10/10/2025
Reports early this morning indicate the ceasefire has gone into effect after the Israeli cabinet approved the first phase of the Trump plan around 1 AM. The IDF is withdrawing to agreed lines that still leave it in control of 53% of Gaza, and the clock has now started for the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages within 72 hours - meaning they should all be out by Simchat Torah on Tuesday, exactly two years from the October 7 attacks on the Hebrew calendar.
The enemies of Israel have not given up the fight to destroy her, so Israel and all her friends will need to keep standing on the walls of her defense. But this first phase of the agreement is a positive achievement for Israel, as all the hostages will be freed in the initial days, robbing Hamas of its strongest leverage against Israel, even while the IDF is still in control of more than half of Gaza. That marks a major concession by Hamas from their repeated demands over the past two years. The Hamas statement just announced to the people of Gaza about the deal is actually “sheepish” compared to their usual demonic vitriol, and reflects their attempt to appease a population angry over where this war has left them. Meanwhile, Israel will get the hostages back over Sukkot, a time of rejoicing now flush with much added meaning.
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