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Exactly two years after Simchat Torah 2023 when, instead of celebrating, Sderot residents barricaded themselves inside safe rooms as Hamas terrorists roamed the streets and massacred anyone in their sight, hundreds of families in the city are opening their homes to guests from across Israel, free of charge.

“The enemy wanted to silence our streets and stop our celebrations,” said Yaniv Tsabari, a local resident who initiated the effort. “This year, we’re showing that joy and mutual responsibility are stronger than anything.”

“A Sderot resident today is someone who knows exactly the price of living here and is willing to pay it. But he also demands that the state be a full partner, not a distant commander. This identity is built on resilience and a rightful demand for shared responsibility.”

“Sderot is the beating heart of the fight for the Israeli home. Our experience is the defining lesson of an entire generation. When we are strong — all of Israel is strong.” said Elad Kalimi, deputy mayor of Sderot.

Source:
From trauma to joy: Sderot welcomes visitors for Simchat Torah celebration, by Ofir Hausman/Ynetnews, October 10, 2025

Israel’s health, justice, and security institutions began mobilizing today for the long-awaited return of hostages held by Hamas and the parallel release of Palestinian prisoners.

The Health Ministry said that it has completed preparations to receive the returnees, drawing on what officials described as “hard lessons from previous release and rescue efforts.” The effort is being coordinated by Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of the ministry’s Medical Division.

Mizrahi said medical teams have been instructed to expect a range of possible complications after prolonged captivity. “We are reinforcing monitoring and intensive care capacity beyond what is normally required,” she said. Among the chief concerns is re-feeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that can occur if malnourished individuals are given food too quickly. According to Mizrahi, Israel even passed along detailed medical guidance through the Red Cross weeks ago “in the hope that those instructions might prevent harm before release.”

Beyond physical care, officials are emphasizing mental health recovery. “The psychological toll will be profound,” said Mizrahi. “Our priority is to ensure that support continues well after hospitalization, according to the wishes of each returnee and their families.” Families of the hostages will also receive briefings and counseling before reunions.

The Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs has completed its own extensive reintegration program for the returnees. “We are preparing for a long and difficult rehabilitation process,” said Eti Kissos, deputy director of the ministry.

Source:
Israel Gears Up to Receive Hostages, Release Palestinian Prisoners, by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL, October 9, 2025

Following the announcement that Israel and Hamas finalized a deal to end the war in Gaza and return the hostages home, numerous steps remain in implementing the phased agreement.

Israel’s political-security cabinet and government are set to meet today to finalize approval of the first phase of the agreement.

The cabinet was scheduled to convene at 3:00 p.m., followed by a government meeting an hour later. The approval will authorize the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails as part of what officials describe as “the first phase of the plan.” Other elements of the broader agreement will not be voted on today, since the cabinet has already endorsed what officials call the “five principles” of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace framework, which outlines steps for ending the Gaza war.

Once the government vote passes, Israel will be required to withdraw its forces within 24 hours to a designated line agreed upon with Hamas. The redeployment is expected to leave the Israel Defense Forces in control of roughly 53 percent of the Gaza Strip.

Following cabinet approval, a 72-hour countdown will begin. By the end of that window, Hamas must release all hostages “in one fell swoop and without public ceremonies,” according to the terms of the agreement. Israeli officials estimate that 20 hostages in Gaza are alive, while another 28 are believed dead. Hamas has reportedly claimed uncertainty about the whereabouts of nine of the deceased.

The release of the hostages swiftly and unceremoniously is the answer to every Jew’s prayers. Families and friends rejoice, and Hamas will no longer be holding the “trump” card that has prolonged hostilities for so long. This joy, however, comes at an incredibly steep price. Israel’s release of 1,700 prisoners, 250 who are serving life sentences for absolutely heinous acts sets the stage for more violence. The release of these criminals into Gaza and Judea and Samaria is bound to bring more bloodshed, terrorism and please g-d forbid, more hostage taking. Hamas and the equally terrorist PIJ and Fatah will have renewed leadership.

Where is the ‘total victory” Israel has been fighting so long to achieve?

Source:
The Timetable of Steps to End the War, by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL, October 9, 2025

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Wednesday, declaring victory at the holiest site in Judaism two years after the Hamas-led Palestinian terrorist invasion of the northwestern Negev.

“We are two years after the terrible massacre—here at the Temple Mount there is victory, in every house in Gaza there is a picture of the Temple Mount, and we today, two years later, are victorious at the Temple Mount,” the head of the Oztma Yehudit Party said.

Almost 70,000 Jews ascended the holy site in the Hebrew year 5785, a 22% increase compared to the previous year and a modern-day record, These numbers are as reported by the Beyadenu—Returning to the Temple Mount – activist group on Sept. 24.

“We will continue to act until this discrimination is abolished and equal rights are guaranteed for all worshippers on the Mount,” said Akiva Ariel, Beyadenu’s head of public relations.

Source:
Ben-Gvir declares Temple Mount triumph, calls for Hamas defeat, by JNS Staff, October 8, 2025

US President Donald Trump on Sunday commented on the talks with Hamas, which began today, Monday in Egypt, on Trump’s plan to release the hostages and end the war in Gaza.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Hamas that “time is of the essence or massive bloodshed will follow.”

“There have been very positive discussions with Hamas, and Countries from all over the World (Arab, Muslim, and everyone else) this weekend, to release the Hostages, end the War in Gaza but, more importantly, finally have long sought PEACE in the Middle East. These talks have been very successful, and proceeding rapidly,” wrote Trump.

