Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-20 at 22:03

HEADLINES
Israel vows to control Gaza amid global protests
Olmert calls Israel’s military campaign “war crime”
EU reviews ties as aid begins into Gaza

The time is now 06:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 6:00 PM, we begin with the ongoing conflict across multiple fronts involving Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s intention to control all parts of the Gaza Strip amid mounting international concern. Leaders from Britain, France, and Canada have issued a joint statement opposing Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, warning that if Israel does not cease its offensive and lift humanitarian restrictions, they may take further actions. These countries condemned the Israeli government’s denial of essential aid to civilians, stating it risks breaching international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire, supporting diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. They reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution with the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has publicly criticized the current military campaign, describing it as “very close to a war crime” in a BBC interview. He emphasized that Israel's fight is against Hamas terrorists, not civilians, but expressed concern over the high civilian toll and the war’s lack of clear objectives. Olmert’s remarks add to a growing debate within Israel and internationally about the proportionality and aims of the current military actions.

Meanwhile, the European Union has ordered a review of its cooperation agreement with Israel, and Britain has suspended trade negotiations, as European nations adopt a more critical stance. France has renewed its pledge to recognize a Palestinian state, while other EU member states are calling for measures to ensure respect for human rights and humanitarian aid access in Gaza. The EU's internal divisions are evident, with some countries like Hungary opposing sanctions on Israeli settlers, complicating collective action.

In the context of the broader regional picture, the United Arab Emirates announced that Israel has agreed to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, marking a significant diplomatic development amid the ongoing crisis. However, international concerns persist over the expansion of military operations and the humanitarian impact on Gaza’s civilian population.

On the international front, US former President Donald Trump has announced a new system dubbed “Cheetah Gold,” a playful yet pointed nod to missile defense systems, suggesting a superior American alternative to Israel’s Iron Dome. Simultaneously, tensions continue with Iran and its proxies, as a Panama-flagged tanker linked to UAE interests was reportedly intercepted near Iran’s Bandar-e Jask port, raising fears of escalations in maritime security and Iran’s shadow fleet activities.

Further regional developments include Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas planning to visit Beirut for talks on disarming Palestinian factions in Lebanon, amid fears that disarmament efforts could spark unrest. Meanwhile, secret backchannel negotiations between Syria and Israel have reportedly led to the return of the Eli Cohen archive, a symbolic gesture aimed at easing tensions and possibly paving the way for future dialogue. Syria’s emerging leadership, represented by Ahmed al-Sharaa, is seeking to rebrand itself, but concerns remain over its connections to Islamist factions and longstanding hostility.

In Israel, the death of football star Gadi Kinda has prompted national mourning, with many in the sports community paying tribute at his funeral in Ashdod. Additionally, the legal case against French pizza chef Philippe Schneider, accused of a gruesome murder in 2023, continues to attract media attention.

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