Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-16 at 15:04

HEADLINES
Iran pushes for nuclear deal amid October sanctions threat
Syrian president signals potential Israel normalization breakthrough
Gaza crisis deepens as Israeli strikes and humanitarian fears escalate

The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today at eleven o'clock, we bring you the latest developments from the ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and beyond.

Iran continues to assert its stance on nuclear development, with Tehran and European diplomats meeting in Istanbul for their first talks since April. They have agreed to maintain dialogue as the United States presses for a deal amid the looming October deadline for snapback UN sanctions, which could be reimposed if negotiations fail. Iran’s deputy foreign minister emphasized Iran's determination to pursue diplomacy, while relations with Europe have remained strained due to issues including sanctions over ballistic missile programs and support for Russia in Ukraine.

In regional diplomacy, reports indicate that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has approved a tentative agreement to normalize relations with Israel, signaling a significant shift in regional dynamics. Meanwhile, in Yemen, intense explosions have been reported at the port of Hodeidah, although details are still emerging.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban has once again suspended the game of chess, citing religious considerations and concerns about gambling, which is prohibited in Islam. This marks a setback for Afghan cultural traditions, which have historically valued the game as part of their identity. Last year, the Taliban also banned mixed martial arts, citing conflicts with Islamic law.

On the international front, the Council of Europe issued a stark warning about Gaza, describing the situation as a "deliberate starvation" of the population. The council expressed concerns that Israel’s ongoing military actions and blockades are contributing to severe humanitarian suffering, while also warning that these actions could sow the seeds for future conflicts, including the emergence of new Hamas factions.

In the conflict zone, Israeli military operations in Gaza continue with intensity. Over the past day, Israeli forces have targeted more than 150 Hamas infrastructure sites across Gaza, including weapons storage and command centers. The Israeli military reports that at least 250 Palestinians have been killed since Thursday amid ongoing exchanges of fire. In response, Hamas and other militant groups have launched rocket attacks into southern Israel, increasing tensions in the region.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces are engaged in a manhunt for a terrorist responsible for the murder of an expectant mother, Tzeela, in Bruchin. Operations involve extensive land clearing and intelligence efforts, with the suspect still at large.

Meanwhile, in the international legal arena, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has announced a temporary leave of absence amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The investigation is ongoing, and the move adds uncertainty to the Court’s operations, especially as discussions continue over potential arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, related to alleged war crimes. Some Western diplomats have suggested that Khan’s actions may have been motivated by a desire to influence Western opinion against Israel.

In diplomatic exchanges, US President Donald Trump has publicly stated that Iran must act quickly to avoid “bad things” concerning its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister has criticized Trump’s inconsistent statements, hinting at underlying tensions and strategic negotiations.

Finally, in domestic Israeli politics, Prime Minister Netanyahu has filed a defamation lawsuit against Yigal Karmon, a research institute...