Tel Aviv [Israel]: In the midst of escalating pressure to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a multifaceted battle. Families and supporters of the nearly 240 hostages marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, demanding government action and expressing frustration at the limited meetings with Netanyahu, CNN reported. Gil Dickmann, a relative of one of the abductees, urged the Prime Minister to prioritise the hostages' safe return, saying, "Right now, in Netanyahu's current political situation, this could be a real victory for the state of Israel."
As Israel's war in Gaza extends beyond six weeks, public opinion is turning against Netanyahu. Despite widespread support for the military campaign against Hamas, polls indicate a decline in favour of the Prime Minister and his coalition. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for Netanyahu's resignation, emphasising the loss of public trust. However, he stopped short of calling for new elections, suggesting that Likud should present an alternative leader. "We cannot allow ourselves to have a prime minister who has lost the public's trust, whether from a social or a security point of view," Lapid told Israel's Channel 12, according to CNN. Efforts to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages have faced challenges. Negotiations involve contentious issues such as the duration of a potential pause, the number of hostages to be released, and Hamas' demand for an end to Israeli drone surveillance over Gaza. The Israeli government's attempts to ease conditions for Gaza's civilian population have drawn criticism from within Netanyahu's right-wing coalition.  Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticised the decision to allow fuel tankers into Gaza, claiming it contradicted the views of the governing cabinet. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir argued against providing "humanitarian gifts" to the enemy while hostages remained unvisited by the Red Cross. Some families advocate for an "everyone for everyone deal," proposing an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The families leading the campaign have tried to remain apolitical, but many blame Netanyahu for failing to anticipate the October 7 attack by Hamas. They accuse him of prioritising judicial reform over security preparations, considering the breach of Israel's security contract with voters. Despite the tragic outcome for some, there remains hope among the families for the return of their loved ones. Criticism of Netanyahu's perceived lack of empathy and failure to take responsibility for security lapses has grown. Accused of spending more time with troops for photo opportunities than addressing past failures, Netanyahu faced backlash for blaming security chiefs for not warning him about the impending attack.  While expressing support for the security heads, he refused to answer questions about taking responsibility for the October 7 security failures. Many, like Asher Elyahol, one among the those marching on Saturday, express a desire for change, hoping for a new government once the war concludes and hostages are returned, CNN reported.
—ANI

In the midst of escalating pressure to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a multifaceted battle

Benjamin Netanyahu faces battles on multiple fronts amid mounting calls to free hostages

Tel Aviv: On November 20, which is also the World Children's Day, an Israeli woman remembers her nephew and nieces who are kidnapped and in custody of the Hamas terror group.  Limor Sella Broyde, whose eight close family members are in the custody of Hamas, during an interaction with IANS spoke about her family members who are in Hamas' custody.  Those who have held hostage by Hamas are Shoshan Haran (68), her Husband Avshalom Haran (67), their daughter Adi (38) who is a psychologist, her husband, Tal and their two children, Yahel Neri (3) and Naveh (8).  Avshalom Haran's sister Sharon Avigdori who is a special needs psychologist and her 12 year old daughter Noam are in the custody of Hamas.  Here are some excerpts of the interaction.  IANS: There are reports of hostages being released soon, Your comments?  Limor: There are reports every other day. It feels like psychological warfare. We wont believe it until we see our loved one's back home.  IANS: Has the government of Israel taken up the issue of hostages properly?  Limor: As long as 240 people are still in Gaza, (I doubt) no they have not. We feel the priorities must change. the only goal has to be bringing them back home. Everything else must come later.  IANS: How has the world responded to your trauma?  Limor: We have never seen such extremes. We see a lot of fake news about what happened on October 7. Over 1,200 people were massacred, some in their homes, in front of their children... 240 people were taken hostages by a terror organisastion. The world needs to understand. It has nothing to do with the conflict and everything to do with a humanitarian crime.  IANS: Is the Jewish community being targeted across the world?  Limor: It is. We hear terrible things from our communities world wide.  IANS: The National Security Minister of Israel, Ben-Givr has said that fuel should not have been given to Gaza given the issue of hostages custody. Your comment?  Limor: It is a complicated issue. The past shows us that Hamas is taking resources from the civilians in Gaza to support their terror activities.  IANS: Do you feel that the highlight is only on the IDF invasion and the death of Palestinians? Is there a deliberate attempt to cover the Hamas massacre of October 7?  Limor: The highlight should be the war crimes and humanitarian crimes of Hamas. Our children must come back home. The world has to do anything in its power to support this cause.
—IANS

