INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

Jewish star Ben Stiller breaks silence on Israel-Hamas war: 'I want the violence to end'

• Ben Stiller, a Jewish actor, expressed his views on the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza in an opinion piece published in Time magazine.

• Stiller grieved for the victims of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and for the innocent Palestinians who lost their lives in the conflict.

• The actor denounced Hamas' attack as "barbaric" and "unconscionable", stating that terrorism must be fought by all people of conscience.

• Stiller called for an end to the violence, the provision of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and a two-state solution that ensures peace and safety for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Read more - https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jewish-star-ben-stiller-breaks-silence-on-israel-hamas-war-i-want-the-violence-to-end-734057

Efforts to secure Gaza ceasefire and hostage release gain momentum

• Israel has announced that it will resume stalled negotiations with Hamas regarding a potential ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

• The announcement comes amid rising hopes for a ceasefire, as both sides have been engaged in intense fighting for several days.

• The negotiations are expected to focus on a long-term truce and the easing of the blockade on Gaza

• , which has been in place since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007.

• Egypt, which has been mediating the talks, has been pushing for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

• The latest round of violence began after Israeli forces killed three Islamic Jihad militants in the West Bank, prompting the group to launch rockets into Israel

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-ceasefire-hopes-rise-israel-says-it-will-resume-stalled-negotiations-2024-07-05/

Gaza clothing workshop reborn from the rubble to provide jobs

• A clothing workshop in Gaza, destroyed during the 2021 conflict, has been rebuilt and is now providing jobs for local residents.

• The workshop, run by Samar Derbas, was able to reopen with the help of a $10,000 grant from a local charity.

• The workshop now employs 15 women who lost their jobs due to the conflict, allowing them to support their families.

• The workshop produces traditional Palestinian dresses and embroidery, which are sold both locally and internationally.

• Reopening the workshop has provided a boost to the local economy in Gaza, which has been struggling with high unemployment and poverty following the conflict.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-clothing-workshop-reborn-rubble-provide-jobs-2024-07-05/

Medics say seven Palestinians killed in Israeli raid on West Bank's Jenin

• Four Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military offensive in the West Bank city of Jenin, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

• The offensive involved Israeli ground forces and air strikes, which targeted what Israel described as a "terrorist stronghold" in Jenin refugee camp.

• The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said two of those killed were members of its armed wing, while the other two were civilians.

• The Israeli military has conducted near-daily raids in the West Bank over the past year in response to a spate of Palestinian attacks that have killed 19 people in Israel.

• The latest violence comes amid heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, with the United Nations warning of a "dangerous downward spiral" in the conflict.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/four-palestinians-killed-israeli-offensive-west-banks-jenin-ministry-says-2024-07-05/

Iranians vote in run-off presidential race amid widespread apathy

• Iranians are voting in a run-off election for president on July 5, 2024 amid widespread apathy and low turnout.

• The election is between hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi and moderate technocrat Abdolnaser Hemmati, after no candidate secured a majority in the first round.

• Raisi is the frontrunner and expected to win, continuing the trend of hardliners consolidating power in Iran.

• The election comes as Iran faces economic challenges, ongoing protests, and tensions with the West over its nuclear program.

• Many Iranians are boycotting the vote due to disillusionment with the political system and lack of real choice between candidates

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranians-vote-run-off-presidential-election-amid-widespread-apathy-2024-07-05/

Hamas briefs Hezbollah on proposal for ceasefire, Hezbollah welcomes step, sources say

• Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya discussed recent developments in the Gaza Strip and ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

• The meeting examined the latest security and political advancements in Gaza, the evolving negotiations, and suggestions to halt harmful acts against Palestinians.

• A U.S. government representative expressed optimism that Hamas' altered stance on a potential prisoner exchange agreement with Israel could pave the way for a lasting truce.

• Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in exchanges of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border since October, coinciding with the conflict in Gaza and raising concerns of a broader confrontation.

• The discussions between Hezbollah and Hamas focused on the current situation in Gaza and the progress of ceasefire talks, with the U.S. seeing Hamas' flexibility on a prisoner swap as a positive step towards a long-term truce.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-hamas-discuss-latest-developments-gaza-ceasefire-talks-hezbollah-says-2024-07-05/

News bits drafted by: 

Jiah Malik (BA IR 2nd year) 

Collected and published by (region head):

Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)

INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

Israel says it killed two Palestinian militants in the West Bank

• Israeli forces killed two Palestinian militants in the West Bank during a raid.

