Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates: More Israeli hostages expected to be freed after Gaza truce extended

14:17 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel and Hamas extend their truce, but it seems only a matter of time before the war resumes

On Tuesday, an Israeli-Hamas truce reached its fifth day, with the extremist organisation vowing to free additional civilian captives to postpone the expected start of the battle and Israel under increasing pressure to spare Palestinian civilians if violence returns.

The parties agreed to prolong their truce until Wednesday, with two further swaps of militant-held captives for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel scheduled. However, Israel has consistently stated that it will continue the war with "full force" to destroy Hamas once it is evident that no more hostages will be released under the conditions of the existing truce.

14:10 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

California city calls for permanent cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war, urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza

The California Bay Area city council voted 8-0 in favour of a motion supporting a congressional resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire, as well as the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the restoration of basic services, as well as "respect for international law" and the release of all hostages.

Prior to the vote, the council voted 6-2 to reject suggested changes by member Dan Kalb that expressly criticised Hamas killings and hostage-taking, which precipitated the conflict that has ravaged Gaza.

Boos and furious screams erupted from the crowded chamber in response to the motion.

13:43 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Three young French hostages released by Hamas are in good health - Foreign Minister

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Tuesday that three young French nationals were among the captives freed by Hamas on Monday and that they were in excellent condition.

"We have indirect news and that news is good... It is a great, great relief," Colonna told RTL radio, when asked about the health of Eitan, 12, Erez, 12, and Sahar 16.

"Three French children were finally freed, now we must work relentlessly for the release of all the other hostages," she said, adding that five French nationals were still missing or believed to be held hostage.

13:22 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Blinken says ‘thank you’ to Egypt

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to thank Egypt for its partnership in reaching a hostage deal.

They discussed minimizing harm to civilians, increasing aid into Gaza, and steps toward achieving a viable, prosperous Palestinian state, said Blinken.

I spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to thank Egypt for its partnership in reaching a hostage deal. We discussed minimizing harm to civilians, increasing aid into Gaza, and steps toward achieving a viable, prosperous Palestinian state.— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 27, 2023

13:14 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Iran's Raisi in Turkey to forge joint response to Gaza war

On Tuesday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will pay his first official visit to Turkey, trying to mend fences and form a strong unified reaction to Israel's activities in Gaza.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as one of the Muslim world's most vociferous critics of Israel's offensive on Gaza in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas terrorists.

He has termed Israel a "terrorist state" and Hamas, which is sponsored by Iran, a "liberation group."

12:53 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

More Israeli hostages expected to be freed after Gaza truce extended

On Tuesday, an Israel-Hamas truce in the Gaza Strip entered its fifth day, as the two sides completed the release of Israeli captives and arrested Palestinians and were prepared to release more as the cease-fire was extended by two days.

According to Israeli calculations, Hamas abducted roughly 240 captives during an Oct. 7 assault into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, forcing Israel to reply by bombing the coastal enclave and initiating a combat offensive in its north.

On Monday, Israel announced the return of 11 Israelis from the Gaza Strip, increasing the total number of Israeli and international prisoners liberated by the Palestinian organisation under the truce to 69.

The White House and Qatari negotiators said on Monday the original four day pause in fighting, due to expire at 0500 GMT on Tuesday, had been extended for two more days.

12:42 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

'We will apply more force': Israel Defense Minster vows to continue war with Hamas after truce ends

Israel will continue its war with Hamas with stronger force after the truce ends, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said.

Gallant said that Israel’s military operation will spread across the Gaza Strip.

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12:39 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Palestinians hoping to secure as many supplies during truce

Palestinians think the truce extension is a move in the right approach towards ending the conflict. Many view this as a chance to return to their homes and reconstruct what has been lost.

However, the biggest worry for residents in Gaza is gaining access to as many supplies as possible, including food and water, and communicating with family in the north in case combat starts.

12:17 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Fresh humanitarian aid brought to Gaza

Through the Rafah border, four containers delivering diesel fuel and four containers carrying cooking gas were delivered from Egypt to UN humanitarian relief organisations in the Gaza Strip.

The assistance trucks delivered "food, water, shelter equipment, and medical supplies, said COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories), Israel.

12:02 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel approves release of 50 female prisoners

The government has approved the insertion of 50 female convicts on the list of detainees eligible for release if further Israeli captives are released, says Israel PMO.

