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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-11 at 14:07
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The time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the 10:00 AM update. A ceasefire forged in Sharm el-Sheikh and brokered with the backing of the United States and regional partners remains in place as Israel and Hamas advance toward the first phase of hostage release and a staged withdrawal from Gaza. The arrangements call for the remaining 48 hostages, including some who have been held for more than two years, to be freed by midday Monday. Hamas has indicated it may require additional time to locate and recover bodies of some of those who were killed during the conflict, adding a potential wrinkle to the timeline. In exchange, Israel is to withdraw its forces in phases from parts of Gaza and, according to mediators and Israeli officials, there will be guarantees from the United States and other parties that the war will not be resumed.
On the ground in Tel Aviv, the mood among families of hostages has shifted from solemn endurance to cautious optimism. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum says the broader public should participate as the community awaits the final implementation of the agreement. The square once marked by protests and somber vigils has taken on a more hopeful atmosphere as people prepare for what they hope will be the last major public gathering before a rescue operation is completed. Organizers emphasize that the mission remains unfinished until every captive is home, and they anticipate parallel rallies in Jerusalem, Sha’ar HaNegev, and Karmei Gat to keep momentum and attention focused on the process.
In Washington, the US political apparatus remains engaged with the ceasefire’s operation. Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, accompanied by the commander of the US Central Command, Admiral Bradley Copper, toured an IDF post in Gaza to verify Israel’s withdrawal as part of the negotiated terms. Officials say the visit was intended to reassure both sides that the withdrawal is progressing in line with the agreement and to coordinate the next steps for hostages’ release and the stabilization phase that follows a potential lull in fighting.
Beyond the ceasefire, a wider regional picture continues to unfold. Turkish President Erdogan has urged Israel to honor its commitments while calling for a broader regional approach to security, arguing that actions in the coming days will influence stability across the neighborhood. In Cairo, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has signaled that a wider international endorsement of the Gaza accord, potentially through a United Nations Security Council mandate, could help anchor a longer-term stabilization effort. At the same time, Sisi cautions against premature conclusions or moves that could widen the conflict, stressing the need for international deployment and verification.
Analysts note that Iran’s regional proxies remain a factor in the period ahead. While some observers assess that Tehran’s networks have faced increasing pressure and disruption, Iranian-aligned groups are still active, with ongoing efforts to influence events across the Levant and in neighboring corridors. The balance of influence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, where Iranian-backed factions operate, will shape both the pace of any further disengagement and the shape of future security arrangements in the region.
In the broader security arena, NATO and allied air operations near Russia’s borders have continued to adapt to shifting threats. A recent 12-hour mission conducted with significant involvement from British and American forces, and supported by NATO partners, underscores a steady posture aimed at deterring aggressive actions and signaling unity among Western allies. While not directly tied to the Gaza arrang
Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago