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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-13 at 07:06
HEADLINES
Seven Hostages Return as Gaza Ceasefire Holds
Trump Arrives in Israel Amid Hostage Releases
UN Aims 600 Trucks Daily to Gaza
The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
As of 3:00 a.m. local time, a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is taking hold in the Gaza Strip and along the border, enabling a staged exchange that includes the return of hostages and a redeployment of troops as part of the framework announced in Sharm el-Sheikh.
In the first tranche of releases, seven hostages are back in Israeli custody and on Israeli soil. The names provided by Israeli officials are Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. The return is being coordinated with the Red Cross, and the hostages are undergoing initial medical assessments before reintegration with their families. Among the families reacting with relief is Silvia Cunio, mother of Ariel and David, who spoke of a hopeful, emotional moment after a surprise video call with her sons.
The Red Cross confirms that several hostages have been transferred into its custody and are then being escorted by Israeli forces to facilities inside Israel for processing and medical checks. Israeli authorities say additional hostages are expected to be handed over in subsequent steps as part of the agreed plan. The overall operation reflects a tightly choreographed effort to balance humanitarian needs with security objectives as the ceasefire takes effect.
In a related development, the second phase of the hostage release appears to be underway. Hamas has publicly outlined a continued release process, and Israeli and international monitors are coordinating to ensure proper handoffs at designated meeting points. As the exchange proceeds, Israeli security services and the military are maintaining strict control of movement to minimize risk to both hostages and civilian observers.
On the political and external front, United States President Donald Trump arrived in Israel for a brief but highly symbolic visit timed to coincide with the hostage releases. Officials say he will address the Knesset during his stay, and his appearance is being framed as part of a broader US emphasis on partnership with Israel and on pursuing peace through strength. The visit underscores a shared emphasis on security guarantees and regional stability, with Washington signaling continued support for Israel’s security objectives while engaging in regional diplomacy.
Within Israel, senior government and military leadership have stressed the importance of the exchange for the country’s security and national resilience. In communications from the defense establishment, Defence Minister Israel Katz and the Israel Defense Forces have underscored that the return of hostages is a national moment of relief and that the mission to bring every captive home remains a national priority. The IDF spokesperson and the Shin Bet security service have reiterated that the operation is proceeding under close coordination with humanitarian partners and international observers, and they have cautioned that the mission is ongoing and requires vigilance.
Turning to humanitarian relief and aid dynamics, the Gaza operation includes a shift in how food and essential supplies are delivered. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s distribution sites, which have been a focal point of controversy since their inception, are being scaled back under the ceasefire terms, with a view toward consolidating other channels to reach the population. The United Nations indicates it has a substantial supply stock and a plan to move in large quantities over the coming weeks, with a target of increasing aid deliveries to Gaza to roughly 600 trucks per day as security conditions permit. UN officials emphasize that much work remains to restore bas
Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago