Escalation. Israel, Hamas and the Gaza Strip risk becoming the trigger for an even more widespread war with unpredictable effects and consequences. The news of the last 24 hours paints a picture, if possible, of even greater tension. Israel is preparing the ground offensive in Gaza, which could last months, while the front is also intensifying in the north on the border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains a local player.
According to CNN, after the release of two American hostages, the United States is urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to freeze the offensive: time is needed to continue negotiations through Qatar and to release more hostages in a diplomatic framework that also includes the Aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, with the entry of another 17 trucks from the Rafah border crossing and with the aim of creating a continuous flow in the next few hours: “If Hamas intervenes and confiscates the aid, it will be very difficult.” “We will “We will advance this aid and will provide further evidence that Hamas has no interest in the well-being of the Palestinian people,” said new US envoy for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, David Satterfield.
Biden, conversation with the Pope. Then phone call with the leaders, including Meloni
US President Joe Biden had a telephone conversation lasting around 20 minutes with Pope Francis. The White House emphasizes that during the conversation, Biden condemned Hamas attacks and emphasized the need to protect the people of the Gaza Strip.
Biden “spoke about his recent visit to Israel and his commitment to ensuring the delivery of food, medicine and other humanitarian assistance to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the White House said. The American president and the pope “also discussed the need to prevent escalation in the region and work toward lasting peace in the Middle East,” according to the White House.
On the Italian evening, telephone meetings between the heads of state and government of various countries. The meeting with Biden will be attended by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Iran-USA, tensions are increasing
Escalation is the abyss that needs to be avoided. However, Washington cannot ignore the signals from Tehran. Iran is the director of the anti-Israel network: Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis, which threaten Israeli ships from Yemen. The United States faces a variety of threats in this labyrinth, but they ultimately stem from a single source: Iran.
“We are concerned about a possible escalation. In fact, we are seeing a potentially significant increase in attacks on our troops and people in the region. That is precisely why we will do everything necessary to protect and ensure our troops have the ability to respond,” Defense Secretary Isaac Austin tells ABC. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s words are equally clear: The United States sees the “potential for an escalation of war.” in the Middle East” due to the “actions of those acting on behalf of Iran.”
This is in response to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s letter from Tehran earlier in the day: “The region will spiral out of control” if the genocide in Gaza does not “come to an end.” , he says. “I warn the United States and its representative (Israel, editor’s note): If they do not immediately stop the crime against humanity and genocide in Gaza, anything is possible at any time and the region will spiral out of control.”
Netanyahu warns Hezbollah: “Israel is ready to destroy Lebanon”
So the focus is on Gaza as Israeli raids continue. But also on the border with Lebanon, with Hezbollah rocket launches and an Israeli reaction. Ultimately, Netanyahu issues something of an ultimatum. If Hezbollah militants decide to “go to war” with Israel, the armed forces’ response will be “unimaginable” and mean complete “destruction” for Lebanon. “I can’t tell you at the moment whether Hezbollah will decide on a full war,” Netanyahu said as he met Israeli soldiers stationed on the border with Lebanon.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks to troops at an air base. To eradicate Hamas from Gaza, “it could take a month, it could take two or three. But in the end, Hamas will no longer exist.” The invasion of Gaza must be the final act, “for the simple reason that Hamas will no longer exist afterwards.”
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