Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-13 at 08:10
Update: 2025-10-13
Description
HEADLINES
- Seven hostages return to Israeli soil
- Second-phase hostages to be released soon
- Trump visits Israel amid hostage release push
The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
A ceasefire brokered with U S backing and announced in Sharm el-Sheik h as Gaza holds at the moment, the first wave of hostages has begun returning to Israeli soil, with seven living captives arriving in stages and medical assessments underway. Israeli officials say the operation remains tightly coordinated with Red Cross representatives and security forces to ensure the welfare of the captives and the safety of the transfer points. Alongside the return, the Israeli government emphasizes that its security is nonnegotiable and that the military will maintain readiness to address any threats that could test the ceasefire.
In the newest developments, seven hostages were transferred from Hamas to Israeli forces and began the journey to medical facilities in Israel after crossing into territory controlled by the Israeli military. The seven were Alon Ohel, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. Families gathered at reception points and at the reception centers near the transfer zones, where they received updates from a joint Israeli Defense Forces and Shin Bet liaison. The Red Cross confirmed it had taken custody of the hostages on arrival and would supervise further handovers as the operation moves to the next stage.
Crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square erupted with emotion as word spread that the first group had reached Israeli soil. Dozens carried photographs of the captives and waved yellow ribbons in a vigil that connected families, friends, and supporters who had waited for years for word of their loved ones. One demonstrator described a mix of relief and grief, saying the moment was heavy with both joy for those returning and sorrow for others who remain unaccounted for.
Official guidance indicates a second stage of releases is expected, with roughly thirteen additional hostages slated for handover in coming hours, bringing the total to twenty living captives released in the initial phase of the accord. Hamas has published a list of those to be freed in the second stage, and mediators say the process will continue under Red Cross oversight. Israel has signaled it is prepared to receive the next group as soon as the handover is complete and security conditions permit.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog have welcomed the return of the seven captives and have pledged to sustain security measures as a core requirement of the ceasefire. President Trump’s arrival in Israel for a high-visibility visit coincides with these events, underscoring a moment of intensified domestic and international attention. The U S president is scheduled to address a special session of the Knesset and to participate in a regional gathering in Egypt; at the same time, he is expected to be briefed on the hostage exchange and the broader security landscape, including the potential for future cooperation with Israel on regional peace efforts described by American and Israeli officials as a stance of peace through strength.
International observers note that Iran and its network of proxies have faced pressures as the ceasefire stabilizes. Analysts caution that while the conflict has moved into a new phase, Iran’s regional footprint remains a factor in the security calculus for Israel, Hamas, and allied partners. Reports stress that the fall in direct leverage for some Iran-linked groups could shape how the next days unfold in terms of violence, deterrence, and political messaging from the various actors involved.
On the humanitarian front, the Gaza ceasefire has brought a pause to some of the most painful bottlenecks in the territory, but questions remain about how aid will be delivered in the weeks ahead. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a privately funded operation previously administered by private contractors under the ceasefire framework, has begun winding down certain distributions as the warehouses transition to other agencies. Egyptian officials and others familiar with the agreement tell The Associated Press that multiple distribution sites have already ceased operations in southern Gaza and central corridors, with plans to shift to broader UN-led relief channels. The United Nations says it is prepared to rapidly scale up aid to Gaza, with roughly 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine, and relief supplies staged and ready, contingent on Israel’s authorization for entry and the reconfiguration of distribution networks. COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry body handling humanitarian matters, indicates that daily aid throughput could rise to about 600 trucks once approvals are in place, though actual distribution will depend on security conditions and the ongoing synchronization with Israeli and Palestinian authorities. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher says the plan for the next two months centers on restoring essential medical services, distributing thousands of tons of food and fuel, and removing rubble that blocks access to basic services.
These developments come as the ceasefire’s framework includes conditions on prisoner exchanges and the management of humanitarian corridors. Israeli officials say the arrangement is designed to prevent a relapse into wider hostilities, while acknowledging that security concerns remain paramount for Israeli citizens and for the families of hostages. Hamas and other actors have indicated that the release process could continue in phased steps, with each stage accompanied by monitored handovers and confirmatory check-ins through international observers and the Red Cross.
