Hamas is expected to release Israeli hostages in two stages beginning at 8 AM Monday, as Israel confirms preparations for the first exchanges under the Gaza ceasefire brokered by the U.S.
Israel said on Sunday that hostages held in Gaza are expected to be freed early Monday as part of the first phase of a ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas under a plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Israel Hayom, Hamas will release the Israeli hostages in two batches, with the first group expected to be freed starting at 8 AM local time. “Israel is ready to receive hostages if they are released earlier,” said Shosh Bedrosian, a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Bedrosian added that Israel will free Palestinian detainees once the hostages are safely returned from Gaza. Under the current arrangement, 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained since October 2023, will be released in exchange for 48 Israeli hostages, including 20 alive.
The truce marks the implementation of the first phase of a 20-point plan unveiled by President Trump on 29 September. The proposal seeks to secure a full ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the release of all Israeli captives, and oversee a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. The first phase took effect on Friday.
A second phase of the plan calls for the formation of a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas participation, the deployment of a multinational force, and the disarmament of the group.
A South Korean court hearing the case of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection postponed the sentencing request until next week af...
Türkiye is reportedly in discussions to join the defence alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a strategic move that could reshape security dyn...
The United Nations has described footage of the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis as deeply disturbing, urging a thorough investigation and reaffirmin...
The foreign ministries of Armenia and Iran held political consultations in Yerevan, according to official statements....
Italy aims to begin testing a delayed cable car project in January as it seeks to ease transport pressure at the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics,...
Türkiye says it's prepared a self-sustaining international stabilisation force for Gaza and has already begun training, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said, reiterating Ankara’s readiness to deploy troops to support humanitarian efforts and help end the fighting.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce the creation of a Gaza “Board of Peace” next week as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, according to reports.
President Ilham Aliyev has said Azerbaijan is not considering participation in any combat or peace enforcement mission in the Gaza Strip, stressing that any discussion of involvement depends on a clearly defined international mandate, the nature of the mission, and the consent of all parties.
Israeli air strikes in Gaza and Lebanon have raised fresh concerns about the durability of ceasefire agreements, after deadly attacks were reported in both territories.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
New York City parents could soon have access to free childcare for two-year-old children following a joint announcement made by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday (8 January).
Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and across at least 28 cities in a wave of anti-government demonstrations, now entering their twelfth day.
Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, stresses importance of public order in Syria, deepening Türkiye-Indonesia cooperation, discusses Gaza and regional developments
The controversial closure of the criminal case concerning the tragic crash of AZAL flight 1, which was shot down by Russian air defence systems last year while approaching Grozny, has uncovered a crucial new detail, according to Minval Politika.
The foreign ministries of Armenia and Iran held political consultations in Yerevan, according to official statements.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in discussions about the potential export of various products from Armenia to Azerbaijan, as confirmed by Armenia's Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has urged the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to “do its part for national unity” amid ongoing clashes with Syrian government forces in the country’s northwest
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment