HEADLINES
Lior Rudaeff Killed as Hostage Body Returns
Cunios Return Home Two Years After Abduction
Ramle Shooting Kills Two Brothers Father Critical

The time is now 2:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Lior Rudaeff, a grandfather and longtime Nir Yitzhak resident who served on his kibbutz’s response team, was killed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad on October 7, 2023. Israeli authorities confirmed his identity after his body was brought back from Gaza on November 7 following more than two years in captivity. The Prime Minister’s Office said Hamas must fulfill its commitments and return all hostages, while the Red Cross confirmed a coffin carrying a deceased hostage had been transferred to IDF troops in the Gaza Strip as part of the ongoing deal. The community remembers Rudaeff as a dedicated protector of his neighbors and a family man.

In a separate development, the Cunio family from Kibbutz Nir Oz marked a complicated homecoming two years after eight members of the extended family were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Sylvia Cunio described the moment as a blend of relief and mourning, noting that her sons David and Ariel Cunio have returned home with their partners and children. David and Ariel were among the last living hostages to be released, with the extended family deciding they will not return to Nir Oz. The family has begun considering new living arrangements in Israel, including Beit Nir near Kiryat Gat or Carmei Gat, as they rebuild their lives after years in captivity. The Cunios and their friends and neighbors have faced irreparable losses, and they emphasize the personal task of healing while maintaining family bonds. Earlier reports noted that the eight family members held in Gaza have been released over the past two years, with several relatives freed in late 2023 and early 2025, including Yehoud, who was released after 482 days in captivity. The narrative of the Cunio family underscores the long shadow of Oct. 7 while also highlighting moments of return and reunion for those who survived.

Two brothers were killed and a father was left in critical condition in a shooting attack in Ramle, triggering rapid police operations and multiple arrests in the aftermath. Investigators conducted searches at the scene as authorities sought to determine the motives and identify those responsible. The incident adds to a year of violence and security challenges within Israel, reinforcing the ongoing focus on civilian safety and rapid law enforcement response.

On the international front, the United States has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from certain Russia-related sanctions. The exemption comes after a recent meeting between the leaders and includes a Hungarian commitment to purchase US liquefied natural gas, with contracts valued at about six hundred million dollars. The measure reflects a broader balancing act in Western policy toward sanctions enforcement, energy security, and alliance coordination in the post-2022 geopolitical environment.

Survivors of the Nova Festival, now two years past the Oct. 7 attacks, continue to confront a mounting mental health crisis. Clinicians report a sustained surge in requests for help, and a landmark study indicates about 55 percent of survivors meet severe PTSD criteria as the protective effect of early psychedelic interventions fades. Experts warn that this is a particularly fragile and risky phase for mental health, underscoring the need for sustained support services, therapies, and community resources to help survivors and their families cope with long-term trauma.

In the world of sport and sponsorship, Israel-Premier Tech said it has lost its title sponsor after a decision that the company described as no longer tenable given the broader circumstances surrounding the team and its endeavors. The sponsorship withdrawal marks a notable shift for a team that has become a visible presence in competitive cycling, reflecting how security concerns and the broader regional situation can influence corporate sponsorship decisions in international sports.

As these events unfold, observers note the persistent interconnectedness of local acts of heroism, family resilience in the face of captivity and loss, and the broader geopolitical dynamics that shape policy, security, and humanitarian responses. The coming days are likely to bring further updates on hostage identifications, domestic investigations, and international policy steps as communities and nations navigate a complex and evolving landscape.

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-873130
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-873128
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https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1i5vw31zx
https://t.me/ILtoday/15766
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-873127
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hostage-mom-sylvia-cunio-says-unreal-joy-to-have-her-sons-home-but-wont-return-to-nir-oz/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-873126
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-873125
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/hygo2tf1zg