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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-13 at 23:05
HEADLINES
East Jerusalem clashes flare as 15-year-old arrested
Last Gaza hostages freed testimonies reveal hardship
Trump addresses Knesset on Iran's nuclear program
The time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
7:00 PM. We begin with a look at a region in flux. In East Jerusalem, riot activity and unrest have been reported in a neighborhood where clashes involved Molotov cocktails, arson and stone throwing. Authorities say a 15-year-old was arrested while carrying a Palestinian Islamic Jihad flag and incendiary devices. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in areas adjacent to crowded urban centers and sensitive religious sites, where security forces remain on high alert to prevent further escalation.
Across the region, the ceasefire in Gaza continues to shape daily life and political calculations. The past days have seen the release of the last living hostages held by Hamas under the ceasefire arrangement, ending a long and painful chapter for families. In newly released testimonies, former captives described long periods of isolation, limited contact with the outside world, and severe hardship, including starvation and torture. Avinatan Or, held for more than 738 days, was reported to have spent extended stretches alone and to have lost a substantial portion of his body weight. Family members described reunions that were emotional and complex, as survivors work to rebuild their lives while carrying memories of captivity. Other released hostages recounted experiences in tunnels and underground facilities, including instances of forced proximity to their captors, periods of deprivation, and moments of psychological stress that accompanied the long separation from their families.
In Gaza itself, the presence of crowds awaiting prisoners’ arrival has been a recurring image. Several thousand Palestinians gathered at Khan Yunis near Nasser Hospital to welcome freed prisoners, an event that has become a poignant symbol of the ceasefire’s human dimension for many families on both sides. The release of the inmates also touched on the broader discussion about the conduct of the war, civilian harm, and the ongoing debate over disarmament and future security arrangements.
On the political front, international attention remains fixed on the broader implications of the conflict and the shifting dynamics in the region. In Washington, President Donald Trump addressed members of the Israeli Knesset, raising questions and drawing attention to Iran’s nuclear program. While Trump portrayed several actions as demonstrations of leadership, observers noted that the speech highlighted a gap in how Israel and the United States conceptualize the path forward on Iran, particularly regarding potential diplomacy and verification measures. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government signaled a continued focus on security and strategic deterrence, while signaling openness to coordinated diplomacy that preserves Israel’s security interests. The ceasefire backdrop adds a layer of complexity to any discussions about Iran, as regional actors weigh their options against a backdrop of evolving US policy signals and regional alignments.
In other developments, remains related to hostages and national service were brought home and identified. The remains of Daniel Peretz, an IDF reserve member celebrated for his bravery during the initial days of the conflict, were received by the Israeli authorities, reflecting a human dimension to the broader military and security narrative. Additional returns included the remains associated with other individuals, turning once again attention to the human toll of the conflict and the families awaiting full accounting.
Health and humanitarian concerns remain a component of the regional picture as well. The World Health Organization has warned of a global rise in antibio
Published on 3 weeks, 2 days ago