★ ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH WAR
Hezbollah Leader Hashem Safieddine’s Body Found 17 Days After Strike
The body of Hashem Safieddine, head of Hezbollah’s Executive Council and expected successor to Hassan Nasrallah, was recovered 17 days after an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on October 5. Along with Safieddine, 23 others were killed in the strike. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed Safieddine’s death, which had remained unverified until now. Safieddine, a key figure in Hezbollah’s military and political operations, was designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2017. His death raises questions about Hezbollah’s future leadership as he was seen as the next in line after Nasrallah.
Israeli Airstrikes Collapse Eleven-Story Building In Southern Beirut
Israeli airstrikes targeted the Shiyah-Ghubayri area in southern Beirut, collapsing an 11-story residential building. Three airstrikes hit the region, causing immediate destruction and chaos. A significant cloud of dust filled the area following the bombings. Footage from news agencies documented the aftermath, highlighting the impact on civilians and local infrastructure. These attacks contribute to the ongoing tensions and violence, further straining the situation in the region.
Israeli Army Reports Two Reservist Soldiers Killed By Hezbollah
Two Israeli reservist soldiers were killed, and three others were injured during clashes with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Tuesday. Major Aviram Hrev, 42, and Sergeant Saar Eliad Navarsky, 27, died as Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets into northern Israel, prompting one million residents to seek shelter. The attacks included around 30 rockets targeting the Upper Galilee, resulting in injuries, including one civilian who sustained minor wounds from flying glass. The situation escalates in the ongoing regional conflict.
Millions Rush to Shelters as Drones Launched in Lebanon Head South
More than one million Israelis sought shelter on Tuesday as sirens alerted them to hostile drones approaching from Lebanon. Sirens began in Nahariya and extended south through the Haifa Bay area and the Jezreel Valley. The alerts lasted for 26 minutes, while Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) aircraft pursued the drones. Citizens were urged to follow Home Front Command guidelines and remain in shelters, highlighting ongoing security tensions and the threat of drone attacks in the region.
Hezbollah Strikes Israeli Base As Death Toll Rises In Lebanon
Hezbollah has intensified military operations by targeting an Israeli base near Haifa, escalating regional tensions. Israeli airstrikes since September 23 have resulted in at least 1,552 fatalities in Lebanon, particularly affecting southern and eastern areas. On Monday alone, 63 casualties were reported, including 18 near Al-Hariri Hospital. Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for hitting Israeli Merkava tanks. As hostilities continue, Israeli airstrikes persist, leading to serious injuries among civilians due to ongoing rocket fire from Lebanon.
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Southern Beirut Following Urgent Evacuation Orders
Israeli airstrikes targeted southern Beirut on Tuesday evening following urgent evacuation orders issued to residents. The strikes hit the Laylaki area, near a sports field, and come after earlier bombings completely destroyed a building linked to Hezbollah. The Israeli military warned residents in three neighborhoods about imminent attacks and urged immediate evacuations for safety. These military actions highlight Israel’s intensified campaign against Hezbollah, significantly escalating regional tensions since late September.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Hezbollah Rockets Target Tel Aviv During Blinken’s Last Visit
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Hezbollah launched rockets into Tel Aviv and Haifa. The attack occurred while Blinken was advocating for a ceasefire following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The 2.5-hour meeting also focused on security changes in Lebanon to facilitate the return of displaced Israelis. Blinken expressed U.S. shock over an alleged Iranian assassination attempt on Netanyahu through Hezbollah. Meanwhile, protests erupted outside Blinken’s hotel in Tel Aviv, with families of hostages demanding their release.
Nine Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strike on Shelter School
Seven Palestinians were martyred in an Israeli artillery attack targeting Zaid Bin Haritha School in Beit Lahia, which shelters displaced persons. The strike injured others and occurred during the ongoing siege of northern Gaza, now in its eighteenth day. Israeli forces have been destroying homes and conducting relentless bombings, while the blockade prevents essential food supplies from entering, forcing many citizens to evacuate their homes in desperation.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Target Israeli Military Base with Hypersonic Missile
The Houthi group announced a successful missile strike on an Israeli military base east of Jaffa using a hypersonic ballistic missile, “Palestine 2.” The missile reportedly bypassed U.S. and Israeli defense systems. According to a statement by the group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, the attack was conducted in solidarity with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
Houthis Urge Traders to Remove Containers from Hodeidah Port
The Houthi group has issued a directive for traders and importers to immediately remove their containers from Hodeidah Port, western Yemen, due to fears of an impending Israeli airstrike. The Houthi-controlled Chamber of Commerce in Sana’a warned that if traders do not comply, the group will forcibly remove the containers and impose heavy fines on businesses.
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★ EGYPT
Sisi Attends BRICS Summit, Discusses Regional Developments
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Kazan, Russia, to participate in the BRICS summit, marking Egypt’s first participation as a member since joining earlier this year. The three-day summit is expected to see Sisi discuss regional developments with BRICS countries. Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Ahmed Fahmy stated that Sisi will present Cairo’s perspectives on key international and regional issues.
Egypt Invested $3.29B, Exported $728M to Russia, China
Egypt’s economic activities with BRICS countries and Gulf nations showed strong momentum in both investments and exports. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, Egypt invested $17.3 billion, including $2.5 billion in China, $789.5 million in Russia, and $488.4 million in India, all BRICS members. Additionally, Egypt strengthened ties with non-BRICS countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, investing $7.8 billion and $5.2 billion, respectively. On the export side, Egypt’s shipments to BRICS countries totaled $5.7 billion in the first eight months of 2024, with top recipients being China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa.
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★ IRAQ
Al-Mandlawi Arrives in Beirut to Reaffirm Iraq’s Solidarity with Lebanon
Acting Speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi arrived in Beirut to confirm Iraq’s solidarity with the Lebanese people during a critical time. After attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in Geneva, Al-Mandalawi’s visit is part of Iraq’s efforts to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy. Al-Mandalawi will meet with Lebanese officials, including Speaker Nabih Berri, to discuss important regional developments and cooperation. The visit aims to support Lebanon and Palestine while denouncing Zionist crimes and preventing large-scale conflict in the region. Iraq’s government, parliament, and people fully back this effort, reinforcing their commitment to regional peace and solidarity.
Iraq and Saudi Arabia Plan Islamic Summit on Regional Issues
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed organizing an Islamic summit to address regional developments. During their phone conversation, both leaders explored strengthening bilateral relations and aligning strategies to tackle regional challenges. They also focused on the escalating conflict involving Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon. The war intensified after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and a severe military response in Gaza, with over 43,000 Palestinian casualties. Concurrently, Israel expanded operations in Lebanon, primarily targeting Hezbollah.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Saudi Arabia and Iraq Discuss Islamic Summit and Regional Conflicts
Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments, including the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon. They emphasized the need for an Islamic summit to address the crises threatening regional stability. The leaders also explored ways to enhance bilateral relations and partnerships. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Saudi Arabia to discuss normalization with Israel and efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia and Ukraine Discuss Bilateral Relations and Crisis Developments
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the Ukrainian President. They reviewed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Ukraine and discussed developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
UAE Joins BRICS to Strengthen Global Economic Influence
The UAE’s inclusion in BRICS enhances its role as a global economic leader, aiming to expand international influence. Over the years, the UAE developed a diversified economy, attracting secure investments and moving beyond oil reliance. This strategic step aims to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, and investment opportunities globally. The UAE remains committed to a long-term vision focused on innovation, renewable energy, and sustained global economic growth.
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★ IRAN
Iran Plans First Joint Military Drills With Saudi Arabia in Red Sea
Iran and Saudi Arabia are preparing to conduct their first joint military exercises in the Red Sea, indicating improved relations. Admiral Shahram Irani confirmed Saudi Arabia’s request for these drills, although specific details and a timeline remain undisclosed. This development occurs during ongoing attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, further complicating the region’s security situation.
U.S. Files New Charges in Plot Against Masih Alinejad
The United States has filed new charges against an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) official and other individuals for attempting to kidnap and assassinate Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad in New York. U.S. prosecutors had already charged suspects in the case, including one in 2022 and two others in January 2023. Although the document did not specifically name the target, it is widely believed to be Alinejad, whose Brooklyn home was previously involved in a security incident when a man with a rifle was arrested nearby.
U.S. Intelligence Warns of Russian, Chinese, and Iranian Election Interference
A U.S. intelligence official warned that Russia, China, and Iran are determined to sow divisions among Americans ahead of the upcoming presidential election on November 5. A representative from the Office of Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, told reporters in Washington, D.C., that these foreign actors may consider carrying out physical threats and acts of violence before and after the election. Additionally, they are expected to spread disinformation post-election to create uncertainty and undermine the electoral process.
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★ TURKIYE
21. Turkiye Debates Kurdish Issue as Bahçeli Suggests Öcalan’s Role in Resolution
Debate over the Kurdish issue intensified in Turkey, with Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli suggesting imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan could be brought to parliament. Bahçeli proposed that Öcalan could dissolve the PKK and disarm in exchange for a “right to hope.” Meanwhile, the opposition demands the health minister’s resignation over the “Newborn Baby Gang” scandal, and authorities take action against Gülen supporters for online condolences.
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★ SYRIA
22. Assad Parliament Expels MP Mohammad Hamsho Due to Turkish Citizenship
The Syrian People’s Assembly unanimously voted to expel Damascus MP and businessman Mohammad Hamsho for holding Turkish citizenship. This is the second expulsion this month, following Shadi al-Debsi’s removal for the same reason. Syrian law requires candidates to hold only Syrian citizenship for at least ten years. Hamsho, a prominent figure in parliament since 2012, briefly withdrew from the 2020 elections due to internal conflicts but returned to win a seat in 2024.
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