February 20, 2024 (Tuesday)

The United States has proposed a rival draft United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and opposing a major ground offensive by Israel in Rafah. The U.S. draft text "determines that under current circumstances a major ground offensive into Rafah would result in further harm to civilians and their further displacement including potentially into neighboring countries".
The U.S. signalled it would veto an Algerian-drafted resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire over concerns it could jeopardize talks between the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar that seek to broker a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The U.S. text echoes language that President Joe Biden used in conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating a shift in the U.S. stance on a ceasefire.
Israel plans to storm Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians have sought shelter, prompting international concern that an assault would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.N. has warned it "could lead to a slaughter".
The U.S. proposal is seen as a warning shot to Netanyahu, indicating that Israel should not proceed with a major ground offensive in Rafah under current circumstances.

Violent extremist groups are exploiting the war in Gaza to recruit followers and encourage lone-wolf attacks in the West.
Security chiefs have warned of a rise in violent Islamist tendencies, online terrorist propaganda, and the number of individuals flagged to authorities since the Hamas-led attack in Gaza.
The actions of Israeli forces in Gaza are inflaming feelings in Arab and Islamic countries, potentially serving the ideologies of terrorism and extremism worldwide.
Events in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel and Hamas, have created a "dangerous climate" that can be exploited by extremist groups.
The conflict is acting as a "lightning rod" for radicalization, with Islamist activists in the UK explicitly using it to gain new members.

Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has announced its intention to approve Sweden's NATO membership, resolving a diplomatic standoff and signaling Hungary's support for Sweden's inclusion as the 32nd member of the alliance.
Sweden's application to join NATO represents a historic policy shift for the Scandinavian nation, initiated in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Hungary's approval of Sweden's NATO membership underscores a growing consensus within NATO regarding Sweden's inclusion.
The decision holds implications for broader economic and defense cooperation between Hungary and Sweden, with discussions on deepening ties potentially occurring during a potential visit by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Budapest.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson welcomed Hungary's parliamentary vote, emphasizing Sweden's commitment to enhancing security cooperation within NATO.
Hungary and Sweden already have existing military collaboration, including the leasing of Gripen fighters manufactured by SAAB.

Defence and trade cooperation between India and Russia has been reaffirmed, with the trend of Western countries supplying arms to Pakistan instead of India changing in the past decade.
The world's economic model is seen as unstable and unfair, with over-concentration of production in a limited number of countries. Many countries depend on others for basic necessities, which becomes evident during disruptions like COVID-19 or climate events.
The global order is currently facing multiple stresses, including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, and disruptive climate events. The challenge lies in both strengthening and changing the international order.

Pakistan has decided to complete the 781-kilometer pipeline project in two phases, with the first phase focusing on the 81-kilometer portion from the Pakistan-Iran border to Gwadar. The plan has been ratified by Pakistan's Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and is awaiting approval from the federal cabinet.
Iran had previously given Pakistan a 180-day deadline until September 2024 to start the completion of the pipe-laying work. If Pakistan fails to meet the deadline, Iran has threatened to take the matter to the Paris-based International Arbitration and seek an 18 billion penalty. However, Iran has also proposed providing Pakistan with legal and technical expertise to jointly develop a win-win strategy before the deadline.

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