Overview

• Hamas pressed for Israeli military pullbacks in Gaza and the inclusion of high‑profile lifers in any exchange, positions Israeli officials called unacceptable as indirect talks wrapped their first round in Egypt.
• The United States pushed for speed, with President Trump’s envoys engaging mediators, and reports noted preliminary understandings limited to a first phase covering partial hostage releases, a temporary truce and expanded aid access.
• Israel sent a mid‑level delegation and raised military alert levels for Sukkot, while Hamas’s anniversary statement lauding Oct. 7 further hardened Israel’s stance, according to mediators and Israeli media.
• Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “near the end of the war” and wants hostages home, as UN chief António Guterres urged immediate releases and described the Trump plan as an opportunity to halt the humanitarian catastrophe.
• Italy enforced heightened security for the anniversary, banning a Bologna rally and scrutinizing an unnotified Turin protest, as Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi warned of potential disorder, Jewish leaders decried provocations, President Sergio Mattarella condemned antisemitism, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni backed the Trump plan and the Italian Red Cross cited grave violations of humanitarian law in Gaza.