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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-17 at 10:04
HEADLINES
Israeli Forces Expand Gaza Offensive Amid Rising Tensions
Hamas Challenges UK Terror Designation, Sparks Outcry
Hezbollah Evacuates Commanders as Iran Talks Intensify
The time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At six o'clock in the morning, Israel remains engaged in a multi-front conflict with Iran and its proxies across seven key areas. Reports indicate that Israeli ground forces have advanced into southern Gaza near Khan Yunis, specifically around the Kizan Abu Rishwan area, about one to 1.5 kilometers north of the Murg Road. These units, supported by heavy artillery and aerial strikes, are conducting engineering work such as terrain leveling in largely unpopulated, agricultural regions, possibly to neutralize threats along the Murg corridor.
This expansion of operational territory has alarmed Palestinian sources in Gaza, who see it as a significant escalation beyond the Raphah district and the Murg axis. The movement of Israeli forces into these regions marks a notable widening of the ground campaign, raising concerns about potential further encroachment into Gaza’s interior.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Palestinians protesting Hamas’s governance risk repression, yet some citizens are openly calling for peace rather than continued violence. Demonstrators in the northern Beit Lahia area demanded an end to Hamas’s rule, chanting slogans against terror and advocating for reopening border crossings, despite threats from Hamas supporters who attempted to divert the protests. This marks a rare public dissent after months of Hamas-led crackdowns, which have included violence and arrests against those opposing the militant group.
In Lebanon, reports suggest that hundreds of Hezbollah commanders have been ordered to leave the country for South America—specifically Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador—fearing targeted strikes if their military infrastructure is dismantled. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reiterated efforts towards disarmament, claiming ongoing dialogue and actions to confiscate Hezbollah weapons, though the group remains defiant, emphasizing its resistance and commitment to its weapons.
On the international stage, Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Russian-Israeli hostages released by Hamas, thanking the Palestinian group for their humanitarian gesture which he attributes to Russia’s long-standing ties with the Palestinian people. Putin called on Hamas to release remaining captives, emphasizing Russia’s role in securing their freedom and affirming ongoing efforts to facilitate their return.
In the realm of diplomatic disputes, the United Kingdom is witnessing a growing backlash as Hamas has legally challenged its designation as a terrorist organization. The group’s lawyers claim that banning Hamas violates international law, human rights conventions, and the rights to free expression and assembly, arguing that the UK’s proscription is disproportionate. Critics, including UK officials and Jewish organizations, dismiss this move, emphasizing that Hamas remains a violent terrorist entity responsible for numerous atrocities, including the recent killing of over 18 British nationals in October.
Meanwhile, tensions in Israel continue with actions on the Temple Mount, where a member of Knesset from the Religious Zionism party, Zvi Sukkot, publicly prayed and prostrated himself without police interference, drawing both praise from his political allies and condemnation from Palestinian groups.
On the diplomatic front, Iran’s foreign minister is scheduled to discuss nuclear negotiations with the United States during a visit to Moscow, delivering messages from Iran’s Supreme Leader to Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling ongoing dialogue amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
Lastly, in Lebanon, Hezbo
Published on 1 month ago