HEADLINES
Twenty Hostages Freed Four Bodies Returned
Gaza Aid Capped at 300 Trucks
US and Europe Push Open Gaza Crossings

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

At 2:00 PM, here is the latest hourly update on the Middle East with a focus on Gaza, hostages, and regional diplomacy.

The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire framework has produced a living return and at least some of the remains, but major challenges remain. Twenty hostages who were held in Gaza were released and returned to Israel, while four bodies were handed over. Israeli officials have said that 24 bodies of slain hostages still remain in Gaza, and that further returns could hinge on progress in related ceasefire provisions. The United States has framed this as a milestone, but stressed that more work lies ahead as the second phase of the agreement is set to unfold.

In parallel, Israel says it will restrict aid into Gaza, limiting daily entry to about 300 trucks, far short of the 600 trucks envisioned in the ceasefire terms. Israel also signaled it would curb the flow of fuel and gas into the enclave except for humanitarian needs. The restriction follows Hamas’s failure to return the remains of all deceased Israeli hostages within the 72-hour window that Israel and Hamas had agreed upon. The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross have called for all crossings into Gaza to be opened to meet the humanitarian needs of civilians.

Among the newly identified hostages, four bodies were confirmed as returned: Captain Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi, Guy Illouz, and Bipin Joshi. The Israeli Defense Forces said Illouz died from untreated wounds, while Sharabi was likely killed in an airstrike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife visited the hospital to meet the recently released hostages and their families, reaffirming a commitment to bring home every captive. Doctors and family members have described varying degrees of recovery and ongoing medical care for those released, with families expressing gratitude to caregivers and the support network surrounding the hospitals.

On the diplomatic front, US President Donald Trump has described the recent hostage releases as lifting a “big burden” while saying the job is not finished and that phase two of the Gaza deal begins now. The administration has signaled that while the initial step has been achieved, the broader framework will require careful coordination with regional partners. Analysts note that while a signing ceremony in Egypt last week drew high-profile attention, many of the operational details of Trump’s 20-point peace plan remain to be negotiated, and follow-through will depend on practical measures taken by all parties.

Europe and other partners weighed in as well. EU ministers discussed how Europe might contribute to supporting the peace framework, with European leaders emphasizing the need for a credible path to a broader settlement in Gaza. Britain’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, said decommissioning Hamas could be a model drawn from Northern Ireland as part of a broader effort to disarm militant factions in Gaza, underscoring the belief that a lasting ceasefire requires more than a temporary pause in hostilities.

In Gaza, Hamas has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of the ceasefire provisions. An Israeli official said Hamas’s decision last week to release only a portion of the living hostages and to return only a few remains has complicated efforts to advance to the next phase. Analysts warn that without complete cooperation on the return of remains and the sharing of information about missing hostages, progress toward broader political and security objectives will be constrained.

Within Israel, public statements by officials have reinforced resolve to recover all captives and remains. Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that the government would employ every available means to return hostages and defend national security, while hospital updates indicated that released captives are receiving ongoing medical care and family support. Some relatives of hostages have urged international mediators to press Hamas to fulfill all elements of the ceasefire agreement, including the return of all remaining hostages and comprehensive information about other missing individuals.

The broader regional picture continues to be shaped by related developments. A Reuters investigative report raised questions about the Assad regime’s handling of mass graves in Syria, revealing the covert movement of thousands of bodies to conceal past killings. While not directly linked to Gaza’s ceasefire, the report underscores ongoing humanitarian and security concerns across parts of the region and the willingness of governments to take discreet steps that affect civilian protection and accountability.

Also of note, reports from Turkey and other Gulf allies indicated broad interest in supporting Gaza’s reconstruction should a sustainable peace framework take root, with leaders urging cooperation from Western partners and regional stakeholders. In parallel, British discussions about disarming Hamas and decommissioning militant groups in Gaza were framed as part of a broader strategy to prevent a relapse into violence after any ceasefire.

Looking ahead, officials say the next phase will hinge on concrete steps by all sides: complete and verified return of all remains, ongoing humanitarian access, and credible mechanisms to prevent a relapse into hostilities. International humanitarian actors stressed the importance of keeping crossings open where possible to meet urgent needs, while security assessments focus on ensuring that any security arrangements do not leave civilians exposed to renewed violence.

In summary, the day’s developments reflect a cautious, ongoing process rather than a conclusive resolution. Israel has secured the retrieval of several hostages and remains but faces continuing pressure over the timing and scope of remaining recoveries, humanitarian access, and guarantees of durable security. The United States and European partners are pressing for steady progress and practical steps that can advance a broader political settlement, while regional actors weigh the prospects for reconstruction and long-term peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East. Authorities say more updates will follow as teams on the ground assess progress, monitor compliance with the ceasefire terms, and respond to any new developments that could affect the delicate balance at play.

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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