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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-29 at 19:06
HEADLINES
Darfur Toll Tops 1,850 Civilians This Year
Gaza Ceasefire Holds Amid US Mediation
Iran Rebuilding Ballistic Missiles with China
The time is now 3:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good afternoon. Here is the hourly update on the unfolding events shaping the Middle East and related global developments, with a focus on Israeli security concerns and US policy stances.
In Sudan, the fighting in Darfur has exacted a heavy civilian toll. Reports indicate more than 1,850 civilians have been killed this year in North Darfur, with observers warning the true figure may be higher due to restricted access and ongoing hostilities. The humanitarian picture remains dire as aid deliveries are constrained and civilians bear the brunt of the conflict.
In Israel, political and legal debates continue to influence the broader security environment. A package of domestic developments has drawn focus to the balance between security operations and civilian oversight. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for reforms in law enforcement and questioned the actions of the Military Advocate General in a recent case involving soldiers, underscoring the ongoing tension between political leadership and independent military legal channels. Separately, Otzma Yehudit voiced criticism of the Likud over its role in coalition dynamics and in the World Zionist Congress, reflecting ongoing strains within the broader right-leaning coalition on partnership and representation in international Jewish bodies. In another vein, the attorney general’s office warned that proposed changes to Army Radio could be motivated by politics, signaling continuing scrutiny of public broadcasting and its perceived independence from government influence.
Turning to security affairs, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have continued to target Hamas and allied groups, with officials reporting the elimination of a number of militants tied to the October 7 attacks and related leadership structures. The Israeli Defense Forces described operations that disrupted Hamas’ senior and mid-level command elements inside the Gaza Strip, including commanders and other operatives associated with the group’s militant wing. The campaign comes amid a broader effort to deter further cross-border violence while managing international diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
The situation along Israel’s northern and southern theaters remains fluid. In Gaza, the ceasefire has persisted in a precarious balance, maintained in part by US diplomacy and regional mediation. Washington has publicly framed the current arrangement as phase one of a broader plan that envisions a Gaza free of Hamas influence, with subsequent steps contingent on negotiations and compliance from all sides. The so-called 20-point plan proposed by President Trump—calling for disarmament of Hamas, governance reform in Gaza, and a staged hostage-prisoner exchange—was not signed by any party, and the contours of phase two and beyond remain disputed. At a recent briefing, US officials suggested that while parties discuss the framework, practical steps have been shaped by ongoing talks and on-the-ground realities, with an emphasis on preserving the ceasefire while pursuing hostage and prisoner exchanges.
In parallel, Western intelligence assessments have highlighted shifts in Iran’s strategic posture. Reports indicate Iran is rebuilding ballistic missile manufacturing capacity with Chinese assistance, including substantial imports of key precursor materials. US and allied intelligence agencies note that while there is no active acceleration of uranium enrichment at declared sites, there is renewed activity and movement around Iranian nuclear facilities. The international community remains wary of any renewed nuclear escalations and the potential for mis
Published on 5 days, 9 hours ago