An Israeli delegation is all set to reach Doha for crucial talks on extending the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. US Special Envoy for West Asia, Steve Witkoff is also expected to reach Qatar's capital after a brief stopover in Saudi Arabia ahead of the talks. Watch in for more details!

Rights groups call on Israel to restore Gaza electricity

#Gravitas The United States is rolling out a new AI-driven crackdown on foreign nationals who show support for Palestinian armed group Hamas, or any designated terrorist organizations.

Us uses AI to deny visas to pro-Palestinians

The Houthi leader, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has imposed a strict four-day deadline on mediators to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.  

Israel Houthi War: Shocking 4-Day Deadline for Israel to Allow Gaza Aid By Houthi | Hamas | WION

Israel has begun blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing Hamas’s refusal to release hostages, while the group is accused of diverting aid for terror. Meanwhile, chaos unfolded at the Israeli parliament as grieving families were initially barred from a session on an inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack.

Chaos Erupts At Israeli Parliament After Hostage Families Denied Entry

The Gaza ceasefire remains in deadlock as disputes over hostages, aid, and war terms persist. With over 48,000 dead, global pressure mounts on Israel to allow humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, airstrikes continue, killing four and injuring six, raising fears of renewed escalation.

Gaza ceasefire stalls as Israel blocks aid, strikes continue

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Wednesday (Feb 26) that the Palestinian militant group Hamas will return four dead hostages tonight, without a ceremony.&nbsp;
Hamas's military wing earlier said that the handover of the bodies of the slain hostages will likely happen tonight at 11 pm local time.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-affiliated Prisoners&rsquo; Information Office in Gaza said that the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis is preparing to receive freed Palestinian prisoners, and they are &ldquo;expected to arrive between 10 pm and midnight.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bibas-family-calls-on-israeli-officials-to-take-responsiblity-for-hostage-deaths-there-is-no-meaning-to-forgiveness-8759225">Bibas family calls on Israeli officials to take responsiblity for hostage deaths; 'no meaning to forgiveness'</a>
<h2>'No ceremony'</h2>
&ldquo;The handover will take place without public presence to prevent the occupation from finding any pretext for delay or obstruction,&rdquo; the Hamas official said.&nbsp;
The Palestinian militant group is expected to hand over Tsahi Idan, Ohad Yahalomi, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur, the last four abductees, believed to be dead, included in the first phase of the hostage deal, which will end on Saturday.
The hostage release will happen simultaneously with Israel freeing 602 Palestinian security prisoners, whose release has been held up since Saturday to protect Hamas' propaganda displays and demeaning ceremonies during the handover of hostages.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hostage-bodies-to-be-exchanged-for-palestinian-prisoners-as-tel-aviv-agrees-to-resume-swap-8757150">Israeli hostage bodies to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners as Tel Aviv agrees to resume swap</a>
An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that the bodies will be handed over to the Egyptians, who will then transfer them to Israel.&nbsp;
Since the final stage of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-begin-negotiations-on-second-phase-of-gaza-ceasefire-deal-demands-complete-demilitarisation-8732546">ceasefire</a>, Hamas has handed over 25 hostages alive in public ceremonies that often paraded, humiliated, and sometimes even endangered the captives, drawing widespread criticism.&nbsp;
The Palestinian militant group also handed over the bodies of four slain hostages after first displaying the coffins on stage in front of a large crowd.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-murdered-10-month-old-kfir-and-4-year-old-ariel-bibas-with-bare-hands-alleges-israel-family-says-yet-to-receive-official-info-8747053">Hamas murdered young hostages? Israel claims 'terrorists' killed 10-month-old Kfir and 4-year-old Ariel Bibas with 'bare hands'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Hamas's military wing earlier said that the handover of the bodies of the slain hostages will likely happen tonight at 11 pm local time.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Wednesday (Feb 26) that the Palestinian militant group Hamas will return four dead hostages tonight, without a ceremony. Hamas's military wing earlier said that the handover of the bodies of the slain hostages will likely happen tonight at 11 pm local time. Meanwhile, the Hamas-affiliated Prisoners’ Information Office in Gaza said that the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis is preparing to receive freed Palestinian prisoners, and they are “expected to arrive between 10 pm and midnight.” Also read: Bibas family calls on Israeli officials to take responsiblity for hostage deaths; 'no meaning to forgiveness' 'No ceremony' “The handover will take place without public presence to prevent the occupation from finding any pretext for delay or obstruction,” the Hamas official said. The Palestinian militant group is expected to hand over Tsahi Idan, Ohad Yahalomi, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur, the last four abductees, believed to be dead, included in the first phase of the hostage deal, which will end on Saturday. The hostage release will happen simultaneously with Israel freeing 602 Palestinian security prisoners, whose release has been held up since Saturday to protect Hamas' propaganda displays and demeaning ceremonies during the handover of hostages. Also read: Israeli hostage bodies to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners as Tel Aviv agrees to resume swap An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that the bodies will be handed over to the Egyptians, who will then transfer them to Israel. Since the final stage of the ceasefire, Hamas has handed over 25 hostages alive in public ceremonies that often paraded, humiliated, and sometimes even endangered the captives, drawing widespread criticism. The Palestinian militant group also handed over the bodies of four slain hostages after first displaying the coffins on stage in front of a large crowd. Also read: Hamas murdered young hostages? Israel claims 'terrorists' killed 10-month-old Kfir and 4-year-old Ariel Bibas with 'bare hands' (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas to hand over bodies of four slain Israeli hostages 'tonight' without public ceremony, confirms Netanyahu

Ofri Bibas, sister of released Israeli hostage Yarden Bibas, condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him to &ldquo;shut up&rdquo; after he repeatedly described the gruesome murders of Yarden's wife Shiri and their young sons Ariel and Kfir, despite the family's explicit wishes to keep those details private.
She not only criticised Netanyahu but also Israeli news outlets, social media, and public diplomats for exploiting the family's pain for political gain. She emphasised that there are more sensitive and respectful ways to conduct public diplomacy and that the continued airing of these details only exacerbates the trauma experienced by her family.
"It's simply an abuse for its own sake of a family that has gone through 16 months of hell and still has the worst ahead. So if I could say one thing to everyone on behalf of the Bibbs family&mdash;just shut up," she said in a post on her Facebook handle ahead of the funeral of her nephews and sister-in-law.
<iframe width="500" height="440" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fofri.bibas%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0uX4W3nJ3Vb2k4PfSeRPU51jYSmLHyZV99m1ye7bbjM2iSxkD7nLzg78VTKLzLDSjl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>
Netanyahu described the murder of the young boys in graphic detail during two recent public appearances. On Tuesday, he spoke at the America Israel Public Action Committee, and on Sunday, he held a picture of the victims during a military ceremony.
Following the Israeli prime minister's Sunday speech, the Bibas family sent a cease-and-desist letter to Netanyahu&rsquo;s and other government offices, demanding that they stop sharing details of the tragic murders of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, according to The Times of Israel.
The family also released a statement through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum on Saturday, appealing to media outlets to &ldquo;stop adding details to the fact that Shiri and the kids were murdered by their captors.&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-officials-say-4-israel-hostage-bodies-to-be-exchanged-for-palestinian-prisoners-thursday-8758543">Also read: Hamas to return four bodies of Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of prisoners</a>
Yarden Bibas, on Wednesday (Feb 26), apologised for not being able to protect his family during the Oct 7, 2023 attack by the Hamas militant group.
"Shiri, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you all," he said in his eulogy at the funeral of his wife, Shiri and sons at a cemetery near kibbutz Nir Oz, from where Palestinian militants seized the four during the attack.
<h2>Hamas to swap bodies of 4 slain Israeli hostages for prisoners</h2>
Hamas said that it would exchange the bodies of four Israeli hostages for the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, marking the completion of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The ceasefire has successfully brought a halt to the Israel-Hamas war triggered by the October 7, 2023, attack. As part of the agreement, 25 hostages have been released alive in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
"Mediators have informed Hamas that the (hostage-prisoner) exchange will take place on Thursday... Hamas and other resistance factions will hand over four bodies of Israeli captives, and in return, Israel will release more than 600 Palestinian detainees," a Hamas official told news agency AFP.
Another senior Hamas official said the "exchange will happen simultaneously".
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Netanyahu described the murder of the young boys in graphic detail during two recent public appearances. On Tuesday, he spoke at the America Israel Public Action Committee, and on Sunday, he held a picture of the victims during a military ceremony.

Ofri Bibas, sister of released Israeli hostage Yarden Bibas, condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him to “shut up” after he repeatedly described the gruesome murders of Yarden's wife Shiri and their young sons Ariel and Kfir, despite the family's explicit wishes to keep those details private. She not only criticised Netanyahu but also Israeli news outlets, social media, and public diplomats for exploiting the family's pain for political gain. She emphasised that there are more sensitive and respectful ways to conduct public diplomacy and that the continued airing of these details only exacerbates the trauma experienced by her family. "It's simply an abuse for its own sake of a family that has gone through 16 months of hell and still has the worst ahead. So if I could say one thing to everyone on behalf of the Bibbs family—just shut up," she said in a post on her Facebook handle ahead of the funeral of her nephews and sister-in-law. Netanyahu described the murder of the young boys in graphic detail during two recent public appearances. On Tuesday, he spoke at the America Israel Public Action Committee, and on Sunday, he held a picture of the victims during a military ceremony. Following the Israeli prime minister's Sunday speech, the Bibas family sent a cease-and-desist letter to Netanyahu’s and other government offices, demanding that they stop sharing details of the tragic murders of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, according to The Times of Israel. The family also released a statement through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum on Saturday, appealing to media outlets to “stop adding details to the fact that Shiri and the kids were murdered by their captors.” Also read: Hamas to return four bodies of Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of prisoners Yarden Bibas, on Wednesday (Feb 26), apologised for not being able to protect his family during the Oct 7, 2023 attack by the Hamas militant group. "Shiri, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you all," he said in his eulogy at the funeral of his wife, Shiri and sons at a cemetery near kibbutz Nir Oz, from where Palestinian militants seized the four during the attack. Hamas to swap bodies of 4 slain Israeli hostages for prisoners Hamas said that it would exchange the bodies of four Israeli hostages for the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, marking the completion of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The ceasefire has successfully brought a halt to the Israel-Hamas war triggered by the October 7, 2023, attack. As part of the agreement, 25 hostages have been released alive in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. "Mediators have informed Hamas that the (hostage-prisoner) exchange will take place on Thursday... Hamas and other resistance factions will hand over four bodies of Israeli captives, and in return, Israel will release more than 600 Palestinian detainees," a Hamas official told news agency AFP. Another senior Hamas official said the "exchange will happen simultaneously". (With inputs from agencies)

Bibas family tells Netanyahu to ‘shut up’ as he describes murders of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir

US President Donald Trump has appeared to soften his plan to take control of war-torn Gaza and relocate its more than two million residents to nearby countries, saying he was only recommending the idea.

Was recommending idea: Trump on Gaza plan

Israel has expressed commitment to Trump’s Gaza displacement plan, while hostages remain a top concern for the public. As a poll reveals most Israelis favor extending hostage release efforts over war, Hamas is expected to return four hostages this week.

Israel says it is committed to Trump's plan for Gaza displacement

Families of Israeli hostages led a 500-minute fast and march through Jerusalem, demanding action and justice for their loved ones. The demonstration included roadblocks and rallies, showcasing the community’s determination to keep their cause in the public eye.

Hostage families lead 500-minute fast and march in Jerusalem

Israel has received a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs from the United States. The MK-84 is an unguided 2,000-pound bomb, which can rip through thick concrete and metal, creating a wide blast radius. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump defends sending 2000-pound bombs to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed negotiators to head to Cairo on Monday to discuss the continued implementation of the first phase of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire. Watch this report for more details!

Israel PM Netanyahu sends negotiators to Cairo for more talks on Gaza truce

Israel is threatening to implement US President Donald Trump's plan to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and potentially launch a new war against Hamas if the group does not release hostages this weekend as agreed upon in the ceasefire deal. Watch to know more!

Gaza Ceasefire: Israel Warns, 'Will Implement Trump's Gaza Plan' If Hostages Not Freed

Netanyahu warns Israel will end Gaza ceasefire if hostages not returned on Saturday. Report: Fearing return of war, Hamas tells officials to stop using phone. Report reveals Hamas fears IDF will track and assassinate leaders using phones. Watch to know more!

Israel-Gaza Ceasefire: Report | Fearing Return Of War, Hamas Orders To Stop Using Phones

Saudi Arabia fumes at Netanyahu’s suggestion that its land can be used for a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia said, the PM’s statement ‘aims to divert attention from Israel’s occupation'. Saudi Arabia slams ‘Israel’s ethnic cleansing against Palestinian brothers in Gaza’. A war of words has emerged over normalization of relations between Saudi and Israel. Watch to know more!

Netanyahu’s Suggestion On Establishing Palestinian State In Saudi Arabia Slammed

President Donald Trump has reiterated his controversial plan to take control of Gaza, calling it a "big real estate site." He suggested that Middle Eastern nations could oversee its redevelopment. His remarks have sparked global debate.

Trump reaffirms plan to ‘buy and own’ war-torn Gaza

Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries condemned on Sunday remarks by Israel's prime minister who appeared to suggest in an interview that a Palestinian state could be established on Saudi territory.
Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks, which some Israeli media characterised as a joke, came with the region already on edge after US President Donald Trump proposed taking over the territory and displacing Gazans abroad.
Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Sunday that the thinking behind Netanyahu's remarks "is unacceptable and reflects a complete detachment from reality", adding that such ideas "are nothing more than mere fantasies or illusions".
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-return-north-after-israel-withdraws-from-netzarim-corridor-that-split-gaza-in-two-8704935">Palestinians return north after Israel withdraws from Netzarim Corridor that split Gaza in two</a>
The Saudi foreign ministry stressed its "categorical rejection to such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza".
A ministry statement welcomed "the condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries towards what Benjamin Netanyahu stated regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people".
In a television interview on Thursday, right-wing Israeli journalist Yaakov Bardugo was discussing with Netanyahu the prospect of diplomatic normalisation with Saudi Arabia when he appeared to misspeak, attributing to Riyadh the stance that there would be "no progress without a Saudi state".
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-corrupt-least-competent-elon-musk-demands-impeachment-of-judge-who-blocked-doge-treasury-access-8705333"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-corrupt-least-competent-elon-musk-demands-impeachment-of-judge-who-blocked-doge-treasury-access-8705333">&lsquo;Most corrupt, least competent&rsquo;: Elon Musk demands &lsquo;impeachment&rsquo; of judge who blocked DOGE&rsquo;s Treasury access</a>
"Palestinian state?" Netanyahu corrected him.
"Unless you want the Palestinian state to be in Saudi Arabia," the Israeli premier quipped. "They (the Saudis) have plenty of territory."
Netanyahu went on to describe the talks leading up to the so-called Abraham Accords, in which several Arab countries normalised ties with Israel, concluding: "I think we should allow this process to take its course."
But the suggestion of a state for Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank prompted an outpouring of regional condemnation, including from Qatar, Egypt and the Palestinian foreign ministry, which described the remarks as "racist".
Jordan's foreign ministry condemned them as "inflammatory and a clear violation of international law", stressing that the Palestinians have the "right to establish an independent, sovereign state" alongside Israel.
The foreign ministry of the United Arab Emirates denounced Netanyahu's comments as "reprehensible and provocative" in a statement, calling them "a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations charter".
For Palestinians, any attempt to force them out of Gaza would evoke dark memories of what the Arab world calls the "Nakba" or catastrophe -- the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948.
In its statement, Saudi Arabia said "this extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means" to Palestinians.
Such a mindset, it added, "does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place, as it has completely destroyed the Gaza Strip" and killed tens of thousands "without the slightest human feeling or moral responsibility".
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 | Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks, which some Israeli media characterised as a joke, came with the region already on edge after US President Donald Trump proposed taking over the territory and displacing Gazans abroad.


Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries condemned on Sunday remarks by Israel's prime minister who appeared to suggest in an interview that a Palestinian state could be established on Saudi territory. Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks, which some Israeli media characterised as a joke, came with the region already on edge after US President Donald Trump proposed taking over the territory and displacing Gazans abroad. Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Sunday that the thinking behind Netanyahu's remarks "is unacceptable and reflects a complete detachment from reality", adding that such ideas "are nothing more than mere fantasies or illusions". Also Read | Palestinians return north after Israel withdraws from Netzarim Corridor that split Gaza in two The Saudi foreign ministry stressed its "categorical rejection to such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza". A ministry statement welcomed "the condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries towards what Benjamin Netanyahu stated regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people". In a television interview on Thursday, right-wing Israeli journalist Yaakov Bardugo was discussing with Netanyahu the prospect of diplomatic normalisation with Saudi Arabia when he appeared to misspeak, attributing to Riyadh the stance that there would be "no progress without a Saudi state". Also Read | ‘Most corrupt, least competent’: Elon Musk demands ‘impeachment’ of judge who blocked DOGE’s Treasury access "Palestinian state?" Netanyahu corrected him. "Unless you want the Palestinian state to be in Saudi Arabia," the Israeli premier quipped. "They (the Saudis) have plenty of territory." Netanyahu went on to describe the talks leading up to the so-called Abraham Accords, in which several Arab countries normalised ties with Israel, concluding: "I think we should allow this process to take its course." But the suggestion of a state for Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank prompted an outpouring of regional condemnation, including from Qatar, Egypt and the Palestinian foreign ministry, which described the remarks as "racist". Jordan's foreign ministry condemned them as "inflammatory and a clear violation of international law", stressing that the Palestinians have the "right to establish an independent, sovereign state" alongside Israel. The foreign ministry of the United Arab Emirates denounced Netanyahu's comments as "reprehensible and provocative" in a statement, calling them "a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations charter". For Palestinians, any attempt to force them out of Gaza would evoke dark memories of what the Arab world calls the "Nakba" or catastrophe -- the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948. In its statement, Saudi Arabia said "this extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means" to Palestinians. Such a mindset, it added, "does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place, as it has completely destroyed the Gaza Strip" and killed tens of thousands "without the slightest human feeling or moral responsibility". 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.

Arab nations condemn Netanyahu’s remarks on Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says US President Donald Trump’s idea to move Palestinians out of Gaza is "the first original idea to be raised in years." Watch this report for more details!

Netanyahu: Trump's Gaza plan first original idea to be raised in years

Amidst Netanyahu's visit to Washington, Donald Trump has slapped sanctions on the International Criminal Court for what he's terming as baseless charges targeting the United States and also America's close ally, Israel. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump signs order calling Netanyahu arrest warrant 'baseless'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are reportedly in disagreement over the timing of the Hezbollah pager attack. The tension arises as differing opinions emerge on the security implications and strategic response to the incident, which has heightened concerns about potential escalation along Israel's northern border.

Israel's pager attack was ready long-before war: Yoav Gallant

US President Donald Trump sanctions the ICC over its targeting of the US and Israel, calling Netanyahu's arrest warrant 'baseless.' Trump also proposes a controversial Gaza plan, drawing mixed reactions. Meanwhile, Netanyahu calls his meeting with Trump a 'turning point' for Israel.

Trump defends Netanyahu, sanctions ICC over arrest warrant and Gaza plan controversy

Former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant speaks out in his first interview since being sacked, accusing Benjamin Netanyahu of hesitating in war decisions. Gallant claims Israel's pager attack was ready long before the war.

Yoav Gallant exposes Netanyahu’s war strategy in first interview since sacking

Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks out in his first interview since being fired, accusing Benjamin Netanyahu of hesitation in war decisions. Gallant claims Israel's Pager attack was ready long before the war.

Gallant breaks silence after sacking, slams Netanyahu’s war decisions in explosive interview

Netanyahu and Gallant reportedly at odds over timing of Hezbollah pager attack

netanyahu

Netanyahu, News on Netanyahu, stories on Netanyahu, articles on Netanyahu, Netanyahu stories at Wion, Netanyahu news, Netanyahu latest news