3 hours ago Israel’s extremist national security minister threatens to quit over Gaza ceasefire deal – live

Itamar Ben-Gvir says he will resign if Netanyahu’s cabinet ratifies ceasefire; 80 people killed in Israeli strikes since deal announced, Gaza agency says Netanyahu: no vote on Gaza ceasefire until Hamas accepts all termsFamilies of hostages say they are in agony over ceasefire delaysKey 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...

Politics

14 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

2 hours ago ‘We’re counting the seconds to peace... the bombing hasn’t stopped’ – inside Gaza

In Gaza, Palestinians fear the last hours before the fighting is expected to stop on Sunday will be ‘bloody and dangerous’

Events

6 hours ago US says it is ‘confident’ ceasefire will go into effect on Sunday as Israeli cabinet due to vote on Friday – live

US secretary of state Antony Blinken says he is confident ceasefire will happen; Israeli cabinet to convene on Friday morning to ratify the dealThe devastating impact of 15 months of war on GazaHow Trump loomed over Gaza ceasefire negotiationsKey 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...

Politics

28 hours ago Scenes of joy as Palestinians in Gaza react to ceasefire deal announcement – video

Dozens celebrated across the Gaza strip as it was announced that a deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of war. The deal reportedly includes the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and allowing hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to their homes. Israel’s government is expected to vote on the deal tomorrowIsrael-Gaza war liveIsrael’s cabinet reportedly preparing to meet to ratify Gaza ceasefire deal Continue reading...

Economics

4 hours ago Families of hostages held in Gaza say they are in agony over ceasefire delays

Relatives of some of 98 still believed held by Hamas describe being in limbo but remain ‘cautiously optimistic’Middle East crisis – live updatesFamilies of hostages being held in Gaza have said delays to the ceasefire and hostage deal have left them in limbo and agony.Relatives of some of the 98 hostages still believed to be held by Hamas reacted with “guarded optimism” to the truce announced by Qatar and the US on Wednesday, but a vote by the Israeli cabinet has been delayed by the Israeli prime minister until Friday, saying Hamas must accept “all elements of the agreement”. Continue reading...

Events

14 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

28 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

5 hours ago More than 80 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since ceasefire announcement, Gaza civil defence agency says – live

US secretary of state Antony Blinken says he is ‘confident’ ceasefire will happen; Israeli cabinet to convene on Friday morning to ratify the dealThe devastating impact of 15 months of war on GazaHow Trump loomed over Gaza ceasefire negotiationsKey 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

29 hours ago Hollyoaks' Jorgie Porter eyeing soap return one month after giving birth

Jorgie Porter, best known as Theresa McQueen on Hollyoaks, is eager to return to work just weeks after welcoming her second child, Peony, in December

Politics

12 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

32 hours ago Hope and dread as Israelis and Palestinians await a Gaza truce that may not end their suffering

Officials now say they are closer than ever to reaching an agreement to pause the Israel-Hamas war and release hostages held in the Gaza Strip

Politics

14 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

37 hours ago Middle East latest: Palestinian prime minister says Palestinian Authority should run Gaza in future

The Palestinian prime minister says it “will not be acceptable” for any entity other than the Palestinian Authority to run the Gaza Strip in the future

Politics

15 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

26 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

27 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

28 hours ago The Guardian view on a ceasefire in Gaza: far too late, but desperately needed | Editorial

As officials report that a deal has been agreed, a precarious pause in hostilities and the release of hostages could only be welcomedHope has rarely felt so fragile, or so inadequate. A moment long sought and prayed for will nonetheless be met with fear and apprehension as well as joy by Palestinians in the wasteland that is Gaza and among the traumatised families of Israeli hostages.After more than 15 months of war, which has left tens of thousands dead and almost 2 million struggling to survive, US officials and others reported that a ceasefire and hostage-release deal has been reached. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said there were still “unresolved clauses”, though his cabinet was expected to vote on it on Thursday morning. They should back it. The broad outlines of this agreement have long been clear. The cost of the delay is unbearable. Since it was first mooted, thousands more Palestinians and an unknown number of Israeli hostages taken in the Hamas...

Events