PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Speaking before more than one million people in Rome on Saturday, Romana Rubeo, Managing Editor of The Palestine Chronicle, delivered a powerful address honoring Gaza’s journalists and the Palestinian people’s ongoing resistance.

At the heart of Rome, over one million people rose up against the genocide in Gaza and the complicity of the Italian government.

Watch the speech dedicated to Palestinian journalists by Romana Rubeo, Managing Editor of The Palestine Chronicle, delivered at this historic protest. pic.twitter.com/Mm43fQed7n

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 4, 2025

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER: Turkey’s Foreign Minister warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “could derail the plan to end the war in Gaza at any time,” adding that the Israeli government’s behavior is unpredictable even as negotiations make progress.

POLITICO: Politico quoted a White House official saying access to President Trump’s plan has been narrowed to prevent leaks and that others will be brought in at the appropriate time. The official added that most State Department officials have not been briefed on the Gaza end-of-war plan.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich after Hamas responded to Trump’s ceasefire and prisoner exchange framework, even as Israeli attacks on Gaza continued.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich Summoned as Netanyahu Weighs Hamas Response

ISRAELI MEDIA: Haaretz reported, citing military sources, that the Israeli army is preparing to demobilize tens of thousands of reservists, in light of progress in ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations with Hamas.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urgently summoned Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to an emergency meeting.

WALL STREET JOURNAL: The Wall Street Journal, citing US and Arab officials, reported that President Donald Trump plans to send his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to the region this week to advance an agreement on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

AL-QASSAM BRIGADES: The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, announced that they targeted an Israeli military bulldozer with a “Yassin 105” shell and shelled Israeli forces advancing in the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood, southern Gaza City, with mortars.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Channel 12 reported that an Israeli woman was injured in a suspected car-ramming attack near a military checkpoint close to Jerusalem.

AL-QUDS BRIGADES: The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, said it shelled Israeli troops and vehicles stationed on Al-Muntar Hill, east of Al-Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City, with mortars.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Channel 12 reported that US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Egypt to participate in a new round of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as part of Trump’s plan for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza.

ISRAELI INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES: A poll by the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies showed that 64% of Israelis believe the time has come to end the war in Gaza, while 72% said they are dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the war.

ISRAELI MEDIA: According to a political source quoted by Kan, Israel has entered the first phase of negotiations for the return of all captives. There is currently no ceasefire in Gaza, but a slowdown in operations.

ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Israeli Army Radio reported that the army is holding its positions in Gaza without advancing or retreating. It claimed the recent strikes were aimed at removing threats to its forces and warning civilians not to return to northern Gaza.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Hospital sources in Gaza reported that 16 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli occupation forces since dawn today, including 15 in Gaza City

AL-JAZEERA: An Al Jazeera correspondent said Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets around the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in western Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate south. The correspondent added that Israeli artillery again shelled the neighborhoods of Al-Zaytoun, Al-Sabra, and Al-Shujaiya in Gaza City.

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY:

The Gaza Ministry of Health said six Palestinians were killed and 40 wounded while waiting for humanitarian aid during the past 24 hours.
It added that two children died due to starvation and malnutrition in the same period.

The total death toll from the Israeli assault since October 7, 2023, has risen to 67,074 killed and 169,430 wounded.

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that two children died due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours. This raises the death toll from hunger and malnutrition in the Strip to 459, including 154 children.

AL-JAZEERA: An Al Jazeera correspondent reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted homes in the Al-Nafaq and Al-Mahatta areas, northeast Gaza City.

AL-JAZEERA: The Prime Minister of the Netherlands expressed optimism about Hamas’ readiness to release all captives in Gaza and to begin immediate negotiations on the peace plan.

AL-JAZEERA: An Al-Jazeera correspondent reported that Israeli airstrikes and artillery bombardment targeted several areas in Gaza City since this morning.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian resistance factions said Hamas’ response to the US proposal reflects a responsible national stance and came after extensive consultations with the factions.

ISRAELI MILITARY SPOKESPERSON: An Israeli military spokesperson today warned Gaza City residents not to return, describing it as a “dangerous combat zone.”

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: In this episode, journalist and author Ramzy Baroud joins analyst Robert Inlakesh to examine Trump’s proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political calculations, and the pressures facing the Palestinian resistance.

Will Gaza Surrender? Ramzy Baroud & Robert Inlakesh on FloodGate Podcast

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Israeli occupation forces renewed heavy air and artillery strikes across the Gaza Strip, killing and injuring civilians—including children—despite Hamas’s response to Trump’s ceasefire plan and calls for an immediate halt to the bombing.

Israeli Strikes Intensify in Gaza despite Hamas Response to Trump Plan

ISRAELI MEDIA: Families of Israeli captives in Gaza called on all Israelis to gather and demonstrate in Tel Aviv this evening, describing these days as decisive.

ISLAMIC JIHAD:

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement endorsed Hamas’ response to US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, saying it represents the position of the Palestinian resistance.

In a statement, the movement said: “The response presented by the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas to Trump’s plan is an expression of the stance of the Palestinian resistance forces. The Islamic Jihad movement in Palestine participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision.”

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: In a series of events that shocked the world, Hamas not only issued a positive response to the latest US-Israeli ceasefire proposal, but Donald Trump publicly announced his intention to implement it and called upon his allies in Tel Aviv to halt their attack on Gaza.

Read the latest analysis by Robert Inlakesh.

Hamas, Trump, Israel, and Who Accepted What Ceasefire – Analysis

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: An emergency and ambulance source in Gaza reported that several Palestinians were wounded by Israeli drone fire in the Al-Nasr neighborhood, west of Gaza City.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: CBS reported that Netanyahu approved Israeli drone strikes on Gaza-bound aid ships off Tunisia, as Israeli forces later seized the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and detained over 400 activists, sparking global protests.

Netanyahu Authorized Attacks on Gaza-Bound Aid Ships off Tunisia, CBS Reveals

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: A source at Al-Shifa Hospital said that the bodies of five Palestinians were recovered following an Israeli airstrike last night on a home west of Gaza City.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Hospital sources in Gaza reported that seven Palestinians have been killed by Israeli occupation forces in different areas of Gaza City since dawn today.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: A source at Al-Ahli Hospital reported that four Palestinians were killed and several others wounded after an Israeli airstrike targeted the Al-Tuffah neighborhood, northeast Gaza City.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: The Nasser Medical Complex reported that two children were killed and several others injured when an Israeli drone targeted a tent sheltering displaced persons in the Mawasi area of Khan Yunis.

Israeli occupation forces unleashed a wave of intense aerial and ground operations across Gaza City.

Civil Defense Warning:

Major Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for Civil Defense, stated that “Gaza City is currently subjected to mad, merciless Israeli shelling.”

Tactics and Targets:

Israeli forces carried out continuous airstrikes, intense fire belts, and non-stop artillery shelling across the city. The attacks were synchronized with the demolition of residential buildings and the detonation of explosive robot vehicles, which led to a widespread wave of civilian displacement.

Ground Incursion:

Israeli vehicles briefly pushed into areas northwest of Gaza City, specifically along Al-Shifa and Al-Nasr streets, detonated three explosive vehicles, and then withdrew northward while maintaining continuous fire.

لازالت قوات الاحتلال الاسرائيلي تنفذ وتصعد من جرائمها في مدينة غزة

وكأنها تسابق الزمن لقتل أكبر عدد وإبادة كل ما يمكن أمامها! pic.twitter.com/xQosn5KYde

— هدى نعيم Huda Naim (@HuDa_NaIm92) October 3, 2025

Casualties and Human Toll

Hospitals across the Gaza Strip reported a sharp rise in casualties:

Total Casualties:

Hospitals reported the killing of 63 people from Israeli fire since the early hours of the day.

Gaza City Toll:

38 people were killed in Gaza City alone, with strikes hitting neighborhoods including Al-Nasr, Al-Zaitoun, Sheikh Radwan, Al-Sabra, and Tal al-Hawa.

Central Gaza:

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital reported 6 Palestinians killed and 20 injured in a drone strike on a house in the central Gaza Strip.

Humanitarian Appeal

Urgent Intervention:

The Gaza Municipality issued an urgent plea to the international community to intervene immediately to save approximately 500,000 civilians trapped in the city.

Critical Conditions:

The municipality stated that the civilians—mostly children, women, and the elderly—are facing severe shortages of food and water, total absence of basic healthcare, and systematic destruction amidst continuous Israeli bombardment.

The diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza have gained significant momentum, with Israel’s military command receiving instructions to prepare for the implementation of the US plan.

Gaza City Offensive Halted:

US news site Axios, citing an Israeli official, reported that the Israeli army will stop the operation to seize Gaza City.

Shift to Defensive Operations:

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority confirmed that the political level has instructed the military to reduce its activity in Gaza and restrict its operations solely to defensive purposes.

Chief of Staff Orders Readiness:

The Israeli army announced that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered the military to raise readiness to implement the first phase of the Trump plan, following instructions from the political leadership. The focus will be on the security of forces and allocating capabilities to the Southern Command.

Israel Prepares for Phase One:

Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement confirming that Israel is preparing for the “immediate implementation of the first phase” of President Donald Trump’s plan for the release of the detainees, in light of Hamas’s response.

Trump’s Optimism:

President Trump called it a “great day” and expressed hope for the immediate return of the detainees. He thanked key mediating countries, including Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, noting the massive support for peace.

US Views Response as Positive:

A US official told CBS that the US views the Hamas response as “positive,” though details like disarmament may require further settlement.

Türkiye’s Position:

Turkey’s President Erdoğan called the Hamas response a “constructive and important step” toward lasting peace and urged Israel to immediately halt all attacks.

Ireland, UK, Australia:

Prime Ministers from Ireland, the UK, and Australia welcomed Hamas’s acceptance as a significant step forward and urged all parties to implement the agreement without delay.

Hostage Families Urge Action:

The Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum supported Trump’s efforts, stating that his call to stop the war is necessary to protect the lives of the detainees. They urged Netanyahu to “immediately issue an order to begin effective and quick negotiations.”

Before the official scale-back instructions were implemented:

Civil Defense spokesperson Major Mahmoud Bassal said Gaza City was subjected to “crazy, merciless” Israeli shelling, with heavy airstrikes and fire belts hitting eastern neighborhoods.

لازالت قوات الاحتلال الاسرائيلي تنفذ وتصعد من جرائمها في مدينة غزة

وكأنها تسابق الزمن لقتل أكبر عدد وإبادة كل ما يمكن أمامها! pic.twitter.com/xQosn5KYde

— هدى نعيم Huda Naim (@HuDa_NaIm92) October 3, 2025

Guardiola Calls for Gaza Genocide Protest in Barcelona:

Spanish coach Pep Guardiola of Manchester City has called upon the residents of Barcelona, Spain, to demonstrate today (Saturday) in protest against the ongoing “genocidal war” in Gaza.

بيب جوارديولا مدرب فريق مانشستر سيتي يدعو إلى النزول لشوارع برشلونة للاحتجاج على الحرب في غزة pic.twitter.com/HrDLDr5q9T

— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) October 4, 2025

AL-AQSA TV: Al-Aqsa TV reported that heavy Israeli airstrikes targeted Al-Nafaq Street in Gaza City, alongside intense artillery shelling on the Al-Tuffah neighborhood in eastern Gaza. It added that Israeli artillery also shelled northern areas of Nuseirat and Maghazi refugee camps in central Gaza.

🔴 لحظات صعبة تعيشها عائلات غزة.. طفلة تبكي خوفا من غارات الاحتلال المستمرة على المدينة منذ ساعات pic.twitter.com/6U84nOWhqI

— ساحات – عاجل 🇵🇸 (@Sa7atPlBreaking) October 3, 2025

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian media reported that heavy Israeli artillery shelling targeted the area surrounding UNRWA’s headquarters in the industrial zone, southwest Gaza City.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said Trump is right that there is an unprecedented opportunity to free the captives and end the war.

AXIOS: Axios quoted an Israeli official as saying that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was surprised by President Donald Trump’s reaction to Hamas’ statement accepting the US plan.

Qatar Welcomes Hamas Acceptance of Trump Proposal

QATARI FOREIGN MINISTRY: “Qatar welcomes Hamas’ announcement of its acceptance of President Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza. We welcome Hamas’ readiness to release all captives under the exchange arrangement included in the proposal.”

Egypt Welcomes Hamas Statement on Trump Plan

EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: “We welcome Hamas’ statement in response to US President Donald Trump’s plan. Hamas’ statement reflects its concern—and that of all Palestinian factions—for saving Palestinian lives.

Guterres: I Welcome Hamas’ Response

UN: UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his satisfaction with Hamas’ response to US President Donald Trump’s plan, urging all sides to seize the opportunity to end the war in Gaza.

AL-AQSA TV: Al-Aqsa TV reported that Israeli forces launched heavy airstrikes in Gaza City, alongside detonations of explosive armored vehicles in various areas. It added that Israeli drones opened heavy fire in the vicinity of the Al-Daraj neighborhood and Omar Al-Mukhtar Street in eastern Gaza.

US President Donald Trump has issued an urgent call for Israel to stop its military operation in Gaza, linking the ceasefire directly to the release of detainees.

Trump stated:

Immediate Ceasefire Demand: Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly.

Hamas Statement: He believes that, based on Hamas’s statement, the movement is ready for a lasting peace.

Ongoing Negotiations: We are already in discussion regarding the details that need to be worked out.

Regional Peace: Trump added that the situation is not just about Gaza, but about the long-awaited peace in the Middle East.

TRUTH SOCIAL: US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account the Hamas statement confirming acceptance of his plan.

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON: The White House spokesperson announced that President Donald Trump will respond to Hamas’ acceptance of his plan.

HAMAS OFFICIAL MOUSA ABU MARZOUK (to Al-Jazeera):

“We accepted a regional and international framework proposed by Egypt that includes answers regarding peace and the future. We will hand over weapons to the future Palestinian state, and whoever governs Gaza will control the arms.

We accepted President Donald Trump’s plan in principle, in its main outlines, but its implementation requires negotiations. We value the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as President Trump’s role in halting the war, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and ensuring immediate aid entry.

The US must take a positive approach toward the future of the Palestinian people. The plan cannot be implemented without negotiations. The issues relevant to Hamas in Trump’s plan were addressed positively. Hamas is a national liberation movement, and the definition of terrorism in the plan cannot be applied to it.

All details regarding peacekeeping forces require understandings and clarifications. The priority is to stop the war and massacres, and from this perspective we dealt positively with the plan.

The idea of handing over prisoners and bodies within 72 hours is theoretical and unrealistic under current circumstances. We will enter negotiations on all matters related to the movement and weapons.

We reached a national consensus to hand over the administration of Gaza to independents, with the Palestinian Authority as the reference. Shaping the future of the Palestinian people is a national issue that Hamas cannot decide alone.”

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Hamas has submitted its response to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, signaling readiness for prisoner release and governance transition.

Hamas Responds to Trump’s Gaza Proposal – Details

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: An unprecedented mobilization saw over two million people, according to the CGIL, take to the streets across Italy for the general strike called against Gaza genocide.

‘Over Two Millions’: Italians Protest against Gaza Genocide in Historic Numbers

AL-JAZEERA: A source told Al Jazeera that the Hamas movement has delivered its response on US President Donald Trump’s plan to mediators.

AL-JAZEERA: A board member of the Public Services Hospital in Gaza told Al Jazeera: “We are living a dire humanitarian situation due to the lack of medical supplies. Currently, only four small hospitals are operating under extremely difficult conditions. Communication with the World Health Organization is difficult, and there has been no response.”

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Hospital sources in Gaza reported that 63 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli occupation forces since dawn today, including 38 in Gaza City.