Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-09 at 01:07
Update: 2025-10-09
Description
HEADLINES
Gaza ceasefire first phase to release hostages
Trump hails Gaza deal as milestone
Iran cuts four zeros from currency
The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good evening. At nine o’clock in the evening, the first phase of a negotiated Gaza ceasefire brokered with American help and mediated by Egypt, Qatar and Turkey appears to be moving toward implementation. Israel and Hamas have formally endorsed the initial phase of what is described as a multi stage plan aimed at ending the Gaza War that began in October of two years ago. The agreement centers on the release of living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, followed by further steps as the broader framework unfolds.
Under the terms currently described, all living hostages would be released within the next 72 hours, with the remains of hostages who have died in Gaza to be returned in parallel but separate processes. In exchange, Hamas would secure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Roughly 1,700 Palestinians detained in Gaza, including women and children, are expected to be freed, and about 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life terms in Israeli jails are to be released. For each hostage released by Hamas, Israel would release a corresponding group of Palestinian prisoners. The formula also calls for a halt to combat activities and a phased Israeli withdrawal, with the initial withdrawal focused on a defined portion of the Gaza Strip and a gradual approach to map a longer-term realignment.
Egyptian sources and regional mediators say Rafah crossing will reopen for movement in both directions, and they indicate that about 400 aid trucks would enter Gaza daily during the first five days of the ceasefire. The parties have stressed that humanitarian access should flow without impediment and that aid is to be prioritized for civilians caught in the conflict.
In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the development, saying, with God’s help, Israel will bring all the hostages home. He signaled that the government will be convened to ratify the first phase of the agreement and to formalize steps tied to the hostage release, while indicating that negotiations on subsequent phases would proceed in a structured process. Netanyahu’s office and aides emphasized that this first milestone represents a diplomatic and national achievement, and that Israel will maintain a security posture appropriate to its citizens and to the responsibilities of safeguarding its territory.
In Washington, President Donald Trump hailed the deal as a milestone and told reporters that all hostages would be freed soon, calling the moment a great day for the world. He said the parties had come together in a manner that showed broad international cooperation, and he thanked the mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their roles. He also invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to address the Knesset during his upcoming visit to the region, a gesture Netanyahu accepted in a personal call after the agreement was announced.
Israeli officials say the cabinet will meet on Thursday to ratify the first phase of the agreement. They caution that the next steps will require careful coordination, and that the government will address additional phases only after the initial exchange and withdrawal are completed. The discussions in Sharm el Sheikh were described as intense but productive, with both sides signaling a willingness to proceed step by step toward a lasting settlement and a durable ceasefire.
Hamas issued a statement saying it had reached an accord that would end the war, withdraw Israeli forces, guarantee humanitarian aid to Gaza, and enable the release of Palestinian prisoners, including prisoners held for long terms. The group thanked the mediators for their roles and urged all parties to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire. Qatar’s foreign ministry echoed the sentiment, saying that the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase had been agreed, with further details to be announced later.
Beyond the immediate Gaza development, the broader regional and international picture remains unsettled. In Washington, President Trump spoke of a “great day for the world” and framed the agreement as a turning point toward peace through a balance of security and humanitarian relief. At the same time, the administration is pursuing a broader effort to coordinate security commitments among regional partners and to align international support for the agreement.
In other domestic and international news, Iran’s parliament voted to cut four zeros from the national currency as an effort to curb inflation and stabilize the economy amid long years of sanctions. The move is expected to alter the currency’s appearance and impact, though analysts warn it will not by itself solve structural economic pressures. And in the broader region, commentary and debate continue about the posture and capabilities of Iran’s proxies, including in Syria and Lebanon, as uncertainties persist about how shifting balances of power will influence future security dynamics.
There is also continuing attention on the war’s human toll and the hostages’ families. The hostage families’ forum welcomed the announced progress but urged vigilance, reminding the public that there are still dozens of hostages in Hamas captivity and that the path to safety and homecoming remains ongoing. The forum called for prompt government action to secure the agreement’s full and faithful implementation and to safeguard the captives and those serving in Gaza.
