Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-20 at 14:04

HEADLINES
Israel Launches Massive Gaza Offensive Amid International Pressure
Iran Supports Hamas from Tehran and Qatar in Regional Power Play
UK Condemns Israel’s Gaza Campaign, Calls for Ceasefire

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

Today, at 10:00 AM, we bring you a comprehensive update on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and related regional developments.

Israel continues to face a multi-front war involving Iran and its proxies across seven key areas: Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran itself. The Israeli military reports extensive operations aimed at degrading militant capabilities, including over 700 airstrikes in Gaza in the past week. Israeli forces are maneuvering in northern Gaza and other strategic locations, while Hamas and other resistance groups remain steadfast, asserting their commitment to fighting until their demands and rights are addressed.

In Gaza, the Israeli government has announced a shift to full military control of the territory, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating this is essential to prevent Hamas from exploiting humanitarian aid. Despite this, there is international pressure—particularly from the United States and European allies—for Israel to facilitate aid flows. The US has agreed to allow limited humanitarian assistance into Gaza, with plans to deploy private security contractors to oversee aid distribution, aiming to avoid aid falling into Hamas hands.

Meanwhile, Hamas leadership, heavily targeted and many of whom are aging or deceased, continues to coordinate efforts from outside Gaza. Notably, senior Hamas officials have recently been hosted in Tehran, Iran, where they are reviewing the latest developments in Palestine amidst Iran’s renewed support. Iranian media reports that Hamas officials are also in Qatar, a key supporter, to discuss regional strategies. Iran’s foreign ministry underscores its commitment to supporting Palestinian resistance through diplomatic channels and continues to oppose Israeli and American ceasefire plans, asserting they fail to meet Palestinians' core demands.

The conflict has also triggered international reactions. Britain has paused trade negotiations with Israel and summoned its ambassador following Israel’s expanded ground operations in Gaza, condemning the campaign as “utterly intolerable.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid, criticizing Israel's military escalation.

In the broader regional context, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi has visited Syria for discussions on cooperation and stability, with both nations agreeing on a roadmap for joint efforts across sectors including water, energy, and trade. This marks a step toward normalization amid ongoing regional tensions.

On the domestic front in Israel, there are intense debates over humanitarian aid and military strategies. Defense Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the aid trucks entering Gaza as a “grave mistake,” arguing they risk strengthening Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced plans for the Israeli Defense Forces to take full control of Gaza to prevent Hamas from looting aid, emphasizing the importance of maintaining international support while fighting to restore security and free hostages.

In other news, the region mourns the loss of Israeli footballer Gadi Kineda of Maccabi Haifa, who succumbed to cancer after a prolonged battle. He was a highly regarded young talent, and his passing is a somber reminder of the personal toll of ongoing conflicts.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the UN reports that Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of carrying out attacks from a Red Sea base, highlighting the complex web of regional conflicts extending beyond the immediate...