Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner returned to the region within the reporting window of October 20th, 2025, between 11:01:47 PM and 12:01:47 AM UTC, to address a ceasefire under strain, less than a week after the return of 20 Israeli hostages. President Donald Trump granted Kushner and Witkoff permission to speak directly with Hamas, a significant departure from diplomatic protocol, in an effort to reassure the group and maintain the peace plan. Kushner described the aftermath of an incident in Gaza after the ceasefire went into effect as "almost like a nuclear bomb had been set off in that area." Witkoff also commented on his feelings upon seeing the 20 Israeli hostages return home. Their return to the region aims to prevent the ongoing situation from unraveling, following a period of heightened tensions. These developments follow previous reports of heightened tensions in Gaza, including an incident in Rafah that led to the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and subsequent Israeli airstrikes and closure of Gaza crossings. Former senior Hamas official Khodr Mahjaz declared Hamas "done as a political and military force in the Gaza, and it will cease to exist," accusing Yahya Sinwar. Additionally, Israeli forces detained 122 individuals attempting to infiltrate from the Hebron region towards the interior of the country in the Lakish area, and shooting incidents were reported east of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip during the prior reporting window.
