Pope Francis Meets Relatives Of Israel Hostages And Palestinians In Gaza

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis met separately Wednesday with relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinians living through the war and set off a firestorm by using words that Vatican diplomats usually avoid: "terrorism" and, according to the Palestinians, "genocide." Francis spoke about the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians after his meetings, which were arranged before the Israeli-Hamas hostage...

No Gaza Hostage Release Before Friday, Israel, US Say

GAZA - The release of hostages under a temporary truce between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants will not happen before Friday, Israel's national security adviser and the U.S. said, dashing hopes of relatives that some would be freed on Thursday. Israel and Hamas agreed early on Wednesday to a ceasefire in Gaza for at least four days, to let in humanitarian aid and...

Israel Hamas War : Israel Says No Gaza Captive Release Before Friday

Israeli official says no Gaza captives will be released before Friday as part of Qatar-mediated truce agreement. Families of Israeli captives express frustration at delay in truce, blame government for lack of information. Israel continues deadly air attacks and heavy shelling across Palestinian enclave as it remains unclear when an expected, four-day pause in fighting will begin. A ceasefire agreement between...

Israeli Government Approves Hamas Hostage Deal, Short Term Cease Fire In Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have approved a deal for the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas, the Israeli government said in a statement. The decision, early Wednesday local time, came after Netanyahu convened his war cabinet to discuss the deal following recent progress in the negotiations. "The Government of Israel is obligated to return home...