Gaza hostage-prisoner swap set to go ahead after row over bodies

Bedouin fighters near Suweida, Syria, have agreed to a ceasefire with the Druze community but may resume hostilities if their demands are not met. After a week of violent sectarian clashes, they are seeking the release of injured Bedouins held in the city, while government forces continue to block their re-entry. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret after an Israeli strike mistakenly hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza, resulting in three deaths and injuries, including the parish priest. The incident, which the IDF is investigating, drew criticism, with Pope Leo XIV urging for a ceasefire as the church served as a sanctuary for those fleeing violence. Want More Context? 🔎

ROME (Reuters)An Italian judge has ordered six police and coastguard officers to stand trial for negligence in a migrant shipwreck near Cutro in 2023 that resulted in over 90 deaths. The trial, set to begin in January, has sparked outrage from Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who criticized the decision to prosecute officials who risk their lives to save others. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack stated in Beirut that the U.S. cannot compel Israel to halt strikes on Lebanon or force disarmament of Hezbollah, despite Lebanon's requests for security guarantees tied to a U.S. roadmap proposing Hezbollah's disarmament in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawal. Barrack emphasized that there would be no consequences for Lebanon if Hezbollah remains armed, amidst ongoing tensions following a U.S.-brokered truce. Want More Context? 🔎

An Israeli undercover unit has detained Dr. Marwan Al-Hams, director of field hospitals in Gaza, during a raid near a Red Cross facility in Rafah, resulting in civilian casualties and condemnation from the Health Ministry and Hamas. They labeled the abduction as a serious violation of international law and called for Al-Hams's immediate release amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises in the region. Want More Context? 🔎

More than two dozen Western countries, including Britain, France, and Australia, urged an immediate end to the Gaza war, citing catastrophic humanitarian conditions as Israeli military operations intensified in Deir el-Balah. Their joint statement condemned the suffering of civilians, called for a ceasefire and aid access, and expressed concern for hostages amid escalating violence that has left nearly all of Gaza's population displaced. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Summary of the Situation in...