In the news
On 29 October, the director-general of the Gaza government media office, Ismail al-Thawabta, said that at least 110 people have been killed and 40 are missing after an Israeli attack on a residential building housing displaced people in Beit Lahiya in Gaza.

On 29 October, Hezbollah announced its Deputy General Secretary, Naim Qassem, as the armed group's new General Secretary following the assassination of its former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, on 27 September. 
On 28 October, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health stated that Israeli strikes killed at least 60 people in Baalbek in the eastern Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

On 28 October, Israel passed two controversial bills, banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating on Israeli territory and the West Bank. 

On 26 October, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) carried out targeted airstrikes on several military sites in Iran. The Iranian military confirmed that one civilian and four soldiers were killed in the attacks.

Issues at large
First, Israel's Iran offensive. Israel's 28 October attack targeted the Parchin military complex in Iran, a site used for missile production and air defence. Another target was 20 kilometres from Parchin, a military base suspected to have the highest concentration of ballistic missile-related infrastructure. The attack also targeted oil refineries in Iran aimed at disrupting facilities and supply chains.

Second, Israel's Lebanon offensive. Israel has been bombing around south Beirut, causing significant collateral damage, especially civilian deaths. Israel has been assassinating Hezbollah's top leaders. The previous week, IDF targeted a hospital, sheltering financial aid provider to Hezbollah. The attacks seem to aim at the morale of Hezbollah fighters. 

Third, Israel's attacks in Gaza. Israel has aimed to strategically eliminate Hamas through an on-ground offensive and pressure the latter to release the hostages. However, the attacks continue to result in a significant number of civilian killings.
 
In perspective
With Israel attacking important military bases, Iran might speed up its nuclear development programme, a major concern for Israel and the West. The regional countries will likely mediate diplomatic negotiations as the conflict escalates. Eygpt and Qatar's involvement depicts the region's interests in the conflict. 

Israel's bill to ban UNRWA aid has invited criticism on an international level. Israel's diplomatic position has hardened further on Gaza, which is affecting the livelihood of Gazans. Israel is also losing moral ground by imposing a ban on relief aid. Around six million Gazans have benefited from UNRWA aid since 1950.