Free Republic

Hostages expected to be released in the first phase are those who fall under the humanitarian category, such as women, children, elderly or wounded. Hamas confirmed on Sunday that 28-year-old Emily Damari, 23-year-old Romi Gonen, and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher would be released on the first day of phase one of the hostage-ceasefire deal. The deal will see 33 hostages released in the first phase in exchange for the release of security prisoners, humanitarian aid, and an IDF withdrawal from some areas in Gaza. Israel will release 30 Palestinian detainees for every civilian hostage and 50 Palestinian detainees for every Israeli...

Russia and Iran have signed a partnership treaty involving closer military cooperation, three days before the return of US President-elect Donald Trump to the White House. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian met in Moscow on Friday to sign the deal, which covers everything from trade to science. The two countries, both of which are targeted by ongoing Western sanctions, have grown closer in recent years. Russia is accused by Kyiv and the West of using Iranian-made drones in its war with Ukraine, which Moscow and Tehran have denied. Putin hailed the “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty”...