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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-20 at 13:07
Published 1 month, 1 week ago
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HEADLINES
Hamas weighs Gaza exit under Phase II
Iran crackdown prompts UNHRC emergency session
Greece and Israel seal anti-drone defense ties
The time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
8:00 a.m. The regional situation remains fluid as multiple developments unfold from Gaza to Europe and beyond. In Gaza, senior Hamas officials are reported to be weighing a coordinated exit from the enclave following the second phase of the Trump plan, which envisions a technocratic administration for the Strip. Sources cited by a Saudi outlet described a planned, voluntary departure under arrangements coordinated with Hamas leadership abroad, with some leaders reportedly preparing to travel to Turkey or Qatar. Others within Hamas, including military figures, are said to oppose any withdrawal. The reports come as Israel maintains that any future security arrangements must preserve its own security interests, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has emphasized that no Turkish or Qatari troops would be permitted in Gaza. Washington has framed Phase II as including demilitarization and reconstruction, but has offered no fixed timetable for a broader Israeli drawdown beyond a partial withdrawal already in effect.
In Europe, a new survey by ELNET finds that a solid majority of European MPs view their countries’ relations with Israel as good, with notable enthusiasm in Romania, Italy, and Germany. The analysis covers 1,061 Members of Parliament from 35 countries over 2022 to 2025. While support for closer Arab–Israeli normalization remains high—81 percent across waves—views differ by country, with Ireland, Spain, and Turkey more cautious. The poll also highlights broad support for stronger defense and homeland security cooperation, and a substantial share favor joint Gaza reconstruction led by Arab states and Israel. The findings suggest long‑standing strategic alignments rather than short-term reactions to recent events continue to shape European positions on Israel.
In the cultural sphere, Zubin Mehta has canceled all Israeli performances this year, citing what he called Netanyahu’s handling of the Palestinian issue. In his interview, Mehta said he cannotSeparate politics from art, and he urged the arts community to speak out. The development underscores how political strains surrounding the Israeli‑Palestinian issue can intersect with international cultural exchanges and public diplomacy.
On the scientific front, a Hebrew University study advances our understanding of postwar trauma. Researchers followed Israeli participants after the October 7 events and found that perceived injustice—believing one’s suffering is unfair and irreparable—significantly predicts ongoing trauma symptoms, including anger, depression, and anxiety. The study suggests that addressing perceptions of injustice could be a meaningful component of trauma treatment and prevention, alongside traditional approaches focusing on exposure and fear.
Iranian authorities intensified rhetoric about protests in the country, with reports that officials have warned protesters to surrender while portraying the demonstrations as the work of foreign actors. Iranian officials also announced a plan to hold an emergency session at the United Nations Human Rights Council to address what they call alarming violence. Rights groups have highlighted thousands of deaths and widespread casualties in the crackdown, while Iran has faced international condemnation for the use of lethal force and for continuing restrictions on information access. In parallel, Iran’s foreign minister spoke publicly about tensions at Davos after the World Economic Forum canceled his planned appearance, accusing Israel and its allies of pressuring the forum. Israel’s president and others rejected Iran’s allegations, pointing to the regime’s record on human rights and its support for Hamas and
Hamas weighs Gaza exit under Phase II
Iran crackdown prompts UNHRC emergency session
Greece and Israel seal anti-drone defense ties
The time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
8:00 a.m. The regional situation remains fluid as multiple developments unfold from Gaza to Europe and beyond. In Gaza, senior Hamas officials are reported to be weighing a coordinated exit from the enclave following the second phase of the Trump plan, which envisions a technocratic administration for the Strip. Sources cited by a Saudi outlet described a planned, voluntary departure under arrangements coordinated with Hamas leadership abroad, with some leaders reportedly preparing to travel to Turkey or Qatar. Others within Hamas, including military figures, are said to oppose any withdrawal. The reports come as Israel maintains that any future security arrangements must preserve its own security interests, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has emphasized that no Turkish or Qatari troops would be permitted in Gaza. Washington has framed Phase II as including demilitarization and reconstruction, but has offered no fixed timetable for a broader Israeli drawdown beyond a partial withdrawal already in effect.
In Europe, a new survey by ELNET finds that a solid majority of European MPs view their countries’ relations with Israel as good, with notable enthusiasm in Romania, Italy, and Germany. The analysis covers 1,061 Members of Parliament from 35 countries over 2022 to 2025. While support for closer Arab–Israeli normalization remains high—81 percent across waves—views differ by country, with Ireland, Spain, and Turkey more cautious. The poll also highlights broad support for stronger defense and homeland security cooperation, and a substantial share favor joint Gaza reconstruction led by Arab states and Israel. The findings suggest long‑standing strategic alignments rather than short-term reactions to recent events continue to shape European positions on Israel.
In the cultural sphere, Zubin Mehta has canceled all Israeli performances this year, citing what he called Netanyahu’s handling of the Palestinian issue. In his interview, Mehta said he cannotSeparate politics from art, and he urged the arts community to speak out. The development underscores how political strains surrounding the Israeli‑Palestinian issue can intersect with international cultural exchanges and public diplomacy.
On the scientific front, a Hebrew University study advances our understanding of postwar trauma. Researchers followed Israeli participants after the October 7 events and found that perceived injustice—believing one’s suffering is unfair and irreparable—significantly predicts ongoing trauma symptoms, including anger, depression, and anxiety. The study suggests that addressing perceptions of injustice could be a meaningful component of trauma treatment and prevention, alongside traditional approaches focusing on exposure and fear.
Iranian authorities intensified rhetoric about protests in the country, with reports that officials have warned protesters to surrender while portraying the demonstrations as the work of foreign actors. Iranian officials also announced a plan to hold an emergency session at the United Nations Human Rights Council to address what they call alarming violence. Rights groups have highlighted thousands of deaths and widespread casualties in the crackdown, while Iran has faced international condemnation for the use of lethal force and for continuing restrictions on information access. In parallel, Iran’s foreign minister spoke publicly about tensions at Davos after the World Economic Forum canceled his planned appearance, accusing Israel and its allies of pressuring the forum. Israel’s president and others rejected Iran’s allegations, pointing to the regime’s record on human rights and its support for Hamas and