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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-15 at 22:06
HEADLINES
Israel Plans Offensive to Break Hamas Tunnels
Hostages Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal Freed
Rafah Crossing Closed as European Monitors Deployed
The time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good evening. Here is your hourly update on the Middle East and related international developments.
The death toll among Israeli security forces continues to rise, with 1,158 soldiers and other security personnel recorded as killed since the October seventh attacks. In the most recent two weeks, six more IDF soldiers were added to that figure, underscoring the ongoing security challenges surrounding the Gaza situation.
In a high‑profile development from the ceasefire period, a welcome home message was delivered to two released hostages, Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa‑Dalal, from a prominent rock figure, signaling a moment of relief and gratitude for those freed after years in captivity. The release has been accompanied by continued attention to the broader hostage and remains issue, with new confirmations about the status and location of other captives and remains.
Meanwhile, the remains of two murdered hostages have arrived at Israel’s National Center of Forensic Medicine for identification, as authorities urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information until identifications are completed. In related movements, two additional deceased hostages were transferred to Israel by the Red Cross, while Hamas has asserted that no further bodies have been found, a claim that Israeli officials have said needs correlation with ongoing searches and identifications.
Funerals for hostages who were killed and whose bodies were returned have taken place. Captain Daniel Perez and Guy Illouz were laid to rest in separate ceremonies in Jerusalem and Ra’anana, respectively, following the return of their remains as part of the ceasefire framework. The funerals highlighted the personal and national costs of the conflict, with families emphasizing the unwavering commitment to recovering all those missing or deceased and signaling that the search and acknowledgment of every life lost will continue.
On the battlefield dimensions of the conflict, Israeli officials have outlined plans for a major offensive should fighting resume. The intent described centers on destroying Hamas’ underground tunnels, command centers, and remaining military capabilities, reflecting a long‑standing objective to degrade Hamas’ ability to threaten Israeli security. Official statements stress that any future operation would be guided by the security assessment of the day and the need to protect civilians while neutralizing threats.
In Washington, a senior US adviser indicated that planning is underway for an international stabilization force to enter Gaza with the aim of basic stabilization in the Palestinian enclave. The effort is described as a first step toward stabilizing the situation in Gaza, with work to “construct” the international stabilization force already underway. The development underscores US and allied interest in preventing a collapse of order while direct negotiations and ceasefire commitments are tested.
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the Gaza dynamics, stating that Israel could resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold the ceasefire deal. He reiterated that Israel would be prepared to act on its own when appropriate and stressed willingness to support Israel’s security objectives under the terms of the deal, including the disarmament provisions, while leaving the specifics of any US military involvement to strategic calculus and policy shifts.
In diplomatic and monitoring developments, the Rafah crossing remains closed as authorities coordinate with international monitors. A European monitoring group has been deployed at the crossing in antic
Published on 3 weeks ago