Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-20 at 18:03

HEADLINES
1. Israel withdraws most Qatar negotiators amid stalled talks
2. Gaza aid ramps up as IDF targets Hamas military infrastructure
3. Rising antisemitism sparks fear amid Israel’s ongoing conflict

The time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

The Israeli government has announced that the majority of its delegation will be returning from Qatar amid ongoing difficulties in negotiations with Hamas over a prisoner exchange and ceasefire arrangements. Despite initial hopes for progress, sources indicate that no substantive talks have taken place since Saturday, and negotiations remain stalled. An Israeli official confirmed that only a minimal team of negotiators will stay in Doha for now, while the rest of the delegation returns home.

Meanwhile, Israel continues to provide significant humanitarian aid to Gaza, with around 70 trucks loaded with supplies such as food, medical equipment, and medicines entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing. This aid effort follows a recent decision to expand the number of trucks allowed into Gaza, aiming to alleviate some of the dire conditions faced by civilians amid ongoing military operations. Israeli forces are actively striking over 100 terror targets across Gaza, including Hamas’s latest aerial commander for northern Gaza, as part of their broader campaign to degrade Hamas’s military capabilities.

The Israel Defense Forces has reported the killing of dozens of Gaza fighters in recent operations and continues to expand its ground activities. An IDF chief assessment emphasized that the military is working according to a structured plan, with clear objectives to inflict heavy damage on Hamas’s infrastructure and forces, and to push for the release of hostages. The military asserted that Hamas will pay a high price for its resistance, with plans to seize additional territories, destroy terror infrastructure, and restore security.

In parallel, tensions persist within Israel regarding the handling of hostages held by Hamas. Some members of the Knesset have made controversial remarks about the hostage situation, with one MK suggesting that released captives have been “brainwashed,” provoking widespread condemnation from government officials. Families of hostages, such as Matan Zangauker’s mother, continue to publicly describe the severe physical and psychological deterioration of their loved ones, emphasizing the urgent need for action. Matan, suffering from muscular dystrophy and held in captivity for nearly two years, is reportedly in critical health, with his condition worsening due to poor living conditions, lack of medical care, and ongoing abuse. His mother has called for a halt to military operations to allow for his rescue.

Internationally, the European Union is reviewing its trade agreements with Israel, considering suspending the EU-Israel association agreement in response to Israel’s recent restrictions on aid to Gaza. Additionally, the EU has lifted sanctions on Syria, a move welcomed by the Syrian government as a step toward stability.

Domestically, there has been a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents, including the distribution of hate flyers in Pittsburgh neighborhoods, which community leaders have condemned. The flyers, linked to known white supremacist groups, have reignited fears and trauma among local Jewish communities still recovering from past violence.

Overall, Israel remains engaged in a complex military and diplomatic effort—pursuing military objectives to weaken Hamas, managing humanitarian needs in Gaza, and facing international and domestic pressures. The situation continues to unfold with no clear resolution in sight, as all parties grapple with the consequences of ongoing conflict and attempts to secure the release of hostages.

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