Truce talks are all set to resume next week between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel, who have been fighting in Gaza since October 7 last year. If materialised, the deal would see Hamas release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Israel-Hamas war: Truce talks likely to resume next week as pressure piles on PM Netanyahu 

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza truce as he meets Israel leaders

Israel targeted one of the largest residential towers in Rafah on Saturday (March 9), located in the southern Gaza Strip, according to residents. A 12-floor structure near the border with Egypt, sustained damage in the strike, leading to dozens of families being displaced, fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Israel strikes key residential tower in southern Rafah as ceasefire talks stall

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Feb 25) that it was unclear whether a hostage deal would materialise from ongoing talks, adding that Hamas needed to "come down to a reasonable situation.

Israel-Hamas war: Unclear whether hostage deal will materialise, says Netanyahu

The US said Sunday (Feb 25) that Paris talks came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. "Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by CNN.

Israel-Hamas war: Paris talks came to 'understanding' on possible truce, says US

A senior Israeli envoy on Saturday (Dec 16) held a meeting with the prime minister of Qatar, a key mediator in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, news agency Reuters reported citing sources.

Israel-Hamas war: Mossad and Qatar officials meet amid fresh hopes of truce talks

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, says it would ‘benefit’ Hamas

Forty-one construction workers in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, who were trapped inside a tunnel since Nov 12, were finally rescued on Tuesday (Nov 28). The workers were taken out through 57 metres (187 feet) of steel pipe on stretchers specially fitted with wheels.

Top 10 world news: All 41 workers rescued from Uttarkashi tunnel, Israel-Hamas war updates, & more

Israel and Hamas entered a four-day ceasefire on Friday (Nov 24) after it took effect at 7:00 am (0500 GMT). Hamas, a Palestine-based militant group, is set to release the first group of hostages later in the day.

Israel-Hamas war: Four-day truce takes effect, some hostages to be released as part of deal