Hamas Archives - National Times

25 Jul

US Withdraws Gaza Ceasefire Team Amid Stalled Talks; Israel Backs West Bank Annexation, India Calls for Truce at UN

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsDonald Trump, Gaza ceasefire talks, Hamas, Israel, Steve Witkoff

Washington/Doha/New York, July 25, 2025 — The United States is pulling back its negotiating team from Qatar following a deadlock in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Thursday that the recent response from Hamas “showed a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” prompting Washington to reassess its strategy.Witkoff, addressing reporters, stated, “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.” He added that the United States would now explore “alternative options” to bring hostages home and…

21 Mar

Israel Eliminates Senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad Figures Amid Renewed Conflict in Gaza

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsCeasefire, Gaza, Hamas, IDF, Israel, Netanyahu

Tel Aviv, March 21, 2025 – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) confirmed on Thursday the elimination of three senior operatives from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.Rashid Jahjouh, head of Hamas’s General Security Apparatus, was killed alongside Ayman Atsila, who led Hamas’s security operations in Khan Yunis. Their department played a crucial role in safeguarding Hamas leadership, eliminating suspected collaborators, and gathering intelligence for terrorist activities against Israel. Jahjouh was also responsible for Hamas propaganda efforts.In a separate operation, Israeli forces killed Ismail Abd al-Aal, a key figure in Islamic Jihad’s weapons smuggling network. He…

20 Mar

Israeli Strikes Kill 58 Palestinians as Gaza Conflict Escalates

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsCeasefire, Gaza conflict, Hamas, Hostages, Israeli Airstrikes

Gaza, March 20, 2025 – Israeli airstrikes killed at least 58 Palestinians across Gaza overnight and into Thursday, as fighting resumed following the collapse of a ceasefire. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the strikes hit several homes in the middle of the night, killing men, women, and children in their sleep.The deadliest strike occurred in Abasan al-Kabira, near Khan Younis, where a house belonging to the Abu Daqa family was destroyed. Sixteen people were killed, including a father and his seven children, along with the parents and brother of a month-old baby who survived with her grandparents. The European Hospital…

18 Mar

Israel Resumes Strikes on Gaza After Ceasefire Breakdown; Over 100 Reported Dead

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsAirstrikes, Ceasefire, Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Netanyahu

(National Times Bureau), March 18, 2025 : Israel launched airstrikes across Gaza early Tuesday, ending weeks of ceasefire negotiations that had stalled since January. The Palestinian health ministry reported at least 100 dead, including children, after strikes in Gaza City, northern Gaza, and the Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah areas.The Israeli military said it hit dozens of Hamas targets and warned that operations would continue beyond airstrikes for as long as necessary. The strikes follow failed attempts to extend the January 19 ceasefire, with Israel accusing Hamas of refusing to release 59 hostages.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office blamed…

25 Feb

Hundreds Mourn Oded Lifshitz, Veteran Journalist and Former Hostage, at Kibbutz Nir Oz

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsGaza war, Hamas, Israel, Nir Oz, Oded Lifshitz

Kibbutz Nir Oz, February 25, 2025 – Hundreds gathered at the small cemetery in Kibbutz Nir Oz on Tuesday to bid farewell to Oded Lifshitz, a founding member of the kibbutz who died while being held hostage in Gaza.His body was returned by Hamas to Israeli authorities on Thursday as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages and halting the war in Gaza.Lifshitz, 83 years old at the time of his capture, was taken hostage from his home during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. His wife, Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, was also…

23 Feb

Israel Halts Palestinian Prisoner Release Over Hamas Ceremonies

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsCaesfire, Gaza, Hamas, Israel

February 23, 2025 – Israel has delayed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns over Hamas' "humiliating ceremonies" during hostage handovers. The move raises doubts about the future of the Gaza ceasefire. Hostage Exchange Sparks Controversy The decision came after six Israeli hostages were freed on Saturday. However, five were handed over in public, staged ceremonies featuring masked Hamas fighters, a move condemned by Israel and the United Nations as cruel and exploitative.Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the prisoner release would not proceed until "the release of the next hostages has been assured" and Hamas stops using captives…