Al Jazeera's Ramallah bureau chief said on Monday that the Qatari news channel could resume working in the Palestinian territories after president Mahmoud Abbas lifted a ban imposed on network's operations in the territory.

The decision reflects a potential easing of media restrictions in the region and could signal improved relations between Palestinian authorities and Qatari-backed media, impacting press freedom and regional journalism dynamics.

Al Jazeera has been permitted to resume reporting in the Palestinian territories after President Mahmoud Abbas lifted a ban on the network's operations.  

Al Jazeera allowed to resume reporting in Palestinian territories

The Israeli military confirmed that 21-year-old Edan Alexander was turned over to the Red Cross and then to Israeli forces, and had crossed into Israeli territory.

This development signals a potential de-escalation in tensions between Israel and Hamas, possibly paving the way for further negotiations or prisoner exchanges. It also highlights international involvement (e.g., Red Cross) in mediating such conflicts.

Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, 21, was released by Hamas in what they called a "good faith" gesture. The Israeli military confirmed his handover to the Red Cross and subsequent return to Israeli territory.  

Israeli-American hostage released by Hamas in ‘good faith’ gesture

A new plan for providing humanitarian aid to Gaza using a private charity and US security firms could replace the United Nations by seizing control of the delivery of essential goods to the besieged Palestinian enclave by providing aid “directly – and only – to those in need”. The UN has rejected the plan, saying it “weaponises aid", and threatens to cause mass displacement of Palestinians. News of the plan came as UNICEF and the WFP on Monday warned of the risk of famine in Gaza.

The proposal reflects growing tensions over aid delivery in conflict zones, where political and security concerns may override neutral humanitarian efforts. If implemented, it could deepen distrust in international aid systems and exacerbate Gaza's crisis, particularly amid famine warnings.

A proposed plan suggests replacing UN-led humanitarian aid in Gaza with private contractors and a charity to deliver aid "directly—and only—to those in need." The UN opposes the plan, calling it a "weaponisation of aid" that risks mass displacement. Meanwhile, UNICEF and WFP warn of impending famine in Gaza.  

‘Weaponising aid’: New plan calls for private contractors to take over from UN in Gaza

Hamas says it has released Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier who holds American citizenship, as part of ongoing efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire with Israel.

This development signals a potential step toward de-escalation in the ongoing conflict, highlighting diplomatic efforts to secure prisoner exchanges and ceasefires. It may also reflect international pressure, given Alexander's dual citizenship.

Hamas has released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier, as part of efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire with Israel.  

American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander released, Hamas says

Israeli PM says negotiations with Hamas will continue &#039;under fire&#039;, with just a pause for Edan Alexander&#039;s release.

This reflects the escalating tensions in the Israel-Hamas war, highlighting Israel's determination to continue its military campaign despite diplomatic efforts, signaling prolonged violence and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

Israeli PM says negotiations with Hamas will continue 'under fire', with just a pause for Edan Alexander's release.

Israeli Prime Minister states that military operations in Gaza will intensify despite a temporary pause for the release of a US captive, Edan Alexander, while negotiations with Hamas continue amid ongoing conflict.  

Israel committed to ‘intensified’ Gaza operation despite US captive release

<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6821d05b20302757420c848e.jpg" /> Push for statehood rewards Hamas, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned after several nations signaled support

  <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617411-israel-palestine-recognition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>

This reflects ongoing tensions in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Israel framing statehood recognition as legitimizing Hamas, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts for a two-state solution. The broader context involves shifting international opinions on Palestinian sovereignty amid prolonged regional instability.

Push for statehood rewards Hamas, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned after several nations signaled support

  
Read Full Article at RT.com

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned that recognizing Palestinian statehood would reward Hamas, following signals of support from several nations.  

Israel issues warning over Palestine recognition

Patients struggle to feed themselves as Israel’s blockade deepens the food and aid shortage.

This highlights the severe humanitarian toll of the blockade on Gaza, exacerbating health crises and underscoring the urgent need for international aid and diplomatic intervention to address basic survival needs.

Gaza's hospitals are unable to provide food to recovering patients due to Israel's blockade, worsening food and aid shortages and leaving patients struggling to feed themselves.  

Gaza’s hospitals cannot provide food to recovering patients

High court case to test whether ministers have illegally supplied Israel parts that may be used to attack PalestiniansPreserving the British role in the F-35 jet fighter programme takes precedence over the need to comply with UK laws on arms export controls, or any UK obligation to prevent a genocide in Israel, UK government lawyers will argue in court this week.The long-awaited high court case will test whether ministers have broken the law by continuing to supply parts for the F-35 programme that may be used by Israel to attack Palestinians in Gaza. The four-day case starts on Tuesday and has taken nearly a year to come to court. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/may/12/uks-f-35-exports-more-important-than-stopping-genocide-lawyers-to-argue">Continue reading...</a>

** This case highlights tensions between military-industrial interests and ethical obligations in international conflicts. If the UK prioritizes arms exports over legal and humanitarian concerns, it could set a troubling precedent for global arms trade accountability and human rights enforcement.

High court case to test whether ministers have illegally supplied Israel parts that may be used to attack Palestinians
Preserving the British role in the F-35 jet fighter programme takes precedence over the need to comply with UK laws on arms export controls, or any UK obligation to prevent a genocide in Israel, UK government lawyers will argue in court this week.
The long-awaited high court case will test whether ministers have broken the law by continuing to supply parts for the F-35 programme that may be used by Israel to attack Palestinians in Gaza. The four-day case starts on Tuesday and has taken nearly a year to come to court.
 Continue reading...

** UK government lawyers will argue in court that maintaining the country's role in the F-35 fighter jet program is more important than complying with arms export laws or preventing potential genocide in Israel. The case challenges whether ministers illegally supplied parts used in attacks on Palestinians.  

UK’s F-35 exports more important than stopping genocide, lawyers to argue

Israeli President Issac Herzog visits Germany on Monday to mark 60 years of relations with the country that perpetrated the Holocaust. Herzog's visit comes amid growing support for the far right in Germany in recent years, which has led to a questioning of the country’s “remembrance culture” to atone for Nazi crimes.

** This event highlights the complex legacy of German-Israeli relations, balancing historical reconciliation with contemporary political challenges, including far-right movements in Germany and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. It underscores how historical memory and current geopolitical tensions shape diplomatic ties.

** Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits Germany to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone overshadowed by tensions over the Gaza war and rising far-right influence in Germany, which challenges the country's historical commitment to atoning for Nazi crimes.  

Germany, Israel mark 60 years of diplomatic relations as Gaza war complicates ties

At least five children and four women killed in attack on school-turned-shelter; last living American hostage in Gaza due to be releasedThe family of Edan Alexander have called on Israel to release all of the remaining hostages “without delay”, in a message relayed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.“No hostage must be left behind,” the family said.Relatives of Israeli hostages welcomed the announcement that an American-Israeli hostage would be freed by Hamas but there remain fears over the fate of the other 23 living and roughly 35 dead captives who remain in Gaza.Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or release of prisoners with Hamas, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, ahead of the expected release of Edan Alexander.Netanyahu said Israel had only agreed to allow safe passage for Alexander and its forces would continue recently announced preparations to step up operations there. “The negotiations will continue under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting,” his office said.Israel’s blockade on food and other supplies entering Gaza is now in its third month, and hospitals are unable to provide food. Aid groups say malnutrition is on the rise across Gaza. Food distributions have ended and charity kitchens are rapidly closing. Markets are empty of almost everything but canned goods and small amounts of vegetables, and prices have been rising. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/may/12/israel-gaza-hamas-edan-alexander-hostage-donald-trump-latest-live-news">Continue reading...</a>

This development highlights the ongoing violence and humanitarian toll in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with civilian casualties escalating and hostage negotiations remaining a fragile and contentious issue. The release of one hostage offers limited relief amid broader fears for those still captive and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

At least five children and four women killed in attack on school-turned-shelter; last living American hostage in Gaza due to be released
The family of Edan Alexander have called on Israel to release all of the remaining hostages “without delay”, in a message relayed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
“No hostage must be left behind,” the family said.
Relatives of Israeli hostages welcomed the announcement that an American-Israeli hostage would be freed by Hamas but there remain fears over the fate of the other 23 living and roughly 35 dead captives who remain in Gaza.
Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or release of prisoners with Hamas, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, ahead of the expected release of Edan Alexander.
Netanyahu said Israel had only agreed to allow safe passage for Alexander and its forces would continue recently announced preparations to step up operations there. “The negotiations will continue under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting,” his office said.
Israel’s blockade on food and other supplies entering Gaza is now in its third month, and hospitals are unable to provide food. Aid groups say malnutrition is on the rise across Gaza. Food distributions have ended and charity kitchens are rapidly closing. Markets are empty of almost everything but canned goods and small amounts of vegetables, and prices have been rising.
 Continue reading...

An Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza killed 16 people, including five children and four women, while Hamas agreed to release the last living American hostage. The family of Edan Alexander urged Israel to secure the release of all remaining hostages. Relatives of Israeli hostages expressed relief over the planned release but remain concerned for others still held.  

Israeli strike on school kills 16; Hamas agrees to release last living American hostage in Gaza – Middle East crisis live

Donald Trump's tour of the Middle East this week has taken on a new importance after a series of surprising developments on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and on trade between the US and China.

Trump's trip reflects the interconnected nature of global conflicts and trade, highlighting how regional diplomacy can influence broader international dynamics, including war outcomes and economic relations.

Donald Trump's Middle East tour gains heightened significance due to recent unexpected developments in the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, as well as shifts in US-China trade relations.  

Ukraine, Gaza and China: Why Trump's Middle East tour takes on new importance

Hamas said Sunday it will release Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage in Gaza, as part of wider efforts to reach a ceasefire. "It turns out that the United States has been holding direct talks with the terror group, with Hamas, at least for a few days, trying to get this 'gesture' ... ahead of Donald Trump's visit to the region", FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky said, adding that Trump's visit does not include Israel.

** Hamas announced it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander as part of ceasefire efforts, with the U.S. reportedly engaging in direct talks with Hamas ahead of Donald Trump's regional visit, which excludes Israel.  

Hamas says Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander will be released

<img alt="Preview" align="left" style="margin-right: 10px;" src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.05/thumbnail/6821352a85f5406f3b7ea848.jpg" /> Hamas has agreed to release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, following negotiations with the US <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/617400-trump-hamas-american-hostage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS">Read Full Article at RT.com</a>

Hamas has agreed to release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, following negotiations with the US 
Read Full Article at RT.com

Hamas has agreed to release Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, 21, in what former US President Trump described as a "good faith" gesture following negotiations with the US.  

Trump announces gesture of ‘good faith’ by Hamas

Israel's military on Sunday called on civilians to evacuate three Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen – Ras Issa, Hodeida, and Salif – following recent airstrikes in response to missile attacks, including one that hit Israel’s main airport. The warning comes amid escalating tensions with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have vowed to continue targeting Israel.

Israel has urged civilians to evacuate three Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen following airstrikes targeting Houthi strongholds, which were in response to missile attacks, including one on Israel's main airport. The warning highlights escalating tensions with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have pledged to continue targeting Israel.  

Israel urges evacuation of Yemen ports after strikes target Houthi strongholds

The US president has the leverage to force through a ceasefire. If he does not, he will implicitly signal approval of what looks like a plan of total destructionDonald Trump would like a big foreign policy win as he embarks on his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/11/trump-middle-east-gulf-israel">tour of the Middle East</a> this week. He could secure one – and save lives – by demanding that Israel agree to a lasting ceasefire in exchange for the release of all hostages held in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/gaza">Gaza</a>. He might prefer to avoid the issue, but no other leader has the leverage to force its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to end this war. If Mr Trump instead backs Israel’s current proposals, he will put the US imprimatur on what looks like a plan of total destruction.Israel’s attacks have already killed more than 52,000&nbsp;people in Gaza, according to local health authorities – the vast majority of them civilians, many&nbsp;of them children. Bakeries, hospitals and schools&nbsp;have been obliterated. Aid has been blocked for two months. Gaza faces famine. Last week, Israeli&nbsp;officials <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/israel-gaza-destroy-trump-deal">briefed</a> that if no deal to free the hostages seized in the Hamas atrocities of 7 October 2023 is reached, its forces would flatten Gaza, forcing Palestinians to crush into a single “humanitarian area” or flee abroad. Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/06/hamas-israel-hunger-war-in-gaza">said</a> that Gaza would be “entirely destroyed”, and “totally despairing” Palestinians would realise “there is no hope”. He has said that freeing hostages is “<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/smotrich-says-returning-hostages-not-the-most-important-thing-sparking-fierce-backlash/">not the most important thing</a>”. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/11/the-guardian-view-on-israel-and-gaza-trump-can-stop-this-horror-the-alternative-is-unthinkable">Continue reading...</a>

The article highlights the critical role of U.S. leadership in de-escalating the Israel-Gaza conflict, framing Trump's inaction as a moral and strategic failure with severe humanitarian consequences. It underscores the broader geopolitical stakes of U.S. involvement (or lack thereof) in Middle East conflicts.

The US president has the leverage to force through a ceasefire. If he does not, he will implicitly signal approval of what looks like a plan of total destruction
Donald Trump would like a big foreign policy win as he embarks on his tour of the Middle East this week. He could secure one – and save lives – by demanding that Israel agree to a lasting ceasefire in exchange for the release of all hostages held in Gaza. He might prefer to avoid the issue, but no other leader has the leverage to force its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to end this war. If Mr Trump instead backs Israel’s current proposals, he will put the US imprimatur on what looks like a plan of total destruction.
Israel’s attacks have already killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities – the vast majority of them civilians, many of them children. Bakeries, hospitals and schools have been obliterated. Aid has been blocked for two months. Gaza faces famine. Last week, Israeli officials briefed that if no deal to free the hostages seized in the Hamas atrocities of 7 October 2023 is reached, its forces would flatten Gaza, forcing Palestinians to crush into a single “humanitarian area” or flee abroad. Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, said that Gaza would be “entirely destroyed”, and “totally despairing” Palestinians would realise “there is no hope”. He has said that freeing hostages is “not the most important thing”.
 Continue reading...

The editorial argues that President Trump has the unique leverage to push for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza during his Middle East tour, potentially saving lives and securing a diplomatic victory. Failure to act could imply tacit approval of escalating violence.  

The Guardian view on Israel and Gaza: Trump can stop this horror. The alternative is unthinkable | Editorial

Hamas announced Sunday it will release Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage in Gaza, as part of a deal with the US aimed at broadening efforts to reach a ceasefire and resume humanitarian aid. The announcement comes just days before US President Donald Trump begins a tour of the Middle East.

Hamas and the US have agreed to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, the last known American held in Gaza, as part of a broader effort to secure a ceasefire and resume humanitarian aid. The announcement precedes US President Donald Trump's Middle East tour.  

Hamas, US announce deal to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander held in Gaza

Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier kidnapped on 7 October, set to be released on Tuesday, Trump confirms<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/hamas">Hamas</a> announced on Sunday that it would release the last living American hostage in Gaza, Edan Alexander, an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel">Israeli</a>-American soldier who was kidnapped on 7 October 2023.<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a> confirmed the news in <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114491594957458207">a social media post</a>, writing that Alexander, 21, “is coming home to his family”. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/11/hamas-american-hostage-release-gaza-edan-alexander">Continue reading...</a>

Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier kidnapped on 7 October, set to be released on Tuesday, Trump confirms
Hamas announced on Sunday that it would release the last living American hostage in Gaza, Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier who was kidnapped on 7 October 2023.
Donald Trump confirmed the news in a social media post, writing that Alexander, 21, “is coming home to his family”.
 Continue reading...

Hamas will release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, an Israeli-American soldier kidnapped on October 7, 2023. Donald Trump confirmed the news, stating Alexander is returning home.  

Hamas says it will release last living American hostage in Gaza

Edan Alexander, 21, is believed to be the last living captive with US nationality in Gaza.

Hamas will release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as part of efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire, timed ahead of former President Donald Trump's Middle East visit.  

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