Al Mayadeen – November 28, 2024
Israel intensifies aggression, commits massacre in central Gaza
The Israeli occupation forces committed a massacre in central Gaza, bombing civilian areas in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
Nine Palestinians were killed and several others wounded on Thursday in heavy Israeli airstrikes targeting the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.
The assault included intense bombardments north of the camp, preceded by numerous airstrikes in the same area. Israeli warplanes also struck the al-Mustaqbal Tower in al-Jadeed Camp and destroyed the al-Nasra Tower in Camp 5, both located in Nuseirat.
In northern Gaza, four Palestinians lost their lives when Israeli airstrikes targeted two homes in the Beit Lahia housing project area. According to an Al Mayadeen correspondent, the Israeli military also demolished residential buildings in Jabalia, north of the strip.
Israeli forces intensified attacks west of Jabalia, in the al-Tawam and al-Saftawi areas, and detonated explosive-laden robots near the Indonesian Hospital and Sheikh Zayed Square in northern Gaza.
Artillery shelling was reported in the vicinity of the al-Zaytoun Neighborhood, east of Gaza City, while a tent sheltering displaced civilians in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, was also targeted, resulting in additional casualties.
These strikes follow Wednesday’s bombardment of shelters housing displaced individuals, which killed over 40 Palestinians.
Repeat massacres
Our correspondent said that the bodies of more than 40 martyrs arrived at hospitals for burial on Wednesday, across the Gaza Strip.
In the northern towns of Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp, Israeli artillery shelled residential areas, as local media reported on the Israeli demolition of several buildings in the northern Gaza Strip.
Moreover, a martyr and five wounded individuals were transferred to the al-Awda Hospital, after Israeli occupation forces targeted the Tal al-Zaatar area in Beit Lahia.
Our correspondent also reported that the center of the al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, was targeted by an Israeli drone.
Israeli airstrikes also killed two people after striking an area where citizens are gathered in southern Khan Younis. Buildings were also demolished in eastern Rafah.
Health authorities in Gaza said that the toll of the Israeli aggression has risen to 44,282 martyrs and 104,880 injured individuals since October 7, 2023.
Hamas urges action to end Israeli siege, massacres
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, issued a statement, on Wednesday, calling for "urgent and immediate action to halt the massacres and starvation targeting Beit Lahia and Jabalia in northern Gaza."
The statement declared that "the Israeli occupation army continues its criminal military operation in northern Gaza for the 55th consecutive day, perpetrating horrific and brutal terrorist crimes against our people in the north specifically, and Gaza generally."
Furthermore, Hamas stated that the Israeli occupation continues to commit "heinous crimes" in northern Gaza, including killing civilians, detaining dozens, and targeting hospitals and medical staff. Civil defense teams have also been directly attacked, leaving them completely incapacitated.
The group accused the Israeli occupation forces of intensifying their aggression on Jabalia and Beit Lahia through heavy bombardment, "imposing a severe blockade and killing anyone attempting to leave."
Hamas also criticized the US administration, labeling it "the primary partner and supporter of the Israeli enemy," and held it fully responsible for the massacres and acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Al Mayadeen – November 28, 2024
Iran could militarize nuclear program amid pressures: Araghchi
Iran's foreign minister underlines that his country might have to resort to militarizing its nuclear program in light of Western pressures.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned on Thursday that ongoing Western threats to reimpose United Nations sanctions could push Iran's nuclear file toward militarization.
Speaking in Portugal, Araghchi underscored that such pressure might drive internal debates in Iran toward pursuing nuclear weapons—a course previously excluded from the country's security strategy.
During his remarks, Araghchi criticized the European Troika (France, Germany, and the UK), accusing them of adopting a confrontational stance against Iran. He also highlighted Tehran's decision to activate thousands of advanced centrifuges as a direct response to what he described as "nonconstructive policies" from these nations.
"Iran previously possessed the capability and knowledge to develop nuclear weapons, but this option has never been part of our strategic framework," Araghchi stated. He added that Iran has no current intention to enrich uranium beyond 60% but emphasized the need for equitable collaboration to resolve the nuclear issue honorably.
Geneva Talks
Araghchi revealed that Iranian and European negotiators are set to meet in Geneva on Friday for what he termed a "brainstorming session" aimed at breaking the current deadlock. However, he questioned the viability of cooperation, noting, "We fulfilled all their demands, yet when it came to lifting sanctions, nothing materialized."
The talks come days after the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors adopted a US-French-German-British resolution criticizing Iran for insufficient cooperation on its nuclear program. In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization announced plans to expand its nuclear activities, including deploying advanced centrifuges.
