Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-09-11 at 17:05

HEADLINES
Fragile Gaza ceasefire hinges on hostages
Doha Hamas strike rattles ceasefire talks
Iran proxies widen Red Sea security risk

The time is now 1:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

This is the 1:00 PM update. The region remains on edge as a wary ceasefire between Israel and Iran’s allied forces holds only tentatively, with both sides signaling readiness to respond to any breach. In Gaza, the fighting has shifted into abroader pattern of pressure and retaliation, as Israel continues its campaign against Hamas, while the group maintains that hostages held in Gaza remain a centerpiece of any negotiation. A sense of fragility surrounds spillover risks to neighboring states and to global markets that depend on steady security in the region.

In the past day, Israel escalated its effort to disrupt Hamas leadership, including an airstrike on targets in Doha linked to Hamas officials. Hamas officials say some of their top negotiators survived, but the strike has intensified the pressure on any ongoing ceasefire talks, which have long relied on mediation by regional and international partners. The United States, while asserting support for Israel’s security, has also pressed for efforts to preserve civilian safety and to maintain channels for diplomacy. Amid the violence, US officials reiterate a stance of unity with Israel in pursuing a secure outcome through strong, coordinated action.

Iran’s network of proxies across the region remains a central concern. Israeli forces have reported operations against groups linked to the Imam al-Hussain division in Lebanon, part of Iran’s broader effort to project power and deter Israeli activity. Hezbollah, long a major element of the region’s security equation, has faced significant pressure from Israeli military activity in Lebanon and ongoing efforts by Beirut to curb its influence. In parallel, discussions among Gulf states and Western partners emphasize the need to keep avenues open for de-escalation while denying Iran the ability to expand its reach.

The Gaza hostage issue continues to loom large. Hamas says its talks with mediators are ongoing, while Israel insists that any resolution must account for the safety of hostages and the security needs of its citizens. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with international observers calling for urgent, credible access to aid and for sheltered passage for civilians caught in the crossfire. The hostage question remains a focal point for diplomacy, with regional powers monitoring developments closely as the clock ticks on potential deals.

Beyond Gaza, the security environment in the wider region remains volatile. Yemen’s Houthi operations in the Red Sea corridor are part of the broader risk landscape that includes maritime security concerns and potential spillover to civilian shipping routes. While there are no dramatic new flare-ups reported in today’s briefing, analysts say the possibility of escalations remains a factor in regional calculations.

Internationally, a series of developments underscore how the conflict touches partners far from the battlefield. In Europe, Ireland’s public broadcaster said it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to take part, a stance reflecting deep concern over the Gaza war’s toll. The Netherlands said it plans to ban imports from West Bank settlements, aligning with other European measures, while the United Arab Emirates signaled its intention to coordinate positions with regional neighbors after an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha. Dozens of mourners gathered in Doha for the funeral of six people killed in the Israeli strike, highlighting the ongoing toll of the conflict on civilians and mediation efforts in the Gulf region.

In London, a note of diplomatic strain surfaced as a “suspicious package” prompted...