Hamas Official Confirms Exchange of Hostage and Prisoner Lists with Israel
Taher al-Nounou, a senior representative of Hamas, announced on Wednesday that negotiators from both his organization and Israel have shared lists detailing prisoners and hostages. These individuals are expected to be freed contingent upon a successful agreement in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire discussions held in Egypt.
As reported by Reuters, al-Nounou conveyed a sense of hopefulness from Hamas regarding the potential for a resolution, emphasizing the group’s positive outlook and commitment to reaching a deal.
Hamas Denounces Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s Visit to al-Aqsa Mosque as Intentional Provocation
Hamas has strongly criticized the visit of Israeli far-right national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, labeling it a “deliberate provocation.” In an official statement, Hamas condemned the act as reflective of the extremist mindset governing the Israeli government, accusing it of deliberately disrespecting the sanctity of al-Aqsa and offending Muslims worldwide.
During his visit on Wednesday, Ben Gvir prayed at the compound and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue a “complete victory” over Hamas in Gaza. In a video released by his Jewish Power party, he declared:
“Every home in Gaza displays an image of the Temple Mount, and two years after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack that ignited the Gaza conflict, we are prevailing at the Temple Mount. We are the rightful owners of the Temple Mount.”
“I pray that our prime minister will allow a total victory in Gaza-to dismantle Hamas. With God’s help, we will secure the release of hostages and achieve a decisive triumph.”
This statement comes amid ongoing indirect negotiations in Egypt between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and ending the conflict in Gaza.
Philippines Reports Death of Filipino Crew Member Following Houthi Attack on Dutch Cargo Ship
The Philippine government confirmed on Wednesday that a Filipino crew member aboard a Dutch cargo vessel succumbed to injuries sustained during an assault by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden last week.
The attack, which occurred on 29 September, targeted the MV Minervagracht in a heavily trafficked maritime corridor, resulting in a fire and injuries to two crew members, both Filipinos. While one has died, the other is currently recovering. Additionally, ten Filipino crew members were repatriated to Manila over the weekend, according to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Migrant workers minister Hans Cacdac shared on social media that Philippine officials, accompanied by the deceased sailor’s family, are en route to Djibouti to coordinate with the shipowner and arrange the repatriation of the remains.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on commercial shipping, stating these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Israeli Forces Intercept New Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Amid Rising Tensions
Days after the detention of activists aboard vessels attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, the Israeli military intercepted another humanitarian flotilla en route to the blockaded territory. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international alliance of pro-Palestinian groups, reported on Instagram that Israeli forces jammed communications and boarded at least two of the vessels.
The FFC condemned the interception, asserting that the Israeli military lacks legal authority over international waters and emphasizing that their flotilla posed no threat. Early Wednesday, three ships-the Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar, and Anas Al-Sharif-were reportedly attacked and unlawfully stopped approximately 220 kilometers off Gaza’s coast. Another vessel, the Conscience, was also reported to be under assault.
The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the interception, stating that those aboard would be taken to an Israeli port and subsequently deported. The ministry described the attempt as “another futile effort to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone.”
The flotilla was carrying over $110,000 worth of medical supplies, respiratory devices, and nutritional aid intended for Gaza’s hospitals, which are facing severe shortages. This incident follows a similar event where Israel intercepted about 40 vessels and detained more than 450 activists in the Global Sumud Flotilla, another convoy aiming to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Related: Israel intercepts another Gaza aid flotilla amid criticism over treatment of activists
Representatives from the United States, Turkey, and Qatar‘s prime minister are set to participate alongside Hamas and Israeli negotiators on Wednesday, marking the third consecutive day of discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing Gaza conflict.
These indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are taking place in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, following a comprehensive 20-point framework introduced by Donald Trump.
Among the key attendees are Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkey’s intelligence head, Ibrahim Kalin, Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, the US president expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, stating:
“There’s a genuine opportunity to achieve something meaningful. This goes beyond just the Gaza situation-we are pushing for the immediate release of hostages.”
The timing of these talks coincides with Israel’s solemn remembrance of the second anniversary of Hamas’s devastating attack on 7 October 2023, which ignited the current war. The assault claimed over 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, and resulted in 251 individuals being taken hostage into Gaza. Of those, 47 remain captive, with the Israeli military confirming that 25 are deceased.
People gather in Tel Aviv to honor the two-year anniversary of Hamas’s deadly 7 October 2023 assault on Israel.
