Fri Nov 15 17:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facility, Escalates Tensions in Lebanon and Gaza

**JERUSALEM/BEIRUT/GAZA CITY –** A series of escalating events across the Middle East dominated headlines this week. Axios, citing Israeli officials, reported an Israeli airstrike on a secret Iranian nuclear research facility within the Parchin military complex near Tehran in late October. The attack allegedly caused significant damage and set back Iran’s nuclear program.

Meanwhile, ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to rage. Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting a building near a central park, according to Reuters witnesses and Lebanese media. The IDF also reported striking Hezbollah command centers in southern Lebanon, targeting the Radwan special forces and the Bader Unit, responsible for attacks against Israel. The IDF announced the killing of a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) commander, Alkaman Abed Elslam Khalil Anbar, involved in rocket fire towards Israel. Simultaneously, five rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Israel, with one impacting and others intercepted. A 30-year-old man suffered minor injuries from rocket fire in northern Israel.

Amidst the escalating violence, a US envoy presented a truce proposal to Lebanon’s parliament speaker, though disagreements remain, particularly concerning Israel’s demand to retain the right to strike Hezbollah if necessary. Hezbollah’s political opponents in Lebanon expressed opposition to this condition. The hostage situation involving Russian-Israeli citizen Alexander Troufanov, held captive since October 7th, continues, with PIJ releasing a new video.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire. Canada’s foreign ministers voiced deep concern over catastrophic food insecurity and the potential for famine in parts of northern Gaza, citing a report indicating that civilians are dying due to insufficient aid access.

Finally, Israeli police investigated a weapons theft incident involving two machine guns allegedly stolen from a Gaza Strip assembly area. Two suspects were arrested but later released due to lack of evidence. The Israeli Defense Ministry also announced plans to gradually send 7,000 draft notices to Haredi recruits.

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