HEADLINES
Gaza Ceasefire Frays as Four Gunmen Killed
House Set to End Longest Shutdown
Iran Unveils Shahad-161 Drone With 150km Range

The time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

At six o’clock this evening, here is the current hourly briefing on the Middle East, with related US policy developments and regional dynamics.

The Israeli military reports four gunmen killed on the Israeli‑held side of the Yellow Line in the southern Gaza Strip, with three of the four killed in an airstrike following an initial encounter and the status of the fourth gunman not known. Ground operations around Rafah and Khan Younis proceeded in the context of ongoing security efforts under the ceasefire framework. Estimates put Hamas fighters holed up in tunnels on the Israeli side of the Yellow Line at roughly one hundred to two hundred. The ceasefire has largely held, but casualties in Gaza have continued since its implementation, and Israeli forces have acknowledged fatalities during this period.

Washington remains focused on movement and security arrangements tied to Gaza, including discussions about safe passage options for Hamas personnel and broader contingency planning in case current proposals stall. US officials emphasize restraint and the maintenance of the ceasefire while preparing for potential alternative measures.

In Syria, five Islamic State members were killed and nineteen captured in a series of operations, with additional anti‑ISIS actions conducted as part of a broader realignment toward a security framework involving the United States, Israel, and allied partners in the region.

In the United States, the House is scheduled to vote on a deal to end the longest government shutdown in history, with the goal of restoring disrupted food assistance programs and reviving the air‑traffic control system.

Iran announced a new drone, the Shahad‑161, described as having a range of about 150 kilometers, a flight time of up to two hours, and an operational altitude around eight kilometers, intended for reconnaissance and precise strike capabilities.

Israeli domestic politics saw the Knesset advance the first reading of tax‑benefit bills for communities in Ashkelon and parts of the West Bank, moving them to committees for detailed review before final passage.

On a regional note, the African Union Commission chair rejected claims of genocide in Nigeria amid public statements and political threats linked to broader regional tensions, signaling ongoing contestation over violence and human rights narratives in Africa.

There have been recurring questions in open reporting about wartime conduct and safety protocols, including discussions reported in US intelligence and Israeli sources regarding the use of civilians or human shields in Gaza. Those items remain under scrutiny as investigations and official reviews proceed.

Looking ahead, officials will likely monitor any shifts in the ceasefire’s stability, potential moves in the Hamas–Israel dynamic, and broader regional security alignments as Washington and its partners pursue a framework that could influence negotiations and humanitarian relief in Gaza and surrounding areas. We will keep you updated with further context and clarification 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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