Iran-Backed Proxies Intensify Attacks on Israel, Heightening Regional Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on June 5, 2025, that the remains of Judith Weinstein, 70, and Gad Haggai, 72, have been recovered from Khan Younis in Gaza. The couple, who held dual Israeli and American citizenship, were killed by Hamas militants during the attack on October 7, 2023, which initiated the ongoing war in Gaza. Their bodies were recovered in a military operation involving the Israeli army and the Shin Bet security agency. Weinstein and Haggai were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community near the Gaza border that suffered significant losses during the attack, including the deaths and abductions of numerous residents. According to the Israeli military, the couple was shot during the assaults by the Mujahideen Brigades, a group allied with Hamas. Their families expressed gratitude to the Israeli military and international authorities for the recovery, which provides closure after more than 600 days of uncertainty. The attack on October 7 resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages. As of now, 56 hostages remain captive.

On May 29, 2025, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, according to the Houthi military spokesperson. The missile attack prompted air raid sirens in 660 cities, including major urban centers like Tel Aviv and the West Bank, forcing millions of residents to seek shelter. The missile's impact was felt significantly during the final of the Israel State Cup at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, where nearly 30,000 soccer fans had gathered. The match between Hapoel Beersheba and Beitar Jerusalem was interrupted for ten minutes in response to the unfolding situation before play resumed, as reported by the Times of Israel. This incident highlights rising tensions in the region, particularly as the Houthis continue to assert their military capabilities. No casualties have been reported in connection with the missile strike, but the attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict impacting both military and civilian life in Israel.

Hamas announced it will free 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in response to a U.S. ceasefire proposal during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 54,000 deaths since its onset nearly 20 months ago. The group stated this deal would involve an exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, warned Hamas that they must accept the terms of the ceasefire or face severe consequences. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that a ceasefire agreement is "very close," as dire humanitarian conditions continue to plague Gaza, where the United Nations described the situation as one of impending famine. Hamas is reportedly seeking amendments to the ceasefire proposal, particularly concerning U.S. guarantees, the timing of the hostage release, and the delivery of humanitarian aid along with the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The potential ceasefire would pause hostilities for 60 days, facilitating aid delivery amid ongoing food shortages, as described by UN humanitarian spokesman Jens Laerke, who called Gaza "the hungriest place on Earth."