Global Outlook

  Israel says Hamas has handed over the first seven hostages to the Red Cross in the first phase of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. There are 48 hostages still in captivity, and 20 are believed to be alive. According to the hostage families forum, those released are: Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Engerst, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa Dalal and Alon Ohel. Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross. Tens of thousands of Israelis are watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv. The packed crowd in Hostages Square erupted in cheers as the names of the hostages to be released were read on local television. They clapped and chanted “bring them home now”. The hostage release is the first stage of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, which is also set to release hundreds of Palestinians from Israeli jails. All 1,966 Palestin...

  United States President Donald Trump has announced that both Hamas and Israel have agreed to the first phase of his proposed plan for a ceasefire in Gaza and an exchange of captives. “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account on Wednesday. According to him, all hostages will be released soon, and Israel will withdraw its troops to a mutually agreed line. Qatar, one of the main mediators, confirmed that an agreement had been reached on the first phase of the ceasefire. “The mediators announce that tonight an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement,” said Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He added that the plan would lead to an end to the war, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Full details will be shared l...