Hamas, the Palestinian resistance movement, has stated that it cannot immediately return the bodies of the remaining hostages due to the absence of specialized machinery needed to remove rubble caused by Israeli airstrikes. Many of the bodies are reportedly trapped inside destroyed tunnels or buried beneath collapsed buildings. The group emphasized its commitment to the Gaza agreement and its willingness to hand over all hostages’ remains but blamed Israel for the delay, saying the necessary equipment is being blocked from entering Gaza. Last Monday, Hamas returned 20 living hostages along with the bodies of four deceased hostages. The Red Cross confirmed that 45 Palestinians who died in Israeli custody were also returned to Gaza. Israel and Hamas had agreed to implement the first phase of a U.S. peace plan, which included transferring all remaining hostages, but delays have led Israel to limit humanitarian aid and postpone reopening the Rafah border crossing.

As a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect, displaced Palestinians are cautiously returning to their homes in Gaza, including areas like Jabalia, Sheikh Radwan, and Abu Iskandar. Amid the rubble, many are discovering unexploded Israeli “explosive robots,” which remain silent but highly dangerous. First deployed in Jabalia refugee camp in May 2024, these armored, remote-controlled vehicles filled with explosives have caused widespread destruction in northern Gaza, destroying hundreds of residential buildings daily. Civil defense officials report that the blast radius can reach up to 500 meters, leaving severe infrastructural damage. Survivors recount terrifying experiences of being buried under rubble within seconds of explosions. Human rights monitors have condemned the use of such weapons in densely populated areas as “war crimes and crimes against humanity.” Health experts warn that toxic gases and heavy metal smoke released from explosions are causing severe respiratory and neurological problems among the affected population.

On October 15, 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations within Venezuela. This decision follows a series of U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, resulting in at least 27 fatalities. Trump cited two primary reasons for the authorization: the release of prisoners into the United States and the influx of drugs from Venezuela. While he did not specify if the CIA's mandate includes actions against President Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. In response, Venezuela has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, labeling the U.S. strikes as illegal and a violation of its sovereignty. The situation has led to heightened tensions, with both nations mobilizing military forces in the region.

Tensions are rising as Russia issues a stark warning over the U.S. decision to supply 50 Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. The European Union welcomed Washington’s move, but Moscow cautioned that such actions could trigger catastrophic consequences. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, hinted at a possible nuclear response, stressing there is no clear distinction between nuclear and conventional Tomahawks. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko echoed similar fears, claiming the move could mark the beginning of nuclear war. Meanwhile, Poland urged stronger European defenses and long-term support for Ukraine, calling inaction “irresponsible.” The U.K. announced a £600 million investment to expand drone production for Kyiv, having already supplied over 85,000 military drones. NATO members are also reportedly discussing how to treat any Russian aircraft violating allied airspace as legitimate targets, underscoring growing fears of direct confrontation between Moscow and the Western alliance.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Israel could resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement. In an interview with CNN, Trump said the situation involving Hamas “will be resolved very soon,” emphasizing that if Hamas refuses to disarm, Israel has his permission to “go back to the streets” and “crush them completely.” Trump also claimed that he has personally held Israel back from further attacks so far. According to Trump, the immediate priority is the release of 20 Israeli hostages, while Hamas must return the bodies of the deceased and surrender its weapons as promised. Meanwhile, Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, said they have already handed over all living captives and recoverable bodies, though more time and equipment are needed to locate the rest. The current truce, brokered in late September, remains fragile.

Following several days of fierce cross-border clashes, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire beginning Wednesday evening (October 15) at 6 p.m. local time. The decision, confirmed by Islamabad, aims to de-escalate one of the deadliest confrontations between the two neighbors in recent years. Pakistan stated that Afghanistan requested the ceasefire, though Kabul has yet to comment publicly. Earlier, Pakistan claimed it killed dozens of Afghan security personnel and militants during overnight operations, while destroying several Afghan tanks and military posts. In retaliation, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported that their forces destroyed a Pakistani border post and captured a tank. Tensions have been high as Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militant groups responsible for terrorist attacks within its borders—a claim the Taliban government denies. Both sides have now pledged to pursue dialogue to find a peaceful and lasting resolution to the border crisis.

China has vowed to “fight till the end” in its trade war with the United States after President Donald Trump announced a new 100% tariff on Chinese imports. The statement, released by China’s Ministry of Commerce on October 14, came in response to Trump’s recent social media post threatening broader export controls on critical software starting November 1. The tensions were further inflamed after China limited exports of rare earth minerals. The trade escalation has shaken global markets and cast uncertainty over a possible meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean officials. Beijing reiterated that it remains open to dialogue but warned Washington against combining talks with threats. Despite the disputes, China’s exports grew by 8.3% in September, with shipments to the U.S. rising to $34.3 billion. The tariff conflict continues to dominate discussions at the IMF and World Bank meetings.

