<p>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that hostage envoy Adam Boehler&rsquo;s direct talks with senior Hamas officials about the release of hostages in Gaza was a &ldquo;one-off situation&rdquo; and as of now &ldquo;hasn&rsquo;t borne fruit.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;That was a one-off situation in which our special envoy for hostages, whose job it is to get people released, had an opportunity to talk directly to someone who has control over these people and was given permission and encouraged to do so. He did so,&rdquo; Rubio told reporters en route to Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>&ldquo;As of now, it hasn&rsquo;t borne fruit. Doesn&rsquo;t mean he was wrong to try, but our primary vehicle for negotiations on this front will continue to be Mr. Witkoff and the work he&rsquo;s doing through Qatar,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<h2><strong>Israel 'held talks' with White House over hostage envoy's TV interview</strong></h2>
<p>Senior Israeli officials were "surprised" to hear US hostage envoy Adam Boehler's remarks, in which he asserted that the United States is not &ldquo;an agent of Israel,&rdquo; The Times of Israel reported, citing an Israeli source.</p>
<p>In the wake of the interview, Israeli officials reportedly "held discussions" with White House officials.</p>
<p>Boehler, on Sunday, defended his direct talks with Hamas officials in an interview with CNN, which invited intense criticism from Israel.</p>
<p>He asserted that the US was "not an agent of Israel. We have specific interests at play.&rdquo;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-confirms-multiple-meetings-with-us-on-gaza-ceasefire-deal-8836747">Also read: Hamas confirms multiple meetings with US on Gaza ceasefire deal</a></p>
<h2><strong>'Helpful meeting'</strong></h2>
<p>Boehler said that he was confident a deal could be reached "within weeks" to free all hostages held by the Palestinian militant group.</p>
<p>"I think it was a very helpful meeting. It was very helpful to hear some back and forth," Boehler said in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union."</p>
<h2><strong>Hamas confirms multiple meetings with US</strong></h2>
<p>The political adviser to the Hamas chief, Taher Al-Nono, confirmed that multiple meetings occurred between Hamas leaders and US hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler, according to news agency Reuters.</p>
<p>Nono said that the talks took place in the Qatari capital over the past week and were centred around the release of an American-Israeli dual national, who was held hostage by the Palestinian militant group in war-torn Gaza.</p>
<p>"Several meetings have already taken place in Doha, focusing on releasing one of the dual-nationality prisoners. We have dealt positively and flexibly, in a way that serves the interests of the Palestinian people," Nono said.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

World news: Senior Israeli officials were "surprised" to hear US hostage envoy Adam Boehler's remarks, in which he asserted that the United States is not “an agent of Israel,” The Times of Israel reported, citing an Israeli source.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that hostage envoy Adam Boehler’s direct talks with senior Hamas officials about the release of hostages in Gaza was a “one-off situation” and as of now “hasn’t borne fruit.” “That was a one-off situation in which our special envoy for hostages, whose job it is to get people released, had an opportunity to talk directly to someone who has control over these people and was given permission and encouraged to do so. He did so,” Rubio told reporters en route to Saudi Arabia. “As of now, it hasn’t borne fruit. Doesn’t mean he was wrong to try, but our primary vehicle for negotiations on this front will continue to be Mr. Witkoff and the work he’s doing through Qatar,” he added. Israel 'held talks' with White House over hostage envoy's TV interview Senior Israeli officials were "surprised" to hear US hostage envoy Adam Boehler's remarks, in which he asserted that the United States is not “an agent of Israel,” The Times of Israel reported, citing an Israeli source. In the wake of the interview, Israeli officials reportedly "held discussions" with White House officials. Boehler, on Sunday, defended his direct talks with Hamas officials in an interview with CNN, which invited intense criticism from Israel. He asserted that the US was "not an agent of Israel. We have specific interests at play.” Also read: Hamas confirms multiple meetings with US on Gaza ceasefire deal 'Helpful meeting' Boehler said that he was confident a deal could be reached "within weeks" to free all hostages held by the Palestinian militant group. "I think it was a very helpful meeting. It was very helpful to hear some back and forth," Boehler said in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union." Hamas confirms multiple meetings with US The political adviser to the Hamas chief, Taher Al-Nono, confirmed that multiple meetings occurred between Hamas leaders and US hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler, according to news agency Reuters. Nono said that the talks took place in the Qatari capital over the past week and were centred around the release of an American-Israeli dual national, who was held hostage by the Palestinian militant group in war-torn Gaza. "Several meetings have already taken place in Doha, focusing on releasing one of the dual-nationality prisoners. We have dealt positively and flexibly, in a way that serves the interests of the Palestinian people," Nono said. (With inputs from agencies)

Rubio says US hostage envoy’s direct meeting with Hamas ‘hasn’t borne fruit’

<p>Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the US hostage held&nbsp;by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, gave an emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention. They brought the audience to tears, urging their son to stay strong and survive.&nbsp;Hersh’s parents wore a piece of tape with a number that signifies the number of days their son was&nbsp;held captive, placed on their chest. The number read 320, highlighting that it has been 320 days, and their son has not returned home.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rachel Goldberg, mother of Hersh, takes the stage</strong></h2>

<p>Goldberg recalled how her son Hersh was kidnapped at the Nova music festival on October 7 2023. She also mentioned that during the process, her son lost his arm. They have spent the months following that attack advocating for the hostages to be returned home.&nbsp;Rachel Goldberg doubled in tears after listening to the crowd chanting, “Bring them home.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tim-walz-officially-accepts-nomination-as-vp-at-democratic-national-convention-752106">Tim Walz officially accepts nomination as VP at Democratic National Convention</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Hersh's father talks about the government</strong></h2>

<p>Jon Polin said bringing hostages home is not a political issue but a humanitarian issue. He also mentioned that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are trying to reach a cease-fire deal that will help bring the hostages home. A cease-fire is an agreement between both groups to stop the fight between each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-backlash-costing-starbucks-heres-what-we-know-750141">Gaza war backlash costing Starbucks? Here's what we know</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas War</strong></h2>

<p>The major issue at the convention this week is the Israel-Hamas war, with pro-Palestinian protestors marching in Chicago. They are demanding a cease-fire, and also asking Biden to withdraw its support for Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They emphasised the fact that one of the eight US citizens held in captivity by Gaza is their only son. They also mentioned the diversity of hostages held in Gaza. Ms Goldberg said, “They are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists,” she said. “They are from 23 different countries. The youngest hostage is a 1-year-old redheaded baby boy, and the oldest is an 86-year-old moustachioed grandfather.”</p>

<p>Mr Polin, while ending his words, said,&nbsp;"There is a surplus of agony on all sides of the tragic conflict of the Middle East. In a competition of pain, there are no winners.” He added, &nbsp;“Every person is an entire universe. We must save all these universes.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the US hostage held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, gave an emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the US hostage held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, gave an emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention. They brought the audience to tears, urging their son to stay strong and survive. Hersh’s parents wore a piece of tape with a number that signifies the number of days their son was held captive, placed on their chest. The number read 320, highlighting that it has been 320 days, and their son has not returned home. Rachel Goldberg, mother of Hersh, takes the stage Goldberg recalled how her son Hersh was kidnapped at the Nova music festival on October 7 2023. She also mentioned that during the process, her son lost his arm. They have spent the months following that attack advocating for the hostages to be returned home. Rachel Goldberg doubled in tears after listening to the crowd chanting, “Bring them home.” Also Read | Tim Walz officially accepts nomination as VP at Democratic National Convention Hersh's father talks about the government Jon Polin said bringing hostages home is not a political issue but a humanitarian issue. He also mentioned that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are trying to reach a cease-fire deal that will help bring the hostages home. A cease-fire is an agreement between both groups to stop the fight between each other. Also Read | Gaza war backlash costing Starbucks? Here's what we know Israel-Hamas War The major issue at the convention this week is the Israel-Hamas war, with pro-Palestinian protestors marching in Chicago. They are demanding a cease-fire, and also asking Biden to withdraw its support for Gaza. They emphasised the fact that one of the eight US citizens held in captivity by Gaza is their only son. They also mentioned the diversity of hostages held in Gaza. Ms Goldberg said, “They are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists,” she said. “They are from 23 different countries. The youngest hostage is a 1-year-old redheaded baby boy, and the oldest is an 86-year-old moustachioed grandfather.” Mr Polin, while ending his words, said, "There is a surplus of agony on all sides of the tragic conflict of the Middle East. In a competition of pain, there are no winners.” He added, “Every person is an entire universe. We must save all these universes.” (With inputs from agencies)

Parents of American hostage in Gaza call for ceasefire deal at DNC; 'stay strong. survive!'

<p>The visuals of two Israeli-American women being brought into Israel, nearly two weeks after they were taken hostage and were being held captive&nbsp;by Hamas, has stoked reactions of hope for more such releases. So far, the total number of individuals held hostage by Hamas is numbered up to 203, with the final number likely to rise, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF).</p>

<p>Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan were back in Israel late Friday, the Israeli government said.</p>

<p>The two women were at the Nahal Oz kibbutz, less than two kilometres from Gaza, when Hamas&nbsp;members broke through a border fence on 7 October, and slaughtered over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and abducted&nbsp;more than 200 others to hold them hostage in Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-gaza-hospital-palestine-death-toll-yemen-netanyahu-latest-news-updates-648997">Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's Hamas says two US hostages released</a></strong></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden&nbsp;said he was "overjoyed" at the news of the release of hostages. While Hamas said that it was working with Qatar and Egypt to free its "civilian" hostages, a sign that more releases could follow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The photo released after Judith and Natalie Raanan finally made it to safety showed the two women looking exhausted and pale, a reflection of the appalling&nbsp;ordeal faced by the two.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War: The Hostage Crisis | What is Israel's plan?</strong></p>

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<p>The development was also described positively by aid organisations. Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of&nbsp;International Committee of the Red Cross President said that the release of hostages&nbsp;provided a "sliver of hope" for the families of other hostages as Spoljaric called upon all sides in the conflict to show "a minimum of humanity".</p>

<h2><strong>Hostage crisis in Israel-Hamas war: What next?</strong></h2>

<p>In the immediate future, Qatar, which also hosts two top Hamas leaders, is expected to engage with both Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages. While Israel has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said that their efforts are aimed to ensure "the release of all civilian hostages from every nationality, with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the&nbsp;current&nbsp;crisis and restoring peace".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked by WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the IDF spokesperson&nbsp; Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said that the number of people held hostage by Hamas may well go above 203.</p>

<p>"The working assumption is that they're alive. And I would add that we expect Hamas to take care of their well being, they need to be released and be released now," Lerner told WION.<br />
<br />
"Prime Minister Netanyahu has demanded that the International Committee of the Red Cross have access to the hostages."<br />
<br />
"But I don't want to comment beyond that because I don't want to jeopardise them or the families of 203 people that are in despair and their life has been torn into pieces in the aftermath of this attack for the last 14 days," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Is aid into Gaza dependent on release of Israeli hostages?</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement released on Wednesday evening, had indicated the interconnected nature of the three demands he put out to the US President Joe Biden during latter's wartime visit to Israel.</p>

<p>"First, I demanded the return of our captives, and we are working together for their return in every possible way,"&nbsp;Netanyahu said. "Second, until their return, we demand Red Cross visits for our captives. Third, we will not allow humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medicines from our territory to the Gaza Strip."</p>

<p>Netanyahu, however, had added that&nbsp;it would "not prevent humanitarian assistance from Egypt as long as it is only food, water and medicine for the civilian population located in the southern Gaza Strip." It had further added that such aid would be allowed "as long as these supplies do not reach Hamas. Any supplies that reach Hamas will be prevented."</p>

<p>At the time of filing this report, the impasse over supply of aid into Gaza, even through Egypt's Rafah crossing, has turned into a deadlock. This is even after a wartime visit to Israel by Joe Biden and his Secretary of State Antony Blinken's week-long West Asia trip had humanitarian access to Gaza as one of the top foreign policy objectives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The visuals of two Israeli-American women being brought into Israel, nearly two weeks after they were taken hostage and were being held captive by Hamas, has stoked reactions of hope for more such releases.

The visuals of two Israeli-American women being brought into Israel, nearly two weeks after they were taken hostage and were being held captive by Hamas, has stoked reactions of hope for more such releases. So far, the total number of individuals held hostage by Hamas is numbered up to 203, with the final number likely to rise, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF). Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan were back in Israel late Friday, the Israeli government said. The two women were at the Nahal Oz kibbutz, less than two kilometres from Gaza, when Hamas members broke through a border fence on 7 October, and slaughtered over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and abducted more than 200 others to hold them hostage in Gaza. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's Hamas says two US hostages released US President Joe Biden said he was "overjoyed" at the news of the release of hostages. While Hamas said that it was working with Qatar and Egypt to free its "civilian" hostages, a sign that more releases could follow. The photo released after Judith and Natalie Raanan finally made it to safety showed the two women looking exhausted and pale, a reflection of the appalling ordeal faced by the two. Also watch | Israel-Palestine War: The Hostage Crisis | What is Israel's plan? × The development was also described positively by aid organisations. Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of International Committee of the Red Cross President said that the release of hostages provided a "sliver of hope" for the families of other hostages as Spoljaric called upon all sides in the conflict to show "a minimum of humanity". Hostage crisis in Israel-Hamas war: What next? In the immediate future, Qatar, which also hosts two top Hamas leaders, is expected to engage with both Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages. While Israel has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said that their efforts are aimed to ensure "the release of all civilian hostages from every nationality, with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace". Asked by WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said that the number of people held hostage by Hamas may well go above 203. "The working assumption is that they're alive. And I would add that we expect Hamas to take care of their well being, they need to be released and be released now," Lerner told WION. "Prime Minister Netanyahu has demanded that the International Committee of the Red Cross have access to the hostages." "But I don't want to comment beyond that because I don't want to jeopardise them or the families of 203 people that are in despair and their life has been torn into pieces in the aftermath of this attack for the last 14 days," he added. Is aid into Gaza dependent on release of Israeli hostages? Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement released on Wednesday evening, had indicated the interconnected nature of the three demands he put out to the US President Joe Biden during latter's wartime visit to Israel. "First, I demanded the return of our captives, and we are working together for their return in every possible way," Netanyahu said. "Second, until their return, we demand Red Cross visits for our captives. Third, we will not allow humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medicines from our territory to the Gaza Strip." Netanyahu, however, had added that it would "not prevent humanitarian assistance from Egypt as long as it is only food, water and medicine for the civilian population located in the southern Gaza Strip." It had further added that such aid would be allowed "as long as these supplies do not reach Hamas. Any supplies that reach Hamas will be prevented." At the time of filing this report, the impasse over supply of aid into Gaza, even through Egypt's Rafah crossing, has turned into a deadlock. This is even after a wartime visit to Israel by Joe Biden and his Secretary of State Antony Blinken's week-long West Asia trip had humanitarian access to Gaza as one of the top foreign policy objectives. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: What lies beyond the 'sliver of hope' after release of two hostages by Hamas

<p>Member of an Islamic State cell called 'Beatles' for their British accents was handed lifetime prison sentence in US for taking part in beheading American hostages. Alexanda Kotey had pleaded guilty to murdering US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid workers Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig.</p>

<p>The sentencing hearing was held by US District Judge TS Ellis in Alexandria, Virginia. Family members of the hostages were present at the emotionally charged sentencing.</p>

<p>"I will not hate you," Kassig's mother, Paula Kassig, said to Kotey during the hearing. "It would give sadness, pain and bitterness too much power over me. I choose to let my heart be broken open, not broken apart."</p>

<p>Kotey's lawyer said during the court hearing that, in an effort to "make amends," Kotey is meeting with some family members of victims.</p>

<p>The judge agreed to keep Kotey detained in Alexandria until July. This arrangement would facilitate the meetings.</p>

<p>Kotey was a citizen of the United Kingdom, but the British government withdrew his citizenship. His Islamic State cell took journalists and aid workers hostage, tortured them and circulated videotapes of gruesome beheadings on the internet.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Kotey admitted to inflicting torture on hostages, including waterboarding and electric shocks with a stun gun.</p>


Member of an Islamic State cell called 'Beatles' for their British accents was handed lifetime prison sentence in US for taking part in beheading American hostages.

Member of an Islamic State cell called 'Beatles' for their British accents was handed lifetime prison sentence in US for taking part in beheading American hostages. Alexanda Kotey had pleaded guilty to murdering US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid workers Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig. The sentencing hearing was held by US District Judge TS Ellis in Alexandria, Virginia. Family members of the hostages were present at the emotionally charged sentencing. "I will not hate you," Kassig's mother, Paula Kassig, said to Kotey during the hearing. "It would give sadness, pain and bitterness too much power over me. I choose to let my heart be broken open, not broken apart." Kotey's lawyer said during the court hearing that, in an effort to "make amends," Kotey is meeting with some family members of victims. The judge agreed to keep Kotey detained in Alexandria until July. This arrangement would facilitate the meetings. Kotey was a citizen of the United Kingdom, but the British government withdrew his citizenship. His Islamic State cell took journalists and aid workers hostage, tortured them and circulated videotapes of gruesome beheadings on the internet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Kotey admitted to inflicting torture on hostages, including waterboarding and electric shocks with a stun gun.

Member of Islamic State 'Beatles' cell gets life in jail for murdering US hostages

<p>As the three American <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-emerging-as-likely-option-for-trump-kim-summit-us-official-135819">prisoners released by North Korea</a> arrived in Alaska today, US President Trump tweeted on Wednesday night saying he was looking forward to greeting the "hostages" - who he termed as "no longer".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Looking forward to greeting the Hostages (no longer) at 2:00 A.M.</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/994346538028675072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Americans were handed over to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his talks with President Trump next month.</p>

<p>"I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health," Trump had tweeted earlier.</p>

<p>A plane carrying the three men took off to at Andrews air base on Wednesday evening after a refuelling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.</p>

<p>President Trump had said he would be meeting the freed Americans at the Andrews Air Force Base on Thursday morning.</p>

<p>The Americans - &nbspKim Dong Chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang Duk - were in good health, Pompeo had said earlier.</p>

<p>The move by North Korea is being seen as a "goodwill gesture" is part of the groundwork as Trump and Kim prepare to meet for summit talks in June, although the US president is yet to announce the venue of his meeting.</p>


A plane carrying the three men took off to at Andrews air base on Wednesday evening after a refuelling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.

As the three American prisoners released by North Korea arrived in Alaska today, US President Trump tweeted on Wednesday night saying he was looking forward to greeting the "hostages" - who he termed as "no longer". Looking forward to greeting the Hostages (no longer) at 2:00 A.M. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2018 × The Americans were handed over to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his talks with President Trump next month. "I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health," Trump had tweeted earlier. A plane carrying the three men took off to at Andrews air base on Wednesday evening after a refuelling stop in Anchorage, Alaska. President Trump had said he would be meeting the freed Americans at the Andrews Air Force Base on Thursday morning. The Americans - &nbspKim Dong Chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang Duk - were in good health, Pompeo had said earlier. The move by North Korea is being seen as a "goodwill gesture" is part of the groundwork as Trump and Kim prepare to meet for summit talks in June, although the US president is yet to announce the venue of his meeting.

