Podcast Episode Details

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-21 at 22:05

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HEADLINES
Gabrielle hurricane bears down on Bermuda
Israel pushes into Gaza City, 48 hostages
Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognize Palestine

The time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At 6:00 PM, we begin with a weather update: The National Hurricane Center says Storm Gabrielle has strengthened to hurricane force and is approaching Bermuda. The center of Gabrielle is expected to pass east of Bermuda on Monday evening, a path that could affect the island with strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf. Officials urge residents and mariners to monitor advisories and have plans ready as the system moves along the Atlantic.

In Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian front, Israeli forces have pushed deeper into Gaza City as part of a widening offensive against Hamas. The army says it has moved into Hamas’ main strongholds, with three divisions now operating in the city. The military says hundreds of thousands of residents have moved south toward what it calls a humanitarian zone, while warning that Hamas is attempting to impede civilian movement and using civilians as human shields. The Israeli side says it remains focused on rescuing hostages held by Hamas; 48 captives are still believed to be in Hamas hands. International humanitarian agencies are urged to coordinate closely with aid groups to ensure that food, shelter, and medical needs reach civilians in Gaza City and surrounding areas. Gaza health authorities report casualties from strikes, including women and children, though these figures are difficult to independently verify amid the fighting. Israel emphasizes its aim to dismantle Hamas’s networks and to restore security for both Israelis and Gazans, while stressing it seeks to minimize civilian harm.

Turning to diplomatic developments, several governments announced moves regarding Palestinian statehood. Britain, Australia, and Canada recognized a state of Palestine in a move seen by many observers as elevating the issue in international diplomacy; Portugal joined them, declaring recognition as a standard element of its foreign policy. Reactions from Palestinian factions have been mixed: Hamas welcomed the recognition as a milestone toward their stated goal of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, while warning that a broader isolation of Israel could follow from international action. Some Israeli commentators argue that these recognitions will force Israel to respond in a measured way that protects national security while avoiding unnecessary escalation. In Europe, the anticipated French recognition of a Palestinian state, framed around steps toward a negotiated settlement, has been followed with debate about how such moves affect regional diplomacy and trade. Analysts caution that any formal recognition does not immediately alter the on-the-ground realities, but it does shape international expectations and potential leverage in diplomacy.

Domestic matters in Israel reflect the war’s disruption and public diplomacy considerations. As tens of thousands of Israeli pilgrims head toward Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah, questions remain about logistics and security in a country at war. Ukrainian authorities report security measures and a significant presence of Israeli police and security personnel assisting with transit and protection for pilgrims. In Israel itself, authorities have intensified enforcement against draft evasion in select areas as part of preparations for the pilgrimage and ongoing national service commitments. The political conversation at home continues to weigh the balance between supporting religious observances and maintaining the unity of a country at war.

In other regional and global news, a high-profile gathering in the United States drew attention: President Donald Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk were seen together at the C

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Published on 1 month, 1 week ago