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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-04 at 21:05
HEADLINES
1. US Vetoes UN Gaza Ceasefire Amid Global Outcry
2. Israeli Forces Strike Hamas Leader in Khan Younis
3. Gaza Humanitarian Aid Faces Deadly Security Obstacles
The time is now 05:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today at five in the evening, the conflict across Israel and its neighboring fronts remains intense and complex. In Gaza, Israeli forces continue their operations against Hamas and other militant groups, with recent strikes resulting in at least 16 casualties, including a tragic incident where 12 displaced individuals were killed in a single attack on a tent. Israeli military officials have emphasized their ongoing efforts to target Hamas military infrastructure, including the recent elimination of a key Hamas commander, Abdullah Ibrahim Abu Tair, linked to the organization’s armed wing in Khan Younis.
International diplomatic efforts face significant hurdles. The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access in Gaza. Despite 14 nations supporting the resolution, the US blockades the measure, citing concerns that it could undermine diplomatic negotiations and embolden Hamas. US ambassador Dorothy Shea stated that the resolution would weaken efforts to reach a ceasefire that reflects the realities on the ground and would falsely equate Israel with Hamas. Israeli representatives have strongly opposed the resolution, accusing it of undermining Israel’s security and ignoring Hamas’s role in perpetuating violence.
The UN Security Council also debated a separate proposal that supported a ceasefire without conditions related to the return of hostages. The United States again exercised its veto, with Acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea asserting that the US would not support any resolution that does not condemn Hamas explicitly. Israeli officials, including Ambassador Danny Danon, criticized the decision, calling it a “gift to Hamas” and a “significant boost to terrorism,” warning that such international inaction signals to Hamas that terrorism will be rewarded.
Meanwhile, humanitarian efforts in Gaza are fraught with challenges. The Gaza Humanitarian Fund, backed by international donors, has come under criticism for coordinating with military authorities, raising concerns about the safety of aid workers and civilians. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation into reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid, condemning the unsafe conditions in Gaza. The UN has refused to cooperate with certain aid operations, citing security incidents and fatalities around aid sites, which they say are obstacles to delivering essential supplies.
On the ground, the Israeli Defense Forces continue issuing warnings to Gaza civilians, particularly those returning to or planning to enter northern Gaza, describing the area as a “dangerous combat zone” where active military operations are ongoing. The IDF has also reinforced its maritime defenses, preventing the aid ship Madleen, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and carrying humanitarian supplies and activists including Greta Thunberg, from docking in Gaza, citing security concerns. The Israeli military remains prepared for action across all fronts, including the maritime arena, and has stated its readiness to respond to threats swiftly.
In the broader regional context, tensions persist. The Yemeni government has announced preparations for a large-scale ground offensive against Houthi militias, which are supported by Iran. Yemeni Vice President Tarek Saleh articulated confidence in their military’s readiness and vowed to liberate Sanaa, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing Yemeni conflict.
Meanwhile, in Israel, political tensions continue as Prime Minister Benjamin Netany
Published on 1 month ago