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), agreed upon by Iran and the P5+1 (the US, UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany), imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the US withdrawal under former President Donald Trump in 2018 reignited tensions, with renewed sanctions prompting Tehran to scale back its compliance with the agreement.
Criticism for Iran
Last week, Al Mayadeen obtained a copy of the draft resolution presented by France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, which criticizes Iran for allegedly failing to disclose its nuclear activities.
The seven articles at the end of this draft indicate that Western countries want, through the resolution they have submitted against Iran, to re-implement the nuclear agreement signed in 2015.
However, they overlook the fact that the agreement is no longer in effect since the United States withdrew from it and the Europeans have failed to fulfill their obligations under the commitments they signed off on in 2016.
On Sunday morning, during an open session of the Iranian Parliament, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded to the anti-Iran positions of the three European countries and the United States.
He criticized their unrealistic and harmful political stance, which led to the adoption of an unjustified and unanimous resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors concerning Iran's peaceful nuclear program.
Ghalibaf further explained that the three European countries and the United States are using Iran's peaceful nuclear activities as a pretext for illegitimate actions. He criticized them for undermining the IAEA's credibility and independence through dishonesty and non-compliance, which hinders constructive efforts to strengthen interactions between Iran and the IAEA.
In response to the political misuse of the IAEA Board of Governors, Ghalibaf stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran swiftly added the issue to its agenda and initiated the deployment of new and advanced centrifuges, emphasizing that the continuation of such political and unconstructive decisions will drive countries to take actions outside the IAEA's protocols to safeguard their national security.
Al Mayadeen – November 28, 2024
Al Mayadeen documents the return to South Lebanon’s border villages
After the ceasefire took effect, Al Mayadeen headed to the frontline villages of South Lebanon, documenting the impact of months of fierce confrontations.
Al Mayadeen documented the situation in the frontline border villages in South Lebanon, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces beyond the Lebanese-Palestinain border, and the return of citizens and families to their villages and homes following months of displacement.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that in Southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army set up checkpoints at the entrances of several villages, from al-Khiam to Kfar Kila, Deir Mimas, Markaba, Odaisseh, to protect civilians and prevent any confrontations with Israeli occupation forces.
While there is no Israeli ground presence in these locations, the Lebanese army has closed off roads to protect civilians from potential targeting.
In al-Khiam, a town that the Israeli forces failed to take over, our correspondent described significant destruction on the western outskirts. Despite ongoing threats, residents have begun returning to the town. Additionally, an Israeli Merkava tank has been observed stationed at the town’s western edges.
Some Israeli tanks have withdrawn to areas shielded from view within occupied territories.
Meanwhile, fear grips Israeli soldiers along border towns as displaced citizens return to their lands and homes, regardless of the closure of town entrances.
Additionally, the ceasefire has exposed discrepancies in the Israeli military's claims regarding the locations of its forces. Our correspondent pointed out that the positions currently held by Israeli troops are the same ones they had reached in the past two months, contrary to previous assertions made by the Israeli army about their troop deployments.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent further reported that civil defense teams are actively working to clear the rubble and open the road at the entrance to al-Khiam.
As clearing efforts continue, bodies of Hezbollah and Amal Movement martyrs have been recovered from the Jalahiya area, a significant location in ground battles during the final days of the war. Despite recovery efforts, the region still sees the presence of an Israeli Merkava tank and a group of Israeli soldiers, who continue to fire at approaching civilians.
These activities highlight the ongoing tension in the area, as both recovery and military operations persist amid the complex and volatile situation along Lebanon's southern border.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Southern Lebanon reported that the Resistance fighters remained in al-Khiam until the last moments of the aggression and the beginning of the ceasefire.
Al Mayadeen's camera documented the situation on the outskirts of the border town of al-Taybeh and the Rab al-Thalathin-Odaisseh triangle, areas that witnessed fierce battles between Resistance fighters and the Israeli occupation forces.
Al Mayadeen's camera also documented the ongoing return of displaced residents and the gradual restoration of near-normal activity in fBint Jbeil, Southern Lebanon, highlighting the community's resilience and efforts to recover despite recent challenges.
The Mayor of Bint Jbeil, Afif Bazzi, told Al Mayadeen that the return of displaced residents would not have been possible without the sacrifices of the resistance fighters. He also noted that reconstruction efforts have begun to facilitate the safe and sustained return of those who were displaced. These efforts aim to restore normalcy and support the community's resilience in rebuilding their lives.
Al Mayadeen – November 28, 2024
No ceasefire deal could have included 'buffer zone' in Lebanon: US Envoy
US Envoy Amos Hochstein underlines that no deal with Lebanon could have seen the Israeli occupation getting its hands on a buffer zone in the country's south.
US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein defended the recently brokered ceasefire between the Israeli occupation and Hezbollah, dismissing claims that the former could have secured a more favorable deal, including maintaining a buffer zone inside Lebanon.
