International
Israel says bodies of six Gaza hostages recovered
Israel says bodies of six Gaza hostages recovered
Israel says its forces have recovered the bodies of six hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the bodies were located on Saturday in an underground tunnel in the Rafah area.
The IDF named the hostages as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt Ori Danino.
Spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said an initial assessment was they were “brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them”.
After the death of Mr Goldberg-Polin – an American citizen – was confirmed, US President Joe Biden said he was “devastated and outraged” by the news.
A group representing the families of those held hostage in Gaza has demanded that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “address the nation and take responsibility for abandoning the hostages”.
The Hostages Families Forum said that all six held captive were “murdered in the last few days, after surviving almost 11 months of abuse, torture, and starvation in Hamas captivity”.
“The delay in signing the deal has led to their deaths and those of many other hostages,” they added in a statement.
The group has also announced plans to “bring the nation to a halt” on Sunday, asking the Israeli public to join protests in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and elsewhere in Israel to call for a hostage exchange deal.
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In its statement on Sunday morning announcing the deaths, the IDF said the bodies had been “returned to Israeli territory”.
“They were all taken hostage on 7 October [2023] and were murdered by the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip.”
The statement added that their families had already been notified.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the “heart of an entire nation is shattered to pieces with the news” of their killing.
“On behalf of the State of Israel, I embrace their families with all my heart, and apologize for failing to bring them home safely,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Biden said in a statement that “Hersh was among the innocents brutally attacked while attending a music festival for peace in Israel on 7 October”.
“He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre. He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world.
“I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel. They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable,” Mr Biden said.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in response to the unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
More than 40,530 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are trying to broker a ceasefire deal that would see Hamas release the 97 hostages still being held, including at least 27 who are presumed dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Israel says bodies of six Gaza hostages recovered
BBC
International
Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail
Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail
United States President Donald Trump has said American warships are being rearmed with advanced weaponry and prepared for possible strikes against Iran if ongoing peace negotiations in Pakistan fail to produce an agreement.
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said the United States is in what he described as a “reset” phase, insisting that military readiness is being strengthened while diplomatic talks continue.
“We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made — even better than what we did previously and we blew them apart,” Trump was quoted as saying.
“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively.”
His remarks come as Vice President JD Vance leads a high-level U.S. delegation to Islamabad, Pakistan, for crucial Iran peace talks in Pakistan aimed at preventing a renewed escalation in the Middle East.
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Vance, who is known for his scepticism toward long-term military interventions, is expected to engage Iranian officials in discussions focused on stabilising a fragile ceasefire and preventing further military confrontation.
Before departing, Vance issued a warning to Tehran, telling Iranian authorities not to “play” the United States, signalling Washington’s firm stance ahead of the negotiations.
According to diplomatic sources, the talks will address key issues including nuclear compliance, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions-related disputes that have fueled tensions between both countries.
President Trump also posted a cryptic message on his Truth Social platform, referring to what he called the “WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL RESET!!!”, further fueling speculation about Washington’s combined military and diplomatic strategy.
The Pakistan-hosted talks bring together senior U.S. officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian representatives led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Iran’s participation underscores ongoing efforts by both sides to prevent a full-scale collapse of the ceasefire, which has already been strained by mutual accusations of violations.
Analysts say the outcome of the Islamabad negotiations could determine whether the crisis moves toward a lasting settlement or escalates into renewed military confrontation with wider regional consequences.
Trump Says US Warships Being Reloaded With Weapons to Strike Iran If Pakistan Talks Fail
International
Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks
Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks
United States President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed Vice President JD Vance to urgently explore diplomatic pathways to end the ongoing U.S.–Iran war crisis, as preparations intensify for high-level peace talks scheduled to hold in Pakistan.
The directive comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns that a fragile ceasefire arrangement could collapse, potentially triggering a wider escalation in the region.
Vice President JD Vance, known for his long-standing scepticism toward prolonged U.S. military interventions abroad, is expected to depart on April 10 for Islamabad, where he will lead the American delegation in the upcoming Iran peace talks in Pakistan.
He will be accompanied by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, both of whom have previously been involved in indirect diplomatic engagements with Iranian officials on nuclear issues and regional security concerns.
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The talks are expected to focus on de-escalation measures, nuclear-related assurances, and broader security arrangements aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Iran has also confirmed its participation in the negotiations, sending a high-level delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
The Iranian team is expected to present its position on sanctions relief, regional security, and maritime concerns, particularly issues relating to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
Reports indicate that the temporary ceasefire between both sides is increasingly under strain, with accusations of violations and renewed mistrust threatening to derail diplomatic progress.
President Trump has publicly accused Iran of failing to honour commitments linked to maritime security, writing on Truth Social: “That is not the agreement we have!”
The statement has added fresh tension to already fragile negotiations and raised concerns about possible disruptions to global energy markets if hostilities resume.
Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic venue for the talks, hosting both direct and indirect engagements between U.S. and Iranian officials in an effort to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Diplomatic observers say the outcome of the Islamabad meeting could determine whether the crisis moves toward a lasting ceasefire or deeper confrontation involving regional and global powers.
The growing urgency of the negotiations reflects mounting international pressure on Washington and Tehran to reach a political settlement and avoid further destabilisation of the Middle East.
Trump Orders JD Vance to Lead Iran War Exit Strategy Ahead of Pakistan Talks
International
Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia
Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia
The United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised American citizens to reconsider participating in the Hajj pilgrimage this year, citing ongoing regional security concerns and intermittent travel disruptions across parts of the Middle East.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the embassy referenced the Saudi Arabia travel advisory, warning that the current security environment remains unstable and could affect movement and access to holy sites during the pilgrimage season.
“Per the Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory, and due to the ongoing security situation and intermittent travel disruptions, we advise reconsidering participation in Hajj this year,” the embassy said.
It also announced new entry regulations for Mecca ahead of the pilgrimage period, stating that from April 18, only individuals with valid permits will be allowed access. These include a Hajj permit, a Mecca-issued residency ID, or a valid work permit linked to Mecca. The embassy further warned that individuals on other visa categories should leave Mecca before the enforcement date to avoid penalties.
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The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. Each year, millions of pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia for the rites performed in and around Mecca.
The advisory comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts and security incidents affecting several countries in the region. The U.S. has previously warned that instability could disrupt air travel routes, border crossings, and emergency response capacity in affected areas.
Regional tensions have escalated in recent months following intensified military exchanges involving Israel and Iran, along with related spillover effects across neighbouring countries. These developments have raised concerns over aviation safety, infrastructure security, and crowd management during major international gatherings such as Hajj.
The embassy also urged American citizens already in the Kingdom or planning to travel to remain vigilant and closely monitor official travel updates issued by both U.S. and Saudi authorities.
While no evacuation order has been issued, officials stressed that travellers should carefully reconsider non-essential trips depending on their personal risk assessment.
Hajj 2026: US Warns Citizens Over Travel Risks to Saudi Arabia
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