Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-24 at 15:04

HEADLINES
1. Israel Executes Deliberate Gaza Ground Offensive
2. Iran Threatens Overwhelming Force Amid Rising Tensions
3. Gaza Aid Looted as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

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 eleven o'clock in the morning, this is the latest from the ongoing multi-front conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their respective allies and proxies across the Middle East and beyond.

Israel continues to conduct a significant ground operation in Gaza, with all regular infantry and armored divisions now inside the Gaza Strip, including units from Golan, Givati, Nahal, Kfir, Paratroopers, Special Forces, and others. The military reports a steady, methodical advance, with thousands of Gazans having already evacuated northern and central areas. The fighting remains largely controlled, with most hostile forces identified and neutralized from a distance, primarily via airstrikes, minimizing direct face-to-face encounters. The operation is described as slow but deliberate, employing heavy engineering work to avoid IEDs and traps, while maintaining a cautious approach to avoid casualties.

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, there was no recent Israeli attack in the south, reflecting a pause or restraint during the election period, according to military sources. The Lebanese group Hezbollah remains active in the region but has not engaged in recent hostilities, possibly to respect the electoral process or strategic considerations.

In Syria, President Erdogan met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Assad in Istanbul, reaffirming Turkey’s continued support for Syria and welcoming the recent lifting of US and European sanctions. Erdogan emphasized the importance of maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and a unified government under combined military and political control. He also condemned Israeli "occupation" and aggression against Syria, calling for regional stability and cooperation.

In Iraq, negotiations are reportedly in advanced stages for the release of a hostage, Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic. Sources suggest a possible deal involving the payment of ransom and exchange of prisoners, including Iranians detained in Iraq on charges related to kidnapping foreigners. However, Iraqi officials have denied that her release has been finalized.

In the broader regional context, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning, asserting they are prepared to respond with overwhelming force to any hostile actions, aiming to shift the strategic balance in their favor. This statement underscores the heightened tensions and readiness for escalation.

Internationally, there have been reports of looting in Gaza, where aid trucks have been seized by local groups, with stolen supplies sold at inflated prices. This exacerbates the humanitarian crisis amid ongoing fighting, with aid entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing but often compromised by such incidents.

Domestically within Israel, the situation remains tense. A tragic incident was reported where nine children of a Gaza doctor were killed during an Israeli strike on their home in Khan Yunis. Additionally, two young girls in Ashkelon were rescued after drowning at the beach, and there are ongoing investigations into Israeli military actions in Gaza, including reports of Palestinian children killed during strikes.

Furthermore, a significant political statement came from a Gaza hostage survivor, who told the French Foreign Minister that the conflict is a matter of survival: "It’s either us or them." Such voices underscore the desperation and resolve on both sides.

In the cyber realm, a major outage affected the social media platform X, with users worldwide experiencing disruptions, highlighting the digital battleground that complements the physical...