Gaza Cease-Fire Holds Ahead of Hostage Release, Trump Visit

Israel’s defense minister instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare to destroy Hamas’s tunnels.

Palestinians walk near rubble in the aftermath of an Israeli offensive carried out before a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was reached, at Shati (Beach) refugee camp in Gaza City, on Oct. 12, 2025. Ebrahim Hajjaj /Reuters

The Israel–Hamas cease-fire brokered by President Donald Trump held for a third day on Oct. 12, offering hope for a more lasting peace years after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

By noon on Oct. 13, the Hamas terrorist group is expected to release the remaining hostages from that attack. Israel, meanwhile, is expected to release 1,700 Palestinians who have been detained in Gaza.