Watch: Trump prepares to meet US prisoners freed by North Korea

<p>As the three American <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-emerging-as-likely-option-for-trump-kim-summit-us-official-135819">prisoners released by North Korea</a> arrived in Alaska today, US President Trump tweeted on Wednesday night saying he was looking forward to greeting the "hostages" - who he termed as "no longer".</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>The Americans were handed over to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his talks with President Trump next month.</p>

<p>"I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health," Trump had tweeted earlier.</p>

<p>A plane carrying the three men took off to at Andrews air base on Wednesday evening after a refuelling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.</p>

<p>President Trump had said he would be meeting the freed Americans at the Andrews Air Force Base on Thursday morning.</p>

<p>The Americans - &nbspKim Dong Chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang Duk - were in good health, Pompeo had said earlier.</p>

<p>The move by North Korea is being seen as a "goodwill gesture" is part of the groundwork as Trump and Kim prepare to meet for summit talks in June, although the US president is yet to announce the venue of his meeting.</p>


As the three American prisoners released by North Korea arrived in Alaska today, US President Trump tweeted on Wednesday night saying he was looking forward to greeting the "hostages" - who he termed as "no longer".

As the three American prisoners released by North Korea arrived in Alaska today, US President Trump tweeted on Wednesday night saying he was looking forward to greeting the "hostages" - who he termed as "no longer". The Americans were handed over to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his talks with President Trump next month. "I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health," Trump had tweeted earlier. A plane carrying the three men took off to at Andrews air base on Wednesday evening after a refuelling stop in Anchorage, Alaska. President Trump had said he would be meeting the freed Americans at the Andrews Air Force Base on Thursday morning. The Americans - &nbspKim Dong Chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang Duk - were in good health, Pompeo had said earlier. The move by North Korea is being seen as a "goodwill gesture" is part of the groundwork as Trump and Kim prepare to meet for summit talks in June, although the US president is yet to announce the venue of his meeting.

<p>&quot;Twilight&quot; star Kristen Stewart said&nbsp;she was &quot;deeply in love&quot; with every person she was in a relationship with.</p>

<p>The 27-year-old actor has dated&nbsp;&nbsp;Robert Pattinson, Alicia Cargile and St Vincent in the past.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She told Harper&#39;s Bazaar that she has always owned up to the &quot;duality&quot; of her sexual orientation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;ve been deeply in love with everyone I&#39;ve dated. Did you think I was faking it? I&#39;ve always really embraced a duality.</p>

<p>&quot;And really, truly, believed in it and never felt confused or struggling. I just didn&#39;t like getting made fun of,&quot; Stewart said.</p>

<p>She is currently dating Victoria&#39;s Angel model, Stella Maxwell and said she was open to dating men.</p>

<p>&quot;Yeah, totally. Definitely... Some people aren&#39;t like that. Some people know that they like grilled cheese and they&#39;ll eat it every day for the rest of their lives.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;I want to try everything. If I have grilled cheese once I&#39;m like, &#39;That was cool, what&#39;s next?&#39;&quot; she said.&nbsp;</p>


The Taliban released the hostages from a village in a remote area of northern Afghanistan where it allegedly massacred around 50 civilians along with IS insurgents

"Twilight" star Kristen Stewart said she was "deeply in love" with every person she was in a relationship with. The 27-year-old actor has dated Robert Pattinson, Alicia Cargile and St Vincent in the past. She told Harper's Bazaar that she has always owned up to the "duality" of her sexual orientation. "I've been deeply in love with everyone I've dated. Did you think I was faking it? I've always really embraced a duality. "And really, truly, believed in it and never felt confused or struggling. I just didn't like getting made fun of," Stewart said. She is currently dating Victoria's Angel model, Stella Maxwell and said she was open to dating men. "Yeah, totally. Definitely... Some people aren't like that. Some people know that they like grilled cheese and they'll eat it every day for the rest of their lives." "I want to try everything. If I have grilled cheese once I'm like, 'That was cool, what's next?'" she said.

Taliban release 235 hostages in northern Afghanistan

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Taliban release 235 hostages in northern Afghanistan