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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-29 at 11:04
HEADLINES
Israel Targets Hamas Tunnels Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict
Israel Announces 22 New West Bank Settlements Sparks International Outcry
Historic US Visit to Damascus Signals Shifting Diplomatic Tensions
The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, Israel remains engaged in a multi-front conflict that continues to shape the regional landscape and impact international relations. Israeli forces are actively targeting terrorist infrastructure in Gaza, with ongoing operations aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities. The IDF reports the destruction of hundreds of meters of Hamas tunnels, weapons caches, and the elimination of dozens of terrorists during recent operations. The Nahal Brigade and the Southern Brigade, under the Gaza Division, have identified and destroyed multiple underground routes and above-ground targets, including missile launchers and observation posts. These efforts are part of a broader campaign to enhance security for communities in the Western Negev and prevent further attacks.
On the political front, Israel announced the establishment of 22 new settlements in the West Bank, a move that has drawn international criticism and raised tensions with the global community. Israeli officials describe this as a strategic development, with some leaders emphasizing a future move towards sovereignty. However, the decision is viewed by many as further entrenching the occupation and complicating prospects for peace, especially amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The move follows a series of escalating settlement activities that critics say threaten to undermine the two-state solution.
Meanwhile, tensions persist along Israel’s northern borders. Reports indicate that Israeli military aircraft targeted suspected Hamas and Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and Syria, with ongoing exchanges involving drone and missile activity. In Lebanon, Israeli forces responded to an airstrike in the Nabatyeh Al-Fawqa area, with reports of casualties. Israel’s military states it is prepared for a broader escalation, as it continues to counter threats from Iran-backed proxies across multiple fronts.
In Syria, the US envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, made a historic visit to Damascus, the first since the embassy closure in 2012. The visit signals a potential shift in diplomatic engagement, amidst ongoing Syrian regime activities and US efforts to contain Iranian influence in the region. At the same time, Israeli intelligence has exposed continued Hamas activity from civilian infrastructure in Gaza, with warnings to residents to stay clear of terror operatives operating within populated areas.
Internationally, concerns over antisemitism remain high globally. A recent survey indicates that 76 percent of Jews worldwide perceive rising antisemitism as a major threat, with specific fears about hostility in social and digital spaces. The survey highlights a heightened sense of vulnerability among Jewish communities, particularly among younger generations, and underscores the importance of international efforts to combat antisemitism, especially in the wake of recent Hamas attacks and violence.
In diplomatic developments, the United States has proposed a 60-day ceasefire plan, which includes the release of nine hostages and the destruction of Hamas’ underground infrastructure. However, there is skepticism about the plan’s viability, given Hamas’ demands for control over aid distribution and Israel’s insistence on maintaining operational security. The ongoing negotiations reflect the complexity of achieving a sustainable ceasefire and the challenges of balancing security with humanitarian needs.
Meanwhile, in Europe, a controversy has erupted as Belgium’s foreign minister referred to Israel’s actions as potentially amounting to genocide, a statement widely criticiz
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago