★ ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH WAR
Israel Conducts 13 Airstrikes on Beirut’s Southern Suburb
A series of 13 Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, on Thursday night following warnings from the Israeli army for residents to evacuate. In separate incidents, Israeli raids in eastern Lebanon killed 12 people, including three children, in Baalbek-Hermel.
Israeli Airstrikes Devastate Southern Lebanese Towns
Israeli airstrikes, including the use of phosphorus bombs, have leveled southern Lebanese towns like Kfar Kila and Aita al-Shaab, reducing them to ruins. Videos shared on social media show the destruction, with Israeli flags raised on the outskirts. Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi warned that the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon could end in a “difficult way.” Hezbollah claims Israel has not fully occupied southern villages, but bombardment persists as intense clashes continue between both forces. Hezbollah announced the destruction of two Israeli Merkava tanks. Five Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon between October 23 and 24, 2024, according to the IDF. The group also claimed to have targeted Israel’s Zvulun military base near Haifa.
Hezbollah’s Weapons Storage Facilities Hidden In Civilian Homes
The 646th Brigade conducted targeted ground raids, uncovering bunk beds, supplies, and four weapons storage facilities. These facilities, hidden in civilian homes, contained AK-47s, rockets, RPGs, mortars, and advanced anti-tank missiles, all of which were seized. The bases were part of Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” plan, intended for long-term use by the Radwan Forces.
Rocket Barrage From Lebanon Wounds Four In Northern Israel
A barrage of 50 rockets from Lebanon hit northern Israel, injuring four people near Klil Junction. Sirens sounded in Nahariya, Shlomi, Klil, Kabri, and other Western Galilee towns, as well as Upper Galilee, including Kibbutz Malkia and Moshav Dovev.
Three Lebanese Soldiers Killed Evacuating Wounded From Hezbollah Building
An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three Lebanese soldiers near Yater. The IDF said the strike targeted a Hezbollah building and is investigating whether the soldiers were unintentionally hit. The Lebanese soldiers were evacuating wounded individuals when the strike occurred. The IDF emphasized that its operations target Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army. Yater has faced repeated Israeli strikes due to Hezbollah activities in the area.
Israeli Forces Kill Hezbollah Air Unit Member In Tyre Raid
The Israeli army announced the death of a Hezbollah air unit member who launched a drone towards Israel earlier today. According to Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the drone and the gunman were both targeted in the raid on Tyre, southern Lebanon.
Macron and Hezbollah’s Secret Deal to Rebuild Beirut Port
A French book claims President Macron made a secret deal with Hezbollah to overlook its arms in exchange for awarding the French company CMA-CGM the contract to rebuild Beirut Port, destroyed in 2020. Hezbollah agreed to cooperate with Macron’s initiative, ensuring no opposition to France’s involvement in the port’s reconstruction.
Lebanon Receives $1B Aid, Damage Tops $20B
The United States spearheaded contributions at the French-led conference for Lebanon, committing approximately $300 million. France pledged $200 million, while Germany added 96 million euros. Italy announced plans to support recruitment and training of new military units. Meanwhile, economic estimates suggest Lebanon’s losses from the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict could exceed $20 billion. A U.N. report also projects a 9% decline in Lebanon’s GDP. These international efforts aim to bolster Lebanon’s military as tensions with Israel and Hezbollah escalate.
Macron Accuses Iran of Pushing Hezbollah Against Israel
During the “Supporting the People and Sovereignty in Lebanon” conference in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron accused Iran of encouraging Hezbollah to confront Israel. Macron called for an immediate ceasefire and urged Israel to halt its raids on Lebanon while stressing the need for Hezbollah to stop its attacks. He emphasized the importance of implementing UN Resolution 1701 for lasting peace. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also called for a 21-day ceasefire and highlighted the urgent need for aid to address the displacement crisis affecting 1.1 million people.
