Thursday, October 9th's news on the Middle East conflict, live. Crosetto: Italian Armed Forces Ready to Do Their Part

• After the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, in which 1,194 Israelis were killed and 250 kidnapped, Israel responded by decimating Hamas's leadership and structures in the Gaza Strip, killing over 67,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians. Among them were 19,000 children. There are still 48 Israeli hostages in the Strip.
During the night between October 8 and 9, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on the first phase of the peace plan proposed by the US. Netanyahu: All hostages will be brought home. Big day for Israel.
• Trump: First step towards lasting peace. The signing was expected at 11 a.m. (Italian time). The agreement must be formally approved by the Israeli cabinet, which is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m.
Only then will the
• ceasefire in the Gaza Strip come into effect. The hostages are then expected to be released within 72 hours. On Wednesday evening, Hamas provided evidence that 20 hostages are still alive. According to press reports, Israel has approved the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners: it is not clear whether Palestinian leader Barghouti is among them. 8:26 PM | October 9

Barrot: I hope Israel-Palestine is like Berlin-Paris today.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, opening the Paris ministerial meeting on the American peace plan for Gaza, cited Robert Schuman as an aspiration to usher in a new era of peace in the Middle East, expressing his hope that in the future, Israelis and Palestinians could one day be as close as Germans and French are today."Robert Schuman ushered in European reconciliation after a century of war," Barrot said in his opening remarks.

As in 1950, we must innovate, join forces, and turn our ideas into reality. Peace in the Middle East is a humanitarian, strategic, and moral imperative, the French Foreign Minister continued.

8:23 PM | October 9

Hamas: Mediators and the US assure that the war is over.

We have received assurances from fraternal mediators and the US administration, who have confirmed that the war is completely over, Hamas's chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, said, as reported by Al Jazeera. Al-Hayya added that 250 Palestinians serving life sentences in Israeli prisons will be released as part of the agreement, along with the 1,700 Palestinians from Gaza arrested since the start of the war.

8:19 PM | October 9

Media, draft agreement mentions 20 hostages out of 48

A draft of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement, currently under review by the Israeli security cabinet, includes the return of 20 live hostages and the bodies of 28 others, Channel 12 reports. The inclusion of 28 deceased hostages acknowledges the deaths of two hostages whose fate Israel had previously expressed only grave concern about, but had not officially declared dead, the broadcaster notes. In May, Israel publicly questioned the safety of three hostages, reportedly referring to Israeli hostage Tamir Nimrodi, Nepalese hostage Bipin Joshi, and Thai hostage Pinta Nattapong. Nattapong's body was later recovered in Gaza.

8:11 PM | October 9

Sa'ar: War will end with the release of all hostages, we will not restart the offensive

The release of all hostages held by Hamas, as stipulated in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement signed today, should lead to the end of the war, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated in an interview with US broadcaster Fox News. There will be a ceasefire and then a commitment from Hamas within 72 hours to release all hostages."I believe this can lead to the end of this war," he said, adding that Israel intends to abide by the peace plan presented by US President Donald Trump and has no intention of resuming its offensive in Gaza once the agreement is implemented.

7:57 PM | October 9

Ambassador Ferrara: Phase 2 of the agreement is more complicated, with many issues to resolve.

While the positive vibes are justified for an agreement that should lead to the release of hostages and a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, it is phase two of the Trump plan's implementation that hides the greatest pitfalls. It is at that stage—retired Ambassador Pasquale Ferrara, until recently Director of Political Affairs at the Farnesina, emphasizes in an interview with Adnkronos—that other truces agreed under the Biden presidency have stalled.

This scenario risks repeating itself. While the implementation of the first phase of the plan is relatively easy, with the exception of the Marwan Barghouti"award," whose release would be a game-changer, also from the perspective of a reform of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), the ambassador explains—phase two of the agreement has several aspects that remain unclear, from the disarmament of Hamas to the future of the Palestinian state, from the governance of Gaza to the IDF withdrawal from the enclave.

On this last point, Hamas would like a complete IDF withdrawal from Gaza, but the 20-point plan calls for Israel to maintain a buffer zone inside the Strip, Ferrara points out. He adds that there's also the issue of Hamas's disarmament, and this is an extremely complicated issue. All the disarmament processes, like those in Colombia and Sri Lanka, have been led by the UN, he recalls. A role for the United Nations is not envisaged here, and it remains to be seen how this will unfold.

France ready to send troops to ensure stability in the Strip

France is ready to contribute to ensuring stability in the Gaza Strip by deploying French troops as part of the international forces. French President Emmanuel Macron made this statement at a meeting in Paris with the foreign ministers of the E5 countries (Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom), the so-called"Arab Group 5" (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Qatar), as well as those of the European Union, Canada, and Turkey, hours after the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. At the same time, temporary international stabilization forces must be deployed in Gaza. These forces will train and equip Palestinian security forces in Gaza in cooperation with Jordan and Egypt, which have extensive experience in this area, and with France. I thank our European colleagues and allies present here, who have already initiated or expressed their willingness to participate in this process. France is ready to play its part in this, Macron said at a press conference. Macron also stressed the need to disarm Hamas, adding that this is a fundamental step towards a lasting ceasefire.

7:52 PM | October 9

Trump: Netanyahu much more popular today than he was five days ago

Benjamin Netanyahu is much more popular today than he was five days ago, US President Donald Trump told reporters today."I think everyone is out in the streets of Israel, dancing and crying, dancing with joy in the streets. The dancing in the streets is so joyful. They're dancing in the streets of Arab countries too: I've never seen anything like it. Everyone is happy," President Trump said, according to the Israeli newspaper Ynet.

7:50 PM | October 9

Flotilla: Italians in good condition, 7 sign expulsion order

Officials from the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv recently visited the nine Italian members of the second Flotilla mission, detained in Ketziot prison in Israel. They appeared to be in good physical condition. Seven of them chose to sign the declaration of consent to repatriation, LaPresse has learned from informed sources. At the end of the visit, the same sources explain, the embassy reiterated, in writing, its request for better treatment for our fellow citizens and appropriate medical attention. Italian diplomatic authorities continue to work towards the rapid return of all Italian nationals to Italy.

7:49 PM | October 9

Cuba mobilizes thousands for Palestine after peace agreement

Thousands of Cubans gathered this morning in Havana to show solidarity with the Palestinian people, in an event also attended by President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the leaders of the ruling Communist Party. Students and representatives of Cuban social organizations also participated in the demonstration, waving Palestinian flags and holding signs with messages against Israeli aggression. In a brief speech, Díaz-Canel reaffirmed the Cuban people's unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause and called peace a right denied for decades. The rally took place just hours after the announcement of the peace agreement signed between Israel and Hamas. However, according to official media, the rally had already been called earlier in the week, before the commitment of both sides to the peace plan promoted by US President Donald Trump was made public. So far, the Cuban government, a historic ally of Palestine and among Israel's most critical in Latin America, has not officially commented on the agreement. During the months of conflict, Havana has repeatedly accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of genocide for its military operations in Gaza.

7:46 PM | October 9

Al-Sisi: De-escalation or truce until agreement is signed

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called on Israel to de-escalate or call a ceasefire until the agreement is signed, so as not to undermine its spirit. It may be important for us to also work to convince the Israelis to de-escalate or call a ceasefire until the agreement we have reached is signed, the Egyptian head of state stated during a meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

7:41 PM | October 9

Hamas: Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Younis and North

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al Araby television that Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from all densely populated areas, particularly Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Younis, and the northern region, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. The exchange is scheduled for Monday, the Hamas official confirmed, referring to Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages. He noted that the Israeli government is expected to officially announce its approval of the agreement today, including the lists of detainees to be released from Israeli prisons. A procedural hearing will then take place on Friday at the Israeli Supreme Court to consider any appeals, Hamdan emphasized. After that, on Saturday, the final details regarding the release of prisoners and the return of bodies will be exchanged. Field implementation is scheduled for Monday, he said, noting that five crossings will be opened to allow the entry of humanitarian aid trucks. On the first day, 400 trucks will be admitted, and within a few days, that number will increase to 600.

7:37 PM | October 9

Consular visit to Ketziot for the nine Italians of the new Flotilla

Officials from the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv conducted a consular visit today to the nine Italians from the new flotilla detained in Israel's Ketziot prison. They appeared to be in good physical condition, the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv reported. Seven of them chose to sign a declaration of consent to repatriation. At the end of the visit, the Embassy reiterated, in writing, its request to the Israeli authorities for better treatment for our fellow citizens and appropriate medical attention. Our diplomatic authorities continue to work for the rapid return of all our fellow citizens to Italy, the Embassy stated.

7:36 PM | October 9

Knesset illuminated in US flag colors

The Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, has been illuminated in red, white, and blue—the colors of the American flag—since this evening in honor of the announced visit of US President Donald Trump, which followed the announcement of the agreement between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. According to public broadcaster Kan, Trump is scheduled to land in Israel at 3:00 PM on Sunday. The Knesset will remain illuminated in the colors of the American flag until the conclusion of the president's visit, a parliament spokesperson said.

7:35 PM | October 9

Trump: I have no opinion on two states, we will create a better life for people

US President Donald Trump said he had no opinion on the possibility of a two-state solution following a ceasefire and hostage settlement between Israel and Hamas, and that he would respect any final agreement."I have no opinion. I will abide by their decisions," he told reporters during a cabinet meeting. Regarding what the Palestinians can expect, he added:"We will create something where people can live... We will create better conditions for people."

7:33 PM | October 9

Kallas: Ready to support stabilization forces in Gaza

We are ready to redeploy our EUBAM Rafah mission to the Rafah border crossing. We are also ready to discuss what we can do with the EUPOL COPPS mandate to support the stabilization force in Gaza, and we are ready to discuss how we can contribute to the peace plan to ensure that this peace is sustainable on the ground, too. EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas said this on the sidelines of the Paris Summit. We are ready to discuss how we can contribute to the peace plan to ensure that this peace is sustainable on the ground, too, she added.

7:27 PM | October 9

Media: Hamas and Israel reach agreement on Palestinian prisoner list

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the names of Palestinian prisoners to be released under the first phase of the Trump plan, Haaretz reported, citing Al-Arabiya.

According to the Israeli newspaper, the government is expected to approve the list later, after the Security Cabinet meeting concludes. A total of 250 prisoners held in Israeli jails and approximately 1,700 Gazans held since October 7 are scheduled to be released.

7:26 PM | October 9

Media: Netanyahu invited Trump to address the Knesset

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited US President Donald Trump to address the Knesset during their phone call this morning, according to a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office, reported by the Jerusalem Post, which said Israeli officials are preparing for the occasion. The invitation represents recognition of the crucial role the US administration played in brokering the ceasefire agreement with Hamas and marks an important symbolic moment in US-Israeli relations during this historic phase of the conflict, the newspaper noted.

7:24 PM | October 9

Trump: Hamas disarmament in a second phase

Hamas's disarmament will happen in the next phase of the Gaza deal. Donald Trump said so. First, let's return the hostages; that's what everyone wanted.

Israel has prepared an aid package for the surviving hostages.

Israel has presented an aid package for the hostages to be released and promised them long-term medical and financial support. Yediot Ahronoth reports that each of the 20 hostages returning home in the coming days will receive approximately $16,000 (€13,840) in advance, a lifetime monthly stipend, housing and car grants, comprehensive medical and education coverage, and benefits for their families.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced the financial and rehabilitation package for the survivors of two years of Hamas captivity.

Under the plan, each freed hostage will receive a one-time grant of 60,000 shekels (about €15,800) and a lifetime monthly allowance of approximately 9,000 shekels (€2,300). They will also be eligible for a housing subsidy of NIS 250,000 (€66,100), which is expected to increase to NIS 300,000 (€79,400) if the government approves increasing disability benefits for former hostages from 50% to 100%. Additionally, they will receive up to NIS 150,000 (€39,700) in assistance toward the purchase of a new car every three and a half years, depending on their level of disability.

7:20 PM | October 9

Kallas in Paris to plan Gaza's future

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union, said that it is time to plan the future of Gaza and that she is in Paris for this very reason. The first phase of the Gaza agreement is an important step towards peace. Now we must plan for the future; that's what we are here for, Kallas told reporters.

Any plan that works also needs international support, Kallas continued, adding that the European Union is ready to do its part.

7:18 PM | October 9

UN Secretary-General Guterres eager to visit Gaza

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is eager to visit Gaza, but there are currently no travel plans, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. The Secretary-General has been eager to visit Gaza and would be happy to do so, Dujarric said during a UN briefing. However, Dujarric noted that there are currently no confirmed travel plans.

7:17 PM | October 9

Merz: Now the most important thing is peace

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip as a sign of hope. The most important thing now is peace, he said in an interview with ZDF. The US president has demonstrated strong commitment, and this apparently contributed to the agreement on the peace plan. In the coming days, attention will also be focused on ensuring humane living conditions for the people of Gaza. Germany plans to provide, among other things, tents and water, Merz added.

7:15 PM | October 9

Media: IDF fears mob attacks on hostage convoys

A special unit of the Israeli military will receive the hostages released inside Gaza by the Red Cross, similar to previous exchanges. From there, the hostages will be taken to a reception and medical screening center near the Reim base, and then airlifted to hospitals across Israel, Ynet reports. Despite coordination with Hamas and the Red Cross, Israeli defense officials have warned that crowds in Gaza may attempt to surround the hostages' vehicles before or during the transfer. The IDF has warned Hamas and is preparing contingency plans, which include the use of airstrikes and crowd dispersal measures—and, in extreme cases, ground intervention—should such attacks occur. The bodies of the deceased hostages will instead be transferred to the IDF special team inside Gaza, then taken across the border for forensic identification before their families are notified.

7:14 PM | October 9

UN: We will work with Israel to make the Trump deal lasting.

The United Nations wants to work with Israel to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza and ensure the long-term sustainability of US President Donald Trump's agreement, said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordination (OCHA)."The team is, of course, committed to them [the Israeli authorities] and in a spirit of problem-solving, and my hope is that this will be the mindset of all of us in this next phase, that we want to work together to save as many lives as possible and ensure that President Trump's agreement remains valid in all its aspects," Fletcher said during a UN briefing with reporters.

7:12 PM | October 9

Trump: We will create a Gaza where people can live

We will create something where people can live. Gaza is unviable now. Donald Trump said this in response to questions from reporters at the White House.

7:07 PM | October 9

Trump: If they ask me to speak to the Knesset, I will.

If they ask me to speak to the Knesset, I will. Donald Trump said this in reference to his upcoming trip to the Middle East for the official signing of the Gaza agreement.

7:07 PM | October 9

Macron: West Bank settlements threaten Palestinian existence

The acceleration of settlement construction in the West Bank poses an existential threat to a Palestinian state, French President Emmanuel Macron stated during the Paris summit on the future of Gaza between the foreign ministers of the main European and Arab countries. It is not only unacceptable and contrary to international law. It fuels tension, violence, and instability and, in fact, contradicts the American plan and our collective ambition for a peaceful region, the French president added, as reported by Le Monde.

7:05 PM | October 9

Rubio: The agreement is a historic moment for the US too.

The agreement between Israel and Hamas will go down in history as a historic moment in our country's history, said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, commenting on President Trump's efforts to achieve this result. The president had some extraordinary phone calls and meetings that required a high level of intensity and commitment, and they made this possible, Rubio added during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.

7:04 PM | October 9

Prime Minister Netanyahu leaves cabinet meeting for call with Indian counterpart Modi

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left the security cabinet for a call with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. The prime minister's office announced the news in a statement on Facebook, which stated that Modi congratulated Netanyahu on the agreement reached to release all the kidnapped Israelis. Modi then noted that the Israeli prime minister has always been a dear friend and that their friendship will remain strong, the statement reads. Netanyahu then thanked his Indian counterpart for his support for the State of Israel, and the two sides agreed to continue working closely together.

7:00 PM | October 9

Hamas Official: No to Trump's Gaza Peace Council

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatari broadcaster Al Araby that the Palestinian militant group rejects Donald Trump's proposal for an interim Peace Council to oversee the administration of Gaza, chaired by the US president himself. No Palestinian would accept this. All factions, including the Palestinian Authority, reject it, he said, adding that no one would accept a return to the era of mandates and colonialism.

Trump's envisioned oversight committee, which would be technocratic and apolitical and would be responsible for the day-to-day management of public services, would also include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair among its members. This council would also manage funding for the reconstruction of Gaza until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform program and regains control of the territory, according to the plan.

Modi to Netanyahu: Yes to Trump's plan and a stop to terrorism

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by telephone today on the progress made under President Trump's Gaza peace plan."We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and the strengthening of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza," the Indian leader wrote on his Facebook page."We reiterated that terrorism, in any form or manifestation, is unacceptable anywhere in the world," Modi concluded.

6:56 PM | October 9

Rubio: Without Trump, Gaza deal wouldn't have happened

It wouldn't have happened without the involvement of the US president, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, commenting on the agreements between Israel and Hamas. Rubio added that Trump laid the groundwork for this agreement with his trips to the Middle East, but also with various meetings at the UN, where he convened a historic gathering not only of Arab countries, but of Muslim-majority countries around the world, including Indonesia and Pakistan.

6:52 PM | October 9

Berlin: Many steps still to go towards a two-state solution

The two-state solution remains the goal, but there are still many steps to complete. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said this at the Paris conference, emphasizing that all further steps on President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza must be coordinated with Israel, and Germany will work towards this. It is also important for the United Nations to play a decisive role, he added.

6:51 PM | October 9

Rubio: Gaza deal credited to Trump's intervention with leaders

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio credits the Gaza deal to Donald Trump's personal outreach to other world leaders. The president had some extraordinary phone calls and meetings, which required a high level of intensity and commitment, and which made this possible, he said during a Cabinet meeting.

6:50 PM | October 9

IDF Chief: Agreement Resulted in Military Pressure on Gaza

The signing of the agreement for the return of the hostages is a ray of light for all of us and further proof of the results of the ground maneuver. Thanks to significant military pressure and a powerful, high-quality ground maneuver, you, the troops, have created the conditions for the return of the hostages, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated this during a visit to the Strip. The military action has achieved a political result. The result is first and foremost yours, he emphasized.

6:48 PM | October 9

Trump: Iran is fully in favor of this deal

Iran now wants to work for peace, they've informed us. And they've acknowledged their full support for this agreement. US President Donald Trump stated this when speaking to reporters at the White House about the agreement reached in Egypt on his Gaza plan."We appreciate it. We want to work with Iran," Trump continued, referring to the sanctions, adding that we will help them rebuild."I think they will be part of the peace process."

6:47 PM | October 9

Hamas: Mediators working on list of prisoners to be released

Mediators are continuing intense efforts to finalize within the next few hours the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel as part of the agreement reached on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. A Hamas source told Al Jazeera, noting that the Palestinian militant group is in talks with other Palestinian factions to present a unified position to Israel on the prisoner list.

6:46 PM | October 9

Rubio: Breakthrough on Gaza after meetings at the UN and with Netanyahu

The turning point for the Gaza peace agreement came less than two weeks ago with the UN meeting between President Donald Trump and Arab and Muslim countries and the subsequent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US Secretary of State made this statement at the ongoing Cabinet meeting at the White House.

