In a landmark development, Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the release of hostages and prisoners on Monday, marking a significant step toward peace in the region. The exchange, facilitated by a US-backed ceasefire deal, saw the release of all 20 living hostages held by Hamas and the freeing of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. However, reports indicate that at least 154 of the released Palestinian prisoners will be forced into exile by Israel. The deal also includes the return of the bodies of 28 deceased Israeli hostages, signaling a humanitarian breakthrough after over two years of conflict. Emotional reunions were broadcast globally, with scenes of Palestinian prisoners being welcomed by jubilant crowds in Ramallah. US President Donald Trump, addressing the Knesset in Jerusalem, hailed the event as “the end of war in Gaza” and emphasized the demilitarization of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. Trump also acknowledged that Hamas had been rearming in Gaza with US approval for a limited period, citing the group’s significant losses. He expressed hope for regional stability and urged more nations to join the Abraham Accords. Despite the progress, challenges remain as Gaza faces extensive reconstruction, with Trump warning of potential risks as residents return to the devastated region.
分类： world
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Nato chief jokes about ‘limping’ Russian submarine
The Royal Navy has confirmed the tracking of the Russian submarine Novorossiysk as it navigated the English Channel, sparking international attention and speculation about the vessel’s condition. The diesel-powered submarine, part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, surfaced off the coast of France, reportedly to comply with international navigation rules. This move was closely monitored by a UK warship and helicopter, highlighting the ongoing tensions between NATO allies and Russia. Dutch authorities had earlier reported that the submarine was under tow in the North Sea, adding to the intrigue surrounding its journey. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte humorously remarked on the state of Russia’s naval fleet during a speech in Slovenia, suggesting a stark contrast to the once formidable presence depicted in Cold War narratives. He noted the diminished Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean, further fueling discussions about the fleet’s operational capabilities. Reports from VChK-OGPU, a Telegram channel known for leaking Russian security information, claimed that the Novorossiysk experienced fuel leaks in the Strait of Gibraltar, raising concerns about potential explosions. The Royal Navy tracked the submarine over three days as it returned from a Mediterranean deployment, with HMS Iron Duke leading the surveillance efforts. The Dutch navy later escorted the submarine and its support tug through the North Sea. The Russian Black Sea Fleet has denied any technical malfunctions, stating that the submarine was on a ‘scheduled inter-fleet transit’ and adhered to international navigation regulations. This incident follows recent Royal Navy operations tracking Russian vessels through the Channel, underscoring the UK’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense against perceived Russian aggression. Earlier this year, a Russian warship was discovered using a fake ID signal while transporting sanctioned oil products, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
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Watch: Heavy rain and flooding as Nor’easter slams multiple US states
A powerful Nor’easter, characterized by its cyclonic winds blowing from the northeast in the Atlantic Ocean, has wreaked havoc across several U.S. states. The storm brought relentless heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding in affected areas. Coastal regions bore the brunt of the tempest, with strong winds exacerbating the already dire conditions. Emergency services have been deployed to assist residents, as many communities grapple with submerged roads, damaged infrastructure, and power outages. Meteorologists warn that the Nor’easter’s impact could persist, urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories. This severe weather event underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms, raising concerns about climate change’s role in shaping extreme weather patterns.
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Israeli hostages, Palestinian prisoners freed in ceasefire deal
In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a US-brokered ceasefire agreement has led to the release of 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the liberation of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails. The exchange, which took place on October 13, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the protracted conflict that has plagued the region for years. Among the released Palestinians, 135 will be deported abroad, while 14 will return to their homes in East Jerusalem. In return, Israel has committed to releasing over 2,000 Palestinian detainees. The deal, however, has not been without controversy. Reports emerged of Israeli forces raiding the homes of Palestinian prisoners, including Ahmed Ka’abneh, who has been imprisoned since 1997. Additionally, a Palestinian man was shot in the foot during a demonstration outside Ofer military prison. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the release of the hostages as a ‘historic event’ but emphasized that the military campaign is far from over. US President Donald Trump, en route to Israel, acknowledged Hamas’s rearming in Gaza, stating that the US had temporarily approved it. The disarmament of Hamas remains a contentious issue in the ceasefire negotiations, with no clear resolution in sight.
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The UN nuclear watchdog seeks a local truce to restore power to the Zaporizhzhia plant
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is actively negotiating with Ukraine and Russia to establish localized ceasefires aimed at restoring external power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. According to two anonymous diplomats familiar with the discussions, the plant, which is Europe’s largest, has been operating on diesel generators since September 23 after its last external power line was severed. The facility, currently under Russian control, is not operational but requires consistent power to cool its six shutdown reactors and spent fuel, preventing potential nuclear disasters. The IAEA has repeatedly raised concerns about the precarious situation at the plant. The proposed plan involves a two-phase approach to repair damaged power lines. The first phase would establish a 1.5-kilometer ceasefire zone to repair the Dniprovska 750-kilovolt line, located in Russian-controlled territory. The second phase would focus on repairing the Ferosplavna-1 330-kilovolt backup line in Ukrainian-controlled territory. IAEA experts would oversee the repairs, initially scheduled for October 11-17. However, while Ukraine has provided guarantees for safe passage, Russia has yet to do so, delaying the process. A Russian diplomat stated that preparations are underway, and repairs could commence soon. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has been engaging intensively with both sides to prevent a nuclear accident. The plant has experienced ten blackouts since the war began, with the latest being the longest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of lacking interest in restoring safety, emphasizing the need for international pressure.
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Palestinian prisoners being released from Israeli jails
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a prisoner-hostage exchange has been initiated as part of a broader ceasefire agreement. On October 13, 2025, Israeli authorities began releasing Palestinian prisoners from jails, following Hamas’ release of 20 Israeli hostages earlier in the day. The exchange, mediated by international parties, marks a critical step toward de-escalating tensions in the region. According to the agreement, approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees are set to be freed. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed the safe return of 13 hostages, the last living Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza. These individuals are currently being escorted by Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet agents, undergoing medical assessments before reuniting with their families. Hamas has reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the truce pact, emphasizing the role of mediators in ensuring Israel’s compliance. Additionally, Hamas officials announced plans to return the remains of 28 deceased hostages later on Monday. The Israeli military released photos of the returned hostages, showing them in good health. This exchange, while a temporary respite, underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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‘My joy was shattered’: Journalist grieves killing of third son as ceasefire arrives too late
The announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, intended to bring relief to war-torn communities, instead marked another devastating loss for journalist Motasem Dalloul. Just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump declared the end of hostilities, Dalloul received the heart-wrenching news that his 21-year-old son, Ibrahim, had been killed by Israeli forces while searching for food. This tragedy marks the third son Dalloul has lost since the onset of what he describes as the ‘genocide in Gaza.’
Dalloul, a prominent journalist, has remained steadfast in Gaza City throughout the two-year conflict, refusing to evacuate despite repeated Israeli threats and invasions. His family has been displaced 13 times, most recently living in a tent in the al-Rimal neighborhood. The relentless violence has left them grappling with unimaginable hardships, including famine and the destruction of their home and livelihood.
On the day before the ceasefire, Ibrahim and his friends ventured south in search of food, driven by unbearable hunger and the hope of earning money by selling goods in the north. However, their journey ended in tragedy near the al-Nabulsi roundabout, where Israeli forces opened fire. The exact circumstances of the attack remain unclear, but the loss has left Dalloul and his family shattered.
Dalloul’s grief is compounded by the memories of his wife, Riham, and their two-year-old son, Abu Bakr, who were killed in an Israeli bombing last year while waiting for flour. Three months later, his son Yehya was fatally shot by an Israeli tank as they searched the rubble of their destroyed home. Dalloul’s pain is palpable as he reflects on the loss of his loved ones and the destruction of his family’s future.
Despite the ceasefire, Dalloul emphasizes that the suffering in Gaza continues. The region’s infrastructure lies in ruins, and basic necessities remain scarce. As the community begins to reckon with their losses, the scars of war run deep. Dalloul’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring resilience of those who endure it.
