Israel in the West Bank
- Israeli military forces have entered the West Bank, marking the first deployment of tanks in the area in more than two decades. The action, named “Operation Iron Wall,” is aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure and preventing future attacks.
- The operation follows a recent ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, with Israeli officials citing ongoing security threats as the primary reason for the offensive. As a result, over 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, including refugees from camps in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the rising violence and displacement of Palestinians, and international human rights organizations and states have called for an immediate halt to military operations as well as unimpeded international aid access.
- The West Bank is home to approximately 2.9 million Palestinians and has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967, divided into Areas A, B, and C, with varying degrees of Palestinian and Israeli control.
Hassan Nasrallah’s Funeral
- Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah since 1992, was a pivotal figure not only for the organization but also within the broader Iranian axis, with his death leaving a significant impact on the region. His death was the result of an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah’s main operations room in a southern suburb of Beirut.
- His funeral drew thousands of mourners to Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium. The funeral was marked by a provocative flyover of Israeli fighter jets, which drowned out the chants of mourners and served as a symbolic warning.
- His death has created a power vacuum that poses significant challenges for the organization. In the short term, Hezbollah is likely to face internal power struggles as various factions vie for control. In the long term, Hezbollah’s future will depend on its ability to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape. The group will need to navigate the complex dynamics of regional politics, including its relationships with Iran, the new Syrian government, and other key actors in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia Talks with Russia and the U.S.
- Saudi Arabia hosted high-level talks between Washington and Moscow, the first direct negotiations between the two countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These discussions are focused on restoring diplomatic relations and exploring ways to end the conflict.
- Ukraine and European allies were not invited to participate in the talks, leading to criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. Zelensky asserted that Ukraine would not recognize any agreements made without its involvement.
- Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator in these talks underscores its aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts. The kingdom’s neutral stance and strategic relationships with both the U.S. and Russia have positioned it as a player in diplomacy.
- The discussions are also viewed by some as an effort to establish Riyadh’s influence in potential future talks on the solution to postwar Gaza, as the Kingdom hosted a last-minute summit of Arab states last week.
(Banner image: Reuters)
February 25, 2025