Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-05 at 22:05

HEADLINES
Trump Kushner Mediate Gaza Hostage Talks
Trump Signed Order to Curb Hostage Diplomacy
Palestinian Rights Groups Sanctioned Over ICC Case

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

Good evening. Here is the hourly update on the unfolding situation surrounding Gaza, the region, and the related diplomacy.

First, on hostage negotiations and the war in Gaza: United States President Donald Trump says Washington is in very deep negotiations with Hamas and is urging the group to release all hostages held in Gaza. He warned that the situation would be tough and nasty if the captives are not freed, while noting that Hamas has been asking for concessions that he described as acceptable. In practical terms, about fifty Israeli hostages are still held in Gaza, with roughly twenty believed to be alive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tied any potential end to the war to the release of all hostages, Hamas being disarmed, Israel’s security control over Gaza, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration. The administration has signaled a willingness to press for hostage releases as a condition for broader progress, and associates have indicated that Jared Kushner is involved in the negotiations.

Second, on policy actions in Washington: President Trump signed an executive order to pave the way for designating countries as state sponsors of wrongful detention and to impose sanctions on those deemed to be holding Americans unlawfully. The policy aims to deter hostage diplomacy and to create leverage to secure the return of Americans held abroad. Officials say the United States could target nations currently detaining Americans and those engaging in coercive tactics in negotiations. In past cases, the United States has secured the release of several Americans, and the new framework is intended to strengthen that track record.

Third, on regional diplomacy and regional reactions: Israel continues to pursue security gains while regional capitals weigh the humanitarian costs and political implications of the war. Egypt’s government has been vocal about red lines and humanitarian considerations, stressing that displacement of Gazans is not an option and condemning rhetoric that resembles calls for genocide. Egyptian officials have warned against forced displacement and have emphasized the importance of protecting civilians while addressing security concerns. Israel, for its part, maintains that controlling crossings and borders is essential to prevent arms smuggling and to ensure long‑term security for its people, even as it pursues a path toward a ceasefire that would secure the release of hostages.

Fourth, on battlefield developments and hostage welfare: Israeli defense authorities have reiterated that hostage welfare remains a central factor in operational planning as the military advances toward Gaza City. The campaign aims to degrade Hamas’s capabilities while facilitating the return of hostages. In Gaza, aid and humanitarian conditions continue to be strained as fighting persists and civilians remain at risk. Families of captives and residents alike are seeking clarity about the fate of loved ones, with health conditions among hostages prompting renewed concern.

Fifth, on international legal and human rights dimensions: three Palestinian human rights organizations—connected to the Gaza context and ICC-related work—face sanctions tied to the International Criminal Court case against Israel. Those sanctions reflect a broader dispute over jurisdiction and accountability, and the groups say they will continue cooperating with ICC processes. The ICC’s involvement remains a focal point for international dialogue about war crimes and humanitarian protections, even as the United States charts its own stance on the matter.

Sixth, on broader...