chouba hills and a third targeting the Brekhta farm in the Shebaa Farms.
Later in the evening, Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli forces in the Margaliot settlement and hit Israeli personnel and equipment at Khallet Wardeh with another salvo. Shortly afterward, they targeted Israeli forces in the Zar’it barracks. The strikes continued late into the night, with rocket fire hitting the settlement of Kiryat Shmona.
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon underlined that all of its operations were carried out in support of and in defense of the people of Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the Palestinian Resistance in light of the Israeli onslaught they are facing.
Operations overview
– At 00:02, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in Khallet Wardeh with a barrage of rockets.
– At 01:05, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in Labouneh with a barrage of rockets.
– At 01:15, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in Khallet Wardeh with a barrage of rockets.
– At 03:15, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli enemy infantry unit attempting to infiltrate Lebanese territory from the direction of Markaba with artillery shells.
– At 03:40, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Israeli enemy movements in Labouneh with a barrage of rockets.
– At 07:30, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Zibdeen barracks in the occupied Shebaa Farms with a barrage of rockets, achieving direct hits.
– At 09:30, the Islamic Resistance fighters launched a precision rocket salvo at the Stella Maris naval base northwest of Haifa.
– At 10:00, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Kiryat Shmona settlement with a barrage of rockets.
– At 10:30, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Israeli enemy soldiers attempting to advance toward Aita al-Shaab with artillery fire, forcing them to retreat.
– At 10:45, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point south of Maroun al-Ras with artillery shells.
– At 11:00, the Islamic Resistance fighters launched a precision rocket salvo at the Beit Lid barracks east of Netanya.
– At 13:30, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in the Ramot Naftali settlement with a barrage of rockets.
– At 13:30, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in the Tziv’on settlement with a large barrage of rockets.
– At 14:15, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli enemy infantry unit attempting to infiltrate the outskirts of Markaba with artillery shells.
– At 14:20, the Islamic Resistance fighters engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli enemy forces in Aita al-Shaab, using various types of rocket and machine gun fire.
– At 14:20, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point at the Roueissat al-Alam site in the occupied hills of Kfar Chouba with artillery shells.
– At 14:30, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli armored personnel carrier with a guided missile during confrontations in Aita al-Shaab, setting it on fire and killing and injuring those inside.
– At 14:33, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Karmiel settlement with a barrage of rockets.
– At 16:20, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point east of Markaba with a barrage of rockets.
– At 17:15, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in Khallet Wardeh with a barrage of rockets.
– At 17:15, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point at the Misgav Am site with artillery shells.
– At 17:15, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in the Manara settlement with a barrage of rockets.
– At 17:20, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point east of Markaba with a barrage of rockets.
– At 18:00, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point at the Marj site with a barrage of rockets.
– At 18:20, the Islamic Resistance fighters launched a large barrage of rockets at the occupied city of Safed.
– At 18:40, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point at the Radar site in the occupied Shebaa Farms with a barrage of rockets.
– At 18:40, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point at the Roueissat al-Alam site in the occupied Kfar Chouba hills with a barrage of rockets.
– At 18:40, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in Brekhta farm in the occupied Shebaa Farms with a barrage of rockets.
– At 18:45, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted three advancing Merkava tanks on the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab with guided missiles, achieving direct hits and setting them ablaze, killing and injuring those inside.
– At 19:15, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point in the Margaliot settlement with a barrage of rockets.
– At 20:15, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy personnel and vehicles in Khallet Wardeh with a barrage of rockets.
– At 20:20, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli assembly point at the Zar’it barracks with a barrage of rockets.
– At 22:40, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Kiryat Shmona settlement with a barrage of rockets.
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Thousand rally in US, Canada in solidarity with Gaza, Lebanon
In a powerful display of solidarity, tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Washington D.C., US and Toronto, Canada to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Lebanon, two days before the one-year mark of “Israel’s” genocidal war on Gaza. Chanting phrases like “End the occupation now…We want justice, you say how,” one protester expressed her grief “over the loss of over 100,000 martyrs.” Demonstrators also demanded that an arms embargo be placed on “Israel” for its genocide in Gaza. Protesters also condemned the intensifying Israeli aggression on Lebanon, which has displaced tens of thousands of Lebanese from South Lebanon as Israeli occupation forces attempt to execute a ground invasion of southern Lebanon; all of which have been foiled by the Lebanese Resistance.
Palestinians try to extinguish a fire caused by an Israeli strike that hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, October 14, 2024. (AP)
Tens of injuries and three martyrs have been recorded as “Israel” bombards displaced Palestinians’ in a Gaza hospital.
Three Palestinians were killed and over 40 others were injured in the Israeli bombardment of makeshift tents set up by displaced Palestinians on the grounds of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
The Gaza Civil Defense reiterated that not a single safe place in the Strip exists, with the most recent attack against civilians and patients at the hospital serving as additional proof.
As a result of the violent bombings, fires broke out, burning at least 30 tents and civilians sheltering inside. The raging flames had been spreading to the hospital itself as civil defense crews tried to contain them.
22 Palestinians were killed, including 15 children and one woman, and around 80 others were injured. Gaza’s Media Office stressed that the occupation deliberately bombed the school, knowing that it sheltered thousands of displaced civilians.
Additionally, the school was not labeled as a combat zone, essentially meaning it was a safe place for refugees.
Al-Mujahideen Resistance movement condemned both massacres, saying they reflect the hypocrisy of the world, which remains silent as innocent civilians bear the brunt of the Israeli aggression that violates all human values and international law.
“These vengeful zionist crimes against innocent, unarmed civilians come after the cowardly soldiers of the occupation received painful blows from the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance, aiming to break the will to resist and challenge among our people and our nation.”
The United States and the Israeli occupation were held fully responsible for all the crimes.
‘Israel’ targets children playing in al-Shati
Adding to their list of massacres committed on the 373rd day of the genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupation forces directly attacked a group of children in the al-Shati refugee camp, near the coast of Gaza City.
Al Mayadeen‘s correspondent said that the massacre claimed the lives of five children and injured several others on Sunday. The children were killed and wounded while playing together in a neighborhood in Gaza.
Additionally, the Israeli occupation is besieging the Jabalia refugee camp, were the bodies of at least three martyrs were recovered by authorities from the Tal al-Zaatar neighborhood.
Al Mayadeen‘s correspondent also reported that three injured individuals were transported to the al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat after an Israeli airstrike targeted a home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip.
Destruction in Gaza city due to Israeli aggression (photo from May 2024).
Numerous sources over the past week have reported en masse a cautious optimism over the finalization of a ceasefire deal in Gaza, putting a final end to the ruthless 14-month Israeli genocidal war waged on the strip after the heroic “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation on the 7th of October, 2023.
This would not, however, be the first time the deal approached finalization only for hopes to vanish over varying disagreements or political pressure. This current round of negotiations faces similar and new obstacles as well.
According to the Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, estimates from sources familiar with negotiation details said that the deal in Gaza is close, but “it is not a matter of days, but of weeks,” and there is still controversy between the parties about the identity and number of captives held with Hamas, their classification, and the identity of Palestinian prisoners set to be released as part of the swap deal.
