Israel-Gaza Ceasefire News Highlights: 90 Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel after 3 hostages released by Hamas

Jan 20, 2025 06:32 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: Rebuilding Gaza

Residents and medics in Gaza said for the most part the ceasefire appeared to be holding, although there were isolated incidents. Medics said eight people had been hit by Israeli fire since Monday morning in the southern city of Rafah, without giving details of their condition.

The Israeli military said it was checking the reports. Billions of dollars will be needed to rebuild Gaza after the war. A UN damage assessment released this month showed that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left in the aftermath of Israel's bombardment could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion.

While, a UN report from last year, said rebuilding Gaza's shattered homes could take at least until 2040, but could drag on for many decades.

The debris is believed to be contaminated with asbestos, with some refugee camps struck during the war known to have been built with the material.

Israel said its goal in the war was to eradicate Hamas and destroy the tunnel network it built underground.

Jan 20, 2025 06:19 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: Palestinian rescue workers begin search for people under rubble

Palestinian Emergency Services said on Monday that a search is underway for thousands of Palestinians believed buried under rubble, as Gaza's residents expressed shock at the devastation on the second day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The truce in the 15-month-old war, which has laid waste to the Gaza Strip and inflamed the Middle East, took effect on Sunday with the release of the first three hostages held by Hamas and 90 Palestinians freed from Israeli jails.

Now attention is starting to shift to the rebuilding of the coastal enclave which the Israeli military has demolished in retaliation for a Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. That assault killed 1,200 people with around 250 hostages taken into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. In the subsequent conflict, more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, Gaza's health ministry says.

"We are searching for 10,000 martyrs whose bodies remain under the rubble," said Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson of the Palestinian Civil Emergency Services.

At least 2,840 bodies were melted and there were no traces of them, he said.

(Reuters)

Jan 20, 2025 05:45 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: 47,035 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, says Gaza Health Ministry

47,035 Palestinians killed and 1,11,091 injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, reports Reuters quoting the Gaza Health Ministry.

(Reuters)

Jan 20, 2025 05:24 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: Released Israeli hostage says she has 'returned to life'

One of the Israeli hostages freed on the first day of the Gaza ceasefire said Monday in her first comments since being released that she has “returned to life.”

Emily Damari, 28, was one of three hostages freed Sunday after spending 471 days in captivity. Officials at a hospital that received them said their condition was stable. In an Instagram story, which was shared by Israeli media, Damari thanked her family and the large protest movement that coalesced to advocate for the release of the hostages.

“Thank you thank you thank you I’m the happiest in the world,” she said. Damari, a dual Israeli-British citizen, returned from captivity with a bandage on one hand and authorities said she had lost two fingers during Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

As she arrived to a hospital on Sunday she waved at a crowd that had gathered and footage later showed her joyfully reuniting with her family. Her mother, Mandy Damari, said in a statement later Monday that Damari was “doing much better than any of us could ever have anticipated.”

(AP)

Jan 20, 2025 05:18 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: What happens when hostages and prisoners are freed?

The hostages will be handed by Hamas to Red Cross officials who will take them to the Israeli military in Gaza. The military has set up three locations near the northern, central and southern edges of Gaza in Erez, Re'im and Kerem Shalom to take charge of the hostages, depending on the route they take out.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, buses on Sunday carried the first wave of released Palestinian prisoners to Ramallah.

(Reuters)

Jan 20, 2025 04:57 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: Who is being held in Gaza and who will be freed in the first phase?

The Israeli military said shortly before the ceasefire began that it had recovered the body of a soldier who had been killed in Gaza a decade ago. That left 97 hostages in Gaza at the start of the truce. Israeli authorities believe around half of them are alive though they have yet to receive confirmation from Hamas.

The 33 hostages slated for release in the first ceasefire phase include women, children, men over 50 and ill and wounded captives.

In return, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinians from its jails. They include 1,167 people detained in Gaza during the war and held in Israel, and 737 other Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank, Jerusalem or Gaza.

The second category includes members of militant groups, some awaiting trial, some held by Israel in administrative detention without charge and some who have been convicted of crimes, including attacks that killed dozens of Israelis.

During the first phase of the ceasefire, the Israeli army will pull back from some positions in Gaza and Palestinians displaced from areas in northern Gaza will be allowed to return.

A second phase, exchanging the remaining hostages and completing the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, is expected to follow, depending on the results of negotiations.

(Reuters)

Jan 20, 2025 04:45 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: What we know about released hostages so far

During the first six-week phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreed last week, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in total, with at least three hostages released each week. In turn, Israel will release 30 Palestinians from prison for each Israeli civilian Hamas releases, and 50 for each soldier.

Hamas released the first three Israeli hostages from Gaza and Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, day one of the ceasefire.

WHO WAS RELEASED ON SUNDAY?

The first three hostages released were all women: Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari.

In exchange, 90 Palestinians were released from Israeli detention: 69 women and 21 teenage boys.

Many of the prisoners released on the first day of the ceasefire were recently detained by Israel and had not been tried or convicted.

Israel is also expected to release some Palestinian prisoners into Gaza. It will deport others to Egypt with the understanding that they will be settled in a third country, with Qatar, Turkey or Algeria as possible destinations, an official involved in the plans told Reuters.

(Reuters)

Jan 20, 2025 04:32 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: How will Gaza feed itself?

More than half of Gaza's agricultural land, crucial for feeding the war-ravaged territory's hungry population, has been degraded by conflict, satellite images analysed by the United Nations show.

The data reveals a rise in the destruction of orchards, field crops and vegetables in the Palestinian enclave, where hunger is widespread after 15 months of Israeli bombardment.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization said last year that 15,000 cattle, or over 95%, of the total had been slaughtered or died since the conflict began and nearly half the sheep.

(Reuters)

Jan 20, 2025 04:20 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: Damage on infrastructure, schools and religious buildings

The estimated damage to infrastructure totalled $18.5 billion as of end-January 2024, affecting residential buildings, commerce, industry, and essential services such as education, health, and energy, a UN-World Bank report said. It has not provided a more recent estimate for that figure.

An update by the UN humanitarian office this month showed that less than a quarter of the pre-war water supplies were available, while at least 68% of the road network has been damaged.

Palestinian data shows that the conflict has led to the destruction of over 200 government facilities, 136 schools and universities, 823 mosques and three churches. Many hospitals have been damaged during the conflict, with only 17 out of 36 units partially functional as of January, the UN humanitarian office's report showed.

Amnesty International's Crisis Evidence Lab has highlighted the extent of destruction along Gaza's eastern boundary. As of May 2024, over 90% of the buildings in this area, including more than 3,500 structures, were either destroyed or severely damaged.

(Reuters)

Jan 20, 2025 04:04 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: How many casualties are there and how many buildings have been destroyed?

The Hamas attack on Israel killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's retaliation has killed more than 46,000 people, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Rebuilding Gaza's shattered homes will take at least until 2040, but could drag on for many decades, according to a UN report released last year. Two-thirds of Gaza's pre-war structures - over 170,000 buildings - have been damaged or flattened, according to UN satellite data (UNOSAT) in December. That amounts to around 69% of the total structures in the Gaza Strip.

Within the count are a total of 245,123 housing units, according to an estimate from UNOSAT. Currently, over 1.8 million people are in need of emergency shelter in Gaza, the UN humanitarian office said.

Jan 20, 2025 03:56 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: War-ravaged Gaza faces multi-billion dollar reconstruction challenge

Billions of dollars will be needed to rebuild Gaza after the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to assessments from the United Nations. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, suspending a 15-month-old war that has devastated the Gaza Strip and inflamed the Middle East.

A UN damage assessment released this month showed that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left in the aftermath of Israel's bombardment could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion. The debris is believed to be contaminated with asbestos, with some refugee camps struck during the war known to have been built with the material. The rubble also likely holds human remains.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health estimates that 10,000 bodies are missing under the debris. A United Nations Development Programme official said on Sunday that development in Gaza has been set back by 69 years as a result of the conflict.

(Reuters)

Jan 20, 2025 03:29 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live Updates: Yemen's Houthis signal they'll limit their attacks in the Red Sea corridor to Israeli ships

Yemen's Houthi rebels have signaled they now will limit their attacks in the Red Sea corridor to only Israeli-affiliated ships, just as a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip entered its second day Monday. The Houthis' announcement, made in an email sent to shippers and others on Sunday, likely won't be enough to encourage global firms to reenter the route that's crucial for cargo and energy shipments moving between Asia and Europe.

Their attacks have halved traffic through the region, cutting deeply into revenues for Egypt, which runs the Suez Canal linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.

The Houthis separately planned a military statement on Monday, likely about the decision.

The Houthis made the announcement through their Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, saying it was “stopping sanctions” on the other vessels it has previously targeted since November 2023. For Israeli ships, those “sanctions... will be stopped upon the full implementation of all phases" of the ceasefire, it added.

(AP)

Jan 20, 2025 12:49 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Red Cross committee says, 'Facilitated captives, prisoner exchange in ‘complex’ operation'

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which facilitated the release and transfer of three hostages in Gaza and 90 prisoners is Israel said captives, prisoner exchange facilitation is a ‘complex’ operation.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, in a statement said, "We are relieved that those released can be reunited with their loved ones."

"Ensuring their safe return and providing the necessary care at this critical moment is a great responsibility. This operation is a powerful example of how our role as a neutral actor between the warring sides can save and change lives, provided that the parties come to an agreement," Spoljaric added, quoted Al Jazeera.

We facilitated the release and transfer of 3 hostages out of Gaza to Israel, and 90 Palestinian detainees from Israel to the occupied Palestinian territory.

Read more: https://t.co/KCdFdoUptw pic.twitter.com/GNXBDVZBKL
— ICRC (@ICRC) January 20, 2025

Jan 20, 2025 12:41 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 'After 470 days, people of Gaza hear sound of children,' says UNRWA team

UNRWA commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini, in a post on X said "After 470+ days, the people of Gaza hear the sound of children playing instead of bombardments and airstrikes."

Lazzarini furhter added, "The ceasefire must continue to hold and all elements of the agreement must be implemented. It’s a step in the right direction towards ling-lasting peace and stability for all."

Jan 20, 2025 10:44 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: US President Biden says, 'Four more Israeli women will be released this week'

US President Joe Biden has said that four more Israeli women will be released by Gaza based Hamas militant group this week, echoing what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had said earlier.

In a post on X, Biden said "And three hostages every seven days thereafter including at least two Americans in this first phase. We pray for their long recovery ahead."

The US, Egypt and Qatar had mediated the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas which has bring to a halt the 15 month long hostilities in which over 46,000 people died in Palestine and over 1,200 died in Israel.

Jan 20, 2025 10:21 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Second prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas to take place in a week

As the ceasefire agreement was successfully carried out, three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas from Gaza City and hours later, 90 Palestinian prisoners were released by Israel in West Bank.

Further exchange of hostages and prisoners is expected to take place next week as the successful release of hostages has raised hopes due to the agreement.

According to reports, four hostages are set to be released by Hamas next week, preferably Israeli hostages.

Jan 20, 2025 09:22 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanks Qatar PM for his role in mediating ceasefire talks

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed gratitude towards Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for the role he played in passing of ceasefire deal between Israel and Gaza based Hamas militant group.

Hamas released three Israeli hostages as part of the ceasefire agreement and hours later, Israel also freed 90 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Jail in the West Bank region.

Jan 20, 2025 08:57 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Who are the Israelis released on the first day of ceasefire?

Three hostages held by Hamas were released Sunday after 471 days in captivity as part of a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group. A gradual release of dozens of captives over the next several weeks has been agreed on.

Here’s a look at the three hostages released on Sunday:

Romi Gonen, 24

Romi Gonen was kidnapped from the Nova music festival in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. That morning, Gonen’s mother, Merav, and her eldest daughter spent nearly five hours speaking to Gonen as militants marauded through the festival grounds. Gonen told her family that roads clogged with abandoned cars made escape impossible and that she would seek shelter in some bushes.

Emily Damari, 28

Emily Damari is a British-Israeli citizen kidnapped from her apartment on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a communal farming village hit hard by Hamas’ assault. She lived in a small apartment in a neighborhood for young adults, the closest part of the kibbutz to Gaza. Militants broke through the border fence of the kibbutz and ransacked the neighborhood.

Doron Steinbrecher, 31

Doron Steinbrecher is a veterinary nurse who loves animals, and a neighbor to Damari in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Steinbrecher holds both Israeli and Romanian citizenship.

(AP)

Jan 20, 2025 08:39 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Around 436,000 houses destroyed or damaged in Gaza, says UN agency

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said that 92% of homes, around 436,000 residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.

The hostilities between Israel and Hamas has come to a pause after a ceasefire deal was signed. The United Nations' agency said that 160,000 houses have been destroyed and 276,000 severely or partially damaged.

"Much of Gaza is rubble, while Israeli airstrikes and military operations have damaged or destroyed around 60 per cent of buildings, including homes, schools and hospitals,” according to the UN, reported CNN.

Jan 20, 2025 08:16 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Prominent Palestinian politician Khalida Jarrar among those released by Israel, say reports

A prominent Palestinian leader Khalida Jarrar is among the 90 people released today by Israel from the Ofer jail in West Bank area, according to Associated Press.

Jarrar is reportedly a leader of Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a group which has been designated as "terrorist organisation"by Israel, the US and European Union.

Jan 20, 2025 08:02 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Restoring health system in Gaza a complex and challenging task, says WHO Chief

Celebrating the much awaited ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas which halted the hostilities between the two, WHO chief Tedros has warned that journey to restore things ahead will be tough for the people in Gaza.

"Addressing the massive health needs and restoring the health system in Gaza will be a complex and challenging task, given the scale of destruction, operational complexity and constraints involved," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Tedros further added that the ceasefire was the moment he has been waiting and calling for.

Jan 20, 2025 06:58 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Aid trucks enter Gaza as UN relief head says, 'No time to lose'

According to the United Nations’ Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, hundreds of trucks carrying aid for the Palestinian citizens entered Gaza as the ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Monday.

"At least 630 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Sunday, with at least 300 of them going to the north. There is no time to lose," Tom Fletcher, UN relief chief said in a statement, reported CNN.