Khamenei Honors Suffocated Hezbollah Leader, Declares Group Lebanon’s Defender
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei hailed Hezbollah as Lebanon’s “strongest defender” against Israel’s airstrikes. On his X account, Khamenei expressed condolences for the death of Hezbollah’s Executive Council Chairman, Safieddine. Safieddine had reportedly been hiding in a fortified underground location in Mareija, surviving for one to three days before running out of oxygen. Israeli forces blocked rescue attempts, leading to his death. This incident parallels Nasrallah’s death by suffocation during Israeli raids in late September.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Hamas Seeks Russia’s Support for Gaza-Fatah Unity Government
Hamas is seeking Russia’s diplomatic support to form a unity government for Gaza, following talks between Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. During the meeting, Hamas urged Russia to press Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to enter negotiations, given ongoing tensions between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Abu Marzouk also prioritized securing the release of two Russian hostages, emphasizing the group’s need for political and humanitarian support, rather than military aid. Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the BRICS summit in Kazan, warned of the risk of full-scale war in the Middle East and called for a resolution establishing a Palestinian state. At the same summit, Abbas accused Israel of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Gaza, calling for the immediate implementation of a UN resolution for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the return of displaced Palestinians. He also warned of escalating unrest in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Mossad Chief Meets in Doha for Hostage and Ceasefire Talks
Mossad Chief David Barnea is set to meet CIA Director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha to discuss the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and explore a potential ceasefire in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, also in Qatar, expressed hope that recent developments, including the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, could open up negotiations. Hamas has expressed willingness for a ceasefire if Israel withdraws and commits to key terms, including a prisoner swap.
Israeli Airstrike Kills 17, Including Hamas Commander
An Israeli airstrike on “Martyrs’ School” in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp killed 17 people, including 4 children, and injured 32 others. The Israeli military stated the strike targeted a Hamas command center in the school. Among the casualties was Mohammed Abu Atiwi, a Hamas commander involved in the October 7 attack near Kibbutz Re’im, raising concerns due to his employment with UNRWA since 2022.
IDF Dismantles Hamas Operations, Evacuates 20,000 Civilians in Jabaliya
The IDF’s 162nd Division dismantled Hamas infrastructure in Jabaliya, killing dozens of fighters and capturing over 200 Hamas operatives. Despite Hamas’s resistance, 20,000 Palestinians successfully evacuated the area via designated routes. Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday killed 42 people across Gaza. Additionally, Israel completed a polio vaccination campaign in southern Gaza, targeting 266,273 children, with plans to expand to the north.
Settlers Target Christian Homes During West Bank Tensions
Since the Israeli war on Gaza began, settler attacks on Palestinians have increased across the West Bank. In Bethlehem, settlers seized land owned by a Christian family, establishing a camp on their olive, fig, and fruit tree plot. These land grabs are part of a broader settlement expansion, with Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich backing new settlements to prevent a Palestinian state. The Nahal Hilletz settlement, near Bethlehem, threatens Christian access to the city. The ongoing violence has intensified, with hundreds of Palestinians killed by settlers and Israeli forces.
Germany Approves $101 Million in Arms Exports to Israel Amid Legal Challenge
Germany approved €94 million($101 million) in arms exports to Israel since August 2024, raising concerns from human rights groups. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) filed an appeal, arguing that German weapons contribute to civilian harm in Gaza. The appeal was brought by a Gaza resident who lost family in Israeli airstrikes, seeking to halt further arms shipments.
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★ YEMEN
Russia Allegedly Aided Houthi Attacks on Western Ships in Red Sea
Russia reportedly provided satellite targeting data to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group, enabling attacks on Western ships in the Red Sea. Over 80 vessels have been targeted since October 2023, as Houthis claim support for Palestinians in Gaza. A US-led coalition and Israel have responded with airstrikes in Yemen, including on the critical port of Hodeida. The Red Sea, once a key global trade route, has seen escalating tensions. Russia has not commented on the allegations.
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★ IRAN
Iranian Oil Tycoon Manages Millions in London Despite Sanctions
Hossein Shamkhani, known as the “Iranian Oil Tycoon,” manages millions through London-based firm Ocean Leonid, focusing on energy investments. The firm allegedly uses shell companies to funnel funds from sanctioned Iranian oil exports. Despite no proven legal violations, U.S. and U.K. authorities are closely monitoring the company’s activities, as Shamkhani’s involvement raises concerns about potential sanctions evasion.
Iran Allocates Majority Of Oil Revenue To Military Spending
Iran’s upcoming budget plan reveals that over half of the country’s oil and gas export revenues will be directed towards the armed forces, according to a report by Iran International. The government is expected to earn approximately €24 billion from these exports, with 51%, or around €12 billion, allocated to military spending. Additionally, 42.5% of the remaining funds will support the government’s operational expenses, while 6.5% will be set aside for “special projects.” This allocation underscores Iran’s focus on bolstering its military capabilities through substantial financial resources.
Khamenei Declares Iran 100 Times Stronger Than 1980s War
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, stated that Iran is now 100 times stronger than it was during the Iran-Iraq War. Speaking to a group of clerics and politicians in Kermanshah on Thursday, Khamenei noted that today’s battles are “complex and multifaceted.” He contrasted the current conflicts with the 1980s war, describing the Iran-Iraq War as a straightforward military confrontation, while today’s challenges involve combined warfare. His remarks emphasized Iran’s enhanced strength and resilience in facing modern geopolitical struggles. Today, Iran’s currency hit a new low in Tehran’s markets, trading at 690,000 rials per U.S. dollar.
Iran Warns Israel of Retaliatory Missile Strikes and Threatens THAAD Defense
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander, Hossein Salami, warned Israel against relying on the U.S.-provided THAAD anti-missile system, deeming it limited in power. Salami threatened that unwise decisions could hasten Israel’s downfall and vowed overwhelming retaliation for any Israeli strike. He further emphasized that for every missile Israel fires, Iran would respond with far more, signaling Tehran’s readiness for escalated conflict. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that any Iranian response would be calculated, underscoring their commitment to a powerful retaliation against Israeli actions.
Israel Postpones Retaliatory Strike Against Iran After U.S. Leak
Israel has postponed its planned response to Iran due to a combination of strategic adjustments and the recent leak of U.S. intelligence documents. These documents, which outlined Israel’s military preparations for a retaliatory strike, have led Israeli officials to rethink the timing and methods of their response. The decision to delay is also influenced by ongoing discussions with the U.S., where both sides are working to narrow their differences over the best course of action. This strategic pause is designed to ensure that Israel can adapt its plans and retain the element of surprise, particularly after concerns were raised over targeting options such as Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites. Israeli officials are reportedly in continuous dialogue with their American counterparts to coordinate efforts and address any shared security concerns. critical for refining operational strategies.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Democrats Call for Probe into Kushner’s Ties with Saudi Arabia
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Jamie Raskin have requested a special counsel to investigate whether Jared Kushner acted as an unregistered foreign agent for Saudi Arabia. The lawmakers’ letter follows reports that Kushner, former President Trump’s son-in-law, discussed U.S.-Saudi-Israel diplomacy with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after leaving government. Concerns arise over Saudi Arabia’s $2 billion investment in Kushner’s private equity fund, Affinity Partners. Kushner denies any conflict of interest, dismissing the allegations as political stunts. The Department of Justice has acknowledged the letter but declined further comment.
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★ TURKIYE
Turkiye Secretly Stops Military Exports to Russia After U.S. Warnings
Turkey has quietly halted the export of U.S.-origin military equipment to Russia following U.S. warnings of repercussions if Ankara didn’t stop sending critical goods to Moscow, as reported by *The Financial Times*. Turkey’s electronic customs system now blocks new shipments to Russia, a shift from the previous policy. These unpublicized restrictions focus on civilian items like microchips and remote control systems, which Western allies believe are essential for Russian weapons manufacturing. This move comes as President Erdoğan seeks to maintain a balance between his peace-broker image and his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a retreat from Turkey’s previous role as a conduit for Russia’s war efforts.
Turkish Parliament Approves One-Year Extension of Military Presence in Lebanon
The Turkish parliament approved a presidential decree to extend the Turkish Armed Forces’ mandate in Lebanon for another year, starting October 31, 2024. This extension is part of Turkey’s ongoing contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, first established in 2006. Turkey has played a key role in peacekeeping efforts through UNIFIL, supporting regional and global stability. The decision also aligns with the UN’s recent extension of UNIFIL’s mandate until August 2025, considering Lebanon’s security situation and regional conflicts.
Baykar to Invest $300 Million in Jet Engine Development Amid Supply Chain Challenges
Turkish drone maker Baykar is investing $300 million over five years to develop jet engines, focusing on increasing in-house production due to global supply chain issues, CEO Haluk Bayraktar told *Reuters*. Known for its TB2 and Akinci drones, which are used in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and North Africa, Baykar exports to 35 countries. The company plans to develop a turboprop engine for the Akinci drone and a turbofan engine for the Kizilelma combat UAV, both of which currently use Ukrainian engines. Baykar has also partnered with Ukraine’s Ivchenko-Progress to co-develop a turbofan engine.
Ocalan Meets Family After Four Years, Signals Willingness for Peace
Abdullah Ocalan, former leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and long-imprisoned in Türkiye, met his family for the first time since 2020, following recent political discussions in Ankara. Omer Ocalan, his nephew and a member of the Peoples’ Democracy and Equality Party (DEM), confirmed the family visit, emphasizing the importance of continued access as a legal right. During the visit, Abdullah Ocalan expressed readiness to shift PKK-Turkish government conflict from violence to a legal framework if conditions allow. His statement comes after Turkish nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli hinted at possible negotiations, though he clarified Türkiye’s problem lies with “separatist terrorists” rather than the Kurdish people. Bahceli’s remarks coincided with a PKK-linked attack on Ankara’s Defense Industries Complex, which killed five people and injured 22, raising security concerns in Turkish political circles.
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★ SYRIA
SDF Reports Killing and Injuring Turkish Soldiers, Allied Fighters in Hasakah
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Thursday that its fighters killed and injured Turkish soldiers and members of Turkish-backed factions in Zarkan, within Hasakah countryside. The SDF statement detailed two operations targeting Turkish military bases and allied faction positions in the villages of Anik al-Hawa and al-Dawudiya near Serekaniye/Ras al-Ain. These strikes, described as legitimate responses to recent Turkish bombardments on northern Syria, came as Türkiye intensified attacks on multiple areas, resulting in significant human and material losses across the region.
U.S. Inspects Syrian Sites Following Turkish Bombing of Oil Facilities
A U.S. military patrol inspected oil facilities and gas plants near Al-Malikiyah in Syria’s Al-Hasakah region after Turkish airstrikes targeted these areas on October 24, 2024. The bombings, aimed at the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and infrastructure managed by the Autonomous Administration, come in response to a recent attack in Ankara attributed to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler confirmed 47 targets destroyed, including 18 in northern Syria, and vowed ongoing military operations. Turkish shelling also hit Qamishli, disrupting power and water services and rendering the Gulf clinic out of service. The Democratic Peoples’ Council condemned the attacks, labeling them as systematic and harmful to civilians and infrastructure.
Syrian Democratic Council Holds Brussels Conference, Urges Unity
The Syrian Democratic Path Conference in Brussels, organized by the Syrian Democratic Council, gathered Syrian and international figures to discuss Syria’s future. Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of Syria’s Autonomous Administration, warned that Iran’s anti-Israel front is weakening, with conflicts likely spreading to Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, especially areas with Iranian militias. She emphasized that Syria could face escalating tensions and urged internal reconciliation to prevent further instability. Despite ambitious goals, the conference faced skepticism, particularly regarding the involvement of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and their influence over the process. Critics argue that these groups are exploiting Syria’s resources while ignoring the rights of its diverse population. The conference raised hopes for new political pathways but left key questions about implementation unresolved.
Car Bomb Explosion in Damascus Countryside Injures Driver
An explosive device detonated inside a four-wheel-drive vehicle near the Youssef Al-Azma suburb in western Damascus, injuring the driver and resulting in a leg amputation, according to local reports. The blast occurred opposite the New Artuz checkpoint near the Sahnaya junction. The driver was taken to the hospital, though his identity and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Assad’s 25th Division Fakes ISIS Attack to Enable Defection
The Assad regime’s 25th Division fabricated an entire narrative about an operation targeting ISIS in the Syrian desert. Despite claims that 12 soldiers were killed by ISIS near Al-Bayda on the Homs-Deir ez-Zor road, sources confirmed the entire incident was invented. In reality, the operation collapsed after 42 soldiers defected, refusing to engage ISIS fighters. The regime’s false reports were part of a media campaign to mask the mission’s failure and boost support from Russian forces. Locals and division insiders have refuted these claims, exposing the operation as a farce.
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