Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war. The conflict which completed one year on Oct 7 has hitherto been known by its military campaign name, the "Swords of Iron".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1774}">Why change the name of the Israel war?</h2>

The Israeli Prime Minister, as per reports, believes the new name better reflects the nature of the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023.

"This is the war of our existence — the 'War of Revival,' said Netanyahu, according to a statement from his office.&nbsp;

"This is what I would like to officially call the war," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-praises-oct-7-attack-on-israel-says-it-shattered-illusions-the-enemy-had-created-for-itself-watch-765043">Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch!</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:245,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}">'Government of guilt'</h2>

The suggestion was not well-received. According to the Times of Israel, cabinet ministers objected to the name. While Gideon Sa’ar and Amichai Chikli said it was too similar to the Hebrew name for the 1948 War of Independence, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said there "will be no revival until all the abducted and displaced people return to their homes".

"You can change as many names as you want; you will not change the fact that on your watch the most terrible disaster since the establishment of the country happened to the people of Israel," he wrote in a post on X.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hezbollahs-hq-commander-suhail-hussein-killed-in-beirut-strikes-claims-idf-765436">West Asia crisis: Hezbollah’s HQ commander Suhail Hussein killed in Beirut strikes, claims IDF</a>

"This government is not the government of revival, it is the government of guilt," he added.

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לא תהיה תקומה עד שלא כל החטופים והעקורים ישובו לביתם. אתם יכולים לשנות כמה שמות שאתם רוצים, לא תשנו את העובדה שבמשמרת שלכם קרה לעם ישראל האסון הנורא ביותר מאז קום המדינה. הממשלה הזו היא לא ממשלת התקומה, היא ממשלת האשמה. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:354,&quot;y&quot;:532,&quot;w&quot;:156,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:387,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2222}" href="https://t.co/6jRwBIqYv0">pic.twitter.com/6jRwBIqYv0</a>
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:496,&quot;y&quot;:561,&quot;w&quot;:93,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:529,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2251}" href="https://twitter.com/yairlapid/status/1843256499432517945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The ongoing conflict began with a devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead, even as over 250 people were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign to defeat Hamas, dismantle its rule in Gaza, and prevent future threats to Israeli security. Israeli military's ongoing retaliatory campaign, as per the latest figures by Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, has led to over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war. The conflict which completed one year on Oct 7 has hitherto been known by its military campaign name, the "Swords of Iron". Why change the name of the Israel war? The Israeli Prime Minister, as per reports, believes the new name better reflects the nature of the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023. "This is the war of our existence — the 'War of Revival,' said Netanyahu, according to a statement from his office. "This is what I would like to officially call the war," he added. Also read | Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch! 'Government of guilt' The suggestion was not well-received. According to the Times of Israel, cabinet ministers objected to the name. While Gideon Sa’ar and Amichai Chikli said it was too similar to the Hebrew name for the 1948 War of Independence, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said there "will be no revival until all the abducted and displaced people return to their homes". "You can change as many names as you want; you will not change the fact that on your watch the most terrible disaster since the establishment of the country happened to the people of Israel," he wrote in a post on X. Also read | West Asia crisis: Hezbollah’s HQ commander Suhail Hussein killed in Beirut strikes, claims IDF "This government is not the government of revival, it is the government of guilt," he added. לא תהיה תקומה עד שלא כל החטופים והעקורים ישובו לביתם. אתם יכולים לשנות כמה שמות שאתם רוצים, לא תשנו את העובדה שבמשמרת שלכם קרה לעם ישראל האסון הנורא ביותר מאז קום המדינה. הממשלה הזו היא לא ממשלת התקומה, היא ממשלת האשמה. pic.twitter.com/6jRwBIqYv0 — יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) October 7, 2024 × The ongoing conflict began with a devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead, even as over 250 people were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign to defeat Hamas, dismantle its rule in Gaza, and prevent future threats to Israeli security. Israeli military's ongoing retaliatory campaign, as per the latest figures by Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, has led to over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu wants to rebrand Israel-Hamas conflict as 'War of Revival'; Lapid slams PM's 'government of guilt'

Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly storming of southern Israel, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said that the operation had shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:470,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1820}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-one-year-of-gaza-war-israel-bombed-over-40000-hamas-targets-765036">In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets</a>

"The crossing of the glorious 7th of October shattered the illusions the enemy had created for itself, convincing the world and the region of its supposed superiority and capabilities," said Al-Hayya.

