<p>As the Israel-Hamas war in West Asia protracted for Day 57, a series of developments resulted in a deadlock in truce negotiations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conflict is facing an imminent threat of a spillover beyond the immediate theatre in the Gaza Strip, with Israel's fighter jets targeting numerous Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in response to repeated rocket attacks on northern Israel.</p>

<p>Tensions escalated further when rockets were fired from Lebanon at the border area, prompting the IDF to respond with artillery shelling.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-after-gaza-war-ends-israel-plans-to-hunt-down-hamas-leaders-globally-says-report-665467">After Gaza war, Israel plans to hunt down Hamas leaders globally, says report</a></p>

<p>In a separate incident, a combat helicopter in Israel's Galilee area downed a malfunctioning military drone, triggering sirens.</p>

<p>The IDF assured that the interception was controlled, mitigating security concerns. Amidst these events, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern, cautioning that Israel's aim of eliminating Hamas could unleash a decade-long war.</p>

<p>The international community's efforts to broker a truce faced challenges, exemplified by Mossad's announcement that negotiations in Qatar reached a "dead end".</p>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive led to the return of the negotiating team.</p>

<p>The Mossad's statement said,&nbsp;“The Hamas terror group did not fulfill its obligations under the agreement that included releasing all the women and children that were on the list provided to Hamas that had authorised it."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-claims-over-launch-of-fattah-2-hypersonic-missile-misleading-665509">Iran says claims over launch of Fattah-2 hypersonic missile 'misleading'</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps held Israel responsible for the deaths of its two members in Syria, who were on an advisory mission.</p>

<h2><strong>Turkey unleashes verbal attack on US</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Turkey, facing pressure from the United States to sever historic ties with Hamas, resisted the demand.</p>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey views Hamas as a political party, not a terrorist organisation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-grim-cycle-of-death-in-gaza-665536">Israel-Hamas War: Grim cycle of death in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-grim-cycle-of-death-in-gaza-665536/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>As the truce talks continued&nbsp;to hang in limbo, global leaders, including Macron, called for intensified efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire. The quest for a resolution is facing hurdles, leaving the region mired in uncertainty on Day 57.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the Israel-Hamas war in West Asia protracted for Day 57, a series of developments resulted in a deadlock in truce negotiations. The conflict is facing an imminent threat of a spillover beyond the immediate theatre in the Gaza Strip, with Israel's fighter jets targeting numerous Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in response to repeated rocket attacks on northern Israel.

As the Israel-Hamas war in West Asia protracted for Day 57, a series of developments resulted in a deadlock in truce negotiations. The conflict is facing an imminent threat of a spillover beyond the immediate theatre in the Gaza Strip, with Israel's fighter jets targeting numerous Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in response to repeated rocket attacks on northern Israel. Tensions escalated further when rockets were fired from Lebanon at the border area, prompting the IDF to respond with artillery shelling. Also Read | After Gaza war, Israel plans to hunt down Hamas leaders globally, says report In a separate incident, a combat helicopter in Israel's Galilee area downed a malfunctioning military drone, triggering sirens. The IDF assured that the interception was controlled, mitigating security concerns. Amidst these events, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern, cautioning that Israel's aim of eliminating Hamas could unleash a decade-long war. The international community's efforts to broker a truce faced challenges, exemplified by Mossad's announcement that negotiations in Qatar reached a "dead end". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive led to the return of the negotiating team. The Mossad's statement said, “The Hamas terror group did not fulfill its obligations under the agreement that included releasing all the women and children that were on the list provided to Hamas that had authorised it." Also Read | Iran says claims over launch of Fattah-2 hypersonic missile 'misleading' Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps held Israel responsible for the deaths of its two members in Syria, who were on an advisory mission. Turkey unleashes verbal attack on US Turkey, facing pressure from the United States to sever historic ties with Hamas, resisted the demand. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey views Hamas as a political party, not a terrorist organisation. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Grim cycle of death in Gaza × As the truce talks continued to hang in limbo, global leaders, including Macron, called for intensified efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire. The quest for a resolution is facing hurdles, leaving the region mired in uncertainty on Day 57. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas war Day 57: Deadlock in truce negotiations, Israel targets Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

