Middle East updates: Israel, Hamas set for 4th hostage swap

Swedish police say man who burned Quran in public has been killed

The incidents caused international outrage, and the ensuing protests helped fuel tensions over immigration from the Middle East and predominantly Muslim countries.

Yemen Full Scale War After Gaza: Iran-Russia Major Drill Near U.S Military Bases in Mid East

Iran and Russia, strengthening their strategic partnership, conducted joint military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil passage. This follows a recent cooperation pact signed by their presidents amid Western sanctions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards led the naval drills as part of nationwide military exercises. The move signals Tehran and Moscow’s growing defense collaboration and defiance against Western pressure. These drills, occurring days after the agreement, highlight their shared military ambitions and strategic positioning in the region. The West is closely monitoring these developments. #Iran #Russia #MilitaryDrills #StraitOfHormuz #NavalExercise #Geopolitics #GlobalTensions #MiddleEast #Defense #IranRussiaAlliance #WesternSanctions #OilRoutes #Security #MilitaryPower #GulfTensions #StrategicWaters #IranianNavy #RussiaIran #GlobalAffairs #NavalManeuvers #Peripheral Also Read From Russia With Love: 7-Foot-Tall 'Muscular Baba' Draws Attention In Maha Kumbh With His Chiselled Physique :: https://www.oneindia.com/india/from-russia-with-love-7-foot-tall-muscular-baba-draws-attention-in-maha-kumbh-with-his-chiselled-4045243.html?ref=DMDesc After Latest Death, India Seeks Release of Citizens In Russian Military Forces :: https://www.oneindia.com/india/after-latest-death-india-seeks-release-of-citizens-in-russian-military-forces-4042229.html?ref=DMDesc Iran Cautions Italy on Bilateral Relations Amid US Demands Over Drone Suspect :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/iran-italy-bilateral-ties-risk-us-demands-drone-suspect-011-4032979.html?ref=DMDesc ~HT.334~

Shocking Moment: Biden Proudly Hails Israel Hamas Deadly War As U.S Success After Ceasefire

President Joe Biden hailed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire as a breakthrough for Middle East peace, emphasizing its potential to bring stability and pave the way for Palestinian statehood. The agreement has led to the safe return of Israeli hostages and reduced regional tensions. Biden credited U.S. diplomacy for the achievement, highlighting international support, including UN backing. As negotiations continue, Biden stressed the need for lasting peace, ensuring Hamas remains weakened while advancing security for all parties. #MiddleEastPeace #CeasefireDeal #IsraelHamas #BidenDiplomacy #HostagesReturned #PalestinianStatehood #PeaceInGaza #UNSupport #HamasWeakening #IsraelSecurity #MiddleEastStability #GazaConflict #USForeignPolicy #PeaceAgreement #BidenLeadership #HezbollahWeakened #IranPolicy #GlobalDiplomacy #ConflictResolution #HumanitarianEfforts Also Read Trump and Biden Both Assert Their Roles in Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Amid Ongoing Tensions :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/trump-biden-claim-credit-gaza-ceasefire-deal-011-4043683.html?ref=DMDesc Trump and Biden Both Assert Their Roles in Gaza Ceasefire Agreement :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/trump-biden-credit-gaza-ceasefire-deal-011-4043679.html?ref=DMDesc Biden Announces Israel's Three-Step Ceasefire Proposal to Hamas :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/israel-hamas-three-step-ceasefire-roadmap-011-3838867.html?ref=DMDesc

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, Syria Under Assad, Trump's Sharp Eye: Glimpse into Middle East's New Chapter

The Middle East stands at a critical crossroads as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire takes hold, bringing temporary relief to a war-torn region. Meanwhile, Syria under Assad navigates a complex political landscape, and Donald Trump's bold stance on Middle Eastern affairs raises new questions about the future. What lies ahead for this volatile region? From the fragile truce in Gaza to Syria's next moves and Trump's potential influence, we dive deep into the shifting dynamics shaping the Middle East's near future. #MiddleEastConflict #IsraelHamasCeasefire #SyriaUnderAssad #DonaldTrump #MiddleEastPolitics #GazaConflict #SyriaNews #TrumpOnMiddleEast #IsraelPalestine #WorldNews Also Read After Nikhil Kamath, PM Narendra Modi To Appear On Lex Fridman's Podcast :: https://www.oneindia.com/india/after-zerodha-ceo-nikhil-kamath-prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-appear-on-lex-fridmans-podcast-011-4046459.html?ref=DMDesc TikTok Ban: What Every User And Creator Needs To Know :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/tiktok-ban-2025-what-users-and-creators-need-to-know-as-the-deadline-looms-for-the-popular-app-4046455.html?ref=DMDesc Whistleblower Suchir Balaji’s Mother Blames OpenAI for His Untimely Death :: https://www.oneindia.com/india/whistleblower-suchir-balaji-s-mother-blames-openai-for-his-untimely-death-011-4044745.html?ref=DMDesc ~PR.274~ED.346~HT.318~GR.344~

Pro-Palestine rallies take place in major European capitals ahead of Gaza ceasefire

Many European protesters hope the ceasefire, which Israel maintains is temporary, will lead to a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Israel and Hamas exchange hostages, prisoners

Three Israeli hostages and dozens of Palestinian prisoners freed

Israel has begun releasing a group of Palestinian prisoners after Hamas freed three hostages as part of the ceasefire deal that has halted 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas Hostage Release BREAKING | First American-Israeli Hostage Keith Siegel Freed After 484 Days

In a breakthrough moment, Hamas has released American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel after 484 days in captivity. Siegel was among the hostages taken during the surprise Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. His release marks a significant step in the ongoing prisoner exchange under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The handover took place in Gaza, where Siegel was freed as part of the negotiations involving the release of several Israeli and foreign nationals. This release provides hope for the continued success of the ceasefire and future exchanges. #HamasReleasesHostages #IsraeliHostagesReleased #GazaCeasefireDeal #HostageRelease #IsraelHamasNegotiations #PalestinianPrisonerExchange #GazaHostageRelease #YardenBibas #OferKalderon #GazaNews #IsraelPalestineConflict #HamasCeasefireAgreement #IsraelHamasCeasefireUpdate #HostageReleaseToday #MiddleEastNews ~HT.97~PR.152~GR.122~

VIDEO | Hamas Releases Three Israeli Hostages | Watch the Moment Hostages Are Handed Over

In a dramatic moment, Hamas has released three Israeli hostages as part of the ongoing prisoner exchange under the ceasefire deal. Watch the moment when the hostages are handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza. This marks a significant step in the truce, with the hostages freed after being held since the October 7, 2023, attack. The video captures the emotional moment as the hostages are safely returned, signaling hope for more releases in the future. #HamasReleasesHostages #IsraeliHostagesReleased #GazaCeasefireDeal #HostageRelease #IsraelHamasNegotiations #PalestinianPrisonerExchange #GazaHostageRelease #YardenBibas #OferKalderon #GazaNews #IsraelPalestineConflict #HamasCeasefireAgreement #IsraelHamasCeasefireUpdate #HostageReleaseToday #MiddleEastNews ~PR.152~ED.102~HT.334~

Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages BREAKING | Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon Handed Over

In a significant development, Hamas has released two Israeli hostages, Yarden Bibas (35) and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon (54), to the Red Cross in southern Gaza. The pair were abducted during the surprise Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This release marks an important step in the ongoing prisoner exchange agreement, part of a fragile ceasefire deal aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The truce has held for nearly two weeks, allowing for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and facilitating further exchanges between Israel and Hamas. #HamasReleasesHostages #IsraeliHostagesReleased #GazaCeasefireDeal #HostageRelease #IsraelHamasNegotiations #PalestinianPrisonerExchange #GazaHostageRelease #YardenBibas #OferKalderon #GazaNews #IsraelPalestineConflict #HamasCeasefireAgreement #IsraelHamasCeasefireUpdate #HostageReleaseToday #MiddleEastNews ~PR.152~HT.346~HT.95~GR.125~

Israel to release 183 Palestinian prisoners

Gaza ceasefire: Palestinians returning from south to north a ‘big sign’ of optimism, journalist says

Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt to reopen

'Justice is being done': Joy and relief in West Bank with return of Palestinian prisoners

What we know about the EU’s revived Rafah border mission

The EU’s top diplomat has said the civilian mission can play a “decisive role” in supporting the Gaza ceasefire. Euronews breaks down what we know about its mandate and operations.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Terms & Conditions Out: 98 Hostages to Be Freed, but What's Next for Gaza?

The terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire include the release of 98 hostages, including 33 Israelis, as part of a deal brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. The release will occur in phases, with 3 American-Israeli hostages also being freed. In return, Israel will release Palestinian detainees, with the number increasing for female detainees. Israel has agreed to allow significant aid into Gaza and will withdraw troops from urban areas. There are also provisions for reopening the Rafah border crossing to Egypt, which will allow displaced Palestinians to return home. The ceasefire is seen as a significant step in the ongoing conflict, but it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve, particularly in Gaza, where humanitarian needs are critical. #IsraelHamasCeasefire #GazaCeasefire #PalestineCeasefire #SteveWitkoff #TrumpOnNetanyahu #HamasResponseToTrump #TrumpThreatToHamas #HostageExchange #PeaceInIsrael #HamasToReleasePrisoners #IsraelHamasCeasefireDeal #HostageRelease #IsraelGazaCeasefireDeal #IsraelAndHamasCeasefire #IsraelHamasWar #Netanyahu

Explosive Clashes in Gaza: Al-Quds Launches 107 Rockets on Israeli Soldiers:Resistance Release Video

In a shocking escalation, Saraya Al-Quds, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, launched a relentless barrage of 107 rockets and mortars targeting Israeli soldiers in Gaza. The attack, which took place on December 9, 2024, focused on Israeli troops stationed east of Rafah, particularly in the Jenina neighborhood. Intense ground clashes erupted between the Al-Quds Brigade and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), with both sides exchanging heavy fire. This marks yet another chapter in the ongoing conflict between Hamas-backed forces and Israel, following the October 7 attacks that escalated tensions in the region. #AlQuds #Israel #GazaConflict #IDF #PalestinianIslamicJihad #Rockets #GroundClashes #Jenina #Rafah #MiddleEast #GazaWar #ConflictEscalation #IDFClashes #Palestine #WarNews #MilitaryConfrontation

IDF Massacre in Rafah: Gazans Run for Life as Bomb Flame Engulfs Resident Buildings

In this heartbreaking footage, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrikes hit residential buildings in Rafah, southern Gaza, killing five civilians and causing widespread destruction. As the buildings go up in flames, residents are seen desperately fleeing for safety, further escalating the human toll of the ongoing conflict. The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with death and injury tolls rising rapidly. Watch as these devastating scenes unfold in real-time. #Gaza #Rafah #IsraeliAirstrikes #IDF #GazaCrisis #PalestinianLivesMatter #WarCrimes #GazaUnderAttack #InnocentLives #StopTheWar #MiddleEastConflict #HumanRights Also Read UP: 52 injured in Mahakoshal Express train accident :: https://www.oneindia.com/india/8-coaches-of-mahakoshal-express-derailed-near-kulpahar-uttar-pradesh-2388780.html

Trump Suspends 60 USAID Officials Amid 90-Day Foreign Pause - Halts and Layoffs Impact $72 Billion

The Trump administration has placed around 60 USAID officials on leave amid a sweeping foreign aid review. The move follows Trump’s executive order halting most foreign aid for 90 days, citing potential policy violations. Critics claim it suppresses dissent, as exemptions for Ukraine-related programs were reportedly denied. Secretary of State Marco Rubio exempted only emergency food aid and military support for Israel and Egypt. The decision has triggered program shutdowns and staff layoffs globally, intensifying scrutiny over US foreign aid policies. #Trump #USAID #ForeignAid #PolicyChange #GovernmentShakeup #USPolitics #MarcoRubio #ExecutiveOrder #AidFreeze #USFunding #UkraineAid #MiddleEastAid #IsraelSupport #EgyptAid #USGovernment #StateDepartment #Bureaucracy #PoliticalTensions #WashingtonDC #UNFunding #Peripheral Also Read Trump Freezes Federal Funding, Creating Confusion Across US Government Agencies :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/trump-orders-federal-funding-freeze-us-government-panic-011-4056039.html?ref=DMDesc Reid Hoffman Highlights Optimism for AI Future Amidst Tech Industry Concerns About Trump :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/reid-hoffman-ai-future-optimism-tech-peers-trump-011-4055011.html?ref=DMDesc Trump Orders Tariffs and Visa Restrictions on Colombia Following Rejection of Deportation Flights :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/trump-orders-tariffs-visa-restrictions-colombia-deportation-flights-011-4054027.html?ref=DMDesc ~ED.103~HT.334~

