Israel’s Shin Bet vows to hunt down Hamas in Lebanon, Qatar, and Turkey
Shin Bet, The head of Israel’s domestic security agency has reportedly pledged to assassinate Hamas members in Lebanon, Turkey, and Qatar, as revealed in a leaked recording aired by Israel’s public broadcaster Kan. In the recording. Israeli officials had previously also hinted at plans to assassinate Hamas officials in Lebanon, Qatar, and Turkey, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Source: The New Arab
Erdogan says Israel’s Netanyahu ‘will be tried as war criminal’
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would eventually be tried as a war criminal over Israel’s ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip, while slamming Western countries supporting Israel. “Netanyahu is the butcher of Gaza right now, will be tried as the butcher of Gaza, just as Milosevic was tried,” Erdogan said, in reference to Yugoslav ex-President Slobodan Milosevic who was tried for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes at a tribunal in The Hague. Source: Malaymai
IDF Advances in Gaza, Faces Prolonged Ground Operation
The Israel-Hamas war resumption presents new challenges for Israel. The IDF has established a southern line of advance, splitting the Gaza Strip into two. Given Hamas’s resistance, Israel’s remaining ground operation is expected to take several months. Source: Alex Plitsas, Atlantic Council
Taliban Establishes Diplomatic Ties with China, Marking a Shift in Global Relations
Taliban officially sends ambassador abroad for first time to China. Their choice of destination underlines the importance of Beijing’s active diplomatic engagement with the Taliban. While Western states’ human rights concerns will continue to limit their engagement with Kabul. Source: Stratfor
Bhutan-China Border Agreement Raises Alarms in India
Bhutan and China are nearing a border agreement which may alarm India, as recent images show construction of Chinese settlement with a large road network in Bhutan’s Jakarlung Valley. Bhutan is thought to give up its Jakarlung and Menchuma Valley land seized by China. India worries about focus shifting to Bhutan’s disputed west territory, including Doklam plateau. Source: John Pollock, Chatham House
Bangladesh’s BNP Boycotts Elections, Risking Mass Arrests and Economic Disruption
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its “like-minded parties” did not submit their nominations for the elections. This could lead to govt’s mass arrests and consequent violence, disrupting economic productivity and businesses amid Bangladesh’s cost-of-living crisis. Source: Stratfor