HEADLINES
1. Israel Gains Control in Gaza Amid Heavy Losses
2. Iran’s Hidden Uranium Sparks Global Nuclear Tensions
3. Hamas Agrees to Ceasefire as Diplomatic Talks Advance
The time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 2:00 PM, the latest developments across the region and beyond paint a complex picture of ongoing conflict, geopolitical shifts, and domestic concerns.
In Israel, military operations continue in Gaza, where the Israel Defense Forces have gained control over approximately 65 percent of the territory. In the past 24 hours, over one hundred terrorists, including senior Hamas commanders, have been eliminated, with the Israeli Air Force targeting around one hundred terror sites to support ground advances. Casualties include a soldier killed in southern Gaza and two others severely wounded during hostilities. The IDF reports ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli forces confirmed the killing of a key Iranian-backed operative, Qassem Salah Al-Husseini, involved in weapons smuggling from Iran via Syria to Hezbollah and the West Bank. This operation aimed to disrupt Iran’s supply chains and deter terrorist activities along Israel's northern border. Additionally, Israeli military sources confirmed the neutralization of a Lebanese terrorist linked to Iranian operations in a strike south of Beirut. Reports suggest that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s claims of shooting down an Israeli drone in Zanganeh are under scrutiny, with Iran releasing footage purportedly showing a nearly intact drone.
In the broader Middle East, Iran’s nuclear program remains a contentious issue. The deputy foreign minister of Iran stated that Tehran is unaware of the whereabouts of approximately 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, despite international concerns and recent Israeli and American strikes on nuclear sites. Iran’s leadership denies knowledge of these materials, even as the IAEA suggests possible relocation prior to attacks.
In Syria, reports indicate the recent detention of an Iranian Quds Force operative in Lebanon, raising questions about Iran’s regional activities. The Syrian government continues to navigate its shifting alliances amid reports of ongoing military and intelligence operations.
On the diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid met with the President of the United Arab Emirates to discuss regional security and the potential for a hostage release deal. Lapid reiterated his party’s support for initiatives aimed at bringing home Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza.
Internationally, German politician Friedrich Merz discussed with former US President Donald Trump the possibility of supplying Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, amid ongoing conflicts involving Russia and NATO allies.
In the United States, American expatriates in Israel celebrated Independence Day with festivities, reflecting on identity and belonging, even as the nation’s foreign policy remains closely aligned with Israeli security concerns. President Trump faced criticism for his recent remarks, in which he used an antisemitic metaphor involving "Shylock" to describe bankers, stirring controversy.
Domestically, Israel continues to grapple with civilian safety. Incidents include a hit-and-run involving a young child in Taybe, who is in serious condition, and a 60-year-old man injured in an explosion believed to involve agricultural chemicals near Majdal Shams. There have also been reports of multiple casualties in ongoing accidents and attacks, underscoring the persistent risks faced by civilians.
In addition to military and political updates, efforts for regional peace persist. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister emphasized the priority of reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza a
Published on 2 days, 21 hours ago
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