Thank you for following our live coverage of the Lebanon and Gaza wars and their regional implications
We will resume reporting in the morning.
The Israeli army announced today that it had targeted Hezbollah "command centers and infrastructure" in strikes on Baalbeck in eastern Lebanon and Nabatieh in southern Lebanon throughout the day.
In the official transcript of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati's interview with al-Jadeed, the Grand Serail changed the wording from "next few hours" to "next few days" regarding the possibility of a cease-fire in Lebanon. During his live interview on Wednesday evening, the head of government had referred to hours.
🔴 Lebanese Health Ministry reported that 19 people were killed in Israeli strikes in eastern Lebanon.
Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi met with reserve commanders on the northern border, stating that more soldiers are needed in both the regular army and reserves, according to Haaretz. He shared a story about an ultra-Orthodox soldier who chose to enlist and was wounded in action, saying, “Our question is how to do much more; it’s socially just, and I believe that as we move forward from this war and understand that the [Israeli army] needs to grow, this could lead to a positive social shift.”
Israeli aircraft have once again struck the village of Sohmor in the western Bekaa, according to our correspondent. Earlier, successive Israeli airstrikes on the village killed at least 11 people and wounded 15 others, according the Lebanese Health Ministry.
The Israeli strike reported earlier on Toul, west of Nabatieh, killed several people and wounded others, our correspondent in southern Lebanon reported.
The White House, in response to reports of a proposed cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon, stated, "There are many reports and drafts circulating. They do not reflect the current state of negotiations." Earlier in the day, Hezbollah's new leader, Naim Qassem, asserted that the negotiations had thus far "yielded no results."
⚡ Israeli public radio station KAN has published what it claims is the draft cease-fire proposal for Lebanon, dated Oct. 26. The proposal calls on Israel and Lebanon to implement U.N. resolutions 1701 and 1559. According to the text, Israel would commit to withdrawing its forces from Lebanon within seven days of the cease-fire's initiation. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would begin deploying simultaneously with the Israeli withdrawal. Full implementation of this plan would be finalized during a 60-day cease-fire period.
U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, calls for a lasting cease-fire and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon while demanding a halt to all Israeli violations of Lebanon's land, sea and air sovereignty. Resolution 1559, adopted in September 2004, calls for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon and the disarmament of all armed groups, including Hezbollah.
🔴 Here are extracts from Prime Minister Najib Mikati's interview with al-Jadeed:
"Since Sept. 21, there has been no communication with Hezbollah; my communication is with the Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri," said the head of the Lebanese government. He noted that Hezbollah "had been slow" to separate its front with Israel from that of Gaza. However, he refrained from answering whether the party was wrong to open a front with northern Israel in the wake of the Gaza war.
Mikati also indicated that the Lebanese government wished to see U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 implemented, suggesting that potential modalities for implementation could be discussed once a cease-fire is accepted. He mentioned that, in that case, the Lebanese army would deploy "immediately" in southern Lebanon, while the Israeli army would need to withdraw from "every inch" of Lebanese territory. He added that it would likely take a few days for the Lebanese army to deploy in southern Lebanon, in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Finally, he expressed hope for the "support" of Lebanon's international partners to facilitate this deployment and equip the army, while suggesting that, even without an imminent cease-fire, the fighting was unlikely to continue for long.
🔴 The death toll from the strike on Beit Salibi (Baalbeck district) increased to 12 killed and 5 wounded, reported the National News Agency.
The U.N. mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been the victim of more than 30 "incidents" since the beginning of October, approximately 20 of which were attributed to "fire or actions" by Israeli armed forces, its spokesman said.
"Since Oct. 1, UNIFIL has recorded over 30 incidents resulting in damage to U.N. property or facilities and injuries to peacekeepers," Andrea Tenenti stated during a video news conference. "We have attributed around 20 of these incidents to firing or actions by the Israeli armed forces, of which at least seven were deliberate," he added. "What is particularly concerning are the incidents in which peacekeepers conducting their mission, along with our cameras, lighting and observation towers, were deliberately targeted by the Israeli armed forces," he emphasized.
On Monday, a rocket "probably fired by Hezbollah or an affiliated group" struck the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, he noted. For the remaining incidents, "around a dozen," "the origin of the fire could not be determined." "To be clear, the actions of both the IDF and Hezbollah are putting peacekeepers at risk," the spokesman insisted.