Announcement from the Prime Minister's Office:

The Government has approved the inclusion of 50 female prisoners in the list of prisoners eligible to be released in the event that a release of additional Israeli hostages is carried out.— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 27, 2023

11:47 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Freed Israeli hostage describes deteriorating conditions while being held by Hamas

An Israeli hostage freed by Hamas said in an interview that she was initially fed well in captivity until conditions worsened and people became hungry. She was kept in a “suffocating” room and slept on plastic chairs with a sheet for nearly 50 days.

In one of the first interviews with a freed hostage, 78-year-old Ruti Munder told Israel's Channel 13 television that she spent the entirety of her time with her daughter, Keren, and grandson, Ohad Munder-Zichri, who celebrated his ninth birthday in captivity. Her account, broadcast Monday, adds to the trickle of information about the experience of captives held in Gaza.

Munder was snatched Oct. 7 from her home in Nir Oz, a kibbutz in southern Israel. Her husband, Avraham, also 78, was taken hostage too and remains in Gaza. Her son was killed in the attack.

11:31 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Opposition leader Lapid slams cabinet decision to unfreeze funding to coalition partners

Opposition leader Yair Lapid slams the cabinet’s decision to unfreeze hundreds of millions of shekels in funding for ultra-Orthodox and West Bank settler priorities instead of diverting the money to fund the war.

“While you were sleeping the government passed a budget with colation funds, that left irrelevant ministries and indulged in small-minded, mean politics instead of shifting the money to the fighters, those evacuated and businesses that are collapsing.  There is no shame,” he tweets.

The cabinet late last night approved a NIS 30 billion change to prioritize wartime needs in the remaining portion of Israel’s 2023 state budget, over objections that the plan did not divert also continued to send money already approved by the Likud-led coalition as part of its political promises to partners.

11:15 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Two Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in West Bank, Haaretz reports

According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, two Palestinians were murdered by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank.

According to the article, one person was murdered in the West Bank town of Beitunia, citing the Palestinian Health Ministry, while another was killed in the adjacent city of Ramallah, citing medical sources.

Since October 7, Israeli soldiers have murdered over 200 Palestinians in the West Bank.

Israeli troops battled with Palestinians gathered outside Ofer jail, between Beitunia and Ramallah, to meet the freed detainees.

11:05 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Police say emergency number failure caused by infrastructure work

Police say that an outage blocking calls to emergency service hotlines 100 for police, 101 for paramedics, and 102 for fire and rescue service was caused by “infrastructure work” on the landline system operated by Bezeq.

The numbers are back working after being down for some three hours.

However, police note that repairs are still ongoing.

11:01 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Thirty-three Palestinian prisoners freed

Following the liberation of 11 Israeli captives from Gaza, 33 Palestinians were released from Israeli imprisonment, including 30 children and three women.

The convicts were released from Israel's Ofer jail in the West Bank and a detention facility in Jerusalem, bringing the total number of Palestinians freed since Friday to 150.

Crowds of Palestinians greeted the former inmates as they landed in the West Bank, according to video broadcast on Twitter.

Muhammad Abu al-Humus, 17, of East Jerusalem, described his release "an indescribable joy" and kissed his mother's hand as he entered his house.

10:51 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel-Hamas truce extended by 2 days: Is the end of the war near?

The fragile four-day ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas has been extended by two days, providing relief and hope that the war, now in its 53rd day, is coming to an end.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said on social media, “The State of Qatar announces that, as part of the ongoing mediation, an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip.”

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10:42 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

PM receives list of Israeli hostages set for release Tuesday as Gaza pause extended

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Israel obtained a list of Israeli hostages expected to be freed by Hamas tomorrow (Tuesday) as part of an extended truce arrangement negotiated earlier Monday.

According to the PMO, the list of hostages is now being reviewed, and "notices are being delivered at this time" to the relatives of individuals due to be released after more than 50 days as captives in Gaza.

The number of captives due to be released tomorrow is not specified in the notification. Since Friday, 50 Israeli hostages have been freed as part of an initial agreement for a four-day truce in Gaza and the release of three Palestinian inmates for each Israeli hostage.

10:40 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Emergency service numbers back online after nearly three-hour outage

Following an undisclosed three-hour interruption, emergency service hotlines 100 for police, 101 for paramedics, and 102 for fire and rescue service are back online.

During the outage, the hotlines were inoperable, and callers were directed to alternative numbers to reach emergency assistance.

In an early morning statement quoted by Hebrew media, the Communications Ministry stated that the disruption was not the result of a cybersecurity assault.