Internationally, there is attention on the broader regional framework. Some observers argue that while Hamas appears weakened relative to earlier years, the broader network of Iranian influence and regional actors remains a factor to watch. Others note that if the initial phase proceeds as described, it could set a framework for a broader peace process, even as significant security concerns persist for Israel and its neighbors.
As the day ends, the central question remains: will the first phase translate into durable progress and a sustained pause in the Gaza conflict, or will future steps encounter delays or disagreements that test the resilience of the ceasefire? The coming days will determine how the promises of diplomacy meet the realities on the ground, and how the region’s leaders and publics respond to a moment that many hope marks a turning point toward peace and security.
Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.
SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869840
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869839
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869838
https://worldisraelnews.com/netanyahu-invites-trump-to-address-knesset-after-emotional-call-on-hostage-deal/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-announces-deal-reached-on-first-part-of-his-gaza-plan-all-hostages-will-be-freed-very-soon/
https://worldisraelnews.com/hamas-is-finished-but-the-houthis-remain/
https://worldisraelnews.com/iran-slashes-zeros-off-national-currency-to-curb-economic-freefall/
https://worldisraelnews.com/tears-and-relief-as-hostage-families-praise-trumps-deal-to-free-captives/
https://www.al-monitor.com/__%3C%21--%20THEME%20DEBUG%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20THEME%20HOOK%3A%20%27views_view_field%27%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20BEGIN%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E_/originals/2025/10/trump-reuters-gaza-deal-great-day-world_%3C%21--%20END%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E__
https://worldisraelnews.com/nepalese-family-of-hamas-hostage-releases-video-of-captive/
https://worldisraelnews.com/ben-gvir-declares-temple-mount-triumph-calls-for-hamas-defeat/
<a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hy00kg
Gaza ceasefire first phase to release hostages
Trump hails Gaza deal as milestone
Iran cuts four zeros from currency
The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Good evening. At nine o’clock in the evening, the first phase of a negotiated Gaza ceasefire brokered with American help and mediated by Egypt, Qatar and Turkey appears to be moving toward implementation. Israel and Hamas have formally endorsed the initial phase of what is described as a multi stage plan aimed at ending the Gaza War that began in October of two years ago. The agreement centers on the release of living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, followed by further steps as the broader framework unfolds.
Under the terms currently described, all living hostages would be released within the next 72 hours, with the remains of hostages who have died in Gaza to be returned in parallel but separate processes. In exchange, Hamas would secure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Roughly 1,700 Palestinians detained in Gaza, including women and children, are expected to be freed, and about 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life terms in Israeli jails are to be released. For each hostage released by Hamas, Israel would release a corresponding group of Palestinian prisoners. The formula also calls for a halt to combat activities and a phased Israeli withdrawal, with the initial withdrawal focused on a defined portion of the Gaza Strip and a gradual approach to map a longer-term realignment.
Egyptian sources and regional mediators say Rafah crossing will reopen for movement in both directions, and they indicate that about 400 aid trucks would enter Gaza daily during the first five days of the ceasefire. The parties have stressed that humanitarian access should flow without impediment and that aid is to be prioritized for civilians caught in the conflict.
In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the development, saying, with God’s help, Israel will bring all the hostages home. He signaled that the government will be convened to ratify the first phase of the agreement and to formalize steps tied to the hostage release, while indicating that negotiations on subsequent phases would proceed in a structured process. Netanyahu’s office and aides emphasized that this first milestone represents a diplomatic and national achievement, and that Israel will maintain a security posture appropriate to its citizens and to the responsibilities of safeguarding its territory.
