Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip – Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday handed over three Israeli hostages whose frail appearance shocked Israelis, while Israel simultaneously released dozens of Palestinian prisoners as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi, who were abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, along with Or Levy, taken from the Nova music festival that same day, were led onto a Hamas podium by armed gunmen. The three men appeared significantly weakened, pale, and emaciated—worse than the 18 hostages previously released under the ceasefire that began in January after 15 months of war.
“He looked like a skeleton, it was awful to see,” said Ohad Ben Ami’s mother-in-law, Michal Cohen, speaking to Channel 13 News as she watched the Hamas-orchestrated handover. The scene, which featured the hostages being questioned by a masked man while flanked by militants with automatic rifles, stirred a mixture of relief and distress among Israelis who witnessed their release.
Helicopter with Ohad Ben Ami onboard, a hostage held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, released today by Hamas militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, arrives at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) in Tel Aviv, Israel February 8, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
Later on Saturday, Israel freed 183 Palestinian detainees, some of whom also appeared frail and malnourished. The Red Crescent reported that seven were taken directly to hospitals for urgent medical attention.
This marked the fifth prisoner exchange since the ceasefire took effect on January 19.
The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed growing concern over the conditions surrounding these releases, calling on all parties to ensure that they are conducted in a dignified and private manner.
Many Palestinians released in previous exchanges have appeared visibly weakened and have alleged mistreatment while in Israeli custody, further fueling tensions amid the fragile ceasefire.
With each exchange, the humanitarian concerns continue to mount, raising questions about the long-term viability of the ceasefire and the broader implications for peace in the region.
Ljubljana, Slovenia – Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar marked Prešeren Day, Slovenia’s Cultural Holiday, with a tribute to the nation’s deep-rooted artistic and cultural traditions, emphasizing the importance of culture in shaping Slovenian identity.
“Prešeren Day demonstrates that Slovenians have been aware of this for a very long time. We proudly recognize that culture is one of the foundations of our national identity and our state, and we are grateful for this,” President Pirc Musar stated in her official message on the occasion of the national holiday.
Honoring Cultural Achievements
At noon, President Pirc Musar and her spouse, Dr. Aleš Musar, will host a special luncheon in honor of this year’s Prešeren Award and Prešeren Fund Award laureates, celebrating outstanding contributions to artistic creation in Slovenia. Earlier in the day, the Guard of Honor will lay a wreath in the President’s name at the monument of France Prešeren, the nation’s greatest poet, whose legacy is commemorated on this day.
Prešeren Day, observed annually on February 8, marks the anniversary of Prešeren’s passing and is one of Slovenia’s most significant cultural holidays. The poet’s literary work, including the Slovenian national anthem, has long been a cornerstone of national heritage.
State Ceremony and Prestigious Awards
On the eve of the holiday, Slovenia hosts a state ceremony where the Prešeren Prizes and Prešeren Fund Prizes—the highest national honors for artistic achievements—are awarded. These prestigious recognitions celebrate individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Slovenian culture and the arts.
The celebrations reflect Slovenia’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations continue to cherish and build upon the artistic and intellectual legacy of France Prešeren and other influential creators.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella Honors Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar with the Knight Grand Cross with Collar for Merits of the Italian Republic. Photo : President’s X A/C @nmusar
President Pirc Musar Awarded Italy’s Highest State Honor
In addition to her participation in Prešeren Day celebrations, President Nataša Pirc Musar was honored with Italy’s highest state award, the Knight Grand Cross with Collar for Merits of the Italian Republic, by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The ceremony took place in Vipolže on Saturday ahead of the ceremonial opening of the European Capital of Culture project Nova Gorica-Gorizia.
The prestigious award underscores the strong diplomatic ties between Slovenia and Italy and recognizes President Pirc Musar’s dedication to fostering European unity, cultural cooperation, and international relations. The Nova Gorica-Gorizia initiative symbolizes cross-border collaboration, reinforcing cultural and historical ties between the neighboring nations.
With this recognition, President Pirc Musar’s leadership continues to gain international acknowledgment, further strengthening Slovenia’s role on the European stage.
Modi’s Party Clinches Delhi After 27 Years, Strengthening BJP’s Political Resurgence
New Delhi, India – In a significant political shift, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reclaimed power in the national capital for the first time in 27 years, marking a major boost for the Hindu-nationalist leader following a less-than-expected performance in last year’s national elections.
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The BJP secured a decisive victory, winning 48 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi legislative assembly, according to data from the Election Commission of India. The opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, a staunch critic of Modi, managed to secure only 22 seats.
“It is our guarantee that we will leave no stone unturned in developing Delhi and improving the overall quality of life for its people,” Modi stated on social media platform X, reinforcing the party’s commitment to governance and development.
AAP’s Decline After a Decade of Dominance
AAP, which emerged from an anti-corruption movement in 2012, has governed Delhi since 2013, riding on its welfare-driven policies that resonated with the urban poor. However, in recent years, the party has been entangled in corruption allegations—claims that its leadership has consistently denied.
Kejriwal, in a video message on X, humbly accepted the electoral defeat and congratulated the BJP. “I hope they live up to the expectations of the people who voted for them,” he stated.
The defeat signals a significant setback for AAP, which had enjoyed landslide victories in Delhi’s last two elections. The BJP’s aggressive campaign strategy and promises of financial aid and improved infrastructure appear to have resonated with voters disillusioned by the scandals surrounding AAP’s leadership.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters celebrate outside the BJP state headquarters, as BJP is projected leading in the election results in the Delhi state, in New Delhi, India, February 8, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
A High-Stakes Election for BJP
For the BJP, the victory in Delhi represents more than just another electoral triumph—it’s a crucial re-establishment of its political footprint in the capital after being out of power since 1998. The party deployed top leaders, including Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, in a concerted effort to rally support.
The BJP’s campaign revolved around its “Parivartan” (Change) message, which pledged financial incentives, including a monthly payment of 2,500 Indian rupees ($28) to poor women, a one-time payment of 21,000 rupees for pregnant women, subsidized cooking gas, and pensions for the elderly. The strategy worked, as voters seemed swayed by these promises of economic relief.
Congress Continues to Falter
India’s main opposition party, the Congress, failed to make an impact yet again, securing no seats in the Delhi elections. Once dominant in the capital, Congress ruled from 1998 to 2013 before being ousted by AAP following corruption allegations. Since then, the party has struggled to regain relevance in Delhi’s political landscape.
Major Upsets and a Shift in Power
Saturday’s results saw some of the biggest upsets in Delhi’s political history, with Kejriwal losing in the New Delhi constituency and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia defeated in Jangpura. However, incumbent Chief Minister Atishi managed a narrow victory from the Kalkaji constituency.
More than 60% of eligible voters cast their ballots, with exit polls accurately predicting a BJP majority. The party’s recent state election victories in Haryana and Maharashtra, combined with its Delhi win, signal a resurgence after last year’s national election setbacks.
Key Issues and the Future of Delhi
Both the BJP and AAP had campaigned on promises to improve public schools, free healthcare services, and provide financial assistance to women. The BJP also hoped to gain an electoral boost from last week’s federal budget, which included income tax cuts aimed at the middle class—a significant voting bloc in Delhi.
However, one major issue remained largely absent from the campaign discourse: Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis. The BJP had pledged to reduce the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) by half by 2030, but the topic failed to become a central theme in electoral debates.
With BJP now at the helm, all eyes will be on how the party delivers on its promises and whether it can maintain the trust of the capital’s electorate in the coming years. The victory cements BJP’s dominance in Indian politics while leaving a fractured opposition struggling to regroup before the next major electoral battle.
Damascus, Syria – Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon visited Syria on the final stop of her Middle East tour, expressing support for the nation’s efforts to rebuild after the fall of the Assad regime.
“Visiting Syria at this crucial moment is a mark of Slovenia’s solidarity with the Syrian people, who deserve a better future after 14 years of hell,” Fajon said, as quoted by the Foreign Ministry, after meeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa and her counterpart Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.
She emphasized the need for Syria’s interim authorities to ensure an inclusive transition, advocating for a state that represents all Syrians, particularly incorporating the voices of civil society and women.
Slovenia to Continue Providing Assistance
Fajon reaffirmed Slovenia’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. “Without a stable Syria, there will be no peace in the Middle East,” she stated, adding that Slovenia remains committed to upholding international law and ensuring that those responsible for war crimes are held accountable.
She also called for a ceasefire in northeastern Syria and urged dialogue among political groups. “Slovenia will closely monitor developments and, as part of the EU, will participate in rebuilding the country,” she pledged.
Both al-Sharaa and al-Shaibani expressed gratitude for Slovenia’s support and voiced hope that international sanctions would soon be lifted to facilitate economic development and reconstruction.
Fajon referenced a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers in January regarding a gradual and reversible lifting of sanctions, noting that further sanctions relief would depend on the evolving situation on the ground.
During a meeting with Stephan Sakalian, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Syria, she was briefed on humanitarian needs, reconstruction efforts, and the status of civil society, particularly women’s rights.
Highlighting that 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line following years of war and economic collapse, she pledged Slovenia’s continued humanitarian aid, amounting to €14 million since 2014, and support for demining efforts through the ITF Enhancing Human Security fund.
“One of the reasons for my visit was to assess Syria’s humanitarian needs firsthand,” Fajon stated. “Poverty here is extreme, and the economic situation remains dire,” she said, adding that the recent decision by the new U.S. administration to freeze foreign aid was a further setback.
Condemnation of Gaza Displacement Plan
Fajon’s visit came amid continued regional instability after 13 years of civil war in Syria, which formally ended in December with the fall of the Assad regime.
Damascus was the final leg of her five-day tour of the Middle East—her fifth visit since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza.
Prior to Syria, she visited Jordan and Lebanon, where she advocated for regional peace and stability. She strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza, condemning any forced displacement of Palestinians or illegal annexation of the West Bank.
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar echoed Fajon’s concerns, stating she was “appalled that despite such forced deportations being recognized as crimes against humanity, these actions are not only tolerated today but even proposed as solutions to international problems.”
With Slovenia taking a strong stance on international law, Fajon’s visit signals the country’s continued commitment to humanitarian support and a diplomatic approach to Middle East stability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. ETin 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
