FinPol Digest

  A Programme of Empty Promises Canada’s Gaza visa programme was introduced with high hopes, offering a lifeline to Palestinian families trapped in the war-torn enclave. However, what began as a beacon of hope quickly turned into a source of frustration and heartbreak. Families like Omar Omar’s, who have been advocating tirelessly for over a year, feel let down by the programme’s inefficiencies. “We have lost so much back in Gaza, and this struggle is tearing apart our lives here,” Omar lamented. With the bombings showing no signs of abating, families are left grappling with an overwhelming sense of betrayal. Navigating an Overcomplicated Process From its launch, the Gaza visa scheme faced criticism for its complex and invasive application requirements. Applicants were asked to provide information far beyond what is typical for visa processes, including detailed work histories and descriptions of scars or injuries. Many families struggled to navigate these additional hurdles, which...

  Israel's military continues its heavy bombardment of southern Beirut, hitting the city's southern suburbs for the second consecutive day. These air strikes have devastated key areas, including the Dahiyeh district, where several buildings were levelled. The ongoing attacks have resulted in significant casualties, including at least eight people killed in the village of Dawhit Aramoun, just south of Beirut. Among the victims were three women and three children, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The region is bracing for further violence as Israel's air force intensifies its strikes, while the Lebanese government awaits a ceasefire proposal from international powers, particularly Washington. Casualties Mount as Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Fire The deadly exchange between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has escalated since early October, with both sides ramping up their offensive operations. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports that, since October...

  In a sharp escalation of hostilities, US forces conducted targeted strikes on Iranian-backed groups in Syria. CENTCOM reported that these strikes were a direct response to recent attacks on US personnel, emphasizing the US’s intention to deter such groups from further aggression. General Michael Erik Kurilla stressed that any attack on US forces would be met with decisive action. The US has maintained a presence in Syria and Iraq to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, with around 900 troops stationed in Syria and another 2,500 in Iraq. The region, however, remains a powder keg, with multiple groups vying for power, and recent clashes with Iranian-aligned forces reveal the complex dynamics that challenge US operations. CENTCOM announced that the strikes were aimed at degrading the capabilities of these Iranian-backed groups, hitting nine targets across two locations. By focusing on strategic sites, the US hopes to limit the operational reach of these factions and prevent future assaul...

  On a tense Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam’s Dam Square, police detained over 100 pro-Palestine demonstrators who had gathered in defiance of a newly enacted protest ban. The ban was upheld by an Amsterdam court earlier that day in response to escalating tensions involving Israeli football fans and counter-protesters. While the demonstrators maintained a peaceful stance, chanting slogans like “Free Palestine,” they were swiftly met by police in riot gear. For a city like Amsterdam, known for embracing public demonstrations, the ban was an unexpected development. Just three days prior, violent confrontations broke out between Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and local residents. The scenes on Dam Square seemed surreal to many, as police engaged with demonstrators, leaving tourists and onlookers shocked. Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen reported seeing tourists from India wearing the keffiyeh, who were questioned by police despite their lack of involvement in the rally, underscoring the tense atmosphe...

  In recent weeks, Israel's air forces have launched a series of aggressive strikes on Lebanon, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions in the region. This offensive has resulted in the loss of dozens of lives, mainly targeting areas in the southern part of Lebanon and its eastern border. Health authorities have reported that the toll has surpassed 29, many of whom were Syrians residing in the Bekaa valley. Despite the international community's growing demands for a ceasefire, Israel has expanded its bombardments for a fourth consecutive day, demonstrating a staunch commitment to its military objectives. The town of Younine in the Bekaa valley, close to the Syrian border, has been one of the hardest-hit areas in this relentless offensive. Several villages in southern Lebanon, including the well-known city of Tyre, have also been targeted by Israeli air raids. Beirut’s suburbs were not spared either, where at least two individuals lost their lives and 15 more were injured. The...

  In the past week, the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has been dramatically altered by a series of coordinated attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, the latter being an ally of Hamas in Lebanon. As tensions escalate, the conflict, which began in Gaza, now threatens to spread across the region, pulling in neighboring states and further destabilizing an already volatile area. The roots of Hezbollah's current position lie in its origins during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s when Israel occupied southern Lebanon. Initially, Hezbollah was viewed as a resistance movement representing Lebanon’s Shia community. However, following Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah retained its weapons, defying a UN resolution that called for its disarmament. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful political and military entity, heavily supported by Iran, and has played a pivotal role in shaping Lebanon’s domestic and foreign policies. Last week’s unexpected targ...