Domestically, the return of hostages has sparked emotional moments across Israeli communities. In addition to the scenes at Hostages Square, families have described the relief of hearing a loved one’s voice after years of silence and pressure from the families’ sides to ensure that every possible effort is made to secure safe release. As the process unfolds, Israeli authorities continue to emphasize that there will be ongoing medical evaluations and security checks for each captive upon arrival, with oversight from both security agencies and international partners to ensure quality of care and transparency.
In Washington, the Trump administration’s involvement is seen as a signal of sustained American engagement with Israel on security matters as well as a willingness to support measured diplomacy that could reduce regional tension while preserving Israel’s right to defend itself. The president’s presence in Israel at a moment of symbolic importance—marking both the return of hostages and a high-profile reaffirmation of the U S-Israel partnership—is being viewed by officials here as an important signal that the United States will stand with its allies in pursuing a durable peace through strength, grounded in secure borders and credible deterrence.
Looking ahead, officials stress that the ceasefire is not a permanent end to all conflict, but a framework designed to stabilize the Gaza Strip, enable humanitarian relief, and allow for the safe return of hostages. The next decisive test lies in the timely and orderly completion of the second phase of hostage releases and in the ability of aid agencies to deliver essential services to Gaza residents without provoking renewed violence. Security forces are prepared to respond to any breach of the accord, while international partners monitor compliance and support humanitarian relief as the situation evolves.
As this hour closes, the cityscape of Tel Aviv and the streets around Gaza’s edges remain acutely aware of the thin line between relief and risk. The promises embedded in the ceasefire—humanitarian access, the safe return of hostages, and the prospect of a steadier regional balance—are being weighed against the memories of years of conflict and the daily realities faced by families on both sides. The hours ahead will test the strength of the agreement, the resolve of the involved parties, and the willingness of the international community to back a path that seeks peace through a persistent and credible demonstration of strength where it is needed most.
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.
SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870304
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870295
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870298
https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-lands-in-israel-as-first-7-hostages-returned/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1241079
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-870294
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1241075
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1
- Seven hostages return to Israeli soil
- Second-phase hostages to be released soon
- Trump visits Israel amid hostage release push
The time is now 4:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
A ceasefire brokered with U S backing and announced in Sharm el-Sheik h as Gaza holds at the moment, the first wave of hostages has begun returning to Israeli soil, with seven living captives arriving in stages and medical assessments underway. Israeli officials say the operation remains tightly coordinated with Red Cross representatives and security forces to ensure the welfare of the captives and the safety of the transfer points. Alongside the return, the Israeli government emphasizes that its security is nonnegotiable and that the military will maintain readiness to address any threats that could test the ceasefire.
In the newest developments, seven hostages were transferred from Hamas to Israeli forces and began the journey to medical facilities in Israel after crossing into territory controlled by the Israeli military. The seven were Alon Ohel, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. Families gathered at reception points and at the reception centers near the transfer zones, where they received updates from a joint Israeli Defense Forces and Shin Bet liaison. The Red Cross confirmed it had taken custody of the hostages on arrival and would supervise further handovers as the operation moves to the next stage.
Crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square erupted with emotion as word spread that the first group had reached Israeli soil. Dozens carried photographs of the captives and waved yellow ribbons in a vigil that connected families, friends, and supporters who had waited for years for word of their loved ones. One demonstrator described a mix of relief and grief, saying the moment was heavy with both joy for those returning and sorrow for others who remain unaccounted for.
Official guidance indicates a second stage of releases is expected, with roughly thirteen additional hostages slated for handover in coming hours, bringing the total to twenty living captives released in the initial phase of the accord. Hamas has published a list of those to be freed in the second stage, and mediators say the process will continue under Red Cross oversight. Israel has signaled it is prepared to receive the next group as soon as the handover is complete and security conditions permit.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog have welcomed the return of the seven captives and have pledged to sustain security measures as a core requirement of the ceasefire. President Trump’s arrival in Israel for a high-visibility visit coincides with these events, underscoring a moment of intensified domestic and international attention. The U S president is scheduled to address a special session of the Knesset and to participate in a regional gathering in Egypt; at the same time, he is expected to be briefed on the hostage exchange and the broader security landscape, including the potential for future cooperation with Israel on regional peace efforts described by American and Israeli officials as a stance of peace through strength.
