Al Mayadeen – November 18, 2024
Israeli aggression on Zuqaq al-Blat, central Beirut
A third Israeli airstrike on Beirut in 24 hours targets the ground floor of a four-story building in the Zuqaq al-Blat area of the Lebanese capital.
An Israeli airstrike targeted a neighborhood in central Beirut on Monday, marking the third attack in the Lebanese capital within the last 24 hours.
“An Israeli air strike hit close to the Al-Zahraa Husseiniya in Zuqaq al-Blat,” a source told AFP requesting anonymity.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that the aggression targeted the ground floor of a four-story building in the densely populated Zqaq al-Blat area of Beirut, striking the local mayor's office.
The Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Public Health issued a statement confirming that the updated toll from the Israeli airstrike on the Zqaq al-Blat area in Beirut now stands at five martyrs and 24 injured.
MP Sherri to Al Mayadeen
Speaking to Al Mayadeen, a member of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, MP Amin Sherri stressed that the occupation was trying to break the people's resolve and intimidate the people of Beirut.
He stated that through its aggression on Beirut, the occupation seeks to instill fear and provoke a new wave of displacement. However, he emphasized, "We have not witnessed any displacement following the recent attack on Beirut. The people remain resolute, and the occupation will not succeed in breaking their resilience."
This aggression comes after two Israeli strikes on the heart of Beirut on Sunday, one in Ras al-Nabaa, targeting Hezbollah Media Relations Chief Mohammad Afif and four of his companions, and another on Mar Elias, which targeted a building and a vehicle, killing three and injuries others.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/israeli-aggression-on-zuqaq-al-blat--central-beirut
Al Mayadeen – November 18, 2024
Hezbollah Media Relations mourns 4 martyrs from the resistance media
Hezbollah's media relations announced the martyrdom of four resistance media figures alongside their leader, martyr Mohammad Afif al-Nabulsi.
Hezbollah's media relations mourned four martyrs from the resistance media who were killed on the road to al-Quds, along with their leader, martyr Mohammad Afif al-Nabulsi.
The four martyrs mourned by the media relations department are Martyr Hajj Mousa Haidar from Markaba, Martyr Hajj Mahmoud al-Sharqawi from Arzi, Martyr Hilal Termos from Talousa, and Martyr Hussein Ramadan from Armata, according to Hezbollah's statement.
Hezbollah's media relations stated, "These heroes were martyred while carrying the banner of truth and the message of resistance," emphasizing that they "courageously risked their lives as soldiers in the media arena, ensuring that the truth of Zionist terrorism reached every home across the globe."
These martyrs remained unshaken by threats; "they stood firm in their loyalty to their leader, affirming that resistance is an eternal cause, idea, and message—unseen on earth, but known in heaven."
The office also emphasized that "their pure blood will remain a beacon, lighting the path of resistance and resilience," and that the resistance media "will stand as a fortified fortress against aggression until it is overcome by resistance and the falsehood of its claims is exposed." The party's media relations department extended its condolences to their honorable, patient, and steadfast families.
The four martyrs were martyred on Sunday in an attack by the Israeli occupation on the Ras al-Nabaa area in Beirut, which targeted them along with Hezbollah's media relations official, Hajj Mohammad Afif al-Nabulsi.
Hezbollah released an official statement Sunday evening mourning martyr Afif.
In its heartfelt statement, the Resistance said, "Hajj Mohamad Afif has joined, as he had wished, his companions...and his father who loved to call him by that name [Mohammad Afif], the most honored martyr his Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. He sought strength from his wisdom, and from his guidance a beacon to light his path. He was the example of a loyal brother and strong pillar, carrying the trust of the voice of the Resistance, and a main pillar of Hezbollah's media, political and military struggle," the Resistance said in its statement.
Hezbollah further eulogized the martyr, saying how he "struck fear into the enemies' hearts, as his voice played the strings of the death of their decrepit house...reporting what the men of Karbala did in the battlefield, portraying their epics in the media, thus making him a true lion of media as his voice rang true and loud in their ears and hearts as he said, 'the Resistance is a nation, and nations do not die."
Anadolu Agency – November 18, 2024
More than 100 killed amid Israel strikes on Lebanon, Gaza, West Bank
At least 26 people were killed and dozens injured on Monday as Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon, according to local media reports.
Israeli fighter jets launched 10 strikes on the city of Nabatieh, killing eight and injuring several others, the state news agency NNA reported.
An airstrike on a Hezbollah-run medical center in Arab Salim killed six medics.
In another attack, a person was killed in the Bent Jbeil district.
Israeli warplanes also targeted areas near Tyre, killing 11 people and wounding 48, the agency added.
The escalation marks the latest phase of Israel's campaign against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, which began in late September, following months of cross-border skirmishes linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Since the start of Israel’s Gaza campaign last October, over 3,400 people have died, more than 14,600 have been injured and over 1 million people displaced in Lebanon, according to health authorities.
On Oct. 1, Israel also initiated a ground assault into southern Lebanon.
West Bank destruction
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished two Palestinian facilities in Rafat on Monday, claiming they lacked proper permits.
Municipal chief Sadeq Jaber said the buildings, which contained a pool and gym, were erected a few years ago without approval, as they were located in Area C, where Israel controls construction.
Over 25 other structures in the village face similar demolition orders.
Israel continues to demolish Palestinian homes in Area C, a practice it justifies under building permit regulations.
Since Oct. 7 of last year, over 500 homes and facilities have been destroyed, according to the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission.
Tensions have soared in the West Bank amid Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza, which has killed nearly 43,800 people, mostly women and children.
In retaliation, Israeli forces have killed at least 783 Palestinians in the West Bank, with over 6,300 others injured.
Gaza massacre
In Gaza, the violence continued unabated.
On Monday, an Israeli airstrike hit a tent in a "safe humanitarian zone" in southern Gaza, killing eight Palestinians, including two children.
Several others were wounded.
The attack targeted the al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, despite its designation as a humanitarian area.
The assault is part of Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has claimed nearly 43,800 lives since October 2023.
A United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire has been ignored, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to halt the offensive.
Mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar to broker a cease-fire have failed.
On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes in northern and southern Gaza killed at least 72 Palestinians, with dozens more injured.
The strikes targeted several civilian areas, including Beit Lahia, Jabalia, Gaza City and Rafah.
Al-Awda Hospital reported that Israel had bombed a school sheltering displaced people, killing 10 and injuring over 20 others.
The attack on the Abu Assi school marked another instance of Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure, including schools, mosques and hospitals – potentially violating international law.
As Israel's ground operation continues in Gaza, its objectives remain controversial.
Officially, the campaign aims to prevent Hamas from regaining strength, but critics argue that it is part of a broader plan to depopulate northern Gaza and create a buffer zone.
The nearly 14-month offensive has decimated the enclave, leaving the population displaced and struggling with shortages of food, water, and medicine.
Israel faces ongoing international scrutiny and a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions.
Al Mayadeen – November 18, 2024
Hezbollah ambushes Israeli Army in Chamaa, repels advance attempts in Khiam
Al Mayadeen's correspondent confirms that the Israeli occupation military has been dealt heavy blows in the ongoing battle in Khiam.
The Khiam front witnessed intense confrontations and strikes on Sunday night into Monday, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon reported, highlighting that the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon carried out nine strikes against Israeli occupation forces attempting to advance in the town of Khiam.
Our correspondent confirmed that the Israeli occupation military has been receiving heavy blows in the ongoing battle in Khiam, adding that its attempts to advance have failed after six days of confrontations with the Islamic Resistance.
The Israeli 210th Division attempted to deceive the Resistance by positioning itself defensively before launching a surprise attack yesterday, our correspondent further revealed.
He also reported that sounds of confrontations involving machine guns and rocket-propelled weapons could be heard in the southern and eastern neighborhoods of Khiam, coinciding with four rocket strikes carried out since early dawn, as announced by Hezbollah.
Resistance lures IOF into ambush in Chamaa
In a related context, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported a retreat of Israeli occupation forces within the southern town of Chama, where the Lebanese Resistance had prevented them from establishing positions.
He announced that so far, the Israeli occupation forces’ failed attempt to control Chamaa has caused them five fatalities, 30 injuries, and the destruction of two tanks.
Our correspondent explained that three days after the Israeli attack, the occupation forces were lured into an ambush yesterday on the western outskirts of Chama, which resulted in casualties among their ranks.
This forced them to evacuate their wounded, after which another force advanced toward the town's eastern front, only to be targeted by the Resistance with artillery shells, prompting further evacuations before continuing their advance.
To provide greater protection for Israeli soldiers, a Merkava tank entered the battlefield, our correspondent said. However, upon reaching a point between the towns of al-Jebbain and Tayr Harfa, the tank was struck and set ablaze with its crew inside, marking the 45th tank destroyed by Hezbollah in this war.
The battles on the outskirts of Chama are still ongoing, and reports claiming that occupation forces have entered the town are unfounded, Al Mayadeen's correspondent confirmed.
