The announcement comes as Turkish, Qatari and Egyptian officials meet in Cairo to secure the framework for a longer-term arrangement that would reshape governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. While the initial phase of the truce has largely held since taking effect in October, nearly every element of the plan’s future remains uncertain, from timelines to implementation on the ground.

Hostage identification deepens emotional toll

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that the remains repatriated this week were formally identified as those of Dror Or, one of the hundreds of people taken during the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. The return leaves two bodies still unaccounted for in Gaza — one Israeli citizen and one Thai national — as the first stage of the ceasefire approaches its endpoint.

Palestinian militants handed over Or’s remains on Tuesday. Israel’s military said he and his wife, Yonat, were killed when armed militants entered Kibbutz Beeri during the assault, one of the hardest-hit communities that day. According to the Hostages Families Forum, the couple managed to evacuate two of their children, Alma and Noam, through a window before they were killed. Both children were abducted and later released as part of a hostage exchange in November 2023.

The Forum remembered Or as a devoted father, longtime cheesemaker and manager at the Be’eri dairy. He was described as a skilled cook and yoga teacher who had deep ties to the close-knit kibbutz community.

Israel says approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken to Gaza in the October 7 attacks. With Or’s identification, almost all hostages or their remains have now been returned to Israel. Under the terms of the current agreement, Israel has approved the release of 15 Palestinian bodies for every hostage whose remains are transferred.

Talks in Cairo look to expand fragile ceasefire

Qatar, Turkey and Egypt have been working in coordination with the United States to maintain the truce and shape a longer-term framework. On Tuesday, Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met in Cairo with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, along with Egypt’s intelligence chief Hasan Reshat.

A Turkish security official, speaking anonymously under national regulations, said the discussions focused on moving into the second phase of the ceasefire arrangement. The governments also agreed to deepen cooperation with the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), which was established to monitor compliance and prevent violations.

The next phase includes the creation of an international governance mechanism for Gaza, potentially operating under a renewable two-year United Nations mandate. According to Israeli officials, a stabilization force would be responsible for securing the territory and ensuring the disarmament of Hamas — a central demand for Israel and one of the most contested aspects of the plan.

Diplomats and regional analysts note that major questions remain unresolved, including who would participate in the stabilization force, the scope of authority for international administrators and how reconstruction funds would be managed.

Conditions on the ground remain critical

Even as high-level talks continue, everyday life in Gaza remains shaped by displacement, limited services and severe shortages. Most Palestinians have been unable to return to their homes and remain dependent on humanitarian assistance for food, shelter and medical care.

Reconstruction efforts have barely begun, hindered by damaged infrastructure, restricted access to materials and the absence of a confirmed long-term security arrangement. Aid agencies warn that humanitarian needs will continue to intensify unless sustained access and stability are restored.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says 69,775 Palestinians have been killed and 170,863 injured in Israel’s retaliatory offensive since October 2023. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and fighters in its reporting but has stated that women and children account for the majority of deaths. Although operating under Hamas-run authorities, the ministry is staffed by medical professionals and maintains records viewed as broadly reliable by independent experts and international organizations.

A fragile process with uncertain timelines

Despite progress in recent weeks, officials across the region acknowledge that the next stage of the ceasefire will be significantly more complex. Political divisions, security concerns and competing regional priorities continue to delay the development of a unified roadmap.

While no formal timeline has been released, mediators say the goal is to preserve current stability and prevent a return to large-scale fighting. For families awaiting news of remaining hostages, the process continues to move slowly and unpredictably.

As negotiations continue, the return and identification of Dror Or’s remains underscores the humanitarian and emotional weight carried by both sides. For many Israelis, the latest development signals a measure of closure. For Palestinians in Gaza, the challenges ahead remain vast, with reconstruction, security and governance still unresolved.

Source: AP News – Israel identifies the latest remains returned from Gaza as hostage Dror Or

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Israel carried out airstrikes across Gaza on Saturday following reports of attacks on its troops. The strikes mark a serious test of the ceasefire established on Oct. 10. Gaza health officials say at least 24 people were killed and 54 wounded, including children. Israel reported that five senior Hamas members were among those targeted.

Renewed Violence Amid Fragile Ceasefire

The airstrikes came after gunfire at Israeli troops in southern Gaza, which Israel described as a major ceasefire violation. No Israeli soldiers were injured. In retaliation, Israel targeted several sites linked to Hamas operations.

In Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, a strike hit a vehicle, killing 11 and wounding more than 20, mostly children, according to Rami Mhanna, managing director of Shifa Hospital. Hospital director Mohamed Abu Selmiya confirmed that most casualties were minors.

Video footage shows residents inspecting the blackened wreckage. Another strike near Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza killed at least three and wounded 11. Additional attacks in Nuseirat camp and Deir al-Balah killed 10 more civilians, including women and children.

Local resident Khalil Abu Hatab described the impact in Deir al-Balah: “Suddenly, I heard a powerful explosion. Smoke covered the entire area. I couldn’t see a thing. I covered my ears and shouted for everyone in the tent to run. When I looked again, the upper floor of my neighbor’s house was gone.”

Abu Hatab called the situation “a fragile ceasefire” and said civilians felt unsafe, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of Gaza residents.

Israel’s Military Response

Israel said the strikes targeted an “armed terrorist” who crossed into Israeli-controlled territory and fired at troops. In Rafah, Israeli forces killed 11 militants and detained six others attempting to escape underground. Additional operations targeted militants in northern Gaza approaching Israeli forces.

Israeli troops occupy slightly more than half of Gaza after partial withdrawals under the ceasefire. The military described some breaches as extreme violations, including attacks along humanitarian aid routes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed five senior Hamas members were killed. Hamas has not commented on these claims.

Hamas Response

Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of using pretexts to avoid implementing the ceasefire. He said the attacks were part of “a war of extermination.” Hamas has called on the United States and other mediators to ensure Israel follows the agreement.

Hamas has not addressed Israel’s claim of senior members killed, reflecting the ongoing tension and conflicting narratives.

Civilian Impact and Hospital Reports

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 69,733 Palestinians have died and 170,863 have been injured in Israel’s retaliatory offensive since Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The ministry says women and children account for the majority of casualties.

Medical teams continue recovering and identifying victims, which has raised the casualty count during the ceasefire. Hospitals such as Shifa and Al-Awda remain overwhelmed, treating civilians from both new strikes and earlier attacks.

Mohamed Abu Selmiya emphasized the strain on hospitals, noting the urgent need for resources to manage the surge of casualties, especially children.

Background on the Conflict

The current violence followed Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 people and left more than 250 hostages. Most hostages or their remains have been returned through ceasefires and negotiations. The remains of three individuals are still in Gaza.

Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding a state commission of inquiry into failures surrounding the October 7 attacks. Rafi Ben Shitrit, whose son Staff Sgt. Shimon Alroy Ben Shitrit was killed, said: “The government of Israel failed in its most important mission: to protect its children and citizens, not to abandon soldiers on the battlefield.”

International Context

The escalation came shortly after the U.N. Security Council approved a U.S.-proposed plan for Gaza. It calls for an international stabilization force, a transitional authority overseen by President Donald Trump, and a potential path to an independent Palestinian state.

The plan aims to provide security and governance in Gaza, but repeated ceasefire violations and ongoing military operations complicate its implementation.

The Ceasefire’s Fragility

The airstrikes underline the fragile nature of the ceasefire. Earlier in the week, Israeli operations killed at least 33 Palestinians over 12 hours, including women and children.

Residents describe life under intermittent shelling as untenable. No location feels fully safe. These repeated attacks show how difficult it is to enforce ceasefire agreements and the complexity of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Outlook and Humanitarian Concerns

The renewed violence has prompted calls for international mediation and humanitarian support. The U.N. and other organizations stress the need for safe corridors, medical supplies, and protection for children.

Israel frames its strikes as defensive against militant activity, but the civilian toll demonstrates the disproportionate impact on non-combatants. Experts warn that without strong enforcement and oversight, the ceasefire will remain vulnerable, prolonging instability and civilian suffering.

Source: AP News – Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire’s latest test as hospitals say 24 killed

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Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in central Israel on Tuesday to honor Lt. Hadar Goldin, whose body had been held in Gaza for 11 years. Goldin, killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, was finally returned on Sunday, offering closure for his family amid a long, public campaign for his remains.

Funeral and Public Mourning

The funeral in Kfar Saba drew massive crowds, overflowing the cemetery and surrounding streets. Attendees, holding Israeli flags, stood in solemn tribute to the 23-year-old soldier, whose remains had been the only Israeli bodies still held in Gaza prior to the current Israel-Hamas war.

Goldin was killed two hours after a ceasefire in the 2014 Gaza conflict. For years, public campaigns featuring posters of Goldin and another soldier, Oron Shaul, who was also captured in 2014, kept attention on the families’ efforts to bring the soldiers home.

Family Reflection and Criticism

Goldin’s parents expressed the “many disappointments” experienced over 11 years of campaigning. They emphasized that it was Israel’s military, not political leaders, that ultimately facilitated the return of their son’s remains.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the family’s suffering, stating that holding the body for so long had caused “great agony of his family, which will now be able to give him a Jewish burial.” Israel recovered Shaul’s remains earlier in 2025.

Leah Goldin, Hadar’s mother, described the struggle as part of Israel’s social contract with its citizens, underscoring the legal and moral obligation to recover soldiers. She noted that her son, an artist recently engaged, had been abandoned, violating both humanitarian and family rights.

Military Efforts to Recover Goldin

Following Goldin’s death, Israel launched a high-intensity military operation under the “Hannibal” directive, a protocol allowing extreme measures to prevent the capture of soldiers. Heavy shelling, tank fire, and airstrikes targeted areas of southern Rafah in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 110 Palestinians.

Palestinian witnesses reported indiscriminate shelling and chaos as residents fled their homes. Human rights groups identified 121 fatalities during these operations and accused Israel of using disproportionate force against civilians. In response to criticism, Israel canceled the Hannibal directive in 2016, later replacing it with a revised version in 2017.

