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Israel Will Not Accept Agreement that Allows Hamas to Remain in Power in Gaza

Destruction in Al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip. (EPA)
Destruction in Al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip. (EPA)
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Israel Will Not Accept Agreement that Allows Hamas to Remain in Power in Gaza

Destruction in Al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip. (EPA)
Destruction in Al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip. (EPA)

Israel will not accept a ceasefire deal with Hamas that leaves its hostages in Gaza or the movement in power in the enclave, Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said on Tuesday.

He added that efforts were ongoing to bring about the release of the hostages but declined to elaborate saying lives were hanging in the balance, according to Reuters.

Asked about reports of a ceasefire deal in Gaza, Levy said the goals of the war were unchanged.

“The destruction of Hamas’ governing and military capabilities in the Gaza Strip and the return of all the hostages. There will be no ceasefire that leaves the hostages in Gaza and Hamas in power,” he said.

“Beyond that, we have nothing to elaborate.”

Levy’s comments came while the Arab World News quoted Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, as saying that the movement rejects Israel's proposal for a two-month ceasefire as part of a multi-phase deal that includes the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

He reiterated Hamas' insistence on a full ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza before discussing any details regarding the hostages.

“We will not accept such method because it means that Israel will continue to fight and to occupy the Gaza Strip and repeat the massacres,” Hamad said.

“We insist that the war stops once and for all. Our mission is to protect our people and stop the massacres, stop the bloodshed and stop the genocide,” he added.

On Tuesday, quoting two Israeli officials, the Axios website reported that Israel has given Hamas a proposal through Qatari and Egyptian mediators that includes up to two months of a pause in the fighting as part of a multi-phase deal that would include the release of all remaining hostages.

According to the proposal, the first phase of the deal would see the release of women, men over the age of 60 and hostages who are in critical medical condition, the officials said.

The next phases would include the release of female soldiers, men under the age of 60 who are not soldiers, Israeli male soldiers and the bodies of hostages.

The officials said the proposal includes Israel redeploying its army so that some would be moved out of main population centers in the enclave and allowing a gradual return of Palestinian civilians to Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip as the deal is being implemented.

Hamad described the proposal as “a cover-up, a lie and a deception practiced by the Israelis.”

“We insist on a complete cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of the occupation forces. After that, we can talk about other details for an arrangement on a prisoner swap deal,” he stressed.

Hamad expressed Hamas’ official response to the deal: “We refuse it. That is our official position.”

He portrayed the proposal as an admission of Israel's failure in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the absence of substantial achievements beyond civilian casualties, and destruction of houses.

Hamad contended that Israel, facing military, political, security, and international setbacks, is attempting to navigate this predicament through superficial offers.

He pointed to a shift in the international stance, holding Israel responsible for the ongoing conflict, and emphasized that the resilience of the Palestinian people and the strength of the resistance have altered the dynamics.

According to Hamad, “A new chapter is beginning, turning the page on the past”.

Hamad also explained that Israel only cares about the hostages.

“So, when the hostages are freed, the Israelis will be more free in their war against Gaza,” he said.

“We tell them ‘No’ because our priority is to stop the aggression on Gaza and the withdrawal of the occupation forces, and we will not leave them room to start the war again,” Hamad declared.

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Arab World

Aoun Says No Progress Made in Talks, Berri Warns Against Ending UNIFIL Mission

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan (Lebanese Presidency)
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Aoun Says No Progress Made in Talks, Berri Warns Against Ending UNIFIL Mission

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan (Lebanese Presidency)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to diplomatic and negotiated solutions to disputes, saying that negotiations with Israel have yet to yield the desired progress. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warned of the dangers of ending the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon before UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is fully implemented and Israeli occupation ends completely.

The two leaders made their remarks during separate meetings with German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan, who also met Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Beirut.

The meetings focused on developments in Lebanon and the wider region, ways to strengthen cooperation between Lebanon and Germany, and European support for Lebanese institutions.

Aoun: Diplomacy, not military force, key to stability

Aoun said Lebanon remained committed to diplomacy and negotiations to resolve conflicts, arguing that wars had failed to achieve their intended goals and that military force alone could not secure lasting stability.

He called for an end to Israeli attacks and compliance with existing agreements, warning that continued military operations and strikes on civilian areas and infrastructure were deepening suffering and undermining efforts to restore stability.

Residents of southern Lebanon, he said, needed security and reassurance to return to their normal lives.

Aoun: No breakthrough in talks with Israel

Aoun said Lebanon had put four key issues on the negotiating table: a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, border demarcation and prisoners. But the progress Beirut sought had yet to materialize, he said.

Aoun stressed that the Lebanese state and army were ready to address security concerns through official channels and established coordination mechanisms rather than military action.

He urged Europe to step up support for the Lebanese army, citing its role in maintaining stability, fighting terrorism and drug trafficking, securing borders and combating irregular migration.

Backing Lebanon's military and security institutions, he said, was a direct investment in regional stability that would also bolster European security, given the close ties across the Mediterranean.

On economic reforms, Aoun said Lebanon was pressing ahead with the International Monetary Fund and other international financial institutions to complete reforms and rebuild confidence in its economy.

He also voiced hope that Germany would help finance reconstruction, particularly through any framework developed under World Bank leadership in coordination with the Lebanese government.

Aoun called for a gradual shift from emergency aid toward a lasting economic and development partnership.

Berri warns against UNIFIL withdrawal before full implementation of Resolution 1701

Berri, meeting Alabali-Radovan alongside German Ambassador Thomas Seidel, raised concerns over continued Israeli attacks and the destruction of villages and towns in southern Lebanon.

He accused Israel of disregarding international resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as agreements reached in 2024 and the latest framework agreement, both brokered by the United States.

With the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) set to expire at the end of the year, Berri warned against ending its mission before Resolution 1701 is fully implemented and Israeli occupation ends completely.

He also called for stronger ties between Lebanon, Germany and the European Union, alongside continued support for the Lebanese army.

Salam seeks support for southern Lebanon's recovery

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam thanked Germany for its continued support, stressing the need to help southern Lebanon recover and rebuild.

He also called for assistance to enable displaced residents to return to their villages and strengthen the Lebanese state's capabilities.

Germany backs reforms, warns against security vacuum in south

Alabali-Radovan reaffirmed Germany's support for Lebanon's reform efforts, stronger state institutions and better living conditions, particularly for those hardest hit by the country's crisis.

Speaking after meeting Aoun at the presidential palace, she said Berlin was seeing progress in the Lebanese government's reforms and would continue supporting its institutions.

German cooperation, she said, would focus on better governance and transparency, economic growth, vocational training and rebuilding infrastructure in affected areas.

On UNIFIL's future, she said Germany was closely monitoring developments and warned against leaving a vacuum.

"We are monitoring the situation closely, and of course there must be no vacuum in this regard," she said.

Alabali-Radovan also pledged continued German backing for the Lebanese army, calling it a cornerstone of national stability.

"Germany wants to support the Lebanese army because it is indeed a fundamental pillar of the country's stability, and we will do so now and in the future," she said.

Arab World

Intensive Strikes Target Houthis Amid Suspicions of Toxic Shells Used by Militias

Smoke billows from a site that was targeted west of the city of Taiz, on October 21, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke billows from a site that was targeted west of the city of Taiz, on October 21, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
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Intensive Strikes Target Houthis Amid Suspicions of Toxic Shells Used by Militias

Smoke billows from a site that was targeted west of the city of Taiz, on October 21, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke billows from a site that was targeted west of the city of Taiz, on October 21, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Fighting has intensified across Yemen, with battles spreading to several provinces as Operation "Dawn of Yemen" entered its 25th day and Houthi attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure continued in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition said Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile fired toward the kingdom's Eastern Province early on Thursday.

Yemen's armed forces said on Thursday evening they had carried out 982 strikes on Houthi positions and fortifications in 24 hours, killing or incapacitating 324 commanders and fighters and destroying 108 military vehicles.

