(Bloomberg) — Israel conducted a limited raid into Gaza for the second consecutive night, as preparations are underway for a more extensive ground offensive.
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The US launched airstrikes in eastern Syria, targeting sites believed to be used by Iran and its allied groups. These “self-defense strikes” caused oil futures to rise and followed multiple attacks on US bases in the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war started on October 7.
Aid is being delivered to Gaza from Egypt, although in smaller volumes than recommended by the United Nations. European Union leaders are urging pauses in the fighting to ensure the delivery of more supplies and to facilitate hostage negotiations with Hamas.
(All timestamps are in Israeli time)
Oil Prices Increase After US Strikes in Syria (8:32 a.m.)
Brent crude surged above $89 a barrel, reducing its weekly losses, due to concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict might escalate into a larger conflict and disrupt crude supplies from the Persian Gulf.
The 10-year US Treasury yield experienced a slight rise, while gold approached $2,000 an ounce as investors sought safe havens ahead of the weekend. European stocks declined.
Iran Holds Army Drills to Deter Threats (8:01 a.m.)
Iran is conducting a two-day army drill to enhance its level of deterrence against potential threats and improve the battle readiness of its ground forces, according to state TV. The exact nature of the threats is unspecified.
Iran has criticized the US for deploying additional troops to the Middle East since the Hamas attacks on October 7. Iran denies any direct involvement in these attacks.
Israel Carries Out Another Raid in Gaza Strip (7:40 a.m.)
Israeli soldiers conducted another raid in Gaza overnight, which lasted several hours, as reported by Army Radio.
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Soldiers from the 36th division entered the Gaza Strip and targeted Hamas locations. They are expected to withdraw soon.
The Israel Defense Forces later confirmed the raid and stated that the soldiers exited Gaza without any reported injuries. The military also continued airstrikes on Gaza, targeting numerous Hamas sites, including missile launch sites.
US House of Representatives May Consider Ukraine, Israel Aid Separately (6:40 a.m.)
The US House of Representatives plans to address new military assistance for Ukraine and Israel as separate measures, according to Speaker Mike Johnson. This decision complicates President Joe Biden’s attempts to secure support for both US allies.
“Our consensus among House Republicans is that we need to separate those issues,” said Speaker Mike Johnson in an interview with Fox News.
The White House has requested $106 billion in emergency spending from Congress for Ukraine, Israel, and other foreign assistance. By linking the requests, the White House hopes to obtain the full amount. However, additional support for Ukraine became a contentious issue in the party’s three-week struggle over leadership, which ended with Johnson’s election on Wednesday.
India Enhances Drone Defense Network (6:35 a.m.)
India is establishing a surveillance system with drones along its borders to prevent surprise attacks similar to the one launched by Hamas in Israel, according to sources familiar with the matter.
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Defense officials in the country met with six domestic vendors of surveillance and reconnaissance drones over the past week, and an announcement of an order is expected as early as next month. The military aims to have the system operational in certain areas by May.
Austin Confirms US Strikes in Eastern Syria (5:12 a.m.)
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that President Joe Biden authorized “precision self-defense strikes” against two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups. This action was in response to attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria since October 17.
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“The United States does not seek conflict and has no intention or desire to engage in further hostilities, but these Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. forces are unacceptable and must stop,” said Austin. “We continue to urge all state and non-state entities not to take actions that would escalate into a broader regional conflict.”
Rocket Hits Egyptian Border Town, Reports Indicate (4:21 a.m.)
A rocket struck Taba, an Egyptian town on the Gulf of Aqaba that borders Israel, causing several injuries, according to local media reports. The origin of the rocket launch remains unclear. Egyptian authorities have initiated an investigation, as reported by Al Arabiya.
Taba is over 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Gaza.
US Sends 900 Troops to Strengthen Deployments (11:15 p.m.)
The US is deploying an additional 900 troops to the Middle East. According to Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder, these personnel include Thaad and Patriot air-defense operators. None of the troops, whether already deployed or being sent, are going to Israel.
Ryder also disclosed an unsuccessful attack on Thursday targeting US forces at the Erbil air base in Iraq, which resulted in no casualties.
Between October 17 and October 26, US and coalition forces were attacked 12 times in Iraq and four times in Syria, Ryder said. US personnel experienced “minor injuries due to drone attacks at Al-Asad air base in Iraq and Al-Tanf garrison in Syria,” including traumatic brain injuries, although all individuals have since returned to duty.
Yellen States US Considering Further Hamas Sanctions (9:43 p.m.)
The US is contemplating additional sanctions on Hamas in an effort to limit the group’s access to financial resources, according to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
“We are certainly looking at further opportunities we see,” Yellen said during an event at Bloomberg’s Washington office. “We’re actively addressing this and are likely to take more action.”
US Urges Gulf Allies to Help Curtail Hamas’ Fundraising Activities
Iran Claims Hamas Ready for Prisoner Exchange (9:17 p.m.)
Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, stated that Hamas is willing to exchange civilian hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
“According to our negotiations, Hamas is prepared to release civilian prisoners,” he said during a speech at the United Nations in New York. “On the other hand, the international community should support the release of 6,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.”
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