Ahead of President Donald Trump&rsquo;s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a senior White House official has called Gaza a &lsquo;demolition site&rsquo;, predicting it will take more than a decade to rebuild the land.&nbsp;
The official noted that Trump&rsquo;s priority is ensuring the return of Hamas-held hostages and removing the terrorist group from power. &ldquo;Trump believes that Gaza is a demolition site, he thinks it is inhumane to force people to live in an area that is not fit for habitation,&rdquo; the official was quoted before the two leaders are scheduled to meet.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-meet-trump-as-israel-hamas-eye-gaza-truce-talks-8690020" rel="dofollow">Netanyahu to meet Trump as Israel, Hamas await talks for Gaza truce phase 2</a>
Trump&rsquo;s administration has proposed relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, but officials emphasised that the focus remains on humanitarian efforts and regional stability. &ldquo;President Trump sees Gaza as uninhabitable, with unexploded ordnance and rubble. He believes rebuilding will take 10 to 15 years and considers it inhumane to force people to stay there in current conditions,&rdquo; an official was quoted by the Washington Examiner.&nbsp;
Trump&rsquo;s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, became the first US official in 15 years to visit Gaza. Witkoff described the enclave&rsquo;s reconstruction as a long-term project requiring extensive infrastructure rebuilding.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-on-historic-us-visit-to-discuss-gaza-ceasefire-with-trump-hamas-signals-readiness-for-next-phase-8687643" rel="dofollow">Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire with President Trump during &lsquo;historic&rsquo; US visit</a>
<h2>'Creative solutions'</h2>
Another official said that the US has urged Arab partners to collaborate on &lsquo;creative solutions&rsquo; for displaced Palestinians, highlighting the importance of a collective effort rather than a unilateral US approach.&nbsp;
The Trump administration has been cautious in addressing whether Netanyahu will be pressured to move to the second phase of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">ceasefire </a>deal. The first phase, expected to end by February 18, includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages and more Palestinian prisoners, Israel's withdrawal from most of Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-receiving-list-of-three-gaza-hostages-to-be-freed-on-jan-30-8669104" rel="dofollow">Eight Gaza hostages, 3 Israelis and 5 Thais, to be released tomorrow, says Netanyahu's office</a>
The second phase involves releasing younger Israeli male hostages and discussions on ending the war, while the third phase entails full Israeli withdrawal and beginning Gaza&rsquo;s reconstruction.&nbsp;
A senior official criticized past US policies toward Israel, stating they had prolonged the conflict unnecessarily. &ldquo;That will be corrected immediately, as seen by Netanyahu being the first head of state to visit the White House and Trump&rsquo;s first call being to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,&rdquo; the official said.&nbsp;
Trump and Netanyahu are scheduled for a bilateral meeting, a press conference, and a dinner to discuss the ceasefire and broader regional stability.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The official noted that US President Trump’s priority is ensuring the return of Hamas-held hostages and removing the terrorist group from power. 

Ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a senior White House official has called Gaza a ‘demolition site’, predicting it will take more than a decade to rebuild the land. The official noted that Trump’s priority is ensuring the return of Hamas-held hostages and removing the terrorist group from power. “Trump believes that Gaza is a demolition site, he thinks it is inhumane to force people to live in an area that is not fit for habitation,” the official was quoted before the two leaders are scheduled to meet. Also read: Netanyahu to meet Trump as Israel, Hamas await talks for Gaza truce phase 2 Trump’s administration has proposed relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, but officials emphasised that the focus remains on humanitarian efforts and regional stability. “President Trump sees Gaza as uninhabitable, with unexploded ordnance and rubble. He believes rebuilding will take 10 to 15 years and considers it inhumane to force people to stay there in current conditions,” an official was quoted by the Washington Examiner. Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, became the first US official in 15 years to visit Gaza. Witkoff described the enclave’s reconstruction as a long-term project requiring extensive infrastructure rebuilding. Also read: Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire with President Trump during ‘historic’ US visit 'Creative solutions' Another official said that the US has urged Arab partners to collaborate on ‘creative solutions’ for displaced Palestinians, highlighting the importance of a collective effort rather than a unilateral US approach. The Trump administration has been cautious in addressing whether Netanyahu will be pressured to move to the second phase of the ceasefire deal. The first phase, expected to end by February 18, includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages and more Palestinian prisoners, Israel's withdrawal from most of Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid. Also read: Eight Gaza hostages, 3 Israelis and 5 Thais, to be released tomorrow, says Netanyahu's office The second phase involves releasing younger Israeli male hostages and discussions on ending the war, while the third phase entails full Israeli withdrawal and beginning Gaza’s reconstruction. A senior official criticized past US policies toward Israel, stating they had prolonged the conflict unnecessarily. “That will be corrected immediately, as seen by Netanyahu being the first head of state to visit the White House and Trump’s first call being to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” the official said. Trump and Netanyahu are scheduled for a bilateral meeting, a press conference, and a dinner to discuss the ceasefire and broader regional stability. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of Trump-Netanyahu meet, White House official calls Gaza a ‘demolition site’

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House later today. Interestingly, Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to meet with Trump since he assumed office last month. Watch in for more details!

Trump-Netanyahu meeting: US officials say Trump focused on freeing all the hostages

Trump-Netanyahu meeting: Will ICC arrest warrant be enforced on Netanyahu as he visits Trump?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who will be meeting US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Feb 4) in Washington DC, has reportedly skipped <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire</a> talks with Hamas.&nbsp;
According to the ceasefire agreement, talks on the next phase to extend the ceasefire were due to begin on February 3. However, there has been silence from Netanyahu's office about when a negotiating team will hold the talks with the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force in January and is scheduled to expire on March 1.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-on-historic-us-visit-to-discuss-gaza-ceasefire-with-trump-hamas-signals-readiness-for-next-phase-8687643" rel="dofollow">Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire with President Trump during &lsquo;historic&rsquo; US visit</a>
However, Hamas has not said anything publicly about Monday's deadline for ceasefire talks.&nbsp;
Moreover, the Israeli government has not yet disclosed the team which will be negotiating with the Hamas group.&nbsp;
Earlier on Sunday, Qatar&rsquo;s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Than said that there was no clarity on when or how the talks would start. "We hope to see some movement in the coming days,&rdquo; he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-20-hostages-in-gaza-yet-to-be-released-from-hamas-captives-8684589" rel="dofollow">Who are the 20 hostages in Gaza yet to be released by Hamas?</a>
<h2>'No guarantees...'</h2>
As Trump and Netanyahu are set to meet today in the White House, the US president told reporters on Monday, "I have no guarantees that the peace is going to hold."
Although, Trump has been taking credit for the Gaza ceasefire agreement held between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;
Both leaders will be discussing the prospects of the ceasefire deal and will touch on a long-sought Israel-Saudi Arabia normalisation deal and concerns about Iran&rsquo;s nuclear programme.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-invites-netanyahu-to-white-house-on-feb-4-confirms-israel-pm-office-8662623" rel="dofollow">Trump to meet Netanyahu at White House on Feb 4, Israel PM's office confirms</a>
It will mark Netanyahu's first visit outside the country since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him.&nbsp;
On Monday, Netanyahu and Trump&rsquo;s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff began the daunting task of hammering out the next phase of a ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;
Notably, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has reaffirmed control over Gaza since the ceasefire began last month and has said that it will not release hostages in the second phase without an end to the war as well as Israeli forces' complete withdrawal.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: There has been silence from Netanyahu's office about when a negotiating team will hold the talks with the Palestinian militant group. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who will be meeting US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Feb 4) in Washington DC, has reportedly skipped Gaza ceasefire talks with Hamas. According to the ceasefire agreement, talks on the next phase to extend the ceasefire were due to begin on February 3. However, there has been silence from Netanyahu's office about when a negotiating team will hold the talks with the Palestinian militant group. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force in January and is scheduled to expire on March 1. Also read: Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire with President Trump during ‘historic’ US visit However, Hamas has not said anything publicly about Monday's deadline for ceasefire talks. Moreover, the Israeli government has not yet disclosed the team which will be negotiating with the Hamas group. Earlier on Sunday, Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Than said that there was no clarity on when or how the talks would start. "We hope to see some movement in the coming days,” he added. Also read: Who are the 20 hostages in Gaza yet to be released by Hamas? 'No guarantees...' As Trump and Netanyahu are set to meet today in the White House, the US president told reporters on Monday, "I have no guarantees that the peace is going to hold." Although, Trump has been taking credit for the Gaza ceasefire agreement held between Israel and Hamas. Both leaders will be discussing the prospects of the ceasefire deal and will touch on a long-sought Israel-Saudi Arabia normalisation deal and concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme. Also read: Trump to meet Netanyahu at White House on Feb 4, Israel PM's office confirms It will mark Netanyahu's first visit outside the country since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him. On Monday, Netanyahu and Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff began the daunting task of hammering out the next phase of a ceasefire agreement. Notably, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has reaffirmed control over Gaza since the ceasefire began last month and has said that it will not release hostages in the second phase without an end to the war as well as Israeli forces' complete withdrawal. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu skips Gaza ceasefire talks deadline with Hamas to meet Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington for talks with the new Trump administration on Israel's fragile truce with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has not yet been finalised.

