Israel goes on with offensive in Rafah despite world leaders’ warnings, how are...

Title: Israel goes on with offensive in Rafah despite world leaders’ warnings, how are tensions in Middle East? 바이든 만류에도 라파 공격 감행한 네타냐후 중동 정세는? Despite global leaders’ warnings, Israel has continued to launch intensive airstrikes and artillery barrages in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population is seeking refuge. This came after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ terms for a cease-fire but even after that, the U.S. and Jordan are reportedly still discussing a possible truce deal. Meanwhile, tensions are escalating in the Middle East with some people worrying over the possibility of a full-scale conflict between the U.S. and Iran. While Washington deals with constant missile attacks by Houthis and other Iranian-backed groups, Tehran is maintaining pressure on these militia groups to achieve its own objectives. How do experts see the intensifying clashes across the region? To answer this, we have invited Professor Shin Sang-hyup from Kyung Hee University. Welcome to the show, Professor Shin. We also have Doctor Aidan Hehir from the University of Westminster. Good to see you again, Doctor Hehir. (HEHIR) Q1. Before we talk about Israel’s planned incursion into Rafah before such a decision was made, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’s ceasefire counter-proposal. What were the details of the truce offer and why did Netanyahu reject this? (SHIN) Q2. Israel targeted the Gaza Strip city of Rafah, killing hundreds of people in strikes. The U.S. warned Israel that this military offensive against the southern city would be a disaster adding that it would not support the action. Might Israel’s decision in any way affect Washington’s supportive policy? (HEHIR) Q3. And it’s not just the U.S., global leaders are all warning against an Israeli offensive on Rafah with Egypt saying it could lead to the suspension of a peace treaty while Saudi Arabia says there won’t be a normalization of ties. What might be the result of such pressure from around the world? (SHIN) Q4. Shifting gears a bit to escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. The U.S. is retaliating for the January drone attack on American troops at a base in Jordan, but amid such attacks, Iran is still vowing to support militia groups, including Hezbollah. What’s Iran’s intention? (HEHIR) Q5. There are some voices, including those of former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, that are telling the Biden administration to strike back against Iran, saying it needs to restore deterrence in the Middle East. Still, given the presidential election coming up, this is not an option for Biden, is it? (SHIN) Q6. While the U.S. government is continuing strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, the Houthis seem unlikely to be deterred. How is Washington aiming to deal with tensions on the Red Sea? (HEHIR) Q7. Our focus was mainly on conflicts in the Middle East, but moving on to Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-hour interview with a conservative U.S. media personality aired last week. How did you see Putin’s remarks and why the interview now? (SHIN) Q8. Biden and German leader Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated the importance of aiding Ukraine during their meeting. But the Biden administration keeps failing to have a funding package for Ukraine pass. Will constant aid for Ukraine be possible? (HEHIR) Q9. Meanwhile, Switzerland said it asked China to participate in a Ukraine peace process. How do you see the possibility of Xi giving his backing? (SHIN) Q10. What developments are likely in the Ukraine war, in your opinion? Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today’s edition. Thank you, Professor Shin and Professor Hehir for your time and insights. We appreciate it. #Israel #Gaza_Strip #Rafah #Middle_East #Offensive #이스라엘 #가자_지구 #라파 #공격 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook : 📣 Twitter : 📣 Homepage : 2024-02-13, 18:30 (KST)