Hamas Hands Over Bodies of Hostages Amid Tragic Loss and Escalating Tensions

Palestinian Hamas militants keep guard on the day Hamas hands over deceased hostages Oded Lifschitz, Shiri Bibas and her two children Kfir and Ariel Bibas, seized during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, to the Red Cross, as part of a ceasefire and hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip February 20, 2025.

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

Israel Acquires Powerful U.S. Bomb Shipment After Trump’s Approval

U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 4, 2025.

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

Breakthrough in Gaza: Three Israeli Hostages Freed as Ceasefire Holds

Three Israeli hostages, Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha (Alexander) Troufanov

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

Ceasefire Seen as Key to Securing Israeli Hostages, Says Hamas Official

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

Hamas Frees Three Hostages as Israel Begins Prisoner Release

Or Levy, Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami are released by Hamas militants, Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip

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

Qatar Urges Urgent Talks Between Israel and Hamas for a Critical Ceasefire Breakthrough

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

DOHA, Feb 2 – In a significant diplomatic push, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has called on both Israel and Hamas to engage in immediate discussions to implement the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Speaking at a press conference alongside Turkey’s Foreign Minister in Doha, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the … Read more

Three Israeli Hostages Released in Latest Gaza Exchange

hostages Ofer Kalderon, Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas

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

Israel’s Strategic Decision: Palestinian Prisoners Freed After Hostage Exchange Delay

Palestinian militants surround hostage Arbel Yehoud, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, on the day they hand her over to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 30, 2025.

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

Four Israeli Hostages Released in Gaza Swap Deal as Ceasefire Holds

Four female Israeli soldiers, who had been held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, are released by Hamas militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City, January 25, 2025

JERUSALEM/CAIRO/GAZA, Jan 25 — In a significant development aimed at stabilizing the ongoing ceasefire, the Palestinian group Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers on Saturday. In return, approximately 200 Palestinian prisoners were freed, marking the second phase of a prisoner swap agreement tied to the truce efforts in Gaza. The hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, … Read more

Hamas to Release Four Israeli Soldiers in Second Hostage Swap

A combination picture shows Israeli hostages Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Daniela Gilboa and Liri Albag

JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Jan 25 – In a significant development aimed at easing tensions, the Palestinian group Hamas is set to release four female Israeli soldiers on Saturday. This move is part of a broader ceasefire agreement designed to end over a year of conflict in Gaza. The agreement outlines a prisoner exchange, with Hamas agreeing to … Read more