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.
Pope Leo on Friday (September 5) inaugurated a new Vatican-run ecological training centre in the Italian countryside, an initiative Catholic officials...
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday denounced the European Union’s $3.46 billion antitrust fine against Google and warned he could launch a broade...
The European Union would welcome the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump for its plan to halt purchases of Russian oil, which continue to help fina...
Lebanon’s cabinet on Friday endorsed an army plan to disarm Hezbollah as Shi’ite ministers stage walk out in protest....
The U.S. has ordered the deployment of 10 F-35 fighter jets to a Puerto Rico airfield for operations against designated narco-terrorist groups operati...
Abu Obeida, the spokesman for Hamas's armed wing, has been killed in an aerial attack in Gaza City, according to Israel.
The Israeli military announced on Friday that Gaza City will no longer be covered by its limited daily humanitarian pause, citing the area as a "dangerous combat zone."
Israeli strikes hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday in retaliation for Houthi missiles fired towards Israel. Houthi media said at least two people were killed and five injured.
New Zealand is weighing the formal recognition of a Palestinian state, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Monday, confirming that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s cabinet will make a decision in September and present it during the U.N. Leaders' Week.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday called for a wide-ranging re-examination of the Federal Reserve’s role and authority, including its control over interest rate policy, as the Trump administration steps up its campaign to assert greater oversight over the central bank.
The Trump administration is preparing to introduce new rules that would restrict or potentially block imports of Chinese-made drones and medium to heavy-duty vehicles, citing national security concerns.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer carried out a major cabinet reshuffle on Friday (September 5), appointing new deputies as well as foreign and interior ministers in a bid to reassert control following the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner.
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo confirmed on Friday (September 5) that his racing career has come to an end, announcing he will take on a new role as a global motorsports ambassador for Ford.
Lebanon’s cabinet on Friday (September 5) endorsed an army proposal to disarm Hezbollah, saying the military would begin implementing it, though without a set timeline and while noting the army’s limited resources.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment