Daily Summary
Hamas to release next group of hostages on time
January 24, 2025 — Hamas is expected to release the names of four hostages scheduled for release on Saturday, according to reports. The Quds News Network, affiliated with Hamas, stated that the group would announce the names of the female hostages set to be freed. Under the cease-fire agreement with Israel that took effect on Jan. 19, Hamas is ... Hamas to release next group of hostages on time
Trump redesignates Houthis as terrorists following group’s attacks against Israel
January 23, 2025 — As the Trump administration begins its term with a whirlwind of activity, the Middle East occupies a central place in its new foreign policy. After rescinding a series of sanctions imposed by former president Joe Biden on a group of Israeli settlers, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the Yemeni Houthis would be re-designated as ... Trump redesignates Houthis as terrorists following group’s attacks against Israel
Moroccan with US green car stabs 4 Israelis
January 22, 2025 — Four Israelis were stabbed Tuesday evening when a Moroccan man attacked them on a Tel Aviv street, according to Israeli media reports. Off-duty IDF commando soldiers nearby responded swiftly, shooting and killing the attacker. The victims included two men in moderate condition and two others in good condition, according to Magen David Adom, Israel’s national ... Moroccan with US green car stabs 4 Israelis
Israelis celebrate release of first three hostages from Hamas
January 21, 2025 — Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to celebrate the return of three Israeli women held captive in Gaza for more than 15 months. As a large screen displayed the announcement from Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari confirming their release, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Chants filled the ... Israelis celebrate release of first three hostages from Hamas
Israel strikes Gaza as hostage release nears
January 17, 2025 — Israel launched new airstrikes on Gaza on Thursday, accusing Hamas of backtracking on parts of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement before an expected Cabinet vote. The truce, brokered by Qatar and the United States on Wednesday, is set to take effect Sunday, facilitating an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Negotiators planned to ... Israel strikes Gaza as hostage release nears
73% of Israelis support the hostage deal in new poll
January 17, 2025 — Israeli public opinion strongly favors the new hostage and ceasefire deal, despite fierce opposition from far-right ministers within the government.A recent poll found that 73% of Israelis support the agreement brokered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while 19% oppose it and 8% remain undecided. The broad support marks a rare moment of unity in a ... 73% of Israelis support the hostage deal in new poll
Trump expected to prioritize Saudi-Israel ties following hostage deal momentum
January 16, 2025 — President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security advisor, Mike Waltz, said a Saudi-Israeli normalization agreement will be a top priority for the new administration. He described the effort as the next phase of the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic initiative launched during Trump’s first term that established formal ties between Israel and four Arab nations: Bahrain, the ... Trump expected to prioritize Saudi-Israel ties following hostage deal momentum
Israel and Hamas reportedly agree to ceasefire deal
January 15, 2025 — Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict. President-elect Donald Trump acknowledged the development on Wednesday afternoon, commending the efforts behind the agreement. While the Biden administration had not issued a formal statement by midday, an Israeli official confirmed the agreement ... Israel and Hamas reportedly agree to ceasefire deal
Israeli hostage deal nearing completion
January 14, 2025 — Israeli officials confirmed that ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas have advanced significantly. Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that an announcement would be made soon, citing progress and a potential resolution before his inauguration on Jan. 20. Israeli leadership anticipated a formal announcement following a high-level meeting in Qatar, with reports ... Israeli hostage deal nearing completion
Israel prepares to completely defeat Hams if hostages are not released by Trump’s inauguration
January 13, 2025 — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered military leaders to prepare a comprehensive plan for the full defeat of Hamas in Gaza if the remaining hostages are not released by Jan. 20, coinciding with the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Katz stressed that the plan should be finalized quickly to avoid a prolonged conflict ... Israel prepares to completely defeat Hams if hostages are not released by Trump’s inauguration
IDF targets major Hezbollah site in Lebanon
January 10, 2025 — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported carrying out an airstrike on a vehicle inside a Hezbollah military compound in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting weapons being loaded for transport. The operation comes amid heightened tensions in the region, even as both sides remain under a ceasefire agreement. While the IDF reiterated its commitment to the ... IDF targets major Hezbollah site in Lebanon
IDF recovers remains of two Oct. 7 hostages from Gaza
January 9, 2025 — The Israel Defense Forces and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Wednesday evening that the bodies of Youssef and Hamza Ziyadne, who were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, were discovered in the southern Gaza Strip. The military confirmed Youssef’s death and expressed grave concerns for the life of his son, Hamza, age 23. Katz’s ... IDF recovers remains of two Oct. 7 hostages from Gaza