Middle East

Israeli protesters call for the release of the Bibas family, whose members are being held hostage in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Tuesday.

World News

Israel releases more Palestinian prisoners as part of extended exchanges for hostages

6:05pm November 28, 2023

by Scott Neuman

Hamas had earlier Tuesday released 10 Israelis and two foreigners before 30 Palestinians were freed from Israeli prisons on the fifth day of a temporary truce between the two sides.

The new reality of 4-year-old Abigail Edan, the first American hostage freed by Hamas

5:14pm November 28, 2023

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Noa Naftali and Liz Hirsh Naftali, cousin and great-aunt of Abigail Edan, who was held hostage by Hamas for 50 days and released Friday.

Queue Listen Now

Israelis gather to witness the first batch of released hostages being brought to Schneider Hospital via helicopter on Nov. 24.

World News

What to know about the hostages still held by Hamas

4:44pm November 28, 2023

by Scott Neuman

Under an extension of a temporary cease-fire, Hamas freed 12 more hostages on Tuesday, including 10 Israelis and two foreign nationals, Israel's military said. About 160 hostages remain in captivity.

How hostages and prisoners have been used in the long-running Mideast conflict

10:52am November 28, 2023

As Israel and Hamas continue to negotiate, NPR's A Martinez asks Middle East scholar Shibley Telhami how hostages and prisoners have been used in the long-term conflict.

Queue Listen Now

Israel and Hamas strike deal to extend the temporary cease-fire in Gaza

7:23am November 28, 2023

Israelis and Palestinians are waiting to see how much longer the cease-fire could be extended, and how many more hostages and prisoners will go home.

Queue Listen Now

Gaza health officials say thousands of civilians were killed in 'evacuation' areas

5:18am November 28, 2023

by Ruth Sherlock

After the war with Hamas began, Israel warned Palestinians in north Gaza to flee to south. Families fled homes in north Gaza for the south — only to find their lives are still in danger.

Morning news brief

5:18am November 28, 2023

Israel and Hamas agree to extend Gaza truce. Vermont man accused of shooting three students of Palestinian origin charged with attempted murder. There are fewer than 50 days until the Iowa caucuses.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Thai hostages held in Gaza freed from Hamas captivity

6:06pm November 27, 2023

by Michael Sullivan

At least 39 Thai workers were killed and over two dozen more taken hostage in the Hamas attacks on Oct 7. Now, many of them have been released by Hamas since Friday.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Temporary ceasefire in Gaza extended ahead of another exchange of hostages

5:33pm November 27, 2023

by Brian Mann

The temporary ceasefire in Gaza has been extended, as Israel and Hamas swap additional hostages and prisoners.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Nearly 60 journalists and media workers killed since start of Israel-Hamas war

4:55pm November 27, 2023

by Fatima Al-Kassab

The Committee to Protect Journalists says nearly 60 journalists and media workers have been killed since the Israel-Hamas war began, it's the deadliest period since CPJ began gathering data in 1992.

Queue Listen Now