Italy appoints ambassador to Syria in latest sign of European thaw

More than 100 Palestinians released into Gaza found their homeland unrecognizable after 15 months of war, with many unsure of their loved ones' fates. In total, 183 Palestinians were freed in exchange for three Israelis as part of a ceasefire agreement. Families reunited amidst the devastation, with emotional scenes of joy and sorrow as returning prisoners grappled with the destruction and uncertainty in their homeland. Full Article

Hamas released three more Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of an exchange for Palestinian prisoners, marking the fifth release in a series of exchanges under a 42-day cease-fire deal. The hostages included Ohad Ben Ami, whose family had been vocal advocates for his release; Or Levy, whose wife died during the attack that led to his capture; and Eli Sharabi, who lost his wife and brother in the same incident. The hostages were released...

Mehdi al-Shayesh, displaced since 2012, found his central Syrian home town uninhabitable after Assad's ouster, with his once "small paradise" destroyed by bombing. While hopeful for return after Assad's fall, many like Shayesh face homes in ruins, lacking basic services and infrastructure. With millions displaced across Syria, the need for international support for reconstruction is crucial, as families in camps long for the chance to rebuild and return to their former lives. Full Article

The United States approved the sale of over $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and related equipment to Israel, aiming to enhance their defense capabilities. The State Department signed off on the sale of $6.75 billion in bombs and $660 million in Hellfire missiles, to strengthen Israel's ability to deter regional threats and defend its borders. The transactions still require approval from Congress, but are expected to move forward to support Israel, America's closest ally in...

President Trump's push for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords has hit a roadblock after his proposal to relocate two million Palestinians from Gaza was swiftly rejected by Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, which insisted on the establishment of a Palestinian state as a nonnegotiable precondition for normalization with Israel. The proposal, seen as tantamount to ethnic cleansing, has sparked suspicion and anger in Arab nations, complicating the prospect of a deal that was...

Hamas announced the names of three Israeli hostages for release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, following a tense cease-fire deal with Israel. The hostages were abducted during a Hamas-led attack in 2023, sparking a deadly war. The truce has seen several crises, with both sides accusing each other of violations, as efforts continue to release remaining hostages and reach a lasting peace agreement. Full Article