Two Al Jazeera Journalists Reportedly Killed in Israeli Strike Near Gaza City

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Facts

  • Al Jazeera said on Wednesday that Ismail al-Ghoul and his cameraman Rami al-Refee were killed in an Israeli strike in the Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City. The pair had reportedly been near the Gaza home of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran on Wednesday.[1]
  • Reports indicate that al-Ghoul and al-Refee were in a vehicle when the strike occurred. Israel's military did not comment on their deaths.[2]
  • Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech on Wednesday that 'challenging days are ahead,' but Israel is 'ready for every scenario.' He reiterated his desire to continue fighting, as 'All of the achievements in recent months were attained because we did not give in.'[3]
  • Netanyahu did not comment on Haniyeh's killing. He also claimed that the possibility of a cease-fire was not off the table. Qatar and Egypt, which have acted as mediators in cease-fire negotiations, said Haniyeh's killing undermined talks.[4][5]
  • White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday that it is 'too soon to know' how Haniyeh's killing would influence negotiations, adding that a larger war between Israel and Hezbollah was not imminent. A US official told Axios that the Biden admin. is concerned Haniyeh's death could derail talks.[6]
  • In Gaza, the humanitarian situation continues to fester. The head of the water networks at Khan Younis municipality claimed that Israeli forces destroyed several water wells in Rafah and Khan Younis earlier this month, only worsening the strip's water crisis.[7]

Sources: [1]Al Jazeera, [2]Timesofisrael (a), [3]Timesofisrael (b), [4]FOX News, [5]Reuters (a), [6]Axios and [7]Reuters (b).

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Ft. A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
  • Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. Israel continues to demonstrate its resolve and its commitment to defend its citizens. Iran has launched an existential war against Israel, and it must act proactively to ensure its security. Had Israel caved to the pressure, it would not have achieved so much in recent months. Israel wants to end the war, but it must be on acceptable terms that prevent Hamas' survival.
  • Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. Israel's aggressive posture only demonstrates that it is a rogue state that would rather light the region on fire than stop its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Netanyahu continues to engage in provocative acts because he has failed to achieve his political and military objectives. While Netanyahu extends the war to ensure his political survival, the US continues to support Israel with a blank check and obfuscate its role in the carnage.
  • Narrative D, as provided by Almayadeen. Hezbollah and the regional resistance's primary goal has always been to end the war in Gaza, not start a far larger regional conflict. Nonetheless, Israel's aggression against Beirut and Hamas' political leadership must be responded to.

Predictions