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Your SOFREP Evening Brief for Monday, October 13, 2025.
Trump Urges Israel to Pursue Peace, Says ‘War Is Over’ in Knesset Address
US President Donald Trump told Israeli lawmakers Monday that Israel had achieved all it could through war and should now focus on peace and rebuilding Gaza.
Speaking before the Knesset, Trump praised Israel’s military success against Hamas and Iran’s proxies but said it was time to “translate victories into peace and prosperity.” He called on Palestinians to abandon violence and pledged US support for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Trump also urged a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “one of the greatest wartime leaders.”
President Trump urged world leaders at a summit on Gaza’s future to ensure the US-led truce between Israel and Hamas turns into a lasting peace, hailing the agreement as a “new beginning” for the Middle East https://t.co/DofKWpz41r pic.twitter.com/jJGKcghelo
— Bloomberg (@business) October 13, 2025
The visit came as 20 hostages were released under a US-brokered ceasefire and Israel began pulling back troops from Gaza. Trump will next attend a summit in Egypt with regional leaders to discuss Gaza’s postwar future.
Despite the optimism, key issues remain unresolved, including Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s governance.
Johnson Says Shutdown Could Be Longest Ever, Refuses Talks Until Democrats Drop Health Care Demands
House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Monday that the ongoing government shutdown could become the longest in US history, insisting he will not negotiate with Democrats until they agree to reopen the government and pause their push to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The shutdown, now in its 13th day, has halted most federal operations, closed museums, and disrupted air travel, while the Senate remains gridlocked over health care funding.
Johnson thanked President Donald Trump for ensuring military pay during the shutdown but said Republicans will not revisit Obamacare repeal efforts.
While the whole world celebrates the signing of President Trump’s historic deal for the Middle East…
The Democrats here in Congress are continuing to play ridiculous political games to keep our own government shut down.
In my daily update, I explained again the obvious,… pic.twitter.com/dc2FWe3dhp
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) October 13, 2025
Democrats demand renewal of subsidies set to expire December 31, warning millions could face higher premiums when open enrollment begins November 1. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has begun firing thousands of federal workers and using discretionary funds to keep select operations running, drawing lawsuits and criticism over its sweeping shutdown measures.
FBI Seeks Four Suspects After Mississippi Mass Shooting That Killed Six During Homecoming Weekend
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking for help identifying four people seen near a mass shooting in Leland, Mississippi, that killed six and injured more than a dozen during homecoming celebrations Friday night.
The agency released surveillance photos of one woman and three men labeled as “unknown suspects.”
Authorities said the shooting appeared to stem from a dispute among several individuals but have not identified a motive.
We Need Your Help!! The FBI Jackson Field Office established a digital media tips website
to collect multimedia video or digital photos from the public in support of the
investigation into the mass shooting that occurred in Leland, Mississippi on October 11,
2025. pic.twitter.com/7vLWhyswsF
— FBI Jackson (@FBIJackson) October 13, 2025
The Leland attack marked the 14th mass killing in the US this year. It was one of several shootings across Mississippi over the weekend, including incidents at Alcorn State University and Jackson State University, as well as a double homicide at Heidelberg High School’s campus, where an 18-year-old suspect was arrested.
Hamas Frees All 20 Remaining Hostages as Gaza Ceasefire Holds, Prisoner Releases Begin
Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday under a US-brokered ceasefire that halted two years of war in Gaza.
The men were handed to the Red Cross and returned to Israel for reunions and medical checks, while the remains of 28 dead hostages are expected to follow.
Israel began releasing more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds serving life sentences, as part of the exchange.
🔊 Israeli military receives all 20 living hostages released by Hamas from Gaza. Listen to @MaayanLubell on the Reuters World News podcast outline which Palestinians are being released in return https://t.co/voG9Df3yZw pic.twitter.com/1FrQ919lUI
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 13, 2025
The truce has paused the region’s deadliest conflict, which began with Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel and left more than 67,000 Palestinians dead and much of Gaza in ruins.
El-Sissi Calls Trump’s Peace Plan ‘Last Chance’ as World Leaders Back Gaza Ceasefire at Egypt Summit
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi told world leaders Monday that President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan represents the “last chance” for lasting regional stability, urging support for a two-state solution and Palestinian independence.
The summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, co-chaired by Trump and el-Sissi, focused on consolidating the Gaza ceasefire and outlining postwar governance and reconstruction plans.
Trump called for a “new era of harmony” but made no mention of a two-state solution, while Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu skipped the event after opposition from several countries.
Over 20 leaders attended, including those from Turkey, Jordan, Britain, France, and Germany.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el Sisi:
– I would like to thank our partners US, Türkiye and Qatar for their dedicated efforts
– Egypt will work with US in coordination with partners in coming days to lay foundation for reconstruction of (Gaza), and we intend to host an early… pic.twitter.com/vbGO18U0p5
— TRT World (@trtworld) October 13, 2025
The meeting ended with the signing of a joint document and pledges of aid and security cooperation, though key challenges remain — including disarming Hamas, rebuilding Gaza, and defining future governance under Trump’s phased plan.
MI5 Warns UK Lawmakers of Espionage Threats from China, Russia, and Iran
Britain’s domestic intelligence agency MI5 on Monday issued a rare public warning to members of parliament (MPs), alerting them that spies from China, Russia, and Iran are actively targeting lawmakers to undermine UK democracy.
The agency urged MPs and staff to be cautious of manipulation through blackmail, phishing, or political donations.
MI5 Director General Ken McCallum warned that foreign interference “erodes the foundations of our sovereignty” and advised vigilance against unusual meetings or flattery.
MI5 warned UK politicians and staff they are being targeted by Chinese, Russian, and Iranian spies https://t.co/dlnNL3VBnl
— Bloomberg (@business) October 13, 2025
The alert follows the collapse of a spy trial involving two men accused of spying for China after the government declined to present key evidence.
The warning also comes amid ongoing UK-China tensions, including past MI5 allegations that lawyer Christine Lee sought to influence British politics on behalf of Beijing.
IAEA Urges Local Ceasefires to Restore Power to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Amid Escalating Risk
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is pressing Ukraine and Russia to agree to localized ceasefires to restore external power to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been running on diesel generators since September 23 after its last power line was cut.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the IAEA plan involves two repair phases — one in Russian-controlled territory and another in Ukrainian-controlled territory — each requiring a temporary ceasefire monitored by IAEA experts.
Ukraine has granted safe passage for repair crews, but Russia has yet to provide similar assurances, delaying the work.
IAEA Director General @rafaelmgrossi said today that a process had been set in motion to help restore external electricity to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, following frequent contacts with both sides in recent weeks to address the site’s latest loss of off-site… pic.twitter.com/KXOZ6fWSCM
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) October 9, 2025
The IAEA warned that failure to restore power could cause fuel melting and radiation release.
The Zaporizhzhia facility, Europe’s largest nuclear plant, has lost all external power ten times since Russia’s 2022 invasion, with this outage the longest so far.
Zelenskyy to Visit US for Talks on Long-Range Weapons After Trump Threatens to Arm Ukraine with Tomahawks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday he will visit the United States this week to discuss securing long-range weapons and bolstering air defenses, following President Donald Trump’s warning that he may send Ukraine Tomahawk missiles if Russia refuses to end the war.
Zelenskyy said he could meet Trump as early as Friday and will also hold talks with defense and energy companies and members of Congress.
The visit comes amid intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, including deadly attacks on Odesa and Chernihiv over the weekend.
Throughout this week, many regions of Ukraine have been under fire, and in many regions air raid sirens are now sounding again because of the threat of attack drones. Russia continues its aerial terror against our cities and communities, intensifying strikes on our energy… pic.twitter.com/OP5yhENGcS
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 12, 2025
Moscow has expressed “extreme concern” over the possible US missile supply, warning it would severely damage relations.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, pledged continued support for Ukraine and said EU members are close to agreeing on a new sanctions package against Russia.
Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Trade Halted for Second Day After Deadly Clashes Leave Dozens Dead
Border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan remained closed for a second day Monday following weekend clashes that killed scores of troops and escalated tensions between the neighbors.
Afghan officials said they killed 58 Pakistani soldiers after alleged violations of Afghan territory, while Pakistan reported 23 of its troops dead and claimed to have killed more than 200 Taliban fighters in retaliation.
A ceasefire appeared to be holding, but trade and travel were suspended at key crossings, including Torkham and Chaman, leaving hundreds stranded.
⚡️ NONSTOP bullets light up night sky amid Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes — Pakistan state broadcaster footage
Pakistan claims Afghanistan started ‘UNPROVOKED firing’ — PTV News
‘Retaliatory action from Pakistani forces has resulted in multiple Afghan soldiers killed’ https://t.co/4Bl3w029Nm pic.twitter.com/mXEdwO3OQ7
— RT (@RT_com) October 11, 2025
Pakistan’s defense minister honored slain soldiers in Rawalpindi, vowing to defend national sovereignty.
The fighting marks one of the deadliest border confrontations yet, amid Pakistan’s accusations that Kabul harbors militants from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — a claim Afghanistan denies.
Taiwan to Boost ‘T-Dome’ Air Defense System for Faster, Integrated Missile Response
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Monday that the island’s new “T-Dome” air defense system will integrate sensors and weapons into a unified “sensor-to-shooter” network to improve response speed and interception accuracy.
The plan, unveiled by President Lai Ching-te last week, aims to modernize Taiwan’s defenses against growing Chinese military pressure.
Koo said the system will link anti-missile, anti-air, and anti-drone capabilities for greater efficiency, supported by a special budget proposal due by year’s end.
Taiwan’s ‘T-Dome’ air defense system will establish a more efficient and integrated ‘sensor-to-shooter’ mechanism for a higher kill rate, with a year-end special budget to propose specific spending on the system, the defense minister said https://t.co/Yn5B0aRjPf
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 13, 2025
The T-Dome will build on Taiwan’s current Patriot, Sky Bow, and Stinger systems, with new mobile, high-survivability equipment prioritized.
Lai has pledged to raise defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2030 as part of an asymmetric strategy to counter China’s larger military.
US Condemns China Over South China Sea Clash with Philippine Vessel
The United States on Monday condemned China after a maritime confrontation with the Philippines near Thitu Island in the South China Sea.
The US State Department accused China of ramming and firing water cannons at a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel on October 12, calling the actions dangerous and destabilizing.
Tremendous valor and skill by Filipino personnel in the face of China’s dangerous ramming and use of water cannons near Thitu/Pag-asa Island. The 🇺🇸 condemns China’s aggressive actions in defiance of international law and supports the 🇵🇭 in pursuit of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/ffm9LKrGxH
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) October 12, 2025
Washington reaffirmed its support for the Philippines, a treaty ally, as tensions rise over disputed waters claimed by both Manila and Beijing.
Sources: News Agencies
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English (US) ·