Author: Steven Sahiounie

Israeli Airstrikes Targeting Lebanon Israeli airstrikes have repeatedly targeted various towns in eastern and southern Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah announced that it had shelled Israeli positions with multiple rocket attacks and engaged in clashes with Israeli forces in the south. According to reports from Al Jazeera, Israeli airstrikes hit the outskirts of the town of Bazourieh in the Tyre district, as well as the town of Arnaba in the Sidon district. Further airstrikes targeted regions in Nabatieh, Marjayoun, and Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon. Moreover, additional airstrikes struck the towns of Qlaia, Arsal, and Mashghara in the Beqaa Valley in…

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a warning on Sunday, stating that any attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) could amount to war crimes. This warning follows a recent incident in which two Israeli tanks breached the gates of a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon. Recent Allegations Against Israel This incident represents the latest accusation against Israel for violating the rights of international peacekeeping missions. Additionally, Israel has launched several attacks on UNIFIL in recent days. The mission is officially known as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. UN Response to Ongoing Attacks UN…

On Sunday evening, Palestinian journalist Mohammed Khairy reported that Hezbollah launched an advanced drone that struck Bennyamina, located south of Haifa. He emphasized that there is a significant media blackout in Israel regarding the targeted location. Details of the Attack In an interview with Al Jazeera, Khairy noted that various Israeli groups circulated images related to the attack. These images showed dining halls used by Israeli soldiers, where blood was visible on the floors. Furthermore, an Israeli website named “Kikar Hashabbat” quoted eyewitnesses and security sources. They claimed that the drone flew at a low altitude, fired a missile at…

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced its intention to deploy the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system in Israel. This system is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles and will be accompanied by U.S. military personnel who will oversee its operation. In a statement released by its press office on Sunday, the Pentagon explained that the deployment of the THAAD battery and the associated American military personnel comes “at the direction of President Joe Biden and under the authorization of Secretary Lloyd Austin.” The Pentagon justified the deployment, stating it aims “to enhance Israel’s air defenses…

An Israeli court in Jerusalem ordered the release of American journalist Jeremy Loffredo after he was detained for four days by Israeli police. Loffredo had been accused of revealing the locations where Iranian missiles struck during an early October attack on Israel, in a YouTube video. Loffredo works for the U.S.-based news outlet The Grayzone, known for its left-leaning perspectives, according to a report by Haaretz. The report also stated that Loffredo was questioned “on suspicion of providing information to the enemy and assisting during wartime.” Although the Jerusalem court ordered his release, Loffredo was banned from leaving Israel for…

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “two days ago” during Netanyahu’s visit to the United States. Trump made these remarks in an interview aired by Fox News on Sunday. He said, “The meeting happened around two days ago, and Netanyahu came to my home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, with his wife, who was very friendly.” Trump had previously hosted Netanyahu at his Palm Beach resort in Florida in July, marking their first meeting since Trump’s presidency ended. It is unclear whether Trump was referring to that same visit…

A double attack involving drones and rockets, launched by Hezbollah, killed 4 Israeli soldiers and injured 67 others on Sunday. The attack targeted Haifa in northern Israel, marking the deadliest strike since the war began. The Israeli army confirmed in a statement that 4 soldiers were killed and 67 injured after a drone exploded in Binyamina, south of Haifa. However, the army did not specify whether all casualties were military personnel. Details of the Attack A senior Hezbollah leader told to media that the Binyamina operation was carried out using a swarm of explosive drones. He emphasized that Hezbollah’s resistance…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent request to remove UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) from southern Lebanon stems from a broader strategy. This strategy targets the United Nations and its Secretary-General, António Guterres, while considering military factors on the ground. Israel’s Shift in Stance Towards the UN Political analyst Ali Shukr explained that Israel has moved from hostile rhetoric against the UN to taking direct actions. The presence of UNIFIL forces along the Lebanese-Israeli border plays a key role in this shift. These forces are stationed at strategic points that benefit the Israeli military by offering vital intelligence on Lebanese positions.…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On October 10, an Israeli Mekava tank attacked the UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon, injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers who are recovering in hospital, although Israel is also bombing hospitals and killing paramedics in Lebanon.Indonesia, a steadfast supporter of Palestine, and critic of Israel, has about 1,232 personnel currently deployed with UNIFIL in Lebanon.The International community was united in strong condemnation of the Israeli breach of international law. Israel was aware of the location of the UNIFIL watchtower in Naqoura, and that the UN personnel are to remain safe from attacks. The Israeli Ambassador to…

21st CenturyWire correspondant Arnaud DEVELAY caught up with elected Member of the Russian State Duma and Ranking Member of the Duma’s Commission for International Affairs, Maria BUTINA. Q: Let us start with what has been a crackdown on free speech around the world with the raid on Scott Ritter’s house, the arrest of individuals in the UK for merely posting comments on social networks and the arrest in France of Telegram founder and CEO, Pavel Durov. What can you tell us about this worrying development? Maria Butina: I view it as purely political in nature. First of all, there’s a…