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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-30 at 00:07
HEADLINES
Khan Younis Strikes Escalate Gaza Front
Netanyahu Vows Disarm Hamas Demilitarize Gaza
New Zealand Targets Russian Oil Shadow Fleet
The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At eight o’clock this evening, here is your hourly update on events shaping the region and beyond. Arab reports say the Israeli air force carried out strikes in the Khan Younis area in the southern Gaza Strip, according to sources in the area. The strikes come amid ongoing cross-border fire and military activity that have kept the Gaza front in focus for regional observers and international powers alike. In a separate development tied to the broader security picture, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to the United States Central Command’s CMCC facility in Kiryat Gat accompanied by senior IDF leadership, asserted that disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza will be achieved, reiterating a long-standing objective of Israeli security policy and signaling readiness to pursue a comprehensive strategy alongside its security partners.
On the diplomatic and international sanctions front, New Zealand announced expanded sanctions on Russia’s oil industry and the so‑called shadow fleet, expanding measures to target refining and transport links that support Russian oil revenues. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the new package extends penalties to a further 65 shadow fleet vessels and actors from Belarus, Iran and North Korea involved in refining and moving Russian oil, and in facilitating oil‑related payments. The move comes as part of broader international efforts to constrain Moscow’s energy exports and to press for greater accountability in the oil trade that underpins much of the current conflict dynamics.
Turning to domestic political developments, delegates at the World Zionist Congress faces a controversial moment as a push to appoint Yair Netanyahu, the prime minister’s son, to a senior role within the organization drew sharp opposition. Reports indicate delegates were urged to vote against the deal, not out of personal dislike but out of concern for the integrity and governance of the institution. In the hours leading up to a scheduled vote, a separate debate has roiled the assembly floor, with critics arguing that placing a family member in a high‑profile post would undermine institutional norms. The discussions unfolded against a backdrop of broader concerns about appointments within nationalist and communal bodies, with implications for how these institutions interface with political leadership back in Israel.
Amid these debates, a widely circulated recording has intensified the conversation about nepotism and governance. In a late‑night exchange, ministerial figures engaged in a pointed exchange over the discussion of personnel appointments, with one veteran administrator reportedly arguing that family connections distort governance, while others defended the PM’s prerogatives. The episode has fed into a broader narrative about transparency and accountability within institutions that operate at the intersection of politics, philanthropy, and national service.
In other headlines, the Times of Israel reported the death of Rabbi Alvin Kass, a long‑time NYPD chaplain whose career spanned moments of extremity and crisis, from 9/11 responses to hostage negotiations. Kass, who served as a spiritual leader for police and community alike, was known for his advocacy on the rights of Jewish officers and for a life of service that bridged faith, law enforcement, and public life. His passing marks the end of an era for many who relied on his steady presence in times of terror and tragedy.
On the international security beat, US lawmakers from both parties called for a strong response to violence in Sudan, where paramilitary forces have seized new territory and reportedly attacked civil
Published on 5 days, 4 hours ago