An Israeli official familiar with the negotiations told the newspaper on Friday: “Israel and Hamas are closer than ever to a deal, and both sides are working seriously, or pretending to be, but they are working under a deadline, which is (US President-elect Donald) Trump’s entry into the White House (on January 20). Whether it is a matter of real or imaginary pressure, the common denominator among all parties involved seems to be that the time has come, and this must be finished.”
The official explained that despite these understandings, there are still some “mediocre disagreements” related mainly to the identity and number of those released, among those detained by Hamas, or Palestinian prisoners in occupation prisons.
The Israeli paper also described the controversy regarding the designation of releasing Israeli captives under “humanitarian” justifications, which prioritizes the sick, elderly, women and children to be released first as part of the deal. The controversy lies in the ambiguity surrounding the medical state of the captives and who of them are sick, healthy, or even could be counted among the sick, and what this could mean for the release of detained soldiers.
High-Profile Palestinian Prisoners
The second obstacle, which is causing massive rifts in the Zionist political wings, is the issue of the Palestinian prisoners, the total number to be released, and their identities. The Associated Press (AP) reported on Thursday that Hamas’ demands for prisoner release include high-profile names such as Marwan Barghouti.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition includes hardliners who oppose such releases, with some even pledging to quit the government if too many concessions are made. Many of these hardliners point to the 2011 prisoner release which included the freeing of Martyr Yahya Al-Sinwar, who is believed to be the architect of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” attack.
Two-phase Deal
For its part, Hebrew newspaper Haaretz reported that a weak point of the deal lies in the likely intention to divide it into two stages, adding that the mediators believe they will succeed in applying pressure on Netanyahu’s coalition, meaning that once implementation of the first stage begins, Netanyahu will find it difficult to retrace his steps or go back on his word.
The Israeli coalition cannot afford for the deal to fall apart during the transitional period between the two phases, which will lead to renewing the war and leaving the remaining detainees in captivity in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli daily.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu leading a cabinet meeting in occupied Al-Quds (October 7, 2024).
The Israeli government will not be able to withstand the pressure that will be exerted on it, whether from abroad or from within Israeli society, it added.
Haaretz remarked, through the words of its military analyst Amos Harel, that the failure of the negotiations in the second part lies in understanding the considerations of the negotiating parties.
The decisive matter for Hamas is an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of the occupation army forces from the Gaza Strip, but it may agree to concede in the first phase, and accept a partial presence of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip in the first phase, during which the designated captives (the sick, women, children, and the elderly) among others will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
“But Netanyahu,” Harel continued, “and certainly his far-right partners in the government, do not want the war to end and may find it difficult to pay the high price that Hamas will demand for the release of the remaining soldiers and civilians (along with the return of the dead captives’ bodies).”
For the families of the remaining abductees, this would be a disaster,” Harel said. “It is no secret that the prime minister depends, for his political survival, on his right-wing partners, and their opposition to concessions over the past year has been the main obstacle to the deal in Gaza.”
Under these circumstances, it is expected that negotiations may reach another dead end and the war will resume, the Israeli analyst concluded.
With Assad’s government toppled, Syria teeters between fragile hopes for peace and the looming threat and chaos of militant rule. The Cradle’s correspondent crosses an open border into a city alive with jubilation but, in many areas, still plagued by war, fear, and an uncertain future.
Photo Credit: The Cradle
“The border is open. You can go to Syria!”
This is what my taxi driver friend Ali texted me.
“Do you need a visa? Are there checkpoints?” I asked.
“There is nothing, just go!” came his quick reply.
It felt surreal. Was this really the best time to go to Syria?
Just three days earlier, Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen to militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by the notorious former Al-Qaeda leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani. At the same time, Israel was carrying out the largest bombing campaign in its history – over 350 massive strikes to dismantle Syria’s military infrastructure entirely.
Despite fears of what might lie ahead, I found myself in Ali’s car early the next morning, heading from Beirut to the Syrian border. After clearing Lebanese control, I switched taxis – my new driver, Omar, greeted me with a smile.
“The terrorist is gone,” Omar said with satisfaction, referring to Assad as I loaded my bag into the car.
Omar, a graying man in his late forties with a short beard, shared his story as we drove. In 2013, he was detained while attending a protest in Damascus’s Midan district. A substantial bribe secured his release after a year in prison.
He had not only participated in demonstrations but also worked with the Local Coordination Committees (LCC) and helped form a local armed group that later joined the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
No passport control
Another passenger in the car, Abd al-Qader, beamed with excitement as we drove through the no man’s land between the two borders.
Abd al-Qader was returning to Syria after 13 years. He says he fled to Lebanon after the start of the war in 2011, afraid he would be detained by Syrian intelligence – the notorious and feared ‘Mukhabarat’ – for supporting the opposition.
The CIA and allied intelligence agencies had sparked the protests in Syria in March of 2011 while also flooding the country with Al-Qaeda militants from Iraq and Lebanon to attack Syrian police and security forces, blaming the deaths on Assad.
As we drove across the border, the old building where the Syrian authorities would stamp your passport was burned, empty, and had been looted. “Now you don’t have to pay bribes to cross the border,” Abd al-Qader said.
Now, the border was totally open; there was no passport check, just a few teenagers in mismatched civilian and military clothes who waved us through, AK-47s slung casually over their shoulders.
As we kept driving down the winding highway to Damascus, a camouflage truck with several masked men standing in the bed with mounted machine guns drove up and parked on the side of the road.
Omar said they were “revolutionaries” and that we had nothing to worry about. “They speak directly on the phone to Joe Biden, don’t worry,” he joked. “You can take selfies with them in Damascus!”
The old building where the Syrian authorities stamped passports visibly vandalized and burned.
Israeli bombing and Julani’s arrival
As we entered the outskirts of the capital, the air was filled with a terrible smell. I soon saw smoke billowing from buildings on the right side of the road.
We were passing Al-Mezzeh military airport, which Israel had struck a few days ago as part of a massive bombing campaign it launched almost as soon as Julani entered Damascus.
Israel said it had dropped some 450 bombs on Syria’s military infrastructure, weapons depots, naval port, and missile defense systems over the past few days.
It reminded me of Beirut, where I had spent the past two months. I witnessed first-hand how Israel’s mass bombing campaign of Lebanon had turned large sections of the southern suburbs of the capital into an apocalyptic wasteland.
I noticed that same acrid scent I had smelled in Beirut, which made me wonder what kind of radiation and chemicals from the Israeli bombs will continue to poison future generations of Lebanese and Syrians, reminiscent of Iraq, where generations still suffer from the intoxicating aftermath of US bombings.
Yet Omar shrugged off the destruction. He said Syria would now have good relations with every neighboring country, including Israel, and that Syria no longer needed an army.
Over the next two nights in a row, I was awoken by the loud boom of Israel’s bombing of military sites on Mount Qasioun, which overlooks Damascus from the north. In addition to the bombing campaign, Israel immediately occupied additional Syrian land in the Golan Heights after Julani took control of the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now bragging that he is the first leader in decades to expand Israel’s territory, while religious Jews in Israel are demanding to establish settlements and make large swathes of Syria, including Damascus, part of ‘Greater Israel.’
Torture, prisons, and ghosts of the war
Driving into Damascus, we passed the Palestine Branch of Syrian Security on the left side of the highway. Omar said that is where he was held. The Palestine Branch had five stories and had been burned by the HTS militants. He said there were prisons in the underground floors of the building where people were tortured.
As we exited the highway and entered the city, we saw another intelligence building with high, imposing walls. “Many detainees were held there,” Omar said.
The specter of Syria’s prisons still looms over its people. While western media sensationalized prisons like Sednaya with tales of bone-crushing machines, the truth of brutal detentions is undeniable. Sharif, a Kurdish man I later met, told me about his brother, Qassem, a bus driver accused of transporting militants. Detained in 2014, Qassem was tortured to death within five months. Sharif asked bitterly:
“Why torture someone like that? If he did something wrong, put him in prison, sure. But to torture and kill him? He is a human being. God created him. Why do that? Many people in Syria have stories like my brother’s. Of people taken without questions or answers.”
Anti-Alawite reprisals
As we continued the drive into Damascus, we passed the government passport office. The building was charred from being torched, and smoke was still rising from it. Around twenty or thirty people were gathered around, watching as a crane lifted a burnt-out car out of the way.
We then passed Abbasiyyeen Square, a famous roundabout in the city with a fountain and grassy area in its center. A modest crowd was in the square, including some women and children, giving the impression life was continuing as normal.
Some people were holding the country’s old colonial flag embraced by the Syrian opposition in 2011, now the flag of post-Assad Syria. A few HTS men wearing green camouflage tactical clothing and assault rifles stood watch. Rumors swirled about a general being publicly executed there—but they were false.
While Damascus and other cities remain largely peaceful, videos have appeared on social media allegedly showing former government officials and Alawites being beaten, paraded through the streets, or lynched by mobs or armed militants. Reports are also spreading about Syrian soldiers disappearing in Latakia after surrendering to HTS militants.
The Caesar Sanctions
Before going to my hotel, Omar took me to his favorite shawarma place and treated me to a big plate that included French fries.
As I was just about finished, a small boy approached us selling roses. We were sitting at a table on the sidewalk. He asked if he could take the last French fries from my plate.
I told him. “Of course, you can eat them.” But instead, he said, “They are for my mother.” He wrapped them up in a napkin and walked away.
I was shocked that he or his mother, or both, would be so poor that he would bother to save a handful of French fries. But in fact, it should not be a shock; Syria is a very poor country. It has been under a punishing US blockade, imposed through what is known as the Caesar Sanctions, for years.
US officials have openly stated they wished to use the sanctions to crush Syria’s economy while also occupying Syria’s oil fields and major wheat-producing regions to starve the country further.
These officials know that similar US sanctions killed some 500,000 children in Iraq over the course of a decade in the 1990s without hurting Saddam Hussein himself. But they imposed the sanctions on Syria anyway, to punish Syria’s civilians until they oust Assad from power.
The members of the Syrian “opposition” living in Washington, DC, who advocated for imposing the sanctions, know this too.
They know the elites of a sanctioned country still have all the luxuries they need and that such measures only hurt regular people and make them go hungry. Many people in Damascus have been discussing details that have been discovered this week about Assad’s luxurious life, including his classic car collection.
The fact that many Syrians are happy that the old government is gone is perhaps one sign that the murderous US sanctions were, in the end, successful.
“We just want to eat and live in peace,” one man in Damascus told me when I asked what he thought about Assad’s ouster.
Syrians in Damascus queuing for bread – an aftermath of the Caesar Sanctions imposed on the country.
Some of the Syrians who are happy about the change are religious Sunnis, who have now taken power in Damascus, the capital of the old Umayyad Empire.
The first night in Damascus, I went to the Umayyad Mosque. Formerly a church and still home to the alleged head of John the Baptist (or Prophet Yahya in Islamic tradition), the mosque is considered the fourth most important in Sunni Islam.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, head of the Islamist AKP party, famously vowed back in 2014 that he would pray in the Umayyad Mosque. Prior to the fall of the Assad government, Erdogan also hinted at his role in helping HTS take Damascus. US President-elect Donald Trump also hinted at this, stating that Turkiye had orchestrated the “unfriendly takeover” of Syria with little bloodshed.
Armed militants from HTS, many with their faces fully masked, were present at the mosque. Some lounged inside on the carpet, and others took pictures at the entrance with a few late-night visitors.
I felt nervous around the masked militants, not knowing how they would react to a foreigner, so I left after a few minutes. As I turned the corner to exit the mosque, three more armed HTS men with AK-47s walked in my direction.
These men were not masked, and I could see they had Asian features. They were Uyghur from the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), which had helped Julani and HTS conquer Idlib in 2015. The Uyghur fighters took over the homes of Christians they expelled after the invasion, and now were walking the streets of Damascus.
In the morning, I went back to the Umayyad Mosque for the first Friday prayers since the change of government. Despite the rumors circulating online, Erdogan was not there.
However, there was a huge crowd, the mosque was totally full, and the outside courtyard was packed as well.
Drones were overhead filming the crowd, and as they flew close, people would break out in chants of “Allahu Akbar” or “The people want the execution of Bashar.” The crowd was mixed, with women, children, men, and adolescents.
There were some armed HTS men providing security in what was a festive atmosphere. I spoke to one young woman who said she was happy because it was the first time in 50 years that a mass gathering filling the entire courtyard was allowed.
She said with a smile that Julani had been there the day before and wondered if he was inside the mosque now.
Syrian civilians and militants celebrating in the Umayyad Mosque’s courtyard in Damascus.
The Christians are scared
At the same time, angst grips Syria’s Christians. It is no secret that Christians were murdered and ethnically cleansed by Al-Qaeda groups – including Julani’s Nusra Front – in Iraq and Syria over the past two decades.
In 2013, Nusa militants invaded Maaloula, an ancient Christian town an hour’s drive north of Damascus. They destroyed and looted churches and kidnapped nuns from the town whose residents are among the last to speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus.
Some of the most historic Christian towns in the world, in Iraq’s Ninevah plains, were ethnically cleansed by ISIS in collaboration with Masoud Barzani’s Kurdish Peshmerga forces the same year following the terror group’s capture of Mosul.
Just yesterday, news emerged that an elderly Christian couple was murdered in Wadi al-Nasara, the “Valley of the Christians,” near the Syrian city of Homs.
Initial reports said the couple was murdered as part of a burglary, a possible result of Julani’s emptying of Syria’s prisons, both the political prisoners and the criminals, as his men took over the country.
However, later reports said one of them had been beheaded, a common Al-Qaeda tactic, suggesting other motives of the killers.
Speaking to The Cradle, one member of the local Christian congregation in Damascus says:
“If the Christian community in Syria survives, it will be because of a decision of Uncle Sam. We know it is Washington who controls what is happening in Syria. We know it is Washington and Tel Aviv that give orders to Julani. Will President Trump ensure the safety and future of Christians in Syria? We don’t know. We can only pray.”
This is the question on everyone’s mind now. Perhaps the future of Syria is bright, as many Iraqis thought after the US army invaded Iraq and deposed Saddam. Or maybe it is the beginning of another nightmare, as Iraqis tragically learned over the next fifteen years.
