Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of a phased exchange agreement aimed at easing the conflict in Gaza.
Among those expected to be freed is Yarden Bibas, the father of baby Kfir and four-year-old Ariel, who were kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. Hamas previously claimed that the children and their mother, Shiri, were killed in an Israeli airstrike, though no confirmation has followed.
U.S.-Israeli dual national Keith Siegel and French-Israeli dual national Ofer Kalderon are also included in the exchange. In return, Hamas will receive 182 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The truce, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. support, has also enabled the reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing. On Saturday, 50 injured militants and 50 wounded civilians, along with their escorts, are expected to travel to Egypt. An additional 100 individuals, likely students, may also be allowed through on humanitarian grounds.
So far, 15 of the 33 hostages designated for release in the first stage of the deal have been freed in exchange for 400 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations are set to begin by Tuesday on a second phase, which could see the release of more than 60 remaining hostages and the potential withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The six-week ceasefire has remained intact despite accusations from both sides of violations
The United States launched a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran as Tehran targeted U.S. allies in the Gulf, while tensions remain high in th...
Aid organisations in Afghanistan are struggling to keep women in work as Taliban restrictions force them to spend more on male guardians, transport an...
Iran's space programme is advancing with new communications, radar and Earth observation satellites despite conflict and sanctions, the head of the Ir...
U.S. citizen Dennis Coyle has been released after more than a year in detention in Afghanistan, with the United Arab Emirates facilitating his transfer. U.S. officials say he is now on his way home following diplomatic efforts involving multiple countries.
Hamas has handed over the bodies of two Israeli hostages to Red Cross teams in Gaza, who are now transferring them to the Israeli army.
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.
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.
The half-time interval during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is expected to be extended to around 30 minutes to accommodate the tournament’s first-ever major half-time concert.
The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
Nineteen years ago, at Barcelona's Camp Nou, Lionel Messi posed for a charity photo shoot with a five-month-old baby he had never met. On Sunday, that baby, Lamine Yamal, will face Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as Spain take on Argentina. A full-circle football story.
The U.S. military said it completed a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iran late on Thursday, targeting logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities. Iran responded by launching strikes at U.S. bases in neighbouring countries.
SpaceX's Starship rocket aborted its 13th flight test just seconds before liftoff in Texas on Thursday after some of its 33 engines failed to start. CEO Elon Musk said the company is likely to make another launch attempt early next week.
Israel killed at least eight Palestinians in an airstrike that hit mourners attending a funeral in central Gaza on Friday, according to local health officials, in one of the deadliest attacks reported in the strip since a ceasefire took effect last October.
More than 10.7 million women and girls in Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance in 2026 as funding cuts, restrictions and shortages of female health workers place maternal services under growing pressure, the United Nations says.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday as Türkiye stepped up efforts to revive stalled peace negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Andy Burnham has been elected leader of Britain's governing Labour Party, clearing the way to become the country's next prime minister on Monday. The 56-year-old pledged to spread power beyond Westminster, revive neglected communities and counter the rise of Reform UK.
Japan's parliament has approved changes to the Imperial House Law aimed at addressing the shrinking size of the imperial family while preserving the country's centuries-old male-only succession system.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment