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ISRAEL CLAIMS TO HAVE KILLED TOP HAMAS MILITARY COMMANDER IN GAZA

The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it had killed Muhammad Sinwar, one of Hamas’s top military commanders in Gaza, in airstrikes earlier this month. The airstrikes targeted the vicinity of a hospital in southern Gaza. However, Hamas has not yet confirmed the claim of Sinwar’s death. Muhammad Sinwar is the brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader killed by Israel last year. He was considered one of the most powerful Hamas leaders in Gaza still alive after nearly 20 months of war with Israel. According to analysts, Sinwar’s death would be a significant blow to Hamas, but it may not immediately change the group’s strategy or operations. Despite Israel’s efforts to target and kill Hamas’s top leaders, the group has continued its insurgency war against Israel in Gaza. Hamas typically does not confirm the killing of its commanders immediately, often announcing their demise weeks or even months later, if at all. There was no immediate response from Hamas regarding the claim of Sinwar’s death.

ISRAEL LAUNCHES DEADLY STRIKE ON GAZA HOSPITAL, TARGETS HAMAS LEADER MOHAMMAD SINWAR

Israel has launched a strike on the European hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, targeting Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar, according to a senior Israeli official and two sources familiar with the matter. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike targeted “Hamas terrorists in a command and control center” in underground infrastructure beneath the hospital. The strike comes amid ongoing negotiations between Hamas and the United States, with Hamas releasing Israeli American Edan Alexander in a goodwill gesture. The deal was reportedly made without Israeli involvement, with Hamas communicating directly with the Trump administration. Former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro said Sinwar’s removal could pave the way for a potential agreement. “There is little chance the war can end before he dies,” Shapiro told CNN. “His removal could open the door for the release of all hostages and beginning to move toward a post-war future for Gaza without Hamas.” The hospital strike has caused significant damage, with multiple airstrikes hitting the yard and some people buried under the rubble. Dr. Saleh Al Hams, the head of nursing, described the situation as “a catastrophe.” Medical teams are working to move patients to safe units inside the hospital. Mohammad Sinwar became Hamas’ de facto leader after his brother Yahya Sinwar was killed by the Israeli military last October. Israeli officials consider him just as hardline as his brother but more experienced militarily. He is believed to be one of the main planners of the October 7 terror attack on Israel and commanded the Khan Younis Brigade until 2016. The IDF has not confirmed whether Mohammad Sinwar was killed in the strike. The incident may impact negotiations set to take place in Qatar, where President Donald Trump and his envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Hamas representatives. Witkoff had promised the families of hostages that he “will be relentless on that pursuit.”

LAST AMERICAN HOSTAGE IN GAZA RELEASED BY HAMAS AFTER 18-MONTH ORDEAL

Edan Alexander, the 21-year-old American-Israeli hostage, has been released by Hamas, ending his 18-month captivity in Gaza. Alexander’s release comes after several days of indirect talks between Hamas and the US, with Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators. According to reports, Hamas handed Alexander over to the Red Cross on Monday, and he was transferred to Israeli soil shortly after. He is currently undergoing medical assessment at an Israeli military base, where he will reunite with his family. Alexander’s mother, Yael, described the news of her son’s release as “the greatest gift imaginable” on Mother’s Day and thanked US President Donald Trump, his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and the US administration for their tireless efforts in securing her son’s release. “I’m a mom, I just want to hold him again, and to say ‘Edan, you’re safe, you’re home,’” Yael Alexander said in an interview with CNN in March, highlighting the emotional toll of her son’s captivity. Trump hailed Alexander’s release as “monumental news,” stating it was a “step taken in good faith toward the United States and the efforts of the mediators – Qatar and Egypt – to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.” Alexander’s release comes just a day before Trump’s scheduled Middle East tour, which will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Despite this breakthrough, 58 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to securing the release of all hostages and missing persons. “We will continue operating tirelessly until the return of everyone home, to Israel,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. The development has sparked hope for further negotiations, but the path ahead remains uncertain, with Israel maintaining that negotiations will take place under fire.

ISRAEL CUTS OFF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO GAZA, HAMAS CALLS IT “STARVATION POLICY”

Israel has announced that it is cutting off its electricity supply to Gaza, a move that has been condemned by Hamas as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.” The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the arid territory’s desalination plants, which rely on electricity to produce drinking water. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassam said, “Israel has practically cut off electricity since the start of the war.” He added that the latest move is part of Israel’s “starvation policy, in clear disregard for all international laws and norms.” The Israeli government has defended its decision, saying it is necessary to pressure Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of their ceasefire. Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. However, Hamas is insisting on starting negotiations on the ceasefire’s more difficult second phase, which would see the release of remaining hostages from Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a lasting peace. The United Nations human rights office has criticized Israel’s decision to cut off supplies to Gaza, saying, “Any denial of the entry of the necessities of life for civilians may amount to collective punishment.” The International Criminal Court has also accused Israel of using “starvation as a method of warfare.” Israel has denied the allegations, saying it has allowed in enough aid and blaming shortages on the UN’s inability to distribute it. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has paused the deadliest and most destructive fighting ever between the two sides, sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The White House has confirmed direct US talks with Hamas, with envoy Adam Boehler saying, “I think you could see something like a long-term truce, where we forgive prisoners, where Hamas lays down their arms, where they agree they’re not part of the political party going forward. I think that’s a reality. It’s real close.”

HAMAS DELAYS HOSTAGE RELEASE AFTER ACCUSING ISRAEL OF CEASEFIRE VIOLATIONS

Hamas has announced that it will delay the release of more hostages in the Gaza Strip, citing Israel’s alleged violations of the fragile ceasefire that began three weeks ago. This move comes after three Israelis were freed on Saturday, returning home emaciated after 16 months in captivity. According to Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida, Israel has obstructed key provisions of the ceasefire by not allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, carrying out strikes across the territory, and failing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. “The next hostage release would be delayed until further notice,” Obeida said on social media. The Israeli government has expressed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consulting security officials and pushing forward a scheduled meeting of his Security Cabinet. Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned Hamas’ decision, calling it “a complete violation” of the ceasefire agreement, and instructed the Israeli military to be on high alert. The development has sparked concerns about the fate of the remaining hostages, with the Hostages and Missing Family Forum urging mediating countries to restore the existing deal. “Recent evidence from those released, as well as the shocking conditions of the hostages released last Saturday, leaves no room for doubt — time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation,” the Forum said. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced the end of a controversial system that paid stipends to the families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted in deadly attacks on Israel. The move aims to improve relations with the Trump administration, which has criticized the so-called “martyrs fund” for rewarding violence against Israel.

ISRAELI HOSTAGES RELEASED BY HAMAS, RAISING CONCERNS OVER THEIR CONDITION

Three Israeli hostages, Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, were released by Hamas on Saturday, after being held captive for 491 days. The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and later reunited with their families in Israel. However, the condition of the released hostages has raised concerns, with Israel describing the scenes as “shocking” and saying they “would not go unaddressed.” The hostages appeared thin and pale, with Levy looking particularly frail. Gershon Baskin, a veteran Israeli negotiator, said the condition of the released hostages should “compel us all to accelerate the release of all hostages.” He added that the images reminded him of Nazi concentration camp survivors. The release of the hostages is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, uncertainty looms over the future of the agreement, with negotiations on extending the Gaza ceasefire in doubt. In a separate development, US President Donald Trump proposed that the US “take over” Gaza, relocate its residents to neighboring countries, and redevelop the war-torn enclave. The proposal was met with international condemnation, with Hamas describing it as a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region.” “We will not allow these plans to pass, and what is required is to end the occupation and aggression against our people, not expel them from their land,” said Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri.

