WASHINGTON, March 5 – The United States has taken a significant and controversial step by engaging in secret discussions with Hamas to secure the release of American hostages held in Gaza. This move marks a departure from long-standing U.S. policy, which has traditionally avoided direct negotiations with organizations designated as terrorist groups. President Donald Trump … Read more
JERUSALEM/TEL AVIV/GAZA, Feb 27 – In a significant exchange amid a fragile ceasefire, Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages while Israel proceeded with the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The overnight swap marked the conclusion of the first phase of an ongoing truce in Gaza, which has so far withstood numerous challenges … Read more
JERUSALEM, Feb 22 – Six more Israeli hostages were set to be released from Gaza on Saturday as part of an ongoing exchange deal between Hamas and Israel. This comes after Israeli authorities confirmed that a body handed over the previous night was that of Shiri Bibas, a woman taken captive along with her husband … Read more
JERUSALEM, Feb 20 – In a significant development, Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages, including infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel, who were among those taken captive during the October 7, 2023, attack. The handover, which took place on Thursday, marked the first time Hamas has returned deceased hostages since the conflict … Read more
JERUSALEM, Feb 16 – Israel has received a significant shipment of MK-84 bombs from the United States after U.S. President Donald Trump lifted restrictions that had previously prevented their export. The shipment, which had been blocked by the administration of Former President Joe Biden, was cleared for delivery last month, according to Israel’s Defense Ministry. … Read more
CAIRO/JERUSALEM, Feb 15 – Three Israeli hostages, Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha (Alexander) Troufanov, were released in Gaza on Saturday following intense mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar. Their release marks a crucial moment in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, as both sides work to maintain a fragile truce that has been repeatedly tested. Hostage … Read more
CAIRO, Feb 11 – A senior Hamas official has emphasized that the ongoing ceasefire must be upheld if there is any hope of securing the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The statement follows strong remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of severe consequences if Hamas did not release all captives by … Read more
GAZA/JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Feb 8 – In a significant development amid the ongoing ceasefire, the Palestinian militant group Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday. Their frail and malnourished appearance shocked many in Israel, underscoring the dire conditions they endured during captivity. In response, Israel commenced the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners as part of the … Read more
GAZA/CAIRO, Feb 1 – a significant development unfolded in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Three Israeli hostages were freed in the latest exchange, marking another step in the tentative process of securing peace and resolving the 15-month-long war. The hostages were released in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, continuing the … Read more
CAIRO/JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH, Jan 30 – In a tense and highly anticipated exchange, Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners following the delayed handover of several hostages by Hamas. The process, which was momentarily stalled due to chaotic scenes during the hostage transfer, eventually proceeded under renewed assurances from mediators. Hostage Handover Amid Chaos The release of hostages by Hamas … Read more