HEADLINES - **US Secretary of State Blinken: ICC Arrest Warrants Complicate Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Efforts** - **Normalization Talks in Limbo: Saudi Arabia Demands Palestinian Statehood, US Mediation Faces Challenges** - **Resignation Shakes Israel's National Security Council Amid Criticism of Gaza War Strategy** The time is now 05:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. This is your host reporting on the latest developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as related geopolitical events. We begin with an analysis of the current situation in Gaza and the diplomatic efforts surrounding it. Diplomatic Efforts and Challenges US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged the complexities in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Blinken, testifying before Congress, emphasized that while a ceasefire remains a possibility, recent actions by the International Criminal Court (ICC) have complicated diplomatic efforts. The ICC prosecutor has sought arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President Joe Biden has condemned the move, calling it "outrageous," and there are discussions among US lawmakers about potential sanctions against the ICC. This legal challenge adds another layer of difficulty to an already intricate negotiation process. Normalization Talks with Saudi Arabia In parallel, the US is mediating talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia aimed at normalization of relations. However, Secretary Blinken expressed doubts about Israel's willingness to make the necessary compromises, particularly regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state. This skepticism follows National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to the region, where he briefed Prime Minister Netanyahu on the potential for a historic accord. Saudi Arabia's demands include progress on Palestinian statehood and security guarantees from the US, which pose significant hurdles given the current Israeli political landscape. Humanitarian Situation in Gaza On the ground in Gaza, satellite images reveal that the city of Rafah is emptying out as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue their operations. Despite global concerns about a humanitarian disaster, such a situation has not materialized according to reports. However, the conflict's toll on civilian lives remains severe. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims over 35,000 fatalities, though these figures are difficult to independently verify. The United Nations reports approximately 24,000 identified fatalities at hospitals, with the remainder based on less clear Hamas media reports. Resignation of Israeli Security Official In Israel, internal dissent has surfaced within the National Security Council. Dr. Yoram Hemo, former head of defense policies and strategic planning, resigned after presenting a critical report on the management of the Gaza war. Hemo's document suggested that the current approach would not achieve the goal of defeating Hamas and warned of the long-term implications of continued military rule over Gaza. This resignation highlights the internal challenges and strategic disagreements within the Israeli government as it navigates the conflict. US Response to Media Equipment Seizure In a separate but related development, Israel has agreed to return equipment seized from the Associated Press (AP) after significant outcry from the United States. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi attributed the confiscation to actions by the security establishment and the Defense Ministry. This incident underscores the tensions between media freedom and security measures in conflict zones. Protests and Antisemitism in France Meanwhile, in France, police arrested several individuals who assaulted security...