US in hurry for nuclear deal, Iran says after high-stakes talks

SummaryIsrael's Defence Minister Israel Katz announced a vigorous expansion of military operations throughout Gaza, following the IDF's takeover of a security zone between Rafah and Khan Younis and evacuation orders for the latter area. The ongoing offensive aims to pressure Hamas into releasing 59 hostages while displacing hundreds of thousands of Gazans. Since resuming its campaign against Hamas on March 18, over 50,933 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza, with 1,563 fatalities occurring since...

Yemen's government is gearing up to launch a significant offensive to reclaim Hodeidah Port from the Houthis, mobilizing nearly 80,000 troops for what could be the largest operation of the civil war. Renewed airstrikes have reportedly facilitated this assault, with US support for air cover and drone surveillance. However, concerns about humanitarian consequences and international scrutiny loom, as previous offensives led to severe humanitarian crises and pressure for ceasefires, exemplified by the 2018 Stockholm Agreement....

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...