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5 days ago

Israel-Hamas ceasefire latest: Netanyahu says US will back return to war with only hours until Gaza ceasefire

The ceasefire deal was signed off by Israel’s government on Saturday morning - but attacks have continued on the Gaza Strip

Bel Trew
Tel Aviv
,Shweta Sharma,Barney Davis,Holly Evans
Saturday 18 January 2025 22:54 GMT
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Israel accuses Hamas of backtracking on ceasefire deal

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Benjamin Netanyahu has warned he reserves the right to restart the war in Gaza with the backing of the United States if he is not satisfied with Hamas’ handling of the ceasefire deal.

It came after he said Israel will not proceed with the ceasefire until he receives a list of the 33 hostages who will be released by Hamas in the first phase.

Israel’s government ratified the truce with Hamas on Saturday morning, paving the way for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip after 15 months of devastating fighting.

He told reporters: “If we resume combat we will do in new ways and in tremendous force. Hamas tried to dictate to us but I adamantly objected.

“It is Hamas who threw up obstacles, not Israel.”

The deal is set to come into effect at 8.30am local time (6.30am GMT) on Sunday, the Qatari foreign ministry spokesman said.

Also on Saturday, in Gaza, Israeli warplanes kept up attacks. Tanks shelled the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City and airstrikes hit central and southern Gaza, residents said.

The Israeli military said that since Friday it had struck Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters who were among 50 “terror targets” it hit across the Gaza Strip.

At least 123 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire deal was announced on Wednesday, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said.

5 days ago

‘Ceasefire only temporary’ warns Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is treating the ceasefire with Gaza as temporary and retains the right to continue fighting if necessary.

Speaking to the nation just 12 hours before the ceasefire is due to start, he claimed that he had the support of US President-elect Donald Trump, who he said he spoke to on Wednesday.

Mr Netanyahu also touted Israel’s military successes in Lebanon and Syria as the reason Hamas agreed to a ceasefire.

“We have changed the face of the Middle East,” Mr Netanyahu said.

Barney Davis18 January 2025 19:04
5 days ago

Netanyahu says Israel will keep watchful eye on whether Hamas smuggle weapons through Philadelphi corridor

Netanyahu has said that access to the Philadelphi corridor and Israeli presence along the border with Gaza were preconditions to accepting any deal.

“We will increase our military presence there,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel will not allow “the arrival of any weapons” for Hamas.

He added that no Palestinian “prisoners whose hands are stained in blood” will be released.

The Philadelphi Corridor, also known as the Philadelphi Route, is the 14km (8.7-mile) long strip of land that represents the entirety of the border area between Gaza and Egypt.

Barney Davis18 January 2025 18:50
5 days ago

No mention of hostage list demand in Netanyahu’s speech

Benjamin Netanyahu’s message of unity to the Israeli people did not reference his earlier warning that the ceasefire deal would not be enacted if Hamas failed to provide a list of 33 hostages to be released.

He told reporters Israel has retained “the right to return to fighting if needed’’ in Gaza and claims to have Donald Trump’s support.

His statement came almost three hours after Israel had expected to receive the names, which Hamas was to give to mediator Qatar. There was no immediate response from Hamas or Qatar.

The overnight approval of the ceasefire deal by Israel’s Cabinet, in a rare meeting during the Jewish Sabbath, set off a flurry of activity and a fresh wave of emotions as relatives wondered whether hostages would be returned alive or dead.

The pause in 15 months of war is a step toward ending the deadliest, most destructive fighting ever between Israel and the Hamas militant group - and comes more than a year after the only other ceasefire achieved.

Barney Davis18 January 2025 18:33
5 days ago

Netanyahu celebrates spirit of ‘winning’ Israeli spirit in press conference

The Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu released a media statementn isisting Israel will not “relent” until all hostages are released.

He told reporters: “We withhold the right to resume fighting if the second stage seems pointless.

“If we resume combat we will do in new ways and in tremendous force .Hamas tried to dictate to us but I adamantly objected.

“We retain the right to resume the war if we are not satisfied with the backing of the US.

“It is Hamas who threw up obstacles not Israel.

“What caused Hamas to change their minds? The fierce blows our great soldiers struck.”

He added: “It is our policy to fight on seven fronts with such force never seen before. We struck against Hezbollah the Huthi’s, the Iranian axis. We have a lot of plans up our sleeve.

“We have changed the face of the Middle East. Today Hamas agrees to what they never did in the past.”

He hailed the “winning” spirit of the Israeli people.

“On October 7 we experienced terrible pain but we have pushed back against our enemies and won some incredible victories.

“The campaign is not over we have a challenging journey ahead of us we cannot separate and break apart. This is what our heritage demands of us.”

“This is a spirit of an ancient people who refuse to surrender to those who seek to annihilate us.“Our sons and daughters shall return to our borders.”

Barney Davis18 January 2025 18:26
5 days ago

IDF prepares to welcome hostages home as they warn against disinformation

Over the past day, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) completed preparations for receiving the hostages from the Gaza Strip upon their return to Israel.

The IDF, has prepared to receive the released hostages with “optimal and professional” care and to provide them with all the necessary support.

As part of the preparations, the IDF has established and equipped several locations for the initial reception of the released hostages with the required medical provisions and support.

Following this, the released hostages will continue on to hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit requests patience and sensitivity from the public.

“We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the hostages and their families.”

The deal is set to come into effect at 8.30am local time (6.30am GMT) on Sunday, the Qatari foreign ministry spokesman said.

( Israeli Defence Forces)
Bel Trew18 January 2025 17:43
5 days ago

Israel releasing 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages - reports

Earlier, we heard from Israel’s justice ministry that 734 prisoners and detainees would be released as part of the exchange for Israeli hostages.

The BBC is now reporting that the figure has risen to 1,890. The broadcaster attributes Egypt, a key mediator in the ceasefire talks.

But while that is reported, Israel has said there will be no ceasefire until it receives a list of 33 hostages to be released by Hamas.

I think we can expect further updates on this tonight.

Alex Ross18 January 2025 17:20
5 days ago

Israeli warplanes continue to pound Gaza

In Gaza, Israeli warplanes have kept up attacks since the deal was agreed, and pounded the territory on Saturday.

Israeli tanks shelled the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City and airstrikes hit central and southern Gaza, residents said. Medics in Gaza said five people were killed in an airstrike that hit a tent in the Mawasi area, west of the city of Khan Younis.

The Israeli military said that since Friday it had struck Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters who were among 50 “terror targets” it hit across the Gaza Strip.

At least 123 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire deal was announced on Wednesday, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said.

Nearly 47,000 have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Smoke plumes rise from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday
Smoke plumes rise from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday (AFP via Getty Images)
Alex Ross18 January 2025 17:03
6 days ago

Stabbing in Tel Aviv - reports

We’re hearing unconfirmed reports of a person seriously injured in a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv.

Sky News reporting that a passer-by shot the alleged attacker, who is in a critical condition.

We’ll bring you more on this as we get it

Alex Ross18 January 2025 16:06
6 days ago

Quick reminder on where we are with timings on the ceasefire

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will go into effect at 06.30 GMT on Sunday, mediator Qatar said.

The ceasefire will pause the fighting after 15 months of war and see the release of dozens of hostages held by the militants in the Gaza Strip and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel’s Cabinet approved the deal early on Saturday; the ceasefire will see the first hostages released.

Brokered by mediators the United States, Qatar and Egypt in months of indirect talks between the warring sides, the ceasefire is the second truce achieved in the devastating conflict.

Israel’s war against Hamas has killed over 46,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to Gaza‘s Health Ministry. It does not say how many of the dead were militants. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence.

Alex Ross18 January 2025 16:03
6 days ago

Protesters break through police line at pro-Palestine rally

A large group of protesters has broken police lines and marched on Trafalgar Square at a pro-Palestine rally taking place in central London.

Hundreds have gathered for the static protest in Whitehall with people holding signs reading “Gaza. Stop the massacre” and “Stop arming Israel”.

Some of the protesters have marched to Trafalgar Square, with the Met Police saying a large group has broken a police line to enter the square.

A spokesperson said: “Officers were holding the line at the top of Whitehall to stop any groups marching which would be a breach of the conditions. Despite their efforts a large group has forced its way through and are in Trafalgar Square. More officers are being deployed.

“The group that forced its way through the police line is now held at the north west corner of Trafalgar Square. Anyone in that group should now disperse and leave the area. Anyone remaining in breach of the conditions, or inciting further breaches, will be arrested.”

Officers were holding the line at the top of Whitehall to stop any groups marching which would be a breach of the conditions
Officers were holding the line at the top of Whitehall to stop any groups marching which would be a breach of the conditions (Met Police )
Alex Ross18 January 2025 15:40

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