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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-07-04 at 19:03
HEADLINES
1. Israel Gains Control of 65% Gaza Strip
2. Iran Operative Killed in Beirut Airstrike
3. Hamas Shows Willingness to Ceasefire Talks
The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today in the Middle East, tensions continue to escalate amid ongoing military operations and diplomatic developments. The Israeli Defense Forces have announced gains of control over approximately sixty-five percent of the Gaza Strip, eliminating over one hundred terrorists, including senior Hamas commanders, and targeting one hundred terror sites within a twenty-four-hour period. These efforts are part of a broader ground offensive aimed at degrading Hamas' operational capabilities.
In Lebanon, Israeli military sources confirmed the killing of Qassem Salah al-Husseini, a senior operative of Iran’s Quds Force. He was reportedly involved in smuggling Iranian weapons to Lebanon and the West Bank. The operation was carried out via an Israeli airstrike south of Beirut. This development underscores the ongoing confrontations and Iran’s regional influence through its proxy networks.
Meanwhile, Iran faces international scrutiny over its nuclear program. Despite assertions from Iran denying knowledge of the whereabouts of approximately 400 kilograms of enriched uranium—following recent Israeli and American attacks on nuclear sites—Western officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency continue to monitor the situation closely. Iran’s deputy foreign minister claimed ignorance of the material's location, while the agency hints that it may have been transferred before recent strikes.
In the broader regional context, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has emphasized that the kingdom’s current priority is reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with renewed diplomatic negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This signals a potential shift towards more diplomatic avenues amid ongoing conflict.
On the diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid held discussions with the president of the United Arab Emirates, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Lapid pledged that his party would support any initiative aimed at bringing the hostages home, highlighting the continued importance of negotiations and regional cooperation.
In other news, reports indicate a 'positive' response from Hamas to a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar. Sources familiar with the situation suggest Hamas has expressed willingness to accept the terms with minor adjustments, though an official statement from Hamas has yet to be issued.
Domestic issues in Israel include the approval of a new partnership and responsibility planning committee for Druze and Circassian towns, reflecting ongoing efforts to address regional development and community integration.
In addition to military and diplomatic updates, there are ongoing reports of civilian incidents, including injuries resulting from accidents and violence. Notably, a 32-year-old motorcyclist was moderately injured after colliding with a guardrail near Mola, and a 21-year-old cyclist was also hurt near the Sharon coast. Furthermore, a tragic explosion on a rural agricultural site south of Mijdal Shams resulted in the death of a 60-year-old man, believed to be caused by a chemical or pesticide-related incident.
Meanwhile, in a display of cultural solidarity, thousands of Americans living in Israel observed Independence Day with celebrations, reflecting a strong sense of identity and belonging despite the ongoing conflicts.
The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic efforts ongoing and military actions intensifying. The international community watches closely as Israel continues its targeted operations, Iran denies involvement with nuclear materials, and regional powers see
Published on 2 days, 20 hours ago