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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-12 at 10:06
HEADLINES
Hamas Holds 20 Hostages May Release Today
Gaza Governance Talks Separate From Hamas
Sharm El Sheikh Summit Shapes Ceasefire
The time is now 6:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good morning. It is six o’clock in the morning, and this is your hour-by-hour briefing on the latest developments shaping the Middle East and related global events.
Israel and Hamas remain at the center of a high-stakes diplomatic moment. The Wall Street Journal reports that Hamas has told Israeli intermediaries it holds twenty living hostages and is prepared to begin releasing them today. The broader ceasefire framework agreed in Sharm el-Sheikh continues to drive expectations for a broader exchange, with observers noting comments from Washington that a comprehensive, all-at-once release remains a key objective. Reports about the next phase of a Gaza settlement indicate that, beyond hostage relief, there are discussions about a Palestinian governance arrangement in Gaza not formally tied to Hamas, a potential step forward in stabilizing the territory after a conflict that has exacted a heavy toll on civilians and combatants alike.
In Washington, there is emphasis on a “peace through strength” approach that has characterized the administration’s posture toward Hamas and the broader region. The talks in Sharm el-Sheikh have involved mediation by regional and international partners, and US officials have underscored the importance of disarmament and security guarantees as prerequisites for any lasting settlement. At the same time, the discussions acknowledge security needs and the imperative to protect Israeli civilians, while stressing a path toward stability that can withstand renewed tensions.
On the ground in Gaza and in regional diplomacy, there are signals about the political reshaping that could accompany any ceasefire. An Arab diplomat has floated the idea that the next phase of the Trump-era Gaza plan might include a Palestinian government in Gaza not affiliated with Hamas, a proposal intended to broaden legitimacy and reduce the appeal of armed alternatives. In parallel, observers note that even as hostages are discussed in high-level channels, the humanitarian and reconstruction challenges in Gaza remain immense, with international donors watching closely to ensure relief and reconstruction funds do not get diverted or used to bolster armed groups.
In Tel Aviv, the atmosphere around the hostage negotiations continues to be a test of leadership. A notable gathering at Hostages Square brought together US envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump. Their presence and messages were framed as a demonstration of empathy for hostage families and a call for regional reconciliation. The event underscored a perceived leadership vacuum in Israel, with many in the crowd reacting to domestic political dynamics while receiving a strong message that broad regional cooperation is essential to peace. The speakers stressed that peace is not a concession but a strategic necessity for Israel’s security and for the region’s future, and they emphasized that Arab partners have a stake in stabilizing Gaza and ending the cycle of violence. The reception around the event highlighted the contrast between external mediation teams and domestic political leadership, and it reinforced a view among many observers that regional diplomacy must advance alongside security measures.
Security and diplomacy extend beyond Gaza. The region has been a focal point for wide-ranging international attention, including a forthcoming summit with a roster of world leaders who have been invited to Sharm el-Sheikh. Germany’s participation is noted in reporting, signaling broad international engagement with the goal of cementing a durable ceasefire and a credible path to disarmament and reconstruction. In other developments, Israel’
Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago