HEADLINES
US brokered ceasefire advances with Hamas absent
Qatari diplomats killed in crash near Sharm
Khan Younis debris blocks routes as rebuild

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Two o'clock in the morning. This is the hourly news update on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the broader regional convergence around Gaza.

A United States brokered ceasefire announced in Sharm el-Sheikh moves into its initial phase. Hamas will not participate in the signing ceremony; mediators and American and Israeli officials will be present, according to officials involved in the talks. The arrangement follows a Washington plan that envisions a staged sequence including Israeli withdrawals, hostage releases, a humanitarian surge, and the creation of an administrative mechanism for Gaza that is not controlled by Hamas or Israel.

International mediation continues with Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar playing key roles, and more than twenty countries are expected to attend the ceremony. The ceasefire aims to end the current round of fighting and to set conditions for a longer-term agreement across its steps, aligned with the American diplomatic framework guiding the process.

Three Qatari diplomats traveling with the Qatari delegation were killed in a car crash in the Sharm el-Sheikh area en route to the ceasefire signing, with two others injured. The incident underscores the risks facing diplomatic teams operating in volatile environments.

In Gaza, observers report a shift in Hamas security posture as the ceasefire takes effect. The movement has expanded its security presence and is conducting checks and arrests intended to stabilize civilian life, while reconstruction work begins in earnest. In Khan Younis, residents describe extensive destruction; officials say large portions of the city were damaged, with water and sewage systems collapsed and thousands of tons of debris blocking major routes. As reconstruction proceeds, many Gazans have begun returning to ruined homes and temporary shelters while authorities coordinate rubble removal and essential services restoration.

Across the border in southern Israel, the security establishment emphasizes that the ceasefire must be complemented by sustained security measures to prevent attacks and to protect hostages. In parallel, Israeli security forces conducted operations to prevent incitement and support for terrorists during the weekend, including actions against demonstrations and the removal of Hamas banners, with several suspects detained for involvement in incitement to violence. The focus remains on safeguarding civilians and preparing for possible extensions of hostage negotiations within the parameters of the peace plan’s phases.

Regionally, observers highlight the United States’ central role as broker and “super-mediator,” a framing that reflects a shift in traditional diplomacy. The approach relies on a mix of incentives and pressure through regional mediators in Turkey and Qatar to push Hamas into concessions while sustaining Israel’s security needs. Critics caution that the process will require time to establish durable governance mechanisms in Gaza capable of preventing a relapse into violence.

On the ground in Israel’s north, Metula’s path to recovery continues to face hurdles. The town endured severe damage during the confrontation with Hezbollah, with mass displacement and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. The northern rehabilitation effort has allocated billions in funding for repair and compensation, yet many residents have not returned. Some hotels and businesses have reopened, but services such as dining and schooling are still limited, and reconstruction remains visible on streets and buildings. Security officials say Hezbollah’s positions are now concentrated further north, with the bulk of its weapons infrastructure situated north of the Litani River, and patrols and routes adjusted to maintain guard against any sudden escalation. Local residents voice guarded optimism, while acknowledging ongoing challenges as the community rebuilds.

Internationally, observers point to mediation dynamics that could influence future diplomacy if the current process holds. Some analysts argue that the United States has assumed a leadership role that may shape regional alignments, with European involvement comparatively limited in this phase. The emphasis remains on sustaining the momentum of the ceasefire and ensuring governance and humanitarian access that can translate into durable peace.

Humanitarian relief remains a central concern. Agencies warn that civilians in Gaza require reliable and timely aid access, and the plan’s humanitarian surge will depend on security guarantees and governance arrangements that ensure relief reaches those in need.

Public attention around the Gaza issue remains intense worldwide. A large pro-Palestinian rally took place in Sydney, Australia, with organizers estimating tens of thousands of participants, reflecting the global resonance of the conflict even as diplomatic channels continue to press for progress in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Finally, observers note Sharm el-Sheikh’s longstanding role as a mediation hub in the region. If this round yields durable progress, it could offer a model for future diplomacy aimed at reconciling competing national aims while preserving Israel’s security and regional stability.

This is the hour’s update. We will continue to monitor developments and report with careful balance, foregrounding Israel’s security concerns and the support of the United States as it works with allies to pursue peace through strength.

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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