4 hours ago Israel and Hamas accuse each other of deception as Netanyahu blames the terror group for 'last

Palestinians, Israelis and people around the world are waiting with bated breath for the ceasefire to come into effect after previous negotiations collapsed.

Politics

2 hours ago Gaza deal should benefit Netanyahu in short term, but he is critically exposed

Israeli PM must appease his coalition to avoid fresh elections, as well as reckoning with unpredictable TrumpMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe nature of Israel’s febrile coalition politics has long favoured theatrics. The standing and psychology of its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, adds a further element of panic and cynical calculation.All those characteristics were in evidence as Israel and Hamas edged towards a ceasefire deal, particularly in Netanyahu’s struggle to triangulate his portrayal of an agreement that has the potential to damage him politically. Continue reading...

Economics

5 hours ago Israeli cabinet vote on Gaza ceasefire deal postponed as Netanyahu accuses Hamas of seeking 'to extort last minute concessions'

Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 48 people over the past day

Politics

8 hours ago This Gaza ceasefire deal is a fragile thing, beset by strongman egos. But it is our best hope yet | Simon Tisdall

Netanyahu, with Trump waiting in the wings, has no interest in lasting peace. From these beginnings must come political change – and a reckoning At last! The yearned-for Israel-Hamas ceasefire-for-hostages deal is finally happening. It is welcome. Like thin ice covering deep waters, it is scarily fragile, prone to crack under the slightest pressure. And it is desperately, lethally overdue. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, and many Israelis, have died since last May, when US president Joe Biden first set out the parameters of this agreement. Civilians are still being killed in Israeli airstrikes that have actually intensified since the two sides grudgingly initialled the deal in Qatar.Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere are naturally relieved these merciless Israeli bombardments will soon stop. But celebrations are tempered by fears about the future, and by deep grief and anger over the still terrifying present and immediate past. According to Gaza health ministry figures, more than...

Economics

5 hours ago At least 70 Palestinians killed in Gaza airstrikes as Israeli cabinet delays meeting to agree ceasefire – live

Final sign-off for ceasefire deal delayed after Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Hamas of ‘reneging’ on parts of agreementThe devastating impact of 15 months of war on GazaHow Trump loomed over Gaza ceasefire negotiationsRelatives of hostages welcome ceasefirePalestinians express joy over ceasefire dealKey mediator Qatar said that 33 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza would be released in the first stage of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory.Israel earlier said it would release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first stage of a Gaza truce agreement, Israeli and Palestinian sources reported Tuesday. Continue reading...

Events

7 hours ago ‘Is that a joke?’: Biden asked if Trump should receive more credit for Israel

Outgoing president Joe Biden turned to a reporter with confusion after he was asked if Donald Trump should be receiving more credit for the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Politics

16 hours ago A ceasefire deal is here. For Gaza, the Middle East and the world, the future remains unknown

The sacrifice has been so great, the misery so complete, that few can claim with certainty that this was all worthwhileThere may be no winners in war, but history suggests combatants are often eager to convince the world otherwise.The ending of the 15-month conflict in Gaza may prove an exception. The sacrifice has been so great, the misery so complete, and the ultimate future for Gaza so uncertain that few can claim with certainty that this was all worthwhile, or likely to benefit Israel’s security in the long term. The damage to Israel’s reputation may last decades. Continue reading...

Economics

6 hours ago Israel continues deadly strikes on Gaza despite ceasefire announcement

A series of Israeli strikes have hit the Gaza Strip, following the agreement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Events

8 hours ago This Gaza ceasefire deal is tainted by Trump, Netanyahu and their disregard for peace | Simon Tisdall

From these beginnings must come a just and lasting settlement for Palestinians and Israelis alike – and a reckoningAt last! The yearned for Israel-Hamas ceasefire-for-hostages deal is finally happening. It is welcome. Like thin ice covering deep waters, it is scarily fragile, prone to crack under the slightest pressure. And it is desperately, lethally overdue. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, and many Israelis, have died since last May, when the US president, Joe Biden, first set out the parameters of this agreement. Civilians are still being killed in Israeli airstrikes that have actually intensified since the two sides grudgingly initialled the deal in Qatar.Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere are naturally relieved that these merciless Israeli bombardments will soon stop. But celebrations are tempered by fears about the future, and by deep grief and anger over the still terrifying present and immediate past. According to Gaza health ministry figures, more than 46,000 people have...

Politics

22 hours ago Israel and Hamas 'agree on ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal', mediators claim: Benjamin Netanyahu speaks out on final details

This means pausing a 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

Economics

7 hours ago Netanyahu says Israel security cabinet will not meet to agree ceasefire deal until Hamas backs down on ‘last

Final sign-off for ceasefire deal delayed after Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Hamas of ‘reneging’ on parts of agreementThe devastating impact of 15 months of war on GazaHow Trump loomed over Gaza ceasefire negotiationsRelatives of hostages welcome ceasefirePalestinians express joy over ceasefire dealKey mediator Qatar said that 33 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza would be released in the first stage of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory.Israel earlier said it would release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first stage of a Gaza truce agreement, Israeli and Palestinian sources reported Tuesday. Continue reading...

Events

9 hours ago Gaza ceasefire deal LIVE: Israel's cabinet set to meet to approve deal amid scenes of jubilation in Middle East

Deal reached after 15 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians

Politics

23 hours ago Israel and Hamas agree ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal, mediators announce

This means pausing a 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

Economics

8 hours ago Israel security cabinet to meet to approve ceasefire deal as strikes continue on Gaza – live

Medics in Palestinian territory say more than 30 killed in strikes; Benjamin Netanyahu says ‘final details’ of deal still being worked on The devastating impact of 15 months of war on GazaHow Trump loomed over Gaza ceasefire negotiationsRelatives of hostages welcome ceasefirePalestinians express joy over ceasefire dealKey mediator Qatar said that 33 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza would be released in the first stage of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory.Israel earlier said it would release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first stage of a Gaza truce agreement, Israeli and Palestinian sources reported Tuesday. Continue reading...

Events

17 hours ago ‘Happiness, sadness, grief and worry’ across Israel and Gaza following ceasefire deal agreement

People are celebrating in the streets as a ceasefire deal is reached, but they still have 72 hours to wait, writes Bel Trew from Tel Aviv

Politics

10 hours ago Brit hostage shot by Hamas to finally walk free as Israel reaches ceasefire deal

British hostage Emily Damari could walk free as early as Sunday after an agreement on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the deadly fighting sparked by the October 7 attack

Events

17 hours ago Watch: Qatar prime minister speaks as Hamas accepts Israel ceasefire deal

Watch again as Qatar’s prime minister held a press conference on Wednesday (15 January) as Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal with Israel.

Politics

12 hours ago Israeli strikes on Gaza reported after Sunday ceasefire deal with Hamas announced – live

Medics in Palestinian territory say more than 30 killed in strikes late on Wednesday; Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says ‘final details’ of deal still being worked on ahead of security cabinet meetingGaza ceasefire deal: what we know so far A ceasefire deal is here. For Gaza, the Middle East and the world, the future remains unknown Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire deal, pausing the war in Gaza and designed to broker an end to the brutal 15-month conflict. The agreement is set to be officially accepted by Israel after a cabinet meeting on Thursday.The announcement on Wednesday night from Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, was made after weeks of negotiations in the Qatari capital, Doha. There were intensified efforts in recent days to hammer out the final details after increased pressure on Israel to reach a deal from the US president-elect, Donald Trump, which Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged in his media conference.Israel’s prime minister, Ben...

Events

18 hours ago Democrats and Republicans spar over whether Biden or Trump deserves credit for the ceasefire

Analysis: Whose ceasefire is it anyway?

Politics

17 hours ago Emotional scenes in Gaza as ceasefire deal offers 'rare moment of hope' amid war

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal - pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip - and so now dozens of hostages in Palestine are finally set to be released

Events

18 hours ago John Swinney welcomes Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas

A ceasefire deal has been agreed after 15 months of warfare in the region.

Politics

20 hours ago Hamas captivity survivor makes ceasefire plea: 'No one should be left behind‘

A Hamas captivity survivor made an emotional plea to ensure no hostages are “left behind” following a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.

Events

20 hours ago Israel and Hamas agree to 'long overdue' ceasefire in major breakthrough in 15

The ceasefire agreement could lead to a resolution to a devastating 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas

Politics

20 hours ago Palestinians take to streets of Gaza's Khan Younis to celebrate Hamas ceasefire

Crowds of joyful Palestinians took to the streets in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Wednesday (15 January) after Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire.

Events

20 hours ago Gaza ceasefire deal to begin on Sunday; Biden says Israel to negotiate ‘permanent end to war’ – live

Israeli president calls on Netanyahu to ‘accept and approve’ ceasefire deal; US president confirms agreement and says US hostages to be free in first phaseGaza ceasefire deal agreed by Hamas and Israel, Qatari PM says‘Our fight is not over’: relatives of hostages welcome ceasefire The devastating impact of 15 months of war on GazaIn Oslo today, Norway is hosting a meeting of the global alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution.Norway’s foreign ministry Espen Barth Eide is quoted by the Anadolu news agency making opening remarks in which he said that a ceasefire in Gaza would only be the beginning of the necessary process.The time has come to take practical measures that advance the two-state solution, address the root causes of this conflict and directly confront the legality of the Israeli occupation and its ongoing violation of international law.While we are waiting for a ceasefire, it is important to stress that it will not be acceptable for any entity to govern G...

Politics

21 hours ago ‘No closure until last hostage is home’, say families of killed British citizens

A ceasefire and hostage deal has been agreed between Israel and Hamas.

Events

21 hours ago Biden says Israel, Hamas have reached ceasefire deal after ‘intensive diplomacy’

The deal was reached after negotiations involving representatives of both the Biden and incoming Trump administrations

Politics

22 hours ago Gaza ceasefire LIVE: Deal to pause war and release hostages agreed and will take effect on Sunday

Deal reportedly reached after 15 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians - with news conference due imminently

Events

22 hours ago Gaza ceasefire deal to take effect on 19 January; Biden says Israel to negotiate ‘permanent end to war’ – live

Qatari prime minister announces deal in Doha; US president confirms agreement and says US hostages to be free in first phaseIn Oslo today, Norway is hosting a meeting of the global alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution.Norway’s foreign ministry Espen Barth Eide is quoted by the Anadolu news agency making opening remarks in which he said that a ceasefire in Gaza would only be the beginning of the necessary process.The time has come to take practical measures that advance the two-state solution, address the root causes of this conflict and directly confront the legality of the Israeli occupation and its ongoing violation of international law.While we are waiting for a ceasefire, it is important to stress that it will not be acceptable for any entity to govern Gaza but the legitimate Palestinian leadership and the government of the State of Palestine. Continue reading...

Politics

23 hours ago Israel and Hamas 'ceasefire deal agreed' as Gaza war to be paused for hostage release

Reports suggest a ceasefire deal has now been agreed between the two sides

Events

22 hours ago Trump takes full credit for ‘EPIC’ ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas

Ceasefire expected to be formally announced later today

Politics

23 hours ago Israel and Hamas agree historic Gaza ceasefire deal after 15 months of war

Israel and Hamas have agreed an historic ceasefire to end 15 months of war in Gaza, The Independent understands, a conflict in which almost 50,000 people have been killed and has threatened to draw the whole of the Middle East in.

Events

22 hours ago Gaza ceasefire LIVE: Deal reached between Israel and Hamas, say mediators, as Trump says hostages will be released

Deal reportedly reached after 15 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians - with news conference due imminently

Politics

23 hours ago Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire deal to pause Gaza war and release some hostages, mediators say

Mediatoris announced that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies

Events

23 hours ago Watch live: Qatar prime minister speaks as Hamas accepts Israel ceasefire deal to pause war

Watch live as Qatar’s prime minister holds a press conference on Wednesday (15 January) as Hamas has reportedly accepted a ceasefire deal with Israel to pause the war.

Politics

39 hours ago Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas 'closer than ever': End of months of bloodshed could be just hours away

Relatives of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas were told during a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu that a deal to let their loved ones go and end the war could be settled within hours.

Events

23 hours ago Trump claims credit for ‘epic’ ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas: Live updates

According to Israeli officials, 98 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, and about 60 of them are alive

Politics

23 hours ago Watch live: Qatar prime minister speaks as Hamas accepts Israel ceasefire deal to end war

Watch live as Qatar’s prime minister holds a press conference on Wednesday (15 January) as Hamas has reportedly accepted a ceasefire deal with Israel to end the war.

Politics

23 hours ago Gaza ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas, officials tell media, as Trump says hostages will be released

Deal reportedly reached after 15 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians - with news conference due imminently

Politics