Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-16 at 14:05

HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Massive Multi-Front Offensive
2. Gaza Strikes Destroy 150 Targets, Kill 250 Militants
3. Diplomacy Stalls as Iran and ICC Tensions Escalate

The time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Israel remains fully engaged in a multi-front conflict that has dramatically escalated over recent days, with fighting across seven key fronts and significant international and domestic repercussions. Since the start of hostilities, Israeli military operations have targeted multiple regions including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the West Bank, and Iran, reflecting a comprehensive effort to neutralize threats and defend national security.

In Gaza, Israeli forces continue intensive operations against Hamas and other militant groups. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli artillery and airstrikes have targeted more than 150 sites, including terrorist infrastructure, command centers, and weapons storage facilities. Reports indicate that the military has killed over 250 militants and destroyed numerous operational assets. These efforts are part of a broader campaign to weaken Hamas’s military capabilities and secure the release of hostages.

Meanwhile, in the north, Israeli troops and the IDF’s special units are engaged in efforts to locate and apprehend terrorists in the Lebanese border region. A significant manhunt is underway for a terrorist responsible for the murder of an expectant mother, Tzeela Gez, who was critically wounded in a shooting near Bruchin and later died from her wounds. Her baby, delivered by emergency cesarean section, remains in serious but stable condition at Schneider Children’s Medical Center.

In the West Bank, security forces continue operations against terrorists, including land-clearing missions and extensive searches for suspects involved in recent attacks. A major incident involved a terrorist attack targeting a family traveling to a hospital, resulting in the death of the mother and injuries to her husband and newborn. The attacker remains at large, with efforts focused on roadblocks and checkpoints to prevent escape.

Across Syria and Iraq, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iranian-backed militia positions and weapons depots, aiming to prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry to hostile proxies. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Israel has also conducted strikes in Yemen, possibly targeting Iranian logistics and supply routes, although details remain under review.

International diplomacy is also heavily impacted. Negotiations over the Gaza ceasefire have seen little progress. Israeli sources report that talks in Doha, Qatar, have stalled, with no agreement reached after three days of negotiations. The proposed deal included the release of ten hostages in exchange for a 45-day ceasefire, but no consensus has emerged. Meanwhile, the United States and European powers are trying to coordinate efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear program amid heightened tensions.

Iran continues to maintain its position that uranium enrichment is a red line and rejects any halt to its nuclear activities. Iranian officials have participated in talks with European representatives in Istanbul, aiming to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, though relations remain strained. The European countries—Britain, France, and Germany—are preparing for the possibility of reimposing UN sanctions if Iran refuses to negotiate further, with a potential “snapback” mechanism set to activate if no agreement is reached by October 18.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court faces serious internal issues. The chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has announced a temporary leave amid investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct. These developments come amid reports that the ICC had considered issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and...