Middle East Report With James M. Dorsey 02082024

Israeli forces have raided Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank following an airstrike on a car that killed at least five people, including Hamas military leader Haitham Balidi. In response, the US Pentagon announced the deployment of additional jet fighters and warships to the region, anticipating possible Iranian retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Thousands mourned Haniyeh across the Middle East, with rallies in Lebanon, Yemen, and Jordan, and his burial in Qatar. The United Nations reports that nearly two-thirds of buildings in Gaza, over 151,000 structures, have been damaged or destroyed since October 7. Speaking to Radio Islam, Dr. James M. Dorsey highlighted that since October 7, Israel has vowed to kill Hamas leaders whenever the opportunity arises. He noted that the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was important because Haniyeh was viewed as a pragmatist and a moderate within Hamas.