HEADLINES
IDF Destroys Hamas Tunnels in Northern Gaza
Hamas Excavates Seven to Nine Hostages Remains
South Emergency Lifted as Security Posture Shifts

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is an on the record update at 11:00 AM.

In Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces’ 99th Division has completed its northern Gaza mission, reporting the destruction of more than a kilometer of Hamas tunnel systems and the killing of hundreds of militants. The operation was described as part of ongoing efforts to degrade Hamas’ underground network and disrupt cross-border violence, with the IDF emphasizing the scope and precision of the mission.

In parallel, Hamas has said it has begun excavating remains of seven to nine Gaza hostages, a development confirmed to various outlets by a source familiar with the search. The same reports note that Hamas has located remains in different areas of Gaza, while Israel continues to monitor the situation closely. The wider context remains the ongoing US-brokered ceasefire framework, under which Israel says it will proceed with the second stage only if Hamas fulfills its obligations, including the return of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. Israel has said the return of all hostages remains a litmus test, with 13 captives still unaccounted for under the terms of the agreement as the deadline approaches.

Meanwhile, cross-border exchanges persist. Reports indicate an Israeli airstrike targeted the village of Al-Biyadah in southern Lebanon, reflecting ongoing tensions along the Lebanon-Gaza front as military actions continue to ripple beyond Gaza’s borders.

In Jerusalem, domestic politics remain tense. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was involved in clashes with opposition lawmakers at the Knesset, using the forum to critique those he labeled as Hamas spokespeople while outlining his ministry’s security priorities and future plans.

On the diplomatic and policy front, Foreign Minister Israel Katz’s visit to Hungary highlighted the US-brokered dynamics around hostage negotiations and regional security. In a broader discussion with Hungarian officials, Israel pressed for accountability regarding the Palestinian Authority’s payments to terrorists, including those released under ceasefire arrangements. The minister argued that PA salaries and family stipends for terrorists continue despite public statements to the contrary, and he urged European partners to take a tougher line. Observers note the broader framing of these discussions includes ما concerns about funding networks that support terrorism, as well as the potential political leverage of security arrangements tied to Gaza.

In parallel, a segment of Israeli political discourse has asserted that any reconstruction or humanitarian effort in Gaza must be conditioned on the disarmament of Hamas and the removal of its governing structures. An influential voice from the coalition has emphasized that peace terms must be real and verifiable, and that normalization should not come at the expense of Israel’s security.

From the south, the end of a long‑running Home Front Command emergency status was announced as a shift in the security posture. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the emergency provisions that restricted large gatherings and certain movements in the south will be lifted, reflecting a perceived shift in the security reality following sustained Israeli operations in Gaza. While this marks a significant domestic security update, official channels stopped short of declaring the Gaza war fully over, noting that the ceasefire holds but the broader conflict’s status remains subject to ongoing developments.

International and regional responses continue to be filtered through the lens of the hostage issue and the ceasefire framework. The International Red Cross has cautioned that another round of hostage releases could occur tonight, though no formal confirmation has been issued and messages have been mixed. The hostage issue remains central to any progress on the second phase of the Trump-led plan, and US officials have stressed the need for coordinated action to maintain the ceasefire and enable humanitarian access.

In a related development, reports from the region note ongoing scrutiny of how security and humanitarian issues intersect. A number of foreign policy voices have called for stronger measures to prevent the reconstitution of a weaponized state apparatus in Gaza, arguing that any reconstruction must be paired with durable disarmament and security guarantees.

Economic and administrative updates accompany the security brief. Bank of Israel data for September show a decline in mortgage activity, with 8,856 new mortgages issued and a total of 8.299 billion shekels in activity, down modestly from August. The numbers reflect a cooling in housing market activity amid broader economic conditions.

Health authorities in Israel issued a public health advisory after detecting a case of rabies exposure in the western Galilee area, with contact instructions for residents who may have encountered a potentially infected animal. Parents are urged to check with pediatricians and local health offices if exposure occurred, and pet owners are asked to ensure vaccination status for their animals.

Earlier this week, President Isaac Herzog and other national leaders publicly acknowledged the human cost of the conflict. Herzog spoke at a funeral service for a hostage victim, expressing condolences to families and underscoring the government’s responsibility to safeguard civilians and honor those who lost their lives or were held in captivity during the crisis.

In related regional commentary, Syria has reiterated calls for changes to the Golan Heights, signaling that border dynamics remain fluid even as security talks advance on multiple fronts. Analysts say such positions underscore the volatility of regional alignments and the difficulty of shifting strategic realities in the near term.

Finally, the human story behind the headlines continues to unfold. A construction accident near the Nir TZvi area resulted in the death of a 45-year-old worker, prompting emergency responders to emphasize safety protocols and the ongoing need for vigilance in the Israeli industrial sector. In parallel, the ethical and legal questions surrounding hostage negotiations persist, with families pressing for progress and accountability as the clock ticks toward the next phase of diplomatic efforts.

As these events evolve, the international audience should watch for updates on the hostage releases, the status of the Gaza ceasefire, and regional responses to shifting security realities along Israel’s borders. We will continue to monitor and report as developments 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.

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