Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 13:07 cover art

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 13:07

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-12-07 at 13:07

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 HEADLINESGaza phase two hinges on Hamas disarmamentInternational Stabilization Force eyed to enforce ceasefireDoha Forum reshapes Gaza peace prospectsThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.This morning the Gaza ceasefire process stands at a decisive juncture as diplomacy intensifies in Doha, Washington, and Jerusalem. Israeli officials say the first phase of the plan is nearly complete and that work is already underway on the second, which would address Hamas disarmament, the fate of detainees and hostages, and the establishment of an interim Palestinian administration in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that he will hold important discussions at the end of the month with President Trump about advancing into the second phase, stressing that Hamas must relinquish its weapons as a condition for any broader arrangements. Israel has said its security forces have acted in response to Hamas activity and violence along ceasefire lines, not as an escalation against civilians.In Doha, Turkey and Egypt pressed for progress on the truce’s enforcement, warning that daily violations threaten the deal’s survival. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the Doha Forum that Washington will have to press Israel’s leadership to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing, arguing that a failure to act could undermine any future agreement. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty echoed calls for a rapid deployment of an International Stabilization Force, along the Yellow Line inside Gaza, to separate Israeli forces from Hamas operatives and to reduce near-daily clashes. Both ministers underscored the need for international monitors and a peacekeeping framework, while noting that real questions remain about Hamas’s willingness to disarm and about the role of a potential international force in enforcing broader terms of an agreement.Officials from several states signaled interest in contributing to a stabilization mission. Turkish and Egyptian officials, along with diplomats from Indonesia and Azerbaijan, indicated that regional actors want a leading role for credible international guarantors in a force that can help implement disarmament, verify ceasefire compliance, and support humanitarian access. At the same time, Kenya and other partners have stressed that any deployment must be anchored in a robust ceasefire mechanism and a political track that offers both security assurances and meaningful Palestinian governance.Among the regional voices at the forum, Qatar’s prime minister argued that the Gaza truce cannot be considered a true ceasefire until Israel withdraws from the Strip, signaling that some gulf capitals view any long-term stability as conditional on significant changes on the ground. A senior Saudi diplomat added that while Palestinian reform rightly draws international attention, the Israeli government’s reform is essential to achieving durable peace in the region. These remarks come as Washington and Riyadh reportedly carried forward understandings in the weeks before the October 7 events that would shape future normalization, including concessions Israel might make vis‑à‑vis the Palestinians.On the Israeli security front, reports from the region point to a continuing emphasis on deterrence and readiness. A number of observers note that Israel insists its actions operate within the bounds of international law and in response to specific Hamas violations. In parallel, the international community is watching closely for signs that the Hamas leadership will meet disarmament commitments as a prerequisite for any broader political transition. The discussions at Doha and the surrounding diplomacy reflect the dangerous balance between humanitarian needs, regional security, and the political calculations that drive both Israeli policy and Palestinian aspirations.Bethlehem’s tourism sector is preparing for a revival as Christmas approaches, marking a broader return of religious and cultural travel to the city that anchors the holy season for many. Local officials say the revival is vital for the city’s economy and for the shared cultural fabric of the region, even as attention remains focused on the security situation and the wider political context in which tourism operates.In other regional developments, South Africa ended a Palestinian 90‑day visa waiver amid concerns over Gaza relocation plans and related regional dynamics. The move comes after a surge of travel and anecdotal reports of Gazans seeking opportunities abroad, complicating visa and refugee policies in a time of heightened regional tension.On the political front in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has signaled that he intends to remain active in public life even if pardoned in connection with ongoing legal proceedings. He reiterated that he views the Gaza plan’s second phase as a critical step toward stabilizing the region and protecting Israeli ...
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