Hundreds of protesters in London demanded the release of hostages held in Gaza, criticizing the UK government's stance on recognizing a Palestinian state and calling for increased efforts to free the hostages amid rising antisemitic incidents and ongoing conflict in the region.
Verified videos and reports confirm a flood in Uttarakhand, India, damage at a Ukrainian railway station following a Russian drone attack, ongoing details about hostages in Gaza, increased small boat crossings to the UK, and calls for more transparency on crime data related to foreign nationals in the UK.
The Syrian government announced a comprehensive ceasefire after days of violence in Druze areas, while Israel conducted extensive strikes on Gaza targets. The region remains tense with ongoing conflicts involving Hezbollah, Iran, and various factions, amid efforts by regional and international actors to stabilize the situation.
Families of over a dozen hostages held by Hamas in Gaza received signs of life from their loved ones, with the IDF censor preventing further details from being disclosed at this time. Over 134 hostages remain in captivity after being taken by Hamas terrorists on October 7, with 33 of them previously announced as killed in captivity by the IDF. Families of the hostages protested government inaction by blocking a major highway, demanding the return of their loved ones who have been held for 154 days.
Actor Michael Rapaport releases a video campaign demanding the release of 134 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, urging people to use LifeShiftr.com to contact local representatives. The emotional plea features families of the hostages, including Romy Cohen, whose twin brother is among the captives. Two hostages were recently rescued, bringing hope to the families. Rapaport's impassioned message and the families' pleas aim to raise awareness and prompt action to bring the remaining hostages home.
Freed Gaza hostages, including women and children, held a press conference urging the Israeli government to prioritize their return, emphasizing the urgency of their situation and the potential impact on national security. They pleaded for the release of the remaining hostages, warning that failure to do so would jeopardize the safety of all Israelis. The hostages called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take action, expressing their deep love for their country and the need for its moral restoration.
Israeli intelligence confirms that at least 32 of the 136 hostages thought to be in Gaza have been killed, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that 20 more may have also died. Israel continues its campaign against Hamas in southern Gaza, with ongoing negotiations for a potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The U.S. Secretary of State and Qatari Prime Minister have expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, while calling for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
Israeli intelligence confirms that dozens of hostages previously thought to be alive in Gaza are now confirmed dead, with at least 32 of the 136 hostages killed and unconfirmed reports of 20 more deaths. Negotiations for a potential exchange of remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners are ongoing, while Israel continues its campaign against Hamas in southern Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated progress in negotiations and called for a cease-fire to allow humanitarian aid to flow to Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traded barbs with families of the remaining Gaza hostages, defending his efforts to secure their release while criticizing their public protest campaign, warning that it played into the hands of Hamas. The families accused Netanyahu of scolding them and not doing enough, drawing parallels to his own family's history of hostage rescue efforts. Netanyahu emphasized his continuous work to secure the hostages' release and rejected claims of alienating mediators, stating that the families' activities only hardened Hamas' demands.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warns Republicans of potential 2024 election loss if they nominate former President Donald Trump, while former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley faces criticism for claiming the US has "never been a racist country." The Senate advances a short-term funding extension to avert a government shutdown, as challenges remain over border policy disagreements. Israel and Hamas agree on a deal to deliver medicine to hostages in Gaza in exchange for humanitarian aid, while health advocates pressure the White House for a nationwide ban on menthol cigarettes. Airlines face travel disruptions and increasing unruly passenger incidents, and Coachella announces its 2024 festival lineup with Gwen Stefani reuniting with No Doubt as headliners.
CIA Director William Burns is meeting with the director of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency and Qatari Prime Minister in Poland to push for the release of dozens of hostages still held captive in Gaza. Talks have stalled over the release of female hostages, which Israel insists on before considering other categories. Pressure has intensified on Israel after Israeli soldiers mistakenly opened fire on three Israeli hostages, killing them. There are believed to be eight Americans still held hostage in Gaza. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is also in the region for meetings, and U.S. officials expect the current phase of Israeli operations against Hamas to finish within a few weeks.
Thousands of protesters, including families of Gaza hostages, marched towards the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding the safe return of nearly 240 people kidnapped by Hamas. As Israel's war in Gaza continues, national favor towards Netanyahu and his governing coalition is collapsing, with opposition leader Yair Lapid calling for his resignation. Negotiations between Israel, Hamas, and the US for a pause in fighting and the release of hostages have been challenging. Some families are advocating for an "everyone for everyone deal," exchanging the hostages for all Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Netanyahu defended his decision to allow fuel tankers into Gaza and invited representatives of the hostages' families to a meeting with his war cabinet.
Relatives of the Jewish hostages in Gaza arrived in Queens, NY, to pray at the Rebbe's Ohel. The visit was coordinated by Chabad's Terror Victims Project and Tzeirei Agudas Chabad of Israel. The families were warmly welcomed by a large crowd and visited the holiest Jewish site in North America. They recited prayers and received support from prominent rabbis. The families will also attend a rally in Washington, DC, to support Israel and call for the release of the hostages.
Relatives of the Jewish hostages in Gaza arrived in Queens, NY, to pray at the Rebbe's Ohel. The visit was coordinated by Chabad's Terror Victims Project and Tzeirei Agudas Chabad of Israel, and the families were warmly welcomed by a large crowd. They visited the holiest Jewish site in North America, where they heard from prominent rabbis and recited prayers for the safe return of their loved ones. The families will also attend a rally in Washington, DC, to support Israel and raise awareness about the rise of antisemitism in America.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with representatives of families whose loved ones are being held captive in Gaza and pledged to exhaust every possibility to bring about their return. The families urged Netanyahu to agree to an "everyone for everyone" prisoner exchange with Hamas, trading Palestinians incarcerated in Israel for the hundreds abducted from Israel earlier this month. Hamas's leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, stated that the group was ready for an immediate prisoner swap. Vigils and memorials were held across Israel in support of the families, with many calling for a prisoner exchange. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and has been carrying out intensive strikes in Gaza, while Netanyahu stressed that freeing the hostages was a chief goal of the war.