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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-11 at 15:06
HEADLINES
Ceasefire advances; hostages released under monitors
Families watch 28 hostages' remains identified
US envoy verifies Gaza withdrawal, boosts trust
The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the 11:00 AM news update. The United States‑brokered ceasefire announced in Sharm el‑Sheikh is moving into its second day as both sides begin implementing the initial terms of the agreement. The first phase centers on a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas, with monitors watching for commitments to be met. Israeli officials say the plan aims to free the remaining hostages in a staged process, though Hamas has signaled it may require more time to locate and return the bodies of some captives. The terms also call for a measured, verifiable withdrawal and guarantees from mediators that the war will not resume while the ceasefire holds.
In Israel, authorities are preparing for a highly delicate task that will define the return of some of the most harrowing chapters of this conflict. An Israeli forensic team is completing preparations to identify the remains of 28 Israeli hostages whose bodies are being returned from Hamas captivity. This is among the most challenging operations in recent memory, conducted with the families watching closely for every update as the process moves forward.
On the ground in Gaza, the ceasefire has begun to take hold in practical terms, but reports from various districts describe continuing chaotic and tense conditions. Palestinian factions in some areas are said to be testing the new boundary conditions, occasionally clashing with local groups as security systems shift from wartime operations to post‑conflict policing. The period is still fragile, and officials caution that the situation could evolve rapidly as aid, power, and communications are reorganized under the new arrangement.
In Tel Aviv and across Israel, thousands of people are preparing to participate in mass gatherings organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The mood in Hostages Square is a mix of cautious relief and resolve, with family members and supporters stressing that the struggle will not end until all hostages are home. The rally schedule also includes performances and remarks from participants, with attendance expected in parallel gatherings around Jerusalem and other key sites. The families’ message remains clear: the implementation of the agreement will be judged by deeds, not words.
Washington’s role remains central to the process. US envoy Steve Witkoff and CENTCOM commander Admiral Bradley Cooper are reported to have visited Gaza to confirm that Israeli withdrawal under the ceasefire is complete. Their presence underscores the effort to verify that the terms of the first phase are being met and that both sides have tangible reasons to trust the next steps. Officials note that while the release of hostages is a critical test, ongoing verification and international involvement are meant to prevent a relapse into wider hostilities.
Across the Atlantic, international voices continue to weigh in on how the ceasefire will be reinforced and how the broader security situation in the region can be stabilized. In London, tens of thousands of pro‑Palestinian protesters voiced skepticism about the pace and scope of the ceasefire, even as they acknowledged the unusual moment of reduced violence. In regional capitals, leaders have urged restraint and emphasized the importance of keeping channels open with mediators to prevent missteps that could trigger renewed fighting.
Regional dynamics remain intricate. In Lebanon, Lebanese President Michel Aoun condemned overnight Israeli strikes against civilian sites, calling the action unjustified and raising questions about potential spillover effects after the Gaz
Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago