Israel-Gaza hostages – latest: Hamas captives handed over to Israel as ceasefire holds

A nine year-old girl who was feared dead by her family after the Hamas attacks on 7 October is among 17 hostages released tonight.

Irish-Israeli Emily Hand has been freed after weeks being held captive in Gaza, the Irish foreign affairs Minister Micheal Martin confirmed.

The Israeli government said six adult women and seven children and teenagers had been released from Hamas in Gaza in a hostage deal on Saturday, after spending 50 days in captivity. Four Thai nationals were also freed on Saturday evening.

A Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations, involving Egypt and Qatar, said Hamas would continue with the four-day truce agreed with Israel, the first break in fighting in seven weeks of war.

It is the second release of hostages since the ceasefire began. On Friday, 24 were released from Gaza and transported through the Rafah crossing into Egypt after seven weeks in captivity.

It comes as at least eight trucks carrying fuel and cooking gas were allowed into Gaza this morning. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported this morning that 196 trucks crossed into the Gaza Strip through yesterday.

Key Points

• Red Cross confirms 24 hostages released

• List of hostages released by Israeli media

• 39 Palestinian prisoners released into the West Bank

• ‘War is not over,’ IDF warns Gaza civilians

Hamas reveal Gaza commander has been killed by Israel

12:03 , Tom Watling

Hamas announced the death of Ahmed al-Ghandour, without providing further details. He was in charge of northern Gaza and a member of Hamas’ top military council, and is the highest-ranking militant known to have been killed in the fighting.

Al-Ghandour, believed to have been around 56 years old, had survived at least three Israeli attempts on his life, and helped plan a cross-border attack in 2006 in which Palestinian militants captured an Israeli soldier, according to the Counter Extremism Project, an advocacy group based in Washington.

Hamas said he was killed along with three other senior militants, including Ayman Siam, who Israel says was in charge of Hamas’ rocket-firing unit.

The Israeli military had mentioned both men in a Nov. 16 statement, saying it had targeted an underground complex where Hamas leaders were hiding and accusing the group of concealing their deaths.

The Israeli military claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence, including several mid-ranking commanders it has identified by name.

Egypt receives lists for 13 Israelis and 39 Palestinians for release today - statement

14:07 , Tom Watling

Egypt received lists of 13 Israelis and 39 Palestinians scheduled for release on Sunday, the third batch in the four-day truce deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), said in a statement.

“The truce is proceeding without roadblocks,” the statement said, adding that 120 aid tucks crossed from Egypt to Gaza on Sunday including two fuel trucks and two with gas for cooking.

Israeli forces kill at least 8 Palestinians in surging West Bank violence, health officials say

13:45 , Tom Watling

Israeli forces operating in the occupied West Bank killed at least eight Palestinians in a 24-hour period, Palestinian health officials said Sunday, as a fragile pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip entered its third day.

Violence in the West Bank has surged in the weeks since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, setting off a devastating war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians and arrested hundreds in the West Bank. Jewish West Bank settlers have also stepped up attacks.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said that five Palestinians were killed in the militant stronghold Jenin, while three others were killed in separate areas of the West Bank since Saturday morning. One of those killed, in al-Bireh in the central West Bank, was a teenager, the ministry said.

Israeli forces kill at least 8 Palestinians in surging West Bank violence, health officials say

One American expected to be released by Hamas today, says US official

13:15 , Tom Watling

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has told NBC that they expected “at least one American” will be part of the swaps today.

He said: “We have reason to believe that at least one American held by Hamas will be released today.

“We hope Abigail Edan will be released but we can’t know for sure until it happens.”

Red Cross rolls back comments from senior officer regarding hostage swap

12:45 , Tom Watling

The International Committee of the Red Cross has rolled back comments made by one of its senior officials to Sky News earlier today in which they said they were “not confident” a swap between Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners would go ahead today.

“An earlier statement from an ICRC official was in no way an indication that the release operations planned for Sunday will not happen,” a statement read.

“All preparations for the next release continue to move forward. The operations are delicate and complicated and one can never be absolutely certain they will take place, given all of the complexities.”

Watch Emily Hand’s emotional reunion with father after release from Gaza

11:30 , Tom Watling

Nine-year-old Emily Hand’s father sobbed as the pair reunited after she was released by Hamas on Saturday, 25 November.

The Irish-Israeli girl was among the hostages who were freed under a four-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and the militant group.

She had been held captive since Hamas’s brutal incursion on 7 October.

Her father Thomas Hand, who was originally told Emily had been killed, can be seen hugging his daughter tightly in footage of their reunion.

“We are overjoyed to embrace Emily again,” her family said in a statement.

Watch Emily Hand’s emotional reunion with father after release from Gaza

Live: Israeli doctor gives update on Hamas hostages admitted to hospital

11:00 , Tom Watling

Live: Israeli doctor gives update on Hamas hostages admitted to hospital

Watch live: Israeli doctor gives update on Hamas hostages admitted to hospital

Palestinian farmer killed in Gaza during temporary truce, claims humanitarian organisation

10:30 , Tom Watling

A Palestinian farmer working in Gaza has been fatally targeted by Israeli forces during the temporary truce, a humanitarian aid organisation has claimed.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said this morning that two farmers had been hit east of the al-Maghazi camp in the Gaza Strip.

They said one had been killed as a result of the attack while one had been wounded.

“The association’s ambulance crews dealt with two cases a short while ago east of Al-Maghazi camp, east of the central governorate,” a statement read.

“Although the humanitarian calm has entered its third day, the Israeli occupation forces recently targeted two farmers.

“East of Al-Maghazi camp, which led to the death of one of them and the wounding of the other.”

Israeli-owned ship targeted in suspected Iranian drone attack in Indian Ocean – reports

10:20 , Tom Watling

A container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire came under attack by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean as Israel wages war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, an American defense official said Saturday.

The attack Friday on the CMA CGM Symi comes as global shipping increasingly finds itself targeted in the weekslong war that threatens to become a wider regional conflict — even as a truce has halted fighting and Hamas exchanges hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The defense official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said the Malta-flagged vessel was suspected to have been targeted by a triangle-shaped, bomb-carrying Shahed-136 drone while in international waters. The drone exploded, causing damage to the ship but not injuring any of its crew.

Israeli-owned ship targeted in suspected Iranian drone attack - reports

Update death toll: Seven Palestinians killed in West Bank, claims local sources

09:50 , Tom Watling

The death toll for those killed in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank has been revised up from six to seven.

The additional death is believed to be of a minor, according to local claims.

The West Bank, among territories where Palestinians seek statehood, has experienced a surge in violence parallel to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, now in its eighth week.

The Jenin Brigades, a local armed group, said its fighters battled the Israeli troops in Jenin.

It did not immediately provide details on any casualties, but local witnesses said at least one of the Palestinians killed in Jenin was a known Brigades member.

First Israeli hostage rushed to hospital upon release from Gaza is in moderate condition, says doctor

09:18 , Tom Watling

The first Israeli hostage to be rushed into hospital for surgery as opposed to standard checks is expected to make a full recovery, her doctor has said.

Maya Regev, 21, was freed from Gaza last night after being taken during the Supernova music festival on 7 October.

She was the only one of 13 Israeli and four Thai hostages released that was subsequently rushed to Soroka Medical Center, in Beer Sheba, south of the West Bank. The other proceeded to hospitals in the centre of Israel for routine check-ups.

The director of the Soroka Medical Center, Dr. Shlomi Kodesh, has said this morning that she is in moderate condition and should not suffer any serious injury.

It is unclear why she needed surgery.

Maya’s brother, 18-year-old Itay, is still being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Israel claim five of those killed in West Bank overnight were ‘terrorists’

08:52 , Tom Watling

The Israeli forces have claimed that “five terrorists were eliminated” during a raid in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank last night.

Earlier, we reported that the Palestinian health ministry had claimed that Israeli forces had stormed Jenin “from several directions, firing bullets and surrounding government hospitals and the headquarters of the (humanitarian) Red Crescent Society”.

Israel, at the time, said it was checking the reports.

An update this morning said: “In the operation commanded by the 646th Reserve Brigade, five terrorists were eliminated, 21 wanted persons were arrested, a cargo laboratory was destroyed and an aircraft attacked from the air by an armed terrorist squad that endangered the IDF forces.”

With antisemitism rising as the Israel-Hamas war rages, Europe's Jews worry

08:25 , Tom Watling

As he sits in Geneva, Michel Dreifuss does not feel all that far away from the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of Gaza. The ripples are rolling through Europe and upending assumptions both global and intimate — including those about his personal safety as a Jew.

“Yesterday I bought a tear-gas spray canister at a military-equipment surplus store,” the 64-year-old retired tech sector worker said recently at a rally to mark a month since the Hamas killings. The choice, he says, is a “precaution,” driven by a surge of antisemitism in Europe.

Last month’s slayings of about 1,200 people in Israel by armed Palestinian militants represented the biggest killing of Jews since the Holocaust. The fallout from it, and from Israel’s intense military response that health officials in Hamas-controlled Gaza say has killed at least 13,300 Palestinians, has extended to Europe. In doing so, it has shaken a continent all too familiar with deadly anti-Jewish hatred for centuries.

With antisemitism rising as the Israel-Hamas war rages, Europe's Jews worry

Fragile cease-fire in Gaza is back on track after hourslong delay in 2nd hostage-for-prisoner swap

08:00 , Tom Watling

The tense cease-fire between Israel and Hamas appeared to be back on track early Sunday after the release of a second group of militant-held hostages and Palestinians from Israeli prisons, but the swap followed an hourslong delay that underscored the truce’s fragility.

The exchange was delayed Saturday evening after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement, which has brought the first significant pause in seven weeks of war marked by the deadliest Israeli-Palestinian violence in decades, vast destruction and displacement across the Gaza Strip, and a hostage crisis that has shaken Israel.

The deal seemed at risk of unraveling until Qatar and Egypt, which mediate with Hamas, announced late Saturday that the obstacles to the exchange had been overcome. The militants released 17 hostages, including 13 Israelis, while Israel freed 39 Palestinian prisoners.

Fragile cease-fire in Gaza is back on track after hourslong delay in 2nd hostage-for-prisoner swap

Six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in West Bank - Palestinian ministry

07:25 , Tom Watling

Six Palestinians, including one minor, were shot dead by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank late Saturday and early Sunday, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Five of the deaths occurred in the city of Jenin and the sixth was in Yatma, a village near Nablus city. Six others were injured during the shooting in Jenin, the ministry said.

The Israeli military spokesperson’s office said it was checking the reports.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA said Israeli forces stormed Jenin “from several directions, firing bullets and surrounding government hospitals and the headquarters of the Red Crescent Society”.

Joy as Palestinian prisoners return home

06:30 , Barney Davis

Shortly after midnight, Israel began releasing 39 Palestinian prisoners to east Jerusalem and the West Bank as part of the swap that ultimately went through after international mediation efforts.

Released Palestinian woman Shurouq Duwiyat arrived at her home in Jerusalem where joyous family members hugged and kissed her.

“We send a message to our people in Gaza that we stand by your side and support you,” Duwiyat told reporters inside her home.

Also in Jerusalem, Israeli troops evicted journalists who gathered outside the home of Israa Jaabis, who had been imprisoned since 2015 after being convicted of carrying out separate attacks on Israelis. Jaabis suffered severe burns on her face and hands during a bombing attack that also wounded an Israeli police officer.

Hundreds of Palestinians waited in the West Bank town of Beitunia for the arrival of additional prisoners.

The Israeli hostages released Saturday by Hamas included seven children and six women, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced.

Most of the released hostages were from Kibbutz Be’eri, a community Hamas militants ravaged during their Oct. 7 cross-border attack, a spokesperson for the kibbutz said. The children ranged in age from 3 to 16, and the women ranged from 18 to 67.

Two Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces in West Bank, says Palestinian health ministry

06:20 , Stuti Mishra

Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in two separate incidents in the West Bank on Sunday, said the Palestinian health ministry.

The incidents occurred in Nablus and Jenin regions early morning today.

In total, six Palestinians are reported to have been killed since last night, marking continued raids by Israel in the occupied West Bank territory.

The Israeli army has been raiding cities and towns in the West Bank since 7 October and has arrested several Palestinians.

At least 229 Palestinians, including 52 children have been killed by Israeli forces, and over 3,000 people arrested.

Father of 9-year-old Israeli-Irish girl released by Hamas says he will throw her 'the best birthday party she never had'

06:00 , PA

Emily Hand, nine, was among the hostages released by Hamas on yesterday.

Her father Thomas, originally from Dun Laoghaire in Dublin, has spoken about how he is looking forward to giving her a huge hug.

He told the Daily Mirror that Emily would also be greeted by her beloved dog Johnsie and cuddly toys. They are also planning to give the young girl – who spent her ninth birthday in captivity – "the best birthday party she never had".

Emily's family in Ireland held a birthday party for her at St Stephen's Green in the Irish capital as they campaigned for her release.

Mr Hand met Irish president Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Micheal Martin to press politicians to do all they can to press for his daughter's release.

"We have been waiting for far too long for this moment. Every day has been a long and painful living nightmare... my Emily is coming home at last, broken but in one piece," he said.

"She turned nine on November 17, more than a month after she was taken from me.

"I am sure she had no idea it was her birthday – she would have lost track of time and dates there. I still have the party balloons – this one is floating in my hotel room, but it's lost a lot of air, it's going flat. We'll get hundreds and hundreds now and make a great party."

05:30 , Barney Davis

This photo released by Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters shows Noga Weiss, 18 years old.

Noga was one of the 13 Israeli and four hostages Hamas released late Saturday, in the second round of swaps under a cease-fire deal, the Israeli military said, after the militant group initially delayed the exchange for several hours and claimed that Israel had violated the terms of a truce deal.

Thailand nationals released by Hamas in good health

05:00 , Stuti Mishra

Prime minister Srettha Thavisin said Thai nationals who are being released by Hamas after being taken as hostages were in good health and eager to contact their families.

"Everybody is safe, on the whole in good mental health and are able to speak normally," he posted on X

That's my son!' Mother of Thai hostage released says she couldn't believe it

04:30 , Stuti Mishra

The mother of a Thai hostage freed from Gaza late yesterday night said she was indescribably happy her son was returning and couldn't believe the news first.

"My granddaughter called me at 5am saying my son was among the hostages released and I didn't really believe it," Thongkoon Onkaew told Reuters.

"Then she sent me the photo and I was like, 'That's my son! My son!'"

Thirteen Israelis and four Thai nationals, freed in a second round of releases by Hamas, arrived in Israel today as part of what is meant to be a four-day truce in the war to allow daily exchanges of hostages for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Second day of swaps completed between Israel-Hamas

04:00 , Stuti Mishra

Hamas and Israel completed the second day of swaps on Saturday as 17 hostages were released by the militant group while 39 Palestinian women and children languishing in Israeli jails were freed.

The late-night exchange was held up for several hours after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement.

The army said Red Cross representatives transferred the freed hostages to Egypt late on Saturday.

They later said they were transferred to Israel where they were being taken to hospitals for observation and to be reunited with families.

Irish foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin said nine-year-old Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand was one of those released after being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and the US, is the first extended break in fighting since the war began on 7 October.

Overall, Hamas is to release at least 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinians. All are women and minors.

Thousands of people gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday in solidarity with the hostages and their families.

In the West Bank, hundreds of people burst into wild celebrations for a second night as a busload of Palestinian prisoners arrived early on Sunday.

Teenage boys released in the deal were carried on the shoulders of well-wishers in the main square of the town of Al Bireh.

Red Cross confirms team that led Israeli hostages to safety

03:30 , Barney Davis

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Saturday it had concluded the release of 17 hostages held in Gaza.

“Our teams have transported these 17 people from within Gaza to the Rafah border, where they were handed over to Israeli authorities,” an ICRC spokesperson said in an email to Reuters. The ICRC team consisted of eight staff members, including a doctor, travelling in four vehicles, he said.

The neutral, Swiss-based organisation already facilitated the release and transfer of Gaza-held hostages and Palestinian detainees on Friday under the terms of a four-day truce.

Palestinian prisoners arrive in Jerusalem

02:30 , Barney Davis

Al Jazeera TV broadcast live footage late on Saturday of a bus that it says was carrying Palestinian prisoners released from an Israeli prison passing in the West Bank town of Beitunia, among celebrating Palestinian crowds.

Separately, a number of newly released Palestinian prisoners have arrived in Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Moment Red Cross convoy carrying released hostages held by Hamas crosses from Gaza towards Israel

01:30 , Barney Davis

A second group of hostages, released as part of a four-day ceasefire deal have crossed from Gaza into Egypt, en route to Israel, late on Saturday 25 November.

The group contains 13 Israelis as well as four Thai nationals who were transferred across the Rafah border crossing in a Red Cross convoy.

The hostages were kidnapped by Hamas and held in Gaza for 50 days after the group carried out a deadly terror attack on 7 October.

This is the second release of hostages as part of the deal and Israel will release 39 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Moment second convoy carrying released hostages crosses from Gaza

Emily Hand’s father Tom wrote an article begging for her release this week

00:30 , Barney Davis

When Thomas Hand’s daughter, Emily, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on 7 October, he wondered if he would ever see her again.

He writes:

Hamas took my daughter – I hope she’s part of the hostage release

Irish-Israeli girl reunited with father who feared she was dead as Hamas release 9 year-old hostage

00:11 , Barney Davis

A nine year-old girl feared dead by her father after she was taken captive by Hamas has been freed.

Emily Hand, nine, was held hostage by militants in Gaza after being captured in the deadly attack on Kibbutz Be’eri on 7 October.

