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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-09 at 17:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Eyes Gaza Full Seizure Sparks European Condemnation
2. Yemen Houthis Resilient Despite US Strikes Amid Hardship
3. Israel-Derived Gulf Deals Face Slow Revival Amid Tensions
The time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 1:00 PM, we bring you a comprehensive update on the complex and ongoing conflicts across the Middle East and related international developments.
Israel remains engaged on multiple fronts as it continues its military operations. In the Gaza Strip, Israel's security cabinet has approved plans that may include a full seizure of the enclave, home to over two million Palestinians. Western European nations, including Norway and Iceland, have publicly condemned this potential move, warning that it could amount to illegal forced displacement and undermine hopes for a future Palestinian state. These countries emphasize the need for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages, calling for a re-establishment of Palestinian governance separate from Hamas.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted operations targeting the leadership of the Islamic Jihad in Jenin. This included the elimination of Norr Bitaoui, a key figure in the group's Gaza and West Bank activities. Israeli forces also engaged in raids in Shua, resulting in the death of additional militants and the destruction of underground infrastructure. These actions are part of Israel's broader effort to dismantle terrorist networks, aiming to prevent imminent attacks.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah continues its stance of readiness, although no active engagement has been reported recently. The situation remains tense, with ongoing concerns about potential escalations involving Iran-backed groups. Over in Syria, the country is hosting major trade exhibitions in Damascus, signaling a move toward economic recovery after years of civil war. These events aim to attract international investment despite ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions, with Turkey showing support for Syria’s rebuilding efforts, possibly indicating a shift in regional alliances.
In Iraq and Yemen, instability persists. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, continue firing at Israel, despite heavy US airstrikes damaging their infrastructure. The Houthis have demonstrated resilience, with some analysts citing their capacity to withstand punishment as notable. In Yemen, the population faces severe hardship, including poverty and disease, under the regime’s repressive rule.
Internationally, the Israeli government is facing criticism from European nations over its plans in Gaza, with Norway and Iceland warning against measures that could displace Palestinians forcibly. The United States and Israel are discussing the possibility of a temporary post-war administration for Gaza, akin to the US-led efforts in Iraq after 2003, but experts warn that such models have not been universally successful. The focus remains on establishing a credible Palestinian governance that can stabilize the region.
In diplomatic developments, Jared Kushner, a key figure in the previous Trump administration’s Middle East efforts, has been advising on expanding normalization deals with Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia. Although a breakthrough during this trip is unlikely, the efforts aim to revive the Abraham Accords and promote economic cooperation.
In France, a pro-Palestinian group, Urgence Palestine, is contesting its recent shutdown by authorities, which officials justify as necessary to combat extremism. Critics argue that this move is part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism and anti-war protests, raising concerns about the suppression of legitimate expression.
Finally, in Israel itself, an accident occurred in Daliyat al-Carmel, where a 23-year-old man was seriously injured in a
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