Truth In Real Time October 16 Discussion NewsÂ
What lessons can we take from these events happening today?
Gaza Proposal Supported by a Group of Diverse Nations
Truth In Real Time and The Wired Word for Thursday, October 16, 2025
In the News
Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages, dead or alive, as long as "the field conditions for the exchange are met," reports NBC News. The group has also expressed willingness to negotiate on the White House's plan for peace in the Middle East. In a statement on Friday, October 3, Hamas said that the group "affirms its readiness to immediately enter into negotiations through the mediators to discuss the details of this agreement."
"The movement also renews its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats), based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support," said Hamas. The phrase "body of independents (technocrats)" refers to a government composed of experts chosen for their specialized skills rather than their political affiliation or popularity.
Hamas was responding to a 20-point peace plan outlined by President Donald Trump on Monday, September 29, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Hamas statement was welcomed by both Trump and Netanyahu's office, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that they are taking preliminary steps to implement the plan.
Two of the countries involved in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas were Qatar and Egypt. In a video address, Trump thanked Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan for helping him to "put this together." The proposal received support from a number of European nations, including countries that had recently defied the White House by recognizing Palestinian statehood. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Luis Albares said, "What will bring peace to the Palestinian people, to the people of Israel, is the existence of a realistic and viable Palestinian state." At the same time, he warned, "there are still many obstacles."
Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, welcomed Trump's announcement. In a statement on Saturday, October 4, he said, "What matters to us now is the immediate commitment to a complete ceasefire, the release of all hostages and prisoners, the introduction of urgent humanitarian aid through United Nations organizations." There are 48 hostages still being held in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive, two years after the Hamas attack.
According to the BBC, The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is ready to act as a humanitarian intermediary in the exchange of hostages held in Gaza and detainees in Israel. The ICRC has helped with the release of 148 hostages and 1,931 detainees since the Hamas attack in October 2023. The ICRC's president Mirjana Spoljaric also said that they are "prepared to bring aid into Gaza and distribute it safely to civilians in desperate need."
Al Jazeera reports that Abbas also stressed, "Sovereignty over the Gaza Strip belongs to the State of Palestine, and the connection between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip must be achieved through Palestinian laws and governmental institutions, through a Palestinian administrative committee and unified Palestinian security forces, within the framework of a single system and law, and with Arab and international support." One possible outcome of the plan is a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
On Monday, October 6, Israel, Hamas, Qatar and the United States began indirect talks in Egypt aimed at implementing the peace plan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC News on Sunday that he believes it will "take some time" before a non-Hamas governance structure is established in Gaza. The Israeli assault in Gaza will end immediately, once both sides agree to the proposal, according to the White House plan. All hostages, alive and dead, are to be released. The plan says no one will be forced to leave Gaza and those who do leave will be able to return.
Over the summer, the pope called for a ceasefire after Gaza's Catholic church was hit in an apparent Israeli strike. "His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza," said a telegram sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, reported by Fox News. The cardinal added that the pope "renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region." There are about 600 Christians in Gaza, and most have been sheltering in churches in Gaza City.
The Hamas response to the proposal does not address the important issue of disarmament. The White House plan states that Hamas must agree to "a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors." This could be a major sticking point, if negotiations proceed. A senior Arab diplomat told NBC News that the Hamas response is "positive," but a former Western diplomat with experience in the region said that the plan could still fall apart.
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