  If Trump returns to the White House, he will inherit a region more volatile than ever, with Israel in the center of his Middle East focus. During his first term, Trump championed Israel, solidifying ties and supporting its claims over disputed territories. This loyalty to Israel has earned him favor among certain voter groups, but it also raises questions about his commitment to broader regional peace. Trump’s vocal support of Israel aligns closely with the priorities of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who benefits politically from Trump’s endorsement. Netanyahu faces challenges at home, especially with his coalition pushing for a hardline stance on Gaza. A Trump presidency may embolden Netanyahu’s plans, possibly supporting Israel’s aggressive tactics against Hezbollah and Hamas. This alignment could strain relations with neighboring Arab countries that have warned against escalation in Gaza. One of Trump’s achievements was facilitating normalization agreements between Israel ...

The long-standing alliance between the United States and Israel faces a rare point of contention as the US government urges Israel to cease attacks on UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. For decades, the two countries have enjoyed a strong military and strategic relationship, but this diplomatic request marks a significant moment of divergence. UN peacekeepers, serving as a stabilizing force in Lebanon since the late 1970s, have found themselves caught in the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel’s recent military campaign in southern Lebanon has involved targeting Hezbollah positions, but also resulted in the endangerment of peacekeepers. The UN post in Naqoura, just 50 meters from a perceived threat identified by Israeli forces, was one of the incidents that led to the US appeal. While Israel argues that UNIFIL has not succeeded in stabilizing the region and has asked peacekeepers to relocate, the US has expressed concern about the broader implications o...

  In the West Bank, the US election is watched with deep apprehension and skepticism. Palestinians like Khaled Omran believe that Trump’s victory would lead to even greater bloodshed. Having experienced the previous administration, they worry that Trump’s return would encourage increased Israeli aggression. Palestinians see Trump’s policies as a direct threat, exacerbating the struggles and violence that they endure. The possibility of another Trump term fills many with fear and frustration, as they imagine an even more turbulent future. But for those in the West Bank, Biden is no savior either. Many Palestinians, such as Wafaa Abdel Rahman, view Biden and his vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris as bearers of the same, empty promises. Wafaa believes that Biden’s administration, while speaking of peace, hasn’t taken tangible actions to end the violence. Palestinians feel that both candidates are ultimately committed to a pro-Israel stance, which leaves their suffering unaddres...

 The Lebanese government has swiftly filed a complaint at the United Nations following the abduction of Lebanese civilian Imad Amhaz by Israeli forces. Prime Minister Najib Mikati, citing national security concerns, directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to file an urgent complaint to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This move highlights the broader international implications of Israel’s operation deep within Lebanon’s borders, marking a significant moment in Lebanese-Israeli relations. Israeli officials claim that the abducted man is a high-ranking operative of Hezbollah, a stance that has not been confirmed by Hezbollah or the Lebanese government. Lebanon, on the other hand, identifies him as a civilian naval officer, with Minister of Public Works Ali Hamieh publicly contesting Israel’s claims. The abduction, carried out in the town of Batroun, has sparked national outrage and raised questions about the potential repercussions on regional stability and international ...

 The killing of Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, brought a momentary sense of victory for Israel. Yet, despite this event, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shows no signs of halting the military operations. This article explores how Israel’s expansionist ambitions under Netanyahu fuel the ongoing conflict. The Dream of a Greater Israel: Since its inception, Israel’s leadership has often held an expansionist vision, particularly regarding the West Bank. Ariel Sharon’s decision to withdraw Israeli settlers from Gaza in 2005 was more about security concerns than genuine progress toward peace. Under Netanyahu, the idea of further Israeli expansion persists, and he views military action as a means to secure more territory while keeping Palestinians in a state of displacement. Permanent Conflict Strategy: Netanyahu’s government has repeatedly rejected political solutions that would create a sovereign Palestinian state. Instead, Israel continues to employ military force, ensurin...

  With Naim Qassem now at the helm, Hezbollah may see a shift in strategy as it faces continued Israeli aggression. Known for his staunch resistance views, Qassem inherits the complex task of balancing Hezbollah’s military objectives with Lebanon’s growing humanitarian crisis. His three televised addresses since Nasrallah’s death reflect his dual approach of resistance and negotiation. The appointment of Qassem has raised questions about Hezbollah’s next steps in its long-standing conflict with Israel. Israeli air strikes have intensified, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure, and the group’s response has been significant, resulting in casualties on both sides. As a founding member of Hezbollah, Qassem may reinforce the group’s established strategies but could also bring new approaches to its resistance. Political analysts are watching closely to see how Qassem will navigate Hezbollah’s relationship with Iran, its primary ally, as well as with other regional powers. Israel’s Defens...