Israeli raids targeted several areas in Gaza City between 3:04 AM and 4:04 AM UTC on October 4th, 2025, according to an Al-Hadath correspondent. The specific timing and extent of these raids were reported within the past hour, amidst continuing developments regarding the conflict. These reported raids occurred despite previous directives instructing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to shift to defensive operations and halt the operation to occupy Gaza City. A senior Israeli official had previously confirmed via Telegram that the campaign for Gaza City's occupation was staged and arrested, with a focus on defensive actions. This shift in strategy followed President Donald Trump's public call for an immediate cessation of bombing in Gaza to facilitate hostage release. The Chief of Staff of the IDF had convened a special situation assessment during the night of October 4th, 2025, to discuss these developments and promote readiness for the initial phase of a program for hostage release. The IDF Spokesman had stated that the security of Israeli forces was a top priority, with all IDF capabilities allocated to the Southern Command. The Chief of Staff emphasized the need for high vigilance and rapid response from all forces due to operational sensitivity. Earlier, on October 3rd, 2025, President Trump had stated on Truth Social that Hamas was "ready for lasting peace" and urged Israel to stop bombings to safely retrieve hostages. Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan had reiterated Hamas's conditions for hostage release, stating negotiations would take over 72 hours and that Hamas rejects non-Palestinian involvement in Gaza's governance, while agreeing to hand over administration to Palestinian technocrats or a national body linked to the PA. The State of Qatar had welcomed Hamas's announcement and supported Trump's call for a ceasefire.
