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Hope For Gaza Truce Grows As Hamas Agrees To Release 10 Hostages Amid Ongoing Talks

July 10, 2025, 4:44 am

Hamas said on Wednesday it would release 10 hostages as it continued to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, giving hope for an end to the almost year-long conflict. It came after four days of indirect discussions in Doha, led by Qatar, with the United States providing backing and voicing hopes of agreeing a 60-day truce by the end of the week.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has confirmed the hostage release is included in the suggested deal. Of 251 kidnapped by Hamas during its October 7, 2023 attack on Israeli border communities, there are 49 still held captive in Gaza, 27 of whom are suspected to be deceased.

Hamas stressed that serious issues have yet to be addressed, such as the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, unobstructed humanitarian assistance, and sustainable peace assurances. Nevertheless, the organization pointed out it had “demonstrated the necessary flexibility” to proceed with the negotiations.

Israeli officials echoed a cautiously optimistic tone. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, told Fox Business, “I think we’re getting closer to a deal. There’s a good chance that we’ll have it.” Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said the IDF’s operations had helped set the stage for a possible agreement, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the deal as “achievable.”

President Isaac Herzog cast the moment as a possible watershed for the region, labeling it a “historic opportunity” in the context of wider geopolitical changes.

In spite of the careful advancement, Hamas insists it will never give in and still calls for an end to Israel’s occupation. Israel, however, is still on a mission to dismantle Hamas as a threat to security. The conflict, which started with the fatal Hamas attack that took more than 1,200 lives, has so far killed over 57,000 in Gaza, as per local health officials.

Trump, Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Ceasefire as US Pushes for Middle East Deal

July 8, 2025, 7:02 am

US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. The meeting took place as Israeli officials held indirect talks with Hamas, hoping to reach a US-backed ceasefire in Gaza along with a hostage release deal.

Netanyahu’s visit came shortly after Trump predicted that both sides could finalize an agreement within the week. Before departing for Washington, Netanyahu said that his meeting with Trump could help move forward negotiations currently underway in Qatar, where Israel and Hamas are trying to find common ground.

#WATCH | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominates US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

PM Netanyahu says, "I want to present to you, Mr President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It's nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well… pic.twitter.com/D9QdLfw1fQ

— ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2025

Third Face-to-Face Since January

This was the third time Trump and Netanyahu met in person since Trump returned to office in January. It followed Trump’s decision to order military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which came in response to Israeli air raids. Those strikes played a key role in ending a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, and Trump helped broker a ceasefire soon afterward.

Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

At a dinner hosted by Trump, Netanyahu revealed that he had nominated the US President for the Nobel Peace Prize. He presented Trump with a letter sent to the prize committee. “He’s forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu said.

Trump has been nominated for the prize several times before by his supporters. However, he has often expressed frustration at being overlooked by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He has pointed out his past efforts in mediating conflicts, including those between India and Pakistan, and Serbia and Kosovo, as reasons why he deserved the recognition.

Using Iran’s Weakness to Push Forward

Now, Trump and his advisors are trying to use Iran’s weakened state—as a result of the recent military pressure—to gain momentum in the 21-month-long Gaza war. Iran supports Hamas, so weakening Iran could influence the group’s decisions.

Trump also said he plans to speak with Netanyahu about the possibility of a permanent peace deal with Iran, which remains Israel’s most powerful rival in the region.

A Private Dinner Instead of Formal Talks

Unlike past meetings held in the Oval Office, Trump and Netanyahu chose to have a private dinner this time. The White House did not provide a clear reason for skipping the traditional, more formal discussion.

After arriving in Washington overnight, Netanyahu first met with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prepare for his sit-down with Trump. On Tuesday, he planned to visit the US Capitol for meetings with congressional leaders.

Qatar Talks and Regional Diplomacy in Focus

Before leaving for the US, Netanyahu told reporters that he would personally thank Trump for launching airstrikes on Iran. He also confirmed that Israeli negotiators were continuing talks in Doha, Qatar’s capital, in hopes of securing progress in Gaza.

Israeli officials believe that resolving tensions with Iran could also lead to better ties with regional neighbors, such as Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. These topics are also expected to be part of Netanyahu’s discussions with Trump.

Hamas Agrees to Discuss US-Backed Gaza Ceasefire

July 5, 2025, 6:20 am

Hamas has shown a willingness to start fresh talks about putting the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan into action. The group confirmed it responded “positively” to the latest truce proposal that Washington introduced earlier this week.

In an official statement, Hamas said, “The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterised by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework.”

Israeli media also reported that the Israeli government had received this response from Hamas and was now reviewing it.

Talks Come Ahead of Netanyahu’s US Visit

The announcement from Hamas came after internal discussions with other Palestinian factions. It also happened just before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit to Washington on Monday. There, US President Donald Trump is expected to urge an end to the war, which has lasted for 21 months.

On June 30, Trump confirmed that Israel had already agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, and he called on Hamas to do the same. Hamas took several days to examine the terms of the offer before giving their response.

Islamic Jihad Wants Guarantees from Israel

Islamic Jihad, a close ally of Hamas, has also supported the idea of negotiations. However, it insisted that Israel must offer clear assurances. The group stated that Israel should “guarantee” that there will be “no attacks” once hostages held in Gaza are freed.

Details of the Ceasefire Plan

According to a Palestinian source who spoke to AFP, the terms in the new US proposal are mostly the same as in previous offers.

The source explained that the plan calls for a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would free half of the Israeli hostages still alive in Gaza. In return, Israel would release a group of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

So far, out of the 251 hostages captured by Palestinian fighters in October 2023, 49 remain in Gaza. The Israeli military says 27 of them have already died.

Netanyahu Reaffirms Promise to Bring Hostages Back

Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeated his promise to bring home all Israelis still being held by Hamas. “I feel a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all our abductees, all of them,” he said while visiting residents of Nir Oz kibbutz, one of the hardest-hit communities during the October 2023 attacks.

In a video shared by his office, he firmly stated, “We will bring them all back.”

Gaza Strike Kills 24 at Seafront Café as Israel Says Incident Under Review

July 1, 2025, 2:16 pm

A Gaza strike on a busy seaside café killed 24 people on Monday, sparking international concern and prompting Israel to launch a formal review of the incident. The Israeli army claimed the target was a group of Hamas fighters in northern Gaza.

However, local civil defense teams said dozens of civilians were killed and injured in the Al-Baqa café strike, a venue that had become one of the few remaining gathering places in war-torn Gaza City.

Israeli military officials stated that they took measures to reduce civilian harm, including using aerial surveillance before the attack. “The incident is under review,” an army spokesperson said in a statement. Gaza’s civil defense responders said the scene was horrifying, with mangled and burned bodies scattered across the area.

Among the victims was Palestinian journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, according to an AFP photographer.

Whoever goes to trivialize the pressures of war and life gets killed
Targeting a cafe on the beach, killing more than 40 people and wounding others so far. pic.twitter.com/X3NcsXabJP

— dr. mohammed hamad – Gaza (@Medo198518) June 30, 2025

06/30/25 ⚡️🇮🇱🇵🇸 An Israeli airstrike on a cafeteria in the Gaza Strip killed 24 Palestinians, Quds News Network reports.

Video by RT

WorldPravda #Israel #GazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/HqoFQ9mFAO

— Ray Murray jr (@rmjr2654) June 30, 2025

Israel’s Response to Gaza Strike

Israel’s military claimed it targeted “several Hamas terrorists” in the area, though it did not clarify what threat they posed at the time. Gaza residents described the café as one of the few remaining escapes in the city offering drinks, internet access, and space for families during more than 20 months of nonstop conflict.

Eyewitness Ahmad al-Nayrab called the blast a “massacre,” saying, “I saw bits of bodies flying everywhere, bodies mangled and burned.” Journalists and aid workers face heavy restrictions in Gaza, making it difficult to independently verify casualty figures. However, the United Nations considers data from the territory’s health ministry to be reliable.

Civilians Bear the Brunt

The Gaza strike comes amid stalled truce talks. Qatar recently pointed to a “window of opportunity” for a ceasefire. Hamas launched its October 7 attack, killing over 1,200 people in Israel and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel began sustained air and ground operations.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed at least 56,531 people, mostly civilians. The United Nations considers these figures reliable. As the war enters its 21st month, the rising death toll and destruction continue to draw global criticism.

IDF Airstrikes Inside Iran Kill Key IRGC Commander & Hamas Attack Planner | Watch

June 21, 2025, 5:59 pm

In an unprecedented and daring move, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of two top commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in deep-targeted attacks within Iran. The operation, carried out in western Iran and Qom, is one of the most important Israeli strikes against Iranian targets in recent years.

IDF Killed Weapons Transfer Commander Behnam Shahriyari

The IDF said that Behnam Shahriyari, the Quds Force’s Weapons Transfer Unit commander, was murdered in a precise attack while driving in western Iran. Shahriyari had been of interest to Israel for years, allegedly since 2009, for his involvement in smuggling sophisticated weapons throughout the region.

“Shahriyari was killed over 1,000 kilometers from Israel while on a journey in western Iran,” the IDF said, declaring the attack a “major success” against Iranian-sponsored terror networks.

🔴ELIMINATED: Behnam Shahriyari, commander of the Quds Force’s Weapons Transfer Unit in the IRGC, was eliminated in a precise IDF strike in western Iran.

Shahriyari was responsible for all weapons transfers from the Iranian regime to its proxies across the Middle East in order… pic.twitter.com/O9nEjuauuW

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 21, 2025

He was also the head of the IRGC’s secret Unit 190, suspected of shipping advanced weaponry to Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemeni Houthi rebels. The IDF reported that he led the shipment of hundreds of millions of dollars each year to terrorist groups and directed the transfer of many missiles and rockets employed against Israeli soil during the ongoing conflict.

“Shahriyari was also in charge of transferring hundreds of millions of dollars yearly to different terrorist groups. Moreover, he spearheaded the massive operation of funding and equipping these terrorist groups—an operation that has led to the killings and wounding of numerous Israeli civilians and military personnel,” reads the statement.

Saeed Izadi, Commander of Quds Force’s Palestine Corps, was Also Killed

In another airstrike, Saeed Izadi, a high-ranking IRGC commander and chief of Quds Force’s Palestine Corps, was killed by Israeli forces in the Iranian city of Qom. The IDF referred to him as “one of the architects” of the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre.

“Izadi was killed in a safe facility located in the center of Iran, as a result of a lengthy intelligence campaign,” the IDF stated. He was an important point man between Tehran and Hamas, whose job it was to deliver monetary aid and coordinate multi-front attacks designed to destabilize Israel.

“Izadi was one of the initiators and main promoters of the Iranian regime’s scheme to annihilate Israel,” the IDF continued.

The targeted killings represent a serious setback to Iran’s regional activity, stopping weapons supply and militant coordination efforts.

Hamas Kills 5 Gaza Aid Workers in Bus Ambush, Abductions Feared

June 12, 2025, 1:11 pm

Hamas fighters executed five aid workers and potentially kidnapped other people during a deliberate bus assault in the Gaza Strip, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) stated in a press release on Wednesday, June 11. The attack targeted GHF staffers on their way to an aid distribution center near Khan Younis in southern Gaza at about 10 PM.

The GHF, which has delivered more than 271,000 food boxes since May 26, denounced the attack and accused Hamas of issuing repeated threats against its staff. Unfazed by violence, the organization committed to continuing distribution efforts in Gaza. The assault highlights the deteriorating battle for access to aid in the Strip devastated by war.

Bus Attacked Near Aid Site

The GHF verified that its team was attacked on a bus late at night on the road near Khan Younis. Five staff members are killed. Several others are suspected to have been kidnapped. The aid agency is continuing to get information from the scene.

“This attack did not happen in a vacuum,” GHF said. “For days, Hamas has openly threatened our team, our aid workers, and the civilians who receive aid from us. These threats were met with silence.”

Mounting Tensions Over Aid Distribution

The violence follows an escalating battle for control of the aid in Gaza. Hamas desires to resume delivery through UN-supported networks. The US and Israel are against this, as they accuse Hamas of diverting aid from these networks.

The UN refutes the claims. It, rather, condemned the GHF’s model. It stated the model puts the Palestinians at risk by requiring them to travel great distances through Israeli-held territories in order to access food.

Casualties Keep Rising

Since GHF began operations on May 26, several fatal accidents have taken place. The Red Cross and Hamas-aligned health officials witnessed several mass-casualty incidents as Palestinians made their way to receive aid.

The IDF acknowledged firing “warning shots” at individuals who wandered away from designated routes. It confirmed at least eight of these incidents, which added to the mounting casualty list.

Aid Still Falls Short

Despite the bloodshed, GHF indicated that it has distributed some 271,200 aid boxes to date. They are filled largely with dry food that must be prepared elsewhere.

Aid into Gaza is still much lower than required. Israel partially relaxed its blockade on May 19. Since then, an average of 65 trucks daily entered Gaza. The World Food Programme indicates that Gaza requires at least 300 trucks a day to cover essential needs.

IDF officials had earlier conceded that Gaza’s population was on the verge of starvation prior to the resumption of aid following a 78-day blockade.

GHF Vows to Continue

Despite the fatal assault, GHF committed it would not stop operations. It reaffirmed its mission of providing aid to Palestinians directly, even under threat and danger. The attack points to the growing crisis in Gaza. With aid routes still in dispute and civilians still traumatized, aid workers are more threatened on all sides.

Clashes Erupt at Gaza Aid Centre as Six Killed, Dozens Injured

June 10, 2025, 11:15 am

Palestinians in Gaza have reported that Israeli soldiers and some local gunmen opened fire on people walking toward a humanitarian aid centre run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

This incident adds to growing fears, as several civilians have already died in recent weeks due to drone attacks near aid centres. According to eyewitnesses, Monday marked the first time Palestinian gunmen also shot at people close to the GHF distribution point in Tal al-Sultan, a neighbourhood in Rafah. The health ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, said the gunfire on Monday killed six individuals and injured 99 more.

GHF Denies Incident at Centre

In contrast, GHF stated that its Tal al-Sultan aid centre was not open that day. The organisation denied any attack taking place at the site.

Deadly violence has surrounded the GHF’s operations almost daily since it began delivering aid on May 26. Dozens of Palestinians have lost their lives near one of the four GHF aid sites. The Tal al-Sultan location, in particular, sits near a route that cuts through an Israeli military-controlled area, making it especially dangerous.

Conflicting Accounts of Responsibility

Palestinians continue to accuse Israeli forces of shooting at crowds near these centres. Israel, however, has consistently denied these allegations. Instead, the Israeli military claims it has only fired warning shots at people who ignored them and continued to approach their positions.

Mohammed Sakout, who helps distribute aid at the GHF site, shared his experience with the BBC: “Several young men were shot and killed right behind me. I narrowly escaped death – some bullets passed just inches from my head.”

He added, “At first, it was the Israeli army that was shooting at civilians. But today, we were shocked to discover the presence of gangs and militias.”

Aid Mission Blocked at Sea

In a related development, a group of 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was stopped from reaching Gaza by sea. Their boat, named the “Selfie Yacht,” was intercepted by Israeli authorities at the port of Ashdod.

On Tuesday, Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed via social media that, “The passengers of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries.”

Weapons, Intel Found Under Gaza’s European Hospital in IDF Operation

June 8, 2025, 2:14 pm

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have alleged to find a hidden underground tunnel under the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Based on a drone video uploaded on IDF’s official X handle, the tunnel supposedly has rooms for intelligence work and weapon storage. A long underground passage with several rooms packed with things such as firearms, a computer, and ventilation units is depicted in the video.

“UNCOVERED: An underground tunnel path under the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. In a special, targeted mission, IDF soldiers discovered an underground tunnel path with various discoveries like command and control centers, weapons, and other intelligence materials,” wrote the IDF’s post.

⭕️UNCOVERED: An underground tunnel route beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza.

In a special, targeted operation, IDF soldiers located an underground tunnel route containing numerous findings such as command and control rooms, weapons, and additional intelligence… pic.twitter.com/7bPM5ozHN8

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 7, 2025

Supporting the assertion, the post continued: “Hamas continues to use hospitals in Gaza for terrorist intentions, cynically taking advantage of and putting civilians at risk.”

Thai Hostage’s Body Recovered in Gaza

Only hours after the tunnel video was released, Israel announced the recovery of the body of a Thai citizen who was taken captive during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The individual, whose name has been given as Nattapong Pinta, traveled to Israel to work in agriculture and was said to have been kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Israeli officials verified that he was murdered at the onset of the conflict.

Nattapong Pinta was a hardworking and beloved man who worked in agriculture in Kibbutz Nir Oz. He was held hostage for 610 days by terrorists in Gaza.

On October 7, 2023, he was abducted with some of his friends. His family, wife and son are waiting for his return.

He was… pic.twitter.com/Z9hnBwauul

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 7, 2025

Thailand’s foreign ministry stated that attempts are still being made to recover the bodies of two other Thai nationals who are thought to be in custody or murdered in Gaza. The Associated Press wrote that Thai citizens comprise the largest number of foreign hostages taken by Hamas in the conflict.

Terror Activities from Gaza Hospitals

In another incident, the IDF claimed killing two suspected militants who had been using their cover as journalists and working from within the compound of the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza. The suspects were said to have used the hospital courtyard area as a staging point for planning attacks on Israeli targets.

Quoting the IDF’s X post, ‘The terrorists manipulated the hospital to plot and conduct terror activities against Israeli citizens and IDF troops. Terrorists in Gaza still employ hospitals for terrorist operations while cynically manipulating the population and putting civilians’ lives at risk.

The two men, As’ad Abu Sharaiya and Mahmoud Muhammad Hamid Kuhail, were said to be associated with the Mujahideen terrorist organization. The IDF, jointly with the ISA (Israeli Security Agency), confirmed that the men were killed in a combined operation.

IDF Links Abu Sharaiya to October 7 Attack

In a statement, the IDF reported that As’ad Abu Sharaiya was one of the top perpetrators in the October 7 Kibbutz Nir Oz massacre, where both Israeli and foreign nationals were abducted and murdered.

The post said, “Terrorists penetrated Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7, 2023. Abu Sharaiya was among the chief planners of the massacre and directly participated in the kidnapping & murder of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, Nattapong Pinta and a second foreign national still being held by the terror group and in the kidnapping of the couple Gad and Judi Haggai.”

In the meantime, the Gaza Health Ministry said at least 95 Palestinians were murdered in Israeli airstrikes during the last 24 hours. The mounting death toll reflects the ongoing ferocity of the conflict as both sides accuse one another of firing on civilians and disregarding humanitarian principles.

Ceasefire Showdown: Hamas Demands Changes As Trump Envoy Rejects Response

June 2, 2025, 4:02 am

Hamas on Saturday said that it is calling for modifications to a US-supported ceasefire proposal which is meant to bring the ongoing hostilities in Gaza to an end. But former US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, rejected the group’s reaction as “totally unacceptable.”

Hamas said it would free 10 surviving hostages and the remains of 18 who had been killed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, along with a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal terms Israel has time and again refused. Even though Hamas has described its reply as “positive,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the organization was hampering progress. “Israel will keep working to bring our hostages home and dismantle Hamas,” he stated.

Hamas’s proposed deal, supported by Trump and mediators Egypt and Qatar, entails a 60-day ceasefire under which 28 of the 58 remaining hostages would be released in exchange for more than 1,200 Palestinian prisoners. The deal also calls for unfettered humanitarian assistance and the reopening of Gaza’s basic infrastructure.

Witkoff strongly condemned Hamas terms, saying on X that the reaction “only takes us backward.” Israeli forces meanwhile continue to bombard Gaza. On Saturday, the military confirmed that Mohammad Sinwar, a Hamas commander and brother of Yahya Sinwar, was killed in a targeted strike.

The situation in Gaza remains to worsen as Israel maintains its blockade. The World Food Programme cited massive hunger as armed groups looted aid convoys. The UN alerted that Gaza is experiencing unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with close to all of its 2 million inhabitants facing famine.

Despite limited aid deliveries and a US-backed humanitarian distribution system, many international aid agencies remain critical, saying current efforts fall drastically short. Israel, meanwhile, maintains that it facilitates aid but blames Hamas for obstructing distribution by seizing supplies.

Negotiations continue as the conflict enters its 19th month.

IDF Drops 50 Bombs in 30 Seconds, Kills Hamas Commander Mohammed Sinwar

June 1, 2025, 5:32 pm

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) made a swift, accurate airstrike on May 13, releasing more than 50 bombs within 30 seconds. The strike hit a Hamas command centre under a hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. The attack killed senior Hamas commander Mohammed Sinwar and operative Muhammad Shabana.

The IDF claimed the centre planned terrorist attacks. The attack was a significant blow to Hamas leadership and highlighted Israel’s high-tech military precision.

Pinpoint Strike Targets Hamas Command Center

The IDF conducted a pinpoint bombing of an Hamas command-and-control bunker under the European Hospital in Khan Yunis. The bunker played a vital role in Hamas’s war efforts. Israel published a 3D drawing to demonstrate how the bombs struck the target with little impact on the hospital above.

The IDF and Shin Bet security agency reported terrorists were taken out while conducting their activities in an area intended to put civilians in harm’s way.

Civilian Protection Measures Adopted

The IDF asserted that it adopted measures to minimize harm to civilians ahead of and during the attack. Nonetheless, Hamas’s Health Ministry claimed 16 deaths and more than 70 wounded as a result of the operation. The attack demonstrates the challenge of fighting militant organizations sheltered within civilian population.

However, Israel is adamant about bringing Hamas to book while attempting to limit collateral damage.

Dramatic Blow to Hamas Leadership

Mohammed Sinwar was a top Hamas military planner and brother of Yahya Sinwar, the recently passed senior Hamas leader in Gaza. His assassination is one of the most important Hamas killings since the fighting began on October 7, 2023.

The IDF emphasized that the attack undermined Hamas’s command-and-control chain and demonstrated the power of Israeli intelligence and air capabilities.

Powerful Message to Hamas Leadership

After the announcement, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened any remaining Hamas leaders that they are next. Specifically, he named Izz al-Din Haddad in Gaza and Khalil al-Hayya overseas as targets. The attack and warning indicate Israel’s intent on decapitating Hamas’s leadership structure.

This targeted attack highlights Israel’s targeted military campaign in the midst of ongoing violence and sends a clear message to Hamas that its command operations will not be tolerated.

Israeli Airstrike on US-Backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Kills 26 in Rafah

June 1, 2025, 11:34 am

An Israeli air raid hit a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid compound in Rafah, killing at least 26, as reported by Palestinian and Hamas-linked media report. The GHF is supported by the US and Israel and opened recently to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Although Israel has not responded to the attack, the strike revived concerns about aid neutrality, security procedures, and the nature of war. As Gaza struggles through deteriorating conditions, the GHF’s operation becomes increasingly contentious.

GHF Activities Under Scrutiny

The GHF started operations in Gaza only days ago. It was supposed to coordinate aid with US and Israeli support. Delivery of aid was accompanied by tight biometric screening and vetting. Israeli authorities justified this as preventing Hamas-affiliated individuals from receiving goods.

However, several Palestinians doubted the neutrality of the GHF. Some believed Israel might exploit gathered information or dominate access to food. Critics argued the organization defied aid rules. On May 28, Hamas blamed Israel for killing three and wounding 46 in the area around another GHF location. GHF denied the accusation. The Israeli military claimed it shot only warning shots as mobs swelled.

Rafah Strike Deepens Crisis

The most recent airstrike, which was reported by Hamas-affiliated media, struck a GHF aid station in Rafah. A minimum of 26 people were killed. Thousands were waiting to be given food. Israel has made no comment. The attack contributes to the region’s deteriorating humanitarian breakdown.

UN officials refer to Gaza’s crisis as the worst so far since the war started 19 months ago. Food is still in short supply. Aid groups are finding it hard to operate. The GHF is one of the last remaining pipelines. But now its role is questioned.

