Trump to Hamas: I will not tolerate any delay; Witkoff and Kushner in Egypt | LIVE

Indirect negotiations tomorrow in Cairo between Israel and Hamas over hostages

Israel and Hamas will hold indirect talks tomorrow and Monday in Cairo regarding the release of hostages and prisoners, reported an Egyptian media outlet close to the authorities.

Al-Qahera News, linked to the Egyptian intelligence services, indicated that the two delegations had “begun moving to hold discussions in Cairo tomorrow and the day after to examine the organization of conditions on the ground for the exchange of all hostages [Israeli] and prisoners [Palestinian], in accordance with the proposal” of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Southern Lebanon: Israeli drone drops bombs on excavator and rescuers in Mais al-Jabal 

An Israeli army drone dropped a bomb on a South Council excavator in Mais al-Jabal, according to our correspondent. The construction vehicle was clearing rubble in the eastern part of the village. When civil defense rescuers and members of the Scouts of the Islamic Message association, affiliated with the Amal movement, arrived on the scene, they were targeted by a second sound bomb. No injuries were reported, according to our correspondent.

Italy: Massive crowd in Rome in support of Palestinians

Hundreds of thousands of people, according to organizers, marched in Rome in support of the Palestinians to demand an end to the war in Gaza, on the fourth day of major mobilizations following Israel’s interception of the international aid flotilla.

“We are all Palestinians,” “Free Palestine,” “Stop the genocide,” chanted the participants, including families with children.

The organizers claimed “a million” demonstrators. Contacted by AFP, the police prefecture was not immediately able to provide an official attendance figure. The procession marched under the sun through the center of the Italian capital, accompanied by a significant security presence.

Trump warns Hamas he will not “tolerate any delay” in implementing his plan

U.S. President Donald Trump warned the Palestinian movement Hamas that he would not “tolerate any delay” in implementing his plan for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and a ceasefire with Israel.

In a message on his social network Truth Social, Trump said he was satisfied that “Israel has temporarily stopped the bombings to give the release of hostages and a peace agreement a chance to happen.” “Hamas must act quickly, otherwise all options will be considered. I will not tolerate any delay,” he added, also ruling out “any outcome in which Gaza would still represent a threat” to Israel.

Southern Lebanon

Residents reportedly escaped Israeli gunfire in the area known as Al Dawawir, located between Markaba and Houla (Marjayoun district), after the Israeli army fired automatic weapons toward the two localities, our southern Lebanon correspondent Muntasser Abdallah reports, citing witnesses.

Trump’s envoy and son-in-law are in Egypt to finalize the release of hostages in Gaza, according to the White House.

Regarding the legislative elections, Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that “there is already an electoral law, but they [the camp hostile to Hezbollah] want to choose one tailor-made, based on the idea that it would allow the other camp to win.”

These remarks come as the debate over the electoral law continues to divide the political class. Hezbollah’s critics advocate for an amendment to the 2017 law to allow expatriates to vote for all 128 deputies of the mainland. The party, for its part, wants to maintain Article 112 of the text, which limits diaspora representation to only six deputies.

“There is an electoral law that stipulates that six deputies are reserved for expatriates, and this provision is well established. We are in favor of fair representation, but if others demand representation dictated by the pressures of tutelage, it cannot succeed, because it violates the principle of just citizenship.”

“The government must address the central issues, foremost among them the restoration of its sovereignty. It also has the responsibility to place reconstruction at the top of its priorities, to develop concrete programs, and to include a chapter on reconstruction in the budget,” stated the Hezbollah leader.

Naim Qassem: “They wanted to provoke discord with the Lebanese Army, that is, to lead it to fight the resistance and its people under the slogan of the exclusivity of weapons. But the army acted wisely,” he continued.

Naim Qassem: “Through American interference, they wanted to build the Lebanese state on the basis of a weakened Hezbollah, so that it could be sidelined. They were surprised to see that we played an active role within the state, that we are now an integral part of its structure, and that we contribute to its construction and revival.”

Naim Qassem: “In Lebanon, they expected that after the agreement and the expiration of the 60-day period, certain political objectives could be achieved. And Israel ‘expected us to respond to its violations with other violations, which would have allowed it to unleash further and continue its bombardments on Lebanese territory, claiming that we were responsible,’” the Hezbollah leader stated.

“However, we decided that it is the state [Lebanese] that should assume this responsibility, and that it was up to us to be patient. In this way, we thwarted this [Israeli] attempt,” Naim Qassem concluded.

Naim Qassem: “Let’s be clear, Israel’s objectives are not a fatality and they cannot achieve their goals through the exercise of political pressure.”

