Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to start Sunday; attacks on Gaza continue
Thursday, 16 January 2025 01:00
Israeli forces have intensified their bombardment of the Gaza Strip after mediators announced that a ceasefire deal has been struck. The attacks have killed at least 40 Palestinians, including many children, according to media reports.- The Israeli security cabinet is set to meet at 11am local time on Thursday to vote on the deal.
- Netanyahu’s office says it will not issue a statement on the deal as it’s details are still being worked out. It also accuses Hamas of backtracking on previous understandings by attempting to dictate which Palestinian prisoners should be released in exchange for Israeli captives.
- UN agencies welcomed news of the deal and called for unhindered access to Gaza in order surge aid to the millions of starving and forcibly displaced Palestinians there.
- Families of the Israeli captives held in Gaza responded to the news with a mix of joy and apprehension, saying they fear the deal could collapse before all of their loved ones are released.
Israel and Hamas have completed the fifth exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners as agreed...
The United States has announced the approval of the sale of more than $7.4bn in bombs,...
