Biden Calls on Netanyahu to Calm Situation in West Bank

A protest in the city of Nablus in the West Bank on Thursday to show solidarity with Gazans. (AFP)
A protest in the city of Nablus in the West Bank on Thursday to show solidarity with Gazans. (AFP)
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Biden Calls on Netanyahu to Calm Situation in West Bank

A protest in the city of Nablus in the West Bank on Thursday to show solidarity with Gazans. (AFP)
A protest in the city of Nablus in the West Bank on Thursday to show solidarity with Gazans. (AFP)

Israel has continued the arrests campaign in the West Bank, at a time when US President Joe Biden called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to calm the situation there and avoid “pouring gasoline on fire”.

The US officials said that in phone calls with Netanyahu, Biden has expressed concern about settler violence and the growing number of Palestinians who have been killed in the West Bank since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack.

Biden told Netanyahu that Israel needs to calm the situation in the West Bank and prevent settler violence against Palestinians — or else risk an explosion of violence there that would make the current crisis even worse, the officials said.

He added that the settlers are “pouring gasoline on fire”.

Meanwhile, the US Department of State sent US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf to the region to push forward efforts to prevent the spillover of the conflict.

“I continue to be alarmed about extremist settlers attacking Palestinians in the West Bank... The deal was made, and they’re attacking Palestinians in places that they’re entitled to be, and it has to stop,” Biden said during a press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Since Oct. 7, the settlers have killed five Palestinians in the West Bank while the army killed 100 and arrested 1,500.

Israel fears increasing tension in the West Bank as the war in Gaza continues. In addition to the killing, Israel is also arming the settlers in an unprecedented manner.

The West Bank was fully closed and strict measures were applied to the military checkpoints that have become humiliating passages for Palestinians who have to move between cities.

On Wednesday, the army killed six Palestinians. Four of them were targeted by a drone in Jenin.

A 17-year-old boy, Asid Hamdi Hamidat, was killed on Thursday by Israeli gunfire in the Jalazone camp north of Ramallah, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. His death raises the total number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the beginning of this year to 313, including 105 since 7 October.

Israel arrested on Thursday over 100 more Palestinians in the West Bank, including seven women at least.

The arrests were mainly in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, Nablus, and Tubas. Activists from “Hamas”, cadres from “Fatah” and women including Suhair Barghouthi from the village of Kaubar and journalist Lama Khater were arrested.

In a statement, Hamas said that the arrests in the West Bank were part of the aggression against the Palestinian people in a desperate attempt to repress the people’s movement against the fascist occupation.

Hamas stressed that the Palestinians wouldn’t be weakened by the Zionist encroachment on the people’s blood. They wouldn’t be weakened by the arrests or systematic terrorism policy, added the statement.

The Israel army revealed that a total of 1,450 Palestinians, including 700 from “Hamas” have been arrested since Oct. 7.

The total number of prisoners in Israeli custody has now reached approximately 6,700, including 50 females, and more than 1,600 administrative detainees.

These figures don’t include around 4,000 workers from the Gaza Strip who were in Israel when “Hamas” launched its deadly attack on Oct. 7.



Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Türkiye and Lebanon have agreed to collaborate on Syria in the post-Bashar al-Assad era. During a press conference alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan said: “A new chapter has begun in Syria. We agree that, as two key neighbors of Syria, we must work together.”
Mikati received an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded ministerial session. Separate working meetings were also held between Turkish and Lebanese ministers.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan pointed to the challenges Lebanon and Palestine faced this year due to “Israeli threats and aggression.” He emphasized that “Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the stability of the region, just as regional peace cannot be achieved without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He added: “Any state that believes increased killing will bring security is making a grave mistake. Israel refuses to understand this truth.”
He also praised Mikati’s leadership and stressed the need for a ceasefire and Israel’s adherence to it.
On Syria, Erdogan stated that a new phase has begun, emphasizing the need for stability in the country.
He said: “For 13 years, we have endured instability in Syria, which has caused immense suffering in the region. Türkiye opened its doors and welcomed Syrians, just as Lebanon did. Achieving stability in Syria and returning it to normalcy are priorities for the coming phase. Establishing a permanent and sustainable governance structure is essential for Syrians and the region.”
Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He continued: “Lebanon and Türkiye will stand by Syria to support its recovery in the coming phase. As we have done in the past, we will act as good neighbors, promoting Syria’s stability. The international community must also take responsibility to ensure regional security and stability.”
For his part, Mikati expressed gratitude to Erdogan, saying: “At every critical juncture Lebanon faces, you have been a steadfast supporter on all levels. We deeply appreciate your brotherly spirit toward our nation and people.”
Mikati highlighted the suffering Lebanon continues to endure due to Israeli aggression, which has caused significant human, economic, financial, social, and environmental damage in recent months.
He underlined the importance of Türkiye’s support in halting Israeli aggression, given its extensive network of Arab and international relationships.
On Syria, Mikati acknowledged Ankara’s active role in the region and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing hope for freedom and stability for the Syrian people. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening Lebanon-Syria relations based on mutual respect and good neighborly ties.