Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-19 at 09:05

HEADLINES
1. Gaza Bombarded as Israeli Forces Intensify Campaign
2. Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Gaza Warfare Toll
3. Israel Prepares for Expanded Operations on Gaza Border

The time is now 05:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today, Israel remains engaged in a broad and intense military campaign across Gaza, as part of Operation "Gideon’s Chariots." According to the Israel Defense Forces, more than 160 targets have been struck in the last 24 hours across the Gaza Strip. These strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure, militant groups' command posts, underground tunnel routes, missile launch sites, and military installations. In the southern city of Khan Yunis, heavy bombardments have resulted in significant casualties, with reports of at least 22 fatalities and numerous injuries. The IDF emphasizes that these operations aim to weaken Hamas and other militant factions, with efforts focused on destroying their capabilities and rescuing hostages.

In a recent statement, the IDF clarified that its ground operations are ongoing and that troops are deploying in key positions within Gaza, with special attention to preventing Hamas from seizing humanitarian aid supplies. Meanwhile, Israel has begun establishing new land barriers and outposts along the Syrian border, with the military classifying any vehicle exceeding 30 kilometers per hour as a threat, to bolster border security and prevent infiltration.

Internationally, Israel faces mounting pressure to ease its blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since March. The Israeli government has authorized the entry of a limited amount of humanitarian aid—primarily food, medicine, and fuel—supervised closely by the Israeli military to prevent diversion by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended this move, stating it is necessary to prevent starvation and ensure continued support for Israel’s military efforts. He emphasized that the aid is strictly monitored and will not benefit Hamas, asserting that Israel is committed to defeating the group and restoring security.

In Gaza, the situation remains dire. Israeli strikes have reportedly killed over 3,193 Palestinians since March 18, with a total death toll reaching approximately 53,339 since the conflict intensified. Civilians endure shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies, with hospitals overwhelmed and operating under severe strain. The UN and aid organizations warn of a potential humanitarian catastrophe, with children and families suffering immensely. Israeli military operations continue amidst indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aimed at securing the release of hostages and a possible ceasefire. However, negotiations remain fragile, with disagreements over disarmament and the terms of any potential truce.

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have reported ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the West Bank and northern Israel, including targeted operations against militant cells and the removal of threats. In one notable incident, a suspect involved in recent terror activities was arrested near Bat Yam after a police chase, and a Palestinian man was detained in connection with a murder case involving an Israeli woman who was found burned and pregnant in Jerusalem.

Domestically, Israeli society is deeply affected. A former hostage, Arbel Yehoud, delivered a powerful appeal to the Knesset, demanding an immediate end to the fighting and the return of all captives. She described her 482 days in captivity under conditions likened to concentration camps and called for negotiations rather than continued military escalation. Yehoud warned that continuing the conflict endangers the lives of the hostages and emphasized the importance of negotiations for their release, asserting that only through diplomacy can these tragedies be resolved.