

Israel and Hamas agree to the first phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan
Oct 9, 2025
Ruth Michelson, a Middle East correspondent, discusses the pivotal agreement between Israel and Hamas regarding the first phase of Trump's Gaza peace plan, detailing the role of regional mediators. Gorana Gerjic reviews international reactions and highlights China's tightened control over rare earth exports before geopolitical talks. Dr. Chris Smith unpacks this year's Nobel Prizes in Medicine and Chemistry, while theatre critic Matt Wolfe celebrates the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables and reviews new National Theatre productions.
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Fragile First-Phase Hostage Deal
- Israel and Hamas agreed a first-phase deal including 20 living hostages returned and about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released.
- The deal's implementation hinges on Israeli cabinet sign-off and unresolved details like prisoner lists and post-war governance.
Pressure By Public Performance
- Donald Trump used public announcements and media theatrics to pressure Netanyahu and claim credit for the agreement.
- His tactic of declaring elements as fait accompli accelerated Israeli concessions but left many details vague.
Act Fast With Humanitarian Corridors
- Urgent humanitarian access must be prioritized immediately when a ceasefire window opens.
- The UN and mediators should use early moments to move thousands of trucks before any ceasefire unravels.