Connect with us

Published

on

Joe Biden has called for the truce between Hamas and Israel in Gaza to be extended after more hostages were released on Sunday.

The latest captives to be freed include four-year-old dual Israeli-American national Abigail Edan, whose parents were reportedly killed in the 7 October attacks.

The US president said her father was “gunned down while using his body to shield little Abigail”, who then ran to a neighbour’s house where she was taken hostage alongside another family.

“What she endured is unthinkable,” Mr Biden told a news conference.

He added: “Thank God she’s home… I wish I were there to hold her.”

Israel-Gaza latest: IDF says 17 hostages transferred to Red Cross

It came as another 17 hostages were released by Hamas on Sunday night, including at least 13 Israelis and three Thais. The total also includes a Russian national, who it is reported may have dual Israeli citizenship.

Another 39 Palestinian prisoners, were released by Israel on Sunday as part of the deal.

The release comes as part of an agreement between the two sides for a four-day truce, which is due to end on Monday night.

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks, following a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, during a press conference in Nantucket, Massachusetts, U.S., November 26, 2023. REUTERS/Tom Brenner
Image:
Joe Biden at the news conference on Sunday

But Mr Biden said he hoped the “humanitarian pause” could be extended to allow more captives to be freed – and for more aid to be taken into Gaza.

He told reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts: “that’s my goal, that’s our goal, to keep this pause going beyond tomorrow, so that we can continue to see more hostages come out and surge more humanitarian relief to those in need in Gaza.”

Mr Biden said the US would “not stop working until every hostage is returned to their loved ones,” while he also emphasised that “innocent children in Gaza are suffering greatly as well”.

The president said a total of 58 hostages had now been freed by Hamas.

He is due to hold further talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later on Sunday.

Read more:
The Palestinian prisoners who could be released by Israel

Who are the first 26 Israeli hostages released by Hamas?

The Israeli Defence Forces said 13 of the latest hostages to be freed were now back in Israel, while the four others were being taken to Egypt.

Under the terms of the four-day truce, Hamas will release a total of 50 hostages, while Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners.

The agreement had been at risk of collapse earlier on Saturday when Hamas’s armed wing accused Israel of breaking some of its terms, before it was salvaged following mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the US.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Could truce be extended?

Prior to Sunday, 26 Israeli hostages had been released by Hamas, including 13 on Friday and 13 on Saturday. A further 14 Thai nationals and one Filipino were also been freed.

Irish-Israeli schoolgirl Emily Hand, who had initially been feared dead, was among those freed on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, 78 Palestinian women, children and teenage prisoners were in turn released by Israel as part of the deal, including 39 on Friday and 39 on Saturday.

A total of around 240 hostages were taken by Hamas during its attack on 7 October, in which more than 1,200 people were killed.

More than 14,000 people have been killed since then in Gaza, including more than 9,000 women and children, according to UN estimates.

Continue Reading

World

Israel says it will screen October 7 attacks to Greta Thunberg and other activists after Gaza-bound aid boat ‘diverted’

Published

on

By

Israel says it will screen October 7 attacks to Greta Thunberg and other activists after Gaza-bound aid boat 'diverted'

The Israeli military will show Greta Thunberg and other activists footage of the 7 October attacks after a Gaza-bound aid boat was diverted to Israel, the country’s foreign minister has said.

Early on Monday, the Israeli foreign ministry said that the British-flagged yacht Madleen – operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) – “is safely making its way to the shores of Israel”.

All passengers were safe and unharmed, the ministry added, sharing footage of the activists being handed sandwiches and water.

In a statement via his spokesperson, defence minister Israel Katz said that he has instructed the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to screen footage of the 7 October attacks for those aboard when they arrive at Ashdod Port.

Greta Thunberg was "safe and in good spirits" while en route to Israel, the foreign ministry said. Pic: Israel Foreign Ministry
Image:
Greta Thunberg was ‘safe and in good spirits’ while en route to Israel, the foreign ministry said. Pic: Israel Foreign Ministry

“Antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-supporting friends should see exactly what the Hamas terrorist organisation – which they came to support and act on behalf of – truly is,” he said.

“They should see the atrocities committed against women, the elderly, and children, and understand whom Israel is fighting to defend itself.”

He then added, “I commend the IDF for its swift and safe takeover” of the vessel, and said the Israeli military “will continue its just and moral fight against the Hamas murderers until their defeat, the release of all hostages, and the full restoration of Israel’s security”.

More on Greta Thunberg

Great Thunberg and other activists are given water and sandwiches. Pic: Israel Foreign Ministry
Image:
Ms Thunberg and other activists after their boat was diverted to Israel. Pic: Israel Foreign Ministry

Israel’s foreign ministry said earlier that those aboard the Madleen “are expected to return to their home countries,” and that the humanitarian aid aboard the ship would be transferred to Gaza through established channels.

Ms Thunberg was “safe and in good spirits” while en route to Israel, it added, calling the vessel “the ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities'”.

The FFC claimed the passengers on the yacht had been “kidnapped by Israeli forces” and released pre-recorded messages from them after previously saying that the “Israeli army had boarded” the vessel.

Climate campaigner Ms Thunberg, 22, was one of a dozen activists aboard the Madleen, which set sail from Sicily on 1 May on a mission aiming to break Israel’s sea blockade.

Greta Thunberg in a pre-recorded video, released after the Madleen was diverted to Israel. Pic: FFC
Image:
Ms Thunberg pictured in a pre-recorded video, released after the Madleen was diverted to Israel. Pic: FFC

Greta Thunberg aboard the vessel on 2 June. Pic: Freedom Flotilla Coalition/Reuters
Image:
The climate campaigner aboard the Madleen on 2 June. Pic: Freedom Flotilla Coalition/Reuters

Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament, who is of Palestinian descent, was also on the boat.

She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.

Ms Hassan wrote on X as the FFC’s yacht was allegedly surrounded by other vessels: “The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters around 2am.”

The diversion of the Madleen came after Mr Katz said that he had instructed the IDF to prevent the vessel from reaching the shore and to “take whatever measures necessary”.

Greta Thunberg on board the Madleen heading for Gaza
Image:
The Madleen was heading for Gaza

Addressing Ms Thunberg and the other activists on Sunday, he said: “You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.”

Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month after a three-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas and preventing the group from importing arms.

But humanitarian workers have warned of famine unless there is an end to the blockade and the 20-month war, which began after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, that killed more than 1,200 people.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Why is Greta sailing to Gaza?

An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after another of the group’s vessels was attacked by two drones while sailing in international waters off Malta.

The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the front section of the ship.

Read more from Sky News:
Gazans pray in rubble at start of Eid

Russian troops ‘reach new Ukrainian region’
Soldier arrested on suspicion of raping woman

Francesca Albanese, United Nations’ special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, also urged other boats to challenge the Gaza blockade.

She said on social media: “Madleen’s journey may have ended, but the mission isn’t over.

“Every Mediterranean port must send boats with aid & solidarity to Gaza.”

Continue Reading

World

Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in ‘critical condition’ after attempted assassination – as 15-year-old suspect arrested

Published

on

By

Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in 'critical condition' after attempted assassination - as 15-year-old suspect arrested

A 15 year-old-boy has been arrested after a Colombian senator running to be the country’s next president was shot and “critically” injured at a campaign rally in Bogota, authorities have said.

Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, 39, was targeted during the campaign event in a park in the Fontibon area of the Colombian capital, according to the Attorney General’s office.

He suffered two gunshot wounds when armed assailants shot him from behind and appeared to be bleeding from his head as he was helped by aides and people in the crowd, in a video posted on social media.

According to a medical report at the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, he was admitted there in a “critical condition” and is still undergoing a “neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedure”.

Opposition Senator Miguel Uribe, right, discusses a referendum proposal on labor reform, in Bogota, Colombia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Pic: AP
Image:
Opposition senator Miguel Uribe Turbay on 13 May. Pic: AP

His wife Maria Claudia Tarazone wrote on X that he is “fighting for his life” and urged Colombians to pray for him.

She later said he survived an initial operation for the injuries.

Ms Tarazone said: “Miguel came out of surgery, he made it. Every hour is a critical hour. He fought his first battle, and it went well. This will take time.”

The hospital said Mr Uribe Turbay had procedures on his head and his left thigh, and remained in intensive care as doctors try to stabilise his condition.

Two other people were injured in the attack but the nature of their injuries has not been made public.

A suspect, a 15-year-old boy, was arrested at the scene with a firearm and is being treated for a leg injury, police chief General Carlos Triana said.

The government is offering a $730,000 (£540,000) reward for information and President Gustavo Petro said the investigation will focus on who ordered the attack.

“For now there is nothing more than hypothesis,” he said, adding that failures in security protocols would also be looked into.

People gather outside the hospital where Mr Uribe Turbay is 'sighting for his life. Pic: Reuters
Image:
People gather outside the hospital where Mr Uribe Turbay is ‘fighting for his life’. Pic: Reuters

Mr Uribe Turbay, who announced his presidential bid for the right-wing Democratic Center Party in March, was accompanied by a team of 21 people at the time of the shooting, his office said, including councilman Andres Barrios.

He was hoping to run in the presidential elections taking place on 31 May next year – and succeed Mr Petro, the country’s first leftist leader.

His mother, who was a journalist, was kidnapped and killed in 1991 during one of the most violent periods in Colombia’s history.

Investigators inspect the scene where Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot during a campaign rally
Image:
Forensic investigators at the scene of Mr Uribe Turbay’s shooting in Bogota. Pic: AP

Read more from Sky News
Gazans pray in rubble at start of Eid
Thai hostage’s body retrieved by Israel
Investigators end search for missing toddler

His party described it as an “unacceptable act of violence”, while US secretary of state Marco Rubio condemned it in the “strongest possible terms”.

Writing on X, Mr Rubio also urged Colombia’s current president to “dial back the inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials”.

Police outside the Medicentro hospital where Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is being treated after being shot
Image:
Police outside the hospital where Mr Uribe Turbay is being treated. Pic: AP

Former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe, who is not related to Mr Uribe Turbay, said the gunman had “attacked the hope of the country, a great husband, son, brother, and a great colleague”.

He cancelled a planned trip to France due to the “seriousness of the events”, his office said in a statement.

Messages of support poured in from elsewhere in Latin America, with Chilean President Gabriel Boric saying: “There is no room or justification for violence in a democracy.”

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa added: “We condemn all forms of violence and intolerance.”

Continue Reading

World

Israel’s defence minister vows to stop aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza

Published

on

By

Israel's defence minister vows to stop aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza

Israel’s defence minister has threatened to “take whatever measures necessary” to stop an aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza.

The climate campaigner, 22, is one of a dozen activists aboard the Madleen, which set sail from Sicily last Sunday on a mission aiming to break Israel‘s sea blockade.

The activists have said they plan to reach Gaza‘s territorial waters as early as Sunday to deliver humanitarian aid.

But in a post on X, Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said he has instructed the IDF to prevent the vessel reaching shore and to “take whatever measures necessary”.

Addressing Thunberg and the other activists, he said: “You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.”

He wrote: “I have instructed the IDF to act so that the “Madeleine” hate flotilla does not reach the shores of Gaza – and to take any means necessary to that end.

“To the anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.

“Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organizations – at sea, in the air and on land.”

Latest known position of the vessel
Image:
Latest known position of the vessel

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Why is Greta sailing to Gaza?

Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament, who is of Palestinian descent, is also on the boat, which is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.

Read more from Sky News:
British surgeon on IDF in Gaza
Trump deploys National Guard to LA immigration ‘riots’
Russia claims troops reach new Ukrainian region

Follow the World
Follow the World

Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday

Tap to follow

Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month after a three-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas and preventing the group from importing arms.

But humanitarian workers have warned of famine unless there is an end to the blockade and the 20-month war, which was ignited by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 Oct 2023.

An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after another of the group’s vessels was attacked by two drones while sailing in international waters off Malta.

The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the front section of the ship.

Continue Reading

Trending