2014 Gaza War Casualties

The broader 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas lasted 50 days, resulting in over 2,200 Palestinian deaths, including hundreds of civilians, and widespread damage to Gaza’s infrastructure. Israeli casualties included 73 fatalities. The war left deep humanitarian and political scars, forming the context for ongoing tensions and disputes over captured soldiers.

Looking Ahead

The return and burial of Goldin offer symbolic closure for his family and the Israeli public, though four hostages taken in the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack remain in Gaza. Analysts note that the episode highlights the continuing human cost of long-term conflicts and the challenges of balancing military objectives with civilian protection in densely populated conflict zones.

Source: AP News – Tens of thousands of Israelis attend funeral of soldier whose remains were held in Gaza for 11 years

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Palenstine (Journos News) – At least thirty-three Palestinians died in Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency and several hospitals confirmed the deaths.
The strikes came after Israel accused Hamas of breaking the ceasefire by shooting at its troops. Hamas denied the allegation and said it remained committed to the truce.

Israel Says Hamas Violated the Ceasefire

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said the attacks were a direct answer to what he called “clear violations” by Hamas. He claimed that fighters opened fire on Israeli soldiers inside Gaza.
The clash marks the most serious rise in tension since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire began earlier this month under President Donald Trump’s peace plan.

In a televised speech, Katz said Hamas crossed “a bright red line.” He warned that the group would “pay many times over” for any attack or breach linked to the return of hostages’ bodies.
Hamas responded that it had “no connection” to the reported shooting in Rafah.

Homes and Streets Hit Across Gaza

Air strikes targeted homes and busy residential areas in Gaza City, Beit Lahia, al-Bureij, Nuseirat, and Khan Younis.
Civil Defence teams said rescue workers struggled to reach several areas due to ongoing explosions and a lack of heavy equipment.

“Some of the missing are still under the rubble,” a Civil Defence spokesperson told the BBC. “We fear the death toll will rise.”

Four members of the al-Banna family died when a strike hit their home in Gaza City’s Sabra neighbourhood.
Another attack in Khan Younis hit a vehicle and killed five people, including two children and a woman.

Witnesses also reported explosions near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli military said it targeted what it described as “operational sites” used by Hamas.

Netanyahu Orders “Forceful Strikes”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he ordered “forceful strikes” after what he called “terrorist violations” of the ceasefire.
The military said the incident took place “east of the Yellow Line,” a zone Israel controls under the ceasefire terms.

Israeli media said troops in Rafah came under sniper fire and an anti-tank missile attack. Palestinian outlets reported Israeli artillery fire in southern Gaza at the same time.

Hamas Rejects Israel’s Claims

Hamas condemned the Israeli strikes. It repeated that it had “no link” to the shooting incident in Rafah.
The group called the air strikes a “blatant violation” of the U.S.-mediated deal.

Later on Tuesday, Hamas’s military wing announced a delay in returning the body of an Israeli hostage. It blamed Israel for what it described as repeated violations of the truce.

U.S. Urges Both Sides to Avoid Escalation

In Washington, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said the ceasefire was still in place. He acknowledged “small skirmishes” but said the overall agreement remained stable.
“We expect the Israelis to respond,” he said, “but the president’s peace plan will hold.”

President Trump also said the ceasefire would remain intact. He added that Israel “should hit back” if its soldiers were attacked.

Hostage Exchange Adds New Strains

Israel accused Hamas of breaking the ceasefire terms earlier this week. The group returned a coffin containing remains that did not match any of the thirteen deceased hostages still in Gaza.
Israeli forensic teams later identified the remains as belonging to Ofir Tzarfati, whose body had already been recovered in 2023.

Under the terms of the truce, Hamas must return all hostages and remains within seventy-two hours of the ceasefire’s start on 10 October.

Israel says Hamas released twenty living hostages on 13 October. In return, Israel freed 250 Palestinian prisoners and more than 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
Israel also returned the bodies of 195 Palestinians in exchange for the remains of thirteen Israeli hostages and two foreign nationals.

Drone Footage Triggers Further Dispute

The Israeli military released drone footage that it said showed Hamas fighters burying human remains in eastern Gaza before calling Red Cross staff to the site.
Hamas rejected the footage as “baseless” and claimed Israel was creating “false pretexts for aggression.”

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed it visited the area “in good faith.” It said its team did not know a body had been placed at the site beforehand.
The ICRC called any staging of remains “unacceptable” during efforts to maintain the ceasefire.

Ceasefire Framework Under Heavy Strain

The truce, negotiated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, is part of Trump’s twenty-point Gaza peace plan.
The agreement requires Hamas to return all hostages and remains. In return, Israel must suspend offensive operations and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said the group could not locate every body due to Israeli ground operations. He said the fighting had “changed the terrain.”
Israeli officials rejected the claim and said Hamas “knows exactly” where the remains are kept.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Most of the deceased hostages still in Gaza were among the 251 people kidnapped during the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. That attack killed about 1,200 people.
Israel’s military operations since then have left more than 68,500 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Aid groups, including the United Nations and World Health Organization, warn that new fighting could halt fragile relief operations.
They say millions of people in Gaza remain displaced and rely on food, shelter, and medical aid.

Source: BBC – Israeli strikes kill 33 in Gaza, Hamas-run civil defence says, as Trump insists ceasefire remains

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The military later reported that it had resumed enforcement of the ceasefire, and an Israeli security official confirmed that aid deliveries were expected to continue Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The renewed fighting comes just over a week after the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, aimed at ending more than two years of conflict. There was no immediate comment from the United States.

Casualties and Strikes in Gaza

Health authorities in Gaza reported at least 36 Palestinian deaths, including children, from Israeli strikes. The Israeli military said it targeted dozens of Hamas positions after its troops came under fire in areas near Rafah, part of the agreed ceasefire lines.

A senior Egyptian official involved in ceasefire negotiations said “round-the-clock” diplomatic efforts were underway to de-escalate tensions. The official spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to brief the media.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the military to take “strong action” against any violations but did not issue threats of returning to full-scale war. Hamas, meanwhile, accused Israel of multiple ceasefire breaches and stated that it had been unable to communicate with some of its units in Rafah for months. “We are not responsible for any incidents occurring in those areas,” the group said.

Impact on Civilians

Residents expressed concern that the renewed violence could escalate, further straining humanitarian conditions in the territory. Mahmoud Hashim, a father of five in Gaza City, called on U.S. and international mediators to intervene.

Medical facilities reported multiple casualties from airstrikes. Al-Awda hospital received 24 bodies from strikes in central Gaza, including Nuseirat and Bureij camps. An airstrike in Zawaida killed six, and two men were killed in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, according to Shifa Hospital. In southern Gaza, a strike on a tent in Muwasi, Khan Younis, killed at least four, including two children.

“Where is peace?” asked Khadijeh Abu-Nofal from Khan Younis as she assisted hospital staff treating wounded children.

Hostage Remains Identified

Israel confirmed the identification of two hostages released by Hamas overnight: Ronen Engel, a father from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker from Kibbutz Be’eri. Both are believed to have been killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing war. Engel’s wife and two of his three children were previously kidnapped and released under a ceasefire in November 2023.

Hamas has returned the remains of 12 hostages in the past week. The group’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said it located another hostage and planned to hand over the body if security conditions allowed, warning that any Israeli escalation could disrupt recovery efforts.

Israel has pressed Hamas to complete the return of all 28 deceased hostages. The Rafah border crossing with Egypt remained closed Saturday pending progress on the exchange. Israel has released 150 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday. Only 25 of the returned bodies have been identified. Earlier exchanges included 20 living hostages traded for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.

Ceasefire Implementation and Governance Talks

A Hamas delegation led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo to advance discussions on the ceasefire. The next phase of talks is expected to address disarming Hamas, further Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and future governance arrangements. U.S. mediators have proposed establishing an internationally backed administrative authority.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kassem stated that the group is engaged in discussions to “solidify its positions” and reiterated that it would not participate in postwar governance, calling instead for the creation of a Palestinian technocratic body to manage daily affairs. “Government agencies in Gaza continue to perform their duties, as the power vacuum is very dangerous,” he added.

Casualty Figures and Humanitarian Situation

The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 68,000 deaths in the conflict, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. Israel has challenged these figures but has not provided an official toll. Thousands more are reported missing, according to the Red Cross.

Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and abducted 251 individuals during the initial attack in October 2023 that triggered the current war.

Source: AP News – Renewed fighting tests Gaza ceasefire and Israel briefly halts aid

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Israeli Forces Report Attack in Rafah

Israeli officials said Sunday that Hamas fighters launched rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire at Israeli troops in Rafah, southern Gaza, prompting retaliatory airstrikes in the area. The incident occurred nine days into the U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at halting nearly two years of war.

According to a senior Israeli military source, several soldiers were injured in the assault, which took place beyond the so-called Yellow Line, the boundary marking the initial Israeli withdrawal under the ceasefire agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an emergency security meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior military commanders following the incident. Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right member of the cabinet, urged Netanyahu to “resume the war in Gaza in full force.”

Hamas Denies Ceasefire Breach

Hamas has not officially confirmed or denied involvement in the Rafah attack. However, senior official Izzat al-Rishq said on Telegram that the group remains committed to the ceasefire and accused Israel of “fabricating weak pretexts to justify its crimes.”

The militant group claimed its internal Rada’a security forces were operating nearby to target what it described as a “hideout” of a militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab, reportedly armed and supported by Israel.

In June, Israeli officials acknowledged providing weapons and logistical support to several such Gaza-based militias in an effort to counter Hamas’s influence in the territory.

Analysts Warn of Volatile Situation

Analysts say the latest confrontation highlights the precarious nature of the ceasefire and the deep divisions within Gaza.

Muhammad Shehada, a Gaza analyst with the European Council on Foreign Relations, said these Israel-backed militias operate from within zones under Israeli control. “They descend into other areas of Gaza, carry out attacks, and retreat to protected zones,” Shehada explained.

He added that such tactics blur the lines of responsibility and make it difficult to assess who is violating the truce.

Ceasefire Strained by Internal Gaza Clashes

Since the ceasefire took effect, Hamas has intensified what it calls a “security campaign” targeting collaborators, mercenaries, and rival factions across Gaza. The campaign has triggered several violent confrontations, including a widely condemned public execution of eight people in Gaza City, witnessed by large crowds.