Al-Hayya, who has emerged as the group's public face since the killing of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, stated that Gaza's residents have continued their resistance against displacement despite the intense bombardment, referring to what he called "genocide" and "daily massacres."&nbsp;

Gazans have remained "resilient to all attempts at displacement... despite the kinds of torture and terrorism you have endured, and the horrific genocide and daily massacre," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-suspends-flights-at-some-airports-anticipating-israeli-retaliatory-response-765013">Iran suspends all flights till Monday morning amid anticipation of Israeli reprisal over missile attack</a>

He also accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire efforts, reiterating that Hamas would not accept terms previously rejected in negotiations.

"What we rejected yesterday, we will not accept tomorrow, and what the occupation (Israel) failed to impose by force, it will not take at the negotiating table," he said.

Watch what he said here:

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Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya gives a speech on the occasion of the one year anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. 
 
Translated by RNN <a href="https://t.co/SZjzEcCKbl">pic.twitter.com/SZjzEcCKbl</a>
— Moodz (@GoodMoodz08) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodMoodz08/status/1843109910646849924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Hamas's Oct 7 attack&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, on Oct 7, the Palestinian militant group stormed southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, most of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli reports, including those taken hostage.&nbsp;

Since then, the conflict has spiralled, with Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reporting over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, in the Israeli military's ongoing campaign. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures.

Efforts to broker peace, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have largely failed, with the exception of a brief truce in November.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly storming of southern Israel, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said that the operation had shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority. Also read | In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets "The crossing of the glorious 7th of October shattered the illusions the enemy had created for itself, convincing the world and the region of its supposed superiority and capabilities," said Al-Hayya. Al-Hayya, who has emerged as the group's public face since the killing of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, stated that Gaza's residents have continued their resistance against displacement despite the intense bombardment, referring to what he called "genocide" and "daily massacres." Gazans have remained "resilient to all attempts at displacement... despite the kinds of torture and terrorism you have endured, and the horrific genocide and daily massacre," he said. Also read | Iran suspends all flights till Monday morning amid anticipation of Israeli reprisal over missile attack He also accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire efforts, reiterating that Hamas would not accept terms previously rejected in negotiations. "What we rejected yesterday, we will not accept tomorrow, and what the occupation (Israel) failed to impose by force, it will not take at the negotiating table," he said. Watch what he said here: Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya gives a speech on the occasion of the one year anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Translated by RNN pic.twitter.com/SZjzEcCKbl — Moodz (@GoodMoodz08) October 7, 2024 × Hamas's Oct 7 attack Last year, on Oct 7, the Palestinian militant group stormed southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, most of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli reports, including those taken hostage. Since then, the conflict has spiralled, with Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reporting over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, in the Israeli military's ongoing campaign. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures. Efforts to broker peace, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have largely failed, with the exception of a brief truce in November. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch!

As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1757}">Misinformation</h2>

The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water. Some protestors extinguished his flames using their traditional Palestinian scarves — keffiyehs.

While lighting himself on fire, the man identified himself as a journalist.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:192,&quot;w&quot;:556,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1882}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-places-its-forces-on-alert-ahead-of-first-anniversary-of-conflict-764854">Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict</a>

"I'm a CBS-affiliated journalist and we neglect it. We spread the misinformation," shouted the man, in between screams of pain as the fire on his arm was put out.

Watch the video here:

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Man claiming to be a CBS-affiliated journalist sets himself on fire saying, “We spread the misinformation,” at the Washington DC protest against 1 year of Israeli-U.S. war on Gaza. 
 
Graphic and shocking footage from a colleague. <a href="https://t.co/uIrbMT183M">pic.twitter.com/uIrbMT183M</a>
— Ramin Mazaheri (@RaminMazaheri2) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaminMazaheri2/status/1842741913213964466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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According to the police, the man had "non-life-threatening injuries".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:309,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}">Anniversary of Gaza war</h2>

This comes just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent devastating war in Gaza that has already claimed over 41,825 Palestinian lives and 1,205 Israeli lives.

