THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023

Top 5 Headlines: 

• Israel Boosts Naval Presence in Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks.
• Escalation of Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq Raises Concerns.
• Egypt to Receive Injured Gazans through Rafah Crossing.
• Turkish President Proposes New Gaza Security Mechanism.
• Jordan Seeks Patriot Missile System to Counter Drug-Laden Drones from Syria. 

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ISRAEL & PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

1. Israeli Soldiers Killed in Intense Gaza Clashes. Nine Israeli soldiers lost their lives in fierce battles within Gaza, with multiple others wounded as the IDF continues its offensive against Hamas, facing urban warfare challenges (Times of Israel).
2. Arrow Missile Intercepts Iranian Ballistic Missile: A Game Changer in the Middle East. Israel’s Arrow missile defense system successfully intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, demonstrating advanced defense capabilities against high-quality threats. This achievement sends a strong message to Iran and enhances Israel’s security, although challenges remain (Jerusalem Post).
3. Israel Boosts Naval Presence in Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks. Israel has deployed missile destroyers to the Red Sea region in response to ongoing missile and drone attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The move aims to enhance defense efforts following recent incidents, including the interception of a missile with the Arrow air-defense system (JNS).
4. Israeli Military Takes Control of Hamas Stronghold in Jabaliya, Killing Senior Leader. Israeli forces expand ground operations in Gaza, eliminate around 600 hostile targets, and intensify air raids on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Escalating regional tensions follow the interception of a missile from the Red Sea, marking the 25th day of the conflict. Hamas’ political bureau deputy head’s house is destroyed, and arrests are made in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Israel remains on high alert as rocket sirens sound near Gaza’s border, while the ground offensive continues (i24).
5. US Requests Israel to Release Frozen Tax Revenues for Palestinians. The US has sought clarification from Israel regarding the Finance Minister’s decision to suspend the transfer of tax revenues collected by Israel for the Palestinian Authority due to the Gaza conflict. The US is concerned that this suspension could undermine the Palestinian Authority and escalate tensions in the West Bank. Israel’s Finance Minister claims that the tax revenues are being used against Israel and calls for a discussion on the matter in the Israeli Security Cabinet (i24).
6. Israel Warns Hezbollah One Day After “Hamas Elimination”. Israel is taking a defensive position on the Lebanese front to avoid exhausting its forces while focusing on the war against Hamas in Gaza, says Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi. He warns that “one day after the elimination of Hamas, Israel will apply the lessons learned” to Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. The Israeli military has been targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon (Sharq Awsat).
7. Hamas Announces the Killing of 7 Hostages in Israeli Airstrikes on Jabalia. Hamas confirmed the deaths of seven hostages, including three holding foreign passports, in Israeli airstrikes on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza (Sky News Arabia).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023

IRAN

8. Iran’s Supreme Leader Urges Muslim Nations to Boycott Israel. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has called upon Muslim countries to halt oil and food exports to Israel in a bid to end its bombardment of Gaza. Khamenei’s statement comes in response to ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, with Iran warning of potential escalation if the aggression continues (Haaretz).
9. Iran’s Regime Denies Proxy Involvement Amidst Ongoing Regional Tensions. Iran’s regime has continued to deny its involvement with proxy forces in the region, despite recent attacks by its militant allies targeting Israel and US forces. While Tehran has historically supported various militant groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis, Iranian officials maintain they have no control over these factions and disavow any direct role in their actions (Iran International).
10. Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Ankara for Gaza Crisis Talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, has traveled to Ankara for discussions with Turkish officials regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He will meet with Turkiye’s Foreign Minister and President to explore potential solutions. This diplomatic effort follows his recent visit to Doha, where discussions with Qatari leaders focused on ending the violence in Gaza (Tasnim News).
11. Supreme Leader Warns of Zionist Regime’s Vulnerability Without US Support. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, spoke to a group of students in Tehran, emphasizing that the Zionist regime’s actions are born out of desperation. He called on Islamic governments to halt the relentless Israeli bombardment of Gaza, characterizing the conflict as a battle between truth and falsehood. Khamenei also reflected on the 1979 US embassy takeover in Tehran as a significant moment in Iran’s history, challenging the United States (Irna).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023

IRAQ

12. Escalation of Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq Raises Concerns. Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq are escalating attacks on foreign military presence, challenging the Iraqi government’s authority and raising concerns about potential U.S. sanctions. The situation also highlights Iran’s use of regional proxies to end U.S. presence. The recent declaration by Al-Nujaba’s Secretary-General to militarily liberate Iraq adds to the tension. (MEO).
13. Kurdish Regional President Meets US Ambassador. The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, met with the US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, to discuss enhancing relations between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the United States, under the US-Iraqi strategic agreement. They emphasized continued cooperation and the importance of protecting the security of international coalition forces and diplomatic missions throughout Iraq. Internal conditions in the Kurdistan Region and recent developments in the region were also discussed (Bas News).
14. Islamic Resistance Targets US “Tanf” Base in Syria. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced the targeting of the “Tanf” base, affiliated with the American occupation in Syria, using two drones and confirming direct hits. This action continues the pattern of targeting American bases in Iraq and Syria in conjunction with the “Taufan Al-Aqsa” battle and the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza. The Pentagon reported approximately 23 attacks on US forces from October 17 to October 30 (Almayadeen).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023

