Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-16 at 13:05

HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions
2. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Casualties Soar
3. UN-Sponsored Peace Conference Sparks Israeli Concerns

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

Today, Israel faces a complex multi-front conflict with Iran and its proxies across seven critical theaters: Iran itself, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations, diplomatic maneuvers, and serious humanitarian concerns.

In the north, reports indicate that Israeli military forces conducted targeted strikes in Lebanon and Syria. A Lebanese report states that Israeli fire hit the perimeter of a UN peacekeeping position in southern Lebanon, marking the first such incident since the November ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The UNIFIL patrol involved was on a routine operation when it was hit, but no casualties occurred, and the Lebanese Armed Forces responded promptly. Meanwhile, in Syria, Israeli forces reportedly attacked a vehicle near the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, and there are reports of a drone or drone-related activity involving the Israeli military, including claims from Palestinian sources of a drone dropping a bomb.

In Gaza, the situation remains dire, with over 53,000 casualties reported by Palestinian health authorities since the conflict reignited in March. The Israeli military reports ongoing operations, including targeted attacks on military assets and attempts to prevent infiltration. Civilians continue to suffer, with reports of shortages of essential supplies, and Israel has announced plans to resume humanitarian aid through a newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, aiming to distribute aid by late May.

The West Bank remains volatile, with recent clashes and increased Israeli military activity. Israeli authorities report efforts to arrest suspected militants and prevent attacks, amid a backdrop of rising tensions and protests. In particular, a teenager from Afula was arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Iranian operatives online, highlighting concerns over cyber threats and infiltration by hostile actors.

International diplomacy is intensifying. Saudi Arabia and France are planning an unprecedented conference next month, backed by the United Nations, aiming to impose a roadmap for Palestinian statehood that bypasses Israeli input. This initiative includes concrete timelines and enforcement measures, with the goal of ending the occupation and establishing a two-state solution. However, Israel has not been included as a necessary participant, and the move has sparked concern over unilateral diplomatic steps that could undermine direct negotiations.

Meanwhile, in the broader Middle East, reports from Iran suggest a potential shift in nuclear negotiations, with former US President Donald Trump asserting that Iran wants to trade with the United States and that Tehran is aware of a US proposal requiring urgent action. The details remain unclear, and tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and sanctions continue to influence regional stability.

In other fronts, reports indicate a surge in violence and unrest. In Lebanon, civilians attacked UN peacekeepers with metal rods and axes, while Israeli and Lebanese forces exchanged fire, with incidents of IDF fire hitting UN positions. In Gaza, hostilities persist with ongoing rocket and drone exchanges, and Israel reports the destruction of militant infrastructure.

Humanitarian conditions across the region worsen. The UN reports record levels of acute hunger worldwide, with over 295 million people affected by conflict, economic shocks, and climate-related crises. Gaza remains at critical risk of famine amid a blockade and ongoing hostilities. Within Israel, the security situation remains...