5 Iran

And, both Israel and the US has now targeted Iran as well. Since 1979, Iran has been described by the West as the epitome of evil and a terrorist state, even though it has not attacked another country in 150 years. That may be about to change. The risk of a conflict in which the US and Russia face each other directly in the Middle East has therefore increased noticeably. Neither China nor Russia have the slightest interest in Iran being forced into a war. As a member of the SCO and BRICS, Iran has become an ally of these two major powers and they would therefore have to respond militarily, which would make a direct confrontation between the US and Russia/China de facto inevitable. A military victory for Israel and the US over Iran is destined for failure. Due to its military successes in the 1960s and 1970s, Israel lives from a myth as a military superpower in the Middle East, which is based on conflicts that lasted a few days or weeks against opponents who were inferior to the Israelis in every respect.

Iran is a huge country with an area of 1.6 million square kilometers and a population of 90 million, with an army of just under one million men including reservists. Moreover, Iran is over 1,700 km away from Israel, which rules out a land war. Even the Americans, who cannot even prevail against the Houthis, will have no chance here. Attacking Iran is therefore complete nonsense and madness.

If you listen to experts, even air strikes seem practically impossible and extremely risky for aircraft due to the Russian S-400 defense systems. Iran has thousands of state-of-the-art missiles at its disposal and could cover Israel with hundreds of missiles every day for months. The Israelis’ miraculous Iron Dome may be suitable against old Quds missiles, but they are practically ineffective against modern Iranian missiles, as the last attack showed. If the conflict escalates, Iran will multiply the price of oil through attacks on oil infrastructure and a possible blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which would mean the end of the western-led financial system.

Iran’s acquisition of advanced Russian defense materiel has severely complicated the picture for the U.S. It may prove to be a game-changer when paired with Iran’s stock pile of advanced strike missiles. Modern war has passed through a revolution. Western air dominance has been check-mated.

But should this venture fail – as it might – it could wreak havoc into those Rothschild-dominated networks of power on which the wider structure has rested all these decades. Should the war fail, the Institutional leadership class as a whole would be weakened.  What is the way out then, as the homeland slowly implodes? Well by advocating a new supra-national global governance Order; likely a Davos- style digital-authoritarian governance designed to preserve a consistent policy and alignment, before the Russo-Chinese-Iranian-BRICS link-up beats them to it.

On January 17, Russia and Iran signed a co=operative agreement. The signed agreement between Russia and Iran contains a clause on strengthening cooperation in the field of security and defense, as stated in the first article of the document. The third article stipulates that if one of the parties is subjected to aggression, the other should not provide any assistance to the aggressor. Russia and Iran also agreed on cooperation between intelligence agencies in order to strengthen national security and counter common threats. No doubt, Iran will respond, but not just yet.       

6 Egypt Normalizing Expansion: Israel sets its sights on Egypt’s Sinai

Israel’s ironic and brazen accusations of Egyptian treaty violations in Sinai point to a deeper agenda, raising fears of further territorial expansion by Tel Aviv and a growing threat to regional stability. Tensions between the two states – bound by their 1979 normalization treaty – are reaching a boiling point. Israeli officials and allied Zionist think tanks are now actively escalating rhetoric alleging Cairo’s breach of the peace treaty while hinting at Tel Aviv’s ambitions to expand into Egyptian territory.

On 7 January, Israel demanded explanations from Egypt regarding its military activities in Sinai, citing treaty violations related to demilitarization. The US, which brokered the 1979 treaty, joined the chorus, withholding $95 million in military aid to Egypt – a recurring tactic used to exert pressure on Cairo. 

Washington diverted   those funds to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), echoing similar cuts in 2023 when Egypt-bound aid was diverted to Taiwan. The move ties with intensified pressure on Beirut, aiming to coerce and incentivize over its internal affairs, especially with newly-elected President Joseph Aoun. 

Stand-off in the Sinai

In 2005, following Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip to its periphery, an agreement was reached allowing 750 Egyptian security personnel to enter the Sinai Peninsula. Since then, Cairo has submitted hundreds of requests to deploy additional forces and equipment into Sinai, most of which were approved by Tel Aviv.

In the aftermath of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, relations between Cairo and Tel Aviv began to sour significantly. The occupation state initially proposed that Egypt facilitate ethnic cleansing via Rafah   of Gaza’s population into Sinai, creating a buffer zone between Gaza and occupied Palestine. Sisi   denounced the plan, sparking further tensions.

By early 2024, Israel had intensified its invasion of Gaza, with Netanyahu signaling an assault on Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city. Egypt swiftly issued warnings against any attempt to reclaim the Philadelphi Corridor, a border area that separates Egypt and Gaza, arguing that such actions would breach the 1979 normalization treaty.

In a dramatic escalation on 6 May, Israel launched its Rafah offensive on the same day Hamas agreed to a ceasefire proposal. This offensive, which included the seizure of the Rafah Crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor, drew condemnation even from former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who  it as “a blatant violation of the peace agreement with Egypt.” Despite threats from Cairo to annul the treaty, Sisi’s primary response was to join South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide. When Israeli tanks first entered the Rafah Crossing, they desecrated the area and taunted the Egyptian guards stationed there. Later that same month, a clash broke out between Egyptian and Israeli soldiers.

The Zionist Vision for Expansion into Egypt

During Israel’s occupation of Sinai following the 1967 war, pro-Israel lobbyists and think tanks in the west disseminated narratives to delegitimize Egyptian sovereignty over the strategic region. The Zionist Federation of Britain even argued that since Sinai had been under Turkey’s control until 1923, it should have been incorporated into the British Mandate for Palestine, laying the groundwork for Israel’s claims to the territory. 

At this current moment, Israel is openly talking about  invading Gaza , even after the 60-day ceasefire implementation period, as it expands   further into Syrian territory by the day. It also seeks an imminent annexation of the occupied West Bank. All of these moves are indicative of Israel’s seriousness in expanding its undeclared borders.

In March 2023, Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich produced a “Greater Israel” map, fueling speculation about the Zionist leadership’s long-term goals. The “Greater Israel” vision encompasses parts of Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Israeli leaders employ fluid justifications – historical, religious, and political – to advance these claims. Egyptians are not stupid. Having lived next to the Zionists for decades, they know full well that Israel intends to annex the Sinai as well as all the land up to the Nile River. At the moment, Sisi is waiting, while preparing the strengthening of it’s military-especially air defense, etc.

7 Saudi Arabia

The Saudis hosted a summit in Riyadh late early November. The participants were from the OIC and the Arab League. The topic was Gaza. MBS later issued two statements. The first was that Israel is guilty of genocide in Gaza. The second was that it would side with Iran if Israel were to attack it.  Both these statements shocked Israel and the US. It seems that MBS finally is taking a stand. As Saudi goes, so will the Arab and Muslim word. The longer the Gaza conflict goes on, the unity of the Arab and Muslim world become stronger. Also, it leaves no more room for the West’s “divide-and-rule” strategies; a very good way to eliminate US and Israeli influence in the region.

Saudi Arabia has “abandoned its pursuit” for a defense treaty with the US in exchange for normalization with Israel and is now seeking a “more modest” agreement, cited two Saudi and four western officials as saying on 29 November. The sources said MbS has doubled down on the condition that normalization with Israel must depend on Tel Aviv’s commitment to work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in line with the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.  While the 2 families are going to push MBS to sign onto the Abrahamic Accords, what they don’t realize that the US-Israeli genocide rules that out completely. This Abrahamic Accords actually signals the surrender of the Arab world to Israel and the US.

Netanyahu is still eager to secure normalization with the Saudi powerhouse as a historic milestone and a sign of broader acceptance in the Arab world. But the Israeli premier knows any step towards a two-state solution would break apart his ruling coalition. As a result of the Saudi and Israeli positions, “Riyadh and Washington hope a more modest defense pact could be sealed before President Joe Biden leaves the White House in January,” according to the Saudi and western sources. Earlier this year, numerous reports said Saudi Arabia was seeking a new deal with Washington, access to better US weaponry, and a US-backed nuclear program in exchange for its normalization with Israel. Yet Riyadh publicly stuck to its position that any normalization with Israel must depend on a commitment to work towards a Palestinian state – something Tel Aviv continues to outright reject.  In fact, MBS has aligned Saudi Arabia with Russia, China and Iran. As per Putin’s advice to MBS ; “ play along with the West, as they are looking for the first chance to topple/kill you if you sign the BRICS ascension papers or show any hostility to them – play along as-over time-  they are becoming weaker while we are becoming stronger. We have your back-don’t worry”.

8 Yemen

Yemen’s Houthis announced last week they would stop their missile and drone attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. As of Monday, the Houthis have announced a halt to these attacks, but with an important exception. International ships will no longer come under attack, the Houthis said, but attacks on Israeli-linked commercial and military vessels will continue. “We affirm that, in the event of any aggression against the Republic of Yemen by the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or the usurping Israeli entity, the sanctions will be reinstated against the aggressor,” the Houthis said “You will be promptly informed of such measures should they be implemented,” it continued. The Houthis further said that even Israeli-linked ships will stop being targeted “upon the full implementation of all phases of the agreement.”

On Friday, just before the ceasefire was implemented, Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi that if the ceasefire didn’t hold, the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping would continue. “Any Israeli breach, massacre, or siege — we will be immediately ready to provide military support to Palestinians,” he had stressed. He said his movement will “confront any aggression, whether by the Israelis, the Americans, or their allies, or any attempts to divert our country from its liberated jihadist path.”  Bloomberg meanwhile that “Most Western-linked container ships have over the past year chosen to take the much longer route around southern Africa when sailing between Asia and Europe, and kept clear of the Red Sea. That’s squeezed global shipping capacity, lifting freight rates and boosted the earnings of carriers like Mitsui OSK.” Egypt has said it’s taken a $7 billion hit in revenue decline from the Suez Canal for 2024, which marks about a 60% drop from prior years.

10 Gaza

The release of three Israeli female prisoners in Gaza by Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, in exchange for 90 Palestinian detainees, triggered a media frenzy in the occupation state. The dramatic “scene” – fighters emerging amidst the ruins of war, surrounded by a jubilant crowd – undermined official Israeli narratives about the war, its goals, and the treatment of Israeli captives. It raised a sobering question for Israelis: What were we doing in Gaza for 15 months? The Qassam Brigades orchestrated every detail of the event to maximize impact. From the branded to the polished uniforms of the fighters, the display exuded calculated precision. A military procession was even held in Saraya Square – an area heavily besieged by Israeli occupation forces. The site’s selection was deliberate, showcasing continued resilience in a location meant to symbolize Tel Aviv’s defeat in its longest military campaign ever. 

Sources in Hamas state that the selection of Gaza City – positioned north of the Gaza Valley and the Netzarim axis, a divide created by the Israeli army to split the strip into two sections, soon expected to be dismantled – was a deliberate and symbolic decision, chosen over other alternatives for its strategic and political implications. Of course, Hamas had the option to release the female prisoners in “safer” locations, such as central or southern Gaza, but it intentionally chose the square.

Strength through Strategy

The three Israeli captives were handed release certificates in both Hebrew and Arabic – mirroring Israeli practices with Palestinian prisoners – and were given souvenirs from Gaza, including a detailed map of the entire strip. According to the sources, these “deliberate and carefully planned steps” were intended to send a clear message to Israel: Hamas is neither defeated nor on the brink of elimination.

 For months, Israeli negotiators had tried through Qatari and Egyptian mediation – and failed – to extract a list of the Palestinian prisoners to be freed. Hamas refused, citing security risks, and forced Israel to pay a far higher price than in earlier deals. The initial truce on 24 November 2023 saw three Palestinians exchanged per Israeli. Now, after 15 grueling months of war, Israel had to release 10 times that ratio, a clear indication of Tel Aviv’s lost leverage.

That first, brief six-day truce gave Palestinian resistance factions a chance to regroup. Sources reveal that several battalions, battered by relentless Israeli bombings, managed to regain their operational footing during the break. While Netanyahu had pushed for the release of the Israeli POW’s without any pause in Israel’s brutal military campaign, the short truce showed Hamas was resilient enough to spring back into form quickly.

Did Hamas achieve victory in Gaza? 

Hamas today remains deeply present not only in the Palestinian street but also across the broader Arab and Islamic worlds. Despite the devastation of war, Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, which was launched on 7 October 2023, continues to resonate strongly, shaping public and personal sentiment across the globe. Moreover, sources say that these events have fueled significant recruitment, with thousands of young Palestinians joining Hamas’s ranks. Hamas sources argue that Israel has created “a vendetta for generations,” describing the war as not merely a battle against the resistance movement, but a war on all citizens of Gaza. The widespread massacres and destruction have unified the Palestinian street, blurring distinctions between Hamas supporters and others. “Those who are not part of Hamas inevitably become part of the resistance,” one source explains, emphasizing that even if Hamas were to cease, a new and perhaps stronger movement would emerge in its stead.

Hamas has leveraged this dire situation for reconstruction and renewal, refining its strategies and operations. By the sixth month of the war, it was evident that its focus extended beyond ammunition and weaponry to the cultivation of leadership and cadres.  The Qassam Brigades has prioritized the safety of fighters and the efficiency of operations, ensuring that resources are not squandered and that retreat paths remain secure. Israel’s particularly in northern Gaza, aimed to weaken resistance fighters by restricting vital nutritional elements like animal proteins. Despite these tactics, Hamas adapted swiftly, mitigating the impact through preemptive measures. 

Another critical factor in Hamas’s resilience is its systematic approach to leadership development. Before the war, its military arms, particularly the Qassam Brigades, operated training programs and maintained a semi-official military academy.  This structure allowed the group to maintain high-caliber leadership despite the assassination of many of the movement’s commanders. Expertise in manufacturing weapons and missiles was rapidly transferred, ensuring continuity in operations. 

Intel Warfare 

Hamas’s intelligence apparatus also played a pivotal role, in which “secrecy” was maintained over key information.  The movement’s security infrastructure, including the intelligence arm of the Qassam Brigades, General Security, and Internal Security, was critical in preserving the organization’s structure and integrity throughout the war. “As long as the security apparatus is strong, the movement will endure,” one source notes. Even as Israeli forces targeted intelligence members, Hamas adapted, employing thousands, securing prisoners, and transferring money – within its existing security frameworks and new methods developed during the war. 

The resistance movement also demonstrated remarkable counterintelligence capabilities. Israeli forces, dissatisfied with their aerial and technical surveillance, resorted to storming locations not just for military gains but to install surveillance equipment to try to fill their Intel gaps. Meanwhile, Hamas prioritized operational secrecy, closely monitoring journalists and photographers among displaced communities to prevent leaks that could endanger fighters or their families. The source explains it thus: 

“As long as the security apparatus is present and strong, the movement will remain fine … It does not matter how weak it is militarily, politically, or even financially; what is important is that security remains fine. After months of military combat, the battle turned into an intelligence war, specifically between the Qassam Intelligence and the Shin Bet.”

Leadership in Gaza: Who leads Hamas? 

The movement is currently governed by a five-member committee representing Gaza, the West Bank, and the diaspora, with Musa Abu Marzouk playing a key role in international relations. Israeli media has frequently speculated about the role of Mohammad Sinwar, Yahya’s brother, portraying him as a central, uncompromising figure in Hamas’s decision-making. The younger Sinwar’s life is no less mysterious than that of the Qassam Brigades Military Commander Mohammed Deif, and he has also been subjected to six assassination attempts during the last 30 years.  While Mohammad Sinwar lacks a political or security background, his expertise as a brigade and operations commander has made him a formidable figure in Gaza’s resistance. Reports suggest that during negotiations, Israel even proposed deporting the younger Sinwar to resolve the conflict – an offer Hamas dismissed. 

Hamas operates as an institution, not as a personality-driven movement. This institutional framework has been key to its resilience, enabling it to withstand external pressure and internal challenges.  Despite the devastation wrought by the war, Hamas has succeeded in fortifying its institutional framework and maintaining cohesion – a rare feat among Palestinian factions. While Yahya Sinwar’s leadership during pivotal operations, such as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, demonstrates the movement’s strategic acumen, the true source of Hamas’s strength lies in its collective and institutional structure. This framework has enabled it to endure even the most extreme challenges.

Without this institutional resilience, Hamas’s gains would likely have disintegrated early in the conflict, handing the occupation state the decisive political victory it sought – a victory that remains unattained.

Since the cease fire has taken effect, many commanders believed to have been killed by the IOF have surfaced. A huge embarrassment fot the baby killers. In additioin, Hamas has taken revenge for the assassination of Yahya Sinwar. The Qassam Brigades tracked the two senior officers responsible – and blew up a heavy bomb amongst the platoon of IOF, killing and wounding most of them.

9 Stealing Water: Israel’s covert war on Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan- the Geopolitics of Water 

Taking advantage of the chaos following Damascus’s fall, Israel’s seizure of Syria’s Al-Mantara Dam showcases the long-standing Zionist strategy to secure regional water dominance, exacerbating tensions across an already parched West Asia.

At the beginning of January, less than a month after rebel forces seized Damascus and toppled the Syrian government, Israeli occupation forces launched an unchallenged advance extending to the vicinity of a critical water source for Deraa and the largest dam in the region, located in the western countryside of Quneitra. Natural resources have always played a pivotal role in shaping geopolitics, and among them, water sources have become increasingly contested. While oil and gas dominate global headlines, the indispensable role of water in agriculture, industry, and daily life makes it an equally critical factor in global stability. As freshwater resources grow scarcer, the risk of conflict over this precious resource escalates, threatening economic development and social stability.

Historically, nations have vied for control over water-rich territories to secure trade routes, forge alliances, and drive technological advances. Ancient civilizations in the Cradle of Civilization, like the Sumerians and Babylonians, flourished by harnessing the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. In contrast, resource-poor regions often lagged in development, limiting their political and technological progress. Today, water scarcity continues to shape regional political strategies. The Nile River Basin serves as a notable example, where Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia are locked in a dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This project, Africa’s largest hydropower initiative, has heightened diplomatic tensions with Egypt, which relies on the Nile for of its fresh water. 

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces unparalleled water scarcity, with of its population under extreme water stress – 12 of the 17 most water-stressed countries globally are located in this region, with Qatar, Israel, and Lebanon ranking as the top three.  Additionally, about half the global population depends on rivers that cross international borders, making Trans boundary water management a critical geopolitical challenge. The recent Israeli incursion at the Al-Mantara Dam starkly illustrates this reality. Such tensions are already apparent in Israel and Syria, where control over vital water sources has become a flashpoint. Palestine’s arid climate and limited natural water resources have long shaped the occupation state’s approach to water management, as deserts constitute more than half of its territory. The country’s key freshwater sources include the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, and aquifers along the coast and mountains. 

However, technological advancements in water management   and wastewater reuse have helped Israel reduce its dependence on natural water sources. By 2018, Israel was reusing 87 percent of its treated wastewater, primarily for agricultural purposes. These challenges have compelled Israel to turn to regional water sources, such as the Yarmouk River in Jordan and the Litani River in Lebanon, to supplement its needs. Water has been a cornerstone of Israel’s strategy since the early days of the Zionist ideological movement. Since the state was founded through wars, occupations, and negotiations with neighboring Arab states, access to water has been a strategic priority for Israel. This strategy revolved around maximizing the use of water within and beyond its borders, even at the expense of the water security of neighboring countries. Post-1948, Israel nationalized its water resources and launched ambitious projects, such as the National Water Carrier, to transport water from the north to the arid south.  The 1967 war marked a turning point, as Israel gained control over water-rich territories like the Gaza, and the Golan Heights. These areas now provide a significant portion of Israel’s water supply. 

