6 hours ago Gaza ceasefire latest: Israeli cabinet will meet to approve agreement today, says Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages

Politics

22 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

3 hours ago 'Everybody is tense': Family of released hostage hopeful of ceasefire confirmation

Hostages' families are hopeful for the return of their loved ones but remain "tense" waiting for a deal between Israel and Hamas.

Events

9 hours ago Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire and hostage release deal as Donald Trump prepares to take office

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that a ceasefire deal as well as a deal to return hostages held in the Gaza Strip has been reached.

Politics

28 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

3 hours ago ‘The next nightmare is just beginning’: Ceasefire raises new fears for Gazans

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

Events

36 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 Gaza ceasefire live: Israel security cabinet to meet later after hostage deal reached, Netanyahu says

Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says that security cabinet will meet on Friday following earlier delays in talks to release hostages in return for ceasefireAnalysis: Islamist groups will emerge from Gaza war weakenedDuring his final press conference earlier on Thursday, US secretary of state Antony Blinken was heckled by two journalists who criticised him for his support for the war in Gaza.That includes providing Israel with diplomatic support at the UN – blocking multiple calls for a ceasefire – and continuing to send billions of dollars worth of weapons to Israel despite concerns within his own department it is committing human rights violations. Reuters reports:“Criminal! Why aren’t you in The Hague,” shouted Sam Husseini, an independent journalist and longtime critic of Washington’s approach to the world. The Hague is where the International Criminal Court is located.The unusually confrontational scene in the State Department briefing room only ended when security personnel forcibl...

Events

16 hours ago AP Exclusive: Egypt's chief diplomat urges Israel and Hamas to enact ceasefire 'without any delay'

Egypt’s chief diplomat is calling on Israel and Hamas to implement a Gaza ceasefire plan “without any delay.”

Politics

9 hours ago Gaza ceasefire: Israel security cabinet to meet on Friday after hostage deal reached, Netanyahu says – live

Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says in statement that security cabinet will meet on Friday following earlier delays in talks to release hostages in return for ceasefireAnalysis: Islamist groups in Middle East will emerge from Gaza war weakenedIn what has been advertised as his final interview as president, Joe Biden has said that Israel “has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns” of Palestinians for the long term sustainability of Israel. He told broadcaster MSNBC:And the idea that Israel is going to be able to sustain itself for the long term without accommodating the Palestinian question ... It’s not going to happen ....And I kept reminding my friend, and he is a friend, although we don’t agree a whole lot lately, Bibi Netanyahu, that he has to find a way to accommodate the legitimate concerns of a large group of people called Palestinians, who have no place to live independently. Continue reading...

Events

17 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

11 hours ago Netanyahu's national security minister threatens to QUIT if ceasefire deal is signed

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (pictured) made the bombshell claim as the Hamas-Israel agreement and hostage talks are set to be finalised today.

Events

19 hours ago US confident Gaza ceasefire will start on Sunday – despite Netanyahu delaying cabinet vote to sign it off

Israeli cabinet now expected to meet on Friday to sign-off truce – after Israeli PM accuses Hamas of backtracking on agreement

Politics

18 hours ago The cost of war is so great that compromise should not be a dirty word

Editorial: The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – just like the possibility of peace in Ukraine – requires unpalatable choices, but the prize is great

Events

20 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

18 hours ago Palestinians in Gaza are eager to return home in a ceasefire but many will find nothing left

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are eager to leave miserable tent camps and return to their homes if a long-awaited ceasefire agreement halts the Israel-Hamas war

Events

25 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

18 hours ago ‘We will be betrayed’: cold, fearful and still under fire, Gaza’s people wait

Palestinians describe grief and anxiety as they seek news that the ceasefire is going ahead, and airstrikes continueMiddle East crisis – live updatesAmid continuing airstrikes, bitter cold and news of delays, millions in Gaza were waiting anxiously on Thursday for confirmation that the ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Hamas and Israel was going ahead.Many spoke of their fear that hopes of a new beginning after a 15-month conflict might be dashed. The war has killed many tens of thousands in the territory and reduced swathes of it to ruins. Continue reading...

Events

26 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

19 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

28 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

24 hours ago Israel Hamas ceasefire agreement hits snag hours before Sunday peace deal set to start

Israel's Cabinet won't meet to sign off any Hamas ceasefire agreement until a late snag has been resolved, says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - just days before Sunday's ceasefire was due to start

Events

28 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

26 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

30 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

27 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

37 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

28 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

29 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

30 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

33 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