Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-23 at 09:04

HEADLINES
1. Gaza Airstrike Leaves Dozens Missing Amid Humanitarian Crisis
2. Yemen Houthis Hit Lod Airport in Support of Gaza
3. Israel Targets Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar in High-Profile Strike

The time is now 05:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 5 a.m., the unfolding conflict across multiple fronts in the Middle East continues to shape the regional landscape. In Gaza, civil defense reports indicate that approximately fifty individuals remain missing following a night-time airstrike on the home of the Dardona family in Jabalya, in the northern Gaza Strip. The attack occurred shortly after 2 a.m., resulting in the recovery of ten bodies from the rubble, with fears that many others may have been killed. The ongoing violence underscores the severe humanitarian toll and the precarious situation for civilians caught in the crossfire.

Meanwhile, in southern Israel, a tragic incident was reported involving a worker in his fifties who fell from a height of about three meters at an industrial area in Hadera. Emergency services responded swiftly, treating him on site and transporting him to Hillel Yaffe Hospital in moderate condition with injuries to his limbs. Separately, in Beersheba, a woman aged 34 was critically wounded in a shooting near a gas station in the city. She was conscious upon arrival at Soroka Hospital, suffering from penetrating injuries, as authorities investigate the circumstances.

On the international front, the Houthi movement in Yemen claimed responsibility for a precise ballistic missile attack on Lod Airport in Israel, asserting it was in support of the Palestinian cause and in response to what they described as Israeli atrocities in Gaza. The statement emphasized their intent to continue operations until the blockade on Gaza is lifted and hostilities cease.

In Lebanon, reports emerged of the death of senior Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar following an Israeli airstrike targeting a high-level Hamas meeting in Khan Younis. Arab sources confirmed that senior members of Hamas's military wing had gathered in a tunnel, in violation of security protocols, providing Israel an opportunity to strike high-value targets. Sinwar’s body was recovered and buried quietly the following day, illustrating the intensifying efforts by Israel to target leadership figures within Hamas.

In Syria, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed militia positions, aiming to prevent the transfer of weapons and reinforce its strategic deterrence. The strikes reportedly hit several sites near Damascus, with no immediate reports of casualties.

Iraq remains tense as Iranian-backed militias continue to threaten Israeli interests through proxy attacks and border provocations. Israeli officials have reiterated their commitment to defending their sovereignty and responding decisively to any threats emanating from these groups.

In the broader regional context, diplomatic tensions mount as the United Nations issued a cautious statement regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Although initially warning that around 14,000 infants could die within 48 hours without aid, the UN later retracted the statement, emphasizing the critical need for humanitarian access.

Meanwhile, in the United States, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of the advanced Golden Dome missile defense system, claiming it surpasses Israel’s Iron Dome in technology. The US continues to support Israel’s defense capabilities amid the escalating conflict.

Back in Israel, domestic security concerns remain high. The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that the Prime Minister, entrusted with national security, must appoint a permanent chief of the Shin Bet without delay. Discussions are underway regarding the appointment process amid ongoing investigations related to...