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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-29 at 09:06
HEADLINES
Israel Resumes Ceasefire, Strikes Hamas Targets
US Pushes Stability, Hints at Hamas Disarmament
Eight Hostages Eligible for Handover
The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 5:00 AM, the focus remains on the Gaza ceasefire and the broader dynamics shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as new developments unfold across the region.
Israel has resumed enforcing the ceasefire after Hamas violations were recorded, with the Israeli military reporting a new round of airstrikes and artillery fire in response. Officials describe the campaign as a continuation of prior efforts, targeting Hamas command and infrastructure. A military briefing stated that dozens of Hamas commanders were neutralized and numerous other targets linked to the group’s military capabilities were struck, underscoring Israel’s determination to defend its troops and civilians and to deter further violations. The impact on the ground has been immediate, with intensified activity reported in multiple zones of Gaza, including near populated centers.
Across the Atlantic, the United States continues to press for stability, urging both sides to avoid actions that could snap the ceasefire. Washington has conveyed to Israeli and regional partners that the arrangements should not be jeopardized and has voiced concern about any substantial changes to the lines that separate territory under Israeli control from Gaza, including opposition to a ground incursion framed as retaliation. A senior US official indicated that while Hamas violated the ceasefire by engaging in hostilities and by misleading with demonstrations such as a staged body discovery, a severe Israeli response could derail efforts to end the war. The US position also leaves open a path that could align with the Trump-era framework—aimed at disarming Hamas and potentially introducing a different governing arrangement—though officials stressed that profound changes would be risky and could jeopardize progress toward a broader settlement.
On the hostages and battlefield allegations, assurances from Israeli security circles emphasize that Hamas has used deception as a tactic. In addition to ongoing hostilities, there are reports that Hamas possesses additional bodies and may leverage them for bargaining leverage. In parallel, assessments from Israeli security circles indicate that Hamas controls a pool of hostages, with some estimates suggesting at least eight captives could be eligible for handover under various scenarios. The Red Cross and other mediators continue to monitor developments, even as the ceasefire is reaffirmed and military activity continues on multiple fronts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant have framed the security challenge in stark terms. The defense minister reiterated that there will be no immunity for Hamas leaders or those hiding in tunnels, and he stressed that the IDF has been instructed to act decisively against any Hamas target. In a separate statement, Netanyahu expressed grief over the loss of an Israeli noncommissioned officer, noting that the soldier fought bravely against Hamas and offering condolences to the family. Officials emphasize that the recent wave of strikes demonstrates Israel’s resolve to safeguard its personnel and civilians and to deter any future aggression.
In Gaza, the Palestinian Health Ministry cites dozens of casualties from overnight airstrikes, reporting that roughly 100 people were killed in various locations. The figure, like others in this conflict, is part of a rapidly changing tally that authorities on both sides update as operations unfold. Humanitarian concerns persist as medical facilities contend with casualty surges and displacement, even as the ceasefire regime seeks to hold.
International and domestic reactions to the conflict continue
Published on 6 days, 1 hour ago