6:45 PM | October 9

Trump: I'm leaving for the Middle East soon, great honor to be part of the agreement

I'll be leaving for the Middle East soon. US President Donald Trump announced this during a meeting with his cabinet.

Regarding the agreement between Israel and Hamas, Trump reiterated: It's a great honor for me to be involved in this project. It's a great thing, a great thing for our country. The president also commented on people's joy over the agreement, adding: I've never seen such universal praise for being able to do something like this.

6:44 PM | October 9

Trump: I thank Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye for this day

I therefore want to express my immense gratitude to the leaders of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for helping us reach this incredible day. US President Donald Trump said this during a meeting at the White House with his Cabinet secretaries. Trump also named Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Indonesia among the countries he thanked. He then added:"President Erdogan has been personally involved in dealings with Hamas and others.

6:41 PM | October 9

Macron: After peace, build Transitional Security Force

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the international community to participate in the establishment of a transitional security force for Palestine, which will be implemented once the peace plan adopted this morning in Egypt is completed."We all have a role to play in this stabilization force," Macron said at the opening of the ministerial meeting in Paris to prepare for the reconstruction of Palestine, which includes Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Spain, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, and the European Commission. The president assured that France is willing to contribute to this contingent, but did not clarify whether it will do so by sending troops or through training activities. He said this would serve to train and equip Palestinian security forces in Gaza, in collaboration with Jordan and Egypt, which have extensive experience in this field. Macron called for the creation of a legal framework within the United Nations that would allow other countries to join in providing this crucial assistance for the deployment of this force.

6:37 PM | October 9

Algeria welcomes ceasefire agreement, first step toward lasting solution

Algeria welcomed the agreement reached to launch the first phase of US President Donald Trump's peace plan for the Gaza Strip, calling it a first step toward ending Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. This was stated in a statement released by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which the country expressed its satisfaction with the immediate ceasefire and the urgent entry of humanitarian and relief supplies into the Strip. These are two requests that Algeria and the international community have consistently and firmly supported to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The statement also emphasized Algeria's hope that this step will pave the way for a peaceful, lasting, and definitive solution to the Palestinian issue.

Kallas: Ready to redeploy missions to Rafah crossing and support Palestinian police

This first phase of the Gaza agreement is an important step towards peace. Of course, we now need to plan for the next day. Any plan requires international support for its success. The EU is ready to play its part, redeploying our EUBAM mission to the Rafah crossing and discussing what can be done with the EUPOL COPPS mandate to support the stabilization force when it arrives. This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, in Paris to attend the meeting on the implementation of the US peace plan to end the war in Gaza."We are ready to discuss what we can contribute to the peace plan so that it is sustainable," she added. Kallas was referring to both the EU Assistance Mission at the Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which monitors and supports border control operations (EUBAM Rafah), and the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories, which provides technical assistance and training to Palestinian security forces to strengthen their operational and institutional capacities (EUPOL COPPS).

6:33 PM | October 9

Med Journalists: Historic step in Gaza at a dramatic moment

We welcome with hope the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas as a historic step, arriving at a dramatic moment for both the Palestinian and Israeli populations. This was stated in an official statement by the president of the Mediterranean Journalists Association, Dundar Kesapli. For months, Kesapli continued, we have witnessed an unprecedented humanitarian tragedy: thousands of innocent civilians, women, and children, have lost their lives. Every day has been hell for those simply trying to survive. In the midst of all this, freedom of the press has also paid a very high price: countless journalists and photojournalists have lost their lives while documenting events under the bombs, trying to give a voice to those who have none. The president also expressed a harsh judgment on the international political response:"In 2025, what happened is unacceptable." Too many political leaders have hidden behind rhetoric, citing only Hamas, without ever having the courage to openly denounce the disproportionate actions of the Israeli army. The suffering of the civilian population has been systematically ignored, while images have been obscured, voices have been silenced, and attempts have been made to dim the light of free media. Today, with this agreement, a glimmer of hope opens up," Kesapli concludes."But we will not forget those who have suffered, those who have lost everything, and above all those who have risked their lives to tell the truth. Peace is not just a document: it is justice, memory, and a concrete commitment to human rights. From now on," he adds,"everything must be built: even freedom of information. I hope that the world of journalism can finally return to reporting freely, giving voice to those who have suffered in silence for too long.

6:27 PM | October 9

Witkoff: Trump in Cairo to celebrate Gaza ceasefire

US President Donald Trump will travel to Egypt next week, after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi extended an invitation to attend the celebrations marking the Gaza ceasefire agreement, US envoy Steve Witkoff said. The president is truly excited to come to Egypt, and the plan is for him to come next week, Witkoff said during a meeting with Sisi, a video of which was released by the Egyptian presidency.

6:25 PM | October 9

Trump: I will now work with Tehran

I will work with Iran: Donald Trump said this while chairing a cabinet meeting at the White House. Tehran wants to work for peace, he added, arguing that the attack on Iran was important for reaching the Gaza agreement. Trump said he would like to see the Iranians able to rebuild their country, adding that Tehran has also acknowledged its support for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the hostage deal.

6:22 PM | October 9

Save the Children: Relief for Gaza Children, Now a Lasting Truce

News of an imminent lull in hostilities in Gaza signals a promising truce on the horizon for families and children, but it must be a turning point to secure a permanent ceasefire, Save the Children said in a statement."Today we look with hope to the horizon of a truce, long-awaited by the children of Gaza. With the bombs and bullets silenced, families will be able to focus on the future, on reconstruction and recovery. Those deprived of their liberty, including hostages and some of the many Palestinians detained, will be able to return to their families. We dare to hope that this step offers a collective opportunity to end the unjustifiable suffering that has continued for far too long. But children's safety requires more than words, it requires commitment, and while today's announcements are a crucial first step for the survival of the youngest children—abandoned for far too long, as everyone has seen—this survival will only be guaranteed if followed by a definitive and lasting ceasefire," said Inger Ashing, Executive Director of Save the Children International.

6:18 PM | October 9

Israel will also release the bodies of 360 Hamas militants

In addition to the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences, as part of the agreement, Israel will also return the bodies of 360 Hamans militants, but not those of the brothers Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar. Prisoners convicted of murder or direct involvement in attacks will be transferred to Gaza or abroad, barred from entering Israel and the West Bank.

6:17 PM | October 9

Trump: Gaza Hostages to be Released Monday or Tuesday

The hostages in Gaza will be released on Monday or Tuesday, Donald Trump said while chairing a cabinet meeting at the White House.

6:09 PM | October 9

Morocco welcomes announcement of Gaza agreement

Morocco welcomes US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, in a statement, expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump's tireless efforts and personal commitment, which have contributed decisively to achieving this desirable outcome, and also appreciated the persistent efforts of all mediators involved. Bourita calls on all parties to implement the agreement in a way that preserves human lives, facilitates the release of hostages and prisoners, ensures the rapid and sufficient distribution of humanitarian aid, begins the reconstruction process, and paves the way for a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. Morocco also reaffirms its firm commitment to the two-state solution as an indispensable basis for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region. Morocco stands ready to support the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, borders, with Jerusalem as its capital. Morocco supports Palestinian territorial integrity, emphasizing that Gaza is part of the Palestinian state. Morocco concludes the statement by reiterating its full willingness to actively contribute to all agreed stages and paths to guarantee Palestinian rights and support stability in the Middle East.

6:07 PM | October 9

Bologna's Jewish Community: May the Agreement Be a Stepping Stone to Peace

We are certainly participating in a historic moment, as we have all been anxiously awaiting a moment like this. The great achievement is to find ourselves facing a moment in which this war finds an end. This was stated by Daniele De Paz, president of the Jewish Community of Bologna, on the sidelines of a meeting at the Parri Institute in Bologna, speaking about the peace agreement in Gaza. We all hope that this end to the conflict will be achieved and that a balance and a narrative can somehow be restored, which in recent days has also led to excesses that raise concerns about the social condition, not only for Jewish communities but also for cities. A climate of violence and hatred that must end, but which on this day offers the opportunity, and we hope it can materialize, for a concrete reevaluation of the situations and tone we find in the city and in our communities. This is truly our hope. We truly hope that the definition of this agreement, although difficult and not entirely perfected, takes the first steps towards halting the war, puts an end to the suffering of civilians on both sides, that there can be a future for the Palestinian people, that the Israeli people can have the right to exist and that we can hope that it is the first step towards a concrete goal of peace in those territories.

6:06 PM | October 9

Al-Sisi meets Witkoff and Kushner: Let's cooperate on Gaza

The Egyptian presidency announced that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in the presence of Hassan Rashad, head of Egypt's General Intelligence. Ynet reported that the president welcomed the agreement and Trump's efforts for peace, and that American representatives in turn welcomed al-Sisi's efforts to reach the agreement. Furthermore, the Egyptian president stated that Cairo looks forward to continued cooperation with Washington in implementing the agreement.

6:05 PM | October 9

Media, Egypt to hold conference to examine future of Gaza

Egypt has sent invitations to most Palestinian factions to attend a conference next week in Cairo to discuss crucial issues related to the future of the Palestinian cause, Ynet reported, citing Palestinian sources at the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. The sources added that Hamas's response to Trump's plan underscored the need to discuss these issues within a Palestinian national framework and under Arab-Islamic patronage. The meeting will address the role and names of the members of the committee to be formed to manage the Gaza Strip, along with the issue of resistance weapons and the future of Gaza.

5:49 PM | October 9

Media, Israeli Security Cabinet meeting begins

The meeting of the Political and Security Cabinet, which precedes the Israeli Cabinet meeting to approve the agreement signed in Sharm el-Sheikh on the release of hostages and the truce in Gaza, has begun, Israeli media reported.

5:48 PM | October 9

Israeli government meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m., postponed by two hours

The long-awaited Israeli cabinet meeting has been postponed by at least two hours following the announced agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza. This is according to the Times of Israel, which reiterates reports from other Israeli media outlets that the meeting has been moved to 8:00 PM local time (7:00 PM Italian time). Earlier this week, it had been announced for 5:00 PM Italian time, preceded by a Security Cabinet meeting. According to the Times of Israel and the Ynet website, the latter has yet to begin.

5:45 PM | October 9

Salvini: The Nobel Peace Prize for Trump is a smart proposal.

The Nobel Peace Prize for Donald Trump? The proposal comes from the Argentine prime minister, and in my opinion, it's a smart one; they gave it to Obama without any particular merit earned in the field. League leader Matteo Salvini told reporters while inspecting a construction site on the Siena-Grosseto highway with the Italian state highway agency (ANAS). Regardless of one's views on the flotillas, Greta Thunberg, Landini, wildcat strikes, and Propal—he added—it is thanks to the American president's initiative that, in these hours, God willing, steps forward are being made that no one thought of until a few weeks ago.

Bringing Israel and a terrorist organization together—continued Matteo Salvini—managing to reach an agreement, discussing the hostages, dead or alive, returning home, the liberation of Gaza, the reconstruction of Gaza—means that a tremendous amount of work has been done. Let's hope," the League leader concluded,"that no one gets in the way in the next few hours because this is a precarious, delicate, precious, emotional, moving ceasefire, and let's hope no one gets in the way.

5:39 PM | October 9

CNN: Team Israel and Hamas not in the same room in Egypt

Hamas and Israeli delegates were in separate rooms during yesterday's ceasefire talks in Sharm el-Sheikh. CNN reports this, citing a senior Hamas official, who said the Palestinian group did not meet directly with the Israeli delegation during the negotiations.

5:37 PM | October 9

Channel 12, Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Israel

Channel 12 reports that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Israel.

5:26 PM | October 9

Hamas sources told al-Jazeera: Negotiations over Palestinian prisoners continue.

Mediators continue to work intensively to finalize in the coming hours the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel as part of the announced agreement with Hamas on the first phase of the Trump plan, a Hamas source told al-Jazeera satellite TV.

5:12 PM | October 9

Netanyahu's office announces assistance packages for kidnapped Palestinians: Financial and medical support

The Hostage Authority of the Israeli Prime Minister's Office has announced assistance packages for the hostages, including a one-time initial grant of approximately 14,000 euros (60,000 shekels) and a monthly pension of approximately 2,100 euros (9,000 shekels) for life. The former hostages will also receive approximately 58,000 euros (250,000 shekels) toward the purchase of a home and assistance with purchasing a new car starting at approximately 35,000 euros (150,000 shekels), depending on the degree of disability. The package also includes full medical coverage, psychological support, and alternative medicine treatments. The benefits will be administered by the National Insurance Institute, while the freed soldiers will receive them through the Ministry of Defense.

4:57 PM | October 9

Katz: IDF will respond with force to Hamas attacks

The Defense Minister's Office announced that Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to respond forcefully to Hamas in the Gaza Strip for any threat or damage to troops. During consultations with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior army officials, the directive was established for the interim phase prior to the government's decision on the agreement and until its implementation. Maintaining the safety of IDF soldiers is the first and most important commitment we are making in the current situation, Katz stated.

4:57 PM | October 9

Putin: Israel told Iran it doesn't want a confrontation

Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that Russia is sending Iran signals from the Israeli leadership that Israel wants a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear dispute and is not interested in any kind of confrontation, the Interfax news agency reported.

In recent months, Putin has had several telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We continue our trust-based contacts with Israel and are receiving signals from the Israeli leadership, which asks us to pass them on to our Iranian friends, that Israel is committed to a solution and is not interested in any kind of confrontation, Putin said from Dushanbe, where he is attending a summit between Russia and Central Asian countries. At the same time, the Russian president added, we are in close contact with our Iranian partners, and we sense their commitment to seeking mutually acceptable solutions and resuming constructive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Putin said that IAEA Director Rafael Grossi recently visited Russia."We have discussed this with him in detail," the Russian president emphasized.

4:52 PM | October 9

Trump: Huckabee extraordinary, he has done so much for peace

US President Trump dedicated one of his posts on Truth Social to the pivotal role played by Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Israel, in the ceasefire talks in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages."US Ambassador Mike Huckabee is AMAZING! He has worked so hard and done so much to bring peace to the Middle East," Trump wrote, adding that"he has quickly become a great man." In another post, Trump also thanked former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy for his interview on Fox News and added:"This is a great day for the Middle East."

4:50 PM | October 9

Sa'ar: Israel ready to do its part

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated in an interview with Fox News that Israel is committed to US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza. Israel is ready to do its part, but Hamas must do the same, Sa'ar said. We hope all parts of the plan are implemented. During the interview, the minister reiterated that Hamas is committed to returning all hostages stipulated in the agreement, both alive and dead. According to Sa'ar, President Trump seized on Hamas's response and created an opportunity, saying it is positive and we must make it work.

4:40 PM | October 9

Guterres: Turning point shows the strength of diplomacy

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement between Hamas and Israel in a brief message read at the UN headquarters. This breakthrough, he said, shows us the strength and potential of diplomacy. Let it be a reminder, he added, that solutions to conflicts are not found on the battlefield. They must be forged at the negotiating table and, crucially, fully implemented. The world is watching.

4:37 PM | October 9

Egyptian Red Crescent: 153 truckloads of aid headed for Gaza

153 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid are headed to Gaza through the Rafah crossing, following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, according to the Egyptian Red Crescent. The convoy is headed to the Kerem Shalom crossing to be transported to the Gaza Strip. Of the trucks, 80 are UN-owned, 21 are Qatari, and 17 are Egyptian Red Crescent.

4:24 PM | October 9

Witkoff in Israel tonight

Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's envoy, will arrive in Israel this evening, according to the New York Times, citing an anonymous U.S. official and an Israeli official.

4:24 PM | October 9

Putin: I hope Trump's initiatives on Palestine are implemented

Russian President Vladimir Putin today expressed his hope that Donald Trump's initiatives on Palestine will be implemented. Putin, quoted by the Interfax news agency, added that Moscow remains in contact with Israel regarding the Iranian nuclear situation and is transmitting signals from Tehran to the Israeli leadership. Russian President Vladimir Putin today expressed his hope that Donald Trump's initiatives on Palestine will be implemented."President Trump proposed the well-known initiatives, and, as you have seen, Russia practically immediately supported them," the Kremlin chief said, quoted by the Interfax news agency."We truly hope," he added,"that these initiatives by the American president will actually be implemented." Putin added that Moscow remains in contact with Israel regarding the situation regarding Iran and is transmitting signals from the Israeli leadership to Tehran.

4:18 PM | October 9

Netanyahu: Give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

Award the Nobel Peace Prize to Donald Trump: he deserves it. This is the message published on X by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, accompanied by an AI-generated photo of the Israeli prime minister handing the award to Trump. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar agrees: US President Donald Trump absolutely deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, he told The Jerusalem Post."I cannot recall any president, or any other individual, who has contributed so much to conflict resolution. He has not only seized opportunities, but also created them," Sa'ar said.

4:15 PM | October 9

Iran: Ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is a good thing

Iran welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Hamas, which it has supported for years, and Israel, its archenemy. Iran has always supported any action and initiative that includes ending the genocidal war, withdrawing occupation forces, providing humanitarian aid, releasing Palestinian prisoners, and protecting Palestinians' fundamental rights, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

4:07 PM | October 9

Israel's Hostage Coordinator: End of assignment? Mission not yet accomplished.

I'm not talking about the end of my mandate at this time, since the mission of bringing all hostages home, both dead and alive, has not yet been accomplished. Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for hostages and missing persons, told the Jerusalem Post this after the announced agreement on the first phase of Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza and free the hostages held in the Palestinian enclave.

Flotilla Lawsuits: Several Detained Activists Already Expelled

Several participants in the Freedom Flotilla and Thousand Madleens missions, including parliamentarians from several countries, have already been expelled. Adalah's international legal team announced this. The lawyers, they add, have attended over 50 hearings with activists in Ktzi'ot prison and have met with several others. They add that they continue to receive reports of aggressive and violent behavior during and after Israel's illegal interception of their vessels, as well as appalling detention conditions, including inadequate access to drinking water and, in some cases, physical and verbal abuse. To date, they emphasize, over 20 participants still detained have not yet been able to meet with lawyers, clearly denying them access to legal counsel. Adalah announced that it also represented three activists with Israeli citizenship today.

3:50 PM | October 9

Israeli Presidency Confirms Trump's Arrival

The Israeli Presidency announced in a statement that in light of the release of the hostages and the arrival of US President Donald Trump in Israel, and the planned closures in Jerusalem, the celebration of the"Open Sukkah" (the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles) scheduled for next Sunday is canceled.

3:45 PM | October 9

Witkoff and Kushner will travel to Hostage Square

White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will travel to what has been renamed"Hostage Square" in Tel Aviv since October 7th during their announced visit to Israel. Channel 12 reported the news, without specifying when the visit will take place. According to some sources, Witkoff and Kushner are scheduled to arrive in Israel between this evening and tomorrow morning. Kushner and Witkoff are currently in Egypt, where they participated in negotiations on the first phase of Trump's plan. Before flying to Israel, they will meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

3:29 PM | October 9

Hamas attacks dissident clan in Gaza, casualties

Gaza sources are currently reporting clashes between Hamas cells and the opposition Abu Warda family in the Gaza port area, in which three members of the terrorist organization were reportedly killed. Two members of the Abu Warda family were also reportedly killed and dozens of displaced people were injured. Israeli media are also reporting this.

