Donald Trump will be joined by world leaders at a ceasefire summit in Egypt on Monday, seeking to secure a fragile truce in Gaza which has entered its third day.
Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron will travel to Sharm El-Sheikh for the gathering, which Cairo said would be co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
A “signing ceremony” will take place, Downing Street said, with Sir Keir set to pay “particular tribute” to Trump for his efforts.
The ceasefire, which came into place on Friday morning, has seen Palestinians returning to their homes which have been flattened by Israeli bombardment over the past two years. Hundreds of bodies have also been found under the rubble.
Hamas is set to release the 20 living Israeli hostages before 12pm local time (10am BST) on Monday. Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian detainees in return.
On Saturday evening, a crowd in the hundreds of thousands gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, where they hailed the US president while booing their own prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, Hamas recalled around 7,000 fighters amid growing fears of renewed internal violence in Gaza, local sources told the BBC.
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Key Points
- Hostages releases expected to begin Monday morning
- Starmer to join Trump at Gaza peace summit in Egypt
- 'Thank you, Trump' chants heard from crowds in Hostages Square
- Hamas recalls 7,000 fighters as fears of renewed internal violence in Gaza grow
- Trump says there is 'consensus' on next steps ahead of Middle East visit
- Recap: What happened this week – and what's next?
Pictures lay bare scale of Gaza destruction as Palestinians return to flattened homes
10:00
,
Alex Croft
The end of innocence: Greta Thunberg came of age (and people hate her for it)
09:29
,
Alex Croft
Last week, Greta Thunberg made a spectacular return to global headlines, this time not as a young climate icon but as a humanitarian, an activist and detainee speaking out. After Israel’s navy intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla that Thunberg sailed on, she was held alongside more than 400 others before she and 130 detainees were deported on 6 October.
Back in Stockholm, the 22-year-old accused Israeli authorities of “cruel and degrading” treatment of detainees, who Thunberg says were crammed into tiny cages and denied essential medicine. Yet she also made a slight retraction: “I do not want there to be headlines about Greta being tortured,” she said. “Because that’s not the story here.”
It has never been that simple, of course, particularly when you’re Greta Thunberg. She was 15 when she began protesting, back in 2018, and now that she is in her twenties, she finds herself under new scrutiny.
Our special correspondent Zoë Beaty writes:
Recap: What's happened so far - and when will hostages and detainees be released?
08:59
,
Alex Croft
A long-awaited ceasefire has now been in place for two days, after Donald Trump pushed Israel and Hamas to accept his 20-point plan to end the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
The truce came into place on Friday morning, and will see thousands of Palestinians return home to their homes, which have been left largely in rubble following two years of bombardment.
The Israeli military said it has “begun positioning” its troops along the lines detailed in the ceasefire agreement.
On Friday morning, a 72-hour countdown began in which Hamas must release all 20 hostages who are believed to still be alive. They must be handed over by 12:00 local time (10:00 BST) on Monday.
During this process, we expect to see the release of about 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
The timeline of the exchange is not entirely clear. There have been some suggestions that the first hostage releases could take place on Sunday, but most of the sounds coming from both Israeli and Hamas officials suggest Monday morning is the most likely time for the living Israeli hostages to be released.
In previous hostage handovers they've been collected by the Red Cross which has transferred them to Israel. It is also unclear how the final exchanges will take place.
We also expect to see about 600 humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza daily from now on.
After this process has been completed, negotiations are expected to begin over the latter phases of Donald Trump's 20-point plan.
Starmer to join Trump and other world leaders at peace summit in Egypt
08:36
,
Alex Croft
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to join US president Donald Trump and other world leaders at a peace summit in Egypt seeking to secure the fragile ceasefire agreed in Gaza.
The Prime Minister will travel to Sharm El-Sheikh for the gathering, which Cairo said would be co-chaired by the US leader and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on Monday.
A “signing ceremony” for the Gaza peace plan will take place at the event to mark a turning point for the Middle East as the truce enters its initial stages, Downing Street said.
Sir Keir will pay “particular tribute” to Mr Trump and the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in “bringing us to this point” before calling for “swift progress towards phase two”, No 10 said.
French President Emmanuel Macron will also attend, the Elysee Palace confirmed on Saturday.
EU Council president to attend Egypt peace summit
08:11
,
Alex Croft
European Council president Antonio Costa will attend a peace summit in Egypt on Monday, an EU official said on Sunday.
Egypt will host an international summit in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday to finalise an agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
Donald Trump will also attend the summit, while reports have suggested other world leaders may also be present.
