Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-24 at 10:04

HEADLINES
Israeli-Tensions Escalate Amid Multi-Front Hostilities
Yemen Missile Barrages Threaten Regional Stability
Secret Negotiations Seek Release of Israeli Hostage

The time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 6:00 AM, Israeli security remains on high alert amid ongoing multi-front hostilities and regional tensions. In Gaza, reports indicate continued exchanges of fire along several fronts, with Palestinian sources claiming that five Palestinians have been killed and sixty wounded in recent Israeli military operations near the Mua'tsi area of Rafah, as tanks advance in the region. The casualties and wounded have been evacuated to the nearby Red Cross building, according to Palestinian health authorities. This escalation follows a series of missile strikes launched by the Houthis in Yemen, which have claimed responsibility for firing 41 ballistic missiles at Israel since the conclusion of a recent US operation there, leading to heightened nighttime barrages and regional instability. The Israeli government states that the situation remains under control, but regional developments remain tense.

In the West Bank, a recent attempted stabbing attack at the Tamar checkpoint in Hebron resulted in the terrorist being shot and killed by IDF forces, with no casualties among soldiers. This incident follows a pattern of attacks in the area, with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad issuing statements praising the violence and calling for escalation, although neither claimed responsibility for this specific attack. Israeli troops have responded with increased patrols and searches, and the area remains under heightened security.

Meanwhile, in the northern city of Hebron, clashes continue as Israeli forces conduct raids and arrests linked to ongoing anti-terror operations. The military and security services are carefully monitoring activity to prevent further violence, amid calls from Palestinian factions for increased resistance. The situation in the West Bank remains volatile, with recent incidents raising fears of wider unrest.

In the southern region, a high-profile incident involved a collision on road 671 entering Afula, where a 65-year-old cyclist was injured in a moderate to serious condition after being hit by a vehicle. Medical teams treated and evacuated him to a local hospital. Additionally, a young girl was moderately injured after being bitten by a dog in Yotvata, prompting emergency response.

Internationally, reports from Iraqi and Saudi media suggest that secret negotiations are underway to secure the release of Israeli hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov, with sources indicating that a deal may be finalized within ten days. Meanwhile, in the United States, Vice President J. D. Vance personally congratulated over a thousand graduates of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, highlighting ongoing global focus on security and diplomatic efforts.

In other security developments, a cyberattack targeted Israeli citizens overnight, with anonymous calls containing Hamas propaganda audio—hostages screaming, explosions, and air raid sirens—circulating across social media and prompting a national cyber investigation. Authorities have traced these malicious calls to several unknown phone numbers, emphasizing that they are attempts to incite panic and do not compromise personal device security. The Cyber Directorate urges the public to remain calm, report suspicious activity, and avoid spreading unverified information.

Finally, in Israel’s internal security landscape, tensions persist surrounding the appointment of Major-General David Zini as the next head of Shin Bet. The appointment has already led to political and military friction, with Zini resigning from the IDF prior to formal approval. Relations between the military and security agencies are strained, echoing past disputes...