US President Donald Trump voiced optimism Sunday about swift release of Israeli hostages captured by Hamas. Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested freedom could come soon for those detained.
Meanwhile, Hamas negotiators arrived in Cairo for ceasefire discussions on Gaza conflict. Mediators from US, Qatar, and Egypt join talks. Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya reached Cairo from Qatar. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participate alongside Qatar’s foreign minister.
Despite calls for peace Israeli forces continue assaults in Gaza. Strikes hit Al-Mawasi and other areas Sunday, killing 24 Palestinians and wounding many. Israel dismissed Trump’s 20-point peace proposal, pressing ahead with bombings.
Germany backs Trump’s Gaza plan strongly. German Foreign Minister met Qatar’s counterpart in Doha Sunday, calling Trump’s initiative unmatched for resolution.
Global outrage erupts over Gaza violence. Protests worldwide condemn Israeli actions and demand hostage release.
In a post on X, the Israel’s foreign ministry calls the flotilla a “PR stunt”, and says all those detained have had their legal rights upheld. It accuses them of spreading “lies”.
It is the second time Thunberg has been deported by Israel after unsuccessfully trying to reach Gaza by sea.
Israel says the 171 people have been deported to Greece and Slovakia and are citizens of Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Denmark, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway, the UK, Serbia, and the United States.
In Pakistan, demonstrators in Karachi rallied Sunday, urging Muslim nations to protect Gaza. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Naeem Rahman called for united action.
India saw anti-Israel marches, with crowds chanting slogans and urging boycott of Israeli goods amid Gaza criticism.
Turkey’s Ankara streets filled with protesters waving Turkish and Palestinian flags. They denounced detention of activists from flotilla bound for Gaza.
Netherlands’ Amsterdam hosted rallies condemning Gaza killings, pressing government for tough steps against occupation forces.
Brazil’s Sao Paulo drew hundreds protesting Israel, demanding international pressure for release of flotilla detainees.
Read more: US Treasury Reveals Bold Draft $1 Coin Design Saluting Trump on 250th Independence Milestone
The NGO has facilitated the release of 148 hostages and 1,931 detainees since October 2023, as well as the return of human remains.
“A lasting ceasefire is critical to saving lives and breaking the cycle of death and destruction,” the ICRC’s president Mirjana Spoljaric says.
“We are also prepared to bring aid into Gaza and distribute it safely to civilians in desperate need.”
Similar demonstrations occurred in Bulgaria and Serbia against Palestinian atrocities.
Jerusalem residents protested for quick hostage freedom, urging Netanyahu government to end Gaza war promptly.
