Headlines- "In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic [Republic] of Iran," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on the X social media platform..
- The declaration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was applauded by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which described it as "a critical and long-overdue reprieve for civilians who have endured weeks of unrelenting violence."
- The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been welcomed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed optimism that it will lay the groundwork for long-term stability in the Middle East.
- As part of an earlier two-week ceasefire deal between Tehran and the United States to pause the conflict in the Middle East, Iran's Foreign Ministry praised the ceasefire reached by Israel and Lebanon.
- At midnight local time on Friday, gunfire broke out in the southern suburbs of Beirut as a ceasefire with Israel came into effect.
- The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health estimates that since March 2, Israeli forces have killed at least 2,196 civilians and injured another 7,185.
- The Lebanese government urges people not return back to their homes in southern Lebanon, despite Israel and Lebanon have reached a 10-day ceasefire.
- The United States is "very close" to a deal with Iran, President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House.
Tag: Hamas
Worsening Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
Humanitarian organizations warn of a growing crisis in the Gaza Strip as winter approaches, despite continuing heavy fighting in Gaza. Palestinians say 85% of the population has been internally displaced and warn of disease ‘spreading.
Israel-Hamas Conflict: Record High Death Toll...
A record number of journalists and aid workers have lost their lives in the first two months of the Israel-Hamas war.
Many Israelis in Evacuation Afraid Returning...
In communities near the border with Lebanon or Gaza in the north or south, almost 200,000 Israelis have had to leave their homes. They have spent the last two months staying in hotels and guest houses and are unsure of when they will be able to go home
Despite US Pressure, Settler Violence Escalates...
Palestinians say that since the war with Hamas started on October 7th, violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank has increased. This happened even as Biden administration’s increased pressure on Israel to put an end to settler violence by imposing a travel ban on extremist settlers who have been involved in attacks.
The Israeli Hamas Hostage’s Father Talks...
The relatives of the surviving hostages captured during the attack on Israel on October 7 say they are desperate for information about their loved ones as the Israel-Hamas battle rages. Omer Wenkert, 22, was abducted by Hamas militants during the Supernova Sukkot Gathering, also known as Nova festival. His father, Shai Wenkert, spoke with VOA’s Esther Githui-Ewart about his family’s appeals for Omer’s return and their concerns for Omer, who suffers from colitis, a chronic digestive disease.
Israel Says it is Trying to...
Israel says it is trying to minimize civilian losses while it continues its military offensive in Gaza, but Hamas and Israel are not yet willing to return to the negotiation table to discuss a cease-fire.
Relatives of Released Israeli-Argentinean Hostages Discuss...
Recently, Hamas released a group of hostages that included an Israeli Argentine mother and her two young daughters. As their family celebrates their safe return, they anxious about their father, who is still being held captive.
War Sparks Memories of 1982 Lebanon...
The worst memories of the 1982 massacres in Sabra and Shatila, Lebanon, are being evoked by the war between Hamas and Israel. Nicole Di Ilio has this report from the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut.
Release of Israeli Hostages from Hamas...
On Friday, Hamas released 24 hostages in total, including 13 Israeli nationals, as part of the first round of a coordinated swap between Israel and Hamas. VOA’s Esther Githui-Ewart spoke to reporter Ricki Rosen in Tel Aviv for more on the status of care they are expected to receive from the Israeli government now that they are freed.
Gaza-Based Journalist Shares His Experience Covering...
A Gaza-based journalist told VOA of his “overwhelming experience” covering the Israeli-Hamas war on the besieged territory when the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked on October 7. Living in the southern part of Gaza,Fuad Abu Khamash says he is embedded with an emergency team covering the war within an ambulance.