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Hamas

Hamas is a Palestinian nationalist Sunni Islamist political organisation with a militant wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas was founded in 1987, emerging from the Muslim Brotherhood. Headquartered in Gaza City, it has functioned as the de facto governing authority in the Gaza Strip since seizing control in 2007. Its primary mission is the establishment of an independent Islamic state in historical Palestine, pursuing this through armed resistance against Israeli occupation. Hamas also provides social services in Gaza. It is widely designated as a terrorist organisation by numerous countries, including the UK, US and EU.

Hamas

Israel to ban several aid groups from Gaza in 2026 over vetting rules

Israel says suspensions are meant to prevent Hamas from exploiting aid, but humanitarian groups say it will harm civilians.

‘Hell to pay’: Trump warns Hamas and Iran after talks with Netanyahu

Israeli president denies Trump claim Netanyahu pardon is ‘on its way’

Trump and Netanyahu to discuss next phase of Gaza plan during US visit

Israel’s prime minister is making his fifth visit to see Trump in the United States this year.

Israel seals off Palestinian village in West Bank after deadly attack

The army imposed a lockdown on Qabatiya after a local resident killed a 68-year-old man and an 18-year-old girl in northern Israel on Friday.

Italy arrests 9 suspected of funding Hamas via charities

Among those arrested was the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who reportedly funnelled funds to Hamas’ military wing.

Iran and Gaza plan to top agenda for Netanyahu-Trump meeting

The Israeli prime minister is set to visit Washington to discuss the next phase of Trump’s Gaza plan with his key US ally.

Ex-Israeli PM calls for Netanyahu’s resignation over ‘Qatargate’ affair

Naftali Bennett accuses the premier’s office of ‘treason’, alleging aides acted as paid agents for Qatar during wartime.

Australian PM Albanese booed as Bondi Beach attack victims honoured

Tens of thousands attended Sunday’s memorial. The Sydney event was heavily guarded by police, including snipers on rooftops and police boats.

Jews worldwide urged to ‘come home’ to Israel after Bondi massacre

Gideon Saar says ‘Jews are being hunted across the world’ following the December 14 Isis-inspired shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia.

UN declares Gaza famine over, but ‘situation remains critical’

Meanwhile, Oxfam says hunger in Gaza remains ‘appalling and preventable’, accusing Israel of blocking aid from humanitarian agencies.

Netanyahu accuses Australia’s PM of inaction in tackling antisemitism

After the Bondi Beach shooting, the Israeli PM said he warned Albanese months ago that Australia’s policy was ‘encouraging antisemitism’.

Israel says it killed Hamas weapons chief in Gaza

PM Netanyahu said arms production head Raad Saad was ‘one of the architects’ of the October 7 attack that sparked the war.

‘May he rest in peace’: remains of last Thai hostage in Gaza repatriated

Sudthisak Rinthalak’s remains returned to Thailand after being held in Gaza since 2023, allowing his family to perform funeral rites.

Trump UN envoy, EU chief in Jordan to discuss Gaza aid as Israel eyes next phase

Diplomatic visits to Jordan came as Israeli PM Netanyahu says the second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire could begin soon.

‘We’ll bring him home’: Thai family to end long wait for Gaza hostage return

Sudthisak Rinthalak, who was killed two years ago by Hamas militants, is among 47 hostages whose bodies will be returned under a ceasefire deal.

Gaza truce incomplete without ‘full withdrawal’ by Israel: Qatar PM

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani says Qatar and fellow truce guarantors are ‘getting together’ to advance the next phase of the deal.

Israel cleared to stay in Eurovision as several countries boycott contest

The walkouts came after the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union met to discuss concerns about Israel’s participation.

Israel receives body from Hamas, says Rafah crossing could soon open

The handover of the final two deceased hostages is an important condition of the first part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

Lebanon and Israel hold first direct civilian talks in decades

Talks were held days after the first anniversary of the start of the fragile truce between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Trump invites Netanyahu to White House as US warms to Syria’s president

Another invitation to Israel’s leader was issued after Syria’s president made a historic visit to the White House a few weeks ago.

Israel’s Netanyahu seeks presidential pardon in corruption cases

The Israeli leader, who was indicted in 2019 on corruption charges, has long denied allegations against him.

Egypt trains hundreds of Palestinian officers to police post-war Gaza

Palestinian movements have agreed to a force of around 10,000 officers but Israel opposes Hamas or Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza.

Will Indonesian peacekeepers in Gaza be forced to fight Hamas?

By joining a peacekeeping force, Jakarta could be seen as siding with the US and Israel in the Gaza conflict, analysts say.

Israeli generals dismissed over failures from Hamas’ deadly attack

The firings come amid growing pressure for an inquiry and revelations of systemic military flaws to prevent the October 7, 2023, assault.

Hezbollah military chief killed in Israeli strike on Beirut

Israel’s prime minister said Hezbollah’s Haytham Tabtabai was leading efforts to rebuild the militant group’s strength.

Israeli air strikes kill at least 20 in Gaza, in latest test of ceasefire

The military says it was responding to a gunman crossing into Israeli-held territory, but Hamas called the allegation ‘an excuse to kill’.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Flawed US Gaza peace plan is better than more Palestinian suffering

The US-backed resolution offers a glimmer of hope and perhaps temporary relief, but it is no solution to Israel’s illegal occupation.

Editorial | Flawed US Gaza peace plan is better than more Palestinian suffering