Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-01-23 at 15:07
Published 1 month ago
Description
HEADLINES
Jerusalem Romema daycare evacuated over toxin fears
US warns sanctions could hit Iraqi oil
Rafah crossing to reopen under US-backed council
The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is a live hourly briefing. At the scene in Jerusalem, emergency responders say the situation at a Romema daycare began with multiple children becoming unresponsive and quickly prompted operators to treat it as a potential environmental or toxic threat. United Hatzalah dispatched its Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit to support anxious parents awaiting reunification with their children. First responders shifted tactics as the medical team determined the need for space and rapid transport, moving children to safe areas and coordinating with firefighters dressed for containment. As signs pointed to a possible toxic exposure, teams evacuated the building and reassembled at warmer locations to prevent hypothermia and stabilize families. A WhatsApp relay system was used to reunite parents and children, with volunteers photographing children and coordinating with hospital emergency rooms to track arrivals and triage reunifications. Responders also supported one another after the event, holding a debrief at headquarters. In the early hours, officials stressed that the precise cause remains under investigation and that the immediate priority was safeguarding children and reuniting families.
Separately, US policy makers have signaled a hard line on Iran-linked influence in the region. Washington has reportedly warned Iraqi officials that sanctions targeting the Iraqi state could extend to the critical flow of oil revenue through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York should Iran-backed armed groups participate in the next government. The warnings have underscored a longstanding US objective to curb Iranian influence in Iraq while continuing to scrutinize financial channels that might support proxy networks. The discussions, described by multiple Iraqi officials and sources, illustrate the complex interplay of diplomacy, sanctions, and regional security as Washington seeks to limit Tehran’s reach without disrupting the sovereignty of allied governments. The State Department refrained from commenting on the specifics of the discussions, which have occurred in recent months through channels in Baghdad.
In business news, a Tel Aviv hamburger chain has taken a new step in its growth by selling a 50 percent stake to the Nono Group in a deal valued at roughly 65 million shekels. The transaction, which centers on GDB, George’s dry-aged burger, aligns with Nono Group’s broader expansion of its restaurant portfolio, including several brands already established in Israel. The deal is described as a step toward scaling the concept while preserving its culinary identity and ensuring the brand can be more widely available to a loyal customer base.
On the humanitarian and diplomatic front, plans for the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza remain a focal point as a broader push to end the war enters a new phase. Reports indicate that the crossing could reopen next week under the administration of a transitional Palestinian council backed by the United States to temporarily manage Gaza. Israel is believed to be aiming to limit the number of Palestinians entering Gaza through Rafah and to channel more people outward than inward, a stance that would be reinforced by proposals for a military checkpoint inside Gaza to screen those moving to and from the territory. The United States has framed the rollout of such a plan as part of a phased approach to end hostilities, including partial troop withdrawals and Hamas relinquishing direct control over administration. Humanitarian concerns persist for Gazans relying on the crossing for access to essential services.
Meanwhile, Iran’s messaging continued to reflect its adver
Jerusalem Romema daycare evacuated over toxin fears
US warns sanctions could hit Iraqi oil
Rafah crossing to reopen under US-backed council
The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is a live hourly briefing. At the scene in Jerusalem, emergency responders say the situation at a Romema daycare began with multiple children becoming unresponsive and quickly prompted operators to treat it as a potential environmental or toxic threat. United Hatzalah dispatched its Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit to support anxious parents awaiting reunification with their children. First responders shifted tactics as the medical team determined the need for space and rapid transport, moving children to safe areas and coordinating with firefighters dressed for containment. As signs pointed to a possible toxic exposure, teams evacuated the building and reassembled at warmer locations to prevent hypothermia and stabilize families. A WhatsApp relay system was used to reunite parents and children, with volunteers photographing children and coordinating with hospital emergency rooms to track arrivals and triage reunifications. Responders also supported one another after the event, holding a debrief at headquarters. In the early hours, officials stressed that the precise cause remains under investigation and that the immediate priority was safeguarding children and reuniting families.
Separately, US policy makers have signaled a hard line on Iran-linked influence in the region. Washington has reportedly warned Iraqi officials that sanctions targeting the Iraqi state could extend to the critical flow of oil revenue through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York should Iran-backed armed groups participate in the next government. The warnings have underscored a longstanding US objective to curb Iranian influence in Iraq while continuing to scrutinize financial channels that might support proxy networks. The discussions, described by multiple Iraqi officials and sources, illustrate the complex interplay of diplomacy, sanctions, and regional security as Washington seeks to limit Tehran’s reach without disrupting the sovereignty of allied governments. The State Department refrained from commenting on the specifics of the discussions, which have occurred in recent months through channels in Baghdad.
In business news, a Tel Aviv hamburger chain has taken a new step in its growth by selling a 50 percent stake to the Nono Group in a deal valued at roughly 65 million shekels. The transaction, which centers on GDB, George’s dry-aged burger, aligns with Nono Group’s broader expansion of its restaurant portfolio, including several brands already established in Israel. The deal is described as a step toward scaling the concept while preserving its culinary identity and ensuring the brand can be more widely available to a loyal customer base.
On the humanitarian and diplomatic front, plans for the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza remain a focal point as a broader push to end the war enters a new phase. Reports indicate that the crossing could reopen next week under the administration of a transitional Palestinian council backed by the United States to temporarily manage Gaza. Israel is believed to be aiming to limit the number of Palestinians entering Gaza through Rafah and to channel more people outward than inward, a stance that would be reinforced by proposals for a military checkpoint inside Gaza to screen those moving to and from the territory. The United States has framed the rollout of such a plan as part of a phased approach to end hostilities, including partial troop withdrawals and Hamas relinquishing direct control over administration. Humanitarian concerns persist for Gazans relying on the crossing for access to essential services.
Meanwhile, Iran’s messaging continued to reflect its adver