HEADLINES
- **Israel Intensifies Strikes: 2 Hezbollah Members Killed in Syria, Airstrikes Hit Southern Lebanon**
- **Bombing in Damascus' Diplomatic District Kills Key Figure Tied to Iranian Forces**
- **ICJ Issues Emergency Ruling Against Israel's Gaza Campaign Amid Hostage Negotiations**

The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Israel has reportedly conducted a series of military strikes in the region, further intensifying the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and other Iran-backed forces. According to multiple sources, including KAN and Ynet, two Hezbollah members were killed in an alleged Israeli drone strike in central Syria. This incident occurred near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, targeting a vehicle convoy heading to Al-Dabaa military airport. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the fatalities and reported several others wounded.

In addition to the strikes in Syria, there were simultaneous attacks in southern Lebanon. The villages of Markaba and Yaroun experienced airstrikes, as did a house near a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) post in Al-Adisa. These actions are attributed to Israel, although there has been no official comment from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

These latest developments mark the third such strike against Hezbollah targets in Syria within a week. Earlier strikes in the Qusayr area resulted in the deaths of eight pro-Iranian fighters, including at least one Hezbollah member. This escalation underscores the volatile security situation in the region, particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Meanwhile, in Damascus, a bombing incident has added to the region's instability. An explosive device attached to a vehicle detonated in the upscale Mazzeh district, killing one individual and causing material damage. This neighborhood, which is home to several diplomatic missions, has been the site of repeated attacks in recent months, often targeting Iranian officials. The individual killed in the bombing was reported to have close ties to Iranian forces, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

The broader context of these incidents is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7 with a large-scale attack by Hamas on Israeli territory. This conflict has seen significant casualties on both sides, with over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, killed and 252 taken hostage. In response, Israel has intensified its military operations not only in Gaza but also against Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Lebanon.

In a related development, negotiations for the release of hostages are set to resume next week. A recent meeting in Paris between the Mossad chief and the CIA director discussed new proposals to advance these negotiations. The release of hostages remains a critical humanitarian and political issue amidst the ongoing conflict.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently issued an emergency ruling calling for Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza, specifically in the Rafah area. This ruling, part of a larger case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, has been met with criticism from the United Kingdom. A UK foreign ministry spokesperson argued that such interventions could embolden Hamas to retain hostages and maintain its presence in Gaza, thereby hindering peace efforts and the prospect of a two-state solution.

The conflict has also seen a rise in internal tensions within Israel. A viral video has surfaced, featuring a masked man in military attire calling for a mutiny against the IDF and the Defense Minister, claiming allegiance only to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This development reflects the deepening divisions within Israeli society and the military amidst the ongoing hostilities.

These events highlight the multi-faceted and deeply entrenched nature of the conflict, involving state and non-state actors across multiple fronts. The continued violence and military actions underscore the challenges in achieving a sustainable peace in the region. The international community remains watchful, with diplomatic efforts ongoing, but the path to resolution appears fraught with complexities and uncertainties.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-802603
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/Article-1101766
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/Article-1101765
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1a6kljvr
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/Article-1101764
https://www.timesofisrael.com/two-hezbollah-fighters-said-killed-in-alleged-israeli-drone-strike-in-syria/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/Article-1101760
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/05/iran-directors-identity-was-hidden-even-his-actress
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/Article-1101756
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-802602
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/Article-1101751
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rygdeskea