Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-20 at 09:05

HEADLINES
1. Gaza Crisis Deepens Amid Civilian Carnage and Blockade
2. Europe Threatens Sanctions as Israel Gaza Campaign Sparks Fury
3. Iran Supports Proxies Despite Stalled Nuclear Negotiations

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

At 5:00 a.m., the situation across Israel and the surrounding region remains highly tense and complex. Israel continues its multi-front campaign against Hamas and its proxies, with significant military operations underway in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. In Gaza, Israeli forces have intensified their offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas, with reports of at least 44 civilians killed in Israeli strikes yesterday alone, including children and women, amid ongoing efforts to defeat the Islamist group. Aid has begun to trickle into Gaza after more than two months of blockade, but international agencies warn that food and medicine shortages persist, and the overall death toll from the conflict has surpassed 53,000 Palestinians, with hundreds of Israeli soldiers and civilians also killed since October 7th.

Israel’s military has announced the deployment of its largest coordinated operation to date, with ground troops and reservists engaged in extensive combat across Gaza. Israeli officials, including Brigadier General Amir Avivi, have expressed confidence in the military’s capacity to defeat Hamas and rescue hostages, with plans for the complete destruction of the militant group. Meanwhile, the IDF reported the death of a soldier, bringing the total Israeli casualties to 857 since the Hamas attack earlier this month.

In Lebanon, Lebanese sources report at least one death and five injuries from recent attacks, as cross-border violence continues. Palestinian channels in Gaza report ongoing evacuation waves from Beit Lahiya amid increased Israeli bombardments. In the West Bank, terror incidents have surged, with nearly 6,828 attacks recorded this year—almost double the previous year—highlighting escalating violence in the region.

Internationally, tensions rise as European leaders threaten sanctions against Israel, condemning its military actions in Gaza as disproportionate and in breach of international law. The European Union’s foreign policy chief announced plans to lift economic sanctions on Syria, a move criticized by many Israeli officials and regional analysts. Meanwhile, France’s foreign minister reaffirmed Paris's determination to recognize a Palestinian state, criticizing Israel’s military campaign and humanitarian blockade in Gaza.

In diplomatic efforts, Qatar’s Prime Minister acknowledged a significant gap remains between Hamas and Israel, with ongoing talks in Doha failing to produce breakthroughs. The United States continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself but urges restraint and the need for a quick resolution to the crisis. US President Donald Trump, visiting the Middle East, highlighted that his recent trip resulted in securing approximately 5.1 trillion dollars in deals, although the regional situation remains volatile.

In other regional news, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of nuclear negotiations with the United States, indicating little hope for a deal. Iran's regime continues its support for proxies across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq and Yemen, adding further complexity to the regional security landscape.

Meanwhile, in Europe, protests and political debates continue over Israel’s military campaign. In France, President Macron’s adviser on Middle East affairs advocates for recognition of a Palestinian state independent of Israeli negotiations. In Cannes, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi makes his first appearance in 15 years, using humor to critique Iran’s political repression, amid...