This was a month when Hamas lost some of its top leaders giving a partial validation to Israeli PM Netanyahu conviction that he would destroy Hamas in the wake of October 7 terror attacks. While, Netanyahu took credit for the elimination of October 7 mastermind military leader of Hamas he stopped short of claiming it for the assassination of Polit Bureau Chief and the lead negotiator of the ceasefire deal and release of hostages. But the killing of Haniyeh, whose three sons were killed earlier in Gaza, in Tehran where he had gone to attend the swearing in of new Iranian President Dr Pezeshkian almost brought the region to a point of no return since it violated Iranian sovereignty and Iranian leaders vowed retribution and retaliation. Consequently, while Iran has so far avoided direct retaliation, despite tall claims, perhaps due to advice of restrain from its partners Russia and China as well as the US which claimed that it was not aware of the attack on Haniyeh in Tehran, the Iranian proxies and partners in ‘Axis of Resistance’ i.e. Hezbollah. Hamas and Houthis as well as Kataib Hezbollah and Shia militias in Iraq intensified attacks on Israeli and US targets from all sides. Region sits on an edge as the attacks and counter attacks could surely lead to major conflagration especially as a much stronger Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria ups the ante. US deployed its air craft carriers and destroyers to help Israel to defend which was reiterated by them ad nauseum while wanting to expedite the ceasefire deal.
Netanyahu’s visit to US and address to the Congress was received well with over 50 times standing ovations as he recounted the horrors of October 7, while considering and painting Palestinians as expendable, and terming Israel as the first line of defence for the USA. Special relationship was full on display even as irked lame duck President Biden and presidential hopefuls in Harris and Trump asked him to close the ceasefire deal at the earliest.
While Netanyahu was in Washington DC, China brokered a deal of unity among 14 major Palestinian factions including rivals Fatah and Hamas which could open the way for a unified Palestinian struggle, which was denounced by Bibi.
Regional shuttle diplomacy ensued to avoid intense escalation.
Iranian reformist President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian took oath of office and some 80 leaders attended the ceremony. India was represented by Minister of Roads, Transport and Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari, who also conveyed good wishes of Pm Modi. He underscored the importance of India -Iran relationship as well as that of Chabahar port project. More details ….
On 13 July, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed to have killed Hamas's top military commander, Mohammed Deif, in an air raid in southern Gaza. The attack, which reportedly killed at least 90 people and wounded 300, targeted a "safe zone" west of Khan Younis. Israeli officials, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, hailed Deif's death as a significant blow to Hamas. However, there was no immediate confirmation from Hamas, with member Izzat al-Rashq stating that the leadership would confirm or deny the news. The Israeli military justified the strike by citing "precise intelligence" that indicated the presence of Deif and other Hamas fighters.
Hamas’ Political Bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh was killed on 31 July by a remotely detonated bomb hidden in a Tehran guesthouse where he was staying. The device, concealed about two months prior, exploded once Haniyeh was confirmed inside his room, killing him and a bodyguard. The guesthouse, managed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), is located in a secure area of northern Tehran. Iranian and Hamas officials, along with several U.S. officials, have attributed the assassination to Israel, though Israel has not publicly confirmed it. Speculation initially suggested a missile strike, but it was later revealed that a security lapse allowed the bomb to be planted and detonated from within the compound.
Hezbollah on 4 July launched over 200 rockets and drones targeting Israeli military positions, retaliating for the killing of senior commander Muhammad Nimah Nasser. The Israeli military reported intercepting most projectiles and targeting launch sites in southern Lebanon. The escalation has heightened tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, with Hezbollah acting in solidarity with Hamas amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The clashes have resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, with border confrontations reportedly killing at least 496 people in Lebanon and 26 in Israel between October 2023 and early July 2024.
Israeli air attacks in southern Lebanon on 17 July killed at least five Syrians, including three children, according to Lebanese media reports. The National News Agency (NNA) stated that the three children were killed in an Israeli air raid targeting farmland in the village of Umm Toot. Two others were killed in a drone attack on the Kfar Tebnit road. UNICEF condemned the attacks, stating, "The killing of 3 more children by an airstrike today as they were reportedly playing in front of their home in South Lebanon is horrific." The agency warned that more children are at risk as long as the violence continues. AFP reported, citing a Lebanese security source, that the two other Syrians killed were civilians who worked in the area and had been swimming.
Hezbollah on 24 July released a drone video showing Israel’s Ramat David airbase, including air defense facilities and fuel storage units. The footage, labeled with details of the base’s military infrastructure includes both day and night shots. This video is the third in a series intended to showcase Hezbollah’s surveillance capabilities, following earlier videos of Haifa and the Golan Heights. The Israeli military responded by stating the video did not impact the base’s operations.
On 27 July, at least 12 people, including children, were killed and 30 others wounded in a rocket attack on a football pitch in Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari blamed Hezbollah for the attack, but the group denied involvement. The incident has heightened fears of a larger regional conflict as cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah continue amid Israel's war on Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cutting short a trip to the United States, vowed that "Hezbollah will pay a heavy price." The White House condemned the attack, reiterating its support for Israel's security. Lebanon's government called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The attack followed an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon that killed four fighters, including at least one Hezbollah member.
Israeli retaliatory drone attacks killed two people in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media reported that one strike hit a motorcycle near the border, killing two riders and injuring a child, while another strike injured two others. IDF continuing with strikes deep inside Lebanon bombed weapons depots and infrastructure in Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, in Shabriha and Burj al-Shemali near the southern city of Tyre, and the villages of Kfar Kila, Rab el-Thalathine, Khiam and Tayr Harfa. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet authorized a "limited but significant" response, potentially targeting infrastructure or weapons depots. As a precaution, Hezbollah evacuated positions in Lebanon and Syria, and there were concerns about attacks on Beirut's international airport, leading to flight cancellations and chaos at the airport.
Hezbollah on 31 July confirmed that senior commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Beirut. The Israeli military stated that a "precision strike" targeted Shukr, who was implicated in the Majdal Shams missile strike. Shukr, also known as al-Hajj Mohsen, was a founding member of Hezbollah and was wanted by both Israel and the U.S., which labeled him a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" in 2019. The attack, which hit the Haret Hreik neighborhood, resulted in three deaths and 74 injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the operation and indicated that Israel is prepared for future scenarios. Both Israel and Hezbollah have tried to avoid full-scale war, but the situation remains tense. The response from Hezbollah will determine whether the conflict widens or remains contained.
Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Tel Aviv, Israel, which resulted in one death and at least 10 injuries on 19 July. The Houthis announced on social media that they targeted Tel Aviv using a new drone capable of bypassing interceptor systems. The Israeli military confirmed a large explosion near the U.S. embassy office and stated that air defense systems had not been activated. The attack occurred in a high-security, densely populated area. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the government's handling of security, suggesting that the incident exposed vulnerabilities in Israel's defences. The attack has heightened anxiety within Israel, raising concerns about the nation's ability to prevent such incidents.
The Israeli military conducted airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port city on 20 July in response to a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv. The strikes targeted "military targets" in Yemen, but Houthi sources reported casualties, including fatalities, and damage to civilian infrastructure, such as oil storage facilities and a power plant. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strikes as a clear message to Israel’s adversaries, with Netanyahu accusing the Houthis of using Hodeidah as a conduit for Iranian weapons. The Israeli military confirmed intercepting a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards Eilat. Additionally, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on the container ship Pumba in the Red Sea, causing damage to the Liberia-flagged vessel.
Al Jazeera Arabic journalist Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Rifi were killed in an Israeli air attack in the Gaza Strip on 31 July. The journalists were targeted in the Shati refugee camp while covering the aftermath of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran. Their car, marked with media identifiers, was struck despite their last communication reporting a nearby strike and their attempt to leave. Al Jazeera condemned the attack as a "targeted assassination" and vowed legal action.
