Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-21 at 10:04

HEADLINES
Israel Targets 115 Hamas Sites in Major Offensive
Israeli Strikes and Drone Battles Heighten Regional Tensions
Iran’s Nuclear Brinkmanship Risks Escalating Middle East Conflict

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

At 6:00 AM, the situation across the Middle East remains tense and complex. Israel continues to confront threats on multiple fronts, as its military operations persist against various terrorist organizations. In Gaza, Israeli forces are engaged in ongoing combat with Hamas, with recent reports indicating the destruction of multiple militant infrastructure targets. The Israeli military asserts it is targeting Hamas’ military wings and tunnels, aiming to weaken their capabilities ahead of potential broader operations. Meanwhile, the IDF reports that over 115 targets have been struck in the past 24 hours, including weapons sites, command centers, and tunnels used for smuggling and attack planning.

In Lebanon, Israeli aircraft conducted strikes in southern regions, targeting Hezbollah-affiliated sites in response to drone and missile threats. An unmanned aerial vehicle was reportedly shot down over northern Israel earlier this morning, underscoring ongoing aerial tensions. In Syria, Israel maintains a policy of targeted strikes against Iranian-backed militias and weapons shipments, with recent operations focusing on the Damascus countryside and the Golan Heights. Reports indicate increased activity by Iranian proxies, some of whom are believed to be preparing for future hostilities.

Across the northern front, in Lebanon’s south, a drone attack was intercepted, and an Israeli military drone was reported to have been downed in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military emphasizes its readiness for escalation, with forces on high alert along the borders.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continue counter-terror operations, conducting raids and arresting suspected militants. Clashes have been reported in several towns, with Palestinian sources noting increased violence linked to ongoing tensions following recent assaults and incursions.

Meanwhile, international diplomacy seeks to address the regional instability. The United Nations has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where nearly 100 aid trucks managed to enter the enclave yesterday, a significant increase from previous days. Israel insists that aid is carefully monitored to prevent its diversion to Hamas, which has stolen much of the aid delivered over the past year. Critics on both sides argue that the aid flow remains insufficient and politicized, with some Palestinians suffering from severe shortages.

In Iraq, tensions remain high as Iranian influence persists through militias and political factions. The Iraqi government faces pressure from pro-Iranian groups, which oppose normalization of relations with Western countries and threaten regional stability. Kurdish regional leaders, meanwhile, are strengthening ties with the United States, with Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressing gratitude for ongoing American support. The Kurdistan Regional Government has unilaterally signed energy deals with US companies to develop natural gas resources, moves that Baghdad has dismissed as illegal.

In the broader regional context, negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program continue with uncertainties. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi reaffirmed its commitment to uranium enrichment, signaling that Iran has no alternative plan if talks with the United States fail. Officials warn that a breakdown in negotiations could lead to increased sanctions, military threats, and regional unrest. Iran’s ties with Russia and China are expected to strengthen in such a scenario, raising concerns about the potential for escalation.

Meanwhile, in Israel, domestic issues...