Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 17:04

HEADLINES
Israel escalates Gaza offensive amid hostage crisis
Hamas refuses ceasefire as Israel dismantles tunnels
Tensions soar in Israel and Europe over security fears

The time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, Israel faces a multi-front conflict involving intense military operations, ongoing hostilities, and significant strategic developments. The military campaign in Gaza continues to escalate, with the Israel Defense Forces intensifying aerial bombardments in preparation for a planned ground offensive under Operation Gideon's Chariots. This operation aims to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages, with Israeli forces maintaining a presence until these objectives are achieved.

In Gaza, Israeli troops have destroyed approximately two kilometers of underground tunnels in the northern part of the territory as part of their efforts to weaken Hamas’ infrastructure. The campaign has resulted in the dismantling of much of Hamas’ leadership and infrastructure, with officials asserting that Hamas is now in a worse state than Hezbollah was after its last conflict with Israel. The IDF has established logistical centers to facilitate the transfer of Palestinian civilians southward, aiming to prevent humanitarian crises amid ongoing military operations. The Israeli government emphasizes that there is currently enough aid in Gaza and that no starvation is occurring, despite the severe restrictions.

Meanwhile, diplomatic negotiations are ongoing, with Hamas representatives in Doha expressing a willingness to resume talks without a ceasefire or humanitarian pause, although their conditions remain strict. The Israeli government has warned that unless significant progress is made on a hostage deal soon, hostages may not be returned, and military escalation will continue. Israeli officials have also indicated that the current campaign will persist until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are freed.

Domestically, tensions remain high. In Rehovot, a retired military officer was assaulted during a protest demanding the return of hostages, highlighting the volatile atmosphere. Additionally, violent clashes during protests over the hostage crisis have been reported, with some incidents involving police intervention.

On the international front, France has unveiled a memorial to LGBTQ+ victims of the Nazi regime, reflecting ongoing efforts to remember historical atrocities. In the UK, three Iranian men have appeared in court charged with espionage, amid heightened concerns over Iranian activity on European soil, following recent uncovering of multiple Iranian-backed plots.

In Lebanon, the arrest of religious singer Mohammad Al-Saleh, who has familial ties to Hezbollah, on suspicion of working with Israeli intelligence, has caused shock and controversy. This development underscores the broader regional tensions and the complex intertwining of security and social issues.

In Israel, there has been a tragic incident involving a stabbing in Malleh Irhon, where a young man was severely injured in an act of violence. Additionally, a serious traffic accident on Highway 1 resulted in one woman in her 30s suffering critical injuries, with others sustaining minor wounds.

On a broader security note, Israeli forces have dismantled a subterranean tunnel in northern Gaza, part of their ongoing efforts to weaken Hamas' underground network. The conflict has resulted in a high number of casualties, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting 153 deaths and 459 injuries in Gaza over the past 24 hours alone.

Amid this turbulence, Israeli families of hostages continue to demand a breakthrough in negotiations. Some leaders and relatives criticize Prime Minister Netanyahu for allegedly sabotaging previous deals, blaming political considerations for the...