The Yemeni Armed Forces affirm that any escalation by “Israel” and the United States against Yemen “will be met with a proportional response.”
The Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF), in coordination with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, carried out a top-tier military operation targeting vital Israeli sites in southern occupied Palestine using several drones, spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced on Friday.
Separately, the YAF’s Unmanned Air Force executed a top-tier military operation targeting an Israeli military site in occupied Yafa also with a drone, Saree added.
The spokesperson confirmed that the two attacks successfully achieved their targets, reiterating that the operations were “in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and its Resistance fighters and in response to the massacres committed against our brothers in Gaza.”
The YAF affirmed that any escalation by “Israel” and the United States against Yemen “will be met with a proportional response,” Saree said, warning that the YAF “will not hesitate to target the vital facilities of the Israeli enemy, as well as the American military movements that threaten Yemen.”
He asserted that the ongoing crimes against Gaza would only lead to further strikes by the YAF and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq against “Israel”.
Elsewhere, Saree reiterated that these operations will not cease until the Israeli aggression on Gaza stops and the siege imposed on the Strip is lifted.
His announcement comes a day after dozens of Israeli Air Force warplanes attacked strategic targets in Yemen, specifically in Hodeidah, and for the first time, in the suburbs of the capital, Sanaa.
At least nine people were killed and several others were injured as a result of the aggression that coincided with a top-tier military operation carried out by the missile unit of the Yemeni Armed Forces against two Israeli sensitive and strategic military targets in the occupied Yafa (Tel Aviv) region using two Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missiles.
Later, the leader of the Ansar Allah movement in Yemen, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, confirmed that one of the missiles was aimed at the Israeli Ministry of Security, timed with the Israeli airstrike on Yemen, causing significant confusion for the occupation forces and disrupting their mission.
Million-man marches in support of Gaza continue in Yemen
On Friday, millions of Yemenis took part in weekly rallies in solidarity with Gaza, gathering in Sanaa and several provinces and districts.
In a statement, the rallies emphasized their unwavering commitment to the struggle, marked by steadfastness and patience, in support of the Palestinian people and in defense of Yemen.
The rallies declared a clear and explicit challenge to “Israel” and its American backers, affirming their readiness to confront any conspiracies targeting their stance and their full preparedness to make the necessary sacrifices in this battle.
The Yemeni rallies praised the continued top-tier operations by the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza, calling on the Arab and Islamic nations to join the support fronts and activate all capabilities and resources to aid Palestine.
Jenin Battalion has announced that its fighters from the Al-Sila Al-Harithiya Company successfully detonated an explosive device targeting a military vehicle of the Israeli occupation forces on the Al-Ragheb axis in Jenin, West Bank.
The resistance fighters engaged in fierce battles with the occupation troops on multiple fronts in the town, raining heavy gunfire and explosive devices upon the Israeli occupation forces, resulting in confirmed casualties.
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades – Jenin also confirmed that they confronted the invading occupation soldiers in Al-Silah Al-Harithiya with machine guns and explosive devices.
Elsewhere, the Israeli occupation army stormed the Balata refugee camp east of Nablus twice in a single night, bulldozing infrastructure on the market street and wreaking havoc. Foot patrols also roamed the alleys of Al-Badoud and Al-Jammasin inside the camp, with soldiers raiding and searching numerous homes.
The occupation forces further invaded the village of Rojib, east of Nablus, arresting the mother and father of the wanted Palestinian youth, Obada Rawajbeh, in an attempt to pressure him to surrender. They also stormed the towns of Birzeit, north of Ramallah, Al-Bireh, and Deir Samet in Hebron, detaining young men during the raid on Immatin, east of Qalqilya.
تمتلئ الصحافة بتساؤلاتٍ كثيرةٍ عقب الحدث الجيو-استراتيجي السوري حول مسار طوفان الأقصى، وعن مستقبل المنطقة ووضع فصائل المقاومة الفلسطينية في غمرة هذه التطورات، لا سيما حركة المقاومة الإسلامية حماس، وعن وضع غزة واحتمالات التوصل لاتفاقٍ لوقف إطلاق النار، وما ينتظر الضفَّة وسلطة التنسيق الأمني. وسيحاول هذا المقال الإجابة على هذه التساؤلات بالقدر والإيجاز الممكنَيْن.
الحدث السوري
استنادا لرؤية العالم كوحدةٍ تحليليةٍ واحدةٍ، حينما يرتبط الأمر بانزياح موازين القوى، تلك الرؤية التي يكون مِن الأَولى إعمالها حين يتعلق الأمر بساحاتٍ إقليميةٍ مترابطةٍ عضويا، يصير من غير الممكن فصل ما جرى في سوريا عن سياقه المباشر المتعلّق بارتدادات زلزال طوفان الأقصى.
رغم وجود شبه إقرارٍ بهذا الرأي، إلا أن هناك مقاربتين متعرضتين بالنظر إلى ذاك الحدث الإقليمي الفارق:
– يرى البعض أن سقوط دمشق كان امتدادا للطوفان، على قاعدة أن الطوفان قد أعاد الحياة لحراكٍ شعبيٍ ساعٍ لإسقاط الظلم والدكتاتورية.
– بينما يرى قسمٌ آخرٌ أن ما حصل في سوريا كان انقلابا على الطوفان ذاته، وإجهاضا لمفاعيله التي حاول ترسيخها في المنطقة، وأنه جاء كحصيلةٍ للحرب الدائرة منذ 14 شهرا على قوى التحرر العربي-الإسلامي، وتداعيات تلك الحرب على التوازنات الحاكمة في المنطقة.
لكن بالنظر إلى الرأي الأول، يتضح افتقاره إلى ربطٍ منطقيٍ بين التغير في التوازنات الإقليمية التي أحدثها طوفان الأقصى وفتح جبهات الإسناد، والتحرك العسكري المنظم الذي جاء من خارج المناطق التي كانت تسيطر عليها الدولة السورية، إذ ما جرى لم يكن هبّة من قلب مناطق سيطرة الدولة؛ ذلك إلا إذا كان المقصود بالرأي الأول، أن الهجوم العسكري من المناطق التي كانت تسيطر عليها المجموعات المسلَّحة يحاكي هجوم 7 تشرين الأول/ أكتوبر 2023، وهنا يصير القائلون بهذا القول يتبنون ضمنا الرأي الثاني من حيث لا يشعرون، إذ إن ما جرى صبيحة الطوفان كان ترجمة لاختلال في توازنات المنطقة السابقة بالأساس.
