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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-05 at 19:05
HEADLINES
1. Israeli Airstrikes Kill 37 in Gaza Escalation
2. Hezbollah Drones Threaten Israel as Lebanon Tensions Rise
3. Global Leaders Call for Ceasefire Amid Growing Human Crisis
The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
The current escalation in the Middle East continues to unfold across multiple fronts, with Israel actively engaged in efforts to neutralize threats from Iran and its proxies, while international and regional developments add layers of complexity to the ongoing conflict.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have intensified their military operations targeting Hamas and other militant groups. Recent reports confirm that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 37 fatalities, as the Israeli military boosts its campaign to weaken Hamas' military capabilities. The Israeli government reports that it has resumed aid operations through a US-backed humanitarian foundation, despite ongoing security concerns. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to hold approximately 55 hostages, with Israel announcing the recovery of the bodies of two Israeli-Americans killed during the October 2023 attack, underscoring the war's tragic toll.
On the ground in Gaza, there are emerging reports that Israel has provided weapons to local tribal gangs, some of which are not directly affiliated with Hamas. Former senior Shin Bet officials suggest that arming these groups could serve as a strategic move to weaken Hamas by encouraging internal resistance and reducing direct Israeli casualties. Critics, including opposition figures, accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of circumventing the cabinet to support these groups, with allegations that some weapons may have been confiscated Hamas arms rather than Israeli-made. Israeli intelligence sources indicate that efforts to empower these gangs aim to create an alternative leadership in Gaza, potentially leading to a post-war scenario where Hamas's influence diminishes.
In the northern theater, Israel has issued evacuation warnings for residents in Beirut's southern districts, particularly in areas linked to Hezbollah's military infrastructure, including underground drone manufacturing facilities operated by Hezbollah’s Unit 127. The Israeli Defense Forces have signaled their readiness to target these sites, emphasizing their commitment to degrading Hezbollah's operational capabilities. The Lebanese authorities have been advised to evacuate within a 300-meter radius of these facilities, reflecting concerns over escalation in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon’s southern suburbs, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson issued urgent alerts to residents near Hezbollah sites, warning of imminent strikes against key infrastructure. This comes amid heightened tensions following Israeli military operations and Hezbollah's military activities, including the alleged development of drones and underground facilities. The Lebanese government has called for restraint, but the situation remains volatile.
Regional security concerns are further compounded by intelligence reports indicating that Hezbollah's military wing, Unit 127, continues to operate covert drone manufacturing facilities in Beirut, with ongoing efforts to produce and deploy armed UAVs. Israel has expressed its intent to preemptively strike these sites to prevent Hezbollah from escalating hostilities, citing the threat of drone attacks and missile launches.
Internationally, the conflict has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for restraint. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva described Israel's actions in Gaza as "premeditated genocide," rejecting the term "war" to characterize the ongoing violence. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to increase diplomatic pressure, working alongside the United States to push for a ceasefire. The United Nations prepares for a forthco
Published on 1 month ago