Israel Today: Ongoing War Report podcast

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-11 at 16:05

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HEADLINES
Ceasefire holds as Israel demands Hamas disarm
28 hostages identified after bodies returned
US CENTCOM-led stabilization center forms

The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

The ceasefire brokered by the United States and announced in Sharm el-Sheikh is holding as Israel and Hamas move into the first phase of the deal, with security arrangements and humanitarian steps continuing on the ground. In Jerusalem, Israeli officials say the next stage will depend on Hamas disarming and meeting security commitments; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that if the disarmament goal is not achieved, Israel will pursue security measures as needed to protect its citizens.

A somber task is underway as an Israeli forensic team completes preparations to identify 28 hostages whose bodies are being returned from Hamas custody. Dozens of experts are standing by for one of the war’s most difficult procedures, even as hopes for living releases remain part of the negotiation landscape. Overall, Hamas continues to hold 48 hostages in Gaza, with 26 bodies confirmed dead by Israeli authorities; about 20 hostages are believed to be alive, with concerns remaining for two others.

Security conditions inside Gaza have shown signs of strain as the ceasefire takes effect. Palestinian factions have reported clashes in Beit Lahia and the Sabra neighborhood and broader security chaos in certain areas of the Strip, underscoring the fragility of a halt to fighting two years after the October 7th crisis. In a related thread, some voices within Hamas have stressed their commitment to completing the first phase of the agreement, including cooperation with mediators to locate the remains of captives and to advance the terms tied to civilian exchanges.

The US diplomatic footprint has been large and practical. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper traveled to an Israeli base in Gaza to confirm that the withdrawal components of the ceasefire had proceeded as scheduled. They outlined plans to establish a CENTCOM-led Civil-Military Coordination Center to synchronize post-conflict stabilization efforts, while stressing that American troops would not be stationed on the ground in Gaza. Reports indicate a US military advisory presence—about 200 personnel—will assist from regional bases to monitor the truce and support coordination, with other regional partners embedded in the mission.

Former US President Donald Trump has been central to these dynamics, having helped secure the initial ceasefire framework. He is slated to visit Israel and address the Knesset during a high-profile stopover, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on peace through strength and the belief that a robust international framework can support security for Israel while advancing diplomacy with Hamas and other regional actors.

Humanitarian relief is a parallel focus. Aid deliveries have accelerated, with more than 500 trucks crossing into Gaza on a single day as crossings reopen and routes expand. The UN and aid partners have urged Israel to maintain open humanitarian corridors and to ensure aid reaches civilians in need as reconstruction begins. The scale of destruction remains stark, with the Gaza Strip's death toll surpassing 66,000 and the displaced population approaching two million. The damage to housing and essential services is measured in tens of billions of dollars, and the UN warned that much of Gaza’s infrastructure has been shattered, complicating recovery efforts even as humanitarian channels widen.

In the broader regional picture, Lebanon reported a deadly overnight strike that Israeli officials described as targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, prompting condemnation from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun who argued the attack risked expanding conflict after the Gaza ceasefire. The strike and its fallout have added another layer of volatility to a region already watching tightly for how the Gaza agreement will unfold. Separately, pro-Palestinian demonstrations continued in London, reflecting a mix of relief and skepticism about the ceasefire’s durability.

On the home front, families affected by the October 7th crisis remain intensely focused on the fate of their loved ones, expressing both the grief of mourning and the demand for durable accountability and clarity about what comes next. As the ceasefire endures into its second day, the questions now center on whether Hamas will fulfill its disarmament and governance commitments, how quickly aid and reconstruction can accelerate in Gaza, and what the long-term security and political arrangements will require from Israel, the United States, and regional partners.

This is a moment when the gains of quiet cooperation must be matched by credible, verifiable steps that reduce civilian suffering while preserving Israel’s security. The hours ahead will test the balance between deterrence and diplomacy, between humanitarian relief and strategic patience, as the international community watches closely for signs that the promise of peace through strength can translate into lasting stability for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

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