Middle East update: Oct. 25

This week, the Middle East has seen growing tensions and significant military actions. Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut targeted Hezbollah members, including a top official seen as a potential successor to Hassan Nasrallah.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel and heard air raid sirens during his visit, highlighting the harmful security situation.

During his trip, Blinken stated that Israel dismantled parts of Hamas' military capability.

Despite the current fighting, he recognizes the importance of addressing humanitarian problems, stabilizing the situation, and maintaining US support for Israel.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with appeals for more aid and support.​

Turkey faced a terrorist attack near Ankara, killing four civilians and two attackers. The event occurred outside the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facility, with an explosion followed by gunfire.

The Turkish police are investigating and described it as a serious attack, although no group has claimed responsibility so far.​

In response, Turkey has launched airstrikes targeting Kurdish militant positions in Iraq and Syria.

According to Palestinian medical officials, an Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip killed at least 17 people, the majority of them were women and children.

In addition, 42 people were reported injured during the strike at the Nuseirat refugee camp, including 13 children under the age of 18 and three women.

The Israeli military said they targeted Hamas militants at the spot, but no evidence was offered. Israel has previously launched strikes on schools used as shelters, citing the presence of militants among civilians.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that an Israeli airstrike on guesthouses in southeastern Lebanon where journalists were staying resulted in the deaths of three media personnel from two news agencies.

Meanwhile, in southern Gaza, an Israeli assault reportedly caused 38 fatalities.

Annelise Hanson is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amh8563@psu.edu.