President Donald Trump directly engaged with interlocutors during ceasefire negotiations, a senior US official confirmed overnight, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a spokesman will provide a media statement at 2:30 PM UTC today. Negotiators perceived that a deal was imminent and that Hamas viewed hostages as an increasing liability rather than an asset. The official also stated that President Trump reiterated his support for the 20-point peace plan and pledged to guarantee its implementation, which helped foster trust among parties. During this reporting window, which spans from 10:05 AM to 10:35 AM UTC on October 10th, 2025, the involvement of President Trump in the negotiations marks a significant development. The senior US official indicated that Trump's direct calls to parties involved were instrumental in moving the discussions forward. This intervention occurred overnight as negotiators assessed Hamas's changing stance on hostages. In separate news, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, "We will expand the circle of peace around us." This statement comes amidst ongoing developments concerning the Gaza Strip, including the IDF's repositioning of forces and preparations by Egypt to host a conference for Palestinian factions. Earlier reports indicated that multiple IDF brigades had completed withdrawals from Gaza City by 7:00 AM UTC, and a ceasefire was set to commence at 12:00 PM UTC, coinciding with a deadline for an urgent Israeli government telephone referendum on a prisoner exchange deal. Previous reports from October 10th, 2025, detailed that the IDF had completed a large-scale logistical operation to reposition its forces in the Gaza Strip, including the withdrawal of the 401st division. Concurrently, Egypt had begun preparations to host an expanded conference of Palestinian factions to discuss the management of the Gaza Strip. An urgent Israeli government telephone referendum concerning a prisoner exchange with Hamas had a deadline of 12:00 PM UTC today, with Israel expected to release a list of 250 Palestinian prisoners as part of the transaction.
