HOSTAGE RELEASE
US urges Israel's defense minister to avoid Lebanon escalation
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions in Lebanon during a meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They discussed efforts to free hostages in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of a diplomatic resolution. Tensions have risen with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel is winding down the Gaza conflict, redeploying forces to the northern border. President Joe Biden proposed a ceasefire and hostage release plan on May 31, but Hamas has its own demands. Gallant also met with CIA chief Bill Burns to discuss hostage negotiations.
Netanyahu says he won't agree to a deal that ends the war in Gaza, testing the latest truce proposal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent comments about only agreeing to a "partial" cease-fire in Gaza have cast doubt on a U.S.-backed proposal to end the eight-month-long conflict. Netanyahu stated he is open to a temporary pause to secure the release of some of the roughly 120 hostages held by Hamas but insisted that Israel must continue its military operations to fully eliminate Hamas. This stance contrasts with U.S. President Joe Biden's proposed three-phased plan, which includes a permanent cease-fire and the release of all hostages.
Russian forces kill Islamic State-linked hostage takers at detention centre
State media said that some of the men had been convicted of terrorism offences and were accused of affiliation with the Islamic State militant group, which claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall in March. The six hostage takers, one of whom wore a headband with the flag used by the Islamic State that bears an Arabic inscription, knocked out window bars and climbed down several floors by rope before taking the guards hostage with a knife and fire axe.
Blinken says some Hamas proposals unworkable but work on ceasefire to continue
Hamas proposed changes to a U.S. ceasefire proposal for the Gaza war, with some deemed unworkable by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Despite this, mediators aim to bridge gaps between Hamas and Israel. Hamas wants a ceasefire to lead to a permanent end to hostilities, Israeli withdrawal, Gaza's reconstruction, and Palestinian prisoner release. Blinken believes the remaining gaps can be bridged, and negotiations with Egypt and Qatar continue to secure a deal. The conflict has resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of more than 250 hostages by Hamas, with ongoing efforts to free them.
Netanyahu says Israel won't 'surrender' after hostages rescued
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that "Israel does not surrender to terrorism" after troops rescued four hostages held by militants in the Gaza Strip. The four were identified as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. Netanyahu praised the security forces for their successful operation and vowed to continue until all hostages are returned. The rescued individuals were in good medical condition.
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.
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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.
Israel pounds Gaza refugee camp as war enters ninth month
Israeli forces bombed a Gaza refugee camp following a deadly strike on a UN-run school, leading to international condemnation. The conflict, sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel, has killed thousands and displaced millions in Gaza. Efforts to mediate a ceasefire have stalled, with Hamas yet to respond to US President Biden's proposal. The conflict has escalated, with Gaza facing attacks from land, sea, and air, as Israel accuses Hamas of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes.
Gaza hospital reports 37 dead in strike on UN school Israel says used by Hamas
A UN-run school in central Gaza was bombed by Israel, killing at least 37 people. US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators are working on securing a truce and hostage release deal after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7.
Israeli troops launch attacks in central Gaza, possibly widening their offensive
The Israeli military has expanded its ground offensive in Gaza, intensifying operations in Deir al-Balah and Bureij. This escalation comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions, with UN agencies warning of potential mass starvation. Tensions are also high in Jerusalem as an annual march through Palestinian neighborhoods proceeds. Meanwhile, Israel seeks to extend the shutdown of Al Jazeera's local offices, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to restore security along the Lebanese border following Hezbollah rocket attacks.
Israel bombs Gaza as mediators to discuss truce-hostage plan
Israel's military intensified air strikes in central Gaza while US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators prepared for truce and hostage release talks. The situation remained tense in east Jerusalem due to Israel's "flag March," which has previously led to clashes. The ongoing Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Amid renewed fighting, the US proposed a three-phase plan to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners and increase aid, but Hamas demands a permanent truce and full Israeli withdrawal.
Israeli strikes kill 11 in Gaza, US pushes for 3-phase truce plan
Israeli strikes killed 11 people in central Gaza, including a woman and three children. US President Joe Biden mentioned Israel's ceasefire offer to Hamas to end fighting. Netanyahu emphasizes the priority of destroying Hamas in a plan to wind down the war.
PM Netanyahu aide: Joe Biden's Gaza plan 'not a good deal' but Israel accepts it
In an interview with Britain's Sunday Times, Ophir Falk, chief foreign policy advisor to Netanyahu, said Biden's proposal was "a deal we agreed to — it's not a good deal but we dearly want the hostages released, all of them". "There are a lot of details to be worked out," he said, adding that Israeli conditions, including "the release of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas as a genocidal terrorist organisation" have not changed.
Israel battles Hamas as mediators urge both to accept Gaza truce plan
Palestinian militant group Hamas, meanwhile, has said it "views positively" what Biden described as an Israeli proposal. Netanyahu, a hawkish political veteran leading a fragile right-wing coalition government, is under intense domestic pressure from two sides.
Despite mediators' push, Israel PM not relenting on Gaza truce
Netanyahu is under pressure from two sides. Protesters supporting the hostages, who rallied again in their tens of thousands in Tel Aviv on Saturday, are urging him to strike a truce deal - but right-wing extremist allies are threatening to bring down his fragile coalition government if he does.
Israel far-right ministers threaten to quit if Biden plan goes ahead
Far-right Israeli ministers threaten to quit Netanyahu's government over a potential hostage release deal with Hamas militants outlined by Biden, risking coalition instability amid Gaza war tensions.
Netanyahu says no Gaza ceasefire until Hamas destroyed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of a permanent ceasefire with Hamas until the group's military and governing capabilities are destroyed, despite a proposed truce involving an initial six-week ceasefire. Biden had mentioned Israel's proposal for a temporary truce and partial withdrawal. Netanyahu's stance contrasts with Hamas, which seeks a permanent ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and prisoner release. The conflict, ongoing since October 7, has led to significant casualties and displacement, with peace talks struggling to find common ground.
Israel's new proposal provide roadmap to ceasefire, hostage release: US President Joe Biden
President Joe Biden announced Israel's proposal for a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, involving the release of hostages. The proposal outlines a six-week plan for a ceasefire and hostage release, with involvement from Qatar and a diplomatic source. The White House clarified criteria for US policy regarding a ground invasion in Rafah.
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.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad group releases video of Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Trufanov alive in Gaza around 200 days after abduction
All Eyes on Rafah (Google Trends): The Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a 30-second video of hostage Alexander (Sasha) Trufanov in Gaza, showing him identifying himself and mentioning future updates. Trufanov was abducted during an October 7 Hamas-led attack, which killed 1,200 in Israel and captured 252 hostages. His family, partially released, still awaits his return amid renewed Israeli negotiations with Hamas.
Palestinian medics say Israeli airstrikes kill 35 in Gaza's Rafah as displaced people are hit
Israeli airstrikes in Rafah, Gaza, killed at least 35 people, mainly women and children, and hit tents for displaced people. The attack came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its offensive in Rafah. Israel's military confirmed targeting a Hamas installation, killing two senior militants. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society warned the death toll might rise as rescue efforts continued. Meanwhile, Gaza's aid situation worsens amid continued conflict and restricted humanitarian access.
Hamas rocket attack from Gaza sets off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv for the first time in months
Hamas' military wing claimed the attack, and rocket launches could be heard in central Gaza. The Israeli military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from the area of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where Israeli forces recently launched an incursion. It said "a number" of the projectiles were intercepted.
Israel war cabinet to discuss new push for Gaza hostage deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes war cabinet to discuss Gaza truce and hostage release deal despite ongoing fighting and Hamas rocket barrage at Tel Aviv.
Israel's army says the bodies of 3 more hostages killed on Oct 7 were rescued overnight from Gaza
Three hostages' bodies recovered from Gaza, identified as Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez, killed in an attack at the Mefalsim intersection by Hamas-led militants. The announcement comes less than a week after the army said it found the bodies of three other Israeli hostages killed on October 7.
'These girls can get pregnant': Israel releases disturbing video of female hostages captured by Hamas
An Israeli campaign group released footage of five female soldiers captured by Hamas on October 7, with permission from their families. This occurs as Spain, Norway, and Ireland recognize an independent Palestinian state, signaling Israel's increasing global isolation amid its ongoing Gaza offensive. The video shows the soldiers' traumatic treatment, prompting urgent pleas from their families for action.
Israeli leaders split over post-war Gaza governance
The Israeli army has been battling Hamas militants across Gaza for more than seven months while also exchanging near-daily fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah forces along the northern border with Lebanon.
Hamas armed wing releases video of hostage held in Gaza
Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades released videos of hostages in Gaza, with text in Arabic and Hebrew, intensifying concerns about captives held by Palestinian militants. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the region.
Hamas accepts Qatar-mediated proposal on hostage release, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, potentially easing tensions in Gaza. The agreement, detailed in a document obtained by CNN, outlines a three-phase plan. It includes the release of Israeli hostages, gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and improved aid access. Each phase lasts 42 days, with a focus on achieving peace and rebuilding Gaza. International efforts are underway to facilitate the ceasefire, with optimism for a swift resolution and sustainable aid flow into Gaza.
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