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A massive rally filled Hostages Square in Tel Aviv this evening as Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump took the stage to address a crowd of thousands gathered in unity and gratitude.

Standing before an ocean of waving flags and candles, Witkoff opened his remarks with emotion. “I dreamed of this night for a long time. This is the most powerful sight,” he said, estimating that over 100,000 people had come together “with hearts beating as one, gathered here in Tel Aviv for peace, for unity, and for hope in this sacred place we call Hostages Square. I only wish the president were here.”

He continued by emphasizing the rare spirit of solidarity in the crowd. “We stand here tonight, Jews, Christians, Muslims, with one shared goal, peace. Tonight we celebrate something extraordinary – a peace born not out of politics but out of courage – the courage of those who refuse to give up.”

Witkoff credited the accomplishment to the relentless efforts of key figures who, he said, “would not rest until the world saw what could be achieved.” Pointing to the man beside him, he added, “One of them is standing right here with me, Jared Kushner.” He went on to commend President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and several Arab leaders for their vital roles in bringing the agreement to fruition.

Closing his remarks, Witkoff paid tribute to the families of the hostages and to the soldiers who gave their lives defending Israel, praising them for “carrying the weight of the nation” throughout the war.

As the rally came to an end, participants lifted a massive banner stretching across the square that read, “Nobel President Trump,” drawing loud cheers and applause from the crowd.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A specialized Israeli military team uncovered a digitized version of a six-page handwritten memorandum attributed to Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, which explicitly directed operatives to strike Israeli civilians in the lead-up to the October 7 assault, The New York Times reported Thursday.

Investigators found the file on an offline computer inside an underground hideout linked to Sinwar, discovered after the killing of his brother Mohammed Sinwar, a Gaza-based Hamas field commander. The device had not been connected to external networks, officials said.

Dated August 24, 2022, the document contained Arabic instructions that ordered attacks on both military and nonmilitary targets, according to seven Israeli officials who reviewed the memo and spoke with the newspaper.

The New York Times reported that the memorandum urged Hamas to deliberately record and publicize the violence during the massacre to sow terror and instability throughout Israel.

“It needs to be affirmed to the unit commanders to undertake these actions intentionally, film them, and broadcast images of them as fast as possible,” the memo read.

Intercepted communications from Gaza commanders further showed explicit calls to capture and air gruesome scenes. In one intercepted instruction, a Gaza City commander known as Abu al-Baraa told fighters operating near Kibbutz Sa’ad: “Document the scenes of horror, now, and broadcast them across TV channels for the whole world to see.”

Other intercepted messages captured horrific slogans and orders. “Slaughter them. End the children of Israel,” one recording stated.

Additional intercepted exchanges between field leaders and their subordinates—previously unreported—also contained parallel orders that Israeli intelligence intercepted during the offensive and later shared with The New York Times.

In the war’s initial days, Hamas publicly denied directing attacks at civilians and maintained that women and children taken captive were held for their safety.

Many children were released in a November 2023 agreement, but some families fared worse: Ariel and Kfir Bibas and their mother Shiri remained captive for more than a year and were later found to have been killed in custody; their father, Yarden Bibas, was freed alive in an exchange.

Although Sinwar’s memorandum did not explicitly call for taking civilians hostage, it did instruct fighters to torch residential areas using fuel from tankers and other sources.

“Two or three operations must be planned to burn down an entire neighborhood, kibbutz, or something similar,” the memo stated.

Israeli intercepts indicate that operatives followed these orders on October 7. One Gaza City commander, Abu Muhammed, was recorded telling his forces: “Start setting homes on fire.”

“Burn, burn,” he urged, according to the intercepted exchanges. “I want the whole kibbutz to be in flames.”

Other leaders issued comparable commands. “Set fire to anything,” a commander identified as Abu al-Abed was recorded saying around the same time.

In another intercepted message, a field officer named Abu Muath told his fighters to show no mercy: “kill everyone on the road… Kill everyone you encounter.”

“Men, take a lot of hostages… Take a lot of hostages,” he continued, repeating the call.

Sinwar’s memo also advocated extreme violence against Israeli soldiers, urging acts that would be both symbolic and brutal.

“Stomp on the heads of soldiers,” the document declared.

It listed brutal examples—shooting soldiers at close range, slaughtering them with knives, and blowing up tanks—as the types of atrocities to be carried out by Nukhba fighters.

Izzat al-Rishq, who directs Hamas’s media office from Qatar, declined to respond to The New York Times’ account.

{Matzav.com}

Roei Shalev, a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, ended his life on Friday, leaving behind a farewell message on social media that has shaken the nation.

Shalev was among the attendees of the Nova festival on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists invaded border communities near Gaza, killing roughly 1,200 people. He was shot in the back but lived through the attack. His partner, Mapal Adam, and his close friend, Hili Solomon, were both murdered that day.

The tragedy deepened just a week later when Shalev’s mother, Raffaela, also took her own life, unable to bear the loss.

On Friday, Shalev was discovered in a burning vehicle near a highway exit outside Netanya. Police said they have launched an investigation into the circumstances, though Shalev’s Instagram farewell post made clear his intent.

The haunting message, expressing anguish and emotional collapse since the massacre, reflected what friends had long feared—that he never recovered from the deaths of his partner and friends. “I’m truly sorry. I can’t bear this pain any longer. I’m burning inside, and I can’t contain it anymore. Never in my life have I felt such pain and suffering – deep, burning, eating me from within,” Shalev wrote.

“I truly can’t go on. Dad, Lior, and Ido – I love you more than anything in the world. I’m so sorry. My friends in Israel and around the world – I love you. Keshet, I love you. Please don’t be angry with me. No one will ever understand me, because you can’t. I
Please remember the good in me. Anyone who knew me knows that all I ever wanted was good. I’m sorry.”

The Nova Tribe Community Association, representing survivors of the festival, issued a somber statement mourning his death. “Unfortunately, many of the PTSD victims of October 7 are still experiencing terrible and complex moments since that day. We ask everyone to be constantly vigilant and maximally sensitive to the mental state of the victims of October 7 in general, and to the survivors and the bereaved families in particular.”

After Shalev’s post appeared online, friends and members of the Nova Tribe launched a frantic search when he stopped answering his phone. Security footage showed him at a gas station filling a container with fuel. Soon after, his car was discovered engulfed in flames, with his body inside. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, Shalev’s family confirmed his passing and requested privacy. “We ask to refrain from contact,” they wrote, adding that “details of the funeral will be provided separately.”

Nova Tribe described Shalev as one of the central figures in their circle and called his loss “incomprehensible.” The group urged people to remember “his courageous support of the community, his leadership as captain of the Nova Tribe basketball team, and his devotion to helping friends in their most difficult times.”

Basketball trainer and YouTuber Barak Swarttz shared his grief online, recalling a powerful interview he recorded with Shalev last year in Los Angeles. During that conversation, Shalev had recounted his survival story in vivid detail—how he was shot twice, pretended to be dead as terrorists roamed the festival grounds, and watched loved ones die beside him.

In the same interview, Shalev described how he and his late partner, Mapal Adam, had often spoken about their dreams together—planning their wedding, naming their future children, and envisioning their lives ahead. “They send me signs,” he told Swarttz. “After the biggest nightmare of my life, I am here today. On a basketball court with a smile on my face,” he said, acknowledging that the memories and tears still haunted him.

Following confirmation of Shalev’s death, Swarttz added a pinned comment to the video: “Dear YouTube community – Roei took his life… October 10th. He couldn’t take the pain anymore. Please send your wishes to his family and loved ones. Gutted,” accompanied by emojis of angel wings, a candle, and a broken heart.

Shalev’s passing follows a tragic pattern among survivors. Other Nova attendees have also taken their own lives, including 22-year-old Shirel Golan, who died by suicide a year after the massacre, reportedly on her birthday.

In April 2024, Nova survivor Guy Ben Shimon told Knesset members that “almost 50 suicides among the Nova survivors” had occurred. The Health Ministry rejected that figure, stating it had no data or records supporting such a number and reported fewer than ten known suicides among survivors at that time. Officials have not released updated statistics, citing privacy concerns.

Despite his pain, Shalev had become an advocate for mental health awareness. Israeli nonprofit ELEM: Youth in Distress honored him with its “LifeSaver Award” for his efforts to help others cope with post-traumatic stress following October 7. Accepting the award last year, he said, “I’m determined to help rebuild our community, to offer hope and support to those whose lives have been shattered by similar tragedies. And so, I humbly ask for your assistance. Together, we can make a difference. Whether through donations or spreading awareness, every act of kindness matters. And amidst the pain and sorrow, I hold onto one truth: we will dance again. We’ll reclaim the joy that was stolen from us and build a brighter future for all.”

In a statement, SafeHeart, an organization providing trauma therapy for Nova survivors, mourned deeply. “Our hearts are broken alongside Roei’s family, friends, and the entire survivor community. This terrible tragedy is a painful reminder that for many survivors, the trauma of October 7 has not ended. It continues to live within them, day by day, moment by moment. The pain does not simply fade with time; in many cases, it grows stronger.

“Two years later, we as a society must recognize that survivors need long-term, professional, and accessible support. They need to be seen, heard, and understood, not only on anniversaries or during public events, but every single day. The path to healing is long, complex, and deeply personal. It requires compassion, treatment, and community.

“SafeHeart will continue to provide trauma-informed care to survivors of the Nova festival and all those affected by the events of October 7. Our mission remains unwavering: to ensure that no survivor ever feels alone in their struggle.

