Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-24 at 14:05

HEADLINES
1. Gaza Crisis Deepens Amid Rising Civilian Toll
2. Israel Escalates Attacks as Region Faces Broader War
3. Historic Shift: Saudi Arabia to Legalize Alcohol in 2026

The time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, Israel finds itself engaged in a multi-front confrontation that has escalated significantly across its borders. The conflict now spans seven key areas: Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, with international repercussions and domestic concerns adding complexity to the situation.

In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens as Israeli military operations continue. Over the weekend, at least fifteen Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli strikes, including a family of four killed in Khan Yunis and several others in drone attacks targeting crowds gathered near aid trucks. The Gaza health ministry states that since the resumption of hostilities in March, the death toll has risen to nearly 54,000, predominantly civilians. The Israeli military reports striking over one hundred targets in Gaza, including militant infrastructure and underground routes, as part of its ongoing campaign. The United Nations warns that Palestinians are enduring what it calls "the cruellest phase" of the conflict, with widespread shortages of food and medicine compounded by a blockade that has severely restricted aid deliveries. Limited aid resumed this week, but the World Food Programme reports that looting of aid trucks has hindered relief efforts, further exacerbating hunger and insecurity. Gaza’s water infrastructure has also suffered extensive damage, raising fears of a large-scale water crisis amid soaring temperatures and rising demand.

Meanwhile, the security situation remains volatile. Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the taking of hostages, many of whom remain in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces have intensified airstrikes, claiming to have targeted more than one hundred sites including militant strongholds and underground tunnels. Israel's military states it cannot comment on specific strikes without precise location data, but the overall campaign appears to be escalating as the war's toll continues to climb.

Across the broader region, Israel’s actions are influencing neighboring countries. In Syria, firefighting efforts are underway east of Rosh Ha’ayin, as a wildfire advances toward the West Bank, threatening communities in Deir Ballut. In Turkey, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts amid ongoing conflict. Additionally, in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia is preparing to liberalize alcohol sales in select venues starting in 2026, a significant shift in policy for a country where Islam strictly prohibits alcohol. The move aims to attract Western tourism and international events, reflecting a cautious opening to Western norms.

On the diplomatic front, there are notable developments. Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad met with Turkish President Erdoğan, signaling potential shifts in regional alignments. Meanwhile, Israel’s US ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, publicly defended Prime Minister Netanyahu in an interview, criticizing domestic media and political opposition. Leiter also revealed Israel’s undisclosed role in the US-led Gaza Humanitarian Fund, amid ongoing debates about the country’s military strategies and political stability.

Amidst these tensions, the region continues to grapple with the legacy of past conflicts and the realities of current violence. The death of Marthe Cohn, a French Jewish WWII spy who helped save countless Allied soldiers, reminds us of the enduring human spirit and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Her story, marked by...