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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-25 at 13:03
HEADLINES
1. Hamas Denounces Gaza as 21st Century Auschwitz
2. US Drone Downings Ignite Yemen Conflict Escalation
3. Russia’s Senior General Killed in Car Bombing
The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 9:00 AM, this is your hourly news update. Tensions continue to escalate across Israel and the broader Middle East as the conflict extends to multiple fronts. Hamas has issued a provocative statement claiming Gaza is the "Auschwitz of the 21st century," responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent speech at Yad Vashem. Netanyahu had emphasized the importance of showing force and eliminating fanatical elements, comparing Hamas’s atrocities to Nazi crimes. Hamas, meanwhile, insists it is the victim, condemning what they call Israeli genocide, and accusing Netanyahu of enacting a form of modern-day Holocaust with Western weaponry.
In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed the government's commitment to military pressure on Hamas, promising to continue efforts to free hostages and destroy Hamas’s military and political infrastructure. He emphasized that lessons from the Holocaust guide Israel's determination to confront threats decisively, and highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Internationally, the Middle East remains volatile. In Yemen, Houthi rebels have shot down seven US Reaper drones over recent weeks, worth more than two hundred million dollars, as part of their ongoing conflict with US forces supporting the Saudi-led coalition. The US has responded with intensified military strikes against Houthi targets, aiming to weaken their capabilities while expressions of concern about civilian casualties grow among US senators.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, a senior Russian general has been killed in a car bombing, adding to the turbulence surrounding Russia's internal security. Iran announced plans to build a new nuclear power plant using Russian credit, raising concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions amid ongoing negotiations with the United States. Israeli officials worry that the US may be rushing into a deal with Iran that fails to stop its nuclear development, with fears that such an agreement could embolden Iran’s regional aggression.
In Europe and the United States, debates continue over the support for Israel. Ben Shapiro, a prominent American commentator, reaffirmed his strong backing for Israel, emphasizing that defending the Jewish state is rooted in truth and the need to confront genocidal enemies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Shapiro also discussed the importance of American support for Ukraine, noting that global threats from Russia, China, and Iran are interconnected, and advocating for unwavering backing for allies.
In Israel and the Jewish world, there is a renewed focus on protecting Jewish communities worldwide. A statement from the Orthodox Union’s vice president urged Jews to prioritize the safety of their fellow Jews, emphasizing that defending Jewish kinship and security must take precedence over other concerns. This echoes a broader call for vigilance against rising antisemitism and hate, especially in Western countries where systemic anti-Jewish sentiment persists.
Finally, in domestic Israeli affairs, agreements have been reached to end a teachers’ strike, allowing kindergartens to reopen as planned, and diplomatic efforts continue with Iran, as Tehran’s foreign minister travels to Muscat for indirect talks with the US in Oman. The regional and international landscape remains tense, with ongoing military actions, diplomatic negotiations, and societal debates shaping the current moment.
This concludes your hourly update. Stay tuned for further developments.
Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe
Published on 3 weeks ago