Saturday, February 1, 2025

First US citizen Keith Siegel freed in Israel-Hamas prisoner swap after spending 484 days in 'cruelest' captivity February 01, 2025 at 12:16AM

Keith Siegel, a 65-year-old dual citizen of the US and Israel, was freed by Hamas after 484 days of captivity. This release is part of an ongoing ceasefire and prisoner swap deal. His wife, Aviva, had been advocating for his release since she was freed in November 2023.

US govt websites scrubbed of gender, diversity references following Trump’s directive February 01, 2025 at 01:05AM

Federal agencies removed gender and diversity references from websites following a directive linked to President Trump's executive orders. The changes affected multiple areas, including health pages and passport applications, resulting in significant backlash from various organizations and concerns about government transparency.

Friday, January 31, 2025

Hamas to free three Israeli hostages in next ceasefire swap January 31, 2025 at 03:09AM

Hamas and Israel are set to carry out their fourth hostage-prisoner swap under the Gaza ceasefire on Saturday. In exchange for three Israeli captives—Yarden Bibas, Keith Seigel, and Ofer Kalderon—Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners. This swap is part of a broader deal, where militants have already handed over hostages in exchange for prisoners. The ceasefire has allowed aid into Gaza, and talks for a second phase are set to begin.

'Brutal' Trump example fascinates EU migration hawks January 31, 2025 at 01:46AM

EU home affairs ministers met in Warsaw to discuss tackling irregular migration, with Donald Trump's tough tactics influencing the conversation. While some preferred a softer approach, Sweden's Anders Hall suggested a mix of "carrots and sticks," such as trade and visa measures, could work. The EU faces pressure to improve migrant return rates. Proposals include "return hubs" outside the EU, though concerns over legality and ethics remain. EU officials seek tailored solutions.