IDF special forces completed preparations to retrieve hostages, anticipating potential "provocations" from Hamas, including attempted phone calls to families, ahead of the planned October 13th, 2025, 08:00 UTC release. Hamas announced achieving full control of Gaza City on October 12th, 2025, at approximately 7:12 PM UTC, following clashes with the Dughmush clan, stating dozens of clan members were apprehended or killed, according to Hamas sources cited by Al Jazeera and i24. The IDF's special units, equipped with armored vehicles and tanks, will enter Gaza beyond the 'yellow line' to a predetermined point for the handover, with Red Cross representatives expected to facilitate the exchange. A preliminary identification process will occur to ensure no sabotage or monitoring devices are on the individuals. The Dughmush family claims Hamas militants stormed their residence at the former Jordanian hospital to evict them, as BBC reports at least 27 deaths in the conflict, according to Faytuks Network. Hamas's internal security unit, the 'Arrow Unit,' is reportedly conducting crackdowns on "outlaws" across the Gaza Strip, including the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in Khan Younis. Security assessments indicate that some hostages may be released first, with all abductors concentrated in one location in Gaza for a ceremony before civilians are taken to Abu Kabir and soldiers to a row camp, as stated by sources cited by BittonRosen. A large number of trucks loaded with vegetables and fruits have arrived at Mawasi Khan Yunis. Meanwhile, the planned summit at Pisgat Sharm-Sheikh on October 13th, 2025, is expected to be attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abd al-Fattah A-Sisi, and other international leaders, though Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas were not invited. Journalist Saleh Al-Jaafrawi was reported killed by gunfire in Gaza City on October 12th, 2025, with conflicting accounts from Al Jazeera Live and other sources regarding the circumstances of his death.
