Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 15:05

HEADLINES
1. Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 53,000 Amid Escalating Bombings
2. Hezbollah-Suspected Singer Faces Lebanese Treason Charges
3. Iran Blames US for Gaza Violence, Calls for US Exit

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 11:00 AM, we observe a complex and evolving picture across the Middle East and beyond, reflecting the ongoing multi-front conflict involving Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, and various other actors. The situation remains volatile with significant developments on multiple fronts.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli military operations continue to target terror infrastructure, with reports of ongoing airstrikes leading to heavy casualties. Palestinian health authorities indicate that over 146 people have been killed in the past 24 hours alone, bringing the total death toll in Gaza to over 53,000. The Israeli military has expanded its ground operations, focusing on destroying tunnels and dismantling terror networks, amid international calls for a ceasefire. Indirect negotiations are reportedly ongoing in Qatar, with mediators urging both sides to consider a permanent ceasefire and the return of hostages. However, tensions persist, and the prospect of an escalation remains high.

In northern Israel, the IDF has intensified its efforts to neutralize threats. In recent operations, soldiers have killed a Palestinian terrorist in the village of Borkin in the West Bank during an attempted arrest. The suspect reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before being shot. The military is also investigating whether this individual was responsible for the earlier killing of a pregnant woman, Tzeela Gez, near Peduel, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, a 60-year-old man was found in Holon with signs of heat stroke and partial consciousness, having been exposed to the sun in a possible heat-related incident, and was hospitalized in moderate condition. Also, in the northern region, two young men were injured in an act of violence near Amirim, with minor to moderate injuries.

In Syria, security forces launched raids against Islamic State sleeper cells in Aleppo, resulting in the death of at least one terrorist and the arrest of others. Clashes ensued, and weapons, explosives, and uniforms were seized. Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously led a branch of al-Qaeda, has been seen engaging in discussions with US officials, including President Trump, who praised him as a “strong figure,” signaling potential shifts in US policy towards Syria. The government’s recent operations aim to dismantle remaining Islamic State cells amid ongoing instability.

Lebanon remains tense as a prominent Hezbollah-affiliated singer, Mohammad Hadi Saleh, faces trial accused of collaborating with Israel. Saleh's arrest followed investigations into his alleged involvement in the deaths of Hezbollah officials and links to Israeli strikes. Social media reports suggest he was paid by Israel and involved in covert activities, though Hezbollah and his family deny these allegations. Several Lebanese individuals have been detained on similar charges.

Across the broader region, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a pointed critique of US policies, asserting that America has not used its force for peace but to kill children and civilians in Gaza. He emphasized Iran’s stance that the United States should leave the region, framing the ongoing conflict as a consequence of Western intervention.

Internationally, European nations like Italy have called for a halt to the Israeli offensive, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urging Israel to cease its military actions in Gaza to prevent further humanitarian suffering. The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with reports of thousands of civilians killed and...