As the Israeli military faces escalating conflicts with Iran-backed militant groups, the Middle East is witnessing one of its most significant upheavals in decades. On the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel will “continue to fight” until its objectives in Gaza—defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages—are met, though neither has been achieved a year into the conflict.
On the anniversary, Israel intercepted attacks from various directions, including projectiles from northern Gaza, Lebanon, and a surface-to-surface missile from Yemen. In response, Israel launched new military operations in northern Gaza, where efforts to eliminate Hamas have not yet succeeded. Additionally, Israel is contemplating retaliation against Iran following last week’s missile barrage.
Key developments include:
- Anniversary of October 7 attacks: Israel held nationwide commemorations for the attacks, including at locations like the Nova music festival and kibbutz Nir Oz, which were heavily affected last year.
- Strikes on Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in Beirut, continuing nightly attacks on southern parts of the city since late September.
- Hospitals in danger zones: According to reports, at least seven hospitals in southern Beirut are now within Israeli-imposed no-go zones.
- Airstrikes across Gaza: Israeli air raids struck various locations in Gaza, including the Jabalya refugee camp, where at least 10 people were killed.
- Evacuations in Gaza: The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders to civilians in both northern and southern Gaza, intensifying military operations across the enclave, leaving Palestinians feeling unsafe with few options for shelter.
- Ceasefire in limbo: Following Israel’s disruption of a US-led ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah, the US is not currently pushing to revive the deal. Instead, it aims to manage and limit Israeli military actions in Lebanon and against Iran.
- Risks of escalation: CIA Director William Burns has warned of the potential for unintended escalation in the region, while US officials maintain that neither Iran nor Israel seeks an all-out war. The US is urging Israel to develop a long-term strategy that secures its future, and it stresses the need for governance in Gaza by an entity other than Hamas.