US President Joe Biden on 25 July met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House amid the Gaza war, a day after Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in a speech to Congress. The meeting followed widespread protests and a boycott by some US lawmakers. Biden, who recently withdrew from the 2024 election race, discussed finalizing a ceasefire deal with Netanyahu. The two leaders also met with families of American hostages held in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed concern over Gaza's humanitarian situation, a senior official emphasized unity with Biden's stance on Israel. The White House hinted at a potentially tougher approach from Biden, who seeks a ceasefire as part of his legacy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, concluding a weeklong US trip. The meeting followed Netanyahu's discussions with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to run against Trump in the upcoming presidential election. Trump dismissed any tension with Netanyahu, despite the Israeli leader's acknowledgment of Biden's 2020 victory, which had strained their relationship. During the visit, Netanyahu announced that Israel would send a negotiating team to Rome to discuss a Gaza ceasefire. Trump praised Netanyahu's earlier address to Congress, which highlighted Trump's support for Israel, including mediating the Abraham Accords and relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem. The meeting was seen as an effort by Netanyahu to mend ties with Trump before the November election.
Israel’s government on 4 July approved 5,295 new housing units in illegal settlements across the West Bank and recognized three new settlement outposts, according to the Israeli NGO Peace Now. This move follows the largest West Bank land seizure in over 30 years. The settlements, including Givat Hanan, Kedem Arava, and Machane Gadi in the Jordan Valley, are considered illegal under international law and are seen as a major obstacle to a future Palestinian state. The approvals come amid heightened tensions, with increased raids and violence in the West Bank during Israel’s ongoing war with Gaza. Peace Now condemned the actions, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for furthering settlement expansion. Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned the decisions as “totally unacceptable,” urging Israel to reverse them. The US State Department also criticized the expansion, stating that it undermines the prospects for a two-state solution. Since October 2023, violence has surged in the West Bank, with at least 553 Palestinians killed and 9,510 detained.
Knesset on 18 July passed a resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state. The resolution, approved with 68 votes in favour and nine against, stated that a Palestinian state would pose an "existential danger" to Israel and perpetuate conflict in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, including far-right parties, co-sponsored the resolution. Opposition leader Yair Lapid's center-left party left the session, despite previously supporting a two-state solution. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, criticized the resolution, calling it a rejection of peace and an "official declaration of the death of the Oslo agreement".
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 19 July declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful and urged its end "as rapidly as possible." The advisory opinion, delivered by ICJ President Nawaf Salam, condemned Israel's actions, including settlement expansion, resource exploitation, and discriminatory policies. The court stated that Israel has no sovereignty over the territories and is violating international law. The ruling emphasized that other nations must not support Israel's occupation. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Maliki hailed the decision as a "watershed moment," calling for international action against the occupation. The Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, described the ruling as a significant step towards Palestinian self-determination. Israel rejected the opinion as biased, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office labeling it a "decision of lies." The ICJ ruling, though nonbinding, has been seen as a pivotal moment that could influence global public opinion and potentially increase international pressure on Israel. The court is also considering a separate case alleging genocide by Israel in Gaza.
US on 11 July imposed new sanctions targeting several Israeli settlers and affiliated groups, accusing them of violence and threats against civilians, property seizures, and other destabilizing actions in the occupied West Bank. The sanctions, announced by the US Department of State and the Treasury, focus on Israeli individuals Isachar Manne, Reut Ben Haim, and Aviad Shlomo Sarid, as well as four illegal settlement outposts: Manne Farm, Meitarim Farm, Hamahoch Farm, and Neriya’s Farm. The US also blacklisted Lehava, an umbrella group for Israeli settlers, labeling it the “largest violent extremist organization in Israel” with over 10,000 members. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed deep concern over extremist violence in the West Bank, urging the Israeli government to hold these individuals accountable. In response, Lehava criticized President Joe Biden, stating that the sanctions would not deter their actions. The EU had previously placed Lehava on its asset freeze and visa ban blacklist earlier this year. The new US sanctions freeze assets held by the targets in US jurisdictions and prevent Americans from conducting business with them.
Australia on 25 July imposed sanctions and travel bans on seven Israeli settlers and the hardline settler group Hilltop Youth, citing their involvement in violent crimes against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the measures condemning the group's incitement and perpetration of violence, including beatings, sexual assault, and torture. Wong urged Israel to hold these perpetrators accountable and cease settlement activities, which she said exacerbate tensions and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.
Hamas and Fatah on 25 July signed a "national unity" agreement in China aimed at maintaining control over Gaza post-war. The agreement establishes an interim national reconciliation government, forms unified Palestinian leadership ahead of elections, and calls for a unified stance against Israeli attacks. This deal marks a significant shift, as past reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah had failed. Hamas and Fatah, which controls the Palestinian Authority, have been rivals since 2006. The new agreement reflects the heightened urgency due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Israel has rejected the agreement, with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz asserting that Gaza will remain under Israeli control after the conflict. China, which has previously facilitated dialogue between the factions, has urged international support for Palestinian reconciliation and called for an "international peace conference" to address the war.
Rescuers on 18 July saved nine crew members and recovered the body of another after the oil tanker MT Prestige Falcon capsized off Oman's coast in the Arabian Sea. The incident occurred about 25 nautical miles from Ras Madrakah, Oman on 15 July. The tanker had 13 Indian and three Sri Lankan nationals on board. The cause of the Comorian-flagged ship's sinking is unknown, but rough seas and strong winds were reported. The Indian Navy, which assisted in the rescue, confirmed that eight Indians were among those saved. A long-range naval reconnaissance aircraft is aiding in the ongoing search for six missing crew members. The MT Prestige Falcon, a 117-meter-long tanker, entered service in 2007 and was headed for Aden when the incident occurred.
On 16 July, at least six people were killed and 30 others wounded in a shooting at a mosque in Oman, claimed by the Islamic State. The attack occurred in Wadi Kabir, a district east of Muscat, during a major Shia Muslim religious event. Footage showed people fleeing near the Imam Ali Mosque as gunfire erupted. Among the victims were four Pakistani nationals and a policeman. Reportedly, three suicide attackers fired on worshippers and exchanged gunfire with Omani security forces until morning. The group also released a video of the attack on its Telegram site.
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian on 6 July won a surprising victory in Iran’s presidential runoff, defeating ultra-conservative Saeed Jalili with 16,384,403 votes to Jalili’s 13,538,179. The turnout of 49.8 percent marked a significant increase from the 39 percent in the first round. Pezeshkian, advocating for women's rights and reduced internet restrictions, faces challenges in implementing change, especially given Iran’s strained international relations and ongoing sanctions. Pezeshkian was sworn in as Iran's ninth president on 30 July, succeeding Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. The swearing-in ceremony took place in parliament following official endorsement by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian, who won 54 percent of the vote in a run-off election, vowed to uphold Iran's official religion and constitution. His victory signals potential new diplomatic avenues with the west, though skepticism remains. Pezeshkian, backed by former foreign minister Javad Zarif, has promised to address economic challenges and improve foreign relations. Despite these pledges, the U.S. State Department has expressed doubts, noting the elections were neither free nor fair and anticipating no fundamental shift in Iran’s policies. The election outcome follows a period of intense internal and external pressures, including Iran's nuclear program and support for various regional conflicts.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Sudan’s armed forces chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Port Sudan, marking the highest-level state visit since the conflict began in April 2023. The fighting between al-Burhan's military forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has displaced millions and created a severe humanitarian crisis. Ahmed’s visit aims to foster peace and security in Sudan, though specific proposals were not disclosed. The Sudan Sovereign Council described the visit as a sign of strong bilateral relations. Al-Burhan briefed Ahmed on alleged RSF "crimes and atrocities," amid widespread war crime accusations from the UN and international rights groups. The visit also comes as potential peace talks are being discussed, possibly in Uganda. Al-Burhan’s faction has been critical of East African mediation efforts, accusing regional leaders of bias. The conflict has displaced an estimated 10 million people, with Sudan facing its worst food crisis, affecting over 755,000 people at the “catastrophe” level of extreme hunger.
Sudan’s de facto leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on 21 July welcomed the new Iranian ambassador, Hassan Shah Hosseini, in Port Sudan and appointed Abdelaziz Hassan Saleh as Sudan's ambassador to Tehran. This marks a significant rapprochement between Sudan and Iran after an eight-year diplomatic rupture. The two nations agreed to resume relations last October amid Sudan's ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan severed ties with Iran in 2016, aligning with Saudi Arabia after the kingdom's embassy in Tehran was attacked. However, following a China-brokered agreement, Riyadh and Tehran restored relations in March 2023, prompting Iran to re-establish ties with several Arab countries, including Sudan. Sudan's government has sought new alliances, including closer ties with Russia, distancing itself from the RSF and their connections with the Wagner Group.
A UAE court on 22 July sentenced 57 Bangladeshi nationals to prison for staging unauthorized protests against their government. Three individuals received life sentences, 53 were given 10-year terms, and one was sentenced to 11 years. The defendants were convicted for "gathering and inciting riots" during demonstrations against Bangladeshi government policies. After serving their sentences, they will be deported. Protests are illegal in the UAE, and offending foreign states or jeopardizing diplomatic ties is a criminal offence. The protests in question were organized in response to recent decisions by the Bangladeshi government, including a reinstated job quota system. This system reserves over 50% of civil service jobs for specific groups, which has sparked unrest and violence in Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is facing criticism for its handling of the protests, which have led to significant casualties and arrests. The UAE, hosting a large Bangladeshi expatriate community, has taken a firm stance against the protests, emphasizing its strict laws on public demonstrations.
Tunisian President Kais Saied on 20 July announced his candidacy for a new five-year term in the upcoming October 6 election. Saied, who has ruled by decree since suspending parliament in July 2021, stated he was responding to the "country's sacred call." His announcement comes amid opposition concerns about the fairness of the elections, citing the imprisonment of politicians and restrictions on the media.
Several potential challengers, such as Lotfi Mraihi and Abir Moussi, face legal challenges or imprisonment. Other candidates like Safi Saeed, Nizar Chaari, and Abd Ellatif Mekki are being prosecuted for various charges. Issam Chebbi, a National Salvation Front leader, recently dropped out of the race, while prominent opposition figure Rached Ghannouchi has been in jail since April 2023. Amnesty International has criticized the Tunisian authorities for intensifying their crackdown on political opposition. Saied, a former constitutional law professor, was initially elected in 2019 on an anti-establishment platform promising to combat corruption.
On 26 July, Jordan's Umm al-Jimal village has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, a move celebrated by the country's tourism and antiquities minister, Makram al-Qaisi, as a "great achievement." The site, located near the Jordanian-Syrian border and known as "the black oasis" due to its black volcanic rock, dates back to the first century AD when it was part of the Nabataean Kingdom. It contains inscriptions in Greek, Nabataean, Safaitic, Latin, and Arabic, highlighting the area's diverse historical influences.
Al-Qaisi expressed hopes to attract both local and international investors, aiming to present Umm al-Jimal as a tourist destination. This site is the seventh in Jordan to join the World Heritage List, alongside Petra, Quseir Amra, Umm al-Rasas, Wadi Rum, al-Maghtas, and Salt. Tourism is vital to Jordan's economy, contributing 12-14 percent of GDP. In 2023, Jordan welcomed over six million tourists, generating $7 billion, with visitors primarily from Europe, the US, and Canada.
[5]
[6]
Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/2024/august/12/West-Asia-Roundup-July-2024
[2] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=West Asia Roundup: July 2024&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/august/12/West-Asia-Roundup-July-2024
[3] http://twitter.com/share?text=West Asia Roundup: July 2024&url=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/august/12/West-Asia-Roundup-July-2024&via=Azure Power
[4] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/august/12/West-Asia-Roundup-July-2024
[5] https://www.vifindia.org/author/aniltrigunayat
[6] https://www.vifindia.org/author/hirak-jyoti-das