• Israel's military stated that the operation targeted militants involved in planning and executing attacks against Israelis.

• The incident took place in the city of Jenin, a hotspot for Israeli-Palestinian violence in the West Bank.

• Palestinian authorities condemned the raid and the killings, calling them an escalation of aggression by Israel.

• This event adds to the ongoing tensions and violence in the region, contributing to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Read  more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-killed-two-palestinian-militants-west-bank-2024-06-21/

At least five killed in southeast Turkey wildfires

• At least five people have been killed due to wildfires in Southeast Turkey.

• The wildfires have significantly affected the regions of Mardin, Diyarbakir, and Sirnak.

• Turkish authorities have deployed firefighting teams and equipment, including helicopters and planes, to control the fires.

• Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from their homes as the fires have damaged numerous houses and agricultural lands.

• The Turkish government has promised to provide support and compensation to the affected individuals and to take measures to prevent future incidents.

Read more - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/21/at-least-five-killed-in-southeast-turkey-wildfires

Gaza pier resumes operations as aid collects in marshaling area

• Gaza Pier has resumed operations, allowing for the collection and distribution of aid.

• Humanitarian aid is being collected at a marshaling area, aimed at addressing the needs of Gaza's population.

• The resumption of operations is a coordinated effort involving international organizations to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies.

• The reopening of the pier is intended to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza by ensuring the efficient distribution of aid.

• Despite the resumption of operations, challenges such as security concerns and logistical hurdles remain in effectively delivering aid to those in need.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-pier-resumes-operations-aid-collects-marshalling-area-2024-06-20/

Israel and Hezbollah faceoff raises risk of wider conflict

• There is an escalating faceoff between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential wider conflict.

• The tensions have been marked by recent clashes, including rocket fire and cross-border skirmishes.

• Hezbollah has increased its rhetoric and military activity, signaling its readiness to confront Israel.

• Israel has responded with heightened military preparedness and warnings of significant retaliation if attacked.

• The growing tension between Israel and Hezbollah has the potential to destabilize the region further, with international actors watching the situation closely to prevent a broader conflict.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hezbollah-faceoff-raises-risk-wider-conflict-2024-06-21/

Iran condemns Canada's listing of Revolutionary Guards as terrorist group

• Iran has strongly condemned Canada's decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

• Iran's foreign ministry has criticized the move, stating it will negatively impact bilateral relations between Iran and Canada.

• Canada cited the IRGC's involvement in regional destabilization and support for terrorist activities as reasons for the designation.

• The designation is expected to complicate diplomatic and economic interactions between the two countries, potentially affecting Iranian citizens in Canada.

• Iranian officials have called the decision baseless and politically motivated, suggesting it is influenced by pressure from the United States and its allies

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/iran-condemns-canadas-listing-revolutionary-guards-terrorist-group-2024-06-20/

Israeli forces step up bombardment across Gaza, amid fierce fighting

• Israeli forces have intensified their bombardment across Gaza amid ongoing fierce fighting.

• The increased military action has resulted in significant casualties and damage in Gaza, affecting both militants and civilians.

• Palestinian militants have responded with rocket fire into Israel, escalating the cycle of retaliation.

• The international community is expressing concern over the escalation, with calls for restraint and a ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian crisis.

• The intensified conflict has worsened the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with thousands of residents displaced and critical infrastructure damaged.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-step-up-bombardment-across-gaza-amid-fierce-fighting-2024-06-21/

Egypt forms crisis unit on hajj deaths as toll rises

• The number of Egyptian pilgrims who have died during the Hajj pilgrimage has risen, according to sources.

• Egyptian authorities have confirmed the deaths and are working to provide assistance to the families of the deceased.

• The reported causes of death include natural causes and health-related issues exacerbated by the physical demands of the pilgrimage.

• The Egyptian government is coordinating with Saudi authorities to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies and support for the affected families.

• Despite the deaths, the Hajj pilgrimage continues with millions of Muslims participating, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the event amidst the challenges.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/toll-egyptians-who-died-during-haj-pilgrimage-rises-sources-say-2024-06-20/

News bits drafted by: 

Jiah Malik (BA IR 1st year) 

Collected and published by (region head):

Varsha Das (BA IR 2nd year)

INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

Israeli forces advance deeper into Rafah as diplomacy falters

1. Israeli forces advanced deeper into Rafah, causing many families to flee amid heavy bombardment from air, ground, and sea.