The clashes between Hamas and local groups have deepened instability in the enclave, already devastated by months of warfare.

Mutual Accusations of Violations

Both sides have accused each other of undermining the ceasefire.

Israel has reported several incidents involving Palestinians approaching the Yellow Line, claiming they posed a security threat. Hamas labeled these shootings a “flagrant violation” of the truce.

Meanwhile, Israel has accused Hamas of failing to fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, including the return of the bodies of deceased hostages. As a result, Israel temporarily closed a key border crossing used for humanitarian aid and trade.

Diplomatic Pressure to Maintain Truce

The United States and Egypt, key mediators in the ceasefire deal, have urged both sides to exercise restraint. Washington has called the Rafah exchange a “serious concern” and warned that renewed hostilities would “set back humanitarian relief efforts and regional stability.”

Egyptian officials, speaking anonymously to local media, said they are “working intensively” with both parties to de-escalate tensions and prevent the ceasefire from collapsing.

The Stakes for Gaza and Israel

The ceasefire, brokered after months of negotiations, was intended to halt hostilities that began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 67,600 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run administration, does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties, but its data is generally regarded as credible by the United Nations and independent humanitarian groups.

Analysts say that a breakdown in the ceasefire could reignite widespread fighting, derail hostage recovery efforts, and further strain Israel’s relations with its international allies.

Outlook: A Fragile Peace Under Threat

While Sunday’s clash does not yet signal a full-scale return to war, it underscores how fragile the ceasefire remains amid deep mistrust and competing security claims.

For Gaza’s civilians, the resumption of airstrikes and internal violence raises fears that the promised period of calm may once again give way to chaos.

Israel’s government has vowed to respond “proportionally” to any attacks, while Hamas insists it is upholding the agreement. With neither side willing to appear weak, the coming days will determine whether this truce endures—or collapses under the weight of mutual suspicion.

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Source: CNN – Israel accuses Hamas of attacking Israeli forces in Gaza in first major test of ceasefire

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Ceasefire Under Strain as Hostage Remains Exchanged

The Israeli government said the two coffins were received late Saturday and transported to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification. No names were immediately released, but officials confirmed the remains were those of Israeli citizens held by Hamas since the start of the war.

The handover marks another step in the ongoing ceasefire process, brokered through international mediation to bring an end to a devastating conflict that began in October 2023. So far, Hamas has returned the remains of 12 of the 28 Israeli hostages confirmed dead in Gaza, though Israeli officials insist the militant group must expedite the process.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tied the reopening of the Rafah border crossing to the return of all bodies, announcing that it would remain closed “until further notice.” The move drew criticism from Hamas, which called it a “clear violation” of the ceasefire agreement.

Rafah Crossing Remains Closed Amid Dispute

The Rafah crossing — Gaza’s primary link to Egypt and the outside world — has been closed since Israel seized control of the Gaza side in May 2024. A full reopening would enable medical evacuations and limited civilian travel, including for Palestinians seeking treatment in Egypt.

Earlier on Saturday, the Palestinian embassy in Cairo announced that Rafah would reopen Monday for returning Gazans. Netanyahu’s statement, however, reversed that expectation, deepening confusion among families and humanitarian agencies.

Hamas said the devastated conditions in parts of Gaza and ongoing Israeli military control have slowed efforts to locate and return the remaining bodies. The group cited unexploded ordnance and collapsed infrastructure as major obstacles to retrieval operations.

Families on Both Sides Await Closure

As Israel recovers hostages’ remains, it has also returned bodies of Palestinians killed during the war. On Saturday, Israel repatriated 15 bodies to Gaza, bringing the total to 135 since the ceasefire began. Gaza’s Health Ministry has posted photos of unidentified corpses online in hopes families will come forward.

At Nasser Hospital, families waited anxiously for news. “Just like they took their captives, we want our captives,” said Iman Sakani, whose son disappeared early in the conflict. “Bring all our children back.”

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with thousands still missing under rubble. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run administration, does not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but its figures are generally regarded as credible by the United Nations and independent experts. Israel disputes the numbers but has not provided its own verified count.

Hamas-led fighters killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 during their October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel — the incident that ignited the two-year war.

Identification and Renewed Pressure from the United States

Israel confirmed that one of the hostages whose remains were handed over Friday was 76-year-old Eliyahu Margalit, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the initial Hamas assault. His body was discovered in the southern city of Khan Younis after bulldozers cleared debris from combat zones.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped broker the current ceasefire, warned that Washington would support Israel in resuming military operations if Hamas fails to deliver all remaining remains.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement Saturday citing “credible intelligence” of a potential Hamas-planned attack against civilians in Gaza. “Such an attack would be a grave violation of the ceasefire and would undermine progress achieved through mediation,” the statement said, adding that the U.S. and ceasefire guarantors would “take measures to protect civilians and preserve the agreement.”

Public Pressure in Israel for Full Recovery of Hostages

In Israel, public frustration continues to grow among families of abducted citizens. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an organization advocating for their return, said it will maintain weekly demonstrations in Tel Aviv until all remains and surviving hostages are accounted for.

“We don’t want to return to war, but this ordeal must end,” said Ifat Calderon, aunt of freed hostage Ofer Calderon. “Every family deserves closure.”

Humanitarian Access and Aid Shortages Persist

Humanitarian agencies warn that Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains dire despite the truce. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described Gaza City as a “wasteland,” adding that “vast parts of the territory are uninhabitable.”

According to U.N. figures released Friday, only 339 trucks of food and supplies have been distributed since the ceasefire took effect, far below the 600-truck daily target agreed under the terms. COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing aid, reported higher figures — nearly 950 trucks on Thursday and 716 on Wednesday — though these include commercial deliveries.

Israel has accused Hamas of diverting aid, while the U.N. and other international agencies reject those claims, maintaining that Israeli inspection procedures and movement restrictions are the primary bottlenecks.

Claims of Ceasefire Violations and Civilian Casualties

Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by continuing attacks, alleging that 38 Palestinians had been killed since the truce began. Gaza’s Civil Defense said nine people, including women and children, died on Friday when their vehicle was struck by Israeli fire in Gaza City.

According to Civil Defense officials, the car entered an Israeli-controlled area near the eastern perimeter of the city. The Israeli military said it identified a “suspicious vehicle” approaching its troops and fired warning shots before opening fire when it failed to stop, calling the incident “a response to an imminent threat.”

Despite mounting tensions, mediators continue efforts to sustain the ceasefire and complete the exchange of remains. Both sides face growing domestic pressure: Hamas to demonstrate adherence to the truce, and Israel to deliver closure to families still awaiting their loved ones.

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Source: AP News – Israel says Hamas hands over ‘2 coffins of deceased hostages’ from Gaza

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The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has brought a brief calm to Gaza after two years of devastating conflict, but for most residents, daily life remains a struggle for survival. Amid ruins, rising prices, and fragile aid flows, Gazans face an uneasy peace filled with uncertainty and loss.

Life After Ceasefire: Hope Shadowed by Fear

For Bassil Naggar, a displaced father in the coastal Muwasi area, nights are finally silent after months of relentless airstrikes. Yet the relief is fragile. “Life after the ceasefire is still anxious. Is the war really over?” he said, recalling the deadly March bombings that shattered a previous truce.

Naggar’s home in eastern Khan Younis lies in ashes, and the tent he now shares with his family is thinning as winter approaches. “We survive mostly on canned food—fava beans, chickpeas,” he said. While markets have begun to reopen, basic items like instant noodles and potatoes remain costly.

Humanitarian Aid Slowly Expands but Still Falls Short

The World Food Program (WFP) said it is scaling up food assistance across Gaza after months of blockade and displacement. “We’re still below what we need, but we’re getting there,” WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa said Friday in Geneva. Damaged infrastructure and limited border access continue to hamper efforts.

Under the current ceasefire, hundreds of trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily, carrying essential aid. However, residents say the difference remains barely visible. Naggar, who has been displaced more than a dozen times since 2023, said he hasn’t noticed a major change in supplies since the truce began.

Earlier this week, aid deliveries briefly halted during a prisoner exchange and a Jewish holiday, highlighting the fragility of humanitarian access. Israel had warned it might limit crossings, citing delays in Hamas’s return of hostages’ remains.

Two Years of Devastation and Loss

The war began with the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 251. Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed nearly 68,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, whose records are considered generally reliable by the United Nations and independent experts.

Entire neighborhoods across northern and central Gaza remain in ruins. Returning families often find nothing left but fragments of their past lives. Mohamed Samy, who revisited his home in Jabaliya, found only rubble. “Even drinking water, I have to walk an hour to fetch from a truck,” he said.

Charity Kitchens and Soaring Prices Reflect the Ongoing Crisis

In Deir al-Balah, hundreds queue daily at charity kitchens. Fatima Shaat, displaced from Khan Younis, said she waited six hours for a bowl of rice. “There is no possibility of buying what we want,” added Basma Abu Al-Kheir. Prices for vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers remain inflated, while poultry and meat are scarce.

Local markets have reopened in parts of central Gaza, but most residents can only afford the basics. Fida Ziyad, who lost her home in northern Gaza, said she still feels unsafe. “Normal life hasn’t returned. Everything feels temporary,” she said.

Aid Agencies Resume Work Amid Uncertainty

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that nine aid organizations have resumed limited operations in Gaza City and northern areas. These efforts include food distribution and temporary shelter programs.

Despite these advances, aid workers warn that the situation remains precarious. “Without sustained access and reconstruction, the humanitarian crisis will persist,” said one UN field coordinator, citing challenges in restoring water and sanitation networks.

Famine Fears and Denials

In August, the Global Network Against Food Crises classified Gaza City as experiencing famine conditions. The report warned that hunger could spread if restrictions continued. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the assessment as “an outright lie,” insisting that aid was flowing.

Aid groups counter that limited crossings, fuel shortages, and damaged infrastructure have made distribution nearly impossible. Malnutrition among children has surged, according to UNICEF data cited by humanitarian monitors.

A Fragile Path Forward

For many Gazans, the ceasefire feels like an intermission rather than an end. “It’s good that the bloodshed has stopped, but we have lost everything,” said Ayman Abu Saif, a former restaurant worker now dependent on charity kitchens. His small victory came recently when he managed to buy three apples for his children—the first in over a year.

But Abu Saif doubts he can ever return home. “There is no water, no infrastructure. Even if I wanted to, I can’t go back,” he said. His six-year-old son still has no access to education. “I don’t want my kids to think this is what life is—to chase food and water. That’s not living.”

Rebuilding Amid Ruins

Across Gaza, residents comb through debris searching for remnants of normal life—an old photograph, a child’s toy, a fragment of home. These scenes reflect both survival and heartbreak.

While international mediators praise the ceasefire as a step toward stability, most Gazans remain skeptical. Until sustained reconstruction, political reconciliation, and full humanitarian access are secured, peace will remain fragile and incomplete.

Source: AP News – Daily struggles persist in Gaza even as ceasefire offers some respite

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Published: October 13, 2025, 22:58 EDT

Hamas has released the final 20 surviving Israeli hostages from Gaza, while Israel began freeing more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners under a ceasefire that paused two years of devastating war. The exchange has raised hopes for a longer-term peace process, even as deep political and humanitarian challenges remain unresolved.

Hostages Freed in Landmark Exchange

Buses carrying 20 Israeli hostages crossed into Israel on Monday, marking the largest coordinated release since the conflict began in October 2023. The men, escorted by the Red Cross, were reunited with their families after undergoing medical checks at Israeli hospitals.

Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square erupted in celebration as news spread that the captives were safe. Images released by Israel’s Government Press Office showed emotional reunions, including 28-year-old twins Gali and Ziv Berman, who had been held separately for more than a year.

The Israeli military confirmed that 28 deceased hostages would also be returned as part of the ceasefire agreement, though the timing of the transfers remains unclear.

An international task force will continue to locate other missing hostages, said Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostages and missing persons.

Israel Frees Hundreds of Palestinian Prisoners

In the occupied West Bank, cheering crowds lined the streets as buses carrying freed Palestinian detainees arrived in Beitunia near Ramallah. The Hamas-run Prisoners Office said that more than 1,900 prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, were released under the agreement.

Many of the freed individuals had been detained without charge during the war, according to Palestinian officials. They are being repatriated to Gaza, the West Bank, or sent into exile.

The exchange came amid heightened security. Israeli armored vehicles were seen dispersing crowds with tear gas and rubber bullets earlier in the day after leaflets warned against gatherings deemed supportive of “terrorist organizations.” The Israeli military has not commented on the incident.

A Ceasefire After Two Years of Conflict

The truce halts one of the deadliest chapters in modern Middle Eastern history. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.

Israel’s subsequent military campaign devastated Gaza, killing more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The United Nations and independent analysts consider the ministry’s figures to be the most reliable available, though they do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The conflict displaced roughly 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents, destroyed vast urban areas, and fueled international condemnation and accusations of war crimes — allegations Israel has denied.

“Much of Gaza is a wasteland,” said U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, who called for immediate and sustained aid deliveries.

Humanitarian Relief and Political Pressure

The ceasefire deal is expected to open humanitarian corridors to deliver food, fuel, and medical aid to Gaza’s most affected areas. Relief groups warn that parts of the territory face famine-like conditions following months of restricted access.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Knesset that his government was “committed to this peace” but emphasized that Israel’s security “will remain the highest priority.”

The truce also follows mounting international pressure, including from the United States and European Union, urging both sides to end the conflict.

U.S. Diplomatic Role and Trump’s Visit

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday to address the Knesset and meet newly released hostages. Trump said the ceasefire represented “a step toward lasting peace,” though he acknowledged “many questions remain about Gaza’s future.”

The ceasefire proposal — part of a U.S.-brokered initiative — outlines a framework for postwar governance. Under the plan, an international administrative body would oversee Gaza’s reconstruction while Palestinian technocrats manage daily operations.

Trump is scheduled to travel to Egypt on Tuesday to join President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and leaders from more than 20 nations at a regional summit aimed at shaping Gaza’s postwar administration and broader Middle East stability.

Future Governance of Gaza Still Unclear

Israel has withdrawn most of its forces from Gaza City, Khan Younis, and other areas, though troops remain deployed in Rafah, parts of northern Gaza, and the border region.

The U.S. plan envisions an Arab-led international security force, supported by Palestinian police trained in Egypt and Jordan. Israeli troops would withdraw as those forces deploy.

However, Israel insists that Hamas must disarm, while Hamas maintains that full withdrawal of Israeli forces is a precondition for any political resolution.

The plan also references a potential Palestinian state, though Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, continue to reject such a framework without significant reforms to the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The PA, led by Mahmoud Abbas, has agreed in principle to participate but faces demands for sweeping internal reforms that could take years to implement.

A Moment of Relief Amid Lingering Uncertainty

The release of the final hostages marked an emotional moment for Israelis after nearly two years of anguish. Families of the captives had held weekly demonstrations demanding government action, often accusing Netanyahu of stalling negotiations.

