GAZA
Israel rescues hostage from underground tunnel in Gaza
Israel conducted a successful rescue operation in Gaza, freeing Qaid Farhan Alkadi, one of the hostages abducted by Hamas in October. Alkadi was the first to be rescued from an underground tunnel after 326 days in captivity. The operation brought relief to Israelis but highlighted the plight of other hostages. Efforts continue to secure their release amid ongoing conflict and negotiations for a cease-fire.
Israel evacuation orders halt UN aid operations in Gaza
The evacuation order came as the UN prepares to begin on Saturday a campaign to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) said a 10-month-old baby had been paralysed by the type 2 polio virus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years. "We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said the senior UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Escalating conflict: Hezbollah rockets and Israeli strikes intensify regional tensions; here's all you need to know
Israel news: On Sunday, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at Israel, escalating tensions in West Asia. This came after the assassination of a Hezbollah commander by Israeli forces. Israel conducted pre-emptive strikes, targeting launch sites in southern Lebanon. Defense measures were heightened, including civil defense instructions and state of emergency declarations.
Israelis left staring at an uncomfortable question with no easy solution as war with Hamas goes on and on
Netanyahu has tried to allay concerns by saying the economic damage is only temporary. But the bloodiest, most destructive war ever between Israel and Hamas has hurt thousands of small businesses and compromised international trust in an economy once thought of as an entrepreneurial dynamo. Some leading economists say a cease-fire is the best way to stop the damage.
As Gaza ceasefire talks stretch, death, disease & hunger rage on
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was expected to attend. Months of on-off talks have so far failed to produce a breakthrough to end Israel's devastating military campaign in Gaza or free the remaining hostages seized by Hamas. The Egyptian sources said the new proposals include compromises on outstanding points such as how to secure key areas and the return of people to north Gaza.
Netanyahu in dispute with Israeli negotiators over ceasefire conditions, source says
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed Israeli negotiators' offers to relinquish control of the Philadelphi Corridor in Gaza, aimed at preventing Hamas smuggling. Under U.S. pressure for peace, Netanyahu faced criticism from both families of hostages and members of his negotiating team for insisting on maintaining control despite calls for more flexibility.
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US, Israel defense chiefs discuss ceasefire deal, regional risks, Austin says
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin communicated with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant about ongoing clashes on the Israel-Lebanon border and potential escalations involving Iran and affiliated groups. Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel's security and updated on efforts towards a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.
Hamas official slams Israeli 'refusal' of Gaza deal over border troops
Egypt with fellow mediators Qatar and the United States have for months tried to reach a deal to end more than 10 months of war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza. Top US diplomat Antony Blinken visited the region this week to emphasise the urgency of an agreement. Witnesses on Friday reported combat in the territory's north, heavy shelling in the centre, and tank fire in the far south near Rafah city.
Kamala Harris supports Israel ceasefire deal, terms Gaza suffering "heartbreaking"
Kamala Harris, speaking at the Democratic National Convention, addressed the Israel-Hamas war, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire deal in Gaza. She pledged unwavering support for Israel's right to self-defense and called the Gaza situation 'heartbreaking.' Harris also discussed restoring reproductive rights and criticized Donald Trump, while vowing to represent all Americans if elected president.
Gaza impasse despite Blinken visit; Israeli strikes kill dozens
As last-ditch diplomacy continued to halt the 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military said jets hit around 30 targets throughout the Gaza Strip including tunnels, launch sites and an observation post. It said troops killed dozens of armed fighters. It said troops killed dozens of armed fighters and seized weapons including explosives, grenades and automatic rifles.
Hamas pushes back against US, says It wants Gaza ceasefire
Hamas indicated their willingness for a cease-fire with Israel, denying US claims of stalling negotiations. Blinken stated that Israel had accepted a temporary agreement. An Israeli airstrike in Gaza resulted in 12 deaths. Additionally, the bodies of six hostages were recovered from a tunnel in Khan Younis following clashes with militants.
Israeli military says it has recovered the bodies of 6 hostages in a Gaza operation
The recovery came as the the United States, Egypt and Qatar are trying to mediate a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas that would see the release of scores of hostages held by the militant group.
Blinken says Israel accepts Gaza proposal, urges Hamas to do same
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted a "bridging proposal" from Washington aimed at resolving disagreements obstructing a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Blinken urged Hamas to accept the proposal as well.
Pro-Palestinian protests loom ahead of first day of Democratic convention
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday to oppose the Biden administration's stance on Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The demonstration, organized by the group "March on the DNC," included a one-mile march from a park to the Chicago convention arena shortly before President Joe Biden's scheduled address.
Protests in Chicago set to spoil Kamala Harris' campaign fanfare
While Vice President Kamala Harris has galvanised the party as she gears up to accept the Democratic nomination, activists say their plans to demonstrate haven't changed. They're ready to amplify their message before the nation's top Democratic leaders.
Blinken to arrive in Israel as US pushes for Gaza ceasefire
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Israel on Sunday to further Washington's efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and end the 10-month-old conflict between Israel and Hamas. This marks Blinken's tenth visit to the region since the war began in October last year.
Blinken, in Israel, says now is 'maybe the last' chance for a Gaza cease-fire deal
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a cease-fire in Gaza to release hostages and alleviate civilian suffering, following nearly a year of fighting. Mediators expressed optimism, but disagreements persist between Israel and Hamas. Talks in Egypt are expected to continue this week in an effort to finalize a deal.
Besieged Gazans share shoes, wear same clothes for months
Gaza's residents have been left without essential clothing after 10 months of ongoing conflict. Safaa Yassin and others find it difficult to dress their children appropriately. With Gaza's textile industry nearly obliterated and resources prioritized for hospitals and aid, finding new clothes is a significant challenge for the territory's 2.4 million people.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads back to Middle East as Gaza truce hopes rise
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left Saturday on a mission to the Middle East to push ahead a Gaza ceasefire deal, as cautious optimism rises. The top US diplomat, who is putting off vacation plans for his ninth trip to the Middle East since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, will fly to Tel Aviv ahead of expected meetings with the Israeli leadership.
Deadly violence persists in Gaza despite mediators' hopes for a truce
On Saturday, violence in the Gaza Strip intensified as an Israeli airstrike killed at least 18 people from the same family, just as mediators expressed optimism about a potential cease-fire deal. The strike hit a house and a warehouse in Zawaida, amid ongoing conflict that has now claimed over 40,000 lives in the Israel-Hamas war.
Gaza rescuers say Israeli strike kills 15 from same family
An Israeli air strike in Gaza's Al-Zawaida neighborhood killed 15 members of the Ajlah family, including nine children and three women, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. The attack occurred just after midnight, with witnesses reporting three rockets hit the home. Israel has not commented. The conflict has already resulted in high casualties.
Hamas rejects 'new' Gaza truce conditions as Biden says deal closer than ever
Hamas declined to accept new conditions in the US-led Gaza ceasefire proposal. Diplomatic talks involved the US, Egypt, and Qatar, with US President Biden optimistic about progress. The discussions aim to ease the long-standing conflict, but disagreements persist, including issues around troop placements and prisoner exchanges.
Biden says he's optimistic about cease-fire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after two days of talks wrapped up in Doha with an agreement to continue negotiations next week, Biden said "I don't want to jinx anything" but that a ceasefire was "Much, much closer than it was three days ago."
Gaza talks to resume next week on new US proposals: White House
"This proposal builds on areas of agreement over the past week, and bridges remaining gaps in the manner that allows for a swift implementation of the deal," said a White House statement signed by co-mediators Qatar and Egypt.
As Gaza death toll passes 40,000, corpses are buried in yards, streets, tiered graves
Gravediggers in Gaza have been struggling to manage the increasing number of deaths resulting from the 10-month-old Israel-Hamas conflict. The death toll has surpassed 40,000, leading to graves being stacked and hurried burials in makeshift locations. Many families face difficulties in finding and honoring their deceased relatives, with some cemeteries completely destroyed.
Columbia University president quits months after handling of Gaza war protests
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned amid controversy over campus protests on Israel's war in Gaza. Shafik cited family toll and community discord in her decision. Katrina Armstrong named interim president. Protests led to police involvement, arrests, and tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups. Shafik faced criticism from both sides. U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik welcomed the resignation. Shafik, a former Bank of England official, took office in July 2023.
Trump, Netanyahu speak about Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal: Report
In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Donald Trump discussed a Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal, encouraging acceptance, a report said. Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar are set to restart negotiations amid escalating regional tensions and recent deadly clashes. Hamas has declined to join the upcoming talks but mediators plan further consultations.
Extreme heat poses new challenge for aid agencies in Gaza
In Gaza, record temperatures worsened the already dire situation as nearly all residents were displaced due to the ongoing conflict. Extreme heat hindered aid delivery and aggravated health issues. Humanitarian agencies shifted focus to water, sanitation, and nutrition. Environmental concerns became a priority amid ongoing war and infrastructure devastation.
'No further delay' to Gaza ceasefire: France, Germany, UK
The leaders of France, Germany and Britain said Monday that "there can be no further delay" in negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza, warning Iran and its allies against any "further escalation" of the conflict. In their statement, the three European leaders also urged Iran and its allies "to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardise the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages."
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