Israel has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, threatening significant cuts to Gaza aid if the organization does not return the bodies of hostages within days, according to Kan News. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on October 16th, 2025, that he knows the exact number of hostages Hamas holds and that Israel will act accordingly if they are not returned. Hamas has reportedly handed over two bodies, claiming inability to locate others, leaving 19 hostages unaccounted for, while Israel believes Hamas knows the locations of at least 10 more, according to Ynet. In parallel, the IDF conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure and the Green Without Borders Association in southern Lebanon on October 16th, 2025. Warplanes targeted facilities in the Sinai Farm area used for rebuilding, including a quarry for cement production, aimed at reconstructing infrastructure destroyed during the Iron Swords War. The IDF stated these actions violate understandings between Israel and Lebanon and vowed to continue removing threats. Israel has also indicated that foreign forces will not be approved to enter the Gaza Strip to help locate kidnapped civilians until Hamas releases all abducted civilians, as reported by Kann News. This stance comes amid ongoing diplomatic pressure, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain previously warning the White House that they would not proceed with Gaza rebuilding if Hamas retains its weapons, according to Arab and American sources from October 16th, 2025. The previous report also mentioned Qatar's expected donation of over 87,000 tents to Gaza. Previously, a U.S.-led coordination center for Gaza's postwar rebuilding was reported to become operational within days, led by a U.S. three-star general with approximately 200 U.S. troops involved in logistics, transport, and security. The U.S. has been collaborating with international partners to form an "International Stabilization Force" for Gaza's security and reconstruction. Reports from October 16th, 2025, also claimed the elimination of chiefs of staff for Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Houthi movement, attributed to Yahya Al-Sinwar.
