Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, criticized Hamas’s response to Washington’s latest ceasefire proposal, calling it “completely unacceptable” and a step backward.
Hamas responded to the US ceasefire proposal by offering to release 10 live Israeli hostages and 18 deceased hostages in exchange for several Palestinian prisoners, while asking for some changes to the plan.
The group also reiterated its demands for a permanent truce, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and guaranteed ongoing humanitarian aid—none of which are included in the current deal. Their response was neither a clear acceptance nor an outright rejection of the US terms, which Washington says Israel has accepted.
Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, urged Hamas to accept the plan, which includes a 60-day ceasefire and the return of half the hostages—both living and deceased. He said indirect talks could begin as early as next week.
“This is the only way forward,” he wrote on social media.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel had accepted the updated outline, but Hamas “continues to adhere to its refusal.”
Trump earlier said a deal could be announced “within a day or less,” but differing responses from the parties involved continue to complicate the process.
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the U.S. is “gradually turning away” from some of its allies and “breaking free from internatio...
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivit...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of January, covering the latest developments you need to k...
Overhauling Armenia's economic structure and strengthening state institutions is a main focus as the Armenian government adopts a 42-page Doctrine of ...
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet say they carried out targeted strikes on Hamas operatives and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip on Thursda...
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Overhauling Armenia's economic structure and strengthening state institutions is a main focus as the Armenian government adopts a 42-page Doctrine of Economic and Institutional Transformation on Thursday (8 January), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet say they carried out targeted strikes on Hamas operatives and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip on Thursday (8 January) after detecting a failed rocket launch from the Gaza City area.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources reported a significant movement of U.S. military aircraft towards the Middle East in recent hours. Dozens of U.S. Air Force aerial refuelling tankers and heavy transport aircraft were observed heading eastwards, presumably to staging points in the region.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
Two people have been killed after a private helicopter crashed at a recreation centre in Russia’s Perm region, Russian authorities and local media have said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.
"Change is coming to Iran" according to U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham during an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (6 January). He warned Iran that "if you keep killing your people for wanting a better life, Donald Trump is going to kill you."
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the U.S. is “gradually turning away” from some of its allies and “breaking free from international rules”.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv early on Friday (9 January) killed at least 4 people, injured at least 19, and caused significant damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said.
Venezuela has released prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel and four other Spanish citizens, Spanish authorities said on Thursday (8 January). Local rights groups report that promised releases of Venezuelan political prisoners are yet to materialise.
Türkiye’s United Nations envoy called on the international community on Thursday to maintain strong support for the elimination of Syria’s remaining chemical weapons, stressing that the task is both a legal obligation and a critical priority for regional security and humanitarian protection.
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