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.
Israel blocked aid trucks into Gaza on Sunday, escalating a standoff over the ceasefire as Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the first phase of the truce rather than move forward with negotiations for a permanent end to the war.
A series of blasts and the sound of airplanes flying low were heard over the Syrian capital, Damascus, late on Tuesday, residents of the city and Reuters reporters there said.
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.
As Israel maintains control over key positions in southern Lebanon, the government in Beirut is calling for international pressure to ensure the full implementation of the November 27 ceasefire and increased support for Lebanese security institutions.
Israel prepared on Thursday to receive the bodies of Kfir Bibas, a nine-month-old baby, and his four-year-old brother, Ariel, who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Their deaths have become a tragic symbol of the suffering caused by the attack.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group, mediated by Angola, will start on 18 March in Luanda. The conflict in eastern Congo has displaced thousands.
Several bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of two Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) helicopters that collided in April 2024. The aircraft were salvaged from a depth of 5,500 metres in the Pacific Ocean.
U.S. President Donald Trump has blasted the European Union for unfair trade practices, pledging to impose "reciprocal tariffs" on European goods. His remarks come amid growing tensions following the enforcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
Italy’s League party urges the government to favour Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for satellite communication systems, citing Starlink's technological edge. The push comes amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² program, as Italy seeks secure communication solutions for officials.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is set to condemn Trump’s Gaza “Riviera” plan, backing Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction proposal. A classified draft resolution, rejects the relocation of Gazans, calls for urgent international support, and mobilises opposition to the U.S. stance.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group, mediated by Angola, will start on 18 March in Luanda. The conflict in eastern Congo has displaced thousands.
Several bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of two Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) helicopters that collided in April 2024. The aircraft were salvaged from a depth of 5,500 metres in the Pacific Ocean.
U.S. President Donald Trump has blasted the European Union for unfair trade practices, pledging to impose "reciprocal tariffs" on European goods. His remarks come amid growing tensions following the enforcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group, mediated by Angola, will start on 18 March in Luanda. The conflict in eastern Congo has displaced thousands.
Several bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of two Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) helicopters that collided in April 2024. The aircraft were salvaged from a depth of 5,500 metres in the Pacific Ocean.
U.S. President Donald Trump has blasted the European Union for unfair trade practices, pledging to impose "reciprocal tariffs" on European goods. His remarks come amid growing tensions following the enforcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
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