Aid, Trust, and Accountability

Israel insists it screens aid to keep Hamas from diverting it. Hamas denies stealing supplies and claims it punishes looters. Meanwhile, global agencies say aid access remains far too low. They also distrust the GHF, seeing it as non-neutral.

With more than 54,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, any attack on aid delivery puts the pressure on. If Israel verifies the Rafah attack, it will surely exacerbate more anger. Aid distribution in Gaza needs to restore confidence—and quickly.

Hamas Demands Major Revisions to Ceasefire Plan, Witkoff Calls It ‘Unacceptable’

June 1, 2025, 11:16 am

Hamas officially reacted to a US-supported Gaza ceasefire initiative, demanding crucial amendments to obtain a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian access. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff immediately dismissed the reaction, branding it “totally unacceptable” and blaming Hamas for sabotaging progress.

The stalemate now jeopardizes new optimism to end the war, free hostages, and bring life-saving assistance to millions in Gaza. As negotiations teeter on the brink, the humanitarian emergency in Gaza worsens and global pressure builds on both sides.

Hamas Demands Major Revisions

Hamas indicated it would release 10 surviving Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others in return for Palestinian detainees. But Hamas also insisted on a full Israeli pullout from Gaza and a guaranteed ceasefire—the conditions Israel refuses. Hamas’s senior official called the reaction “positive” and said his group would only accept minor modifications to the proposal.

But Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Hamas still refuses the agreement. PM Netanyahu said Israel would continue to pursue military action against Hamas with the aim of defeating Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages.

Document Details Hamas Conditions

Hamas document, contains a number of demands. It demands free movement of residents of Gaza via the Rafah crossing and complete reopening of goods transit. It further demands reconstruction of infrastructure like water, electricity, and sanitation networks.

Hamas demands approval to import material to refurbish hospitals, schools, and bakeries. Delivery of aid would be done under the watchful eyes of the United Nations, Red Crescent, and other impartial agencies.

Trump’s Role and Ceasefire Plan

In the proposed agreement, President Trump would himself declare the ceasefire. The accord, supported by Egypt and Qatar, provides for a 60-day ceasefire. Hamas would hand over 28 hostages in stages for the return of 1,200 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel, in turn, would halt all military activities throughout the duration of the ceasefire. Humanitarian assistance would flow into Gaza during that time. Hamas also insists that the pact result in a lasting ceasefire, not merely a temporary cease-fire.

Witkoff and Israel Reject Revisions

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff openly denounced Hamas’s reaction. On X (formerly Twitter), he stated the edits “take us backward” and called for Hamas to embrace the original proposal.

PM Netanyahu again affirmed that Israel had accepted the initial offer and faulted Hamas for slowing down negotiations. Hamas, in turn, accused Witkoff of undue pro-Israeli bias and of not rejecting the ceasefire outline.

Israeli Offensive Rises

On Saturday, Israel confirmed the death of Mohammad Sinwar,Hamas’s Gaza chief, in an airstrike on a hospital on May 13. He was Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, who had organized the October 2023 attacks.

Israel continues to target Hamas operatives and facilities, including weapons caches and sniper positions. Consequently, Gaza’s two million population has tighter confinement in dwindling safe areas, primarily around Khan Younis.

Gaza Confronts Deteriorating Humanitarian Crisis

Humanitarian groups say Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is at breaking point. The Israeli blockade, ordered since March, has starved the population. Armed groups took over World Food Programme trucks loaded with flour to bakeries on Saturday. The WFP reported that people were too desperate to miss out on food.

The United Nations described the situation as the worst since the fighting started 19 months ago. Philippe Lazzarini, the director of the UN’s Palestinian relief agency, stated that the restricted aid permitted in “is making a mockery” of the calamity unfolding.

Aid Distribution Problems Persist

Israel permits a few food trucks and supported another US-supported mechanism operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, global aid organizations are not willing to work with GHF, citing it as non-neutral. They say the present scale of aid is far from what is needed to avert famine.

Israel does not admit starving Gaza and accuses Hamas of robbing and diverting aid. Hamas denies the charge and reports it has prosecuted suspected looters.

War Background and Casualty

Israel initiated its offensive following Hamas’s October 7 southern Israel attack that killed 1,200 individuals and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel’s war effort has since pummeled the Gaza Strip, taking more than 54,000 Palestinian lives and razing most infrastructure. An overwhelming majority of residents exist in makeshift shelters, reliant on dwindling humanitarian aid.

President Trump is still hopeful for a brokered ceasefire. But if Hamas and Israel can’t find common ground on fundamental issues—such as troop withdrawal, hostage swaps, and access to aid—the war will continue to burn. While talks fail, civilians die, and Gaza’s humanitarian disaster deepens.

Israel Demands Hostage Return After 600 Days of Gaza War: ‘Save Them Now’

May 28, 2025, 2:13 pm

Israel passed a dark milestone this week—600 days of war in Gaza. At the very same moment Hamas stunned Israel with its surprise attack on October 7, 2023, Israelis from coast to coast rallied in protest. Thousands stood silently at 6:29 am in defiance. Hostage families and supporters called for the release of remaining captives in Gaza.

From the early morning hours, thousands of Israelis are gathering all over the country to mark 600 days since Hamas’ vicious attack on Israel and the abduction of hundreds of men and women.

58 hostages are still held captive in Gaza.
We must bring them all home. Now.

Photo… pic.twitter.com/Bbw3dheJON

— Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) May 28, 2025

They created potent human symbols, dressed in yellow, and screamed: “Save them now.” These demonstrations coincided with the stalemate in ceasefire negotiations and Israel’s continued military reaction. The passionate demonstrations also reflected intensifying pressure on Israeli politicians as war weariness deepens and assistance fails to reach Gaza.

Symbolic Protest at Sunrise

Demonstrators congregated in various places around Israel around dawn. They coincided with the precise time that Hamas started its assault last year. Protesters in Tel Aviv, close to the US Embassy, wrote 58 and 600 in the sand. These were the number of hostages remaining and the number of days since war started. The voice “Save Them Now” resonated along the beach.

Protesters had yellow shirts and yellow balloons. Others converged on Hostages Square, where a countdown digital clock ticked from day 599 to 600. It was watched in stillness by the crowd as it changed.

Emotions were strained with families expressing agony and anger. A bereaved father spoke out to the crowd. “Go out on your porch and look at us,” he said. “Our children were killed and assaulted on October 7. For 600 days, you have turned away from us. We won’t let this break us, and we’ll continue to fight.”

Netanyahu’s Vow to Bring Them Back

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu responded with a promise. “We plan to return them all, the living and the dead,” he declared. He would not mention anything about a truce.

But he emphasized that Israel would not give up until all the hostages were released. “If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then the day after tomorrow. We are not giving up.”

Ceasefire Confusion and Aid Struggles

The confusion was further heightened earlier in the week when Hamas said it would accept a new ceasefire agreement. The group quoted a US envoy Steve Witkoff proposal, passed on by mediators. Witkoff’s office later dismissed that Hamas had embraced the conditions.

In the meantime, a US-supported relief organization finally started handing out food in Gaza. Relief distribution had been cut off for days. Panic ensued when thousands of needy Gazans swarmed the new relief centre. Israel introduced a new distribution program to compound the confusion.

The longer the war lasts, the more pressure mounts among the public in Israel. The families of the hostages are calling for action, not words. The protests at day 600 made one thing clear: time is short, and quiet is no longer an acceptable stance.

Israel, US Reject Hamas Claim of Ceasefire Deal to End Gaza War

May 27, 2025, 2:30 pm

The ceasefire attempt in Gaza has failed once more. Although Palestinian sources insisted that Hamas had accepted a proposal for a truce, the United States and Israel denied this. The version that Hamas claimed to accept was rejected by US envoy Steve Witkoff, who described it as unacceptable and untrue. It was also rejected by Israeli officials, who claimed that no government could accept such terms.

Israeli forces killed at least 36 people, mostly women and children, when they attacked a UN-run school in Gaza that was providing shelter to civilians amid the growing confusion surrounding peace proposals. As civilian casualties rise and diplomatic efforts stall, the war continues.

Hamas Claims Acceptance, US and Israel Deny

Palestinian sources reported that Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire plan supported by the United States. A 70-day ceasefire, a partial Israeli withdrawal, and the two-phase release of ten surviving hostages were purportedly included in the proposal.

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, swiftly denied these allegations. “What Hamas seemed to accept was not my proposal,” he said. Witkoff referred to the version as “completely unacceptable” and explained that the US’s actual proposal called for phased negotiations during the truce and called for a 60-day ceasefire rather than a 70-day one.

Israel also disputed the reported agreement’s validity. No responsible government could accept the terms that Hamas claimed to approve, officials told Reuters. Additionally, they maintained that the United States did not write or approve the plan that Hamas accepted.

Conflicting Proposals Stall Progress

Peace efforts have once again been halted by the parties’ lack of agreement. In reality, Witkoff’s plan calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the two-stage release of ten Israeli hostages. Negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict, Israeli military withdrawal, and the admission of humanitarian aid were anticipated to take place during this time.

A different version, however, with a longer ceasefire and more extensive withdrawals up front, is described in Palestinian reports. A diplomatic impasse has resulted from the inconsistency between the versions.

UN School Attack Adds to Crisis

Violence on the ground persists as negotiations break down. At least 36 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the UN-run shelter in Gaza, the Fahmi Al-Jarjawi school. Children were seen escaping the fire in the video. Numerous people were reportedly burned alive inside the school.

Israel justified the attack by saying it went after important militants from Islamic Jihad and Hamas who run a command center on the school’s property. Claims that the intended targets were civilians were rejected.

Human Toll Grows as War Drags On

The situation for civilians in Gaza is getting worse as ceasefire negotiations fall apart. Mistrust, poor communication, and resolute positions have caused numerous attempts at peace to fail. The recent deadly attack has only made the rift wider.

The road to resolving the Gaza conflict is still unclear and potentially fatal unless both parties agree on a specific, verifiable plan. Unless both sides align on a clear, verifiable proposal, the path to ending the Gaza war remains uncertain — and deadly.

Who is Edan Alexander? Last American Hostage in Gaza to be Freed

May 12, 2025, 11:40 am

Hamas has consented to release 21-year-old Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier and the last reported American hostage in their care. Qatar and Egypt labeled the move an “encouraging step” toward resuming broken ceasefire talks in Gaza.

Alexander is due for release on Tuesday, sources quoted by Reuters have said. His release forms part of wider international efforts to broker a truce and increase humanitarian access in the region.

Who is Edan Alexander?

Alexander, originally from New Jersey, went on to serve in the Israeli military. He was taken by Hamas when they conducted their October 7, 2023 attack, killing 1,200 individuals and 251 being held hostage. Since Israel’s campaign of retaliation within Gaza, more than 52,800 Palestinian lives have been lost, according to local health authorities.

Trump Welcomes Eden’s Return

Ex-US President Donald Trump welcomed the news, saying on Truth Social: “I am delighted to report that Edan Alexander, an American hostage since October of 2023, is returning to his family. I appreciate all the parties who made this gigantic news a reality.”

Prior to his visit to the Middle East next week, Trump added, “This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators: Qatar and Egypt to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.” His special envoy, Adam Boehler, also commended the release but called for the return of the remains of four other Americans.

The deal allegedly came out of face-to-face negotiations between the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas. Hamas politician Khalil al-Hayya confirmed Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey’s participation and stated that the group is prepared to “begin intensive negotiations” for an expanded prisoner exchange and permanent ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted to have informed a parliamentary committee that Alexander’s release might be an act of goodwill towards Trump. Israel reiterated that its military offensive would continue until all the hostages are released and Gaza is demilitarized, though officials noted that the move might resuscitate talks for the other 59 hostages.

Meanwhile, Hamas insists it will only negotiate further releases within a framework that ends the war and lifts the blockade.

Hamas Agrees To Release Last US Hostage Edan Alexander As Ceasefire Talks Heat Up

May 12, 2025, 2:32 am

Hamas said on Sunday that it will free Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage in Gaza, as part of negotiations to achieve a ceasefire, the opening of border crossings, and the resumption of deliveries of humanitarian aid. Although the militant group did not give a date, a source close to the matter said the release is to take place on Tuesday.

Alexander, 21-year-old Israeli-American serviceman, was kidnapped from his base in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that ignited the present war. His release is being packaged as a confidence-building gesture in advance of resuming ceasefire talks.

The release comes on the eve of US President Donald Trump’s Middle East trip this week, including visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates but not Israel. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayyah has said that the group has had communication with the US administration and is ready to initiate intensive negotiations toward the realization of a long-term ceasefire, which would involve an overall hostage-prisoner exchange and the transfer of Gaza’s administration to an autonomous technocratic institution.

US special envoy Adam Boehle greeted the decision, describing it as “a positive step forward,” and called on Hamas to release the remains of four other American citizens as well. He attributed the breakthrough in part to Trump’s visit to the region and the work of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff.

Israel has asserted that its Gaza offensive will keep going until all last hostages are let out and Hamas is disarmed. Hamas, meanwhile, demands that any future hostage releases are done within a full agreement putting an end to the war and guaranteeing Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Family of Alexander has yet to make a statement about the news. Hamas has already released 38 hostages since a temporary January ceasefire.

‘Like Hamas on Israel’: Sources Compare Pak Army’s Attacks on India | Watch

May 8, 2025, 10:55 pm

In a night-time dramatic increase on Thursday evening, Pakistan launched eight missiles at vital Indian military and civilian targets—Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. Several videos available on social media showed the Jammu night sky lighting up with Indian air defence firing back into action. Defence experts were quick to point out parallels with Hamas rocket attacks against Israel, observing a striking similarity both in the strategy and modus operandi.

“Early opinion reads in great similarity between recent aerial strikes by Pakistan and Hamas attack on Israel,” a top defence official said. “It seems that the Pakistani Army is acting and conducting itself just like the terror group, Hamas.”

India’s Air Defence Neutralises Threats Completely

India’s advanced air defence systems, such as the S-400 and Akash, successfully intercepted all the incoming threats. Put on high alert early, these systems made sure that not a single missile or drone struck its target. “A huge success, as not a single missile or drone hit the intended target. All fragments of the exploded missiles and drones recovered and sites plugged,” sources confirmed.

The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ-IDS) supported the report on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Military posts of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were hit by Pakistani missiles and drones. There have been no losses.”

Blackouts in Kutch Spark Civilian Alarm

Meanwhile, total blackouts occurred in Abdasa, Nakhtrana, Bhuj, Mandvi, and Bhachau in Gujarat’s Kutch district. Though no official connection has been made yet, the concurrent timing with the attacks on Jammu has raised national security issues.

With tensions mounting, India’s military response has been tight and measured. But contrasts with Hamas’ approach highlight a grim change in Pakistan’s tactics—one that could inform India’s future actions.

Hamas Open to Years-Long Gaza Truce But Refuses to Disarm

April 26, 2025, 7:06 pm

Hamas has signaled readiness to settle for a decades-long truce with Israel in Gaza. Nevertheless, it has categorically ruled out disarming. A Hamas senior leader told that the group would consider accepting a five-to-seven-year truce but not disarm. Ceasefire talks resumed in Cairo, where Hamas pressed for mediators’ support.

The faction calls for the end of the war, rebuilding Gaza, the release of Palestinian detainees, and the release of all the hostages. But Israel holds firm on its central demands, raising doubts about the prospects of a breakthrough. Gaza, meanwhile, keeps sustaining heavy casualties from continued Israeli attacks.

Hamas Offers Decades-Long Truce

Taher Al-Nono, the group’s media advisor, conveyed Hamas’ message. He added Hamas was “open to any serious overtures to finish the war” and had no objection to a long-term ceasefire. Hamas might agree to a five-to-seven-year truce, according to sources close to the talks. The group requires that Israel halt its offensive, rebuild Gaza, and release Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages in exchange.

