Concerns about escalation in the Middle East conflict

Situation in the Middle East - Concerns about escalation in the Middle East conflict

While Israel's ground troops are expanding their fighting against the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthi rebels supported by Israel's arch-enemy Iran are fueling the Middle East conflict with renewed attacks on merchant ships.

A US Navy destroyer came to the aid of the ships in the Red Sea and shot down several drones. It is still unclear whether the US destroyer "USS Carney" itself was the target, according to the US military. The Houthis threatened further attacks on Israeli freighters. Israel, on the other hand, emphasized that it had nothing to do with the ships. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate

US Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israel's President Isaac Herzog and the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, about the situation in Gaza on her return flight from the climate conference in Dubai, according to the White House.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, about "ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return of all remaining hostages and to increase assistance to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip".

Israeli army advances in southern Gaza

The army has fought strongly and thoroughly in the north of the sealed-off coastal strip and is now doing the same in the south, explained Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who had fled there on Israel's orders, are crowded into the narrow area. During a visit to the south of the Gaza Strip, UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) spokesman James Elder sharply criticized the Israeli attacks. A "bloodbath" was taking place there.

More and more casualties

According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 15,500 people have already been killed and more than 41,000 others injured in the Gaza Strip. The figures cannot currently be independently verified. However, the United Nations and other observers point out that the authority's figures have proven to be credible in the past.

Another attack by Houthi rebels

In response to Israel's war against Hamas, the Houthi rebels are intensifying their attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. All ships flying the Israeli flag, owned by Israeli companies or operated by Israeli companies are a target, Houthi military spokesman Jahja Sari threatened again on Sunday. Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized that the ships attacked had no connection to the state of Israel. One of the ships had been severely damaged. It was in danger of sinking.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war, attacks by Iran-affiliated groups on US forces in the Middle East have increased, fueling concerns of an even greater escalation in the region. "These attacks pose a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security," the US military said. "We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while perpetrated by the Huthis in Yemen, are fully supported by Iran." The USA would now discuss measures in coordination with international partners.

Harris: Palestinians need perspective

In talks with Israel's President Herzog, US Vice President Harris reaffirmed the USA's support for Israel's right to self-defense. At the same time, however, she also expressed her concern about steps that could lead to an escalation of tensions, such as the violence of extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

In talks with Abbas, she assured him of the USA's support "for the Palestinian people and their right to security, dignity and self-determination". The Palestinian people need a "clear political perspective", the statement continued. The USA wants to advocate a two-state solution to the conflict.

What is important today

Efforts to de-escalate the Gaza war are continuing. Meanwhile, the renewed attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea are causing great concern.