Episodes

  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-30 at 00:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-30 at 00:06
    Nov 30 2025
    HEADLINESHacktivists claim infiltrated Israeli nuclear scientist vehicleHamas operative surrenders after crossing Yellow LineWhite House shooting stalls Afghan asylum decisionsThe time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.A cyber operation claim from Iran-linked Handala hacktivists drew attention tonight as they said they infiltrated the car of an Israeli nuclear scientist, issued threats, and published what they described as the names of soldiers from the intelligence unit known as Unit 8200. The group described the action as part of escalating pressure aimed at Israeli security personnel, a reminder of the persistent and multi-layered threat environment facing Israeli security agencies.In Gaza, authorities report that a recently recruited Hamas operative who expressed remorse for joining the group surrendered to Israeli forces after crossing the boundary known as the Yellow Line. A United States official described the development to CBS News as part of the ongoing, volatile dynamic inside the Gaza Strip, where individuals sometimes choose to disengage from militant networks and present themselves to opposing forces.Across the West Bank, Israeli forces say they are pursuing a suspect who threw an iron rod at a moving vehicle. The driver was not physically injured, but paramedics treated the driver for shock at the scene. The incident is part of a broader pattern of periodic Israeli security operations in the area, with searches and investigations continuing to locate suspects and assess threats.In Syria, analysis focused on the larger picture of the regime’s standing after years of conflict. Observers noted that even as regime loyalists hailed what they described as gains or reconciliations, clashes persisted along borders and in areas where strategic leverage remains contested. The commentary underscored how regional power dynamics, including past and current alliances, continue to shape what looks like a fragile recalibration rather than a definitive resolution.Domestic political developments in Israel drew attention as well. Benjamin Ben-Gvir, a senior figure in the country’s political spectrum, publicly supported and promoted a senior figure from the Yamas faction in the West Bank even as undercover officers face ongoing investigations linked to the deaths of militants who had surrendered in earlier operations. The episodes highlight the erosions that can accompany high-pressure security situations when political actions intersect with ongoing security inquiries and accountability processes.Internationally, a dispute over a Dublin park name has drawn attention to the broader international discourse around Israel. The Irish government urged Dublin City Council not to rename Herzog Park, a park named after Chaim Herzog, the Ireland-born former president of Israel. Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee emphasized that removing the name would not align with the republic’s inclusive ethos, and Israel’s government and Jewish communal leaders voiced strong objections, arguing the move would stigmatize the Irish Jewish community. The controversy comes amid Ireland’s critical stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, illustrating how diplomacy, memory, and public symbolism can intersect with real-time regional tensions.Across the Atlantic, United States policy moved in a different direction as officials froze asylum decisions and visa processing for Afghans. The decision followed the shooting incident near the White House that left a National Guard member dead and others wounded. The director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services said asylum decisions would be paused to ensure the most thorough vetting possible, and the State Department indicated that visas issued to travelers on Afghan passports would be suspended. The measure followed years of Afghan resettlement and continues to fuel debate over immigration policy, security screening, and the balance between humanitarian commitments and national security concerns.Security services in the region also reported interventions tied to planned violence. In Beitar or neighboring areas, authorities announced the arrest of a four-member cell that had been suspected of planning an attack in the town of Harish. The disclosure underscored how law enforcement and intelligence agencies remain vigilant against attempts to exploit volatile conditions for violence, even as senior Israeli officials reiterate commitments to protecting civilians and maintaining security operations where necessary.Separately, Israeli air power continued active operations in Gaza, with several targeted strikes reported by military spokespeople as part of ongoing efforts to degrade militant infrastructure and deter further attacks. The campaign fits into a broader cycle of escalation and retaliation that has colored days and nights across the border region for months, affecting civilian ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 23:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 23:07
    Nov 29 2025
    HEADLINESDraft Reform on Yeshiva Exemptions Sparks DebateUS Halts Afghan Visas Pauses AsylumSyria Border Clashes Test Israel Northern ResolveThe time is now 6:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At 6:00 PM, here is the latest from the Middle East and related global developments, presented with clarity and context for an international audience.Israeli security and political developments dominate the domestic agenda as Israel faces ongoing debates over how to integrate ultra-Orthodox communities into national service while maintaining security requirements. In the Knesset, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is expected to begin discussions on Boaz Bismuth’s revision of a government-backed bill that would modify exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students while signaling a path toward greater conscription among graduates of yeshiva institutions. Critics, including former defense minister Yoav Gallant, describe the bill as a significant departure from the country’s Zionist trajectory and warn of security risks if the framework fails to compel broader service. Proponents argue the measure seeks to create a more balanced system while preserving essential religious study. The debate reflects a broader political reality in which security concerns intersect with questions of equality and national identity as Israel strives to sustain its military readiness amid regional tensions.In the West Bank, Israeli forces have continued operations tied to counterterrorism efforts. Reports indicate investigators are pursuing a suspect who hurled an iron rod at a moving Israeli vehicle on a major arterial route. The driver was not physically injured, though the incident prompted medical staff to treat the driver for shock. The episode underscores the persistent security challenges in the West Bank as Israeli authorities pursue suspects and seek to prevent further attacks while coordinating with local security partners.Across the border, Syria remains the theater of regional caution as clashes flare near the Israeli border and regime stalemate narratives persist. Analysts note that while Damascus celebrated a symbolic collapse of the regime’s earlier structures, the conflict has created new fault lines and the potential for spillover, reinforcing Israel’s interest in stabilizing its northern frontier and monitoring any movement that might threaten northern settlements or strategic crossings.In the United States, policy actions toward Afghanistan and broader immigration questions continue to shape Washington’s approach to security and humanitarian duties. The State Department and other US agencies have halted processing of immigrant and non-immigrant visas for Afghan nationals, with officials citing the need to ensure rigorous vetting. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security and related offices have paused asylum decisions as part of a broader review of entry procedures for Afghans, following events in Washington that have prompted questions about security and vetting processes. The tension between humanitarian obligations and national security remains a focal point of US policy discussions, with lawmakers and security experts weighing the implications for both allies and at-risk populations who assisted American missions abroad.In other policy and community notes, the Indian Jewish community of Bnei Menashe is slated for a historic homecoming in Israel. A resolution underscores Israel’s commitment to recognizing Jews whose journeys have been disrupted by displacement, signaling a continued emphasis on unity and responsibility for all Jewish communities. The gesture complements broader efforts to preserve diverse Jewish identities within Israel’s education and cultural landscapes, reinforcing a narrative that extends beyond Europe to celebrate Mizrahi and other Jewish experiences.The broader narrative around Zionism also receives attention in commentary that argues for restoring the Mizrahi narrative within Jewish education. The piece highlights historical contributions of Mizrahi Jews to the Zionist project and contends that education should reflect a more inclusive history, addressing underrepresented experiences within the Jewish diaspora and state-building story.On the cultural and diplomatic front, Ireland’s government faced a domestic controversy over a proposed renaming of a park in Dublin that honors Chaim Herzog, Ireland-born and later Israel’s president. Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee urged the Dublin City Council to vote against the change, stressing that removing Herzog’s name would send a painful message to the Irish-Jewish community. Herzog’s family and Irish Jewish groups argued that the park’s name is a link to shared history, and that erasing it would amount to erasing memory. The controversy has underscored how perceptions of Israel and Jewish history play out in European capitals, with official statements ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 22:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 22:07
    Nov 29 2025
    HEADLINESWest Bank manhunt after iron rod attackGaza relief talks unite 25 nationsKnesset to examine yeshiva exemptionsThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Across the West Bank, Israeli forces are pursuing a suspect who threw an iron rod at a civilian car on a major crossing road. The vehicle was struck near the driver’s seat, but the driver was not physically injured. Paramedics from Magen David Adom treated the driver for shock at the scene as security forces conducted a manhunt in the surrounding area. The incident underscores ongoing security tensions in the West Bank and the persistent threat to civilians traveling on key routes.In neighboring Syria, official and social media outlets report that regime supporters celebrated what they describe as the regime’s collapse or a withdrawal of opposition forces in parts of the country, even as clashes flare near the Israeli border. The cross-border fighting and the shifting balance of control continue to influence regional calculations for Israel and its partners, with officials watching developments in Syria closely for any changes that could affect the northern front.Back at home, Israel’s lawmakers are moving on a contentious issue of ultra‑Orthodox military service. A Knesset committee is set to begin examining a government‑backed bill that would modify exemptions for full‑time yeshiva students while raising questions about whether the proposal would withstand judicial scrutiny. Critics say the draft would widen exemptions in practice, and former defense ministers and other senior figures have warned that any bill perceived as weakening Israel’s security commitments could have broad political and strategic consequences inside and outside the country.Along the Gaza front, an extensive multinational effort continues to take shape at a headquarters in southern Israel, with representatives from Israel, the United States, and more than two dozen other countries collaborating on security, humanitarian relief, governance, and reconstruction plans for the Gaza Strip. While the working groups report good cooperation and open dialogue, officials caution that a formal multinational force and the broader Phase B framework remain distant prospects. In areas under Israeli control, authorities are advancing a pilot program of humanitarian zones and rebuilding projects as groundwork for potential long‑term reconstruction, even as negotiations over access, security guarantees, and control structures proceed at a cautious pace.In Washington, the US government has moved to pause processing visas for Afghan nationals across all posts, effectively suspending the Special Immigrant Visa program for those who aided the United States during the two decades of conflict in Afghanistan. The pause, described by the State Department as intended to verify identity and eligibility, follows reports of ongoing concerns about security and screening. Officials say appointments already scheduled will not be canceled, but new visa cases from Afghan nationals are being refused. The development adds a fresh layer to the administration’s broader immigration enforcement priorities as it weighs how to balance humanitarian obligations with national security concerns.Turning northward and eastward, Iran faces a significant domestic hydro‑engineering and drought challenge. Reports say one of Iran’s largest hydroelectric facilities, the Amir Kabir Dam, has been disconnected from the national power grid after the reservoir fell to critically low levels, with authorities warning that the dam could remain offline for an extended period. The broader drought is stressing the economy and everyday life in Tehran, including steps to reduce public activity and shift to remote work in many ministries. Separately, forces linked to Iran’s regional proxies have been the subject of attention in regional reporting, with some Iranian and allied outlets noting provocative actions around Israeli targets, though such claims require careful verification and attribution.On the diplomacy front, prospects for wider regional normalization continue to hinge on broader conflict dynamics and security guarantees. In a White House meeting that drew broad attention, President Donald Trump described Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a key ally but did not produce a concrete sprint toward a new peace framework. Sources familiar with the discussions say the American side pressed for steps toward normalization and economic integration, but the Saudi leadership emphasized its own domestic considerations and strategic cautions. The discussions highlighted that while symbolic steps and long‑term alignments remain on the table, concrete movements toward formal peace processes in the region are still not assured. Observers note that a successful path toward broader normalization would depend not only on Israeli‑Palestinian issues ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 21:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 21:07
    Nov 29 2025
    HEADLINESGaza ceasefire stalls as multinational force uncertainUS pauses Afghan visas imperils evacueesUN urges independent inquiry into Palestinian tortureThe time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This hour’s update looks at a widening mosaic of tension, negotiation, and disruption across the Middle East and beyond, as Gaza-related diplomacy presses against hard security realities and political disagreements ripple through capitals from Dublin to Washington.In the Gaza arena, negotiators and military planners are working at a multinational nerve center in southern Israel as efforts to implement a broader ceasefire and stabilization plan stall. Official briefings describe a three-floor site in Kiryat Gat where teams from Israel, the United States, and about two dozen partner countries coordinate security, humanitarian relief, governance, and reconstruction planning for Gaza’s future. While cooperation at the working level is noted as positive and professional, the timetable for forming a multinational force remains uncertain, and the path to Phase B of any plan looks distant. On the ground inside areas controlled by Israel, rebuilding for humanitarian zones and public facilities continues as part of a pilot program intended to demonstrate how broader reconstruction might unfold after conflict, though practical entry of supplies remains vulnerable to diversion and security concerns. At the same time, Cairo, Washington, and allied capitals are pressing Hamas to deliver a credible commitment to surrender weapons and allow greater movement through passages such as Rafah, a prerequisite in many formulations for any broader peace framework.Across Europe and beyond, diplomats and officials are weighing a critical constraint on Gaza stabilization: Israel’s veto of a Palestinian Authority role. With the Gaza deal standing at an impasse, European insiders say that veto blocks the entry of a broader international stabilization presence and potentially allows Hamas to rearm while questions linger about the US-led headquarters’ effectiveness in Kiryat Gat. The dynamic underscores how gaps between security priorities and political consent can stall steps toward a durable ceasefire, even as humanitarian relief and reconstruction remains urgently needed for civilians.On the diplomatic front in Washington, policy developments carry their own weight. The administration has moved to pause processing visas for Afghan nationals across its diplomatic posts, effectively suspending Special Immigrant Visa pathways and other Afghan visa programs. Officials argue this step is intended to verify identity and eligibility, but human-rights groups and Afghan evacuee advocates warn that the move could complicate and slow an already difficult resettlement process for those who aided American efforts over two decades. The shift arrives amid a broader emphasis on immigration enforcement, a thread that