<p>In a major diplomatic effort, Egypt and Qatar&nbsp;have succeeded in temporarily extending the ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas forces in Gaza. The extension, as per a social media post by a Qatar official, is for two days — in addition to the previous four days.</p>

<h2><strong>Four plus two days</strong></h2>

<p>The truce extension comes as the initial four-day agreement was set to expire.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-and-israel-reach-in-principle-agreement-for-use-of-starlink-technology-in-gaza-663381">Musk, Israel authorities agree 'in principle' for use of Starlink technology in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<p>Taking to social media platform X, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari wrote "The State of Qatar announces that, as part of the ongoing mediation, an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip".</p>

<p><img alt="Qatar statement" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d14afed-d5bd-45c4-b77a-de5ad0ad07b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled_2.png" /></p>

<p>Qatar, with the support of Egypt and the United States, had for days been engaged in intense negotiations to establish and prolong the truce in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas confirms</strong></h2>

<p>The extension, as per an Al Jazeera report, has been confirmed by militant group Hamas.</p>

<p>"Hamas announced that an agreement has been reached with the brothers in Qatar and Egypt for an extension of the temporary humanitarian pause for an additional two days, with the same conditions as the previous truce," said the group in a statement, as reported by AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-emotional-reunion-in-israel-west-bank-as-more-hostages-prisoners-are-released-663356">In Pics | Emotional reunion in Israel, West Bank as more hostages, prisoners are released</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>The terms of the truce</strong></h2>

<p>During the course of the initial truce, a total of 50 civilian hostages — including women and children — were expected to be released.</p>

<p>In exchange, Israel had agreed to release 150 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, humanitarian aid was to be allowed into the war-torn region.</p>

<p>The first three days of the truce, as per AFP, saw Hamas release 58 hostages — including 39 Israeli hostages, along with 17 Thais, one Filipino and one dual Russian-Israeli national. On the other hand, in exchange, Israel released 117 Palestinian prisoners.</p>

<p>The truce was set to end on Monday (Nov 27) night. It marks a pause in the seven-week conflict that has inflicted significant casualties and destruction in the Palestinian enclave.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major diplomatic effort, Egypt and Qatar have succeeded in temporarily extending the ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas forces in Gaza. The extension, as per a social media post by a Qatar official, is for two days — in addition to the previous four days.

In a major diplomatic effort, Egypt and Qatar have succeeded in temporarily extending the ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas forces in Gaza. The extension, as per a social media post by a Qatar official, is for two days — in addition to the previous four days. Four plus two days The truce extension comes as the initial four-day agreement was set to expire. Also read | Musk, Israel authorities agree 'in principle' for use of Starlink technology in Gaza Taking to social media platform X, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari wrote "The State of Qatar announces that, as part of the ongoing mediation, an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip". Qatar, with the support of Egypt and the United States, had for days been engaged in intense negotiations to establish and prolong the truce in Gaza. Hamas confirms The extension, as per an Al Jazeera report, has been confirmed by militant group Hamas. "Hamas announced that an agreement has been reached with the brothers in Qatar and Egypt for an extension of the temporary humanitarian pause for an additional two days, with the same conditions as the previous truce," said the group in a statement, as reported by AFP. Also read | In Pics | Emotional reunion in Israel, West Bank as more hostages, prisoners are released The terms of the truce During the course of the initial truce, a total of 50 civilian hostages — including women and children — were expected to be released. In exchange, Israel had agreed to release 150 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, humanitarian aid was to be allowed into the war-torn region. The first three days of the truce, as per AFP, saw Hamas release 58 hostages — including 39 Israeli hostages, along with 17 Thais, one Filipino and one dual Russian-Israeli national. On the other hand, in exchange, Israel released 117 Palestinian prisoners. The truce was set to end on Monday (Nov 27) night. It marks a pause in the seven-week conflict that has inflicted significant casualties and destruction in the Palestinian enclave. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt and Qatar successfully mediate two-day extension of truce between Israel and Hamas

