The Israeli Security Cabinet and government are scheduled to convene on October 9th, 2025, at 15:00 UTC and approximately 16:00 UTC respectively, to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the first phase of a deal with Hamas, according to a timeline for hostage release and IDF withdrawal. This development follows Israeli air strikes and artillery shelling in the center of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, as reported by Al Jazeera. The areas north of the Gaza Valley are still considered dangerous combat zones, per the Israeli occupation army. Following government approval, the IDF will begin withdrawing to an agreed-upon "yellow line" within Gaza within 24 hours, including pulling troops out of Gaza City, although Israel will retain control over approximately 53% of Gaza's territory. A 72-hour countdown will commence after the IDF withdrawal is complete, during which Hamas is expected to release all hostages in a single batch. Currently, 20 hostages are confirmed alive, with an estimated 28 deceased, and Hamas has stated it does not know the exact location of nine of the deceased hostages. The release is anticipated as early as Saturday, October 11th, 2025, coinciding with President Trump's planned visit to Israel on Sunday, October 12th, 2025. President Donald Trump recently confirmed he had spoken with Dasha Burns about the peace deal between Israel and Hamas. Previous reports from October 9th, 2025, indicated President Trump had confirmed that all Israeli hostages were expected to be released on Monday, October 13th, 2025. Mediators had previously announced the finalization of terms for the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
