DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas says it has released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander. An Israeli official confirmed that the transfer was underway without providing specifics. The official was not authorized to brief media and spoke on condition of anonymity. Hamas said it was releasing Alexander on Monday as a goodwill gesture to try to revive talks on ending the war. The release comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East this week.… Continue Reading
MUSCAT, Oman (AP) — A massive explosion and fire has rocked a port in southern Iran purportedly linked to a shipment of a chemical ingredient used to make missile propellant. State media said the blast killed 18 people and injuring around 800 others. Helicopters and aircraft dumped water from the air on the raging fire through the night into Sunday morning at the Shahid Rajaei port. The explosion occurred just as Iran and the United States met Saturday in Oman for the third round of negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.… Continue Reading
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump says he would like to see Arab nations increase the number of Palestinian refugees they are accepting from the Gaza Strip, potentially moving out enough of the population to “clean out” the area to create a virtual clean slate. He told reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday that he has discussed his vision on a call with King Abdullah II of Jordan and would speak Sunday with Egypt’s president. Trump also says he has ended his predecessor’s hold on sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. That lifts a pressure point meant to reduce civilian casualties during Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza that is now halted by a tenuous ceasefire.… Continue Reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Commemorations and protests are being held across the world to mark a year since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Many world leaders are calling for an end to antisemitism and the release of Israeli hostages. Pro-Palestinian protesters are decrying the toll of death and destruction in Gaza from Israel’s military response last year’s cross-border attack. It killed about 1,200 people and left the world facing the prospect of another major conflict in the Middle East. Those divisions were visible in New York, where a crowd gathered for an evening remembrance ceremony in Central Park even as a blocks-long column of pro-Palestinian protesters marched through midtown Manhattan.… Continue Reading
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israelis are holding vigils and somber ceremonies to mark a year since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, the deadliest in the country’s history which sparked the war in Gaza and scarred Israelis indelibly. The surprise attack, which caught Israel unprepared on a major Jewish holiday, shattered Israelis’ sense of security and shook their faith in their leaders and their military. Its aftershocks still ripple one year later. In Gaza, which is still buckling under the weight of the ongoing war, no formal commemorative event was planned. Israelis are expected to flock to ceremonies and cemeteries around the country on Monday.… Continue Reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Campuses across the U.S. have been calmer in the wake of last spring’s protests, yet many are mired in a lingering unease. Students say they are reluctant to speak out for fear it could pit them against students, professors or employers. Social bubbles have cemented along the divisions of the war. New protest rules on many campuses raise the risk of suspension or expulsion. American universities pride themselves as being places of open discourse where students can engage across their differences. But when it comes to the war in Gaza, some students say in today’s climate, it’s easier to stay quiet.… Continue Reading
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza’s Health Ministry says an Israeli airstrike hit a school sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza. At least 11 people were killed on Thursday and 22 others wounded including women and children. The Israeli military says it hit the school in the Jabalia refugee camp and was targeting Hamas militants inside who were planning attacks on Israeli troops. The claim couldn’t be independently confirmed. Israeli forces have repeatedly struck schools. They say Hamas fighters use them as “command centers.” The military says it uses precision weapons to avoid civilian casualties. But the strikes have brought heavy tolls.… Continue Reading