Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-20 at 17:04

HEADLINES
EU Plans Israel Aid Restrictions Amid Gaza Tensions
US Warns Iran Could Spark Another World War
Yemen Houthis Threaten Israeli Port in Escalating Conflict

The time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Today’s top international developments include a series of significant diplomatic and regional tensions. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, announced a review of the EU-Israel association agreement following Israel’s recent decision to restrict aid to Gaza. The EU also lifted economic sanctions on Syria, a move welcomed by Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani, who stated that this step could bolster Syria’s stability and security. This shift reflects a nuanced approach by the EU amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Meanwhile, the United States continues to emphasize the urgency of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In an open letter, leading analysts urged President Biden to pursue decisive measures, including dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, warning of historical parallels to the failures that led to World War II. The letter stresses that any deal short of complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear capabilities would be insufficient, advocating for urgent and potentially military action if diplomacy fails.

On the military front, Israel reported striking over 100 targets in Gaza within the past 24 hours, including weapons depots, underground tunnels, and military sites associated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Additionally, Hamas’s aerial commander, Mu’atz Dib, who directed drone attacks from northern Gaza, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The IDF estimates that over 1,180 Palestinians have been killed since the October 7 attacks, with dozens of hostages still held by Hamas, some believed to be deceased.

In Lebanon, the Houthi movement in Yemen announced a naval blockade of Haifa port, warning that vessels approaching or docked there would be considered military targets. This escalation follows intercepted missile launches from Yemen, which prompted Israeli retaliatory strikes on Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen.

In the political arena, Israel faces domestic criticism over its military and governmental leadership. Former general Yair Golan, now a political figure, publicly condemned the government’s handling of hostages and civilian casualties, asserting that certain ministers celebrate death and starvation, equating their rhetoric with Hamas propaganda. Golan called for unity to bring home hostages, end the conflict, and protect Israel’s security and democratic integrity.

Internationally, Britain imposed sanctions on seven Israeli citizens and entities linked to alleged violence in Judea and Samaria, and announced a freeze on negotiations for a new free trade agreement. The UK’s stance has sparked strong Israeli condemnation, with officials pointing to the ongoing violence and recent attacks against Jewish communities.

Furthermore, the ongoing conflict has spilled into cultural and social spheres. In Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest has become a focal point of controversy. Israel’s winning entry, “New Day Will Rise,” received the highest audience votes, including a “douze points” score from Spain, despite political protests. Spanish hosts and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez voiced criticism, citing alleged bias and political messaging during the broadcast. Finland’s representatives also expressed perceived unfairness, questioning voting fairness and rules. Several European broadcasters, notably Germany’s ARD, reportedly threatened to withdraw if Israel were excluded, highlighting the political pressures surrounding the contest.

In the UK, antisemitic incidents have surged, with graffiti and vandalism targeting Jewish-owned businesses and community centers in Manchester and London. Authorities are...