Live Updates
Middle East Eye, Jun 29 2024
Late night recap
Here are some of today’s key developments:
- The UN OCHA said that “about 60k to 80k” people were displaced from Shujaiya in Gaza.
- President Sisi reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and delivery of aid to Palestinians trapped in Gaza.
- The Uncommitted National Movement, which urges US voters to vote “uncommitted” protest ballots in state primaries over the Biden administration’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza, called on the US to impose an arms embargo to leverage a ceasefire.
- The Arab League removed Hezbollah from its list of designated terror groups.
- Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Lebanon called on its citizens to leave the country amid rising concerns over an all-out war between Hezbollah and Israel.
Israeli foreign minister issues threat to Iran, Hezbollah
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has responded to what he said was a threat by Iran to destroy Israel if it attacks Hezbollah in Lebanon. He tweeted:
My response to Iran is clear: If Hezbollah does not cease its fire and withdraw from southern Lebanon, we will act against it with full force until security is restored and residents can return to their homes. A regime that threatens destruction deserves to be destroyed.
Investigation identifies tech entrepreneur behind pro-Israel hate network: Report
A tech entrepreneur living in Florida is a prime mover behind a pro-Israel disinformation network seeking to shape public opinion about the Gaza conflict, an investigation by the Guardian newspaper has found. The investigation alleged that Daniel Linden, who co-wrote a guidebook for OnlyFans users, is one of the main hands behind the Shirion Collective, an organisation that has harassed pro-Palestinian activists and offered cash for anyone who could publicly reveal online identities. The organisation is also responsible for spreading conspiracy narratives centred on figures like George Soros. It has boasted about an AI-surveillance platform but has not offered many concrete details of how the alleged technology functions. Read more: Investigation identifies tech entrepreneur behind pro-Israel hate network.
Saudi embassy in Lebanon calls on citizens to avoid travelling to the country
Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Lebanon has called on its citizens to leave the country amid rising concerns over an all-out war between Hezbollah and Israel. In a tweet, the kingdom’s embassy urged Saudis to leave Lebanon immediately.
Arab League removes Hezbollah from ‘terrorist group’ list: Report
The Arab League has removed Hezbollah from its list of designated terror groups, the organisation’s assistant secretary-general on the Egyptian Al-Qahera News Channel. In a televised statement, Hossam Zaki said:
The member states of the league agreed that the label of Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation should no longer be employed.
Hezbollah was classified as a “terrorist organisation” by the Arab League on Mar 11 2016, shortly after the Gulf Cooperation Council countries made the designation.
‘Uncommitted’ movement calls on Biden to press for ceasefire with arms embargo
The Uncommitted National Movement, which urges US voters to vote “uncommitted” protest ballots in state primaries over the Biden administration’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza, has called on the government to use its leverage to bring about a ceasefire. It tweeted:
If you want us to mobilise the 700k Democratic primary voters who cast uncommitted ballots toward your re-election, you must ensure a permanent ceasefire by imposing an arms embargo and not sending another US weapon for Israel’s war and occupation. The battle for the soul of our nation demands Biden to change course – not another bomb.
The uncommitted campaigns won 29 delegates in several states to send to the DNC, which will be held in Chicago in August.
Sisi repeats calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
Egyptian President Abd’el-Fattah el-Sisi reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and delivery of aid to Palestinians trapped in the besieged enclave. Speaking on the sidelines of the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, Sisi warned against a further escalation of fighting in Gaza and the war expanding to Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah. He said:
We call on the international community to take serious and rapid steps to prevent the region from sliding into a new and unprecedented cycle of conflict.
Palestinians run from drones and warplanes after strike on Gaza
Thousands displaced from Shujaiya after Israeli attack: UN
The UN OCHA said that “about 60k to 80k” people were displaced” from Shujaiya in Gaza. Speaking to AFP, Mohammed Harara said he and his family were forced flee with nothing after Israeli planes, tanks and drones targeted the area. He said:
We couldn’t carry anything from the house. We left the food, flour, canned goods, mattresses and blankets.
Abd’el-Karim al Mamluk said:
I saw Israeli tanks firing in front of the Shuada mosque. There were martyrs in the street.
Four Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on Bureij refugee camp: WAFA
An Israeli strike killed at least four Palestinians in the al-Bureij refugee camp in the Central Gaza Strip, WAFA reported on Saturday. A WAFA correspondent said Israeli warplanes targeted a residential home in the camp, which killed four people and injured several others. Wounded Palestinians were transported to the Al-Aqsa and Al-Awda hospitals for treatment.
Palestinians injured after artillery shells strike Bureij refugee camp: PRCS
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said it was providing first aid to Palestinians injured by an Israeli artillery strike in the Bureij camp in Central Gaza. Images posted by the PRCS said its crews were dispatched to provide first aid to the injured and transported them to the hospital after the strike.
Israeli bombing in Rafah kills two Palestinians: Al Jazeera
Israeli bombing near the al-Istiqama mosque in the Jeneina neighbourhood, east of Rafah, killed at least two people, according to Al Jazeera. An unnamed Al Jazeera correspondent said several Palestinians were also injured when Israel opened fire on the al-Alam roundabout in Rafah.
Israel continues ‘air and ground operation’ in Gaza’s Shuja’iyya
The Israeli army said it was continuing its air and ground offensive in the Shuja’iyya area of Gaza. In a series of posts, the Israeli army on Saturday said in the last 24 hours its soldiers had located a weapons warehouse and eliminated “terrorist” fighters in the area. It added that it was also continuing its operations in Rafah and had eliminated numerous “terrorists” in the area over the past day. While in the central Gaza Strip, the air force had struck several anti-tank missile posts and the army had eliminated numerous “terrorists” on the ground.
Gaza death toll rises to 37,843
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said the death toll in Gaza had risen to 37,843, with 86,858 injured, from Israel’s bombardment of the besieged enclave. The ministry added on Saturday that at least 40 Palestinians were killed and 224 wounded in the past 24 hours.
Niqnaq 