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CNN —Hamas says it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza. It’s unclear whether Hamas has agreed to the most recent ceasefire proposal, as outlined last week, or a revised version of it. Palestinians in Rafah celebrate news that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal, May 6, 2024. More than 1 million Palestinians have fled to Rafah, where Hamas is believed to have regrouped after Israel’s destruction of much of the north of Gaza. IDF operations ongoingAsked whether Hamas’ acceptance of a deal could change Israel’s plans for Rafah, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the military would continue to operate in Gaza.

Persons: Ismail Haniyeh, William Burns, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Matthew Miller, “, ”, Daniel Hagari, ” Netanyahu, ” Itamar Ben Gvir, Netanyahu, ” Benny Gantz Organizations: CNN, Hamas, CIA, Qatari, Getty, Israel Defense Forces, Families Forum Locations: Egypt, Qatar, Israel, Gaza, Doha, Qatar’s, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al, United States, Deir al, Gaza City, Rafah, AFP, Orit, Tel Aviv

☆ Why Qatar is unlikely to withdraw from the Gaza hostage-ceasefire talks
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Qatar hosts Hamas’ political office, but it is also home to a 10,000-troop US military base. Experts say it is unlikely Qatar will end its mediation role. Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani gives a press conference with his Turkish counterpart in Doha on Wednesday. And on Monday, Democratic US Congressman Steny Hoyer accused Qatar of “blocking” progress in the talks. The Gulf state was also a Major Non-NATO Ally, as well as key energy supplier to Western states.

Persons: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, ” Al Thani, “, ”, Anna Jacobs, “ They’ve, ” Jacobs, Daniel Shek, ” Shek, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Karim Jaafar, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, ” Majid Al Ansari, Netanyahu, James Comer, General Merrick Garland, Steny Hoyer, Jacobs, Joe Biden, NATO Ally Organizations: UAE CNN, Foreign, United States Congress, US, Qatar, Group, CNN, ”, Qatar's, Turkish, Wednesday, Qatari, Hamas, Washington DC, Democratic, Al Udeid, Al Udeid Air Base, NATO Locations: Abu Dhabi, UAE, Israel, Qatar, Doha, United States, Washington, Egypt, Gaza, Gulf, Brussels, Israeli, ” Qatar, Thani, AFP, Qatari, Al Udeid Air

☆ Qatar re-evaluates key mediator role in Middle East conflict on concerns of ‘political exploitation’
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is greeted by Qatari officials upon his arrival in Doha, Qatar, Friday Oct. 13, 2023. Qatar is reconsidering its role as cease-fire broker between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Gulf state's prime minister said, expressing concerns that Doha's mediation has been subject to "political exploitation." In a late-Wednesday statement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani "lamented the political exploitation by some politicians with narrow interests, marketing their electoral campaigns through the defamation of Qatar's role." Since October, the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip has been ravaged by a retaliatory war campaign carried out by Israel. "Hamas has also sought to use its intermediary Qatar – which has long helped finance, back, and house the terrorist organization – to exact greater concessions from Israel.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Steny Hoyer, Hoyer Organizations: Hamas, Gulf state's Locations: Doha, Qatar, Israel, Palestinian, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al, Maryland, Hamas, Gaza

☆ Qatar PM Says Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations 'Not Very Promising' in Recent Days
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

MUNICH (Reuters) - Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Saturday the pattern of negotiations for a framework ceasefire deal for the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was "not very promising" in recent days. "The pattern in the last few days are not really very promising but, as I always repeat, we will always remain optimistic and will always remain pushing," Sheikh Mohammed said at the Munich Security Conference. War in Israel and Gaza View All 209 Images"I believe in this agreement we are talking at a bigger scale and we still see some difficulties on the humanitarian part of these negotiations," he said. He added that he thought that if negotiations on the humanitarian element of any deal progressed then the obstacle over the numbers of those released would be ultimately tackled. Photos You Should See View All 33 ImagesTalks involving officials from Qatar, Egypt, Israel and the United States have so far not yielded a deal for a pause in the fighting.

Persons: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Sheikh Mohammed, Maha El Dahan, Hatem Maher, Frances Kerry Organizations: Qatar's, Munich Security, Hamas Locations: MUNICH, Israel, Gaza, Qatar, Egypt, United States

CNN has obtained a copy of the Hamas response and senior Hamas official Muhammad Nazzal confirmed it was genuine. The Hamas response has been met with optimism by some of the parties involved but one Israeli official said Wednesday there was “no way” his country would accept it. The second phase, Hamas has proposed, would see the conclusion of talks on a mutual cessation of hostilities. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the prime minister of Qatar, which is mediating, said Tuesday Hamas’ response to Israel’s proposal was “positive.”“The reply includes some comments, but in general it is positive. “We are optimistic, and we have delivered the response to the Israeli party.”Separately, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN that Hamas’ response was “reasonable.”It’s unclear if the two were referring to the counterproposal CNN has seen.

Persons: Israel –, hasn’t, Muhammad Nazzal, Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas ’ counterproposal, aren’t, ”, ’ counterproposal, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, ” Al Thani, Blinken Organizations: CNN, Palestinian, ”, Hamas, United Nations, Qatari, Doha Locations: Gaza, Israel, Paris, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Russia, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

☆ Hamas has replied to Gaza hostage proposal
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Jennifer Hansler | Michael Conte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Hamas has replied to a proposal aimed at the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza and a sustained cessation in fighting, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Tuesday. “We are optimistic, and we have delivered the response to the Israeli party,” he said. The United States is reviewing the response from Hamas “now,” Blinken said. And we will continue to work relentlessly to achieve it,” he said at the news conference. Blinken will meet with senior members of the Israeli government on Wednesday.

Persons: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Antony Blinken, “, ”, ” Al Thani, ” Blinken, “ I’ll, Blinken Organizations: CNN, Qatari, Blinken Locations: Gaza, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Doha, United States, Israel

☆ US Says Algeria Push for UN Ceasefire Resolution Could Hurt Gaza Talks
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on Friday that Algeria's draft Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire could jeopardize "sensitive negotiations" aimed at brokering a pause in Israel's war. It would demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It was not immediately clear if or when Algeria could put the draft resolution to a vote. The Gaza war began when fighters from the Hamas militant group that runs Gaza attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. To be adopted, U.N. Security Council resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, China or Russia.

Persons: Michelle Nichols UNITED, United Nations Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Thomas, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, Israel, Michelle Nichols, Paul Grant, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Reuters, United Nations, Qatar's, U.N, Security Locations: Gaza, Algeria, Israel, United States, Egypt, Qatar, New York, U.S, Washington, U.N, Britain, France, China, Russia

☆ Gaza Ceasefire Plan for Hostage Release Awaits Hamas Response
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +7 min

"We don't know and we cannot predict what Hamas' response will be," Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's prime minister, said on Monday. Hamas told Reuters in a statement on Tuesday the proposal would involve three stages, including the release of hostages held by the group and Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. "After that, the Hamas leadership will meet to discuss the paper and express its final opinion on it," the statement said. More than 100 Israeli hostages are still held, following the release of a similar number in an earlier truce in November that involved the release of scores of Palestinian prisoners. The Hamas statement said the second phase would also involve the release of male military recruits.

Persons: Jonathan Landay, Maya Gebeily, Andrew Mills, Nidal, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, David Barnea, Sheikh Mohammed, Jordan, Ismail Haniyeh, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Islamic Jihad, Itamar Ben, Gvir, Dan Williams, Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, Michael Georgy, William Maclean Organizations: Reuters, Palestinian, U.S, Paris, Islamic, Hamas, Washington's Atlantic Council, Israeli Defense Forces Locations: Mughrabi WASHINGTON, BEIRUT, DOHA, Gaza, Israel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Paris, Qatar, Egypt, U.S, France, Cairo

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli forces opened fire inside the wards of the Ibn Sina Hospital in the town of Jenin. Most were killed in confrontations with Israeli forces during arrest raids or violent protests. The Israeli military says it has arrested nearly 3,000 Palestinians in the West Bank over the past four months. The military said Tuesday that forces killed Mohammed Jalamneh, 27, who it said was planning an imminent attack. Hospital spokesperson Tawfiq al-Shobaki said there was no exchange of fire and the three were killed by Israeli forces in a targeted killing.

Persons: Ibn, Mohammed Jalamneh, Basel, Mohammed Ghazawi, Jalamneh, Tawfiq, Shobaki, ”, Basel Ghazawi, Israel, Osama Hamdan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, ___ Lidman Organizations: West Bank, —, Palestinian Health Ministry, Ibn Sina, Muslim, Israel, Health Ministry, Hamas, United Nations, Basel, hemiplegia, Palestinian Authority, Gaza, Atlantic Council, Palestinian Locations: JENIN, West, Gaza, Jenin, Israel, Jerusalem, Egypt, Qatar, United States, Beirut, Washington, Gaza City, israel

☆ Israeli PM's Office Says 'Gaps' Remain After Meeting on Hostage Deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Talks held on Sunday initiated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt to broker a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas were "constructive" but meaningful gaps remain, the Israeli prime minister's office said. "There are still significant gaps in which the parties will continue to discuss this week in additional mutual meetings," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns and the head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service, David Barnea, met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, along with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, the statement said. Some 1,200 people were killed and 253 abducted, according to Israeli officials. The U.S. and Israeli intelligence chiefs have previously met with Qatari and Egyptian officials, helping to broker a short-lived truce in November that saw more than 100 hostages freed.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu's, William Burns, David Barnea, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Abbas Kamel, Joe Biden's, Emily RoseEditing, Jane Merriman, Frances Kerry Organizations: . Central Intelligence Agency, Qatari Prime, Hamas Locations: JERUSALEM, Qatar, United States, Egypt, Israel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Europe, Gaza, U.S

The move comes as the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. In its waning days, the Trump administration designated the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization over the strong objections of human rights and humanitarian aid groups. Yemen, on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula bordering the Red Sea, is the poorest country in the Arab world. While supporters of broad sanctions argue it’s possible to shape any enforcement mechanisms so to exempt food and humanitarian aid, aid organizations worry that fears of running afoul of U.S. regulation could scare away shippers, banks and other players vital to Yemen’s commercial food supply. The Red Sea attacks have already caused significant disruptions to global trade.

Persons: —, Biden, Antony Blinken, Trump, Blinken, ”, Scott Paul, “, Yemen’s Houthi, Jake Sullivan, Linda Thomas Greenfield, Brent, Houthis, Sullivan, Joe Biden's, ” Sullivan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Al Thani, Mohammed Shia, Masrour Barzani, Jon Gambrell, Edith M, Lederer, Ellen Knickmeyer Organizations: WASHINGTON, White, U.S, Nations, Oxfam America, White House, House, Economic, British, United Nations, Consulate, Islamic, Tuesday, ___ Associated Press Locations: Yemen, Red, Gaza, Israel, Yemenis, U.S, Davos, Switzerland, Iran, Malta, Tehran, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al, Qatar, Kurdish, House, Irbil, ___, Jerusalem, Washington

☆ Six Ukrainian Children to Be Returned From Russia Through Qatari Mediation
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Dec. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

The children are en route to Ukraine via Moscow, the source added. This is the second phase of a Qatar-mediated return of children, after four minors were returned in October. One of the children was being escorted by Qatari diplomats to their embassy in Moscow before being transferred to Ukraine, the source said. Kyiv says about 20,000 children have been taken from Ukraine to Russia or Russian-held territory without the consent of family or guardians. The ICC has accused them of responsibility for the war crime of deporting Ukrainian children - at least hundreds, possibly more - to Russia.

Persons: Andrew Mills, Max Hunder, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Vladimir Putin, Maria Lvova, Belova, Putin, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: Max Hunder DOHA, Reuters, Qatari, ICC Locations: KYIV, Ukrainian, Ukraine, Russia, Qatar, Moscow, Thani, Russian, Doha, Kyiv

☆ How Qatar swayed Israel and Hamas to make a truce work
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Andrew Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +10 min

It was necessary to clarify all the points in the agreement and make sure they meant the same thing to Israel and Hamas, a source briefed on the negotiations said. Qatar's foreign ministry told reporters that Hamas and Israel negotiated in Doha until "the early morning" of Nov. 23 and agreed on a plan to implement the truce deal the next day. Qatari negotiators shepherded Israel and Hamas to agree on exactly where in Gaza Israeli tanks would be stationed during the truce. Israel vets all financial transfers Qatar makes to Palestinians in Gaza, Qatari sources have said. Despite proximity to Hamas officials, Qatari negotiators did not speak directly to the group's leaders in Gaza, but through its representatives based in Doha.

Persons: Qatar’s, Abdullah Al Sulaiti, Imad Creidi, Qatar's, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Sheikh Mohammed, David Barnea, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, shepherded Israel, Al Shifa, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Joe Biden, Sheikh Tamim, Mehran Kamrava, We've, Al Sulaiti, I've, Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, Matt S, Dan Williams, David Gauthier, Frank Jack Daniel Organizations: Hamas, National Command Centre, REUTERS, Rights DOHA, Qatari, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S . Department of State, U.S, Gaza, Bild, Palestinian, Georgetown University, Thomson Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Doha, Qatar, Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Gaza, Moscow, London, Hamas, U.S, Russia, Gulf, Berlin, Syria, Qatari, Cairo, Washington, Jerusalem

The Israeli prime minister’s office said the released hostages included a 12-year-old boy and multiple members of four other families. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government, which had offered to extend the pause by one day for every additional 10 hostages released. Under the initial deal, Hamas agreed to release 50 women and children taken hostage during the Oct. 7 attack. In return, Israel agreed to free 150 women and minors held in Israeli jails, among other terms. Before Monday, Hamas had released 39 Israeli hostages under the deal, while Israel had freed 117 Palestinian prisoners.

Persons: —, Israel, Daniel Hagari, “ We’re, ”, Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, John F, Kirby, we’ve, ” Mr, Diaa Rashwan, Rashwan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Thani, Isabel Kershner, Iyad Abuheweila, Erica L, Green, Edward Wong Organizations: West Bank, Associated Press, National Security Council, State Information Service, Hamas, Financial Times Locations: Israel, Gaza, West, Ramallah, Gaza City, Washington, United States, Egypt, Qatar, Thani, al

☆ Israeli, U.S. spy chiefs meet Qatari PM to discuss 'building on' Gaza truce - source
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The outcome of the talks, which were also attended by Egyptian officials, was unclear, the source added. Health authorities in Gaza say Israel's bombardment of the tiny, densely populated territory has so far killed more than 15,000 people, around 40% of them children. During the first four days of the truce, Hamas fighters released 50 Israeli women and children who had been taken hostage. As part of the two-day truce extension Hamas has agreed to release an additional 10 Israeli women and children each day. So far, there is no indication that Hamas is willing to release any Israeli men or military personnel among those taken captive.

Persons: William Burns, Burns, David Barnea, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, Barnea, Sheikh Mohammed, Andrew Mills, Doina Chiacu, Nadine Awadalla, Alison Williams, Gareth Jones Organizations: U.S . Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, Palestinian, Hamas, Reuters, Egyptian, U.S, Qatari, Qatar, Israel, Health, Thomson Locations: DUBAI, Doha, Israel, Gaza, Qatar, Washington

☆ Israel confirms 17 hostages released, including four-year-old American girl
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed that 17 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were released on Sunday, including four-year-old Israeli-American Abigail Mor Edan. The Prime Minister's office said that 14 of the individuals were Israeli citizens, while the other three were foreign nationals. Fifty Hamas hostages are due to be freed over the four days under the terms of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. In the first two days of the temporary cease-fire, 24 hostages were released from Gaza in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners. There is a clause within the current Israel-Hamas agreement that would extend the military pause if Hamas agrees to release additional hostages beyond the initial 50.

Persons: Abigail Mor Edan, Abigail Edan, Alma Avraham, Aviva Adrian Siegel, Ron Cariboy, Hagar Brodetz, Yuval Brodetz, Uriah Brodetz, Chen Goldstein Almog, Agam Goldstein Almog, Gal Goldstein Almog, Tal Goldstein Almog, Ella Elikim, Joe Biden, Abigail, she's, Liz Hirsh Naftali, Noa Naftali, Edan's, Biden, presser, Jake Sullivan, Sullivan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Ronen Neutra, Omer Neutra, Orna, We're, Omer's Organizations: Aviva, United States National, Qatari, CBS, U.S, Hamas, Israel Defense Forces, Press Locations: Israel, Rafah, Gaza, Israeli, Qatar, Egypt, Long Island , New York

"We're closer now than we've been before," White House spokesman John Kirby said of a hostage agreement. The Palestinian militant group Hamas took about 240 hostages during its Oct. 7 rampage into Israel that killed 1,200 people. The Washington Post on Saturday reported a deal had been agreed but the White House and Israel denied that. Hamas' raid on Oct. 7, the deadliest day in Israel's 75-year-old history, prompted Israel to invade the Palestinian territory to target Hamas. Hospital staff denied there were any armed militants on the premises.