رغم تحقيق العدو الصهيو-أمريكي إنجازاتٍ تكتيكيةٍ ضد قوى التحرر العربي-الإسلامي خلال حرب طوفان الأقصى، إلا أنه ظل عاجزا عن تحويلها إلى مكاسب إستراتيجيةٍ حتى إسقاط دمشق، الذي جاء ليقلب توازنات المنطقة رأسا على عقبٍ ويتيح لنتنياهو التفاخر بتحقيق الخطوة الأولى نحو خلق “شرق أوسطٍ جديدٍ”، تلك العبارة التي يستخدمها كناية عن تحقيق حلم “إسرائيل الكبرى”
فالدولة السورية كانت جزءا من تحالفٍ، ذلك بمعزل عن تقييم الأطراف لمدى انخراطها بذاك التحالف، ولا جدال بأن دعم حلفاء سوريا لها قد لعب دورا محوريا في عدم سقوط الدولة خلال دورة العنف الأولى. لكن، نتيجة للظروف المستجدة، بسبب انشغال محور المقاومة بحربٍ مصيريةٍ تخوضها نيابة عن الأمة الخاملة والمتواطئة، وتوجيه العدو ضرباتٍ تكتيكيةٍ للمحور في غزة ولبنان، تهيأت الأرضية لفتح جبهةٍ جديدةٍ ضد الدولة السورية من الشمال. وقد أدى هذا التحرك لتحقيق إنجازٍ نوعي للعدو بإسقاط النظام الذي كان حلقة الوصل بين قوى المقاومة.
لذلك، فإن الرأي الثاني، الذي يرى بأن التحوّل الجيو-استراتيجي السوري يُعَدّ انعكاسا لاختلالٍ في توازنات المنطقة الحاكمة، في خضمّ حربٍ طاحنةٍ تدور بين محورين، يبدو أكثر منطقية وأقرب للواقع ولحقائق الميدان.
رغم تحقيق العدو الصهيو-أمريكي إنجازاتٍ تكتيكيةٍ ضد قوى التحرر العربي-الإسلامي خلال حرب طوفان الأقصى، إلا أنه ظل عاجزا عن تحويلها إلى مكاسب إستراتيجيةٍ حتى إسقاط دمشق، الذي جاء ليقلب توازنات المنطقة رأسا على عقبٍ ويتيح لنتنياهو التفاخر بتحقيق الخطوة الأولى نحو خلق “شرق أوسطٍ جديدٍ”، تلك العبارة التي يستخدمها كناية عن تحقيق حلم “إسرائيل الكبرى”.
لقد عبّر نتنياهو عن مضمون تلك الفكرة بوضوحٍ من على حدود الجولان المحتل، وذلك عقب سقوط دمشق، ذاك التصريح الذي تبعه بتوغّلٍ بريٍ داخل سوريا، بلغ حتى اللحظة مئات الكيلومترات المربّعة من قرى ومدنٍ سوريةٍ ومناطق ومرتفعاتٍ حاكمةٍ، مما جعل نتنياهو يُصرِّح بأن الجولان المحتل قد بات اليوم جزءا من “إسرائيل” للأبد، وذلك في ظلّ ما بات يصدُر تباعا عن الجولاني من تصريحاتٍ قال فيها تارة بأنه لا حجّة للكيان بالتوغّل في الأراضي السورية، كون “هيئة تحرير الشام” قد أبعدت خطر حرس الثورة الإسلامية الإيرانية ومجاهدي حزب الله عن حدود الجولان المحتل، وتارة بالتأكيد على أن “سوريا الجديدة” لن تكون منطلقا لأي عمَلٍ مسلَّحٍ ضد الكيان الغاصب، هذا ناهيك عن تصرّف مقاتلي “هيئة تحرير الشام” على الأرض الذين لم يحاولوا التصدي للتوغّل الصهيوني المستمر في الأرض السورية، إضافة إلى إغلاق “هيئة تحرير الشام” لمعسكرات تدريب الفصائل الفلسطينية، وسحب سلاحها عدا الفردي منه.
إذن، استنادا للرأي الثاني، الذي يأخذ بعين الاعتبار نتائج سقوط دمشق المباشرة على سوريا، يمكن القول بأن ما جرى قد وجّه ضربة كبيرة لطوفان الأقصى ومفاعيله، وتبقى النتائج التي ستظهر في غزة قريبا حكما على صحة هذه الرؤية من عدمها.
وقف إطلاق النار في غزة
تشي الحركة الدبلوماسية الحثيثة الراهنة، التي يلفها التكتّم الشديد، بقرب التوصل إلى وقفٍ لإطلاق النار على جبهة غزة، وقد كان هذا الأمر متوقعا عقب ما جرى في سوريا، إذ إن خيارات المقاومة الفلسطينية قد باتت اليوم محدودة بعد الإنجاز الاستراتيجي الذي حقّقه الحلف الصهيو-أمريكي على عموم محور قوى التحرر العربي-الإسلامي، مما يمكن أن يدفع المقاومة الفلسطينية، بقيادة كتائب القسام، إلى تقديم تنازلاتٍ مؤلمةٍ للعدو كاستجابةٍ للواقع الإقليمي المستجد، بعدما اصبح حزب الله محاصرا من المجموعات المسلَّحة المسيطرة على سوريا، وفي ظلّ إرباك الجمهورية الإسلامية في إيران، وفقدانها لنقطة ارتكازٍ رئيسةٍ في مواجهة الحلف الصهيو-أمريكي.
لقد باتت أولوية فصائل المقاومة الفلسطينية في هذه المرحلة الحفاظ على وجودها، وذلك في ظلّ انقلاب موازين القوى في المنطقة لمصلحة العدو، لذلك لا يمكن بحالٍ توجيه أي لومٍ للمقاومة الفلسطينية وكتائب القسام إذا ما وافقت على اتفاقٍ لوقف النار في غزة بسقوفٍ أقل مما كان متوقعا سابقا، أو بشروطٍ أكثر قسوة على الفلسطينيين مما كان مأمولا، فالضربة شبه القاتلة التي تمكّن العدو من توجيهها لطوفان الأقصى، بالتعاون مع قوى إقليميةٍ، تفرض على قوى التحرر العربي-الإسلامي محاولة التكيّف مع الواقع الجديد الذي فرضه العدو على الأمّة.
مستقبل المنطقة
إجماعٌ على أن نتيجة طوفان الأقصى النهائية سترسم شكل المنطقة لسنين قادمةٍ، إذ إن الطوفان لم يحصل في الفراغ، بل إنه قد جاء كنتيجةٍ طبيعيةٍ للتغيّر الذي اعترى موازين القوى خلال العقدين المنصرمين، ناهيك عن مرور العالم في مرحلة تحولاتٍ عميقةٍ على مستوى شكل النظام العالمي الجديد، لذلك من المستبعد أن يتوقف المسار الذي افتتحه الطوفان قبل ترصيد توازنات المنطقة الجديدة بصورةٍ شبه نهائيةٍ لصالح أي من الأحلاف المتقابلة
هناك إجماعٌ على أن نتيجة طوفان الأقصى النهائية سترسم شكل المنطقة لسنين قادمةٍ، إذ إن الطوفان لم يحصل في الفراغ، بل إنه قد جاء كنتيجةٍ طبيعيةٍ للتغيّر الذي اعترى موازين القوى خلال العقدين المنصرمين، ناهيك عن مرور العالم في مرحلة تحولاتٍ عميقةٍ على مستوى شكل النظام العالمي الجديد، لذلك من المستبعد أن يتوقف المسار الذي افتتحه الطوفان قبل ترصيد توازنات المنطقة الجديدة بصورةٍ شبه نهائيةٍ لصالح أي من الأحلاف المتقابلة.
رغم ميل موازين القوى بعد الأحداث الأخيرة لصالح العدو، إلا أنه لن يتمكّن مِن ترصيد اختلال موازين القوى الإقليمية بصورةٍ نهائيةٍ دون إحداث تغييرٍ ديموغرافيٍ جذريٍ في الضفّة، وبقدرٍ أقل في غزة، والقضاء التام على قوى المقاومة الإقليمية دولا وأحزابا، أو فرض الاستسلام عليهم، لا سيما في فلسطين ولبنان والجمهورية الإسلامية.
لذلك، من المرجّح أن يواصل العدو تطوير هجماته على قوى محور المقاومة، مستغلا الوضع الحرج الذي يعيشه المحور، بمعزلٍ عن وقفٍ إطلاق النار على بعض الجبهات.
لكن، في ظل كثرة المتغيرات الإقليمية والدولية، يصعب التنبؤ بمسار الأحداث بدقّةٍ، ويبقى أن أمام الكيان الغاصب عقباتٍ كبرى وألغاما قد تنفجر في أي لحظة، مما يعيق تحقيق حلم “إسرائيل الكبرى”. ففي نهاية المطاف، لم ينجح العدو في إنهاء ظاهرة المقاومة في المنطقة، وإن مِن مزايا حركات المقاومة، في حال عدم القضاء عليها تماما، أنها تزداد تجذّرا وتمسّكا بالثوابت حينما تضيق أمامها الخيارات، ذلك طالما كان الممسكين بزمام أمرها مِن المخلصين والأوفياء لعقيدتهم ولدماء شهدائهم وللثوابت الوطنية، إذ لا تندثر حركات المقاومة إلا إذا عبثت بالثوابت لحساب المصالح الآنية، وآن ذاك ينتهي بها الأمر بتضييع الاثنين كما حصل مع تجارب ثوريةٍ أخرى، ولدينا مثالٌ شاخصٌ في تجربة منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية، والدرك الأسفل الذي انتهت إليه سلطة التنسيق الأمني.
الضفَّة وسلطة التنسيق الأمني
لقد باشر الاحتلال فعليا بخطواتٍ لضم أراضي الضفَّة من خلال بعض التشريعات، ناهيك عن تصريحات مسؤولي العدو التي باتت تُجاهر بنيّة تنفيذ مخطط الضم، ولعل هذه الخطوات ستزداد وتيرتها خلال المرحلة القريبة القادمة، إذ يشعر الاحتلال بنشوة التغيير الجيو-استراتيجي الذي رعته قوى غربيةٍ وإقليميةٍ، مما يجعل تصعيد المقاومة في الضفّة ضرورة وجودية. ورغم الصعوبات، يبقى الردع الوحيد للاحتلال هو المقاومة، كما أثبتت غزة، حيث حال صمود المقاومة والحاضنة الشعبية دون تهجير سكان القطاع وسط صمت المجتمع الدولي!
إن خطر تهجير سكان الضفَّة لا يطال الفلسطينيين وحسب، بل إن آثاره ستمتد بالضرورة لباقي الوطن العربي، لا سيما الأردن، وفي ذلك تهديدٌ حقيقيٌ للأمن القومي الأردني، فهل ستتخذ الحكومة الأردنية موقفا جادا يتناسب مع حجم التهديد الداهم؟ أم أن النظام الرسمي العربي سيستمر في سياسة دفن الرؤوس في الرمال حتى تقع الواقعة؟
أما سلطة التنسيق الأمني، فإن الخطر الوجودي الذي يهدّدها ليس أقل من غيرها، إذ إن الاحتلال يريد أرضا بدون شعبٍ فلسطيني، يكون عليه عبئا ديموغرافيا إضافيا، وتماهي سلطة رام الله الكامل مع خطوات العدو، وطلباته بإجهاض أي حراكٍ مقاومٍ في ساحة الضفَّة، لن يحميها من السياسة العميقة للكيان الرامية للقضاء على كل وجودٍ فلسطينيٍ على أرضه.
ليس ثمّة خيارٌ جديٌ أمام الفلسطينيين ومقاومته سوى استمرار مسار طوفان الأقصى، الذي رغم تعرضه لضربةٍ شبه قاتلةٍ بسبب عاملٍ غير متوقعٍ، وخارجٍ عن سيطرتهم، إلا أن المعركة لم يتم حسمها بعد، ولا يبدو أن العدو سيوقف مِن هجمته المرتدة عقب الضربة القاسية التي تلقاها صبيحة الطوفان، مما يفتح الباب على احتمالاتٍ كثيرةٍ، ليس آخرها عودة المنطقة للاشتعال مجدّدا في وقتٍ قريبٍ
تمر حركة حماس بمرحلةٍ فارقةٍ من عمرها، فهي تتعرض لضغوطٍ هائلةٍ في هذه المرحلة، لكن لعل أخطر ما يهدّدها الخيارات التي عليها اتخاذها في هذه اللحظة، فالآراء القائلة بأن السبيل الأمثل لمتابعة مسير الحركة، يكون بالرهانات غير الواقعية على قوى ثبت عدم جديتها بتبني خيار المقاومة المسلَّحة، يُعَدّ بداية الانزلاق لمساراتٍ تشبه مسار “أوسلو” بالضرورة، مع الفارق بأن تداعي هكذا مسار سيكون في وقتٍ أسرع بكثيرٍ من مسار منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية، ناهيك عن أن أضراره ستكون أكثر كارثية على الفلسطينيين ومستقبل قضيتهم، إذ أننا اليوم أمام خطةٍ صهيونيةٍ لاستكمال نكبة 1948، ولسنا في صدد مرحلة التخدير السياسي التي مارستها قوى الاستعمار على المنطقة إبان مرحلة “أوسلو”.
لذلك، ليس ثمّة خيارٌ جديٌ أمام الفلسطينيين ومقاومته سوى استمرار مسار طوفان الأقصى، الذي رغم تعرضه لضربةٍ شبه قاتلةٍ بسبب عاملٍ غير متوقعٍ، وخارجٍ عن سيطرتهم، إلا أن المعركة لم يتم حسمها بعد، ولا يبدو أن العدو سيوقف مِن هجمته المرتدة عقب الضربة القاسية التي تلقاها صبيحة الطوفان، مما يفتح الباب على احتمالاتٍ كثيرةٍ، ليس آخرها عودة المنطقة للاشتعال مجدّدا في وقتٍ قريبٍ. فكما ذَكَر المقال سابقا، معركة الطوفان لن تضع أوزارها فعليا إلا بعد ترصيد موازين القوى من خلال تغييرٍ ديموغرافيٍ على أرض الواقع، وهذه العملية لا يمكن للعدو إتمامها إلا إذا رفعت قوى المقاومة في الإقليم، لا سيما المقاومة الفلسطينية، الراية البيضاء فعليا، أما ما دون ذلك، فإن العدو سيدخل في دوامةٍ طويلةٍ لن يكون له قبلٌ بها على المدى القصير.
