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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-25 at 19:05
HEADLINES
Gaza Multinational Force Talks Advance in Doha
Israeli Focus Dismantling Hamas Tunnels
Hostage Remains Talks Tied to Rafah Crossing
The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Top developments this hour center on Gaza, hostage remains, and the international effort to establish a multinational security presence in the territory, with close attention to Israeli security concerns and US policy guidance.
The United States continues to press for a broad security framework in Gaza, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Washington is gathering input on a possible United Nations resolution or international agreement to authorize a multinational force and that discussions will proceed in Doha on Sunday. In Washington and in the region, officials emphasize that any future force would operate under clear rules and with robust oversight to protect civilians and prevent smuggling and attacks.
In Israel, the military reports a continued focus on protecting civilians and soldiers while responding to threats. A recent targeted strike in central Gaza hit a person described by the army as planning an imminent attack against Israeli troops. Israeli officials reiterated that dismantling Hamas’ tunnel network remains a central objective, coordinating that effort with other security duties and civilian protection measures.
On the diplomatic front, Israel has signaled flexibility on foreign assistance in locating and recovering hostages’ remains, a matter tied to broader negotiations over the next phase of Gaza’s plan. Under heavy international pressure, Israel indicated openness to allowing an Egyptian search team into Gaza to aid in locating the deceased, while maintaining conditions linked to the release and transfer of remains and the reopening of crossings. The Rafah crossing is viewed as a potential leverage point, with reopening being contingent on progress on the hostage issue and on how the Hamas-led authorities handle governance and security.
The broader security and humanitarian effort in Gaza continues under a multinational framework. Work is advancing to establish permanent housing, electricity, water, and sewage infrastructure in humanitarian zones in southern and northern Gaza. The United Arab Emirates is leading the initiative, with participation from Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, several European partners, Canada, and the United States. Palestinian teams are being trained to operate and manage facilities, while the civilian administration remains under Palestinian leadership in coordination with international monitors. Israel maintains overall security control, including entry and exit points and the prevention of arms smuggling.
In the political and public sphere, the hostage issue remains a rallying point for many in Israeli society. Thousands gathered in Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to mark 750 days since October 7, calling for the return of the 13 hostages who were killed in Hamas captivity and urging thorough accountability. Attendees included freed captives and family members who pressed for decisive action and transparent inquiries into the events surrounding the war.
Beyond Gaza, regional diplomacy continues to unfold. In Doha, Secretary Rubio’s team is pursuing input on a potential international force and plan for Gaza, with discussions expected to resume in the days ahead. In Washington, discussions have focused on aligning US policy with regional partners to stabilize the humanitarian situation and advance a path toward disarmament and governance changes in Gaza, consistent with long-standing US goals in the region.
Amid these developments, broader regional and international dynamics persist. News from other theaters—such as conversations around regional security, economic ties with major powers, and the state of public services in nearby st
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