The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson stated that they will continue limited ground strikes in the Gaza Strip. On October 26, local time, The Times of Israel reported that the IDF spokesperson, Daniel Hegerli, announced that following the infantry and tank incursions across the border fence targeting certain military objectives, infrastructure, and anti-tank missile launch sites of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on the night of October 25, the IDF will persist with limited ground strikes in the Gaza Strip. There will also be raids on the evening of the 27th. The IDF will continue "large-scale attacks" from both sea and air on the Gaza Strip, focusing on eliminating senior Hamas members and those involved in the October 7 attack.
The Times of Israel reported that three senior military commanders of the Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, affiliated with Hamas, were killed in an airstrike on the Gaza Strip on October 26. The battalion is part of the Hamas "City Brigade," considered one of Hamas's most crucial units.
Hamas claims that the Israeli strikes have not affected its military and political standing in the Gaza Strip. According to CCTV News, on October 26, a Hamas Political Bureau member stated that Hamas's military and political levels in the Gaza Strip remain high.
Arab Nations' Joint Statement
On October 26, nine Arab countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco, issued a joint statement condemning Israel for implementing "collective punishment" on Palestinians. They called for the UN Security Council to immediately pass a resolution draft for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The countries criticized Israel for causing displacement among Palestinians, emphasizing that "self-defense cannot be a reason to violate international law and deliberately ignore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people."
Moves by Iran and Russia
Iran's military announced an upcoming military exercise. On October 26, local time, the Iranian military declared that they would be conducting a military exercise in the coming days, involving armored units, missiles, and drones.
The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister held talks with his visiting Iranian counterpart. On October 26, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Bagheri was visiting Moscow and held discussions with Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Ryabkov and Galuzin on the situation in the Middle East.
A delegation led by a member of the Hamas Political Bureau visited Russia. On October 26, a Hamas delegation arrived in Moscow for a visit, led by Hamas Political Bureau member Musa Abu Marzouk. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed this information and stated that an official announcement would be made.
Other Diplomatic Moves
On October 26, Palestinian President Abbas spoke with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis. During the call, they discussed the latest developments in the Israel-Palestine situation. Abbas emphasized the need for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip and called for the establishment of a permanent humanitarian corridor to deliver aid promptly. Mitsotakis mentioned that the EU Council is examining the latest developments and that he would keep in touch with the Palestinian side to monitor the situation.
On October 26, the Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates met with UN Secretary-General Guterres. They discussed mobilizing effective international support to halt the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the ongoing humanitarian disaster.
Financial Market Reaction
Following the joint statement by the nine Arab countries condemning Israel, oil prices briefly narrowed their decline during trading. However, the decline widened later. WTI crude oil futures for December fell by $2.18, a 2.55% decrease, closing at $83.21 per barrel. Brent crude oil futures for December dropped by $2.20, a 2.44% decrease, closing at $87.93 per barrel.
