Gaza ceasefire

Gaza war could have ended a year earlier, achieved more Hamas disarmament, ex-hostage chief says

An overlong war led to huge unnecessary losses in fallen soldiers and the death of up to 40 hostages, former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon said.

Former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon speaks at the Reichman University Conference, Herzliya, July 1, 2026.
A HAMAS terrorist stands on a street during Eid al-Fitr in Gaza City.

WATCH: IDF kills four Hamas terrorists, destroys Gaza rocket launchers in strikes

Palestinians make their way back to their homes in northern Gaza, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip, January 27, 2025

What do the rules of a ceasefire mean in the modern Middle East entail? -explainer

Activists, including Israelis and Palestinians, take part in a demonstration in support of peace near Jericho

Trump’s Gaza plan can still work - but only if Washington changes course - opinion


PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Marco Rubio discuss possible US intervention in Iran amid protests - report

Israel is on high alert for the possibility of any US intervention in Iran as authorities there confront the biggest anti-government protests in years.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Bangladesh expresses interest in joining Gaza stabilization force

Bangladesh said its national security adviser, Khalilur Rahman, met US diplomats Allison Hooker and Paul Kapur in Washington.

Soldiers sit atop an APC after armed forces were deployed, following a clash during a National Citizen Party rally, in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, July 16, 2025

After Gaza war, wounded IDF reservists face a new fight, rebuilding life and identity

HUMAN AFFAIRS: As the ceasefire holds, thousands of wounded reservists face a new battle, rebuilding careers, bodies, and identity after Gaza. One soldier’s story shows what recovery really takes.

Aaron Bours, 35, during one of his final days of intensive rehabilitation at Sheba Medical Center

Netanyahu insists to likely ‘Board of Peace’ director Mladenov that Hamas must be disarmed

During the meeting, Netanyahu insisted that "Hamas must be disarmed and the Gaza Strip must be demilitarized in accordance with the 20-point plan of US President Donald Trump."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Nickolay Mladenov, the former UN Middle East envoy.

WATCH: IDF strike kills Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon, kill Hamas terrorist in Gaza

The IDF conducted the strike "in response to Hezbollah's continued violations of the ceasefire understandings."

Hezbollah supporters attend a ceremony held by Hezbollah to commemorate the first anniversary of their late leader Hassan Nasrallah's killing by Israel, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, September 27, 2025

Press watchdog: Israel still blocking independent foreign reporting in Gaza despite ceasefire

The Foreign Press Association said the government had failed to present any plan that would allow journalists to operate independently in Gaza or work alongside Palestinian reporters.

Illustrative

What challenges will Israel face in the Middle East in the upcoming year? - analysis

With 2025 coming to a close, many of Israel's issues remain unresolved. It’s worth examining 2026's challenges one at a time and assessing the hurdles Israel still faces.

IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025.

NGO Refugees International condemns Israel's suspension of Gaza humanitarian organizations

"This action will cost the lives of Palestinians," their letter stated. "Removing these humanitarian organizations now will deepen exposure, illness, and preventable deaths."

Gazan women carry aid packages from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the central Gaza Strip, August 4, 2025; illustrative.

Netanyahu arrives in US for Trump summit seeking freedom on Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon - analysis

According to Israeli officials, roughly 30% of Israel’s operational objectives remain unfulfilled, namely, the return of Ran Gvili, the final hostage whose remains are being held by Hamas.

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reach out to shake hands at the White House.

In first Christmas sermon, Pope Leo decries conditions for Palestinians in Gaza

Leo, the first US pope, said the story of Jesus being born in a stable showed that God had "pitched his fragile tent" among the people of the world.

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 25, 2025.