However, this control has come at the expense of neighboring states and Palestinians, who face severe restrictions on water access. For example, Palestinian averages just 20 cubic meters annually, compared to Israel’s 60 cubic meters. The Israeli government strictly regulates Palestinian water use, prohibiting the drilling of new wells and imposing fines for exceeding quotas, while Israeli settlements face no such restrictions. The result is a terrible inequality in access to water, as Palestinian agriculture remains backward and inefficient, while Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories enjoy modern irrigation systems.

The Alarming Reality in Southern Syria

Israel’s incursion into southern Syria highlights its ongoing water ambitions. Reports indicate that Tel Aviv now controls 40 percent of Syria and Jordan’s shared water resources. Following its takeover of the Al-Wehda Dam in the Yarmouk Basin in December, Israeli forces then advanced to the Al-Mantara Dam. The Yarmouk Basin is a strategically critical area, forming part of the natural border between Syria and Jordan. The basin’s primary water source, the Yarmouk River, supports agricultural lands and to communities in Syria’s Deraa and Suwayda regions, as well as northern Jordan. The river covers a distance of 57 kilometers, 47 kilometers of which are within Syrian territory, while the remainder forms part of the Syrian–Jordanian border. On its banks, Syria has built a number of dams, most notably the Yarmouk Dam, in addition to the larger Al-Wahda Dam, which has a storage capacity of 225 million cubic meters. These dams are used to irrigate vast areas of agricultural land. This vital waterway, however, has become a casualty of Tel Aviv’s broader strategy to secure regional water dominance.

Today, by seizing control of critical water infrastructure, Israel’s ambitions pose direct threats to Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Yet, as the region faces accelerating crises, the severity of this water-driven strategy risks being overshadowed by broader geopolitical concerns. It is increasingly evident that Israel’s thirst for water resources knows no bounds.

 11 Israel’s Destroys the Cultural Heritage of the Middle East

The reach of Israeli aggression knows no bounds, sparing neither people nor stones. The occupation state’s wrath stretches across historic Lebanon, from Baalbek in the east to Tyre in the south, intentionally eradicating countless archaeological and cultural treasures.

Lebanon’s cultural heritage is ancient and deeply rooted in the Levant’s rich history, which the enemy seeks to erase – to wipe out memories, history, and national identity. Much like ISIS’s cultural war on Iraq and Syria, this assault on antiquities is nothing new; during the 1982 invasion, Israeli forces looted numerous artifacts from the western Bekaa and the south, many of which ended up in Tel Aviv.

Tyre: A World Heritage Site in Peril

The southern city of Tyre was designated as a  in 1984, which entails that its protection from attacks is mandatory as these sites are demarcated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as protected territory. Nonetheless, Israeli incursions have erased entire chunks of Tyre’s decadent past, particularly in the Old City that dates back to the 18th century. Phoenician antiquities, among the most significant relics in human history, face imminent danger due to ongoing bombardment by enemy fighter jets and munitions.

The media officer in the Disaster Management Unit of the Union of Tyre Municipalities Bilal Kashmir states: “Through these raids, the occupation wanted to eliminate culture, heritage, and tourism by bombing the largest building in Tyre, the Awda Tower, and destroying shops, residential apartments, hotels, and restaurants along the sea line, which was full of cultural and artistic celebrations before the war.”

Meanwhile, in the southern Lebanese village of Muhaibib, located in the Marjayoun district, the Israeli army planted explosives in residential neighborhoods, annihilating their entire history. The village once harbored the 2,000-year-old ancient historical shrine (son of the Prophet Jacob and brother of the Prophet Joseph). The Israelis not only reduced to ashes the spot that was once revered across borders, but also robbed many of its artifacts in 1948.  In Mais al-Jabal, the situation is not much different, as confirmed by Mayor Choucair, who noted that the occupying forces blew up the oldest mosques and most ancient, centuries-old neighborhoods.

A Duty to Protect and Preserve 

In addition, the Tirdaba Mosque, the Kafr Tibnit Mosque, the Church of Dardaghia, the Church of Yaroun, the Monastery of Mimas, and the Blida Mosque (a mosque whose construction dates back more than 1,000 years) – all of which are archaic religious landmarks classified as heritage edifices – were also affected. The crusader castle located in east Tyre, came under direct bombardment by the Israeli military.