خاتمة
لا تُهزَم أمةٌ إلا إذا فقدت الثقة بالنصر، ولا تندثر حركات المقاومة إلا إذا بدأت بالعبث بالثوابت، والهرولة وراء مشاريع لا تعلن العداء الواضح والصريح والعملي للعدو تحت مسمياتٍ عدةٍ، بمعزلٍ عن الراية التي ترفعها تلك المشاريع، لا سيما إذا كانت الأفعال تتعارض مع الشعارات بصورةٍ فجّةٍ.
إن الحفاظ على استقامة المسار يتطلب من القواعد الشعبية، قبل القيادات، الصمود في وجه المتغيرات، والتمسك بالثوابت التي لا تقبل التبديل، وأن تكون رقيبا نزيها على قياداتها.
ما كان مسار الطوفان ليكون معبّدا بالورود، فالهدف عظيمٌ، ولم يكن يوم 7 تشرين الأول/ أكتوبر 2023 إلا شرارة انطلاق ثورةٍ فلسطينيةٍ متجدّدةٍ، ورغم العثرات، ومحاولات الانقلاب عليها تحت مسمياتٍ خادعةٍ، ومِن أطرافٍ عدةٍ، إلا أن المسيرة لم تنته بعد، ولا زالت أمّتنا في قلب الحدث، والعالم في مرحلة سيولةٍ لم تحسم حتى اللحظة، والعدو مستمرٌ في عدوانه، وما حصل ويحصل سيكشف الغث من السمين، وسيجعل الخيارات أكثر وضوحا، ولن يكمل المسير إلا مَن يستحق نيل شرف دخول القدس فاتحا.
Day 440 of Israeli Aggression on Gaza (Photo by AFP)
The Israeli assault on Gaza entered its 440th day as occupation forces continued targeting civilians in a worsening humanitarian crisis marked by a 95% displacement rate due to the ongoing siege.
Israeli artillery struck areas in eastern and southeastern Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Airstrikes targeted a home belonging to the Darwish family in Al-Maghazi camp, claiming two lives and injuring others. In Gaza City’s Al-Daraj neighborhood, five people were martyred and several others injured in a strike on the Zard family home.
Northern Gaza saw the demolition of residential buildings by Israeli forces. Early morning airstrikes targeted a home near Saeed Siyam Mosque in Sheikh Radwan, while artillery strikes hit the Saftawi area in northwest Gaza. In Jabalia, six people were martyred and others injured after artillery shelling on Al-Nuzha Street.
The Jabalia refugee camp faced relentless aerial bombings that leveled entire residential blocks in the Al-Khulafa neighborhood, coupled with heavy artillery fire. Another Israeli airstrike near Al-Istijaba Mosque in Al-Sabra, south of Gaza City, highlighted the intensifying violence.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused the Israeli occupation entity of committing genocide in Gaza by systematically depriving Palestinians of clean water, calling it a crime against humanity. The report stated, “The deliberate killing of Palestinians by depriving them of water amounts to genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention.”
Lama Fakih, HRW’s Middle East director, asserted during a press conference, “The Israeli ` government is intentionally killing Palestinians in Gaza by denying them access to the water they need to survive.”
HRW’s findings align with an earlier Amnesty International report that also labeled Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide. These reports come weeks after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former defense minister on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
A member of a Bomb Disposal Unit inspects the rubble of a destroyed school building in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, on December 19, 2024, after the campus was struck by debris from the reported interception of a projectile from Yemen (AFP)
A senior Yemeni source told Al Mayadeen that the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) latest operation had a devastating impact on “Israel”.
The missile unit of the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) carried out a top-tier military operation, attacking two Israeli sensitive and strategic military targets in the occupied Yafa (Tel Aviv) region using two Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missiles.
YAF spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree confirmed that the operation successfully achieved its objectives, adding that the attack coincided with Israeli aggression targeting civilian facilities in the capital, Sanaa, and in Hodeidah Governorate, including power stations.
He indicated that the Yemeni response comes within the framework of a legitimate and natural reaction to Israeli aggression.
Saree also said the operation is “in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and in response to the massacres against our brothers in Gaza, as part of the fifth phase of support in the Battle of the Promised Conquest and Sacred Jihad and within the framework of responding to Israeli aggression against our country.”
The YAF spokesperson underlined that the Israeli aggression will not deter Yemen or the Yemeni people “from fulfilling their religious and moral duty to respond to the massacres in Gaza, as well as to this blatant aggression.”
He affirmed that Yemen will continue to provide support and target all hostile targets with appropriate weaponry, reiterating that the operations of the Yemeni Armed Forces will not cease until the Israeli aggression against Gaza stops and the siege imposed on the Palestinian Strip is lifted.
YAF operation had devastating impact on ‘Israel’: Senior Yemeni source
In the same context, a senior Yemeni source told Al Mayadeen that “going after civilian targets will not stop Yemen from increasing support and breaking the arrogance of the haughty entity.”
“The last operation had a devastating impact on the Israeli enemy, and they should read it carefully, being in a state of shock and awe from the results of the Yemeni military action,” the source said.
“Israel” must comprehend the message and must approve of finding a quick and permanent solution, the source stressed, asserting that Yemen will continue its operations.
The senior Yemeni source also pointed out that the American [administration] “can never be innocent of any aggression against Yemen,” adding that its latest attempt at evading responsibility for the recent aggression against civilian targets does not absolve it [from it].
BREAKING:
Israel is bombing Yemen’s capital of Sanaa.
Israel is now literally waging attacks on 4 different countries at once: Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine.
Israeli media reported that dozens of Israeli Air Force warplanes attacked strategic targets in Yemen at dawn on Thursday, specifically in Hodeidah, and for the first time, in the suburbs of the capital, Sanaa.
Israel Hayom indicated that the operation, codenamed “White City”, was planned in response to more than 200 missiles and more than 170 drones launched from Yemen thus far.
The Israeli newspaper highlighted that some of the targets attacked in Yemen are about 2,000 km away from “Israel”.
It revealed that within the Israeli military, it is stated that the army has been preparing for an attack in Yemen for a long time and has consistently worked on improving intelligence and enhancing the precision of targets.
Israeli attacks on Yemen will not deter Sanaa: Al-Houthi
On his part, Mohammad Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Supreme Political Council in Yemen, considered that “the attacks of the Israeli-American enemy on civilian targets (in Yemen) are condemned terrorist war crimes.”
In a post on X, al-Houthi labeled the crimes of the “temporary Israeli entity” and the US against Yemen “a continuation of the series of crimes in the region.”
Al-Houthi added that the ongoing attacks on Yemen will not deter Sanaa from carrying out its supportive duty for Gaza, vowing that military operations will continue no matter what.
Martyrs, injuries in Israeli aggression on Yemen’s Sanaa, Hodeidah
A series of intense Israeli airstrikes targeted the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the city of Hodeidah in western Yemen, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported in the early hours of Thursday.
According to our correspondent, approximately six Israeli airstrikes hit the Hodeidah port and the Ras Issa oil facility in western Yemen, resulting in the killing of nine people and injuries to several others among the facility’s staff.
The correspondent further noted that Israeli strikes targeted the central Dahban power station in northern Sanaa. Later, he indicated that civil defense teams successfully extinguished the fire at the Dahban station, while efforts continued to put out a blaze at another facility.
