Hamas is demanding Israel include prominent Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat, in a prisoner-release list as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Israel's justice ministry published 250 names but excluded seven high-profile prisoners serving sentences for deadly attacks. Twenty Israeli hostages are expected for release Monday under the Trump-brokered deal ending the two-year Gaza war. Barghouti, serving five life sentences, remains the most popular Palestinian leader in opinion polls. US envoy Steve Witkoff promised raising the exclusion issue with Netanyahu, but Israel firmly refused. Hamas also wants prisoners from the previous Gilad Shalit exchange excluded from the 250-count. The ceasefire's first phase began Friday with partial Israeli withdrawal. (PC: X)

Tensions flared in Lahore and Islamabad after thousands of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters attempted a “Gaza solidarity” march toward the U.S. Embassy. Security forces used tear gas, baton charges, and live fire—a protest leader claimed 11 people were killed and over 50 wounded. Authorities responded by blocking roads, erecting barricades, and suspending mobile internet services in key districts. The unrest reflects rising domestic anger over the Israel-Hamas conflict and Pakistan’s deepening internal political fissures. (PC: India Today)  

Thousands of displaced Palestinians have returned to Gaza following the newly enforced ceasefire, only to find their homes reduced to rubble. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins after prolonged Israeli airstrikes and ground operations. Israeli forces have begun withdrawing from urban zones as part of the truce, allowing limited civilian movement. While families sift through debris searching for belongings, questions remain about Gaza’s governance and reconstruction. Humanitarian agencies warn of severe shortages of food, water, and shelter, as the enclave faces one of its worst crises despite hopes for a fragile peace. (PC: Reuters)

A press conference held by Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on October 10, 2025, sparked controversy as no women journalists were allowed to attend. The event, hosted at the Afghanistan Embassy, included only male journalists. The Indian government clarified it had no involvement in organizing the press meet, stating invitations were extended by the Afghan Consul General in Mumbai. The exclusion has drawn widespread criticism from political leaders, media professionals, and activists, highlighting ongoing concerns over women’s participation in journalism and international diplomatic events. (PC: NDTV)

Quaker, a 15-year-old Household Cavalry horse, has officially retired following a dramatic April 2024 incident in Belgravia, Central London, when he bolted during a training exercise, startling pedestrians and injuring service personnel. The bolt involved five horses from the Life Guards Squadron, causing damage to vehicles, including a double-decker bus. Quaker received veterinary care and surgery before being moved to The Horse Trust sanctuary in Buckinghamshire, which has cared for retired service horses for 139 years. Quaker joins 32 other former military working horses enjoying retirement in the safe sanctuary environment. (PC: PA)  

The chairman of the Nobel Peace Committee stated that U.S. President Donald Trump did not receive the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize because he was not considered the most deserving candidate this year. While Trump’s administration has been involved in several high-profile international initiatives, the committee emphasized that the prize is awarded solely based on merit, not position or influence. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was chosen for her sustained efforts in promoting democracy and human rights in her country. The chairman’s remarks aim to clarify the committee’s decision amid global discussions over the perceived “snub.”  

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Friday, prompting the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to partially withdraw from parts of Gaza. Troops pulled back to agreed positions, though they still control half of the Strip. Thousands of Palestinians are moving north, many on foot, carrying belongings. Under the deal, Hamas must release all Israeli hostages by Monday, while Israel will release about 250 Palestinian prisoners. Aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza to deliver food and supplies. The conflict has left much of Gaza in ruins, with thousands displaced and essential resources scarce. (PC: BBC)

A massive explosion at a military explosives plant in Bucksnort, Tennessee, has killed several people and left at least 19 missing. The blast occurred just before 8 a.m. at Accurate Energetic Systems, a company that makes military and demolition explosives. Aerial footage shows destroyed buildings, burned cars, and heavy smoke rising from the site. Rescue teams are struggling to enter due to smaller blasts continuing inside. Officials say the cause is still unknown. Families are waiting nearby for news. “This is a terrible incident, but we will find survivors,” said an ATF special agent. (PC: BBC)

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, dedicated her award to US President Donald Trump for supporting Venezuela’s fight for democracy. Machado praised Trump for backing Venezuelans working to end President Nicolas Maduro’s dictatorship. She said, “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!” The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognised Machado for her courage and commitment to peaceful democratic change. Despite Trump missing out on the prize, Machado highlighted his role in supporting Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement. (PC: India Today)

Palestinians have started returning to their homes in northern Gaza as Israeli forces pull back, following a ceasefire deal brokered by former US President Donald Trump. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for helping secure the agreement. Under the deal, Hamas must release all Israeli hostages by Monday noon local time, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza to help two million people, many of whom were displaced. The IDF says it will continue to “remove any immediate threat” while respecting the agreed lines. (PC: BBC)