Hochstein rejected the criticism voiced by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who argued that the lack of a buffer zone in the agreement would allow Hezbollah to rebuild positions near the border, potentially staging future attacks.
“Yes, there are fantasy deals where you get a ceasefire agreement with a security zone, but those won’t ever happen,” Hochstein told Israeli Channel 12.
The envoy emphasized that maintaining a buffer zone would require the Israeli regime to occupy Lebanese territory, a move unacceptable to Lebanon or the international community as it is in clear violation of its sovereignty. Instead, the deal relies on commitments by Hezbollah to cease rocket fire and calls for the prevention of rebuilding the movement's infrastructure.
West, allies to boost Lebanese Army
Hochstein, for the sake of giving more assurances to the Israeli occupation, pointed out that Western and Arab allies have pledged to bolster the Lebanese Army with financial support, equipment, and training in order to allow it to maintain its presence in the south.
The agreement also expands an existing enforcement mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, with the US and France now leading a tripartite committee alongside the Israeli occupation, Lebanon, and UNIFIL. This committee is tasked with addressing violations in real-time.
Hochstein highlighted key elements of the deal, including the deployment of the Lebanese Army across southern Lebanon to replace Israeli troops over two months, aiming to keep Hezbollah from maintaining an armed presence south of the Litani River.
Hassan Fadlallah, an MP from Hezbollah's Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc in the Lebanese Parliament, said Wednesday that the party was working with the army's deployment across south Lebanon under the parameters of a ceasefire with "Israel," maintaining that "there will be no problem."
Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that the army will strengthen its presence in the south, while the Lebanese Army revealed it has begun "reinforcing its presence in the South Litani sector and extending the state's authority in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)."
No pressures on 'Israel'
Moreover, Hochstein also downplayed claims of US pressure on the Israeli occupation, including alleged threats to withhold weapons or veto a UN resolution. “There were no threats whatsoever… Those ideas never came up in discussions at any point,” Hochstein asserted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, meanwhile, criticized Hochstein for describing the ceasefire as “permanent,” clarifying that fighting could resume if violations occur.
The United States has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims that American threats forced the Israeli occupation to accept a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, Haaretz reported on Wednesday. Contradictory narratives have emerged from Netanyahu's office and Washington regarding the extent of US involvement in brokering the deal.
Israeli officials alleged that the Biden administration issued two significant threats: halting US arms shipments to the Israeli occupation and withholding its veto in the UN Security Council. These claims were categorically denied by American officials, who described their role as mediation rather than coercion.
An anonymous senior US official stated, "At no point was there any threat to withhold a Security Council veto or to suspend arms shipments. This agreement was reached through dialogue, not ultimatums."
Throwing blame on the US
Netanyahu's aides reportedly briefed journalists to build public support for the ceasefire by portraying it as an unavoidable decision imposed by the US. Analysts suggest this narrative is intended to counter criticism from the Israeli occupation's right-wing factions, which oppose any concessions to Hezbollah and Lebanon.
US officials countered this claim, emphasizing that Netanyahu was a willing partner in the negotiations. "The idea of US threats is a fabrication to appease domestic critics," said a senior Biden administration official.
The Biden administration is keen to use the Lebanon ceasefire as a model to push for a ceasefire in Gaza. However, this effort faces significant resistance within Netanyahu's coalition. Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have warned they may withdraw from the government if such an agreement is pursued.
Netanyahu's considerations are also influenced by the political transition in Washington, with Donald Trump set to assume the presidency soon. US officials believe Netanyahu seeks to avoid straining relations with Trump, which may explain his willingness to finalize the Lebanon agreement while resisting similar moves regarding Gaza.
Kurram death toll rises to 107 despite 'ceasefire'
By Ali Afzal Afzaal
KURRAM: Tribal clashes in District Kurram stretched into the eighth day on Thursday, pushing the death toll to 107, despite reports of a ceasefire agreement reached a day earlier.
Police said five more people were killed and nine others sustained injuries in the fresh engagement.
The development comes a day after the feuding tribes agreed to a new 10-day ceasefire.
"A 10-day ceasefire between the warring parties in Kurram has come into effect as of today," read the statement issued by the office of the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Kurram.
At least 107 people have lost their lives in the feud between communities in the district, including 52 in the firing on a convoy on November 21.
Police have said that the recent clashes have claimed 55 lives leaving 140 others wounded.
The district administration has said the Parachinar-Peshawar road had been closed for eight days due to violence.
Meanwhile, Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud has said that due to the closure of the main highway, trade with Afghanistan at the Kharlachi border was also suspended.
Furthermore, suspension of internet and mobile phone services are also adding to the woes of the people.
