Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-21 at 02:07

HEADLINES
1. Gaza Bombarded as Israel Targets Hamas Strongholds
2. Hezbollah Fires Rockets, Sparks Regional Escalation
3. US and Turkey Forge New Syria Stability Pact

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

Good evening. At ten o'clock, we turn our attention to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and related international developments. Israel remains engaged on multiple fronts amid escalating hostilities and regional tensions.

In the north, Israel’s military reports intensive operations in the Gaza Strip, targeting alleged militant positions in Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Yunis. Palestinian sources indicate significant casualties, with dozens of deaths and injuries reported overnight as Israeli airstrikes continue to intensify. The Israeli Defense Forces have emphasized their focus on dismantling Hamas infrastructure while warning of ongoing military operations aimed at restoring security. The situation remains dire, with humanitarian conditions worsening as Israel maintains its blockade, restricting food, medicine, and essential supplies to Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military activities extend into the West Bank, where clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants have resulted in several arrests and casualties. Israeli authorities report thwarting planned attacks and dismantling militant cells, but Palestinian residents recount increased military raids and restrictions, fueling tensions in the region.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah has issued stern warnings and mobilized forces along the border, raising fears of a broader regional escalation. Reports suggest that Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel in response to Israeli operations in Gaza, prompting retaliatory strikes. The Lebanese government has called for restraint, but the situation remains volatile.

Across Syria, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iranian-backed militias and missile launch sites, according to reports from Syrian state media. These operations are part of Israel’s broader effort to prevent Iranian entrenchment near its borders, amid concerns that Tehran is expanding its influence through proxies across the region.

In Iraq and Yemen, pro-Iranian groups continue to threaten US and allied interests, with missile attacks and drone incursions reported in recent days. The United States has reiterated its commitment to cooperating with regional partners, including Turkey, which has also committed to increased coordination on stability efforts in Syria.

Internationally, the United States and Turkey announced a joint commitment to deepen cooperation on Syria. Their delegations, meeting in Washington, emphasized the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, calling for efforts to prevent safe havens for terrorists. Discussions also included considerations for sanctions relief and counterterrorism strategies.

Within Israel, domestic issues persist amid the conflict. The government is under pressure to manage the humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a minimal food entry to address concerns of starvation under the blockade. The United States has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation, with President Donald Trump stating that the US will assist in addressing the crisis.

On the diplomatic front, the US Senate has co-sponsored a resolution urging the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling for the release of hostages and the lifting of the blockade. The resolution has garnered widespread support among Democrats, reflecting a bipartisan concern over civilian suffering. However, Republican opposition remains, with debates centering on accountability and the role of Hamas in the ongoing crisis.

In other regional developments, Israel reports intensified...