Israel News for 10-9-2025
News Update
Even though we’re in the midst of the Sukkot holiday break, we had to touch base to celebrate what appears to be an acceptance of President Trump’s peace plan by Hamas, at least the initial phase, which would include a release of all hostages, and release of over a thousand Palestinian terror prisoners included hundreds of convicted murderers, and the pullback of IDF forces.
IDF forces began pulling back from Gaza City today, although most are support and logistics units. Combat troops are expected to follow shortly, if all goes as planned. By next week, thousands of reservists are expected to be released from duty.
Israeli sources said that the bodies of Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammad, reportedly requested by Hamas as part of a hostage release agreement, will not be included in the deal. Senior Hamas figure Osama Hamdan said in an interview with Qatari broadcaster Al Araby that hostages will not be released until an “official declaration of the end of the war in Gaza” is made. He said, “The central point that allowed us to enter this agreement is that it ends the war. That must be officially announced. This is not just Hamas’ position — it is written in the agreement and signed by Israel. This is not a ceasefire — this is an end to the war.”
Israel has reportedly not finalized the final list of prisoners to be released. Prisoners with life-sentences or those convicted of murder will reportedly be deported to third countries, most like Turkey and Qatar. No released killers will be allowed to return to the West Bank. Government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian told the foreign press on Thursday that senior Fatah official Marwan Barghouti—one of the figures Hamas demanded to release —will not be freed as part of the deal. The issue of deportation will ultimately be brought before the Cabinet and government for approval.
President Trump told hostage families that their loved ones would return home on Monday. Let us pray that all the hostages do indeed return home and that the Gaza war can finally end on terms that Israel can accept.
