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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-09 at 19:04
HEADLINES
Israeli Forces Kill Top Terror Leader in Nablus
Israel Strikes Hamas in Gaza, Civilian Casualties Reported
Tel Al-Ahmar Flag Sparks Regional Tensions
The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today at 3:00 PM, tensions remain high across multiple fronts in the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their respective allies and proxies. Israeli security forces announced the elimination of Nor Albitawi in Nablus. Albitawi was one of the most senior wanted figures linked to the local terrorist organization operating out of the Jenin refugee camp, and had evaded multiple attempts at arrest and targeted killing until today. Israeli forces conducted a precise operation based on actionable intelligence, involving a siege and exchanges of fire, culminating in an aerial drone strike that killed Albitawi when a booby-trapped drone exploded over him.
In Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet reported striking several Hamas terrorists operating in the Jabalya area. The operation resulted in the deaths of four Palestinians, with Israel emphasizing that extensive precautions, including precision munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence, were taken to minimize civilian casualties. The military accused Hamas of systematically violating international law by exploiting civilian infrastructure and using the population as human shields for terrorist activities.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces targeted multiple Hamas sites in northern Gaza, demonstrating ongoing military efforts to degrade the militant group's capabilities. These strikes come amid a series of escalating hostilities, including recent cross-border exchanges and targeted killings on both sides.
In southern Syria, for the first time since the Israeli military entered the region, a flag of Israel was raised over Tel al-Ahmar in the Quneitra province, signaling a significant geopolitical development. Israeli officials claim their actions aim to protect the Druze minority and weaken Syrian military positions, although analysts suggest these moves serve Israel’s long-term strategic interests in the region by maintaining influence and deterring Iranian and Hezbollah presence.
Across Lebanon and Syria, tensions persist with Hezbollah and Iranian-backed forces reportedly preparing for further clashes. Israel continues to justify its strikes as defensive measures against Iranian entrenchment and missile transfers, while Iran and its proxies deny involvement in recent hostilities.
In the broader Middle East, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. The Trump administration's special envoy Steve Witkoff has emphasized that the priority remains the release of hostages held in Gaza, underscoring the continued communication between Washington and Israel. Concurrently, indirect talks in Oman and other regional venues have resumed, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program, with the United States demanding the dismantling of Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. President Trump has publicly expressed the desire for a diplomatic resolution, warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to increased tensions or military escalation.
International reactions remain divided. The European Union and United Nations have called for restraint and adherence to international law, while regional actors like Turkey and Egypt continue to navigate their complex relationships with the involved parties, balancing support and strategic interests.
On the domestic front, Israel prepares for the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, with the delegation expressing high morale despite external pressures. Over seventy former Eurovision participants called for Israel to be banned from this year's contest, and security advisories warn Israeli travelers against displaying symbols, reflecting the te
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