Red Cross/Red Crescent head calls for end to attacks on humanitarian workers

Family handoutOmri Miran has now been held by Hamas for 18 monthsLishay Miran has been sending messages to her husband Omri, who has been held captive by Hamas for 18 months, sharing updates about their daughters and expressing hope for his return. As Omri's 48th birthday and Passover approach, Lishay reflects on the absence of her husband and the impact on their family, while maintaining her belief in his survival despite the ongoing conflict. Despite...

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized Israel for destabilizing Syria during the Antalya diplomacy forum, asserting Turkey's commitment to preventing further chaos in Syria. Erdoğan emphasized Turkey's collaboration with regional powers, including the U.S. and Russia, to maintain Syria’s stability and reiterated efforts to lift sanctions on Syria. Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated following recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria, prompting discussions about a deconfliction mechanism between the two nations to ensure regional stability....

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned air force reservists' criticism of the Gaza war as "unforgivable," asserting that the military would dismiss those who signed a letter prioritizing the return of hostages over fighting Hamas. The letter claimed the war serves political interests rather than security and warned it could lead to further deaths among hostages and civilians. Despite the reservists' concerns, public opinion polls indicate strong support for a ceasefire and prioritizing hostage release...

Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, released a video of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage, who criticizes the Israeli government for not securing his release while expressing a desire to return home for the holidays. Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier captured during the October 7 attack on Israel, was identified by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. His family emphasized the somber nature of Passover celebrations, urging that the holiday cannot be a true celebration...

Israel's military announced on Saturday the complete takeover of the Morag axis in southern Gaza, amid escalating operations and a sweeping evacuation order for residents of Khan Yunis following projectile fire from the area. As talks for a potential ceasefire with Hamas were set to occur in Cairo, Israel's Defence Minister urged residents to evacuate combat zones while emphasizing the need to remove Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages. The ongoing conflict has...

Following rare talks in Oman, Iran stated the US seeks a swift nuclear agreement, with President Trump threatening military action if negotiations fail. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated progress was made, emphasizing the need for both sides to engage constructively, while Iran seeks relief from sanctions amid pressure from Israel. The US, represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff, insists on dismantling Iran's nuclear program, although compromise may be possible, as both nations navigate a complex...