HEADLINES - **Israel Returns Confiscated Equipment to AP Amid Media Coverage Tensions** - **Ashkelon Violence: Man Critically Injured Amid Ongoing Conflict** - **Minister Slams Deployment of Female Soldiers to Guard Hamas Prisoners** The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report. In recent developments concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, a series of notable events and statements have emerged, reflecting the ongoing tensions and efforts for resolution. Return of Confiscated Equipment to Associated Press Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi has instructed the return of equipment previously confiscated from the Associated Press (AP) by Israeli authorities. This decision follows an incident where Israeli law enforcement halted a live stream at AP's Sderot office, alleging that it was broadcasting footage from Al Jazeera. This move underscores the sensitive nature of media coverage in conflict zones and the balance between security measures and press freedom. Violence in Ashkelon and the Injured In domestic news, a man in his 30s was critically injured in a violent incident in Ashkelon. Medics provided emergency treatment, including stopping the bleeding and stabilizing him for transport to Barzilai Medical Center. This incident highlights the ongoing security and safety challenges faced by civilians amid the broader conflict. Controversy Over Deployment of Female Soldiers The Minister for Social Equality and the Advancement of Women, Mai Golan, has voiced strong criticism regarding the deployment of recently discharged female soldiers to guard high-risk prisoners, including Hamas terrorists. Golan described this as a moral outrage, emphasizing the traumatic implications for these young women, particularly given the violent nature of the crimes committed by those they are tasked with guarding. Golan has announced her intention to address this matter with the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff to prevent future occurrences. Tribute to Staff Sergeant Itamar Ben Yehuda A poignant tribute has been paid to Staff Sergeant Itamar Ben Yehuda, a 21-year-old Golani army medic from Rehovot, who was killed in action on October 7 while defending the Paga IDF outpost against a Hamas attack. Ben Yehuda, who was nearing the end of his service, was among 13 soldiers who died in the fierce battle against over 50 Hamas terrorists. His family and comrades have remembered him as a courageous and dedicated individual. His father, Yoram, a clinical psychologist, has been involved in treating soldiers' trauma, further emphasizing the profound personal and national loss experienced. US-Israel-Saudi Relations and Palestinian Statehood US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged the complexities surrounding a potential normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which hinges on the contentious issue of Palestinian statehood. Blinken's testimony before Congress highlighted the delicate balance Israel must consider in pursuing diplomatic relations with Riyadh, especially under the current climate of the Gaza conflict. The US envoy to Israel, Jack Lew, reiterated that any progress towards normalization would require a significant reduction in hostilities and a dialogue on Palestinian governance. President Isaac Herzog also stressed that such diplomatic moves could weaken Iran-backed Hamas, framing the conflict as part of a broader strategic struggle. IDF's Commitment to Hostage Recovery IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reaffirmed the military's dedication to recovering the bodies of hostages held by Hamas. During a visit to Jabalya in the Gaza Strip, Halevi emphasized the mission to dismantle Hamas's infrastructure and eliminate its leadership, asserting that such actions would also facilitate the return of...