“We urge any survivor, family member, or loved one in distress to reach out to SafeHeart, to their therapists, or to other support networks. You are not alone, and you never will be. May Roei rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.”

Post-traumatic stress has now claimed the lives of at least 41 people in Israel, leaving families shattered. Many of those lost were soldiers who entered the massacre sites at Nova and nearby kibbutzim, where they witnessed unspeakable horrors committed by Hamas terrorists.

Mental health professionals continue to warn that the emotional toll of October 7 has reached the level of a national emergency, and that countless others remain at risk unless long-term psychological aid and intervention are expanded.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Beri Weber at a Simchas Bais HaShoeva in Beitar on Motzei Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos.

Israeli authorities are on standby for the return of 48 hostages—both living and deceased—following reports that the transfers could happen “at any time,” according to The Jerusalem Post. Despite that readiness, officials expect the process to begin on Monday.

Preparations are already underway for the reception of 20 surviving hostages and the remains of 28 others under the terms of the ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas. With IDF forces having pulled back from parts of Gaza, medical and forensic personnel have been mobilized to handle the delicate task of identifying the victims.

Reports suggest that the first hostages could be handed over as early as Sunday under the peace framework advanced by US President Donald Trump. Trump himself said on Friday that he anticipates the return to be completed by Monday.

Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, Israel’s Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons, told families tonight that he expects the releases to begin Monday morning. He noted that all arrangements for receiving the deceased have been finalized and emphasized that the process will be carried out respectfully and with full forensic documentation.

“We demand, expect, and are working to ensure that Hamas, with the assistance of the international force, makes a full (100%) effort to complete the mission and return all deceased hostages so they may be laid to rest in Israel,” he affirmed.

Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas was granted a 72-hour window to release the captives once Israeli troops withdrew from designated areas in Gaza on Friday. A senior Hamas official told Agence France-Presse that the first releases would indeed take place Monday.

President Trump is expected to make a brief visit to Israel on Monday morning. He is scheduled to meet with hostage families upon arrival and address the Knesset before departing later that day.

In anticipation of the hostages’ return, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu visited Sheba Medical Center on Friday to inspect preparations. At the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, teams have completed detailed readiness plans to identify 28 sets of remains, marking one of the most sensitive missions in Israel’s medical history.

The Abu Kabir process will use advanced scientific methods—CT scans, DNA matching, dental records, and anthropological comparisons—to ensure accurate identification.
Arab media reported that Hamas had started gathering the bodies of deceased hostages for repatriation, though Israeli officials are skeptical that all remains can be located quickly, which could result in delays.

Following the ceasefire’s activation, the IDF redeployed its forces along the agreed lines inside Gaza on Friday. By today, thousands of Palestinians were seen moving northward—on foot, in cars, and on donkey carts—trying to return to the homes they abandoned during the fighting.

Meanwhile, about 200 American military personnel have arrived in Israel to assist in overseeing the Trump peace agreement, an official familiar with the operation told ABC News. These troops are specialists in logistics, transportation, planning, and security coordination.

On Friday, Israel’s Justice Ministry published the official list of Palestinian prisoners who will be freed as part of the deal to recover the hostages. The roster includes 250 inmates serving life sentences, along with 1,700 additional detainees—among them women and minors—who were arrested since Hamas’s October 7 massacre.

Among those slated for release are Ra’ad Sheikh, a Palestinian police officer involved in the infamous Ramallah lynching, and Iyad Abu al-Rub, a senior Islamic Jihad commander from Jenin linked to multiple suicide bombings, including the Shdei Terumot grocery attack in 2003, the Sting Club bombing in 2004, and the 2005 Hadera market attack.

According to Walla, the ratio of Palestinian prisoners to Israeli hostages in this exchange is the lowest Israel has agreed to in decades.

Tonight, approximately 400,000 people assembled at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square ahead of the anticipated returns. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, addressed the crowd.

“I dreamed of this night,” Witkoff began. “It’s been a long journey.” Gazing out at the massive audience, he continued: “You have carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the entire world. You’ve prayed, you’ve persevered. And you’ve shown the world that peace is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength. Through heartbreak and fear, you have never let go of the faith,” Witkoff said.

{Matzav.com}

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday morning for a brief but highly anticipated four-hour visit that will include meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, families of the Israeli hostages, and an address to the Knesset, according to Channel 12. The network reports that Trump is expected to land at Ben Gurion Airport at 9:20 a.m., where a short welcoming ceremony will be held before he proceeds directly to the Knesset. At 11:00 a.m., the president is slated to deliver an address to the Knesset plenum — a speech that will mark his first official visit to Israel since returning to office. Before the address, Trump will hold a private meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in the premier’s Knesset office. The two will then meet with families of hostages inside the Knesset’s Chagall Hall, according to the report. Trump is expected to depart Israel at approximately 1:00 p.m., wrapping up what Israeli media is calling a “symbolic but historic” visit. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly told families of the hostages on Saturday evening that locating some of the bodies of those killed in captivity could prove extremely difficult, according to a Channel 12 report. Under the terms of the recently approved agreement, Hamas is obligated to return all 48 hostages — both living and deceased — by Monday. However, Hamas has reportedly informed mediators that it may not be able to locate every body within that timeframe, and Israeli officials are said to be aware of this possibility. The Channel 12 report notes that the families were “deeply troubled” by Witkoff’s comments and are urging the Israeli government “to do everything to return every hostage.” According to Israeli assessments, there are currently 20 living hostages and 28 who are believed dead. CNN reported earlier this week that Israeli intelligence suggests Hamas may be unable to recover all of the bodies. Three Israeli officials told the network that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been aware of this situation for months. One official estimated that “seven to nine bodies might not be retrieved,” while another placed the figure between “10 and 15.” Those estimates were reportedly based on intelligence findings and discussions held in Egypt, though Israeli authorities have not publicly confirmed the numbers. Meanwhile, some families expressed disappointment after a portion of the crowd at Hostages Square booed Netanyahu’s name when Witkoff publicly praised both the Prime Minister and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer for their roles in securing the hostage-ceasefire agreement. Families told Channel 12 that such reactions were “inappropriate.”

Tragic news from the IDF this weekend: a reservist soldier who was critically injured earlier in the week in an accidental grenade explosion in southern Gaza has passed away from his wounds. The fallen soldier has been identified as Master Sgt. (res.) Shmuel Gad Rahamim, 31, of the Southern Brigade’s 7015th Battalion, a resident of Givat Ze’ev. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. Tuesday at an IDF post in the Khan Younis area when a grenade detonated under unclear circumstances inside a room where soldiers were resting. Two other reservists were also wounded in the blast, one of them seriously. The IDF says the circumstances of the tragic incident remain under investigation. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

For the past 21 years, YWN’s team of seasoned reporters has delivered breaking news and reliable updates, building two decades of trust with over half a million readers each day. On this live blog, YWN will be providing continuous, around-the-clock coverage, bringing you the latest developments as they unfold. You can also join over 100,000 subscribers on YWN WhatsApp and stay connected for real time updates: YWN’s WhatsApp Community YWN’s WhatsApp status

HY’D: A reservist soldier who was seriously wounded in an accidental grenade explosion in southern Gaza earlier this week has succumbed to his wounds, the IDF announced. The fallen soldier has been identified as Master Sgt. (res.) Shmuel Gad Rahamim, 31, of the Southern Brigade’s 7015th Battalion, from Givat Ze’ev. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. Tuesday at an IDF post in the Khan Younis area, when a grenade detonated under unclear circumstances inside a room where soldiers were resting. Two other reservists were injured in the blast, one of them seriously.

Jonathan Pollard sharply criticized Israel’s agreement to the American-imposed ceasefire, calling it a display of weakness and poor leadership. “There’s always another alternative, if you’re willing to stand up for yourself,” he told Arutz Sheva–Israel National News during an interview in Yerushalayim over Sukkos. “I remember having terrible arguments when the American-imposed ceasefire in Lebanon was accepted. I was told, ‘What choice did we have?’ And I laid out a series of options that would have suited us far better than the deal imposed on us.”

Pollard said the same mistake is unfolding again. “Right now, we never should have adopted this plan. Since October 7th, there’s been a vacuum over what the day after would amount to in Gaza. When you have a vacuum, somebody is going to fill it.”

He warned that Israel’s leadership is repeating the same pattern of capitulation. “The country had been completely abandoned by the political and military echelons. I see a government that basically doesn’t really care about the people, the land and people of this country, and is willing right now, both the military and the political establishment, to accept a deal imposed on us by the Americans that will eventually return us to another October 7th.”

Reflecting on the trauma of that day—what he referred to as the “Black Sabbath”—Pollard said the massacre revealed to him the depth of national betrayal. “Up until that time, I had felt that I was the exception to the rule. My abandonment and betrayal by the government was an exception. But when I watched the GoPro video of the Nukba terrorists coming into my security phone, I suddenly realized that we had all been abandoned, all of us.”

He lamented that Israel has failed to achieve conclusive victories in its conflicts. “The problem with that is it’s called mowing the grass or managing the problem. We have never decisively defeated anyone yet on any of our fronts—not the Houthis, not Hamas, not Hezbollah, not Iran. We’re managing that problem, but we haven’t done anything decisively to eliminate it.”

When asked whether total victory is attainable, Pollard pointed to history as proof. “Yes, we saw it during the Second World War, when the Allies declared there would be no compromise—total surrender of the Axis powers. But we here in Israel don’t seem to comprehend that concept very well. We have not defeated Hezbollah. We have not defeated Hamas.”

