Saudi Arabia Reaffirms No Israel Ties Without Palestinian State Recognition Amidst Ongoing Normalization Talks

Photo Credit: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-says-there-will-be-no-diplomatic-relations-with-israel-without-an-2024-02-07/

The Saudi government reiterated to the U.S. that they won't establish diplomatic ties with Israel unless two conditions are met: the recognition of an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem, and the cessation of Israeli actions perceived as aggressive towards Gaza.
White House spokesperson John Kirby mentioned positive signals about ongoing normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
⁠Saudi Arabia clarified its stance to Washington in response to Kirby's comments, emphasizing its unwavering position on the Palestinian issue.
⁠Discussions about formalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia have been ongoing since the UAE and Bahrain normalized ties with Israel in 2020, with Saudi Arabia previously showing tacit approval.
• ⁠However, Riyadh paused plans for normalization amid escalating tensions between Hamas and Israel in 2023, triggered by a violent incident involving Hamas militants and Israeli forces.
• ⁠Israel launched a military operation in Gaza following an attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages.

Read More At: https://newsth.live/iM4LWi

Netanyahu Rejects Hamas Cease-Fire Offer, Pursues 'Total Victory' in Gaza

Photo credits: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-netanyahu-rejects-gaza-ceasefire-offer-pledges-defeat-hamas-2024-02-07/

Netanyahu dismisses Hamas's cease-fire offer, insisting on "total victory" for Israel.
Vague about specifics, Netanyahu meets with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken regarding peace proposals.
Hamas proposes withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza and releasing hostages, but Netanyahu rejects the terms.
Netanyahu opposes any agreement leaving Hamas in power, aiming to dismantle its rule to prevent future attacks.
Hamas claims sincerity in its proposal and seeks U.S. intervention to end the conflict.
Netanyahu orders military preparations in Gaza, drawing concerns about the humanitarian impact of the UN.
Families of hostages urge Netanyahu to prioritize their release over dismantling Hamas.
Netanyahu pledges to demilitarize Gaza after toppling Hamas, emphasizing ongoing security measures.

U.S. Strikes Kataib Hezbollah Commander in Iraq, Escalating Tensions

Photo credit: https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/oyixk5/article67823972.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/APTOPIX_Iraq_US_Airstrikes_69738.jpg

The U.S. military targeted Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group in Iraq, killing a commander responsible for attacks on U.S. troops.
The strike occurred in eastern Baghdad, reportedly killing Abu Baqir al-Saadi, according to anonymous sources.
The targeted vehicle belonged to Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), comprising groups with ties to Iran.
Kataib Hezbollah, part of the PMF, had previously suspended attacks on U.S. troops.
Tensions between Iran-backed groups and U.S. forces have heightened since the Gaza conflict.
The U.S. conducted strikes in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the killing of three soldiers.

Iraqi special forces were on high alert in Baghdad, with additional units deployed in the Green Zone, housing the U.S. embassy.

India, UAE to take economic ties to next level with bilateral investment treaty

Photo credits: Hindustan Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to sign a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with UAE's President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit on February 13-14.
UAE is India's third-largest source of FDI and the seventh-largest trade partner.
The BIT comes after the Modi government's approval on February 1, making UAE the only country with both CEPA and BIT agreements with India.
PM Modi's agenda includes inaugurating the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, opening a Bharat Mart for Indian MSMEs in Dubai, and being a keynote speaker at the Dubai government summit.
The bilateral investment will encourage UAE sovereign wealth funds, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Fund, to invest in significant projects in India.
India and UAE collaborate on the Middle-East Economic Corridor project, enhancing trade connectivity from Mundra Port in Gujarat to Europe via sea and rail, competing with the Chinese Silk Road and North-South corridor via Iran.

Senate advances aid package for Ukraine and Israel

Photo credits: Getty images

The Senate advances a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel after Republicans blocked a larger bipartisan border security and foreign aid bill.
The new bill omits US border measures from the previously rejected $118 billion bipartisan package.
The fate is uncertain as Republicans remain divided; approval is required from the House of Representatives.
Ukraine warns of defense challenges without US backing, emphasizing the urgency for aid approval.
The aid bill includes $60 billion for the Ukrainian military, $14.1 billion for Israel's security, and $9.15 billion in humanitarian funding.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sees the vote as a positive step, but challenges and disagreements persist among Republicans.

US sanctions Iranian officials over cyber-attacks on water plants

Photo credits: EPA

The US imposes sanctions on six officials from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for cyber-attacks on American water plants.
The sanctioned individuals, part of IRGC's Cyber-Electronic Command, targeted water systems, exposing vulnerabilities in US infrastructure.
The US condemns the deliberate targeting of critical infrastructure, and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency emphasizes the need for improved cybersecurity awareness.
The cyber-attacks on US water systems, including the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, revealed vulnerabilities and prompted federal officials' concerns about the increasing threat.