Haifa under fire
On the strategic front, our correspondent pointed to a period of “calm before the storm,” stating that this state follows the Resistance’s targeting of five bases in occupied Haifa, effectively placing the entire city under fire.
The correspondent added that Hezbollah routinely strikes Krayot, north of Haifa, to keep the area evacuated and factories non-operational.
He pointed out that the Islamic Resistance also targeted the Ma’ale Golani barracks and the Ramim barracks in the occupied Syrian Golan, opposite the eastern sector, as well as the Ma’alot Tarshiha settlement opposite the western sector.
Hezbollah pummels Israeli groupings south of Khiam with rockets
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah announced Monday a series of military operations against Israeli military targets and repelling ongoing Israeli attempts to advance into southern Lebanese towns and villages.
Al Mayadeen – November 18, 2024
Hamas sources deny leaders leaving Qatar for Turkiye
A diplomatic source in Ankara denies the reports regarding the relocation of Hamas' political bureau to Turkiye.
Sources within Hamas have denied reports circulated by some Israeli media outlets claiming that the movement's leadership has relocated from Qatar to Turkiye.
The sources confirmed that these reports are mere rumors that the Israeli occupation tries to spread from time to time.
Additionally, a diplomatic source in Ankara denied Monday the reports regarding the relocation of Hamas' political bureau to Turkiye.
"Members of the Hamas political office visit Turkiye from time to time. The allegations that the Hamas politburo has moved to Turkiye are not true," the source indicated.
Moreover, sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry denied claims that the Hamas Political Bureau has relocated to Turkiye, according to Anadolu Agency.
"The claims that the Hamas Political Bureau has relocated to Turkiye do not reflect the truth," the sources said.
Earlier in the day, The Times of Israel newspaper reported, citing an Arab diplomat, that senior members of the Palestinian Hamas movement have moved from Qatar to Turkiye after Doha suspended its mediation efforts regarding a ceasefire and a prisoner-captive exchange deal between "Israel" and Hamas, citing a lack of genuine commitment to negotiation.
A couple of weeks ago, sources told Al Mayadeen that Hamas has not received any request to leave the Qatari capital.
"Communications between the Hamas leadership and Qatari officials remain ongoing," the sources confirmed, noting that the Palestinian movement has developed alternative plans to potentially relocate its offices if necessary.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously declared that recent reports about the Hamas office in Doha were "inaccurate", stressing that the primary purpose of the office is to serve as a communication channel between concerned parties.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hamas-sources-deny-leaders-leaving-qatar-for-turkiye
Daily Sabah – November 18, 2024
Turkish sources deny Hamas moved office to the country
Turkish Foreign Ministry sources on Monday denied reports that the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas moved its offices to Türkiye. Sources quoted by media outlets said members of the movement occasionally visited the country.
Rumors of Hamas political bureau members setting up office followed Qatar’s recent announcement that it would suspend its role as a mediator in the Palestine-Israel conflict unless sides showed willingness to proceed with talks. Doha, however, denied that Hamas members in the country were expelled.
Türkiye is among few countries recognizing Hamas as a liberation and resistance movement, unlike supporters of Israel which view them as terrorists.
Senior Hamas officials made prominent visits to the country in the past though no high-profile visit was reported in the recent months. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan famously hosted late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas last year in a bid for reconciliation between Palestinian factions. Erdoğan in August also received the sons of Haniyeh following the latter’s assassination in Iran.
Cease-fire talks have been stalled for months as both sides failed to find a common ground as Israel vowed to continue its attacks on Palestinian territories to fully eradicate Hamas. Türkiye, for its part, advocates a lasting solution to the conflict that will grant Palestinians a sovereign, independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, a state based on the borders Palestinians had before the 1967 war.
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkish-sources-deny-hamas-moved-office-to-the-country
RT.COM – November 18, 2024
‘Hamas as an idea cannot be destroyed by force’:
What did Israel achieve by killing the group’s leader?
A month after Sinwar’s elimination, the region remains instable and the future looks bleak
It’s been a month since Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, met his end in Rafah after a confrontation with Israeli force
s.
That killing – although accidental – sent shockwaves through the Palestinians and their supporters. Israel presented the elimination of Sinwar as a great achievement. Officials have claimed that Gaza and the region will be a much safer place with Sinwar out of the picture.
But Dimitri Diliani, the spokesman for Fatah’s Reformist Democratic Faction, says the removal of Sinwar has not contributed to the stabilization of the region.