THE GULF REGION & YEMEN

15. The Gulf Cooperation Council and the Muslim World League condemn the targeting of Jabalia camp. The Gulf Cooperation Council and the Islamic World League strongly denounce the Israeli military’s assault on Gaza’s Jabalia Camp, considering it a heinous war crime and urging the international community to protect civilians. The attack resulted in approximately 400 casualties, including fatalities and injuries (:24).
16. UAE Reiterates Commitment to Abraham Accords Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict. The United Arab Emirates affirms its dedication to the Abraham Accords despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Emirati officials emphasize the Accords’ role in fostering regional security and people-to-people engagement. They call for countering hate narratives and distinguishing between Hamas and the Palestinian population (Jerusalem Post).
17. Qatar-Brokered Deal for Gaza Evacuations Involving Egypt, Hamas, and Israel. Qatar has mediated an agreement between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas, with U.S. coordination, to facilitate the evacuation of foreign passport holders and critically injured individuals from besieged Gaza. The agreement permits their movement through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, although the duration of the crossing’s opening remains unspecified (Jerusalem Post).
18. Saudi Arabia Still Interested in Normalization with Israel. According to Axios, Saudi Arabia remains interested in pursuing a normalization agreement with Israel, with a congressional delegation from the United States visiting the kingdom. The congressional delegation, led by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, was told by Saudi officials that they are still interested in a normalization deal with Israel. These statements come after a major attack by Iran-backed Hamas on Israel in October. However, Saudi Arabia has suspended talks regarding potential normalization with Israel after the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas (Alhurra).
19. Iran-Backed Houthis Strike Israel as Hezbollah Considers Joining Conflict. Iran-supported Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles at Israel’s Eilat, signaling their entry into the Israel-Hamas conflict. This move raises concerns of wider regional involvement. Meanwhile, Hezbollah in Lebanon contemplates a potential war declaration against Israel. The situation remains fluid, with the United States and Iran closely monitoring the developments (Iran International).
20. International Calls for Investigation into the Death of a Yemeni Relief Worker in Houthi Detention. The organization “Save the Children” has suspended two-thirds of its programs in areas under Houthi control in Yemen following the death of Hisham Al-Hakimi, head of security and safety for the organization, during his detention in a Houthi-controlled intelligence prison. There are international demands for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident, as well as calls for the release of three United Nations staff members currently detained by the Houthis. European Union ambassadors in Yemen have also called for a swift and comprehensive disclosure of the circumstances surrounding Al-Hakimi’s death (Sharq Awsat).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023

EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA

21. Egypt to Receive Injured Gazans through Rafah Crossing. Egyptian authorities announced the reopening of the Rafah border crossing to allow the transfer of 81 seriously injured Palestinian patients to receive medical treatment in Egypt. This move comes amid the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has left thousands of Palestinians wounded and killed (Anadolu Agency).
22. First Group of Dual Nationality Holders and Palestinians Exit Gaza to Egypt. The first group of individuals holding dual nationalities, including Palestinians, exited Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. This move followed Egypt’s exceptional decision to allow the transfer of around 90 injured Palestinians and the departure of approximately 450 dual nationals and foreigners. It’s expected that a total of 520 individuals will be permitted to cross into Egypt over two days (Sharq Awsat).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023

SYRIA

23. Jordan Seeks Patriot Missile System to Counter Drug-Laden Drones from Syria. Jordan is requesting a Patriot missile system from the United States to defend its borders against drug-smuggling drones from Syria. The advanced technology used for smuggling poses a significant threat. Jordan emphasizes the need for collaboration to counter the drug threat, which extends beyond its borders, affecting Gulf states and other nations (Shaam).
24. Arrests by SDF in Hasakah While Eastern Deir ez-Zor Witnesses Tribal Attacks. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) conducted widespread arrests in the countryside of Hasakah province while, simultaneously, armed tribesmen launched attacks in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor. The SDF deployed reinforcements from the Rmelan base in Hasakah to Deir ez-Zor, including more than 20 vehicles, amid escalating tensions in northeastern Syria. In response, Arab tribal forces carried out individual weapon attacks and fired RPG rockets near Deir ez-Zor, targeting an SDF military point. The situation follows a recent incident where an 18-year-old youth was killed by stray gunfire from SDF elements in the region. This comes in the wake of a series of clashes in which 19 people were killed in the region (Zaman Alwsl).
25. U.S. Deploys 300 Additional Troops to Support Forces in the Region. The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has announced its intention to deploy an additional 300 American soldiers in the U.S. Central Command’s operational area. These troops will provide capabilities in defusing explosive ordnance, communications, and other support tasks to complement existing forces in the region. The deployment aims to support regional deterrence efforts and enhance the protection of U.S. forces (Enab Baladi). 
26. U.S. Forces Thwart New Attack on Al-Tanf Base in Eastern Syria. According to an Iraqi government source, the U.S. military has thwarted a recent attack on the Al-Tanf American base in eastern Syria. The source reported that U.S. forces intercepted two drones aiming to target the Al-Tanf base located near the tri-border area (Syria, Jordan, Iraq) in eastern Homs. This follows the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” militia’s claim of launching drone attacks on the same base and similar incidents targeting U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq in recent weeks, which they attribute to Israeli aggression in Gaza (Syria TV).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023

