Tue Nov 19 15:16:06 UTC 2024: ## West Bank Raid Kills Three Palestinians; Hamas Office in Doha’s Status Uncertain; Iran and Syria Strengthen Ties; Norway Seeks ICJ Opinion on UNRWA; Lebanon Mourns Child Casualties

**Jenin, West Bank –** Three Palestinians, including a known militant, were killed in a shootout with Israeli security forces during a raid in the Qabatiya village near Jenin on Tuesday. The Israeli military claimed the three were “armed terrorists” and that the operation targeted a wanted man, Raed Hanaysha, involved in recent attacks. The Israeli army also reported seizing weapons and destroying bomb-making labs. Palestinian officials confirmed the deaths and condemned the operation. The incident highlights the ongoing escalation of violence in the West Bank, with over 770 Palestinians killed since the start of the Gaza war in October.

**Doha, Qatar –** Qatar confirmed on Tuesday that Hamas negotiators are currently not in Doha, but it stopped short of confirming the permanent closure of the group’s office in the country. The office’s future hinges on the resumption of stalled mediation efforts for a Gaza truce, involving Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt. The mediation process is currently suspended.

**Tehran, Iran –** Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Syrian counterpart, Bassam Al-Sabbagh, in Tehran on Tuesday, reflecting the close ties between the two countries. This meeting follows a series of high-level visits between Iranian and Syrian officials in recent weeks, underscoring the continued strong alliance amid regional tensions.

**London, UK –** Norway announced it will seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) condemning Israel for ending cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This follows the recent passage of Israeli legislation banning UNRWA from the country. Norway and other international actors express concerns that this will severely hamper vital aid delivery to Gaza, where UNRWA facilities have been heavily damaged and staff killed.

**Geneva, Switzerland –** The UN reported that over 200 children have been killed in Lebanon in the past two months due to the ongoing conflict, averaging three child deaths per day. UNICEF spokesman James Elder expressed alarm at the lack of action to stop the violence.

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