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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-07 at 14:04
HEADLINES
1. Israeli Home Demolitions Ignite West Bank Tensions
2. Yemen-Houthi Attacks Threaten Global Shipping Routes
3. Iran Pushes for Direct US Nuclear Negotiations
The time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 10:00 AM, tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate amid ongoing conflicts and international developments. In Gaza, residents of the Nur Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm watched from afar as Israeli military engineering units demolished homes, a scene reminiscent of yesterday’s events, highlighting the persistent Israeli security operations in the West Bank.
In Lebanon, reports confirm that an Israeli drone was targeted in Majdal Zoun, a southern town, with the drone being struck and falling outside Lebanese territory. Meanwhile, Israeli military sources verify that a missile launched from Yemen by Houthi terrorists was detected over Saudi Arabia, where it fell without interception. This follows recent Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport, power stations, and a cement factory, causing damages estimated at half a billion dollars according to Yemeni sources. The Israeli Defense Forces deployed over fifty munitions during these strikes, aiming to weaken Houthi capabilities.
In the broader regional context, the Houthis in Yemen announced that their ceasefire agreement with the United States does not include a halt to attacks on Israel, implying that disruptions to global trade via shipping attacks will continue. President Donald Trump also declared the US would cease bombing the Iran-aligned Houthis, noting the group’s agreement to stop targeting US ships, yet tensions remain high.
Further complicating regional stability, Iran has requested direct nuclear negotiations with the United States, expressing frustration with the Omani-mediated indirect talks. Iranian Foreign Minister has approached US envoy Steve Witkoff to facilitate direct discussions, while another round of indirect negotiations is anticipated later this week.
Meanwhile, in domestic Israeli news, a contentious issue has emerged surrounding a Pulitzer Prize awarded to Palestinian journalist Mosab Abu Toha, who has made social media posts questioning the legitimacy of Israeli hostages and justifying kidnappings. Critics, including Israeli officials, argue that Abu Toha’s social media history, which includes antisemitic dog whistles and disparagement of Israeli victims, disqualifies him from the prestigious award. The watchdog HonestReporting has called for the prize to be rescinded, emphasizing the importance of integrity in journalism awards.
On the security front, reports from the Israeli military confirm that a missile launched from Yemen fell over Saudi Arabia, without causing damage or interception. Additionally, in Ukraine, a Russian missile was shot down over the Black Sea, and a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel was detected but fell outside Israeli territory.
Internationally, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s flight en route to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations was halted in Baku due to ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes in Moscow, which have led several regional states to close their airspace. Meanwhile, Iran welcomed the end of US attacks on Yemen, stating that the group agreed to cease disrupting vital shipping lanes in the Middle East, although their attacks on Israel and global trade continue to pose threats.
In Iraq, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani reaffirmed support for Lebanon amid its struggles with severe economic crises and ongoing hostilities along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Iraq maintains close ties with both Iran and Western nations, positioning itself as a regional stabilizer and opposing Israeli military actions.
Finally, in Ukraine, a Russian missile was intercepted over the Black Sea, and a missi
Published on 2 days, 13 hours ago