In a notable move, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has officially added Hamas to the United Nations’ blacklist of parties credibly suspected of committing conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and genital mutilation during the October 7 attacks. This unprecedented action marks international acknowledgment of Hamas’s systematic use of sexual violence as a tool of terror.

This shift follows years of evidence, including a UN fact-finding mission, reports from Israeli and academic sources, and mounting survivor testimonies, that documented widespread gender-based atrocities by Hamas on that day. While symbolic, the blacklisting carries diplomatic weight and may pave the way for future legal or accountability measures.

Gazan journalist Omar Abd Rabou has issued a public plea to British TV host Piers Morgan, seeking help to escape Gaza. Rabou, a vocal critic of Hamas, says he has been assaulted by the group’s operatives and is “trapped and in danger.” In a post on X, he urged Morgan to use his platform to raise awareness of his case and asked followers for assistance in leaving Gaza, citing severe psychological distress and fear for his life.

Mossad Director David Barnea met Thursday with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in a bid to restart stalled negotiations on a comprehensive Hamas-Israel hostage and ceasefire deal, the most senior talks since discussions broke down three weeks ago.

Sources say Barnea stressed that Israel’s planned occupation of Gaza City is not a bluff, urging urgency to reach an agreement before military operations begin. Meanwhile, Hamas is also engaging with Turkish mediators in Istanbul, as Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. pursue parallel diplomatic tracks to secure a ceasefire and free all hostages.

A new IDF study finds no evidence of famine in Gaza, contradicting claims used in global anti-Israel campaigns. The report points to widespread aid deliveries and blames Hamas for seizing supplies, manipulating narratives, and spreading falsehoods to inflame opinion against Israel.

Reports say Israel and South Sudan are in discussions about relocating Gazans, but it remains uncertain how far these talks have progressed.

ILTV Anchor Calev Ben David spoke with Miryam Institute CEO Benjamin Anthony on this week’s ILTV Security Brief. Anthony criticizes the government’s Gaza takeover plan as a half-measure, arguing the Palestinian population should be relocated to a third country for the benefit of both sides. The episode also examines the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan, exploring their continuing relevance to the Middle East and Ben-David’s personal connection to those events.

📺 Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_9zv5tKurB0?si=dQFePy4x_2JUh-Rt

ILTV Anchor Maayan Jaffe spoke with Newsmax Senior Foreign Correspondent John Huddy. Huddy shares what he witnessed on the ground, his take on whether Israel is winning, Netanyahu’s leadership, and the truth about media bias. As a non-Jewish American deeply connected to the Jewish state, he opens up about the people, the stories, and the Israel he wants the world to see.

📺 Watch the full conversation now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtg4kIkLEwM&t=2s&ab_channel=ILTVIsraelNews

The Toronto International Film Festival is under fire after dropping The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, which follows retired Israeli Gen. Noam Tibon’s actions during the October 7 Hamas massacre and includes footage livestreamed by militants. TIFF cited unmet legal clearance requirements for the footage, prompting accusations of censorship from the filmmakers and critics.

In response, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey apologized for the pain caused, denied the censorship claims as “unequivocally false,” and vowed to collaborate with the filmmakers and his legal team to explore all options to reinstate the film in the festival lineup.

Join ILTV Anchor Lidar Grave-Lazi for a powerful one-on-one conversation with Lebanese-Syrian/German activist Rawan Osman.

Rawan broke away from generations of indoctrination to become a fearless voice against extremism — a voice urgently needed today. Her story is more than personal, it’s a wake-up call.

📅 Happening August 20, 2025 – 1:00 PM ET

💻 Virtual Event — RSVP now to secure your spot: https://iltvisrael.com/oneonone

ILTV anchor Lidar Grave-Lazi speaks with Clifford May, founder and president of the FDD , about whether Israel is nearing the end of the war and what challenges remain ahead.

On August 7, the IDF and Israel Security Agency conducted a precision strike killing Abdullah Saeed Abd al-Baqin, deputy commander of a Nukhba company in Hamas’s Central Jabaliya battalion. Abd al-Baqin infiltrated Israel on October 7, took part in the attack on the Erez District Coordination and Liaison office, and was directly involved in the abduction of hostages Ron Sherman, Nik Beizer, and Tamir Nimrodi.

Throughout the war, he directed multiple attacks on IDF forces in the area. The IDF and ISA said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to locate and eliminate those responsible for the October 7 atrocities, ensuring they are brought to justice.

ILTV anchor Calev Ben David speaks with Jewish activist Ysabella Hazan about the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada, addressing the growing threats, the communities affected, and the urgent need for action.

The Israeli Consulate in New York has unveiled a prominent campaign spotlighting 22-year-old Rom Broslavski, held in Gaza by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Giant screens in Manhattan now display his image, honoring him for saving lives during the Nova music festival massacre and risking himself to stop terrorists from abducting victims’ bodies.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spearheaded the effort, with Consul General Ofir Akunis condemning the hypocrisy of those criticizing Israel while Hamas steals humanitarian aid. The campaign aims to keep Broslavski, and the 49 other hostages still in Gaza, at the forefront of global attention, exposing the brutality of terrorist groups.

Israel is facing its most extreme heat of the year, with the Jordan Valley hitting 51 °C (124 °F), the highest temperature of the 2025 heatwave. The Beit She’an Valley also saw record highs, triggering widespread fire alerts and increasing the risk of wildfires nationwide.

The intense heat is expected to last through Wednesday, with relief anticipated from Thursday and more seasonal temperatures by Friday. Experts warn that high coastal humidity is worsening discomfort and health risks, urging vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and outdoor workers, to take precautions during this peak heatwave period.

📸 Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90

The Toronto International Film Festival has withdrawn its invitation to screen The Road Between Us, a documentary about the October 7 Hamas massacre. Festival officials cited unresolved copyright issues, claiming the filmmakers failed to secure permission from Hamas to use certain footage.

The decision has sparked criticism from the filmmakers, who view it as censorship of a story documenting one of Israel’s darkest days.

At his statue unveiling outside Gillette Stadium, NFL legend Tom Brady made a quiet but unmistakable statement, wearing a blue “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” pin 🟦. In front of a packed crowd, Brady used the spotlight to stand with the Jewish community against rising antisemitism, leaving no doubt where his support lies.

ILTV anchor Emily Schrader speaks with Simon Plosker, Editorial Director at Honest Reporting, about mounting questions over journalists in Gaza who were in fact on Hamas’s payroll. The discussion exposes how members of terrorist organizations have operated under the guise of journalism, raising concerns about the credibility and motives of their reporting.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that he has “lost the plot” amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Luxon condemned the recent attack on Gaza City, calling it “utterly, utterly unacceptable,” and expressed deep concern over forced displacement, the lack of humanitarian aid, and moves toward annexation, all of which he described as appalling.

In response, Luxon indicated that New Zealand is considering recognizing Palestinian statehood, aligning with nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and France ahead of a UN conference in September.

At Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport, an air traffic controller broke protocol by transmitting “Free Palestine” to the pilots of an El Al flight approximately 12 minutes after takeoff. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarrot announced that the controller has been suspended from duty following the incident. El Al condemned the message as “unprofessional and inappropriate” and reported it to Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority, which is coordinating with French authorities. The airline stressed that any deviation from standard procedures during flight operations could endanger safety.

The episode comes amid a broader rise in anti-Israel actions in France, including vandalism at El Al’s Paris offices and delays in visa renewals for its security staff. Israel’s embassy has formally urged the French Foreign Ministry to address these issues and ensure the safety and integrity of Israeli aviation operations in the country.

Join ILTV Anchor Lidar Grave-Lazi for a powerful one-on-one conversation with Lebanese-Syrian/German activist Rawan Osman, founder of @Arab_Asks. Rawan broke away from generations of indoctrination to become a fearless voice against extremism — a voice urgently needed today. Her story is more than personal, it’s a wake-up call.

📅 Happening August 20, 2025 – 1:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual Event — RSVP now to secure your spot: https://iltvisrael.com/oneonone

The IDF says a targeted airstrike last week killed five armed terrorists in Deir al-Balah who were operating near a vehicle falsely marked with the World Central Kitchen emblem. The group, unaffiliated with WCK, wore yellow vests to disguise themselves and exploit humanitarian protections.

COGAT confirmed the incident with WCK, which said the vehicle was not part of its operations. The IDF condemned Hamas and other terror groups for abusing aid symbols and vowed to keep working with international organizations to stop such exploitation while protecting civilians.

🎥 IDF

The IDF has released new evidence identifying Anas Al-Sharif as a Hamas terrorist, further linking him to the group’s operations in Gaza.

This morning, vandals hurled red paint and smashed the front door of Israel’s Embassy in The Hague. Local security forces quickly arrested three suspects. No injuries were reported.

Ambassador Modi Ephraim condemned the incident as a “cowardly act” reflecting the surge in hatred and incitement against Israel abroad, urging stronger protection for diplomatic sites amid rising antisemitism in Europe.

An Orthodox Jewish couple from the United States, visiting Venice for a short vacation, was attacked near the Rialto Bridge shortly after midnight. The husband, visibly identifiable as a member of the Lubavitch Hasidic movement by his traditional clothing, was insulted with antisemitic slurs, had a drink thrown at him, and was spat on by a group of two or three people with a dog. The attackers unleashed the dog, ordering it to attack; it bit into the man’s pants pocket and grabbed his phone, narrowly missing his thigh. Witnesses believe the assault was motivated purely by the victim’s Jewish identity, amid heightened tensions over the war in Gaza.

Shaken, the couple fled to a nearby kosher restaurant in the Venice Ghetto, where the owner confirmed witnessing the aftermath. They chose not to file a police complaint or seek medical care, and returned to the U.S. hours later. The Lubavitch community alerted police, who have begun reviewing security camera footage to identify the suspects.

In an interview with Piers Morgan, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accused Hamas of exploiting food supplies for its benefit rather than feeding civilians in Gaza. He claimed hunger in Gaza stems from Hamas’s control of the market, not shortages, adding, “Hamas fighters eat well… instead of food, they need some Ozempic.”

Huckabee said Hamas blocks humanitarian aid because it profits from limiting access, arguing the group prioritizes power over relieving civilian suffering.

🎥 @piersmorganuncensored

This evening, hundreds of retired and reserve Israeli Air Force pilots are expected to gather outside IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, calling for an immediate end to what they call a futile war and urging swift action to secure the hostages’ return.

The pilots plan to voice support for the IDF Chief of Staff’s opposition to expanding the war, stressing that hostages have been held for 676 days, soldiers remain in danger, and civilians are suffering. They warn the conflict is eroding Israel’s global standing and will call for a shift toward diplomacy.

📸 Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90

France has quietly halted work visa renewals for El Al security personnel in Paris, specifically ITAN workers serving Israeli diplomatic missions, over the past six months. Some now face illegal residency, while others obtained temporary diplomatic status through the Israeli embassy.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry says it is working with French authorities to resolve the issue. The move comes amid rising anti-Israel incidents in France, including vandalism of El Al’s Paris offices and protesters blocking Israel’s pavilion at the Paris Air Show.

Montreal police have arrested a 24-year-old man suspected of violently assaulting a Jewish father in a public park in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc‑Extension area. A video circulating on social media shows the man physically attacking the father, in ultra-Orthodox attire, as he clings to his young daughters. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing, with the suspect currently being interrogated by authorities and a charge sheet expected to be forwarded to prosecutors. Canadian and Israeli officials condemned the attack, highlighting the urgent need for stronger efforts to combat antisemitism.

Israel’s security establishment is on heightened alert after intelligence warnings that Iran may attempt a sudden attack. The IDF has raised readiness levels and conducted two major drills, one simulating an Iranian strike in the north, the other testing rapid coordination between the IDF, Shin Bet, and Mossad ahead of the holidays and potential Gaza escalations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “ready for any scenario,” stressing that just as Iran explores its options, Israel is fully preparing to counter any move to ensure national security.

An Arkia Airbus A320 flight, carrying approximately 160 passengers from Rhodes, successfully landed at Ben‑Gurion Airport this evening after declaring an emergency due to suspected landing‑gear malfunction. All wheels were down on touchdown, though the plane made three previous landing attempts. During the episode, air traffic at the airport was temporarily halted and emergency crews were deployed to the tarmac.

Join ILTV Anchor Lidar Grave-Lazi for a powerful one-on-one conversation with Lebanese-Syrian/German activist Rawan Osman, founder of @Arab_Asks. Rawan broke away from generations of indoctrination to become a fearless voice against extremism — a voice urgently needed today. Her story is more than personal, it’s a wake-up call.

📅 Happening August 20, 2025 – 1:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual Event — RSVP now to secure your spot: https://iltvisrael.com/oneonone

🚨 UPDATE: A judge has ordered that the individual accused of spraying graffiti on the Western Wall be committed to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation and treatment, rather than being held in jail. This decision reflects a legal determination that the suspect’s mental health requires clinical attention before any further judicial proceedings.

By sending the suspect to a psychiatric facility, the court ensures proper mental health assessment, aligning with legal and humanitarian standards. This step prioritizes both public safety and the suspect’s well-being as the case moves forward.

French President Emmanuel Macron strongly criticized Israel’s recently approved plan to expand its military operation in Gaza, particularly efforts to seize control of Gaza City and the Mawasi camps. He warned that the move risks creating “a disaster of unprecedented gravity” and could spark a permanent state of war. According to Macron, Israeli hostages and Gaza’s civilian population would bear the worst consequences. He proposed establishing an international stabilization mission under UN mandate to prevent further deterioration.

The IDF confirmed it eliminated Anas Al-Sharif in Gaza City, a senior Hamas terrorist who disguised himself as a journalist for the Al Jazeera network. Al-Sharif led a Hamas terrorist cell responsible for organizing rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF forces. Intelligence documents recovered in Gaza, including rosters, training records, phone lists, and salary files, provide conclusive evidence of his Hamas military role and show his integration into Al Jazeera’s operations, despite the network’s attempts to deny the connection.

According to the IDF, the strike was carried out using precise munitions after aerial surveillance and other intelligence measures ensured minimal risk to civilians. The military stressed it will continue targeting terrorists in the Gaza Strip to protect Israeli civilians and dismantle Hamas’s operational infrastructure.

Vandals spray-painted “There is a Holocaust in Gaza” in red on the southern section of the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovich condemned the act as a serious desecration and urged police to find and prosecute those responsible.

The incident follows previous vandalism on the northern side, which led to discussions on removing graffiti without damaging the stones. A careful restoration plan will be overseen to preserve the site’s sanctity.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg announced she will participate in a new flotilla set to sail on August 31 from Spain, aiming to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza with dozens of ships. The plan includes meeting additional vessels from Tunisia and other ports on September 4, alongside coordinated actions in over 44 countries to mobilize international solidarity.

Her announcement follows her prior attempt aboard the Madleen ship in June, which Israeli forces intercepted and redirected to Ashdod. Thunberg and three other activists accepted deportation, while others remained in custody.

Families demand a hostage deal, fearing that full control of Gaza could lead to the execution of the remaining captives.

Australia’s federal cabinet is preparing to meet in September to officially recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aligns Australia with countries like France and Canada that have taken similar steps.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exposes how photos of children in Gaza were used to spread lies about starvation, while ignoring the fact that the children were suffering from illnesses unrelated to hunger.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel’s policy throughout the war has been to prevent a humanitarian crisis, while Hamas’s policy has been to create one.