In Washington, President Donald Trump hailed the deal as a milestone and told reporters that all hostages would be freed soon, calling the moment a great day for the world. He said the parties had come together in a manner that showed broad international cooperation, and he thanked the mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their roles. He also invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to address the Knesset during his upcoming visit to the region, a gesture Netanyahu accepted in a personal call after the agreement was announced.
Israeli officials say the cabinet will meet on Thursday to ratify the first phase of the agreement. They caution that the next steps will require careful coordination, and that the government will address additional phases only after the initial exchange and withdrawal are completed. The discussions in Sharm el Sheikh were described as intense but productive, with both sides signaling a willingness to proceed step by step toward a lasting settlement and a durable ceasefire.
Hamas issued a statement saying it had reached an accord that would end the war, withdraw Israeli forces, guarantee humanitarian aid to Gaza, and enable the release of Palestinian prisoners, including prisoners held for long terms. The group thanked the mediators for their roles and urged all parties to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire. Qatar’s foreign ministry echoed the sentiment, saying that the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase had been agreed, with further details to be announced later.
Beyond the immediate Gaza development, the broader regional and international picture remains unsettled. In Washington, President Trump spoke of a “great day for the world” and framed the agreement as a turning point toward peace through a balance of security and humanitarian relief. At the same time, the administration is pursuing a broader effort to coordinate security commitments among regional partners and to align international support for the agreement.
In other domestic and international news, Iran’s parliament voted to cut four zeros from the national currency as an effort to curb inflation and stabilize the economy amid long years of sanctions. The move is expected to alter the currency’s appearance and impact, though analysts warn it will not by itself solve structural economic pressures. And in the broader region, commentary and debate continue about the posture and capabilities of Iran’s proxies, including in Syria and Lebanon, as uncertainties persist about how shifting balances of power will influence future security dynamics.
There is also continuing attention on the war’s human toll and the hostages’ families. The hostage families’ forum welcomed the announced progress but urged vigilance, reminding the public that there are still dozens of hostages in Hamas captivity and that the path to safety and homecoming remains ongoing. The forum called for prompt government action to secure the agreement’s full and faithful implementation and to safeguard the captives and those serving in Gaza.
Internationally, there is attention on the broader regional framework. Some observers argue that while Hamas appears weakened relative to earlier years, the broader network of Iranian influence and regional actors remains a factor to watch. Others note that if the initial phase proceeds as described, it could set a framework for a broader peace process, even as significant security concerns persist for Israel and its neighbors.
As the day ends, the central question remains: will the first phase translate into durable progress and a sustained pause in the Gaza conflict, or will future steps encounter delays or disagreements that test the resilience of the ceasefire? The coming days will determine how the promises of diplomacy meet the realities on the ground, and how the region’s leaders and publics respond to a moment that many hope marks a turning point toward peace and security.
Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.
SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869840
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869839
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869838
https://worldisraelnews.com/netanyahu-invites-trump-to-address-knesset-after-emotional-call-on-hostage-deal/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-announces-deal-reached-on-first-part-of-his-gaza-plan-all-hostages-will-be-freed-very-soon/
https://worldisraelnews.com/hamas-is-finished-but-the-houthis-remain/
https://worldisraelnews.com/iran-slashes-zeros-off-national-currency-to-curb-economic-freefall/
https://worldisraelnews.com/tears-and-relief-as-hostage-families-praise-trumps-deal-to-free-captives/
https://www.al-monitor.com/__%3C%21--%20THEME%20DEBUG%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20THEME%20HOOK%3A%20%27views_view_field%27%20--%3E_%3C%21--%20BEGIN%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E_/originals/2025/10/trump-reuters-gaza-deal-great-day-world_%3C%21--%20END%20OUTPUT%20from%20%27core/themes/stable9/templates/views/views-view-field.html.twig%27%20--%3E__
https://worldisraelnews.com/nepalese-family-of-hamas-hostage-releases-video-of-captive/
https://worldisraelnews.com/ben-gvir-declares-temple-mount-triumph-calls-for-hamas-defeat/
<a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hy00kg
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