2. The offensive aims to eliminate Hamas' last intact combat units in Rafah, with Israel striking 45 targets across Gaza.

3. Israel denied launching strikes within the designated humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi.

4. Efforts to secure a ceasefire continue, but Hamas' demands for a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal remain unmet.

5. Since the conflict began, over 37,000 people have been killed, with most of Gaza's 2.3 million population displaced.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-thrust-deeper-into-rafah-diplomacy-falters-2024-06-13/

US military says it destroyed Houthi patrol boats, drone

1. The U.S. military destroyed two Houthi patrol boats, an uncrewed surface vessel, and a drone in the Red Sea.

2. These actions were part of efforts to weaken the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthi group.

3. The Houthis attacked three ships, causing severe injury to one crew member and sparking a fire on a cargo ship.

4. Two anti-ship ballistic missiles were also launched by the Houthis but caused no damage or injuries.

5. The Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping routes and raised concerns about broader regional instability.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-military-says-it-destroyed-houthi-patrol-boats-uncrewed-surface-vessel-drone-2024-06-14/

OPEC sees no peak oil demand long term, secretary general says

1. OPEC does not foresee a peak in oil demand in its long-term forecast, expecting it to reach 116 million barrels per day by 2045.

2. This contrasts with the International Energy Agency (IEA), which predicts oil demand will peak by 2029 at around 106 million barrels per day.

3. OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais criticized the IEA's report, calling it dangerous and unrealistic.

4. OPEC+ has implemented significant output cuts to support the market, extending some cuts until the end of 2025.

5. Al Ghais argues that past IEA predictions, such as peaks in gasoline and coal demand, were proven wrong.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/opec-sees-no-peak-oil-demand-long-term-secretary-general-says-2024-06-13/

Oil prices set for best week in over 2 months on demand outlook

1. Oil prices are set to record their best week in over two months due to a strong demand outlook.

2. Brent crude futures dropped to $82.41 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell to $78.21 per barrel.

3. Despite a slight dip, both benchmarks gained over 3% for the week, reversing prior losses.

4. OPEC's positive demand forecast for 2024 and Goldman Sachs' projection of solid U.S. fuel demand supported prices.

5. Russia pledged to meet its OPEC+ output obligations, further stabilizing the market.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/oil-prices-track-weekly-gain-solid-demand-outlook-2024-06-14/

France, US to push roadmap to stop Hezbollah-Israel escalation - Macron

 

1. The U.S., France, and Israel have agreed to collaborate on a roadmap to reduce tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, presented by France earlier this year.

2. France and the U.S. have been working to defuse tensions, submitting written proposals to both sides.

3. French President Macron announced a trilateral contact group involving the U.S., Israel, and France to advance the roadmap.

4. Hezbollah intensified hostilities, launching rockets and drones at Israeli military sites, demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

5. There is an urgent need for increased efforts by the U.S. and France due to the escalating conflict.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/france-us-push-roadmap-stop-hezbollah-israel-escalation-macron-2024-06-13/

IAEA report: Iran installs more centrifuges at Fordow enrichment plant

1. Iran has quickly installed additional uranium-enrichment centrifuges at its Fordow facility and is setting up more, as reported by the IAEA.

2. The installation is seen as a limited response to an IAEA board resolution against Iran.

3. Iran plans to install eight cascades of advanced IR-6 centrifuges at Fordow, with some already verified as completed by the IAEA.

4. Additional centrifuge installations are planned at the Natanz enrichment plant.

5. The exact timeline for the Natanz installations remains unspecified.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iaea-report-iran-installs-more-centrifuges-fordow-enrichment-plant-2024-06-13/

Sweden protests to Iraq over death sentence given to Swedish citizen

1. Sweden has summoned Iraq's chargé d'affaires to protest the death sentence given to a Swedish citizen.

2. The Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom conveyed demands that the death sentences not be enforced.

3. Sweden opposes the death penalty universally.

4. One Swedish citizen has been confirmed sentenced to death, with information suggesting one or two others might also face the same sentence.

5. The individuals were reportedly accused of involvement in a shooting incident in Iraq.

Read more - https://www.reuters.com/world/sweden-protests-iraq-over-death-sentence-given-swedish-citizen-2024-06-13/

News bits drafted by: 

Jiah Malik (BA IR 1st year) 

Collected and published by (region head):

Varsha Das (BA IR 2nd year)