Persons: Joseph Campbell, Israel, Joe Biden, We're, we've, John Kirby, Mirjana Spoljaric, Cross, Ismail Haniyeh, United States Michael Herzog, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, Jon, Gaza's, Witnesses, WAFA, Beit Lahia, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Al Shifa, Shifa, U.N, Antonio Guterres, Idres Ali, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Nations, Fund, UNICEF, REUTERS, Red Cross, Indonesian, U.S, Palestinian, International Committee, Reuters, Qatar's, Washington Post, White, House, Press, Gaza's Hamas, Indonesian Hospital, Health, Health Organisation, Israeli Defence Forces, United Nations, Thomson Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Qatar, Gaza, GAZA, JERUSALEM, United States, Gaza City, Geneva, Hamas, Israel's, Jakarta, Palestinian, Beit, Gaza's, Egypt

[1/6] Smoke rises after Israeli air strikes in Gaza, as seen from southern Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, November 20, 2023. Like many other health facilities in embattled Gaza, the Indonesian Hospital, set up in 2016 with funding from Indonesian organisations, has ceased operations. At the other end of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, at least 14 Palestinians were killed in two Israeli air strikes on houses in the town of Rafah, near the border with Egypt, health officials said. Israeli tanks and troops stormed into Gaza late last month and have since seized wide areas of the north and northwest and east around Gaza City, the Israeli military says. Palestinians say Israel's repeated bombardment of southern Gaza renders Israeli promises of safety absurd.

Persons: Alexander Ermochenko, WAFA, Ashraf Al, Qidra, Gaza's, Beit Lahia, Israel, Yemen's, Houthis, Michael Herzog, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, General Antonio Guterres, Clauda Tanios, James Mackenzie, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: Palestinian, Hamas, REUTERS, Indonesian, Indonesian Hospital, Gaza's General Authority, Gaza's Hamas, Islamic, Sunday, Qatari, White, Israel, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Rafah, Egyptian, GAZA, JERUSALEM, Palestinian, Egypt, Gaza City, Beach, Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, Beijing, Yemen's Iran, British, United States, Doha, States

☆ Israeli Tanks Reported Near Hospital in Embattled North Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +6 min

There was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli military of the reports from the Indonesian Hospital but the Palestinian news agency WAFA said the facility had been hit by artillery fire. Like many other health facilities in embattled Gaza, the Indonesian Hospital, set up in 2016 with funding from Indonesian organisations, has ceased operations. At the other end of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, at least 14 Palestinians were killed in two Israeli air strikes on houses in the town of Rafah, near the border with Egypt, health officials said. Israeli tanks and troops stormed into Gaza late last month and have since seized wide areas of the north and northwest and east around Gaza City, the Israeli military says. Palestinians say Israel's repeated bombardment of southern Gaza renders Israeli promises of safety absurd.

Persons: Clauda Tanios, James Mackenzie, WAFA, Ashraf Al, Qidra, Gaza's, Beit Lahia, Israel, Yemen's, Houthis, Michael Herzog, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, General Antonio Guterres, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Mark Heinrich Organizations: Indonesian, Indonesian Hospital, Palestinian, Gaza's General Authority, Gaza's Hamas, Islamic, Sunday, Qatari, White, Hamas, Israel Locations: James Mackenzie GAZA, JERUSALEM, Gaza, Palestinian, Rafah, Egypt, Israel, Gaza City, Beach, Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, Beijing, Yemen's Iran, British, United States, Doha, States

☆ Hamas battles Israeli forces in north Gaza, amid hopes of hostage deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A view of debris of destroyed buildings after Israeli army's airstrike at Nuseirat Refugee Camp as Israel's attacks continue on its 42nd day in Gaza Strip on November 17, 2023. Hamas gunmen battled Israeli forces trying to push into Gaza's largest refugee camp on Sunday and at least 11 Palestinians were killed by an Israeli air strike on a house, medics said, as hopes rose of a deal to free some hostages from the enclave. Reuters reported on Nov. 15 that Qatari mediators had been seeking a deal between Israel and Hamas to exchange 50 hostages in return for a three-day ceasefire, citing an official briefed on the talks. At the time, the official said general outlines had been agreed but Israel was still negotiating details. The civilian death toll in Gaza was "staggering and unacceptable," U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday, again appealing for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, United States Michael Herzog, Israel, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, General Antonio Guterres Organizations: The Washington Post, Post, Israeli, Reuters, Sunday, Qatari, Hamas, Israel Locations: Gaza, The, Israel, United States, Doha, States

☆ Israel-Hamas hostage deal could come this week — here's what we know
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Officials have been tight-lipped when speaking publicly on the hostage negotiations, due to the sensitive and malleable nature of the talks. As the current deal appears to inch closer to a final version, here are some lingering questions and what we know so far. Reaching a deal this week is not certain — a variety of factors could disrupt and prolong the negotiations. Finer said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" that the deal would "certainly" lead to the release of "more than dozens" of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that Israel will not begin to consider a cease-fire until all of Hamas' hostages have been released.

Persons: Jonathan, Israel, Adrienne Watson, Michael Herzog, Herzog, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, Benjamin Netanyahu, it's, Netanyahu Organizations: Hamas, U.S, Deputy National, White, Washington Post, National Security, National, CNN, Qatari Locations: Gaza, Israel, Tel Aviv, Qatar

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani attends a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (not pictured) at the Amiri Diwan, in Doha, Qatar November 5, 2023. It followed a report in the Washington Post published on Saturday that said a deal for the release of 50 hostages had been agreed. "The challenges facing the agreement are just practical and logistical," Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said at a joint press conference with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in Doha. "The deal is going through ups and downs from time to time throughout the last few weeks. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said no deal had been reached yet.

Persons: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Catherine Colonna, Amiri, Imad Creidi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, Josep Borrell, Benjamin Netanyahu, Sheikh Mohammed, Andrew Gray, Aziz El Yaakoubi, Emelia Sithole, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Qatar's, French, REUTERS, Rights DOHA, Hamas, Washington Post, White House, Reuters, Qatari, European Union, Washington, Thomson Locations: Doha, Qatar, Palestinian, Israel, United States, Gaza

☆ Oil is struggling this week but could be primed for a near-term bounce, analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Oil prices may be due for a pop after their recent struggles, according to two analysts. International benchmark Brent is down 3.7% this week, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures have lost nearly 4%. Flynn said virtually everyone in the market right now is short oil futures. "You could easily mount a recovery here because we're probably the most oversold in a year in the market," said Flynn. OPEC+ will meet in two weeks and could take action to defend prices while there's still a low risk of regional war.

Persons: Phil Flynn, Flynn, we're, Hossein Amir, Abdollahian, Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Maximilian Layton, there's, Layton Organizations: Brent, U.S, West Texas, Price Futures, Iranian, Iran's Press, Citi Locations: Europe, China, Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Gaza, OPEC, Israel, Iran

[1/5] Smoke rises over Gaza as seen from southern Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas, November 10, 2023. "The Israeli occupation launched simultaneous strikes on a number of hospitals during the past hours," Gaza Ministry of Health spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra told Al Jazeera television. Israel said Hamas has hidden command centres and tunnels beneath Al Shifa, and other hospitals such as the Indonesian Hospital, allegations Hamas denies. Palestinian officials said 10,812 Gaza residents had been killed as of Thursday, about 40% of them children, in air and artillery strikes. The Israeli military has allowed some wounded Palestinian civilians to cross into Egypt for treatment.

Persons: Evelyn Hockstein, Hossein Amir, Amir, Abdollahian, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al, Ashraf Al, Qidra, Al Shifa, Israel, Nasr, ISRAEL, Joe Biden, John Kirby, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Nidal al, Angel, Emily Rose, Maayan, Rami Amichay, Steve Holland, Matt Spetalnick, Humeyra Pamuk, Cynthia Osterman, Michael Perry, Grant McCool, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Hamas, REUTERS, Iranian, Press, Gaza Ministry, Health, Al, Indonesian, Reuters, Islamic, Rights Watch, Rantisi Pediatric Hospital, Indonesian Hospital, White House, Fox News, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Palestinian, Iran, GAZA, DUBAI, U.S, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Iran's, Israeli, Al Jazeera, Gaza City, Al, Lebanese, Indonesia, Egypt, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Washington

☆ Mossad, CIA chiefs meet Qatar PM in Doha on Gaza hostage deal -source
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Mary F. Calvert/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsDOHA, Nov 9 (Reuters) - The CIA and Mossad chiefs met with the Qatari prime minister in Doha on Thursday to discuss the parameters of a deal for hostage releases and a pause in Hamas-Israel fighting in the Gaza Strip, a source briefed on the meeting told Reuters. Sheikh Tamim was accompanied by the Qatari prime minister. The statement said the purpose of the visit was to discuss the situation in Gaza. Unlike Qatar, the UAE has had diplomatic relations with Israel since a U.S.-brokered normalisation agreement in 2020. Reporting by Andrew Mills; writing by Maha El Dahan; editing by Toby Chopra and Mark HeinrichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: William Burns, Mary F, David Barnea, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Thani, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Tamim, Andrew Mills, Maha El, Toby Chopra, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: Central Intelligence Agency, Intelligence, REUTERS, Rights DOHA, CIA, Reuters, Qatari, Wednesday, United Arab, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Doha, Israel, Gaza, Qatar, Qatar's, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, UAE, U.S

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