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

HEADLINES
1. Israel Launches Major Gaza Ground Offensive Amid Stalemate
2. Hamas Offers Hostage Releases in Exchange for Ceasefire
3. Iran Insists Enrichment Continues Despite US Nuclear Red Line

The time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, Israel remains deeply engaged in a multi-front conflict with Iran and its proxies across seven key theaters: Iran itself, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The situation continues to evolve rapidly as military, diplomatic, and international efforts intertwine.

In Gaza, Israeli forces have launched a broad ground operation, primarily targeting Hamas militants, with significant military activity centered in Khan Younis and northern Gaza. Reports indicate limited progress in certain areas, though Israel has effectively eliminated much of Hamas’s military leadership, including the recent reported death of its last commander, Mohammed Sinwar. The Israeli military emphasizes that its objectives include disarming Hamas, securing security guarantees, and preparing for a potential withdrawal, with estimates suggesting around one million Gaza residents might seek to leave if given the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled a willingness to release between seven and nine hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire, along with the release of 300 prisoners. High-level Hamas officials have also indicated a readiness to consider a gradual disarmament, though formal commitments remain elusive. The group’s senior leaders have expressed hope that these negotiations might lead to a longer truce, but Israel remains firm that disarmament and the exile of Hamas leadership are prerequisites for any lasting ceasefire. Negotiations are ongoing through channels in Qatar, with some reports suggesting that Hamas might release some hostages in exchange for a temporary pause, but key demands from Israel, including full disarmament, continue to be non-negotiable.

On the diplomatic front, secret talks are underway involving Israel, the United States, Arab states, and international mediators. Israel has outlined a series of demands: Hamas must surrender all weapons, leaders must be exiled, and security measures along the Gaza-Egypt border must be guaranteed. A broader regional framework, known as the Emirates-Saudi plan, envisions Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, a return of hostages, disarmament, and Arab-international oversight during reconstruction. The Palestinian Authority is pushing for a significant role in Gaza’s future, conditional on reforms to combat corruption and anti-Israel education, but Gulf states remain cautious.

Internationally, the United States continues to push for a deal that includes a strict no-enrichment policy on Iran’s nuclear program. US special envoy Steve Witkoff has stated that uranium enrichment is a “red line” that cannot be crossed, emphasizing that even 1% enrichment capability is unacceptable. Iran, however, remains resolute, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserting that enrichment will continue and criticizing US expectations as unrealistic. Negotiations in Europe are expected to resume soon, with both sides expressing cautious optimism, though Iran’s refusal to halt enrichment remains a significant obstacle.

In Syria, a recent attack at a police station in Al-Mayadeen resulted in at least three fatalities, further destabilizing an already volatile region. Iran and Syria continue to face international scrutiny, especially as discussions about lifting sanctions have gained momentum. Some experts warn that any relaxation of sanctions could empower groups like Al Qaeda and Iran’s regime, risking increased regional instability.

Meanwhile, in Iraq and Yemen, tensions persist with ongoing confrontations and proxy activities, contributing to the broader regional conflict. The...