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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-29 at 14:04
HEADLINES
1. Israeli Civilian Contractor Killed Amid Gaza Violence
2. Hezbollah Disarms 80% of Forces in Lebanon Crisis
3. Global Surge in Antisemitic Attacks Sparks Outrage
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, we begin with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, where Israel faces threats on multiple fronts amid a complex and escalating war. Today, the Israeli military announced the death of a civilian contractor working for the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza. David Libi, 19 years old, was employed by an engineering firm contracted by the Ministry of Defense. He was killed by an explosive device while operating in northern Gaza, demonstrating the dangerous conditions faced by Israeli personnel on the ground. David, a third-generation resident of Binyamin, served in the IDF engineering corps and was actively involved in destroying terror infrastructure. His death underscores the human toll of this conflict, which continues to claim lives on both sides.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces reported that they struck dozens of terror targets across Gaza in a renewed offensive aimed at degrading Hamas's capabilities. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with at least 44 civilians killed in recent Israeli raids, according to local sources. The territory, under a blockade for over two months, is experiencing severe food shortages, with aid supplies increasingly limited despite efforts to distribute essentials through controlled channels. Crowds of Palestinians stormed a World Food Programme warehouse, looting supplies amid fears of starvation affecting one in five residents, as the conflict has persisted for over 18 months since Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
In the West Bank, Israeli authorities approved the establishment of 22 new settlements, a move seen as part of ongoing expansion during the war with Hamas and amid international pressure for a Palestinian state. This decision comes amidst debates about Israeli strategic and political priorities, especially with upcoming international summits involving France and Saudi Arabia.
In Lebanon, reports indicate that approximately 80% of Hezbollah forces operating in southern Lebanon have been disarmed, with the Lebanese army cooperating with Israel to dismantle the terror group's infrastructure. This cooperation, mediated by US intelligence, marks a significant development in reducing Hezbollah's capacity to threaten northern Israel. The Lebanese government has also seized large quantities of weapons, aiming to prevent future conflicts and disarm Palestinian militias across the country.
In Israel itself, domestic political tensions are rising. The government has approved a series of settlement expansions in the West Bank, while also facing internal dissent. Notably, Yitzchak Goldknopf, leader of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, issued an ultimatum threatening resignation over the delay in passing a conscription law, highlighting ongoing political friction within Israel’s coalition.
Internationally, the conflict and its repercussions continue to resonate. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens as Israeli strikes and blockades hinder aid delivery. Over 44 Palestinians have been reported killed in recent raids, and there are fears of widespread starvation amid shortages. The UN and regional leaders have condemned Israel’s tactics, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi calling Israel’s approach "systematic starvation tactics" that breach moral and legal boundaries.
Amid these tensions, a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents worldwide has been noted. A joint letter signed by 67 Israeli Members of Knesset from across the political spectrum expressed unwavering support for Jewish communities abroad, especially following recent deadly attacks outside the Jewish Museum in Washington
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago