U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to make a brief visit to Israel between Saturday night and Sunday, with plans including a reception at Ben Gurion Airport and a stop at the Knesset before departing, according to Israeli journalist Amit Segal. This visit occurs as reports indicate ongoing developments in Gaza ceasefire and hostage release negotiations. During the past hour, between 8:04 AM and 9:04 AM UTC on October 9th, 2025, Israeli forces reportedly conducted air strikes in northern Gaza, with plumes of smoke observed, as detailed by Al-Arabi TV. Simultaneously, Palestinian reports noted Israeli military vehicle movements north of Khan Yunis. These actions unfolded amidst finalized terms for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, which includes an IDF withdrawal to a designated line within Gaza within 24 hours of signing. Earlier this morning and into the reporting window, between 5:35 AM and 6:35 AM UTC, Israeli artillery shelling was reported in Gaza City, specifically near Al-Sinaa Street and in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. These events are occurring against a backdrop of finalized terms for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, with President Trump having previously assured hostage families of their loved ones' return, with an expectation for all Israeli hostages to be released by Monday, October 13th, 2025. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has stated his intention to vote against the Gaza agreement, emphasizing the need to destroy Hamas after hostage release. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the agreement, commending mediator efforts and calling for adherence to its terms, with France ready to contribute to a political solution based on a two-state solution. Discussions on this matter are planned for this afternoon in Paris. Previous reports indicated that the Israeli Security Cabinet and government were scheduled to convene to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal. Hamas is not expected to hold ceremonies for the hostage release, and the Rafah Crossing is to open for aid delivery. Israeli analyst Amit Segal described the agreement as a hostage release deal without an explicit phase two, noting that under President Trump, Israel has resumed fighting when talks were not genuine, though this instance might differ. He raised the possibility of Israel adopting a "Lebanese model" of preemptive strikes, which he assumes President Trump would approve. Reports from Gaza describe celebrations including chants that have been characterized as anti-Semitic. Smotrich reiterated his stance that the situation cannot return to its pre-October 7th state. The current agreement is understood to be in the second phase of the "Trump plan," with American discussions on Gaza disarmament anticipated, which Hamas is expected to reject. A list of 500 names, described as "fragments since 18 March 2025," was shared, including a combatant identified as Yusuf Mahmoud Abdul Ghanani Abu Al-Jabein, whose mother and daughter were reportedly killed in the same incident. Deceased hostages are to be released in stages, and Hamas Nukhba terrorists involved in the October 7th attack are not part of the release, according to previous N12 News reports. Families of hostages had also invited President Trump to an event expressing gratitude, and he was reportedly scheduled to visit Israel on Sunday, October 12th, 2025.
