Amid escalating violence, discussions on the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon are set to dominate agendas at an upcoming Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh and at high-level meetings in Washington. Over the weekend, a series of intense Israeli airstrikes underscored the mounting toll of these confrontations.
On Monday, senior officials are gathering for a joint summit in Saudi Arabia’s capital, with a primary focus on “addressing the continuous Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories and Lebanon,” according to reports from Saudi state media. The summit aims to review the ongoing crises and discuss potential strategies for regional stability.
Ahead of the gathering, Hamas issued a call for an international coalition among Arab and Islamic nations to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel and its allies to halt the violence in Gaza and Lebanon. Israeli officials have not yet commented on this summit or the proposed coalition.
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In parallel, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled for a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday. However, it remains uncertain how the recent U.S. election, resulting in a win for Donald Trump, may shift American influence or policy on Israel’s actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed he has been in contact with Trump multiple times since the election. He noted that both leaders share a mutual perspective on addressing perceived regional threats, particularly from Iran.
Key Updates:
- Civilian Casualties: Israeli airstrikes on Sunday reportedly killed dozens, including at least 20 children in Gaza and Lebanon, according to local health officials. One attack struck homes within the heavily impacted Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza.
- Death Toll: The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the war has resulted in over 43,600 fatalities and left more than 102,900 injured. In Lebanon, the Health Ministry has confirmed at least 3,189 deaths and 14,078 injuries. These figures encompass both civilian and combatant casualties, as reported by local health agencies.
- Israeli Casualties: Israel has reported that approximately 1,200 of its citizens, including over 300 soldiers, were killed in the October 7 attack by Hamas. The subsequent military operations in Gaza have led to the loss of at least 368 Israeli soldiers.
This week’s discussions could mark a significant juncture for regional diplomacy, with leaders attempting to navigate a complex web of alliances and hostilities that continue to shape the Middle East.
