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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-07 at 19:04
HEADLINES
Israel Confirms 21 Hostages Remain Alive in Gaza
US and Regional Powers Push for Gaza Ceasefire Stalemate
Syria and Israel Engage in Indirect Talks Amid Escalating Tensions
The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
The ongoing conflict across multiple fronts continues to unfold with significant developments. In Gaza, Israel reports that at least twenty-one of the fifty-nine hostages held by Hamas remain confirmed alive, with the status of three others still uncertain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized this in a recent video, reaffirming the presence of live captives amid ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage exchange face obstacles; US officials and regional players like Egypt and Qatar are increasing diplomatic pressure on Hamas, as discussions stall and the US considers a regional deal with Saudi Arabia that could proceed without Israeli involvement.
In the broader Middle East, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has publicly acknowledged indirect talks with Israel mediated by regional powers, notably the United Arab Emirates, aimed at calming rising tensions. These negotiations are part of a delicate backchannel effort to prevent escalation amid Israeli strikes targeting Syria, which have caused substantial damage, including to Sanaa airport in Yemen—an Israeli airstrike estimated to have inflicted approximately $500 million in destruction.
In the Israeli south, a soldier from the Golani reconnaissance unit was severely wounded in combat in southern Gaza, and earlier today, a young man was injured in Modiin after being hit by a bus. These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by Israel as ground operations intensify. Additionally, a tragic boat accident off Eilat resulted in one death and nine injuries, illustrating the persistent dangers in regional waters.
Internationally, political tensions remain high. US President Donald Trump has indicated that within the next 24 hours, there will be new updates regarding potential negotiations over Gaza, as the US seeks to influence the diplomatic landscape. Meanwhile, Israel and the United States are actively engaging with the United Nations to establish a new humanitarian aid distribution system in Gaza. This plan involves establishing IDF-controlled centers to deliver aid directly to civilians, aiming to prevent aid from falling into Hamas hands—a process currently hindered by the UN’s refusal to participate, citing principles of independence and neutrality.
On the diplomatic front, indirect talks between Syria and Israel are reportedly ongoing, facilitated by regional mediators, with the goal of de-escalating hostilities. In parallel, US officials have expressed frustration with Israel's approach to hostage negotiations, hinting at a potential regional deal with Saudi Arabia that might sideline Jerusalem, a move that has unsettled Israeli policymakers and families of hostages.
In the realm of international sanctions, Turkey’s Halkbank has appealed to the US Supreme Court against a court ruling allowing prosecution for alleged sanctions violations aiding Iran. This legal battle underscores the strained relations between Turkey and the United States amid wider geopolitical tensions.
Domestically, Israeli society reflects a complex mixture of resilience and concern. A commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Buchenwald featured survivor testimonies and a call for unity against evil, emphasizing the importance of collective memory in confronting present threats. Additionally, a historical remembrance highlighted the enduring role of Oman as a regional mediator, capable of facilitating negotiations with Iran and Houthi rebels, rooted in its unique neutral stance and historical ties.
Meanwhile, in G
Published on 2 days, 10 hours ago