israel – Page 5

Tears, hugs and kisses: Emotional reunions mark return of Israeli hostages, Palestinian prisoners; crowds gather at both sides of Gaza

Gaza hostages freed after 2 years of captivity Israel and the Palestinian territories saw an emotional milestone on Monday as long-awaited reunions unfolded on both sides of the conflict. In Israel, the last of the hostages held by Hamas for more than two years returned home, ending 738 days of captivity since the October 7, […]

‘It is working beautifully’: Israeli speaker jokes about UN teleprompter glitch before Donald Trump’s Knesset speech – watch

Israeli speaker jokes about UN teleprompter glitch before Donald Trump’s Knesset speech (Picture credit: AP) Israeli Knesset speaker Amir Ohana poked fun at a technical mishap during a previous United Nations appearance by US President Donald Trump while welcoming him to Israel on Monday. Speaking before the Knesset, Ohana said, “You stand before the people […]

Returning hostages: Netanyahu, wife pen handwritten note; Israel prepares kits with clothes and supplies

Netanyahu (File photo), wife pen note for hostages set to be return to Israel soon Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released on Monday a personal message written by PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for the returning hostages. The hostages will also receive welcome packages containing clothing, personal items, electronic devices including a laptop, mobile […]

Middle East peace or government shutdown? Donald Trump asked which is harder; what he replied

US President Donald Trump on Sunday described achieving peace in the Middle East as a far more difficult challenge than resolving the ongoing US government shutdown, which he said has become “almost customary.” Asked by reporters, “What’s harder, Peace in the Middle east or ending a government shutdown?” Trump replied, “Well, I think the hardest […]

Gaza peace accord: Will Israel confer its highest civilian honor on Donald Trump? – Here’s what we know

Donald Trump (AP image) and medal (AI-generated image) Israel President Isaac Herzog announced on Monday that he will present the country’s highest civilian award to his US counterpart Donald Trump. The award, Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor will be presented to US President in recognition of his role in securing the release of hostages from […]

‘The war is over’: Donald Trump heads for Middle East to mark Gaza ceasefire; calls it ‘very special time’

US President Donald Trump on Sunday departed for a visit to Israel and Egypt, calling the trip a “very special” moment as he hailed a ceasefire and hostage release deal that he said had brought the Gaza war to an end.“This is going to be a very special time,” Trump told reporters before boarding air […]

‘Destruction of Hamas tunnels in Gaza’: Israel outlines next phase after hostage return; IDF told to prepare

Israeli defence minister Israel Katz on Sunday said he ordered the IDF to prepare for the demolition of all Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip.“The major challenge for Israel after the phase of returning the hostages will be the destruction of all of Hamas’s terror tunnels in Gaza, directly by the IDF and through the […]

‘Israel doesn’t want war’: Iran says Russia relayed Netanyahu’s message; raises doubt over Gaza ceasefire

Abbas Araghchi (left), Benjamin Netanyahu (File – agencies) Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Russia had relayed a message from Israel indicating it is not seeking a renewed conflict with Tehran, following a 12-day war in June.“Apparently three or four days ago there was a telephone call between (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) […]

Gaza peace summit: Hamas says hostage release to ‘begin on Monday’; Trump – Sisi to chair the meet

Relatives and families of hostages rejoice announcement of Gaza truce (AP) A senior Hamas official has confirmed that the release of 48 hostages, mostly Israelis, held in Gaza is scheduled to begin on Monday morning, under the terms of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.“According to the signed agreement, the prisoner exchange is […]

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal: US troops arrive in Tel Aviv to oversee truce; displaced Gazans return home

US troops began arriving in Israel overnight as part of a mission to help implement and oversee the Gaza ceasefire agreement, a source was quoted as saying by ABC News. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, arrived in Israel on Thursday.According to the report, the 200-member team is set to arrive over […]