Israel
Israel’s economy: A Banana Republic run by monopolies
Israel increasingly resembles an economy captured by monopolies, where a small circle of powerful interests dominates key sectors and ordinary consumers foot the bill.
Four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
1 min Mena Today
A four-day truce between Hamas and Israel officially came into effect on Friday.
In total, 50 hostages are set to be released © Mena Today
A four-day truce between Hamas and Israel, aimed at facilitating the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, officially came into effect on Friday at 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT).
This "humanitarian pause," negotiated with the involvement of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, comes as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its 49th day.
The first releases of hostages (13 women and children) are expected around 14:00 GMT.
In total, 50 hostages are set to be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners during this ceasefire.
Related
Hamas
Israel accuses Hamas of violating Gaza truce, says it will respond
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas on Wednesday of violating the Gaza ceasefire agreement after a military officer was wounded by an explosive device in Rafah and Israel vowed retaliation.
Gaza
Israeli defence minister vows military to remain in Gaza
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the military would never fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip for security reasons and that a civilian-military army unit would be established in the Palestinian enclave.
Subscribe to our newsletter
