(AP Photo)

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
25th January 2024 | 08:30 CAT
2 Min read

Amidst the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, targeted airstrikes persist in neighbouring countries.

The US and UK militaries claim they have conducted new airstrikes against Houthi weapon sites in Yemen, as the group continues to target Red Sea shipping in protest over Israel’s war in Gaza.

Current affairs analyst Malek Jadah highlighted the latest Middle East conflict incidents: “In Yemen, the Houthis attacked vessels in the Red Sea, which was followed by air strikes from the US and the UK on Houthi positions in Yemen. There were also targeted strikes in Lebanon by Israel. Additionally, four Iranian groups attacked US bases in Iraq and Syria, while Iran carried out air strikes on Israeli spy positions.”

Jadah believes that the focused attacks pose a threat to escalating the war. “This can lead to bigger attacks; for example, Hezbollah attacked the Israel air surveillance base in retaliation to these assassinations,” said Jadah.

Jadah believes that Israel is trying to show the Israeli Public that the war is accomplishing something through these strikes, “especially since a lot of the Israeli goals were not achieved yet in Gaza, like the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’s command,” said Jadah.

According to National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji’s post on X, US air raids are not helpful in bringing calm. “The US side should pile on the pressure for a halt to the [Israeli] offensive in Gaza rather than targeting and bombing the bases of an Iraqi national body.”

Jadah is of the opinion that the third phase of the war will last several months and will be the longest phase of the war.

“The third phase of the war entails an increase of targeted strikes and an end to major combat operations, so there will be fewer airstrikes and clashes on the ground because Israel will target more important people in Hamas and Hezbollah. The targeted strikes in Syria and Lebanon signal the beginning of this phase. This will also dismantle Hamas’s command, which will be very complicated,” said Jadah.

Jadah told Radio Islam that when this phase begins, International attempts to reach a ceasefire will increase, “Especially since targeted strikes can lead to heavy retaliations, which could risk an expansion of the war,” he added.

Since January 11, the United States and its allies have been conducting airstrikes on Houthi military sites. The Pentagon has reported that they have successfully destroyed or damaged over 25 missile launch and deployment facilities, as well as more than 20 missiles. Additionally, they have targeted drones, coastal radar, the group’s air surveillance capabilities, and weapons storage areas.

In a post on X [formerly Twitter], Kataib Hezbollah military spokesperson Jaafar al-Husseini announced that the group will continue targeting “enemy bases” until the end of Israel’s siege on Gaza. They specifically called out US support for Israel’s campaign.

LISTEN to the full interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Current affairs analyst, Malek Jadah, here.