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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-23 at 17:05
HEADLINES
Eight Hamas operatives linked to Nova killed
Gaza aid severely under ceasefire promises
Iran rebuilds nuclear program amid espionage warnings
The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Eight Hamas operatives linked to the October 7 Nova festival attacks and the kidnapping of Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or, and Eitan Mor have been eliminated in coordinated operations by the Israeli Defense Forces and Shin Bet, according to security officials. Families of Argamani, Mor, and Or welcomed the strikes and urged continued pursuit of attackers still at large.
In Gaza, humanitarian logistics remain well below promised levels. United Nations data show fewer than one hundred aid trucks have entered Gaza each day since the ceasefire took effect, despite Israel authorizing an average of about 1,011 tonnes of aid per day, roughly 94 trucks, between October 10 and October 21. The reconstruction challenge remains immense, with widespread destruction and displacement shaping daily life for Gazans even as the ceasefire holds.
Iranian actions outside the battlefield continue to raise alarms. Tehran issued warnings aimed at journalists and analysts in Israel, accusing them of aiding a terror network and sharing home addresses as part of what appears to be a broader espionage campaign involving dozens of Israeli citizens. The development underscores persistent tensions linked to Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence.
On the nuclear front, analyses note Iran is rebuilding elements of its program, with Israeli intelligence services continuing to monitor Tehran’s facilities and, if necessary, to act. The evolving landscape keeps discussions of potential preventive action in the region very much alive among allies and partners.
In Washington, US officials are maintaining active engagement with Israel over Gaza ceasefire implementation. Senator Marco Rubio arrived in Israel to oversee the process and was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the next steps in keeping the arrangement on track.
American diplomacy also continues to press regional actors about security arrangements. Tom Barak, the US envoy for Syria and Lebanon, warned that Lebanon must disarm Hezbollah now or face the possibility of an Israeli operation. The statement reflects continuing concern in Washington about Hizballah’s weapons and posture near the Israeli border.
Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not accept postwar governance by the Palestinian Authority unless fundamental changes are made. In parallel, Israel has indicated it will not permit Turkish troops to play a role in a post-conflict Gaza framework, signaling ongoing sensitivity to competing regional arrangements.
Domestically, Israeli political debate over draft enforcement in the ultra-Orthodox community intensified this week. Some coalition lawmakers protested arrests of Haredi yeshiva students as part of enforcement efforts, arguing for a more measured approach. The government has stressed the need to fill military ranks in light of the war with Hamas, while opponents stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights and circumstances of individuals in sensitive life events.
Relatives of captives held by Hamas continue to press for resolution. Thirteen hostages remain in Hamas custody, with families urging government resolve and sustained international pressure to secure their return or burial if remains are recovered. The issue remains a focal point of public attention and policy debate as efforts to finalize any broader deal proceed.
Meanwhile, political and strategic currents outside Israel’s borders continue to shape the regional calculus. Russia’s president asserted that Moscow will not bow to US pressure and warned that any deep strikes into Russia would prompt a s
Published on 1 week, 5 days ago