Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-26 at 06:05

HEADLINES
1. Gaza School Attack Kills 25 in Deadly Strike
2. US Eyes Gaza Ceasefire Amid Hostage Negotiations
3. Israel Targets Hamas Command, Escalates Military Operations

The time is now 02:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 2 a.m., the situation across Israel and Gaza remains tense and multifaceted. Israeli military operations continue on multiple fronts against Hamas and other terrorist organizations, with targeted strikes reported in Gaza City, where the IDF and Shin Bet conducted joint attacks on command and control centers, including sites that previously served as schools. Reports indicate that overnight, Israeli forces targeted a Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad command center located within the “Fami Aljerjawi” school in Gaza City, emphasizing ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.

In Gaza, Palestinian sources report that a major airstrike at a school in the Draj neighborhood resulted in at least 25 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest incidents recently. The Israeli military states that the targeted site was used for planning and intelligence gathering by terrorist groups, and prior measures were taken to minimize civilian harm, though the impact remains significant. Throughout Sunday, at least 37 Palestinians were killed across Gaza by Israeli strikes, underscoring the ongoing intensity of hostilities.

Israel’s military actions are complemented by efforts to disrupt terrorist command networks, with reports of strikes on key operational sites in the city. The military maintains that these operations are precise and aimed at reducing threats to civilians and soldiers alike, while emphasizing the systematic violations of international law by terrorist groups using civilian infrastructure and human shields.

Meanwhile, in the political arena, there are reports that US President Donald Trump is expected to announce a ceasefire in Gaza within the coming days, which may include the release of Israeli hostages. Sources suggest that this potential deal could extend for at least 60 days, with Hamas possibly releasing ten captives initially, and additional prisoners, including remains, to follow later. The negotiations involve complex backchannels, with some reports indicating a possible agreement facilitated through Arab-American contacts and regional mediators.

On the diplomatic front, claims of a false report about an Israeli delegation heading to Cairo for negotiations have been denied by Israeli officials, asserting that such reports are inaccurate. Meanwhile, the Egyptian-mediated talks continue to suggest cautious optimism about a broader agreement, with some sources indicating positive developments in efforts to secure the release of hostages and establish a ceasefire.

Internationally, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The American humanitarian organization Gaza's leader, Jack Wood, resigned amid concerns that current distribution plans are insufficient for addressing the needs of the population, especially under the ongoing conflict. Efforts by international bodies, including the UN, are underway to coordinate aid, but challenges persist due to security concerns and ongoing hostilities.

Domestically, Israel faces increased security measures, including scheduled military drills and precautionary activities such as planned tests at the Kiryat facility, which may produce loud noises. Additionally, the government reports ongoing operations to target terrorist infrastructure, with recent strikes in Gaza aimed at dismantling command centers used for planning attacks against Israeli civilians and troops.

Amid these developments, regional tensions remain high. Israeli forces reported a traffic accident in Petah Tikva involving a 57-year-old motorcyclist injured after being hit by a vehicle. In Gaza, the IDF also...