Live Updates: Israel-Hamas Deal Paves Way for Gaza Cease-Fire

As Israelis Express Relief at Hamas Deal, Some Ask Why It Took So Long

The families of hostages held in Gaza were elated that their loved ones might return soon. Still, some expressed frustration at Israel’s government ahead of a vote on the deal.

Netanyahu’s Political Fortunes May Be Transformed by Gaza Deal

The Israeli prime minister appeared backed into a corner in Gaza diplomacy. But this deal could greatly increase his room for maneuver, analysts said.

‘It feels like a dream’: protests come to end as Israelis sing in Hostage Square

After 733 days, news of agreement greeted with celebration in Tel Aviv and stickers saying: ‘They’re coming home’For 733 days, Israelis have come to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv with a yellow piece of tape on their shirts bearing the number of days since 251 hostages had been taken captive by Hamas-led militants. On Thursday, the yellow stickers remained but the tally was gone. In its place was a simple phrase: “They’re coming home.”Gone were the protest slogans Israelis had chanted for the last two years, calling on their government to secure the release of hostages. In their place were marching bands and crowds singing about the imminent return of their loved ones. “I felt good when I heard the news, but I will feel much better when I see Eitan and the rest of the hostages. With God’s help, he will return on Monday from hell,” said Itzik Horn, a 73-year-old whose son is one of the 20 living hostages held by Hamas. Continue reading...

Former BBC controller fears for World Service independence amid defence funding push

Liliane Landor says World Service journalism must not be ‘linked or subordinated’, as BBC explores new funding sourcesUsing Britain’s defence budget to help fund the BBC World Service risks subordinating its journalism to the government’s national security aims, its former controller has warned.The Guardian revealed last week that senior BBC figures are pushing ministers to increase the service’s funding by using resources beyond the Foreign Office, which has traditionally contributed to its global broadcasting. Continue reading...

Gaza ceasefire plan live: Israel says it is preparing to pull back troops; living hostages could be released within days

US president Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to ‘first phase’ of plan to pause fighting and release some hostages and prisonersFull report: ‘First phase’ of deal to end war in Gaza agreedWhat we know so far about the dealFamilies of Israelis held hostage in Gaza gathered in what has come to be known as Hostage Square in Tel Aviv after the announcement.“President Trump, thank you very much. We thank him, our children will not have returned home without him,” said Hatan Angrest, whose son Matan is among the hostages. Continue reading...

Head of UK Muslim charity ‘deeply worried’ as anti-Muslim hate crimes up by a fifth

Shaista Gohir says latest government figures are an ‘underestimation’ as many incidents go unreportedThe head of a leading UK Muslim charity has said she is “deeply worried” about the unprecedented levels of anxiety in the community as government data shows hate crimes against Muslims are up by nearly a fifth.Shaista Gohir, the cross-bench peer and head of the Muslim Women’s Network has criticised ministers for being “silent” and called for a public government response to figures which she believes to be “an underestimation”. Continue reading...

House speaker Mike Johnson accuses Democrats of ‘political theater’ as shutdown enters day nine – US politics live

Move comes as Donald Trump calls for imprisonment of Brandon Johnson, Chicago’s mayor, and JB Pritzker, the Illinois governorThe president has spent much of Thursday morning thanking his allies on Truth social for praising his diplomatic efforts in Gaza. “I would like to thank Republican Congressman Brian Mast, of Florida, for his brilliant words and analysis on the return of the Hostages, and Peace in the Middle East, this morning on Fox & Friends. Thank you Brian!!!,” Trump wrote in a post. Continue reading...

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More than 40 Trump administration picks tied directly to oil, gas and coal, analysis shows

Report looks at White House nominees and appointees and agencies dictating energy, environment and climate policyDonald Trump has placed dozens of people with ties to the fossil fuel sector in his administration, including more than 40 who have directly worked for oil, gas or coal companies, according to a new analysis.The report from Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy and ethics non-profit that has been critical of the Trump administration, alongside the Revolving Door Project, a corporate watchdog, analyzed the backgrounds of nominees and appointees within the White House and eight agencies dictating energy, environmental and climate policy. That includes the Environmental Protection Agency, the interior and energy departments and others. Continue reading...