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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-29 at 17:05
HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Heavy Gaza Strikes in New War Phase
2. Iran Mourns Top Commanders Amid War’s Widening Reach
3. US Pushes for Ceasefire as Gaza Death Toll Surges
The time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 1:00 PM, this is your comprehensive update on the latest developments in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict and related international affairs.
Israel's military operations continue to intensify in Gaza, with the Israel Defense Forces launching heavy strikes across northern Gaza as part of what officials describe as a new phase of the campaign. The military is preparing for a potential reentry into Gaza City, amid ongoing ground operations aimed at dismantling Hamas's remaining military capabilities. Reports indicate that the Israeli cabinet is considering deeper ground maneuvers to increase pressure on Hamas, while the United States is actively pushing for a ceasefire and a deal to free hostages held by Hamas.
On the diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared that Israel aims to achieve two primary objectives: rescuing the hostages and decisively defeating Hamas. In a recent visit to the Shin Bet security agency's facility, Netanyahu emphasized that many opportunities have opened up following Israel's recent military successes, including the potential to recover abducted civilians and to weaken Hamas further. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the ability to accomplish both goals and highlighted expanded regional possibilities stemming from the recent victory.
Meanwhile, Iran’s response to the conflict remains highly significant. State media in Iran reported a solemn funeral procession for approximately 60 individuals, including top military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed during the war with Israel. Among the mourned were Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards commanders. Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has yet to appear publicly since the conflict’s escalation. An Iranian senior advisor, Ali Larijani, claimed that the United States used negotiations as a cover for deception, and he criticized President Donald Trump’s portrayal of the conflict, suggesting it was exaggerated. In a striking revelation, Larijani also stated that on the first day of the war, Israeli officials threatened him directly, demanding he leave Iran within 12 hours under threat of assassination.
The war between Israel and Iran’s proxies remains intense and widespread. Iran’s proxies in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Gaza continue their hostile activities. In Syria, a new government has reportedly been formed following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, with regional powers and internal factions vying for influence. Hezbollah in Lebanon has suffered significant setbacks, with the Israeli military claiming to have decimated much of their infrastructure and operatives. In Gaza, the situation remains dire, with Israeli airstrikes reportedly killing at least 23 Palestinians, including children, in a recent wave of attacks. The Israeli military reports ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities, including the recent arrest of over 60 Hamas operatives in Hebron, who were planning imminent attacks.
In the broader international context, the United States under the current administration has taken a cautious yet assertive stance. US President Donald Trump has indicated that more nations are expressing interest in joining the Abraham Accords, with Iran being identified as the primary regional challenge. Trump also mentioned that he has been approached by several countries seeking peace agreements, and he hinted at potential normalization efforts in Syria, although details remain unclear. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister publicly declared that Iran would never suspend its uranium
Published on 1 week, 2 days ago