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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-24 at 13:05
HEADLINES
Israel releases prisoner mistakenly, swiftly reclaims him
Israel seeks to cut Hamas funding by banning 200 shekel notes
Gaza firefights escalate amid heavy Israeli military operations
The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today at nine in the morning, we begin with a report from Israel where an 85-year-old pedestrian was injured in a traffic incident in Herzliya. The woman sustained moderate injuries to her head and limbs and was transported to Sheba Hospital for treatment. This incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in the region.
In international security developments, the Israel Prison Service announced an administrative error led to the early release of a prisoner from a northern detention facility this week. The individual, a resident of northern Israel, was mistakenly released on Wednesday night before his scheduled release date. Authorities quickly located him and reinstated his custody to serve the remainder of his sentence. An internal review has been initiated by the Northern District Commander to prevent future errors.
Meanwhile, Israeli security concerns extend beyond internal issues. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has formally requested the Governor of the Bank of Israel to cease the circulation of 200 shekel banknotes. The initiative aims to cut off financial support used by Hamas, which reportedly holds approximately 80% of its cash reserves in these notes, a move seen as part of Israel’s broader effort to weaken terrorist funding channels.
Domestically, a recent public opinion poll indicates significant disapproval among American Jewish voters regarding former President Donald Trump’s performance in office. The survey, conducted by the Mellman Group with 800 registered Jewish voters, shows that 72% disapprove of Trump’s overall job performance, with 67% strongly disapproving. However, among Orthodox respondents, approval exceeds 71%. The poll also reveals that most American Jews are dissatisfied with Trump’s handling of antisemitism, with 56% disapproving. Notably, the survey did not address views on his policies related to US-Israel relations or the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
In the geopolitical arena, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Baku, Azerbaijan, in the coming days. The trip aims to bolster Israel’s regional ties, particularly as Azerbaijan’s government considers joining the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic normalization initiative led by the United States. This move is viewed as a strategic step to expand Israel’s influence and counter Iranian regional ambitions, especially given Azerbaijan’s pragmatic diplomacy and its role in regional security.
In the Middle East, the conflict in Gaza continues to intensify. Israeli Defense Forces report ongoing heavy fighting in northern Gaza, with intense exchanges of fire and airstrikes. Residents in border communities are advised to remain alert, and military movements are ongoing. Reports from Palestinian sources indicate that Israeli operations have resulted in casualties among militants and civilians alike, with ongoing concerns about the humanitarian situation.
Regional tensions are further heightened by the recent escalation between India and Pakistan. Pakistan announced a missile test in the Arabian Sea, prompting India to deploy its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant nearby as a show of force. This development underscores the fragile stability in South Asia amid rising geopolitical rivalries.
In Ukraine, Russian forces launched a series of missile strikes overnight against Kyiv, targeting key infrastructure. The Ukrainian military reported multiple explosions in the city center, with damage to civilian buildings. Ukrainian authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and stay tuned for further updates as emergency serv
Published on 3 weeks, 1 day ago