‘Expel Israelis to Greenland’: Iran’s FM Araghchi’s Fiery Response to Trump’s ‘Clean-out’ Gaza Plan

Iran has strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, labeling it as a "Gaza cleansing plan." The Iranian government views this suggestion as a form of ethnic cleansing, expressing deep concern over the potential forced displacement of Palestinian populations. France has also condemned the idea, stating that any forced displacement is "unacceptable." #IranResponse #TrumpGazaPlan #ExpelIsraelis #GazaCleansing #Araghchi #IsraelPalestineConflict #IranFM #TrumpIsraelGaza #GazaCeasefire #TrumpSpeech #TrumpOnPalestinians #GazaWar2025 #TrumpControversy #MiddleEastCrisis #TrumpNews Also Read Trump Freezes Federal Funding, Creating Confusion Across US Government Agencies :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/trump-orders-federal-funding-freeze-us-government-panic-011-4056039.html?ref=DMDesc Karoline Leavitt Becomes Youngest White House Press Secretary, Promises Frequent Briefings :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/karoline-leavitt-youngest-white-house-press-secretary-debut-011-4056023.html?ref=DMDesc Selena Gomez Gets Emotional Over Trump’s Immigration Decision: 'I Wish I Could Do More' | WATCH :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/selena-gomez-tears-trump-immigration-crackdown-my-people-being-attacked-deleted-video-backlash-4055509.html?ref=DMDesc

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Begins Tomorrow: 33 Hostages, 737 Prisoners, 42 Days – Phase 1 Highlights

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal has officially been approved, marking the beginning of a critical phase in the ongoing conflict. Phase 1, which starts Sunday, January 19, will last 42 days, and it includes the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas and 737 Palestinian prisoners. This deal is the result of negotiations facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aiming to bring a much-needed pause to the war that began with the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. This video dives into the specifics of the agreement, the phased truce, and the conditions that have led to this breakthrough. Stay updated on the evolving situation as both sides agree to temporary peace, with a focus on humanitarian efforts, prisoner exchanges, and the ongoing challenges. #IsraelHamasCeasefire #IsraelHamasTruce #MiddleEastPeace #GazaConflict #IsraelPrisonerExchange #HostageRelease #CeasefireAgreement #PeaceTalks #GazaWar #HumanitarianAid #PalestinianPrisoners Also Read Ahead Of Trump's Inauguration, Israel Government Approves Ceasefire-Hostage Deal With Hamas :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/israeli-govt-approves-ceasefire-prisoner-exchange-deal-with-hamas-days-before-trump-assumes-office-011-4045585.html?ref=DMDesc Israel's Security Cabinet Approves Ceasefire In Gaza, Move To Pause 15-Month War :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/israels-security-cabinet-approves-ceasefire-in-gaza-move-to-pause-15-month-war-4045183.html?ref=DMDesc Israel's Cabinet Postpones Key Vote For Ceasefire In Gaza To January 18 :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/israels-cabinet-postpones-key-vote-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-to-january-18-announced-netanyahu-011-4044645.html?ref=DMDesc ~PR.274~ED.102~HT.334~

‘HAMAS May Attack Again’: Israelis Fear Trump's Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal Collapse Soon

Israelis express growing concerns that the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, may collapse soon. Despite reaching an agreement after 15 months of conflict, fears arise that Hamas could break the terms of the deal, particularly over prisoner releases. Israelis are deeply apprehensive about the future of the ceasefire, with some speculating that Hamas may resume attacks. These concerns persist despite optimism over the release of hostages and humanitarian aid provisions. Tensions remain high, and many Israelis are uncertain if the deal will hold or if further violence will erupt. #IsraelGazaCeasefire #IsraelHamasCeasefire #GazaPeaceTalks #IsraelPalestineTalks #PeaceInMiddleEast #HamasCeasefire #HostageExchange #GazaReconstruction #CeasefireImplementation #IsraelHamasCeasefire #HamasAttack #CeasefireCollapse #IsraelHamasDeal #MiddleEastTensions #IsraelSecurity #TrumpDeal #HamasPrisonerDeal #IsraelHostageCrisis #GazaCeasefire #IsraelPeaceTalks #HamasResistance #CeasefireConcerns #IsraelDefense #PeaceOrWar