International calls for an end to the conflict have intensified amid widespread destruction across Gaza, a famine declared by the UN, and the ongoing anguish of families awaiting the return of hostages. Last month, a UN commission reported that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide.
An aerial perspective reveals the extensive devastation across Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.
US, Turkey, and Qatar Participate in Third Day of Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations with Hamas and Israel
We will continue to provide real-time updates on the ongoing ceasefire discussions aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, here are some significant recent developments:
- Commemorations across Israel marked the second anniversary of the Hamas-led assault on 7 October. Informal memorials took place in southern Israeli kibbutzim affected by the attack, while a large demonstration in Tel Aviv called for the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.
- Israeli forces intercepted a new aid flotilla bound for Gaza, sparking international protests and diplomatic tensions. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported on Instagram that the Israeli military disrupted communications and boarded at least two vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
- At least 35 individuals have been detained by Israeli security forces in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and other areas since Monday. While the Israeli military has not officially confirmed these arrests, it described the operations as part of routine counter-terrorism efforts, according to a Palestinian prisoners’ advocacy group.
- UN officials revealed that Israel has repeatedly refused to allow the transfer of incubators from a northern Gaza hospital, exacerbating the crisis in overcrowded southern medical facilities. Newborns in these hospitals are reportedly forced to share oxygen masks due to the shortage of equipment.
According to reports from Reuters, Gaza’s Islamic Jihad faction, which is smaller than Hamas but also holds Israeli hostages, is set to join the negotiations today.
Hamas demands a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the immediate commencement of a reconstruction process overseen by a Palestinian “national technocratic body.”
Conversely, Israel insists on Hamas disarming, a condition the group rejects, stating it will not relinquish its weapons until a Palestinian state is established.
US officials indicate their initial focus will be on halting hostilities and arranging the logistics for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian detainees in Israel.
Recent images from news agencies illustrate the ongoing tensions and public reactions:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized on Wednesday that it is neither just nor practical to place the entire responsibility for peace in Gaza on Hamas and the Palestinian people. He insisted that Israel must cease its military operations for peace efforts to succeed, according to Reuters.
Addressing members of his party, Erdoğan criticized Israel as the primary barrier to peace despite the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. He highlighted the importance of the ceasefire talks taking place in Egypt, where Turkish officials are participating.
“Peace cannot be achieved by one side alone. Expecting Hamas and Palestinians to bear the entire burden is neither fair nor realistic,” Erdoğan stated, reiterating his view of Hamas as a “resistance movement.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to instruct the Home Secretary to explore additional restrictions on protests, including potential measures to address provocative chants at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
While traveling to Mumbai, Starmer revealed that Labour is considering going beyond the recent proposals by Shabana Mahmood, which focus on the “cumulative impact” of repeated protests in specific areas.
These proposals have faced criticism from civil liberties advocates concerned about the implications for the right to protest. However, following a terror attack on a Manchester synagogue, Starmer faces mounting pressure to take stronger action, particularly against chants that could incite violence, such as calls to “globalise the intifada.”
Mahmood recently stated that new legislation would empower police to assess the overall effect of protests when determining their legality, potentially rerouting or banning demonstrations deemed excessively disruptive.
“I have asked the Home Secretary to review what additional powers are available, how they are currently used, and whether changes are necessary. We need to address some of the chants occurring at these protests more effectively,” Starmer said.
“This review will also consider how police forces exercise their existing powers and whether enhancements are required. We are engaging extensively with Jewish community leaders on this matter,” he added.
“A comprehensive review of public order powers is underway, and we will coordinate a series of actions across Whitehall in due course,” Starmer concluded.
Five Irish nationals, including author Naoise Dolan, have been detained by Israeli authorities following the interception of a second flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The group was part of the nine-person Thousands Madleens flotilla, which was stopped around 5 a.m. this morning.
Before her detention, Dolan wrote that neither her determination nor that of her fellow activists had waned. “Palestinians have yet to achieve freedom, and our own liberties remain at risk until they do,” she stated.
Other detainees include Irish parliamentarian Barry Heneghan, Fionn Macarthur, Veronica O’Keane, and Mutaz Jadaan, who holds dual Irish-Jordanian citizenship.
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris confirmed that the Irish embassy in Tel Aviv is actively monitoring the situation. He expects the detainees to be transferred to Ashdod port for processing before being moved to a detention center south of Tel Aviv. Harris is scheduled to receive an update from the Israeli ambassador later today.
