HEADLINES
- US unveils New Gaza hostages return plan
- 11 IDF soldiers wounded in Hamas attack
- Global powers rally around Gaza blueprint

The time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At seven o’clock this evening, the major development in the Gaza crisis centers on a comprehensive plan unveiled by the United States to end the war with Hamas, a plan that has drawn immediate and wide-ranging reactions around the world and at home in Israel. The White House released a 20-point framework, with President Trump pressing for a ceasefire that would end the fighting and demand the return of all hostages—living and dead—within 72 hours of a ceasefire taking effect. The plan describes a redeveloped Gaza, referred to as a “New Gaza,” and envisions a transition from war to a civilian-led administration under a Palestinian technocrat government, backed by an international advisory board chaired by the president and featuring former prime minister Tony Blair. An international security presence would gradually assume policing duties as the Israeli military withdraws, and Israeli security authorities would maintain control in the Strip during this transitional phase.

Israel’s leadership publicly signaled cautious support for the plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would engage on this basis and warned Hamas that failure to accept the plan could invite further devastation. In Europe and among allied capitals, there was a broadly favorable reception. France, Italy and the United Kingdom urged Hamas to lay down its arms and accept the proposal, arguing that the plan could mark a turning point toward a permanent end to the war and the beginning of humanitarian relief and reconstruction. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK stands ready to work with partners to move the proposal toward reality, while Germany’s foreign minister called the plan a unique opportunity to end the war and restore a sense of security to both peoples.

Arab and Muslim states also spoke with a chorus of support. A joint statement from eight Muslim-majority nations welcomed the role of the United States and its “sincere efforts” to end the war in Gaza, and regional actors including Qatar and Egypt indicated they had conveyed the plan to Hamas and would review the response in good faith. The plan’s emphasis on humanitarian access, the staged demilitarization of Gaza, and the prospect of a broader regional reconciliation drew particular attention in capitals seeking to shape the conflict’s next phase.

Within Israel, debate and political heat rose over the plan’s implications for sovereignty and security. A senior opposition-style critique surfaced from critics who argued that any framework positing a Palestinian state or a governance arrangement beyond Israeli security control requires close scrutiny, and some domestic voices warned against any arrangement that could leave Hamas as a political actor. In the wake of the White House briefing, a high-profile local figure, Yossi Dagan, warned that “a red line” must be drawn: no return to a situation that could permit a future Palestinian state or a persistent threat in the heart of the West Bank. A separate line of commentary highlighted the need for vigilance against any backsliding on core security demands as the plan moves from concept to implementation.

On the battlefield, the conflict’s harsh realities persist. Reports indicate that 11 Israeli Defense Forces soldiers were wounded in a Hamas penetration of a military position, five of them seriously, with six sustaining lighter injuries. The attack underscores the persistent danger Hamas can pose even as diplomatic channels broaden. Hamas has not officially accepted or rejected the plan, though mediators described early discussions by Hamas as initially positive, promising to study the proposal in good faith. Qatari and Egyptian mediators have been cited as carrying the plan to Hamas, with emphasis on a careful and responsible review.

The international conversation also touched on a wide array of related issues. A number of European leaders and representatives have underscored the importance of ensuring immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, the safe passage for hostages, and the stabilization of the region to prevent a relapse into broader conflict. In media and political circles, commentary has ranged from praise of the plan’s bold ambition to questions about practical enforcement, the durability of the ceasefire, and whether the security architecture proposed—most notably an international security force and a civilian-led interim administration—will deliver lasting security and political legitimacy for both Israelis and Palestinians.

In the wake of these developments, several domestic and regional threads deserve continued attention. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to defend its citizens while pursuing a path toward peace through strength, while critics call for careful scrutiny of the plan’s long-term implications for sovereignty and regional stability. In parallel, voices in Europe and the Arab world are watching closely whether Hamas will disarm, honor its obligations, and allow for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination within a secure framework for Israel. As the plan moves from proposal to possible implementation, the coming days will test whether the international framework can translate into reality on the ground, whether Hamas will engage in good faith, and whether Israel can maintain security while pursuing a durable peace.

Beyond the immediate Gaza focal point, observers note the broader regional environment remains unsettled. The question of Iran’s influence and its partners, the evolving dynamics in neighboring Syria and Lebanon, and the ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza will continue to shape how the plan is received and how it might be implemented. At this hour, the central headlines are clear: a bold diplomatic blueprint has been laid out in Washington, Israel has signaled cautious engagement, Hamas’ response remains uncertain, and the world watches to see if diplomacy can translate into a sustainable end to a war that has spanned nearly two years. This is the situation as it stands at seven in the evening, with the days ahead likely to determine whether a new chapter can begin in the region or whether the current moment will prove to be only another turn in a long and arduous story.

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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