ISRAEL DELAYS RELEASE OF PALESTINIAN PRISONERS AFTER CHAOTIC HOSTAGE RELEASE IN GAZA

Israel has delayed the release of over 100 Palestinian prisoners following the chaotic scenes in Gaza during the transfer of seven hostages. The hostages, including two Israelis and five Thais, were released in Khan Younis, but the scene turned chaotic as hundreds of people swarmed around the Red Cross convoy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the scenes as “shocking” and ordered a delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners until the safe exit of the hostages is guaranteed. “The Israeli government embraces the seven returnees,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. The delay comes after buses carrying the Palestinian detainees were told to head back to the prisons. The Hamas-run Prisoners Media Office had earlier announced that 110 Palestinian prisoners were set to be freed after the return of the Israeli hostages. The family of a Thai farm worker held hostage in Gaza expressed relief after hearing of his release. “It is confirmed everyone, my son did not die. Thank you God,” said Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, the mother of Watchara Sriaoun. Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Haskel, condemned the chaotic scene in Khan Younis, calling it an example of Hamas’ “hate, terror and savagery.”

ISRAELI HOSTAGES NAMED AHEAD OF RELEASE IN GAZA

Three Israeli hostages set to be released in Gaza on Thursday have been named by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. The hostages are Arbel Yehoud, 29, Agam Berger, 19, and Gadi Moses, 80. The release is part of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. According to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, all three hostages are believed to be alive. Yehoud was kidnapped from her home in the Nir Oz kibbutz, while Moses, a grandfather and agronomist, was also taken from Nir Oz. Berger, a soldier, was abducted from a military base beside the Nahal Oz kibbutz. The chairwoman of Kibbutz Nir Oz, Osnat Peri, described the news of the releases as “an exciting moment for us, and another step on the long road to bringing all our loved ones home.” However, she noted that 29 members of the community remain in Gaza, and “the struggle will continue” until all are returned. Moses’ family expressed their excitement at the news of his release, thanking “the people of Israel for their embrace and support.” The Hostage and Missing Families Forum vowed to continue working towards the release of all hostages, saying they would “not give up or stop at any stage until all hostages return home – down to the very last one – the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial.”

TRUMP FLOATS PLAN TO “CLEAN OUT” GAZA, SEEKING PALESTINIAN RESETTLEMENT

US President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, describing the territory as a “demolition site” after the Israel-Hamas war. Trump suggested that Egypt and Jordan could take in the Palestinians, estimating that around 1.5 million people would be relocated. “I’d like Egypt to take people. And I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “You’re talking about probably a million and half people, and we just clean out that whole thing.” Trump emphasized that the relocation could be temporary or long-term, stating that “it’s literally a demolition site right now, almost everything is demolished and people are dying there.” The proposal has sparked concerns among Palestinians, who fear that any attempt to move them from Gaza would evoke memories of the mass displacement during Israel’s creation 75 years ago, known as the “Nakba” or catastrophe. Israel has denied plans to force Gazans to move, but some extreme-right members of the Israeli government have expressed support for the idea. Trump’s plan comes as a fragile truce and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas enters its second week. The US president has claimed credit for the deal, which was signed on the last day of former President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump’s administration has promised “unwavering support” for Israel, but details of its Middle East policy remain unclear. In a related development, Trump confirmed that he had ordered the Pentagon to release a shipment of 2,000-lb bombs for Israel, which was blocked by his predecessor Biden. “We released them. We released them today,” Trump said. “They paid for them and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time.”

HAMAS NAMES FOUR HOSTAGES TO BE RELEASED UNDER GAZA CEASEFIRE DEAL

Hamas has announced the names of four hostages to be released on Saturday as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The hostages, all Israeli soldiers, are Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag. They will be freed in exchange for 180 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. This will be the second hostage exchange since the ceasefire came into effect last Sunday. The first exchange saw three hostages and 90 prisoners released. The ceasefire halted the war that began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. Hamas is expected to provide information about the remaining 26 hostages due to be released over the next five weeks. The prisoners to be released in the current exchange are of a more serious category than those freed in the first exchange, including those who have killed and are serving sentences of over 15 years. Israel has insisted that no one involved in the October 7 attacks will be freed. The four hostages to be released were seized at the Nahal Oz military base, which was overrun by Hamas gunmen.

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