has intensified since the prior attack era and continues to color US policy toward international partners and prospective allies.In regional security, questions persist about external actors’ involvement and leverage. Reports about Turkish involvement in prior phases of Gaza diplomacy have faded for now after Ankara’s stance on a proposed multinational force hardened, while Israel is said to have shared intelligence with Washington regarding Hamas and Hezbollah activity linked to Turkish-based networks. In parallel, Azerbaijan has joined others in signaling reluctance to deploy troops, reflecting a spectrum of national risk calculations about peacekeeping roles in Gaza’s volatile environment. European and Middle East observers caution that a lack of a visible, credible international security commitment could leave Hamas with room to maneuver and Gaza’s reconstruction withering on the vine if not matched by tangible measures.From a legal and rights perspective, a United Nations committee has urged Israel to establish an independent inquiry into alleged torture of Palestinian prisoners, signaling concern about conditions in the occupied territories and during the current armed conflict. Israel has disputed the accusations, labeling them as disinformation, while lawmakers and human rights groups underscore the urgency of independent scrutiny and accountability. The report highlights a broader debate about how to balance military exigencies with humanitarian obligations, and how such debates influence international support for aid programs and political pressure on both sides.Separately, a string of security incidents and intelligence assessments highlights ongoing frictions in the region. Israeli forces have reported uncovering a laboratory producing explosives during a Jenin operation, along with the seizure of weapons and ammunition, underscoring the persistent risk of militant activity around the West Bank. In the broader conflict frame, state actors continue ...
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    7 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 20:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 20:07
    Nov 29 2025
    HEADLINESRemaining Gaza hostages Israel vows relentless recoveryEU veto blocks Gaza stabilization forceUN committee urges independent torture commissionThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Israel’s prime minister spoke with the family of Ran Gvili and with a Thai envoy to update them on search efforts for the final two Gaza hostages, saying Israel will press on until the last captive is returned, whether alive or deceased. The briefing underscored a continued focus on recovering hostages in Gaza as fighting and humanitarian concerns persist. In accompanying remarks, the PMO highlighted the family’s conduct as dignified and steadfast, and reaffirmed Israel’s overarching commitment to bring home every hostage and to account for those killed in captivity.In Washington and Brussels, debate continues over the terms of any ceasefire and the role of regional actors in stabilizing Gaza. European diplomats have stressed that Israel’s veto of a Palestinian Authority role in a proposed regional stabilization mechanism is hindering the deployment of an international force intended to maintain quiet and allow aid in Gaza. They also warned that delays could leave Hamas rearmament and other destabilizing activity unaddressed while the United States leads the coordination effort from abroad. At the same time, officials in Jerusalem emphasize security concerns and the imperative of ensuring any stabilization framework does not undermine Israel’s security needs or its ability to prevent attacks from Gaza.Among allied capitals, Ireland’s government drew international attention by rejecting a Dublin City Council bid to rename Herzog Park as “Free Palestine Park.” Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said erasing the name of a historically significant Irish Jewish leader would be wrong and that the decision did not address the broader criticisms of Israeli policy in Gaza. The exchange illustrated how observers in Europe are weighing historical memory and contemporary policy as the conflict continues to unfold.In other diplomacy and security developments, a United Nations committee on torture urged Israel to establish an independent commission to examine allegations of torture and ill-treatment of Palestinians in custody, saying conditions have intensified since Oct. 7, 2023. Israel has consistently rejected claims of torture and stressed that its prison system operates under law and supervision. The committee’s report highlighted concerns about indefinite detention and reported deaths among Palestinian detainees, including a number of prisoners who officials said have died under custody, while rights groups note the deteriorating condition of prisoners and call for humanitarian access to Gaza.On the ground in the region, Israeli forces continued operations in the West Bank and in Jenin, where authorities reported the discovery and destruction of an explosives lab and multiple weapons stockpiles during a military operation. The operation, part of an ongoing effort to disrupt militant networks, also produced seizures of ammunition and several explosive devices, with several suspects detained on security grounds. In parallel, reports from Israel’s information security and intelligence community describe ongoing cross-border activity intended to prevent attacks and to disrupt networks tied to Hamas, Islamic State-inspired groups, and Iranian proxies.Across the region, Israel’s involvement in Syria remains a focal point of strategy and danger. A year into the effort to manage a buffer zone on and east of the Golan Heights, Israeli forces have conducted intelligence-led raids against targets in villages within and beyond the buffer zone, aiming to thwart hostile activity and to shape broader developments inside Syria. The Beit Jann incident, in which six Israeli soldiers were wounded in engagement with armed groups, underscored the volatility of the area and