(today)
US special envoy Steve Witkoff has told CNN that a ceasefire-hostage deal for Gaza is currently on the table with a pathway to end the war, and urged Hamas to accept it.
The proposal would see the release of half of the living hostages and half of those who have died in exchange for a temporary ceasefire before negotiations begin for a comprehensive agreement to end the war.
He declined to specify how long that temporary truce would last, which has been a key issue in the negotiations.
(today)
Al Jazeera’s sources said Hamas and the US’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, agreed to the draft deal at a meeting in the Qatari capital, Doha. They said it includes a 60-day ceasefire, and the release of 10 living captives held in Gaza, over two stages.
US President Donald Trump would guarantee the terms of the deal and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The agreement would also allow for the entry of humanitarian aid, without conditions, from day one, the sources said.
(24 hours ago)
Sources told Al Jazeera that representatives of Hamas and US special envoy Steve Witkoff have reached a draft ceasefire agreement in Qatar’s capital, Doha.
However, a US official told Al Jazeera that, according to Witkoff, Hamas has not agreed to a proposal currently on the table, and what he’s seen from the Palestinian group is “disappointing and completely unacceptable”.
Al Jazeera’s sources said the draft of the deal included a 60-day truce, the release of 10 living captives, and the return of bodies of others in return for Palestinian prisoners over two stages.
Five Israeli captives would be freed at the start of the agreement, with the other five released on the 60th day, they said.
Witkoff also rejected the notion that Hamas had accepted his offer for a hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza, telling Reuters that what he had seen was „completely unacceptable“ and the proposal being discussed was not the same as his.
Several news outlets reported on Monday that Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal that reportedly involves the releasing of 10 captives in two batches and a 70-day truce.
Citign a Hamas source, the AFP reported that Hamas agreed to the new proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
However, Witkoff appeared to walk back the reports. He told Axios on Monday that he was „disappointed“ that Hamas did not accept his proposal.
White House envoy Steve Witkoff told Axios on Monday he is „disappointed“ that Hamas has so far failed to accept his proposal for a new Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal.
“No business as usual with Israel”, demonstrations by Israeli citizens across Europe will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 27, in 12 major cities to demand: “Suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement! Stop Arming Israel!”
According to the initiative, “As Israeli citizens living in Europe, we are watching with broken hearts and endless rage as the Israeli army is exacting unprecedented destruction on the Gaza Strip and its people, as the Israeli society is deteriorating into fascism and widespread dehumanization, and as our government is committing a genocide aimed at the destruction of Palestinian collectivity.”
(…)
In addition, from June 12 to 14, 2025, Paris will host an exceptional gathering, held under the patronage and in the presence of the French President Emmanuel Macron. The initiative was started by The Alliance for Two States headed by Palestinian Samer Sinijlawi and Israeli Gershon Baskin.
The United States government has not said anything about this deal to reporters, in fact, it’s a bit of a ghost town at the White House North Lawn because it’s a federal holiday here.
Hamas has agreed to a proposal by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff for a Gaza ceasefire, a Palestinian official close to the group told Reuters on Monday, paving the way for a possible end to the war with Israel.
The new proposal, which sees the release of ten hostages and 70 days of truce, was received by Hamas through mediators.
“We‘re here to say we refuse the bombing of civilians, we refuse starvation, we refuse war crimes, we refuse the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.”
Israeli anti-war activists clashed with police during a demonstration against the war on Gaza in Tel Aviv on Sunday.
One demonstrator says they refuse to remain silent while Israelis continue to commit “such hideous crimes against humanity” in a “growing fascist regime”.
(May 25, 2025)
Weekly demonstration of relatives of hostages and others, demanding a deal to release the hostages in captivity in Gaza and against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the way the government handled the war with Hamas.
„I renew my appeal to allow the entry of dignified humanitarian aid and to put an end to the hostilities, whose heartbreaking price is paid by the children, elderly, and the sick.“
Pope Leo XIV made that appeal toward the conclusion of his first General Audience in St. Peter‘s Square on 21 May.
In his remarks to Italian pilgrims, he said, „The situation in the Gaza Strip is increasingly worrying and painful.“
Fascist assailants physically attacked Saturday evening, May 17, anti-government protesters demanding the end of the war in Gaza and a hostage deal during demonstrations in Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, Rehovot, Kiryat Ono and Gomeh Junction in Upper Galilee.
In Tel-Aviv, a gang of Kahanists attacked former Hadash MK Dov Khenin, a leading member of the Communist Party of Israel, and his wife on their way to the anti-war protest at Begin Road in front of the Israeli army headquarters. In the central city of Rehovot the attackers yell, “King Bibi,” referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while other rips an Israeli flag carried by one of the protesters.
