HEADLINES
- Twenty hostages freed, five bodies unrecovered
- Lior Rudaeff returns home after release
- S&P upgrades Israel credit outlook to stable

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

At 5:00 AM, here are the latest developments shaping the region and relevant global responses. In Rafah, efforts to recover hostage remains and bodies continued under the oversight of the Red Cross, with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad handing over more remains in line with the truce framework. Israeli officials say the number of deceased hostages still unrecovered in Gaza stands at five, while the 20 living hostages released within the first 72 hours of the ceasefire marked a major step toward implementing the arrangement. Israel has repeatedly urged Hamas to fulfill its commitments, including the return of all deceased hostages, and to allow independent verification of remains and identifications.

In Israel, the return of a prominent hostage has been confirmed. Lior Rudaeff, 61, the deputy security coordinator at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, was identified after being returned to Israel following the ceasefire. For families and communities affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, the news provides a measure of closure, even as the broader hostages issue remains unresolved. Israeli authorities emphasized that five bodies are still in Gaza and that the government will continue to press for their return and proper burial in keeping with mediation efforts.

Credit markets and economic indicators are also in focus. Standard & Poor’s upgraded Israel’s credit rating outlook to stable from negative, citing the prospect of limited direct military escalation and some de-escalation in Gaza and the wider region as the ceasefire framework holds. The rating remains A/A-1, with analysts noting that a steadier security environment could ease pressures on growth, labor markets, and public finances, even as the political path to lasting peace remains complex and lengthy. In parallel, the Israeli finance ministry indicated a modest growth trajectory for 2025, with the economy seen expanding at approximately the mid-2 percent range, followed by a stronger 2026 outlook if regional tensions decline.

Across the Gaza front, Israeli military activity in recent hours included air and artillery operations in the eastern Khan Younis corridor and the eastern Gaza City area, reflecting ongoing pressure to prevent further militant activity while efforts continue toward the broader ceasefire framework. Reports from the region also note sporadic structural detonations in Gaza’s east, and observers caution that the security environment remains fragile as both sides navigate the terms of the pause and the longer-term arrangements.

In the broader neighborhood, Lebanese officials and media reported casualties in a recent Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon near a village in the area. The reports underscore the risk of spillover and the enduring volatility of cross-border security dynamics, even as attention remains divided between Gaza and other regional flashpoints. Israel has said it will respond to threats from across its borders as needed, while stressing its aim to prevent escalation.

Iran remains a central factor in the regional security calculus. Iranian officials and independent observers describe a fast-moving missile program and regional strategic posture that Israel views as a direct challenge to its deterrence. Tehran has signaled a willingness to engage in diplomacy if its interests are recognized, but the broader picture remains unsettled as efforts to deter, defend, and deter again continue to shape policy decisions in Jerusalem and Washington.

On the domestic front in the United States, political discourse continues to reflect a cautious stance on the Middle East, with officials stressing the importance of maintaining the ceasefire’s framework and supporting mediation channels that prevent a renewal of large-scale conflict. The G20 summit in South Africa remains a topic of debate, with President Trump stating that no US representatives would attend the gathering, citing human rights concerns as the country addresses its own domestic priorities. The implications for international alignment and perceived US engagement in regional diplomacy are closely watched by allies and adversaries alike.

Turning to cultural and historical context that periodically informs current events, new research on ancient trade networks in the biblical lands highlights a millennium-long pattern of exchange that connected the Levant with sub-Saharan Africa and other regions through Nubian and related routes. While this archaeological work sheds light on long-ago economic resilience and connectivity, observers say it also reminds analysts that trade and security are deeply interwoven in history and contemporary policy.

In brief, hostages and remains remain at the heart of the current crisis management effort, with the immediate goal of completing the exchange obligations under the ceasefire and enabling a durable resolution for all those affected. Israel continues to pursue security measures aligned with its stated objective of preventing further attacks while recognizing the humanitarian and political complexities that complicate any definitive end to the conflict. The regional environment remains volatile, with cross-border incidents and external pressures shaping day-to-day decisions in Jerusalem, Beirut, and beyond. Audiences should monitor official statements from the Israeli government, the Red Cross, and international mediators for further clarification on timelines and next steps in the agreement.

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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