the complexity of the Syrian civil war’s spillover effects. Defense officials say the operation serves strategic purposes beyond counterterrorism, including limiting spillover into Israeli territory and influencing the regional balance of power as other actors press for influence in Syria.In related regional assessments, a report circulating in security circles notes that a broader battle over influence in Syria is unfolding among Turkey, Qatar, and Russia, with Damascus attempting to consolidate power amid a landscape of armed groups and shifting loyalties. Observers caution that Syria’s transformation is fluid, with the government relying on a mix of armed groups and external actors to project influence, while Israel seeks to prevent militant networks from gaining a foothold near its north.Turning to broader regional security questions, reports emerged of ballistic missile activity attributed to Iran targeting the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Iranian officials denied involvement, ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 19:07

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 19:07
    Nov 29 2025
    HEADLINESGaza Death Toll Tops 70,000 Aid PhasesIsrael Debates Haredi Draft PolicyIDF Destroys Jenin Explosives LabThe time is now 2:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good afternoon. This is the hourly update on the Middle East and related regional dynamics, with attention to security concerns, humanitarian developments, and the international context shaping the situation for Israelis, Palestinians, and partners around the world.In Gaza, the health ministry reports the death toll since the current phase of the conflict began has surpassed 70,000, with the tally rising by more than 300 over the past 24 hours. Officials emphasize that the figure includes civilians and combatants alike and note the challenge of independent verification amid ongoing reconstruction and search-and-recovery efforts. Humanitarian operations are now framed around the ceasefire framework, with Phase A delivering humanitarian aid, pausing fighting, and resuming prisoner exchanges. Phase B is anticipated to expand aid deliveries and begin rebuilding, though questions remain about pace, access, and security guarantees necessary for wider reconstruction.In Israel, policy debates are intensifying over how to proceed after October 7. Editorials argue for a formal, state-led inquiry to review the events and the policy decisions that, in retrospect, shaped the response to the attacks. The conversation centers on accountability and on ensuring that security and civilian protection are strengthened going forward. At the same time, domestic voices urge caution in the immediate next steps on military and security arrangements, including drafts and reserve mobilization, framing the issue as part of a broader national-security calculus during a multi-front threat environment.Operationally, the Israel Defense Forces this week reported the uncovering and destruction of a laboratory producing explosives during a military operation in Jenin, along with the seizure of weapons and ammunition. The episode is presented in official briefings as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt militant capabilities and prevent attacks along multiple fronts, including in the West Bank and along the Gaza border.A separate and closely watched domestic debate concerns the Haredi community and the question of universal or broader draft policies. Opinion pieces argue that any draft framework must balance security needs with community realities, while another analysis defends the ultra-Orthodox position and calls for leadership to engage with national-security requirements and the welfare of soldiers and civilians alike. This reflects a broader conversation inside Israel about resilience, social cohesion, and the political process during a high-threat period.In Syria, Israel’s activity near the Golan Heights and along the buffer zone continues to be described by observers as a strategic effort to disrupt networks seen as threats to Israeli security. Analysis emphasizes that the current operations aim to prevent the spillover of instability into Israel and to shape regional dynamics as the Assad regime’s power remains in flux. The broader context highlights competing regional influence from Turkey, Qatar, and Russia, with Israel arguing that its presence east of the Golan border serves immediate defensive needs and longer-term deterrence.Across the region, tensions persist over Iran’s actions. Reports from the region indicate ballistic missiles launched toward areas in northern Iraq associated with Kurdish groups, with Tehran denying responsibility for the strike. Washington and regional capitals weigh these developments within a wider concern about Iran’s regional posture, including how it responds to and engages with allied or proxy groups in neighboring countries. The broader pattern described by analysts suggests a continuing contest over influence and security arrangements in the Levant and Mesopotamia, with international powers seeking to shape outcomes without escalating direct confrontation.In broader international terms, the war in Gaza continues to affect economies, travel, and public diplomacy. Airbus issued a recall affecting thousands of A320-family jets due to a software update, prompting operational adjustments for several Israeli carriers that operate the aircraft, though El Al and many major operators reported limited disruption beyond a temporary delay. The aviation setback comes amid broader regional instability and travel pressures during a peak season, underscoring how security and safety concerns ripple through civil aviation and consumer access to international travel.On the public diplomacy front, a prominent cross-border discussion is taking place in the United States and among Jewish communities abroad. A major poll of American Jewish respondents finds a strong identification with Zionist values, while also noting concerns about rising antisemitism and the impact of international ...
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    8 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 18:08

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 18:08
    Nov 29 2025
    HEADLINESGaza toll tops 70000 as ceasefire strainsAirbus recalls 6000 A320s after data riskSomaliland seen as Israel counter Houthis baseThe time is now 1:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.The Gaza war remains the dominant and most volatile thread shaping the region’s security outlook as the ceasefire period passes into its second full month. Hamas and other authorities in the enclave report that the death toll from the Israeli offensive has surpassed 70,000, with Gaza health officials saying 70,100 people have been killed since Thursday, including hundreds of civilians and combatants. The tally reflects ongoing difficulties in accounting for all casualties in a densely damaged urban landscape, and disagreements with Israeli officials over data accuracy persist. In the latest round of violence, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Gaza killed three Palestinians who authorities say crossed a ceasefire boundary or approached Israeli troops in a threatening manner. In Khan Younis, two boys, aged 11 and 8, were among those killed in a strike the Palestinian side says targeted a family near a school in the Bani Suheila area. Family members and local hospital officials described the victims as children who were not involved in fighting, illustrating once more how civilian life remains tightly bound to the ceasefire line.The ceasefire arrangement, brokered in part to enable humanitarian access and wounded civilians to be treated, has seen periodic violations and a steady, if unsettling, human cost. In the week ahead, questions linger about the durability of the ceasefire, the scope of any second and third withdrawals from Gaza, and the readiness of international forces to stabilize the territory while Hamas disarms. The United States has signaled support for a broader international framework to oversee a phased redeployment and to secure essential services for Gazans, even as it emphasizes Israel’s security concerns and the need to prevent weapons transfers and new rocket launches. Washington has also referenced the need for ongoing accountability for civilian harm, a principle that has fed into the broader political debate over how to balance Israel’s security with humanitarian obligations.On the security front, the Israel Defense Forces say they remain active along the Gaza border and in the West Bank, continuing targeted operations against militants while deploying defensive measures designed to deter attacks. In the most recent operations, the IDF reported the discovery and neutralization of improvised explosive devices and other weaponry in Jenin as part of a broader campaign in the area, and it reiterated that it views any attempt to threaten troops as a legitimate counterterror effort. The IDF also has begun placing physical markers along the Yellow Line in Gaza, in addition to an online map showing boundaries, a move the military says is intended to help reduce accidental cross-border incidents during a fragile ceasefire period. The agency’s position remains that security concerns and the safety of Israeli civilians require vigilance and decisive action when threats are detected.Beyond the immediate conflict, regional and international players are recalibrating their positions. Airbus’ decision to recall about 6,000 A320-family jets for a software update to address a potential data corruption risk tied to intense solar radiation has disrupted global aviation during one of the year’s busiest travel periods. Israeli carriers say the impact has been limited, with El Al operating only Boeing aircraft and therefore largely spared, while Arkia and Israir reported minimal disruption and accelerated maintenance on affected planes. Airlines note that the update, which must be completed before the next routine flight, poses logistical challenges but ultimately aims to prevent safety incidents. The industry’s response highlights how even well-hedged economies must adapt quickly to safety-driven maintenance requires.In regional security developments, tensions persist on multiple fronts. Iran has claimed and, in various circles, asserted that it is striking bases in Iraq believed to be loyal to or aligned with adversaries, including Kurdish militia groups, in what observers describe as a broader pattern of Iranian pressure and retaliation dynamics in the region. The statements come as regional actors monitor the potential for escalation, particularly given Iran’s stated willingness to project power across its borders and to influence the outcomes of neighboring conflicts. Iranian authorities have described attacks on Iraqi bases as actions in support of their own strategic goals, while Iraqi and Kurdish authorities have urged caution amid reports of cross-border fire and ongoing security operations.On a related regional front, experts and observers have highlighted a potential shift in balancing power as Somaliland emerges as a ...
