Fears rising conflict could expand in Middle East region after Hamas’ No.2 was killed in Beirut

하마스 정치국 이인자 사망 ’일파만파’ 러•우크라, 새해 첫날도 교전 The world has ushered in the new year, but two wars continue. In terms of the Israel-Hamas war, the killing of a senior Hamas leader in a strike in Lebanon’s capital Beirut has stoked fears of an escalation between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. With Iran accusing the Zionist regime of being behind two recent explosions near the Iranian general’s tomb worries heighten over Iran’s involvement in the war as well. Though Ukraine and Russia exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war --the biggest single release of captives since Moscow’s invasion began their exchange of attacks continues in 2024. But, some reports suggest that Western allies are switching their policies as the war prolongs. How do experts see the latest developments of these two wars? For this, we invite Professor Shin Sang-hyup, from Kyung Hee University into the studio. Welcome, Professor Shin. We also have Doctor Aiden Hehir, a reader in international relations from the University of Westminster. Good to see you, Doctor Hehir. (SHIN) Q1. Hamas’ deputy leader was killed by an apparent Israeli drone strike in the Lebanese capital Beirut. This was the first time that Israel has reached into another country to target Hamas’ top leaders since the war began right? Could you walk us through this killing? (HEHIR) Q2. Israel insisted that the assassination of the senior Hamas leader was not on attack on Lebanon but there are concerns over escalation in the region with Lebanon and Iran potentially becoming involved in the war. How likely is an expansion of this war in the Middle East? And has the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas completely gone now? (SHIN) Q3. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces announced the withdrawal of some soldiers from the Gaza Strip as it prepares for a new phase of conflict. What is this next phase, and in reference to what an IDF spokesperson said, how prolonged might the fighting become? (HEHIR) Q4. After the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group attacked a commercial container ship, the U.S. responded to its distress call, returning fire and sinking the Houthi boats. Though the U.S. said it wants to avoid escalating the crisis further, it also added that Washington would continue acting in self-defense. What are the chances of the war becoming a wider regional conflict, and in that happened what would the global impact be? (SHIN) Q5. Lastly on the Israel-Hamas conflict, South Africa has filed an application at the International Court of Justice to begin proceedings over allegations of genocide against Israel for its war against Hamas in Gaza. How do the proceedings work, and would this in any way affect the war? (HEHIR) Q6. Moving on to Ukraine let’s first take a look at how the war developed as the new year unfolded. Both Ukraine and Russia continued a wave of escalating attacks. Could you walk us through the attacks? (SHIN) Q7. The U.S. is reportedly quietly shifting its focus from supporting Ukraine’s goal of total victory over Russia to improving its position in an eventual negotiation to end the war. What does this hint at? (HEHIR) Q8. During his New Year speech, Putin vowed that Russia would never back down but according to the New York Times, despite his bravado in public, the Kremlin has indicated interest in striking a deal to halt the war as long as it could still declare victory. Could you tell us what Putin might be thinking? (SHIN) Q9. As negotiations would most likely mean giving up parts of Ukraine to Russia Zelenskyy would not easily accept such a shift in policy. However, funds and support from allies slowly running out, some say he would eventually need to. What are the scenarios? (BOTH) Q10. The New Year began but these two wars still rage on. What are the scenarios for both wars and what impact would they have on international politics, and the economy? Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today’s edition. Thank you Professor Hehir and Professor Shin for your time and insights. We appreciate it. #Hamas #Attack #SalehalArouri #Russia #Ukraine #하마스 #러시아 #우크라이나 #교전 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook : 📣 Twitter : 📣 Homepage : 2024-01-04, 18:30 (KST)