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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-24 at 22:04
HEADLINES
Israel Launches Massive Gaza Offensive Amid Heightened Regional Tensions
Lebanese Deal Sparks Fears of New Instability in Palestinian Camps
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Stall as Violence Escalates Globally
The time is now 06:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Tonight at six o'clock, we bring you an update on the ongoing conflict in Israel and the surrounding region, amidst a multi-front war that has significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape.
Israel continues its intense military campaign across seven key fronts, as it fights against Iranian-backed proxies and militant groups. In Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces have launched "Operation Gideon's Chariots," targeting Hamas and Islamic Jihad strongholds. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli forces have struck more than 100 terrorist sites, including tunnels, weapons caches, and command centers, with dozens of terrorists killed in the process. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that the operation aims to establish secure control over the entire Gaza Strip, emphasizing Israel's determination to dismantle militant infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, a landmark agreement has been reached between the Lebanese government and the Palestinian Authority to disarm Palestinian refugee camps, with plans to transfer weapons under Lebanese authority. However, Hamas criticized the deal for excluding their representatives, warning it could lead to further instability. Tensions remain high along the northern border, with Israel conducting regular airstrikes despite a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah following last year's conflict. Hezbollah continues to maintain infrastructure in southern Lebanon, and Israel asserts that the group remains a persistent threat.
In Syria, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iranian military positions and weapons depots linked to Iranian-backed militias operating in the region. The Israeli government has repeatedly expressed concerns over Iranian entrenchment near its borders and its efforts to establish a foothold in neighboring countries. Similarly, in Iraq, US and Iraqi forces report limited progress in negotiations over the release of an American citizen, Elizabeth Zorkov, believed to be held by Iranian-backed militias. Tensions are rising over Iran's nuclear program, with recent Rome talks between Iran and the US yielding only limited and inconclusive progress despite ongoing diplomatic efforts facilitated by Oman and other mediators.
In Gaza, the situation remains dire as humanitarian conditions worsen. The United Nations' World Food Program has halted flour distribution to bakeries, citing security concerns and chaos near the bakeries, complicating the supply of bread for civilians. The ongoing conflict has led to a surge in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
On the international stage, a senior US official reports that negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program are making some progress but remain far from resolution. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated that proposals from Oman could lead to a path forward, but both sides acknowledge substantial work remains. The US continues to emphasize it will not accept Iran’s enrichment of uranium beyond civilian use.
In the cultural sphere, the Cannes Film Festival has seen significant political statements. Iranian dissident director Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or for his film "It Was Just an Accident," which explores themes of revenge and repression amidst Iran’s political climate. Panahi used his acceptance speech to call for unity and freedom in Iran, despite facing a ban on filmmaking and imprisonment. Additionally, at the festival, Mia Schem, a former Hamas hostage who publicly advocates for the return of captives, was prevented from wearing a "Bring Them Home" ribbon, which was confiscated by security. Schem and
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