10:18 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel reports temporary disruption of emergency phone services

Several emergency phone numbers in Israel were momentarily affected overnight, according to Israeli media sources, including those for paramedic services and the fire department.

According to the Times of Israel and other news sites, the disturbance was caused by an unidentified "temporary error" by police.

“Essential services in Israel, such as Magen David Adom (MDA), Police and the Fire Department are all down amid a malfunction due to a potential cyberattack,” The Jerusalem Post said in a post on social media, although proof of an actual cyberattack was not immediately established.

The MDA is Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service.

10:12 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Relatives, friend of Israelis kidnapped, killed by Hamas visit Australia’s Parliament House

On Tuesday, relatives and a friend of Israelis abducted and slain by Hamas visited Australia's Parliament House, sharing personal experiences in a bid to rally worldwide support for the release of all captives — and to support Israel's war effort.

During a two-day tour to Canberra, the group of five will meet with political leaders. During a weeklong journey to Australia, they are also required to share their experiences with members of the community in Sydney and Melbourne.

10:00 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Calls for cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war roil city councils from California to Michigan

On Monday, Oakland discussed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, possibly joining over a dozen other U.S. communities from Michigan to Georgia in doing so.

The Oakland City Council resolution also asks for the free admission of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the restoration of essential services, as well as "respect for international law" and the release of all captives.

09:47 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israeli commander explains role of Iron Dome in intercepting rockets, minimising casualties

Doron Gavish, an Israeli commander, detailed how the Iron Dome system works as part of a multi-layered defence system that has helped Israel intercept thousands of missiles from different targets.

Former Aerial Defence Array Commander Brigadier General (res.) Doron Gavish stated that the system also assisted Israel in reducing civilian losses during strikes.

In a video posted by TPS - Israel’s News Agency, Gavish said, “Iron Dome is part of a multi-layered defence system, developed here during the last 10-15 years. The role of this formation is to defend against threats that arrive at short ranges, whether it is from the direction of Hezbollah or whether it is from the direction of Gaza”.

09:37 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel, Hamas complete initial prisoner-captive exchange commitments

Both Israel and Hamas have now fulfilled their original four-day prisoner-captive exchange pledges under their peace deal.

Following today's exchange, Hamas has now freed 50 Israeli hostages, 13 on each of the first three days and 11 on the fourth, while Israel has released 150 Palestinian inmates, 39 on each of the first three days and 33 tonight.

On the first three days, Hamas also freed 17 Thais, one Filipino, and one Israeli-Russian, however these hostages were purportedly part of separate accords with Hamas.

09:22 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

How Qatar secured the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas

Qatar has emerged as one of the world’s leading problem solver. As the original four-day deal between Hamas and Israel was about to expire, Qatar successfully extended it for another two days.

Read More

09:13 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

More Israeli hostages, Palestinian prisoners expected to be freed

On Tuesday, an Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza entered its fifth day, as the two sides completed the release of Israeli captives and jailed Palestinians under their original ceasefire agreement and were prepared to release more.

Israel reported on Monday that 11 Israelis have returned from the Gaza Strip, increasing the total number of Israeli and international prisoners liberated by the Islamist Palestinian organisation Hamas since Friday under the four-day truce to 69.

According to Israeli calculations, Hamas abducted 240 captives during an Oct. 7 assault into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, forcing Israel to counter by bombing the coastal enclave and initiating a combat offensive in its north.

09:09 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Pentagon presses Israel over more humanitarian aid to Gaza

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on the latest events in Gaza, including the release of more hostages and the truce.

According to a statement on the Pentagon website, Austin also reminded Israel that that humanitarian aid into Gaza must increase” and called “for state and non-state actors to avoid expanding the current conflict.”

Austin is also said to have given "updates on US security assistance support to Israel" as well as American measures "to protect its forces and interests across the Middle East."

The statement did not mention whether Austin and Gallant addressed the two-day truce extension and alternative approaches to reach a longer-term ceasefire.

08:50 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israeli president tells Musk he has 'huge role' in anti-Semitism fight

On Monday, Israel's president informed Elon Musk that he had "a huge role to play" in combating anti-Semitism, which his social media platform is accused of propagating.

The encounter occurred after the world's wealthiest person visited a kibbutz community damaged by Hamas militant strikes on October 7, when he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence officials.

Since taking over X, previously Twitter, in October 2022, Musk has been chastised for what opponents believe is a rise of hate speech.

08:47 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel prison authority says 33 Palestinian prisoners released under deal

Israel's prison authority said early Tuesday that 33 Palestinian prisoners had been released "during the night" under the terms of a truce deal that returned hostages from the Gaza Strip.

The release brought the total number of detainees freed by Israel during the initial, four-day pause in the fighting to 150.

08:45 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Rare survey details how Gazans wary of Hamas before Israel attack

Many Gazans were hostile to Hamas ahead of the group’s brutal October 7 attack on Israel, with some describing its rule as a second occupation, according to rare polling data analyzed by a US-Palestinian researcher.

The findings are striking against a backdrop of protests and counter-protests triggered by the attack, with the relationship between Hamas and ordinary Gazans often the subject of heated debate.

“We find in our surveys that 67 percent of Palestinians in Gaza had little or no trust in Hamas in that period right before the attacks,” said Amaney Jamal, dean of Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs.

08:43 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

218 people sheltering at U.N. schools were killed

According to today's assessment from the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, at least 218 displaced individuals who were hiding at UN schools in Gaza were murdered.

In addition to the deaths, around 900 individuals have been injured while seeking refuge at UNRWA schools. The United Nations has confirmed 99 "incidents" in over 70 sites, although the report does not detail on what those incidents were.

08:29 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

US thanks Qatar’s efforts to secure release of Israeli captives

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the release of a four-year-old American, Abigail Idan, in a phone chat with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

“The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for Qatar’s partnership and critical efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

“The Secretary welcomed Prime Minister Al Thani’s update that the sides agreed to extend the humanitarian pause in Gaza over the next 48 hours,” Miller added.

08:14 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

200 aid trucks enter Gaza, Israel says

Around 200 container trucks brought humanitarian aid into Gaza on Monday after being inspected by Israel, including a small amount of fuel, according to the Israeli military body that handles civilian affairs.

“Four containers carrying diesel fuel and four containers carrying cooking gas were transferred from Egypt to U.N. humanitarian aid organizations in the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing,” COGAT said in a statement.

The aid trucks brough “food, water, shelter equipment, and medical supplies,” the statement said.

08:09 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Israel releases Palestinian prisoners and Hamas frees 11 hostages as truce extended

The crucial mediator Qatar said on Monday that a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas has been extended for two more days, which would have been the cease-fire's final day.

In the fourth transfer under the initial four-day cease-fire, 11 Israeli captives, all women and children, were freed from Hamas custody in Gaza on Monday night. 33 Palestinians detained in Israeli jails were released early Tuesday and taken to the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.

The truce agreement has increased supply of gasoline and supplies into Gaza, but humanitarian agencies say this hardly scratches the surface of the 2.3 million Palestinians who have been subjected to weeks of Israeli blockade and shelling.

08:07 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Blinken will return to Israel as the US hopes to see further extensions of the Gaza cease-fire

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will return to the Middle East this week in the hopes of extending a cease-fire in Gaza and freeing more hostages, the State Department announced Monday. His journey to the region will be his third since Israel's battle with Hamas began last month.

Blinken will go to Israel and the West Bank after attending Ukraine-focused talks in Brussels and Skopje, North Macedonia, on Tuesday and Wednesday, when foreign ministers from NATO and the Organisation for Peace and Security in Europe are convening.

In exchange for the gradual release of captives abducted by Hamas during its Oct. 7 strikes on Israel, Israel has agreed to pauses in its military operations. The deal was set to expire on Monday but was extended for two days, meaning the extension would terminate just as Blinken arrives in Israel.

07:57 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Agreement reached to extend Israel-Hamas truce for two more days, says Qatar

The humanitarian cease-fire agreement that has brought the violence in Gaza to a halt has been extended by two days, according to Qatar's minister of foreign affairs on Monday.

Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesperson, did not immediately confirm the terms of the accord, but suggested in a statement early Monday that it may involve further captive releases and relief delivery.

On Sunday, Hamas freed 17 hostages in Gaza, including four-year-old Israeli-American Abigail Mor Edan. In exchange, Israel freed 39 Palestinian inmates.

07:50 (IST)

Israel-Hamas War LIVE Updates

Freed Palestinian prisoners arrive in West Bank City

A Red Cross bus transporting Palestinian inmates freed by Israel landed in Ramallah, West Bank, early Tuesday.

The Israeli prison service announced the release of 33 Palestinian inmates, the fourth such release as part of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Cheering crowds swarmed the bus as it drove through the streets of the West Bank city, greeting the detainees.

150 Palestinians have been freed from Israeli jails so far.