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Hamas to begin hostage release at 8am, Israeli media reports; Trump says ‘war is over’
In a significant development in the ongoing Middle East conflict, Hamas is set to release all surviving hostages on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. The release, scheduled to begin at 8am local time from the Netzarim corridor and continue at 10am in Khan Younis, Gaza, comes as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Israel. Israeli media reported that all 20 living hostages are expected to be handed over to the Red Cross, while Hamas will also return the remains of a soldier killed in 2014. In exchange, Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including 250 security prisoners and 1,700 individuals detained during the recent conflict. Trump, who arrived in the region for a peace summit, declared the war ‘over’ and emphasized his role in facilitating the ceasefire. His visit includes meetings with the families of hostages and an address to the Israeli parliament. Trump also outlined his vision for Gaza’s future, proposing a new governing body that he would lead, supported by a multi-national force coordinated from a US-led command center in Israel. The plan aims to address the devastation in Gaza, where the conflict has claimed over 67,806 lives, according to the Gaza health ministry. Despite ongoing negotiations over the release of senior Palestinian leaders, both sides have expressed readiness to proceed with the exchange. Trump’s broader peace initiative, which includes a 20-point plan announced in September, seeks to resolve long-standing tensions and promote stability in the region. His upcoming summit in Egypt, co-hosted with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, will bring together over 20 world leaders to discuss the next steps in the peace process.
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Flying Tigers’ bond with China kept alive
The enduring legacy of the Flying Tigers, a group of American pilots and ground crew who fought alongside Chinese forces during World War II, continues to inspire generations. Charlene Fontaine, executive director of the Flying Tigers 69th Depot Repair Squadron Association, has dedicated her life to preserving this shared history. Her father, Stewart Fontaine, was part of the ground crew that supported the Flying Tigers in China during the war. His experiences in China, marked by hardship and camaraderie, left an indelible mark on his life and shaped his daughter’s mission. Stewart Fontaine arrived in China in 1943, where he formed deep bonds with Chinese colleagues and witnessed the resilience of the Chinese people amidst the devastation of war. Despite the challenges, he was captivated by China’s natural beauty and the determination of its people. After the war, Stewart returned to the US but carried the lessons of compassion and respect he learned in China throughout his life. Charlene Fontaine’s journey to honor her father’s legacy began in the early 2000s during a business trip to China. Wearing a Flying Tigers polo shirt, she was approached by villagers expressing gratitude for her father’s service. This profound experience led her to establish the 69th Depot Repair Squadron Association, dedicated to preserving the Flying Tigers’ history and fostering US-China friendship. Today, the organization focuses on educating younger generations about this pivotal chapter in history and continues to strengthen the bond between the two nations. Charlene Fontaine’s work, supported by the General Chennault Foundation, ensures that the sacrifices and dreams of the Flying Tigers remain alive, inspiring a future rooted in peace and mutual respect.
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UN says its humanitarian scale-up in Gaza underway
The United Nations has initiated a significant humanitarian effort in the Gaza Strip, marking a critical step forward in addressing the region’s ongoing crisis. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), essential supplies, including cooking gas, have entered Gaza for the first time since March. This development is part of a broader aid initiative that saw the delivery of tents, frozen meat, fresh fruit, flour, and medicines on Sunday. The UN and its partners have also distributed hundreds of thousands of hot meals and bread bundles across both the northern and southern regions of Gaza. OCHA confirmed that Israeli authorities have approved the movement of additional aid, bringing the total cleared pipeline to 190,000 metric tonnes of food, shelter items, medicine, and other essential supplies. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher emphasized that this is only the beginning of a 60-day plan to expand aid operations, aiming to reach 2.1 million people in need of food assistance and 500,000 requiring nutritional support. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and the United States, has facilitated these efforts, allowing for a massive scale-up in humanitarian services, including health system restoration, water and sanitation provision, shelter construction, and the reopening of temporary learning spaces for 700,000 school-aged children.