HEADLINESUN approves Gaza security plan with forceWest Bank settler violence escalates near EfratPalestinian detainee deaths rise in Israeli custodyThe time is now 7:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.Good evening. This is your hourly update on the Middle East and related international developments as the region faces a critical juncture in Gaza, in the West Bank, and in broader diplomacy.The United Nations Security Council has approved a US-drafted resolution endorsing a Gaza plan associated with the administration’s approach to security in the enclave and authorizing an international stabilization presence. The vote marks a formal seal of international support for a framework that envisions a security force role and outside management of security risks in Gaza, even as it faces resistance from Hamas and questions about sovereignty and day-to-day governance on the ground. Hamas rejected the resolution, saying the plan would amount to foreign control and would complicate Palestinian sovereignty, arguing in effect that such a force would be a party to the conflict rather than a neutral stabilizing mechanism.Analysts caution that while the vote signals a potential shift toward stability, the path from approval to durable peace remains fraught. The core test is how security arrangements would be implemented, how disarmament of militant groups would be secured, and how civilian protections would be maintained in practice. Observers note that without credible, on-the-ground enforcement and a broad political framework, the plan could become a mechanism for external influence without delivering lasting security for Israelis or Palestinians.On the ground, violence in the West Bank intensified in recent days. Reports describe clashes between Israeli security forces and Jewish settlers amid demonstrations and clashes around the dismantling of an outpost near Efrat, including arson attacks and damage to homes and vehicles in nearby villages. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, and Foreign Minister Sa’ar, spoke against the violence, while stressing the military’s commitment to all legitimate security missions. They warned that armed extremists do not represent the majority of settlers or the state and pledged that security forces would pursue those responsible. Palestinian authorities and observers have condemned settler violence as part of a broader pattern that complicates the prospect of calm and a negotiated path forward.In parallel, a rising rights debate focuses on detainee conditions. A rights group estimates that at least 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since October of last year, raising concerns about treatment and medical care in detention during the Gaza conflict and its aftermath. The figures add a humanitarian dimension to the security and political discussions that dominate the region’s agenda.International voices have weighed in on the Gaza framework and related issues. Russia’s representative at the United Nations criticized the Security Council’s wording, arguing that the language of a plan for two states living side by side does not fit the current text and could widen gaps between Gaza and the West Bank. China’s UN envoy likewise signaled concerns, stating that the American draft did not adequately reflect Palestinian sovereignty. Other Western diplomats urged careful implementation grounded in international law and an acceptance of Palestinian self-determination as part of any transitional arrangements.Beyond Gaza, Washington and Riyadh appeared poised to advance a broader energy and security framework, with reports that a civil nuclear energy agreement could be in the offing as part of ongoing diplomacy. Separately, President Trump has indicated openness to sanctions on Russia if he retains final decision-making authority, with observers noting the administration’s preference for a narrowly crafted carve-out to preserve presidential control over sanctions decisions. The White House emphasized that negotiations with Moscow continue as part of broader efforts to end the war in Ukraine, even as focus remains on the Middle East.In Washington, the administration has also linked a resolution in Gaza to broader international questions, including discussions about a Palestinian state and security arrangements that would be shaped by the United Nations, regional partners, and the Palestinians themselves. Proponents argue that a credible international role could help stabilize Gaza while supporting Palestinian governance, whereas critics warn that external oversight must be carefully calibrated to avoid undermining legitimate Palestinian aspirations.Diplomatic currents also touched South Africa and Europe. Reports from various capitals highlighted calls to ensure that any transition arrangements respect international law and Palestinian self-determination, while reinforcing the ...
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