Naim Qassem: “We know that capitulation is not an option for the Palestinians, who have sacrificed so much and faced genocide, famine, and exile.”

“We especially salute Spain, for the courageous positions of its government and its people, as it has carried this cause in a remarkable way,” specified the Hezbollah secretary-general, referring to the Palestinian cause.

Naim Qassem: The Trump plan is an Israeli plan under the guise of America

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem is currently speaking on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar channel. “The plan proposed by Trump is actually a plan in line with the five principles defined by the Israeli government to end the war, that is, an Israeli plan under the guise of America or presented as American,” he emphasized.

His remarks were made on the occasion of the first anniversary of the assassination by Israel of Souheil Hussein Husseini, former commander of Hezbollah’s headquarters, and Nabil Kaouk, former member of the party’s executive council.

Israel confirms expulsion of 137 more Gaza Flotilla Activists to Turkey

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the expulsion of 137 additional pro-Palestinian activists from the Gaza flotilla to Turkey, following the flotilla’s interception on Wednesday.

“137 more provocateurs from the Hamas–Sumud flotilla were expelled today to Turkey,” the ministry said in a statement on X. “Israel is seeking to accelerate the expulsion of all the provocateurs,” the statement added, specifying that “some of them are deliberately obstructing the legal expulsion process.”

Hamas shows it is ‘ready for peace,’ says Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Hamas’s positive response to the peace agreement proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, seeing it as a sign that the Palestinian Islamist movement is “ready for peace,” AFP reported.

“Hamas has shown, as it has done many times before, that it is ready for peace. A window of opportunity has opened for lasting peace in our region,” Erdogan said during a ceremony in Istanbul.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says there is a chance to end the “slaughter” in Gaza “once and for all.”

Gaza flotilla: 26 Italians to leave Israel today

26 Italian citizens arrested by Israeli forces during the interception of the international aid flotilla for Gaza will leave Israel today by plane, Rome announced.

“A first group of 26 Italian citizens, who were on board the flotilla, is about to leave Israel on a charter flight,” wrote Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on X. “We have placed them on a Turkish flight bound for Istanbul. They have already been transferred to the Ramon Air Base and will take off from Eilat Airport,” he added.

“The 15 other Italians have not signed the voluntary release form and will have to wait for their judicial expulsion, which will take place next week,” Tajani said. He affirmed that he has “again instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure that our remaining compatriots are treated with full respect for their rights.”

Yesterday, hundreds of thousands of people protested across Italy to express support for the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza and denounce the inaction of Giorgia Meloni’s government in the face of the siege of the Palestinian territory. A new national demonstration is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Rome, reflecting the strong mobilization for Palestinians in Italy, where pacifist tradition runs deep.

Gaza: At least 66 Palestinians killed by Israeli army in 24 hours

At least 66 people have been killed and 265 others injured in Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said. Since Oct. 7, 2023, the total toll in the enclave has risen to 67,074 dead and 169,430 injured, according to the ministry.

The actual number of casualties is believed to be much higher, with thousands of bodies still buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings across Gaza.

Two children die of hunger in Gaza over the past 24 hours

Two children have died of hunger and malnutrition in Gaza over the past 24 hours, Al Jazeera journalists report. These deaths bring the total number of casualties linked to “famine and malnutrition” to 459, including 154 children, since the beginning of the war launched by Israel against the enclave on Oct. 7, 2023.

Under siege by Israel since the start of the war, Gaza’s 2.4 million residents face severe shortages of food and essential goods, while humanitarian aid distribution centers are regularly targeted by fire.

Gaza flotilla: 36 Turkish citizens expected to return home

Turkey said that 36 of its nationals are expected to return home this afternoon aboard a special flight, following the interception by Israeli forces of the international aid flotilla for Gaza, AFP reports.

“We expect 36 of our citizens who were on board the Global Sumud flotilla ships, intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, to return to our country this afternoon on a special flight,” said Öncü Keçeli, spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on X, adding that the final number had not yet been confirmed.

The spokesperson also said that nationals of third countries are expected to be on the same flight.

The interception of the flotilla drew sharp reactions from some countries, including Turkey, which accused Israel of committing “an act of terrorism” and announced on Thursday that it had opened an investigation following the arrest of Turkish citizens on board the flotilla by Israeli forces.

South Lebanon

An Israeli army drone dropped a sound bomb late in the morning on the town of Dhaira, in the Sour District, reports our correspondent in South Lebanon, Muntasser Abdallah.

A little later, a second Israeli drone dropped a stun bomb on the village of Kfar Kila (Marjayoun District), according to the same correspondent.

Israel says it is continuing its offensive in Gaza City

The Israeli army stated that it is continuing its offensive in Gaza City and warned residents not to return to the area, despite a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to immediately halt Israel’s bombardments.

“Israeli troops are still conducting operations in Gaza City, and it is extremely dangerous to return. For your safety, avoid returning to the north or approaching areas where troops are active, including in the southern Gaza Strip,” said Colonel Avichay Adraee, the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, on X.

Egypt will host a Palestinian conference on the future of Gaza, according to AFP.

Egypt will organize a conference bringing together the various Palestinian factions to decide on the post-war future of the Gaza Strip, a senior Hamas official said.

It will host an “inter-Palestinian dialogue on Palestinian unity and the future of Gaza, including the issue of governance of the Gaza Strip,” the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Lebanon

An Israeli drone crashed in the Wadi Fissan area, in the Hermel Heights (Hermel District, northern Bekaa), and the Lebanese Army is heading to the site, reports our correspondent in the Bekaa, Sarah Abdallah.

Hostages Families Forum calls for an immediate end to the war in Gaza

The main Israeli group representing hostages’ families said today that it is “essential” to immediately end the war in the Gaza Strip, where Israel carried out heavy overnight bombings despite a call from Donald Trump to stop them.

“The request by President Trump to immediately end the war is essential to prevent the hostages from suffering serious and irreversible harm,” said the Hostages Families Forum in Gaza in a statement.

Gaza: Civil Defense reports Israeli shelling despite Trump’s appeal

Local Civil Defense reported dozens of Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks in Gaza City today, despite Donald Trump calling on Israel to “immediately” halt its bombardment of the Palestinian territory.

Trump plan: Hamas ready for talks to ‘finalize all issues’

A Hamas leader said that the Palestinian Islamist movement is ready to start negotiations to resolve “all issues” under Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.

“Hamas informed mediators that it is ready to immediately begin implementing the exchange” of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners, “once an agreement is reached to prepare the conditions on the ground,” the senior official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The movement “is ready to immediately begin negotiations to resolve all issues,” he added.

Hamas said yesterday it is ready to release all hostages, but did not mention its disarmament or withdrawal from Palestinian territory after the war, which are key points of the Trump plan.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praises Hamas’s positive response

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Hamas’s positive response to the Trump plan, calling it “encouraging,” and said that the end of the war in Gaza is “within reach.”

“The willingness shown by Hamas to release hostages and engage based on the recent proposal by the U.S. President is encouraging,” von der Leyen wrote on X.

“This opportunity must be seized. An immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the release of all hostages are within reach,” she added.

The Israeli army has shifted to “exclusively defensive” operations in Gaza and is suspending its operation to take control of Gaza City, in line with government instructions, reports Haaretz.

According to the Israeli outlet, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment on Gaza, during which he stressed that senior officers on the ground must “act responsibly and avoid incidents causing large numbers of civilian casualties, which could hinder the talks.”

For its part, Islamic Jihad stated in a brief communiqué that Hamas’s response to the plan “reflects the position of the Palestinian resistance forces.”

In this context, Islamic Jihad in Palestine said it had “responsibly participated in the consultations that led to this decision.”

The group had denounced, after the announcement of the plan’s details earlier this week, “a recipe for continued aggression” against Palestinians.

The Israeli Chief of Staff also announced that he will “reinforce preparations for the planned first phase of Trump’s plan for the release of hostages,” according to Haaretz.

“In line with policy directives, the Chief of Staff has ordered preparations to be advanced for the implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan regarding the release of hostages,” the army wrote after a late-night meeting of senior military officials.

The Hostages Families Forum also supported the call for calm, saying it is “essential to avoid endangering the hostages.”

In a statement relayed by Haaretz, the Forum called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to “immediately begin rapid and effective negotiations to bring all our hostages home.”

In response to this, the U.S. President said that Hamas is “ready for a lasting PEACE.”

“Israel must immediately stop the bombings in Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out quickly and safely,” President Trump also wrote in a message on his Truth Social platform.

Find more reactions to Hamas’s statement here.

Despite Donald Trump’s call to halt the bombings, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported Israeli strikes on the enclave throughout the night, according to AFP.

According to Civil Defense, dozens of Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire targeted Gaza City.

“The night was very violent, with the Israeli army carrying out dozens of strikes and artillery fire on Gaza City and other areas of the Gaza Strip, despite President Trump’s call to stop the bombings,” Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal told AFP.

Bassal, whose agency operates under the authority of the Islamist movement Hamas, added that 20 houses were destroyed during the overnight bombings.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the situation in the Middle East, as Hamas delivered its response to Trump’s plan for Gaza yesterday evening, declaring it was ready to release all Israeli hostages and negotiate an end to the war, though without addressing the issue of its disarmament.