As of October 8th, 2025, only 14 out of Gaza's 36 hospitals are functioning, according to a statement released this morning by the World Health Organization (WHO). This critical reduction in medical facilities comes amidst ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, where U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Qatari representative Al-T'ani, have arrived to accelerate talks. Israel has stated its insistence on adhering strictly to the "Trump plan" and will not accept proposals outside of it, according to an Israeli security source. Meanwhile, sources close to Hamas indicated to Sky News Arabia that the group might accept unarmed observers, either Arab or international, as part of an agreement, but not Turkish forces. Previous reports from this morning detailed that Israeli forces detonated car bombs in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood. The Israeli Navy also intercepted a flotilla of nine ships carrying approximately 100 activists attempting to breach the Gaza blockade between 5:06 AM and 5:36 AM UTC on October 8th, 2025. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed all passengers were safe and expected to be deported. President Donald Trump is reportedly keen to finalize a deal within days, though Hamas requires meaningful guarantees to release all hostages within 72 hours, according to sources close to the negotiations. The Israeli Navy also intercepted another flotilla overnight carrying five Irish citizens. An Israeli security source stated that Israel is insisting on adhering strictly to the "Trump plan" and will not accept any proposals outside of it, amidst ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. During this reporting window, at least one aid seeker was killed and others injured when Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on people gathered near a food distribution center in southern Gaza, according to Al Jazeera English. Sources close to Hamas indicated to Sky News Arabia that the group has not demanded Turkish forces and might accept unarmed observers, either Arab or international, as part of any agreement. Meanwhile, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Qatari representative Al-T'ani, have arrived in Sharm El Sheikh to accelerate talks, signaling a push for progress, according to comments on negotiations. While both Israel and Hamas are reportedly transmitting optimism, significant gaps remain, including the terms of an IDF withdrawal from Gaza, the specific territories involved, and guarantees for the war's end and prevention of future attacks. President Donald Trump is reportedly keen to finalize a deal within days and see it executed next week, though Hamas requires meaningful guarantees to release all hostages within 72 hours, according to sources close to the negotiations. The Israeli Navy also intercepted another flotilla overnight carrying five Irish citizens, with the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv reportedly in contact with Israeli authorities regarding their safety and next steps. Previous reports from this morning detailed Israeli forces detonating car bombs in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood and the interception of a separate nine-ship flotilla carrying approximately 100 activists. Further context includes an earlier report of a battle helicopter arriving at Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th amidst chaos and prolonged default before IDF intervention, as well as the high-level evacuation of a 59-year-old Palestinian mother of a U.S. Navy sailor from Gaza.
