Israeli hostages

Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

by
Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

Countries mediating ceasefire negotiations, including Qatar, the USA, and Egypt, called on Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement based on a plan presented by US President Joe Biden. The plan includes a three-phase approach to achieve a permanent ceasefire, with conditions such as the release of hostages and the withdrawal of troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his government’s conditions for a ceasefire, including the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages. Hamas responded cautiously, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops before agreeing to a ceasefire. Netanyahu faces pressure from both right-wing ministers and Israeli citizens demanding the return of hostages.

Violence against civilians in Gaza ‘no longer justifiable,’ Italy says

by
Violence against civilians in Gaza ‘no longer justifiable,’ Italy says

Italy strongly criticized Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, stating that the situation is increasingly difficult and no longer justifiable. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed despair over the situation and emphasized the need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian people. Italy has previously supported Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas but has urged for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.

Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

by
Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

Israeli forces massed tanks near Rafah in response to U.S. President Biden’s threat to withhold weapons if a major invasion occurred. Ceasefire talks in Cairo continued as Palestinian militant groups engaged in battles with Israeli forces on the outskirts of Rafah. The U.S. paused delivery of bombs to Israel due to civilian risks, causing concern for Israel’s ability to neutralize Hamas. Thousands of Palestinians fled to Deir Al-Balah, fearing a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, with the U.N. warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Thousands of Israelis protest to demand hostage return

by
Thousands of Israelis protest to demand hostage return

Thousands of Israelis protested, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to bring back remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza. Families of hostages are desperate for their return, with some still missing since a Hamas attack in October. The protests come as international pressure mounts to end the seven-month war in Gaza. Netanyahu’s government is determined to continue the war until all hostages are returned, despite efforts for a ceasefire.

Two Israeli hostages seen in latest video issued by Hamas

by

Hamas released a video showing two Israeli hostages, Keith Siegel and Omri Miran, who have been held in Gaza since an assault in October. Siegel, a dual U.S. citizen, was taken captive with his wife, who was later released. Miran was taken from his home in front of his family. The hostages ask to be released and express love for their families in the video. Israel condemned the video as psychological terrorism. During the Passover holiday, Siegel breaks down crying, expressing hope for a reunion with his family. The assault by Hamas led to the taking of around 250 hostages and the death of 1,200 people. Israel launched an assault on Gaza in response, resulting in almost 35,000 Palestinian deaths.

Pope Francis urges end to ‘spiral of violence’ in Middle East

by
Pope Francis urges end to ‘spiral of violence’ in Middle East

Pope Francis urged Iran and Israel to avoid actions that could escalate violence in the Middle East. He called for a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiations for humanitarian aid and the release of Israeli hostages. The Pope emphasized the importance of peace and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

Pope deplores deaths in Gaza and Ukraine from ‘folly of war’

by
Pope deplores deaths in Gaza and Ukraine from ‘folly of war’

Pope Francis appealed for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, mourning the death of aid workers in an Israeli airstrike and honoring a Ukrainian soldier killed in the conflict. Seven World Central Kitchen volunteers were killed in Gaza, prompting the Pope to express regret and call for an immediate ceasefire. He also held a moment of silence for the Ukrainian soldier, Oleksandr, who died in the war against Russia.

Pope Francis, in Easter address, calls for Gaza ceasefire

by
Pope Francis, in Easter address, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages in his Easter Sunday address.

Hamas tells mediators it will stick to original position on ceasefire

by
Hamas tells mediators it will stick to original position on ceasefire

Hamas has informed mediators that it will stick to its original proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians.