Israel
🇮🇷🇮🇱 Explosions in Tehran have raised fears of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, two of the Middle East’s most powerful militaries. Coming after weeks of mutual missile strikes and rising tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas war, the region edges closer to all-out confrontation.
🇮🇱 The Washington Post: Trump signals support in call with Netanyahu: ‘Do what you have to do’
Trump told Benjamin Netanyahu in one call this month, “Do what you have to do,” according to six people familiar with the conversation who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive and confidential information. Trump has said publicly that the two have spoken at least twice in October, with one call as recently as Oct. 19.
🇮🇱🇵🇸 The ICC’s prosecution request for an arrest warrant for Israel’s Netanyahu, focused on alleged war crimes in Gaza, faces delays as a key judge steps down for health reasons. The replacement judge now requires time to review filings, slowing the decision on the high-profile case.
🇱🇧 Three journalists were killed in Lebanon by an Israeli airstrike on a press guesthouse—a grave assault on press freedom that has ignited global condemnation and intensified demands for accountability amid escalating violence against reporters this year.
🇮🇱 IDF reports 5 soldiers killed, 7 wounded in fierce southern Lebanon combat, as border conflict with Hezbollah burns. Israel responds with increased bombing raids across Lebanese territory, targeting key militia leadership.
🇮🇱 Israeli military kills Hamas commander Mohammad Abu Itiwi, who worked for UNRWA since 2022, sparking fresh tensions over UN agency’s staff links to militants. UNRWA confirms death, says Israel failed to respond to July inquiry about 100 alleged Hamas-linked employees.
🇵🇸 Israeli strike kills 17 Palestinians at Gaza school shelter while military claims it hit Hamas command center. North Gaza crisis deepens as rescue services suspend operations, hospitals face evacuation orders, and death toll nears 43,000 amid stalled ceasefire talks.
🌍 US and Israeli negotiators head to Doha for crucial Gaza ceasefire talks, as CIA’s Burns joins Mossad chief Barnea after Hamas leader Sinwar’s death. Qatar confirms recent meetings with Hamas political office, while Egypt pursues parallel diplomatic track.
🇱🇧 Hezbollah’s senior leader, Hashem Safieddine, widely seen as Hassan Nasrallah’s successor, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, the group confirmed. His death marks a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership amid escalating Israeli strikes targeting the group’s strongholds in Lebanon.
🇺🇸 U.S. Envoy Amos Hochstein warns Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah has spiraled “out of control,” urging the enforcement of U.N. Resolution 1701 to deescalate the crisis. With Israel’s offensive deepening the humanitarian disaster, Lebanon’s future hinges on diplomacy, not warfare.
🇵🇸 Israeli airstrike decimates Beit Lahiya, killing or burying 87 Palestinians. Gaza health ministry reports rescue efforts crippled by ongoing military operations. UN envoy condemns “horrifying scenes” as death toll mounts, Gaza hospitals struggle under siege.
🇱🇧 Beirut residents flee in panic as Israel launches strikes on Hezbollah-linked financial targets. Multiple explosions rock the capital, destroying buildings. Israel escalates attacks in Lebanon and Gaza, killing Hamas commanders and civilians. The brutal year-long conflict shows no signs of ending.
🇮🇱 Israel launches heavy strikes on Hezbollah sites in Beirut, responding to rocket fire from Lebanon and a drone attack aimed at Netanyahu. The conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas intensifies, leaving thousands dead as Israel continues its military operations across Lebanon and Gaza.
🇵🇸 Hamas faces a leadership shakeup likely to elevate figures based outside Gaza. Mohammad Sinwar, Yahya’s brother, is expected to take charge of military operations, while Khalil Al-Hayya or others based in Qatar could lead politically. Iran’s influence will be pivotal in this decision.
🇮🇱 With Sinwar’s death, Netanyahu claims Israel’s war in Gaza is reaching its “beginning of the end.” For many Israelis, this marks a victory, but it also intensifies pressure to end the fighting and secure the release of hostages. Hardliners continue to demand Hamas’ total surrender.
🇱🇧 Hezbollah has announced an escalation in its conflict with Israel following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces. Iran has vowed that Sinwar’s death will strengthen resistance, while Israeli PM Netanyahu declared the war is not over until all hostages are freed.
🇮🇱 Israel has stopped approving commercial food imports to Gaza, cutting supplies by over half since October 11. The move, backed by claims Hamas profits from imports, has led to severe shortages and soaring prices. Aid groups warn of a worsening crisis, as humanitarian aid is blocked.