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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-29 at 21:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Hezbollah Amid Escalating Lebanon Tensions
2. Gaza Evacuations Underway as Israeli Airstrikes Hit Hamas
3. Iran Advances Nuclear Arsenal, Threatening Regional Stability
The time is now 05:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 5:00 PM, we continue to monitor the escalating conflict across Israel’s multiple frontlines. Israeli military sources confirm that earlier today, the Israel Defense Forces conducted targeted strikes against several Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, focusing on sites containing rocket launchers and military infrastructure in Sidon and the surrounding areas. These operations come amidst reports of attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild and rearm, violating previous ceasefire understandings. The IDF states that these actions are aimed at removing threats to Israeli security and preventing Hezbollah’s efforts to establish new operational bases.
In southern Lebanon, additional Israeli strikes targeted two villages deep inside Lebanese territory, approximately 50 kilometers from the border, with reports of aircraft activity and loud explosions in the area. The military emphasizes that these strikes are a response to ongoing activities by Hezbollah fighters, who have been observed moving weapons and engaging in activities that breach international agreements.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the situation remains tense. The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents in northern Gaza, urging immediate evacuation from key areas such as Al-Atatra, Jabalya, Shujaiyah, Daraa, and Zaytoun, citing ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. The IDF reports that these zones have been identified as hubs for militant activity, including the storage and launch of rockets, and that the evacuation order is a precaution to ensure civilian safety amidst escalating hostilities.
Overnight, reports indicate a significant explosion in central Gaza, believed to be the result of Israeli airstrikes targeting what Israel describes as military sites used by Hamas. The Palestinian group Hamas has condemned the strikes, claiming they have caused civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure. The group has also dismissed recent ceasefire proposals, asserting that they do not meet their demands and that negotiations are ongoing with mediators.
In diplomatic developments, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has proposed a temporary ceasefire of 60 days, including the release of ten hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased in exchange for a halt in hostilities. However, Hamas has publicly rejected the proposal, stating that it does not meet their core demands and that the terms are biased in favor of Israel. Israeli officials have expressed skepticism about the current proposal, emphasizing that it lacks guarantees of a permanent settlement and the disarmament of militant groups.
International reactions remain cautious. Austria’s intelligence services report that Iran has made significant progress in its nuclear program, possessing a growing arsenal of ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. This contradicts some US assessments, raising concerns among Israeli and allied officials about the potential for Iran to advance its nuclear capabilities further, complicating diplomatic efforts to curb proliferation.
In Israel’s domestic arena, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled for a routine medical examination tomorrow, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin set to step in temporarily. The government continues to emphasize its commitment to defending Israeli sovereignty, with ongoing military operations across multiple fronts in response to threats from Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxy groups.
Meanwhile, in the political sphere, tensions persist over the approaching ceasefire negotiations. Ham
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago