Hamas to Release Bodies of Slain Hostages Amid Ongoing Negotiations

On May 29, 2025, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, according to the Houthi military spokesperson. The missile attack prompted air raid sirens in 660 cities, including major urban centers like Tel Aviv and the West Bank, forcing millions of residents to seek shelter. The missile's impact was felt significantly during the final of the Israel State Cup at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, where nearly 30,000 soccer fans had gathered. The match between Hapoel Beersheba and Beitar Jerusalem was interrupted for ten minutes in response to the unfolding situation before play resumed, as reported by the Times of Israel. This incident highlights rising tensions in the region, particularly as the Houthis continue to assert their military capabilities. No casualties have been reported in connection with the missile strike, but the attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict impacting both military and civilian life in Israel.

Hamas announced it will free 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in response to a U.S. ceasefire proposal during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 54,000 deaths since its onset nearly 20 months ago. The group stated this deal would involve an exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, warned Hamas that they must accept the terms of the ceasefire or face severe consequences. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that a ceasefire agreement is "very close," as dire humanitarian conditions continue to plague Gaza, where the United Nations described the situation as one of impending famine. Hamas is reportedly seeking amendments to the ceasefire proposal, particularly concerning U.S. guarantees, the timing of the hostage release, and the delivery of humanitarian aid along with the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The potential ceasefire would pause hostilities for 60 days, facilitating aid delivery amid ongoing food shortages, as described by UN humanitarian spokesman Jens Laerke, who called Gaza "the hungriest place on Earth."

The Israeli government has confirmed plans to create 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank following a secret vote by its security cabinet last week. According to Defence Minister Israel Katz, this move is intended to solidify Israel's control over the region and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, which he argues could threaten Israeli security. The settlements include the legalization of previously unapproved outposts, a decision strongly criticized by Israeli human rights group B’Tselem as a promotion of "Jewish supremacy" and ethnic cleansing of Palestinian territories. The expansion is said to support Israel's strategic presence along Route 443, a key transport artery between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a proponent of the settlements, has previously stated that his government aims to facilitate the resettlement of an additional 500,000 Israeli settlers into the West Bank. This announcement follows earlier actions by the Israeli government, including the appropriation of land in the Jordan Valley, noted as the largest seizure in over 30 years, as detailed by the watchdog group Peace Now.