Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli officials and a Palestinian leader on Thursday to seek improved conditions for Gaza’s civilians and to try to exert influence over Israel’s expected military offensive.
Tag: Kidnapping and Hostages
What We Know About the Israeli Hostages Hamas Released on Thursday
Eight Israeli hostages were freed, including dual nationals from Mexico, Russia and Uruguay.
Gaza Mediators Seek Cease-Fire Extension
Officials from Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. hope that a succession of pauses will pave the way toward a larger goal: bringing the war to a close.
Fears Grow Over Fate of Bibas Family in Gaza
Hamas’s armed wing said a mother and her two young children had been killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israel’s military said it was assessing the claim.
Aunt of 4-Year-Old Israeli Hostage Talks About Her Time in Captivity
Avigail Idan shared one piece of pita bread per day with four others, and did not have a shower or bath during her 50 days in captivity, her aunt said.
West Bank Residents Praise Hamas for Palestinian Prisoners’ Release
Some people in the West Bank, where frustration with the Palestinian Authority has been simmering for years, believe Hamas and other armed groups are the only ones they can trust to protect them.
Hamas Releases 12 More Hostages as Nations’ Spy Chiefs Go to Qatar for Talks
Mediators hope the current model of a daily cease-fire with the release of Israeli captives in exchange for freeing Palestinian prisoners would create the conditions for longer-term discussions.
Freed Israeli Hostages Feel Cycles of Emotion After Captivity, Families Say
‘Everything is just so fragile,’ said a cousin of the first two hostages freed last month.
A Gaza Truce Aids Both Israel and Hamas. Until the Calculus Changes.
Both Israel and Hamas are reaping benefits from the cease-fire, but as the hostage-for-prisoner exchanges continue, Israeli leaders may feel growing pressure to resume the war.
Hamas Releases Fifth Group of Hostages on Tuesday: What We Know
The group of 12 hostages, most of them Israelis, is the first to be released under the extended cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.