29 hours ago The relief I’ll feel if the Gaza ceasefire deal holds is tempered by rage. Because it could have happened so much sooner | Jonathan Freedland

The agreement reached this week is basically the plan Joe Biden unveiled in May. So much pain, terror and death could have been avoidedWhen news of the ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas first broke on Wednesday, a friend offered the kind hope that now, at last, there could be a sense of joy. I wanted very much to feel that way but, at that moment, I could not – and here’s why.For one thing, a mere announcement did not seem enough. When it comes to the Middle East, “believe it when you see it” tends to be a good operating principle. Sure enough, there followed 48 hours of hitches and last-minute delays and even now, as I write this and after the Israeli security cabinet approved the deal, it seems like tempting fate to assume everything will run smoothly. Continue reading...

Economics

12 hours ago Gaza ceasefire to begin on Sunday as Israel approves deal to free hostages in exchange for prisoners

Ceasefire set to start on Sunday when first hostages are expected to be released

Events

39 hours ago Gaza hostages set to be freed after a year in hell: Ceasefire deal is agreed and due to be approved by Israeli cabinet today with Trump claiming credit for it

The deal, setting out terms for an initial exchange of hostages for prisoners, is expected to pass despite backlash from hard-right members of the coalition.

Politics

29 hours ago Relief at this Gaza deal should be tempered by rage at Hamas and Netanyahu. How dare they take so long? | Jonathan Freedland

The agreement reached this week is basically the plan Joe Biden unveiled in May. So much pain and death could have been avoidedWhen news of the ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas first broke on Wednesday, a friend offered the kind hope that now, at last, there could be a sense of joy. I wanted very much to feel that way but, at that moment, I could not – and here’s why.For one thing, a mere announcement did not seem enough. When it comes to the Middle East, “believe it when you see it” tends to be a good operating principle. Sure enough, there followed 48 hours of hitches and last-minute delays and even now, as I write this and after the Israeli security cabinet approved the deal, it seems like tempting fate to assume everything will run smoothly. Continue reading...

Economics

32 hours ago Watch live: Israelis gather in Hostage Square as security cabinet approves ceasefire deal

Watch live as Israelis gather in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, on Friday, 17 January, as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war-time security cabinet approves a long-awaited ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Events

32 hours ago Israel's security cabinet backs Gaza ceasefire deal which could see first hostages handed over and ceasefire begin on Sunday

Israel's security Cabinet has today recommended approval of a ceasefire deal that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza

Events

33 hours ago Gaza ceasefire latest: Israeli security cabinet recommends approval of deal

Ceasefire set to start on Sunday when first hostages are expected to be released

Events

36 hours ago Middle East latest: Israeli security cabinet meets to decide on ceasefire deal

Israel’s security cabinet is convening to decide whether to approve a deal that would release dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza and pause the 15-month-war

Events