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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-17 at 20:05
HEADLINES
Hamas Rejects Israel Hostage Deal Demands
Israel Delays Iran Nuclear Progress by Decade
US Strikes Houthi Fuel Port to Weaken Iran Allies
The time is now 04:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 4:00 PM, we bring you a comprehensive update on the ongoing multi-front conflict involving Israel and its surrounding regions. Tensions remain high across seven key fronts: Iran, Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, with significant international and domestic implications.
In Gaza, Hamas has publicly rejected Israel’s latest proposals for a hostage deal, citing perceived impossible conditions. Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas negotiations, stated that Israel’s offer does not signal an end to hostilities or a withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas continues to demand a comprehensive package that includes the release of all captives, a full Israeli withdrawal, a permanent ceasefire, lifting of the blockade, and Gaza’s reconstruction. Hamas remains committed to resistance, emphasizing the right to arms as a response to what they describe as occupation.
Meanwhile, Hamas has indicated readiness to negotiate a deal to exchange all hostages for Palestinian prisoners, contingent upon ending the war, withdrawal, and reconstruction efforts. The organization has explicitly rejected partial agreements, asserting they serve Israeli political interests. Reports suggest that Hamas is also willing to release some hostages if Israel agrees to these conditions, and that Egypt has received proposals for a ceasefire and negotiations toward a permanent truce. However, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continue to work towards securing the release of hostages, with recent shifts indicating Hamas has agreed to release nine captives, up from a previous one.
In the northern arena, Israel’s military reported ongoing operations in Rafah, where IDF combat engineers are destroying houses as part of efforts to neutralize threats. This follows a recent incident involving stone-throwing terrorists on a highway in the West Bank, where IDF forces killed two terrorists and wounded a third. Israeli troops remain vigilant, with ongoing actions to prevent attacks and maintain security.
Diplomatic efforts persist, with Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledging significant intelligence and operational activities aimed at undermining Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While not denying that former US President Trump canceled a planned Israeli strike on Iran, Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s success in delaying Iran’s nuclear progress through numerous overt and covert operations. These efforts have reportedly delayed Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by about a decade.
Internationally, the International Court of Justice extended Israel’s response deadline to allegations of genocide from South Africa by six months, bringing the new deadline to January 12, 2026. This extension reflects Israel’s challenges in managing the volume of claims and evidence presented by South Africa and other nations. Israeli officials see this as a strategic delay that affords more time to bolster their legal and military defenses.
In Yemen, the United States announced strikes against the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa fuel port, aiming to cut off the Houthis’ economic and military support. The US Central Command stated that the strike targeted the port’s fuel supply, which the Houthis use to sustain their operations. This action underscores ongoing US efforts to weaken Iran-backed militias across the region.
In Lebanon and Syria, tensions persist with Hezbollah and Iranian forces reportedly reinforcing their positions, though specific recent developments remain underreported. In Iraq, US and coalition forces continue counter-terrorism operations against Iranian proxies and insurgent groups.
Published on 1 month ago