As celebrations and mourning intertwine, both Israelis and Palestinians face an uncertain path forward. The ceasefire has paused violence but left core disputes — sovereignty, security, and reconstruction — unresolved.

For now, the agreement offers a fragile reprieve in a region where peace has long proven elusive.

Source: AP News – Living hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released as part of ceasefire in Gaza

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Published: October 13, 2025, 21:45 EDT

The long-awaited transfer of Israeli hostages from Gaza has begun, marking a critical moment in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that its teams had received the first group of hostages in Gaza before facilitating their transport to Israeli custody.

According to officials involved in the operation, the initial handover took place in northern Gaza, where the hostages were transferred to Red Cross vehicles for medical and security checks before being moved to Israeli-controlled areas.

Red Cross Confirms Hostage Transfer Operations Underway

The ICRC said its teams reached the first collection point in Gaza early Monday to oversee the safe transfer of hostages as part of the humanitarian arrangement.
“The ICRC will not release footage of the hostages or detainees out of respect for their dignity and safety,” the organization said in a statement.

Israeli media outlets, including Haaretz and Channel 12, reported that the first seven hostages were handed over to Red Cross officials. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed preparations were in place to receive the returnees at southern Israel’s Re’im military base, where they would undergo medical evaluation before reuniting with their families.

Families Await Reunions as First Names Confirmed

Among those confirmed for release is Guy Gilboa-Dalal, whose father told Haaretz that his son was now in Red Cross custody and would be handed to Israeli forces “within minutes.”

“This is a dream come true,” said Ilan Dalal. “We are euphoric, very excited, and dying to hug him.”

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, hundreds of relatives and supporters gathered to follow the developments in real time. Many carried Israeli and U.S. flags, while large digital screens broadcast live updates from Gaza. “Today all Israelis are together—it’s not about left or right,” said 17-year-old Yarden, who joined the early morning vigil.

Exchange Terms: 20 Hostages for Over 1,700 Palestinian Detainees

Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, 20 Israeli hostages believed to be alive are being freed in exchange for 1,718 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Gaza and the West Bank.

According to the Hamas-run Prisoners Media Office, the list of Palestinian detainees includes women, minors, and prisoners affiliated with Hamas who were not serving life sentences. Israeli media reported that several adjustments were made overnight to the final list, including replacing minors with adult detainees.

In return, the released hostages will undergo medical care and psychological assessment before being reunited with their families. Israeli emergency services, including Magen David Adom, said paramedics and trauma units were on standby across key military and hospital locations.

Emotional Scenes in Tel Aviv and Southern Israel

In Re’im base, relatives of hostages gathered from early morning, waiting anxiously for the first military convoys. “It’s very emotional and moving,” said Rotem Cooper, whose father was killed in captivity while his mother was freed weeks earlier.

Elsewhere in Tel Aviv, billboards displayed messages reading “Thank You President Trump” and “Peace Upon Israel.” Observers say the deal represents a diplomatic milestone, facilitated by Washington and regional partners including Egypt and Qatar.

Trump Hails ‘End of the War’ Ahead of Middle East Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump declared “the war is over” as he prepared to address Israel’s Knesset before heading to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where a peace summit will convene later this week.

At least 20 world leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are expected to attend. Starmer’s office confirmed plans to announce a £20 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza during the summit.

The U.S. administration described the hostages’ release as a “humanitarian breakthrough” that underscores Washington’s renewed influence in brokering Middle East stability.

UN Confirms Surge in Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

The United Nations reported a “promised surge” of food and medical supplies reaching Gaza in the past 24 hours. Humanitarian convoys have distributed hundreds of thousands of hot meals and loaves of bread in coordination with local NGOs.

Despite the ceasefire, sporadic violence has been reported as Hamas police patrol areas of Gaza to contain unrest and clashes with armed groups. Israeli officials said an international task force will begin work to locate and identify the remains of deceased hostages not yet returned within the 72-hour deadline.

Reunion Kits Prepared for Released Hostages

A symbolic gesture from Israeli leaders will accompany the homecoming: each freed hostage will receive a personal kit that includes clothing, a mobile phone, a tablet, and a handwritten note from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu.

“On behalf of the entire people of Israel, welcome back,” the letter reads. “We have been waiting for you, we embrace you.”

The government said the note represents the country’s collective gratitude and resilience after nearly two years of captivity for many of those released.

Ongoing Verification and Security Coordination

The IDF said air force helicopters remain on standby to transport hostages requiring urgent care to hospitals across Israel. Officials emphasized that the timing and route of each transfer remain subject to change for security reasons.

While international monitors welcomed the exchange, analysts noted that sustainable peace will depend on continued diplomatic engagement beyond the immediate humanitarian relief.

“This moment brings immense relief, but the region still faces deep political challenges,” said Tamar Ben-Ami, a regional analyst at the Jerusalem Institute for Security Studies. “The success of this exchange will be measured not just by who comes home, but by whether it leads to lasting calm.”

This report includes verified information from Reuters, AP News, Haaretz, ICRC, United Nations, and official Israeli government statements as of October 13, 2025.

Source: BBC Live Update –Handover of Israeli hostages begins in Gaza

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