Middle East conflict update/ Israel Gaza operations/ Beirut airstrikes/ French diplomacy Middle East/ Iran Israel tension/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel has expanded its ground operations in northern Gaza to Beit Lahiya, targeting suspected Hamas regrouping points. In Beirut, large airstrikes hit Hezbollah-linked sites near the international airport. Meanwhile, France’s foreign minister calls for diplomacy to resolve escalating conflicts, while Iran’s Supreme Leader affirms continued resistance against Israel.
Middle East Conflict Updates: Quick Look
- Beirut Airstrikes: Israel targets Hezbollah sites near Beirut airport; evacuation warnings issued.
- Gaza Operations: Israel extends ground campaign into Beit Lahiya, a Hamas stronghold.
- French Call for Diplomacy: France’s foreign minister urges a diplomatic resolution within weeks.
- Iran’s Supreme Leader: Iran’s Khamenei affirms commitment to Israel’s opposition.
- U.S.-Israel Deal: Israel signs a $5.2 billion agreement for Boeing F-15 fighter jets.
Israel Expands Gaza Operations Amid Beirut Airstrikes and Tensions
Deep Look
The conflict in the Middle East has escalated with Israel intensifying operations in Gaza and striking Hezbollah-related sites in Beirut. The situation remains tense, with international stakeholders calling for diplomacy and Iran reaffirming its support for anti-Israel militant groups.
Expanded Ground Operations in Gaza
The Israeli military announced Thursday that its ground campaign in northern Gaza would now include Beit Lahiya, a town Israel believes is a staging area for Hamas fighters. This expanded effort follows intelligence indicating that Hamas militants had regrouped in the area despite ongoing bombings. Beit Lahiya, among the early targets of Israel’s incursion, has experienced significant devastation since hostilities began over a year ago following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel.
In early October, Israeli forces launched a concentrated assault on Jabaliya, a nearby refugee camp, restricting humanitarian aid access in Gaza’s northern regions and ordering civilians to evacuate. These intensified strikes have displaced tens of thousands, forcing them southward toward Gaza City.
Major Airstrikes in Beirut’s Southern Suburbs
Early Thursday morning, large airstrikes targeted Hezbollah-related sites in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including an area adjacent to Lebanon’s main international airport. Israel had issued warnings to evacuate, citing Hezbollah operations in the vicinity. Although there were no immediate casualty reports, the strikes underscore Israel’s efforts to neutralize Hezbollah, which has engaged in repeated cross-border attacks since the Israel-Hamas war began.
While Beirut’s airport has not been directly attacked, the escalating airstrikes are fueling fears of broader regional escalation. Despite the ongoing conflict, Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines has maintained commercial flight operations from the airport.
France’s Call for a Diplomatic Solution
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Israel, advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflicts, suggesting the next few weeks as a crucial window for peace efforts. He highlighted U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s stated commitment to ending prolonged Middle Eastern conflicts, though Trump’s approach remains uncertain.
“The Palestinian issue won’t disappear, regardless of the American administration in power,” Barrot warned, also urging Israel to halt northern Gaza airstrikes, which he said could damage Israel’s long-term security interests. Barrot’s visit includes scheduled talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Stands Firm Against Israel
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s support for groups opposing Israel, stating that the “resistance remains strong” despite significant losses among Hezbollah and Hamas leadership. Khamenei’s remarks reflect Iran’s stance on its allies in the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen that have engaged in direct and proxy conflicts with Israel and the U.S.
Khamenei’s message follows continued confrontations between Iranian-backed groups and Israeli forces, exacerbating fears of a regional war. Iranian state media quoted Khamenei, expressing hope for a day when “the Zionist regime will be defeated.”
Israel’s Fighter Jet Purchase from Boeing
Amid mounting military engagements, Israel announced a $5.2 billion purchase of 25 advanced F-15 fighter jets from Boeing. The agreement, part of a broader U.S. military aid package approved earlier this year, includes options to buy an additional 25 aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2031.
U.S. military support remains pivotal to Israel as it battles adversaries in Gaza, Lebanon, and, potentially, Iran. The Biden administration recently advised Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning that failure to do so could trigger restrictions on U.S. military support under existing American laws.
Al Jazeera Bureau Closed in West Bank
In another development, Al Jazeera reported Thursday that Israeli forces extended their closure of the network’s West Bank bureau. Israeli troops reportedly raided the office early Thursday, posting a notice that prolongs the shutdown by 45 days. This is the second raid in recent months, as Israel accuses Al Jazeera of supporting Hamas, allegations the network denies.
Al Jazeera has continued its round-the-clock reporting from Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians. Israel previously accused several Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza of being affiliated with Palestinian militant groups, a claim the network disputes.
Israel Passes Controversial Law on Deporting Families of Attackers
Israel’s parliament passed legislation on Thursday enabling the government to deport family members of Palestinians who carry out attacks, including Israeli citizens. Championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s allies, the law allows deportation to Gaza or other locations if family members are believed to have supported or known about the attack.
The law, approved with a 61-41 vote, is expected to face legal challenges. It applies to Palestinians residing in Israel and East Jerusalem, where family ties and security concerns have long complicated policy decisions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Conclusion
The Middle East remains on edge as Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon continue alongside diplomatic efforts. The region’s complex dynamics are further complicated by international reactions, including France’s calls for diplomacy and Iran’s commitment to supporting resistance groups. As Israel solidifies its security with U.S. support and controversial domestic policies, the road to stability remains uncertain.