The strikes came as Operation "Dawn of Yemen," launched by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi to reclaim Houthi-held territory and restore state authority, entered its 25th day.

Authorities in Taiz called for an urgent investigation into reports that Houthi forces had fired shells suspected of containing internationally banned toxic substances.

They said earlier incidents had left civilians and soldiers suffering breathing difficulties, with some losing consciousness, and called for specialized testing to establish whether the symptoms were linked to substances released by the shells.

The authorities urged investigators to document witness accounts, medical records and reported cases, and identify any substances used. They also called on the United Nations and international organizations to support the inquiry and hold those responsible accountable if the allegations were confirmed.

Health officials in Taiz said Houthi shelling struck an ambulance on Wednesday as it tried to evacuate an injured civilian from a village in the al-Awat area, west of al-Shaqab in the Sabr al-Mawadim district, south of Taiz city.

The ambulance was badly damaged and put out of service.

The strike came amid heavy shelling of villages around Jabal Sabr, the officials said. They also reported that another ambulance had been hit by a shell the previous week and that Houthis had looted 15 ambulances from health offices and medical centers across several districts.

Aden airport reopens after missile strikes

Fighting spread from the outskirts of Taiz to fronts in Lahj province, Dhubab and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as coalition warplanes stepped up strikes along Yemen's western coast and Houthi missiles again targeted Aden International Airport.

Aden airport resumed operations on Thursday after engineers repaired runway damage caused by Houthi ballistic missile strikes the previous day.

Aviation sources said technical teams had worked intensively to restore the runway and allow flights to resume.

The Houthis fired two ballistic missiles at the airport on Wednesday, one at 1 p.m. local time and another at 3 p.m.

This frame grab taken from AFPTV video footage on October 28, 2026 shows smoke rising after a missile targeted Yemen's Aden airport for the second time. (Photo by AFPTV / AFP)

The group, which had demanded the airport be evacuated before the strikes, claimed it was targeting a military cargo aircraft. Airport security sources, however, reported no casualties or material damage.

The attacks drew widespread condemnation over the targeting of a civilian airport.

Critics said the Houthis' warnings to civilians on social media shortly before the strikes did not absolve the group of criminal responsibility and amounted to psychological pressure and intimidation against civilians and travelers.

Yemen's Transport Ministry condemned the attacks, saying the latest two strikes brought the number targeting the airport to six in recent days.

It warned that the shelling endangered passengers, aircrews and airport workers, threatened air traffic and posed serious risks to humanitarian and relief operations.

The ministry held the Houthis fully responsible and urged the international community and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to act urgently to protect civilian facilities and ensure aviation safety.

Yemenia Airways said it had diverted flights bound for Aden to Djibouti airport following the shelling.

The airline said the disruption was beyond its control and that the diversions were necessary to protect passengers, crews and aircraft and comply with aviation safety requirements.

Fighting spreads along western front

Ground fighting widened to the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Dhubab district, where military sources said government forces had repelled Houthi infiltration attempts.

The Houthis said they had attacked government positions in the two areas with ballistic missiles and heavy weapons.

In northwestern Lahj province, the Southern Giants Brigades struck Houthi concentrations along the al-Mudaraba and al-Subaiha front, inflicting casualties as clashes involving various weapons erupted.

Coalition warplanes backed the ground operations with a series of strikes along the western coast, including four targeting Houthi positions and movements near the port city of Mokha.

Other airstrikes hit Houthi fortifications in Jabal al-Nar, east of Mokha.

Government forces also repelled an attack on Kahlan and Hamma villages in the al-Misrakh district, west of Taiz, while military units continued clearing recently recaptured positions along the al-Dhabab front, around Jabal Han and near the old airport.

Artillery exchanges continued along the al-Shaqab, al-Aqrud and Sameh fronts in eastern and southern Taiz province.

Arab World

Nearly 10,000 Casualties in Yemen Escalation as Taiz Health System Struggles to Survive

Houthis repeatedly target ambulances in Taiz (AFP)
Houthis repeatedly target ambulances in Taiz (AFP)
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Nearly 10,000 Casualties in Yemen Escalation as Taiz Health System Struggles to Survive

Houthis repeatedly target ambulances in Taiz (AFP)
Houthis repeatedly target ambulances in Taiz (AFP)

Nearly 10,000 people have been killed or wounded in Yemen's latest military escalation, pushing the country's battered health system to the brink of collapse as a Houthi siege tightens around its third-largest city.

The crisis, the worst in years, has pushed Yemen's healthcare system into what international agencies now classify as a complex emergency that can no longer be contained.

Yemen's Health Ministry warned of an imminent collapse in healthcare services in Taiz province, where stocks of medicines, medical supplies and oxygen have reached critical lows after nearly three months of escalating Houthi military operations and attacks on civilians and infrastructure, compounded by an unprecedented plunge in international funding.

The southwestern city of Taiz remains under Houthi siege as fighting intensifies across the city and surrounding districts. Continued shelling has forced more than 250,000 people to flee rural areas of Taiz and neighboring Lahj province.

The latest verified field data from the World Health Organization (WHO) put the toll from the recent escalation at 9,072 casualties, recorded through the country's remaining health surveillance systems.

The toll includes 1,677 deaths directly linked to hostilities and 7,395 wounded, overwhelming trauma and emergency centers and stretching the surgical capacity of an already crippled health system beyond its limits.

Health authorities in Taiz accused Houthi forces of targeting an ambulance on Wednesday as it attempted to evacuate a wounded civilian from a village under heavy shelling in the Al-Awat area of Sabir Al-Mawadim district, south of the city.

It was the second reported attack on an ambulance during the current escalation. A strike the previous week killed an ambulance driver and a wounded girl being transported for treatment after an earlier shelling attack, and injured a nurse accompanying them.

Press authorities in the province also accused the Houthis of looting 15 ambulances from health offices and medical centers in rural districts.

A nurse attends to a newborn baby inside an incubator at a hospital in the southwestern city of Taiz, Yemen, October 23, 2026. REUTERS/Ebrahim al-Suhaibi

A final plea for help

In besieged Taiz, the health crisis is nearing breaking point.

According to Yemen's Health Ministry, 42 healthcare facilities across the province could shut down completely within days as supplies of medicines, lifesaving medical equipment and medical oxygen cylinders run out.

The looming closures threaten services with no ready alternatives, including neonatal incubators, intensive care units and regular dialysis sessions for hundreds of patients.

The crisis has deepened as healthcare facilities continue to come under direct attack. In the latest incident, Houthi gunmen opened fire on Al-Thawra General Hospital, wounding patients and medical staff.

Public health officials are also warning of a cholera outbreak spiraling out of control, with infection rates tripling in just weeks as destroyed water and sewage networks and deteriorating sanitation services fuel the spread of the disease.

The outbreak is colliding with a severe malnutrition crisis. Thousands of displaced children lack the basic immunity needed to fight bacteria transmitted through contaminated water, pushing death rates among children under five to record highs.

Residents walk amid debris from their homes after a missile strike in Seina, Taiz, Yemen, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Marzouq Al Jabri)

Funding dries up as needs surge

As humanitarian needs soar, international and local relief operations are running into what aid officials describe as a crippling funding drought.

Earlier this month, the WHO issued an urgent appeal for $31 million to keep essential healthcare operations running across Yemen. Donors have provided just $2.1 million, leaving a staggering 93% funding gap.

The consequences have been swift. Fifteen vital healthcare facilities have closed permanently, while dozens of mobile medical teams have been disbanded, cutting off what had been the only lifeline for remote communities and displacement camps in conflict-hit provinces such as Marib.

International and local humanitarian groups agree that time has effectively run out.

Without immediate international pressure to halt hostilities, open safe humanitarian corridors to restore the flow of supplies into besieged Taiz and release emergency funding, Yemen faces the prospect of the worst healthcare collapse in its modern history.