ISRAEL HOSTAGES IN GAZA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Israel: Thousands of people hold anti-govt protests, demand new elections and return of hostages
Tens of thousands protested across Israel on Saturday, demanding new elections and the return of hostages held in Gaza. In Tel Aviv, author David Grossman and former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, calling for immediate elections. Demonstrations also occurred outside Likud party headquarters and Netanyahu’s residence. Protests included calls to end the Gaza conflict and highlighted the plight of hostages. Hostages and Missing Families Forum held rallies nationwide, demanding hostages' release. Protests have persisted since the war began on October 7.
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.
Who are the four Israeli hostages freed from Gaza?
The Israeli military successfully rescued four hostages from Gaza, who had been captured by Hamas Palestinian militants during an attack on the Supernova music festival in southern Israel on October 7. The captives were identified as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, each with their own harrowing experiences during their captivity.
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.
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.
Palestinian casualties in Israeli hostage rescue raid cross 270
Israeli forces continue to target central Gaza after a deadly hostage rescue raid. The Gaza health ministry reported 274 Palestinians killed, including women and children, by Israeli special forces during the operation to rescue hostages held by Hamas militants.
Hamas says 210 killed in Gaza camp where hostages rescued
Hamas's government media office reported that at least 210 people were killed in Israeli attacks on a Gaza refugee camp where four hostages were rescued. The Israeli army carried out the rescue operation in Nuseirat. The hostages were identified as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh vowed to continue fighting against the "criminal enemy," urging international aid for the overwhelmed Al-Aqsa Martyrs' hospital.
Israel cannot force its choices on Hamas, group's leader says
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in response to an Israeli offensive in Gaza, stated that Israel cannot impose its choices on the group and any deal must ensure security for Palestinians . Israeli forces rescued four hostages in al-Nuseirat, while Hamas vowed to continue resisting Israeli aggression. The health ministry reported at least 55 Palestinians killed and many wounded in the attacks.
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.
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.
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.
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 PM Benjamin Netanyahu insists Gaza war will not end until 'elimination' of Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Gaza war will continue until Hamas's capacity to govern and make war is eliminated, despite US President Joe Biden offering a new peace roadmap.
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.
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.
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