On November 20, which is also the World Children's Day, an Israeli woman remembers her nephew and nieces who are kidnapped and in custody

'Israel govt should for now focus only on getting hostages freed'

Tel Aviv: Hamas's politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh on Tueday claimed that it militant group is “close to reaching a truce agreement” with Israel regarding the release of hostages captured on October 7 following the assault on the Jewish nation.  Haniyeh’s remarks came after Hamas communicated its desire for the truce to mediators in Qatar.  “The movement delivered its response to the brothers in Qatar and the mediators, and we are close to reaching a truce agreement,” Haniyeh said.  The senior Hamas leader however, did not provide any other details on the said agreement.  According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), around 70 per cent of the militant group's top leadership has been killed in the military's ongoing ground offensive in Gaza.  But it is yet to be seen if Israel agrees for a truce, including the swapping of Palestinian prisoners.  The Israel government is also under pressure from the families of the hostages.  According to authorities, 237 people are held captive in Gaza, including Israelis and foreign nationals.  On Monday, the Israeli military spokesperson said that 40 of the hostages are children.  So far, four civilian hostages have been released by Hamas; one Israeli soldier was rescued by the forces; and three bodies of hostages have reportedly been retrieved.
—IANS

Hamas's politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh on Tueday claimed that it militant group is “close to reaching a truce agreement” with Israel

Hamas leader claims close to reaching truce agreement for hostage release

Tel Aviv: The Arab Islamist Ra’am party leader M.K. Mansour Abbas has said that Islam does not permit to take children, including toddlers, as hostages.  He said that a two-year-old child cannot be a bargaining chip and a party to any deal.  Abbas also met with the families of some of the hostages and got a letter from them including those signed by Nobel Prize laureates and legal documents signed by the legal experts calling for immediate release of the hostages held in Gaza.  He said that the letter was addressed by the families of children who have been kidnapped following October 7 attacks by Hamas.  The letter was representing the families of 30 children who were kidnapped, including a nine-months-old baby, three-years-old girl and eight-years-old boy.  Mansour Abbas said that he has delivered the letter to the Emir of Qatar, President of Turkey, and also to the President of the U.S.  He said that all citizens of Israel, Jewish and Arab should care to be inclusive to protect their own future.  He said that he will do everything possible to bring the children home.
—IANS

The Arab Islamist Ra’am party leader M.K. Mansour Abbas has said that Islam does not permit to take children, including toddlers, as hostages.

Islam does not permit taking children as hostages: Arab Islamist Ra’am party

Washington DC [US]: United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday 22 morning expressed his welcoming of the deal to accept a ceasefire in return for 50 hostage held by the Hamas militant group, sharing his gratitude to the acceptance of a ceasefire. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement on Wednesday, confirming roughly 50 hostages abducted by the Hamas terror group in Gaza during the October 7 attack, will be released, reported The Times of Israel.
A post shared on Netanyahu's X, formerly Twitter, page stated, "Tonight, the Government has approved the outline of the first stage of achieving this goal, according to which at least 50 hostages - women and children - will be released over four days, during which a pause in the fighting will be held." Similarly, the US President, taking to his social media X, declared that he was glad the deal was secured, adding that he was grateful that the hostages will be reunited with their families. "I welcome the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7th." The US president said. "I'm gratified that these brave souls, who have endured an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented." The US President expressed his gratitude to regional partners, who were "critical" in ensuring the deal was passed.  Biden shared on X, "I thank Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for their critical partnership in reaching this deal. And I appreciate Prime Minister Netanyahu's commitment in supporting an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out" US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken further added, "We welcome the release of 50 hostages, including Americans, from captivity in Gaza. I thank Qatar and Egypt for their partnership, and appreciate Israel's support for a humanitarian pause that will allow additional humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza." Although a ceasefire has been permitted, the ongoing Gaza conflict has not come to an end, Netanyahu has stated, "The Israeli government, the IDF and the security forces will continue the war to return all the abductees, complete the elimination of Hamas and ensure that Gaza does not renew any threat to the State of Israel." Hamas have agreed to allow 50 hostages to return, however, there are still roughly 150 who will be under Hamas control, with over 200 hostages being abducted during the October 7 offensive into Israel. The US President says that he "will not stop until they are all released", claiming that he has "no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage", in a post shared on X.
—ANI

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday 22 morning expressed his welcoming of the deal to accept a ceasefire in return for 50 hostage