On Monday, October 13, Israel released around 250 Palestinians who had been serving life or long-term sentences, along with approximately 1,718 others detained during the Gaza war. Among the freed was Abdullah Abu Rafe, who described Israeli prisons as “slaughterhouses” rather than detention facilities. He recounted the harsh conditions, including the absence of mattresses, confiscated belongings, poor food, and general mistreatment. Another former prisoner, Yasin Abu Amra, described experiencing severe hunger, beatings, and torture, revealing he went four days without food. Said Shubair expressed indescribable joy at seeing the sun without bars, emphasizing that freedom is priceless. The United Nations had previously listed many of those released as forcibly disappeared. The testimonies shed light on the severe human rights concerns in Israeli detention facilities and the emotional relief and elation of those regaining their freedom.

Israel has freed 3,700 Palestinian detainees as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to the country’s Central Prison Authority. The release took place on October 13 in two phases. Around 2,000 prisoners from Ofer Prison near Ramallah were transported by buses, arranged by the International Committee of the Red Cross, to the West Bank city of Beitunia. Another 1,718 prisoners, previously held in Israel’s Negev Prison, were sent to Gaza’s Khan Younis. Among them were 250 inmates serving life sentences, many of whom were detained following Israel’s 2023 military operations in Gaza. Upon arrival, the released individuals underwent medical examinations at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis. Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Beitunia and Khan Younis to welcome them amid scenes of joy and relief, marking a significant moment in the ongoing ceasefire process.

In a landmark event held in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, world leaders gathered to sign the Gaza Peace Agreement aimed at ending over two years of war between Israel and Hamas. U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it “The Biggest Deal,” joined Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and over 30 other leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to attend, citing the start of the Jewish festival Simchat Torah, though diplomatic sources suggested Erdoğan’s warning of a potential Muslim boycott influenced his decision. Trump hailed the agreement as a new dawn for Middle East peace, while analysts said it could bring a lasting ceasefire and humanitarian rebuilding to Gaza.

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has released seven Israeli hostages, transferring them to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, according to Reuters. The Israeli military confirmed the release, saying the ICRC received the hostages before heading toward Israeli forces in Gaza. The freed hostages include twins Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, embracing and waving flags in celebration of the news. Meanwhile, large crowds assembled in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, where hundreds of released Palestinian prisoners are expected to arrive at the Nasser Medical Complex. Hamas earlier announced a list of 20 Israeli hostages to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons, marking one of the largest prisoner exchange efforts since the conflict began.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for killing 58 Pakistani soldiers and seizing 25 border posts during clashes on Saturday night along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government in Kabul, stated that Afghan forces pushed Pakistani troops out of these posts, injuring at least 30 others. He warned Pakistan against future violations of Afghan sovereignty. Earlier, Pakistan had accused Afghan forces of violating its airspace and carrying out a market bombing, labeling its own operation as retaliatory. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Afghan attacks as unprovoked, highlighting civilian casualties, and promised strict retaliation. Reports indicate that both sides used small arms and mortars in the Kunar-Kurram region. Several areas including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha witnessed heavy gunfire and shelling. The situation has raised concerns over escalating tensions along the volatile border.

Israel has announced plans to demolish the remaining underground tunnels in Gaza operated by Hamas immediately after the scheduled release of hostages, a move approved by the United States. The tunnels, which extend under the border into Israeli territory, have been used by Hamas to launch surprise attacks. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military has been instructed to prepare for the operation, which will follow the current U.S.-supported ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire, initiated three days ago, has already paved the way for the release of 48 Israeli hostages and the reciprocal freeing of 250 prisoners and 1,700 Palestinians detained by Israel. Hamas has agreed to the first phase of the U.S. plan but has not yet committed to full disarmament, citing complications in the second phase.

Pakistan’s defense forces have reportedly killed more than 200 Taliban and allied terrorists in a large-scale retaliatory operation following unprovoked attacks on Pakistani border posts by Afghan forces late Saturday night. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan Army stated that precision strikes, raids, and targeted assaults were carried out on Taliban camps, posts, training centres, and support networks operating from Afghan territory. Multiple Taliban positions along the border were destroyed, and twenty-one Afghan positions were temporarily seized. Afghan authorities claimed 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed, while Pakistan has not released official casualty figures but said significant damage was inflicted on Afghan forces. Sporadic firing continues in areas such as Kurram. Pakistan has warned that it will not tolerate the use of Afghan territory for terrorism and reserves the right to target cross-border terrorist positions to ensure national security. Regional powers have called for dialogue and de-escalation.

Hamas has announced that the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza will begin on Monday morning under a newly implemented ceasefire agreement. In exchange, Israel is expected to free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners for 20 living Israeli captives. The prisoner swap marks the first phase of the ceasefire, which comes after nearly two years of conflict. Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan confirmed the schedule in an interview with AFP. On the same day, world leaders—including U.S. President Donald Trump, Egypt’s Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and UN chief António Guterres—will gather in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh for an international summit aimed at ending the Gaza war and promoting long-term Middle East stability. Hamas has declined to attend, citing its indirect participation through Qatari and Egyptian mediators.