Israeli ramps up strikes on Gaza and Hamas Leaders
Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the Gulf nation of Qatar, an Israeli strike targeting top Hamas leaders marked a major escalation against the group. This Israeli attack has the potential to upend negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza and returning Israeli hostages, according to AP News. While Hamas’ top leaders survived the attack, the incident resulted in the deaths of two lower-ranking members and three bodyguards. On Saturday, Sept. 13, Israel sent a barrage of airstrikes aimed at Gaza City, killing a total of 32 civilians according to AP News. Over the last week, Israel has intensified its strikes across Gaza City, destroying many high-rise buildings under the assumption that Hamas had put surveillance equipment in them. At this time, the Israeli army is ordering residents to evacuate the city as they attempt to take Hama’s last stronghold; however, hundreds of thousands of citizens remain trapped there.
U.S. Secretary of State heads to Israel
The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Israel on Sunday, Sept. 14, following the aftermath of intensified military attacks on northern Gaza, according to AP News. Rubio stated that the reason for his visit was to get answers from Israeli officials about how they plan to move forward after their attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, that have potentially upended any efforts to broker an end to the conflict. The purpose of Rubio’s two-day visit was also to show support for the increasingly isolated Israel, as the United Nations is scheduled to hold a debate next week on commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state. The Israeli Prime Minister stated that he strongly opposes the recognition of a Palestinian state, according to AP News. The Trump administration is currently trying to ease tensions between key Middle East allies despite recent Israeli attacks.
Drone production becoming a major priority in Russia
This month, Russia has sent more than 800 exploding drones spanning across the Ukrainian border. One-way attack drone manufacturing has been made a priority by President Vladimir Putin. These military drones are now being domestically assembled within two main facilities, according to The New York Times. Russia’s new technology and tactics have begun to pose a new challenge for Ukraine, which enjoyed the advantages of drone warfare earlier in the War. Russian drones are currently being used to saturate air defenses and destroy Ukrainian weapons production facilities. Russia claims its drones explicitly attack facilities directly connected to the war; however, they have also targeted hospitals, schools, apartment buildings and parks, killing many Ukrainians, according to the New York Times.
