Day 128: Rising Casualties and Warnings of Famine

On the 128th day of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, the number of martyrs reached over 28,176, with 14 new massacres committed by the occupation forces. There are growing concerns about a catastrophic famine and deaths due to hunger in northern Gaza.

The occupation forces have intensified their attacks on Rafah, despite international and regional warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe if Israel invades the city. The Hamas movement also warned that an Israeli attack on Rafah would undermine the ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations. There are reports of US President Joe Biden distancing himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, Israel continues its incursions into the West Bank and has moved a large division of its army to the border with Lebanon. Demonstrations in support of Gaza and demanding an immediate end to the aggression have taken place in Arab and European cities. The US Central Command has announced the destruction of two pilot boats and three anti-ship missiles in Yemen, which were prepared for launching against ships in the Red Sea.

Battles and Losses

Fierce clashes between the Palestinian resistance and the Israeli occupation forces have been taking place in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the west of Khan Yunis. The Israeli army has reported that two officers and a soldier were seriously injured in battles in the south of the Gaza Strip. In the past 24 hours, seven soldiers from the occupation army were also injured in Gaza.

According to Israeli army data, a total of 2,855 officers and soldiers have been injured since the beginning of the war, with 432 of them being very seriously injured. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, has shared pictures of a drone they seized that was conducting an intelligence mission in northern Gaza. The Al-Quds Brigades also released images of their members targeting an Israeli force in Khan Yunis, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Killing and Wounding of Israeli Prisoners

The Al-Qassam Brigades announced the killing of two Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip and the serious wounding of eight others due to Israeli bombings in the past 96 hours. The conditions of the prisoners are becoming more dangerous as they are unable to receive appropriate treatment. Israel is held fully responsible for their lives due to the continued bombing and aggression against Gaza.

Massacres and Humanitarian Crisis

In the past 24 hours, there have been 112 martyrs and 173 injured in the Gaza Strip, bringing the total number of victims of the Israeli aggression to 28,176 martyrs and 67,784 injured since October 7th. Al Jazeera obtained photos showing civilians being sniped at by the occupation forces in Gaza City. The occupation forces have also prevented the entry of aid, leading to deaths from hunger and a lack of food supplies. The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza has reached a catastrophic stage, with families receiving only half a meal every 48 hours.

Imminent Invasion of Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli army to plan the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Rafah residents before an expected ground invasion. Rafah has become the last refuge for displaced Palestinians who were forced out of other areas in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu believes that calls to avoid entering Rafah would result in losing the war. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated that deepening the military operation in Gaza would bring Israel closer to a "realistic agreement" to exchange prisoners.

Hamas has warned Israel that any military operation in Rafah would sabotage the ongoing negotiations for a prisoner exchange.

Netanyahu and Biden Call

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a telephone conversation regarding the possible military operation in Rafah and the release of prisoners. There are reports of increasing disagreements between the two sides. Biden expressed concern about the impact of a military operation on the humanitarian situation and emphasized the need for a reliable and implementable plan to ensure the safety of the one million people seeking refuge in Rafah.

According to a senior US administration official, the call between Biden and Netanyahu lasted about 45 minutes. American media sources suggest that Biden and his aides are considering breaking ties with Netanyahu, as they believe he is focused on his political survival rather than other goals.

Hamas Spying

A former Israeli military intelligence officer revealed that there is a big worry that Hamas had been spying on the Israeli army before the war started. They were doing some deep counter-espionage operations.

Israel robs a Bank

Last week, an Israeli force stormed the Bank of Palestine in Gaza City and seized 200 million shekels ($54.3 million).

UNRWA Under Threat

The Israeli Knesset's Constitution and Judiciary Committee approved a draft law to stop the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied Jerusalem.

Support for Gaza

Many cities in Arab and European countries saw large demonstrations in protest against the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

Escalation in the West Bank

The Israeli occupation army continues to raid cities and towns in the West Bank, arresting several Palestinians, including freed prisoners. Video clips showed the occupation forces detaining and assaulting young men in Hebron. Settlers also attacked Palestinian vehicles and closed the entrance to the village of Bazaria.

Settlement Project

The Israeli government is taking advantage of the focus on the war in Gaza to push a settlement project in East Jerusalem. They plan to build a new neighborhood called "Novi Rahal" with 650 housing units near Palestinian homes in the Umm Tuba suburb.

Lebanon Front

The Israeli Chief of Staff decided to move the 36th Armored Division from Gaza to the border with Lebanon, where the Israeli army is exchanging bombardments with the Lebanese Hezbollah. Hezbollah announced the implementation of 5 operations on Israeli sites.

Yemen Front

The US forces launched raids on two drone boats and three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles in Yemen, claiming it was in self-defense.

Iranian Request

Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi called for Israel's expulsion from the United Nations, stating that the war crimes in Palestine are being carried out with the full support of the United States of America.

