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.
The war, now in its second year, has left Gaza devastated. Following the Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped more than 250 hostages, Israeli forces launched a massive offensive by air, sea, and land. According to Gaza authorities, the military campaign has killed nearly 45,000 people, mostly civilians, displaced almost the entire population, and reduced much of the enclave to rubble.
The protest marks 435 days since the hostages were taken. Among those demanding action was Omri Lifshitz, whose father, Oded Lifshitz, remains captive. "We hope for a deal this month. The hostages are waiting for us to save them," he said. Others criticized the government for handling negotiations poorly, arguing that partial deals leave many hostages behind and prolong the suffering.
Efforts to mediate a truce and secure a hostages-for-prisoners exchange have gained momentum. Talks led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are reportedly progressing, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi holding discussions with U.S. officials about potential terms for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
As protesters continue to demand change, the pressure on Netanyahu’s government grows. The call is clear: an end to the war, a deal for the hostages, and a new direction for Israel’s leadership.
The incident took place on Saturday in Boulder, Colorado, during a regular event held to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Israel’s military chief has ordered an expansion of the Gaza ground offensive amid growing warnings of famine and international criticism over aid restrictions.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
A breakthrough US plan for a Gaza ceasefire, involving a phased hostage-prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid, has gained traction as Hamas agrees to the proposal following Israel’s acceptance.
Israel has approved 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, triggering sharp backlash from Palestinians and warnings from international allies.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has commended President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan for his "rational and balanced policy" in developing the country’s energy resources, particularly amid growing global demand for oil and gas.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Egypt on a one-day visit and is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Tuesday on the second leg of his tour of the two Arab countries with which the Islamic Republic is re-adjusting its relations.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu will make an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 7, 2025, following an invitation from the Iranian government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan announced on Monday.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Canada’s Gran Tierra Energy Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 30th Anniversary International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition held as part of Baku Energy Week.
Azerbaijan and Iran have reached a key agreement on the operation mode and water allocation of the Araz reservoir, following the 54th meeting of the Permanent Joint Commission on the shared use of the Araz River's water and energy resources, held in Baku.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Canada’s Gran Tierra Energy Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 30th Anniversary International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition held as part of Baku Energy Week.
Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, destroying dozens of homes and vital infrastructure in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, local authorities reported on Monday.
UN Headquarters in New York, powerful voices from France’s overseas territories accused Paris of sustaining colonial control under new names, demanding sovereignty, reparations, and justice for people of African descent.
Karol Nawrocki’s narrow win in Poland’s presidential race signals a sharp turn in tone toward both the European Union and Ukraine, raising questions over Warsaw’s future alignment in Central Europe.
In a significant development toward de-escalating the ongoing war, Russia on Monday formally presented Ukraine with a comprehensive peace proposal, outlining steps for a full ceasefire and a long-term peace agreement, according to Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has commended President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan for his "rational and balanced policy" in developing the country’s energy resources, particularly amid growing global demand for oil and gas.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Egypt on a one-day visit and is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Tuesday on the second leg of his tour of the two Arab countries with which the Islamic Republic is re-adjusting its relations.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu will make an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 7, 2025, following an invitation from the Iranian government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan announced on Monday.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Canada’s Gran Tierra Energy Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 30th Anniversary International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition held as part of Baku Energy Week.
Azerbaijan and Iran have reached a key agreement on the operation mode and water allocation of the Araz reservoir, following the 54th meeting of the Permanent Joint Commission on the shared use of the Araz River's water and energy resources, held in Baku.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment