HEADLINES
Iran missile strikes devastate Israel amid ceasefire breaches
EU divisions deepen over Israel Gaza conflict response
US urges restraint as Israel prepares for escalation
The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, Israel remains under intense pressure from ongoing hostilities with Iran and its proxies. Despite a declared ceasefire brokered by the United States, violations have occurred on multiple fronts. Iranian missile and drone assaults have caused significant casualties and destruction across Israel, with twenty-nine confirmed deaths and over three thousand injured. These attacks included ballistic missiles launched from Iran itself, striking northern and southern parts of the country, with some projectiles successfully intercepted by Israel’s missile defense systems. The Israeli military reports intercepting fifteen Iranian drones overnight, as tensions escalate further.
Meanwhile, Iran claims its forces did not fire at Israel directly, asserting that their recent actions were in response to Israeli attacks inside Iran, which Tehran describes as provocations. Iranian officials also announced that their military achieved what they term a “victory” through missile strikes against American bases in Iraq, and they have threatened further retaliation. The Iranian deputy chief of staff has emphasized that their armed forces succeeded in breaking US and Western dominance in the region, despite advanced military equipment from adversaries.
In Israel’s response, Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed forceful retaliation against Iran’s violations, instructing the IDF to continue high-intensity strikes targeting regime infrastructure in Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also affirmed Israel’s readiness to respond decisively, with reports of planned targeted operations. In parallel, Israeli officials have indicated that the recent breaches of the ceasefire will lead to increased military actions against Iranian and terrorist targets.
Internationally, divisions are evident within the European Union. Spain has formally called for suspending the EU’s association agreement with Israel, citing alleged human rights violations in Gaza. Spain’s proposal includes an arms embargo and sanctions against individuals undermining the two-state solution. However, countries like Italy and Germany have opposed such measures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself. The EU’s overall stance remains divided, as some member states seek to scrutinize Israel’s military actions while others advocate for continued engagement.
Amid these regional tensions, the United States under the Trump administration has expressed concern about recent hostilities. President Trump publicly criticized both Iran and Israel for violations of the ceasefire, emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear program was effectively dismantled and cannot be revived. He also issued a direct message to Israel, urging restraint: “Do not strike Iran. If you do, it will be a serious violation of the ceasefire. Bring the pilots home immediately.” This statement reflects a complex US position, balancing support for Israel’s security with calls for de-escalation.
On the ground in Lebanon and Gaza, the situation remains fragile. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawai Slaam stated that Lebanon has managed to avoid being drawn into a broader conflict between Israel and Iran, despite ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, Hamas has yet to officially respond to recent Iranian missile strikes, with some sources describing internal disagreements and communication issues within the organization. In Gaza, hostages remain a critical concern, with efforts underway for their safe release amid ongoing fighting.
Additionally, in Cyprus, a generous hotel owner has offered free accommod
Published on 2 weeks, 4 days ago
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