TURKIYE

27. Türkiye and Iran’s Joint Efforts to Prevent Israel-Palestine Conflict Escalation. Türkiye and Iran are collaborating to prevent the Gaza conflict from escalating into a regional war. They emphasize the importance of achieving a ceasefire and long-term peace, urging international involvement for a solution accepted by Palestine and regional nations. Criticizing the European Union’s stance, they call for efforts to secure permanent peace in Palestine. Iran condemns Israel’s actions and its use of prohibited weapons, warning of potential consequences if the conflict continues. The foreign ministers discuss the situation in Palestine, regional developments, and bilateral relations, highlighting the need to avert a crisis (Daily Sabah).
28. Palestine Supports Turkiye’s “Guarantor” Formula. Palestine’s Ambassador to Ankara, Faed Mustafa, expressed support for Turkiye’s efforts to create guarantor countries in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Mustafa emphasized the need for political and diplomatic support for Turkiye’s role as a guarantor and called for the return of Palestinian rights from Israel. He also highlighted the importance of international support for Palestine and the challenges they face in the conflict (Star).
29. Turkiye-UAE Economic Partnership. The Turkiye-UAE Joint Committee (JETCO) established during President Erdogan’s UAE visit aims to boost trade, investment, and collaboration. Both countries see each other as crucial economic partners, with a plan to increase trade volume from $14 billion to $25 billion rapidly. They have also engaged in various sectors, with potential investment opportunities. The Kalkınma Yolu Project seeks to reduce cargo transit time from Basra Gulf to the EU from one month to four days, involving UAE, Turkiye, Iraq, and possibly Saudi Arabia (Sabah).
30. Erdogan Condemns Israel’s Actions in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly criticized Israel, stating it has lost its state mentality and now behaves like an organization. He also condemned Western countries, particularly European nations, for failing the humanitarian test in Gaza. Erdogan called for an immediate halt to Israel’s actions and emphasized the need for international accountability for war crimes in Gaza (TRT Arabic).
31. Turkish President Proposes New Gaza Security Mechanism. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has suggested establishing a new security mechanism in Gaza, with regional cooperation, to address the Israel-Hamas conflict. He expressed Türkiye’s readiness to take responsibility for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration. Erdoğan also reiterated his call for a peace conference involving relevant parties (Daily News).
32. Turkiye’s Pursuit of ICC Action Against Israeli War Crimes. Following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s declaration of Israel as a “war criminal” in a pro-Palestinian rally, Turkish authorities are actively exploring avenues to present Israel’s actions against Palestinian civilians as war crimes before the International Criminal Court (ICC) (MEM).
33. Supersonic US Bomber Lands in Turkiye’s Incirlik Base. The US European Command announced the arrival of the supersonic bomber, B-1B Lancer, at Turkiye’s Incirlik Air Base, marking a historic milestone. The mission aims to demonstrate US readiness to support regional objectives and showcase American airpower worldwide. This strategic bomber conducted its first-ever hot-pit refueling at Incirlik, reducing ground time and enabling faster return to flight. The event strengthens US-Turkiye NATO relations and emphasizes their strong alliance (Syria TV).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023

LEBANON

34. Lebanese official: The United States urges Hezbollah to avoid conflict with Israel. A senior Hezbollah figure revealed that the United States, along with some of its allies, has sent multiple messages imploring the Lebanese resistance movement to refrain from entering into a conflict with Israel. Hezbollah has responded by emphasizing its commitment to its own agenda while warning of unpredictable actions if the situation necessitates it (Tasnim News).
35. Lebanon Unprepared for Looming War Threat. As Lebanon grapples with a severe economic crisis, it faces the threat of war, but is ill-equipped to handle it. Emergency services lack basic equipment, and the population is living in poverty. Recent cross-border skirmishes with Israel have heightened tensions, leading to displacement and a lack of resources for local authorities (Nahar Net).
36. Hezbollah Official Predicts Israel’s Collapse After Al-Aqsa Operation. A senior Hezbollah official, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, stated that Israel is teetering on the brink of collapse after the Al-Aqsa Storm operation on October 7. He emphasized the Israeli regime’s military and intelligence deterioration, crediting the Palestinian operation’s success. Safieddine highlighted the disarray within Israel’s security apparatus and mentioned that the United States’ influence in the region has been compromised (Tasnim News).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 1, 2023