Hamas has reportedly prioritized the release of terrorist Marwan Bergii as part of a potential deal, according to Egyptian media cited by N12. This development emerges as high-level ceasefire and hostage release negotiations continue in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, attended by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and intelligence heads from Egypt and Turkey, as well as the Qatari Foreign Minister. Islamic Jihad has confirmed its participation in these discussions, which aim to accelerate progress. Israel has reiterated its adherence to the "Trump plan," refusing proposals outside this framework, according to an Israeli security source. Hamas has indicated a willingness to accept unarmed Arab or international observers, but not Turkish forces, as part of an agreement, sources close to the group told Sky News Arabia. President Donald Trump is reportedly eager to finalize a deal within days, while Hamas requires meaningful guarantees before releasing all hostages within 72 hours, according to sources close to the negotiations. Separately, hacked emails reportedly reveal that David Frum, Douglas Murray, and Seth Mandel drafted speeches for the Israeli ambassador to the UN. Frum also wrote a profile of the ambassador, and Murray hosted a secret fundraiser for the IDF, according to Ryan Grim's report on X, citing a dropsitenews.com article. Previous reports from earlier this morning detailed that only 14 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are functioning, according to the World Health Organization. The Israeli Navy 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, with all passengers confirmed safe by the Israeli Defense Forces and expected to be deported. Additionally, 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. Overnight, the Israeli Navy intercepted another flotilla carrying five Irish citizens. Earlier in the reporting window, Israeli forces detonated car bombs in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood. Exclusive documentation revealed this morning also showed a battle helicopter arriving at Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th amidst chaos and prolonged default before IDF intervention. The Trump administration, Israel, and Jordan were also involved in the high-level evacuation of a 59-year-old Palestinian mother of a U.S. Navy sailor from Gaza, which included coordinated pauses in Israeli airstrikes.
