Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-23 at 15:05

HEADLINES
1. Israel intercepts Gaza missile amid escalating hostilities
2. Iran warns US of nuclear consequences in tense standoff
3. Ukraine and Russia exchange 780 prisoners in peace effort

The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 11:00 AM, the situation across Israel and the broader Middle East remains tense and complex. Israel is engaged in a multi-front conflict, responding to threats and attacks from Iran and its regional proxies. On the northern front, Israeli forces intercepted a missile fired from Gaza, with sirens sounding in border communities, signaling ongoing hostilities. In Gaza itself, the Palestinian Health Ministry reports 53 civilians killed in recent Israeli strikes since early morning, as Israel continues its military operations against Hamas targets amid the ongoing conflict.

In Lebanon, sources indicate that Palestinian factions aligned with Iran and previously supported by the Assad regime have left Syria after facing harassment and property seizures by the new Syrian government, following demands from the United States for the depopulation of foreign terrorist groups in the country. Meanwhile, Israeli military officials confirm that a rocket launched from Gaza was intercepted, highlighting the continued threat from the Palestinian enclave.

In Syria, reports suggest that leaders of Palestinian factions in the region have departed Damascus under pressure. This development aligns with US demands for Iran-backed groups to cease operations and depose foreign fighters, as part of broader diplomatic efforts. Additionally, Israeli military sources report ongoing security alerts and preparations along the border, with a recent missile interception emphasizing the persistent danger.

In the broader regional arena, tensions are escalating over Iran’s nuclear program. Negotiations in Rome between the United States and Iran have stalled, with Iran refusing to halt uranium enrichment, and threats from Tehran to relocate nuclear material if attacked. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the UN that Iran would hold the US responsible for any Israeli strikes against its nuclear facilities, which Iran claims are under threat. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself if Iran’s nuclear ambitions threaten its security.

Meanwhile, in the United States, there is a controversial proposal from Congressman Randy Fine suggesting the consideration of nuclear weapons in response to the Gaza conflict. This provocative statement underscores the heightened rhetoric and the dangerous potential for escalation in the region.

On the domestic front in Israel, the security situation remains precarious. An Israeli civilian was wounded after being trapped in a well in southern Israel, and military forces continue search-and-rescue operations. The situation along the border remains volatile, with ongoing exchanges of fire and alerts. The Israeli government emphasizes its readiness to respond decisively to any threats, while international airlines, citing security concerns, have further canceled flights to and from Israel until at least late July.

In humanitarian developments, aid to Gaza resumes cautiously after an 11-week blockade, amid scrutiny over the activities of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization. Swiss NGOs have called for investigations into the foundation’s activities, citing concerns over compliance with international law and the potential diversion of aid to Hamas or criminal groups.

Finally, the situation in Ukraine continues with a significant prisoner exchange: Russia and Ukraine have released 390 prisoners each, part of a broader plan to exchange 1,000 prisoners in total. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy expects the process to continue over the coming days, reflecting...