U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant group.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war' following a surprise attack from Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel-Gaza War

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Hamas to rapidly agree to an Israeli ceasefire proposal amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This proposal also encompasses the release of Israeli hostages currently held by the Palestinian militant group. In a display of public demand for action, hundreds of Israelis filled the streets of Tel Aviv, particularly on the last day of Passover, calling for the government's intervention to secure a deal that would see the return of hostages from Gaza. The demonstrators expressed frustration with the government and the ongoing situation, urging both sides to reach an agreement.

The ceasefire deal under consideration would necessitate Hamas to free approximately 30 hostages. In exchange, Israel would halt its anticipated ground operation in Rafa and release 1,000 Palestinians from Israeli prisons. The agreement includes a 40-day ceasefire period, which would facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. Following discussions in Cairo, the U.S. expressed optimism about Hamas accepting the proposal. The deal has been described as extremely generous by the U.S., emphasizing that the decision by Hamas to accept it could promptly alleviate the conflict in Gaza.

In efforts to further push for the hostages' release and an immediate ceasefire, U.S. President Joe Biden engaged in telephone conversations with the leaders of Egypt and Qatar. During these calls, he encouraged them to apply all possible efforts to secure the freedom of the hostages, highlighting that this remains a critical step towards ending the hostilities.



U.S. urges Hamas to accept Israeli truce proposal

In large letters laid out on the street, their message is clear. Rafa can wait, hostages cannot. Marking the last day of Passover, hundreds of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv, intensifying pressure on the government to secure the release of captives in Gaza. We are sick of this government, we are sick of the whole process. We want a hostage deal now, we want the hostages back home. Hamas should also go forward and make a deal. Aren't they sick of what happens to their people? Protesters have their hopes pinned on a new ceasefire proposal that Hamas is now mulling over. According to several sources, the deal would require the Palestinian militants to release some 30 hostages, and in return, Israel would suspend its planned ground offensive in Rafa and release 1,000 Palestinians from Israeli jails. If the deal is accepted, there will be a ceasefire for 40 days, allowing for the safe entry of more humanitarian aid. After talks in Cairo, Washington says it's hopeful Hamas will agree. Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily, extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel. And in this moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas. They have to decide, and they have to decide quickly. On Monday, US President Joe Biden held phone calls with his Egyptian counterpart and the Qatari emir, urging them to exert all efforts towards freeing hostages. He said their release was now the only obstacle to an immediate ceasefire.

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Bangkok

Man dies after turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight

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Nouméa

France's Macron to visit riot-scarred New Caledonia

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Tabriz

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Washington

Biden defends Israel after ICC warrants request

Telstra has announced it will cut 2,800 jobs, nearly ten percent of its workforce, by the end of the year as part of cost-cutting measures. Despite being profitable, the company aims to reduce costs by $350 million and has assured that customer service will not be impacted.

Council of the City of Sydney

Telstra announces mass job cuts

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Tehran

Grief, celebration follows Iranian president’s death

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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Zelenskyy says Western aid to Ukraine too slow

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London

Julian Assange wins right to appeal U.S. extradition

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The Hague

I.C.C. prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for Netanyahu

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Iran's president Raisi killed in helicopter crash

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New South Wales

Calls for age restrictions on social media use

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Manchester

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New York

Pro-Palestine protesters beaten, arrested in New York

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Melbourne

Palestinian and Israeli protestors clash in Melbourne

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Police officer stabbed in Sydney CBD

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Houston

Seven dead after powerful storms slam Houston, Texas

Heavy rains caused flooding in parts of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands overnight into this morning, swamping streets and buildings and sparking evacuations.

Berlin

Floods in parts of northern Europe after heavy rains

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Bamyan

Spanish tourists killed in Afghanistan shooting

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Cebu City

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Rafah

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Surveillance video from a hotel in 2016 appears to show rapper and record mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs grab, shove, drag and kick his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, matching allegations she made in a now-settled civil suit against him.

Los Angeles

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Jerusalem

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Israel-Gaza War