Release of hostages expected to begin Monday morning
08:00
,
Alex Croft
The release of Israeli hostages from Gaza is expected to begin on Monday morning, Hamas and Israeli officials said over the weekend, according to The Times of Israel.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas has been given a window of 72 hours to return the 48 hostages after an initial withdrawal by the Israeli military from parts of Gaza.
The Israeli outlet revealed a message by the government’s pointman on the hostages, Gal Hirsch, who told their relatives that “the process of releasing your loved ones — our loved ones, the hostages — will begin on Monday morning”.
He added: “Living hostages will be handed over to us, and it is expected that the remains of fallen hostages will also be transferred to us.”
Osama Hamdan, a Hamas official, told AFP that “according to the signed agreement, the prisoner exchange is set to begin on Monday morning as agreed, and there are no new developments on this matter.”
IDF warns they are 'ready for action' until all hostages returned
07:42
,
Alex Croft
The Israel Defense Forces has warned they “are prepared for any development and remain present, ready for action until all our hostages return”.
IDF Commander of the 98th Division said: “We are prepared for any development and remain present, ready for action until all our hostages return. We will embrace the living and salute the fallen. Know that you are the heroes of victory; together, we will continue to fulfill every mission required of us.”
Thousands of people take part in pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney
07:16
,
Shweta Sharma
Tens of thousands of people took part in a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney’s central business district on Sunday, organisers said, after a court blocked plans to hold the protest at the Sydney Opera House.
The Palestine Action Group, which organised the rally, estimated around 30,000 people attended in Sydney, one of 27 protests across Australia including in Melbourne. Police did not provide a crowd estimate.
The demonstrations come as Israeli troops pull back under the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, following a war that has killed tens of thousands and left much of the enclave in ruins.
Amal Naser, one of the Sydney rally organisers, said:
“Even if the ceasefire holds, Israel is still conducting a military occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. The occupation as well as systemic discrimination against Palestinians living in Israel constitute an Apartheid system.”
Footage from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed protesters marching on closed city streets, many carrying Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyeh scarves. Police reported no arrests.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, representing more than 200 Jewish organisations, condemned the protest organisers. Co-chief executive Peter Wertheim said they “want the deal to fail, which would mean the war would continue.”
Families of 48 hostages meet US envoys ahead of historic Gaza prisoner swap
07:07
,
Shweta Sharma
The families of 48 hostages met with special envoy for peace missions Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump at Hostages Square, ahead of the release on Monday.
The families thanked them for their instrumental role in securing the historic deal to bring all their loved ones home.
During the meeting, Witkoff emphasised the United States’ unwavering commitment to the mission and continuing their work, not leaving anyone behind.
The families expressed their deep appreciation for the continued support and dedication shown by the US administration.
By Monday, Hamas is to begin releasing the remaining 48 Israeli hostages held in Gaza, around 20 of them believed to be alive.
Israel will release around 2,000 Palestinians, including senior militants convicted of deadly attacks, as well as people convicted of lesser offences and those held without charge under what is known as administrative detention.
About 200 US troops arrive in Israel to monitor ceasefire with Hamas
07:00
,
Tara Cobham
About 200 US troops arrived in Israel to monitor the ceasefire with Hamas.
They will set up a center to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid as well as logistical and security assistance.
"This great effort will be achieved with no U.S. boots on the ground in Gaza," said Adm. Brad Cooper, head of the US military's Central Command. Israel said Witkoff, Kushner and Cooper met with senior US and Israeli military officials in Gaza on Saturday.
Watch: Netanyahu praises Trump for peace plan for ceasefire and hostage release
06:00
,
Tara Cobham
Analysis: Trump has been lavished with praise for delivering peace in Gaza – but did he really?
05:00
,
Tara Cobham
World leaders, diplomatic insiders, and much of the media are celebrating a ceasefire in Gaza calling it a “peace deal” and endorsing President Donald Trump’s now unsuccessful campaign for a Nobel Peace Prize.
US secretary of state Marc Rubio lavished praise on his boss, saying the turning point came when Trump convened meetings with Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
“The president had some extraordinary phone calls and meetings that required a high degree of intensity and commitment and made this happen,” Rubio said.
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
New details emerge from copy of signed ceasefire
04:00
,
Tara Cobham
A copy of the signed ceasefire says Hamas must share all information related to any bodies of hostages that are not released within the first 72 hours, and that Israel will provide information about the remains of deceased Palestinians from Gaza held in Israel.
The photo of the document was obtained by The Associated Press and its veracity was confirmed by two officials, including one whose country was a signatory. Both requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks. The U.S. did not confirm whether it was authentic.
Hamas and Israel will share the information through a mechanism supported by mediators and the International Committee of the Red Cross. It will also ensure all hostages are exhumed and released.
The agreement says mediators and the ICRC will facilitate the exchange of the hostages and prisoners without public ceremonies or media coverage.
Israel is to free some 250 Palestinians serving prison sentences, as well as around 1,700 people seized from Gaza the past two years and held without charge. The Israel Prison Service said prisoners have been transferred to deportation facilities at Ofer and Ktzi'ot prisons, "awaiting instructions from the political echelon."
Many unresolved questions remain as a ceasefire holds in Gaza
03:00
,
Tara Cobham
A ceasefire was holding in Gaza between Israel and Hamas on Saturday after two years of war. But will the agreement lead, as U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed, to “a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace”?
The deal took pressure on Israel and Hamas from the United States, Arab countries and Turkey. The war has devastated the Gaza Strip, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, sparked other conflicts around the region and increasingly isolated Israel.
The deal's first phase is meant to free the remaining hostages within days in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Read more here:
Aid groups urge Israel to reopen more crossings to allow aid into famine-stricken Gaza
02:00
,
Tara Cobham
Aid groups urged Israel to reopen more crossings to allow aid into famine-stricken Gaza. A UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet public, said Israel has approved expanded aid deliveries, starting Sunday.
The World Food Program said it was ready to restore 145 food distribution points. Before Israel sealed off Gaza in March, UN agencies provided food at 400 distribution points.
Though the timeline remains unclear, Palestinians will be able to access food at more locations than they could through the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operated four locations after taking over distribution in May.
Some 170,000 metric tons of food aid have been positioned in neighboring countries awaiting Israeli permission.
Watch: Ceasefire prompts mass departure from Gaza camps as families load vehicles
01:00
,
Tara Cobham
Analysis: Iran is out in the cold as the Mideast unites in support of the Gaza ceasefire
Sunday 12 October 2025 00:00
,
Tara Cobham
As the Middle East broadly welcomes a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Iran finds itself at one of its weakest moments since its 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Tehran has operated its self-described "Axis of Resistance" over several decades, supporting militant groups and nations allied with it against Israel and the United States. But as Israel bombed the Gaza Strip, it also turned its crosshairs toward top leaders abroad in militant groups like Hamas, Lebanon's Hezbollah and even the top echelon within Iran's military and nuclear program — killing many and disrupting their ability to fight back.
As President Donald Trump prepares for a Middle East trip that likely will see him praised by Israel and Arab nations, Iran won't be at the table as it still struggles to recover from June's 12-day war.
How Tehran's theocracy responds in the weeks and months ahead, whether that means lashing out or trying to rebuild its hobbled economy at home, will be crucial.
"Undoubtedly this is a not a proud moment for Iran," said Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. "Its alliance system in the region is in ruins but it doesn't mean that the 'Axis of Resistance' is no more."
Watch: 'Nobel President Trump' banner held aloft at huge Hostages Square rally
Saturday 11 October 2025 23:47
,
Tara Cobham
Starmer to attend Middle East peace summit in Egypt
Saturday 11 October 2025 23:34
,
Tara Cobham
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Egypt to attend the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, where leaders are expected to sign a US-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, his office said on Saturday.
The first phase of the plan is set to begin with the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners by Monday, marking what Britain called a "historic turning point" after two years of war.
The British leader would pay tribute to the role of US President Donald Trump and the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in brokering the deal, his office said.
He is expected to call for continued international coordination to implement the next phase, which includes deploying a ceasefire monitoring mission and establishing transitional governance in Gaza.
Starmer will reiterate Britain's "steadfast support" to help secure the ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid.
‘Everything is wiped out’: The bleak reality for Palestinians returning home in Gaza
Saturday 11 October 2025 23:00
,
Tara Cobham
Stretching out to the horizon in front of Palestinian father of two Said is a breathtaking level of destruction few can imagine. The apartment buildings in this north Gaza city are so eviscerated that they have been reduced to dust. It is hard to even call it rubble – it looks like ash.
“This is the location of our home. Nothing is visible,” Said says, pointing to an indiscernible mountain of grey, with a deadness in his voice. “Wiped out. Evaporated. It is as if there were never a house here at all.”
As soon as the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect at noon Friday, Said, 34, was among the first to take the deadly risk of marching north to find his home. Displaced countless times since the start of Israel’s two-year bombardment and siege on Gaza, he had hoped to at least recover some precious items, like photos, from his home.
Nedal Hamdouna and Bel Trew report:
Watch: Ivanka Trump shares message from president at Hostages Square rally
Saturday 11 October 2025 22:00
,
Tara Cobham
Egypt to convene global leaders, including Trump, in Sharm el-Sheikh on Gaza war agreement
Saturday 11 October 2025 21:30
,
Tara Cobham
Egypt will host an international summit in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday to finalise an agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza, an Egyptian presidential spokesperson said on Saturday.
The summit will be attended by more than 20 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, the spokesperson added in a statement.
Crowd in Hostages Square tonight estimated to be in hundreds of thousands
Saturday 11 October 2025 21:10
,
Tara Cobham
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner addressed a weekly rally in Tel Aviv that many hoped would be the last.
"To the hostages themselves, our brothers and sisters, you are coming home," Witkoff told the crowd estimated in the hundreds of thousands. Kushner said they would celebrate on Monday, when Israel's military has said the 48 hostages still in Gaza would be freed. The government believes around 20 remain alive. Kushner also noted the "suffering" in Gaza.
Israelis hugged and took selfies. Many waved US flags. "It's a really happy time, but we know that there are going to be some incredibly difficult moments coming," said one person in the crowd, Yaniv Peretz.
What happened today – key takeaways
Saturday 11 October 2025 20:50
,
Tara Cobham
- Half a million people have returned to Gaza City since the ceasefire started, Gaza's civil defence agency has said.
- Hamas has recalled 7,000 fighters amid fears of renewed internal violence in Gaza, the BBC has reported.
- A Hamas official has warned disarmament is “out of the question”.
- Israel has begun moving prisoners ahead of the exchange, with 2,000 expected to be freed
IDF warns they are 'ready for action' until all hostages returned
Saturday 11 October 2025 20:30
,
Tara Cobham
The Israel Defense Forces has warned they “are prepared for any development and remain present, ready for action until all our hostages return”.
IDF Commander of the 98th Division said: “We are prepared for any development and remain present, ready for action until all our hostages return. We will embrace the living and salute the fallen. Know that you are the heroes of victory; together, we will continue to fulfill every mission required of us.”
Watch: Israeli hostage's son thanks Donald Trump after ceasefire
Saturday 11 October 2025 20:10
,
Tara Cobham
Flag 'making it clear Trump is president of peace' unfolded at Hostages Square
Saturday 11 October 2025 19:50
,
Tara Cobham
A giant flag was unfolded at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv during US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s speech, making it clear “Trump is the president of peace”.
The hostage family forum said: “During Ambassador’s Witkoff’s speech, a giant flag unfolded at Hostages Square, making it clear that for the families and the entire nation – President Trump is the president of peace!”
Watch: Tel Aviv crowd boos as US envoy Witkoff thanks Netanyahu at Hostages Square rally
Saturday 11 October 2025 19:30
,
Tara Cobham
Tel Aviv crowd boos as US envoy Witkoff thanks Netanyahu at Hostage Square rally
Saturday 11 October 2025 18:52
,
Tara Cobham
The crowd gathered in Hostages Square booed as US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin.
The boos were loud and long, with Witkoff forced to ask the crowd to “let me just finish my thought”.
He said: “I was in the trenches with the prime minister – believe me, he was a very important part.”
Witkoff praises 'tireless dedication' of world leaders in address to crowds in Tel Aviv
Saturday 11 October 2025 18:48
,
Tara Cobham
US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has addressed the crowds gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.
“This moment was made through the tireless dedication of world leaders who would not rest until the world saw what could be achieved,” he said.
'Thank you, Trump' chants heard from crowds in Hostages Square
Saturday 11 October 2025 18:42
,
Tara Cobham
“Thank you, Trump” chants have been heard from the crowds in Hostages Square in Israel.
Loud cheers were also heard from those gathered in Tel Aviv when speakers thanked the US president for his Gaza peace plan.
MP reveals upcoming Bill calling for sanctions in Israel at London protest
Saturday 11 October 2025 18:20
,
Tara Cobham
The MP for Leeds East has told a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters in London about his upcoming Bill calling for sanctions on Israel.
Richard Burgon praised the "beautiful scenes of children dancing with joy" in Gaza as the ceasefire was announced, before telling the crowd outside Downing Street: "We need real peace. We need a total end to Israel's war on the Palestinian people, an end to the entire occupation."
He called for an end to Israeli occupation in the West Bank and for "war criminals to face justice", adding: "In recent months the International Court of Justice and the United Nations have been clear: Israel's entire occupation is illegal - they say every government, including our Government, has a legal duty to impose sanctions on Israel.
"So in my hand, I have my new Bill for sanctions on Israel" which will be published in the next few days, he said.
The MP added that it will call for "widespread sanctions before Israel's occupation ends", including economic sanctions on Israel, a ban on all trade with Israel's illegal settlements, a full arms embargo on Israel, and for an end to the UK-Israel trade deal until the country "upholds international law".
It will also include "individual sanctions on all those upholding the occupation, just as international law demands", Mr Burgon said.
Rally urging return of hostages set to get underway in Tel Aviv
Saturday 11 October 2025 18:01
,
Tara Cobham
A rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square is set to get underway, urging the return of all the hostages.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters said in a statement: “As the entire nation holds its breath in anticipation of the implementation of the agreement to return the hostages, the families of the hostages invite the people of Israel to participate in the central rally at Hostages Square. Our struggle is not over and will not end until the last hostage returns home.”
Massive Attack founding member criticises government for 'aiding annihilation of Palestinians'
Saturday 11 October 2025 17:43
,
Tara Cobham
A founding member of Massive Attack has criticised Government ministers for welcoming the ceasefire in Gaza "48 hours" after they were "arming and aiding the annihilation of the Palestinian people".
Addressing pro-Palestine protesters on Whitehall, Robert Del Naja said: "This week, in these buildings all around us, Government ministers frantically applied the camouflage of political language, hoping to hide them from the accountability of people in time.
"Ministers who welcomed the ceasefire - and pledged to do all they can to enforce it - are the same ministers who, 48 hours earlier, were still arming and aiding the annihilation of the Palestinian people."
These politicians were "the same people who made a global mockery of our terrorism laws by locking up non-violent activists and filling their own moral vacuum with pensioners, poets and students" who were holding "handwritten signs", he said.
"In the years to come we will all owe it to the Palestinian people to hold those who have been complicit in genocide, war crimes and violent apartheid to account", Del Naja said, before going on to express solidarity with rap trio Kneecap and other artists speaking out for Palestine.
Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians return to ruined Gaza neighbourhoods
Saturday 11 October 2025 17:25
,
Tara Cobham
Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to their Gaza neighborhoods Saturday, weaving through dust-shrouded streets as bulldozers clawed through the wreckage of two years of war and a ceasefire held in its second day.
"Gaza is completely destroyed. I have no idea where we should live or where to go," said Mahmoud al-Shandoghli as he walked through Gaza City. A boy climbed a shattered building to raise the Palestinian flag.
Sultana criticises home secretary for 'locking up pensioners and priests' over Palestine Action ban
Saturday 11 October 2025 17:00
,
Tara Cobham
Your Party co-founder Zarah Sultana has criticised the Home Secretary for switching sides on Palestine and "locking up pensioners and priests for opposing the ban on Palestine Action", who she described as "heroes".
The Independent MP for Coventry South said Shabana Mahmood "doesn't want to just ban demonstrations, she wants to criminalise dissent - she wants to send a message that if you march for Palestine, if you speak out against genocide, if you demand justice, then the state considers you the problem. Shame on her."
From a stage outside Downing Street, she told tens of thousands of protesters that in 2014 Ms Mahmood took part in two demonstrations for Gaza: Lying on the floor of a Sainsbury's supermarket and weeks later addressing "a Palestine protest like this" with expressions of compassion.
Today "she is locking up pensioners and priests for opposing the ban on Palestine Action and calling them terrorists - they are heroes", Ms Sultana said.
"The real terrorists are the war criminals that continue to drop bombs on Gaza and the politicians here in Britain who welcome them with open arms - shame on them", she added.
Macron to attend Egypt summit on Gaza peace plan, Elysee Palace says
Saturday 11 October 2025 16:40
,
Tara Cobham
French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Egypt on Monday for talks on implementing a peace plan presented by US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza, the Elysee Palace said on Saturday.
The plan, brokered by Trump along with Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, aims to establish a permanent ceasefire, secure the release of all hostages and restore full humanitarian access to Gaza, the presidency said.
Macron will meet regional partners to discuss the next steps in carrying out the agreement, it added.
Macron will also reaffirm France’s commitment to a two-state solution as the basis for lasting peace, security and reconstruction in the region, the Elysee said.
Hamas 'recalls 7,000 fighters' as fears of renewed internal violence in Gaza grow
Saturday 11 October 2025 16:06
,
Tara Cobham
Hamas has reporte