Qatar on Tuesday urged Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement on releasing hostages seized in the October 7 attack, cautioning the situation in Gaza was worsening on a daily basis.

We call on both sides to take another look at their positions and go for peaceful coexistence for a better future for all concerned.

Like most others his age, Uriel Balas was just excited to celebrate his 26th birthday with friends, having saved up for his ticket to Israel’s much-anticipated Supernova music festival.

Israel has agreed pauses in its offensive in northern Gaza that will allow some civilians to flee heavy fighting, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out any broader ceasefire as a “surrender” to Hamas.

The United Nations Associations of the USA (UNA-USA) has emphasised the organisation’s commitment to the values and principles of the United Nations amid the conflict in the Middle East, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Haman and Israel.

Memorial speeches were pierced by sobs and candles were lit by mourning crowds as Israel fell silent on Tuesday, marking one month since the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out a longer ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the time being during an interview on United States television on Monday.

The South African government said on Monday it would recall all its diplomats from Israel to “signal” its concern over the situation in Gaza.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday he was breaking off contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Israel has recalled its diplomats from Turkey following the speech given by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a large pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said.