After her release, Emily’s family released a statement saying they were “overjoyed” to be able to embrace the 9-year-old again and thanked the world for “unwavering support” in trying to secure her return.

Irish-Israeli girl reunited with father who feared she was dead after Hamas attacks

Hostages arrive in Israel after being released by Hamas

Saturday 25 November 2023 23:14 , Barney Davis

The 13 Israeli and four Thai hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza have arrived in Israel, the Israeli military (IDF) said on Saturday.

“After undergoing an initial medical assessment, they will continue to be accompanied by IDF soldiers as they make their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families,” it said.

‘Ireland's prayers answered’ as young Irish-Israel girl who turned 9 in Hamas captivity released

Saturday 25 November 2023 22:20 , Barney Davis

Emily Hand is understood to be have been held hostage by militants in Gaza after being captured in the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7.

Her father Thomas, originally from Dun Laoghaire in Dublin, last week made an emotional appeal for her release, saying the family was living through a “nightmare”, and getting Emily back was his “reason for living”.

Emily turned nine last month while in captivity.

Her family in Ireland held a birthday party for her at St Stephen’s Green in the Irish capital.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is delighted that Emily, “a bright and beautiful young girl”, has been released and will be reunited with her family.

In a statement on Saturday evening, he said: “After weeks of trauma, this is a precious and deeply moving moment for the Hand family.

“The people of Ireland have been touched by Emily’s story, her innocence and the quiet dignity and determination of her father Tom.”

Girl, 13, who hid in bushes before being captured one of 17 released by Hamas

Saturday 25 November 2023 22:17 , Barney Davis

Hila Rotem, 13, is another hostage who made it to Egypt after spending weeks in Hamas captivity.

She was described as being “a friendly girl with a good heart who could never harm anyone else.

“She loves making TikTok videos, eating sushi, and riding her skateboard.

“She signed up for a gel polish course and excitedly awaited the start of classes, but her kidnapping abruptly ended that.”

In the days before Black Saturday, she vacationed in Korea and Thailand for her uncle’s wedding.

Hila managed to escape from her home in Kibbutz Be’eri from which her mother Raaya was kidnapped.

She succeeded in hiding in the bushes where she was then found and kidnapped.

Emily Hand, 9, one of the hostages released

Saturday 25 November 2023 22:12 , Barney Davis

Emily Hand, 9, was one of the 17 hostages released by Hamas on Saturday night.

Her mother, Liat, passed away from cancer when Emily was only two and a half years old.

A statement said: “Despite all the pain, Emily’s small family rallied to raise her and be by her side with lots of love, providing security and giving her everything a child her age only needs and wants.”

On October 7 Emily was sleeping at her best friend’s house when terrorists broke in.

After a few days, the family received notice that Emily’s body was found but as days passed, the IDF informed the family there was evidence indicating Emily was among the hostages in Gaza.

Since then, her family “waits for the moment they can hug her again”, a statement said.

Saturday 25 November 2023 22:05 , Barney Davis

One of the released hostages has been confirmed as Sharon Avigdori, 52, a drama therapist who works with people on the autism spectrum.

She was described as employing “endless sensitivity and compassion to reach children on the autism spectrum, working patiently within their world to nurture each child’s potential”.

Sharon was kidnapped with her daughter Noam from Kibbutz Be’eri. Additionally, 7 more members of her family were kidnapped and 3 were murdered.

Noam Avigdori, 12, was about to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. She was described as a “cheerful girl who’s always surrounded by many friends”.

“Noam is a member of the Scouts youth movement, a good friend to all, and very funny.”

Moment Red Cross convoy carrying 13 Israeli hostages leaves Gaza

Saturday 25 November 2023 21:59 , Barney Davis

Pictured: 13 Israeli hostages released by Hamas into Egypt

Saturday 25 November 2023 21:53 , Barney Davis

The full list of released hostages include: Hila Rotem, Emily Hand, Maya Regev, Noam Or, Alma Or, Noga Weiss, Shiri Weiss, Sharon Avigdori, Noam Avigdori, Shoshan Haran, Adi Shoham, Yahel Shoham and Naveh Shoham.

Alma Or, 13, described as a “very pretty girl, a good friend, and a funny kid” was snatched alongside her elder brother Noam.

She was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Be’eri along with her older brother Noam and their father Dror. Their mother Yonat was murdered.

Their older brother Yahli survived the inferno as he was at his post in northern Israel where he is doing a year of national service.

Hostages transferred to Egypt - IDF says

Saturday 25 November 2023 21:42 , Barney Davis

Red Cross representatives have transferred the hostages released by Hamas to Egypt, according to the information that was received by the IDF.

17 hostages were released, including 13 Israeli hostages and 4 foreign hostages believed to be Thai nationals.

The released hostages’ convoy is currently making its way through Egypt to the meeting point with IDF soldiers in Kerem Shalom.

The families of the hostages are being updated by IDF representatives with the latest available information.

IDF representatives will verify the list at the meeting point with the released hostages.

13 Israelis and 4 foreigners released by Hamas on way to Rafah crossing - Qatari ministry

Saturday 25 November 2023 21:24 , Barney Davis

Hamas has reportedly released hostages who are on the way to Rafah crossing on the border of the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

Red Cross vehicles were later seen crossing into Egypt.

It came in exchange for 39 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, Qatari and Egyptian mediators said, after the militant group delayed the second round of swaps for several hours and claimed that Israel had violated the terms of a truce deal.

The last-minute delay had created a tense standoff on the second day of what’s meant to be a four-day cease-fire.

Macron calls French youngster to thank him for disarming Dublin attacker

Saturday 25 November 2023 21:08 , Barney Davis

French President Emmanuel Macron has congratulated a teenager who knocked the knife out of an attackers hand during the stabbing of children in Dublin.

Alan Loren-Guille, 17, was on his way to work in Spitalfields restaurant on Thursday when he came across the scene where a man had stabbed three children and two adults outside a school.

According to the Le Figaro newspaper, Mr Macron called him to “congratulate him and thank him for this act of bravery which helped save lives and which makes us all proud.”

Spitalfields restaurant posted its own tribute to Mr Loren-Guille saying: “This is our own 17 year old super hero Alan Loren-Guille who was one of the brave hero’s that managed to disarm the school children attacker yesterday in Dublin on his way to work.

“He is one of our brilliant French stagiaires in the kitchen @spitalfields_dublin. He noticed something happening as he passed by and selflessly jumped in to stop the attacker and managed to wrestle the knife off him.

“He was fairly unscathed but for a couple a cuts to his hand and face. Without this act of bravery who knows what else might have happened. Our prayers are with the poor children, families and teachers who were affected by this tragedy. Please lookout for one and other. Not all superheroes wear capes.”

One Israeli hostage family’s anxious wait for release news: ‘It’s hopefulness. It’s helplessness’

Saturday 25 November 2023 21:03 , Barney Davis

The announcement of the deal between Israel and Hamas – and the subsequent release of some of those held captive in Gaza – has left those anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones facing a swirl of emotions, writes Tom Bennet in Tel Aviv.

One Israeli hostage family’s wait for news: ‘It’s hopefulness. It’s helplessness’

Joe Biden rang Qataris to investigate hold-up over hostage release deal - White House says

Saturday 25 November 2023 20:45 , Barney Davis

President Joe Biden spoke with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the hold-up over the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said.

The White House learned from the Qataris that the hostage agreement was back on and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was moving to collect the hostages.

Biden was briefed throughout Saturday morning and on the latest of the hostage deal implementation, spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

18 arrests during Palestine Solidarity Campaign march in London

Saturday 25 November 2023 20:31 , Barney Davis

18 arrests were made among tens of thousands of people attending a Palestine Solidarity Campaign through central London.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who led the policing operation, said: “I would like to acknowledge the overwhelming majority who came into London today and exercised their right to protest lawfully.

“Regrettably, there was still a small minority who believed the law did not apply to them. Thanks to the efforts of our CCTV teams and other officers, a number of those are already in custody.

“Investigations into other offences are already underway and will continue in the coming days.

“I would also like to thank the Met officers, as well as all those from other forces who travelled long distances to help us keep London safe, for their efforts.

“We said we would intervene decisively where offences took place and that is what they did.”

One man was arrested near Trafalgar Square for possession of a knife.

Another man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker after an officer was struck in the chest. The officer wasn’t injured during the incident.

Final group dispersed from London March for Ceasefire protest

Saturday 25 November 2023 20:29 , Barney Davis

Police have said they have successfully cleared the last group of pro-Palestinian protesters from central London.

Tens of thousands joined The National March for Palestine, which aimed to finish in Whitehall, central London, the latest in several huge protests staged in the British capital every weekend since the Israel-Hamas war began.

The Met shared images of cleared streets around Whitehall and Trafalgar Square after reports the final group had been in possession of flares.

IDF say hostage release ‘not finalised until it actually happens'

Saturday 25 November 2023 20:15 , Barney Davis

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the release of a second wave of Israeli hostages is “currently underway” in a press conference.

He conceded: “Nothing is finalised until it actually happens” and families would be the first to know about any more releases.

He said: “Every day is a new operation. We need to be patient it doesn’t reflect on what will happen tomorrow or the day after.”

He said “we will create conditions” to get hostages home as soon as possible.

He said the IDF were still looking for Hamas leaders and will find them “wherever they are.”

He dismissed reports that Israel came under attack earlier in the day as a “false alarm”.

41 children in total among hostages released by both Israel and Hamas

Saturday 25 November 2023 19:54 , Barney Davis

41 children are among the hostages being released on Saturday night after a breakthrough in negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, Dr Majed Al Ansari tweeted: “Those released from Israeli prisons included 33 children and 6 women, while those released from Gaza included 8 children and 5 women, in addition to 7 foreigners.

“We reiterate our appreciation for the efforts of our partners in mediation efforts, Egypt and the United States of America, for the collaborative efforts that removed obstacles to implementing the terms of the agreement for today.”

The announcement came after Hamas delayed the releases for several hours, saying Israel had violated the terms of a truce deal that had set the stage for such swaps.

Saturday is the second day of what was meant to be a four-day truce.

Until Saturday afternoon, it still appeared everything was going according to plan. Aid trucks were entering Gaza, Hamas handed a list of more than a dozen hostages slated for release to mediators Qatar and Egypt, and Israel’s Prison Service prepared a list of dozens of Palestinian prisoners for release.

But by nightfall, as the hostages should have emerged from Gaza, Hamas announced that it was delaying the release over what it said were Israeli truce violations including lack of aid making it through not enough veteran prisoners being freed.

Seven foreigners among 20 hostages being released by Hamas

Saturday 25 November 2023 19:46 , Barney Davis

Hamas agreed to release 13 Israelis and seven foreigners late Saturday in exchange for 39 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, Qatari and Egyptian mediators said, after the militant group delayed the second round of swaps for several hours and claimed that Israel had violated the terms of a truce deal.

The last-minute snag had created a tense standoff on the second day of what was meant to be a four-day cease-fire.

By nightfall, as the hostages should have emerged from Gaza, Hamas alleged that the aid deliveries permitted by Israel fell short of what was promised and that not enough of the aid was reaching northern Gaza — the focus of Israel’s ground offensive and main combat zone.

Hamas also said not enough veteran prisoners were freed in the first swap on Friday.

Qatar says problem delaying prisoner release solved

Saturday 25 November 2023 19:17 , Sam Rkaina

Problems that had delayed the release of hostages this evening have been overcome, Qatar has said tonight.

A second group of Hamas captives are now expected to be set free later this evening.

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Dr. Majed Al Ansari tweeted: “After a delay, obstacles to release of prisoners were overcome through Qatari-Egyptian contacts with both sides, and 39 Palestinian civilians will be released tonight, while 13 Israeli hostages will leave Gaza in addition to 7 foreigners.”

Hamas hits out at Israel for not allowing half of aid trucks through in tense hostage negotiations

Saturday 25 November 2023 18:45 , Barney Davis

Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan told a press conference on Saturday that Israel has not fulfilled its part of their truce agreement and that it had informed the mediators about Israel’s violations.

He also said the group affirmed its commitment to the truce sponsored by Egypt and Qatar that began on Friday.

Hamdan said a total of 340 aid trucks had entered Gaza since Friday and that 65 of those trucks had reached northern Gaza - “which was less than half of what Israel agreed on.”

Egypt trying to resolve delay in second hostage release from Gaza - official

Saturday 25 November 2023 17:44 , Barney Davis

Egypt is working as a mediator to resolve the delay in the second round of Israeli hostage releases from Gaza, a Palestinian official familiar with the matter told Reuters on Saturday.

It came as White House officials said there are no American hostages expected to be released Saturday in the latest prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

The officials said, “We don’t expect any Americans to be released today but remain hopeful” some will be released in the coming days.

President Biden said on Friday that he was unsure when any American hostages being held by Hamas terrorists would be released after none were included among those freed on the first day of the terrorist organization’s cease-fire with Israel.

“We don’t know when that will occur, but we’re going to expect it to occur,” Biden said.

Live: Israelis protest in Tel Aviv for release of remaining Hamas hostages from Gaza

Saturday 25 November 2023 17:28 , Barney Davis

Watch live as Israelis protest in Tel Aviv for the release of the remaining 240 hostages being held captive by Hamas inside Gaza.

The protest is occurring as a four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas secured the release of 13 hostages on Friday 24 November.

Met officers move in to disperse last group of pro-Palestinian protesters from Whitehall

Saturday 25 November 2023 17:22 , Barney Davis

Police are imposing new conditions to break up the final group of activists marching in support of Palestine.

Tens of thousands joined The National March for Palestine, which aimed to finish in Whitehall, central London, the latest in several huge protests staged in the British capital every weekend since the Israel-Hamas war began last month.

Police moved in on “a breakaway group” setting off flares which on previous weekends have been used against officers.

A Met spokesman shared video of officers moving in, adding: “A group on Whitehall have commenced a new procession. At 5pm, Ch/Supt McDonald has imposed new conditions to cease this procession, to prevent serious disruption to the public.”

Saturday’s protests came on the second day of a four-day cease-fire that has allowed critical humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and given civilians their first respite after seven weeks of war.

Saturday 25 November 2023 17:00 , Barney Davis

The armed wing of Hamas said it had decided to delay Saturday’s scheduled second round of hostage releases until Israel committed to allowing aid trucks to enter northern Gaza.

Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, who carried out attacks inside Israel on October 7 killing more than 1,400 people, said the hostage releases would be delayed if Israel did not adhere to the agreed terms for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

There was no immediate Israeli response to the statement.

Under the truce deal between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, a total of 50 hostages are to be exchanged for 150 Palestinian prisoners, some of them convicted on weapon charges and violent offences, over four days.

In the first exchange on Friday, 13 Israeli women and children - out of around 240 hostages captured by Hamas fighters on a killing spree - were released. Twenty-four jailed Palestinian women and 15 teenagers were released from Israeli jails.

Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), said in a statement that Cairo was holding extensive talks with all parties to reach an agreement which would mean “the release of more detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.”

Tens of thousands attend march in London calling for ceasefire

Saturday 25 November 2023 17:00 , Matt Mathers

A protester was arrested Saturday in London on suspicion of inciting racial hatred, as tens of thousands of people turned out on central London’s streets for a pro-Palestinian march calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza.

The National March for Palestine, which aimed to finish in Whitehall, central London, was the latest in several huge protests staged in the British capital every weekend since the Israel-Hamas war began last month.

Saturday’s protests came on the second day of a four-day cease-fire that has allowed critical humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and given civilians their first respite after seven weeks of war.

The Metropolitan Police said it arrested a man on suspicion of inciting racial hatred "near the start of the protest."

"Officers spotted him carrying a placard with Nazi symbols on it," police said.

Qatari delegation discusses possible truce extension with Israel - official

Saturday 25 November 2023 16:00 , Tom Watling

A Qatari delegation visited Israel on Saturday to discuss a possible extension of a four-day truce between Hamas and Israel that started on Friday, an official briefed on the visit said.

The Qatari operations team also coordinated with Israeli officials to ensure the truce and hostage releases continue smoothly, the official said.

Free at last: Hamas releases 24 hostages as Gaza ceasefire holds

Saturday 25 November 2023 15:15 , Tom Watling

Twenty-four hostages have been released after seven weeks held captive inside Gaza on the first day of a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas.

It was a moment of joy after weeks of worry for some of the families of the 240 people kidnapped by the militant group during the 7 October attack on Israel when 1,200 people were killed. In exchange for the 13 Israelis freed – nine women and four children under 10 – Israel released 39 Palestinians, also a mix of women and minors, imprisoned in Israel’s jails as part of the four-day ceasefire deal. Ten Thai nationals and one Filipino were also freed by Hamas outside of that deal.

If the releases were a dramatic landmark moment, Gaza residents shared their relief at a period of “calmness”, saying families used the rare pause to gather supplies, find family members and bury their dead after ferocious Israeli bombardment in the wake of the Hamas attack.

Free at last: Hamas releases 24 hostages as Gaza ceasefire holds

Polish citizen was among hostages released from Gaza, says foreign ministry

Saturday 25 November 2023 14:45 , Tom Watling

A Polish citizen was among hostages released from Gaza, Poland’s foreign ministry said on Saturday, as it welcomed news of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hama conflict.

“We welcome the information about the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which allowed the release of the first group of hostages, including a Polish citizen, and increased supplies of humanitarian aid to the enclave,” the ministry said in a statement.

“At the same time, Poland continues to firmly demand that Israel consent to the safe departure from the Gaza Strip by other Polish citizens.”

Some of the hostages released on Friday held dual-citizenship.