WATCH: Overnight Israel – Hamas Death Toll Lies, Qatargate Expands, and Gaza Evacuations Begin

Jerusalem, April 2, 2025 – Welcome to a special international spotlight edition of Overnight Israel, the news show built for Americans who want real, no-spin updates from the ground in Israel—while they were sleeping.

I’m Simcha Brodsky, reporting live from JFEED Studios in Jerusalem, and here’s what happened overnight:

Hamas Quietly Cuts 3,400 Deaths From Its Own Gaza Report

In a stunning but underreported move, Hamas has revised its own fatality figures, removing 3,400 deaths from previous reports—including over 1,000 children—from August and October 2024.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, had previously claimed that 70% of casualties were women and children—numbers often quoted by global media and international organizations like the UN.

The revised numbers now quietly reduce those totals without explanation. Independent analysts note that even natural deaths and unrelated fatalities have been bundled into the overall Gaza war toll, with no media accountability.

Despite these major inconsistencies, global condemnation of Israel continues unabated. Meanwhile, Gaza’s population has grown since Israel’s withdrawal—calling into question the narrative of genocide.

Qatargate and Qatar’s Influence Over U.S. Universities

New revelations show Qatar donated over $342 million to American universities in 2024 alone—more than any other foreign donor. That’s the same amount Israel donated over 20 years.

This funding has direct consequences: student protests, pro-Hamas sentiment, and a shift in campus discourse. All while Qatar continues hosting Hamas leadership in luxury hotels, and funneling over $1.8 billion to the group since 2007.

Now, the Qatargate scandal is hitting Israel. Police say Gil Birger funneled Qatari-linked cash to Netanyahu aide Eli Feldstein, dating back to 2022. New recordings suggest other Netanyahu insiders like Jonatan Urich were also paid.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid is asking, "Did Netanyahu know?" as the Shin Bet investigates whether Qatar interfered in hostage negotiations. With the gag order starting to lift, expect more explosive details.

Germany, Romania Begin Evacuating Gazans to Europe

Ten planes left Ramon Airport in southern Israel, carrying 19 Gazans with dual nationality to Germany, Romania, and the UAE. The initiative is part of a pilot program for larger-scale humanitarian evacuations.

Israel’s Interior Minister was on-site to supervise. Officials say the goal is to provide Gazans seeking to escape Hamas control with safe relocation options in Europe.

Shin Bet Chief Shuffle: Netanyahu Picks Interim Leader

Netanyahu has chosen a senior official known only as “S” to serve as interim Shin Bet chief until a permanent replacement is chosen to succeed Ronen Bar, who steps down April 10.

Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit, once the expected pick, was dropped due to political pressure. Meanwhile, the Israeli High Court is reviewing Bar’s dismissal amid the broader storm of Qatargate.

Burnt Body Found in West Bank, Possibly Israeli

In Al-Ram, north of Jerusalem, police discovered a burned corpse, suspected to be an Israeli woman based on ID found nearby. Authorities believe the case is criminal, not terrorism-related. A forensic investigation is underway.

U.S. Update: Campus Chaos and Trump Legal Fights

Columbia University: Mahmoud Khalil, accused of Hamas ties, faces deportation. Trump is pushing hard to revoke his visa. New Jersey: A judge blocked Trump from moving Khalil’s case to Louisiana—he remains detained. Cory Booker: The anti-Trump Senator spoke for 24 hours straight in protest, setting a new Senate floor record. Princeton University: Under pressure after pro-Palestinian protests, the school’s federal grants were frozen. Now, they’re pledging to fight antisemitism while defending academic freedom.

Final Word

The headlines may look calm, but underneath? Hamas manipulates death tolls while the world stays silent. Qatar buys global influence—from U.S. campuses to Israeli politics. Gaza evacuations and security shakeups keep unfolding behind the scenes.

And through it all, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, still waiting to come home.

We’ll see you tomorrow.