Hamas Rejects Disarmament, US and Israel Consider Iran Strikes

Hamas has no intention of surrendering its weapons and is reportedly rebuilding its forces in preparation for a possible renewed conflict with Israel, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Israeli military officials have shared intelligence with US counterparts suggesting that Hamas is unwilling to cooperate with international bodies and may only be disarmed through military action.

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have reportedly prepared plans for possible fresh strikes against Iran after the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3. According to The New York Times, both countries have intensified military exercises to prepare for a potential short but intensive operation. Possible targets include Iranian energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, missile stockpiles and drone arsenals.

Tensions have also increased around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy claimed that four vessels allegedly involved in illegal oil transfers caught fire after being struck, while three other vessels reportedly hit mines near the strategic waterway. The developments have raised concerns about maritime security and disruptions to global energy supplies.

Regional Attacks Disrupt Energy Supplies and International Travel

The wider conflict has affected several countries across the region. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry, Saudi Aramco facilities and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Meanwhile, Russia launched missile attacks on Kyiv as Moscow claimed its air defences had intercepted more than 800 Ukrainian drones.

China has supported efforts to reopen the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, another important international shipping route affected by regional hostilities. Disruptions around these maritime corridors threaten global oil transportation and trade.

The conflict has also affected Indian travellers. The Ministry of External Affairs said it was coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. Around 3,000 stranded pilgrims had returned over the preceding week, alongside more than 10,000 other Umrah travellers.

Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations, highlighting continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries amid growing regional tensions.