In the 365th day of the war, Hamas continues to hold hostages, including four Americans, which the Biden administration has ignored. Israel has eliminated many top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and has severely limited Hamas’ ability to launch attacks, although Hamas is increasingly coordinating with other extremist groups to compensate for these losses.
Despite this, both Hamas and Hezbollah remain threats, with Hezbollah still posing the greater danger and suffering less damage thus far. Iran has also launched missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, and has vowed to step up its attacks.
The future of the war and its outcome depend on Iran’s response and US actions. While Biden has pledged to support Israel, he has made it clear that the US would not support a direct attack on Iran.
However, with the U.S. Navy deploying more ships to the region, a direct attack on U.S. forces or ships could trigger a response, potentially leading to a wider regional conflict.
Ongoing Conflict: Israel’s military campaign against Hamas continues, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to eliminate Hamas still unfulfilled.
Despite Israel’s claim of killing 17,000 of Hamas’ estimated 25,000-30,000 fighters, more detailed reports identify around 8,500 casualties. Hamas retains its operational capabilities in Gaza and increases its activities in the West Bank.
While Israeli forces have taken control of several areas in Gaza, including Gaza City and Khan Yunis, Hamas continues to mobilize and engage in guerrilla tactics, relying heavily on explosives and a network of tunnels.
This tactic, although less direct than conventional warfare, allows Hamas to remain in key areas despite Israeli attacks.
In the West Bank, Hamas has intensified its activities, with involvement in approximately 130 violent incidents over the past year—more than double the previous period.
Hamas’s use of complex explosive operations in Gaza and the West Bank indicates a change in approach as its capabilities diminish.
The group’s attacks, sometimes coordinated with other factions, have caused significant Israeli casualties.
Despite a weakened military state, Hamas remains the main actor in the Palestinian resistance, without a ceasefire, and Gaza and the West Bank continue to experience violent clashes, marking the conflict as far from over.
While continuing the war with Hamas, Israel also stepped up attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon. In the 365th day of the conflict, the IDF targeted several Hezbollah locations in southern Beirut after warning residents to evacuate.
Meanwhile, Israel struck a Hamas compound in central Gaza, including a former school and mosque, killing at least 13 and injuring 20, according to medics.
More than 30 rockets were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, setting off sirens. US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed concern for the Lebanese people and pledged $157 million in aid, while UN chiefs called for the release of hostages and an end to violence.
Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah leader and cousin of former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israeli forces last month, was reportedly the target of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Wednesday, according to Israeli and US media.
The initiative is the latest sign in Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah’s leadership.
The attack took place in a bunker in Beirut, although it is unclear if Safieddine was killed.
Safieddine has long been seen as a potential successor to Nasrallah, who was killed a week earlier in another Israeli strike, dealing a significant blow to Hezbollah and Iran.
Safieddine also has deep ties to Iran, as his wife is the daughter of former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, and his younger brother Abdallah heads Hezbollah’s operations in Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground invasion of Lebanon this week, following a missile attack on Israel by Iran. Rising tensions have fueled fears of a larger regional war.
Safieddine was designated a terrorist by the US in 2017 for his leadership of Hezbollah’s executive council. His assertive and aggressive nature has drawn comparisons with Nasrallah, with some describing him as more “bloodthirsty”.
In a briefing by the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF) on September 24, Lt. Col. Gidi Harari, a resident of northern Israel near the Lebanese border, discussed the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Since October 8, the village of Harari, Kishar Yeshuv, along with other northern areas, has been evacuated due to increased hostilities, although some residents have returned.
Harari noted that despite daily rocket and drone attacks from Hezbollah, many residents prefer to stay at home rather than fleeing to hotels.
He emphasized that while the military campaign is focused on pushing back Hezbollah, the goal is not a full-scale war with Lebanon and Iran.
However, Israel aims to undermine Hezbollah’s capabilities, with recent attacks targeting Hezbollah’s leadership and infrastructure.
Harari acknowledged concerns about the infiltration of Hezbollah fighters but stressed the importance of a military presence along the border to reassure citizens.
He explained that the weather in the north, especially fog, could affect military operations but said that Israeli soldiers were prepared for the situation.
He also highlighted Hezbollah’s role in protecting Iran’s interests, especially its nuclear program, and noted that the current goal is to pressure Hezbollah without causing a larger regional conflict involving Iran.
