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Today, Hamas releases three hostages as Israel begins freeing Palestinian prisoners

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Today, Hamas releases three hostages as Israel begins freeing Palestinian prisoners

Hamas Releases Hostages as Israel Frees Palestinian Prisoners Under Ceasefire Deal

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip – Hamas militants released three male hostages on Saturday as part of an ongoing ceasefire deal, while Israel began freeing 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, marking a significant moment in efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Israeli Ofer Kalderon who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, waves before being handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas fighters in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 1, 2025. Photo/Abdel Kareem)

Hostages Released in Gaza

The released hostages include Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon, who were handed over to Red Cross officials in Khan Younis, and American-Israeli Keith Siegel, who was freed later in Gaza City. The three men were among those abducted during Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Their release brings the total number of hostages freed since the ceasefire began on January 19 to 18.

RELATED MORE : Hamas says 8 Israeli hostages due to be released as part of ceasefire are dead

Unlike previous releases, Saturday’s handovers were more structured. Masked militants lined up as the hostages stepped onto a stage and waved before being transferred to Red Cross officials.

Israel Begins Releasing Palestinian Prisoners

Following the hostage releases, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners. A bus carrying 32 prisoners departed from Ofer Military Prison toward the West Bank, while another 150 detainees were sent to Gaza or deported. Among those released were individuals serving long sentences, as well as 111 Palestinians from Gaza who had been arrested after October 7, 2023, and held without trial.

Crowds of supporters gathered to welcome the released prisoners, cheering and celebrating their return.

Ceasefire Brings Temporary Respite

The ceasefire, now in its second week, aims to curb hostilities in the deadliest war between Israel and Hamas. The truce has allowed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and enabled hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to the ruins of their homes in the north.

Under the six-week first phase of the deal, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel has reported that Hamas informed them that eight of these hostages were either killed in the October 7 attack or have died in captivity.

Rafah Border Crossing Reopens for Medical Evacuations

For the first time in nine months, the Rafah border crossing to Egypt was reopened on Saturday, allowing 50 sick and wounded Palestinian children to leave Gaza for medical treatment. The European Union deployed a civilian mission on Friday to prepare for the full reopening of the crossing, marking another crucial step in the ceasefire agreement.

Future of the Ceasefire Remains Uncertain

Israel and Hamas are set to negotiate a second phase of the ceasefire next week, focusing on releasing the remaining hostages and extending the truce indefinitely. If no agreement is reached, the war could resume in early March. The Israeli government maintains its commitment to dismantling Hamas, while a key far-right coalition partner has called for hostilities to resume after the initial ceasefire phase.

Hamas, however, insists it will not release the remaining hostages without a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Families Celebrate Hostages’ Return

Among the released hostages, Keith Siegel, 65, originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza alongside his wife, Aviva Siegel. Aviva was released during a brief ceasefire in 2023 and has since led a high-profile campaign advocating for her husband’s release.

In Israel, friends and family members of Siegel gathered to watch his return. The room erupted in cheers and tears of relief as Siegel’s safe release was confirmed.

The ceasefire remains fragile, but these latest releases represent a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and de-escalate the long-standing conflict.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Today’s Budget: What’s Special for the Middle Class and Farmers?

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Today’s Budget: What’s Special for the Middle Class and Farmers?

India Unveils Budget with Tax Cuts for Middle Class and Major Boosts for Farmers

New Delhi, India – In a bid to stimulate domestic demand and navigate global economic uncertainties, India unveiled its annual budget on Saturday, featuring significant tax cuts for the middle class and major investments in the agriculture sector.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, carrying a red pouch containing budget documents, poses for a photograph with colleagues as she arrives to present the federal budget in the Parliament in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (AP Photo)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating that the budget aims to empower individuals and industries alike while maintaining fiscal discipline. The government has set a fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP for the 2025-26 financial year.

Relief for the Middle Class with Tax Cuts

One of the most notable announcements was a substantial revision in personal income tax rates. The threshold for taxable income has been raised from $8,074 to $14,800, reducing the burden on salaried individuals and boosting household savings and investment.

“The new structure will substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings, and investment,” Sitharaman said in her speech.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shows a red pouch containing budget documents, as she arrives to present the federal budget in the Parliament in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (AP Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, now in its third term, has faced mounting pressure to address concerns regarding unemployment and sluggish income growth. The move is expected to alleviate some of these concerns and foster economic expansion.

