HEADLINESDisarm Hamas hinges on credible civilian adminInternational Stabilization Force to oversee GazaIsrael Lebanon talks edge toward Accords revivalThe time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This is a news update on the Gaza ceasefire effort, regional diplomacy, and related developments in the Middle East as of 11:01 AM.Diplomacy surrounding Gaza’s next phase remains in motion, with emphasis on what must come before any disarming of Hamas.In Doha, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Reuters that any disarmament of Hamas depends on a credible Palestinian civil administration and a vetted, trained police force that would operate independently of Hamas and be backed by an international stabilization force. He noted Washington is pressuring Israel to permit Turkey’s participation in the force and warned that without these initial steps the expectation that Hamas will disarm in the first phase is not realistic. He characterized progress on the plan as a measure of collective resolve and cautioned that failure to advance could be a significant setback for the international community and for the United States.The discussions in Doha also involved questions about the scope and mechanics of a second phase, including the role of a technocratic Palestinian government and an International Stabilization Force overseen by a Board of Peace led by the United States, under a framework described by some as essential to the ceasefire’s implementation. Turkish and Qatari officials signaled realism about what can be delivered in the near term and stressed the need for concrete steps that create space for governance and security on the ground.Doha’s framing of phase two contrasts with rhetoric from Doha Forum participants who say a pause should not be mistaken for a final settlement. Qatar’s prime minister said a ceasefire requires an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave, while stressing that the broader Palestinian rights question, including the West Bank, remains central to a lasting peace. Turkish officials echoed the caution that international involvement must be carefully defined, with questions about which countries participate and how engagement is structured. In Washington, a US official indicated that the transition to phase two is expected within the next couple of weeks, dependent on progress in coordination with regional partners.Egyptian officials also weighed in, urging the rapid deployment of the International Stabilization Force and the implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase. They stressed that the Rafah crossing should not become a gateway for displacement, but rather a conduit for humanitarian aid and orderly movement. Egypt, together with Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, issued a joint statement expressing concern about unilateral moves and calling for open, two-way crossings consistent with humanitarian needs and regional stability.On the ground, the situation remains tense along Israel’s borders and within the broader region. In Lebanon, Israeli and Lebanese discussions have taken a direct turn, with Israeli envoy to the United States Yechiel Leiter delivering a message via an English-language Lebanese outlet appealing for peace with Beirut. Leiter emphasized that Israel’s concerns are security-driven and stated that Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon, while pointing to Hezbollah’s presence and Iranian influence as ongoing threats. He described a potential pathway to broader moderation, envisioning Abraham Accords 2.0 that would expand people-to-people ties and economic cooperation. Still, Lebanon’s prime minister tempered expectations, saying his country is far from normalization with Israel, and a second meeting is planned for later this month. In the meantime, the Israeli military has continued its operations against threats along the border, including past strikes against Hezbollah targets and ongoing enforcement along the frontier, as both sides assess the risks of renewed escalation.These developments occur alongside continuing international scrutiny of the Gaza crisis and the broader regional effort to stabilize the humanitarian and security situation. In parallel, regional voices are urging patience with the timetable and underscoring that a sustainable solution must address governance, security, and the rights of the Palestinian people. The United States has signaled a hands-on role, pressing for a structured transition to a second phase that would integrate a civilian administration, security arrangements, and international oversight to reduce the immediate risk of renewed fighting.In other regional news, the Israeli government remains at the center of a domestic debate over the balance between the judiciary and the legislature. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut warned that elected officials are undermining the ...
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