Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-18 at 16:04

HEADLINES
1. Hamas Leader Sinwar Likely Killed in Gaza Strike
2. Israel Launches Massive Ground Offensive in Gaza
3. Global Diplomacy Sparks as Israel Faces Rising Pressure

The time is now 12:00 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 with Iran and its proxies across seven key areas: Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Israeli defense officials continue to assess the death of Hamas military chief Mohammed Sinwar, with signs pointing to his elimination in a Gaza tunnel strike last week, although official confirmation remains pending. The IDF targeted an underground command center beneath a hospital in Gaza, which Israeli authorities believe may have killed Sinwar and several top aides. The strike involved dozens of bunker-busting munitions, and while Hamas admits to using the hospital as a command post, some international experts question the military legitimacy of that target.

Sinwar’s death would mark a significant blow to Hamas’ leadership, especially since he took power after his brother Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces last October. Reports indicate that his elimination, along with another brother Zakaria, who was critically wounded in a separate strike, could leave Gaza’s military leadership with only one senior commander, Az-adin al-Hadad. Israeli officials are cautious, suggesting confirmation may only be a matter of time or a Hamas announcement.

Meanwhile, Israel's military actions continue to intensify. The IDF has struck over 670 Hamas targets, killing dozens of terrorists, and launched a large-scale ground operation in Gaza as part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots.” Ground forces are targeting key Hamas strongholds in Jabalia, Gaza City, and Rafah, destroying tunnels and terrorist infrastructure. Despite this, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have launched rockets into Israel, with two fired from Gaza on Sunday. One was intercepted, and the other fell in an open area, causing no casualties.

On the diplomatic front, Israel is exploring broader efforts to end the conflict through negotiations. Reports indicate the government is considering a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all hostages, the exile of Hamas leaders, and the disarmament of Gaza. Negotiations are ongoing in Doha, with US efforts led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff suggesting a phased approach—initial ceasefire, followed by hostage releases and long-term arrangements. So far, 197 hostages have been released, with 58 still held. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizes that the war can only end with Hamas’ complete dismantling, though recent military and diplomatic moves suggest a possible shift toward negotiations.

International reactions vary. Thousands of protesters gathered in The Hague, demanding a tougher stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, passing the International Court of Justice, which is hearing a case accusing Israel of genocide—a claim Israel dismisses as baseless and self-defense. Conversely, some Dutch officials, including Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, advocate for reconsidering cooperation with Israel, while popular politician Geert Wilders publicly drew a red line against terror and Hamas, supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.

In the broader regional context, tensions persist as incidents at sea continue. Russia recently detained a Greek-owned oil tanker after a brief breach of NATO airspace during an inspection attempt near Estonia, reflecting ongoing confrontations over sanctions and maritime security. Meanwhile, Israel’s domestic front remains tense, with reports of a new scandal involving the indictment of Harish’s mayor on charges of sexual misconduct, and ongoing debates about Israel’s strategic decisions, including the timing and scope of military operations and...