THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023

Top 5 Headlines: 

• Israeli President Herzog Responds to Criticism in Post-Attack Interview.
• Iranian-Backed Militias Strike US Bases Post High-Level US-Iraq-Iran Talks.
• Israel Successfully Intercepts Houthi Missile Beyond Earth’s Borders.
• Khamenei: Iraq is capable of ending the war in Gaza.
• Turkey Develops Ship Protection Systems against Invisible Threats.

Currencies:

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ISRAEL & PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

1. Israeli President Herzog Responds to Criticism in Post-Attack Interview. Israeli President Isaac Herzog refutes Angelina Jolie’s accusations and details the harrowing aftermath of the Hamas terror attack, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense and the moral imperative to combat terrorism. He recounts personal experiences at attack sites and addresses global reactions, while calling for a firm stance against what he describes as evil. To watch the entire video with Arabic transcript click on the following link (ACLS YouTube). 
2. Zelensky Points to Russia, Iran, and North Korea for Hamas Support. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has accused Russia, Iran, and North Korea of supporting Hamas in its attacks against Israel. In an interview, Zelensky blamed these nations for exacerbating the conflict, which has seen a significant escalation with thousands of rockets launched by Hamas on October 7, leading to a severe response from Israel. Despite Iran’s denial of direct involvement, Zelensky called for international intervention to halt the conflict. His potential visit to Israel hinges on the situation in Ukraine and the return of detained Ukrainians from Israel (Iran International). 
3. Global Powers Allegedly Amplify Online Support for Hamas, Undermine US and Israel. Iran, Russia, and China are reportedly intensifying online disinformation campaigns to support Hamas and challenge US and Israeli narratives. Experts note unprecedented levels of propaganda, suggesting involvement by state or significant nonstate actors. Amidst the conflict, these campaigns are seen as part of a broader geopolitical contest with the United States, with implications for regional and global power dynamics (Times of Israel).
4. Palestinian Activist Ahed Tamimi Arrested by Israeli Troops on Incitement Charges. Ahed Tamimi, a prominent Palestinian figure since her teenage years, was detained by Israeli forces on allegations of inciting violence, which her family contests, attributing to a purported fake social media post. Tamimi, known for slapping an Israeli soldier in 2017, has been a vocal opponent of Israeli land policies in the West Bank. The authenticity of the inciting Instagram post remains unverified (Reuters). 
5. UN Security Council Fails to Pass Gaza Ceasefire Resolution. The UN Security Council has been unable to adopt a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, one month into the conflict. The resolution, presented by a group of ten non-permanent members, faced opposition from the US and the UK, who hold veto power. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected a comprehensive ceasefire and emphasized the need for continued military pressure. The hopes for a ceasefire have dimmed, despite international efforts to negotiate humanitarian pauses and aid delivery (Sharq Awsat).
6. Hamas Rockets Launched from Lebanon; IDF Responds. Hamas militants in Southern Lebanon fired around 30 rockets at Israel, leading to air-raid sirens in cities like Haifa, Nahariya, and Akko. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted some rockets, and most landed in the Mediterranean Sea. Hamas in Lebanon claimed responsibility, striking Nahariya and Haifa (JNS).
7. Israel’s $14 Billion Aid Package Includes Massive Iron Dome Expansion. US President Joe Biden’s $14 billion aid package to Israel will fund the assembly of up to 100 additional Iron Dome launchers, expanding Israel’s air defense capabilities. The package also includes funds for approximately 14,000 interceptors, allowing Israel to deploy around 25 new Iron Dome batteries across the country. This aid is expected to replace outdated equipment currently in use by the Israeli Defense Forces (Jerusalem Post).
8. Israel Successfully Intercepts Houthi Missile Beyond Earth’s Borders. Israel recently intercepted a Houthi-launched missile outside Earth’s borders. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have launched long-range ballistic missiles towards Israel. This marks the first time Israel intercepted a missile beyond its borders, and they have successfully defended against multiple Houthi missile attacks on Tel Aviv. The Houthi spokesperson stated they would continue their operations until Israeli aggression against Gaza ceases (i24).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023

IRAN

9. Iran’s President Raisi to Attend OIC Summit in Riyadh. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s historic visit to Saudi Arabia for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit on the Gaza crisis signals thawing relations between the two nations. The summit aims to address the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict (Jerusalem Post).
10. Khamenei: Iraq is capable of ending the war in Gaza. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei emphasized Iraq’s pivotal role in potentially ending the Gaza crisis during a meeting with Sudan’s Prime Minister in Tehran, discussing the tragic events in Gaza and the need to stop Israeli aggression and provide humanitarian aid. Khamenei highlighted Iraq’s ability to create a new path in the Arab and Islamic world (Mawazin).
11. Iran’s President Raisi to Visit Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Tajikistan at the invitation of President Emomali Rahmon and attend an Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit in Uzbekistan. Discussions will include trade cooperation and international issues like the Gaza crisis during the two-day trip (Irna).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023

IRAQ

12. Iranian-Backed Militias Strike US Bases Post High-Level US-Iraq-Iran Talks. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s Tehran visit post-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Baghdad meeting brought to light divergent views on Gaza’s conflict. While Blinken warned against threats to U.S. personnel, Iran’s leadership accused the U.S. of instigating the Gaza war and criticized its support for Israel. The talks stressed the need for a ceasefire and aid to Gaza. Subsequently, Iranian-backed militias attacked four U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, a move seen as a direct reaction to these diplomatic engagements. The “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” claimed the strikes, signaling the volatile interplay between peace efforts and military actions in the region (Syria TV). 

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023

THE GULF REGION & YEMEN

13. Palestinian-Emirati Talks on Ceasing Gaza War. Hussein Al-Sheikh, the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, discussed ways to cease the war in Gaza with the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The talks also covered opening safe passages for humanitarian aid and coordinating international efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire. The UAE is diplomatically pushing for an end to the Gaza conflict, providing humanitarian support, and establishing a field hospital in Gaza (Alkhaleej Online).
14. Qatar Denounces Israeli Claims of Tunnels under Gaza’s Sheikh Hamad Hospital. Qatar strongly condemns Israeli military’s baseless allegations of tunnels beneath Gaza’s Sheikh Hamad Hospital, considering it an attempt to justify the targeting of civilian facilities. The hospital, funded by Qatar and supervised by the Qatari committee for Gaza’s reconstruction, provides essential medical services for civilians (Aljazeera).
15. UAE Sets Up Field Hospital in Coordination with Israel in Southern Gaza. The UAE’s President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, has initiated the establishment of a field hospital in Gaza as part of the “Al Faris Al Shahim 3” humanitarian campaign. The hospital, expected to have a capacity of 150 beds, will be built in coordination with Israel and offer a range of medical services, including surgery, pediatrics, dental care, and psychological support (i24).
16. Houthi Group Announces New Drone Attack on Israel. The Yemeni Houthi group has declared launching a batch of drones targeting sensitive Israeli locations. They caused disruptions at undisclosed targets in Israel. The Houthi spokesman vowed further military operations in support of the Palestinian people against Israeli aggression in Gaza, with Israel yet to respond (Aljazeera).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023

EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA

17. Reopening of Rafah Crossing for Evacuation to Egypt. Hamas has reopened the Rafah Crossing, connecting Gaza to Egypt, to facilitate the evacuation of foreigners and dual nationals stranded in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes. The crossing was previously open for three days to evacuate Palestinian casualties and foreign passport holders, with occasional closures due to disputes over ambulance access. Preparations are underway to receive 30 injured Palestinians under the supervision of the International Red Cross, and negotiations with international parties are ongoing to ensure a safe passage for ambulances without exposure to airstrikes (Sharq Awsat).
18. Egypt Challenges Israel’s Gaza Plans, Calls Them Unrealistic. Egypt has been informing the US that Israel’s objective of removing Hamas from Gaza is an unrealistic goal. Egypt resists any forced displacement and security agreements, highlighting its desire for a swift end to the conflict. This stance by Egypt underscores its assertive role in the conflict and concerns about potential destabilization in the Sinai region (Middle East Eye).
19. Sisi Meets Kiir, Agrees to Intensify Sudan Conflict Resolution Efforts. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir have agreed to intensify communications with Sudanese parties to resolve the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The move aims to address the crisis that has resulted in thousands of casualties and millions of displaced people in Sudan since April 2023. Egypt expresses its commitment to supporting South Sudan despite global economic challenges (Aljazeera).
20. Haftar Has No Plans to Grant Russia a Military Base. A senior source from the Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, denied any intention to establish any kind of agreement with Russia to grant them a military base in eastern Libya. This comes in response to reports suggesting Moscow’s interest in a defense deal, following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Haftar in Moscow last September (Sharq Awsat).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023

SYRIA

21. Al-Mekdad Arrives in Riyadh for Emergency Summit. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Al-Mekdad is in Riyadh to prepare for the upcoming Arab emergency summit that will discuss the situation in Gaza (Syria TV).
22. Civilian Casualties in Idlib as Schools Dismiss Amid Regime and Russian Shelling. Civilians in Idlib were killed and injured in artillery and aerial bombardments by Syrian regime and Russian forces, coinciding with school dismissal. The attacks have resulted in a dire humanitarian situation, with hundreds of displaced civilians facing harsh winter conditions in poorly-equipped camps (Syria TV).
23. Turkey’s Ongoing Border Security Measures with Syria. Turkey has continuously enforced strict border security measures, including a concrete wall, advanced technology systems, and increased military presence along its 911-kilometer border with Syria. These efforts aim to combat illegal migration and smuggling, as well as protect against potential security threats. The measures have led to a significant reduction in unauthorized border crossings and increased border control (Enab Baladi).
24. SDF Establishes Military Points on the Eastern Bank of the Euphrates River. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have begun setting up military points on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, opposite areas under Syrian government control in Deir ez-Zor. This move coincides with increased attacks that the SDF claims are supported by the government. The SDF aims to strengthen border security and counter smuggling activities in response to ongoing security challenges (Enab Baladi).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023

TURKIYE

25. Turkey Develops Ship Protection Systems against Invisible Threats. STM, a Turkish defense technology company, has successfully developed local systems to protect warships against chemical, biological, and nuclear threats known as “invisible threats.” These systems can also be used in civilian applications to provide high-quality protection against unseen dangers. STM’s commitment to enhancing Turkey’s self-sufficiency in defense industries is reflected in their innovative solutions and international collaborations (Anadolu Agency).
26. Turkish Intelligence Eliminates PKK Official in Northern Iraq. Turkish intelligence successfully eliminated Ayshe Arslan, a PKK/KGK terrorist organization official responsible for the Hakurk region in northern Iraq. Arslan, also known as “Tekoşin Jinda,” had joined the organization in 2004 and was active within its Syrian wing, the PYD/PKK, since 2014 (Daily Sabah).
27. Turkish Foreign Minister Engages with European Counterparts on Gaza Conflict. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate phone discussions with Dutch and Czech foreign ministers, addressing the Gaza conflict and emphasizing the need for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian aid. They also discussed preventing the situation from escalating into a regional crisis and the importance of the Black Sea grain deal (Anadolu Agency).
28. Turkish-US Talks on Sweden’s NATO Membership and F-16 Deal. Turkish and American foreign ministers, Hakan Fidan and Antony Blinken, discussed Sweden’s NATO membership and Turkey’s acquisition of F-16 fighter jets during their talks in Ankara. The conversations centered on these two key issues, with the US administration continuing efforts to secure Turkey’s F-16 purchase and emphasizing the importance of Sweden’s swift NATO membership approval. The US Congress had linked Turkey’s F-16 deal to its approval of Sweden’s NATO request. Talks on these topics have progressed, and Turkey aims for a positive outcome (Sharq Awsat).

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023

LEBANON

29. Lebanon Files UN Complaint Against Israel Over Civilian Targeting. The Lebanese government has filed a new complaint with the United Nations Security Council against Israel after an airstrike on a civilian vehicle in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of a family. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for international intervention and urged adherence to UN principles and justice. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets at Kiryat Shmona, Israel, near the Lebanon border, emphasizing a firm response to civilian attacks (BBC). 

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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Nov 7- 2023