Netanyahu says US will back return to war with only hours until Gaza ceasefire - The ceasefire deal was signed off by Israel’s government on Saturday morning - but attacks have continued on the Gaza S
Qatar says the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will go into effect at 0630 GMT on Sunday. This will pause the fighting after 15 months of war and see the release of dozens of hostages held by the militants in the Gaza Strip and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Explosions were heard over Jerusalem as sirens blared throughout the city and central Israel on Saturday morning, AFP reported. The Israeli military confirmed that it intercepted a projectile soon after it was launched at around 10:20am local time from Yemen. The incident came just ahead of a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The Huthis, who say their action is in solidarity with the Palestinians, have themselves seen their positions in Yemen hit by US, Israeli and sometimes British air strikes. On Thursday, leader Abdulmalik al-Huthi in a televised address threatened to keep up their attacks if Israel does not respect the ceasefire with Hamas.
Israel’s government voted in favour of the truce after the country’s security cabinet, chaired by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, agreed to the ceasefire and hostage deal earlier on Friday. The vote is believed to have been 24 in favour and eight against early on Saturday morning local time.
A Houthi supporter sets a Palestinian flag during an anti-U.S and Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/)
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he welcomed the news also with "sorrow" and "caution given that we have had false dawns before, and the deal has not yet been confirmed.”
Palestinians and family members of hostages who were killed in captivity have been imploring the Israeli government and world leaders for a ceasefire deal.
Israel strikes ‘50 terror targets’ hours before truce and hostage release begin - The ceasefire deal was signed off by Israel’s government on Saturday morning - but attacks have continued on the Gaza
The airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island, which rises out of the Indian Ocean, could provide a key landing zone for military operations patrolling that waterway.
Thousands of Houthi supporters protested again Friday against Israeli attacks in Yemen and the US-led coalition, while showing their support for the Palestinian people. Camera: YAHYA ARHAB. [Restrictions: Spain,