US President Biden comments on the release of 50 hostages by Hamas

Tel Aviv [Israel]: The Israeli Prime Minister's Office shared a list of all 13 hostages, who returned home to their loved ones after being taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 terror attacks.
The Israeli PM Office informed that among those rescued as part of a swap deal with Hamas were 11 foreign nationals. In exchange for 24 Hamas hostages, who were rescued as part of the deal brokered by the US and Qatar, Israel also freed 39 Palestinian prisoners.
"The Israeli government embraces our citizens returning home. The Israeli government is committed to the return of all abductees and missing persons," the PM Office said in a statement. "Our citizens underwent an initial medical examination and their families were informed by the appointed officials that they were back," it added. The Israeli PM Office also put out details of the 13 nationals who returned to their homeland.  Three members of the Asher family who returned home were identified as Doron Katz-Asher (34), Raz Asher (4), and Aviv Asher (2) Two members released from the Aloni family were identified as Daniel Aloni (45) and Amelia Aloni (5) Three rescued members of the Monder family were identified as Ruth Munder (78), Keren Monder (54), and Ohad Monder (9). Apart from them, five more Israeli nationals -- Adina Moshe (72), Hana Katzir (76), Margalit Mozes (77), Hanna Perry (79) and Yaffe Adar (85) -- were also released from captivity. The PM Office said the government along with all the security forces accompanied the released hostages as they returned to their kin, who had been spending anxious days over their fates.  Earlier, on Friday, the first group of Israeli hostages were handed over to the staff of the International Committee for Red Cross as part of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, Times of Israel reported The truce brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas went into effect at 7 am (local time) on Friday. After the release of hostages on Friday, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the nation is committed to returning of all the hostages from Gaza as it is "one of the aims of the war". In a video message posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu said, "We just completed the return of the first of our hostages: children, their mothers and additional women. Each of them is an entire world." US President Joe Biden hailed the development calling it just the "start of a process". He further affirmed hope that "dozens of hostages" will be returned to their families over the next few days. Hamas might eventually free more hostages, in exchange for an extension of the ceasefire by an extra day for each 10 Israeli hostages, according to The Times of Israel report. However, the released hostages are only a small group out of some 240 people held hostage by Hamas terrorists since October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel.
—ANI

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office shared a list of all 13 hostages, who returned home to their loved ones after being taken hostage by Hamas

Israel PM Office shares list of hostages released by Hamas

Tel Aviv: Thailand on Saturday said that there are still 20 of its citizen which are held by Hamas.  On Friday, Hamas released 13 Israelis hostages, including 10 Thailand citizens and one Philippine national while Israel released 39 Palestinians as part of the deal between Hamas and Israel brokered by Qatar.  Thailand said that it will work for the release of all its citizens held by Hamas.  Reportedly, Iran has played a pivotal role in the release of 10 Thailand nationals and one Philippine national.  Sources in Thailand Embassy in Tel Aviv told IANS that they will use all the possible backchannels for the release of its citizens.  As part of deal, including four day ceasefire which stared from Friday, the movement of trucks with aid materials including food, fuel and medicines will be allowed in Gaza via Rafah crossing.  No gun shots were heard since Friday morning in Gaza, reports said.  However, Israel has alleged that it has shot down missiles allegedly fired by Hezbollah from the West Bank region on Saturday morning.
—IANS

Thailand on Saturday said that there are still 20 of its citizen which are held by Hamas.

20 citizens still held by Hamas: Thailand

Tel Aviv [Israel]: Fourteen more Israeli hostages are poised for release on Saturday, as confirmed by an Israeli official acquainted with the list received on Friday night. Simultaneously, the Israel Prison Service revealed that it received a list comprising 42 Palestinian terror convicts, slated for release today. This exchange is part of a complex deal with Hamas, which will also witness the liberation of a group of hostages from Gaza later in the day.
At least fourteen Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday, an Israeli official familiar with the list of names handed to Israel told CNN.  The Israeli Prime Minister's Office currently believes 213 people are being held hostage in Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. This comes following the first groups of hostages were released on Friday amid an agreement that brought a temporary ceasefire to fighting in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israel Prison Service said it received a list of 42 Palestinian terror convicts who are to be released today as part of the deal with Hamas that will also see a group of hostages released from Gaza later on Saturday, The Times of Israel reported. The report also stated that this is the second day out of four in which similar exchanges are expected to be held, with additional days of ceasefire possible if Hamas agrees to release more hostages. The Prison Service also stated that the prisoners will be moved to Ofer Prison in the West Bank for medical check-ups by the International Red Cross, before their release to the West Bank or East Jerusalem.  They will be set free only after the group of Israeli hostages is released and properly identified, The Times of Israel reported. The 13 Israeli hostages released on Friday are in good, stable condition following their release, doctors said on Saturday. The Schneider Children's Medical Centre in Petah Tikva, east of Tel Aviv, said in a statement that "the condition of the four children and the four women who returned to Israel last night is determined good." "They are together with their family members in the dedicated and separate compound, surrounded by medical and psycho-social teams," the statement said, according to CNN. Meanwhile, the Wolfson Medical Centre in Holon, south of Tel Aviv, said "The condition of five returnees who were admitted yesterday at Wolfson Hospital is stable."  "Each one is being treated according to the medical examination carried out yesterday by the medical team, and they are being embraced by their family." "We are waiting and hoping for the return of all the abductees," the statement added. Roughly 20 Thai nationals are still being held by Hamas as hostages in Gaza, CNN reported, citing the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Saturday. Of the 10 hostages released on Friday, four had not been previously confirmed as missing by Israeli authorities. "The families of the released hostages have been notified, and Thai Embassy officials are in the process of making "necessary arrangements for their travel back to Thailand," said the ministry. Thailand's Foreign Ministry also thanked the governments of Qatar, Israel, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia and the International Committee of the Red Cross, expressing its "deepest appreciation to all of the parties from whom the Thai authorities had sought assistance and support." "We sincerely hope that the remaining hostages will be treated humanely and released safely as soon as possible," CNN reported. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office shared a list of all 13 hostages who returned home to their loved ones after being taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 terror attacks. The Israeli PM Office informed that among those rescued as part of a swap deal with Hamas were 11 foreign nationals. In exchange for 24 Hamas hostages, who were rescued as part of the deal brokered by the US and Qatar, Israel also freed 39 Palestinian prisoners.  "The Israeli government embraces our citizens returning home. The Israeli government is committed to the return of all abductees and missing persons," the PM Office said in a statement. "Our citizens underwent an initial medical examination and their families were informed by the appointed officials that they were back," it added. The Israeli PM Office also put out details of the 13 nationals who returned to their homeland.
—ANI

Fourteen more Israeli hostages are poised for release on Saturday, as confirmed by an Israeli official acquainted with the list received on Friday night.

14 Israeli hostages set for release amid swap deal with Hamas; 42 Palestinian prisoners to be freed

Tel Aviv [Israel]: The Israeli government has approved the inclusion of 50 women prisoners in the list of prisoners eligible for release as part of an agreement to extend a temporary truce with Hamas in Gaza, reported The Times of Israel. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made this announcement on X, stating, "The Government has approved the inclusion of 50 female prisoners in the list of prisoners eligible to be released in the event that a release of additional Israeli hostages is carried out."
<a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1729276924763967749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1729276924763967749%7Ctwgr%5E89d1f07445f1935573cd94a0a626b85368b8d904%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aninews.in%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fmiddle-east%2Fisrael-approves-list-of-50-women-prisoners-to-be-released-for-extended-truce20231128063109" target="_self">https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1729276924763967749?</a>
The government approved the list of these 50 female prisoners to secure the release of nearly 20 more Israelis held hostage by the Hamas terror group since October 7, reported The Times of Israel. The truce will be extended by two days, and Qatar and the US confirmed this and will see the release of about 10 more Israeli hostages per day.  As per the initial four-day truce agreement, which will expire today (Tuesday), Israel agreed to halt its military operations in Gaza for four days and emphasized that it would release three Palestinian security prisoners for each of the 50 hostages freed from Gaza, The Times of Israel reported. Since Friday, over 50 hostages have now been released, whereas, 117 Palestinians have been freed. US President Joe Biden on Monday welcomed the additional two-day truce between Israel and Hamas after Qatar's successful mediation. Biden issued a statement, welcoming the extended truce, as reported by The Times of Israel. "I have remained deeply engaged over the last few days to ensure that this deal--brokered and sustained through extensive US mediation and diplomacy--can continue to deliver results," the US President said.  Moreover, Qatar also successfully negotiated an agreement between Israel and Hamas to extend the four-day truce between them by an additional two days, Doha's foreign ministry spokesperson said. "The State of Qatar announces, as part of the ongoing mediation, an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip," posted spokesperson Majed Al Ansari on X.
—ANI

The Israeli government has approved the inclusion of 50 women prisoners in the list of prisoners eligible for release as part of an agreement

Israel approves list of 50 women prisoners to be released for extended truce

Tel Aviv [Israel]: Israel has received the list of Israeli hostages to be released today by Hamas as part of the extended truce agreement reached on Monday, The Times of Israel reported, citing the Israel Prime Minister's office. The Israel Prime Minister's Office stated that the list of hostages is currently being reviewed and "notices are being delivered at this time" to the families of those set to be released after more than 50 days of being held hostage in Gaza.
The announcement did not mention the number of hostages set to be released today. Since Friday, 50 Israeli hostages have been released as part of an initial deal four-day truce agreement, The Times of Israel reported. According to the initial truce agreement, Israel agreed to halt its military operations in Gaza for four days and emphasised that it would release three Palestinian security prisoners for each of the 50 hostages freed from Gaza, The Times of Israel reported. Furthermore, Hamas also released 17 Thais, one Philippines national and one dual Russian-Israeli national. Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the temporary truce by two days, paving the way for the release of some 20 more people held hostage by Hamas. Earlier, the Israeli government approved the inclusion of 50 female prisoners in the list of prisoners eligible to be released in the event that a release of additional Israeli hostages is conducted.  Taking to X, Israel Prime Minister's Office stated, "Announcement from the Prime Minister's Office: The Government has approved the inclusion of 50 female prisoners in the list of prisoners eligible to be released in the event that a release of additional Israeli hostages is carried out." Earlier, Israel Defence Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that 84-year-old Ema Evraham was released from Hamas captivity. He said that Evraham was taken to hospital in critical condition. He said that Elma was kept in a harsh condition. In a video posted on X, Daniel Hagari said, "Last night, Elma Evraham was released from Hamas captivity. She was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Elma is 84 years old. She's a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother. During the Hamas massacre of October 7th, Elma was taken hostage by savage terrorists. She was dragged into Gaza on the back of a motorbike. Elma was in Hamas captivity for 51 days and nights."  "She was kept in a harsh condition. She was denied life saving medication. She was not visited by the Red Cross. When she was released from captivity, she was in a critical condition," he added. Daniel Hagari called on international organization, particularly the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to use very tool at their disposal to gain access to hostages in Gaza and ensure that they get medical care they need. "Elma is a reminder of her critical mission. Now she's home. She's being taken care of, but who's taking care of other hostages in Gaza? Over 150 of our hostages, men, women, children, babies, who's taking care of them? Who is holding a 10 month old baby, Kfir Bibas. I'll tell you, ruthless terrorists, are holding him hostage in Gaza," Daniel Hagari said. "We call on the international organization, especially the Red Cross to use every tool at their disposal to gain access to our hostages, to make sure they're receiving the medical care they need," he added. While posting the video on X, IDF stated, "Elma was in Hamas captivity for 51 days and nights. She was kept in a harsh condition. She was denied lifesaving medication. She was not visited by the Red Cross." A message for the @ICRC from IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari:" In the video, Hagari asserted that Israel Defence Forces will continue to fight until all the hostages are released from captivity. He said, "Our hostages are not lost. We won't sit around and hope they're found. We will rescue our hostages at all costs. It is our duty. It is moral responsibility of the Israeli defense forces. It's why we fight and why we must keep on fighting until all our hostages are home."
—ANI

Israel has received the list of Israeli hostages to be released today by Hamas as part of the extended truce agreement reached on Monday

Israel receives list of Israeli hostages set to be released today

Tel Aviv [Israel]: Teenage siblings, who spent 50-days in Hamas' captivity in Gaza with the hope of reuniting with their mother, were shattered when they came to know the harsh reality that their mother has been murdered on October 7 attack in Israel. Noam and Alma Or were released on Saturday.
They were forcibly separated from their parents and taken hostage by Hamas During their captivity in Gaza, they were confined to a house, sharing a room with another woman from their kibbutz, as described by Besorai, who also has roots in Be'eri. Upon their release on Saturday, the harsh reality hit them: their mother had been murdered on October 7, a fact they were unaware of during their ordeal, CNN reported.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/teen.webp" alt="Philippines, the siblings' maternal uncle, Ahal Besorai" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

Speaking from the Philippines, the siblings' maternal uncle, Ahal Besorai, revealed the heartbreaking news. The family, residents of the Be'eri kibbutz near the Gaza border, experienced tragedy as Hamas targeted the community, killing over 120 residents, including children, and kidnapping others. The siblings' father, Dror, remains missing. "My sister, their mom, was murdered on October 7. The children did not know that," he said, speaking to CNN from the Philippines. "We thought they were together when they were kidnapped, but they were separated from the outset."

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/teen1.webp" alt="Children meet after freed" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

"When they first crossed the border and reunited with their grandmother and older brother, the first news that they had to confront was the fact that their mom is no longer alive. And that was a terribly emotional and traumatic moment for them," Besorai added. The Be'eri kibbutz, once a peaceful farming community near the Gaza border, turned into a scene of horror on October 7. Targeted by Hamas, the kibbutz witnessed the murder of over 120 residents, including children, and the abduction of others. The militants engaged in destructive acts, setting homes on fire, looting, and causing widespread devastation. In total, around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, fell victim to Hamas militants across southern Israel on that tragic day, CNN reported.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/teen2.webp" alt="Hostage happyiness after freed" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

Besorai refrained from detailing their experience but said, "it wasn't pleasant, to say the least. It was horrible." The truce between Israel and Hamas facilitated the release of hostages, including the siblings, who were not aware of their impending release. Despite their ordeal, Noam expressed compassion for Gazans they encountered during the release. Now free, the siblings are focusing on recovery, having lost weight during captivity. However, concerns linger about the long-term impact of the traumatic experience on their well-being. "When I spoke to them, the first time I spoke to Alma, the 13-year-old niece, she had this enormously big smile and glittering eyes when she came to the Zoom call," Besorai also said. "And this is what stuck in my head: What is behind these glittering eyes? What is deep inside them following this horrible ordeal? It is just very difficult for me to assess," he added, CNN reported. Meanwhile, another 11 Israeli hostages were released by Hamas Monday night as part of the four-day ceasefire agreement - two women and nine children. The two women were each released with two of their children. There were also two sets of two brothers released.
—ANI

Teenage siblings, who spent 50-days in Hamas' captivity in Gaza with the hope of reuniting with their mother, were shattered when they came to know

Freed Israeli siblings from Hamas captivity shocked to hear mother's murder

Tel Aviv: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has said that Hamas has to be destroyed.  Referring to the October 7 attacks by Hamas, the Mayor in a letter to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said: “The Hamas organization has to be destroyed. A situation where those responsible for this terrible crime have not yet been brought to justice is a failure."  The Hostages and Missing families Forum in a statement said that the New York Mayor hosted the families of the hostages at his home in New York and the occasion was marked by the lighting of the sixth Hanukkah candle.  The statement said that the families lit the Hanukkah menorah together with the Mayor.  The families of the hostages thanked the Mayor for the support of President Joe Biden and the US to Israel and asked him to continue the suppport to increase American pressure on Qatar and Egypt to release the hostages from Gaza.  Adams said, "We are at a defining moment, a moment when we understand the importance of light and what it symbolizes, especially after the terrible events of October 7. We want to be clear in our call: Hamas must be destroyed."  "I stand with the families of the hostages who came to New York to express the demand to bring their loved ones home now. It is a failure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are not brought to justice when there are hostages in Gaza while the networks are filled with hate," he added.
—IANS

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has said that Hamas has to be destroyed.

New York City Mayor says Hamas must be destroyed

Tel Aviv: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops, in a case of mistaken identity, killed three Israeli hostages in northern Gaza’s Shejaiya neighbourhood on Friday.  IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari in a statement on Friday night said that the incident occurred in the morning and the military bears full responsibility for the "tragic incident", which happened "in an area where the soldiers encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers".  The hostages, who died after troops fired at them, were identified as Yohan Haim who was abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Samar Fouad Talalka -- abducted from Nir Am and Alon Shamriz, also from Kfar Aza.  Hagari said that the incident occurred in the Gaza neighbourhood that has seen some of the heaviest fighting in recent days.
—IANS

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops, in a case of mistaken identity, killed three Israeli hostages in northern Gaza’s Shejaiya neighbourhood on Friday.

IDF 'mistakenly' kills three Israeli hostages in Gaza

Tel Aviv [Israel]: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the deaths of three Israeli hostages, who were mistakenly killed by the IDF, but said that the ground operation will continue until the terror group Hamas is destroyed, Times of Israel reported. Netanyahu said on Saturday (local time) that he mourns the "tragic deaths of our three hostages" -- Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka, Alon Shamriz -- mistakenly shot dead Friday morning by IDF soldiers.
"It broke my heart; it broke the hearts of the nation," Netanyahu said. But he also added, "We are fighting for our existence... and we have to continue until victory" -- despite international pressure and the losses Israel is suffering, Times of Israel reported.  The Israeli Prime Minister said that he has been asking himself, and doubtless, all Israelis have been asking, "What if..." and "If only something had been different...We were so close to embracing them". "But we can't turn back the clock," he added, noting that all warriors know that "the distance between victory and disaster is a hair's breadth.". He further affirmed that Israel will learn the lesson and will maintain "the military and diplomatic effort" to bring back all the hostages. "They touched salvation, and then the disaster happened," Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu as saying. This comes after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) mistakenly killed three of its hostages on Friday by identifying them as 'threats'. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari informed about the incident, saying that they bear responsibility for the "tragic incident."  During the joint press conference, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also said that he takes responsibility for the "tragic, accidental killing" of three hostages by IDF troops. "As defence minister, I take responsibility for everything that happens in the security establishment and everything that happens in this war, the achievements and the costs, and the severe mistakes. The same is true for the incident yesterday," said Gallant on Saturday. He noted the complexity of fighting in the Shejaiya district where the incident took place, with Hamas fighters "in every house and every alleyway," and said that the area is full of "booby traps and potential ambushes," the Times of Israel reported. "I have lost commanders and brothers in arms; I have seen a lot of difficult incidents, a lot that were close to me, including friends dying in battle. This is one of the most tragic incidents I have ever known," Gallant said.  He added, "The price of war is very high. We pay it every day, but when you know that you are on a path that is just, then you are willing to pay a price until you achieve your entire goal, which here is destroying Hamas and returning all the hostages to their homes."
—ANI

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the deaths of three Israeli hostages, who were mistakenly killed by the IDF

"It broke my heart": Israel PM Netanyahu mourns death of three hostages mistakenly killed by IDF

The Hague/Doha/Jerusalem: UN judges in The Hague will rule on Friday whether to order Israel to suspend its military campaign in Gaza as officials push ahead with efforts to negotiate a new deal for a ceasefire and release of more Israeli hostages.
On the ground in the seaside enclave, Gaza officials said on Thursday that Israeli strikes killed 20 Palestinians queuing for food aid in Gaza City, six people in a house in central Gaza's Al-Nusseirat refugee camp and at least 50 people in the prior 24 hours in Gaza's main southern city Khan Younis, where Israel is currently focusing the brunt of its might.  Reuters could not independently verify the details while Israel said it was either looking into the reports or did not immediately comment on the incidents.  The judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also called the World Court, are due to rule on Friday on South Africa's request for emergency measures against Israel in a case accusing it of state-led genocide in the Gaza Strip.
In more than three months of war, Israel's campaign has leveled much of the enclave, displaced some 1.9 million Palestinians and killed at least 25,900 people, according to Gaza officials. Israel launched its offensive in October after militants from Hamas, which rules Gaza, stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages.  The court will issue its ruling at 1 pm (1200 GMT) in a hearing expected to last about an hour. While the judges will not rule on the merits of the genocide allegations, which may take years to decide, South Africa asked the court to issue an interim order compelling Israel to suspend its military operations.  Israel has called South Africa's allegations false and "grossly distorted," and said it makes the utmost efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.  The court's rulings are final and without appeal, but it has no way of enforcing them. Israel on Thursday expressed confidence that the ICJ would "throw out these spurious and specious charges." Hamas said it would abide by an ICJ ceasefire order if Israel reciprocates.  Diplomatic efforts seek new truce deal  Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to negotiate a break in the conflict continued. US and Israeli intelligence chiefs were due to meet Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe this weekend, one official told Reuters. A second source said Egypt's intelligence chief would also participate.  The White House has been trying to facilitate the release of the more than 100 remaining Israeli hostages taken during Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, which ignited the war in Gaza, although there remains a considerable distance between the two sides' demands.  A third source with knowledge of the talks said that Israel has proposed a 60-day pause in the fighting during which hostages would be released in phases, beginning with civilian women and children.  Previously, three sources told Reuters that shuttle diplomacy over the past month involving the US, Qatar and Egypt has sought to hammer out a new deal for a ceasefire of about one month. But progress has been held up by differences between Hamas and Israel over how to bring a permanent end to the Gaza war.  In Gaza on Thursday, tanks hit areas around two hospitals in Khan Younis, forcing displaced people into a new desperate scramble for safety, residents said.  Israel's military said early on Friday that its intelligence found that Hamas was operating from inside and around the two hospitals, Nasser and Al-Amal, in Khan Younis. Hamas and medical workers have denied Israeli claims that militants in Gaza use hospitals as cover for bases.  The Israeli military said it was coordinating with hospital staff to ensure they remain "operational and accessible" and there is a safe corridor for people to leave the hospitals.  "The facts on the ground disprove the blatant misinformation that has been disseminated over the last 72 hours falsely claiming that the hospitals are under siege or attack," it said in a statement.  Fleeing to Rafah  On Thursday, thousands of homeless people sheltering in Khan Younis sought to flee to Rafah, 15 km (nine miles) away, the UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) said.  Video posted on X by Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, showed a crowd of people walking en masse on Thursday on a dirt road. "A sea of people forced to flee Khan Younis, ending up at the border with Egypt. A never ending search for safety that #Gaza is no longer able to give", Lazzarini wrote.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said less than 20% of the narrow enclave - around 60 square kilometres (23 square miles) - now harboured over 1.5 million homeless people in the south.
—Reuters

UN judges to decide on Israel's Gaza military actions; South Africa's emergency plea at ICJ; Diplomatic efforts persist for ceasefire and hostages release.

Israel braces for world court ruling, focuses attack on south Gaza

Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would not pass up any opportunity to free more hostages from Gaza and described sustained military pressure until "total victory" over Hamas as necessary for their full recovery.
His statement was issued after Israeli special forces freed two hostages in a rescue operation in Rafah, a town on the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt packed with war refugees, where the prospect of wider operations has worried Cairo and Washington.
—Reuters

Netanyahu declares unyielding pursuit of "total victory" over Hamas after Israel's daring rescue operation in Rafah frees hostages.

Israel should press Gaza offensive to free more hostages, says Netanyahu

Ben Gurion Airport/The Hague: Israeli survivors of the October 7 attacks and relatives of victims are stepping up efforts to get the International Criminal Court prosecutor to scrutinise Hamas' crimes as part of his investigation into the attack and Israel's response in Gaza.
"We want to make sure that the world acts and that their freedom is hindered," Udi Goren, cousin of 41-year-old Tal Haimi who was abducted on October 7, said of leaders of the Palestinian group Hamas. Haimi was later confirmed dead, his body still being held in Gaza.  Israeli survivors of the October 7 Hamas attack and families of victims want the court to target Hamas leaders with arrest warrants.  "We want to ... make sure that the leaders of Hamas are taken into custody or that they cannot leave Qatar anymore and that this puts pressure on them to release the hostages," Goren said, speaking at Israel's Ben Gurion airport.
Goren was among a group of around 100 family members of hostages preparing to fly to the ICC's headquarters in The Hague.  Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognise its jurisdiction.  But prosecutor Karim Khan reaffirmed to Reuters this week that the court has jurisdiction over the events of Oct. 7 and they form part of the court's investigation. He declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation.  The Israeli hostages' families, who carried pictures of missing loved ones as they prepared to head to The Hague, will file the latest in several so-called article 15 communications on behalf of Israeli victims.  These legal filings are meant to provide information to the prosecution and are part of a wider push to get the ICC to act against Hamas leaders.
Testimonies  In a sign that the ICC's investigation is moving forward, lawyer Yael Vias Gvirsman, who represents another group of Israeli victims, told Reuters that a handful of her clients gave testimony directly to ICC investigators in The Hague last week.  "It was a significant next step for the investigation. Investigators sat down with victims for very long hours to hear personal accounts by key witnesses of several crime scenes of the Oct. 7 attacks," said Vias Gvirsman, who represents 200 Israeli victims from 42 different families at the ICC.  On October 7, Hamas carried out a cross-border raid on southern Israel in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 240 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.  It sparked the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza which has laid waste to much of the densely-populated strip of land on the Mediterranean and left over 28,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health officials.  The case at the ICC is separate from the genocide case launched against Israel at the International Court of Justice or World Court also based in The Hague.  The World Court is a United Nations court that deals with disputes between states while the ICC is a treaty-based criminal court focusing on individual criminal responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.  The Palestinian territories were admitted as ICC members in 2015, which gives the court jurisdiction over atrocity crimes committed by anyone on that territory and by Palestinians on Israeli territory.
—Reuters

Israeli survivors push for ICC action on October 7 Hamas attacks. Families demand arrest warrants for Hamas leaders. Testimonies mark progress in the investigation.

Israeli victims of October 7 press ICC to investigate Hamas

Dubai: Hamas has presented a Gaza ceasefire proposal to mediators which includes a first stage of releasing Israeli women, children, elderly, and the ill hostages in exchange for the release of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners, according to a proposal seen by Reuters.
The releases would include 100 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and the release of Israeli "female recruits."
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Hamas said it would agree on a date for a permanent ceasefire after the initial exchange of hostages and prisoners, according to the proposal. A deadline for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would be agreed upon after the first stage, Hamas said in its proposal. The Palestinian Islamist militant group said all detainees from both sides would be released in a second stage of the plan.
—Reuters

Hamas presents a ceasefire proposal in Gaza, starting with exchanging hostages for prisoners, setting the stage for a permanent peace process and mutual withdrawals.

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