Hamas to Release Hostages Amid US Ceasefire Proposal

The Israeli government has confirmed plans to create 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank following a secret vote by its security cabinet last week. According to Defence Minister Israel Katz, this move is intended to solidify Israel's control over the region and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, which he argues could threaten Israeli security. The settlements include the legalization of previously unapproved outposts, a decision strongly criticized by Israeli human rights group B’Tselem as a promotion of "Jewish supremacy" and ethnic cleansing of Palestinian territories. The expansion is said to support Israel's strategic presence along Route 443, a key transport artery between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a proponent of the settlements, has previously stated that his government aims to facilitate the resettlement of an additional 500,000 Israeli settlers into the West Bank. This announcement follows earlier actions by the Israeli government, including the appropriation of land in the Jordan Valley, noted as the largest seizure in over 30 years, as detailed by the watchdog group Peace Now.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a “hypersonic ballistic missile” toward central Israel on May 29, targeting Ben Gurion Airport. The missile triggered air raid sirens in over 660 cities, including major urban areas like Tel Aviv, prompting millions of residents to seek shelter. The missile attack coincided with the final of the Israel State Cup at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, where approximately 30,000 soccer fans had gathered to watch Hapoel Beersheba face Beitar Jerusalem. The game was temporarily halted for about 10 minutes due to the threat, resuming after officials deemed it safe to continue, as reported by the Times of Israel. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, with Houthi officials claiming responsibility for the missile launch, which underscores the increasing volatility in the Israeli-Houthi dynamic. The Israeli defense forces have not yet reported any damage or casualties from the attack.

On May 27, 2025, Israel received its 800th shipment of military equipment from the United States, according to the Israeli defense ministry. This shipment, part of a total exceeding 90,000 tons since the conflict's onset, included armored vehicles, munitions, and personal protection gear, highlighting the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations. The consistent flow of arms is described as a "significant component" for the IDF's ongoing military efforts. The U.S. has utilized a substantial logistic operation comprising around 800 transport planes and 140 ships to facilitate these shipments. In a concurrent development, chaos erupted at a new aid distribution center in Rafah, Gaza, where footage showed Palestinians overwhelming the site on its second day of operation. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, responsible for managing this aid system, downplayed the incident, asserting that its American security contractors stepped back to allow access for a small number of people in need. Meanwhile, European leaders have voiced strong criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, calling them "abhorrent."