HEADLINES
Hostage remains hinder progress toward ceasefire
Rafah border reopening linked to ceasefire
Russia postpones Arab summit amid regional realignment

The time is now 5:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

As of 5:00 AM, here are the latest developments shaping the regional and international context around Israel, the Gaza conflict, and related diplomacy.

Hamas and hostages remains
Israeli officials say Hamas can hand over a double-digit number of the remains of deceased hostages, but an Israeli source cited by KAN says the group is not making sufficient efforts to do so. This issue sits at the center of ongoing discussions tied to the ceasefire framework and confidence-building measures, including the handling of living hostages and the return of bodies. Families of hostages have pressed for momentum, arguing that progress on this front is essential to closure and to sustaining any broader political arrangements tied to the ceasefire.

Families and hostages: recent statements
The family of Alon Ohel, one of the hostages released, publicized a statement thanking supporters and calling for national unity while detailing his medical condition and expressing gratitude for those who helped secure his freedom. Separately, the Hayman family characterized the return of their daughter Inbar Hayman as a moment of both relief and renewed resolve to press for accountability and a broader return of all hostages and remains still held. The families emphasize that their efforts are tied to broader public support for keeping pressure on all sides to implement the terms of the ceasefire and to secure the release of all captives and the return of remains.

Crossing the Rafah border and ceasefire dynamics
Israel’s military aid agency, COGAT, announced preparations are underway with Egypt to reopen the Rafah border crossing for the movement of people, with an exact date to be announced later. The plan is tied to the broader ceasefire trajectory and to the humanitarian situation inside Gaza, including the handling of remains and the delivery of aid. Israeli officials have signaled that Rafah would remain closed if Hamas does not meet its commitments, highlighting the ongoing linkage between border management, aid flows, and security assurances in the ceasefire framework.

Military honors and the broader war’s status
The Times of Israel reports that the IDF intends to establish a committee to identify soldiers who would receive top citations for conduct during the Hamas onslaught on October 7, 2023, and the ensuing fighting. The move, praised by Defense Minister Israel Katz, could signal a closing chapter to the war given the ceasefire and cease-fire-related releases, although official word on timeline and criteria remains forthcoming. The ceremony at the Nahal Oz base underscored reflections on both failures and heroic acts during the conflict, and the service highlighted ongoing investigations aimed at transparency and learning lessons to fortify security moving forward.

International and nonregional developments
In Europe, Swedish prosecutors identified a suspect in the killing of Salwan Momika, a prominent anti-Islam campaigner, in a case that has drawn attention to potential foreign links and ongoing security concerns. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, pro-Palestinian demonstrations continued to turn violent despite a Gaza ceasefire, with reports of vandalism against major retailers and clashes with police. These incidents illustrate the spillover of regional tensions into Europe and the challenges faced by governments balancing political speech, public safety, and international diplomacy.

Gaza reconstruction and regional actors
Qatar announced that heavy equipment has begun debris removal operations and the opening of primary routes in Gaza, as part of humanitarian assistance. The presence of international construction equipment raises questions about the dual-use risk—whether materials could facilitate Hamas infrastructure efforts as reconstruction discussions proceed. Qatar’s statements emphasized humanitarian aims, but observers warn that timing and control of resources in Gaza remain sensitive given the dynamics with Hamas. Analysts note that while reconstruction supports civilian life, it also intersects with political calculations about the group’s capabilities and the broader security environment.

Russia, the Arab world, and US policy signals
A Russian decision to postpone an announced Arab summit reportedly reflects a shift in regional influence and a Calculated move amid shifting commitments from Arab leaders. Moscow has been seeking to coordinate with Cairo, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and other capitals, but attendance commitments have been uneven. In Washington, President Trump has used his Gaza ceasefire leverage as part of a broader foreign policy posture, suggesting greater willingness to shape regional outcomes and raise pressure on actors outside the region. The evolving alignment among major powers—Russia, the United States, and regional actors—continues to influence the pace and shape of diplomacy around Gaza, hostage issues, and containment of violence.

Security incidents and regional memory
Beyond Gaza, reporting notes ongoing security concerns in adjacent theaters, including open hostilities and tensions linked to broader Middle East security. Israel marked the two-year anniversary of significant war-time events with ceremonies and public statements emphasizing accountability, resilience, and the duty to retrieve all remains and honor all those lost or harmed during the conflict. The memory of those events continues to shape domestic policy, security judgments, and international messaging.

Bottom line
As the ceasefire framework holds, attention remains focused on the handling of hostages and their remains, the pace of humanitarian relief and reconstruction, and the continuity of international engagement to sustain stability. The coming days will likely see continued public calls from families and communities, further updates on Rafah crossing logistics, and ongoing conversations among Israel, Egypt, the United States, and regional partners about the path forward. We will continue monitoring the situation and report the latest developments as they unfold.

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
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