Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Four Israeli women hostages held captive by Hamas for more than 15 months returned home on Saturday, as 200 Palestinian detainees held in Israel were released under the truce deal aimed at ending the Gaza war.
Liri Albag, 19, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Karina Ariev, 20, and Naama Levy, 20, were handed over by masked militants in Palestine Square in Gaza city, where they were led on to a stage to cheers from a crowd of thousands.
The group, all soldiers, were seen in television footage dressed in military fatigues, smiling and waving in front of a banner that read: "Zionism will not prevail."
They were first passed to the Red Cross before being transferred by Israel's military back into Israel. In Tel Aviv, where a crowd gathered to watch their release on a large screen at a plaza known as Hostage Square, there were tears and applause as Israeli flags flew.
The exchange saw equally jubilant scenes in the Palestinian territories as 200 detainees held by Israel were swapped for the four Israelis under a ceasefire agreement that took effect last weekend.
Busloads of detainees were brought from Israel’s Ofer Prison into West Bank territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority on Saturday afternoon and crossed into Beitunia, just outside the Palestinian city of Ramallah.
Crowds of supporters mobbed the freed detainees as they arrived. A slow convoy of buses weaved through the packed streets of the Palestinian capital as hundreds walked alongside the vehicles, waving flags and chanting slogans.
Israeli police said they had stationed forces across the West Bank to “maintain public order, security, and readiness for any scenario”.
Khalil Muslim Mohammad Buraq’ah, a 46-year-old released detainee from Bethlehem, said he had spent nearly 23 years in prison.
"We dedicate this reprieve to our people in Gaza who dedicated their lives to us. May God compensate them and make them victors for everything they’ve done," he said.
Some 130 of the Palestinian detainees were released into the West Bank and Gaza. The other 70 crossed into Egypt at the Rafah border, set to head for Cairo, an Egyptian Red Crescent officer told The National. The 70 in Egypt are expected to go into exile in Turkey, Tunisia and Algeria, a spokesman for the Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs said.
"Some will be transported via plane from Naqab [Negev] to Cairo, and others will be released into Gaza where they are likely to go through Karam Abu Salem crossing into Al Arish," Thaer Shreiteh told The National.
"They will remain in Egypt for 48 hours before going to the countries that have agreed to take them in: Turkey, Tunisia and Algeria."
Accusations of deal breach
Israel's chief military spokesman accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire agreement by releasing soldiers before freeing civilian women hostages. As a result, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Gazan civilians would not be allowed to return to their homes in the north of the enclave until Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud is released.
Ms Yehud, a civilian, was supposed to be freed in Saturday’s exchange, Mr Netanyahu's office said. Her whereabouts has been the subject of speculation in recent days, with reports suggesting her release has been complicated as she is held by militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad, not Hamas.
Hamas reportedly informed mediators that Ms Yehud is alive and will be released in another swap next Saturday. The group said Israel was delaying implementation of the ceasefire by preventing displaced Gazans from returning north, warning it would have "repercussions" for subsequent stages of the deal.
The latest hostage-prisoner exchange is the second under the ceasefire agreement after 90 Palestinian detainees were released in Ramallah last week to jubilant scenes. They were freed in return for three Israeli female civilians, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher.
Under the terms of the multi-stage deal to bring the devastating conflict in Gaza to a close, 33 Israeli hostages are to be freed over a six-week period in exchange for a total of about 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
In a subsequent phase, the two sides would negotiate the exchange of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which lies largely in ruins after 15 months of fighting and Israeli bombardment.
The war in Gaza was sparked by a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that saw the group kill 1,200 people and take 250 hostage. Israel's military response has killed more than 47,000 people in the enclave.
A week-long ceasefire in November 2023 saw Hamas release 105 hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees.
The four Israeli women freed on Saturday featured in a video released by Hamas in May 2024 showing five women with bloodied faces surrounded by militants from the group.
"Karina is a symbol of courage, heart, and determination," said a statement on Saturday from the family of Ms Ariev. "We will not rest until everyone returns home."
The years Ramadan fell in May
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Results
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (Dirt) 1,000m, Winner: Hazeem Al Raed, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 85,000 (D) 1,000m, Winner: Ghazwan Al Khalediah, Hugo Lebouc, Helal Al Alawi
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,400m, Winner: Dinar Al Khalediah, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi.
6.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Faith And Fortune, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Only Smoke, Bernardo Pinheiro, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: AF Ramz, Saif Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi.
8pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: AF Mass, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Black Panther
Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Stree
Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Movies
Director: Amar Kaushik
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee
Rating: 3.5
Results
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32mins 03.897sec
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda) at 0.745s
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 37.383s
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) 46.466s
5.Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Honda) 52.047s
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59.090s
7. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 1:06.004
8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) 1:07.100
9. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:25.692
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:26.713,
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs: 2019 Subaru Forester
Price, base: Dh105,900 (Premium); Dh115,900 (Sport)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 182hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 239Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.1L / 100km (estimated)
Poacher
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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TYPES%20OF%20ONLINE%20GIG%20WORK
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDesign%2C%20multimedia%20and%20creative%20work%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELogo%20design%2C%20website%20design%2C%20visualisations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20and%20professional%20management%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegal%20or%20management%20consulting%2C%20architecture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20and%20professional%20support%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EResearch%20support%2C%20proofreading%2C%20bookkeeping%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESales%20and%20marketing%20support%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESearch%20engine%20optimisation%2C%20social%20media%20marketing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EData%20entry%2C%20administrative%2C%20and%20clerical%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EData%20entry%20tasks%2C%20virtual%20assistants%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIT%2C%20software%20development%20and%20tech%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EData%20analyst%2C%20back-end%20or%20front-end%20developers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWriting%20and%20translation%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EContent%20writing%2C%20ghost%20writing%2C%20translation%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOnline%20microtasks%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EImage%20tagging%2C%20surveys%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20World%20Bank%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
