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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-12 at 18:05
HEADLINES
Gaza ceasefire holds hopeful hostages near release
Court clears hostage deal for Trump visit
Abbas attends Cairo summit Netanyahu absent
The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the 2:00 PM hourly update. A Gaza ceasefire is in effect after Friday’s noon deadline as Israel and Hamas observe a framework tied to hostage releases and steps toward broader security arrangements. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, calling the moment historic while warning that the fight is not finished and that some adversaries are regrouping to strike again. He thanked the troops and the families of the abducted, and he underscored Israel’s resolve to defend its citizens.
On the hostage front, the agreement centers on the release of Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for the hostages, with the remaining Israeli captives expected to be brought home around the time of President Trump’s upcoming visit. Israel’s High Court of Justice has rejected a petition aiming to block the deal, clearing the legal path for the releases.
In national-security remarks, IDF chief Zamir said the military pressure of the past two years, combined with the political move supporting the ceasefire, constitutes a victory over Hamas and that Gaza will not pose a threat to Israel in the future. The statement reinforces the government’s position that security measures and international diplomacy work together to safeguard citizens.
International voices add another layer to the moment. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, defended the slogan “From the river to the sea” as not antisemitic, even as the phrase provokes intense debate and concern in other quarters. The exchanges reflect the sensitivity and complexity surrounding public discourse amid a fragile ceasefire.
On the diplomatic track, reports indicate that Netanyahu will not attend the Cairo summit, while Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will participate, joined by a roster of European, Arab, and Muslim leaders. The discussion is expected to focus on advancing the peace effort and ensuring that funds promised for Gaza’s reconstruction flow in a sustainable way. Officials caution that “there must be no vacuum” as negotiations proceed with an eye toward the plan’s next phase.
In Washington, former US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan credited President Donald Trump for the Gaza deal while urging caution about implementation and the need to keep the agreement from fraying. The Trump administration’s approach, described by aides and allies as pursuing peace through strength, is seen by supporters in Israel as aligned with a steadfast defense of Israeli security alongside diplomacy.
Meanwhile, the broader regional dynamic continues to evolve. A Saudi royal source cited by reports suggested normalization with Israel could advance once a new government is in place in Jerusalem, signaling how shifts in leadership could shape future ties. The environment remains delicate, with regional actors weighing strategic gains against ongoing tensions.
Back home, authorities emphasize practical steps for families affected by the hostage crisis. Israel has established a protocol to keep families updated and is preparing DNA and CT scans to identify remains and provide clarity to relatives. The process is testimony to the heavy human toll behind the headlines and the priority given to dignity and closure for those waiting for word about loved ones.
In the Gaza arena, there are reports of militant activity and security concerns as factions maneuver around the ceasefire. Hamas has issued warnings against releasing operational details about the unit long identified with managing hostages, stressing the need for confidentiality to protect the operation and those involved. Independent observers note such
Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago