Skip to content
 
Search

Latest Stories

Israel strikes Gaza after ceasefire deal, accuses Hamas of backtracking

The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aims to end over 15 months of conflict in Gaza.

israel-gaza-getty

People check the rubble of buildings hit in Israeli strikes the previous night in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, on January 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Eastern Eye
By Eastern EyeJan 16, 2025
Eastern Eye

See Full Bio

ISRAEL launched fresh airstrikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas was announced, accusing the group of reneging on parts of the agreement.

The Israeli government has delayed a cabinet vote on the deal until Hamas confirms full acceptance.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated, "Hamas has reneged on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an effort to extort last-minute concessions," calling it a "last-minute crisis." The statement did not specify which parts of the deal were in dispute.

The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aims to end over 15 months of conflict in Gaza. It includes a six-week truce, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a prisoner exchange involving Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.

Qatar’s prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed that the ceasefire would begin on Sunday. In the first phase, Hamas is set to release 33 Israeli hostages over 42 days.

Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continued, killing at least 46 Palestinians overnight, according to Gaza health officials. In response, Gaza militants fired a rocket into Israel, causing no casualties, the Israeli military reported.

Netanyahu faces internal opposition. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have threatened to withdraw from the government if the ceasefire proceeds without Hamas's full surrender.

Netanyahu defended his government's position, saying, "We will not proceed until Hamas fully accepts all terms. Our priority remains the safety of Israeli citizens and the return of our hostages."

US president Joe Biden welcomed the deal, calling it a step towards halting violence and delivering humanitarian aid. However, Netanyahu warned that Israel would not compromise on national security.

Public reactions in Israel and Gaza have been mixed. In Gaza, news of the ceasefire led to street celebrations, while in Israel, hostage families expressed cautious relief.

The second phase of the deal includes negotiations for a full Israeli withdrawal and the release of more hostages. A third phase focuses on returning bodies and rebuilding Gaza under international supervision.

Israel's military campaign began after Hamas-led gunmen killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages during the October 7, 2023, attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

benjamin netanyahuceasefiregazahamasisraelisraeli militarypalestine

Related News

Asian-inspired garden earns five awards at Hampton Court
News

Asian-inspired garden earns five awards at Hampton Court

More For You

uk weather

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England

iStock

England faces widespread heat alerts and hosepipe bans amid rising temperatures

Highlights:

  • Amber heat health alerts in place for large parts of England
  • Hosepipe bans announced in Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex
  • Temperatures could reach 33°C over the weekend
  • Health risks rise, especially for elderly and vulnerable groups

Heat warnings in effect as UK braces for another hot weekend

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England, with temperatures expected to climb to 33°C in some areas over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated the warning at 12 pm on Friday, with it set to remain in place until 9 am on Monday.

The alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, East of England, and London. Additional yellow alerts were issued for the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber, starting from midday Friday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Essex ladybird invasion

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear

Dee-anne Markiewicz / SWNS

Swarms of ladybirds invade Essex coastline amid soaring temperatures

Highlights:

  • Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
  • Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
  • Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
  • Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer

Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast

Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kapil Sharma

Kapil Sharma’s Canada cafe shot at days after opening

Instagram/ginnichatrath

Kapil Sharma’s Canadian café targeted in shooting, Khalistani terrorist cites mockery of Nihang Sikhs as motive

Highlights:

  • Shots were fired at Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma, just days after its opening.
  • Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi, linked to banned group BKI, claimed responsibility.
  • The motive cited was an old comedy segment from The Kapil Sharma Show that allegedly mocked Nihang Sikhs.
  • No injuries were reported; Canadian authorities are investigating the incident.

Comedian Kapil Sharma’s recently launched Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, was the target of a shooting in the early hours of 10 July. Though no one was harmed, the property sustained significant damage. A known Khalistani extremist, Harjit Singh Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing perceived religious disrespect on The Kapil Sharma Show.

 Kap\u2019s Cafe in Surrey  Kap’s Cafe in Surrey was struck by gunfire late at night with staff still insideInstagram/thekapscafe_

Keep ReadingShow less
Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

Models depicting migrants wearing life jackets in a small boat alongside two banners reading 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' are displayed on top a bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by PETER MURPHY/AFP via Getty Images)

Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

POLICE in Northern Ireland have launched a hate crime investigation after a bonfire topped with effigies of migrants in a boat was set alight in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone.

The incident, which took place on Thursday (10) night, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, church officials, and human rights groups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navratri festival in Wembley

A similar event held at the same site last year resulted in a planning enforcement notice being issued due to complaints of noise and disturbance.

Getty Images

Navratri festival in Wembley faces objections

A PROPOSED 10-day Hindu festival in Wembley, north London, has drawn objections over concerns about noise and disruption in the area.

Asian Events Media (AEM) has applied to Brent Council to host the Navratri celebration at Alperton Studios from September 22 to October 1, according to The London Standard.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc