Israel confirms 31 hostage deaths in Gaza amid hopes of progress on truce deal
The hostage deaths represent more than a fifth of the remaining 136 captives thought to be held in Gaza according to available intelligence collated by the Israeli military. The Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure over its handling of the hostages situation.
Qatar’s Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani , whose country is acting as a mediator between the two sides in a deal that could trade a break in the fighting and the release of Palestinian prisoners for the return of more hostages to Israel, said Hamas’s response to proposals drawn up by the US and Israel and tabled more than a week ago “inspires optimism” – but would not go into details.
A statement from Hamas referred to “a comprehensive and complete ceasefire, ending the aggression against our people”. Israel has previously ruled out a permanent ceasefire and is believed to be proposing a pause of 40 days.
The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, speaking with the Qatari prime minister on his fifth tour of the region since the 7 October attacks, said he would discuss the Hamas response with Israel today.
“There’s still a lot of work to do be done, but we continue to believe that an agreement is possible, and indeed essential,” Blinken said. “We will continue to use all means available to us to reach an extended truce during which the hostages will be released from Gaza. Reaching an agreement on hostages is the best path forward for an expanded truce.”
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin February 07, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin February 07, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Swiss police make arrests over reported death in 'suicide' pod
Swiss police have opened a criminal investigation and arrested a number of people after the suspected death of a woman in a so-called suicide capsule.
Durán on target from the spot as Aston Villa pass nervy test
As Emiliano Buendía wheeled towards the nearest corner clenching his fists in celebration, in front of the bank of 1,848 travelling Aston Villa supporters, it was the kind of cathartic moment he longed for on the darker days of his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury.
Bolton recall spirit of Allardyce era in pursuit of upset
Wanderers had a reputation for riling Wenger's Arsenal in the early 2000s and they are hoping for another shock
Brook unbowed with masterful ton to drive England home and dry
On a chilly night at Chester-le-Street came an England performance to warm the cockles of the hardy home supporters.
England set to name El-Abd as defence coach after Jones exit
Steve Borthwick is expected to appoint Joe El-Abd as England's new defence coach following Felix Jones's shock resignation amid a summer of upheaval.
Union anger after Boeing makes 'divisive' final offer to end strike
A union representing 33,000 striking Boeing workers has reacted with anger at what the aircraft maker called its \"best and final\" pay offer of a 30% rise over four years.
Brexit checks put plant and flower trade with EU at risk, say UK firms
Exporters of plants and flowers from mainland Europe are turning their backs on supplying Britain as \"painful\" new Brexit border checks are pushing some trading relationships to \"breaking point\", garden centres and nurseries have warned.
Tui expects leap in profits as winter trip bookings rise
Europe's largest travel company expects its annual profits to rise by at least a quarter, helped by people spending more on winter breaks to sunny destinations such as Egypt, Cape Verde, Thailand and Mexico.
Interest rates unlikely to go to near-zero again, Bank governor says
The governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, has said he expects interest rates to fall gradually but warned consumers not to expect a return to near-zero levels.
Firms question pre-budget timing of investment event
Business leaders have warned that the government's plans for a major global investment summit are in danger of falling flat, amid growing frustrations over the high costs of involvement and its timing two weeks before the budget.