HEADLINES
Rafah strikes kill reservist as ceasefire cracks
Gaza mosque hub used for Hamas ops
Iranian plot to kill Masih Alinejad convicted

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

Across the Middle East and beyond, the security situation remains fragile, with Israeli forces operating in Gaza while regional and global voices weigh the implications for civilians, for ceasefire commitments, and for future diplomatic steps.

In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted operations in the Rafah area as part of efforts to eliminate remaining terrorist infrastructure exposed in the wake of last month’s ceasefire framework. The army said it was targeting subterranean networks and weapons caches in the Jenin neighborhood and related sites as part of ongoing efforts to degrade Hamas’s operational capabilities. The strikes followed an exchange of fire in which Israeli and Palestinian forces reported casualties on both sides, including the death of Master Sergeant (Reserve) Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37, from Zayit Raanan in the Binyamin region. Feldbaum, a member of the engineering corps, was killed by gunfire in Rafah during a ceasefire incident, leaving behind a wife and five children. Israeli officials indicated that the incident underscores the volatility of the ceasefire and the persistent threat Hamas and allied groups pose to Israeli soldiers and civilians.

On the Palestinian side, health authorities allied with Hamas reported a high toll in recent Israeli strikes in recent days, including fatalities among civilians. Independent verification of casualty figures remains difficult in the crowded and chaotic conditions on the ground, but the clashes and air and ground operations have intensified Israeli-Palestinian exchanges and renewed concerns about the ability of civilians to find safety amid ongoing bombardments and ground activity.

In parallel, Israeli intelligence and military channels disclosed that a Gaza mosque-based facility once used to stage operations linked to the October 7 attacks has been uncovered as a training and launch site, with detailed models of Israeli kibbutzim observed on site and rockets and other munitions reportedly present. The disclosure reflects continued efforts by the Israeli defense establishment to identify and disrupt operational planning networks inside Gaza, even as the broader ceasefire remains contested and sporadic fighting continues.

Internationally, President Donald Trump urged that Hamas meet its obligations within any broader peace process and suggested that Israel has every right to respond to Hamas aggression. He asserted that resistance to Hamas’s actions should not jeopardize prospects for a Middle East peace framework and argued that multiple countries, including Japan, could participate in a peacekeeping or stabilization role in Gaza if conditions permit. The statements reflect an ongoing US effort to balance advocacy for Israeli security with the broader aim of sustaining a path toward de-escalation, while signaling to adversaries that consequences will follow disruptive behavior.

Separately, a major international legal development connected to Iran’s behavior outside the region was heard in US courts this week. Two men, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, were convicted of participating in a plot to assassinate Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad in Brooklyn, New York. Prosecutors described a plan financed by Iranian officials and operatives to silence Alinejad, a prominent human rights advocate who has long highlighted gender-based repression in Iran. Sentencing is scheduled for later this week, with prosecutors seeking lengthy terms. The case illustrates how Iranian state-linked efforts persist beyond borders and complicate international security dynamics, including the safety of political dissidents abroad.

In a separate domestic development, a US court case involving a New York resident brought attention to anti-Semitic violence at demonstrations. A 20-year-old man was sentenced for anti-Jewish violent acts at multiple pro-Palestinian rallies, underscoring the ongoing concerns about anti-Semitic threats and the need for robust law enforcement responses to such incidents in the United States.

Across Europe and neighboring regions, the security environment continues to shape public and institutional life. A notable incident connected to religious and interfaith dialogue occurred in Azerbaijan, where a planned Conference of European Rabbis event in Baku was canceled amid security concerns. The organizers cited risks that would have limited attendees from Europe, Israel, and elsewhere. The cancellation highlights the broader questions surrounding religious freedom, interfaith initiatives, and security for Jewish communities in parts of the region, even as Azerbaijan has been viewed as relatively safe for Jews compared with some nearby locales.

Additional regional developments included continued engagement on the Israeli-Palestinian front and related diplomatic conversations as actors seek to prevent a relapse into broader hostilities. The overarching trajectory remains one of tension and vigilance: Israeli forces prepared for possible escalations in Gaza, while international voices urge measured behavior and a return to a sustainable ceasefire. The human cost persists on both sides, and the international community watches closely for steps that could stabilize the situation, protect civilians, and keep open channels for diplomacy.

In another global update, a brief note from the Korean Peninsula reported that North Korea launched several cruise missiles during a high-profile visit by a US president to South Korea. The missiles reportedly remained in the air for over two hours, and officials emphasized that leader Kim Jong Un was not present in the crowd at the time. The development, while geographically distant from the Gaza theater, serves as a reminder of the broader volatility in multiple flashpoints around the world that demand careful diplomacy, deterrence, and persistent engagement from international partners.

Looking ahead, the situation in Gaza remains the focal point for regional security and for international efforts to sustain a ceasefire while addressing the underlying grievances and security concerns that drive violence. The death of Feldbaum is a stark reminder of the human toll on those who serve near the front lines, and it will likely influence discussions about how best to protect soldiers, civilians, and humanitarian relief efforts in a volatile environment. The coming days will test whether parties on all sides will adhere to commitments, and whether outside powers can help shape a path toward de-escalation and a durable political process.

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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