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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-03 at 07:04
HEADLINES
Iran’s Beirut visit signals deepening Middle East tensions
IDF targets Hamas operative amid Gaza clashes
US probes potential war crimes in Gaza conflict
The time is now 03:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, at 3:00 AM, Israel remains under intense multi-front pressure amid ongoing hostilities with Iran-backed proxies across seven strategic fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the West Bank, and Iran itself. The escalation comes amidst a backdrop of deep regional tensions and international concern over the stability of the Middle East.
In Lebanon, the Iranian foreign minister has just arrived in Beirut following a visit to Cairo. He is scheduled to meet with Lebanese officials, including the president, prime minister, and parliament speaker, signaling Iran’s continued efforts to deepen influence in Lebanon amid heightened regional tensions.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces report that during aid distribution efforts, suspects attempted to approach the designated zones. The IDF fired warning shots and subsequently used live fire against individuals perceived as a threat, resulting in reports of casualties. Hamas-affiliated sources claim that at least 23 Palestinians have been killed and over 200 wounded in ongoing clashes, with reports of casualties during aid efforts in Rafah.
In northern Gaza, Israeli forces announced the targeted killing of Hamas operative Hamaida Diray, a former prisoner released in the deal for Gilad Shalit. He was killed overnight during a strike on a makeshift camp in Dier al-Balah, where he was reportedly involved in terrorist activities and had a 30-year sentence, of which he served only ten before release.
Israel’s military also reports that during routine checks near aid routes, suspects deviated from authorized pathways, prompting warning shots and live fire. The IDF emphasizes that it does not prevent Gazan civilians from accessing humanitarian aid, but continues to respond to threats near distribution points.
In the West Bank, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to three soldiers killed in Jabalya after their vehicle struck an explosive device. The soldiers’ bravery was recognized as part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas and efforts to liberate hostages. Israeli officials, including Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, expressed profound condolences, highlighting the sacrifice of these soldiers in the nation’s security efforts.
In a related international development, US officials are raising concerns about recent Iranian diplomatic activity, with Iran’s foreign minister visiting Beirut and discussions of potential increased cooperation with Hezbollah. The US State Department spokesperson accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, a charge strongly denied by Israel and acknowledged as a contentious point in international discourse.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the Department of Justice has launched an investigation into potential war crimes connected to the Gaza conflict, with Canadian authorities also reportedly examining allegations related to the ongoing hostilities, reflecting a growing international focus on accountability.
Domestically within Israel, security alert drills are scheduled today in several regions, including Yafit, Kerem Re’im, and Ein Kuniya, to prepare for potential escalations.
Lastly, diplomatic tensions persist over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Former US President Donald Trump reaffirmed that any prospective agreement would prohibit uranium enrichment, while Iran has declared its enrichment activities as non-negotiable. In parallel, US officials continue to criticize Israel’s military operations, with some accusing Israel of war crimes—a stance rejected by Israeli official
Published on 1 month ago