“The truth is that the elimination of Sinwar only sets the stage for bigger turmoil,” he said.
“It is likely to drive the organization toward an intensified radical stance. It will exacerbate an already volatile atmosphere, further inflaming regional tensions and potentially paving the way for an era of heightened resistance across Palestinian factions in the West Bank,” Diliani added.
Diliani has solid grounds to assume so. Even before the elimination of Sinwar, the West Bank had become fertile ground for Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other groups that have established cells in the area and are confronting Israeli security forces.
The region has also produced multiple lone wolf attackers who have carried out – or attempted to do so – terror acts in the West Bank and inside Israel.
According to a report by the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal spy agency, the month of September saw eight significant attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem, while 72 others were thwarted by the country’s security apparatus. Although the intelligence reports for October and November are not out yet, it is highly likely that radical cells and their sympathizers will continue to challenge Israel, staging sporadic attacks on civilians and military personnel.
Stability is nowhere in sight on the southern front either. Since the beginning of Israel’s ground invasion into Gaza on October 27, 2023, its security forces have lost some 373 people, and as long as Israeli troops remain in the area, the chances that soldiers will keep returning home in body bags are high.
However, stability and security are far from the only two goals that Israel has failed to achieve with the elimination of Sinwar. Another one is the complete disarmament of the group and its annihilation.
“It really depends on what Israel means by the elimination of Hamas,” said Walid Seyam, a Palestinian political analyst based in South Africa.
“If they mean clipping the nails of the organization and draining their military capabilities so that they cannot launch rockets again, then the answer is yes. If they mean a complete elimination of Hamas, then the answer is a definite no,” he argued.
The reason for this, says Seyam, is Hamas’ social activity that is deeply ingrained in Palestinian society.
Since its emergence in Gaza back in the 1980s, Hamas has been associated with help and assistance.
They were the ones distributing food and providing medical aid. They were the ones raising funds to help the needy, and they were the ones educating the masses. For many Palestinians, this perception hasn’t changed. Some areas of Gaza are still heavily reliant on the Islamic group. Support for their military wing, Al Qassam Brigades, remains strong among some circles of Palestinian society, although the overall backing of the organization has shown a decline, as per a recent poll.
“Hamas started out as a charity organization, and with it they gained the experience of how to function without being centralized. Their lenience on Islamic socialism made them excel and pile up credibility amongst the people of Gaza,” explained Seyam.
“The same decentralized blue print is also used by Al Qassam brigade. Such structure allows them the flexibility to group, regroup, form and reform whenever and however the combat on the ground requires.
And this is why we keep on hearing that Hamas as an idea cannot be destroyed by force,” he added.
Hamas has already announced that in March it intends to elect its new leader, sending a message to Israel and all skeptics that the show will go on, despite attempts to hurt the group’s activity.
Among potential successors are Khalil Al Haya, a deputy of Sinwar who is based in Qatar, Khaled Mashal, who led the political bureau of the group from 1996 until 2017, and the brother of Yahya Sinwar — Mohammed.
The name of the person who will be elected is likely to remain a secret for security reasons, but both experts are certain that whoever takes the top job will likely adhere to a hard line.
“The new leader is likely to emerge as a figure deeply aligned with Yahya Sinwar’s legacy,” said Diliani.
“Even more so, the magnitude of devastation and civilian suffering in Gaza will only galvanize Hamas’s next leader to embrace a more hardline position, propelled by both a sense of duty to avenge these losses and a commitment to resist. In this context, moderation has little room to survive, while a more hardened Hamas stance to mirror that of the Israeli government appears almost inevitable,” he added.
During slightly over a year of fighting, Israel's operation has claimed the lives of at least 43,799 people, many of whom were elderly, women and children. Thousands of others are wounded or unaccounted for. The war has also destroyed vast parts of Gaza. It has damaged essential infrastructure and key facilities and made the area uninhabitable.
Seyam agrees with this assessment by Diliani and says the dire situation in Gaza coupled with the elimination of all the familiar “hawks and doves” will produce a void that will easily be filled by Iran.
That could spell many problems for Israel. Throughout the years, Tehran has been giving diplomatic, financial and military backing to armed Palestinian groups, and if a new Hamas leader takes a more hawkish approach, chances are high that the Islamic Republic’s involvement in Gaza will only get stronger. And if it does, it might serve as an excuse for Israel not to lay down arms.
“Sinwar’s existence served as a justification for Israel’s military operation in Gaza. Now that he is gone, will Israel continue to have this credibility?”
Elizabeth Blade is RT Middle East correspondent
