Italian Jews Call for an End to the War on Gaza

A group of 54 Italian Jews have written an open letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to stop the war on the Gaza Strip. They also want Jews around the world to understand the serious consequences of this tragedy for the future. The letter was published in Italian newspapers, including "Il Fatto Quotidiano," on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Expressing Concern over Netanyahu's Actions

In their letter titled "What is the value of memory if it does not stop in Gaza and the West Bank?", the authors, who describe themselves as secular Jews involved in the Jewish Voices for Peace organization, express their deep concern. They believe that Netanyahu is prolonging the war to maintain his power and accuse him of lacking a political solution. They are disappointed that some Israelis and Jews worldwide fail to recognize the tragedy and its long-term effects.

Discussion on War Crimes and Genocide

The signatories argue that debating whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide will not alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian victims and their families. They emphasize that International Holocaust Remembrance Day should not be reduced to a mere ritual. Instead, it should serve as an opportunity to reflect on preventing such atrocities from happening again to any people.

Rejecting Victim Rhetoric and Anti-Semitism

The letter criticizes Israel's use of victim rhetoric and the manipulation of anti-Semitism to justify its actions. The signatories firmly believe that the resistance attack cannot be an excuse to ignore the pain of others, dehumanize the weak, or resort to violence against them. They distance themselves from the Union of Jewish Communities in Italy, which labels any criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism, stating that they understand the true meaning of anti-Semitism and will not tolerate its misuse.

Source: Italian press

The Boycott's Effect on Company Finances

The boycott against companies supporting Israel in the aftermath of the Gaza Strip war has had significant financial consequences. Many international companies targeted by the boycott are experiencing a decline in their financial conditions.

McDonald's: A Major Victim

One of the companies hit hard by the global boycott is McDonald's, the American fast food giant. Although they saw a nominal increase in revenue of 8 percent to $6.41 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, it fell short of market expectations set at $6.45 billion. McDonald's attributed this setback to a slow 0.7% increase in sales in its International Development Markets division, which mainly covers the Middle East, China, and India. The company aimed for a 5.5% increase in this division between December and January. McDonald's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, acknowledged the decline in sales in Muslim-majority countries, including the Middle East, Malaysia, and Indonesia, but hopes for a recovery after the conflict in Gaza stops. It's worth noting that McDonald's Turkey took a different stance by pledging $1 million in humanitarian aid to support war victims in Gaza, especially women, children, and the elderly.

Starbucks: Feeling the Impact

The famous American coffee chain Starbucks also felt the repercussions of the boycott, particularly in the Middle East. CEO Laxman Narasimhan mentioned weak sales and decreased traffic at their cafes in the United States due to the boycott. Despite an 8 percent increase in revenue to $9.4 billion in the last quarter of 2023, Starbucks did not meet expectations. The market prompted the company to revise its annual sales growth goals downward by about 4-6 percent.

Dominos Pizza: Sales Decline

Dominos Pizza, another American giant, faced the boycott directly, especially in Asia, where store sales fell by 8.9 percent in the second half of last year. The company received major backlash on social media after pictures circulated showing them distributing free meals to Israeli soldiers. Donald Jeffrey Meig, the company's general manager, acknowledged the boycott's impact on sales in Asia.

KFC and Pizza Hut: Feeling the Effects

Yum, the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, also experienced lower-than-expected revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023. With total revenues reaching $2.04 billion, an increase of 1 percent year over year, it fell short of market expectations set at $2.1 billion. KFC and Pizza Hut sales in the Middle East witnessed a decline during the last quarter of 2023, with KFC's sales falling by 5 percent and Pizza Hut's by 3 percent. Yum's CEO, David Gibbs, attributed the sales decline to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The Ongoing Impact

The effects of the boycott are evident across various global companies, and their financial situations continue to unravel. The international community is closely watching these companies as they navigate the complexities of geopolitical tensions amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Source: Anadolu Agency

A Heroic Act

There is a video circulating on social media that shows a remarkable act of bravery. Dr. Amira Al-Assouli, a Palestinian doctor, risked her life to save an injured young man in Khan Yunis, a city in the Gaza Strip. The video captures the moment when Dr. Al-Assouli, with bullets flying around her, rushed to rescue the wounded man lying on the ground.

Working Against All Odds

Despite being displaced from her own home, which was destroyed by the Israeli army, Dr. Al-Assouli continues her important work at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis. This dedicated doctor did not hesitate to help the injured man, even though the Israeli army has previously targeted paramedics.

International Support Needed

The Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital, both vital healthcare facilities, have been under siege by the Israeli army for 20 days. Gunfire and constant targeting have put the lives of medical personnel and patients at risk. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has called on international organizations to intervene and protect the complex and everyone inside it.

