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Beijing’s Hidden Agenda in Gaza Strip

Analysts say China has a long-term game plan in mind in criticizing Israel and condoning Hamas; to gain favour in the Middle East as well as with countries sympathetic to the Palestinian cause in regions such as Africa and Latin America and wean them away from the fold of the United States .. writes Dr Haroon Rashid

The Hamas terror attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip have provided Beijing with the opportunity to fish in troubled water. Instead of working with the world community to find a solution to the crisis, the mandarins of the Communist Party of China are trying to muddy the water even more to increase their geopolitical influence in the Middle East and fulfil the ambition of China emerging as a superpower.

In the light of such a Chinese design, there is much merit in the stand of India to abstain from voting in the recent motion before the United Nations for a ceasefire in Gaza. For one thing, New Delhi cannot side with the cause of terror; particularly in view of the fact that India itself is one of the worst victims of terror sponsored by Islamic fundamentalism. But India has seen through the game of China and New Delhi is now doubly cautious so that the Chinese designs in the Middle East do not succeed.

President of the United States Joe Biden gave a hint on October 26 in a joint Press conference in Washington with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese of what Beijing could be up to in the Gaza Strip. He said he was convinced that one of the reasons why Hamas launched the terrorist attack on Israel was the recent announcement in the G-20 Summit in New Delhi of the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor that would integrate the entire region with a railroad network. If this is true, it is all the more the reason New Delhi should not take any stand that will encourage Hamas in any way. And, Presidents of the United States usually do not talk through the hat.

The new economic corridor was jointly announced by the U.S., India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the occasion of the G20 Summit in New Delhi last September. Many see this as an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative of China. India is a member of I2U2, a partnership formed at the initiative of the United States in 2021; the three other members of the partnership being Israel, the UAE and the USA. This partnership identifies bankable projects and initiatives to tackle challenges confronting the world. Some see in this initiative an alternative offered by the democratic world to the growing influence of Beijing in the Gulf countries and beyond, in Africa.

Behind the Hamas attack in Israel could have been a wily ploy to instigate Israel to launch an attack on Gaza Strip so that the entire Islamic world is antagonized and the Gulf countries decide not to do anything with a partnership with Israel as a member, say analysts. The question remains then if Hamas has been working at the behest of any vested interest; and who this vested interest is. So far, Beijing has not condemned in strong terms the terror attack launched by Hamas that killed about 1,400 people in Israel. A large number of Israeli citizens were also taken hostage by Hamas. On the other hand, Beijing has criticized Tel Aviv in strong terms, saying the Israeli response has been out of proportion with the offence committed by Hamas.

Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi has gone on record saying that the acts of Israel in Gaza to target Hamas had “gone beyond self-defence.” In its first statement following the Hamas attack and initial Israeli reaction, China had urged both sides to “exercise restraint” and opt for a “two-state solution.” In response, senior official in the Israeli embassy in Beijing Yuval Waks had expressed disappointment. Israel thought China was a friend, he said. “When people are being murdered, slaughtered in the streets, this s not the time to call for a two-state solution,” he said.

Analysts say China has a long-term game plan in mind in criticizing Israel and condoning Hamas; to gain favour in the Middle East as well as with countries sympathetic to the Palestinian cause in regions such as Africa and Latin America and wean them away from the fold of the United States. “China is clearly afraid of offending the Arab side,” former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, now with Washington-based think-tank Middle East Institute, has been quoted as saying.

But in making such statements, Beijing has really been working on a long-term game-plan and thinking far beyond the Middle East. Through its anti-Israel rhetoric, Beijing is trying to get close to nations where it has plans to extend investment in infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative, from highways to polluting thermal power plants to massive new ports. These are the countries in Africa and Latin America which often say the fight of the Palestinians against Israel is something like fighting colonization. South Africa, for instance, has said that “the new conflagration has arisen from the continued illegal occupation of Palestinian land and oppression of the people.”

Euronews has commented that Chinese state agents are using the information chaos surrounding the war between Israel and Hamas to Beijing’s advantage; glorifying violence, promoting hate and helping to spread false claims on what is happening on the ground in the Middle East; posting misinformation  to promote anti-Semitic feelings and phobia in Islamic countries.

A study by the U.K. – based Institute for Strategic Dialogue which monitors the spread of extremism and misinformation online, has found that Chinese agents are exploiting the crisis to advance the geopolitical agenda of Beijing. Data collected from Facebook and X accounts belonging to officials of the Communist Party of China, diplomatic representatives and the state media between October 7 and 18, right after the surprise attack of Hamas on Israel, indicate that Beijing is using the information chaos to serve the interests of China. “While Facebook posts remained neutral, insisting on condemning all acts that harm civilians, Chinese state media accounts on X denounced the U.S. for supposedly seeking economic advantage from the escalation,” the report is quoted to have said. “The same accounts have called out Western politicians and mainstream media for turning a ‘blind eye’ to the victims of Gaza.”

Senior Analyst of ID Julia Smirnova has been quoted to have said: “It may not come as a surprise that authoritarian states are trying to exploit the confusion around the  Israel – Hamas conflict to advance their own geopolitical agenda,” and to “deepen mistrust towards democratic institutions and the media.”

Notably, in June 2023 President of China Xi Jinping and President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas finalized a “strategic partnership,” with Beijing pledging to increase cooperation with and funding to the Palestinian Authority. “China and Palestine are close friends and partners who trust and support each other,” President Xi was quoted to have said on the occasion.”

It will surely help the cause of China in Taiwan if the U.S. becomes too busy managing the two wars which are already raging in two corners of the globe, in Ukraine and Gaza Strip. It will thus help the Chinese strategy to extend moral support to the terrorist group Hamas, if stopping short of actually extending material support to them. There is one factor, however, which may prevent Beijing from openly supporting the cause of terror. Alienating Israel may come at a high cost for China, say analysts. China has a lucrative tech-sector trade with Israel, with Beijing often importing more than $1 billion worth of semiconductors a year from Israel.

China has been one of four countries that had voted in favour of a U.N. Security Council resolution drafted by Russia on October 16, urging a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel – Hamas war that was rejected for not condemning the surprise attack of Hamas on Israel. There were five votes in favour and four against. For the Security Council to adopt a resolution, the proposal must receive at least nine votes in favour; with none of its five permanent members opposing or casting a veto.

“This makes it clear where China stands,” the Time magazine has commented. “China’s unwillingness to condemn Hamas and its call for an end to violence on both sides may stem from the interest in keeping itself in the good grace of Arab states in the region where China is eyeing an ambitious economic expansion — through the BRI.”

The war in Palestine has alarmed China as the region is crucial to the BRI for its energy exports. Chinese investments and construction projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE under BRI have totalled $56.28 billion and $40.81 billion, according to the Time magazine. In this backdrop, the formation of the I2U2 partnership has clearly unnerved China as the partnership is challenging the BRI. Beijing has no qualms about extending moral support to a terrorist group like Hamas to protect its vested interests in the Middle East.

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Washington Provides $21M in Additional Aid for Gaza

The US administrator’s announcement for additional aid follows President Joe Biden’s announcement of $100 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza on October 18….reports Asian Lite News

Amid the fresh hostilities between Israel and Hamas, after a brief pause for the release of hostages, the United States announced an additional 21 million USD in aid to Gaza, CNN reported quoting US Aid Administrator Samantha Power on a trip to Egypt.

It reported that the aid will include support for the provision of essential hygiene and shelter supplies, food, and market-based assistance for more than 120,000 people, as well as psychosocial care and health services for the health system in Gaza, which US Aid described as “overwhelmed”.

CNN reported that the support will bolster an NGO-operated field hospital in Gaza that provides in-patient care

The US administrator’s announcement for additional aid follows President Joe Biden’s announcement of $100 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza on October 18.

Power visited El-Arish, Egypt, to meet with local officials and Egyptian and international humanitarian organizations, according to a US Aid press release, CNN reported.

At the time of her visit, the US Department of Defense (DOD) airlifted 36,000 pounds of food assistance and medical supplies from Amman, Jordan, to El-Arish, at USAID’s request, the press release said.

The US military airlifted another 36,00 pounds of critical supplies to Gazans, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said on Tuesday.

“At the request of USAID (United States Agency for International Development), the Department of Defense airlifted another 16.3 metric tons, or 36,000 pounds, of vital supplies to the people of Gaza today, providing more vitally needed medical supplies, warm clothing, and food and nutrition,” Ryder said.

He said that as with previous airlifts, “the supplies were delivered via a US Air Force C-17 to Egypt to subsequently be transported via ground into Gaza and then distributed by UN agencies”, CNN reported.

Ryder added that additional flights are expected “in the coming days.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: GCC Condemns ‘Genocide’ in Gaza, Urges Ceasefire

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GCC Condemns ‘Genocide’ in Gaza, Urges Ceasefire

The Guld Cooperation Council has called on the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibility to end the war, stressing that regional security cannot be achieved without permanent peace, and permanent peace is not possible without a solution to the Palestinian issue….reports Asian Lite News

The principle of self-defence does not permit the crimes of genocide committed by Israel and that Israel has violated humanitarian and moral standards in the Gaza Strip, said Qatari Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

This was conveyed at the 44th Session of the Gulf Cooperation Council Supreme Council. The summit was inaugurated yesterday in Doha by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Al Thani.

The summit addressed ways to build upon the historical cooperation and joint work between GCC nations to achieve the aspirations of their people. The meeting also covered key regional and international developments and joint efforts in this regard.

The summit was also attended by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, in the presence of Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

In his opening remarks, His Highness Sheikh Tamim stressed that rapid regional and international developments require enhanced consultation and coordination to address their impact, expressing his confidence in the ability of Gulf Cooperation Council nations to contribute to resolving regional issues.

He said that the summit is being held in light of the ongoing tragedy and unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe facing the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip.

His Highness added that the tragedy has another dimension: the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in obtaining their rights. He called on the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibility to end the war, stressing that regional security cannot be achieved without permanent peace, and permanent peace is not possible without a solution to the Palestinian issue.

His Highness the UAE President offered remarks in which he expressed his appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, for his kind invitation to attend the summit, as well as his generous reception and hospitality. His Highness also commended the efforts and achievements of the Sultanate of Oman during its presidency of the 43rd Session of the Council.

His Highness remarked, “We laud achievements to date in the Gulf Cooperation Council in deepening cooperation and enhancing cohesion among our peoples. We look forward to additional integration endeavours in various fields to promote greater stability and prosperity for our region and the entire world.”

His Highness added that the UAE, inspired by the values and principles of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, stresses the importance of strengthening cooperation to combat incitement, hatred, extremism, and terrorism in light of regional and global developments.

His Highness pointed out that the region and world face multiple challenges, including ensuring energy and food security, enhancing efforts to mitigate climate change, promoting global health, and addressing challenges related to various conflicts. His Highness added that confronting these challenges requires a balanced approach based on dialogue and diplomacy, as well as adherence to international law, principles, and treaties.

In this regard, His Highness the President stressed that the UAE believes in the importance of multilateral action, diplomacy, and dialogue to build confidence and lay the foundations for peace based on the United Nations Charter and international conventions.

His Highness stated that Gulf Cooperation Council nations represent successful models of regional and international engagement by building partnerships and playing a constructive and effective role in the regional and international spheres. He called upon GCC nations to continue making positive contributions to international action in efforts to foster security and peace while achieving stability and prosperity.

​His Highness also underscored that in light of ongoing tensions in the region and the increasing intensity of the war in Gaza, the UAE has worked with its partners to reach an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and provide protection for civilians, avoid the expansion of the conflict that threatens regional stability and security, and identify a political horizon for a comprehensive peace. His Highness expressed appreciation for efforts by the State of Qatar, alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, to reach a temporary truce, prompt the release of detainees, and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

His Highness said, “While we regret that the truce has not continued, we urge further efforts to achieve a ceasefire. We also stress that the top priority remains providing humanitarian support and ensuring safe, sustained, and at-scale humanitarian corridors to respond to the increasing needs of civilians in the Gaza Strip.”

His Highness noted that the history of the conflict has proven that repeated escalation and confrontation cannot be stopped without a political horizon and a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. His Highness emphasised that the UAE stresses the need to end Israeli occupation of all Palestinian lands and establish an independent Palestinian state.

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Truce Extends As Hostage Swap Continues

Israel says it is willing to continue the ceasefire “as long as Hamas continues to release hostages”….reports Asian Lite News

Just minutes before it was set to expire, the Israeli military on Thursday announced that an agreement was reached to extend the humanitarian truce in Gaza for a seventh day. Thursday’s extension is the second of the initial four-day truce that commenced on November 24.

The original four-day truce in Gaza which was first implemented on November 24 and extended for two more days on Tuesday. It was set to expire at 7 a.m. local time on Thursday.

In a brief statement, the military said: “In light of the mediators’ efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework, the operational pause will continue.”

Hamas also confirmed the extension of the truce for a seventh day in a statement. Since the start of the pause, 210 Palestinians, 70 Israelis, and 24 foreign nationals have reportedly been released.

On Wednesday — the sixth day of the truce — 16 more hostages were released from Gaza, comprising 10 Israelis, four Thai nationals and two Israeli-Russians. Also in the day, 30 Palestinians were also freed from Israeli jails.

‘Truce Will Extend Everyday As Long As..’

Ahead of the military’s announcement, Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday said the humanitarian truce in Gaza will extend for every day the Hamas militant group releases 10 “living” hostages.

“Every day, we agreed to an extension for the release of 10 hostages, 10 living hostages… If Hamas continues to release hostages, 10 a day, we will extend the hold — the pause.”

When asked if the fighting would resume within the next 24 hours, Regev told CNN that “if Hamas fails to meet the conditions of the extension, which is to release 10 Israelis, then of course the fighting can be resumed”.

According to the senior advisor, there were are still at least 140 hostages inside Gaza. He went on to say that the Jewish nation accepted the current agreement of a humanitarian pause “to get our hostages out, that could be extended each day for a day”.

Asked about negotiations on any further agreements, Regev told CNN: “This is a humanitarian pause in our fight against Hamas, Israel is determined to destroy Hamas’ military machine and its rule over Gaza.

“We are not going to play games with the lives of our people… Hamas knows what the parameters of the deal are.”

UAE Welcomes Truce Extension

The UAE has welcomed the announcement to extend the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip by two days, and the continued exchange of detainees between the Palestinians and Israel, expressing hope this development leads to a permanent ceasefire.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) commended the efforts of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States, to extend the humanitarian pause, allowing for the exchange of hostages, detainees, and captives, and the delivery of relief aid and humanitarian assistance. The Ministry expressed its aspirations for the agreement to expedite an end to the crisis and prevent further suffering for the brotherly Palestinian people.

Furthermore, the Ministry expressed its hope that this step will facilitate the immediate, safe, sustainable, and unhindered delivery of relief and humanitarian aid, particularly to the most vulnerable groups, including the sick, children, the elderly, and women.

The UAE stresses the importance of returning to negotiations to achieve the two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The UAE will continue working alongside the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to intensify efforts aimed at providing the needed support and assistance to the endeavours aiming to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

MBZ, Biden Hold Talks

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed bilateral relations and regional developments during a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Joe Biden.

The call underscored the significance of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in mobilising global cooperation to forge effective solutions to the climate crisis, ensuring a sustainable future for all nations.

The two leaders also reviewed the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and establishing lasting and secure mechanisms for delivering humanitarian aid to its residents without hindrance.

They also underscored the imperative of charting a course towards a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace in the Middle East region, with the two-state solution serving as the cornerstone for realising regional security, stability, and peace.

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20 US Lawmakers Urge Biden to Extend Gaza Ceasefire

The letter comes in lieu of the announcement of a temporary four-day ceasefire in Gaza in return for the safe transfer of 50 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack….reports Asian Lite News

President Joe Biden received a letter from more than 20 Michigan lawmakers urging him to “advance a lasting ceasefire” between Israel and the Hamas militant group, reported The Hill.

The letter comes in lieu of the announcement of a temporary four-day ceasefire in Gaza in return for the safe transfer of 50 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack.

The ceasefire was announced in a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.

A post shared on Netanyahu’s X, formerly Twitter, page stated, “Tonight, the Government has approved the outline of the first stage of achieving this goal, according to which at least 50 hostages – women and children – will be released over four days, during which a pause in the fighting will be held.”

Similarly, the US President, taking to his social media X, declared that he was glad the deal was secured, adding that he was grateful that the hostages would be reunited with their families.

“I welcome the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7th.” The US president said. “I’m gratified that these brave souls, who have endured an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented.”

The lawmakers said that the temporary ceasefire deal between the two sides is a “positive step forward”. However, Michigan lawmakers still believe that this is not a sufficient enough deal., reported The Hill.

The letter sent by the state lawmakers noted that international organizations — including the United Nations, World Health Organization, and UNICEF- faith leaders, elected officials, and community leaders have all called for a ceasefire in the conflict, urging for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

“Some aid has been able to enter Gaza since October 21, but there continue to be insufficient supplies of water, food, medicine, and blood,” the letter reads. “According to the World Health Organization, 20 of Gaza’s hospitals are no longer functioning. Over 1 million residents have been displaced from their homes in Gaza, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis.”

The letter also highlights some of the atrocities that have been committed in Gaza, mentioning that many of the actions that have taken place” are prohibited by the Geneva Convention.

The letter was signed by 25 state lawmakers, including state Democrat Representative Abraham Aiyash, who is the majority leader of Michigan state’s House chamber.

“Today, I joined 25 other Michigan House and Senate colleagues pressing President Biden for a lasting ceasefire,” Aiyash wrote in a post to X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Bombing children will not bring peace. An end to violence is the only way to legitimately address the occupation and bring lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike,” Aiyash added. “We must advance and lasting and durable ceasefire to end the bombing and devastation in Gaza.”

With the transfer of hostages during the ceasefire, Palestinian prisoners will also be released from Israeli jail, per Hamas’s demands, The Hill reported.

An Israeli source has stated that the four-day lull in fighting, would be on hold and that Israeli military operations in Gaza would continue as long as the agreement is not finalized.

The delay is a blow to families who are desperate to see their abducted children, spouses, daughters, and sisters return after close to 50 days as Hamas hostages. (ANI)

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Qatar Sets Stage for Ceasefire Announcement in Gaza

The Israeli cabinet, in an extended meeting into Wednesday morning, has officially endorsed an agreement with Hamas….reports Asian Lite News

Qatar, which helped broker an agreement between Israel and Hamas for a four-day humanitarian pause in their ongoing war in Gaza, announced on Wednesday that the effective date of the ceasefire will be announced within 24 hours.

The “starting time of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours”, the BBC quoted the Qatar government as saying in a statement.

The pause will then last for four days, the statement said, adding that it will be “subject to extension”.

The latest development comes after the Israeli cabinet — after a lengthy meeting that ran into the early hours of Wednesday — approved the agreement with Hamas to secure the release of 50 hostages being held in Gaza since the October 7 attack.

“The government of Israel is obligated to return home all of the hostages… The government has approved the outline of the first stage of achieving this goal, according to which at least 50 hostages – women and children – will be released over four days, during which a pause in the fighting will be held,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

“The release of every additional 10 hostages will result in one additional day in the pause. The government of Israel, the IDF and the security services will continue the war in order to return home all of the hostages, complete the elimination of Hamas and ensure that there will be no new threat to the State of Israel from Gaza,” it added.

The agreement will also allow hundreds of lorries of humanitarian, medical and fuel aid to enter all parts of the Gaza Strip via Egypt’s Rafah crossing.

Those opposed to the truce however, warned the Israeli Cabinet that this partial hostage deal would derail the process of securing all those in captivity and that it would complicate the military offensive against the militant group in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu however dismissed the scepticism and said: “ We are at war and continue to be at war until our objectives are met including destroy Hamas and all our captives are released.”

Meanwhile, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman said on Wednesday morning that the military is still working out details for the pause in fighting included in the hostage release deal.

IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told CNN: “Until we are told to do so by the Israeli government, we will continue fighting Hamas and when such a deal will come into effect, we will respect that. But we will be very vigilant on the ground.”

The spokesman also warned that he feared Hamas will use the pause in fighting to resupply and regroup.

“Of course we would rather continue to apply pressure on Hamas. But this pause is for a very important cause. I can assure that we will be respectful of any agreement, that we will honor the commitments made by the Israeli government,” he told CNN.

Hailing the move, US President Joe Biden said in a statement that “I welcome the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by the terrorist group Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7″.

“Jill and I have been keeping all those held hostage and their loved ones close to our hearts these many weeks, and I am extraordinarily gratified that some of these brave souls, who have endured weeks of captivity and an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented.

“Today’s deal should bring home additional American hostages, and I will not stop until they are all released,” the statement added.

Wednesday’s development comes more than a week after a major breakthrough was reached on November 12 when the Hamas — after refusing for days — had relented in offering identifying information about several dozen hostages, such as their age, gender and nationalities.

The information confirmed that numerous children and toddlers had been taken captive on October 7.

Israeli authorities have said that there are at least 236 hostages being held in Gaza

ALSO READ: Iranian Health Minister Offers Medical Aid to Gaza

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US Senator Says Gaza Civilian Toll ‘Too High’

Expressing worry, Murphy emphasized that if Israel’s objective is to overcome Hamas, the present level of civilian casualties not only incurs a moral toll but also holds strategic consequences….reports Asian Lite News

A US Senator has emphasised the “vital” importance of Israel conducting a more precise offensive in the Gaza Strip to minimise civilian casualties. Chris Murphy, a Democratic member of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told AFP that the current civilian death toll is excessively high, stressing the need for a more “surgical” approach.

Expressing concern, Murphy highlighted that if Israel’s strategy aims to defeat Hamas, the current rate of civilian casualties not only bears a moral cost but also carries strategic implications. He emphasised the significance of adopting a strategy that minimises harm to civilians while pursuing the ultimate goal of confronting militant groups.

Meanwhile, a Palestinian source has told media that the chances of reaching an agreement on a temporary ceasefire in Gaza under the condition of the release of hostages are increasing with intense mediation efforts made by Qatar, Egypt and the US.

The unnamed source said that the “humanitarian truce” expected to last for one to three days in exchange for the release of hostages held in Gaza may be announced in the coming hours or days, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, in a meeting with officials of the West Bank settlements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that his government will not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza unless the hostages seized by Hamas during its October 7 attack are freed.

Israel struck Gaza in retaliation for a cross-border Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, during which Hamas militants took about 240 hostages. The bloody conflict, raging for over a month, has led to the deaths of at least 10,569 Palestinians in Gaza and killed 1,400 people in Israel, the vast majority in the October 7 Hamas attack.

ALSO READ: US Senate Democrats push Biden on Israel

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Gaza Civilian Toll Sparks Wider War Fears: Hezbollah

Sheikh Naim Qassem said that the region faces grave and uncontrollable consequences….reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Naim Qassem, the second in command of Hezbollah, has said killing of civilians in Gaza by Israel risks wider war in the Middle East, media reports said.

Sheikh Naim Qassem told the BBC that very serious and very dangerous developments can occur in the region and no-one would be able to stop the repercussions.

Hezbollah deputy leader was speaking during an interview in Beirut, as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said more than 10,000 people had been killed since the start of war.

Israel’s assault follows the Hamas attacks on 7 October which killed 1,400 people – 1,000 of them civilians, BBC reported.

“The danger is real,” he said, “because Israel is increasing its aggression against civilians and killing more women and children. Is it possible for this to continue and increase, without bringing real danger to the region? I think not.”

He insisted any escalation would be linked to Israel’s actions. “Every possibility has a response,” he said, BBC reported.

He said that Hezbollah, “the Party of God” has plenty of possibilities.

The Shia Islamist group – classed as a terrorist organisation by the UK, US and the Arab League – is the largest political and military force in Lebanon.

So far, Hezbollah’s response to the war in Gaza has involved amplifying its warnings, but carefully calibrating its actions.

When an Israeli strike killed a woman and three children in southern Lebanon on Sunday, Hezbollah used Grad rockets for the first time in the conflict, killing an Israeli civilian.

Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has threatened that every civilian death in Lebanon will reap another across the border. But notably, he has not threatened Israel with an all-out war, BBC reported

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US flying drones over Gaza in search of hostages

Two officials said the aim of the surveillance flights was to help in locating hostages, monitor for signs of life and pass potential leads to the Israel Defence Forces….reports Asian Lite News

The US military is flying surveillance drones over the Gaza Strip to help in hostage rescue efforts, The New York Times reported citing its analysis and two Defence Department officials.

The aircraft MQ-9 Reapers, operated by US Special Operations forces, were first spotted on Saturday on Flightradar24, a publicly accessible flight-tracking website. However, Pentagon officials said that the aircraft has been active in the region since the days after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Hamas.

While Israel continues to frequently fly reconnaissance flights over Gaza, US Defence officials said it was believed to be the first time that US drones have flown missions over Gaza, according to The New York Times report.

Notably, Israel is in the early stages of a ground invasion in Gaza. Israel has said that Hamas has held more than 240 hostages, 10 of whom are believed to be Americans. According to US Defence Department officials, the unarmed surveillance flights are not supporting Israeli force’s operations on the ground.

Two officials said the aim of the surveillance flights was to help in locating hostages, monitor for signs of life and pass potential leads to the Israel Defence Forces. The US military has been providing military assistance, including bombs and artillery rounds, to Israel, according to The New York Times report.

The US has deployed two aircraft carriers and hundreds of troops to the Middle East after Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7. Several dozen American commandos have been sent to Israel to help advise on hostage recovery efforts. However, the surveillance flights flying over Gaza suggest that the Pentagon is taking a more active role in the IDF mission for rescuing hostages.

There appear to be at least six separate MQ-9 aircraft involved in the effort, The New York Times reported citing Amelia Smith, an aviation researcher who has been tracking the flights. The MQ-9 was designed as the US Air Force’s first “hunter-killer” drone. However, it is primarily being utilised for surveillance missions due to its sophisticated sensors and ability to loiter above an area for more than 20 hours at a time.

The MQ-9 aircraft is being used to carry out airstrikes and gather intelligence in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. As per the news report, many militaries around the world make use of MQ-9 and not Israel.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden held a meeting with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader. He also met Chile President Gabriel Boric of Chile in the Oval Office of the White House.

During his separate meetings with leaders of Chile and the Dominican Republic, Biden said the US will continue to back Israel’s right to defend itself “in line with international humanitarian law,” according to the readout of the two meetings released by the White House. He said that the US will continue working to increase humanitarian assistance for people in Gaza.

Meanwhile, US Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated support for Israel during her visit to London, The Times of Israel reported. She said that the US would not add any conditions on the support given to Israel to defend itself.

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‘Killing of Children in Gaza Not Collateral Damage’

Nearly 70 per cent of those reported killed in Gaza are children and women…reports Asian Lite News

UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini has said the killing of thousands of children in Gaza cannot be “collateral damage.”

Nearly 70 per cent of those reported killed in Gaza are children and women, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Save the Children, an international non-governmental organisation, reported that nearly 3,200 children have been killed in Gaza in just three weeks. This surpasses the number of children killed annually across the world’s conflict zones since 2019,” he said. “This cannot be ‘collateral damage.'”

Churches, mosques, hospitals, and UNRWA facilities, including those sheltering displaced people, have not been spared. Too many people have been killed and injured while seeking safety in places protected by international humanitarian law, he told the Security Council.

“The atrocities of Hamas do not absolve Israel from its obligations under international humanitarian law. Every war has rules, and this one is no exception,” he said.

The current siege imposed on Gaza is collective punishment, said Lazzarini.

Two weeks of full siege followed by the trickle of aid last week mean that basic services are crumbling and that medicine, food and water, and fuel are running out. The streets of Gaza have started overflowing with sewage, which will cause a massive health hazard very soon, he said.

In the latest blow, the communications blackout over the weekend has aggravated the panic and distress of people, he said.

The blackout meant that people could not communicate with their loved ones inside Gaza to know who was dead and who was alive, that they no longer knew whether they would receive bread from UNRWA, that they felt abandoned and cut off from the rest of the world, he said.

The communications blackout has accelerated the breaking down of civil order. Panic pushed thousands of desperate people to head to the UNRWA warehouses and distribution centers. A further breakdown in civil order will make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for UNRWA to continue operating. It will also make it impossible to bring in convoys, he warned.

“I say this while being fully aware that UNRWA is the last remaining lifeline for the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

The horrific attacks by Hamas in Israel on October 7 were shocking. The relentless bombardments by the Israeli Forces of the Gaza Strip are shocking. The level of destruction is unprecedented, the human tragedy is unbearable, said Lazzarini.

One million people, half the population of Gaza, were pushed from the north of the Gaza Strip toward the south in three weeks. The south, however, has not been spared from bombardment, with significant numbers of people killed, he said. “I have said many times, and I will say it again: no place is safe in Gaza.”

What happened and continues to happen is forced displacement. Over 670,000 displaced people are now in overcrowded UNRWA schools and buildings. They live in appalling, unsanitary conditions, with limited food and water, sleeping on the floor without mattresses, or outside in the open, he said.

Lazzarini said there must be strict adherence to international humanitarian law. This means civilians and civilian infrastructure, including UN premises, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and shelters hosting civilians, must be protected all over the Gaza Strip and at all times. This is not an option, it is an obligation.

He called for a safe, unimpeded, substantial and continuous flow of humanitarian aid, including fuel, into Gaza and across the strip. For this to happen, there is a need for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire.

“An immediate humanitarian cease-fire has become a matter of life and death for millions. The present and future of Palestinians and Israelis depend on it. I urge all (UN) member states to change the trajectory of this crisis, and work toward a genuine political solution – before it’s too late,” said Lazzarini.

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