Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-29 at 15:06 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-29 at 15:06

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-29 at 15:06

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 HEADLINESHamas confirms Abu Ubaida and Sinwar deathsSudan's al-Fashir deserted as 100k fleeGreece Israel Cyprus expand defense cooperation 2026The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 10:00 AM, Hamas confirmed the deaths of its longtime spokesman Abu Ubaida and Gaza commander Mohammed Sinwar in the course of the Gaza war, and said a new spokesperson will assume the military wing’s public voice. Hamas also acknowledged the deaths of other senior figures previously reported by the Israeli military, including Hakham Muhammad Issa al-Issa, Muhammed Shabana, and Ra'ad Sa'ad, with the Israeli Defense Forces saying it had killed these leaders within the past year. The developments come as Israel maintains its campaign against Hamas leadership in Gaza, amid ongoing fighting and humanitarian concerns.In Jerusalem, authorities evacuated a special-education school as severe weather and flooding impacted the city. Firefighters responded to flood incidents and assisted disabled students, underscoring the strain on municipal services from the storm.Iranian authorities have warned about a wave of messaging directed at Israeli recipients, with a cyber directorate cautioning against responding to the messages that claim “the Doors of the embassies of the Islamic Republic of Iran are open to you.” The exchange highlights the broader regional cyber dimensions of the conflict and the persistent tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem.Reports from Iran indicate that anti-government protests have spread to Madan in the country’s western region, as demonstrators challenge the regime amid economic strains and domestic unrest. The protests add to regional volatility and the potential spillover effects for neighboring countries.Thailand authorities have shut down planned Israeli dance events after coordinated harassment campaigns and threats by pro-Hamas activists, illustrating the international reach of protest activity linked to the Gaza conflict and the efforts to protect civilian gatherings abroad.In Sudan, aid workers visiting al-Fashir reported the city largely deserted since the Rapid Support Forces took control, with more than 100,000 people estimated to have fled since late October amid famine conditions and a protracted siege. The UN and aid organizations say the city remains fragile and difficult to access, complicating relief efforts.Greece, Israel, and Cyprus said they will intensify joint air and naval exercises in 2026, expanding defense cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean. The plan follows high-level meetings in Jerusalem and Cyprus and signals greater coordination on maritime security and broader defense postures in the region, including potential participation in Israel’s Noble Dina exercises and discussions of air and missile defense cooperation.In a domestic security development, Israeli authorities confirmed the killing of a Hamas operative named Ra’ad Sadi and issued video documentation of the operation. The statement reflects ongoing military actions tied to the Gaza theater and a public accounting of targeted operations against Hamas leadership figures.A separate report notes that more than 4,100 Jews from North America made aliyah in 2025, a 12 percent rise from the previous year and the highest figure in four years, with many citing solidarity with Israel since the war as a key motivation and Jerusalem as the primary destination.Also this morning, a Second Temple period mikveh dating back about 2,000 years was uncovered near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, offering researchers a rare archaeological glimpse into the city’s ancient ritual practices during the late Second Temple era.In political developments, a security-related communication from the city of Kiryat Shmona warned residents that a nearby area would be the subject of routine fire drills, a reminder of the broader security environment in which communities operate amid regional tensions.Internationally, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus are advancing a defense collaboration agenda, with a joint action plan signed to deepen cooperation beyond drills to include knowledge transfer and multi-layer defense integration, as European partners assess the strategic balance in the eastern Mediterranean amid wider regional dynamics.On the humanitarian front, aid workers report that al-Fashir in Sudan remains precarious, with large parts of the city deserted and humanitarian access constrained, as the region continues to face severe food insecurity following the paramilitary takeover.In Washington, a study by the Jewish People Policy Institute examines the rise of anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric on right-wing American media, including figures such as Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, and notes a notable increase in references to Israel and Jews in that discourse over the past year, highlighting ongoing concerns among American Jews about safety and the political climate.In ...
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