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Netanyahu Seeks US Tools to End Hostage Situation

Many Democrats skipped the meeting in protest and thousands of people protested against his visit outside the US Congress…reports Asian Lite News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday told US lawmakers in a joint meeting of Congress that he was confident of securing the release of all hostages from Hamas’s captivity and said “give us the tools and we will finish the job”.

Netanyahu spoke, to repeated applause, reached out to both Republicans and Democrats and thanked US President Joe Biden for his steadfast support and former President Donald Trump for brokering the Abrahamic Accords between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain in 2020.

He spoke to repeated applause, especially from Republican lawmakers.

Many Democrats skipped the meeting in protest and thousands of people protested against his visit outside the US Congress.

“As we speak, we’re actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release,” Netanyahu said, referring to talks on,” the Prime Minister said of the efforts underway to release the hostages.

One hostage who was recently freed from her captors in an operation by Israeli forces was in the visitors’ gallery with the Prime Minister’s wife, Sarah Netanyahu. Other guests of Prime Minister Netanyahu in the gallery were Israeli military personnel who fought the Hamas terrorists in the October 7 attack.

This was Prime Minister Netanyahu’s fourth address to the US Congress and he is a keen observer of US politics.

“I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel,” Netanyahu said.

“And I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless of who the American people choose as their next President, Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East.”

Netanyahu sought to explain to the lawmakers that Israel’s war with Hamas is not just Israel’s war.

“My friends, if you remember one thing, one thing from this speech, remember this,” Netanyahu said.

“Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory.”

He defended the war in Gaza and said: “If there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren’t getting enough food, it’s not because Israel is blocking it, it’s because Hamas is stealing it.”

ALSO READ-Hamas softens stance in truce talks

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Kfir Bibas’ Birthday Spent in Hamas Captivity

Children who have returned from Hamas captivity prepared greeting cards to mark the birthday…reports Asian Lite News

The family of Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage in Hamas captivity, celebrated his first birthday on a sad note.

Kfir Bibas was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023 along with his parents Yarden and Shiri and four-year-old brother Ariel.

To mark the day, a large crowd filled the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on Thursday, with many holding orange balloons, in acknowledgment of Kfir’s red hair.

There was also a large screen displaying the number of days the hostages have been held in Gaza.

In a social media post, Gali Tarshansky (13), who was also captured by Hamas and released as part of the week-long ceasefire deal on November 29, 2023, said: “Cute and sweet Kfir, happy birthday. We are waiting for you to return to us safely and quickly and we will celebrate with a cake and gifts, like a one-year-old child should celebrate.”

Children who have returned from Hamas captivity prepared greeting cards to mark the birthday.

Four-year-old Oriya Brodutch, who was also kindapped along with her parents and released on November 26, 2023, wrote: “Happy birthday, may you return home soon.”

Emily Hand (nine), who was also kidnapped and later released on November 26, said: “I hope you get out of there as soon as possible. I understand the feeling because I was there too. Sending you hugs and love.”

During the function, Shiri Bibas’ cousin, Yifat Zeiler, said: “No abductee should celebrate a birthday in captivity. We thank the children and their families for such a moving gesture, and ask the decision-makers to read these wishes to understand that behind every hostage there is a whole world.”

However It is not clear whether Kfir and his family are still alive.

The Hamas has claimed that Kfir, his brother and mother were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

A hostage Nili Margalit, who spent nearly 50 days in Hamas captivity and released during the ceasefire agreement, revealed that she was with Yarden Bibas when the Hamas terrorists told him his wife and two young children had been killed.

Nili Margaret said that Hamas had ordered Yardin to film a video in which he blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for refusing to bring their bodies back to Israel.

The Israeli military has said that the claims made by Hamas regarding the Bibas family have not been verified, and described them as “psychological terror”.

