Middle East: More deaths in Gaza as nine-year-old girl killed

By Roberta Barbi 

At least five people were killed yesterday in Israeli strikes that continue to hit the Gaza Strip on a daily basis.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed an attack in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City, saying it had targeted a Hamas weapons production site that was still operating, in what it described as a clear violation of the ongoing negotiations and an attempt by the group to restore its operational capabilities.

The Israeli military has not, however, confirmed reports of a separate strike on a camp in Nuseirat, where a nine-year-old girl was killed.

The Lebanese front

Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, a new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon is expected to begin on Monday, 14 July, and continue through Tuesday, 15 July, in Rome at the United States Embassy.

According to diplomatic sources, the Israeli and Lebanese delegations have already arrived in the Italian capital. The talks are expected to focus on the creation of two pilot zones in southern Lebanon from which Israeli forces would withdraw, handing control over to the Lebanese Armed Forces, on the condition that the Shiite militia Hezbollah also leaves the area.

Elections in Israel

Attention is also turning to Israel’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for 27 October.

The Knesset is due to be formally dissolved on Friday, officially launching the election campaign ahead of what is widely seen as a decisive vote for the country’s future. It will be the first parliamentary election since 1988 to be held at the end of a full legislative term.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to seek another term in office and has reportedly already identified his preferred successor. Ahead of the Likud primaries on 4 August, he has continued to call for “a broad national government.”

According to media reports, the Trump administration would favour the formation of a government that excludes the far right.