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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-16 at 16:04
HEADLINES
Gaza phase one near end; hostages hoped
UN-backed force eyed; Indonesia offers 20,000 troops
Houthis' top commander al-Ghamari killed
The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 12:00 PM, the latest developments in the Middle East and related security dynamics are as follows. Israel, in coordination with the United States and mediators, is pressing to complete the first phase of the Gaza plan and to secure the return of all hostages held by Hamas, with intelligence shared to locate the remains and speed the recovery operation. Israel continues to emphasize that disarmament of Hamas and strict international oversight are essential, while the Rafah crossing remains closed and humanitarian aid is moving into Gaza in limited quantities, signaling ongoing logistical and political hurdles.
On the international front, discussions about a Gaza stabilization force are advancing with Pakistan, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan weighing participation; Indonesia has publicly offered up to 20,000 troops under a United Nations mandated mission, a possibility not laid out in the Trump plan. Across the region, security incidents persist: Israeli police fired at a suspicious vehicle near the Egyptian embassy in Tel Aviv with no injuries reported, and the Israeli military has conducted strikes against underground infrastructure used by Hezbollah in Lebanon, describing the action as part of ongoing efforts to remove threats along the border.
Meanwhile, the hostage story remains central to public attention as freed captives describe the conditions of captivity and survivors recount torture, while families mourn those killed and express the desire for accountability and closure. In a separate security development, the Houthis announced the death of their military chief Muhammad al-Ghamari, signaling continued regional volatility; Israel said the strike that killed al-Ghamari was part of its broader campaign against Hamas and allied groups, with officials vowing to pursue those who threaten Israel.
The security landscape was further complicated by a rapid cyber incident in North America, in which four airports experienced broadcast messages praising Hamas and criticizing leaders, triggering investigations by aviation and national security authorities in the United States and Canada. The incident underscored vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and prompted calls from Jewish and civilian organizations for prompt attribution and safeguards against politically motivated intrusions.
On the diplomatic front, regional actors continue to push for clarity on how the Trump plan will be implemented, with some Gulf states warning that a lack of concrete disarmament or credible enforcement could derail momentum. Notable shifts in regional diplomacy include Greece and Egypt reaching an agreement on the future of Mount Sinai’s monastery, reflecting ongoing concerns over regional historical sites and cooperation, and broader international scrutiny over how to balance humanitarian needs with security objectives as the Gaza situation evolves.
In domestic reflections, voices within Israel emphasize resilience and unity as families of missing and released hostages navigate the emotional landscape of the ongoing crisis, while official channels reiterate the determination to pursue all avenues that can restore civilian safety and long-term stability. This hour’s briefings illustrate a complex mosaic: military action on the ground, high-stakes diplomacy, humanitarian concerns, and the ever-present challenge of coordinating international partners to address a conflict that continues to unfold with profound human costs.
Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
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Published on 2 weeks, 6 days ago