Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a day back that Israel is close to securing a hostage deal with Hamas, indicating readiness to enact the initial phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan aimed at ending the conflict. However, significant obstacles persist. Hamas has not agreed to the plan’s requirement for its disarmament, a core demand of Netanyahu. Additionally, Hamas has proposed modifications to the plan, which could complicate negotiations and challenge Netanyahu’s position.

Here’s what you need to know:

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What has been the death toll so far?

Israeli strikes have intensified in Gaza City and surrounding areas, killing at least 70 Palestinians on October 4 alone, including 45 in Gaza City.

This brings the weekly toll (September 29 – October

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