Day: October 17, 2023
In a rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, Israel is reportedly preparing for a major military operation in the Gaza Strip, while tensions have escalated on the Israel-Lebanon border. This comes as Israel has recently vacated dozens of villages in the region, raising concerns about the potential for conflict.
Israel’s Grand Operation in Gaza:
Israeli military indicated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are in the advanced stages of planning for a significant military operation in the Gaza Strip. While exact details remain classified.
The international community is closely monitoring these developments, with concerns about potential civilian casualties and the humanitarian impact on the densely populated Gaza Strip. Israel has stated that it aims to minimize civilian harm and strictly adhere to international humanitarian law during any operation.
Tension Rising on Israel-Lebanon Border:
Simultaneously, tensions have flared along the Israel-Lebanon border following Israel’s recent decision to vacate dozens of villages that were under its control. These villages were part of a security buffer zone established by Israel over the years, but their evacuation has sparked fears of a potential confrontation with Hezbollah.
These simultaneous developments on both fronts are raising significant concerns about the potential for wider regional conflict. The international community is calling for de-escalation and dialogue to resolve the underlying issues peacefully. The situation is still unfolding, and further updates will be provided as events continue to evolve.
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. The meeting focused on the developments in the region and the contribution of the Council of Europe, including in light of the recent visit by the Secretary General’s Special Representative on Migration and Refugees to Armenia.
The Secretary General reiterated how all those living in the Council of Europe geographical space are entitled to the full enjoyment of all human rights and freedoms as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.
Moreover, she highlighted the relevance of confidence-building measures (CBMs) for dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan with participation of NGOs, civil society, journalists and youth.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday called Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time since the deadly Hamas attack, and briefed him on several talks with leaders from the region and the Palestinian Authority.
“The Israeli side was in particular informed of the essential points of telephone correspondences that took place today with the leaders of Palestine, Egypt, Iran and Syria,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
According to Moscow, the discussion focused on “the crisis situation resulting from the brutal escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
Putin expressed “his sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased Israelis,” the Kremlin said.
He also told the Israeli president of the steps Russia has taken to “promote the normalization of the situation, prevent a further escalation of violence and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.”
Putin spoke in telephone calls with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas.
The Russian leader also told Netanyahu that Russia had a “fundamental desire to continue its targeted action aimed at ending” the conflict and finding “a peaceful settlement through political and diplomatic means,” according to the government’s statement.
Moscow has traditionally maintained good relations with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as several regional players such as Syria, Egypt and Iran.