West Asia Roundup: March 2024

Abstract

Israel -Hamas war continued apace even as frantic efforts were made by Qatar, Egypt and USA to arrive at some truce and cease the hostilities especially during the month of Ramadan. As usual greater violence was witnessed and more killings followed as pressure on Israel especially by the embattled Biden Administration to allow more humanitarian aid increased. Situation remains grim as Netanyahu and his ultra-right government as well as the Hamas leadership remained recalcitrant to any concessions to the other side. Netanyahu opposed the idea of a Two state solution at this stage and vowed to carry on the fight against Hamas until his objectives were met. Meanwhile, domestic criticism also increased for the way he was handling the hostage crisis who have been under the captivity of Hamas since October 7. West Asia remained on tenterhooks as other fronts by the Houthis and Hezbollah also remained active since the fear of escalation and expansion of war to other theatres remained quite real.

India expressed its deep shock at the loss of lives in Northern Gaza yesterday during delivery of humanitarian assistance. Such loss of civilian lives and the larger humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be a cause for extreme concern. “We reiterate our call for safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance”
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Israel-Hamas conflict

Israel on 26 March claimed to have killed Hamas deputy military commander Marwan Issa in a Gaza airstrike. The Israeli military reported targeting Issa in March. Israel asserted killing over 13,000 Hamas fighters since the conflict began but offered no evidence. Despite past assassinations, Hamas quickly replaces leaders, with little effect on operations. Israeli officials vowed to eradicate Hamas leadership globally, reflecting a longstanding strategy.

The United States has approved the transfer of billions of dollars’ worth of arms package including more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs and fighter jets to Israel, despite publicly expressing concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. While advocating for a restraint, the U.S. continues to support Israel militarily. Handful of U.S. senators, called for a reassessment of military aid until humanitarian issues are addressed. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the contradiction between demanding Israel to halt civilian casualties while supplying it with weapons.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) on 25 March demanded an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, along with the release of all hostages. The resolution was proposed by the 10 elected members of the council, and while the remaining 14 council members voted in favour, the US abstained from the vote.

Pope Francis during his Easter Sunday address on 31 March reiterated his calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli captives. He emphasized the need for humanitarian aid access to Gaza and expressed concern for the suffering of children in conflict zones. The Israeli airstrikes have destroyed numerous mosques, churches and archaeological sites.

Israeli Encroachment in West Bank

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on 22 March declared 800 hectares or 1,977 acres in the occupied West Bank as state land, aiming to facilitate settlement construction. The announcement coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel, highlighting Israel's commitment to settlement expansion despite international opposition. This declaration follows a similar designation of 300 hectares (740 acres) in Maale Adumim, a contested area desired by Palestinians for a future state. According to Addameer monitor in Ramallah, around 7,350 Palestinians have been arrested in West Bank between October 2023 and March 2024.

Regional Escalation

Houthis in the first report of fatalities killed three people in the Liberian-owned, Barbados-flagged ship M/V True Confidence on 6 March. The US Navy and a coalition force intercepted and shot down 15 drones in the Red Sea area on 9 March. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the drones posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels, US Navy ships, and coalition ships in the region. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting US and European naval vessels, with one operation targeting a US bulk carrier. A French warship and fighter jets also intercepted and destroyed four combat drones heading towards European naval vessels. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed an attempted attack on a Singapore-flagged vessel, reporting two explosions near the ship without any casualties.

Hezbollah on 27 March launched around 30 rockets at Kiryat Shmona killing one worker in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon's al-Habbariyeh, that killed seven people. Israeli strikes hit a Lebanese paramedic centre, killing young volunteers. Israel claimed it targeted a military building, alleging ties to the Islamic Group. Lebanon's Health Ministry condemned the attacks, citing violations of international law. Locals accuse Israel of targeting civilians to depopulate border villages. Hezbollah's leader warned of retaliation for civilian deaths, indicating a potential escalation in the Lebanon-Israel conflict.

Cabinet Shuffle in Palestinian Authority

The Palestinian Authority (PA) under President Mahmoud Abbas has formed a new Cabinet, replacing Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh with independent economist Mohammad Mustafa on 28 March. Mustafa pledged to create a technocratic government and establish a trust fund for Gaza's reconstruction. The PA, dominated by Abbas's Fatah party, faces international pressure for reform in midst of Israel's Gaza assault and West Bank violence. Mustafa has called for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. Hamas has rejected the formation of the new government as illegitimate, calling instead for all Palestinian factions, including Fatah, to form a power-sharing government ahead of national elections.

UNSC Resolution on Ceasefire in Sudan

The UNSC on 9 March unanimously called for a ceasefire in Sudan during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to facilitate aid delivery to 25 million people facing severe food shortages. The resolution, proposed by Britain, urged all parties in the conflict i.e. Sudanese military and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to seek a sustainable resolution through dialogue and adopt an immediate cessation of hostilities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to honor the values of Ramadan by respecting the ceasefire. The African Union also supported a halt to fighting during Ramadan.

Sudan's Foreign Ministry set conditions for the ceasefire's effectiveness, including the withdrawal of the RSF from provinces they control. Russia abstained from the vote, criticizing the UNSC's failure to call for an immediate ceasefire in Israel's war on Gaza. Nearly half of Sudan's 50 million people require aid, with nearly 18 million at risk of famine, highlighting the urgent need for funding in the UN's humanitarian response plan.

Sudan's army on 12 March seized control of the national radio and television headquarters in Omdurman from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Videos posted online showed military personnel inside the headquarters.

EU’s Aid Package to Egypt

The European Union on 17 March announced a 7.4-billion-euro aid package and an upgraded relationship with Egypt aimed at stemming migration flows to Europe. The deal includes grants, loans, and investments over three years, with a focus on managing migration issues. Egypt, grappling with economic uncertainty, has seen significant emigration, prompting European efforts to curb migration from North Africa. However, concerns persist over Egypt's instability and the potential fallout from Israel's Gaza offensive. Egypt hosts millions of refugees and migrants, with ongoing efforts to control irregular migration.

Tunisia and Libya Closes Border

Tunisia and Libya have closed the major border crossing at Ras Jedir on 19 March due to armed clashes. The closure followed an attack by "outlaw" groups, disrupting the flow of people and goods between the two countries. The Ras Jedir border post, located 170 kilometers from Tripoli, serves as the primary crossing point in the region. Libyan authorities have vowed to take legal action against those involved in the attack. Israeli authorities blocked thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank to reach Al Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.

Joint Naval Drills in Gulf of Oman

China, Iran, and Russia in mid-March carried out joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, their fifth such exercise in recent years. The manoeuvres, named "Maritime Security Belt – 2024," aim to enhance regional maritime security. Russia's Pacific Fleet, led by the Varyag cruiser, arrived at Iran's Chabahar port for the exercises, which included observers from Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa. China's participation involves guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi, and comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu. Iranian state media stressed on securing international maritime trade and countering piracy and maritime terrorism.