Following the assaults on former MK Khenin in Tel-Aviv and anti-government protesters in Rehovot by supporters of Netanyahu, a second group of protesters in Kiryat Ono were assaulted while taking part in a demonstration outside an event featuring Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in the central town of Kiryat Ono. Videos posted by anti-government activists to social media appear to show a violent scuffle outside the event, as well as people identified as far-right government supporters clashing with police.
„I have decided to send our delegation to Istanbul now, but not everyone … The delegation will be headed by the Minister of Defense,“ Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Ankara on Thursday.
(May 12, 2025)
“We discussed strong steps that can be taken, including sanctions against Russia‘s banking, central bank, and energy sectors, combined with new defense assistance packages for Ukraine. Putin must understand the consequences of rejecting peace efforts and continuing the war. We coordinated our next steps, contacts, and efforts for this week and further. I am grateful to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the European Union for their unwavering support and tireless efforts to achieve a fair peace,” Sybiha stressed.
Israeli authorities, who have blocked the entry of aid, food, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza for 75 days, have reportedly decided on a plan that would include “flatten[ing]” buildings and displacing Gaza’s entire population into a single “humanitarian area” if no “deal” with Hamas is reached by mid-May 2025. The dire humanitarian situation stemming from the unlawful blockade and plans to escalate forced displacement and widespread destruction demand a more robust response from other governments and institutions, especially the United States, France, Germany, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. Human Rights Watch called on all parties to the Genocide Convention to do more to prevent further atrocities, including ending weapons sales, military assistance, and diplomatic support to Israel, imposing targeted sanctions on Israeli officials, and reviewing and considering suspending bilateral agreements.
“Hearing Israeli officials flaunt plans to squeeze Gaza’s 2 million people into an even tinier area while making the rest of the land uninhabitable should be treated like a five-alarm fire in London, Brussels, Paris, and Washington,” said Federico Borello, interim executive director of Human Rights Watch. “Israel’s blockade has transcended military tactics to become a tool of extermination.”
(May 12, 2025)
„Silence in the face of this manmade starvation is complicity. Oxfam urges governments to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire; the release of hostages and unlawfully detained prisoners; an end to the siege; unimpeded humanitarian access; and accountability for Israel‘s use of starvation as a weapon of war.“
“It’s disconcerting,” said Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington.
“It’s total panic,” said Shalom Lipner, a former Netanyahu aide and a fellow at the Atlantic Council, describing the mood in Jerusalem.
The White House has called it a “historic return to the Middle East” and promised “a shared vision of stability, opportunity and mutual respect.” Israel is once again not on the itinerary. And after Trump blindsided Israel several times already – announcing talks with Iran, a deal with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and direct talks with Hamas – Israeli officials are concerned another surprise could be coming.
Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions. I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a “thousand years,” a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!
“It’s a good sign that the Russians are finally thinking about ending the war,” Zelensky said. “Everyone in the world has long awaited this. And the first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.”
“There is no point in continuing the killing, even for one more day,” he added. “We expect Russia to confirm a full, durable, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”
„Ich trage das Leid des geliebten ukrainischen Volkes in meinem Herzen. Möge alles getan werden, um so bald wie möglich einen echten, gerechten und dauerhaften Frieden zu erreichen. Mögen alle Gefangenen freigelassen werden, und mögen die Kinder zu ihren Familien zurückkehren“, so Papst Leo XIV. vor den rund 100.000 Menschen, die für das erste Mittagsgebet nach der Papstwahl auf den Petersplatz geströmt waren. Doch auch der Gazastreifen fehlte nicht in seinem Appell:
„Ich bin tief betrübt über die Geschehnisse im Gazastreifen. Der Beschuss muss sofort eingestellt werden, die ausgelaugte Zivilbevölkerung muss humanitäre Hilfe erhalten und alle Geiseln müssen freigelassen werden!“, so der Papst weiter. Mit Zufriedenheit reagierte er jedoch auf ein anderes weltpolitisches Ereignis, nämlich die Ankündigung des Waffenstillstands zwischen Indien und Pakistan. Diese habe er „mit Freude aufgenommen“ und hoffe, „dass durch die bevorstehenden Verhandlungen bald eine dauerhafte Einigung erzielt werden kann“.
Leo XIV., dessen erste öffentliche Worte nach der Wahl „Der Friede sei mit Euch allen!“ waren, schloss den Appell an diesem Sonntag mit den Worten: „Aber wie viele andere Konflikte gibt es auf der Welt! Ich vertraue diese herzliche Bitte der Königin des Friedens an, damit sie sie dem Herrn Jesus vorlegt, um für uns das Wunder des Friedens zu erlangen.“
He recalled, first, “the immense tragedy of the Second World War“, which came to an end 80 years ago, on 8 May, „after causing 60 million deaths.”
Pope Leo then turned to the modern wars plaguing the world today: “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people,” he said, urging that „every effort be made to reach a true, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible“.
„May all prisoners be freed, and may the children be returned to their families“, he said.
He then turned to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. “I am deeply pained by what is happening,” he said. “Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released“.
With a sense of hope, Pope Leo XIV then welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. “I hope that, through the upcoming negotiations, a lasting agreement may soon be reached,” he said.
However, he continued, “how many other conflicts are there in the world?”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced in a post on X on Saturday that Ukraine and its allies „are ready for a full unconditional ceasefire“ with Russia „for at least 30 days“ beginning on Monday.
„Ukraine and all allies are ready for a full unconditional ceasefire on land, air, and at sea for at least 30 days starting already on Monday. If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, a durable ceasefire and confidence-building measures can pave the way to peace negotiations,“ the post said.
More than 20 leaders of the Coalition of the Willing took part in a call on Saturday morning, calling on Russia for a 30-day unconditional and complete ceasefire from May 12.
Ukraine and European leaders agreed on Saturday to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from May 12 with the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump, threatening President Vladimir Putin with new „massive“ sanctions if he failed to comply.
The announcement was made by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Ukraine after a meeting in Kyiv, during which they held a phone call with Trump.
(…)
Former Chief Minister of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, has urged the leaders of India and Pakistan to stop the ongoing military attacks and talk directly to resolve tensions. She called on both Prime Ministers to pick up the phone, communicate, and work toward a peaceful solution to the current crisis.
In a strong statement, Mufti said military operations have never solved core issues between the two countries. She stressed that such actions fail to bring lasting peace and only increase suffering on both sides. “Military action is not the answer. It never was and never will be,” she added.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the US official told attendees Israel could face “a much heavier price” if it continues to oppose a ceasefire deal.
“President Trump is determined to move forward with a significant deal with Saudi Arabia, even without Israeli involvement,” the official reportedly said. “The ceasefire agreement with the Houthis is just a prelude. If Israel doesn’t come to its senses, even the ‘Deal of the Millennium’ will happen without it.”
The report said families of the captives hoped the meeting would result in greater international pressure on Israeli leaders to act.
The pause in fighting, set to last until midnight on May 10–11, has been described as a humanitarian gesture marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. The Kremlin says the ceasefire also aims to create space for direct peace talks with Ukraine, without preconditions.
”Yes, this is an initiative by the Russian side, by President Putin. It remains in force,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Wednesday, stressing that Moscow is committed to honoring the truce despite Ukraine’s record-breaking drone assault ahead of its start.
In a statement issued today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt expressed hope that this agreement would positively impact freedomn of navigation in the Red Sea.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry praised the diplomatic efforts of the brotherly Sultanate of Oman, which played a key role in mediating the agreement. The ministry emphasised that the deal marks a significant move toward de-escalating conflict in the region
His Excellency Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said that the efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman in mediating between the United States and the relevant authorities in the Republic of Yemen, which led to a ceasefire agreement between the two sides, embody the constructive and effective role played by Oman in supporting regional security and stability.
(May 6, 2025)
Under this agreement, neither party will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, thereby safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring the unimpeded flow of international commercial shipping.
The Sultanate of Oman extends its appreciation to both parties for their constructive approach, which has yielded this positive outcome.
However, according to him, there are opportunities in the world for sanctions and other economic pressure, diplomatic pressure, “to say this, to discuss territorial issues, but only after a complete, unconditional ceasefire.”
The President stressed that Ukraine is ready for dialogue in any format at any time, but only after a real signal that Russia is ready to end the war.
„Such a signal is a complete, unconditional ceasefire,“ Zelenskyy explained.
(April 22, 2025)
„If they do not strike at the energy sector, we do not strike at the energy sector in response. And accordingly, if there are no strikes with long-range weapons, Russia does not use long-range weapons, Ukraine does not use long-range weapons as well,“ Zelenskyy said during a briefing on Tuesday in Kyiv.
He emphasized that Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire at sea, in the sky, and on the front.
(…)
Hamas also announced in a statement that a delegation headed by senior official Khalil al-Hayya has departed for Cairo to meet representatives from Qatar and Egypt „as part of efforts to reach an agreement.“