Israel’s actions in Gaza ‘no longer acceptable’
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced a rare criticism of Israel for its actions in Gaza, calling them “no longer acceptable”.
Merz urged Israel to allow the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Palestinians and said Berlin was pushing for an immediate ceasefire.
Trump says 10 Israeli captives to be released ‘very shortly’
Trump says 10 Israeli captives held in Gaza will be released soon, without giving more details.
Trump made the comment on Friday night at a dinner with legislators at the White House, as he talked up the progress of his Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff in mediating in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“We got most of the hostages back. We’re going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly,” Trump said.
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly claimed a ceasefire deal and release of captives were imminent, without anything materialising.
You have been saying this for weeks, just like Russia-Ukrained will have a ceasefire very shortly....
Israel ‘considering’ sending high-level delegation to Qatar
Israel is reportedly considering sending a senior delegation to Qatar, Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper is reporting.
The report said the proposed delegation could include Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Mossad chief David Barnea, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and the acting head of the Shin Bet, identified only as “S”.
The trip is contingent on US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s expected arrival in Qatar’s capital, Doha, next week. Israeli officials say his presence could help push the talks towards a final agreement, though Israel does not believe it is yet at that stage, the report added.
Hamas says Israel rejected ceasefire deal to release all captives
We have reported earlier that Abu Obeida, spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades, published a video on the latest ceasefire talks in Qatar. He said Israel rejected a ceasefire deal that would release all captives held in Gaza at once.
Abu Obeida blamed Netanyahu and his far-right ministers for rejecting what he described as a “comprehensive deal”.
If Israel withdraws from this round of indirect talks held in Qatar, Abu Obeida said, then Hamas does not guarantee a return to any partial deals, including a 60-day deal currently under discussion that would see 10 captives released.
