U.S. officials are traveling to the Middle East in a renewed effort to address the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon while also working to deter any potential Iranian retaliation to Israel’s recent airstrikes. Lebanon’s prime minister expressed optimism that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah could be established in the ‘next few hours or days.’
A high-ranking source informed CNN that Iran might respond to Israel’s actions before the upcoming U.S. presidential election, suggesting a shift from Tehran’s initial strategy of downplaying the situation. The White House has urged Iran to refrain from responding but emphasized its readiness to support Israel’s defense.
Recent Israeli airstrikes near the historic city of Baalbek resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, according to Lebanese authorities. Israeli military maps indicate that evacuation orders have been issued for the entire city, which includes areas housing Roman ruins.
In Gaza, humanitarian aid has plummeted to its lowest level since the war began last year, with UN data revealing that only 836 aid trucks entered the region in October. This figure is significantly below the pre-war average of 500 trucks per day.