HEADLINES
Ceasefire holds on Day 771 amid fragility
Paris extends Gaza artifacts exhibit amid interest
UVA DEI ban sparks matzah debate

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

A fragile US-brokered ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict appears to be holding as Day 771 of the war passes and the day begins with a measured calm in the region. Officials cautioned that the pause is precarious and security concerns remain, with both sides watching for any signs of escalation while humanitarian relief and civilian protection remain priorities for international partners.

In Gaza and across the border, the pause comes amid ongoing questions about civilians, aid corridors, and the risk of renewed violence. The war that began with Hamas’s October 7 assault has inflicted widespread destruction and left thousands dead or displaced. International attention remains focused on how long the pause will endure and how best to secure a durable, enforceable arrangement that can protect civilians and allow aid to reach those in need.

Turning to culture and heritage, Paris is hosting a rare examination of Gaza’s long history. The Arab World Institute’s exhibit, Treasures Saved from Gaza: 5,000 Years of History, features about 130 artifacts that had been stranded in Europe since 2007. Organized as a response to the bloodshed in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7 attack, the show has been extended through December due to strong public interest. Curators stress the aim of highlighting Gaza’s historical richness and cross-cultural connections, while acknowledging the ongoing conflict’s toll on the territory’s heritage. UNESCO reports show damage to at least 114 cultural sites in Gaza, underscoring the fragility of cultural patrimony in a conflict zone. The institute notes that some pieces on display date from ancient periods, including Canaanite, Egyptian, and Greco-Roman eras, illustrating Gaza’s long role as a crossroads of civilizations. In parallel, UNESCO activated emergency procedures and added the Monastery of Saint Hilarion to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2024, reflecting the organization’s heightened focus on protecting vulnerable sites amid continuing warfare. Visitors in Paris have described the experience as striking, with some expressing a sense that witnessing these objects might be among the last opportunities to see such material from Gaza in person.

Across the Atlantic, questions about security and campus life continue to surface in the United States, where debates over diversity, equity and inclusion and concerns about antisemitism have intersected with policy decisions at public universities. At the University of Virginia, former president Jim Ryan described lingering questions about a DEI policy ban and whether certain practices—such as serving matzah during Passover—would run afoul of policy directives. The broader national conversation includes a focus on how universities address antisemitism while balancing civil rights and academic freedom, a topic amplified by recent political pressures and investigations tied to national policy debates.

Back home, questions of accountability and civil procedure remain on the record. Lahav 433 chief Meni Benjamin spoke out after being detained for questioning by police internal investigations, saying the experience could have been handled with more respect. The remarks highlight the ongoing friction that can accompany security and public accountability in periods of heightened tension.

Human stories of resilience and service persist as well. United Hatzalah volunteers—ordinary Israelis who.train to respond to emergencies—are highlighted for their role in saving lives, delivering medical care, and comforting communities during crises. Their work is widely cited as a tangible embodiment of the communal values that many see as central to life in Israel during dangerous times.

In the Galilee and the broader north, wellness and healing continue to emerge as a focal point. The region’s climate, mineral springs, and tranquil settings are being framed as a potential hub for integrative health offerings, reflecting a broader national interest in wellbeing and resilience alongside security concerns.

Environmental and scientific efforts also continue. A critically endangered perennial herb native to the Sharon and Menashe hills has been propagated by KKL-JNF as part of ongoing biodiversity preservation efforts, demonstrating a parallel track of cultural and ecological stewardship that persists even amid conflict and upheaval.

The personal and national narrative remains deeply intertwined for many families. In Kibbutz Sze’elim, Yarden and Eli Bibas speak publicly about the memorial for Shiri, Ariel, and baby Kfir, murdered in Hamas captivity, as they rebuild their lives and carry forward memory in their community. Their story has become part of a broader conversation about memory, justice, and resilience in a time of ongoing insecurity.

Internationally, archival history continues to intersect with current events. The US National Archives has released Amelia Earhart records promised by the previous administration, a reminder that history’s mysteries—like Earhart’s fate—remain a point of public interest even as contemporary crises unfold.

Taken together, today’s updates sketch a landscape in which security and humanitarian considerations sit alongside cultural preservation, memory, and domestic policy debates. The ceasefire remains the central hinge of the moment, with the international community watching closely for signs of durable progress. We will continue to monitor developments on the ground, the status of aid deliveries, and the evolving conversations around heritage, education, and memory as this week proceeds.

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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