HEADLINES
- Hamas Locates Hadar Goldin Remains in Rafah
- Hostage Remains Rally Divides Israel Protests Erupt
- Ireland Urges UEFA Suspension of Israel

The time is now 11:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Tensions in the Gaza theater continue to unfold against a backdrop of hostage negotiations, regional political maneuvering, and new domestic and international responses. Hamas claims it located the remains of Israeli officer Hadar Goldin in Rafah, a finding that if confirmed would heighten the symbolic stakes of any future prisoner exchange. Israel maintains that discussions must address all hostages still in Gaza before any final phase of a ceasefire can be considered; in Gaza, five hostages remain unaccounted for, and the remains of Lior Rudaeff were returned yesterday as part of the ceasfire framework. The circumstances surrounding those remains, and any linkage to future exchange arrangements, are likely to shape political calculations inside Israel and within allied capitals.

In the domestic arena, thousands of Israelis are expected to turn out for demonstrations connected to two parallel threads: a mass rally in support of returning the remains of hostages still held in Gaza, and anti-government protests pressing for changes to the judicial system. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has announced a central rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, with speakers including relatives of hostages and victims’ families demanding that all remains be brought home before any broader settlement is pursued. On Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv and other sites, anti-government groups plan parallel protests, highlighting a persistent split over the government’s handling of the war and its domestic agenda. The controversy has been fed by a recent leak episode involving an IDF detention facility video and the government’s response to calls for a commission of inquiry, a dispute that has sharpened political lines ahead of upcoming parliamentary and local pressures.

Internationally, Ireland’s soccer authorities have drawn attention by backing a call for UEFA to suspend Israel from European competition, citing what they describe as violations of anti-racism policy and concerns about teams playing in Palestinian territories without consent. The vote reflected broader debates over Israel’s participation in international sport during the Gaza conflict and comes amid a wider chorus of foreign criticism and UN-commissioned assessments that have linked Israel’s actions to accusations of genocide, claims Israel has rejected. These developments illustrate how sport and diplomacy intersect as states weigh political consequences in international forums.

In parallel, reports from The Times of Israel and other outlets note ongoing efforts by Palestinian and Israeli actors to manage and publicize battlefield realities. On the humanitarian front, an arson investigation in the West Bank is underway after a fire damaged a Palestinian-owned house and a vehicle; two adults and four children inside were evacuated after suffering smoke inhalation. The incident underscores the fragility of civil life in contested areas and the danger of escalation on the ground.

Beyond the immediate theater of conflict, broader geopolitical signals are circulating. Iran is confronting an intensifying drought that has led Tehran to consider water rationing and even evacuation scenarios if rainfall remains scarce. Tehran’s reservoirs are reported to be running perilously low, with authorities warning that water cuts could be implemented in the capital for short periods. The drought also compounds long-standing energy vulnerabilities, as Iran’s power grid remains heavily dependent on hydropower and fossil fuels, with diversification hampered by sanctions and investment gaps. The ecological toll includes dust storms masking major cities and the drying of Lake Urmia, with potential knock-on effects for regional climate and air quality.

In the broader international sphere, a notable political development involved the United States. Former President Donald Trump announced a boycott of the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, alleging what he calls “white genocide” in South Africa, a claim that has drawn sharp criticism and has raised questions about how US diplomacy will approach shared challenges at the international table. In US political life at home, the midterm results prompted introspection within the Democratic Party about strategy and the balancing of factions, with commentators and officials urging focus on kitchen-table issues such as affordability while acknowledging differing views on foreign policy and Israel.

On the security front, the Israeli Defense Forces said it carried out operations aimed at pressuring Hezbollah to disarm, including strikes on Hezbollah-related smuggling activity in southern Lebanon. The cross-border activity comes as Israel seeks to deter further escalation along the Lebanese front while maintaining momentum in Gaza diplomacy. In parallel, a Russian foreign minister’s statement indicating preparations for a nuclear test, in line with Moscow’s readings of President/leadership guidance, adds a broader layer of volatility to international security discussions, underscoring the interconnectedness of regional conflicts with global strategic dynamics.

In the background of these developments, Itay Chen’s family is reuniting with the return of his body after nearly two years, a reminder of the human cost behind every headline in this era of protracted conflict. The reporting also notes ongoing Israeli and international debates about accountability for violence and the treatment of civilians, with observers calling for careful documentation of wartime events and adherence to humanitarian norms even as political actors pursue strategic aims.

Looking ahead, officials and observers say the path to a comprehensive settlement remains contingent on resolving hostage and detainee issues in Gaza, while maintaining credible security guarantees for Israel and sustaining international support for humanitarian access and reconstruction. Regional actors will watch closely how the Irish, European, and international community respond to wartime conduct, mediated ceasefire steps, and the implications of domestic political shifts inside Israel, the United States, and neighboring states.

That is the latest picture from the region, where security concerns, humanitarian needs, and political calculations continue to shape a volatile and evolving landscape. Further updates will follow as new information becomes available.

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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