Agriculture Sector Gets a Major Push

To enhance productivity in the agricultural sector, the government has announced a national program to promote high-yielding crops, with a special emphasis on pulses and cotton production. At least 17 million farmers are expected to benefit from this initiative.

Furthermore, the government has increased the ceiling for subsidized agricultural credit from $3,460 to $5,767, ensuring better financial support for farmers. This comes at a crucial time when food inflation has been a persistent issue, impacting disposable incomes and overall economic stability.

Gig Economy Workers to Receive Government Support

Recognizing the growing role of gig workers in India’s economy, the government has pledged to formally register them and provide access to welfare programs, including healthcare benefits. A national registry and identity cards will be introduced to streamline their inclusion in social security schemes.

President of India, Droupadi Murmu, offers sweet curd to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman before she presents the federal budget in Parliament on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Photo : President House X

India’s gig economy is projected to employ more than 23 million people by 2030, and this move aims to bring better job security and benefits to workers in this fast-expanding sector.

Focus on Manufacturing and Financial Sectors

To bolster the manufacturing industry and exports, the government is set to launch new initiatives. Sitharaman reiterated the administration’s long-term goal of increasing the share of manufacturing in GDP from 17% to 25%. While specific details remain undisclosed, the initiative signals a renewed push for industrial growth.

In a major reform for the financial sector, the foreign direct investment (FDI) cap on insurance has been raised from 74% to 100%. This measure is expected to deepen insurance penetration in India and attract more global investments into the sector.

Economic Outlook and Growth Projections

India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, is expected to experience its slowest growth in four years, with GDP expansion projected between 6.3% and 6.8% for the next fiscal year. Challenges such as sluggish urban demand, weak private investment, and high food inflation continue to pose concerns.

With this budget, the government aims to drive economic recovery by fostering investment, supporting key industries, and providing direct financial relief to the middle class and farmers. The success of these measures will be crucial in sustaining India’s long-term economic trajectory.

Today’s exchange rate: 1 USD = 86.5360 Indian Rupees.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Latest – All Passengers Feared Dead After American Eagle Plane and Army Helicopter Collide in Washington, D.C.

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Latest – All Passengers Feared Dead After American Eagle Plane and Army Helicopter Collide in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. – All passengers are feared dead after an American Eagle plane and an Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River on Wednesday evening. Officials have confirmed that 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter as rescue efforts transition into a recovery mission.

D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly addressed the media, stating that the crash alert was sounded at 8:48 p.m. last night.

RELATED MORE : A passenger jet with 64 people on board collides with an Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near Washington, D.C.

First responders faced extremely frigid conditions, heavy wind, and ice-covered waters while conducting search and rescue operations through the night.

“We don’t believe there are any survivors,” Donnelly said, emphasizing the harsh conditions. He also expressed gratitude to the numerous agencies that assisted in the operation.

Army Unit Pauses Operations

The Army unit involved in the crash, the 12th Aviation Battalion based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, has been placed on an operational pause, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters. Helicopters from the battalion will be grounded until further notice.

Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue crews search the waters of the Potomac River on Thursday. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the helicopter crew members were from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, and were conducting an annual proficiency training flight when the collision occurred.

Officials Express Condolences

Government officials have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and praised first responders for their tireless efforts.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) posted on X:
“This plane crash is devastating. My heart is with the families who lost loved ones. I’m grateful for the emergency responders’ tireless efforts through the night.”

Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) said:
“My heart goes out to victims and families affected by last night’s horrific plane and helicopter crash at Reagan National Airport. We are all keeping them close in our prayers.”

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) added:
“I am shocked and heartbroken by the tragic plane crash at National Airport in D.C. last night. My heart is with the victims and their loved ones.”

Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) stated:
“Devastated by the news of the plane crash in Washington, D.C. last night. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy. We are incredibly grateful for the first responders who have been working tirelessly at the scene.”

President Trump to Address the Nation

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Donald Trump will address the deadly plane collision in a press briefing at 11 a.m. ET in the James S. Brady Briefing Room at the White House.

Historical Perspective: First Fatal U.S. Commercial Aircraft Disaster in Years

This midair collision marks the first fatal disaster involving a U.S. commercial aircraft in years. The last major U.S. commercial airline disaster occurred 16 years ago, when a Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane crashed into a house near Buffalo, New York, on Feb. 12, 2009, killing all 49 people onboard and one person on the ground.