A Devastating Situation

Since January 22, the Israeli army has been conducting intense raids in Khan Yunis, including near hospitals. This has forced thousands of Palestinians to flee the area. The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including many children and women. The destruction of infrastructure has led to a humanitarian crisis, and Israel is facing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Concerns about Security

Eritrea, a country in East Africa, has been focusing on the security of its borders with Sudan. The eastern region of Sudan, especially Kassala and the Red Sea states, is strategically important to Eritrea because of the long border and the shared ethnic groups on both sides. Eritrea wants to make sure that any war or conflict does not spread to this region.

Security Concerns and Accusations

Eritrea has been concerned about security issues in eastern Sudan, which borders its western and northern borders. The region, especially Kassala and the Red Sea, is strategically important to Eritrea due to the long border and the ethnic similarities between tribes on both sides. Eritrea has accused Sudan in the past of allowing Ethiopian forces to enter through its borders during a war between the two countries, which had a negative impact on Eritrean forces in the region.

Training Camps and Relationships

Eritrea has been establishing training camps for Sudanese fighters on its territory for the past three decades. They have built close relationships with different groups in eastern Sudan, including political, tribal, and societal forces. Eritrea's security services are also active in the region, monitoring opposition factions and Eritrean groups. This shows that Eritrea has good knowledge and intelligence about the region.

Hosting Sudanese Fighters

Although Eritrea has not officially confirmed or denied hosting Sudanese fighters, there are talks and rumors about Eritrea opening camps to train armed Sudanese groups. This is happening because of the ongoing war in Sudan, especially in the eastern part of the country. Eritrea wants to be prepared in case the conflict spreads to its borders.

Proactive Efforts

Eritrea's reception of Sudanese armed forces is part of their effort to build defense points in case of any security chaos caused by the conflict in eastern Sudan. Eritrea is worried that if there is a vacuum in this region, hostile parties might find and support an armed opposition against Eritrea. The long border between the two countries, which has flat areas that are easy to navigate, makes this a concern.

Large Eritrean Community in Eastern Sudan

Eastern Sudan has one of the largest Eritrean communities living abroad. Many Eritreans have sought asylum in UNHCR camps in the region, and there are also Eritreans who have obtained Sudanese nationality. Some of these Eritreans come from tribes historically linked to opposition against the Eritrean government. This makes them a potential source of support for any military action against Eritrea.

Support for the Sudanese Army

Eritrea has maintained a neutral stance towards the war in Sudan, but there are indications of growing support for the Sudanese army. Eritrea's hosting of Sudanese armed groups shows their support for the Sudanese army's war effort. These groups have declared their allegiance to the Sudanese army, and the training camps were opened after a significant event in the war.

Preventing a Siege

The seizure of Al-Jazeera State by the Rapid Support Forces has shifted the geography of the conflict from the capital city, Khartoum, to central and eastern Sudan. Eritrea is concerned about the possibility of these forces reaching the Ethiopian border through Gedaref State. This would give them a supply line through Ethiopia, which could strengthen their position and make it difficult for Eritrea to defend its borders.

If the Rapid Support Forces expand their control in Kassala State and reach the borders of Eritrea, it would put Eritrea in a difficult situation. It would be surrounded by Ethiopia to the southwest, the Rapid Support ally of Ethiopia to the west, and tension with Djibouti to the south. This would limit Eritrea's options and make it vulnerable to conflicts with its neighbors.

Eritrea is also worried about the possibility of Ethiopian forces passing through Sudan to reach western Eritrea. Given the tense relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, this would further complicate the situation for Eritrea.

Proxy Wars and Negotiations

According to Professor Lionel Cliffe from the British University of Leeds, countries in the Horn of Africa often engage in proxy wars to gain political advantages by supporting armed opposition groups. Eritrea's support for Sudanese armed parties allows it to have a say in the final solutions and settlements during negotiations. By supporting these groups, Eritrea can secure its future interests in Sudan, particularly in the eastern region.

Previous Experience and Allies

Eritrea has had a similar experience in the past when it hosted factions of the Sudanese Eastern Front, which rebelled against the Sudanese government. This led to the signing of the East Peace Agreement in 2006, which benefited Eritrea by creating a safe security environment on its western borders. The Beja General Conference, led by Musa Muhammad Ahmed, and forces affiliated with Omar Muhammad Tahir Omar, have been active in Eritrea. Other groups, such as the United Popular Front for Liberation and Justice and the Eastern Sudan Liberation Forces, have also established training camps in Eritrea.

New Concerns and Armed Movements

Recently, there has been a formation of an armed movement consisting of border tribes historically opposed to the Eritrean regime. This indicates the level of concern among both Eritrea and Sudan regarding security disturbances in eastern Sudan. The commander of the Eastern Sudan Liberation Forces expressed that their movement aims to defend the population of eastern Sudan in case the war extends to the region, to prevent violations against civilians.

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