Most recently, on 15 November, after invading the southern village of Shamaa, occupation forces directly targeted the shrine (the prophet Shamoun al-Safa) – also known as the Shrine of Saint Peter – with explosives. It is a site cherished by both Shias and Christians. This shrine was a center point for religious tourism: the Prophet Shamoun al-Safa’s lineage dates back to the Prophet Suleiman bin David; he was a disciple, the son of Hammun, and his mother was sister to the Prophet Imran, the father of the Virgin Mary. A document carved on one of the stones of the shrine’s Ottoman-style minaret indicates it was built in the 12^th century, that is, before the arrival of the Franks, who built the castle overlooking the Sea of Tyre and northern Palestine. This spectacle is located within the wall of the historic citadel of the town, which was transformed into a military headquarters for the Israeli army for about 22 years prior to when Hezbollah liberated the country in 2000. Before the Israelis and their local collaborators fled, however, they made sure to destroy the shrine and the citadel. In the July 2006 Israeli war on Lebanon, large sections of the castle were yet again destroyed by the aggressors.

Over 100 Lebanese representatives have sent urgent appeals to UNESCO, pleading for the conservation of these historical sites from further Israeli vandalism, assaults, and bombardment. In a glimmer of hope, the Lebanese Minister of Culture, Wissam al-Murtada, that UNESCO had decided to grant enhanced protection to 34 Lebanese archaeological sites. While this step marks progress, it cannot reverse the harm already done to Lebanon’s rich ancient history and heritage. If the devastation of Lebanon’s cultural treasures is truly an attack on humanity’s shared legacy, it becomes our collective duty to fight and resist such destruction and work toward restoration.

Baalbek- A Direct Assault on Heritage 

Baalbek, the ‘’ a unique place shaped by legends rooted deep in history, has become a symbol recognized worldwide. Built by the Phoenicians more than five centuries before Christ, Baalbek is celebrated for its citadel – standing for over 5,000 years –and its rich collection of ancient monuments and temples, some dating back over 10,000 years. 

But today, this historic city finds itself under Israeli fire, devastated by the deliberate bombing of its archeological treasures. As part of the occupation state’s assault on 26 February, Baalbek was added to the list of Israeli targets, marking the first direct assault on the city since the 2006 war.  The historic treasures of Baalbek faced devastation when, on 6 October,   smoke was seen billowing behind the iconic Roman columns in the citadel, a testament to the scale of destruction. This attack on Baalbek’s heritage followed Israeli threats to evacuate the city, with the first warning issued on 30 October.

The most significant damage to archaeological and tourist sites occurred in Baalbek itself.  Though many sites were damaged indirectly, there were direct attacks.  “The western wall of Baalbek Castle was targeted within the Gouraud Barracks, and about 60 percent of it was destroyed by being targeted by an air strike. It is on the World Heritage List and protected by UNESCO. The Mansheya building adjacent to Baalbek Castle was also targeted, and was completely destroyed.” 

Baalbek Castle, a 4,000-year-old marvel that has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984, suffered notable damage. Although the castle itself was not directly destroyed, the northwestern outer wall sustained damage, with part of it being demolished when a civilian house in the Gouraud Barracks was targeted. Once a bustling hub filled with residents, visitors, and tourists from across the globe, Baalbek now lies empty. The streets that very recently echoed with voices and laughter are silent, the shops closed, and its hospitable people displaced. Those remaining speak of a profound sadness, while those who fled describe the difficulty of being away from their beloved city.

Maryam Abbas, a resident of Baalbek, laments: “Baalbek is not only for the residents of Medea, nor for the Lebanese only, but for the entire universe. It is a precious and rare jewel, and therefore efforts to preserve the antiquities there are important and must be undertaken not only by UNESCO and the United Nations, but also by the global public.” 

Baalbek’s fate exposes a harsh truth: heritage is only as protected as the politics that surround it. If Baalbek truly falls, it would not be just the stones and history that are lost, but a part of our collective humanity. Stay tuned folks. Our next article is titled “The Rothschild Empire-Beaten, Defeated & Cornered”.