Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-24 at 16:04

HEADLINES
1. Netanyahu’s Controversial Shin Bet Appointment Sparks Outrage
2. Gaza Aid Hampered by Looting and Systematic Starvation
3. Israel’s Ground Offensive Expands Amid Civil Unrest

The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, Israel remains under intense multi-front pressure amid ongoing military operations and diplomatic challenges. In the political arena, controversy surrounds Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent appointment of Major General David Zini as the new head of the Shin Bet security service. Zani’s past comments opposing hostage exchanges and his stance that "hostage deals are an eternal war" have sparked significant concern among families of captives, including Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is still held. She denounced the appointment as "un-Jewish" and "inhumane," emphasizing the emotional toll and the perceived insensitivity of such a choice in the context of efforts to recover hostages.

Meanwhile, efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza face obstacles. The launch of US-backed aid distribution has been delayed amid chaos, looting, and accusations of mishandling by Israeli authorities. Despite the entry of 83 trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and essentials through the Kerem Shalom crossing, reports indicate that Hamas militants continue to hijack and loot aid convoys, exacerbating the suffering of the civilian population. International criticism has grown, with many condemning what is described as a "systematic starvation" campaign, even as Israel asserts it is doing its best to supply aid securely.

On the military front, Israel’s ground operations in Gaza persist, with the IDF expanding its presence. All regular infantry and armored divisions are now inside Gaza, conducting slow, methodical advances against Hamas strongholds. The focus remains on minimizing casualties and avoiding urban traps, with engineering units clearing explosive devices and demolishing tunnels. Israeli officials report that tens of thousands of Gazans have evacuated northern zones, and the pace of advancing remains cautious but steady, emphasizing precision over speed.

Diplomatically, regional developments include a high-level meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Istanbul. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and called for the lifting of recent sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe. He condemned Israeli actions in Syria and criticized the "occupation" policies, reflecting a complex regional stance that balances support for Syria with broader geopolitical interests.

On the international stage, negotiations for the release of an Israeli-Russian academic held hostage in Iraq are reportedly nearing completion. Sources suggest that a deal, involving a ransom and the release of Iranian-linked prisoners, has been reached, but US approval remains pending. The negotiations are part of a broader pattern of hostage exchanges amid the ongoing conflict, highlighting the intertwined nature of regional and global diplomacy.

Adding to the tragic toll, reports confirm that nine children of a Gaza pediatrician were killed in an Israeli strike on their home in Khan Yunis. The IDF has not yet responded publicly to this incident, which underscores the devastating impact of the fighting on civilian populations, particularly children.

In Israel, incidents of unrest continue, with protests in Umm al-Fahm involving prominent Arab Israeli politicians. Demonstrators expressed strong opposition to Israeli military actions and accused the government of perpetuating violence. Meanwhile, in the United States, controversy persists over disinformation, with viral videos falsely claiming to show events at international auto shows, illustrating the ongoing battle...