Local Yemeni sources confirmed that three airstrikes targeted the power station in the Hezyaz area south of Sanaa.
The sources added that the strikes caused widespread power outages across several areas due to the Israeli assault on the Hezyaz power station.
For its part, the Israeli military announced it had launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s western coast and the capital, Sanaa.
Early Thursday, sirens blared in Tel Aviv following the launch of a Yemeni surface-to-surface ballistic missile. The attack forced large numbers of settlers to seek refuge in shelters.
Fragments of the Yemeni missile landed in the Ramat Gan area in central occupied Palestine, causing material damage, according to Israeli media.
An Israeli media platform reported that “the missile launched from Yemen directly hit a building in central [Israel].”
Simultaneously, Israeli media outlets reported multiple explosions in al-Quds as air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv.
Journalist Firas Tannina told Al Mayadeen that Israeli air defenses failed to intercept a Yemeni hypersonic missile, adding that nearly a million settlers rushed to shelters after the missile struck Gush Dan.
Newly declassified documents reveal that the United States was aware of the apartheid “Israeli” entity’s ability to produce weapons-grade plutonium at the Dimona nuclear facility as early as the 1960s.
The recently released Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee [JAEIC] report from December 1960, published by the so-called “National Security” Archive, is the first known US intelligence report to explicitly state that “Israel’s” Dimona site would include a plutonium reprocessing plant with weapons-related capabilities.
For years after the report, US intelligence treated the reprocessing issue as unresolved until the late 1960s, when the entity approached nuclear weapons capability. During this time, the United States and “Israel” secretly agreed to accommodate the entity’s status as an undeclared nuclear power.
Additional US intelligence analysis revealed that by February 1967, several “Israeli” sources informed the US embassy that the “Israeli” entity “either has or is about to complete” a reprocessing plant at Dimona. They also stated that the reactor had been operating at full capacity, leaving the “Israeli” entity “6-8 weeks” away from producing a nuclear bomb.
The State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research [INR] found these claims “plausible” and recommended that an inspection team in April 1967 investigate further. This marked the first known acknowledgment of the possibility that the “Israeli” entity had systematically misled the UnitedaStates regarding Dimona.
The newly released report is part of a broader collection of declassified documents on US policy toward the “Israeli” entity’s nuclear weapons program.
The apartheid entity, which officially maintains a policy of deliberate ambiguity about its nuclear arsenal, is estimated to possess between 200 and 400 nuclear warheads. It remains the only entity in West Asia with non-conventional arms, refusing to allow inspections of its military nuclear facilities or to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty [NPT], a stance supported consistently by Washington.
The lawsuit says the State Department is intentionally circumventing the Leahy Law by not sanctioning Israeli units accused of committing widespread atrocities in Palestinian territories.
The US State Department is facing a lawsuit from Palestinians and Palestinian Americans, accusing it of intentionally bypassing a longstanding US human rights law to continue funding Israeli military units involved in widespread atrocities in the occupied Palestinian territories, The Guardian reported.
Filed on Tuesday, the lawsuit is the first of its kind where victims of human rights violations challenge the State Department’s failure to sanction any Israeli security units under the Leahy Law. This law, established in the 1990s, prohibits US military aid to forces credibly linked to gross human rights abuses.
The plaintiffs include “Amal Gaza”, a pseudonym for a math teacher from Gaza who lost 20 family members; Shawan Jabarin, head of the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq, who endured six years of arbitrary detention in the occupied West Bank; and Ahmed Moor, a Palestinian American with family in Gaza repeatedly forcibly displaced by ongoing Israeli offensives. Alongside two other plaintiffs, they seek a court order compelling the US government to enforce the law.
A clear violation of US laws
With Gaza’s death toll since last October reportedly nearing 45,000 and humanitarian aid severely restricted by “Israel”, the lawsuit aims to compel the US government to enforce the Leahy Law, which prohibits US assistance to foreign security forces implicated in gross human rights violations.
However, as a former State Department official said, as quoted by The Guardian earlier this year, “The rules were different for Israel.”
The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., district court, also includes Said Assali, a Palestinian American who lost six family members to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza during the ongoing bombardments and incursions that began last year.
“I’ve had … immediate relatives, cousins, and other family that have been murdered in Israeli airstrikes,” Assali told The Guardian. “As an American, this is a clear violation of our laws, and it is violations the State Department is carrying out actively and aggressively – and it’s using our tax dollars.”
The complaint highlights numerous violations by Israeli military units supported by US funds, including torture, prolonged detention without charges, forced disappearances, and actions that the plaintiffs argue amount to genocide in Gaza.
The lawsuit references findings from international judicial bodies, including the International Criminal Court, which issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant. These findings, however, were dismissed by the US. The suit also cites pre-October 7 cases investigated under the Leahy Law but ultimately dismissed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, such as the 2022 killing of 78-year-old Omar Assad in the West Bank.
A Guardian investigation published in January revealed that top US officials had quietly reviewed over a dozen incidents of gross human rights violations by Israeli security forces since 2020. However, the report found that special bureaucratic mechanisms were employed to ensure continued access to US weapons for the implicated units. These mechanisms, the investigation noted, have been used exclusively to shield “Israel”, even as other US-supported allies, including Ukraine, have faced sanctions for similar violations.
In April, Reuters reported that some senior US officials privately expressed doubts to Blinken about “Israel’s” claims that it was using US-supplied weapons in compliance with international humanitarian law. That same month, 185 lawyers from the Biden administration and private sector argued that “Israel’s” military actions likely violate US humanitarian laws. In November, 20 White House staffers echoed this concern in a formal dissent.
The plaintiffs are represented by Dawn, a human rights advocacy organization founded by Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post journalist murdered by Saudi agents.
“This is a historic effort to correct the State Department’s decades-long refusal to comply with laws requiring it to restrict military aid to abusive military units in Israel,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of DAWN, as quoted by The Guardian.
She continued, “What the State Department is asking the world to believe is that no Israeli unit has ever committed a gross violation of human rights. This defies mountains of human rights reports and journalistic investigations. It even contradicts the State Department’s own human rights reports.”
Despite intense internal and external pressure, the Biden administration has consistently upheld its “ironclad” support for “Israel”. Months ago, a State Department panel recommended that Secretary of State Antony Blinken block US aid to several Israeli military and police units accused of severe human rights abuses, but he has yet to take action.
President Biden has also repeatedly rejected calls to limit military aid to “Israel”, with the exception of once halting a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs. Similarly, Congress has resisted efforts to cut off aid, including a resolution introduced by Bernie Sanders in November to block additional arms sales to “Israel”.
A steep challenge
Assali acknowledges the steep challenge of confronting US policy on “Israel” through legal channels, as per the report. However, he sees judicial action as one piece of a broader strategy to document human rights violations and shift public opinion.
“It may feel like a fruitless thing, but I think it is correct and right, and part of a groundswell of actions that will eventually, hopefully lead to change,” he told The Guardian. “All movements for social justice took decades – whether that’s the history of slavery, women’s suffrage, or opposition to wars.”
UPROOTED PALESTINIANS: SALAM ALQUDS ALAYKUM 