For today, links to four reports: from the Associated Press and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their initials below. (GAZA 10-16-25 is HERE, or scroll down.  LEBANON and UKRAINE entries for this date are HERE and HERE, or scroll down.) — MCM

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Hamas reaffirms commitment to ceasefire as delays in returning hostages’ bodies fray nerves, by Wafaa Shurafa | AP  DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  — Hamas moved today to shore up its brittle ceasefire agreement with Israel by reaffirming its commitment to the terms of the deal, including a pledge to hand over the remains of all dead Israeli hostages. READ MORE . . . Click HERE to read same AP report in Spanish.

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The long road to Gaza’s recovery begins amid rubble, ruin and security risks. Reported by Greg Myre and Steve Inskeep | NPR  With 90% of building damaged or destroyed, no funds and unexploded bombs buried beneath debris, Gaza faces immense obstacles as it begins the first steps toward reconstruction. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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What will it take to rebuild Gaza? Reported by Leila Fadel | NPR  The U.N. Development Programme is helping clear debris and rebuild infrastructure in Gaza. Jaco Cilliers helps lead the project. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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FROM OCT. 16  As the dead are returned to Israel and Gaza, relatives try to give them dignified burials. Reported by Carrie Kahn | NPR  As laid out in the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan, Israel and Hamas are now releasing bodies of Israelis and Palestinians killed during the war. In Israel, funerals are taking place daily as families get closure, but in Gaza such burials will be much more challenging. Click HERE to listen and, later, and read.

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