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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-23 at 23:07
HEADLINES
US Replaces Gaza Aid with New Mechanism
West Bank Annexation Votes Prompt Global Outcry
Saudi Says No Normalization Path with Israel
The time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At seven o’clock this evening, here is the latest hour by hour update on the evolving situation in the Middle East and related developments affecting the region and its international partners.
First, on Gaza aid and humanitarian funding, the United States is considering a plan to replace the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation with a new mechanism to deliver relief. Funding for the current, US backed operation will allow aid to continue through the end of November, at which point Washington expects the new plan to take effect. Officials describe the transition as aimed at sustaining relief efforts while pursuing a broader framework that could accompany future ceasefire and stabilization efforts in Gaza.
In Jerusalem, the political dynamic remains closely watched as lawmakers advanced two draft laws to extend Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank. The move drew a sharp reaction from Washington, where officials warned that such steps could complicate ongoing ceasefire negotiations and hostage release discussions tied to the Gaza situation. President Trump’s remarks on the same day suggested he believed Israel would not pursue actions in the West Bank, a stance that elicited strong comments from some US officials and underscored the fragile balance the administration seeks to maintain between Israeli policy and its own diplomatic posture.
Across the region, more than a dozen Arab and Muslim states signed onto a joint statement denouncing the West Bank annexation votes as violations of international law. The statement, coordinated in part by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, called the votes a blatant breach of international norms and reaffirmed support for a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The signatories included Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Oman, the Palestinian Authority, and others, highlighting the broad international concern over unilateral moves in the occupied territories.
In Washington, the relationship with Israel continues to be described in terms of shared interests and strategic concerns. On Capitol Hill, discussions have focused on whether the US can maintain bipartisan support for Israel, with proponents arguing that the alliance rests on shared democratic values rather than party lines. In their public statements, US officials emphasized the importance of coordinating on security, diplomacy, and humanitarian issues as the region evolves.
On the topic of normalization with Saudi Arabia, a senior Saudi official stated there is no current path toward normalization with the Israeli government as it stands, following controversial remarks by a senior Israeli minister. The official’s comments reflected sensitivity in Washington’s efforts to advance regional normalization as part of broader regional diplomacy. The Israeli minister later issued an apology for the remarks, saying the comments did not reflect the government’s position. Analysts say the incident illustrates the political sensitivities that surround any talks about broader Middle East normalization.
In the arena of security and diplomacy, discussions are under way about the next stages of the Gaza ceasefire framework. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US and regional officials to review the next steps, while US Secretary of State Rubio and other senior representatives reiterated the aim of sustaining quiet on the ground while expanding political and economic dimensions of the partnership with partners in the region. Israeli officials emphasized their intent to support a durable ceasefire while maintaining security requirements, including disarming element
Published on 1 week, 5 days ago