3:28 PM | October 9

Netanyahu's Office: Operation for Kidnapped People and Return to the Borders

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that he has decided to name the operation to bring the kidnapped children home"Return to the Borders" (Hebrew: "Shavim LeGvulam").

3:27 PM | October 9

Guterres: May a glimmer of relief in Gaza become a dawn of peace.

We've all waited too long for this moment. Now we must make it count. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said this to reporters on the Israel-Hamas Gaza deal. For Israelis and Palestinians, this agreement offers a glimmer of relief. That glimmer must become the dawn of peace, the beginning of the end of this devastating war," he added."I urge everyone to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path. This breakthrough shows us the strength and potential of diplomacy.

3:14 PM | October 9

Israel, cabinet meeting at 5pm (4pm in Italy), then government meeting

The Israeli government spokeswoman explained that a cabinet meeting will be held at 5 p.m. (local time, 4 p.m. in Italy) and an hour later a cabinet meeting will take place to approve the agreement.

3:10 PM | October 9

After the hostages' release, the IDF will retain control of 53% of Gaza.

Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said this at a press conference in Tel Aviv.

3:05 PM | October 9

Netanyahu's Office: Barghouti Will Not Be Released

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Marwan Barghouti would not be released under the Gaza deal with Hamas.

2:57 PM | October 9

Media: If Hamas fails to find the bodies, the task force will step in.

According to Israeli sources, if Hamas is unable to recover the bodies of the dead hostages, a multinational force established by the Prisoner Coordinator will be deployed in the Gaza Strip to recover the bodies whose burial sites are known to the IDF. Channel 12 reports this. This force, composed of Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Israel, will operate inside the Strip; Israel will provide heavy engineering equipment to carry out the operations.

2:53 PM | October 9

Hamas accuses Israel of manipulating agreed-upon dates and lists.

In reference to the fact that according to the AFP agency the Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouthi detained in Israel will not be released, nor will Sinwar's body be returned.

2:52 PM | October 9

Netanyahu's spokeswoman: We expect Hamas to respect the hostages' release.

2:50 PM | October 9

Netanyahu's spokeswoman: First phase of plan signed in Egypt this morning

The final draft of the first phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas was signed by all parties this morning, Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian announced. The final draft of Phase 1 was signed this morning in Egypt by all parties, to release all hostages and the IDF will redeploy to the"yellow line," which will allow the army to maintain and control 53% of the Gaza Strip. Phase 1 is very clear: all our hostages, living and dead, will be released within 72 hours, which will lead us to Monday, the spokeswoman said. According to the timeline explained by the spokeswoman, the Israeli Cabinet meeting will take place this evening at 4:00 PM (Italian time), followed by the government meeting at 5:00 PM (Italian time). A ceasefire in Gaza will take effect within 24 hours of the Cabinet meeting, and after that 24-hour period, the 72-hour window will begin.

2:46 PM | October 9

Netanyahu's spokeswoman: Ceasefire 24 hours after government pronouncement

Within 24 hours of the Cabinet meeting, a ceasefire will take effect in Gaza. The IDF will withdraw to the yellow line, as indicated by the Trump plan maps. After 24 hours, the 72-hour period will begin, during which all our hostages will be released and returned to Israel. Netanyahu's spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said this during a press conference, while the Israeli government...

2:45 PM | October 9

Israel: Hostages to be released by Monday

Netanyahu's spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian made the statement at a press conference as the Israeli cabinet met to approve the peace agreement.

2:34 PM | October 9

Israeli Media: Sinwar's Body Will Not Be Returned

The bodies of brothers Yahya and Muhammad Sinwar, leaders of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, killed in the Gaza Strip, will not be released by Israel as part of the agreement discussed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, during indirect negotiations over US President Donald Trump's plan. Israeli Army Radio reported.

2:32 PM | October 9

In Tel Aviv, large banners for Trump read,"Thank you, President."

Large banners reading `Thank you President Trump´ were placed on some buildings on Peace Road and Ayalon Road in Tel Aviv.

2:31 PM | October 9

Trump, `Bibi told me, now everyone loves me and Israel again.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told me on the phone:"I can't believe it. Now everyone likes me again—meaning himself—and, above all, everyone loves Israel again." I told him: "Bibi, Israel can't fight against the whole world, and he understands that very well," US President Donald Trump stated in a telephone interview with Hannity on Fox News tonight after the Gaza deal was reached. In the same interview, Trump said that the whole world came together for this result, adding that so many countries you would never have imagined came together for this agreement."So many countries you wouldn't imagine connected there (in Sharm el-Sheikh), they offered all the necessary help (...) it was a truly incredible period of time. It's such a great time for Israel, for Muslims, for Arab countries, and for the United States of America. More than peace in Gaza, this is peace in the Middle East."

2:16 PM | October 9

Erdogan: Türkiye will strictly monitor ceasefire implementation

Turkey will strictly monitor the implementation of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which is part of US President Donald Trump's plan and was agreed upon during indirect negotiations in Egypt between Israel and Hamas. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated this during the inauguration ceremony for the 2025-2026 academic year, as reported by Anadolu news agency. As Turkey, God willing, we will be included in the task force that will monitor the agreement's implementation on the ground. Our goal is to stop the genocide and bring peace to the region as quickly as possible, Erdoğan explained. The Turkish president added that Ankara will support reconstruction efforts alongside the international community to help Gaza get back on its feet.

2:15 PM | October 9

TV: 'Terrorists attack IDF in the last hour, eliminated'

Channel 12 news reports that in the last hour, two separate terrorist cells in Gaza attempted to attack Israeli troops and were eliminated. There were no casualties among the soldiers. During the night, however, two IDF soldiers were injured after their vehicle was hit by an explosive device in the northern Strip. The soldiers were taken to the hospital, the army said.

2:02 PM | October 9

Parish Priest in Gaza: More Bombings, One Christian Also Injured

The news of the agreement has arrived, and we hope this time it's the right one. This is the first step of the agreement, so we hope the other, absolutely necessary, steps will also be completed. Speaking from Gaza is the parish priest of the Holy Family, Father Gabriel Romanelli, who shares his words in a short video. The Argentinean-born priest expresses his hope that the population can truly enjoy a period of lasting, just peace."We welcomed the news with joy, but to tell the truth," he remarks,"we can still hear the bombing and shooting." In this regard, Father Romanelli reveals that this morning a Christian was injured by a drone while accompanying his wife to the Anglican hospital where he works. A bullet struck him in the abdomen, fortunately without serious injury. He was immediately treated thanks to the presence of a doctor, and he has now returned here to the parish."In the parish compound where 450 Christians have found refuge," the priest says,"we prayed with the children, young people, and religious." People are feeling a little more at peace, and some are already starting to think about when it will be possible to go and see what's left of their homes. A difficult post-war period awaits us, and—Father Romanelli concludes—we hope the world doesn't forget these more than two million Gazans who lost everything in this terrible war. May the Lord grant peace to everyone in Palestine and Israel. SIR reports.

2:00 PM | October 9

NYT: Trump may have a legitimate claim to the Nobel Peace Prize

If the peace plan between Israel and Hamas goes forward, Donald Trump could have a legitimate claim to the Nobel Peace Prize he covets, like the four previous American presidents who won it (Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Barack Obama, and Jimmy Carter). The New York Times reports, emphasizing that Trump is on the verge of achieving the greatest diplomatic achievement of his second term. For Trump, the success of the peace agreement represents the definitive proof of his mission as a mediator and peacemaker and is part of the path to the Nobel Peace Prize he has long sought.

1:56 PM | October 9

Philip VI: A Moment of Hope with the Israel-Hamas Pact

The approaching agreement between Israel and Hamas may represent a moment of hope for Palestinians and Israelis, although, at least for now, it should be welcomed with caution, said King Felipe VI of Spain, speaking in Vitoria (Basque Country) at the 9th Global Summit of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) alliance. The Spanish monarch expressed his hope that the promised agreement in Palestine and Israel will be an opportunity for hope, and that the first consequences will truly be the release of Israeli hostages and their return home, as well as the guaranteed entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

1:55 PM | October 9

Hamas: IDF withdrawal from Gaza begins today or tomorrow

As part of the agreement reached in Egypt between Israel and Hamas, Israeli troops will withdraw from densely populated areas. This withdrawal is expected to begin Friday, but could begin as late as today, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said, speaking to the pan-Arab television station Al-Araby TV. Israelis are expected to withdraw from all densely populated areas, particularly Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah, and northern Gaza, he stated.

1:46 PM | October 9

Israel: Ceasefire only after government ratifies agreement

Although Egyptian media have already announced the entry into force of the ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has specified that the agreement must first be ratified by his government. Specifically, Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet, a select group of ministers who decide on key issues such as defense, security, and foreign policy, at 5:00 PM local time. The agreement on the ceasefire and the return of the hostages was reached overnight between Israel and Hamas and was announced by US President Donald Trump.

1:36 PM | October 9

Sa'ar: Proud to be able to vote in favor

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said he was proud to have the opportunity to vote today at the cabinet meeting in favor of a plan to release the hostages still held in the Gaza Strip, for the third time after November 2023 and January 2025."I will do so with pride, with all my heart, and with great joy," Sa'ar emphasized in a lengthy statement published in X."This is a historic moment for the Israeli people and for the State of Israel. Israel has demonstrated extraordinary strength, determination, and resilience as a nation during two years of a difficult war on multiple fronts. We have succeeded in restoring Israel's image of power in the region and around the world from its lowest point after October 7," the minister said. He added:"Donald Trump is a great friend of Israel. He is also an exceptional leader in his ability to seize and create historic opportunities. The people of Israel are deeply indebted to him." I wish to commend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership: he has endured difficult trials. I bow my head before the grieving families who have paid the highest and heaviest price of all. I salute your sons and daughters who have given their lives. The people of Israel are immensely indebted to you, he added.

1:34 PM | October 9

Exchange within 72 hours

Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 20 live hostages, a senior Hamas official told AFP, adding that the detainees include 250 life-sentenced prisoners and another 1,700 people arrested since the start of the war. The exchange is expected to take place within 72 hours of the implementation of the agreement, which was also agreed upon with Palestinian factions. A Palestinian source told the Saudi-run Al-Sharq channel that the release of hostages and prisoners held by Israel will begin within 72 hours of the agreement's entry into force. The broadcaster cited well-informed sources as saying this will happen next week.

1:27 PM | October 9

Palestinian Embassy: Let's hope Israel keeps its word this time.

This genocide should have been stopped a long time ago. We hope that this time, unlike all previous agreements, Israel will keep its word and not simply reintroduce the unsustainable situation that prevailed before October 7th, which led to the catastrophe, but will instead definitively end the siege and the attacks by truly withdrawing. This is what Palestinian Ambassador to Italy Abeer Odeh told LaPresse about the Gaza peace agreement.

1:11 PM | October 9

Crosetto: Armed forces ready to maintain peace in Gaza

Today is a historic day. The news of the agreement reached in Egypt between all parties marks the launch, which we must all hope is definitive, of US President Donald Trump's peace plan. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated this in a message on X. This is news of exceptional importance that, not surprisingly, is provoking positive reactions around the world. The families of the Israeli hostages, who have been waiting for the return of their loved ones for two years, the civilian population of Gaza, tormented, wounded, and starving, and the entire international community, which can now rightly breathe a sigh of relief. Now two fundamental steps are needed for everything to take shape: the release of all Israeli hostages still held by Hamas and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza. Once these obstacles have been overcome - obstacles that, until yesterday, seemed insurmountable - I hope, but above all I believe, that the peace process will move forward, Crosetto underlined. As for the future, that is, the concrete implementation of the US peace plan for Gaza, obviously Italy and, in particular,
the Armed Forces are and will be ready to do their part,
as they have always done and as they have demonstrated, in all the international missions in which they participate, that they know how to do. Italy is there and always will be there, when it comes to helping and supporting peace processes, Crosetto concluded on X.

1:07 PM | October 9

Israeli Media: Hamas vows to free hostages without cynical release ceremonies

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has pledged, in indirect talks with Israel in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to release Israeli hostages without cynical release ceremonies. This was reported by the Israeli news website Inn. Since October 7, 2023, when the war in the Gaza Strip began, 148 hostages have been returned alive to Israel and the bodies of approximately 60 others have been returned.

During two temporary truces—one in November 2023 and another earlier this year—Hamas held public ceremonies to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel criticized these ceremonies, claiming that the Islamist group used the hostages for propaganda purposes. Last February, in particular, the Jewish state refused to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners if Hamas continued to release hostages through public and propaganda ceremonies.

1:03 PM | October 9

Hamas: Ten days to locate bodies of deceased hostages

Hamas needs at least ten days to locate the bodies of the dead Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources familiar with the negotiations. The release of the hostages and the return of the bodies of the deceased is one of the points on which Israel and Hamas reached an agreement last night regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. There are 48 Israeli hostages in total, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Once they are freed, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and 1,700 Palestinians held in Gaza.

1:02 PM | October 9

Second-phase talks will begin once the hostages are freed

Talks for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement will begin the day after the hostages are released, sources told Qatari television channel Al-Araby, without specifying whether they envisage the return of all hostages, including the deceased, or only those still alive. The channel also reports that Egypt has informed American diplomats that it will not allow Israel to maintain a permanent presence along the Egyptian border with Gaza. Israel has insisted on maintaining troops in the Philadelphia Corridor area to counter what it describes as massive smuggling activity.

12:55 PM | October 9

Crowds in Tel Aviv await the signing of the agreement

A large crowd of people is gathering in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square awaiting the signing of the peace agreement in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The agreement reached last night was supposed to be ratified at 11:00 a.m. (Italian time), but confirmation of the signing has not yet arrived.

12:46 PM | October 9

The international task force to recover the hostages' bodies

Israel believes that Hamas is unable to locate the bodies of all the hostages in the Strip, so it intends to form a multinational task force to locate and recover them.

Hebrew-language media, starting with Channel 12, reported this. The news was also confirmed to Reuters by a Turkish official.

The task force will include Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Türkiye, and Israel.

12:37 PM | October 9

The agreement: the strong points and the critical ones. The fact sheet

What does the agreement reached by Hamas and Israel include?

Hostages, IDF withdrawal, disarmament: here is the factsheet edited by Monica Ricci Sargentini which summarizes the key points of the agreement and the problematic issues.

11:40 AM | October 9

Al Sisi: Historic moment

A historic agreement establishing a ceasefire and ending the war in Gaza after two years of suffering and pain. This is how Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi commented on the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of the American plan reached overnight in Sharm el-Sheikh. It is a historic moment, al-Sisi reiterated, because it not only closes the chapter on the war, but also opens the door to hope for the peoples of the region for a future of justice and stability.

11:05 AM | October 9

The signing of the agreement in Sharm el-Sheikh is scheduled for 12:00 Israeli time (11:00 Italian time).

The signing of the agreement reached on the first phase of US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza is expected to take place in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh around 12:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. Italian time).

The Times of Israel reports this, citing informed sources.

The ceasefire, however, will only come into effect in Gaza once the agreement is ratified by the Netanyahu government, after 5:00 p.m. (Italian time), a statement from the Israeli government clarified. Despite opposition from the extremist right, Israeli media consider the approval certain.

​​According to international media, all 20 hostages still alive will be released on Sunday or Monday. The agreement provides for their release within 72 hours of the agreement coming into force: the countdown should begin once the government has voted.

10:39 AM | October 9

Hamas hands over list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed

Hamas has submitted to Israeli negotiators the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of the ceasefire agreement reached in Gaza. Hamas confirms that it has submitted the lists of Palestinian prisoners according to the standards agreed upon in the agreement."We now await final approval of the names and prepare to announce them to our people," Hamas said in a statement.

10:36 AM | October 9

Israeli Media: Hamas Doesn't Know Where Nine Bodies Are

Hamas does not know for certain where nine of the 28 hostages' bodies are located. This is according to the Israeli newspaper Calcalist, which reports that a task force will be established to locate, search for, and return the missing hostages who were not returned within the first 72 hours. The task force will include Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar and will work with forces on the ground in the Gaza Strip to gather all the information and expertise needed to complete the location. According to the newspaper, the creation of the international task force was agreed upon during talks in Sharm el-Sheikh and will be supported by the Red Cross if necessary.

10:33 AM | October 9

Witkoff and Kushner in Israel tonight

US envoy Steve Witkoff and the US president's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Israel this evening or early Friday morning, departing directly from Sharm el-Sheik, where negotiations for peace in Gaza and the release of the hostages were held, Ynet reports.

10:32 AM | October 9

Von der Leyen: All parties must respect the agreement

Commission President von der Leyen, welcoming the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Trump, indicated that all parties must now fully respect its terms.

10:31 AM | October 9

Macron: Agreement opens the way to a two-state political solution

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the immense hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the region generated by the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas. At the same time, the President expressed his hope that this agreement could enable the launch of a political solution based on a two-state solution."France is ready to contribute to this goal. We will discuss it this afternoon in Paris with our international partners," Macron wrote on X, referring to the meeting scheduled this afternoon in Paris with several European and Arab countries, focused on the post-war arrangements in Gaza. The French president emphasized that he called on Israel and Hamas to strictly respect the terms of the agreement.

10:29 AM | October 9

Beijing calls for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire

China hopes that a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire will come into effect in Gaza as soon as possible following the agreement reached by Israel and Hamas. The truce should effectively alleviate the humanitarian crisis and ease regional tensions, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, emphasizing that China supports adherence to the principle that"Palestinians must govern Palestinians."

10:27 AM | October 9

Injured in Khan Yunis after bombing

While awaiting a ceasefire, attacks in Gaza continue. The Hamas-run Nasser Medical Complex reports several injuries in Gaza following an Israeli bombing in the center of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip. Al Jazera reports.

10:25 AM | October 9

Sanchez: May the agreement be the beginning of a just and lasting peace.

The Spanish government welcomes the news from the Middle East and is confident that this is the beginning of a just and lasting peace. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said this in a message on X, commenting on the agreement signed between Israel and Hama to implement the first phase of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. Sánchez urged everyone to look to the future, but with remembrance, so that the atrocities committed in Palestine are not repeated. Now is the time for dialogue, assistance to the civilian population, and a look to the future. With hope. But also with justice and remembrance, the Socialist leader emphasized.

10:23 AM | October 9

Merz: Encouraging agreement, we remain confident

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the announcement of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, expressing his confidence that a solution could be reached this week."Developments in Israel are encouraging. We are, of course, monitoring the situation very closely and remain confident that a solution can be found this week," Merz said at a press conference in Berlin.

9:37 AM | October 9

Palestinians rejoice in the Gaza Strip - and urge caution as they await a ceasefire.

In Deir el-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, the population is experiencing a mixture of joy and caution following the announcement of the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to end hostilities. After more than two years of devastation, displacement, and raids, many families greeted the news with songs and applause. Daily life, however, remains marked by a constant struggle for survival, both due to Israeli army attacks (which have not yet been suspended) and the famine.

People are desperately waiting to be reunited with their loved ones or even just to have a moment to mourn what they have lost, local witnesses told Qatari television station Al Jazeera.

