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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-24 at 13:07
HEADLINES
Israel Egypt forge border security alliance
Gaza rubble piles up as reconstruction stalls
Multinational stabilization force eyed for Gaza
The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Tonight’s update looks at a shift in regional security dialogue, the ongoing struggle to shape Gaza’s future, and the broader international forces converging on a volatile situation that touches Israel, its neighbors, and global powers.
First, a notable move at the highest levels of security coordination: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Egypt’s intelligence chief, a meeting described by independent analysts as transforming ongoing dialogue into substantive strategic cooperation. The senior researcher at INSS, Ofir Winter, says there are signals Israel and Egypt may quietly update the peace framework to enable both armies to strengthen border security and coordinate more effectively on counterterrorism and stabilization along the shared frontier. The implications, observers say, could be a clearer path to preventing spillover during Gaza’s reconstruction and encouraging a more coordinated approach to security along the border.
In Gaza, the recovery task is immense. United Nations data analyzed by AFP indicate that more than 61 million tonnes of debris remain, and about three quarters of buildings have been destroyed after two years of war. A fragile ceasefire, brokered under pressure from Washington and taking effect on October 10, sets the stage for reconstruction, but rebuilding requires handling a mountain of rubble, coordinating humanitarian aid, and ensuring security for any construction efforts. The scale of destruction has led to a daily reckoning over how and when normal life can return, and how to balance humanitarian needs with security concerns in a territory controlled by Hamas.
On the ceasefire and hostage situation, a routine but painful dynamic continues. Israeli authorities say they are preparing for the possible handover tonight of two deceased hostages, part of a larger exchange framework that has already returned 15 deceased hostages to Israel but still holds a substantial number, with 13 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. The process is governed by a complex set of timing promises and diplomatic commitments, and officials emphasize that the overall goal remains secure, humane, and verifiable releases alongside sustained civilian aid and reconstruction.
Turning to the international stage, US policy and posture remain central. In a visit to the US-led Gaza ceasefire command at a regional base, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored Washington’s urgency: Hamas must have no future role in Gaza, and efforts must continue to return hostages, secure unimpeded aid deliveries, and build momentum for post-war reconstruction. US officials described the mission as historic, highlighting a broad coalition approach to stabilizing Gaza, including the potential deployment of a multinational stabilization force. The plan envisions a force drawn from countries comfortable with contributing security assets and capabilities, while explicitly excluding UNRWA from its core stabilization mandate. The aim is to ensure the ceasefire lasts, aid reaches those in need, and conditions exist for post-conflict rebuilding.
There is also growing discussion, both publicly and in private channels, about the long-term architecture of Gaza and the West Bank. Washington has signaled openness to a multinational stabilization presence that could help manage crossings, facilitate aid, and support governance structures in Gaza, but the exact composition and mandate remain subject to negotiations among regional and international partners. In parallel, Turkey’s president has urged sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel, accusing it of violating the ceasefire. Ankara has pressed for a larger
Published on 1 week, 4 days ago