Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-26 at 12:04
HEADLINES
Israeli Forces Launch Unprecedented Gaza Attacks
European Leaders Urge Immediate Gaza Ceasefire
US Mediators Seek Full Hostage Release Amid Escalation
The time is now 08:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Israel remains under multi-front pressure as its military engagement continues in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, amidst intense international and domestic debates. Israeli forces are actively targeting terrorist infrastructure and operatives linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad across Gaza, utilizing precision strikes to minimize civilian harm, while warning residents of upcoming military operations. In Gaza, Israeli troops have launched unprecedented attacks against terrorist command centers, including a school in Gaza City used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad for planning attacks, with casualties reported on both sides.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli military officials have issued evacuation warnings to southern regions, including Khan Yunis, as Hezbollah threats persist and cross-border hostilities increase. The IDF has also carried out targeted strikes in Syria and Iraq, aiming at Iranian-backed militias involved in attack preparations. In Yemen, proxy groups continue to threaten Israeli and regional interests, complicating the broader conflict picture.
Internationally, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized Israel’s operations in Gaza, stating that the current escalation is no longer justifiable as a fight against Hamas. He plans to discuss the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging restraint. Similarly, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that Hamas is responsible for dragging Israel into prolonged conflict, calling for a ceasefire and restraint, while reaffirming Italy’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense. European leaders, including Macron and Sánchez, have echoed calls for an immediate de-escalation, citing humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
In the United States, mediators are working on hostages negotiations, with proposals suggesting Hamas might release some captives in exchange for a ceasefire. However, Israel has rejected recent partial proposals, demanding the full return of all hostages and a definitive end to hostilities. Reports indicate ongoing discussions involving US, Egyptian, and Palestinian mediators, seeking a comprehensive deal to halt the violence.
Domestically, Israeli political leaders are divided. Opposition figures, including Yair Lapid, have criticized the government's handling of the conflict, accusing it of unnecessary escalation and economic mismanagement amid the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that military pressure is essential to dismantle Hamas and secure hostages’ release, even as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire.
On the humanitarian front, Israel has launched a pilot humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, establishing a central logistics center in Rafah to deliver essentials like food and medicine, aiming to address civilian suffering while countering Hamas’s diversion of aid. Meanwhile, in Gaza, IDF has ordered evacuations of southern areas, with warnings of ongoing intense military operations against terrorist groups.
In other developments, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi received a hero’s welcome upon returning to Tehran after winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes, amid diplomatic tensions with France. Inside Israel, commemorations continue for fallen soldiers of the Six-Day War, with families donating personal items to a national heritage project, while in Jerusalem, a symbolic return of the Israeli flag to the Temple Mount took place during Jerusalem Day celebrations.
Security concerns persist domestically, with reports of increased threats from ISIS sympathizers planning attacks, and arrests of suspects attempting to bui
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago