Three Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal. In response, Israel has freed dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
On Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—who had been taken during the October 7 attacks. Upon their return, they appeared visibly weak. The release came as part of a ceasefire agreement, though the way Hamas conducted the handover, on a podium under armed guard, raised questions.
The families of the hostages were overjoyed to reunite with their loved ones. Or Levy’s mother, overcome with emotion, expressed her relief and happiness, saying how much she had missed her son.
In exchange, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners, including some convicted of deadly attacks. As buses arrived in Gaza and the West Bank, large crowds gathered to greet the freed detainees. Some shared their painful experiences in detention, with one reflecting on the suffering endured but expressing gratitude for the freedom.
During the handover, Ohad Ben Ami made a plea, speaking between two armed gunmen: "I plead, I am being released now because of a deal, the deal is because of negotiations. I plead that the second and third deals be implemented, this framework, that the war end and that us, all of the prisoners, return home safely."
Eli Sharabi also spoke, saying: "I know and I am very sorry that, as I am being released today, my brother Yossef Sharabi is not here, next to me today."
Discussions for further exchanges are ongoing, though concerns about the long-term stability of the ceasefire remain.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Moscow on Thursday, with discussions expected to center on the ongoing situation in Ukraine and broader Middle Eastern regional affairs, the Kremlin announced on Wednesday.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary signals diplomatic defiance as he travels despite an ICC arrest warrant. With Hungary rejecting the court’s ruling, the trip highlights shifting alliances while Israel presses ahead with its military operations in Gaza amid growing international pressure.
The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of more military assets to the Middle East, responding to escalating tensions with Iran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Tuesday that the move aims to bolster regional stability and enhance defense capabilities.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
The European Union views the Palestinian Authority as "best placed to govern Gaza," according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, following her meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
Students in Serbia have rallied outside a police station as Belgrade University’s rector is questioned over support for anti-government protests.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
Students in Serbia have rallied outside a police station as Belgrade University’s rector is questioned over support for anti-government protests.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
Students in Serbia have rallied outside a police station as Belgrade University’s rector is questioned over support for anti-government protests.
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