Euro-Med publishes new testimonies of Palestinian detainees subjected to dog attacks, forced nudity, and sexual harassment in Israeli jails, as Israeli soldiers continue posting images and videos of themselves committing atrocities in Gaza.
Casualties
- 27,585+ killed* and at least 66,978 wounded in the Gaza Strip.
- 380+ Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem
- Israel revises its estimated October 7 death toll down from 1,400 to 1,147.
- 562 Israeli soldiers killed since October 7, and at least 3,221 injured.**
*This figure was confirmed by Gaza’s Ministry of Health on Telegram channel. Some rights groups put the death toll number at more than 35,000 when accounting for those presumed dead.
** This figure is released by the Israeli military, showing the soldiers whose names “were allowed to be published.”
Key Developments
- Israeli soldier takes video of interrogating handcuffed Palestinian man from Gaza and posts it on his social media account.
- Israeli forces kill three sheep while standing in middle of road with persistent gunfire in Bani Suheila town.
- Israeli forces prevent ambulances from accessing Ansar Square, Abu Mazen Roundabout, and Al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City.
- Euro-Med publishes testimonies of detained Palestinians subjected to torture in Israeli jails, including “forced nudity, sexual harassment, and threats of sexual torture, calling for urgent international action to stop these violations.”
- Israeli forces lay siege on Al-Nasser Hospital and trap 300 medical staff, 450 wounded, and 10,000 displaced Palestinians inside it.
- UN chief Antonio Guterres announces independent panel to “assess the neutrality of UNRWA” and respond to allegations of “serious breaches”.
- Guterres says Israel’s accusation of UNRWA comes when “it is working under extremely challenging conditions to deliver life-saving assistance to the two million people in the Gaza Strip”.
- Israel’s Foreign Minister calls UNRWA chief to resign and says Israel “will submit all evidence.”
- President Joe Biden threatens to veto standalone aid package for Israel amid row with GOP representatives over powers to restrict migrants crossing to Texas.
- Israeli forces kill 14-year-old Palestinian in occupied Jerusalem.
Israel’s Genocide in Gaza Continues
- Israeli forces killed at least 14 Palestinians in airstrikes as they pressed their onslaught in Gaza’s main southern city Khan Younis, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pursued a quest to broker a ceasefire in the four-month-old war.
The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the main aid agency in Gaza, is set to lose $65 million by the end of February as donors’ funding cuts take effect. The cuts follow accusations last month that several UNRWA employees participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. Because UNRWA has no significant reserves, the agency will have no funds of its own to pay its 30,000 workers across the Middle East. Meanwhile, the U.N. announced yesterday that the former French foreign minister Catherine Colnna will head an independent investigation into the conduct of UNRWA, parallel to the U.N.’s internal investigation into the conduct of accused UNRWA workers. The investigation will “examine whether the agency is doing everything it can to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they arise,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said yesterday. Farnaz Fassihi reports for the New York Times.
Hamas’s leadership, including its senior official in Gaza, is “on the run” as Israel’s military pushes further south into the enclave, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claimed yesterday. Gallant said that the Israeli military operation in Khan Younis will “soon achieve its goals” as troops advance toward Rafah – Hamas’s last remaining stronghold.” Mitchell McCluskey reports for CNN.
An estimated 8,000 displaced civilians are evacuating the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s campus in Khan Younis after days of heavy fighting in the area, the organization said in a post on X. Al-Amal Hospital staff and administrators will remain at the location, along with 80 patients and 40 elderly civilians. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement it was allowing the evacuation of uninvolved civilians sheltering in the hospital. Doha Madani, Tavleen Tarrant, and Marin Scott report for NBC News.
U.S. RESPONSE
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the Middle East yesterday in a bid to prevent tit-for-tat attacks with Iran-backed militias from escalating into a regional war, and to rally allies around a proposed ceasefire agreement for Gaza. Blinken met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Israel and discussed how to achieve “an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza” as well as “the urgent need to reduce regional tensions,” according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. A U.S. official said that Blinken will tell U.S. allies in the region that Washington’s recent strikes against Iran-backed groups should not be viewed as an escalation of fighting in the Middle East. Blinken arrived in Egypt today where he will meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, according to the press pool traveling with the secretary. Zolan Kanno-Youngs reports for the New York Times.
A federal judge in Texas rejected the Biden administration’s attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Republican congressman and three others seeking to halt U.S. aid to the West Bank and Gaza that they say is unlawfully funding the Palestinian Authority. The lawsuit was filed in 2022 – well before the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks – and does not target funding that would benefit Hamas. Nate Raymond reports for Reuters.
The Biden administration would redirect any funds for UNRWA to other aid agencies working in Gaza if Congress passes legislation that would block funding for the main U.N. agency for Palestinians, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said yesterday. Simon Lewis reports for Reuters.
- Listen to correspondent Simon Lewis tell the Reuters World News podcast what the top US diplomat hopes to achieve on his visit.
- Iran-backed groups continue to target American bases despite U.S. airstrikes, underscoring the challenge Washington faces in keeping the Middle East conflict contained.
- President Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza and push for southern border restrictions is straining his relationship with progressives and threatening his chances of re-election.
- Blinken Kicks Off Latest Mideast Diplomacy Trip With Talks in Saudi ArabiaU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with (NYT) Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh yesterday to discuss a potential deal that would pause fighting and release hostages in the Gaza Strip. Blinken is on his fifth trip to the region since Palestinian militant group Hamas’s October attack on Israel, and will travel on to Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and the West Bank as diplomacy over the deal continues and as the United States seeks to contain further escalation with Iran-aligned forces in the region. Yesterday, an Iran-backed militia in Iraq took responsibility (CBS) for an attack on a Syrian base that killed six U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters.
Despite the recent attacks between U.S. and Iranian-backed forces, the United States “will not escalate the conflict,” an unnamed senior State Department official told (WaPo) reporters traveling with Blinken. Washington also aims for any potential deal to allow increased humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza, the State Department said.
The recent developments in Israel present a bleak outlook for an imminent ceasefire, as negotiations have reached an impasse. Hamas continues to assert demands that Israel is unable and unwilling to meet, perpetuating the cycle of conflict.
Simultaneously, tracking U.S. military actions against Houthi positions in Yemen proves challenging. Despite these efforts, the Houthis persist in their assaults, capitalizing on the ensuing popularity and media attention.
Iran remains a focal point for analysts, intriguing with its strategic posturing and the dichotomy between its projected strength and actual capabilities.
Israel’s efforts have progressively undermined Hezbollah’s capacity, limiting its potential for an asymmetrical retaliation.
An intriguing side note involves Syrian President Assad’s reluctance to align with the Axis in its conflict with Israel. A study from Iran highlights Assad’s acknowledgment of Hamas’s persistence against Israel, whilst maintaining a calculated stance among non-state actors.
IRAN-BACKED MILITANTS
A drone attack on the largest U.S. military base in Syria yesterday killed at least six allied Kurdish-led fighters, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said, accusing Iran-backed militias of launching the drone from a nearby area under Syrian government control. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-backed militia umbrella group, said it carried out a drone attack on Sunday “against the US occupation base in al-Omar oil field.” There were no reports by the U.S. military of casualties or damages. David Gritten reports for BBC News.
Russia accused the United States yesterday of aggression against Iraq and Syria aimed at maintaining its global dominance and salvaging the Biden administration’s “image” ahead of the U.S. elections. Russian Ambassador to the U.N. Vassily Nebenzia accused Washington of violating international law and sowing “chaos and destruction” in the Middle East. In response, the United States said its military actions against unjustified attacks by Iran-backed proxies are legal and will continue. The exchange came at a Security Council meeting where both countries said they do not want a spillover of the war in Gaza. Russia Edith M. Lederer reports for AP News.
U.S. officials said yesterday that Iraq was not notified ahead of a series of strikes on Iran-linked targets in the country, contradicting earlier statements that the Iraqi government was warned before the strikes occurred.National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed he misspoke when he said on Friday that Washington informed the Iraqi government prior to the strikes. Jennifer Hansler, Haley Britzky and Natasha Bertrand report for CNN.
MILITARY CONFLICT WITH HOUTHIS
A ship traveling through the southern Red Sea was attacked by a suspected Houthi drone early today, causing “slight damage” to the vessel, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said. The private security firm Ambrey identified the vessel as a Barbados-flagged, United Kingdom-owned cargo ship. No injuries or casualties were reported. The attack is the latest assault in the Houthis’ campaign targeting commercial vessels over Israel’s war in Gaza. Jon Gambrell reports for AP News.
IDF Seizures and Al-Qassam Counterattacks: Ceasefire Talks Stalemate, Global Reactions Shift
IDF Seizure of Hamas Facilities and Al-Qassam Brigades’ Counterattacks.
In the recent escalation of the military situation in Gaza, both the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas have reported significant operations, each emphasizing their strategic actions and achievements in the conflict.
The IDF announced the discovery and takeover of a notable Hamas military installation in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, identified as “Al-Qadsia.” This facility was detailed to include comprehensive training grounds with replicas of Israeli kibbutz entrances, military bases, and IDF armored vehicles, designed for the purpose of simulating Israeli targets for training exercises. Furthermore, the IDF successfully seized control of the Hamas brigade headquarters in southern Gaza, a key operational center used by Muhammad Sinwar, a high-ranking official within Hamas and brother to Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza.
Conversely, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, presented a contrasting narrative of the conflict. Spokesperson Abu Ubaida claimed the brigade’s forces achieved notable successes against Israeli military efforts. According to their reports, Hamas forces managed to completely or partially destroy 43 Israeli military vehicles and were responsible for the deaths and injuries of Israeli soldiers, including specific operations targeting the city of Tel Aviv. Abu Ubaida underscored the tactical victories of their fighters, mentioning sniper attacks, missile launches, and the use of various explosive devices against Israeli forces in 17 distinct military missions.
Ceasefire Stalemate: Hamas’s Demands Clash with Israel’s Security Objectives.
Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas exhibit fluctuating prospects, swinging between optimism and despair. Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Ziyad Al-Nakhalah the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement discussed the latest developments in Gaza and Palestine as well as the plans and initiatives proposed to establish a ceasefire and exchange prisoners in a phone call. Hamas later insisted on the release of fighters from the October 7 assault, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and an end to hostilities. These demands starkly contrast with Israel’s goal to dismantle Hamas.
Despite varied reports emerging from Paris negotiations suggesting a potential six-week ceasefire in Gaza and differing terms regarding hostage releases, Hamas has maintained its stance. The group insists on the release of 132 Israeli hostages, including 29 confirmed to be deceased, as a condition for a lasting ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the lifting of Gaza’s blockade, and the start of reconstruction efforts. Central to Hamas’s demands is the release of high-profile prisoners from Israeli jails, convicted of major crimes, such as Abdullah Barghouti, Abbas Al-Sayed, Ibrahim Hamed, Ahmad Saadat, and Muhammad Arman, all of whom are linked to significant attacks against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded that Hamas’s conditions, especially regarding hostage release, are unacceptable. He insists on terms similar to those of a previous exchange during a November truce, emphasizing the goal of a “complete victory” over Hamas and its affiliates as critical to Israel’s strategy.
Against the backdrop of these developments and the ongoing turmoil, the United States House of Representatives is preparing a $17.6 billion military aid package for Israel. At the same time, several Japanese companies have declared their intention to halt collaboration with Israel, highlighting the global division over the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, Russia, historically an ally of Israel, finds its relationship with the country strained. Instead, Moscow has pivoted towards Tehran, seeking support from Iran as a crucial ally in its invasion of Ukraine, indicating a significant shift in international alliances.
