Ceasefire and hostage release negotiations commenced in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on October 8th, 2025, as reported by Al-Arabi TV. The meetings are attended by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Qatari representative Al-T'ani, all aiming to accelerate progress. Islamic Jihad announced its participation in these discussions. Israel has reiterated its commitment to the "Trump plan" and stated it will not consider proposals outside of this framework, according to an Israeli security source. Sources close to Hamas indicated to Sky News Arabia that the group might accept unarmed Arab or international observers, but not Turkish forces, as part of an agreement. President Donald Trump is reportedly eager to finalize a deal within days. During this reporting window, 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. 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. Previous reports from this morning detailed that only 14 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are functioning, according to the World Health Organization. Hamas requires meaningful guarantees before releasing all hostages within 72 hours, according to sources close to the negotiations. The Israeli Navy also intercepted another flotilla overnight carrying five Irish citizens. Earlier this morning, diplomatic efforts were underway with an Israeli executive aircraft landing in Sharm El Sheikh. Previous reports also mentioned Hamas demanding the return of the bodies of brothers Muhammad and Yahya Sinwar as part of the negotiations. Earlier reports also detailed Israeli forces detonating car bombs in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood and the high-level evacuation of a 59-year-old Palestinian mother of a U.S. Navy sailor from Gaza.
