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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-07 at 13:05
HEADLINES
Israel Prepares Massive Gaza Displacement Amid War Crisis
UAE-Syria Backchannel Sparks Hope for Regional De-escalation
Iran-US Tensions Rise as Nuclear Negotiations Continue
The time is now 09:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today, Israel faces a multi-front conflict that has dramatically reshaped regional security dynamics. The ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza has intensified, prompting Israel to plan a significant expansion of military operations. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli Defense Forces are preparing to transfer all Gaza residents to the southern part of the strip, with final tactical plans already approved by military and security authorities. This move aims to consolidate control but raises concerns over the humanitarian toll and potential displacement of civilians.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached critical levels, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid and criticized the lack of respect for rules of engagement amid Israel’s military operations, which could include seizing the entire Gaza Strip. The international community remains deeply divided over Israel’s military strategy, with many allies calling for restraint and adherence to international law.
In the broader Middle East, diplomatic efforts continue quietly. Reports indicate that the United Arab Emirates has established a covert backchannel for discussions between Israel and Syria. Sources suggest Syria’s new leadership is seeking regional support to manage increasingly tense relations with Israel. These talks, focused on security and intelligence issues, predate recent Israeli strikes in Syria, which targeted Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah positions. While Syria’s government condemns Israeli actions, some regional officials see potential for indirect de-escalation through confidence-building measures.
On the diplomatic front, the possibility of expanding the Abraham Accords is gaining attention. US officials, including Steve Witkoff, have hinted at upcoming announcements that could see more Arab states normalizing relations with Israel. Despite the lack of formal ties, Israel and Saudi Arabia have maintained covert cooperation, especially regarding shared concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed interest in modernizing the kingdom, and recent moves suggest a willingness to potentially accept limited concessions on the Palestinian issue—such as a freeze on settlements—in exchange for security guarantees and civilian nuclear cooperation with the United States.
Iran remains a central concern. After re-establishing diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia in 2023, Tehran’s regional posture has shifted somewhat, but tensions persist. The US and Iran are engaged in indirect negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, with a potential fourth round of talks scheduled in Oman. US envoy Steve Witkoff reaffirmed that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, but obstacles remain, including mutual mistrust and regional rivalries.
The threat of escalation extends beyond Israel’s borders. In Ukraine, France and Germany are pushing for a ceasefire, with Macron describing the humanitarian situation as dire. Russia has declared a 72-hour ceasefire around May 9, aligned with Victory Day celebrations, but Macron stated it’s too early to lift sanctions against Moscow. The international community continues to grapple with the complexities of ending the conflict, emphasizing diplomatic efforts over military escalation.
Meanwhile, in Yemen, Houthi rebels targeted shipping in the Red Sea, sinking vessels and damaging critical infrastructure such as Sanaa International Airport, which was struck by Israeli airstrikes earlier this week. The H
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