- October 5, 2025
- 11:12 pm
- Middle East
On October 5, 2025, smoke from explosions was observed in the Gaza Strip. Sources in Hamas claim that the organization has agreed to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian-Egyptian body under international supervision. It is also reported that Hamas leaders may leave Gaza if they wish and will not be targeted by Israel.
Situation in Gaza
According to a source in Hamas, militants have begun collecting the bodies of deceased hostages throughout the sector. The organization demands that Israel cease airstrikes to complete this task. The transfer of bodies may take some time, and there is flexibility from the US on this issue. However, the Times of Israel notes that there are no confirmations from other sources yet.
Negotiations in Egypt
On October 6, Israel and Hamas plan to hold negotiations in Egypt on a plan to end the war in Gaza proposed by US President Donald Trump. Hamas will be represented by Ghazi Hamad, Osama Hamdan, and Muhammad Darwish. US Special Representative Steve Witkoff will also participate in the negotiations.
The negotiations will discuss the timeline for the release of hostages and the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the exchange of hostages and prisoners will occur immediately after reaching an agreement, and the disarmament of Hamas will be the second stage.
On October 3, Trump stated that Hamas must accept his peace plan by the end of the week, or the group will face “hell.” On the same day, Hamas agreed to release all hostages but rejected key points on the creation of a “Peace Council” and complete disarmament.
On October 4, Israel’s political leadership ordered the military to cease offensive actions in Gaza and switch to defensive maneuvers. On October 5, Trump announced that Israel agreed to an initial line of troop withdrawal in the Gaza Strip. If Hamas confirms its agreement, the parties will proceed with the exchange.