Turning to U.S.-Israel relations, Pollard expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump’s consistent support but insisted that Israel must act independently. “We should have said no thanks. It’s our blood that’s been spilled, our people that have been slaughtered, our hostages kept under inhumane conditions. These people [in Gaza] are not our friends and never will be.”

He argued that Israel’s leaders should have presented a definitive postwar vision from the outset. “The Prime Minister, on October 8th, should have announced what the day after would be. For me, that would be the total destruction of Hamas, the expulsion of the Gazans, the re-imposition of sovereignty over the land, and the repopulation of Gaza.”

Pollard said he has spoken with Israelis displaced from both the north and south who share his view. “When I ask them what they think of the day after, the answer has been the same: no Arabs, none. These are people who have gone through hell. They saw their families and friends slaughtered and their communities destroyed by the same people that President Trump feels sorry for.”

Discussing the current Sukkos atmosphere in Yerushalayim, Pollard described a painful emotional duality. “Like most Israelis, I’m living what best can be described as a schizophrenic life because I have dear friends right now in Gaza that I’m very concerned about. Yet at the same time, we have to celebrate the Chag. When we have the families over, it’s a very somber occasion.”

He said the holiday feels subdued and marked by the absence of those serving in the field. “You walk around Yerushalayim and I don’t see many young men or women. They’re in the field defending us. So Sukkot for me right now is more a celebration of absence than anything I’m actually enjoying.”

Despite his anger toward the political leadership, Pollard concluded with deep admiration for Israel’s soldiers. “I’m immensely proud of our chayalim. I can’t tell you how proud I am of these men and women who have put on the uniform to defend us. That’s why I can’t conceive of turning over land that so many soldiers have fought and died for to anybody else.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu arrived at Sheba Medical Center just before the onset of Shabbos to review the country’s readiness for receiving hostages returning under Operation Returning Home. The visit focused on ensuring that all medical and logistical preparations were in place for the imminent arrivals.

While at the hospital, Netanyahu met with IDF soldiers who had been wounded during the fighting. Speaking with emotion, he told them, “You are heroes. You have saved the State of Israel and uplifted our spirit. I am excited about the mental strength that you all mobilize for personal and national rehabilitation. Seeing you fills me with strength and boundless gratitude.”

Following his meeting with the injured soldiers, the Prime Minister toured the secure medical area designated to receive the freed hostages and their families. He commended the hospital’s staff for their preparedness and professionalism, praising their efforts to handle the complex and sensitive mission.

Netanyahu was joined by several senior officials during his visit, including his Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, Hostage and Missing Persons Coordinator Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, IDF Personnel Directorate head Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, and Sheba Medical Center Director General Prof. Yitzchok Kreiss.

The visit underscored the government’s emphasis on ensuring that every returning hostage receives comprehensive medical and psychological care while also highlighting Israel’s ongoing commitment to those who sacrificed in defense of the nation.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF’s chief spokesman, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, spoke to reporters Friday after troops repositioned along the so-called “yellow line” as part of the operational phase tied to ending the Gaza war. He framed the move as a pivotal moment for both the nation and the soldiers who carried the fight over the past two years.

“This is an exciting moment for the people of Israel and for the fighters and soldiers of the IDF who fought and worked over the past two years with bravery, fortitude, and a sense of mission and dedication,” he stated.

Defrin stressed that the army will not accept lingering security threats and vowed strict, measured action to protect border communities. “IDF soldiers will act to remove any threat to their security – risks will not be taken. We will do everything necessary to defend the western Negev and southern Israel.”

Recalling the trauma of the October 7 attacks, the spokesman said the IDF’s campaign has been relentless and remains committed to shielding civilians. “On the morning of October 7th, two years ago, the most important contract with the citizens of Israel was desecrated. Since then, led by the Southern Command, we haven’t stopped for a moment, and that’s what we’ll always do. A brave generation of heroes and heroines of Israel stands strong as a buffer between the citizens of Israel and any enemy.”

Honoring the fallen, Defrin cited the operation’s heavy toll while affirming that the return of hostages is underway and defense efforts continue. “We remember the campaign’s 914 fallen who fought heroically, thanks to them and thanks to the servicemembers, the hostages are coming home. The war is not over, more challenges are expected in all arenas, and we are determined to defend Israel on all fronts,” he stated.

When pressed about reports of differing views within the military leadership, Defrin defended the chief of staff’s record and called the debate one of tactics, not intent: “The Chief of Staff never opposed the operation. He advocated for the decisive defeat of Hamas,” he said, noting there was disagreement about the method. “We cannot live with Hamas ruling the Gaza Strip, if these objectives are achieved through negotiations — fine. If not, we will know how to return to fighting. The IDF will be able to return to fighting Hamas. The campaign is not over; further challenges are expected on all fronts.”

On Hamas’s battlefield condition, Defrin was blunt: “Hamas today is not the Hamas of two years ago — Hamas has been defeated wherever we fought it.”

Addressing the difficult trade-offs in the deal that frees hostages in exchange for prisoner releases, he emphasized the cost but vowed accountability for any return to violence: “We are paying heavy prices for a noble goal. The IDF is strong and will know how to defend the State of Israel. We are aware of this price, and whoever among them returns to terror will pay the price.”

{Matzav.com}

Russia will take steps to strengthen its air defense network if President Donald Trump moves ahead with plans to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, President Vladimir Putin said Friday.

Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Putin outlined his government’s intended reaction. “Our response is to strengthen the air defense system of the Russian Federation,” he said.

The Russian leader also claimed that Moscow is preparing to unveil a new generation of advanced weaponry, suggesting that testing of the systems is proceeding successfully. “Russia will soon unveil its new weapons. As for [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy’s threats to strike the Kremlin with Tomahawks — that’s not just blackmail, it’s showing off,” Putin added.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he sees “no reason” to hold a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his planned trip to South Korea, following Beijing’s announcement of new restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals vital to American industries.

Trump, expressing clear frustration with China’s move, indicated that he is considering a significant escalation in trade measures. He suggested that a sharp rise in import duties on Chinese goods could be part of the United States’ response.

“One of the Policies that we are calculating at this moment is a massive increase of Tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “There are many other countermeasures that are, likewise, under serious consideration.”

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have been mounting over trade policy, with both sides seeking leverage in ongoing economic talks. Earlier this year, Trump’s administration implemented new import tariffs, prompting retaliatory measures from China and setting off a new round of trade hostilities between the two largest economies in the world.

While recent negotiations in Switzerland and the United Kingdom had reduced some tariffs, the relationship remains strained, especially as China has begun limiting U.S. access to the rare earth elements critical for advanced technologies.

Trump accused Beijing of weaponizing global supply chains, saying that China is “becoming very hostile” and is effectively holding the world “captive” by cutting off access to essential minerals and magnets used in electronics, semiconductors, lasers, and other critical products.

“I have not spoken to President Xi because there was no reason to do so,” Trump said. “This was a real surprise, not only to me, but to all the Leaders of the Free World.”

In his full Truth Social post, Trump expanded on his grievances, warning that China’s recent actions were deliberate and aggressive. “Some very strange things are happening in China! They are becoming very hostile, and sending letters to Countries throughout the World, that they want to impose Export Controls on each and every element of production having to do with Rare Earths, and virtually anything else they can think of, even if it’s not manufactured in China. Nobody has ever seen anything like this but, essentially, it would ‘clog’ the Markets, and make life difficult for virtually every Country in the World, especially for China.”

Trump said the move came as a shock, given recent improvements in relations. “We have been contacted by other Countries who are extremely angry at this great Trade hostility, which came out of nowhere. Our relationship with China over the past six months has been a very good one, thereby making this move on Trade an even more surprising one. I have always felt that they’ve been lying in wait, and now, as usual, I have been proven right!”

He accused China of long plotting to dominate key industries. “There is no way that China should be allowed to hold the World ‘captive,’ but that seems to have been their plan for quite some time, starting with the ‘Magnets’ and, other Elements that they have quietly amassed into somewhat of a Monopoly position, a rather sinister and hostile move, to say the least.”

Trump added that while the U.S. also controls strategic resources, he had previously avoided exploiting them — “UNTIL NOW!”

According to Trump, China sent detailed letters to world governments outlining its new export restrictions, which he called “especially inappropriate” given that they were issued on the same day that peace was achieved in the Middle East. “I wonder if that timing was coincidental?” he wrote.

Trump confirmed that his scheduled meeting with Xi in two weeks at the APEC summit in South Korea would likely not happen. “I was to meet President Xi in two weeks, at APEC, in South Korea, but now there seems to be no reason to do so,” he stated.

He concluded by signaling that a firm economic response is coming. “Dependent on what China says about the hostile ‘order’ that they have just put out, I will be forced, as President of the United States of America, to financially counter their move. For every Element that they have been able to monopolize, we have two. I never thought it would come to this but perhaps, as with all things, the time has come. Ultimately, though potentially painful, it will be a very good thing, in the end, for the U.S.A.”

Trump ended his message with a warning and a declaration of resolve: “One of the Policies that we are calculating at this moment is a massive increase of Tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States of America. There are many other countermeasures that are, likewise, under serious consideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

{Matzav.com}

The head of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee sought to defend the group’s decision on Friday not to honor President Donald Trump, offering a veiled implication that the U.S. leader was not deserving of the award despite his historic diplomatic achievement in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes was asked about the widespread calls for Trump to receive the prize after the deal’s announcement. Trump had previously stated that it would be “an insult to the US” if he were not awarded the honor.

However, the deadline for nominations closed on January 31 — only a few days into Trump’s second term — meaning that any nominations submitted for his recent peace efforts will instead be considered for the 2026 prize.

Even so, rather than attributing the decision solely to timing, Frydnes appeared to imply that Trump did not meet the standards of the award. “In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think this committee has seen many types of campaign, media attention,” Frydnes said, pointedly refraining from mentioning Trump by name.

“We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what, for them, leads to peace,” he continued.

“This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” Frydnes added.

While the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee had already made its selection on Monday, Trump’s supporters made an eleventh-hour push to have the committee recognize him after he brokered the groundbreaking ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas just days later.

Among those calling for Trump to be honored was Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, who shared an AI-generated image of Trump wearing a Nobel medal, writing: “Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize – he deserves it!”

Trump has also been widely credited for his peace initiatives in other regions, including mediating efforts between Russia and Ukraine and helping to defuse several other long-running international conflicts.

Ultimately, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

{Matzav.com}

Shas party leader MK Aryeh Deri spoke Friday morning about the newly finalized agreement securing the release of all hostages, calling it an extraordinary and historic accomplishment for Israel.

According to Deri, “No one dreamed we would achieve such an agreement for the return of the hostages. Until now, the proposals on the table involved a full withdrawal from the Strip, leaving Hamas in control, and raising the white flag.”

Reflecting on the outcome, Deri said the current deal went far beyond what anyone thought possible. “Who would have prayed that we would receive all the hostages, both the living and the fallen, while IDF soldiers remain in the territory, controlling over 50% of the Strip until Hamas is dismantled and another force enters? This is a great miracle and immense divine assistance.”

{Matzav.com}

The four high-profile terrorists Hamas had pushed to include in the ceasefire exchange — Marwan Barghouti, Ahmad Saadat, Abbas al-Sayyid, and Hassan Salameh — have been removed from the final list of prisoners set for release under the agreement that took effect early Friday morning.

Also excluded from the deal are Hakim Awad, the terrorist who brutally murdered five members of the Fogel family in 2011 and is serving five life sentences, and Mahmoud Atallah, who assaulted female prison guards.

The finalized roster of those to be freed includes a number of notorious figures — several of them individuals who were previously released in past prisoner swaps and later re-arrested for renewed terrorist activity during the current Gaza conflict.

Among those expected to be freed are perpetrators of the 2000 Ramallah lynching, one of the most shocking and savage terror attacks in Israel’s history. The list also names Baher Dar, serving 11 life sentences for orchestrating the 2004 Tzrifin suicide bombing and other deadly attacks in Tel Aviv.

One of the prisoners to be released is a terrorist who had been freed in the Gilad Shalit deal but was later captured again at Gaza’s Shifa Hospital after returning to terrorist activity.

Also on the list is Ibrahim Alikem, the terrorist who ambushed and murdered Ita Tzur and her 12-year-old son Efrayim near Ramallah in 1996. He had already served a life sentence before being re-arrested roughly a decade later.

Fares Ghanem, sentenced to nine life terms for eight murders, will also be among those released. Joining him are the kidnapper and killer of Israeli civilian Yuri Gushchin and Atiyah Abu Samhadga, who raped and murdered a Jewish woman.

Other names slated for release include Jafar Al-Zaatari, a senior Hamas operative responsible for organizing multiple suicide bombings; the murderer of Dalia Lemkus; and Iyem Kammamji, who was arrested in 2006 for his role in the kidnapping and murder of Eliyahu Asheri and later escaped from Gilboa Prison in 2021. Another, Hussein Jawadrah, was convicted for killing IDF soldier Eden Attias when he was just 16.

Riyad Al-Amour, a top Tanzim commander convicted of killing nine Israeli civilians and soldiers — among them Brigadier-General Yehuda Edri — as well as three Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel, will also be freed.

In addition, the deal includes Nabil Abu Hadir, who murdered his sister, and the Tanzim chief in Tulkarm, implicated in dozens of shootings and bombings.

Also expected to go free is the terrorist responsible for the 2002 Neve Yaakov attack that left policewoman Galit Arviv dead and eight others wounded, along with those who murdered Shin Bet coordinator Haim Nachmani, and the handlers behind the Carmel Market suicide bomber. The list further includes Iyad Abu Al-Rub, the former head of Islamic Jihad’s military wing in Jenin.

Notably, the agreement also covers several Israeli Arab terrorists. Among them is the perpetrator of the 2002 Line 20 Jerusalem bus bombing that killed 11 Israelis. Others include Emad Shahada, who raped and murdered a teenage girl; Arafat Zeer, who planned the At-Taniel suicide attack; and Iman Kurd, sentenced to 35 years for stabbing two police officers in 2016.

Additional prisoners set to be released are Ahmad Mahmoud Ali Ka’abna, who murdered Hagit Zavitzky and Liat Kastiel; senior Hamas official Hamdallah Ali, released in the Shalit deal and later recaptured at Shifa Hospital; and Hazam Awad, a senior Fatah operative tied to multiple deadly terror plots.

Also being released are Taleb Mahamrah, a senior Fatah member convicted of killing five Israelis and several Palestinians, as well as Ismail Hamdan and Adnan Abi’at, head of the Tanzim branch in Bethlehem. Included too is Musa Safen, who murdered his own mother for marrying a Jewish man, and the killer of Chief Sergeant Moshe Dayan.

The list further names Nader Abu Turki, previously freed in the Shalit swap and later recruited a suicide bomber before carrying out a shooting attack. After his earlier release, he served as a key liaison between Hamas leadership in Turkey and operatives in Judea and Samaria — and notably, he will not be deported under the new deal. Also being freed are Ahmad Siyag, who stabbed a female soldier four years ago, and Zaid Ghanidi, who led a Chevron-based terror cell recently uncovered by the Shin Bet.

{Matzav.com}

SING Entertainment has announced that sales for this Sunday’s concert starring Benny Friedman have soared beyond 90%, with tickets expected to be bought out by Motzei Shabbos. Anticipation is through the roof for this Sunday’s mega concert starring Benny Friedman, with sales topping 90% already.  “Benny & Friends” will include an unparalleled lineup of surprise guest singers, promising an afternoon of Simchas Yom Tov like no other. On Sunday, October 12 “Benny and Friends” will take the stage for an afternoon concert titled “Whee Want To Sing With You” live at the Newark Symphony Hall brought to you by Whee, a product of SR. The afternoon concert will also feature a top-notch band led by musical director Gershon Freishtat. October 12 at the Newark Symphony Hall. Doors open at 2:00, show begins at 3:00. Final tickets are available here : https://t.ly/sing.ywn 

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed the Israeli public on Friday, speaking shortly after the implementation phase of the historic plan to free the remaining hostages and bring an end to the Gaza war officially began. He described the moment as “a tremendous achievement” for the nation.

“We mark today one of our tremendous achievements in the War of Redemption: the return of all of the hostages, both the living and the deceased,” Netanyahu said in his televised remarks. “This is a crucial goal which we have insisted upon throughout the war.”

Netanyahu underscored that Israel’s government had delivered on its pledge to bring every captive home. “Throughout the two years that have passed since the beginning of the war, I have promised to the families of the hostages – and also promised to you, the citizens of Israel – that we will return everyone, with no exceptions. We made that promise and we are keeping our promise.”

He emphasized that even in the face of immense pressure from both within Israel and the international community to halt military action, he refused to waver from the mission. “I had to face enormous pressure, both domestic and foreign… yet, I steadfastly resisted all that pressure, because my focus was on one single consideration: Israel’s security.”

The Prime Minister attributed the success of the deal to a combination of sustained military operations, diplomatic leverage, and close collaboration with President Donald Trump. “I believed that if we apply heavy military pressure on Hamas, combined with heavy diplomatic pressure, we will indeed be able to return all of our hostages. And that’s exactly what we did,” Netanyahu said.

He noted that before President Trump took office, 158 hostages had been brought back, including 117 who survived. After Trump’s involvement, another 49 hostages — both living and deceased — were returned. Netanyahu explained that the final phase now underway would secure the return of the remaining 48 captives, consisting of 20 living and 28 deceased.

“Hamas only agreed to this deal when it felt the sword on its neck – and the sword remains on its neck,” Netanyahu asserted, crediting Israel’s ongoing military presence in Gaza and its diplomatic efforts to isolate the terror group for compelling Hamas to accept the terms.

Growing visibly emotional, Netanyahu recalled his personal encounters with families of the hostages. He said he and his wife had been profoundly touched by their strength and anguish, pledging that the remains of the fallen would be laid to rest according to Jewish tradition — calling this “a sacred duty of communal responsibility.”

He went on to express heartfelt appreciation for the bravery and determination of Israel’s soldiers and security forces who fought throughout the conflict. Netanyahu also extended thanks to President Trump and his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for their leadership and partnership in advancing the plan.

In closing, Netanyahu referenced the biblical prophecy of consolation to Rachel, linking it to the mission’s name. “The name of the operation, ‘Returning Home’, is a paraphrase of the promise given to Our Mother Rachel… ‘and your children shall return to their own border.’ Our sons and daughters shall return home.”

“Together, we will overcome the challenges; together, we will fulfil the opportunities; together, we will complete our missions; together, we will expand the circle of peace around us,” Netanyahu concluded.

{Matzav.com}