HEADLINES
Afghanistan shifts trade to Iran dodging closures
Hamas reasserts Gaza control as talks stall
Gaza aid flows surge amid security perimeter

The time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good morning. This is your 6:00 a.m. international news update, with a view shaped by Israeli security concerns and US policy perspectives, and with context that helps explain why events in the Middle East matter beyond the region.

Afghanistan shifts trade routes to Iran to avoid Pakistan closures. Kabul has long relied on Pakistan’s ports, a relationship that has given Islamabad leverage over cross-border security and militant issues. As Pakistan’s ports face disruptions and policy shifts, Afghanistan is moving more commerce toward the Iranian corridor. Observers say the adjustment reflects Kabul’s effort to diversify routes and maintain gains in regional trade, while also underscoring the sensitivity of border logistics in South-Central Asia.

Indonesia says its Gaza peacekeepers would focus on health and infrastructure tasks. Indonesia, which has trained up to 20,000 troops for a potential multinational Gaza stabilization mission, says the mandate and timing remain unsettled. The defense minister stressed health and construction roles as a possible initial focus, while noting that deployment would require a UN Security Council mandate and broad international consensus. Indonesia has no diplomatic relations with Israel but has long supported a two-state solution and has contributed humanitarian aid to Gaza. The United States has discussed a multinational force in Gaza with partners in the region, including Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Qatar, as part of a broader peace effort.

Hamas quietly reasserts control in Gaza as post-war talks grind on. The Palestinian Authority is pressing to shape Gaza’s next governing arrangement, but Israel has signaled it does not want Hamas back in charge. Fatah and Hamas remain divided on how to form a lawful governing body that could oversee Gaza, complicating prospects for a durable settlement and reconstruction.

Beit Shemesh resident arrested after setting fire to a Jerusalem synagogue. The suspect was taken in for questioning and is expected to appear in court as investigators pursue possible motives linked to religious tensions and vandalism. Authorities say the incident underscores continuing security pressures around places of worship in the Jerusalem corridor.

Four East Jerusalem Palestinians held for ISIS ties, prepping for a ‘great war of the end of days’ attack. Police and Shin Bet say the suspects in their 20s were amassing weapons and plotting a large-scale assault against Jewish Israelis, guided by extremist rhetoric online. Indictments against two are anticipated in the coming days as investigators pursue the full case.

Aid, security, and the regional framework. A broader security debate centers on how humanitarian channels can be safeguarded from exploitation by militant groups. Investigative reporting has highlighted alleged links between Ra’am party-associated groups and Hamas operating in Europe, a network that US authorities have previously designated for terrorist financing concerns. Israeli officials say vigilance is essential as Gaza reconstruction looms and international aid flows expand.

Gaza aid flows and the security perimeter. The US Central Command reports a marked uptick in aid convoys into Gaza, averaging about 800 trucks per day in the past week, a substantial rise from earlier levels. More than 40 countries and international organizations are coordinating to ensure relief reaches civilians, including operational steps to clear supply routes such as Salah a-Din Street in coordination with US forces based in southern Israel.

Shin Bet stalls restart of Israel–Morocco flights. Israir confirmed a request to renew the Tel Aviv–Morocco route was submitted weeks ago, but security authorities have not yet cleared the resumption, despite ministry approvals. The pause reflects ongoing risk assessments in a volatile security environment.

Storms and weather shaping the day. Eight people were rescued from cars in Ashkelon as heavy rains caused floods, with the Israel Fire and Rescue Service warning of flash floods in southern streams and desert washouts. Mount Hermon reported its first snow of the season, signaling the start of winter conditions. Hamas’s Civil Defense in Gaza urged displaced people to reinforce tents and create drainage channels to cope with the rainfall and to avoid dangerous collapses in damaged structures.

Iran drills and signaling. Iran conducted a nationwide emergency-alert drill via mobile networks to test civil-defense readiness, a reminder of the regional tensions that continue to shape strategic calculations across the region.

Cultural and human stories amid strain. Argentine volunteers spent a day helping an elderly Israeli resident restore a damaged home and garden, illustrating ongoing people-to-people connections even amid conflict. Across the Atlantic, communities in other countries watch these tensions closely, recognizing that regional stability resonates far beyond borders.

Looking ahead. The day brings continued scrutiny of how international forces, humanitarian aid, and regional diplomacy will intersect with security concerns on the ground. Washington’s posture on a multinational stabilisation effort in Gaza remains a thorny issue, balanced between humanitarian needs and accountability for militant networks. Israel’s security agencies say vigilance remains essential as they monitor potential threats and work with partners to ensure safe aid deliveries and secure communities.

That is the latest from the region. We will bring you updates as events unfold.

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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