HEADLINES
- Egypt talks edge toward Gaza hostage ceasefire
- IDF shoots down Yemen-launched drone near border
- Trump open to travel if deal seals

The time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the 6:00 PM update.

Negotiations in Egypt over Gaza hostages and a ceasefire continue to move toward a conclusion, with Israeli officials signaling that progress is tangible and a deal could be announced in the near term. The Hamas side has indicated it would release all living hostages at once as part of an agreement, a central element in a package that would also address a Gaza ceasefire and future governance in the territory. Arab mediators and American and regional partners remain engaged, focusing on guarantees of de-escalation, a framework for post-war Gaza, and a path to a broader settlement. While Hamas has reportedly offered a temporary weapons freeze in some accounts, there is no public indication of a complete disarmament, and the question of weapons and security guarantees remains a major point of discussion. In return, Israel is pressing for robust security assurances, a credible timeline for withdrawal from Gaza, and guarantees that any war-ending arrangement does not leave Hamas or allied groups in a position to rebuild military capabilities.

On the battlefield, the Israeli Defense Forces say they intercepted and neutralized another unmanned aircraft launched from Yemen toward Israeli and border areas. The drone was shot down over a no-town zone along the Israel-Egypt border, and no casualties or damage were reported. The IDF notes that its alerts and defenses continued to operate as usual in open areas, reflecting ongoing vigilance along a border region that has seen a sharp uptick in cross-border activity and incidents linked to broader regional tensions.

In Washington, President Donald Trump has characterized the negotiations as “very close” to a breakthrough and signaled a willingness to travel to the region if a deal is inked. He has been briefed by his senior negotiators and the secretary of state on the state of play, and aides say the administration believes the moment could warrant a signing ceremony in Egypt or another regional venue if an agreement is finalized. Trump also indicated he could depart on short notice, with discussions about a potential visit to Egypt or even Gaza in the event of a deal. The administration continues to coordinate closely with Israel, Egypt, and other mediators to finalize the terms, including the status of hostages, prisoner releases, and security arrangements for Gaza’s future.

Russia’s ambassador and foreign ministry have commented publicly on the Gaza process, with Moscow’s reading of the plan noting it as the best proposal currently on the table, while warning against overpromising outcomes. The Russian assessment comes as Western capitals weigh competing approaches to ceasefire and post-war governance in Gaza, and as European leaders such as Spain move to enshrine arms embargoes against Israel and to debate the broader implications of ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts.

Domestically in Israel, government officials say the sense of momentum in the talks has influenced political calculations at the highest levels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a planned three-day Sukkot holiday in Ramon's crater to stay aligned with the dramatic diplomacy, and the government is preparing a formal proposal to authorize measures tied to a potential end to the war. Relatives of hostages remain on edge, with families and advocacy groups urging leaders to secure a solid agreement and the return of loved ones. Israeli officials have said that while progress is encouraging, the precise sequencing and scope of prisoner releases, detainee conditions, and post-war governance must be carefully calibrated to ensure lasting security and stability.

The hostage crisis continues to cast a long shadow over negotiations. Channel 12 and other outlets cited Israeli briefings indicating that roughly 20 living hostages are believed to be alive and in Gaza, with assessments ongoing about the location and status of the remaining captives. In return for living hostages, the plan contemplates a large-scale release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, alongside a broader set of detainees held in Gaza. Hamas’s leadership has signaled that ensuring the fate of figures such as Marwan Barghouti remains central to the talks, underscoring the complexity of securing a durable agreement that satisfies competing Palestinian and Israeli interests.

Analysts note that even as talks advance, certain elements will be addressed in subsequent rounds. Issues such as disarmament, the rotas for Gaza’s governance, potential security arrangements along the border, and a timetable for Israeli withdrawal are expected to be settled after an initial ceasefire and hostage release are in place. The mediators—among them the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—are aiming to lock in a first phase that could pave the way for longer-term arrangements.

Beyond Gaza, broader regional currents remain in play. A recent Iranian-linked narrative about restraint and influence continues to echo through Lebanon, Syria, and the Hamas leadership, while Israel and allied partners stress that any durable peace must be anchored in security realities and a credible path to lasting stability. In parallel, incidents in other theaters—such as attempts to disrupt or influence Western political and public opinion on the conflict—underscore the high stakes and the global interest in a constructive outcome.

Looking ahead, officials say the next 24 to 48 hours are pivotal for the timing and presentation of a formal agreement. If a deal is announced, Israel’s leadership will be expected to implement the terms with convictive resolve, while Washington would coordinate international support for stability measures and post-conflict reconstruction. The American administration, working in partnership with Israel and regional allies, contends that peace through strength—backed by clear commitments, verified arrangements, and steady diplomatic engagement—offers the most credible path to reducing violence and restoring security for civilians on both sides.

This is the 6:00 PM update.

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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