Three women have been in captivity for 471 days since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting over 200 others.
US President Joe Biden announced the release of three Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The deal, initiated in May, also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza and outlines steps for future negotiations
Highligthing the regional security dynamics, he stressed on the need to stop Iran's "quest" for nuclear weapons. Ambassador Azar also warned that "peace won't prevail" if Hamas is allowed to rearm and regroup.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed that the deal would take effect at 11:15 am (local time) on Sunday. Notably, the deal was earlier set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 08:30 (local time).
Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Meir Porush has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet to boost security measures in Jerusalem, mirroring recent reinforcements approved for Judea and Samaria.
Quoting Benjamin Netanyahu, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X wrote, "We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely res
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Saturday that Israel is to release more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday marking the second birthday of Kfir Bibas, who has been held hostage since his abduction at just nine months old.
Earlier on Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended the government to adopt it, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said. The government later approved the deal by a vote of 24-8 during the early hours on Saturday.