US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that he is "confident" and "fully" expects the agreement between Israel and Hamas to come into effect. According to him, this will happen on January 19, CNN informs.

When Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, released its propaganda video of three Israeli hostages being released Sunday night, there was a striking detail.

Hamas remained in power through four previous wars with Israel. With help from Iran it steadily enhanced its capabilities, extended the range of its rockets and built deeper and longer tunnels to hide from Israeli airstrikes. By Oct. 7, 2023, it had an army of tens of thousands in organized battalions.

Israel’s longest war has so far failed to destroy its main enemy, Hamas, which, despite suffering devastating losses, is framing the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a victory for itself – and a failure for Israel.

The post New Secretary of State Rubio holds first call with Netanyahu: US support for Israel ‘a top priority’ appeared first on The Times of Israel.

The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough.

Hamas warned Israel that the ongoing airstrikes in Gaza could kill the remaining captives before the break-through cease-fire and hostage exchange deal even begins.

US Senator Marco Rubio doesn't give timeline for reversal of Biden policy, says he expects Trump administration 'will continue to be perhaps the most pro-Israel administration'

Blinken’s remark comes after Israel has killed at least 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, per the most conservative count.

Gaza faces a perpetual war if Israel and Hamas do not sign a hostage deal to end the conflict, the US warned last night.

The US Senate voted to confirm Marco Rubio as Secretary of State on Monday, making him the first official in Donald Trump's administration to be approved on his presidential inauguration day. The vote, which came just hours after Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, was unanimous at 99-0.

U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators shuttled between the Israeli and Hamas delegations in Doha on Tuesday, where officials said a deal to halt the war is near.