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    9 mins
  • Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 17:06

    Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-11-29 at 17:06
    Nov 29 2025
    HEADLINESBethlehem clash wounds Israelis, Palestinians; area sealedGaza toll tops 70,000; ceasefire strainsThree Palestinians killed crossing Gaza Yellow LineThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.From Jerusalem at 12:00 PM, this is a mid‑day update on the region’s developing situation.In the West Bank, a confrontation near Bethlehem left two Israelis and seven Palestinians wounded, according to Israeli and Palestinian accounts. The Palestinian Red Crescent said one of the injured on the Palestinian side was hit by gunfire from a Jewish settler, and the Israeli army said forces used riot-dispersal methods as they responded to reports of stone-throwing and clashes in the Khalayel al‑Loz area on the outskirts of Bethlehem. The military announced it had declared the area a closed military zone, a measure likely to restrict movement for residents in the vicinity. Separately, the Israeli police were listed as investigating the incident, and earlier this month settlements-related violence in the West Bank has continued to rise, with the Israeli military recording 752 incidents of Jewish nationalist crime and settler violence since the start of 2025, up from 675 in all of 2024. The Palestinian health ministry has recorded more than 1,000 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the current cycle of conflict began, with casualties among Palestinian civilians and militants, and a smaller toll among Israeli security personnel and civilians in related violence. The broader context remains the ongoing strain of the Gaza war and the fluctuations in security control across the occupied territories.Across the Gaza front, the death toll from the Hamas‑led war has surpassed 70,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which said the tally stands at about 70,100. The ministry also noted that since a ceasefire framework took effect, there have been hundreds of additional fatalities caused by Israeli fire, with the latest figures highlighting the humanitarian crisis inside the enclave. The ceasefire, brokered with the support of the United States, remains fragile, with both sides accusing the other of violations even as the wider pause holds in many places. The international community continues to call for sustained humanitarian access and predictable progress toward a durable resolution that addresses the needs of civilians on both sides.In two separate incidents at the Gaza perimeter, Israeli forces said they killed three Palestinians who were attempting to cross the Yellow Line. In one case, the border crossing cited suspicious activity on the ground as two suspects moved toward Israeli forces, prompting the military response. The other incident also involved a crossing attempt and associated actions observed by troops. The events underscore the ongoing tension at the boundary between Gaza and Israel, where even during periods of relative calm, small-scale clashes and enforcement operations continue to claim lives.Beyond the battlefield, the region remains subject to a mix of long-standing and evolving political realities. Syria’s political trajectory continues to be felt in neighboring areas, with President Bashar al‑Assad’s government reshaping control in key cities. A year after a rapid Islamist-led offensive toppled the regime’s grip on Aleppo, former senior figures such as President Ahmad al‑Sharaa visited the northern city, framing Aleppo’s “rebirth” as a turning point in Syria’s broader national arc. The visit, conducted amid the backdrop of a protracted conflict, illustrates how leadership shifts, alliances, and symbolic gestures continue to influence perceptions of stability across parts of the region.On the international front, the conflict’s toll remains a central concern for international diplomacy. The United States has emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire framework while pressing for accountability and humanitarian relief. Washington has also signaled support for movement toward a sustainable ceasefire and political track, even as critics on all sides argue that current arrangements do not fully address core grievances or security needs. The ceasefire’s durability continues to hinge on both security assurances and diplomatic engagement, with US policy shaped by the goal of reducing civilian harm and promoting a stable security environment that could enable negotiations over longer-term settlements.Meanwhile, the information environment around the conflict continues to be contested. The Diaspora Affairs Ministry noted in recent assessments that many social media accounts purporting to post from Gaza or the West Bank are operated abroad or from unverifiable locations, raising concerns of propaganda and misinformation aimed at influencing international opinion and domestic debates. This underscores the challenge for international audiences trying to discern authentic reporting amid a flood ...
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    7 mins