This proposal indicates one of Hamas’ strongest steps toward an extended ceasefire, but it will not give up armed struggle.

Hamas Will Not Surrender Weapons

Even as it makes its truce proposal, Hamas insists on drawing a red line on disarmament. “The resistance weapon is not negotiable and will be in our hands as long as the occupation is present,” declared Nono.

Israel insists, though, on the total demilitarization of Gaza. Otherwise, Israeli politicians, such as Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, see no possibility of victory. “The war could end tomorrow if Hamas released the remaining 59 hostages and laid down its weapons,” Haskel stated.

War Rages On as Talks Continue

Israel intensified strikes in Gaza on March 18 after the ceasefire in January disintegrated. Israeli forces advance further, forcing hundreds of thousands out and cutting off supplies routes. The army has also established a buffer zone, capturing large swaths of the strip.

Over 2,000 Palestinians, largely civilians, have died since then, Gaza health authorities reported. About 24 hostages are believed to be still alive.

The conflict escalated following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. Since then, a total of 51,400 Palestinians have died in Israeli bombardments, according to local authorities.

Pressure Mounts on Mediators

The new Hamas offer places renewed pressure on Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. The mediators now have to determine whether they will urge Israel to sign off on a ceasefire without complete disarmament. Most worry that an agreement without disarmament may only postpone more violence instead of bringing permanent peace.

While negotiations drag on in Cairo, the world is watching. Gaza’s future, and the stability of the region, are at stake.

Hamas Proposes Bold Deal: Full Hostage Release And Five-Year Truce To End Gaza War

April 26, 2025, 5:12 pm

Hamas has signaled readiness to sign an agreement that would bring the Gaza war to a close, with a one-time release of all remaining hostages and a five-year truce, a group official said on Saturday. The announcement came as a Hamas delegation was set to meet with mediators in Cairo.

“Hamas is prepared for an exchange of prisoners in one batch and a five-year truce,” the official, who asked not to be named, confirmed. Earlier, on April 17, Hamas turned down an Israeli offer of a 45-day ceasefire in return for the release of 10 hostages due to its stance against any “partial” deals.

The Palestinian side asserts that any truce should guarantee an absolute cessation of hostilities, total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a mass prisoner exchange, and the free transfer of humanitarian assistance into the war-torn zone. Israel, on the other hand, demands the unconditional release of all the hostages and disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups an offer Hamas regards as non-negotiable.

The war was triggered by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, that left 1,218 Israelis dead, mostly civilians, official figures state. 251 hostages were also taken during the attack; to date, 58 are still held in Gaza, of which 34 are confirmed dead, the Israeli military states.

In the early part of this year, a January 19 to March 17 temporary ceasefire resulted in the release of 33 hostages eight who were killed in return for the freedom of approximately 1,800 Palestinian detainees.
As the Israeli assault resumed on March 18, at least 2,062 Palestinians have been killed, increasing Gaza’s total death toll to 51,439, based on the Hamas-run health ministry.

Hamas Goes Dark: Top Commanders Hide In Secrecy To Outsmart Israeli Strikes

April 10, 2025, 5:57 pm

Hamas has appointed new top commanders in secret since the assassination of a number of senior members by Israel, keeping their identities hidden to avoid more targeted killings. This comes as the group experiences extreme pressure from the continuing Israeli onslaught in Gaza and internal disagreements over its future within the Palestinian political scene.

Israel, since the attacks on October 7, has assassinated many of Hamas’s top leaders, including political head Ismail Haniyeh, military leader Mohammed Deif, and Yahya Sinwar, the Gaza leader. In contrast to Hezbollah, which creates public images about its leadership, Hamas has taken the route of secrecy, especially in its militant wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.

Sources within the group have also reported that the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Sinwar commander-in-chief of those who were captured as hostages in the 2023 conflict could have occupied a crucial position of leadership. His family association and military experience, analysts indicate, give him tremendous leverage within combatants.

As much as Israel swore to annihilate Hamas, it still exists. Yasser Abu Heen, Safa news agency founder located in Gaza, confirmed that there has been leadership loss for Hamas but insisted on stressing that this loss was not critical. “Israel will be unable to get rid of it,” he mentioned.

Hamas’s political bureau still operates as the executive body under the larger Shura Council, the group’s internal legislative council. Hamas is, according to experts, transitioning away from charismatic leadership towards a more collective, secretive format oriented towards survival.

Internally, Hamas is also trying to deal with the issue of ruling Gaza. With increased global pressure and disenchantment among normal Palestinians, internal debates are occurring on whether Hamas should cede power. Certain political leaders of Hamas have even contemplated moving away from the militant wing.

Though discontent seethes manifest in occasional public demonstrations and public demands for Hamas to resign analysts say there is no effective alternative to Hamas in Gaza today. The group holds power, at least for the moment, as its leadership disappears into the background.

Why are some Indian students in U.S. supporting Hamas?

April 10, 2025, 1:51 am

In the latest deportations and attempted deportations of students and scholars from the United States, it is a bit surprising to see the names popping up of Hamas-supporting Indian students, who are in that country legally. Indian students abroad were always thought to be sensible, hard-working, concentrating in their studies, keeping their opinions and ideologies—if they had any—to themselves. It is well known that several radical-left student activists of Bengal’s Naxal movement, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, left the Indian shores for the US when the heat from the police became unbearable. They turned full capitalist during their stay in the US and flourished in their respective fields, never to return to their homeland. That is the kind of effect the United States has always had even on “ideologically” motivated students and scholars who have gone to study there. As for the rest, they have always stayed away from ideological battles and extreme ideas and have reached the top of American society through sheer hard work. Radicalisation is a word that cannot be associated with them. This is the reason why Indian-Americans have the highest median household income in the US. So it comes as a surprise to hear that some Indian students have been supporting Hamas’ terrorist activities in the name of supporting the Palestinian cause—that they have been participating in campus protests in favour of the Hamas’ 7 October 2023 barbarity. This problem has become sufficiently mainstream for even a Microsoft employee of Indian origin to get sacked for disrupting an official program in support of the Palestinians.

To a large extent, this is a reflection of the hold that the leftists have had first, on our universities, and then the increasingly tighter grip that they have on the liberal arts segment of the western universities. The situation has become so bad in the West that the phenomenon has come to be known as wokism. Add to this cauldron the term intersectionality and you have a right royal mess brewing on western campuses, threatening to swamp Indian campuses as well. Intersectionality is a relatively new word to enter the western academic-activist space. To quote the Encyclopaedia Britannica, intersectionality means the “interaction and cumulative effects of multiple forms of discrimination affecting the daily lives of individuals… The term also refers more broadly to an intellectual framework for understanding how various aspects of individual identity—including race, gender, social class, and sexuality—interact to create unique experiences of privilege or oppression.” To put it simply, if someone is picking up women’s rights—specifically, women of colour—as a cause, then that person should also be ready to align oneself with causes like the “oppression” of Dalits by upper caste Hindus, of the blacks by the whites, of Palestinians by the Israelis, etc. It is about “interlocking oppressions” in areas like gender, sex, race, ethnicity, caste, physical appearance, and so on. Hence, anyone working on caste will automatically pick up the cause of Palestinians or Kashmiris, and go on campus protests, become anti-Hindu, anti-Jew, will support sex change operations of ten-year-olds, will fight for transgenders’ “right” to use women’s toilets, or play in girls’ teams. In other words, wokism or far left activism has resulted in the complete brainwashing of at least two-three generations of youngsters or more—and the academics are completely guilty of carrying out this brain-washing. Hence, it should not come as a surprise that Ranjini Srinivisan, the PhD scholar, who self-deported for fear of being jailed after her visa was cancelled, was working on the topic of caste in the Kolar goldfields as part of her urban planning dissertation. How caste comes into urban planning in 21st century India, no one knows, but unsurprisingly, she was also an anti-Semite and has been accused of being a supporter of the terrorist organisation Hamas.

The problem may not be that acute in India, yet, but there is a strong streak of loony left in India’s academic space as well, much of it imported from the West. It is just that India is far too rooted in its culture and tradition for its academic space to sink in wokism. In fact, India has started coming out of the hold that the left has had over academics for decades, which has resulted in the distortion of India’s history. The fight-back that has just started must continue. Even the West has started revolting against the loony left’s plan of destroying the family as the core of human social existence. Donald Trump’s victory is a testimony to that.

While it may be argued that the number of such “woke” Indian students is small when compared to the hundreds of thousands of students studying in the US, the problem is the perception. How many Chinese students have been deported for getting involved in anti-Semitic activities? Zero. Why isn’t that the case with the Indians? Hence, it is time to introspect why a section of our youth is going astray and how this can be prevented.

Hamas Accepts Egyptian Proposal to Release Hostages, Renew Ceasefire

March 30, 2025, 5:38 am

Hamas has accepted a new Egyptian proposal to release five hostages, including American-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, in exchange for a renewed ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, CNN reported, citing a Hamas source.

Proposal Mirrors Earlier US Offer

The Egyptian offer is similar to an earlier proposal presented by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. However, it remains unclear whether this new agreement includes the release of the bodies of deceased hostages.

In return for releasing the hostages, Hamas seeks a return to phase 1 ceasefire conditions, allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and setting the stage for negotiating the second phase of the truce.

Israel Counters with Its Own Proposal

Israel responded with a counter-proposal conveyed to mediators in coordination with the United States. According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, consultations were held before Israel submitted its offer.

Israel’s Military Pressure on Hamas

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that Israel would maintain a permanent presence in parts of Gaza unless the hostages are released. He instructed the military to seize additional territory in Gaza while evacuating the population to expand security zones around Israeli communities.

“The more Hamas refuses to release the kidnapped, the more territory it will lose to Israel,” Katz warned.

Resumed Military Offensive in Gaza

The fragile ceasefire collapsed on Tuesday after Israel launched fresh attacks on Gaza, ending two months of relative calm that saw hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Earlier this month, Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza, enforcing a complete blockade on humanitarian aid.

High Civilian Toll in Gaza

According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 50,277 Palestinians have been killed and 114,095 injured since Israel’s offensive began following Hamas’s deadly terror attacks on October 7, 2023.

The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the terms of the proposed truce and negotiate the future of the region.

Hamas Weighs Hostage Deal As Israel Counters, Will A Ceasefire Follow?

March 30, 2025, 2:13 am

Hamas Accepts Egyptian Proposal for Release of Hostages

Palestinian militant group Hamas has accepted a new Egyptian-proposed plan to release five hostages, including American-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for a renewed ceasefire, according to reports. The proposal is reportedly on par with a prior plan proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkock, CNN said.

Egyptian officials confirmed the development to the Qatari news outlet New Arab, saying that the United States and Qatar are also in talks. “The ball is now in the Israeli government and Americans’ court,” Egyptian officials said.

Hamas Seeks Ceasefire Over Eid al-Fitr

Hamas is demanding a return to the first phase of the last ceasefire, including access for humanitarian aid and talks on a long-term truce. The group wants to get similar terms in return for freeing the five hostages. According to sources speaking with CNN, Hamas wants to impose the ceasefire around the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan.

Israel Rejects Proposal, Submits Counter-Offer

In spite of the fact that Hamas agreed to the Egyptian proposal, Israel rejected the conditions and instead put forward a counter-proposal. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the new proposal was made in complete coordination with the United States.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a series of talks after receiving an offer made by the mediators. During the last few hours, Israel handed over its counter-proposal to the mediators, in complete coordination with the United States,” the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister said.

Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Tensions have risen as Israel restarted its military offensive in Gaza earlier this month, implementing a total blockade on humanitarian aid. The government of Israel said its military would keep forces stationed in areas of Gaza through the release of the remaining 24 hostages thought to be alive.

At least 50,277 Palestinians have been killed and 114,095 others wounded since Israel commenced its military campaign after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, reports Gaza health officials. With ongoing negotiations, pressure is rising on both sides to arrive at a solution.

Israel Intensifies Gaza Airstrikes, Kills Hamas Spokesperson

March 27, 2025, 4:24 pm

Fighter jets of Israel targeted northern Gaza, killing Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua as part of Israel’s escalating military campaign. The attack follows the collapse of Israel’s fragile ceasefire and a series of strikes targeting senior Hamas leaders. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians have died in recent bombardments, further inflaming tensions. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock.

Surging Violence and Escalating Hamas Leadership Casualties

Israeli fighter jets bombed al-Qanoua’s tent shelter in Jabalia, northern Gaza, early Thursday morning, according to reports from Al-Aqsa television and Shehab News Agency. The attack wounded several others, including children, Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary confirmed.

Additional Israeli strikes hit a home in the as-Saftawi area of Gaza City, killing six members of the same family. Since March 18, Israel has intensified its bombardment and ground operations, ending a two-month ceasefire. The renewed offensive has killed hundreds of civilians as Israel seeks to pressure Hamas into releasing captives.

Israeli airstrikes have also eliminated senior Hamas leaders. On Sunday, an attack on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed five people, including Ismail Barhoum, head of finances and institutions in Hamas’s political office. The same day, Israeli jets bombed tents housing displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, killing Hamas leader Salah al-Bardaweel and his wife.

Hamas’s political office, a 20-member decision-making body, has lost 11 members since the conflict escalated in late 2023, according to Reuters. The group continues to hold 59 captives from the October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed at least 1,139 people. In response, Israel’s military has killed at least 50,183 Palestinians and wounded 113,828 others.

Worsening Humanitarian Crisis and Ceasefire Stalemate

Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported at least 830 Palestinian deaths since Israel resumed attacks 10 days ago, with women and children making up more than half of the casualties. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that 142,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced since March 18, further worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli restrictions on aid continue to exacerbate shortages.

Ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked despite mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Talks aimed at securing an extension to the initial truce, which expired on March 1, have stalled. Hamas accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging discussions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Hamas rejected proposals for an extended ceasefire.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces would continue military operations and warned of a potential territorial takeover in Gaza if Hamas refused to release the remaining captives. With violence intensifying, prospects for a peaceful resolution remain bleak

Deadly Blow!: Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza Hospital, Killing Top Hamas Leader

March 24, 2025, 9:31 am

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to escalate following a brief ceasefire, an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Gaza has killed five people, including Hamas’s political leader Ismail Barhoum. The attack, which targeted the surgery department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, was confirmed by the Gaza Health Ministry.

The Israeli military stated that the strike was based on extensive intelligence and used precision-guided munitions to minimize civilian casualties. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, referred to Barhoum as “a key terrorist” without mentioning his name directly. Reports suggest Barhoum was being treated at the hospital for injuries sustained in a previous Israeli attack.

Palestinians Flee as Conflict Intensifies

The renewed offensive has forced Palestinians in Gaza to flee their homes once again. Just last week, another Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was killed in a separate Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis. Both Bardaweel and Barhoum were part of Hamas’s 19-member decision-making body, 11 of whom have been killed since the war began in 2023.

Israel Prepares for Further Action

On Sunday, the Israeli military announced preparations for potential operations in Gaza, sharing footage of tanks being deployed by its 36th Division. The announcement came as multiple explosions rocked northern, central, and southern Gaza, with Israeli warplanes targeting key locations.

Rising Death Toll Amid Continued Strikes

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 45 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Rafah and Khan Younis on Sunday alone. The ministry also confirmed that the overall death toll in the 18-month-long war has surpassed 50,000. However, the Israeli military has challenged these figures, stating that every effort is made to minimize civilian casualties.

With tensions at an all-time high and no clear resolution in sight, the region braces for further escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Fatah Calls on Hamas to Relinquish Gaza Leadership Amid Israeli Offensive

March 22, 2025, 9:50 pm

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas’s Fatah movement has urged Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect the Palestinian people amid escalating conflict.

“Hamas must show compassion for Gaza, its children, women, and men,” said Fatah spokesman Monther Al-Hayek, as reported by AFP. He urged Hamas to “step aside from governing and fully recognize that the battle ahead will lead to the end of Palestinians’ existence” if it remains in power in Gaza.

Fatah-Hamas Unity Agreement

Despite their longstanding rivalry, Fatah and Hamas signed a national unity agreement in China last year, laying the groundwork for a joint interim government to rule post-war Gaza. The two factions have been at odds since 2006, when Hamas took control of Gaza after a violent conflict with Fatah. While Hamas governs Gaza, Fatah leads the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank and advocates for a negotiated Palestinian state.

Escalating Israeli Offensive

Fatah’s statement comes as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza, following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, 504 people have died since the war resumed.

On Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning, stating that Israel would annex parts of Gaza unless Hamas agreed to release Israeli hostages.

“I ordered the IDF to seize more territory in Gaza,” Katz declared. “The more Hamas sticks to its refusal to release the hostages, the more territory it would lose, territory which would be annexed to Israel.”

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The renewed offensive has severely worsened humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Australian doctor Mohammed Mustafa, currently working in Gaza, described the situation as “catastrophic.”

“We have little to no medicine. We have little to no antibiotics left,” he told DW. “We are really lacking in resources, medical equipment, and even basic things like blood pressure cuffs, monitoring people’s oxygen levels, and even oxygen cylinders.”

Israel Turns Up The Heat: Threatens Gaza Annexation Over Hostages

March 22, 2025, 7:24 am

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned of possible annexation of Gaza territory if Hamas does not release the remaining Israeli hostages. The ultimatum follows Israel’s resumption of heavy airstrikes on Gaza, escalating tensions in the region.

Israel Resumes Bombardment After Ceasefire Breaks

Israel renewed its attacks on Gaza earlier this week after a temporary ceasefire expired. The Israeli military reported striking key Hamas strongholds, including military intelligence operatives. Gaza’s civil defence agency confirmed 11 casualties on Friday, adding to the 504 reported deaths since the strikes resumed.

Katz declared that Israeli forces would continue capturing territory, stating, “The more Hamas refuses to free the hostages, the more territory it will lose.” He also suggested expanding buffer zones around Gaza to enhance Israeli security.

Pressure Mounts on Hamas Amid New Peace Proposal

A Palestinian source revealed that Hamas received a new ceasefire proposal from mediators Egypt and Qatar. The plan reportedly includes a prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid access, but no agreement has been reached.

Meanwhile, global condemnation has intensified. Foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Britain urged an immediate ceasefire, calling Israel’s renewed assault a “dramatic step backward.” Turkey also condemned an attack on a Turkish-funded hospital in Gaza, though Israel claims the site was a Hamas stronghold.

Hostage Crisis Sparks Protests in Israel

The hostage situation remains critical, with 58 captives still held in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead. Protests have erupted in Jerusalem, with demonstrators accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prioritizing military action over the hostages’ safe return.

Missile Threats from Yemen and Gaza

The conflict has extended beyond Gaza, with Israel intercepting a missile fired from Yemen on Friday. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have vowed retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza, claimed responsibility. Additionally, Hamas’s armed wing launched projectiles from northern Gaza, calling it a response to Israeli “massacres against civilians.”

Katz reiterated Israel’s commitment to defeating Hamas through “all military and civilian pressure points.” He also referenced a U.S.-proposed plan to redevelop Gaza, which would reportedly involve relocating its Palestinian inhabitants to other Arab nations.

As the crisis deepens, international efforts to broker peace remain uncertain, with both sides standing firm in their demands.

Freed Israeli Hostage Eli Sharabi Condemns Hamas, Questions UN

March 21, 2025, 11:12 am

Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi, who spent 491 days in Hamas captivity, shared his painful experience at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday. He expressed deep frustration and demanded the immediate return of all remaining hostages.

Life in Captivity

Sharabi revealed that when he gained freedom on February 8, he weighed only 44 kg—less than his youngest daughter. Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killed his wife and both daughters. That attack claimed around 1,200 lives and led to the abduction of 251 people.

He described the horrors he endured. Captors starved, beat, and chained him like an animal. “I have come back from hell. I was kept underground, starved, beaten, and chained like an animal. For 491 days, I begged for food, begged to use the bathroom. Begging became my existence,” he said emotionally.

Sharabi Condemns Inaction

Sharabi criticized global organizations for their failure to act. “Where was the United Nations? Where was the Red Cross? Where was the world?” he asked. He challenged the UN Security Council to “prove” its commitment to humanity by securing the release of 59 hostages still in Gaza, some of whom may already be dead.

Address to the UN

Sharabi became the second freed hostage to testify before the council. Since Israel had requested the meeting to highlight the hostage crisis, his words carried significant weight.

He avoided discussing Israeli actions but recalled reassuring his wife on October 7. “The army will come, they always come,” he had told her. That morning, they never arrived.

He dedicated his speech to fellow hostage Alon Ohel, whom he left behind in a tunnel, and others still in captivity. He also honored his older brother Yossi, whom Hamas killed and whose body remains in Gaza. “Bring them all home. Now!” he demanded.

Global Reactions

Britain’s deputy ambassador, James Kariuki, called Sharabi’s suffering “beyond imagination” and insisted, “Hamas must be held accountable for their despicable actions.” However, he also criticized Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s call for the “total destruction of Gaza.”

Kariuki urged increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, an investigation into allegations of Palestinian detainee abuse by Israeli forces, and a return to a ceasefire.

Similarly, France’s UN ambassador, Jérôme Bonnafont, expressed condolences to Sharabi but condemned Israel’s renewed bombings. He argued that these actions would not help secure the hostages’ release. He also urged Israel to end its humanitarian blockade on Gaza.

Likewise, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, acknowledged Sharabi’s suffering. “Our hearts filled with sorrow as we listened to the tragic story of Mr. Eli Sharabi,” he said, adding, “such brutality can have no justification.”

Violence Escalates in Gaza

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 85 Palestinians overnight, raising the total death toll to nearly 600 since Israel resumed attacks after breaking the ceasefire. The truce had previously allowed the release of over two dozen hostages and briefly calmed tensions.

In response, Hamas fired three rockets at Israel, but no casualties were reported. This marked the first attack since Israel ended the ceasefire on Tuesday.

Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the Gaza health ministry’s records department, reported that Israeli bombings had killed at least 592 people over the past three days.

Israeli Military Moves

The Israeli military reimposed a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City. While officials did not order evacuations, they blocked residents from reentering the north. Civilians could only move south on foot along the coastal road. During the ceasefire, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had returned to what remained of their homes in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli ground forces advanced near Beit Lahiya in the north and Rafah in the south. On Wednesday, Israel regained control of a section of the strategic Netzarim corridor, effectively splitting Gaza into two parts.

Hamas Launches Rocket Attack On Israel As Gaza Conflict Escalates Once Again

March 20, 2025, 9:36 pm

Hamas on Thursday fired a rocket at central Israel for the group’s first retaliatory strike since the recent Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) offensive. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said it launched the salvo of M90 rockets at Tel Aviv in retaliation for what it termed as “Zionist massacres against civilians.”

Iron Dome intercepted one rocket, the Israeli military said, with two others hitting open space and not killing anyone. No injuries were confirmed by Israeli police and have been clearing the area for shrapnel.

The attack comes after Israel’s announcement that it would reinstate military activities in Gaza following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire as negotiations between the two sides broke down. The Hamas-run health ministry stated that Israeli air attacks alone on Tuesday killed more than 400.

Israel has also reasserted control over the strategic Netzarim Corridor, effectively splitting Gaza and limiting movement between the north and south, further deepening the humanitarian crisis. With neither side indicating any signs of de-escalation, concerns are growing about an escalating conflict.

Hamas threatened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his behavior was putting hostages at risk, saying they now had “an unknown fate.” The wider regional situation is still tense, with the IDF’s operations ongoing as the U.S. military opens fire in Yemen targeting Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels. The Houthis shot a ballistic missile toward Israel on Wednesday, the second such attack since the ceasefire fell apart.

A few Israeli defense experts have admitted that Israel had breached the ceasefire terms, which had been negotiated only days before President Donald Trump’s inauguration. It had stipulated a 16-day window for negotiations towards a final agreement, but Israel did not let negotiations go on as long as Hamas was in Gaza’s control.