Source: Al Jazeera

The Latest Updates on the War in Gaza

Clashes Continue Between Palestinian Resistance and Israeli Occupation Forces

On the 124th day of the war in Gaza, fighting continues between the Palestinian resistance and the Israeli occupation forces. We are waiting to see the outcome of the truce proposal after Hamas responded to the mediators. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 16 massacres have occurred in the past 24 hours, resulting in 123 deaths and 169 injuries. This brings the total number of deaths in Gaza to 27,708 and the number of injuries to 67,147.

Hamas Responds to Proposed Truce Agreement

Hamas has responded to the proposed framework for a truce agreement in Gaza. They agreed to a three-stage plan, with each stage lasting 45 days. The plan includes agreements on the exchange of prisoners and bodies, ending the siege, and starting the reconstruction process. Hamas also demanded that Israeli forces leave the Gaza Strip before the second phase begins.

Netanyahu's Stance on Ceasefire Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government has not made any promises regarding the ceasefire deal proposed by Hamas. He believes that complete victory in Gaza is within reach and that negotiations are still ongoing. Netanyahu is determined to continue the war until Hamas is eliminated and claims that achieving Israeli goals will take months, not years.

Resistance Forces Inflict Losses on the Occupation

There have been violent clashes between the resistance and the Israeli occupation forces in the western neighborhoods of Gaza and Khan Yunis. The Al-Qassam Brigades and Al-Quds Brigades targeted a special Israeli force of 10 soldiers barricaded inside a house in Khan Yunis. They used anti-personnel shells and engaged in a fight, resulting in casualties among the Israeli soldiers.

Israel Plans to Extend Military Service

The Israeli occupation army announced its intention to extend military service in order to increase the number of reserve soldiers. However, some Jewish youth in Israel refuse to perform military service, especially due to the ongoing aggression against Gaza.

Blinken Meets Abbas in the West Bank

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called on Israel to deliver aid to the war-torn sector. After meeting with Israeli officials, Blinken visited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah to discuss the situation.

UN Secretary-General Warns of Serious Repercussions

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned of potential serious regional repercussions if Israel attacks the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. He called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

UN Rapporteur Highlights Gaza Famine

The United Nations Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, expressed concern over the famine in Gaza. She stated that Israel has not implemented the International Court of Justice's decision to prevent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

UN Security Council Meeting

The UN Security Council met to discuss the International Court of Justice's decision and called on Israel to take measures to prevent any possible act of "genocide" in Gaza.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry announced, in a statement earlier last week, that the meeting was being held “with the aim of giving binding force to the ruling of the International Court of Justice regarding the temporary measures imposed on the Israeli occupation.”

Saudi Arabia: No relations with Israel Except Under Conditions

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel unless the Palestinian state is recognized, the Israeli aggression against Gaza is stopped, and the occupation withdraws from it.

"There will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless the independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip is stopped, and all members of the occupation forces are withdrawn," the Saudi Foreign Ministry stated in a statement. The Kingdom had communicated its firm position to the US administration. a Gaza-based Israeli living there.

Source: Agencies

A new American strategy for dealing with the Afghan government formed by the Taliban was announced. This strategy was announced after the US troops left Afghanistan in 2021. It's important to understand what this means for the people of Afghanistan and the relationship between the United States and the Taliban.

 Four Important Areas

The new strategy focuses on four important areas:

1. Anti-terrorism

It is said that the United States wants to make sure that Afghanistan doesn't become a safe haven for terrorists! 

2. Economic Assistance

The US also says that they want to help Afghanistan's economy! They want to provide support and resources to help the country grow and develop!

3. Consular Services

American citizens who are currently in Afghanistan need help and support. The US wants to make sure they have access to consular services, which means assistance with things like passports and visas.

4. Immigration

There are many Afghans who want to immigrate to the United States. The US wants to help them and make the immigration process easier for them. They also want to protect the rights of Afghan people, especially women and girls.

What Experts Say

Experts have different opinions about this new strategy. Some believe that it will be easier for the United States to help Afghans who want to seek asylum in the US. There are many Afghans who have worked with American forces and want to move to the US, but they face slow procedures. The return of the American consulate to Kabul could improve their situation.

Others think that the US wants to maintain its interests in Afghanistan without using military force. They want a peaceful solution and the full implementation of the Doha Agreement between the US and the Taliban.

Goals and Challenges

The US sees ISIS-Khorasan as a threat to Afghanistan's security and stability. They also believe that China, Russia, and Iran are trying to take advantage of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The US wants to protect its interests and put pressure on the Taliban.

However, there are challenges. Opening a consulate in Kabul without recognizing the Afghan government is a big step. Some experts think that it might not happen until after the US presidential elections. The US also wants to make sure that the security situation in Afghanistan is stable before sending diplomats back.

The new American strategy for Afghanistan is complex and has different veiled and unveiled goals. The US wants to protect its interests, help the Afghan people! and prevent the so-called terrorism. It's important to keep an eye on how this strategy unfolds and what it means for both Afghanistan and the US.

An Unprecedented Challenge

Kuwait is currently facing an exceptional and serious challenge, according to the government's new work program. The country heavily relies on oil as its main source of income, and the fluctuation of oil prices poses a significant threat to its public finances.

