HOSTAGE TALKS
Israel-Hamas War: Thousands gather for weekly protests amid reported progress in hostage deal talks
Relatives and supporters gathered on Saturday in Tel Aviv for a weekly rally demanding a deal to release the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. "Mr Prime Minister, give the negotiation team room to manoeuvre and return with a deal and bring eve...
Hamas accepts US proposal on talks over Israeli hostages, Hamas source says
Hamas has agreed to engage in talks with the U.S. to release Israeli hostages, including soldiers and men, as part of an agreement to end the Gaza war. The group has dropped a demand for a permanent ceasefire prior to negotiations. Efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release have intensified, with active diplomacy among Washington, Israel, and Qatar. Israeli forces have increased military strikes in Gaza, resulting in casualties.
Hamas clears the way for a possible cease-fire after dropping key demand, officials say
Hamas tentatively approves US-backed phased cease-fire deal in Gaza, dropping demand for immediate complete end to war. The Potential deal includes six-week cease-fire, hostage releases, withdrawal of Israeli forces, return of displaced people, and negotiation of further phases of agreement. Hamas seeks written guarantees of continuing negotiations for permanent cease-fire; fighting continues as humanitarian crisis deepens.
Hamas agrees to proposal on talks to free Israeli hostages 16 days after first phase, source says
The source said that the proposal ensures that mediators would guarantee a temporary ceasefire, aid delivery, and withdrawal of Israeli troops as long as indirect talks continue to implement the second phase of the agreement.
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.
Israel sends delegation to negotiate hostage release deal with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu informed U.S. President Biden about resuming talks with Hamas for a hostage release deal, led by Mossad. Mediated by Egypt and Qatar, the talks stalled but resumed after Hamas showed flexibility. Netanyahu insists on achieving all objectives before a ceasefire. Gaza’s health ministry reported 38,000 deaths. Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Shejaia worsen the humanitarian crisis. Evacuation orders have displaced many Palestinians. Mossad leads the delegation, per Israeli Channel 12.
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Israel 'evaluating' new Hamas 'ideas' on halting Gaza war
Hamas has submitted new proposals to Qatari mediators to end the ongoing Gaza conflict with Israel. Israel is evaluating these suggestions regarding a hostage exchange deal with Hamas, amidst mounting international pressure for a ceasefire. Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are involved in mediation efforts, with the United States supporting a roadmap proposed by President Joe Biden aimed at achieving peace and Gaza's reconstruction.
The fate of the latest cease-fire proposal hinges on Netanyahu and Hamas' leader in Gaza
The proposed cease-fire deal for Gaza is influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Both leaders face significant political and personal pressures that may influence their decision-making. Hamas has accepted the broad outline of the plan but requested "amendments," while Netanyahu has publicly disputed aspects of it, even though the U.S. has framed it as an Israeli plan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What's in the new Israel ceasefire proposal Biden announced?
U.S. President Joe Biden proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan to end the war in Gaza, involving a ceasefire, release of hostages and prisoners, and Gaza reconstruction, amidst a humanitarian crisis.
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.
Hamas ready to reach 'complete agreement' if Israel stops war: Statement
Hamas has informed ceasefire mediators that they are prepared to reach a comprehensive agreement, including a full hostages/prisoners exchange, if Israel ceases its aggression in Gaza, the group announced in a statement on Thursday.
Benjamin Netanyahu says deadly Israeli strike in Rafah was the result of a 'tragic mishap'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a 'tragic mishap' in an Israeli strike in Gaza that killed at least 45 people. The Gaza Health Ministry reported the casualties, adding to international criticism over civilian deaths in Israel's war with Hamas.
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 to restart Gaza truce talks as hostage video sparks outrage
The 190-second clip, compiled from footage filmed by the militants on the day of the attack, shows five young women in civilian clothes, some bruised and bloodied, lined up against a wall before being pushed into a jeep. The women, who Israel confirmed are military personnel, were kidnapped when Hamas invaded Israel and killed 1,200 people.
Talks over Gaza ceasefire at stalemate after Rafah operation, Qatar PM says
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani stated ceasefire talks in Gaza have stalled due to Israel's Rafah operations, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Qatar mediates but emphasizes its limited role. The core dispute is the release of hostages and ending the war, with casualties surpassing 34,000 Palestinians.
Israel strikes Gaza as more Rafah evacuations ordered
Israeli strikes in Gaza escalate, risking disaster. UN warns of humanitarian crisis. Netanyahu vows action in Rafah. Army active at crossing. Residents flee Rafah. Guterres calls for ceasefire and aid access.
Israel strikes eastern Rafah as ceasefire talks end with no deal
Israeli tanks and warplanes have bombarded areas of Rafah, Palestinian residents said, following President Joe Biden's statement that the US would withhold weapons from Israel if its forces mounted a major invasion of the southern Gaza city. A senior Israeli official said that the latest round of indirect negotiations in Cairo had ended and Israel would proceed with its operation in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip as planned. Israel has submitted to mediators its reservations about a Hamas proposal for a hostage release deal, and the Israeli delegation is returning from the Egyptian capital.
Israeli tanks have rolled into Rafah. What does this mean for the Palestinians sheltering there?
Israeli tanks entering Rafah raised concerns of a potential offensive endangering over a million Palestinian civilians. The move dimmed hopes for an immediate cease-fire deal. Palestinians in Rafah face evacuation with uncertain shelter plans. Israel has directed evacuees to Muwasi, but its conditions are described as squalid and inadequate. The UN warns that an attack on Rafah could collapse aid operations, pushing Gaza into greater crisis. The international community, including the US and Egypt, has urged Israel to avoid actions that could harm civilians.
Israel sends tanks into Rafah and seizes key crossing
Israeli forces entered Rafah in southern Gaza, taking control of the border crossing with Egypt, amid escalating tensions. This operation, following a warning to evacuate, disrupted UN humanitarian access. Tanks flew Israeli flags as they secured the area, but no sign of specific targets. The region faced heavy bombardment overnight, resulting in casualties. Hamas claimed responsibility for attacks, further fueling conflict. Negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, with international concern mounting over civilian safety and the potential for broader escalation.
Israel bombards Rafah ahead of talks aimed at sealing truce
Israel carried out airstrikes on Gaza's city of Rafah, aiming to pressure Hamas ahead of truce talks in Egypt. This followed reports of a Chinese fighter jet firing flares near an Australian navy helicopter in the Yellow Sea. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned China's actions as "unprofessional and unacceptable." The Australian Defence Department reported the incident occurred during UN sanctions enforcement on North Korea. Albania said Australia's concerns were raised with China through diplomatic channels.
Israel's Rafah evacuation order sparks global alarm
Israel calls for Rafah evacuation before potential ground invasion, escalating tensions with Hamas. International leaders intervene amid concerns for civilians. Truce talks stalled, violence escalates in Gaza.
Hamas accepts a Gaza cease-fire proposal, but Israel hasn't commented
Hamas has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a cease-fire to halt the seven-month-long war with Israel in Gaza. The deal follows Israel ordering 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate from Rafah, signaling a potential ground invasion. The cease-fire would take place in stages, with Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Israeli troop pullbacks from Gaza. It is unclear whether the deal will meet Hamas' key demand of bringing about an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal.
US president holds separate calls with leaders from Qatar, Egypt over Gaza ceasefire talks
Biden urged Sisi and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, whom he spoke to separately, to exert all efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas "as this is now the only obstacle to an immediate ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza," the White House said.
Team from Gaza mediator Egypt arrives in Israel for truce talks
Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to find a ceasefire for the war in Gaza without success since a one-week halt to the fighting in November. That truce saw the exchange of 80 Israeli captives in return for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Since then, global criticism of the toll on Palestinian civilians in Gaza has escalated, as have calls for Hamas militants to release the remaining hostages being held since their October 7 attack triggered the war.
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