LIVE UPDATES: Hamas agrees to free Israeli-American captive to move Gaza truce

Hamas spokesman: We will not renegotiate Gaza ceasefire Hazem Qassem, a senior spokesperson for Hamas, says the group’s decision to release Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander from captivity was a “positive…

Palestine: Gaza ceasefire deal hits critical moment

The first six-week phase of the Gaza ceasefire ends on Saturday. The 42 days since 19 January have seen their fair share of uncertainty, hope, grief and anger, but everything…

Palestine: Family of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas says new returned body is hers

The family of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas says a body handed over by Hamas on Friday is hers. “Our Shiri was murdered in captivity and has now returned home,” the…

Middle East: Israeli troops stay inside south Lebanon after withdrawal deadline

Israel has pulled its forces from southern Lebanon apart from five positions, Lebanon’s state news agency says. Israel’s withdrawal is a key part of the ceasefire which ended a year-long…

Middle East: Israeli hostages and Palestinian inmates freed in latest ceasefire swap

Hamas has freed three Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, in the latest swap under the ceasefire agreed by Israel and the armed group last month.…

Lebanon: Ceasefire deal extended as initial deadline passes

The US and Lebanon say the ceasefire deal with Israel – which had been due to expire on Sunday – has been extended until mid-February. Israel had kept troops deployed…

Palestine: Gaza doctors relieved but fear for the future after Israel-Hamas ceasefire

After a ceasefire agreed by Israel and Hamas halted more than 15 months of war in Gaza, Dr Jamal Salaha spoke of the relief he felt as dead and wounded…

Israel: Netanyahu says Gaza ceasefire won’t start until Hamas gives captives’ list

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli military not to begin the ceasefire in Gaza, scheduled to start at 8:30am (06:30 GMT), until Hamas issues the names of the captives…

Israel: Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is ready to resume the war against Hamas should talks for a second phase of the ceasefire fail. In a televised speech…

Qatar: PM Sheikh Mohammed calls for Gaza ceasefire agreement to be ‘fully implemented’

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has called for the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement to be fully implemented and said hopes the next phase…