Thank you for following our live coverage of the Gaza and Lebanon wars. We will resume reporting in the morning.
Hezbollah announced 7 attacks against Israeli targets, all on Sunday night:
- Its "anti-aircraft defense unit" downed an "Israeli Hermes 900 drone on Sunday."
- It launched a barrage of missiles at an artillery Israeli position in Odem, in the occupied Syrian Golan.
- It launched rockets at Kiryat Shmona, facing Lebanese Houla (Marjayoun).
- It launched a salvo of missiles at Beit Hilel base, facing Lebanese Houla (Marjayoun).
- It launched a barrage of missiles at an Israeli troop gathering in Malkiya site, facing Lebanese Aitaroun (Marjayoun).
- Two attacks against Israeli soldiers invading Lebanese territory: a salvo of missiles at Israeli troops in eastern Markaba, in the Marjayoun district, and another missile attack on Israeli troops in Kahil mountain, in Maroun al-Ras (Bint Jbeil district).
A branch of al-Qard al-Hassan in Sour, southern Lebanon, was bombed by Israeli aircraft, according to MTV.
"We will strike at Hezbollah's financial strength, prevent it from rebuilding and arming itself," said an Israeli official quoted by the Wall Street Journal.
An Israeli strike targeted the Qard al-Hassan branch in Beirut's southern suburb in the neighborhood of al-Barakat, near the airport, according to al-Jadeed. And according to MTV, branches of the organization were bombed in southern Lebanon, namely in Nabatieh and Aaqibieh.
Israel's strikes against Lebanon on Saturday killed 16 people and wounded 59 others, according to the Ministry of Health. This brings the total number of people killed in the Israeli offensive on Lebanon to 2,464 since Oct. 8, 2023.
According to the Ministry's report, these casualties are distributed as follows:
- In South Lebanon governate: 11 killed and 27 wounded.
- In Nabatieh governate: Five killed and 23 wounded.
- In the Bekaa governate: Nine injured. However, the ministry announced on Saturday that a strike on Baaloul, in the western Bekaa, had killed four people.
The total number of wounded in Lebanon since the war began is 11,530.
An al-Qard Al-Hassan branch in Mashghara, Bekaa, was also hit, according to al-Jadeed.
An Israeli airstrike targeted the Qard al-Hassan building in Houmin al-Fawqa, in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh district, according to al-Jadeed. The building has received evacuation notices from the Israeli army earlier this evening.
A source at Beirut airport denied reports circulating online about the inability of a civilian aircraft to land due to the Israeli strikes, reported al-Jadeed. "Air traffic is normal so far," the source said.
Around 9 p.m., the Israeli army announced it would be attacking branches belonging to Qard al-Hassan, a financial organization that provides interest-free loans and functions as an alternative Islamic banking system, as well as Hezbollah's own financial arm. The first strike hit at 9:28 p.m. in Beirut's southern suburbs and was followed by the release of 15 evacuation orders in less than 20 minutes. In the last two hours, more than 10 sites have been bombed.
"The aim of the strikes against the agencies of the Qard al-Hassan Foundation is to reduce the trust between Hezbollah and the Lebanese people," reported the Wall Street Journal, citing an Israeli official.
The Lebanese Justice Ministry has denied reports circulating on social networks that the Beirut Justice Palace has been opened to accommodate displaced employees, according to al-Jadeed.
⚡ According to Lebanese media, more than 10 Israeli strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs.
Following a series of Israeli strikes in Lebanon, notably on Beirut's southern suburbs and the Bekaa, the Marist Brothers school in Jbeil, north of Beirut, has announced that it will close tomorrow "to guarantee the safety of the pupils."
A "violent" Israeli strike targeted Beirut's southern suburb, reported MTV, without providing further details as to which area was targeted.
Additional Israeli strikes targeted Tahwitat al-Ghadir, Hay al-Sellom and Amrousieh in Beirut's southern suburbs. A new Israeli strike targeted Choueifat, south of Beirut in the Alley district, reported al-Jadeed news channel.
(Credit: Matthieu Karam/ L'Orient Today)
Smoke billows from an Israeli strike targeting a building near Beirut Airport.
At least nine Israeli strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs so far this evening, reported the National News Agency.
These Israeli strikes targeted the old airport road and the neighborhoods of Mreyjeh, Haret Hreik, Hay al-Sellom, Burj al-Brajneh and Ghobeiri. The Israeli air force mainly targeted branches of Qard al-Hassan, Hezbollah's micro-credit organization.
Hazem Badih, president of the municipality of Saida in southern Lebanon, announced the immediate evacuation of the municipality's headquarters, the municipal police headquarters, and the operations room for displaced persons, as well as two centers for displaced persons located near Rue des Banques, following Israeli threats against branches of Qard al-Hassan, Hezbollah's financial institution. Bank Street has also been closed to traffic in both directions.
The latest Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs targeted the Hadi Nasrallah highway in the Chiyah neighborhood, according to MTV.
🔴 An Israeli airstrike targeted the Haret Hreik neighborhood in Beirut’s southern suburbs, reported local news channel Al-Jadeed. Additional Israeli strikes hit the Mrayjeh neighborhood and the old airport road in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to the National News Agency.
"A drone approaching Israeli territory from the east was intercepted by the air force in Syrian airspace," the Israeli army said in a statement.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a pro-Iranian armed faction, claimed responsibility at around 10:30 p.m. for a drone attack on "a vital target in the occupied Syrian Golan."
In Ali al-Nahri, Bekaa, an Israeli drone strike targeted a branch of al-Qard al-Hassan on the second floor of a building. The building did not collapse but was damaged, as were the surrounding buildings.
According to NNA, an Israeli strike targeted an ambulance on the road to Bir al-Salassel, east of Sour in southern Lebanon, causing casualties.
🔴 Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Saudi news channel, al-Arabiya, that Hezbollah had accepted the terms of Resolution 1701 and that the Lebanese army should advance its positions south of the Litani. "There is no other solution than diplomacy," he added.
Two Israeli strikes targeted the area around the old airport road, in Beirut's southern suburbs, according to al-Jadeed.
According to MTV, an Israeli strike targeted Choueifat, south of Beirut.
The Israeli authorities have announced the death of a senior army commander in north Gaza, bringing the number of military casualties to 358 since the start of the military ground offensive in the Palestinian territory on Oct. 27, 2023.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a separate statement that Daksa was killed "while fighting Hamas terrorists." Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said he was killed in the Jabalia area when an explosive struck him as he left his tank, while two others were injured.
To find out more, press here.👈
The rubble of a building after an Israeli strike on Hermel, in the northern Bekaa. (Credit: Photo obtained by our correspondent Sarah Abdallah)
An Israeli strike targeted the Haret Hreik neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs, according to al-Jadeed.
Qard al-Hassan Foundation, a Hezbollah-affiliated financial organization that is used by many as an alternative Isalmic banking system, has released a statement saying it had previously taken measures to protect people's deposits.
"It is important to note that the foundation has taken all necessary measures since the start of the war," it said in the statement shared on its social media. "These measures are sufficient to safeguard the deposits and the trust of the people, protecting their livelihoods and the fruits of their labor. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."
The fifth Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs targeted the al-Qard al-Hassan branch in Haret Hreik, according to NNA.
🔴 The Israeli army issued two new evacuation orders to several buildings in Ghobeiri, in Beirut's southern suburbs.
🔴 A new Israeli strike targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, according to MTV, without giving further details of the neighborhoods targeted.
As previously confirmed by our correspondent in the Bekaa, the government hospital in Baalbek has not been evacuated, the Health Ministry announced. However, some patients have been moved to rooms considered "safer" than those facing a branch of al-Qard al-Hassan, which has been threatened by the Israeli army. The hospital is "operating normally," the ministry added.
So far tonight, four Israeli strikes have been reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to the National News Agency (NNA). Three of the strikes targeted al-Qard al-Hassan branches in Hay al-Sellom, Burj al-Barajneh, and Ghobeiri, NNA added.
🔴 A third building in Sour, along with buildings in Houmin al-Fawqa (Nabatieh) and Shehabieh (Sour), also received evacuation orders from the Israeli army.
The Baalbek government hospital has not been evacuated, but some patients have been moved to a safer ward, reported our correspondent in the region.
🔴 Two buildings in Sour and one in Nabatieh, in southern Lebanon, as well as one in Mashghara in the Bekaa, were threatened with strikes by the Israeli army.
A wave of displacement was reported in several streets of Beirut and Baalbek following threats to Hezbollah’s al-Qard al-Hassan branches, MTV reported.
To find out more about al-Qard al-Hassan, click here.👈
In Beirut’s southern suburbs, residents fired warning shots into the air to urge people to evacuate homes near branches of al-Qard al-Hassan, according to local media.
The Israeli army's Arabic-speaking spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said that additional evacuation orders would be issued, following the 15 that had already been announced.
🔴 The Israeli army announced that it will issue evacuation orders for buildings in South Lebanon in the "next few minutes."
According to al-Jadeed, many residents of ‘Bank Street’ in Saida, southern Lebanon, have evacuated the area out of fear of an airstrike on the local branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan. Saida has not been the subject of an evacuation order from the Israeli army.
Another Israeli strike targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to Al-Jadeed, who didn’t provide further details on the area which was hit.
Israel yet again issued an evacuation order, this time for residents of building in Choueifate el-Amroussiyeh, the second in the area tonight.
Local sources have informed our correspondent in the Bekaa, Sarah Abdallah, that the governmental hospital in Baalbek was starting to be evacuated. This hospital is located about one kilometer from the building threatened by the Israeli army in Baalbek, which is near the municipal headquarters.
In total, the Israeli army has called for the evacuation of 15 buildings in the Bekaa Valley, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and the south of the capital over the past 20 minutes.
In the Bekaa Valley, the Israeli army has called for the evacuation of buildings in Baalbek, Hermel, and Hay el-Fikani, east of Riyaq.
The israeli issued new evacuation orders for residents of 4 buildings in Burj el-barajneh, the third in a row.
The Israeli army has called on residents of four buildings in the Haret Hreik neighborhood to evacuate to "at least 500 meters."
Residents of specific buildings in Chiyah, Tehouita el-Ghadir, Ghobeiri in the southern suburbs of Beirut, as well as in Choueifate el-Amroussiyeh, have also been called to evacuate the area.
An Israeli strike targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to local media.
A first explosion was heard in Beirut, according to residents.
The Israeli army is preparing to attack "a number of targets tonight" in Beirut, for which "evacuation notices will soon be issued," warned Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
In a statement on X, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced that the Israeli army will "begin attacking infrastructure linked to Hezbollah's Al-Qard Al-Hassan association" and asked that people stay away from these locations immediately.
"The Al-Qard Al-Hassan association contributes to financing Hezbollah's terrorist activities against Israel." the statement continued.
It added that the Israeli army "continues to strongly work on destroying Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure" and urged "anyone inside buildings used by Hezbollah to move at least 500 meters away over the next few hours."
The headquarters of Qard al-Hassan are located in the southern suburbs of Beirut, but this financial organization of Hezbollah has other branches in the area, as well as in Beirut, the South, and the Bekaa.
At the end of September, an Israeli strike targeted a building belonging to this microfinance organization run by Hezbollah in the city of Sour in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu's office announced in a statement on Sunday, as reported by Reuters. "Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated what he has already stated publicly: Israel takes into account the concerns raised by the U.S. administration but will ultimately make its decisions based on its national interests," the statement said.
Speaking to reporters later in Philadelphia, Trump mentioned that he had a "very pleasant conversation" with Netanyahu on Saturday. The Israeli leader asked for Trump's opinion on how to deal with Iran, according to Trump. Israel is currently considering its military response to recent Iranian missile strikes. "He was asking me what I thought. And I just told him, do what you have to do," Trump said.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya on Sunday, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri confirmed that U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein will visit Lebanon on Monday, describing it as a final opportunity for the United States to achieve a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Berri expressed his refusal to amend UN Resolution 1701, stating, "I have a plan I am working on to save Lebanon, and there is American desire for a ceasefire before the elections." He denied claims that "Iran is obstructing" this plan.
Highlighting the unprecedented challenges facing Prime Minister Nagib Mikati's government, Berri explained that electing Army Commander Joseph Aoun—seen as the international community's preferred candidate—as president would require a constitutional amendment and the approval of over 86 representatives. He emphasized that he had "never spoken about electing a Lebanese president before a cease-fire."
Finally, Berri remarked that the light at the end of the tunnel for the region is the "Saudi-Iranian rapprochement" that began in March 2023.
Hezbollah claimed four new attacks against Israeli army positions between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.:
- The party first announced that it targeted an Israeli air defense base in Birya, north of Safed in Upper Galilee, using "a salvo of rockets."
- Shortly after, it stated that it bombarded the Shimshon base, located west of the Sea of Galilee, described as a "key logistical and military preparation center" in the statement.
- Furthermore, Hezbollah asserted that its fighters succeeded in "repelling an Israeli Hormuz 900 drone" that was flying over Lebanese airspace, "forcing the aircraft to leave the area."
- Finally, another salvo of rockets was launched towards the Tira al-Karmel base, located in the south of Haifa, claiming that these strikes "directly hit their target."
According to the state-run National News Agency, Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on the village of Chaqra (Bint Jbeil) at around 6 p.m.
Latest updates from South Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency:
- The Israeli army has been carrying out a large-scale bombing of buildings in the villages of Odaisseh, Rab al-Thalathine, and Markaba (Marjeyoun).
- Violent Israeli artillery shelling has directly targeted houses in the village of Aita al-Shaab (Bint Jbeil).
- At around 5:45 p.m., Israeli warplanes targeted the outskirts of Ansar (Nabatieh) for the second time today.
- At around 6 p.m., an Israeli drone fired a guided missile at the village of Arabsalim (Nabatieh).
A plane carrying humanitarian aid offered by Jordan to Lebanon arrived this Sunday at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, according to the National News Agency. The transfer of its cargo took place in the presence of the Jordanian ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Al-Hadid, and a representative of the commander of the Lebanese army.
Israeli strikes earlier this afternoon against the village of Sohmor in southern Bekaa resulted in several deaths and injuries, according to the National News Agency, although specific numbers have not been provided.
The nearby village of Machghara was also targeted by an Israeli raid, with no reported casualties at this time.
The Israeli airstrike on Babliyeh (Saida) earlier reported by L'Orient Today targeted a house in the village. Four people were injured people and seven are still under the rubble, according to the state-run National News Agency.
One of the Hezbollah fighters captured by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon reportedly was executed during interrogation by a reserve soldier, according to Israeli media outlets, including Israel Hayom and Channel 14.
On Saturday, the Israeli army announced that it had launched an internal investigation into the "death" of a prisoner taken during fighting in southern Lebanon. According to Jerusalem Post, the capture occurred during clashes with the Golani Brigade in a tunnel dug by the Hezbollah.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir strongly criticized the decision to open an investigation, calling the very idea of investigating the death of a Hezbollah fighter "shameful." Reports indicated that the prisoner was killed by a member of Unit 504, the Israeli intelligence unit responsible for interrogations.
Additionally, the Israeli army stated that it has captured 10 Hezbollah fighters since the beginning of its ground operations in southern Lebanon earlier this month.
In response to the Israeli attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Hezbollah announced that it fired "qualitative" missiles on the city of Haifa at 4:30 p.m.
Israeli warplanes have carried out strikes on the villages of Majdal Zoun (Sour) and Deir Siriane (Marjeyoun), according to the state-run National News Agency.
Israel is "destroying" Hezbollah positions "in all the villages along the border" between the two countries, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Sunday. "Not only are we defeating the enemy, but we are destroying it in all the villages along the border—sites that Hezbollah intended to use as bases for attacks against Israel," he said during a visit to northern Israel.
The bodies of two persons, killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a house in the village of Deir Antar (Bint Jbeil) two days ago, were recovered today, according to the state-run National News Agency.
"A genocide is underway in northern Gaza in its clearest form," stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority in a communiqué, as reported by Al Jazeera.
"The occupation army is forcing the residents of northern Gaza to flee under bombardment or risk being killed in what resembles a circle of certain death in full view of the entire world, marked by siege, famine, forced displacement, destruction of buildings, airstrikes, targeting of health centers, and massacres," it added, denouncing the "inability" of the international community to put an end to what it describes as a "murderous campaign."
Hezbollah announced that it fired rockets at a group of Israeli soldiers in the Hounin barracks, near the Lebanese village of Houla (Marjayoun), as well as at another group in the eastern vicinity of the Lebanese village of Markaba at 12:45 p.m.
The group also stated that it targeted Israeli soldiers on al-Qalaa hill in Blida (Marjeyoun) at 1 p.m. and hit another group in a school in Markaba at 1:15 p.m.
Latest updates from South Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency:
- At around 5 p.m., two Israeli drones carried out two strikes on an open area in the village of Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh), causing a fire. Civil defense teams headed to the targeted area to extinguish the fire.
- An Israeli airstrike targeted the village of Babliyeh (Saida), leaving an undetermined number of casualties.
- Israeli warplanes targeted the villages of Taybeh (Marjeyoun), Tayr Harfa (Sour) and a house in Deir Antar (Bint Jbeil). The strike on Deir Antar caused extensive damage to the house without causing casualties.
According to information from Sky News, picked up by local media, U.S. presidential envoy Amos Hochstein is set to arrive in Beirut on Monday.
Two Israeli airstrikes targeted the town of Sohmor in the Western Bekaa, according to our correspondant Sarah Abdallah.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Israel Katz, has announced that the Israeli government will take legal action against French President Emmanuel Macron following the announcement on Oct. 15 regarding the ban on Israeli companies from participating in the Euronaval exhibition to be held in Paris from Nov. 4 to 7.
This announcement has provoked the ire of the Israeli government amidst rising diplomatic tensions between Paris and Tel Aviv, particularly since Macron's remarks on Oct. 5 regarding the need to halt arms deliveries to Israel in light of its war in Gaza.
Katz stated that his ministry is considering taking "legal measures" against the French head of state due to this exclusion of Israeli defense contractors from the renowned arms exhibition. He called this decision a "shame for France" and threatened to bring the matter before international courts.
Latest updates from South Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency:
- 14 Israeli airstrikes targeted several areas in the village of Khiam (Marjeyoun), including Wadi al-Asafir, al-Chalihat, the detention center and al-Jalahiya.
- Israeli warplanes have carried out a violent airstrike on a building in the neighborhood of Masaken in a suburb of the city of Sour. The airstrike destroyed the building completely and caused significant damages to neighboring houses. Civil defense teams headed to the scene.
- An Israeli airstrike has targeted the village of Chihine (Sour).
The humanitarian organization Oxfam has reported that four of its hydraulic engineers working in the Gaza Strip were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Palestinian enclave.
The four workers were en route to assist in repairing water infrastructure and had coordinated with Israeli authorities, Oxfam stated in a press release.
The organization added that their vehicle was clearly marked when it was targeted by Israeli forces. According to Haaretz, the Israeli army has announced that it has opened an “investigation into this incident.”
Israel's fire and rescue service said that several fires broke out in the northern Israeli towns of Matzuva, Hanita and Shlomi as the result of a rocket barrage from Lebanon earlier today, according to Haaretz.
According to the fire and rescue service, 13 firefighting teams are working with the assistance of volunteers at the sites of the fires to stop them from spreading, and have not yet gained control over the blazes.
U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson says there will be a classified briefing in coming hours "related to leaked U.S. intelligence on Israel-Iran", according to Reuters.
Earlier on Sunday, "Top secret" U.S. documents on the Israeli response to the Iranian attack were leaked on a pro-Iranian Telegram account. Washington has reportedly launched an investigation into these leaks and apologized to Tel Aviv, according to CNN and Haaretz, respectively. More on that here.
Hezbollah claims attack that targeted a gathering of Israeli forces at the Fatima Gate in the town of Kfar Kila with artillery shells at 3:45 p.m.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for an attack carried out at 3:20 p.m. against Israeli forces east of Markaba, in southern Lebanon, using a salvo of missiles.
The French Minister of Armed Forces reiterated France's call for a cease-fire in Lebanon and Gaza, warning of the risk of a direct conflict between Iran and Israel.
"Time is running out because something even more serious could emerge in the coming weeks and days," Sebastien Lecornu said on RTL radio. "It is, of course, a more direct regional war between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel," he continued, as the Israelis have threatened to retaliate against a missile attack launched by Iran on Oct. 1.
The French minister highlighted the "political and diplomatic disagreements with how Israel is conducting its wars, but Israel is our ally," he added. Nevertheless, he emphasized the need for de-escalation and an end to conflicts that have resulted in too many civilian casualties.
"Everything is interconnected (...) the management of escalation in the Middle East, the security of the State of Israel, which must not be negotiable (...) and, of course, the issue of terrorism, which is a threat to Israel and to us as well, as we are one of the European powers that has, unfortunately, suffered the most from terrorism," he further analyzed.
Here’s what happened in South Lebanon after 2 p.m., according to the state-run National News Agency:
- Israeli warplanes struck the villages of Haris, Baraachit, Chaqra, Aynata (Bint Jbeil), and an area between Jebshit and Ebba (Nabatieh).
- A violent Israeli airstrike targeted the village of Aita al-Shaab (Bint Jbeil).
- Heavy Israeli artillery shells fell on the villages of Majdel Selm (Marjeyoun) and Baraachit.
🔴 The Lebanese Army has announced the death of three of its soldiers in an Israeli strike on the Ain Ebel - Hanine road, in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon.
(Credit: NNA)
A new plane loaded with humanitarian aid, including food, relief items, medicine, and baby formula, has arrived on the tarmac of Beirut International Airport "to support the Lebanese people through the various crises and tribulations they are facing," said the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in a statement.
This aid is part of the "relief air bridge operated by the Center, supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the eighth consecutive day," the statement added.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced that "more than 5,000 residents" of the Jabalia refugee camp were displaced on Sunday from this region in the northern Gaza Strip.
"The Israeli army continues to allow residents to leave the area safely via designated routes," he stated in a message on X.
The Jabalia region has been subjected to intense bombings and a ground offensive by the Israeli army for several weeks, resulting in hundreds of casualties. No humanitarian aid has reached this part of the enclave since the beginning of the month, according to the U.N..
Israel has conducted a series of airstrikes on villages in the Sour district, according to the state-run National News Agency. Israeli warplanes have carried out four airstrikes on a junction between the villages of Barish and Maarakeh and one airstrike on a main road linking al-Housh to the city of Sour.
The latest developments in southern Lebanon according to the NNA:
- The Amal movement organized the funeral of Akil Moubarak, a party member from the village of Markaba (Marjeyoun), who was killed in an Israeli attack on Friday targeting Kfar Dounine (Bint Jbeil). He was later buried in the city of Sour.
- Intense clashes took place in Qaouzah (Bint Jbeil) between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
- Israel carried out a series of airstrikes targeting the villages of Tayr Debba and Qleilé (Sour).
Latest updates from southern Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA):
- The Amal Movement held the funeral for Aqeel Mubarak, an Amal member from the village of Markaba in the Marjayoun district, who was killed in an Israeli attack targeting the village of Kfar Dounin in the Bint Jbeil district. Mubarak was buried in the city of Sour. The movement did not specify when the strike took place.
- Violent clashes are ongoing in Qouzah in the Bint Jbeil district between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
- Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes targeting the villages of Tayr Debba and Qleileh.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for two new missile attacks in the past hour. The party first stated that it targeted a "gathering" of Israeli soldiers in Wadi Honein, west of the Lebanese village of Odaisseh in the Marjayoun district, according to the statement.
It also reported having targeted the Israeli army base of 'Fayloune' in the locality of Rosh Pina, located east of Safed, in Upper Galilee, with a "large salvo of missiles."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump, the prime minister's office said today.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated what he has also said publicly: Israel takes into account the issues the U.S. administration raises, but in the end, will make its decisions based on its national interests," as said in the statement.
Today, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Tor Wennesland condemned the Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 87 people in Beit Lahiya, in northern Gaza, according to Reuters.
He described the scenes as "horrifying" and called for an end to Israel's "systematic attacks" on Palestinian civilians, urging protection for internally displaced people in the enclave.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon according to the National News Agency (NNA):
- The Israeli air force conducted several attacks in the vicinity of Sour. The localities of Biout al-Siad, Mansouri, Tayr Debba, the surroundings of Bazourieh, and an area between Ain Baal and Hnaouiyeh in the Sour district were struck. One attack targeted a residence near Maarakeh.
- The locality of Kfar Shuba in the Hasbaya district was hit by white phosphorus shelling, and Kantara in the Marjayoun district was struck by Israeli artillery.
- The violent nighttime attack on Nabatieh killed at least four people. A road in the city was cut off but has since been reopened to traffic.
- Two successive Israeli attacks targeted the surroundings of Ansar in the Nabatieh district.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack at 12:55 p.m. targeting the 'Maale Golani' barracks, near Majdel Shams in the occupied Syrian Golan, with missile salvos.
The party also claimed responsibility for another attack at 1 p.m. on Misgav Am, which faces Kfar Kila in the Marjayoun district.
Ihab Serhane, a resident of the village of Kfar Kila in the Marjayoun district of southern Lebanon, who was recently arrested by the Israeli army, was released yesterday in Labbouneh in the Sour district and handed over to the Lebanese Army’s intelligence unit via the Red Cross, a security source confirmed to L'Orient Today.
Serhane’s arrest took place during an “incursion” by Israeli forces in Kfar Kila.
▶️Read more here.
Following a calm night and morning in the Bekaa, Israel has carried out airstrikes on the outskirts of Sharbine, Zeghrine and Hermel, according to our correspondent in the region, Sarah Abdallah.
Warning sirens sounded around the city of Safed in Upper Galilee, where eight firefighting teams were deployed to combat fires caused by projectiles landing in open areas, according to Haaretz.
While the effort to dismantle Hezbollah might seem like progress from the perspective of Israel, analysts warn of severe consequences. Michael Young warns in his article: "Trying to impose a new reality that the party views as a threat to its vital interests is a recipe for civil war."
According to the Israeli army, as cited by Haaretz, at least 110 projectiles have been fired from Lebanon toward Israel today, starting from midnight.
An Israeli airstrike targeted the Taj al-Din center in the industrial zone at the entrance to the city of Sour, according to information from our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah.
Another airstrike targeted a house in the locality of Deir al-Zahrani in the Nabatieh district, near the main road running through the village, destroying half of a pedestrian bridge.
The Gaza Health Ministry announced a new death toll of 42,603 in the Palestinian territory since the start of the war with Israel more than a year ago, AFP reports.
At least 84 people have been killed in the last 24 hours, according to the ministry's statement, which does not include the toll from a nighttime strike on Beit Lahiya that resulted in several dozen deaths. It also reported that 99,795 people have been injured in the Gaza Strip since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a missile attack at 1 a.m. today on Katzrin, in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The party also launched another attack at the same time on Yiftah, located opposite the Lebanese town of Blida in the Marjayoun district.
The Israeli army attacked the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza. The hospital’s director, Hussam Abu Safia, stated in a press release, cited by al-Jazeera, that Israeli strikes damaged the hospital's water tanks and electrical grid.
Beit Lahiya was heavily bombarded by Israeli forces yesterday, resulting in at least 87 deaths and over 40 injuries, according to the Gaza government press office, cited by Reuters.
Search efforts continue to locate missing persons under the rubble, as the bombings around the hospital have been ongoing for several hours.
Latest updates from South Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the region:
• Israeli airstrikes have targeted the villages of Maarakeh, Burj al-Shamali in the Sour district and Wadi al-Kfour in the Nabatieh district.
• The Israeli army has fired incendiary shells on the village of Kfar Shuba in the Hasbaya district.
Hezbollah claims an attack carried out at 11:10 a.m. against Israeli forces in Ya'ara, a locality in northern Israel located opposite Alma al-Shaab in the Sour district, with "a large salvo of missiles." It also claims another attack at the same time against Shlomi, also with a large salvo of missiles. This town is located opposite Labbouneh.
Israeli airstrikes hit Tayr Harfa and Burj Rahal in the Sour district, our correspondent reports.
Hezbollah claims an attack carried out at 11:10 a.m. against Israeli forces in the locality of Adamit, located opposite Alma al-Shaab in the Sour district.
Citing the Israeli army, Haaretz reported that 70 rockets have been fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel and that some have been intercepted. Meanwhile, rocket sirens have been activated in Upper Galilee communities.
Latest updates from South Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the South:
• An Israeli airstrike has targeted a road between the villages of Kfar Shuba and Kfar Hamam in the Hasbaya district.
• Violent clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been heard since this morning in Aita al-Shaab in the Bint Jbeil.
• A big number of rockets have been fired from South Lebanon towards Israel.
Photo provided by our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah
⚡ The Israeli army has blown up the Lebanese village of Ramieh, in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon, reports our correspondent in the region. This operation is similar to the one that destroyed the village of Mhaybib a week ago.
According to the National News Agency (NNA), the Israeli attack on a house in Srifa, in the Sour district, killed three people. The attack on a house in Kfar Dounin in the Bint Jbeil district resulted in two deaths.
''There seems to be a misunderstanding about what Hezbollah is. For Americans and Israelis, the organization is simply 'an Iranian proxy force,' which implies that killing its leaders would solve the problem. This overlooks how deeply Hezbollah is rooted in the collective identity of one of the country’s largest communities. In other words, any efforts to weaken the party will be interpreted by many Shiites as an attempt to neutralize the community as a whole. This is why many displaced people remain loyal to Hezbollah today, despite the consequences of its massive miscalculation regarding Israel — the second in eighteen years.''
The Israeli army reported that three rockets fired from Lebanon targeted the Haifa area, triggering warning sirens, according to Haaretz. Two landed in open areas and one was intercepted, the Israeli newspaper added.
According to our correspondent Sarah Abdallah, a precarious calm reigns in the Bekaa region, with no overnight attacks reported.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a missile attack at 9:30 a.m. targeting Israeli forces in Sadane, within the contested Shebaa Farms area.
According to the National News Agency (NNA), Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib departed Beirut today for a European tour. His first stop is Italy to attend a G7 meeting in Pescara, followed by a visit to the Vatican and talks in Paris. Bou Habib’s agenda focuses on advocating for a ceasefire, the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, and securing humanitarian aid for Lebanon. He will also join Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Paris conference on Oct. 24 before heading to Barcelona for the Union for the Mediterranean meeting.
⚡According to a post by Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X, the Israeli military has targeted at least "65 Hezbollah terrorists" in southern Lebanon over the past few hours. Adraee added that "dozens of terrorist targets, terrorist cells, missile launch platforms and military buildings" were also hit. Ground operations by the 146th, 91st, 36th and 98th divisions are ongoing in southern Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure. Additionally, Golani Brigade fighters reportedly killed Hezbollah members in several confrontations.
In another post, Adraee claimed that the Israeli army "attacked Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons production facility in Beirut," eliminating three key Hezbollah operatives. Israeli Air Force strikes near Tibnin (Bint Jbeil district) reportedly killed "Hajj Abbas Salameh," a "senior commander" of Hezbollah's southern front. Two other Hezbollah members, Abbas Awada, described as a "telecommunications expert," and Ahmad Ali Hussein, a "production team leader responsible for arming Hezbollah," were also killed according to Adraee.
Classified U.S. documents detailing Israel's preparations for a response to Iran's missile attack on Oct. 1 were leaked on a pro-Iranian Telegram channel. The documents, reportedly from U.S. intelligence agencies, expose Israel's military movements, including missile deployment and air exercises, raising concerns about a significant breach in security.
Washington has apologized to Tel Aviv and launched an investigation, as the leak may strain the already fragile U.S.-Israel relationship. Experts warn this could disrupt Israel’s plans, but U.S. officials remain confident it won’t derail operations.
Screenshot of a video posted on social media showing the explosion in the village of Mhaybib by the Israeli army, Oct. 16, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
⚡During the night, the Israeli army detonated residential buildings in several border villages, particularly in a neighborhood in Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun district), where a school was destroyed and a cemetery was razed in Blida, a village in the same district.
This is not the first time Israel has conducted such operations. On Wednesday, its army blew up the entire village of Mhaybib, in the Marjayoun district. In Yaroun, a mosque and a Melkite church were bombed a few days ago.
Saturday saw escalating violence as Israeli forces launched around ten intense strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, particularly Haret Hreik, Burj al-Barajneh and Choueifat. This bombardment followed Hezbollah’s barrage of rocket fire, which targeted northern Israeli cities such as Haifa, Acre and Safed, resulting in one death.
In a significant first, an Israeli drone strike hit a car in Sahel Alma, near Jounieh, killing two passengers. Reports suggest the man was a Hezbollah intelligence officer.
The conflict intensifies as Israel continues to target Hezbollah sites, while U.S. officials call for de-escalation.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed this morning the launch of a drone toward Israel, which, according to the Israeli army, fell in an open area in the occupied Golan Heights, reports Haaretz.
Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, this group has claimed responsibility for more than 100 missile and drone launches toward Israel, as well as approximately 200 attacks on U.S. military bases and other international forces in Iraq.
Developments along the Lebanese-Israeli border this morning:
Around 7:30 a.m., Israeli airstrikes targeted the areas surrounding Deir Siryan and Taybeh, in the Marjayoun district. Two attacks were directed at Khiam.
An Israeli attack also hit Ebba, in the Nabatieh district, as well as Yohmor. In the Sour district, Maaroub was struck.
The Israeli army reported that a "suspicious aerial target" was intercepted over the sea near Haifa without triggering an alarm, Haaretz reported two hours ago.
Yesterday evening, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket attack at 9:25 p.m. targeting Israeli soldiers in Abirim, a town in northern Israel located about six kilometers from the Blue Line. The group also claimed an attack with 'quality missiles,' a term seemingly used for precision-guided missiles, against Kiryat Ata, east of Haifa. This strike was part of Operation "Khaybar," a series of attacks launched shortly after the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, intended as a "response to Israeli massacres" in Lebanon, "particularly the one in Nabatieh."
The group also launched an attack at 10 p.m. against Israeli forces "at the entrance of Shebaa" using missiles. At 11 p.m., it targeted Israeli forces in Manara, an Israeli town facing Houla in the Marjayoun district.
During the night, Hezbollah struck the city of Safed at 12:05 a.m. with missile salvos. At the same time, it claimed to have hit Rosh Bina, located south of Safed. Around 5 a.m., the party targeted Kiryat Shmona with missiles.
On Oct. 17, Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7 operation, was killed in battle. Known as the "Butcher of Khan Younis," Sinwar's death marks a pivotal moment for Hamas, though not its collapse. While Israel’s Netanyahu called it the “end of Hamas,” analysts suggest the group remains resilient.
Sinwar’s choice to die on the frontlines bolsters his image as a martyr, cementing his legacy. However, his death exposes a widening gap between Hamas' leadership in Gaza and those in exile, raising questions about the group’s future.
▶️ Read more here.
The developments in South Lebanon last night, according to our Correspondent Muntasser Abdallah:
- At least 45 villages in South Lebanon were violently struck multiple times throughout yesterday. The Israeli army detonated residential buildings in several border villages, including a neighborhood in Mais al-Jabal in the Marjayoun district, where a school was destroyed. The Israeli army also razed a village cemetery in Blida, in the same district.
- After 9 p.m., Israeli forces attempted an incursion toward Dhaira, a village in the Sour district, resulting in "violent clashes" with Hezbollah, coupled with artillery strikes on Tayr Harfa and Jibbayn. The localities of Dhaira and Tayr Harfa were repeatedly targeted, and a violent raid hit Maaroub.
- An attack targeted Deir Qanoun al-Ain, also in the Sour district, resulting in casualties whose fate is still unknown.
- After 10 p.m., the localities of Shihine and Jibbayn, both in the Sour district, were struck, as well as Dhaira again. The locality of Kfar Shuba in Hasbaya was also hit. After 11:30 p.m., Israeli airstrikes conducted two attacks on Shebaa.
- Past midnight, Israeli artillery attacks targeted Khiam and Kfar Kila in the Marjayoun district, accompanied by machine gun fire toward Khiam.
- After 2 a.m., at least seven Israeli attacks targeted the city of Nabatieh, whose souks were recently ravaged by the Israeli army. Surrounding buildings were also hit.
- Nighttime attacks also targeted Nafakhieh and Shehabieh, in the Sour district. The village of Srifa was also hit, and rescuers are searching for the missing.
Shortly before 6 a.m. this morning, new Israeli bombardments targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut.
An hour earlier, the Israeli army had issued evacuation orders to residents of two neighborhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut, in preparation for a strike against two buildings that, according to them, housed "Hezbollah facilities."
These buildings were located in the Haret Hreik and Hadath neighborhoods, based on what the Israeli army had indicated in its message.
Good morning,
Thank you for joining us for this new live coverage of the events on the 380th day of the Gaza war, which is also the 379th day of the war in Lebanon, between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as their repercussions in the region.
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