The ceasefire is not yet in effect (it will only come into effect after the agreement is signed), and the authorities are urging extreme caution.

Palestinians' joy over the agreement: the journalist is lifted on his shoulders during the live broadcast

9:33 AM | October 9

Smotrich: My party will not vote for the agreement

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said after the Gaza deal was announced that his party would not join the short-sighted celebrations and would not vote in favor of the agreement.

Smotrich added that he was pleased to have the opportunity to be among the leaders who oppose the previous limited agreements, which he said left half of the hostages in captivity. ​

​After the return of the abductees, Israel (must) continue to strive with all its might for the true destruction of Hamas and the true demilitarization of Gaza, so that it no longer poses a threat to Israel, Smotrich wrote on X.

09:01|October 9

Abbas welcomes the agreement: It is a prelude to a sustainable political solution.

Palestinian Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of an agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip, withdraw the Israeli army, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and facilitate a prisoner exchange. Abbas expressed his hope that these efforts will be a prelude to reaching a permanent political solution leading to the end of Israel's occupation of the State of Palestine and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The PA leader also commended Trump and all mediators for their significant efforts in reaching the agreement, affirming the State of Palestine's willingness to work with mediators and international partners to ensure its success, in order to achieve stability and a lasting and just peace, in accordance with international law.

8:39 AM | October 9

Meloni: Agreement is extraordinary news

The agreement reached in Egypt to implement the first phase of President Trump's peace plan is extraordinary news that paves the way for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces along agreed-upon lines, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.

I would like to thank President Trump for his relentless pursuit of an end to the conflict in Gaza and the mediators—Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—for their efforts, which have proven crucial to the successful outcome, she added.

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8:25 AM | October 9

Details of the agreement, according to France Presse, the Times of Israel and Saudi media

The details of the agreement have not yet been made official, but some elements of the agreement have been disclosed to international media by informed sources. Here is a summary:

THE HOSTAGES - A senior Hamas official told Agence France Presse that the agreement reached in Egypt on the first phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan stipulates that, in exchange for the release of the hostages, Israel will release 1,950 Palestinian prisoners: 250 people sentenced to life imprisonment and another 1,700 arrested since the start of the war in Gaza. This figure is also confirmed by Times of Israel.

THE PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS - The agreement provides for scheduled withdrawals of Israeli troops from the enclave and guarantees from President Trump and mediators. According to the Israeli website Ynet, in the initial phase, Israeli troops will control 53% of the Gaza Strip. Saudi Arabian broadcaster Al-Sharq reported that the agreement calls for Israeli forces to also withdraw from the Rafah crossing and its vicinity: once the agreement comes into force, the Rafah crossing is expected to be reopened on both sides.

TIMING - A Palestinian source cited by Al-Sharq specified that the exchange with the Israeli hostages will take place within 72 hours of the agreement's implementation. According to another Saudi broadcaster, Al-Hadath, the countdown will begin after the withdrawal of Israeli troops according to the agreed-upon lines, which in turn will begin once the agreement is ratified by the Israeli government.

HUMANITARIAN AID - Another Hamas source told France Presse that at least 400 trucks of humanitarian aid are expected to enter the Gaza Strip per day during the first five days of the ceasefire. This number is expected to increase in the following days.

8:13 AM | October 9

Kallas (EU): Important step forward, we will do our part to support peace

The agreement on the first phase of the Gaza peace deal marks a major step forward. It is a major diplomatic achievement and a real opportunity to end a devastating war and free all hostages. The EU will do everything possible to support its implementation, said EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

8:11 AM | October 9

Israeli forces begin preparing for partial withdrawal from Gaza Strip

The Israeli military announced that it has begun preparing for a partial withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Times of Israel reported. As part of the preparations, the military says it is ready to move troops to modified deployment lines in the near future.

The IDF continues to be deployed in the area and is preparing for any operational developments, the military added.

In an earlier statement, the IDF warned the civilian population that the northern Gaza Strip remains, for now, a combat zone.

8:08 AM | October 9

Netanyahu's government meeting to approve the agreement has been postponed.

The Israeli cabinet meeting, which is expected to formally approve the agreement reached with Hamas today for the release of hostages and the initial withdrawal of IDF troops deployed in the Strip, has been postponed.

The security cabinet was due to meet at 3 p.m., but an informed source told Reuters that the meeting is now scheduled for 5 p.m. (4 p.m. Italian time).

The cabinet meeting - which will have to vote on the agreement - is expected to take place immediately afterwards.

07:25|October 9

When does the ceasefire in Gaza take effect?

Despite the agreement reached overnight (Italian time) on the release of the hostages and an initial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Strip, fighting continues in Gaza. The ceasefire will only come into effect once the agreement is formally approved by Israel. Netanyahu has declared that his government will meet today to proceed with this process.

6:42 AM | October 9

Tajani: Italy will be able to participate in the peacekeeping force

Peace is near. There's good news, but a signature isn't enough. Now we need to defend this truce, and the work begins: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Rainews, adding that Italy will be able to participate with its own troops in the peacekeeping force.

6:15 AM | October 9

Starmer: Humanitarian aid to Gaza must be delivered immediately.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the Hamas-Israeli ceasefire and hostage release agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump.

This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world, but especially for the hostages, their families, and all civilians in Gaza, the prime minister said.

The agreement, he continued, must be fully implemented without delay, allowing life-saving aid to enter Gaza without restriction. We call on all parties to end the war and lay the foundations for a lasting end to the conflict. Britain will support the necessary steps.

6:05 AM | October 9

Israeli Ambassador to the US: Hostages to be released between Sunday and Monday

The release of the Israeli hostages is expected between Sunday and Monday, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said in an interview with CNN.

5:13 AM | October 9

ABC News: Still no agreement on Hamas disarmament.

The talks in Sharm el-Sheikh focused on what would happen in the first days and weeks of the agreement. The discussions focused on a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a hostage exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Some of the more contentious points, such as Hamas disarmament and the issue of governance in Gaza, will have to be negotiated later, according to ABC News, citing officials familiar with the matter.

5:02 AM | October 9

Israeli army to Palestinians: Don't return to Gaza, it's still a combat zone

Israeli forces continue to surround Gaza City and consider it extremely dangerous to return. This is according to an Israeli army spokesperson, who urges civilians to refrain from returning north or approaching areas where the army is deployed.

5:01 AM | October 9

Trump: Gaza will be rebuilt

US President Donald Trump said Gaza will be rebuilt and neighboring countries will contribute.

Really,' he told Fox News, 'the Middle East has come together in an extraordinary way, they've come together, you know, there are some countries with extraordinary wealth, and spending just a small portion of that wealth can mean a lot to that area.

4:14 AM | October 9

Heavy Israeli bombing in Gaza in the early hours of today

In the early hours of today, Israeli air strikes and artillery bombardments hit the Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources reported.

4:07 AM | October 9

Trump: The United States will be involved in peacekeeping in Gaza

US President Donald Trump said the United States will help rebuild Gaza and keep it safe and peaceful, after Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of his peace plan.

 

We will be involved in helping them achieve success and keep the peace, Trump told Fox News a few hours after the agreement was announced, adding that he is very confident that there will be peace in the Middle East.

3:51 AM | October 9

The Israeli army: Ready for any scenario

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir issued an order tonight to prepare troops for any scenario, as the army prepares for the return of hostages and a partial withdrawal of forces in the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas.

 

An IDF statement cited by Israeli media states that soldiers will operate in accordance with orders from the political level and the phases of the agreement, and with responsibility, while safeguarding our soldiers. The IDF also emphasizes that it will continue to act to achieve the objectives of the war and to safeguard the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts.

3:15 AM | October 9

Milei: Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize

Argentine President Javier Milei congratulated Donald Trump on reaching a historic peace agreement between Israel and Hamas and believes the American president deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

Congratulations to President Donald Trump, Milei wrote on the social network X, adding: I want to take this opportunity to say that I will sign Donald J. Trump's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international peace. He added: Any other leader with such achievements would have received it long ago.

2:44 AM | October 9

Trump: I'll be traveling to Israel in the next few days and speaking at the Knesset.

Donald Trump will be in Israel in the coming days and intends to accept Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's invitation to address the Knesset.

In a statement to Axios, the US president announces: I am expected to arrive in Israel in the next few days. This is a great day for Israel and for the world. They want me to speak in the Knesset, and I will certainly do so if they want me to. 

2:26 AM | October 9

Guterres, UN: Now everyone must fully respect the terms of the agreement

I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by the President of the United States. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough. I urge all concerned to fully respect the terms of the agreement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote:

Guterres continued: All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must end once and for all. The immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and essential commercial supplies into Gaza must be guaranteed. The suffering must end. The UN will support the full implementation of the agreement and step up the provision of sustained and principled humanitarian assistance, and we will promote recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. I urge all stakeholders to seize this important opportunity to establish a credible political path toward ending the occupation, recognizing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, and achieving a two-state solution that allows Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. The stakes have never been higher.

2:18 AM | October 9

Hamas: Release of hostages in exchange for the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners

Hamas announced that the agreement reached with Israel provides for the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners (including 250 serving life sentences) in exchange for the release of the remaining live hostages. The exchange must take place within 72 hours of the agreement's implementation.

2:17 AM | October 9

Videos released by Al Jazeera show Gazans celebrating

Videos released by Al Jazeera show Gazans celebrating in the streets after an agreement was reached to end the war in the Strip. Celebrations took place in the towns of Khan Yunis and other areas of the Gaza Strip. Left without internet access, residents of the northern Gaza Strip learned of the agreement through word of mouth by journalists last night. This is what emerges from videos published by journalists themselves, including one reposted on Instagram by Palestinian photographer Anas Ayyad.

Gaza without internet, journalists took to the streets to announce the agreement to the residents of the Strip.

2:15 AM | October 9

ABC News: Israeli troops withdraw in less than 24 hours

ABC News, citing a White House official, reports that an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza border would take less than 24 hours.

2:14 AM | October 9

Al Jazeera: Israeli raids on Gaza also overnight

Al Jazeera's Gaza correspondent reported that Israeli warplanes launched strikes on the city in the early hours of today. The strikes coincided with the announcement by the US President and mediators of a deal to end the war in Gaza.

2:04 AM | October 9

Netanyahu: Very emotional and warm phone call with Trump

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office reports that Benjamin Netanyahu just spoke with US President Donald Trump. The two leaders had a very emotional and warm conversation, and congratulated each other on the historic achievement of signing the agreement to free all hostages. Netanyahu thanked Trump for all his efforts and global leadership, and Trump praised the prime minister for his determined leadership and the actions he has taken. Netanyahu invited Trump to address the Knesset.

2:03 AM | October 9

Israeli sources: Hamas will not hold hostage release ceremonies.

An Israeli source familiar with the details of the ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip said that the terrorist organization has pledged to refrain from holding hostage release ceremonies.

1:53 AM | October 9

Herzog: Right now the people of Israel are with the kidnapped

At this moment, the entire people of Israel are with the abductees. The entire people of Israel are with their families, Israeli President Isaac Herzog declared.

1:52 AM | October 9

Hamas thanks Trump and the mediators

Hamas stated that the movement announces the reaching of an agreement that will end the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of the IDF, the entry of aid, and the exchange of prisoners, following responsible and serious negotiations that the movement conducted together with the factions. We deeply appreciate the efforts of the brother mediators of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and we also appreciate the efforts of US President Donald Trump to definitively end the war and achieve a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

1:51 AM | October 9

Israeli media reports street celebrations in Gaza over peace deal

Israeli media reported that Gazans were celebrating in the streets of the Strip after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan.

1:50 AM | October 9

Trump shares a video on social media thanking the hostages' families.

Donald Trump shared on his social media platform"Truth" a video sent by the hostages' families, including Lishi Lavi-Miran, wife of hostage Omri Miran, and Yotam Cohen, brother of captured soldier Nimrod Cohen. The President has made it, he announced that our loved ones are coming home, the video reads. We will not stop fighting until the last of the 48 hostages is returned: those murdered in captivity, those still alive. Thank you, President Trump, thank you to the administration that did everything it could to bring them back.

Video of Israeli hostages' families talking to Trump on the phone:"President, you made it. This is fantastic, thank you."

1:49 AM | October 9

Hamas demands the return of the bodies of the Sinwar brothers, which Israel does not want to give

(Davide Frattini) The dead have always been part of negotiations between Israelis and extremist organizations, dead who deserve a proper burial. Hamas is currently insisting that the bodies of Yaya Sinwar and her brother Mohammed be returned.  The Hamas chief of leaders was eliminated in Rafah in mid-October, the final images captured by a drone as he angrily threw a stick at the electronic eye buzzing around him. The military immediately took him to Israel. Mohammed was found about twenty days after the bombing that killed him in the tunnel where he was hiding. During negotiations in January, Israeli negotiators refused to send back Sinwar's body: He's a super-terrorist, out of the question. The government in Jerusalem fears that Hamas is building a cult around the tomb of the mastermind behind the massacres two years ago.

​Full article here.

1:46 AM | October 9

US sources: Hostages freed 72 hours after Israeli war cabinet approves deal

The hostages still held in the Gaza Strip will be freed 72 hours after the Israeli war cabinet approves the ceasefire agreement, Axios journalist Barak Ravid wrote in a post on X, citing a senior US official. The source specified that this should happen no later than Monday.

1:31 AM | October 9

Hamas confirms agreement reached

We announce the reaching of an agreement to end the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupation, the entry of aid, and the exchange of prisoners, Hamas announced in a statement reported by Al Jazeera. We appreciate the efforts of mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, as well as President Trump's efforts to end the war once and for all. We call on President Trump, the guarantor states, and the Arab and Islamic parties to compel the occupation to fully implement the agreement. We call on President Trump and the guarantor states not to allow the occupation to circumvent or delay the implementation of the agreement, the Hamas statement added.

1:27 AM | October 9

The families of the hostages: We welcome the news of the agreement with trepidation and apprehension.

The families are welcoming the news of the signing of the agreement for the return of all 48 kidnapped people with trepidation and apprehension. This represents an important and significant step forward on the road to everyone's return, but our struggle is not over yet and will not end until the last kidnapped person is returned. The government must meet and approve the agreement immediately, the headquarters of the families of the Israeli hostages wrote in a statement. The families wish to express their deep gratitude to US President Donald Trump, it added.

Tel Aviv, hostage families celebrate after the announcement of the agreement between Hamas and Israel.

1:09 AM | October 9

Qatar confirms agreement reached for the first phase of the ceasefire

Qatar confirms the agreement reached for the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza.

1:05 AM | October 9

Trump: All parties involved will be treated fairly.

US President Donald Trump declared that all parties involved will be treated fairly under the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. He wrote this at the end of his post on Truth Social.

1:04 AM | October 9

The agreement will be signed today at 12pm (11am in Italy).

The agreement on the release of all hostages and the end of the war in Gaza will be signed Thursday at 12:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. Italian time), Israeli TV reported.

1:02 AM | October 9

Netanyahu: With God's help, we will bring everyone home.

With God's help, we will bring everyone home, Benjamin Netanyahu declared, referring to the hostages, after reaching the agreement with Hamas.

1:01 AM | October 9

Trump: All hostages will soon be freed and Israel will withdraw its troops. This is a great day.

I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed the first phase of our peace plan. This means that all hostages will be released very soon and Israel will withdraw its troops according to an agreed-upon line, as a first step toward a strong and lasting peace, Donald Trump writes in Truth. This is a great day, adds the US leader.

0:58|October 9

Times of Israel: Hamas to release remaining hostages alive on Saturday

Hamas will release the hostages still alive on Saturday, two sources familiar with the negotiations told the Times of Israel.

0:55|October 9

Trump: Deal Reached

0:48|October 9

Letter from the State of Palestine to the UN: Israel launches a genocidal war on Gaza

The State of Palestine has accused Israel of waging a genocidal war in Gaza in a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), warning that the devastation has reached unprecedented levels. Published on the official X account of the State of Palestine, the letter states: While the rest of the world does everything it can to stop the bloodshed, Israel, the occupying power, persists in its genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The letter says Israel has insisted on its criminal path of collective punishment, accusing Tel Aviv of destroying Palestinian society and pursuing the colonization and annexation of occupied lands.

According to the statement, the toll of those affected since October 2023 has exceeded at least 237,000 Palestinians in Gaza alone, with most homes and civilian infrastructure destroyed.

It also warns that Israel's all-out assault on Palestinian existence risks being replicated in the West Bank, citing increasing settler violence and forced displacement. Israel's degradation of life and international law must be stopped. On this tragic second anniversary, we reiterate: this genocide must be stopped, the letter concludes.

0:46|October 9

Haaretz: Israel will withdraw from Gaza City, but not Rafah

According to Israeli officials, quoted by Haaretz, the ceasefire agreement in Gaza will be signed in the next few hours.

I've heard it's very close. The withdrawal maps have been updated, and Israel will withdraw from most cities except Rafah, the source said. According to the official, Israeli forces will withdraw completely from Gaza City.

The red line is those Palestinian prisoners who participated in or planned the October 7 attack, he added, without answering whether Marwan Barghouti might be among the released prisoners.

0:44 | October 9

Times of Israel: Agreement announcement imminent

The most important issues in the Gaza negotiations have been resolved, and what remains to be finalized is merely a procedural matter, two sources briefed on the negotiations in Egypt told the Times of Israel. The sources say the announcement of the agreement is imminent.

0:40 | October 9

Negotiators hug each other as they await Trump's announcement

Negotiators in Egypt hug each other as they await Trump's post on

Truth announcing the end of the war in Gaza. Axios correspondent Barak Ravid wrote this on X, posting an image of the negotiators.

0:35 | October 9

The families of the hostages and the wait for Trump's announcement

The families of hostages held in Gaza are eagerly awaiting US President Donald Trump's long-awaited social media post declaring an agreement to end the war between Israel and Hamas."It's impossible to breathe," tweets Yotam Cohen, brother of hostage-taken soldier Nimrod Cohen. Ditza Or, mother of prisoner Avinatan Or, shares a quote from the Book of Isaiah about the proclamation of peace, the proclamation of good news, the proclamation of salvation. The Times of Israel reports.

0:34|October 9

Trump and Rubio's ticket at a press conference: Here's what happened.

US President Donald Trump left the White House press conference after receiving a note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asking him to approve a post on social media about the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas."I just received a note from the Secretary of State telling me we're very close to an agreement in the Middle East and they'll need me soon enough," Trump said goodbye to reporters."I have to go now to try to resolve the problems in the Middle East." Rubio's note, according to reporters present, read:"You need to approve a post on Truth Social soon so you can announce the agreement first."

The moment Trump receives a note from Rubio and announces: Close to a deal in the Middle East

0:33 | October 8

Hezbollah TV: Hamas has accepted the agreement, signing will take place today in Egypt.

The Lebanese network Al-Mayadeen, affiliated with Hezbollah, reported that Hamas has accepted the ceasefire agreement, and the signing will take place today in Egypt. The report is based on Palestinian resistance sources, while talks are underway in Sharm el-Sheikh and after US President Donald Trump received a memo from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the president must approve the agreement's announcement text. The news has also been confirmed by several Israeli media outlets.

October 9, 12:33 AM - Updated October 9, 8:27 PM