Middle East Conflict Escalates
Breakthrough Hard to Achieve
Efforts to reach a ceasefire in the year-long war in the Palestinian territory of Gaza and the spillover conflict between the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Israel have so far been unsuccessful. The conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with a year of exchanges of fire mostly across Lebanon’s southern border.
Rockets Fired at Israeli Bases
Hours before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to make another push for an elusive ceasefire, Hezbollah fired rockets at two bases near the Israeli city of Tel Aviv and one west of Haifa on Tuesday morning.
The group also fired rockets at a naval base outside the port city of Haifa further north. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Israeli authorities said air sirens were activated in areas southeast of Tel Aviv due to one projectile identified crossing from Lebanon and falling in an open area. Other sirens sounded in Tel Aviv.
U.S. Push for Ceasefire
Blinken’s trip to the region is his 11th since the attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023, that triggered the Gaza war. He will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and other officials during the day as part of a week-long Middle East visit that also includes Jordan and Qatar.
Israeli Retaliation
In Israel, Blinken will discuss Israel’s anticipated retaliation for a ballistic missile attack launched by Iran on October 1. A senior State Department official said that Israel’s retaliation could disrupt oil markets and risks igniting a full-blown war between the arch-enemies.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran does not seek war in the Middle East and has made efforts to reduce tensions but is prepared for any conflict. "We know that Israel does not follow any international rule. We have our own tools to defend ourselves and our nuclear infrastructure," Araqchi said.
U.S. Calls for Ceasefire
The U.S. official said that in meetings with Israel and Arab countries Blinken will stress "day after" issues, particularly security, governance, and reconstruction. Having detailed plans for what happens when the hostilities eventually end are seen as prerequisites for achieving any lasting resolution to the conflict.
Expert Analysis
Experts say Hamas and Israel remain deeply at odds and are unlikely to make significant concessions before the November 5 U.S. presidential election, which could upend U.S. policy. Israel has assassinated the leaders of Hezbollah in Lebanon and of Hamas in Gaza, while showing no sign of reining in its ground and aerial offensives.
Conclusion
The Middle East conflict shows no signs of slowing down, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down. The U.S. is pushing for a ceasefire, but it remains unclear whether such a breakthrough will be possible. With the conflict having already caused widespread destruction and loss of life, the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of the conflict between Israel and Hamas?
A: The conflict has been ongoing since October 7, 2023, with little sign of a breakthrough.
Q: What is the situation in Lebanon?
A: The conflict has spread to Lebanon, with Israel launching a ground campaign and intensified air assault against Hezbollah.
Q: What is the U.S. position on the conflict?
A: The U.S. is pushing for a ceasefire and has called for Israel and Hamas to agree on conditions for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Q: What is the current death toll in the conflict?
A: The death toll is over 42,500 Palestinians, with another 10,000 uncounted dead thought to lie under the rubble. Over 1,200 people have been killed in Israel.