Across the world, people took part in marches on a worldwide day of action against the war. In Washington, over one thousand protestors demonstrated outside the White House, demanding an end to US aid to America's strategic partner, Israel.&nbsp;

"The US government has really shown what side of history it is on," said Zaid Khatib, an organiser with the Palestinian Youth Movement, while talking to AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israeli-strikes-some-of-them-very-violent-hit-south-beirut-says-reports-764864">West Asia crisis: Israeli strikes, some of them 'very violent', hit south Beirut, say report</a>

"The US government has performed and co-signed the most evil atrocities that we've seen of this century."

Meanwhile, in New York, thousands marched in Times Square. Some of the protestors were seen carrying pictures of people killed in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza.

Protestors spoke against their tax money being used to aid Israel.

"As an American, we're tired of our tax money going to Israel to bomb kids in Palestine and then Lebanon," said Daniel Perez, a New York resident.

In Los Angeles, protestors waved signs against the "genocide" in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire. Misinformation The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water.

As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire. Misinformation The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water. Some protestors extinguished his flames using their traditional Palestinian scarves — keffiyehs. While lighting himself on fire, the man identified himself as a journalist. Also read | Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict "I'm a CBS-affiliated journalist and we neglect it. We spread the misinformation," shouted the man, in between screams of pain as the fire on his arm was put out. Watch the video here: Man claiming to be a CBS-affiliated journalist sets himself on fire saying, “We spread the misinformation,” at the Washington DC protest against 1 year of Israeli-U.S. war on Gaza. Graphic and shocking footage from a colleague. pic.twitter.com/uIrbMT183M — Ramin Mazaheri (@RaminMazaheri2) October 6, 2024 × According to the police, the man had "non-life-threatening injuries". Anniversary of Gaza war This comes just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent devastating war in Gaza that has already claimed over 41,825 Palestinian lives and 1,205 Israeli lives. Across the world, people took part in marches on a worldwide day of action against the war. In Washington, over one thousand protestors demonstrated outside the White House, demanding an end to US aid to America's strategic partner, Israel. "The US government has really shown what side of history it is on," said Zaid Khatib, an organiser with the Palestinian Youth Movement, while talking to AFP. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israeli strikes, some of them 'very violent', hit south Beirut, say report "The US government has performed and co-signed the most evil atrocities that we've seen of this century." Meanwhile, in New York, thousands marched in Times Square. Some of the protestors were seen carrying pictures of people killed in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Protestors spoke against their tax money being used to aid Israel. "As an American, we're tired of our tax money going to Israel to bomb kids in Palestine and then Lebanon," said Daniel Perez, a New York resident. In Los Angeles, protestors waved signs against the "genocide" in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Journalist sets himself on fire at ceasefire protest in Washington as Gaza war nears first anniversary

To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre.

Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence. Hamas thinks an impetuous attack is an exercise of Palestinian sovereignty. Hezbollah thinks Lebanon is a part of Iran.

As Iran rains missiles and Israel warns of consequences after sending its troops north of the occupied Gaza territory into southern Lebanon, the thing to look for in this madness is the method behind from both sides — or a lack of it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-issues-travel-advisory-regarding-iran-warns-nations-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-763815">India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' travel</a>

From all indications, three undeniable truths might give us a clue about what might happen next.

First up, Israel's retaliation after the October 7 attacks by Palestinian extremist group Hamas into its territory has been strong on both intelligence and a ruthless, relentless military offensive, giving it an undeniable strategic advantage that for all practical purposes looks like victory.

It killed on July 31 Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, right in Teheran, showing Tel Aviv's penetration into the most unexpected quarters. Last week, it assassinated Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah right in its command headquarters in Beirut barely a week after booby-trapping Hezbollah pagers and hundreds of radios that did not alert the Iran-backed Shia militia group the way it should have. The attack eliminated half of Hezbollah's leadership council and ate into its military command.

In contrast, the attack by Hamas on the anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Yom Kippur war of 1973 last year and this week's rain of missiles by Iran show more desperation and bluster than clinical method.

To this asymmetry of military power, we might add a diplomatic situation that has never been as unfriendly to the aspiring state of Palestine as now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davids-sling-and-arrow-the-anti-missile-systems-protecting-israel-together-with-iron-dome-763737">David's Sling and Arrow, the anti-missile systems protecting Israel together with Iron Dome</a>

The United States is openly backing Israel's "right to defence" which is for all practical purposes a disproportionate act of offence turned into an opportunity for treating Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinians and now, Lebanese citizens, as vermin that need to be just trodden upon. European nations, for all practical purposes, are busy treating an uneasy mix of domestic economic woes and immigration troubles. China has just begun reviving its sagging economy with a sharp interest rate cut and Russia&nbsp;has its arms full in Ukraine with a war of its own making. Some claps and cheers from American university students, UN General Assembly speeches critical of Israel and outraged posts on WhatsApp groups are not getting us anywhere.

If there is anything that appears to sound louder than the missiles and bombs flying between Iran and Israel across Gaza and Lebanon, it is the virtual sound of silence from the Islamic world that seems hardly aligned with Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas — while officially standing up for Palestine in elegant diplomatic postures.

Earlier this week, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to recent Israeli attacks, even before Tel Aviv's soldiers walked into Lebanon. Only a diplomatic agreement between the OIC, China, Russia and some other countries with an enough-is-enough approach can get West Asia somewhere near a ceasefire moment. However, none of these parties show any strong effort to put resources behind their apparent intent to help Palestine or other territories invaded by Israel.

&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-iran-launches-barrage-of-ballistic-missiles-at-israel-after-us-warning-763691/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The US is heading into a fiercely contested presidential election next month, and maybe, just maybe, there is a slim chance that the new administration, at least to save for Washington its supposed role as a superpower, does something to stop the madness in its Middle East by going beyond mumbled efforts to ask Tel Aviv for a ceasefire. But that seems unlikely for now since Washington has asked US forces to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel. The US is now part of the war, more or less.

Iran and Hezbollah may vent their anger at Israel, but they seem to have little beyond that. Most of Teheran's missiles have been neutralised mid-air and there is no method in the retaliation apart from a tribalist and tokenist vow of revenge in a cycle of violence that goes back decades if not centuries.

But Israel may have reached its limits in crossing into Lebanon. Officially, Israel says its main objective is to eliminate the threat of an October 7-like incursion by Hezbollah into its northern areas. You can never be sure if the reasons are reasonable or were manufactured to justify an attack in a game in which propaganda or falsification of facts are as much a part of the ammunition as firearms and bombs.

There are those who believe that Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies are pressuring him to do something on the displacement of thousands of Israelis from the north linked to fears that they may face the kind of attacks faced by Hamas victims last October. If the Israeli leader's objective of doing something to please domestic lobbies has been achieved, we can hope for the beginning of something that looks like a ceasefire or withdrawal.

Only an international initiative in which Israel is encircled diplomatically can lead us to a de-escalation of violence and war. Tel Aviv might well respond, since most of its domestic and external objectives, political and military, seem to have been achieved. However, with Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, you never know. They excel in violent urges driven by internal political pressures to show more aggression towards their adversaries, with no sense of proportion, peace, or balance.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. 
&nbsp;

To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre. Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence.

