Israel’s refusal to leave the Philadelphi Corridor threatens to collapse a fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Israel had delayed the release of the prisoners until Hamas ended its ‘humiliating ceremonies.’
Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa called for unity, but scepticism remains over the new rulers’ promises of inclusive governance.
The expulsion follows a new Israeli law barring entry to individuals who support the prosecution of Israeli soldiers or deny Hamas’ 7 October attack.
The funeral in Beirut, attended by Hezbollah officials and allies, aimed to show the group’s strength despite conflict with Israel and loss of leaders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delays the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners abruptly putting the future of the truce into further doubt.
The six included three Israeli men seized from the Nova music şenlik and another taken while visiting family in southern Israel when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border in the 7 October, 2023, attack that triggered Israel’s 16-month bombing campaign in Gaza.
Hamas is set to release six living Israeli hostages on Saturday and four bodies before then.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem as he kicked off his first tour of the Middle East.
The successful swap is the latest indication that the fragile ceasefire signed between the two sides last month, which teetered on the brink of collapse earlier in the week, is set to hold.