Hamas Denounces Israeli Minister’s Visit to al-Aqsa Mosque as a ‘Deliberate Provocation’
Hamas condemned the visit of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday, labeling it a “deliberate provocation.” In an official statement, Hamas said:
“This intentional provocation reflects the fascist mindset governing the Israeli government, which deliberately violates the sanctity of al-Aqsa and the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.”
Ben Gvir, a far-right figure, prayed at the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue “total victory” over Hamas in Gaza, according to Reuters.
Note: This article will be updated as new information becomes available.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, declared that two years following the Hamas assault on 7 October 2023-which ignited the Gaza conflict-Israel is prevailing at the site revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.
In a subsequent video, Ben-Gvir was seen performing prayers at the compound, directly challenging the longstanding arrangement that restricts worship at the site exclusively to Muslims.
Ben-Gvir, speaking through his Jewish Power party, stated:
“Every home in Gaza displays an image of the Temple Mount, and now, two years later, we are asserting our dominance over the Temple Mount. We are the rightful owners of this sacred place.”
“I fervently hope our prime minister will permit a decisive victory in Gaza as well-to dismantle Hamas. With divine assistance, we will secure the release of hostages and achieve a comprehensive triumph.”
These comments emerged amid ongoing indirect negotiations in Egypt between Israel and Hamas, focused on securing the freedom of the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza and bringing an end to the conflict.
As part of the Guardian’s Israel-Gaza: two years on series commemorating the anniversary of the Hamas incursion into Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, a poignant report was published:
The names of children appear on a casualty list maintained by Gaza’s health authorities, documenting victims of Israel’s military campaign. By late July, the list included 60,199 individuals, with 18,457 under the age of 18. This tally is far from exhaustive, excluding thousands still trapped beneath the ruins of collapsed structures and numerous indirect casualties of the conflict.
Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou spoke to Agence France-Presse from the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, where indirect peace talks between Israel and Hamas commenced on Monday. He remarked:
“Mediators are exerting significant efforts to eliminate barriers to implementing a ceasefire, and an atmosphere of optimism is prevailing among all involved parties.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged Turkey to encourage Hamas to embrace his proposed plan to end the Gaza conflict, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Erdoğan shared in a transcript released by his office on Wednesday:
“During our visit to the United States and in our latest phone conversation, we outlined to Mr. Trump how a resolution in Palestine might be achieved. He specifically requested that we engage with Hamas to persuade them.” Erdoğan conveyed this to Turkish journalists aboard a flight returning from Azerbaijan, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
On Wednesday morning, Itamar Ben-Gvir made his eleventh visit as national security minister to the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, a site sacred to both Islam and Judaism. His spokesperson confirmed the visit to AFP, coinciding with the indirect peace talks in Egypt aimed at ending the Gaza war.
Turkey condemned an Israeli military operation against a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, labeling it an act of piracy and a breach of international law. The Turkish foreign ministry criticized the intervention against the Freedom Flotilla, which included Turkish citizens and parliamentarians, accusing the “genocidal” Israeli government of targeting peaceful initiatives and escalating regional tensions, according to Reuters.
The ministry’s statement described the operation in international waters as “piracy” and an assault on civilian activists, including Turkish nationals and lawmakers. It also affirmed ongoing efforts to secure the release and repatriation of Turkish citizens detained by Israel, coordinating with other nations for their nationals as well.
Hamas Confirms Exchange of Hostage and Prisoner Lists with Israel
On Wednesday, senior Hamas figure Taher al-Nounou revealed that negotiators from both Hamas and Israel have swapped lists of prisoners and hostages as part of the ongoing ceasefire discussions in Egypt. Reuters reported that al-Nounou expressed optimism about the prospects of reaching an agreement, highlighting the positive spirit demonstrated by Hamas during the talks.
Filipino Crew Member Dies Following Houthi Attack on Dutch Vessel
The Philippine government announced on Wednesday that a Filipino crew member aboard the Dutch cargo ship MV Minervagracht succumbed to injuries sustained during a recent assault by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden. The attack, claimed by Yemen’s Houthi faction, occurred on 29 September in a heavily trafficked maritime corridor, igniting a fire and wounding two crew members.
The second injured Filipino sailor is currently recovering, while ten other Filipino crew members were repatriated to Manila over the weekend, according to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, as reported by AFP. Migrant workers minister Hans Cacdac shared on social media that officials, accompanied by the deceased sailor’s family, are en route to Djibouti to coordinate with the shipowner and arrange the return of the remains.
The Houthis have stated that their attacks on commercial shipping are acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
New York City’s Democratic mayoral hopeful, Zohran Mamdani, participated in a vigil on Tuesday evening in Manhattan organized by Israelis for Peace, a group of Israeli expatriates advocating for an end to occupation. The event, held in Union Square, marked the second anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks and featured calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and equal rights for Palestinians. Mamdani was joined by New York City comptroller Brad Lander, a former rival who now supports his campaign.
Earlier that day, Mamdani faced criticism from Israeli officials after releasing a statement commemorating both Israeli victims of the 7 October attacks and Palestinian casualties resulting from Israel’s military response in Gaza. He said:
“Two years ago today, Hamas committed a horrific war crime, killing over 1,100 Israelis and abducting 250 more. I mourn these lives and pray for the safe return of every hostage still held and for every family shattered by these atrocities.”
Mamdani condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration for waging what he described as a “genocidal war” in Gaza, and accused the US government of complicity. He added:
“The death toll now exceeds 67,000, with Israeli forces reducing homes, hospitals, and schools to rubble. Each day in Gaza has become a place where grief defies expression. I mourn these lives and pray for the devastated families.”
He called the past two years a demonstration of humanity’s darkest moments and urged an end to Israeli “occupation and apartheid.” The Israeli foreign ministry responded sharply on X, accusing Mamdani of serving as a “mouthpiece for Hamas propaganda” and disseminating “false genocide claims.”
Israel Intercepts Another Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Amid Global Criticism
The Israeli military intercepted a new humanitarian flotilla en route to Gaza, following international condemnation over the recent detention of activists aboard vessels attempting to deliver aid to the besieged territory. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) reported on Instagram that Israeli forces were jamming communications and boarding at least two ships.
The coalition emphasized that Israel has no legal authority over international waters and insisted their flotilla posed no threat. Early morning operations approximately 220 kilometers off Gaza’s coast targeted three vessels-the Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar, and Anas Al-Sharif-according to posts on X. Another ship, the Conscience, was also reportedly under attack.
The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the interception, stating that those aboard would be taken to an Israeli port and deported. The ministry dismissed the attempt as “another futile effort to breach the lawful naval blockade and enter a combat zone.”
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a global network of pro-Palestinian activist groups organizing maritime missions to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The ships carried over $110,000 worth of medical supplies, respiratory devices, and nutritional aid destined for Gaza’s hospitals, which are facing severe shortages.
This incident follows a similar event days earlier, when Israel intercepted approximately 40 vessels and detained over 450 activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, also attempting to bring aid to Gaza.
US, Turkey, and Qatar Join Hamas and Israeli Delegations for Third Day of Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Representatives from the United States, Turkey, and Qatar are participating alongside Hamas and Israeli negotiators for the third consecutive day of discussions aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. The indirect talks are taking place in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, centered on a 20-point peace proposal put forward by former President Donald Trump.
Attending the talks are Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to AFP.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump expressed cautious optimism:
“There’s a real possibility for peace in the Middle East, extending beyond the Gaza situation. We want the immediate release of hostages.”
The talks coincide with Israel’s commemoration of the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians. Hamas militants abducted 251 individuals into Gaza, with 47 still held captive and 25 reported deceased by the Israeli military.
International pressure to halt the war has intensified amid widespread destruction in Gaza, a famine declared by the UN, and families of Israeli hostages awaiting their loved ones’ return. A UN commission recently concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Additional updates on the ceasefire negotiations will be provided as information becomes available. Meanwhile, other key developments include:
- Nationwide commemorations in Israel on Tuesday marked the second anniversary of the Hamas-led 7 October attack, including informal memorials in southern kibbutzim affected by the violence and a large rally in Tel Aviv advocating for the release of hostages.
- Another Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces, days after the detention of activists on similar vessels sparked global protests. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported signal jamming and boarding operations on multiple ships.
- Israeli security forces have detained at least 35 individuals in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and other areas since Monday, according to Palestinian prisoner advocacy groups. The Israeli military described the actions as routine counter-terrorism operations.
- Israel has repeatedly denied requests to transfer incubators from a hospital evacuated in northern Gaza, according to a UN children’s agency official, exacerbating the strain on southern hospitals where newborns are now sharing oxygen masks.