Netanyahu in U.S: Donald Trump to host Netanyahu for Gaza ceasefire talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to the US for key discussions with President Donald Trump on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Netanyahu is the first world leader to visit Washington since January 20. Watch in for more details!

Israel's PM to meet US envoy to West Asia, Steve Witkoff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in the United States to discuss the ongoing Gaza conflict with former President Donald Trump, as tensions escalate in the region.

Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington for Gaza talks with Donald Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will begin talks on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire when he meets U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, on Monday in Washington, according to Netanyahu's office late on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to start Gaza talks in Washington

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named retired Major General Eyal Zamir as Israel's new armed forces chief Saturday after his predecessor resigned last month taking responsibility for failing to stop Hamas's October 2023 attack.

Israel: PM Netanyahu appoints Eyal Zamir as new Israeli military chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named retired Major General Eyal Zamir as Israel's new armed forces chief Saturday after his predecessor resigned last month taking responsibility for failing to stop Hamas's October 2023 attack.
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have agreed this evening on the appointment of Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir as the next chief of staff of the (Israeli military)," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. afp
Zamir replaces Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned on January 21, two days after a fragile ceasefire took effect in Gaza which has now seen the release of 18 hostages by Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad.
Zamir, 59, has been serving as defence ministry director general since 2023 and, according to Israeli media, he retired from the military after losing out on the top job to Halevi.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-releases-three-israeli-hostages-palestinian-prisoners-to-be-handed-over-soon-8681144">Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners</a>
Zamir had served as the deputy chief of staff until 2021 and prior to that was head of the army's Southern Command, which is responsible for Gaza.
As head of Southern Command, Zamir led efforts to "thwart offensive terror tunnels penetrating from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," according to the defence ministry.
Halevi said in his resignation letter that he was stepping down "due to my acknowledgement of responsibility for the (military's) failure on October 7, (2023)", but added that he was leaving at a time of "significant successes".
Shortly after Halevi's announcement, the wartime head of Southern Command, Major General Yaron Finkelman, too resigned over the military's failings in 2023.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Major General Eyal Zamir, 59, has been serving as defence ministry director general since 2023 and, according to Israeli media, he retired from the military after losing out on the top job to Halevi.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named retired Major General Eyal Zamir as Israel's new armed forces chief Saturday after his predecessor resigned last month taking responsibility for failing to stop Hamas's October 2023 attack. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have agreed this evening on the appointment of Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir as the next chief of staff of the (Israeli military)," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. afp Zamir replaces Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned on January 21, two days after a fragile ceasefire took effect in Gaza which has now seen the release of 18 hostages by Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad. Zamir, 59, has been serving as defence ministry director general since 2023 and, according to Israeli media, he retired from the military after losing out on the top job to Halevi. Also read | Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners Zamir had served as the deputy chief of staff until 2021 and prior to that was head of the army's Southern Command, which is responsible for Gaza. As head of Southern Command, Zamir led efforts to "thwart offensive terror tunnels penetrating from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," according to the defence ministry. Halevi said in his resignation letter that he was stepping down "due to my acknowledgement of responsibility for the (military's) failure on October 7, (2023)", but added that he was leaving at a time of "significant successes". Shortly after Halevi's announcement, the wartime head of Southern Command, Major General Yaron Finkelman, too resigned over the military's failings in 2023. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Netanyahu appoints retired Major General Eyal Zamir as head of Israeli army

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to begin talks on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal in Washington, D.C. This statement comes just hours after the completion of the fourth hostage-prisoner exchange under the first phase of the truce. The second phase is expected to involve the release of the remaining captives and discussions on a more permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Key mediators Qatar & Egypt to join discussions on Gaza ceasefire

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Israel & US plan talks on captives release, permanent truce

Palestinian groups and Israel have carried out a third hostage-prisoner exchange under a ceasefire deal. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Hamas releases three Israeli hostages under Gaza ceasefire deal

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Talks for ceasefire phase 2 to begin

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Feb 1) released three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;
The three hostages were handed over to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) troops, as part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire agreement</a>.&nbsp;
The military released a video showing the release of hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon. Both the hostages were brought back to Israel after 484 days in Hamas captivity.&nbsp;
A third hostage, Keith Siegel, was also released.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-names-of-three-israeli-hostages-to-be-free-saturday-8677839" rel="dofollow">Hamas releases names of three Israeli hostages to be freed Saturday</a>
Siegel&rsquo;s family reacted with joy as they watched a video of him being released. "Here he is, here he is,&rdquo; cried his wife Aviva.
Siegel was taken captive with Aviva from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas-led invasion on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Calderon's family said they are &ldquo;overwhelmed with joy, relief and emotion&rdquo; after his release by Hamas. &ldquo;We have witnessed how, through extraordinary mental strength, he survived this hell. Ofer endured months in a nightmare, and we are proud of his ability to survive and hold onto the hope of embracing his children again.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-confirms-death-of-military-chief-mohammed-deif-accused-by-israel-of-masterminding-october-7-attack-8676534" rel="dofollow">Hamas confirms death of military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of masterminding October 7 attack</a>
<h2>Palestinian prisoners freed&nbsp;</h2>
Israel has released 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday (Feb 1) in exchange for three Israeli hostages released by Hamas.&nbsp;
The Israel Prison Service said that some of the prisoners were transferred from the Ofer prison to the West Bank, while the rest were sent from Ketziot prison to the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-releases-seven-more-hostages-including-two-israelis-five-thai-citizens-8675164" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens</a>
The prisoners were seen reuniting with their families. They are now expected to undergo a medical check.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(More inputs from agencies)

World: The military released a video showing the release of hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon. The hostages were brought back to Israel after 484 days in Hamas captivity. 

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Feb 1) released three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners. The three hostages were handed over to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) troops, as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The military released a video showing the release of hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon. Both the hostages were brought back to Israel after 484 days in Hamas captivity. A third hostage, Keith Siegel, was also released. Also read: Hamas releases names of three Israeli hostages to be freed Saturday Siegel’s family reacted with joy as they watched a video of him being released. "Here he is, here he is,” cried his wife Aviva. Siegel was taken captive with Aviva from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas-led invasion on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, Calderon's family said they are “overwhelmed with joy, relief and emotion” after his release by Hamas. “We have witnessed how, through extraordinary mental strength, he survived this hell. Ofer endured months in a nightmare, and we are proud of his ability to survive and hold onto the hope of embracing his children again.” Also read: Hamas confirms death of military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of masterminding October 7 attack Palestinian prisoners freed Israel has released 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday (Feb 1) in exchange for three Israeli hostages released by Hamas. The Israel Prison Service said that some of the prisoners were transferred from the Ofer prison to the West Bank, while the rest were sent from Ketziot prison to the Gaza Strip. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens The prisoners were seen reuniting with their families. They are now expected to undergo a medical check. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (More inputs from agencies)

Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners

IDF strikes have continued in Lebanon despite the ceasefire, leaving people waiting for ambulances as their homes are reduced to dust, with multiple strikes this week alone.

Israel's unrelenting strikes on Lebanon

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Feb 1) released three Israeli hostages and handed them over to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) troops, as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal: Hamas releases 3 more hostages as per ceasefire deal

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Hamas releases 3 Israeli hostages

Hamas has released the names of three hostages to be freed today, including the father of the youngest hostage, in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners still held in Israeli jails.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Hamas releases names of three Israeli hostages to be freed today

Former militant leader Zakaria Zubeidi on Friday called for the "urgent release" of Palestinians from Israeli jails, a day after being freed as part of an ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire agreement</a>.
"The situation of the prisoners is very difficult and we hope for their urgent release," Zubeidi told AFP on the sidelines of a reception celebrating his release near the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.
"We hope that all our Palestinian people will be released from inside the Israeli Bastille," he added, referring to the infamous French prison stormed by revolutionaries in 1789.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rafah-crossing-between-gaza-egypt-to-reopen-today-instead-of-sunday-report-8678520" rel="dofollow">Rafah crossing between Gaza, Egypt to reopen today instead of Sunday: Report</a>
The 49-year-old, who has been imprisoned several times and was most recently in jail since 2019, is a former leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade, the armed wing of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party.
He was wanted by Israeli security services as the mastermind of several attacks that killed Israelis and served jail time on numerous counts including premeditated murder and attempted murder.
Zubeidi is also known as one of the few inmates to succeed in escaping from Israel's high-security Gilboa prison in 2021, before being recaptured days later.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-insists-egypt-and-jordan-will-accept-displaced-gaza-citizens-theyre-going-to-do-it-8676637" rel="dofollow">Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will accept displaced Gaza citizens: 'They're going to do it'</a>
At his reception Friday, Zubeidi shook hands with political figures and acquaintances and said "It is time for (Palestinians) to obtain their freedom".
Zubeidi received a hero's welcome in Ramallah after he was freed on Thursday alongside 109 other prisoners who were held by Israeli authorities.&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, three Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released in the third round of hostage-prisoner exchanges.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-kills-10-palestinians-in-west-bank-strike-amid-gaza-ceasefire-8676296" rel="dofollow">Israeli military kills 10 Palestinians in West Bank strike amid Gaza ceasefire</a>
Qadura Fares, the head of the Palestinian Authority's agency for prisoners, told AFP negotiations leading to the Palestinian prisoners' release were "difficult".
Fares added he hoped the exchanges taking place during the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire would lead "to a complete cessation of this war, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and the release of all male and female prisoners" from Israeli jails.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Zubeidi is also known as one of the few inmates to succeed in escaping from Israel's high-security Gilboa prison in 2021, before being recaptured days later.

Former militant leader Zakaria Zubeidi on Friday called for the "urgent release" of Palestinians from Israeli jails, a day after being freed as part of an ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement. "The situation of the prisoners is very difficult and we hope for their urgent release," Zubeidi told AFP on the sidelines of a reception celebrating his release near the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah. "We hope that all our Palestinian people will be released from inside the Israeli Bastille," he added, referring to the infamous French prison stormed by revolutionaries in 1789. Also read: Rafah crossing between Gaza, Egypt to reopen today instead of Sunday: Report The 49-year-old, who has been imprisoned several times and was most recently in jail since 2019, is a former leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade, the armed wing of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party. He was wanted by Israeli security services as the mastermind of several attacks that killed Israelis and served jail time on numerous counts including premeditated murder and attempted murder. Zubeidi is also known as one of the few inmates to succeed in escaping from Israel's high-security Gilboa prison in 2021, before being recaptured days later. Also read: Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will accept displaced Gaza citizens: 'They're going to do it' At his reception Friday, Zubeidi shook hands with political figures and acquaintances and said "It is time for (Palestinians) to obtain their freedom". Zubeidi received a hero's welcome in Ramallah after he was freed on Thursday alongside 109 other prisoners who were held by Israeli authorities. Earlier in the day, three Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released in the third round of hostage-prisoner exchanges. Also read: Israeli military kills 10 Palestinians in West Bank strike amid Gaza ceasefire Qadura Fares, the head of the Palestinian Authority's agency for prisoners, told AFP negotiations leading to the Palestinian prisoners' release were "difficult". Fares added he hoped the exchanges taking place during the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire would lead "to a complete cessation of this war, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and the release of all male and female prisoners" from Israeli jails. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Freed Palestinian ex-militant calls for 'urgent release' of all prisoners from Israeli prisons

#Gravitas IDF strikes have reportedly killed at least 83 people in Lebanon, ever since the ceasefire came into effect, with multiple strikes this week alone.

Israel unleashes airstrikes on Lebanon’s Bekaa valley, violate ceasefire

Saudi Arabia is making marketing moves. Riyadh says foreigners can now invest in Saudi-listed companies that own property in Mecca and Medina, Islam's two holiest cities. How will this move impact the oil-rich kingdom?

Foreigners can invest in firms with properties in Mecca, Medina

The Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted nearly 100 journalists and other members of civil society using Meta's WhatsApp on Friday (Jan 31), an Israeli maker of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hacking" rel="dofollow">hacking </a>software told the Guardian.&nbsp;
The journalists and other members were being alerted for a possible breach of their devices.&nbsp;
WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/can-cia-read-your-whatapp-messages-this-is-what-mark-zuckerberg-has-to-say-8612166" rel="dofollow">Can CIA read your WhatsApp messages? This is what Mark Zuckerberg has to say...&nbsp;</a>
However, the social media giant refused to reveal where these journalists and members of the civil society were based.&nbsp;
<h2>'Cease-and-desist'</h2>
An official said that WhatsApp had sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter after the hacking.&nbsp;
WhatsApp further said that the alleged attacks were stopped in December and that it was not clear how long the targets may have been under threat.&nbsp;
&ldquo;WhatsApp has disrupted a spyware campaign by Paragon that targeted a number of users including journalists and members of civil society. We&rsquo;ve reached out directly to people who we believe were affected. This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions," a company spokesperson said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-proclaims-pegasus-maker-nso-group-accountable-in-whatsapp-hacking-case-785916" rel="dofollow">Pegasus maker NSO group accountable in 'Whatsapp hacking case', rules US judge</a>
"Will continue to protect people's ability to communicate privately," the statement read.
Notably, Paragon's US office is located in Chantilly, Virginia. The spyware company has faced recent scrutiny after American magazine WIRED reported in October that it had entered into a USD 2 million contract with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement&rsquo;s homeland security investigations division.
Later, the division issued a stop-work order for the contract to verify whether it complied with a Biden administration executive order that restricted the spyware usage by the federal government.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-based-nso-admits-hacking-1400-whatsapp-users-with-pegasus-spyware-unsealed-court-docs-reveal-776497" rel="dofollow">Israel-based NSO admits hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, unsealed court docs reveal</a>
The spyware is also known as Graphite. Once a phone gets hacked by Graphite, the operator of the spyware can access the phone completely, including reading the messages that are sent via encrypted applications like WhatsApp and Signal.
The social media further said that it believed that the so-called vector was through a malicious PDF file that was sent to the individuals after adding them to a group chat.&nbsp;
It added that they can say with "confidence" that Paragon was linked to this targeting.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, science & technology: WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised". 

The Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted nearly 100 journalists and other members of civil society using Meta's WhatsApp on Friday (Jan 31), an Israeli maker of hacking software told the Guardian. The journalists and other members were being alerted for a possible breach of their devices. WhatsApp told the Guardian, that they had "high confidence" that the users in question had been targeted and "possibly compromised". Also read: Can CIA read your WhatsApp messages? This is what Mark Zuckerberg has to say... However, the social media giant refused to reveal where these journalists and members of the civil society were based. 'Cease-and-desist' An official said that WhatsApp had sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter after the hacking. WhatsApp further said that the alleged attacks were stopped in December and that it was not clear how long the targets may have been under threat. “WhatsApp has disrupted a spyware campaign by Paragon that targeted a number of users including journalists and members of civil society. We’ve reached out directly to people who we believe were affected. This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions," a company spokesperson said. Also read: Pegasus maker NSO group accountable in 'Whatsapp hacking case', rules US judge "Will continue to protect people's ability to communicate privately," the statement read. Notably, Paragon's US office is located in Chantilly, Virginia. The spyware company has faced recent scrutiny after American magazine WIRED reported in October that it had entered into a USD 2 million contract with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s homeland security investigations division. Later, the division issued a stop-work order for the contract to verify whether it complied with a Biden administration executive order that restricted the spyware usage by the federal government. Also read: Israel-based NSO admits hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, unsealed court docs reveal The spyware is also known as Graphite. Once a phone gets hacked by Graphite, the operator of the spyware can access the phone completely, including reading the messages that are sent via encrypted applications like WhatsApp and Signal. The social media further said that it believed that the so-called vector was through a malicious PDF file that was sent to the individuals after adding them to a group chat. It added that they can say with "confidence" that Paragon was linked to this targeting. (With inputs from agencies)

WhatsApp says nearly 100 journalists and civil society members targeted by Israeli spyware company Paragon

Despite agreeing to a ceasefire, Israel is still bombing southern Lebanon. In our top story today, we ask, why are Israeli troops still in Lebanon after Israel agreed to withdraw its forces within 60 days?

Why are Israeli troops still in Lebanon

Three Israelis, including a dual US citizen will be released by militant group Hamas in the next exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas names 3 Israeli hostages to be freed on Saturday

Israel has reportedly complained to the US-led committee overseeing the ceasefire in Lebanon, claiming that Iran is delivering tens of millions of dollars in cash to Hezbollah to fund the group's revival.

Israel accuses Iran of funding Hezbollah

Thursday also marked the third hostage prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas that resulted in the release of 110 Palestinians by Israel and three Israeli hostages released by Hamas as part of the exchange. Watch in for more details!

Hamas Hostage Release: Five Thai Hostage Released By Hamas

Two buses carrying Palestinian prisoners, who were released by Israel, have arrived in the West Bank. Israel's prison service confirmed the release of 110 prisoners as part of an agreement with Hamas for a truce in Gaza, which came into effect on January 19th.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Israeli releases 110 Palestinian prisoners

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM denounces 'shocking scenes' at hostage release

Hamas confirmed on Thursday the death of its military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of being one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack and whose killing it announced last year.
"The Al-Qassam Brigades announce to our great people the martyrdom of a group of distinguished fighters and heroic commanders," Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, announced in a video statement, naming "commander Mohammed Deif, chief of staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades (and) commander Marwan Issa, deputy chief of staff" among them.
Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of October 7, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-says-its-military-chief-mohammed-deif-is-fine-after-israeli-strike-740767" rel="dofollow">Gaza war: Hamas says its military chief Mohammed Deif is fine after &lsquo;targeted&rsquo; Israeli strike</a>
On August 1 last year, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif in an air strike in Gaza the month before.
The military said fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and "following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike".
He was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the military said.
"Deif initiated, planned, and executed the October 7th massacre," the military added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-gallant-and-deif-binding-eu-778108" rel="dofollow">ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Deif are 'binding' on all states: EU</a>
Deif became head of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in 2002.
He was among Israel's most wanted men for nearly three decades and on a US list of "international terrorists" since 2015.
Deif, whose real name was Mohammed Diab al-Masri, was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in 1965.
In videos, Deif had appeared masked or shown in silhouette, and photos of him were rare.
In January 2024, Israel released a picture of Deif showing him with one eye missing, without specifying when it was taken.
His enemies dubbed Deif the "cat with nine lives" after his many close calls with death.
In 2014, Israel launched an air strike on Gaza, killing Deif's wife and a seven-month-old son.
Deif is said to have played a key role in the huge network of tunnels built beneath Gaza.
In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested a warrant for his arrest, along with Sinwar, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Until Thursday, Hamas had not confirmed his death.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Middle East: Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of the October 7 attacks, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024.

Hamas confirmed on Thursday the death of its military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of being one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack and whose killing it announced last year. "The Al-Qassam Brigades announce to our great people the martyrdom of a group of distinguished fighters and heroic commanders," Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, announced in a video statement, naming "commander Mohammed Deif, chief of staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades (and) commander Marwan Issa, deputy chief of staff" among them. Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of October 7, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024. Also read: Gaza war: Hamas says its military chief Mohammed Deif is fine after ‘targeted’ Israeli strike On August 1 last year, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif in an air strike in Gaza the month before. The military said fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and "following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike". He was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the military said. "Deif initiated, planned, and executed the October 7th massacre," the military added. Also read: ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Deif are 'binding' on all states: EU Deif became head of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in 2002. He was among Israel's most wanted men for nearly three decades and on a US list of "international terrorists" since 2015. Deif, whose real name was Mohammed Diab al-Masri, was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in 1965. In videos, Deif had appeared masked or shown in silhouette, and photos of him were rare. In January 2024, Israel released a picture of Deif showing him with one eye missing, without specifying when it was taken. His enemies dubbed Deif the "cat with nine lives" after his many close calls with death. In 2014, Israel launched an air strike on Gaza, killing Deif's wife and a seven-month-old son. Deif is said to have played a key role in the huge network of tunnels built beneath Gaza. In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested a warrant for his arrest, along with Sinwar, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Until Thursday, Hamas had not confirmed his death. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hamas confirms death of military leader Mohammed Deif, six months after Israel targeted him

Palestinian militant group Hamas released former hostages Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes and five Thai nationals on Thursday (Jan 30). The released hostages were later handed over to Israel Defence Forces troops in the Gaza Strip, the military said.
Hamas had released Israeli woman soldier Agam Berger earlier in the day separately.
The released hostages were identified as Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes, and Thai nationals, including Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak.&nbsp;
All the hostages have crossed the border into Israel, the IDF said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-claims-delay-in-aid-delivery-to-gaza-israel-denies-calls-it-fake-news-8669066" rel="dofollow">Hamas claims delay in aid delivery to Gaza; Israel denies, calls it 'fake news'</a>
The Hamas group handed over the seven hostages to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, from where they were taken to Israeli forces in the Netzarim Corridor area.
Yehoud and Mozes will meet with their family members at the IDF facility, while the five Thai nationals will meet Thai officials.
Israeli sources said Yehoud and Mozes are in &ldquo;good health&rdquo; after the chaotic transfer, Channel 12 reported.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-hands-israel-soldier-agam-berger-over-to-red-cross-in-gazas-jabalia-report-8674176" rel="dofollow">Hamas hands Israeli soldier Agam Berger over to Red Cross in Gaza's Jabalia</a>
"The 7 returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment," the IDF said in a post on X.&nbsp; &nbsp; It added, "The IDF salutes and embraces the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel."
This comes after Hamas released Israeli woman soldier Agam Berger earlier in the day.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-to-release-six-hostages-including-arbel-yehud-israel-says-gazans-can-now-return-home-8656726" rel="dofollow"> Israel says Gazans can now return home as Hamas set to release six hostages, including Arbel Yehud</a>
The five Thai citizens were kidnapped on October 7, 2023, while working as agricultural laborers.&nbsp;
There is one other Thai hostage considered by Israel to be alive still in captivity, identified as Pinta Nattapong.
Meanwhile, two other Thai hostages, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, have been declared by Israel to be dead, with their bodies held captive.
<h2>Israel President welcomes return of hostages&nbsp;</h2>
Israel President Isaac Herzog welcomed the return of eight hostages to Israel and slammed the scenes of chaos seen during the handover.
&ldquo;We are moved to tears by the return from captivity of Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud, and Gadi Mozes, together with five Thai citizens,&rdquo; said Herzog in a statement.
<h2>Netanyahu calls the chaotic release of hostages 'unacceptable'</h2>
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the chaotic release in Khan Younis of seven hostages, who were pushed and shoved by an angry mob as they were handed over to the Red Cross, is unacceptable.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages,&rdquo; Netanyahu said. &ldquo;This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation.&rdquo;
Netanyahu said that he "demands the negotiators ensure that such horrific scenes do not occur again, and to guarantee the safety of our hostages.&rdquo;
He further warned, "Whoever dares to harm our hostages &mdash; will pay.&rdquo;
<h2>110 Palestinian prisoners expected to be released&nbsp;</h2>
Israel is expected to release 100 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday as part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">ceasefire agreement</a> and hostage deal.&nbsp;
A fourth hostage-prisoner swap is set to take place during the weekend, however, Hamas on Wednesday accused Israel of jeopardising the deal by holding up aid deliveries, an allegation Israel dismissed as "fake news".
(With inputs from agencies)
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World Middle East: The Hamas group handed over seven hostages to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, from where they were taken to Israeli forces in the Netzarim Corridor area. Hamas had released Israeli woman soldier Agam Berger earlier in the day.

Palestinian militant group Hamas released former hostages Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes and five Thai nationals on Thursday (Jan 30). The released hostages were later handed over to Israel Defence Forces troops in the Gaza Strip, the military said. Hamas had released Israeli woman soldier Agam Berger earlier in the day separately. The released hostages were identified as Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes, and Thai nationals, including Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak. All the hostages have crossed the border into Israel, the IDF said. Also read: Hamas claims delay in aid delivery to Gaza; Israel denies, calls it 'fake news' The Hamas group handed over the seven hostages to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, from where they were taken to Israeli forces in the Netzarim Corridor area. Yehoud and Mozes will meet with their family members at the IDF facility, while the five Thai nationals will meet Thai officials. Israeli sources said Yehoud and Mozes are in “good health” after the chaotic transfer, Channel 12 reported. Also read: Hamas hands Israeli soldier Agam Berger over to Red Cross in Gaza's Jabalia "The 7 returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment," the IDF said in a post on X. It added, "The IDF salutes and embraces the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel." This comes after Hamas released Israeli woman soldier Agam Berger earlier in the day. Also read: Israel says Gazans can now return home as Hamas set to release six hostages, including Arbel Yehud The five Thai citizens were kidnapped on October 7, 2023, while working as agricultural laborers. There is one other Thai hostage considered by Israel to be alive still in captivity, identified as Pinta Nattapong. Meanwhile, two other Thai hostages, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, have been declared by Israel to be dead, with their bodies held captive. Israel President welcomes return of hostages Israel President Isaac Herzog welcomed the return of eight hostages to Israel and slammed the scenes of chaos seen during the handover. “We are moved to tears by the return from captivity of Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud, and Gadi Mozes, together with five Thai citizens,” said Herzog in a statement. Netanyahu calls the chaotic release of hostages 'unacceptable' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the chaotic release in Khan Younis of seven hostages, who were pushed and shoved by an angry mob as they were handed over to the Red Cross, is unacceptable. “I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages,” Netanyahu said. “This is further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation.” Netanyahu said that he "demands the negotiators ensure that such horrific scenes do not occur again, and to guarantee the safety of our hostages.” He further warned, "Whoever dares to harm our hostages — will pay.” 110 Palestinian prisoners expected to be released Israel is expected to release 100 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday as part of the ceasefire agreement and hostage deal. A fourth hostage-prisoner swap is set to take place during the weekend, however, Hamas on Wednesday accused Israel of jeopardising the deal by holding up aid deliveries, an allegation Israel dismissed as "fake news". (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens

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