International observers note that Iran and its network of proxies have faced pressures as the ceasefire stabilizes. Analysts caution that while the conflict has moved into a new phase, Iran’s regional footprint remains a factor in the security calculus for Israel, Hamas, and allied partners. Reports stress that the fall in direct leverage for some Iran-linked groups could shape how the next days unfold in terms of violence, deterrence, and political messaging from the various actors involved.
On the humanitarian front, the Gaza ceasefire has brought a pause to some of the most painful bottlenecks in the territory, but questions remain about how aid will be delivered in the weeks ahead. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a privately funded operation previously administered by private contractors under the ceasefire framework, has begun winding down certain distributions as the warehouses transition to other agencies. Egyptian officials and others familiar with the agreement tell The Associated Press that multiple distribution sites have already ceased operations in southern Gaza and central corridors, with plans to shift to broader UN-led relief channels. The United Nations says it is prepared to rapidly scale up aid to Gaza, with roughly 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine, and relief supplies staged and ready, contingent on Israel’s authorization for entry and the reconfiguration of distribution networks. COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry body handling humanitarian matters, indicates that daily aid throughput could rise to about 600 trucks once approvals are in place, though actual distribution will depend on security conditions and the ongoing synchronization with Israeli and Palestinian authorities. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher says the plan for the next two months centers on restoring essential medical services, distributing thousands of tons of food and fuel, and removing rubble that blocks access to basic services.
These developments come as the ceasefire’s framework includes conditions on prisoner exchanges and the management of humanitarian corridors. Israeli officials say the arrangement is designed to prevent a relapse into wider hostilities, while acknowledging that security concerns remain paramount for Israeli citizens and for the families of hostages. Hamas and other actors have indicated that the release process could continue in phased steps, with each stage accompanied by monitored handovers and confirmatory check-ins through international observers and the Red Cross.
Domestically, the return of hostages has sparked emotional moments across Israeli communities. In addition to the scenes at Hostages Square, families have described the relief of hearing a loved one’s voice after years of silence and pressure from the families’ sides to ensure that every possible effort is made to secure safe release. As the process unfolds, Israeli authorities continue to emphasize that there will be ongoing medical evaluations and security checks for each captive upon arrival, with oversight from both security agencies and international partners to ensure quality of care and transparency.
In Washington, the Trump administration’s involvement is seen as a signal of sustained American engagement with Israel on security matters as well as a willingness to support measured diplomacy that could reduce regional tension while preserving Israel’s right to defend itself. The president’s presence in Israel at a moment of symbolic importance—marking both the return of hostages and a high-profile reaffirmation of the U S-Israel partnership—is being viewed by officials here as an important signal that the United States will stand with its allies in pursuing a durable peace through strength, grounded in secure borders and credible deterrence.
Looking ahead, officials stress that the ceasefire is not a permanent end to all conflict, but a framework designed to stabilize the Gaza Strip, enable humanitarian relief, and allow for the safe return of hostages. The next decisive test lies in the timely and orderly completion of the second phase of hostage releases and in the ability of aid agencies to deliver essential services to Gaza residents without provoking renewed violence. Security forces are prepared to respond to any breach of the accord, while international partners monitor compliance and support humanitarian relief as the situation evolves.
As this hour closes, the cityscape of Tel Aviv and the streets around Gaza’s edges remain acutely aware of the thin line between relief and risk. The promises embedded in the ceasefire—humanitarian access, the safe return of hostages, and the prospect of a steadier regional balance—are being weighed against the memories of years of conflict and the daily realities faced by families on both sides. The hours ahead will test the strength of the agreement, the resolve of the involved parties, and the willingness of the international community to back a path that seeks peace through a persistent and credible demonstration of strength where it is needed most.
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.
SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870304
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870295
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870298
https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-lands-in-israel-as-first-7-hostages-returned/
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1241079
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-870294
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1241075
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1
Comments
In Channel
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States00:00
00:00
x