The ceasefire agreement had a clause that allowed relief material or aid to enter Gaza for the millions displaced in the country in the war which started Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023.

Jan 20, 2025 06:28 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Crowds surround bus carrying Palestinian prisoners released by Israel

A huge crowd gathered around the bus waving flags which was carrying the Palestinian prisoners released by the Israeli prison service from Ofer Jail in the West Bank area.

A CNN reporter stated that there were people who even climbed the buses in which the Palestinian prisoners were travelling after getting released, while waiving the Palestinian flags.

Earlier, the Israeli administration released 90 Palestinian prisoners in West Bank as the Gaza based Hamas militant group released three hostages in Gaza City.

Jan 20, 2025 06:17 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Three hostages released by Hamas in 'stable condition', says doctor

The director of Sheba hospital, Prof Itai Pessach, where the three hostages released by the Hamas militant group have been admitted said that all three are in stable condition.

Sheba Hospital, situated in Tel Aviv, has become the centre for unity as hostages were united with their family and loved ones at this place after getting released for around 471 days.

"This is not the first time we've received hostages here," Dr Itai said. He added that they will continue to monitor the health vitals and it'll take a few more days before they are released from hospital.

Jan 20, 2025 06:10 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: How many hostages are still held captive in Gaza?

During its surprise attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, the Hamas militant group seized about 251 hostages from Israel and according to reports, it is still holding 91 captive, however, Israeli authorities believe that only 60 remain alive at the moment.

Three hostages were released by the militant group from Gaza City today while 30 more will be released in this first phase of ceasefire.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), three to four hostages are believed to be getting released every week through out the first phase of the ceasefire will last for 42 days.

Jan 20, 2025 05:58 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 'Israel-Hamas ceasefire could only have happened as a result of our historic victory,' says Trump

During a victory rally in Washington DC, US President-elect Donald Trump said that the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas could only have happened as a result of our historic victory.

"This week we achieved an epic ceasefire agreement as a first step toward lasting peace in the Middle East. And this agreement could only have happened as a result of our historic victory in November," Trump said.

Trump had earlier warned Hamas that it would be disastrous for the militant group if the hostages are not returned by the time he takes oath of office. Trump's inauguration is scheduled for January 20.

Jan 20, 2025 05:54 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Who are the 90 Palestinians released from Israeli prison?

Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza based Hamas militant group, 90 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli controlled Ofer jail in West Bank region.

According to Hamas, the Palestinians released from Israeli prisons include 69 women and 21 teenage boys from the West Bank and Jerusalem, the BBC reported.

Most of the prisoners released by Israel today have not been tried or convicted as they were recently detained by the Israeli authorities, Reuters reported.

Jan 20, 2025 05:11 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Israeli prison service releases 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of Gaza ceasefire deal

As part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Gaza based Hamas militant group, the Israeli prison service has released 90 Palestinian prisoners from its Ofer jail in the West Bank region.

The development comes as Hamas earlier released three hostages from Gaza City, who were safely accompanied by Red Cross to the Israeli military.

Jan 20, 2025 05:00 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 90 Palestinian prisoners, due to be released, still being checked by Red Cross

After the release of three hostages by the Hamas militant group following a ceasefire agreement with Israel, the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners is still awaited and as per reports, they are being checked by Red Cross.

BBC quoting Al Jazeera stated that 90 Palestinian prisoners are yet to be released from Israeli controlled Ofer prison in West Bank region and that the teams from Red Cross are examining the prisoners due to be released.

The Red Cross was involved in the release of three hostages earlier today, as they took the three from Gaza city controlled by Hamas to the Israeli military.

Jan 20, 2025 04:50 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: US' Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff says, 'Trump was responsible for this release'

The United States Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who was recently appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, said that he saw pictures of the three hostages released by the Hamas militant group, while appreciating Trump's efforts during a speech in Capitol arena where the president-elect is holding a victory rally.

Steve Witkoff appreciated the team which got the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas signed and added that it doesn't happen without Trump.

"The president was responsible for this release and we all owe him a debt of gratitude, as do the families," Witkoff said, according to BBC.

Jan 20, 2025 04:41 AM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Israeli drones drop tear gas on crowds near West Bank jail housing Palestinian prisoners

The Israeli administration dropped tear gas canisters on crowds gathering near the Palestinian jail in West Bank area as it is expected that the Palestinian prisoners will be released to honour the ceasefire deal between Israel and Gaza based Hamas.

A spokesperson told CNN that a crowd with Hamas flags gathered across the Israeli operated Ofer prison in West Bank and started throwing stones at the security forces. The Israeli personnel responded with crowd control measure to restore order.

According to Palestine Red Crescent, at least seven people have been injured in the incident.

Jan 19, 2025 11:42 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Hamas armed wing says abiding by Gaza ceasefire deal, success hinges on Israeli commitment

Hamas' armed wing said the group would abide by a ceasefire agreement that came into force in Gaza on Sunday but that any possible Israeli violations would endanger the process and put the lives of hostages at risk.

