Israel

Israel argues that the Lebanese army has not fully deployed to the area to prevent Hezbollah’s return. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army says it can’t deploy until Israeli forces withdraw.

Four female Israeli hostages, who were soldiers captured by Hamas fighters inside Israel on Oct 7th 2023, have been handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza

The families of the released Israeli hostages delivered a joint statement expressing gratitude after being reunited with their loved ones.

The Palestinian militant group made public on Friday the names of the next four hostages that it plans to release as part of the ceasefire deal signed with Israel. Israel is expected to publish a list of its own, naming Palestinian prisoners it will release in return.

Israel has reportedly asked the US for more time to withdraw from southern Lebanon – only days before the deadline to do so is up. Hezbollah says this is unacceptable, and support for Lebanon from major international players is on display.

In truth, the first phase of the deal is relatively easy to implement and gives all parties a respite from draining conflict. After the six-week ceasefire, any extension will depend on the success of future negotiations, Soli Özel writes.

15 months of the most intensive fighting ever seen between the IDF and Hamas have reduced vast swathes of Gaza to rubble and rebuilding is expected to take decades.

Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would complete an investigation into the 2023 attack by Hamas before he steps down in March.

According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authority’s Commission for Prisoners’ Affairs all of those released are women or minors.

The Gaza conflict decimated tourism in Israel, but with a ceasefire deal enacted, many European airlines are already making plans to reinstate their flights.