The talks marked a significant departure for the United States, which has generally refused to talk directly with groups Washington has designated as terrorist organizations.

Despite repeated pressure from the US president, talks on the second phase of the ceasefire are at an impasse.

Thousands of Israelis flooded Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Thursday evening, their grief echoing in silence and sobs in a ceremony marking the return of the bodies of four hostages earlier in the day.

The Trump administration has been conducting secret talks with Hamas on the possibility of releasing U.S. hostages being held in Gaza, a source briefed on the conversations told Reuters.

The White House has confirmed a report alleging that the United States has engaged in direct negotiations with the Gaza Strip-based Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.

ALBAWABA - Israel released 642 Palestinian prisoners at dawn on Thursday as part of the seventh batch of the exchange deal that was agreed between Hamas

Qatar, Emirates, and Saudi continue to be the Middle East's top airlines with their hub airports also the top airports.

People hold placards during an anti-Government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, outside the Israeli Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv ...