Hamas armed wing says Israel blocking ceasefire and hostage release talks

Abu Obaida, spokesman for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, on Friday accused Israel of blocking a deal in talks for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. (Screengrab)
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Updated 18 July 2025
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Hamas armed wing says Israel blocking ceasefire and hostage release talks

  • Abu Obaida said Hamas “always proposed a comprehensive deal that will return all the hostages at once“

GAZA CITY: The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday accused Israel of blocking a deal in talks for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.

Abu Obaida, spokesman for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a video statement that Hamas “always proposed a comprehensive deal that will return all the hostages at once.”

But he said Israel “rejected what we proposed,” urging it to reconsider.

“If the enemy remains obstinate in this round of negotiations we cannot guarantee a return to the partial-deal proposals — including the 10-prisoner (hostage) exchange offer,” he added.


At least 21 drown in Nile boat sinking in Sudan: local govt

Updated 12 February 2026
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At least 21 drown in Nile boat sinking in Sudan: local govt

  • At least 21 people drowned when a boat sank in the Nile River in northern Sudan, according to the local state government and eyewitnesses interviewed by AFP

KHARTOUM: At least 21 people drowned when a boat sank in the Nile River in northern Sudan, according to the local state government and eyewitnesses interviewed by AFP.
The River Nile State announced Thursday that 21 bodies had been recovered from the accident.
Eyewitnesses told AFP that the boat was carrying 30 people who were crossing the river north of Khartoum on Wednesday evening.