Iraq

The Israeli Air Force continued to carry out massive air strikes on terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip. Palestinians called them “unprecedented” and heaviest attacks since the beginning of the war. Ground forces operated along the Gazan border to counter terrorism, clear the area of terrorists in preparation for a ground attack, and attempt to collect additional information about the missing and abducted. An anti-tank missile killed one IDF soldier and injured three. The Palestinian terrorist organizations continued launching rockets at Israel, although at a relatively slower pace.So far, more than 1,400 civilian and soldier deaths have been reported, and 222 civilian and soldiers abductees are being held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Hamas continues to insist that in any negotiation for their release a distinction will be made between civilians and soldiers.According to reports in Gaza, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating. Hezbollah squads continue attacking IDF posts and Israeli cities, towns and villages along and near the Lebanese border with anti-tank missiles, rockets and mortar shells. Read more...

Ground forces carried out targeted raids in the Gaza Strip to locate information about the abducted and missing persons. The Palestinian terrorist organizations continued launching rockets, for the most part in the afternoon and evening after the American president had left the region. Since the beginning of the war, more than 7,000 rockets and mortar shells have been fired at Israel. An analysis indicated that so far about 10% of the launches were unsuccessful and the rockets fell in the Gaza Strip. So far, more than 1,400 civilian and soldier deaths have been reported; 203 civilian and soldier abductees are being held in the Gaza Strip by the terrorist organizations. The Gaza Strip: Sources in the Gaza Strip report a worsening humanitarian situation. Egypt agreed to open the Rafah Crossing for the entrance of a limited number of trucks, but for now the Crossing remains closed. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) criticized the American position, claiming it was biased in favor of Israel. PIJ spokesman Tareq al-Salami called on the Arab nations to invade the embassies of countries that support Israel, especially the American embassies, and burn them to the ground. The northern sector: Tensions continue mounting on the northern border. Since the afternoon of October 18, 2023, a number of rockets and anti-tank missiles have been launched and shots have been fired at IDF posts along the border. The IDF returned fire and attacked several Hezbollah terrorist targets. Hezbollah reported three deaths. Judea and Samaria: Israeli security forces continued counterterrorism activities, detaining Palestinians suspected of terrorist activity, including senior Hamas operatives. On October 19, 2023, activity focused on the Nur al-Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm. Iran: Senior government officials continue diplomatic contacts with Arab countries. The chief of the Iranian armed forces general staff spoke with the defense ministers of Russia and Qatar. According to reports Read more...