⚡ In a live interview on the al-Jadeed channel, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed he was "cautiously" hopeful for a cease-fire "in the next few hours." "I called American emissary Amos Hochstein, and he informed me that he was on his way to Tel Aviv, and we hope for a cease-fire soon," said Mikati.
"Appeal to all inhabitants of Lebanese villages who have evacuated their homes for security reasons: Israeli army strikes continue. For your safety and that of your families, do not return to your homes until further notice," writes Arabic-speaking Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee on X.
The United States has expressed that it's "very concerned" over Israel's failure to address its concerns regarding Israeli strikes in Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia on Tuesday, where more than 100 people, including women and children, were killed.
"We still don't have an explanation. They've stated publicly that they're investigating the matter, and we've pressed them for an answer," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, adding, "They're not doing enough to provide the answers we've requested."
The Israeli army is "creating a new division on the eastern border" between Israel and Jordan, announced its Arabic-speaking spokesman Avichay Adraee on X.
He reported that "Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Chief of Staff General Herzi Halevi have approved the creation" of this division. "It aims to strengthen defense efforts in the border area, ensuring a response to terrorist events and arms trafficking, while maintaining peaceful borders and enhancing cooperation with the Jordanian army," he added.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri insisted that Lebanese leaders are not prepared to change the terms of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 in an interview published today by the pan-Arab daily Al-Chark al-Awsat. This resolution, which ended the 2006 war in Lebanon but has not been fully implemented, is among the options being considered to achieve a cease-fire in the current war.
To find out more about the most recent diplomatic efforts regarding Resolution 1701, read Mounir Rabih's piece here.👈
The Israeli air force targeted the building of the Union of Municipalities in Iklim al-Touffah, in the Nabatieh district. However, the missile did not explode, reported our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Two Israeli airstrikes targeted Toul, west of Nabatieh, near the Ragheb Harb Hospital, and an additional strike targeted Maarakeh, Sour district.
Hezbollah announced three new operations that took place earlier in the afternoon:
- At 3 p.m., the party fired rockets at the locality of Hatzor-Haglilit, northeast of Safed.
- At 5:30 p.m., a barrage of rockets was fired at a group of Israeli soldiers on the outskirts of Khiam, Marjayoun district.
- At 5:40 p.m., a salvo of missiles was fired at another group of Israeli soldiers in southeast Khiam.
U.S. State Departments said the humanitarian aid situation in Gaza remains at "an unacceptable level," reported Reuters.
On Oct. 13, U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin sent a letter to the Israeli government demanding it acts to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within the next 30 days or risk violating U.S. laws governing foreign military assistance, suggesting U.S. military aid could be in jeopardy.
The governor of the Bekaa, Kamal Abou Jaoude, announced that the Aiha Official School has been removed from the earlier list of available accommodation centers for internally displaced persons from the Baalbeck region, without providing an explanation.
To access the full list, press here.👈
🔴 Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed at least 2,822 people and wounded 12,937 others since Oct. 2023, the Lebanese Ministry of Health announced today.
Additionally, the death toll from the strike on Beit Salibi (Baalbeck district) has increased to 10 with seven others wounded, mainly women and children, according to our correspondent in the Bekaa.
Hezbollah announced its 25th attack of the day, launching "qualitative missiles" at "Camp Adam for special unit training groups southeast of Tel Aviv." The announcement added that this attack was conducted as part of the "Khaybar" operations, launched shortly after the assassination of the party's previous leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
According to the National News Agency, an Israeli strike on a two-story house in Bednayel (Baalbeck) killed eight people, and clearing operations are continuing.
The town of Kharayeb (Saida district), mourned the death of two of its residents, according to a press release relayed by our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Mohammed Sbiti and Hassan Ghazi were killed after their vehicle was targeted by the Israeli army north of Sour, in the Abou al-Asswad region.
Hezbollah announced three new attacks, all at 3 p.m., bringing its total attacks for the day to 24:
- It launched a salvo of missiles at a group of Israeli soldiers in the locality of Rosh Pina, 5 km from the border at Bint Jbeil, in the Bint Jbeil district.
- It also launched a barrage of rockets at Yasod HaMa'ala, 5 km from the border southeast of Bint Jbeil, and Kidmat Tsvi, at least 20 km from the border.
Photo of one of the vehicles destroyed by Israeli strikes on Wednesday in Araya, Baabda district, Mount Lebanon. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient Today)
🔴 The Health Ministery released an initial toll of the relentless Israeli airstrikes on Sohmor, western Bekaa, have killed at least 11 people and wounded 15 others.