Saudi and Qatari Push for Gaza Ceasefire as Iran Accuses Gulf Nations of Facilitating Israeli Trade
Last Tuesday, the Saudi Council of Ministers, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, concluded its session with a call for the Israeli military to be held accountable for their ongoing violations of international norms during the Gaza conflict that began in October. The Council stressed the need for international intervention to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza and protect the Palestinian population.
On Friday, discussions between Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken took place, focusing on the security and humanitarian challenges stemming from the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Regional sources indicate that Saudi authorities have urged the U.S. to influence Israel to end the conflict, offering to help with Gaza’s reconstruction efforts in return. Riyadh insists on Israel’s commitment to a viable path towards establishing a Palestinian state as a condition for considering formal diplomatic relations.
Abdulaziz Al-Saghir of the Gulf ResearchSaudi Arabia and Turkey Center in Jeddah stated, “Saudi Arabia’s message to the U.S. includes ending the conflict, facilitating humanitarian aid, and committing to a lasting resolution that establishes a Palestinian state. Without these, Saudi Arabia’s options remain limited.”
Against the backdrop of global and regional instability, Saudi Arabia hosted the second Initiative Fund conference of the Islamic Alliance to Combat Terrorism, establishing a fund with a $26.6 million Saudi contribution. The Alliance, formed on December 15, 2015, now includes 42 Islamic countries, addressing the increased challenges and terrorism risks, particularly from the situation in Gaza. Led by Prince Bin Salman, the coalition aims for a unified strategy against extremism in regions like Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt, and Afghanistan, maintaining its commitment to fight terrorism with recent meetings underscoring the importance of collective action.
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Turkiye also discussed their unified stance for a ceasefire in Gaza on Saturday, condemning the hostilities and advocating for an Israeli military withdrawal to facilitate humanitarian aid.
A senior Israeli official, who chose to remain anonymous, indicated to Reuters that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s agreement to a Palestinian state is unlikely, though this does not deter Saudi Arabia or others from pursuing this goal.
Meanwhile, the Qatari Prime Minister urged the catastrophic repercussions of stopping funding to UNRWA working in several countries because of allegations regarding a number of its employees.
Yossi Cohen, former head of the Israeli Mossad, cautioned against Israeli officials’ public criticism of Qatar, which acts as a mediator in negotiations with Hamas for prisoner releases. Cohen emphasized Qatar’s unique position to mediate such an agreement, labeling the public critique as misguided.
During these regional diplomatic efforts, Iranian media reported that leading shipping companies, including an Israeli tech startup, are testing a new Middle East land trade route from the UAE and Bahrain through Saudi Arabia to Israel and Europe, bypassing the Red Sea’s security threats. This initiative, a response to attacks around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, seeks safer trade alternatives, facilitated by recent normalization agreements. Despite its limited capacity and dependence on regional stability, this route offers a strategic, albeit short-term, solution to ensure continuous global trade flow, underscoring the evolving dynamics of regional trade and geopolitical relations amidst ongoing tensions.
The Continuation of Zionist Settler Colonialism
Jamal Nabulsi
The Israeli regime is currently committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, aiming to eliminate the Indigenous community through slaughter, starvation, and mass expulsion. While devastating, it is imperative to recognize that this practice is not new. Rather, it is part of Israel’s decades-long Zionist colonial project. In this commentary, guest author Jamal Nabulsi outlines three defining features of Zionist settler colonialism: its structural nature, strategy of elimination, and use of fragmentation. It is through these tactics, Nabulsi argues, that the Zionist project seeks to ultimately extinguish Palestinian Indigenous sovereignty.Read Online | Download
The Global Solidarity with the Palestinian Cause: Breaking Narrative and Shaping Policies.
In recent times, there has been a significant surge in global solidarity towards the Palestinian cause, marked by widespread demonstrations and events in many Western cities. This phenomenon represents a critical moment in international politics and raises important questions regarding the potential of this solidarity to influence Western policies concerning Palestine. It also necessitates an examination of the underlying reasons for this expanding support and the shift in narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Find out more in our latest report:Read Now!