ALSO READ-Qatar Mediates Israel-Hamas Agreement on Gaza Aid

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Biden Rapped for No Americans in Hamas Release

Social Media Criticism Targets President Biden for No Americans in First Set of Hostages Freed by Hamas….reports TN Ashok

A section of the American people led by GOP legislators gave vent to their anger and frustration as US hostages were not released by Hamas in the 1st lot and some of them questioned the “so-called” visibility of the ceasefire agreement claimed to have been achieved by the White House and Arab nations.

President Joe Biden has come under fire on social media after no Americans were included in the first lot of hostages released by Hamas on Friday, media reports claimed.

On Friday, Hamas freed 13 Israelis as part of a deal that should have seen 50 hostages released during a four day ceasefire, in return for 150 Palestinian women and children being held in Israeli jails and greater flow of humanitarian aid. The first lot of 39 Palestinians were freed in return whilst Hamas also released 10 Thai citizens and one Filipino who had been working in Israel, reports said .

However, none of those released on Friday were Americans, angering some conservative legislators who criticised Biden who had first enthusiastically supported the truce agreement claiming it would “bring home additional American hostages, Newsweek reported.

Reacting to the lack of freed Americans, conservative commentator Carmine Sabia wrote on X: “President Joe Biden is said to have brokered the deal for the hostages with Israel and Hamas and somehow no Americans were included. This man is senile.”

Graham Allen, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, with 390,000 X followers, posted: “How do I know Joe Biden is weak? NO AMERICANS were released today. If it were Trump, they would’ve had thanksgiving with their families.”

Podcaster Alec Lace commented: “Apparently no Americans are being released in the hostage deal between Hamas and Israel which Biden claimed to have brokered ! NEVER FORGET: Biden traded away the Merchant of Death for an anti-American basketball player.” He was referring to the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from Russian captivity in December 2022 in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, held in American custody.

Hamas rejects Australia’s decision of listing it as terror group

Meanwhile, Phil Holloway, a columnist for the conservative commentary website Townhall, shared a news article about the hostages being released and wrote on X: “Biden is going to try to take credit isn’t he….Israel did all the heavy lifting, not Biden. Also, why were no Americans released? Until Americans are released, Biden needs to keep quiet.”

Speaking to NBC News earlier on Friday, a senior White House official said they weren’t expecting any American hostages to be released in the first batch, but expressed hope some could be in the coming days.”We do not expect Americans to be among the first group released today but remain hopeful that there will be Americans among the 50 released,” the official had said.

After the hostages were released, Biden commented: “We expect more hostages to be released tomorrow. And more the day after, and even more the day after that. Over the next few days, we expect that dozens of hostages will be returned to their families.”

The President added that the agreement had been “reached by extensive US diplomacy”, and said he “will not stop” until all the hostages held in Gaza by Hamas are returned home. Whilst the precise numbers haven’t been officially confirmed, an investigation by The Daily Beast earlier this month concluded that at least 10 Americans had been kidnapped by Hamas. This doesn’t include Judith and Natalie Raanan, two Americans who were released by Hamas on October 20.

ALSO READ: Ruth Wasserman Lande Calls for Action Against Hamas Leadership

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Pope meets kin of Israeli hostages and Palestinians

In the VIP seats of St. Peter’s Square were people holding Palestinian flags and scarves as well as small posters showing apparent bodies in a ditch and the word “Genocide” written underneath…reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis met separately Wednesday with relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinians living through the war and begged for an end to what he called terrorism and “the passions that are killing everyone.”

Francis spoke about the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians after his meetings, which were arranged before the Israeli-Hamas hostage deal and a temporary halt in fighting was announced.

Francis didn’t refer to the deal, which marked the biggest diplomatic breakthrough since the war erupted following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

Francis said he met at the Vatican with relatives of some of the 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and separately with a delegation of Palestinians, whom the Vatican said had relatives in Gaza.

In the VIP seats of St. Peter’s Square were people holding Palestinian flags and scarves as well as small posters showing apparent bodies in a ditch and the word “Genocide” written underneath.

“Here we’ve gone beyond war. This isn’t war anymore, this is terrorism,” Francis said. “Please, let us go ahead with peace. Pray for peace, pray a lot for peace.”

He also asked for God to help both Israeli and Palestinian people “resolve problems and not go ahead with passions that are killing everyone in the end.”

Francis has spoken out repeatedly calling for an end to the war and has tried to maintain the Vatican’s typical diplomatic neutrality in conflicts. The Vatican is particularly concerned about the plight of Christians in Gaza.

The Hamas attack last month killed about 1,200 people in Israel. Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza have killed more than 11,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

ALSO READ-Pope Francis Commits 3 Days to COP28

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Imperative hostages are released, says Jaishankar

New Delhi, Oct 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses the G20 Tree Plantation ceremony, at Nehru Park, in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo)

Expressing concern over civilian casualties, Jaishankar said India strongly condemns any death of civilians…reports Asian Lite News

Noting that the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza is causing immense human suffering, India said on Tuesday that it welcomed all efforts of the international community towards de-escalation while emphasising that all hostages should be released and international humanitarian law should be observed.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who participated in a virtual extraordinary meeting on the West Asia situation of leaders of BRICS countries, said that immediate crisis was triggered by the attack of October 7 on Israel and that there should not be compromise with terrorism.

“The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza is causing immense human suffering, including to civilians, elderly, women and children. We welcome all efforts of the international community towards de-escalation. Right now, there is an urgent need to ensure that humanitarian aid and relief effectively and safely reach the population of Gaza,” Jaishankar said.

“It is also imperative that all hostages are released. We believe that there is a universal obligation to observe international humanitarian law,” he added.

Expressing concern over civilian casualties, Jaishankar said India strongly condemns any death of civilians.

“We are all aware that the immediate crisis was triggered by the attack of 7th October. Hostage-taking is equally unacceptable and cannot be condoned. Subsequent developments have deepened our concern even more as we witness large-scale civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. We strongly condemn any death of civilians,” he said.

He thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for convening this extraordinary meeting. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the meeting.

“I speak for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who could not join us today. We are gathered to discuss the deeply concerning situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza.

South Africa has rightly taken the initiative to convene the BRICS, and also to include those who would be part of the group in due course. I convey Prime Minister Modi’s greetings to all the leaders, virtually present,” Jaishankar said.

The minister said that along with the need for restraint and immediate humanitarian support, India also emphasizes peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

“Prime Minister Modi has spoken to several leaders in the region and across the world in this context. He has highlighted the need to create conditions for peace and restart direct and meaningful peace negotiations.”

He said India believes that the concerns of the Palestinian people must be addressed in a “serious and sustainable manner”.

“This can only happen with a two-State solution that is based on peaceful co-existence. We have been consistently supportive of international efforts towards this end.”

Jaishankar said international community is today facing a very complex situation that has many dimensions.

“We have to address them all; and yet, have to prioritize. Our endeavour should be to both make a difference on the ground immediately while also creating conditions for lasting solutions. This exchange of views can be helpful in that regard and I thank South Africa once again for gathering us all at this difficult time.”

The minister said that over the years, India has supported the socio-economic welfare of the Palestinian people and strengthening of their national institutions.

“Our development partnership is geared towards these objectives. We continue to provide assistance both bilaterally and through the UN. Our economic assistance to Palestine, developmental projects there and financial support to Palestinian Authority reflect our position. India remains supportive of the UN Relief and Welfare Agency’s (UNRWA) role and have been contributing $5 million annually.”

ALSO READ-Jaishankar lauds India, Australia partnership in Quad format  

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Israeli Cabinet Approves 4-Day Ceasefire for Hostage Release

The deal also involves the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying aid relief, medical supplies and fuel to all parts of Gaza, the Hamas statement added…reports Asian Lite News

The Israeli Cabinet has agreed to a four-day ceasefire and a deal with the Hamas to secure the release of 50 hostages, including women and children, being held in Gaza since the war erupted on October 7.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Cabinet meeting late Tuesday night that the country will not stop the war.

In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said under the deal, the release of every additional 10 hostages will extend the pause in fighting by a day

On Wednesday morning, the Hamas said that 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will be released as part of the deal re.

The prisoners are women and children, the statement said.

The deal also involves the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying aid relief, medical supplies and fuel to all parts of Gaza, the Hamas statement added.

According to an earlier IANS report, the release of first group of hostages will take place soon.

Qatar and the US have been involved in active mediatory talks with both Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire.

Those opposed to the truce warned the Israeli Cabinet that this partial hostage deal would derail the process of securing all those in captivity and that it would complicate the military offensive against the militant group in Gaza.

Netanyahu however dismissed the scepticism and said: “ We are at war and continue to be at war until our objectives are met including destroy Hamas and all our captives are released.”

Wednesday’s development comes more than a week after a major breakthrough was reached on November 12 when the Hamas — after refusing for days — had relented in offering identifying information about several dozen hostages, such as their age, gender and nationalities.

The information confirmed that numerous children and toddlers had been taken captive on October 7.

Israeli authorities have said that there are at least 236 hostages being held in Gaza.

ALSO READ-Iranian Health Minister Offers Medical Aid to Gaza

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Netanyahu Optimistic on Hostage Deal

Jerusalem, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement during a televised press conference at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem, Dec. 22, 2020. (Yonatan Sindel/JINI via Xinhua)

Israel’s war cabinet met on Tuesday evening, followed by the convening of the security cabinet and government…reports Asian Lite News

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope that a deal to free hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip would be finalised “soon” and called for special cabinet meetings in response to “developments” related to the emerging deal.

“We are making progress,” Netanyahu said on Tuesday, addressing the Qatar-mediated efforts to sign a deal to free some of the hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a multi-day temporary cease-fire.

“I hope there will be good news soon,” he added during a tour near the Israel-Lebanon border, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israel’s war cabinet met on Tuesday evening, followed by the convening of the security cabinet and government.

The Prime Minister’s office announced in a press statement that these special meetings are being called “in light of developments regarding the release of our hostages”.

As part of the regular procedure in Israel, any potential swap deal that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners needs to be brought for a vote in both the security cabinet and the government.

Earlier on Tuesday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group’s officials are “close to reaching a truce agreement” with Israel and that Hamas has delivered its response to Qatar, according to a report by Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news.

According to Kan, the deal would include the release of about 50 civilian hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of female and teen Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons, as well as a several-day pause in fighting.

About 240 hostages, comprising civilians, soldiers, children, women and the elderly of various nationalities, were taken to Gaza by Hamas militants in their surprise raids on October 7. About 1,200 people were killed in the attack, mostly civilians. Since the massive offensive launched by Israel on the very same day, at least 13,000 have been killed in the Gaza Strip, primarily civilians, according to the government media office in the besieged enclave.

ALSO READ-Israeli Forces Uncover 35 Gaza Tunnels, Seize Weapons

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‘Military Pressure Key to Hamas Hostage Release’

In a statement on Thursday morning, rhe Defence Minister said the armt will continue to attack the terror outfit and destroy its command centres…reports Asian Lite News

 Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the only way tor the Hamas to release hostages that it captured following its massive assault on October 7, is to exert more military pressure on the terrorist group.

According to Israeli authorities, 238 people are being held captive in Gaza, including Israelis and foreign nationals.

Some media reports have claimed about 30 of the hostages are children.

Since the war began, Hamas has released four civilian hostages , while a female soldier was rescued by the Israeli forces. 

In a statement on Thursday morning, rhe Defence Minister said the armt will continue to attack the terror outfit and destroy its command centres.

Gallant’s comments came following media reports claimed that a prisoner swap was in the cards and the Hamas had agreed for the release of 50 hostages in place of a number of Palestinian women and children who are in Israeli prisons.

Also reacting to the reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said if there was any such development, the govenment would directly inform the people and urged not to believe in rumours.

On Tuesday, Israeli sources confirmed that a soldier captured by the Hamas had been killed.

The terrorist group claimed that she was among of 57 hostages killed in the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.

The overall death toll in Israel as of Thursday morning stood at 1,200, which included Israelis and foreign nationals.

Till date, the names of 1,162 fatalities in Israel have been released, including 859 civilians and police officers.

Of those whose ages have been provided, 33 are children.

ALSO READ-Erdogan Supports Hamas, Labels Israel as ‘Terrorist’

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Families Urge Government to Secure Release of Hostages

Dan Miran, father of Omri Miran, said that Israelis lack a government and Knesset members don’t speak with the families of the missing persons…reports Asian Lite News

Hostages And Missing Families orum commenced its march from Tel Aviv on Tuesday which will end at Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on Saturday.

The forum has been vocal against the Israeli government for failing to bring back the missing person following the October 7 attack. The forum wants the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to respond regarding the demands for a deal to free the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The forum has demanded to meet the war cabinet, in order to listen what demands they have put on the table in order to carry out a deal with Hamas for the release of the hostages.

The march will pass through several stations including: Be’er Yaakov, Beit Hashmonai, Latrun Junction, and Kiryat Anavim — where a festive Shabbat meal will be held with all the families.

On Saturday, the march will end at the PM’s office and afterward, all the families will arrive for a central rally in the Rose Garden.

The forum has called on Israeli citizens, the war cabinet, and city leaders to join the march for their demands.

Yuval Heran, brother of Adi Shoham, who was kidnapped along with her husband Tal and her two children – Yahal (3) and Noa (8) said: “I have lived my entire life in Kibbutz and thought it was a safe place to live but 39 days ago my dream was shattered. Our worst nightmare came true. My seven family members, including children, are in Gaza. We live in pain every moment.”

“I call on everyone to join us, Knesset members, ministers, city leaders, youth movements and all citizens of Israel. Come with us to Jerusalem,” he said.

Shelly Shem Tov, mother of Omer Shem Tov said that since last 39 days Omer is in Hamas captivity.

“I don’t know what is happening with my son. I don’t know if he is eating, if he has seen the sun or if they are beating him. I don’t know if he is getting his medications. He has asthma,” she said.

She said that Netanyahu and the cabinet must answers. “We have no more strength. Return our children, our families, and our homes,” she said.

Dan Miran, father of Omri Miran, said that Israelis lack a government and Knesset members don’t speak with the families of the missing persons.

“When I asked my son why he stayed in Nahal Oz, he told me there is a whole army around him protecting and nothing can happen to him and his family,” he said.

He said, however, the government of Israel abandoned his son. “They are the only ones who can tell me about my son. I demand that the cabinet comes to us and tells us what is happening. I don’t know anything! Come to us, tell us something. You owe answers to the people of Israel,” he said.

Yaela David, sister of Evyatar David told media persons that since last 39 days the only news they have about Evyatar is from the videos published by the Hamas.

“I saw my brother — in the video-footage of kidnapped — released by the Hamas,” she said.

She said that the war cabinet must meet the families of the missing persons. “We want answers. We want to know what has been put on the table by the State of Israel. This is not only a war of IDF soldiers or for hostages but a war for all Israeli,” she said.

Danny Elgart, brother of Itzik Elgart, said that the state must stop this psychological torture on us. “We know what Hamas wants but know nothing what State of Israel wants,” he said.

He said that there must be an authorised representation from the government which will address our grievance.

“Netanyahu must give answers. There is no such thing as a partial deal. You separated us from our families on October 7, return them to us,” he said.

Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of Romi Gonen (23) said that we have got no answers from our government. “Since last 39 days, we’ve been standing here feeling safe in Tel Aviv while the hostages are there in Gaza,” she said.

She said that they have no information about their loved ones.

“We would be happy to end the march today if war cabinet comes and speak to us. We want a solution for all the families. How is there no deal?

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