HEADLINES
Gaza Phase II begins hostage fate uncertain
Iran warns any attack triggers all-out war
4.4 quake strikes Turkey injuries reported
The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
This is the hourly news update. We begin with developments shaping the Middle East, politics, and global security, along with notable social and cultural stories from around the world.
In Washington and Jerusalem, the Gaza peace process moves into its second phase, though observers say Israel’s leverage remains limited. Phase II of the plan, rooted in the framework President Donald Trump outlined, centers on demilitarization, governance, and reconstruction of Gaza. A board overseeing the process includes Qatar and Turkey, a composition that has drawn questions in Jerusalem about how disarmament of Hamas will be ensured and how security guarantees will be maintained. Officials in Israel have emphasized the need for a “day after” approach that preserves security and ensures Hamas is excluded from any rebuilding effort. One major point of contention remains the fate of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza and the timing of the body’s return, which has been repeatedly cited as a prerequisite by Israeli leadership for moving forward. Reports also indicate that the Rafah crossing could be reopened to Gazans in some capacity, but Israel has flagged the need to limit cross-border movement to preserve security, a stance that could clash with steps contemplated by the Board of Peace.
Israeli security and civilian travel policy have evolved in response to concerns about potential escalation. In a bid to ease traveler anxiety, El Al and Arkia have announced options for full credit refunds for cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and Israir has introduced a “cancellation shield” allowing refunds up to three days before departure for a fee. The changes come as airlines assess risk in a tense security environment, including regional flights and airspace considerations. Israel continues to monitor potential threats as regional tensions persist, with some international carriers adjusting routes and schedules in light of looming concerns.
In other regional security news, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck northwest Turkey overnight, centered in the Sındırgı district near Balıkesir, with tremors felt across surrounding provinces. There are early reports of damage and injuries, underscoring how natural disasters can compound regional stability concerns in a time of heightened alert.
Australia faced a flood of demonstrations on its national day as thousands gathered in Sydney’s Hyde Park for the annual Invasion Day rally, a mass event marking Indigenous perspectives on Australia Day. The gathering began with a tribute to victims of gun violence in a rural New South Wales town, and Indigenous speakers highlighted land rights, the high number of Indigenous deaths in police custody, and calls for unity in the face of rising nationalist sentiment. Separately, anti-immigration protests drew hundreds as part of demonstrations organized by groups including March for Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the day to urge unity, while a Sydney Morning Herald poll indicated a growing number of Australians favoring keeping the date on January 26. The debate underscores a long-running national discussion about the meaning of Australia Day for Indigenous communities versus broader national identity.
Across Europe and the Atlantic, voices on Israel’s security and regional policy continue to circulate in editorial and public discourse. A prominent Israel-focused opinion piece argues that Denmark should model its two-state approach at home as a means of demonstrating commitment to a two-state framework for Israel and its neighbors. The piece notes Denmark’s role on the UN Security Council and suggests that real efforts at peace require domestic alignment with two-state principles, while reflecting on wider international examples. The broader argument invites other countries to examine how universal principles are implemented domestically, and it highlights the political complexities involved in aligning international rhetoric with national policy.
In the United Kingdom, a Holocaust survivor has spoken candidly about rising antisemitism ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day. Joanna Millan, now 83, recalled the Windermere Children who were sheltered in England after World War II and warned that antisemitism is resurfacing with greater openness, including rhetoric linked to anti-Zionism. Millan said she would consider leaving the UK if she were younger, describing a fear for Jewish safety that she believes is growing. Her reflections come as communities reflect on the enduring lessons of the Holocaust and the need to guard against hatred in all its forms.
In the Middle East and beyond, tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict and broader regional alignments continue to shape diplomacy and security calculations. A major point of debate concerns how the “day after” for Gaza will be defined and secured, given recent remarks about governance arrangements for the territory and the political dynamics within Palestinian leadership. Critics warn that without a credible, inclusive plan that addresses security, governance, and humanitarian needs, reconstruction efforts risk being shaped by outside actors with divergent interests.
Iran and US tensions continued to feature prominently in regional security discourse. An eye-catching propaganda mural in Tehran, displayed at Enghelab Square, depicted a stylized US aircraft carrier scene with a caption invoking the saying “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” The display comes as Washington has signaled heightened readiness and sent ships toward the region in response to escalating threats. Iranian officials warned that any attack would be treated as an all-out war, signaling the potential for rapid escalation if confrontations widen. The posture underscores how fragile deconfliction remains in an area already defined by shifts in alliance and the risk of miscalculation.
On the international business and human-interest front, notable headlines include the ongoing scrutiny of global travel related to conflict risk, with industry observers noting that some European carriers have adjusted routes to avoid volatile corridors while still maintaining essential service. In Israel, air travel patterns continue to adapt to security realities, with carriers offering flexibility and protections to travelers anxious about potential disruptions in the region.
Turning to social and demographic research, a new Shoresh Institute study examines Haredim living on Israel’s periphery, revealing distinct lifestyle differences from central communities. The study, led by Dr. Pavel Jelnov, charts how migration patterns driven by housing costs are reshaping transportation, consumer spending, and fertility choices. Among younger couples, peripheral Haredi households tend to have fewer children than their central counterparts, influenced by differences in daily routines, travel needs, and access to nearby institutions. The research also notes higher rates of television ownership and women’s educational attainment in peripheral communities, even as overall per-capita income remains lower than in central Israel. The findings illuminate how geography and infrastructure can influence family dynamics and economic decisions over time.
In technology and security developments, the wider regional security environment again drew attention to how international players shape the day-to-day risks people face. A separate item notes the death of a former South Korean prime minister, Lee Hae-chan, during an official visit to Vietnam, marking a moment of regional political transition and historical reflection as Korean democracy evolves.
In a separate cultural-interest thread, the story of Liam Or’s captivity and return continues to attract attention as new details emerge about a hidden family identity and the longer-term implications for security and personal safety in the context of ongoing conflicts. The reporting highlights the complexities involved in ensuring the safety of abductees and the broader consequences of family and identity in modern conflict zones.
Weather across the region today is partly cloudy with periods of high and mid-level clouds. Temperatures are expected to run above seasonal norms, with relatively low humidity. In the north, easterly winds will be noticeable, and across the Mediterranean, winds will be from the east to southeast at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour, occasionally reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour in the northern areas. Sea conditions are expected to feature waves of 50 to 100 centimeters. City-by-city forecasts reflect a broad temperature range for today and tonight, with milder conditions in the central and coastal zones and cooler pockets inland.
That is the latest. We will continue to monitor Gaza’s evolving phase of reconstruction and governance, the regional security posture around Iran and its allies, and the domestic discussions shaping national identities, immigration discourse, and minority protections in democracies around the world. We will return with 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.
SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-884533
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-884532
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-884517
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-884491
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-884531
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-884530
https://t.me/newssil/188739
https://t.me/n