<p>As the tempest of conflict rages on, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas momentarily steadies its wavering course. The release of 17 hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American, marks the third exchange under the four-day truce.</p>

<p>In this uneasy agreement brokered by Qatar, Israel reciprocates by releasing 39 Palestinian prisoners, a tenuous gesture towards reconciling the irreconcilable.</p>

<p>The truce brings a respite that the United States hopes will endure—a hope endeared by many within West Asia and beyond. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel's military objectives vs Hamas</strong></h2>

<p>Despite Israel's relentless bombardment reducing swathes of Gaza to rubble, the claim of eradicating Hamas crumbles under scrutiny. According to Israeli analysts, with 5,000 of Hamas' 25,000 fighters surviving, the militant group stands as a potent, defiant force, defying Israel's military objectives.</p>

<p>Gaza's death toll, an appalling 14,000, starkly contrasts with Israel's official count of 1,200 from Hamas terror attacks, exposing the grotesque asymmetry in this conflict. There is also a growing unease against the rage of Israel as more and more images of Gazans' suffering emerge, highlighting the ever-growing humanitarian crisis.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Hamas, branded a terror group by Israel, the US and European Union, manoeuvres to secure the release of prisoners, and its influence transcends Gaza, prompting a damning reassessment of the purported success of Israel's military campaign.</p>

<h2><strong>The Abyss of Erased Peace: Origins of Discord</strong></h2>

<p>At the heart of this centuries-old conflict is land, but who owns it really? Well, it depends on which side of the world you live in. It's all about perspective, I fear there are no clear answers. In the ancestral lands of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the notion of peace vanishes from the lexicon of human behaviour.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-13-israelis-4-thai-hostages-freed-from-gaza-39-palestinians-released-under-temporary-truce-662904"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war top developments: 39 Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails</strong></a></p>

<p>From the earliest days of ancient empires, where the Persians and Romans grappled for domination, to the colonial shadows cast by the Britishers, this region has endured a crescendo of conquests and conflicts. Uncertainty is the only certainty in the shifting sands of Gaza and West Bank. The intervals between spasms of brutality offer not solace but a squalid, fetid calm laden with toxic potential.</p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu's Shadow: A Hawk Unmasked</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once the embodiment of Israel's security hawks, now stands unmasked in the harsh light of failure. Under Netanyahu's stewardship, Israel not only failed to crush Hamas but unwittingly nurtured the beast. By funelling Qatari funds into Gaza, Israel deluded itself into a false cocoon of security, leaving its citizens to pay a devastating price for this monumental miscalculation.</p>

<p>The Israeli public, weary and disillusioned, clamours for change, with 75 per cent demanding Netanyahu's resignation or replacement—a damning indictment of his leadership.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Gazan use truce to stock up on essentials as final day of Truce begins</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-gazan-use-truce-to-stock-up-on-essentials-as-final-day-of-truce-begins-663183/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The shock of Hamas' infiltration on October 7 exposed the frailty of Netanyahu's leadership, prompting a surge of criticism. Bibi is now fighting a two-front war—one against Hamas and the other for his own political survival.</p>

<h2><strong>The Enigma of Two States: Shattered Hopes</strong></h2>

<p>As the dust settles in the wake of destruction, the two-state solution, once considered plausible, now grapples with shattered hopes. Territorial disputes, historical grievances, and conflicting narratives cast shadows on the viability of a resolution amid the debris of broken promises.</p>

<h2><strong>The Cease-Fire Respite: A Momentary Pause</strong></h2>

<p>In the midst of chaos, the four-day pause offers a momentary respite. Hostages reunite with families, and the relentless bombings momentarily cease. Yet, it is but a pause, not a solution. Amidst rhetoric of vengeance and destruction from both sides, the question that echoes through the ruins of Gaza and the corridors of power remains—what now?</p>

<p>In this cauldron of uncertainty, where peace seems elusive, the onus lies on both sides to chart a course toward reconciliation. The fragile cease-fire offers a glimpse of what could be a fleeting moment of respite in a region marred by perpetual turmoil. Whether this pause evolves into lasting peace or fades into the annals of temporary truces remains a question that only time, and international diplomatic efforts, can answer. But time doesn't care and diplomacy is often a glamorous word for deceit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


As the tempest of conflict rages on, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas momentarily steadies its wavering course. The release of 17 hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American, marks the third exchange under the four-day truce.

As the tempest of conflict rages on, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas momentarily steadies its wavering course. The release of 17 hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American, marks the third exchange under the four-day truce. In this uneasy agreement brokered by Qatar, Israel reciprocates by releasing 39 Palestinian prisoners, a tenuous gesture towards reconciling the irreconcilable. The truce brings a respite that the United States hopes will endure—a hope endeared by many within West Asia and beyond. Israel's military objectives vs Hamas Despite Israel's relentless bombardment reducing swathes of Gaza to rubble, the claim of eradicating Hamas crumbles under scrutiny. According to Israeli analysts, with 5,000 of Hamas' 25,000 fighters surviving, the militant group stands as a potent, defiant force, defying Israel's military objectives. Gaza's death toll, an appalling 14,000, starkly contrasts with Israel's official count of 1,200 from Hamas terror attacks, exposing the grotesque asymmetry in this conflict. There is also a growing unease against the rage of Israel as more and more images of Gazans' suffering emerge, highlighting the ever-growing humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, Hamas, branded a terror group by Israel, the US and European Union, manoeuvres to secure the release of prisoners, and its influence transcends Gaza, prompting a damning reassessment of the purported success of Israel's military campaign. The Abyss of Erased Peace: Origins of Discord At the heart of this centuries-old conflict is land, but who owns it really? Well, it depends on which side of the world you live in. It's all about perspective, I fear there are no clear answers. In the ancestral lands of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the notion of peace vanishes from the lexicon of human behaviour. Also read: Israel-Hamas war top developments: 39 Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails From the earliest days of ancient empires, where the Persians and Romans grappled for domination, to the colonial shadows cast by the Britishers, this region has endured a crescendo of conquests and conflicts. Uncertainty is the only certainty in the shifting sands of Gaza and West Bank. The intervals between spasms of brutality offer not solace but a squalid, fetid calm laden with toxic potential. Netanyahu's Shadow: A Hawk Unmasked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once the embodiment of Israel's security hawks, now stands unmasked in the harsh light of failure. Under Netanyahu's stewardship, Israel not only failed to crush Hamas but unwittingly nurtured the beast. By funelling Qatari funds into Gaza, Israel deluded itself into a false cocoon of security, leaving its citizens to pay a devastating price for this monumental miscalculation. The Israeli public, weary and disillusioned, clamours for change, with 75 per cent demanding Netanyahu's resignation or replacement—a damning indictment of his leadership. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Gazan use truce to stock up on essentials as final day of Truce begins × The shock of Hamas' infiltration on October 7 exposed the frailty of Netanyahu's leadership, prompting a surge of criticism. Bibi is now fighting a two-front war—one against Hamas and the other for his own political survival. The Enigma of Two States: Shattered Hopes As the dust settles in the wake of destruction, the two-state solution, once considered plausible, now grapples with shattered hopes. Territorial disputes, historical grievances, and conflicting narratives cast shadows on the viability of a resolution amid the debris of broken promises. The Cease-Fire Respite: A Momentary Pause In the midst of chaos, the four-day pause offers a momentary respite. Hostages reunite with families, and the relentless bombings momentarily cease. Yet, it is but a pause, not a solution. Amidst rhetoric of vengeance and destruction from both sides, the question that echoes through the ruins of Gaza and the corridors of power remains—what now? In this cauldron of uncertainty, where peace seems elusive, the onus lies on both sides to chart a course toward reconciliation. The fragile cease-fire offers a glimpse of what could be a fleeting moment of respite in a region marred by perpetual turmoil. Whether this pause evolves into lasting peace or fades into the annals of temporary truces remains a question that only time, and international diplomatic efforts, can answer. But time doesn't care and diplomacy is often a glamorous word for deceit. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hamas is an albatross around Netanyahu's neck

<p>The Israeli Defense Forces has received a second list of hostages who will be released by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Nov 25) under a truce deal, the office of Israel's prime minister wrote in a statement on Friday.</p>

<p>Israeli security officials were reviewing the list of names which was not made public until the safe release of the hostages, the statement added.</p>

<p>Israel's Hostage Coordinator Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch had passed on the information to the families of the captives, the statement said.</p>

<p>In a first batch of swap, Hamas freed a total of 24 hostages which included Israeli women and children and Thai farm workers, and a Filipino&nbsp;who were handed over to Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing, the International Committee of the Red Cross.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-release-13-israeli-hostages-12-thai-nationals-amid-truce-in-gaza-662502">Hamas releases 26 hostages amid temporary truce in Gaza</a></p>

<p>On the other hand, Israel released 39 Palestinian women and minors, who were detained on various charges, under the deal brokered by Qatar to pause the fighting in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden says there's 'a real chance' of extending truce</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Nov 24) said that the release of the first batch of hostages was just the beginning and that there were "real" chances of the temporary truce in Gaza being extended.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Beginning today, under the deal reached between Israel and Hamas, fighting in Gaza will halt for four days.<br />
<br />
13 Israeli hostages have been released along with several Thai nationals.<br />
<br />
And we expect that dozens more, including Americans, will be returned to their families.</p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1728181391114858900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also underlined that now was the time to "renew" the efforts to create a two-state solution for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.</p>

<p>"This morning, I've been engaged with my team as we began the first difficult days of implementing this deal. It's only a start, but so far it's gone well. Earlier this morning, 13 Israeli hostages were released, including an elderly woman, a grandmother and mothers with their young children, some under the age of six years old. Separately, several Thai nationals and Filipino nationals were also kidnapped by Hamas on the seventh, they were released as well," Biden said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli Defense Forces has received a second list of hostages who will be released by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Nov 25) under a truce deal, the office of Israel's prime minister wrote in a statement on Friday.

The Israeli Defense Forces has received a second list of hostages who will be released by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Nov 25) under a truce deal, the office of Israel's prime minister wrote in a statement on Friday. Israeli security officials were reviewing the list of names which was not made public until the safe release of the hostages, the statement added. Israel's Hostage Coordinator Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch had passed on the information to the families of the captives, the statement said. In a first batch of swap, Hamas freed a total of 24 hostages which included Israeli women and children and Thai farm workers, and a Filipino who were handed over to Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing, the International Committee of the Red Cross. Also read: Hamas releases 26 hostages amid temporary truce in Gaza On the other hand, Israel released 39 Palestinian women and minors, who were detained on various charges, under the deal brokered by Qatar to pause the fighting in Gaza. Biden says there's 'a real chance' of extending truce United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Nov 24) said that the release of the first batch of hostages was just the beginning and that there were "real" chances of the temporary truce in Gaza being extended. Beginning today, under the deal reached between Israel and Hamas, fighting in Gaza will halt for four days. 13 Israeli hostages have been released along with several Thai nationals. And we expect that dozens more, including Americans, will be returned to their families. — President Biden (@POTUS) November 24, 2023 × He also underlined that now was the time to "renew" the efforts to create a two-state solution for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. "This morning, I've been engaged with my team as we began the first difficult days of implementing this deal. It's only a start, but so far it's gone well. Earlier this morning, 13 Israeli hostages were released, including an elderly woman, a grandmother and mothers with their young children, some under the age of six years old. Separately, several Thai nationals and Filipino nationals were also kidnapped by Hamas on the seventh, they were released as well," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel receives second list of hostages to be released by Hamas on Saturday

In Pics | Relief in West Bank, Israel as Palestinian prisoners, hostages released on day one of truce