Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-16 at 12:05

HEADLINES
1. Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 53,000 Amid Intensified Battles
2. Israel Launches Major Strikes on Hamas Targets
3. Iran’s Covert Ops Target Israeli Youth Amid Regional Tensions

The time is now 08:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, in the ongoing conflict across multiple fronts, Israel continues its military operations against various hostile entities, while facing mounting casualties and international developments. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, over the past 24 hours, the toll has risen to at least 109 Palestinian deaths and more than 216 injuries. Since the start of the conflict, the total fatalities in Gaza now exceed 53,000, with approximately 120,000 wounded. Since the resumption of hostilities on March 18th, the Israeli Defense Forces report that over 2,900 Palestinians have been killed and more than 8,000 injured in Gaza alone.

Israeli military activity persists across the Gaza Strip, with the IDF stating that over 150 targets, including weapons positions, militant infrastructure, and Hamas facilities, have been struck in the last day. Ground forces continue operations in northern and southern Gaza, aiming to dismantle militant networks and prevent further attacks. The military emphasizes that these actions are part of a broader campaign to degrade terrorist capabilities and protect Israeli civilians.

In the northern border region, Israeli forces report ongoing counter-terror operations, including the elimination of militants and destruction of command posts. Meanwhile, in southern Gaza, efforts continue to target tunnels and weapons caches, with Israeli troops also engaging in firefights with armed groups.

The situation remains tense with reports of intense exchanges of fire, including a recent escalation of a heavy artillery barrage near Rafiq, Gaza. Palestinian sources describe this as a "powerful curtain of fire" from Israeli positions, indicating a significant intensification of hostilities.

On the international front, a significant development involves Syria, where reports indicate that the country has inked an $800 million deal with the UAE's DP World to develop Tartous port. This agreement follows the recent lifting of US sanctions against Syria, a move announced by former President Donald Trump, which has opened new avenues for economic activity amid ongoing civil conflict.

In Israel, domestic issues continue to dominate headlines. The hospital at Wolfson Medical Center reports that a 15-year-old boy rescued from a recent light aircraft crash in Bat Yam remains in critical condition after being trapped in the sinking aircraft. Rescue efforts, including a military helicopter from the IDF's Search and Rescue Unit, are ongoing, with authorities urging civilians to stay clear of the scene to allow emergency teams to operate efficiently.

In the southern city of Afula, Israeli authorities reveal that a 16-year-old resident was recruited online by Iranian operatives. The teenager was paid to perform tasks such as distributing malicious content and capturing sensitive sites, highlighting ongoing threats from foreign intelligence operations targeting Israeli youth.

Meanwhile, the conflict's impact extends to the broader region. In Pakistan and India, the ceasefire has been extended until May 18, as diplomatic efforts continue to avoid escalation. Additionally, a tragic incident occurred when a light aircraft crashed off the coast of Bat Yam, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old boy and critical injuries to another passenger. Rescue operations involved military helicopters, and authorities have closed the beach area to facilitate evacuation.

In other regional news, Syria has signed an $800 million agreement with the UAE’s DP World to develop Tartous port, a strategic move following the recent US...