AMERICAN HOSTAGES
Hamas official says expects quick Israeli response to ceasefire 'ideas'
Hamas official Osama Hamdan expects an Israeli response to new ideas for ending the nine-month Gaza war and freeing hostages. Mossad's David Barnea is in Doha for talks. Benjamin Netanyahu insists on hostages' freedom. The conflict, sparked by October 7 attacks, left 1,195 dead. Joe Biden discusses a prisoner exchange and US pressure continues.
US considering unilateral talks on hostage deal with Hamas, NBC reports
U.S. officials are considering a direct deal with Palestinian Hamas militants to free five American hostages held in Gaza if ceasefire talks with Israel fail. It's unclear what the U.S. might offer Hamas in return. The hostages were taken during a deadly Hamas incursion into Israel, prompting a retaliatory Israeli response. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes the best way to secure their release is through the current ceasefire proposal. Any talks would be facilitated by Qatar and exclude Israel, potentially straining U.S.-Israel relations.
The other war: How Israel scours Gaza for clues about the hostages
All the while, at a "fusion cell" quietly formed in Israel last fall, U.S. and Israeli intelligence and military analysts share imagery from drones and satellites, along with communications intercepts and any other information that comes their way that might offer a hint to the hostages' locations.
Gaza hospital says 37 dead in strike on UN school Israel says used by Hamas
An Israeli strike on a UNRWA school in Gaza caused casualties, prompting calls for an independent investigation. The conflict involves diplomatic isolation, court cases, and growing tensions with Hezbollah and Lebanon, with international involvement in seeking a resolution.
Joe Biden presents new Israel ceasefire plan, calls on Hamas to accept it
An earlier hostage proposal put forward earlier this year called for the release of sick, elderly and wounded hostages in Gaza in exchange for a six-week ceasefire that could be extended to allow for more humanitarian aid to be delivered into the enclave.
Scuffles erupt between police, protesters demanding return of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza
Protests erupted in Tel Aviv as thousands demanded the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the conflict. Meanwhile, a US military vessel washed up near Ashdod, disrupting humanitarian aid efforts. Israeli bombardments continued in Gaza, resulting in casualties, and the conflict has claimed over 35,000 Palestinian lives. Humanitarian aid is struggling to meet the needs of the displaced population amid ongoing tensions and calls for new elections in Israel.
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'There would be ceasefire tomorrow if...': Joe Biden's stern message to Hamas
US President Joe Biden said a ceasefire in Gaza could happen as soon as amas releases hostages. Talks between Israel and Hamas have been stalled as Israel wants to defeat Hamas before a permanent ceasefire. Meanwhile, the US has paused weapon delivery and warned against a major Israeli operation. Israeli forces intensified operations in Rafah, ordering evacuations, drawing criticism from EU.
Will Qatar pull out as Israel-Hamas mediator?
Since Hamas's deadly October 7 attack on Israel sparked devastating retaliation against Gaza, Qatar has been an important conduit to the Palestinian militant group, whose political office is in Doha. The gas-rich emirate, which also hosts the region's largest US military base, successfully brokered a week-long break in fighting in late November when scores of Israeli and foreign hostages were released.
Israel's Defence Minister in US says lack of Gaza victory could lead to war in North
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is in Washington to discuss strengthening Israel's defense with American officials. He emphasized the importance of defeating Hamas and ensuring the return of hostages, stating that Israel will target Hamas wherever necessary, including new areas. Gallant rejected calls for a ceasefire without the release of hostages, citing the moral imperative to continue the conflict. He also warned that failing to decisively defeat Hamas could escalate tensions in other regions, potentially leading to conflict in the north.
Israel agrees to US-proposed prisoner-hostage exchange deal with Hamas
The proposed exchange will "definitely include some" American hostages, because it will include the release of men over the age of 50.
Israel sets Ramadan deadline for offensive on Gazan city Rafah
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz announced that Israel would launch an offensive against Rafah in Gaza next month if Hamas does not release remaining hostages by the start of Ramadan. The offensive, aimed at getting "total victory" over Hamas, would be coordinated to minimize civilian casualties. Foreign governments and aid organizations have urged Israel to spare Rafah, but Netanyahu insists the war cannot be completed without pressing into the city. Ceasefire talks have failed, with Washington pushing for a truce in exchange for the hostages' release.
Blinken briefs Israeli leaders on cease-fire and hostage talks as war in Gaza enters 5th month
"There's a lot of work to be done, but we are very much focused on doing that work, and hopefully being able to resume the release of hostages that was interrupted," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
US vows 'all necessary actions' after drone strike, Qatar fears impact on Gaza hostage talks
Sunday's attack by Iran-backed militants was the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October and marks a major escalation in tensions that have engulfed the Middle East. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said on Monday the United States did not want a wider war with Iran or in the region, "but we got to do what we have to do."
41 hostage prison workers freed in Ecuador, 136 still captive
Over 40 Ecuador prison officials taken hostage by inmates amid a violent campaign by gangs have been released. The SNAI prisons agency stated that 24 guards and 17 administrative employees were freed, while 133 guards and three employees are still held hostage. President Daniel Noboa initiated a military crackdown on criminal groups, leading to a confrontation with narco gangs. The violence resulted in 19 deaths, including a guard killed in clashes in El Oro. The crisis also saw prison riots, escapes, and attacks on police, prompting a large-scale deployment of troops to restore order.
Day-long extension of Israel-Hamas truce agreed
Israel pounded the Gaza Strip relentlessly before the truce, forcing an estimated 1.7 million people to leave their homes and limiting the entry of food, water, medicine and fuel. Conditions in the territory remain "catastrophic", according to the World Food Programme, and the population faces a "high risk of famine.
Mediators race to extend Israel-Hamas truce as expiry looms
A truce between Israel and Hamas is nearing the expiration date with mediators reaching an agreement on another extension after a final exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The truce agreement allows for extensions if Hamas can release another 10 hostages a day, and a source close to the group said Wednesday that it was willing to prolong the pause by four days.
Elon Musk promises to wear symbol of Gaza hostages
"Our hearts are hostage in Gaza," read the metal tag he received from Malki Shem-Tov, the father of hostage Omer Shem-Tov, in a video of Musk's visit issued on Monday by the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Four-day truce between Israel-Hamas to start today, 13 hostages to be freed in first batch
After prolonged negotiations, the pause was due to begin at 7:00 am (0500 GMT), silencing guns that have raged since Hamas's murderous raids into Israel on October 7. Later on Friday, 13 hostages held in Gaza will be freed, followed by an undefined number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, according to Qatari mediators. Over the four days, at least 50 hostages are expected to be released, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militant groups.
Joe Biden 'extraordinarily gratified' over Gaza hostage deal
US President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was deeply relieved that some hostages taken when Hamas militants stormed into Israel on October 7 will soon go free under a deal brokered with help from across the Middle East. Under the Qatar-brokered deal, Hamas will release 50 women and children kidnapped during their October 7 raids, in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed, most of them civilians.
The secret negotiations that led to the Gaza hostages deal
A Qatar-initiated rescue effort post-Hamas attack led to a delicate diplomatic dance involving the White House. President Biden's direct involvement, discreet team setup, and relentless negotiations secured a swap deal—50 hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners. Biden's emotional meetings with victims' families and strategic talks with Netanyahu were pivotal. A rollercoaster of demands, proof requirements, and intense talks spanned weeks, culminating in a tense yet successful agreement, ultimately bringing hope to hostage release efforts.
Benjamin Netanyahu tells NBC 'there could be' potential deal to free hostages
"We heard that there was an impending deal of this kind or of that kind and then we learned that it was all hokum. But the minute we started the ground operation, that began to change," Netanyahu told NBC show "Meet the Press." Asked whether there is a potential deal to free more of the hostages being held by Hamas militants, Netanyahu replied: "There could be."
Hamas says two more Gaza hostages freed
Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Monday that two more hostages seized to the Gaza Strip during the October 7 attacks had been freed. Two American women were freed on Friday, out of the 222 hostages Israel has confirmed are being held in Gaza.
First aid rolls into Gaza devastated by 'nightmare' war
The first aid trucks from Egypt arrived in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, providing relief to the Hamas-controlled territory that has faced a military campaign from Israel. The trucks, carrying humanitarian aid, passed through the Rafah border crossing and closed afterwards. The lorries had been waiting for days on the Egyptian side after Israel agreed to allow aid to enter following a request from its top ally the United States.
All eyes on 'decisive' Qatar in hostage release efforts
Qatar has emerged as a key power in efforts to release hostages seized by Hamas, with French President Emmanuel Macron praising Qatar's role in the recent release of two American hostages. Qatar's good relations with Western governments and Hamas, as well as its financial backing of Hamas, make it an accommodating mediator.
Israel says two Americans held hostage by Hamas, a mother and daughter, have been released
Hamas said it was releasing them in an agreement with the Qatari government for humanitarian reasons. Relatives of other captives welcomed the release and appealed for others to be freed. "We call on world leaders and the international community to exert their full power in order to act for the release of all the hostages and missing,'' the statement said.
'Sliver of hope' as Hamas releases hostages, but Gaza aid stalled
Hamas released two American hostages held in Gaza, offering a "sliver of hope" to desperate families, as Israel pounded the densely-populated territory where millions waited for promised aid deliveries on Saturday. - 'Life and death' aid - Some 2.4 million Palestinians live in the densely populated enclave, and almost half have been displaced, according to the UN. Israel has cut off supplies of water, electricity, fuel and food to the long-blockaded territory.
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