To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre. Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence. Hamas thinks an impetuous attack is an exercise of Palestinian sovereignty. Hezbollah thinks Lebanon is a part of Iran. As Iran rains missiles and Israel warns of consequences after sending its troops north of the occupied Gaza territory into southern Lebanon, the thing to look for in this madness is the method behind from both sides — or a lack of it. Also read | India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' travel From all indications, three undeniable truths might give us a clue about what might happen next. First up, Israel's retaliation after the October 7 attacks by Palestinian extremist group Hamas into its territory has been strong on both intelligence and a ruthless, relentless military offensive, giving it an undeniable strategic advantage that for all practical purposes looks like victory. It killed on July 31 Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, right in Teheran, showing Tel Aviv's penetration into the most unexpected quarters. Last week, it assassinated Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah right in its command headquarters in Beirut barely a week after booby-trapping Hezbollah pagers and hundreds of radios that did not alert the Iran-backed Shia militia group the way it should have. The attack eliminated half of Hezbollah's leadership council and ate into its military command. In contrast, the attack by Hamas on the anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Yom Kippur war of 1973 last year and this week's rain of missiles by Iran show more desperation and bluster than clinical method. To this asymmetry of military power, we might add a diplomatic situation that has never been as unfriendly to the aspiring state of Palestine as now. Also read | David's Sling and Arrow, the anti-missile systems protecting Israel together with Iron Dome The United States is openly backing Israel's "right to defence" which is for all practical purposes a disproportionate act of offence turned into an opportunity for treating Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinians and now, Lebanese citizens, as vermin that need to be just trodden upon. European nations, for all practical purposes, are busy treating an uneasy mix of domestic economic woes and immigration troubles. China has just begun reviving its sagging economy with a sharp interest rate cut and Russia has its arms full in Ukraine with a war of its own making. Some claps and cheers from American university students, UN General Assembly speeches critical of Israel and outraged posts on WhatsApp groups are not getting us anywhere. If there is anything that appears to sound louder than the missiles and bombs flying between Iran and Israel across Gaza and Lebanon, it is the virtual sound of silence from the Islamic world that seems hardly aligned with Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas — while officially standing up for Palestine in elegant diplomatic postures. Earlier this week, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to recent Israeli attacks, even before Tel Aviv's soldiers walked into Lebanon. Only a diplomatic agreement between the OIC, China, Russia and some other countries with an enough-is-enough approach can get West Asia somewhere near a ceasefire moment. However, none of these parties show any strong effort to put resources behind their apparent intent to help Palestine or other territories invaded by Israel. The US is heading into a fiercely contested presidential election next month, and maybe, just maybe, there is a slim chance that the new administration, at least to save for Washington its supposed role as a superpower, does something to stop the madness in its Middle East by going beyond mumbled efforts to ask Tel Aviv for a ceasefire. But that seems unlikely for now since Washington has asked US forces to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel. The US is now part of the war, more or less. Iran and Hezbollah may vent their anger at Israel, but they seem to have little beyond that. Most of Teheran's missiles have been neutralised mid-air and there is no method in the retaliation apart from a tribalist and tokenist vow of revenge in a cycle of violence that goes back decades if not centuries. But Israel may have reached its limits in crossing into Lebanon. Officially, Israel says its main objective is to eliminate the threat of an October 7-like incursion by Hezbollah into its northern areas. You can never be sure if the reasons are reasonable or were manufactured to justify an attack in a game in which propaganda or falsification of facts are as much a part of the ammunition as firearms and bombs. There are those who believe that Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies are pressuring him to do something on the displacement of thousands of Israelis from the north linked to fears that they may face the kind of attacks faced by Hamas victims last October. If the Israeli leader's objective of doing something to please domestic lobbies has been achieved, we can hope for the beginning of something that looks like a ceasefire or withdrawal. Only an international initiative in which Israel is encircled diplomatically can lead us to a de-escalation of violence and war. Tel Aviv might well respond, since most of its domestic and external objectives, political and military, seem to have been achieved. However, with Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, you never know. They excel in violent urges driven by internal political pressures to show more aggression towards their adversaries, with no sense of proportion, peace, or balance. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Only a multi-national peace initiative can arrest the spiralling West Asia crisis

Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 11 Palestinians, according to health officials in the enclave on Sunday (September 29, 2024). Israeli planes targeted multiple areas in the north, center, and south of the region.

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas Claims 11 Killed In Israeli Air Strikes

In a stark reminder of the economic fallout from ongoing conflicts, moody's has downgraded Israel's credit rating, citing escalating geopolitical risks amid intensified violence with Hezbollah and the grim situation in Gaza.

Moody's Downgrades Israel Amid Conflict

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand a deal with Hamas to return the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War: Protesters In Tel Aviv Seek Early Peace Deal

Hassan Nasrallah is dead. The Hezbollah chief's death has now been confirmed by the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based group. This development has sparked significant concern and speculation regarding the future of the militant group. Killing Nasrallah, who has led Hezbollah for 32 years, would deliver a substantial blow to the organisation.

Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah

For the Lebanese terror group, which has seen the majority of its top leadership eliminated by Israel, the passing of Hassan Nasrallah represents a turning point in the organization's history. According to reports Hashem Safieddine, a relative of Nasrallah, is expected to lead the organization supported by Iran.