However, Mehsud said that steps were being taken to stop clashes and enforce the ceasefire.
"A jirga of elders from Hangu, Orakzai and Kohat is reaching Parachinar for talks. The parties have agreed to the ceasefire, while efforts are underway to fully implement the truce," said the DC.
The latest violence began last Thursday when two separate convoys travelling under police escort were ambushed.
Police have struggled to control violence in Kurram, which was part of the semi-autonomous Federally Administered Tribal Areas until it was merged with KP in 2018.
Last month at least 16 people, including three women and two children, were killed in a clash in Kurram.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has said that 79 people were killed between July and October in the deadly clashes.
Provincial officials had brokered a seven-day truce last weekend but it did not hold.
A high-powered government delegation, headed by Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, after holding talks with the elders from warring sides, had announced a week-long ceasefire but it could not be implemented.
KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, IGP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur and Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi were also part of the delegation.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1255871-kurram-death-toll-rises-to-107-despite-ceasefire
Radio Free Europe – November 28, 2024
Ceasefire Agreed After More Than 100 Killed In Pakistani Sectarian Violence
A new truce agreement has been reached between feuding Sunni and Shi'ite communities in Pakistan's northwestern region of Kurram, where more than 100 people were killed and dozens more injured in a new bout of sectarian violence, local officials said.
Authorities said late on November 27 that government troops will be deployed in key locations in Kurram, a remote tribal district in the volatile Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, to ensure the cease-fire.
"Negotiations will continue to ensure lasting peace," the provincial minister's office said in a statement.
It also pledged to pay compensations to the victims' families.
The violence erupted on November 21 when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a convoy of some 200 passenger vehicles carrying Shi'a traveling through Kurram's Parachinar area.
Dozens of people, including women and children, were killed in the attack, which triggered a week of clashes between the two communities.
Regional officials brokered a seven-day truce on November 24, but it did not hold.
Most of Pakistan's some 250 million people are Sunni Muslims. But Kurram has a large Shi'ite population, and the two communities have clashed for decades. More than 200 people have been killed since July, alone.
Sectarian violence in the region is often linked to land disputes.
https://www.rferl.org/a/kurram-pakistan-ceasfire-sunni-shia-sectarian-violence/33218933.html
At least 20 'martyred' in PTI protest, says Salman Akram Raja
Raja claims that hospitals in Islamabad are being instructed to destroy relevant records of bodies and injured
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja has claimed that at least 20 people were "martyred" during the party's 'do-or-die' demonstration held in Islamabad yesterday.
The PTI leader's statement comes hours after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rubbished the PTI's claims about casualties among its supporters during the security forces' crackdown in the federal capital. Naqvi, while talking to the media earlier today, termed social media reports claiming that 33 bodies were brought to a hospital as “propaganda” and challenged the former ruling party to provide the names of the deceased.
"At least 20 supporters of the PTI were killed in yesterday's protest in Islamabad. We have complete bio-data and videos of eight of them," the PTI leader said in a video statement released on social media on Wednesday.
"And, details about the remaining others will be released to the media."
Raja alleged that the former ruling party was being denied access to its workers receiving medical treatment at hospitals in Islamabad.
He further accused that hospitals in the federal capital were being instructed to destroy relevant records, with directives ordering them not to provide families with the records of their deceased or injured relatives.
The PTI's secretary-general announced that the Imran Khan-led party would take legal action, saying, "We will approach the courts against the government, the ministry of interior, and the interior minister."
Following a midnight crackdown on the PTI's demonstrators, law enforcers effectively dispersed the PTI workers. After the action by the law enforcers, the protesters dispersed and Bushra Bibi and KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur fled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Later, the PTI issued a press release from its central media cell in the early hours of Wednesday, announcing a "temporary suspension" of its "do-or-die" protest.
The Imran Khan-led party's protest was staged against the "illegal" incarceration of the PTI founder, other party leaders and workers, the "stolen mandate" in the February 8 general elections and the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Five security men martyred: Islamabad IG
While Salman Akram Raja's claim regarding the killing of party workers could not be verified so far, Islamabad IG Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said that at least five security personnel, including three jawans of Rangers and two policemen, were martyred during the protest.
Addressing a press conference earlier today, “12 to 13 vehicles of police were set on fire [during PTI’s protest]."
In addition to this, the police chief said "miscreants" damaged 161 CCTV cameras of Safe City so that their activities could not be recorded.
“37 Afghan nationals among 954 people were arrested during the past three days. A Kalashnikov among 39 weapons was seized.”
71 personnel of law enforcers were injured, he said, adding that out of them, 27 received bullet injuries.
A spokesperson for the Polyclinic Hospital said that two dead bodies and 26 injured were brought to the hospital.
