Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian citizen and Princeton graduate student, has been released in Iraq after being held captive since March 2023 by the Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday suggested a Gaza deal could come soon to secure the release of all the hostages held by Hamas, after earlier issuing what he called his "last warning" to the Palestinian militant group.
Hamas claims it has lost contact with the group holding Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli soldier, after an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed one of his guards.
Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest offer of a temporary truce in Gaza, instead demanding a comprehensive agreement that would end the war and include a full prisoner exchange.
Israel delayed releasing 620 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, citing Hamas' failure to meet conditions. Hamas responded by tying further ceasefire talks to the release.
Hamas has begun releasing hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Hamas has handed over the bodies of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, deepening national mourning in Israel. Their fate had remained uncertain for months after their abduction during the October 7, 2023 attack.
The body of Youssef Ziyadne, an Israeli Bedouin taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, was found in a Gaza tunnel, with evidence suggesting his son may also have been killed, the Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday.
Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on December 14, demanding the release of hostages taken by Hamas and calling for a ceasefire, as the war in Gaza enters its second year with mounting casualties and devastation.
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