The Consequences

This challenge not only jeopardizes the ability to provide a decent life for citizens and meet their basic needs but also puts Kuwait at risk of failing to fulfill its local and international obligations.

Diversifying the Economy

Kuwait, which currently relies on oil revenues to finance 90% of its general budget, recognizes the need to reduce its dependence on oil. The government is actively seeking to diversify its economy and find alternative sources of financing.

Past Efforts and Future Plans

Previous attempts to diversify the economy have not been very successful, unlike some other Gulf countries that have achieved varying degrees of success. However, Kuwait remains determined to find a solution.

The Expected Deficit

Without implementing economic and financial reforms, the state's general budget is projected to face a deficit ranging between 45 and 60 billion dinars ($146.13 to 194.84 billion) over the next five years. Additionally, government financing requirements are expected to double in the next decade, with an estimated public budget deficit of 13 billion dinars ($42.23 billion) in 2033.

The Importance of Oil Prices

According to the government's program, financing the general budget would require high oil prices of $100 per barrel. If the financial and economic conditions continue to deteriorate, it could lead to individuals, companies, and banks struggling, unemployment rates rising significantly, social services collapsing, and social security deteriorating.

Government Initiatives

To address these challenges, the government plans to pass laws related to liquidity tools, business profits tax, and selective tax during the current legislative term. Additionally, a feasibility study for a railway link project with Saudi Arabia will be initiated within the next 100 days.

Source: Reuters

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Palestine

Hamas Responds to the Agreement Proposal

On the 123rd day of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, Hamas announced that it has given its response to the proposed exchange deal. The Qatari Prime Minister described the response as positive, and the US Secretary of State will discuss it with the Israeli government.

Escalation in the Red Sea

The Houthis, a group supporting the Palestinians in Gaza, carried out attacks on two ships in the Red Sea. One ship was damaged, and this action was seen as a response to the American-British aggression against their country.

Blinken is in the Region Again

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is currently touring the region to discuss the war in Gaza. He has met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and will also visit Israel to discuss hostage release negotiations and plans for post-war Gaza.

Refusal to Return to Gaza Strip

The settlers in the Gaza envelope settlements will not return to their homes until they are assured of full security. They expect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to work transparently with them to ensure a safe return.

Detainees in the West Bank

The occupation forces have arrested over 6,800 people in the West Bank since October 7. The detainees and their families have been subjected to attacks and severe beatings.

Mutual Bombing in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli occupation forces bombed several towns in southern Lebanon, while sirens sounded in Israeli areas after missiles were launched from Lebanon. Lebanese Hezbollah targeted Israeli military barracks and soldiers, causing direct hits.

The Number of Martyrs Rises

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that the toll from the Israeli war on the Strip has risen to over 27,500 martyrs and 66,900 injured. The ministry also mentioned that the Israeli occupation committed 12 massacres against families in the past 24 hours.

The Siege of Nasser Hospital Continues

The Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis is facing a shortage of food, surgical supplies, and fuel for the generators. The occupation is preventing the movement of ambulances, putting the lives of medical personnel, wounded individuals, and displaced people at risk.

For his part, the director of the Nasser Complex Surgery Hospital, Nahed Abu Taima, told Al Jazeera that the occupation forces are continuing heavy gunfire around the complex, adding that since the siege of the hospital about two weeks ago, 630 wounded have arrived, most of them seriously injured.

He explained that they are facing major and dangerous challenges, including a shortage of medical personnel and a severe shortage of fuel, which puts the lives of patients and injured at risk.

Source: Al Jazeera

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Science and Technology

An Existential Threat

The war in Sudan is causing concerns about the loss of thousands of diverse plant genetic strains for food and agriculture. The Genetic Resources Bank, also known as the Gene Bank, is being targeted, which could have serious consequences for agricultural biodiversity in Sudan.

The Importance of the Gene Bank

The Gene Bank, established in 1982, is a research center that preserves and maintains seed samples of over 15,000 accessions collected from various regions of Sudan. These samples include local, traditional, and ancient types of crops, as well as wild relatives of agricultural plants like corn, millet, sesame, peanuts, and more.

The Extent of the Damage

The Gene Bank has suffered significant damage due to the war. Refrigerators storing seed samples were looted, and the seeds were found scattered. The lack of optimal environmental conditions for their maintenance puts them at risk of deterioration and damage.

The Importance of Preserving Genetic Resources

Genetic resources are crucial for scientific research, breeding programs, and the development of resilient crops. They play a vital role in achieving food and nutritional security, environmental sustainability, and providing various resources for humans, such as shelter, medicine, clothing, and energy.

Future Risks and Urgent Plan

The loss of genetic resources from the Gene Bank could have a real impact on food security, especially in the face of future risks like climate change. To save the plant genetic resources, an urgent plan is needed. This plan involves temporarily transporting the samples to a safer place within Sudan, ensuring the necessary requirements for their preservation, and eventually sending them to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway for long-term storage.

It is crucial to support the transfer of the remaining seeds to safe areas and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault to protect Sudan's scientific infrastructure and ensure the availability of diverse and resilient crops for the future.