Israel-Hezbollah war: All Eyes On Nasrallah's Heir

Israel-Hezbollah War: Iran & Allies Condemn Nasrallah's Killing, Vows Revenge

Israel-Hezbollah War: Peak Tensions After Hassan Nasrallah's Death

The killing of its Chief Hassan Nasrallah marks a huge blow for Iran-backed. Hezbollah is a militant group that has been growing in strength since 1982. Hezbollah whose name means 'Party of God' in Arabic was founded during the Lebanese Civil War. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hezbollah War | What Does Hezbollah Mean: All You Need To Know About Its Origin

Israel-Hezbollah war | Israel Struck 140 Hezbollah Targets In Beirut

Israel-Hezbollah war | Nasrallah's Assassination: US Says No Advance Warning About The Strike

Israel-Hezbollah war: Nasrallah's Assassination carried out by F15I jets

Hezbollah Chief Nasrallah Killed In Israeli Strikes | Israel-Hezbollah War

Hezbollah Confirms The Death Of Nasrallah

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has been eliminated following a deadly strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut late Friday.

IDF Strike: Conducted Precision Attack On Hezbollah Stronghold

Israeli fighter jets carried out a series of massive air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday. The Israeli army claimed it targeted Hezbollah headquarters, which were allegedly located under residential buildings.

Israel-Hezbollah War: IDF Claims Hezbollah Chief 'Eliminated' In Beirut Strike?

Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah Chief Killed In Beirut Strike?

The US Justice Department filed criminal charges on Friday against three Iranian operatives accused of hacking Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and leaking stolen information to media outlets.

US: Iranians Charged For Hacking Trump Campaign

Thousands of Iranians protested on Friday in the capital Tehran and other cities to condemn Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, local journalists and state media reported.

Iranian Protesters Hold Rally In Tehran In Support Of Gaza And Lebanon

Israel's military launched new strikes on the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital Beirut on Friday, shortly after the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's outrageous speech at the U.N. General Assembly.

Israel-Hezbollah war: Israel's Deadly Strike On Beirut

Israel-Hezbollah war: Israel Launches Fresh Strikes On Hezbollah HQ

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran on Friday (September 27, 2024) that Israel will strike if it is hit first and warned that his country can reach any part of the cleric-run state as he vowed to fight on in Gaza. “I have a message for the tyrants of Tehran. If you strike us, we will strike you,” Mr. Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly.

Netanyahu's UNGA Address: Israel PM Warns Iran That Israel Can Strike Anywhere

This week, Israeli forces returned over 80 unidentified bodies to Gazans. As Gaza's health ministry asked for the identification of these bodies, Palestinians dug mass graves for their burial. Meanwhile, a U.S. News outlet has accused Antony Blinken of lying about Gaza aid. We decode this for you in our report.

Antony Blinken Lied To Congress About Aid Delivery To Gaza: Report

As world leaders assembled at the annual gathering of the United Nations general assembly, Iranian president said Tehran is ready to resolve its nuclear stand-off with the west. UN atomic watchdog also confirmed that Iran is ready to revive the nuclear deal. Amid deadly tensions in west Asia, will Iran & U.S. Resolve their nuclear differences?

Will West & Iran Resolve Nuclear Standoff?

Many delegates started leaving the UN General Assembly as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu started addressing the world leaders. The audience started shouting 'shame shame'. The Jewish leader started off by pledging to counter 'slander' at the world body.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Addresses UNGA High-Level Debate, Audience Shouts 'Shame Shame'

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the US and French backed proposal for a ceasefire with the Hezbollah and this comes when Washington has insisted that the truce plan was coordinated with Israel before the announcement regarding the truce plan was made. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: US Baffled As Netanyahu Rejects Truce Plan

The Iran-backed Hezbollah said in a statement that the strike killed Mohammed Srur, born in 1973. The Israeli military earlier said in a statement that its fighter jets had "targeted and eliminated" Srur, identifying him as "the commander of Hezbollah's air unit".

Israel Strike In Beirut Kills Head Of Hezbollah Drone Unit

Israel has rejected a ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah even as Washington insisted the truce plan had been coordinated with Israel. The United States and allies issued a joint call for a 21-day halt in the fighting in Lebanon.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel Defies Ceasefire Calls And Vows To Keep Battling Hezbollah

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