UNRWA Set to Lose $65 Million, Documents Show

Photo credits: Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times

UNRWA faces a $65 million funding loss by February's end, with 18 states or institutions, major donors, suspending contributions amid accusations of employee involvement in the Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Funding cuts, including from Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden, lead to a shortfall, risking UNRWA's ability to pay its 30,000 workers, affecting Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
UNRWA could seek a loan from a U.N. reserve. Private donations surged post-allegations, but they are insufficient, given the agency's annual budget of over $1.5 billion.

Ennahdha Leadership Sentenced Amid Tunisia's Authoritarian Shift

Photo credit: https://apnews.com/article/tunisia-islamist-ennahdha-ghannouchi-sentence-saied-democracy-da869cb993926e015d792f1a2a8c1fd4

Rachid Ghannouchi, leader of Ennahdha, and his son-in-law have been sentenced to three years in prison for receiving foreign funding, amid President Kais Saied's authoritarian actions.
Little media coverage indicates Saied's control over Tunisia's media landscape.
Ennahdha, historically influential, faces diminishing power under Saied's presidency.
Saied's actions, including closing parliament and restricting freedom of expression, draw criticism for authoritarianism.
Decree Law 54 leads to the imprisonment and investigation of journalists and activists.
Saied's opponents, including Ennahdha members, face political charges.
Tunisia's civil society faces threats and restrictions, weakening its dynamics.
Ennahdha denies receiving foreign funding and refuses to appeal the verdict or pay the fine.
The closure of Ennahdha's offices impedes fundraising efforts, and the party refuses to support what it sees as Saied's propaganda or budgetary issues.

Truce Unachieved: Blinken Concludes Middle East Mission

Photo credit: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/11/still-no-endgame-as-blinken-concludes-latest-middle-east-tour-analysts

US Secretary of State Blinken's Middle East tour concludes without a ceasefire in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's immediate acceptance of a Qatari-mediated offer was unexpected.
Blinken meets with Israeli leaders to discuss the release of prisoners and peace prospects.
Efforts include negotiations with Hamas via Qatar and Egypt, alongside meetings with opposition leaders.
Urgent humanitarian concerns persist in Gaza, with aid delivery hindered by Israeli blockades.
Despite challenges, aid agencies work to assist vulnerable populations.
Political will is crucial to address the crisis and facilitate aid delivery in Gaza.

Tragedy Strikes as Dozens of Sudanese Asylum Seekers Perish in Mediterranean Crossing

At least 13 Sudanese asylum seekers died after their boat capsized off Tunisia's coast.
The boat, carrying 42 people, sank near Sfax, Tunisia; 27 individuals remain missing.
Preliminary investigation suggests exploitation in a human trafficking operation.
The vessel was hastily constructed with metal scraps, contributing to its fragility.
All passengers were registered asylum seekers fleeing conflict in Sudan.
⁠Ongoing war in Sudan has left millions in need of humanitarian aid and protection.
⁠Tunisia and Libya serve as key departure points for migrants risking the perilous journey to Europe.
Tunisian authorities report a significant increase in intercepted migrants in recent years, with over 2,270 deaths in 2023 alone.

UN Chief Warns of Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza as Displacement Grows

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlights dire conditions in Gaza, with half of the population crowded into Rafah.
The ⁠US opposes the proposed Israeli ground invasion of Rafah, citing a lack of planning.
Tensions escalate with a rocket barrage from southern Lebanon towards Israel after an Israeli drone strike kills a Hezbollah commander in Nabatieh.
Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7 have resulted in 27,840 deaths and 67,317 wounded, while Israel reports 1,139 deaths from Hamas attacks.
⁠Displaced Gazans face homelessness and despair amid ongoing violence and destruction.

Iraq and Spain Discuss Military Cooperation Agreement Amidst Commitment to Iraqi Sovereignty

Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani confirms talks with Spain regarding potential military cooperation agreement.
Discussions initiated during Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez's visit to Baghdad in December.
⁠Iraq emphasizes the importance of concluding international coalition activities once local security forces can address threats, particularly from Daesh remnants.
Al-Sudani praises Spain's support in the conflict between Hamas and Israel, highlighting efforts to prevent Palestinian genocide.
Spanish Defense Minister Robles reaffirms commitment to cooperation with Iraq and respect for its decisions regarding coalition forces.
⁠Currently, 367 Spanish soldiers are part of NATO and global coalition forces in Iraq, focusing on combating Daesh.

Turkey Detains 147 Suspects Linked to Islamic State Across 33 Provinces

Turkish authorities conduct "Operation Heroes-49," detaining 147 individuals suspected of ties to Islamic State.
⁠Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announces the nationwide operation, executed simultaneously across the country.
⁠Recent incident at an Italian Catholic church in Istanbul involved two Islamic State gunmen, resulting in the death of a Turkish citizen.
Turkish police apprehend suspected perpetrators of the church attack, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat extremism.

News bits proofread, compiled and drafted by:

Shubhdayini R. Jandev (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Deepanshi Pathak (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Aita Dey (B.A. I.R., 3rd Year)

Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

VIJIGISHU '24

Friday, 9 February 2024

INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates