Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Thursday (Jan 16) that the cabinet won't meet to approve the ceasefire deal till the time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-thanks-trump-for-crucial-role-in-israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal-8626330">Hamas</a> backs down on 'last minute concessions', as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Hamas refuted these claims and said that it is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by mediators on Wednesday. A senior Hamas official confirmed to Reuters that it had not backtracked on the ceasefire agreement.
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Earlier, Reuters quoted Netanyahu&rsquo;s office saying &ldquo;Hamas reneges on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel to extort last-minute concessions. The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement.&rdquo;
The meeting was scheduled for 11:00 am local time. As per another report by the Jerusalem Post, the cabinet delayed the meeting because &ldquo;the hostage deal delegation hasn&rsquo;t finished its work in Qatar and returned to Israel. When the delegation returns, the security cabinet will convene.&rdquo;
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As per Israel's local media reports, the Religious Zionism Party, a part of Benjamin Netanyahu&rsquo;s coalition government, has said that it will only support his government if he agrees to &ldquo;Israel&rsquo;s return to the war to destroy Hamas&rdquo; after phase one of the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
<h2>Key mediators Qatar, US announce ceasefire deal</h2>
This statement from Netanyahu's office has created confusion among families of the hostages who are eagerly awaiting their return. Key mediator Qatar said on Wednesday that both Israel and Palestine have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza. Phase one of the ceasefire will take effect from Sunday (Jan 19), Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said.
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Thirty-three Israeli hostages will be released in the first 42-day phase of the agreement.
United States President Joe Biden also lauded the deal, saying, &ldquo;Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.&rdquo;
Biden said the first phase will last six weeks and includes a &ldquo;full and complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of hostages held by Hamas.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: Israel delays vote on Gaza deal saying Hamas has reneged on parts of it. Several details and the timeline of the full deal remain unclear, but Hamas says it is 'committed' to the deal.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Thursday (Jan 16) that the cabinet won't meet to approve the ceasefire deal till the time Hamas backs down on 'last minute concessions', as reported by Reuters. Meanwhile, Hamas refuted these claims and said that it is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by mediators on Wednesday. A senior Hamas official confirmed to Reuters that it had not backtracked on the ceasefire agreement. Also read: Explosions heard in Kyiv amid British PM Starmer's visit Earlier, Reuters quoted Netanyahu’s office saying “Hamas reneges on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel to extort last-minute concessions. The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement.” The meeting was scheduled for 11:00 am local time. As per another report by the Jerusalem Post, the cabinet delayed the meeting because “the hostage deal delegation hasn’t finished its work in Qatar and returned to Israel. When the delegation returns, the security cabinet will convene.” Also read: British PM Keir Starmer in Ukraine to sign 'landmark 100-year' partnership. What is it? As per Israel's local media reports, the Religious Zionism Party, a part of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, has said that it will only support his government if he agrees to “Israel’s return to the war to destroy Hamas” after phase one of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Key mediators Qatar, US announce ceasefire deal This statement from Netanyahu's office has created confusion among families of the hostages who are eagerly awaiting their return. Key mediator Qatar said on Wednesday that both Israel and Palestine have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza. Phase one of the ceasefire will take effect from Sunday (Jan 19), Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said. Also read: Donald Trump inauguration: Key events, performers, and security details. All you need to know Thirty-three Israeli hostages will be released in the first 42-day phase of the agreement. United States President Joe Biden also lauded the deal, saying, “Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.” Biden said the first phase will last six weeks and includes a “full and complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of hostages held by Hamas.” (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu stalls Gaza ceasefire deal until Hamas drops ‘last-minute concessions’; group denies backtracking

After 15 months of war, Hamas and Israel on Wednesday (Jan 15) reached a vital truce that includes a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. The deal saw the United States act as one of the mediators. As the truce was announced, both the outgoing US President Joe Biden and president-elect Donald Trump sought to claim the credit for the deal that many hope could pave the way to a permanent end to the war.

Gaza Truce: Israel Security Cabinet To Meet To Approve Ceasefire Deal

The United States has announced a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. The deal comes 15 months after the war in Gaza began following Hamas's attack on Israel. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani told a press conference that the ceasefire will take effect on Sunday.

Israel And Hamas Agree To Gaza Ceasefire Deal, Truce To Halt 15-Month Deadly War | World DNA

Top headlines of the hour: 

- Biden's Farewell Speech
- Israel-Hamas Reach Truce Deal: Reports
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Israel-Hamas Reach Truce Deal | Biden's Farewell Speech | Chaos In Delhi- NCR | WION Headlines

Following discussions in Doha today (January 15, 2025), Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages, sources reported.

A "Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal (was) reached following (the) Qatari PM's meeting with Hamas negotiators and separately Israeli negotiators in his office," a source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.

BREAKING: Israel Hamas Agrees For Ceasefire, 33 Hostages To Be Released By Group | WION

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has accepted a draft agreement on Tuesday (Jan 14) for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and the release of dozens of hostages, The Times of Israel reported citing two officials involved in the ongoing talks.

Israel-Hamas War: IDF Launches Fierce Airstrikes On Gaza As Ceasefire Deal Moves Closer | WION

US President Joe Biden has stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Joe Biden Says Both Sides On The Brink Of Sealing Ceasefire Deal | World DNA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden discussed progress in hostage-ceasefire negotiations facilitated by Qatar during a phone call on Sunday. The White House expressed cautious optimism regarding the ongoing talks.

Israel-Gaza War: Biden, Netanyahu Discuss Progress On Gaza Ceasefire-Hostage Deal | World DNA

People in Gaza continue to suffer, with many Gazans losing their loved ones to extreme cold. This comes as heavy rains have battered the region, and the harsh weather has added to their plight. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza Welcomes New Year With Hope As Displaced Struggles To Survive In Winter

Former US President Donald Trump has once again warned Hamas to release hostages, stating that failure to do so will result in severe consequences. His statement comes amid ongoing tensions and calls for the safe return of captives held by the militant group.

US: Donald Trump Again Warns Hamas To Free Captives ‘Soon’

2024 was a year marked by conflicts and turmoil across the globe. The year witnessed challenges that shaped global geopolitics, from escalating tensions in war-torn regions to political unrest and humanitarian crises. Watch to know more.

2024 Rewind: Leaders Fall And Raging Wars | Year Of Intensifying Wars In Middle East

2024 Rewind: Year Of War And Revenge For Israel

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza Struggles To Survive In Harsh Winter

Israel-Hamas War: Harsh Winter Brings New Agony For Palestinians

Israel-Hamas War: Newborn Babies Are Dying Of Cold In Gaza

People in Gaza continue to suffer, with many Gazans losing their loved ones to extreme cold. This comes as heavy rains have battered the region, and the harsh weather has further added to their plight. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza Newborn Freezes To Death As Rain Floods Tents

Israel-Hamas War: Year of Death | Gaza's Struggle Amidst Rubble and Hardship | WION Rewind 2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is awake and recovering following successful prostate removal surgery at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, his office announced late Sunday. The statement added that he has been transferred to a fortified underground recovery ward.

Israel: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Undergoes Successful Prostate Surgery

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-tedros-narrowly-escaped-israeli-attack-on-yemen-airport-8573279" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> has requested that his court hearings, where he was set to testify this week, be cancelled due to a medical procedure he is scheduled to go through. 
In Netanyahu's absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will temporarily serve as acting prime minister, as reported by local media.&nbsp;Defence Minister Israel Katz has been given the authority to convene the security cabinet if necessary.
Netanyahu will undergo prostate surgery under general anaesthesia on Sunday (29 December)&nbsp;and will remain in hospital for several days. As per media reports, the surgery will take place in an underground facility amid concerns of rocket fire.
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The request was submitted to the Jerusalem District Court by his lawyer, Amit Hadad, who said, &ldquo;At this stage, the court is requested to cancel the hearings scheduled for this week.&rdquo; He also added that he will &ldquo;update the court going forward.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The hearing is expected to resume next week, on Monday, January 6,&rdquo; the court said, and wished for Netanyahu&rsquo;s "refuah sheleima," or a speedy recovery. Netanyahu last testified in court on 10 December and has appeared six times so far to answer charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
<h2>What are the charges against Netanyahu?</h2>
Netanyahu was first indicted&nbsp;in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu, who has pleaded not guilty, denies all allegations. The trial against him began in 2020.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-director-of-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-a-hamas-terrorist-detains-him-days-after-he-accused-tel-aviv-of-targeting-medical-facility-8574358" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist'</a>
In one case, prosecutors claim Netanyahu gave regulatory benefits worth approximately 1.8 billion shekels (around $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom. In exchange, they claim, he sought favourable coverage for himself and his wife, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sara-netanyahu-allegedly-harassed-a-witness-in-the-corruption-trial" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sara</a>, on a news website controlled by Shaul Elovitch, the company&rsquo;s former chairman. This case involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Another case accuses Netanyahu and his wife of accepting gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (around $210,000) from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and James Packer, an Australian billionaire. The alleged gifts included luxury items like champagne and cigars, and prosecutors claim Netanyahu provided assistance to Milchan in business matters. 
The third case involves claims that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for favourable media coverage. In return, Netanyahu allegedly promised to support legislation that would curb the growth of a rival newspaper. 
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Netanyahu was first indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial began in 2020, even as Netanyahu denies all allegations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested that his court hearings, where he was set to testify this week, be cancelled due to a medical procedure he is scheduled to go through. In Netanyahu's absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will temporarily serve as acting prime minister, as reported by local media. Defence Minister Israel Katz has been given the authority to convene the security cabinet if necessary. Netanyahu will undergo prostate surgery under general anaesthesia on Sunday (29 December) and will remain in hospital for several days. As per media reports, the surgery will take place in an underground facility amid concerns of rocket fire. Also read: 'Will not forgive...,' Five held for protesting outside Netanyahu’s home as ceasefire talks tank again The request was submitted to the Jerusalem District Court by his lawyer, Amit Hadad, who said, “At this stage, the court is requested to cancel the hearings scheduled for this week.” He also added that he will “update the court going forward.” “The hearing is expected to resume next week, on Monday, January 6,” the court said, and wished for Netanyahu’s "refuah sheleima," or a speedy recovery. Netanyahu last testified in court on 10 December and has appeared six times so far to answer charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. What are the charges against Netanyahu? Netanyahu was first indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu, who has pleaded not guilty, denies all allegations. The trial against him began in 2020. Also read: Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist' In one case, prosecutors claim Netanyahu gave regulatory benefits worth approximately 1.8 billion shekels (around $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom. In exchange, they claim, he sought favourable coverage for himself and his wife, Sara, on a news website controlled by Shaul Elovitch, the company’s former chairman. This case involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Another case accuses Netanyahu and his wife of accepting gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (around $210,000) from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and James Packer, an Australian billionaire. The alleged gifts included luxury items like champagne and cigars, and prosecutors claim Netanyahu provided assistance to Milchan in business matters. The third case involves claims that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for favourable media coverage. In return, Netanyahu allegedly promised to support legislation that would curb the growth of a rival newspaper. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Netanyahu to undergo prostate surgery; Justice Minister to serve as acting PM

Despite Israel's involvement in a multifront conflict in Lebanon and Gaza and its direct fire exchange with Iran, foreign investments in the nation increased in the first half of 2024.

Foreign Investments In Israel Picked Up | World Business Watch | WION News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is grappling with a major battle on the home front. The attorney general has reportedly ordered an investigation into Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister's wife, for allegedly harassing a key witness in his corruption trial. The announcement came hours after Prime Minister Netanyahu posted a long video, hitting out at the media for spreading what he called a "blood libel" about his wife.

Sara Netanyahu allegedly harassed a witness in the corruption trial

Shaken by the events of October 7 and wary of further attacks, Israel relaxed safeguards for noncombatants, permitting strikes that could risk the lives of up to 20 people per attack. The result was one of the most devastating bombardments of the 21st century.

Israel Changed Rules Of War In Gaza To Target Hamas

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed that they recently uncovered a spy network handled by Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and its American counterpart the CIA. The group released a statement, claiming the CIA and Mossad agents were tasked with the responsibility of identifying and monitoring key military installations, including its missile sites, drones and naval forces as well as weapons depots. The statement added that the agents were also tracking and monitoring senior Houthi leadership living in Yemen and those wanted by the US and Israel.
The Times of Israel reported that the spy network was led by a Saudi national, identified as Hamid Hussein Majali. The Houthis said he had been operating from Yemeni soil since Oct 7 last year, focusing on driving recruitments for the agencies. He had been drafting locals to do espionage activities and obstruct the Houthis as the Iran-backed rebels have been staging attacks against Israel and international shipping lanes in support of Hamas in Gaza.
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<div class="n0jPhd ynAwRc MBeuO nDgy9d" aria-level="3" role="heading">Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542" rel="dofollow">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says `will act against them to remove threat`</a></div>
<h2 class="n0jPhd ynAwRc MBeuO nDgy9d" aria-level="3" role="heading">Israel to go after Houthis now</h2>
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The reports come amidst signalling by Israel that it may go after the Houthi rebels after significantly weakening other Iranian assets in the West Asian region, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Tuesday (Dec 24), Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Jewish nation will not allow missile and drone fire on Israel by Houthis to continue unchecked.
&ldquo;Just as we took care of (Yayha) Sinwar in Gaza, (Ismail) Haniyeh in Tehran and (Hassan) Nasrallah in Beirut, we will deal with the heads of the Houthis in Sana&rsquo;a or anywhere in Yemen,&rdquo; Katz said referring to the leaders of terror group Hamas and Hezbollah killed by Israel.
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Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF shot down a missile fired by Houthis as sirens in Tel Aviv caused widespread panic among the residents. If Israel now goes after the Houthi leadership, it will mark a serious escalation in the conflict.
(With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis | World news: The reports come amidst signalling by Israel that it may go after the Houthi rebels after significantly weakening other Iranian assets.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed that they recently uncovered a spy network handled by Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and its American counterpart the CIA. The group released a statement, claiming the CIA and Mossad agents were tasked with the responsibility of identifying and monitoring key military installations, including its missile sites, drones and naval forces as well as weapons depots. The statement added that the agents were also tracking and monitoring senior Houthi leadership living in Yemen and those wanted by the US and Israel. The Times of Israel reported that the spy network was led by a Saudi national, identified as Hamid Hussein Majali. The Houthis said he had been operating from Yemeni soil since Oct 7 last year, focusing on driving recruitments for the agencies. He had been drafting locals to do espionage activities and obstruct the Houthis as the Iran-backed rebels have been staging attacks against Israel and international shipping lanes in support of Hamas in Gaza. Also read: Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says `will act against them to remove threat` Israel to go after Houthis now The reports come amidst signalling by Israel that it may go after the Houthi rebels after significantly weakening other Iranian assets in the West Asian region, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Tuesday (Dec 24), Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Jewish nation will not allow missile and drone fire on Israel by Houthis to continue unchecked. “Just as we took care of (Yayha) Sinwar in Gaza, (Ismail) Haniyeh in Tehran and (Hassan) Nasrallah in Beirut, we will deal with the heads of the Houthis in Sana’a or anywhere in Yemen,” Katz said referring to the leaders of terror group Hamas and Hezbollah killed by Israel. AI FFeatured Image size is smaller than 1200px width Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF shot down a missile fired by Houthis as sirens in Tel Aviv caused widespread panic among the residents. If Israel now goes after the Houthi leadership, it will mark a serious escalation in the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Houthis ‘uncover’ Mossad, CIA spy network as Israel shifts focus to Yemen

There is no clarity on the timeline for when Israel and Hamas will agree to a hostage and truce deal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu already has a plan for a regional peace and normalization agreement. Netanyahu has shifted the focus back to the Abraham Accords during a parliamentary address. He spoke about what he referred to as "moderate Arab countries" and mentioned to Knesset lawmakers that a revised Abraham Accords would dramatically change the face of the region. Watch in for more details!

Netanyahu Says He Will Change The Face Of West Asia 'Dramatically'

There is no clarity on the timeline for when Israel and Hamas will agree to a hostage and truce deal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu already has a plan for a regional peace and normalization agreement. Netanyahu has shifted the focus back to the Abraham Accords during a parliamentary address. He spoke about what he referred to as "moderate Arab countries" and mentioned to Knesset lawmakers that a revised Abraham Accords would dramatically change the face of the region. Watch in for more details!



Israeli PM Netanyahu Says He Will Change The Face Of West Asia 'Dramatically'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to take decisive action against the Houthis following a missile strike on Tel Aviv. Netanyahu warned that Israel would target what he described as the last remaining arm of Iran's axis of evil. Watch in for more details!

Israeli PM Netanyahu: Will Take Decisive Action Against Houthis

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