A view of the scene after a regional plane collided in midair with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River in Washington DC. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

In 2001, an American Airlines flight crashed in New York, killing all 260 passengers, making it the deadliest single-aircraft accident in U.S. history. The tragedy also evokes memories of the 1982 Air Florida crash, which claimed 78 lives after plunging into the Potomac River.

Black Boxes Yet to Be Found

A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) source confirmed that no black boxes have been recovered from the crash site yet. The flight data recorders, commonly known as black boxes, are critical in determining the cause of the disaster.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash as recovery efforts persist.

SOURCE : APNEWS/REUTERS/NBCNEWS/TWP |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Hamas is set to free 8 more hostages and Israel will release 110 prisoners as Gaza ceasefire holds

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Hamas is set to free 8 more hostages and Israel will release 110 prisoners as Gaza ceasefire holds

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Hamas is set to free three more Israeli hostages as well as five Thai captives on Thursday, and Israel is to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners, in the third such exchange since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took hold earlier this month.

The truce is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, whose Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel sparked the fighting. It has held despite a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages were released.

RELATED NEWS : Israel confirms receiving a list of 3 hostages set to be released from Gaza tomorrow

The Israelis set to be released are Arbel Yehoud, 29, Agam Berger, 20 — who was abducted along with four other female soldiers who were freed Saturday — and Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man. The identities of the Thai nationals who will be released were not immediately known.

A number of foreign workers were taken captive along with dozens of Israeli civilians and soldiers during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack that set off the war. Twenty-three Thais were among more than 100 hostages released during a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. Israel says eight remain.

Palestinians walk through buildings that were destroyed by the Israeli air and ground offensive are seen at the Tel al-Hawa neighbourhood in Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohamamd Abu Samra)

Of the people set to be released from prisons in Israel, 30 are serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis. Zakaria Zubeidi, a prominent former militant leader and theater director who took part in a dramatic jailbreak in 2021 before being rearrested days later, is also among those set to be released.

Israel said Yehoud was supposed to have been freed Saturday and delayed the opening of crossings to northern Gaza when she was not.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which brokered the ceasefire after a year of tough negotiations, resolved the dispute with an agreement that Yehoud and two other hostages would be released Thursday. Another three hostages, all men, are set to be freed Saturday along with dozens more Palestinian prisoners.

On Monday, Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, the most heavily destroyed part of the territory, and hundreds of thousands streamed back. Many found only mounds of rubble where their homes had been.

Ceasefire holds for now but next phase will be harder

In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 hostages, including women, children, older adults and sick or wounded men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel says Hamas has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are dead.

Palestinians have cheered the release of the prisoners, who are widely seen by Palestinians as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israel’s decades-long occupation of lands they want for a future state.

Israeli forces have meanwhile pulled back from most of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to what remains of their homes and humanitarian groups to surge assistance.

The deal calls for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages and the ceasefire would continue indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached.

Israel says it is still committed to destroying Hamas, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the truce. A key far-right partner in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is already calling for the war to resume after the ceasefire’s first phase.

Hamas says it won’t release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza..

The United States has provided crucial military and diplomatic support to Israel throughout the war and is seen as key to ending the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump has been a staunch supporter of Israel but has also pledged to end the wars in the Middle East.

Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, was in Israel on Wednesday and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads to Washington next week as the first foreign leader to meet Trump in his second term.

Tens of thousands killed

Hamas started the war when it sent thousands of fighters storming into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Israel’s air and ground war was among the deadliest and most destructive in decades. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants.

The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence, and that it went to great lengths to try to spare civilians. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters operate in dense residential neighborhoods and put military infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques.

The Israeli offensive has transformed entire neighborhoods into mounds of gray rubble, and it’s unclear how or when anything will be rebuilt. Around 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, often multiple times, with hundreds of thousands of people living in squalid tent camps or shuttered schools.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

A passenger jet with 64 people on board collides with an Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near Washington, D.C.

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A passenger jet with 64 people on board collides with an Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near Washington, D.C.

ARLINGTON, Va. USA — A jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided Wednesday with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., triggering a large-scale search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. Multiple fatalities have been reported, though the exact number remains unclear as rescue crews continue searching for survivors.

RELATED NEWS : Plane Crash in South Sudan Kills 20, Officials Confirm

An Army official confirmed that three soldiers were aboard the helicopter at the time of the collision. The cause of the midair crash remains unknown, and all takeoffs and landings at the airport were temporarily halted. Dive teams scoured the river while law enforcement helicopters methodically searched for victims.

“We are going to recover our fellow citizens,” said District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser at a solemn news conference on Thursday morning. She declined to specify the number of bodies recovered.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. EST when American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-701 jet inbound from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter conducting a training flight. The accident happened in one of the most tightly controlled airspaces in the world, just three miles south of the White House and Capitol.

An airport police officer walks behind the American Airlines counter at Wichita’s Eisenhower Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Wichita, Kan., after news that an American Airlines flight from Wichita collided with a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)

Data from the jet’s radio transponder indicated that it was descending at approximately 400 feet and traveling at 140 miles per hour when it suddenly lost altitude over the Potomac River. Air traffic controllers had earlier cleared the aircraft to land on Reagan’s shorter Runway 33. Moments before the crash, a controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving jet in sight and instructed it to pass behind the CRJ. Seconds later, the aircraft collided, and the plane’s transponder stopped transmitting roughly 2,400 feet from the runway.

Footage from a security camera at the Kennedy Center captured a fireball erupting as the two aircraft merged in the night sky.

Government and Public Reactions

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas called the disaster “an unbearable sorrow.” Sen. Jerry Moran, also from Kansas, noted that many in Wichita would likely know passengers aboard the flight.

President Donald Trump stated that he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident” and expressed condolences to the victims’ families, saying, “May God bless their souls.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Army and the Department of Defense had launched an immediate investigation. Newly sworn-in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pledged all necessary resources for the probe.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts

On the scene, more than 300 first responders mobilized. Rescue boats were launched from the George Washington Parkway north of the airport, and light towers illuminated the river for search efforts. D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly described the conditions as “extremely rough” for responders, citing strong currents and freezing temperatures.

At the time of the crash, temperatures in Washington hovered around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but the Potomac River remained a frigid 36 degrees. Wind gusts of up to 25 mph further complicated recovery operations.

Reagan National Airport, a preferred hub for its proximity to downtown D.C., will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, the FAA announced. Earlier reports had indicated closures until 5 a.m. Friday.

Historical Parallels

The incident evokes memories of the Air Florida Flight 90 disaster on January 13, 1982, when a plane crashed into the Potomac during a snowstorm, killing 78 people. The last fatal commercial airline crash in the U.S. occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York, when a Bombardier DHC-8 stalled and crashed, killing all 50 people aboard and one person on the ground.

Authorities are urging patience as they conduct a thorough investigation into what led to this latest aviation tragedy.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Plane Crash in South Sudan Kills 20, Officials Confirm

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Plane Crash in South Sudan Kills 20, Officials Confirm

The plane was reduced to small pieces in the crash, leaving 20 dead, including the pilot and co-pilot, in South Sudan. One survivor was reported.

South Sudan – A small aircraft carrying oil workers crashed in South Sudan’s Unity State on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, according to local officials.

The crash occurred at the Unity oilfield airport on Wednesday morning as the plane was en route to the capital, Juba, said Gatwech Bipal, Unity State’s information minister.

RELATED NEWS : Air Busan flight catches fire; number of injured rises to 7, all with minor injuries

“The plane crashed 500 metres from the airport… 21 people were on board. As for now, there’s only one survivor,” Gatwech Bipal Both told AFP news agency.

All of the passengers – 16 South Sudanese, two Chinese nationals and 1 Indian – are employees of he Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC).

The plane was reduced to small pieces in the crash, leaving 20 dead, including the pilot and co-pilot, in South Sudan. One survivor was reported. Photo : RT

Bipal added that the aircraft was on a routine mission to the area.

Initial media reports suggested 18 fatalities, but Bipal later clarified that two survivors had succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 20. One individual was reported to have survived.

The cause of the crash remains unclear, and further details have not been released. South Sudan has experienced several air crashes in recent years, a consequence of its ongoing instability. In September 2018, at least 19 people died when a small aircraft crashed while traveling from Juba to the city of Yirol.

Additionally, in 2015, dozens of people were killed when a Russian-built cargo plane with passengers on board crashed shortly after taking off from Juba’s airport.

SOURCE : AFP/REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Ukraine launches major drone attack, claiming strike on Russian refinery

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Ukraine launches major drone attack, claiming strike on Russian refinery

Moscow says Ukraine used over 100 drones in attack

Online video footage showed an extensive blaze at the plant. Video: X/@igorsushko

Ukraine said on Wednesday it had struck a large Russian oil refinery in an overnight drone attack, while a Russian official reported that an attempted Ukrainian drone strike on a nuclear power plant had been thwarted.

The Ukrainian military stated that the strike on the refinery in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region triggered a massive fire. A video verified by Reuters showed orange flames illuminating the night sky in the city of Kstovo, though Reuters could not confirm if the refinery itself was burning. Kstovo, located east of Moscow and about 800 km (500 miles) from the Ukrainian border, is home to Lukoil’s NORSI refinery, Russia’s fourth-largest.

RELATED NEWS : Trump Promises Swift End to Ukraine War, But Moscow and Kyiv Prepare for Long Standoff

Russian petrochemicals giant Sibur announced it had temporarily suspended operations at its plant in Kstovo after debris from a Ukrainian drone caused a fire. The blaze was later contained, and no casualties were reported. Ukraine has been targeting Russian refineries, oil depots, and industrial sites to disrupt key infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort.

Russia is currently processing more crude oil in its refineries to boost fuel exports, following new U.S. sanctions that have made crude oil exports more challenging, sources told Reuters. A Ukrainian drone attack last week forced a refinery in Ryazan, southeast of Moscow, to halt operations.

Nuclear Plant and Civilian Casualties

The governor of Russia’s Smolensk region reported that air defense systems had intercepted a drone attempting to strike a nuclear power plant. The plant continued operating normally, according to RIA state news agency. Reuters could not independently verify the report.

Meanwhile, in Russia’s Belgorod region, a mother and her two-year-old child were killed when a drone struck their home, according to the regional governor. The child’s father and another child were injured and hospitalized.

Both Ukraine and Russia deny targeting civilians in their attacks, though thousands of civilians—mostly Ukrainians—have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Russia’s Defense Ministry stated on Telegram that 104 Ukrainian drones had been involved in attacks across western Russia, with 11 intercepted over Smolensk. In total, Russian air defenses destroyed drones over nine regions, nearly half of them over Kursk, where Russian forces are battling to expel Ukrainian troops who crossed the border last August.

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Israel confirms receiving a list of 3 hostages set to be released from Gaza tomorrow

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Israel confirms receiving a list of 3 hostages set to be released from Gaza tomorrow

Jerusalem, Israel – Israel confirms that it has received a list of the three hostages slated to be freed from Gaza tomorrow.

The Prime Minister’s Office says that it will announce the names of the hostages on the list only after updating the families.

RELATED NEWS : Hamas says 8 Israeli hostages due to be released as part of ceasefire are dead

Unnamed sources cited by Hebrew media outlets say the list meets the agreements between the sides and is acceptable to Israel.

Israel said earlier this week that civilian Arbel Yehoud and soldier Agam Berger are slated to be released along with a third unnamed hostage. US media reports have said the third hostage is expected to be US-Israeli dual citizen Keith Siegel, but this is not confirmed.

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Deadly Stampede at MahaKumbh Claims Nearly 40 Lives Amid Massive Crowds

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Deadly Stampede at MahaKumbh Claims Nearly 40 Lives Amid Massive Crowds

A massive crowd assembled in the fairgrounds near the Sangam bank on Mauni Amavasya.

Prayagraj, India – A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India before dawn on Wednesday has claimed the lives of dozens, as millions of Hindu devotees gathered for a holy dip on the most auspicious day of the six-week-long festival.The chaos erupted when an overwhelming surge of worshippers pushed toward the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, where immersion is believed to cleanse sins and bring salvation. Witnesses reported a sudden rush, causing people to fall over one another, while some blamed the closure of access routes for the tragedy.

Death Toll Rising, Families in Mourning

Authorities initially confirmed 17 deaths, but as the day progressed, the toll rose significantly. Reuters counted 39 bodies in the morgue of Moti Lal Nehru Medical College hospital, where bodies were still being brought in hours after the deadly crush. Three police sources estimated the death toll to be nearly 40.

Security personnel assist a person after a stampede before the second “Shahi Snan” (grand bath) at the “Kumbh Mela” or the Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, previously known as Allahabad, India, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Sharafat Ali

“More bodies are coming in. We have nearly 40 bodies here. We are transferring them out as well and handing them over to families one by one,” a hospital official stated. Senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna reported that 90 people were taken to the hospital, with 30 confirmed dead.

At Prayagraj’s SRN Hospital, medical staff revealed that many victims suffered heart attacks or had underlying health conditions like diabetes. “People came in with fractures, broken bones … Some collapsed on the spot and were brought dead,” a hospital official said.

Among the grieving was Saroja, who had traveled from Belagavi in southern India for the festival. Having lost four family members, she blamed authorities for the tragedy. “Police didn’t make proper arrangements. They are responsible for this,” she wailed.

Government Defends Police Amid Calls for Accountability

Despite mounting criticism, the Uttar Pradesh state government defended law enforcement, praising their “swift and effective response” in preventing an even larger disaster.

Security personnel walk towards the stampede site, after a deadly stampede before the second “Shahi Snan” (grand bath), at the “Kumbh Mela” or the Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, previously known as Allahabad, India, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

“The police acted quickly to restore order and ensure the safety of the pilgrims, significantly minimizing the situation’s impact,” read the first official statement from authorities regarding the stampede.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attributed the tragedy to devotees attempting to jump barricades meant for crowd control. In response to the growing public outcry, a Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed at the site, ensuring better crowd management in the aftermath.

PM Modi Offers Condolences as Opposition Slams “Mismanagement”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to “devotees who have lost their loved ones,” though he did not specify the number of casualties.

Meanwhile, opposition parties fiercely criticized the government, blaming the stampede on “mismanagement” and “VIP culture.” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “VIP culture should be curbed, and the government should make better arrangements to meet the needs of common devotees.”

A Record-Breaking Gathering Turns Deadly

Authorities had anticipated an unprecedented 100 million visitors at the temporary township of Prayagraj on Wednesday alone. By 4 p.m. (1030 GMT), officials reported that more than 57 million people had already taken a holy dip, bringing the total number of attendees to nearly 200 million since the festival began two weeks ago.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, attracts devotees and high-profile figures alike. This year’s attendees included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, and international celebrities such as Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

To manage the vast crowds, authorities had deployed additional security personnel, medical teams, and AI-based crowd control systems. However, the sheer number of attendees overwhelmed existing arrangements, leading to Wednesday’s catastrophe.

Heart-Wrenching Scenes and the Path Ahead

In the aftermath of the stampede, heart-wrenching scenes unfolded. Some people sat on the ground, weeping for lost relatives, while others stepped over scattered belongings abandoned by those who had tried to escape the crush.

As security forces worked to restore order, helicopters showered flower petals over the holy site. Ascetics smeared in ash and clad in saffron robes proceeded toward the river, watched by dense crowds of devotees.

With investigations underway, the tragedy has sparked renewed debate about the safety of mass religious gatherings in India. While officials continue to defend their handling of the situation, grieving families and opposition leaders demand justice for the lives lost in what was supposed to be a sacred, joyous occasion.

READ MORE : Suicide attack on bus in southern Pakistan kills 3, injures 6

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Air Busan flight catches fire; number of injured rises to 7, all with minor injuries

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Air Busan flight catches fire; number of injured rises to 7, all with minor injuries

Seoul, South Korea – The number of people injured in an airplane fire at Gimhae International Airport in Busan has risen to seven, all sustaining minor injuries, fire authorities confirmed Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, an Air Busan plane bound for Hong Kong caught fire at its tail while preparing for takeoff. The incident prompted the evacuation of all 176 passengers and crew members on board.

RELATED NEWS : South Korea plane crash : South Korea experienced its deadliest aviation disaster as Jeju Air Flight 2216, kills 179

Initially, authorities reported three casualties, but after further examinations, the tally was revised to seven. Fire officials in Busan stated that the injured individuals are receiving treatment at hospitals.

Among the victims, four were crew members who experienced chest discomfort due to smoke inhalation. The other three—two individuals in their 50s and a woman in her 70s—reported pain in their tailbones and backs.

Despite the incident, Gimhae International Airport was operating normally as of Wednesday, with 279 scheduled flights proceeding as planned. However, eight Air Busan flights were canceled.

SOURCE : YOHNAP/REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

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