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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-17 at 23:04
HEADLINES
Syria Israel pact talks gain momentum
Hostages total 48 as Gaza talks resume
Hamas expands West Bank terror network
The time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the 7:00 PM hourly update.
Syria’s leadership signaled new momentum in talks with Israel, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa saying discussions on a security pact could yield results in the coming days. Damascus stressed the agreement would respect Syria’s airspace and territorial unity and be monitored by the United Nations, a framework that organizers argue could help limit Israeli airstrikes and withdrawals in southern Syria.
In the West Bank, Israeli security sources say Hamas is deploying additional terror forces and resources, expanding its infrastructure and planning attacks as Israeli Defense Forces press ahead with operations. The developments underscore a fragile, multi-front security picture for Israel as the Gaza war continues to shape regional activity.
In Gaza, the hostage situation remains a central concern even as Hamas’s battlefield capacity is disputed in some circles. Hamas continues to hold a total of 48 hostages, including 47 of the 251 abducted on October 7, 2023, with concerns for the well-being of several others. Families of the captives gathered outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence again tonight, calling for a definitive ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages amid mounting frustration over the pace of talks.
Diplomatic diplomacy remains busy, with Western capitals weighing steps that could affect mediation efforts. London-ground discussions featured a US envoy and Israeli officials seeking to revive negotiations on a hostage-release and ceasefire, amid reports that Qatar’s mediation role remains a focal point. Qatar has signaled it will pursue legal avenues against Israel at the International Criminal Court, a move the Qatari government says responds to Israeli actions in Gaza. The United States has signaled expectations that any moves by Israel could be acknowledged by partners like Qatar as part of a broader push for progress, while urging restraint and humanitarian considerations.
Britain is preparing to consider Palestinian state recognition, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly planning to advance recognition after President Trump’s visit to the United Kingdom. Washington has voiced opposition to unilateral recognition, arguing it could complicate any path to a broader peace process. The international debate over recognition reflects a wider dispute about how to balance pressure for a two-state solution with the urgency of securing the release of hostages and the safety of civilians.
On the ground in Israel, the conflict’s human cost continues to be felt in humanitarian crises and domestic politics. Doctors Without Borders voiced outrage over the death of a nurse in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, saying the ongoing violence endangers medical workers delivering aid and care to civilians.
There were also domestic developments in the United States: Pennsylvania police are investigating a shooting in which three officers were killed and two injured; the shooter is deceased, according to State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris.
Israel’s security posture remains shaped by the balance of firmness and diplomacy championed by its partners. The United States continues to align with Israel on a policy of robust defense and diplomatic engagement intended to advance stability, civilian protection, and the goal of restoring security for Israeli civilians and hostage families alike. In parallel, regional actors and international mediators are pursuing a path that could, if successful, dampen the violence and bring about a sustainable ceasefire and a credible framework for hostage release.
That is the latest. We’ll c
Published on 9 hours ago