“The technical teams will again meet Monday, in Egypt, to work through and clarify the final details. I am told that the first phase should be completed this week, and I am asking everyone to MOVE FAST. I will continue to monitor this Centuries old ‘conflict.’ TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE OR, MASSIVE BLOODSHED WILL FOLLOW — SOMETHING THAT NOBODY WANTS TO SEE!” he added.

We have strong doubts that both the PA and Hamas will fulfill their obligations under the plan especially given the increase in terrorism in Judea and Samaria in recent weeks. However, this appears to be the closest Israel has come to forcing Hamas to end their decades-long attempts to destroy Israel. Accepting change is hard but there needs to be a time when they will lay down their arms although it will probably have to be achieved through force. As we observe the second anniversary of the October 7 massacre, we are trying to set aside our strong doubts and pray a true and lasting peace and not merely a “hudna” will prevail.

Source:
Trump: Talks are very positive, first phase should be completed this week, by Elad Benari/Israel National News, October 6, 2025

President Donald Trump hinted that the U.S. military could strike Iran again if the Islamic Republic renews its nuclear development program.

Speaking at a U.S. Navy event in Virginia on Sunday, Trump said Washington would “take care of that,” referring to any potential rebuilding of Iranian nuclear sites.

He added that if Iran takes steps to restart its nuclear activity, “we’re not going to wait so long” before acting.

Recent weeks have seen a surge in military activity suggesting that both the U.S. and Iran may be preparing for another confrontation — one that could also involve in Israel.

The U.S. Air Force has deployed dozens of aircraft, including refueling planes, to a base in Qatar. Flight-tracking data has also shown an unusual number of Russian military planes landing in Iran, reportedly carrying weapons.

Source:
‘We’ll take care of that’ – Trump threatens Iran on nuclear renewal, by World Israel News Staff, October 6, 2025

Israel on Sunday called on the United Nations to step up its efforts to collect and distribute undelivered humanitarian aid sitting on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing. The crossing will be closed on today and Tuesday due to the start of the week-long Sukkot holiday, said Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).

“On the Gazan side of Kerem Shalom, hundreds of trucks’ worth of food – thousands of pallets – are still waiting for collection by the UN and international organizations,” COGAT said.

“Over the past month, more than 7,000 truckloads of food entered Gaza – well above the assessed need in the Strip. We urge the UN and international organizations: come collect the food and deliver it to the people who need it,” it added.

Remind us again… who is to blame for a lack of food being distributed where it is badly needed?

Source:
Israel Calls on UN to Collect, Distribute Undelivered Gaza Aid, by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL, October 5, 2025

Following an emergency meeting between YESHA Council leaders and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, a clause in the proposed Gaza plan which would have prevented Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria was removed.

The clause had previously been included in US President Donald Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of all hostages still held by the Hamas terror group. If Hamas had accepted the proposal, Israel would have been blocked from applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, regardless of the situation on the ground.

The meeting was attended by YESHA Council chairman Israel Ganz, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Ariel Mayor Yair Chetboun, and YESHA Council CEO Omer Rahamim. According to participants, the Prime Minister did not give a clear commitment on sovereignty during the meeting.

Only the following day, while the YESHA delegation was in Washington for meetings in Congress, was relief felt after the official plan was published and it became clear that the clause had not been included in the final version.

Nevertheless, YESHA Council officials noted that the agreement still contains openings that could allow for the establishment of a Palestinian state and the release of terrorists.

In light of this, the YESHA Council declared that the plan to advance broad sovereignty remains a top priority, and the council leadership intends to continue campaigning for implementing sovereignty during the current term.

Source:
YESHA Council achievement: Clause blocking sovereignty removed from Hamas ceasefire deal, by Israel National News, October 3, 2025

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued a scathing statement on Tuesday morning, expressing strong opposition to the 21-point plan presented by US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza.

Smotrich said, “It is a historic missed opportunity to finally break free from the chains of Oslo — a resounding diplomatic failure, a willful blindness, and a turning of our backs on all the lessons of October 7. In my estimation, it will end in tears. Our children will once again have to fight in Gaza. This is what Einstein defined as insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

While we agree with what MK Smotrich says, nothing is set in stone yet. To date, Hamas has not responded, and speculation begins to surface that they will not accept the 21-(now 20) Point Plan, while Qatar throws hints that the deal needs adjustments and clarification. Until then we wait for the next development.

Source:
Smotrich slams Trump peace plan as ‘Return to Oslo, historic mistake’, by Uzi Baruch/Israel National News, September 30, 2025

Israeli forces last week uncovered and dismantled a missile manufacturing facility in Judea and Samaria—less than 13 miles from Jerusalem—underscoring how Palestinian terror groups continue to operate within close striking distance of major cities.

Danny Danon, Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, disclosed the findings during a Monday address before the U.N. Security Council in which he warned members that the threat from Judea and Samaria is “real and imminent.”

“These are not far-off threats,” he continued. “They are weapons built within minutes of Israeli towns and cities. Hidden workshops of death, right on our doorstep.”

Danon told the Security Council that, without action, Judea and Samaria could become a major hub for terrorism. He’s speaking to the wrong entity! Only Israel alone can and must tackle and stop this threat ASAP.

Source:
West Bank Terror Threat ‘Real and Imminent,’ Israeli UN Ambassador Warns, by Adam Kredo/Washington Free Beacon, September 30, 2025