Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-20 at 02:05

HEADLINES
1. Gaza Civilian Toll Surges Past 126 Dead
2. US Denies Trump Threatened Israel Support
3. Israeli Military Expands West Bank Operations

The time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 10:00 PM, the situation remains intense on multiple fronts in the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their proxies. Reports from Gaza indicate that since yesterday, at least 126 people have been killed, with approximately 40 casualties occurring in just the past two hours. The escalation continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians, underscoring the severity of the hostilities across the territory.

In the United States, the White House has dismissed reports claiming that President Donald Trump threatened to abandon Israel if it does not conclude its military campaign. An official spokesperson characterized such claims as false and absurd, reaffirming the close cooperation between the Biden administration and Israel. The White House emphasized ongoing efforts to support the release of hostages, prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and bolster regional security, highlighting the strong alliance with Israel during this critical period.

Meanwhile, in domestic political developments, the US Department of Justice announced charges against a New Jersey congresswoman, Monica McGiver, for allegedly assaulting federal agents outside a migrant detention center in Newark on May 9. The charges include assault and interference with law enforcement officers, though the prosecution has dropped the criminal case against the New Jersey mayor present at the scene, citing the congresswoman’s right to observe immigration procedures. Her legal team argues that she was exercising her congressional oversight rights.

On the international front, Israel’s military continues operations in the West Bank, with IDF soldiers reported to be operating near Kalkilya as recently as May 5. The military's ongoing activity aims to counteract ongoing threats and prevent further escalation.

A significant ideological debate persists surrounding the term “Nakba,” which was first politicized by Syrian scholar Constantin Zureiq in the late 1940s. Zureiq viewed Arab society as in crisis and attributed the 1948 Arab-Israeli war to internal Arab failures, framing the Nakba as a disaster of Arab own making. Critics argue that the narrative has been distorted over time, with some Arab and Palestinian groups framing the event as a collective victimization, often minimizing Arab responsibility and emphasizing Zionist aggression. This perspective has influenced political discourse and educational narratives worldwide, often positioning Israel as solely responsible for the ongoing conflict.

In the broader context, the conflict’s historical roots trace back centuries, with Jewish ties to the land persisting despite various foreign dominations. The refusal of Arab leadership to accept the Jewish historical connection and sovereignty has contributed to repeated cycles of conflict, including the first Nakba in 1948 and subsequent wars. Advocates for reconciliation suggest that both sides can choose a different path—one of recognition, halting incitement, and ending violence—potentially avoiding further devastations, including the recent destruction in Gaza.

As of tonight, the region remains unstable, with ongoing military operations and high civilian casualties. The international community continues to watch closely, urging de-escalation and emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding for a sustainable peace.

This is the latest update on the evolving situation, emphasizing that despite setbacks, opportunities for resolution remain if both parties commit to constructive engagement.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa...