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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-29 at 06:05
HEADLINES
Iran activates defenses amid drone threats escalation
Israel intensifies Gaza operations to dismantle Hamas
US and EU clash over Iran sanctions and regional peace
The time is now 02:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 2:00 AM, the latest developments in the ongoing Middle East conflict reveal a complex and volatile situation with significant international implications. Israel continues to confront threats from Iran and its proxies, with recent reports indicating that Iranian air defenses have been activated overnight in Shiraz and Islamshahr, likely triggered by drone activity. This escalation underscores Iran’s ongoing efforts to assert military readiness amid heightened tensions.
In Gaza, Israeli military forces have issued new evacuation warnings, urging residents in northern Gaza City and Jabalia to move south to safer areas such as Al-Mawasi. Israeli officials emphasize that military operations are intensifying, with plans to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities in the region. Reports suggest an influx of trucks—four to five times the usual number—are entering Gaza, raising concerns about increased Hamas control and the possible obstruction of efforts to isolate the militant group and secure the release of hostages.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli forces targeted and killed Abbas Al-Hassan Wahbi, a senior Hezbollah operative involved in intelligence and weapon transfers, in what Israel describes as part of ongoing efforts to neutralize threats from Iran-backed groups. This follows the assassination of Hamas co-founder Hakham Muhammad Al-Issa in Gaza, a key figure linked to the October 7th massacres, further exemplifying Israel’s targeted operations against senior terrorist leaders.
International diplomatic activity remains intense. France’s Foreign Minister announced preparations to reimpose crippling sanctions on Iran if Tehran refuses to engage in genuine negotiations, specifically referencing the Snap Back mechanism of sanctions. This move signals a firm stance by the European Union aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
US President Donald Trump has publicly called for an immediate deal in Gaza, urging Israel to negotiate the return of hostages and ceasefire agreements. Trump criticized the ongoing criminal proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing them as a “political witch hunt” and warning that such legal battles threaten vital negotiations with Hamas and Iran. His comments highlight the geopolitical stakes and the influence of American leadership amid the crisis.
In other regional news, Iran’s defense systems have been activated again in Shiraz and Islamshahr, possibly due to UAV activity. Iran also revealed documentation of Israeli drones shot down during recent conflicts, including the Orbiter 4, a swarm-capable aircraft used by the IDF’s Storm Clouds project. These developments point to the technological escalation in covert operations and intelligence warfare.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Qassem issued a defiant speech, stating that victory or martyrdom are both wins, and warning that Israeli attacks cannot continue indefinitely. His rhetoric underscores the willingness of Iran-backed groups to escalate confrontations, with some officials expressing impatience for action rather than threats.
Domestically, Israel’s security cabinet is debating the critical issue of humanitarian aid logistics. A prominent minister, Orit Struk, emphasized the importance of implementing a full humanitarian separation from Hamas, asserting that aid must be carefully controlled to weaken the group’s operational and financial infrastructure. She warned against delays that could cost lives and hinder the ultimate goal of degrading Hamas’ power.
Meanwhile, in Israel, political an
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