In a video speech, al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida urged mediators to compel Israel to commit to the ceasefire deal, adding that the group would abide by all phases of the agreement and the timetable of the hostages-for-prisoners swap accord.

"Everything is dependent on the commitment by the enemy.. Violations from the side of the occupation (Israel) would put the process at risk," said Abu Ubaida.

"We are keen to succeed in all stages of the agreement, its details and timings to preserve the blood of our people and achieve their goals, and we urge the mediators to compel the enemy to abide by it," he added.

Earlier, Hamas released three Israeli female hostages as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal and Israel was expected in return to free 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday. — Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 11:06 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Who is Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right Israeli minister who resigned in protest against Gaza ceasefire deal?

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet in protest against the Gaza ceasefire deal signed between Palestinian militant group Hamas and the Israeli government.

His resignation, alongside two other ministers from his nationalist-religious party, Otzma Yehudit, is indicative of tensions within the coalition government led by Netanyahu.

The party criticised the ceasefire deal as a “capitulation to Hamas” and condemned the “release of hundreds of murderers” and claimed it undermined the Israeli military’s achievements in Gaza.

Despite the resignation, Netanyahu retains a slim majority in the Israeli parliament. While the Otzma Yehudit party is no longer part of the ruling coalition, it has said it will not seek to bring down Netanyahu’s government. Read Full Report

Jan 19, 2025 10:25 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 'We must not forget who still remain captive', says UK PM Starmer

“The release of three hostages today is wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families. Among them is British citizen Emily Damari, who will now be reunited with her family, including her mother Amanda who has never stopped her tireless fight to bring her daughter home," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.

“However, today also represents another day of suffering for those who haven’t made it home yet - so while this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas."

"We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.” Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 10:20 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Hamas urges Israel to abide by ceasefire deal

Hamas' armed wing said the group would abide by a ceasefire agreement that came into force in Gaza on Sunday but that any possible Israeli violations would endanger the process and put the lives of hostages at risk.

In a video speech, al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida urged mediators to compel Israel to commit to the ceasefire deal. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 10:14 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Would like to thank New Delhi for 'supporting' our 'right' to self-defence, says Israeli envoy

As a long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza, Israeli ambassador Reuven Azar on Sunday thanked New Delhi for supporting his country's "right" to self-defence.

"I would like to thank the Indian government for supporting our right for self-defence and we specially appreciate the overwhelming support of the Indian people," Azar said in a video released by the Israeli embassy.

"The ceasefire Israel signed off to is a first phase of a gradual deal which has the potential of bringing back our hostages and also making sure Hamas won't be ever able to massacre Israelis like it did on October 7 (2023)," the Israeli ambassador said.

Peace will not prevail if Hamas is allowed to "rearm and re-group", he said.

Azar also alleged that the Iranian regime "still constitutes the biggest threat to our region".

India on Wednesday welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal. PTI

Jan 19, 2025 10:11 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 'We stand ready to support' says UN chief Antonio Guterres

United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres in a post on X welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. "We stand ready to support this implementation & scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer.", wrote the UN chief. "It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security & political obstacles to delivering aid, " he added.

Jan 19, 2025 09:54 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 'Guns have gone silent in Gaza', says Joe Biden

On his last day as the US president, Biden welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal, saying “today, the guns in Gaza have gone silent.”

Commemorating the efforts of America as one of the mediators, Biden said “This is one of the toughest negotiations I’ve been part of … but we’ve reached this point today because of the pressure by Israel on Hamas backed by the US,” he said.

“Now the region has been fundamentally transformed,” Biden continued, citing the weakening of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. He added that hundreds of trucks were entering Gaza to help its civilian population and that there are no concerns of Hamas regrouping.

Jan 19, 2025 09:44 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Israeli hostages return home, says IDF

The three women hostages have reached Israel after being released by Hamas, IDF posted on X. The Israeli military previously said it was receiving the hostages, identified by the prime minister's office as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari.

They’re home. 💛 pic.twitter.com/PHkJ3yZLrV
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 19, 2025

Jan 19, 2025 09:40 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: US President Biden makes address over Gaza ceasefire

Speaking from a church in South Carolina, US President Joe Biden has begun a televised speech addressing the ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages as part of the truce between Israel and Hamas.

We shall shortly update you with his key remarks from the speech.

Jan 19, 2025 09:25 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Scenes from Hamas's handover of first hostages to Red Cross

Live television pictures from Gaza city showed three female hostages exiting a vehicle surrounded by armed Hamas men. The hostages got into vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross as the crowd of fighters chanted the name of the armed wing of Hamas. An Israeli official told that the Red Cross team said the women were in good health.

Meanwhile, Palestinians poured into the streets to celebrate and return to the rubble of their bombed-out homes on Sunday. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 09:19 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Hostages transferred to Israeli forces

After Hamas handed over the hostages to the Red Cross team, the three women have been further transferred to the Israeli Defence Forces. From here, they will be taken to a hospital for a checkup.

🟡 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: The 3 released hostages are currently being transferred to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza.

They are accompanied by IDF and ISA special forces upon their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 19, 2025

Jan 19, 2025 09:11 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Israeli hostages handed over to Hamas by Red Cross

In a post in X by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), three Israeli women hostages have been transferred to the Red Cross and "are on their way towards IDF and ISA forces in Gaza."

Meanwhile, cheers erupted in Tel Aviv's 'Hostages Square' as families of hostages await their arrival. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 08:46 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Coaches arrive outside Israel's Ofer Prison, 90 Palestinians to be free

Coaches have arrived outside Israel's Ofer Prison in the West Bank as Palestinian prisoners also await their release soon after the arrival of Israeli hostages.

The 90 Palestinian prisoners to be freed from Israeli detention on Sunday include 69 women and 21 teenage boys, according to the Hamas Prisoners Media Office.

Of those, 76 will be released from the West Bank and 14 from Jerusalem, it said. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 08:40 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Families of Israelis hostages, supporters wait for the 3 women to return

Families of the hostages meet at the Hostage Square to receive and welcome the three women coming back to Israel as Hamas is about to release them. (Image Credit: X/ @bringhomenow)

Jan 19, 2025 08:29 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Israel releases photos of transport for resuced hostages

The Israeli government's official X account, run by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released exclusive images of Israel Aviation Force (IAF) helicopters ready to receive the hostages set to be released by Hamas.

According to the last update from Gaza, Red Cross vehicles had entered the heart of the region to bring back the hostages from Gaza.

Exclusive images of IAF helicopters prepared for the process of receiving the hostages from Gaza 🎗️🇮🇱

📸@IDF pic.twitter.com/mWUUKfdtdO
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) January 19, 2025

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Jan 19, 2025 08:12 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Hamas will never govern Gaza, says Trump's security adviser

President-elect Donald Trump's incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said on Sunday that Hamas will never govern Gaza. He also said that if Hamas reneges on the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal, the United States will support Israel "in doing what it has to do."

He added in an interview with CBS' 'Face the Nation',"Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable." Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 07:53 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 'Important' that Gaza ceasefire finally implemented' says Germany's Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said today that it was important the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas had finally been implemented and that remaining hostages are released. Speaking on the sidelines of a townhall meeting in the city of Schwalbach, Scholz said the release of hostages held by Hamas "should be used for a peaceful development, a perspective in which a Palestinian state can coexist peacefully with Israel." Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 07:45 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: The Hostages Families Forum welcomes the hostages, Hamas to release them shorty

The Hostages and Families Forum of Israel in a post on X, welcomed the three women hostages, first in the line of people to be released as part of the ceasefire truce between Gaza and Hamas.

The Hostages Families Forum welcomes the exciting news that Romi Gonen (24), Doron Steinbrecher (31), and Emily Damari (28) are expected to be released later today.

We await their safe return to Israel to be reunited with their families after 471 days in Hamas captivity.… pic.twitter.com/TuZJ1h7yy0
— Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) January 19, 2025

Jan 19, 2025 07:29 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Red Cross team enroute to collect Israeli hostages

A team from the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza is on its way to collect Israeli hostages from Hamas, an official involved in the operation told Reuters.

Jan 19, 2025 07:26 PM IST

OPINION: It was in Netanyahu’s interest to wait for Trump before agreeing to a ceasefire

As President Biden was about to leave a press conference following the announcement of a possible ceasefire accord between Israel and Hamas, a reporter asked him, “Who gets credit for this, Mr President, you or Trump?” Apparently, Biden stopped, turned around, smiled and said, “Is this a joke?”

His sardonic response aside, his administration reportedly made relentless efforts in its last days trying to conclude a ceasefire between the two warring parties. Spearheaded by his Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, it was undoubtedly an effort to seal a legacy as his presidency ended.

Unsurprisingly, President-elect Trump wasted no time in claiming that his election was responsible for the accord even before it was formally announced in the Middle East. Read the full opinion by Sumit Ganguly

Jan 19, 2025 07:14 PM IST

Express view on Israel-Hamas ceasefire: A moment to build on

A ceasefire is not peace. However, in a conflict that began with an act of terror and was followed by an outsized response that has left a region devastated — over 46,000 dead, many of them children — and which threatens to engulf much of West Asia, it is a reason for cautious hope. Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause hostilities and accepted a ceasefire deal after months of negotiation. The first of three phases under the agreement is set to begin on January 19. Hamas has agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages, including men, women and children over 50 and Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. Read the full opinion by the Indian Express

Jan 19, 2025 07:12 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: IDF releases video of reception point for the arriving hostages

The hostages will arrive in Israel after a medical checkup and then will be able to meet their families at a hospital.

מצורף תיעוד מנקודת הקליטה הראשונית אליה יגיעו החטופים>> pic.twitter.com/ZCDXdSUYIy
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) January 19, 2025

Jan 19, 2025 07:06 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Ahead of hostage release, a forum calls for Israeli's to gather at Tel Aviv

As Israel awaits the release of its hostages, The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Israelis to gather in Tel Aviv before the expected release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher from Gaza, Al Jazeera reported.

“Crowds of Israelis will come to be together at Hostages Square to support the families of the hostages and to watch the historic and emotional moments that will be projected on the giant screen,” the group said in a statement.

“Now more than ever we need the people of Israel with us until the last hostage. Nobody will be left behind.”

Jan 19, 2025 07:00 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: After Ben-Gvir, Israel's Finance minister threatens to quit government if Gaza war ends

Adding to the list of Israeli ministers against the ceasefire in Gaza, the country's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened on Sunday to quit the coalition government if Israel stops the war against Hamas in Gaza.

Smotrich heads the nationalist Religious Zionism party that is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Earlier, hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other members from his nationalist-religious party resigned in protest at the cabinet's approval of the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on Sunday morning. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 06:55 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: What will happen to the 3 hostages after they are released?

As per Al Jazeera, Hamas is expected to hand over the three women hostages-- Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari--to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which will then take them to a special army unit in the Gaza Strip.

After this, the women will be taken to a military facility in Israel near Gaza's border for initial health examinations before they are taken to a hospital, where they will meet their families.

Afterwards, Israel is expected to free about 90 Palestinians – mostly minors or females – held in Israeli prisons.

Jan 19, 2025 06:51 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 'May everyone say yes to dialogue, reconciliation, peace' says Pope Francis

Head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis called for the ceasefire in Gaza to be “immediately respected” as he pressed for a surge in humanitarian aid.“I express gratitude to all the mediators,” the Argentinian pontiff said shortly after the start of a truce between Israel and Hamas, reported Al Jazeera.

“Thanks to all the parties involved in this important outcome. I hope that, as agreed, it will be immediately respected by the parties and all the hostages will finally be able to go home to hug their loved ones again.

“Both Israelis and Palestinians need clear signs of hope. I hope the political authorities of both – with the help of the international community – can reach the right two-state solution."

“May everyone say yes to dialogue, yes to reconciliation, yes to peace,” he added.

Jan 19, 2025 06:40 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Why is Israel's Foreign minister Ben-Gvir against the ceasefire deal?

The ceasefire will pause the war and free dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza. Israel's Foreign Minister, Ben-Gvir opposed the deal because it requires Israel to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and to withdraw troops from Gaza's southern border with Egypt — and because it leaves open the possibility of Hamas staying in power in Gaza.

Ahead of the resignation, he said the ceasefire was “reckless” and would “destroy all of Israel's achievements.” In his Cabinet post, Ben-Gvir oversaw the country's police force. He used his influence to encourage Netanyahu to press ahead with the war in Gaza and recently boasted that he had blocked past efforts to reach a ceasefire. His latest act of defiance--urging other far-right lawmakers to leave the government — would result in the prime minister losing his parliamentary majority, potentially forcing early elections.

(AP)

Jan 19, 2025 06:21 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Who are the 3 Israeli hostages Hamas will release today?

Romi Gonen

Gonen, a dancer, was 23 when Hamas gunmen abducted her from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. On the day of her abduction, she spent hours hiding from the gunmen with several friends before being shot in the hand. Gonen was on the phone with her family when they heard her say "I am going to die, today". The last thing they heard the attackers saying, in Arabic, was "she's alive, let's take her". Her phone was later traced to a location in the Gaza Strip.

Doron Steinbrecher

Steinbrecher is a 30-year-old veterinary nurse who was taken to Gaza from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the communities worst hit in the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. A few hours after the attack began she phoned her parents to say she was scared and that the gunmen had arrived at her building. She then sent a voice message to her friends saying "They've arrived, they have me".

Emily Damari

Damari, 28, is a British-Israeli who was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. She grew up in London and is a fan of the Tottenham Hotspur soccer team. According to her mother, she was shot in the hand, injured by shrapnel in her leg, blindfolded, bundled into the back of her own car, and then driven to Gaza.

Jan 19, 2025 06:07 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Watch Video| UN aid trucks enter Gaza via Kerem Shalom crossing

World Food Programme(WFP) said it can send around 30,000 tons of food each month to reach over 1 million people in war affected Gaza.

#ceasefire
The first @WFP trucks have started crossing from Egypt through Kerem Shalom/Karam Abu Salem into #gaza.
WFP can send around 30,000 tons of food each month to reach over 1 million people.
All border crossings must remain open & function efficiently & reliably. pic.twitter.com/4T7gpMuorE
— WFP in the Middle East & North Africa (@WFP_MENA) January 19, 2025

Jan 19, 2025 05:44 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Far-right Netanyahu ally quits government over Gaza ceasefire deal

In opposition to the Gaza ceasefire, Israel's National Security Minister and far-right coalition member, Itamar Ben-Gvir along with his fellow party leaders from the cabinet submitted their resignations from the government on Sunday. The departure of the Jewish Power party from Benjamin Netanyahu’s government does not bring down the coalition or affect the ceasefire but Ben-Gvir’s departure would surely destabilise the coalition government. AP

Jan 19, 2025 05:18 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: 13 killed in airstrikes amid delay in ceasefire

While the ceasefire talks were in a limbo, Israeli military strikes killed at least 13 people on Sunday, Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said. No more attacks were reported after the truce took effect at 11.15 a.m. local time. An Israeli airstrike killed at least eight people in the southern city of Khan Younis amid the delay. Nasser Hospital also confirmed the casualties from Sunday’s strike, which it said had occurred around two hours into the delay. Meanwhile, Gaza's Health Ministry reported another three deaths from strikes on Sunday. AP

Jan 19, 2025 05:09 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Gazans cheer as ceasefire between Israel and Hamas kicks off

Thousands of Palestinians burst into the streets across Gaza upon the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, some in celebration, others to visit the graves of relatives, while many rushed back to their homes.

"I feel like at last I found some water to drink after getting lost in the desert for 15 months. I feel alive again," Aya, a displaced woman from Gaza City, who has been sheltering in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza Strip for over a year, told Reuters via a chat app. Armed Hamas fighters drove through the southern city of Khan Younis, with crowds cheering and chanting, despite an almost three hour delay in the implementation of the agreement. Hamas policemen, dressed in blue police uniform were seen deployed in some areas after months of hiding from Israeli Defence Forces(IDF) and airstrikes. People were seen chanting "Greetings to Al-Qassam Brigades." The war has brought seismic political change to the Middle East displaced around 2.3 million people. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 04:58 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Around 50 thousand Palestinians killed in Gaza so far as per heath ministry data

At the possible end of the 15 month long devastating war, Palestinian Health Ministry announced that the Israel's military offensive on the Gaza strip has so far killed at least 46,913 Palestinians and injured 110,750 since its inception on October 7, 2023. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 04:48 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Israel to submit list of 90 Palestinian prisoners to be freed today

As aid trucks are set to arrive in Gaza, Israel will be handing over a list of 90 Palestinian prisoners to be released on Sunday in exchange for three Israeli female hostages held by the militant group in Gaza. In a statement, Hamas said the prisoners, to be released on the first day of the ceasefire in Gaza's 15-month-old war, included women and children. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 04:44 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Aid trucks arrive at Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, enroute to Gaza strip

About 200 aid delivery trucks, including 20 carrying fuel, began arriving on Sunday at the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing at the triple Gaza Strip-Israel-Egypt border ahead of entry into the war affected land, two Egyptian sources told Reuters. The aid trucks were using the Kerem Shalom entry point instead of the Rafah border, which is under maintenance, the sources said. Other trucks with UN Food aid have also come from Zikim crossing in the north.

Jan 19, 2025 04:36 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Israel committed to goals in Gaza including release of hostages, foreign minister says

As the Israel-Hamas ceasefire kicks in, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Sunday that his country is committed to achieving its objectives in the Gaza war, "including the return of hostages and dismantling of Hamas' government and military capabilities. He was speaking to reporters in Jerusalem shortly after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Gaza's dominant Palestinian militant group, came into effect. Saar added that there would be no future peace, stability and security for both sides if Hamas remained in power in Gaza. Reuters

Jan 19, 2025 04:21 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: Hamas announces names of 3 women hostages

An Israeli official confirmed to AP that Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, are the three women hostages set to be released later on Sunday. While, Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, the other two were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a village near the southern Gaza border. Damari is an Israeli-British dual citizen. The official said the families had approved the publication of the names. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Jan 19, 2025 03:53 PM IST

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live News Updates: A long-awaited Gaza ceasefire starts after delay; Hamas to release 3 Israeli hostages

A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took effect on Sunday following an almost three-hour delay after Hamas was late to name the three hostage it plans to release today evening. Hamas shall also release another four female captives in the coming week, the Israeli side said. The announcement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the ceasefire began at 11:15 a.m. local time (09:15 GMT). Hamas has blamed the delay in handing over the names on “technical field reasons.” It said in a statement that it is committed to the ceasefire deal announced last week.

More Updates on the Gaza ceasefire in this blog.

Israel-Gaza Ceasefire News Highlights: 90 Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel after 3 hostages released by Hamas

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire News Highlights: The development came as three Israeli women hostages returned to their home country after Hamas handed them over to Red Cross.