🔴 The Israeli airstrike that targeted a house in the village of Beit Salibi (Baalbeck district) killed seven people. According to our correspondent, two families lived in the targeted home. Additionally, more than seven other individuals were killed in a strike on Bednayel (Baalbeck). Search operations under the rubble are ongoing.
⚡ Air France has announced the extension of its flight suspension to Tel Aviv until Nov. 5 due to the security situation. The airline also noted that its routes to Beirut remain suspended until Nov. 30. "The resumption of operations will depend on an assessment of the situation on the ground," the company stated in a press release, adding that affected customers will be notified individually and offered options for rescheduling or refunds.
⚡ The Israeli army reported it had struck fuel tanks in Hezbollah’s logistics compounds in the Bekaa region. A Lebanese source told Reuters that one of the powerful explosions, sending up a large black cloud, was from strikes on Hezbollah's fuel depots.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed optimism that a cease-fire can be reached in Lebanon within one to two weeks, Reuters reported.
In its 21st statement of the day, Hezbollah announced that at 5 p.m., it launched a combined rocket and drone attack on the "Ain Shimer anti-missile air defense base," which it described as "a regional brigade base" east of Hadera, around 10 kilometers southwest of Haifa. Hezbollah added that at the same time, it targeted "gatherings of soldiers" at the Eliakim camp, affiliated with the Northern Command, and the Shraga base, north of the occupied city of Acre, which sits along the coast roughly halfway between Haifa and the Lebanese border. Hezbollah claims the attacks hit their targets accurately. This attack was part of the "Khaybar" attacks, launched shortly after the assassination of the party's previous leader Hassan Nasrallah.
At around 6 p.m., Haaretz reported that sirens had sounded in Hadera and other areas between Haifa and the border. The Israeli military later stated it had intercepted a drone and reported that two others "fell" near Acre. It lifted the alert approximately 20 minutes later.
Hezbollah announced its 20th attack of the day: at 3:50 p.m., its fighters launched a guided missile at 12 Israeli soldiers gathered between the towns of Kfar Kila and Deir Mimas, in the Marjayoun district, "causing a number of deaths and injuries."
⚡ According to our correspondent in southern Lebanon, the Israeli army has not demolished any houses in neighborhoods of Khiam (Marjayoun district), contrary to an earlier report by the National News Agency (NNA). Citing a security source, our reporter confirmed that Israeli forces have yet to enter the locality, where fighting has been ongoing on its outskirts since Wednesday. The source added that Israeli troops are currently positioned southeast of Khiam.
The governor of the Bekaa, Kamal Abou Jaoude announced that the Bekaa Crisis and Disaster Risk Management Committee has released a list of shelters for those displaced by Israeli bombardments in the Baalbeck region.
According to the list, the Qob Elias Institute of Food Processing can host 100 people, the Qob Elias Technical School 65, Jeb Jennine Institute 130, al-Manara Technical Institute 110, Rachaya Development Institute 100, Aiha Official School 100, and the Bekaa Official Intermediate School 60. For further information, the committee provided the following contacts: 08/808211 and 81/479342.
An Israeli airstrike hit Mazraat Beit Salibi, west of Baalbeck, in the Bekaa, our correspondent reported. In southern Lebanon, another strike targeted Kafr Joz, north of Nabatieh.
According to our correspondent in the Bekaa, Israeli drone strikes targeted Hermel, Shouaghir and al-Tal.
The Israeli airstrike reported earlier on Sohmor killed nine people and wounded 11.
Israeli attacks continue in southern Lebanon, where airstrikes targeted in Kabrikha, Touline — in the Marjayoun district — Shakra and Safad al-Batikh, in the Bint Jbeil district, reported our correspondent.
In its 18th and 19th attacks for the day, Hezbollah announced that it launched exploding drones at a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Ga'aton and Chtoula, in northern Israel, adding that the drones "hit their targets accurately."
Hezbollah announced that it launched a salvo of missiles at Israeli soldiers at 3 p.m. in the Wadi al-Assafir area of Khiam, in the Marjayoun district. Earlier, Israeli soldiers were reportedly demolishing houses in that region, according to the National News Agency.
Also, Hezbollah announced that its fighters fired at an Israeli fighter jet in the Zahrani district airspace, at 4 p.m., forcing it to leave Lebanese airspace.
The U.N. Security Council "strongly warned against any attempts to dismantle or diminish" the operations and mandate of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) after Israel passed a law banning its operations.
The council urged Israel "to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and live up to its responsibility to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip."
To find out more about what came in the meeting, press here.👈
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged troops in Gaza on Wednesday to “apply military pressure” to secure the return of hostages held in the territory for over a year. His office quoted him saying, “Your duty is to exert military pressure, eliminate, and imprison terrorists to create conditions for the hostages' return," reported AFP.
According to our correspondent in the Bekaa, Baalbeck is currently experiencing a period of calm following a series of airstrikes on the town and nearby areas, including Ain Bourday and Douris.
However, she reports that an Israeli strike in Sohmor, in western Bekaa, resulted in casualties. This area was not included in the evacuation notice issued earlier by the Israeli army.
Here are the latest updates on Israeli attacks in the Nabatieh district:
- A drone strike bombed Nabatieh, targeting municipality electricity generators.
- An airstrike targeted Arnoun.
Israeli artillery bombarded the area around the Litani River, in the Khardali region, near the historic Beaufort Castle, causing fires to erupt, reported our correspondent in southern Lebanon. In addition, Israeli aircraft carried out a strike targeting a house in Kfar Melki, in the Marjayoun district.
Several Israeli drones are flying over the city of Saida, the neighborhood of Haret Saida, as well as the Palestinian refugee camps and the surrounding areas in the city, reported our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Haret Saida has been the target of several deadly Israeli strikes since Sunday that have displaced several families from the area. The city had previously been spared Israeli bombardment. 6 people had been killed in a deadly attack yesterday, reported the Health Ministry. To find out more, press here.
"The drone that hit a defense plant that produces components for the aviation industry in Nahariya crossed from the east and not from Lebanon in the north," said the Israeli army cited by Haaretz.
Earlier, the Nahariya municipality reported that the plant's roof sustained minor damage. No siren was issued before the impact, and the army stated that the drone was detected shortly before the crash.
This morning, the Islamic resistance in Iraq, a pro-Iranian militia, claimed a drone attack against a "crucial objective" in northern Israel, without mentioning what was targeted and in which city.
Hezbollah said it launched a salvo of rockets at 1:25 p.m. against the Krayot, a group of neighborhoods north of Haifa.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army — cited by Haaretz — reported that around 25 rockets were fired from Lebanon with several landing in "open areas" The Israeli news outlet also added that a 70-year-old man "sustained minor wounds from shrapnel to the head in northern Israel." Additionally, the army statement added that since midnight, around 50 rockets have been fired towards Israel from Lebanon
Hezbollah announced that it carried out an attack at 2:15 p.m. on a gathering of Israeli soldiers near the Fatima Gate, an old border crossing near Kfar Kila (Marjayoun), with a salvo of missiles.
At the same time, the party announced that its fighters had intercepted an "Hermes 450 drone in the airspace of the western region" and launched a surface-to-air missile at it, "forcing it to leave Lebanese airspace."
The Israeli army is blowing up houses in several neighborhoods in Khiam (Marjayoun), reported the state's National News Agency:
The neighborhoods of Wadi al-Assafir and other areas east of the village have been razed by the Israeli army. These neighborhoods witnessed incessant fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in the past couple of days, with several reported attempts of the Israeli army trying to advance through them.
Here the latest updates on Israeli attacks in the Sour district:
- Airstrikes targeted Bayada, Byout al-Siyyed, Shaatiyeh, Bafliyeh and Debaal.
- One person was killed and four others injured in a strike on the al-Bass traffic roundabout
Here are the latest updates on Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon:
- An airstrike targeted Mahmoudieh, in the Jezzine district.
- Several people were injured in a strike in the city of Nabatieh.
- Airstrikes targeted Kfar Kila and Khiam, in the Marjayoun district.
A Hamas official stated Wednesday that the Palestinian Islamist movement has not received an official proposal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip but would consider any plan that included an Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
"We have not officially received a comprehensive proposal. We are ready to discuss any idea or proposal presented to us, provided it leads to an end to the war and a withdrawal of the army from Gaza," the official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Qassem, regarding cease-fire negotiations: "We are on the same wavelength as Berri."
Qassem: "It seems that the American elections will be a turning point in the war. The Israeli losses on the ground will weigh on their decisions, as the enemy has failed to achieve any of its objectives. We do not know when all these factors will lead to the end of the war, but we continue the fight and will not beg for a cease-fire. If the Israelis want to stop, it will be on our terms, and negotiations have not yet yielded results."
According to several Israeli media outlets, U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein and another adviser to Joe Biden are expected to arrive in Israel tomorrow to discuss the terms of a potential cease-fire in Lebanon.
Qassem, addressing Hezbollah supporters: "I know that you are making many sacrifices, but you will be rewarded. We understand what you are going through, but we must be patient a little longer; the Resistance cannot triumph without your sacrifices. We will remain united and rebuild together; the war cannot last forever. Hezbollah will remain strong on the ground and in the political arena, and will emerge even stronger."
Qassem: "Just as we triumphed in July 2006, we will triumph today. The American ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, went to tell the political opponents of Hezbollah that the resistance is defeated, but I respond that it is Israel and the U.S. who will be defeated."
As the broadcast of Qassem's speech was interrupted for several minutes, Haaretz reported the possibility of a cyberattack, citing "press information from Lebanon."
Qassem: "We can hold out for days, weeks, or even months. Leave our lands to minimize your losses, or you will witness things you have never seen before. You will not bring the residents of northern Israel back to their homes through these means."
Tens of thousands of residents from villages and towns in northern Israel have been displaced by the fighting since October 2023.
Qassem: "We only target barracks and military personnel, while they kill innocent civilians.
They try to harm us, but we harm them back, and we were even able to launch a missile at Netanyahu's bedroom, an attack which frightened him according to our information."
On Oct. 19, a drone from Lebanon crashed into a house belonging to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea. This attack, claimed by Hezbollah several days later, resulted in no casualties, and neither Netanyahu nor his family were present at the site.
Qassem: "This war will end in a certain victory. According to the Resistance Operations Center, 90 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 750 others injured, and 10 times fewer on our side."
The Israeli army has so far acknowledged the deaths of about 30 of its soldiers in the fighting in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, for its part, has not announced any casualties in its ranks since the end of September.
Qassem: "Our missiles and drones are used according to a well-established daily program. With them, we have paralyzed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Israelis."
On numerous occasions, during Hezbollah attacks, thousands of Israelis living in the North have gone down to bomb shelters.
Qassem: "May no one worry about us; we have the experience and the necessary means and are prepared for a prolonged war. One of our fighters is worth 10 of their soldiers, with their tanks and weapons."
⚡ Violent Israeli airstrikes continue to target Baalbeck and Douris, reports our correspondent in the Bekaa. Images sent by residents show smoke rising behind the historic ruins of Baalbeck as a result of the strikes.
Qassem: "It's the ground that matters. Nearly 4,000 members, both male and female, as well as ordinary citizens, were affected by the explosion of the pagers on Sept. 17. Yet we have recovered, while this incident would have destabilized anyone else. Following that, there was a series of assassinations, including that of our leader, Hassan Nasrallah. It is natural for us to be deeply hurt by this. However, as of Oct. 8, the party has found replacements for the vacant positions, and this is evident on the ground. For about 10 days now, we have been hearing about our victories. This party is a great institution, has a lot of resources, and boasts a considerable number of members."
Qassem: "We thank the supportive fronts, especially in Iraq and Yemen. They all help us based on their own convictions. We are liberating our land, and no one is asking us for anything."
Qassem: "Iran has been paying a heavy price for decades because of its stance in support of the Palestinian cause."
Qassem: "We are not fighting for any agenda, but to protect our country, to support the Palestinians, and to prevent Israeli and American control over our nation. Iran supports us in our project and asks for nothing in return; it is not leading its fight through us. We welcome any support from any Arab country to advance our struggle. But has any Arab country offered us help? And did we refuse it?"
Qassem: "We are in the midst of a war waged against Lebanon. A war that began with the pagers incident in September, despite our consistent stance of not wanting." war.
On Sept. 17, Israel detonated thousands of booby-trapped pagers that were in the possession of Hezbollah members. This large-scale operation, which had been prepared for years according to international media, resulted in a dozen deaths, including two children. The next day, walkie-talkies that were also booby-trapped exploded, causing several dozen more casualties.
Qassem: "We are facing an American, European and global war aimed at ending resistance and our peoples. How is it possible that 43,000 killed in Gaza, the bombing of tents, 100 killed at once in Jabalia, etc., do not elicit any response from the world? They want us to surrender, but that will not happen, even if the confrontation is painful."
Qassem: "Since Resolution 1701 in 2006, Israel has violated Lebanese airspace 39,000 times over the course of 17 years. It is not true that Israel has respected this resolution. On Oct. 11, 2023, Israel was already considering a broader war against Lebanon, but the United States did not agree. Their intention was indeed there. They were preparing for a war against Lebanon even before the al-Aqsa Flood."
Qassem: "Does Israel need a pretext to attack and kill Palestinians and steal their land? Was the al-Aqsa Flood [the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, ed.] the only act of resistance in 75 years? And in Lebanon, even before the creation of Hezbollah, Israel invaded Lebanon to end Palestinian resistance and all resistance. But it was the resistance of Hezbollah, the Amal Movement and others that forced Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon [in May 2000, ed.], not international resolutions."
During Naim Qassem's speech, the Israeli air force began bombing Baalbeck and its surrounding area, several hours after an evacuation warning, according to our correspondent. These strikes specifically targeted the Ain Bourdai roundabout, the outskirts of Ras al-Ain, and the al-Wad neighborhood of Baalbeck.
Qassem, justifying the opening of the "support front" for Gaza in southern Lebanon: "Supporting Gaza was essential to confront the Israeli threat to the entire region, and because the people of Gaza needed to be supported."
Qassem: "What is my plan? A continuation of my predecessor's. We will carry on with the war program as it has been outlined so far."
Qassem, referring to his appointment the previous day as head of Hezbollah: “I thank the party for placing its trust in me for this heavy responsibility.”
Shortly after the announcement of his appointment, several Israeli officials threatened the new Secretary-General, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Qassem also paid tribute to the career of his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed on Sept. 27 in large-scale air raids on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Nasrallah will remain “the symbol of the Resistance and the beloved of resistance fighters,” he said.
Naim Qassem began his speech with a tribute to the head of Hezbollah's executive council, Hashem Safieddine, whose death was confirmed a week ago. Safieddine had long been considered the most likely successor to Hassan Nasrallah.
The Hezbollah leader also paid tribute to the memory of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, killed by Israel in Gaza, “who resisted until his last breath.”
Hezbollah's new Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, began his speech. This was his first speech since being appointed head of the party yesterday, and his fourth since the death of his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah.
The Israeli army on Wednesday called on residents of several localities in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of military operations targeting "Hezbollah facilities" in the area.
"For your safety, you must immediately leave your homes and move north of the Awali River," warned Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X (formerly Twitter). The affected villages include Sajad, Kfar Joz, Nabatieh al-Tahta, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Zefta, Jarjouaa, Houmine al-Tahta, and Kfar Roummane.
The Israeli army has announced that it has eliminated the vice-commander of Hezbollah's elite al-Radwane unit, Mustapha Ahmad Chehadeh, in southern Lebanon, in a strike on the Nabatieh region. In a series of messages on X, the army said that this commander “was in charge of the operations of the al-Radwane force during the clashes in Syria between 2012 and 2017” and that he was also in charge of “combat plans in South Lebanon.”
This elimination constitutes “a further blow to the capabilities” of Hezbollah's elite unit, according to the army.
The Israeli air force bombed the same neighborhood of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon three times, according to our correspondent.
Hezbollah has confirmed that its new Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, appointed yesterday as head of the party, will speak at 3 p.m.
Hezbollah’s newly appointed secretary-general, Naim Qassem, is expected to deliver his first speech since his appointment as head of the party, according to Hezbollah sources via AFP.
The Governor of Baalbeck-Hermel, Bachir Khodr, called on residents to head in two directions: either toward Ersal (near the Syrian border) or toward North Lebanon, via the Ainata el-Arz road. “Please avoid going to the Baalbeck temple, as the area is not safe,” he added. This warning is especially concerning given that tourist and historic sites, including UNESCO World Heritage locations like this one, are not immune to Israeli bombings.
The president of Baalbeck's municipal council, Moustapha el-Chall, confirmed these fears in an interview with Sky News Arabia. "We fear that the temples of Baalbeck and the city's other heritage sites could be targeted" by Israeli bombings, he said.
The Baalbeck Chamber of Commerce and Industry received two calls and a voice message, allegedly from the Israeli army, urging its director and employees to evacuate immediately because it was "in danger." The building was fully evacuated, and law enforcement was alerted to verify the authenticity of these messages.
Residents of several localities in northern Bekaa began evacuating their villages on Wednesday following warnings issued by the Israeli army. Thousands of residents from Iaat, Makneh, Douris, Nahleh, Jamaliyeh, the city of Baalbeck, Tell Abiad, Adous, and Ain Bourday took to the roads. Massive traffic congestion is reported throughout the road networks in this area.
Dr. Mohammad Khazaal, a resident of Baalbeck, told L'OLJ that the road heading north is filled with people fleeing the area.
Hezbollah announced it carried out several attacks against Israeli soldiers located on Lebanese territory around Khiam (in the Marjayoun district), Wazzani, and Shebaa (Hasbaya).
Between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., the group launched rockets at these Israeli soldiers five times:
- Twice near Khallet al-Assafir, in Khiam, at 11 a.m. and noon. Around the same village, where the Israeli army launched an offensive Monday night, Hezbollah fighters also targeted soldiers in Wata al-Khiam, southeast of the area.
- In Wazzani, the targeted soldiers were located east of the village’s spring.
- Hezbollah also targeted soldiers positioned at the entrance of Shebaa.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Wednesday a new death toll of 43,163 killed in the Palestinian territory since the start of the war with Israel over a year ago.
At least 102 people have been killed in the last 24 hours, it said in a statement, adding that 101,510 people had been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war.
The mayor of Araya, Pierre Bejjani, told L'Orient Today that there is at least one person was killed by the Israeli airstrike that targeted a van in the village. He added that a big fire broke out in the bushes near the targeted area and is now approaching houses.
The mayor claimed the targeted van was carrying "weapons and rockets."
Another Lebanese security source also told AFP that the van hit in Araya was filled with ammunition and that its driver was killed.
Hezbollah announced a “drone bomb” strike against a military base in Tirat Carmel, a town south of Haifa on Israel's northern coast, some 40 kilometers from the border. “The target was hit with precision,” according to the statement issued by the party.
The attack was carried out as part of the party's “Khaibar” series of operations, launched shortly after the elimination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and was intended as a riposte to the “massacres” committed by Israel.
🔴 The Israeli army has called on the residents of Baalbeck, Ain Bourdai and Douris to evacuate their homes “immediately” and leave these localities before it “operates with force against Hezbollah targets.”
In his message on X, the spokesman specifies that these evacuations must be carried out via specific roads: the highway linking Zahleh to Baalbeck, the road between Nahleh and Baalbeck and the “Cedars” road to the north.
According to our correspondent, the car targeted in Bshamoun was not hit.
This is the first time that this locality in Mount Lebanon has been targeted since the beginning of the war.
Update on the situation in South Lebanon:
- An Israeli raid targeted a building in Jennata (Sour).
- Several families have left Haret Saida following the two strikes that targeted the locality yesterday.
Traffic was cut off in both directions on the Kahaleh road following the strike on a car in Araya, on the Beirut-Bekaa highway.
An Israeli reconnaissance aircraft fired a missile at a car driving in Bshamoun (Mount Lebanon), near the al-Tabsh mosque, reports the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
According to NNA, the driver survived the strike.
A car was hit on the Araya road, on the highway linking Beirut to the Bekaa, some ten kilometers from the Lebanese capital, according to our correspondent.
The drone launched from Lebanon toward Nahariya in northern Israel damaged a defense installation, reports Haaretz.
Hezbollah claimed to have targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the Amra region, south of Khiam, at 3:30 a.m. with "a salvo of rockets."
It also targeted Israeli soldiers gathered in the Yaaqoussa area, on the outskirts of Khiam, at 3:30 a.m. and again at 4:30 a.m.
Six drones were launched from Lebanon toward Israel since midnight, according to the Israeli army, as reported by Haaretz, with one of them striking a defense installation in Nahariya, in the north.
The other drones were intercepted, the army added.
An Israeli air strike targeted olive pickers on the outskirts of Sinai, near the village of Ansar.
Seven wounded, including two in critical condition, have been hospitalized so far, according to our correspondent.
The Israeli army claimed to have eliminated “dozens of fighters in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip” yesterday, according to Haaretz.
“Forces from the 162nd Division operated in Jabalia, where they killed dozens of Hamas members,” the troop said.
It also claimed to have destroyed in Lebanon “terrorist tunnels, anti-aircraft missiles and missile launchers, including the one from which Hezbollah fired a rocket that resulted in the death yesterday of an Israeli in Ma'alot-Tarshiha, in northern Israel”.
Smoke billows from two Israeli raids on Khiam, Oct. 30, 2024. Photo provided by our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah
Two Israeli raids targeted the village of Khiam (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent.
Yesterday, Israeli tanks carried out their most extensive incursion into southern Lebanon since the start of the war, arriving on the outskirts of Khiam, located six kilometers from the border with Israel.
At 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Hezbollah claimed to have targeted the Israeli town of Meron, in northern Israel, with “a salvo of rockets.”
At 10:15 p.m., it also targeted Israeli soldiers gathered in the Wata al-Khiam area (south-east of the village) with “a salvo of rockets.”
Here are the developments from last night in southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent:
At 9:30 p.m., casualties were reported in Israeli attacks on the village of Sarafand in the Saida district, with 16 people killed, according to the town's head of the municipality. Strikes on the village of Bazourieh in the Sour district resulted in at least five injuries. Search efforts are ongoing in both locations to locate possible victims.
The death toll from another raid the previous day in Haret Saida has now reached six killed and 37 injured.
An Israeli strike on Doueir (Hasbaya) overnight left three people injured.
The village of Jwayya in the Sour district was also targeted overnight.
Here’s the latest on the Lebanese-Israeli border situation this morning:
-Hezbollah announced that it had targeted the Amra area south of Khiam with “a salvo of rockets” at 2:30 a.m.
-Three people were killed and others injured in an early morning Israeli raid on a house in Zrarieh (Saida).
-At 8 a.m., Israeli raids targeted areas around Biyada (Sour) and the banks of the Litani River.
-A series of strikes hit Shebaa (Hasbaya). Heavy and medium machine gun fire could be heard on the outskirts of the village, which was also targeted by heavy artillery fire.
-This morning, an Israeli raid targeted the village of Ansar. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
Here’s the latest on the Lebanese-Israeli border situation this morning:
-Hezbollah announced that it had targeted the Amra area south of Khiam with “a salvo of rockets” at 2:30 a.m.
-Three people were killed and others injured in an early morning Israeli raid on a house in Zrarieh (Saida).
-At 8 a.m., Israeli raids targeted areas around Biyada (Sour) and the banks of the Litani River.
-A series of strikes hit Shebaa (Hasbaya). Heavy and medium machine gun fire could be heard on the outskirts of the village, which was also targeted by heavy artillery fire.
-This morning, an Israeli raid targeted the village of Ansar. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
Here’s the latest on the Lebanese-Israeli border situation this morning:
-Hezbollah announced that it had targeted the Amra area south of Khiam with “a salvo of rockets” at 2:30 a.m.
-Three people were killed and others injured in an early morning Israeli raid on a house in Zrarieh (Saida).
-At 8 a.m., Israeli raids targeted areas around Biyada (Sour) and the banks of the Litani River.
-A series of strikes hit Shebaa (Hasbaya). Heavy and medium machine gun fire could be heard on the outskirts of the village, which was also targeted by heavy artillery fire.
-This morning, an Israeli raid targeted the village of Ansar. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
In southern Lebanon, numerous bombings targeted Shebaa, in the Hasbaya district on the eastern part of the border. In the morning, explosions were also heard in the area, where machine-gun clashes were taking place.
During its ground offensive in southern Lebanon, the Israeli army managed to enter numerous border towns on the western side of the Blue Line in the Sour and Bint Jbeil districts, as well as on the eastern side in the Marjayoun district. However, no advances have yet been reported in the Shebaa area, except for an attempted incursion into Hebbarieh on Oct. 23.
In the Baalbeck district, after two particularly deadly days in which bombings killed over 70 people, three new airstrikes were carried out by the Israeli air force overnight, according to sources from our correspondent:
On the heights of Taraya, west of Baalbeck.
On the heights of Boudai, in the area known as al-Waara.
On the main road leading to Qaled al-Sabaa in Hermel, near an illegal crossing point between Lebanon and Syria.
No casualties have been reported from these strikes so far.
U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is expected in Tel Aviv tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, according to several American and Israeli media sources.
According to Axios, Hochstein will be accompanied by Brett McGurk, an advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden. Israeli journalist Amichai Stein from the public broadcaster Kan, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that this visit indicates "significant progress" toward an agreement. Citing a source referenced by the journalist, the U.S. administration recently stated that Hochstein would only travel to Israel for talks "when both parties demonstrate seriousness."
Several Israeli media outlets suggest that an eventual agreement may include a cease-fire followed by a 60-day "transition period."
Good morning!
Thank you for joining us for our coverage of the ongoing war in Gaza and its regional and global impacts.
Make sure to read the Morning Brief so you are caught up with what has been happening.
You have reached your article limit
A lot can happen in one day...
Stay informed for $1 only!
This article is only available to L’Orient Today subscribers.
Already have an account? Login here
