Middle East updates: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended to Feb. 18

Israel, Lebanon and the U.S. are negotiating the release of Lebanese prisoners.

Last Updated: January 26, 2025, 7:39 PM EST

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza went into effect a week ago. Hostages held in the strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started to be released under the multi-phased deal.

Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli forces also remain active inside the Syrian border region as victorious rebels there build a transitional government.

Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.

Jan 25, 2025, 1:35 PM EST

Thousands of Palestinians gather in hope of returning to northern Gaza

Thousands of Palestinians have gathered in Gaza, just south of the Wadi Gaza, hoping to be able to return home to northern Gaza for the first time since October 2023.

The Wadi Gaza is the line Israel used to demarcate north from south in Gaza, warning over a million people to move south of the riverbed at the very beginning of the war. A majority of Gazans did, resulting in 1.9 million people crowded into south Gaza.

Internally displaced Palestinians wait to return to the northern Gaza Strip from the southern Gaza Strip, along Al Rashid road, in the west of Al Nusairat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Jan. 25, 2025.
Mohammed Saber/EPA via Shutterstock

Under the current ceasefire deal, the Israel Defense Forces were to withdraw from parts of the Netzarim corridor -- the military area it created between the Wadi Gaza and Gaza City -- which has until now stopped anyone from being able to return to the north.

However, Israel and Hamas are currently engaged in a back-and-forth argument over the continued captivity of a civilian woman hostage, which is being worked out through the mediators of the ceasefire. As a result, the IDF has not yet withdrawn from the Netzarim corridor and thousands of Palestinians are waiting to return north are forced to wait.

Internally displaced Palestinians wait to return to the northern Gaza Strip from the southern Gaza Strip, along Al Rashid road, in the west of Al Nusairat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Jan. 25, 2025.
Mohammed Saber/EPA via Shutterstock

Internally displaced Palestinians wait to return to the northern Gaza Strip from the southern Gaza Strip, along Al Rashid road, in the west of Al Nusairat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Jan. 25, 2025.
Mohammed Saber/EPA via Shutterstock

The confusion over the delay has created some chaos in the area, with shots being fired toward the crowds and reports of injuries.

Jan 25, 2025, 11:37 AM EST

Trump takes credit for release of hostages

President Donald Trump celebrated the release of four hostages on Saturday, emphasizing the White House's partnership with Israel and calling on the release of the remaining hostages.

"Today the world celebrates as President Trump secured the release of four more Israeli hostages who were, for far too long, held against their will by Hamas in horrific conditions. The United States will continue with its great partner Israel to push for the release of all remaining hostages and the pursuit of peace throughout the region," the White House said in a statement.

Jan 25, 2025, 8:51 AM EST

Families of hostages celebrate the release of 4 soldiers

The families of four soldiers who were being held hostage by Hamas are now celebrating the release of their loved ones.

"We are overjoyed and moved to see Naama standing strong and returning to us. Our hearts are with the Berger and Yehoud families who are still waiting for their loved ones. We will not rest until the last hostage returns," the family of Naama Levy said in a statement.

The families pledged to continue to support families of hostages still being held.

Father of Israeli-American hostage Johnathan Dekel-Chen discusses the latest hostage release as a part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
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Father of Israeli-American hostage on latest releasesFather of Israeli-American hostage Johnathan Dekel-Chen discusses the latest hostage release as a part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
ABCNews.com

"Our hearts are with the families of Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger, the Bibas family, and all other hostages still waiting to return home. Our thoughts are with them, even in these moments of joy, and we are determined to fight until the last hostage returns home," the family of Liri Albag said in a statement.

Daniela Gilboa, Liri Elbag, Naama Levy and Karina Ariev are greeted by their parents after their release on Jan. 25, 2025.
IDF

Jan 25, 2025, 7:46 AM EST

Israel Prison Service says Palestinian prisoners released

The Israeli Prison says it has released the Palestinian prisoners slated for release on Saturday as part of the hostage and prisoner release.

Video shows busses carrying the prisoners leaving Ofer prison and some of the busses driving into Ramallah in the West Bank, still making their way to their destination. Other buses, carrying prisoners who will be taken to Gaza, and some to Egypt, drove to the Kerem Shalom crossing.

PHOTO: One of the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel reacts while being carried on people's shoulders in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on Jan. 25, 2025.
One of the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel reacts while being carried on people's shoulders after disembarking off one of the buses of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) upon arrival in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on Jan. 25, 2025.
Zain Jaafar/AFP via Getty Images

Prisoners being released into Gaza have not yet crossed the border, according to ABC News' producer on the ground.

"The Israel Prison Service concludes the second imprisoned terrorist release in accordance with the agreement for the return of the hostages, as part of operation " Wings of Freedom," read the statement from Israeli Prison Service Statement. "As part of Operation 'Derech Eretz,' 200 terrorists were transferred from several prisons across the country to the ‘Ofer’ and ‘Ktziot’ prisons, escorted by officers from the Israel Prison Service's 'Nahshon' Unit and with the assistance of the Israel Police.

PHOTO: One of the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel embraces a man while celebrating after disembarking off one of the buses of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) upon arrival in Ramallah, on Jan. 25, 2025.
One of the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel embraces a man while celebrating after disembarking off one of the buses of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) upon arrival in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on Jan. 25, 2025.
Zain Jaafar/AFP via Getty Images

"After the conclusion of the necessary activities in the prisons and the approval of political authorities, all the terrorists were released from the ‘Ofer’ and ‘Ktziot’ prisons. The prison officers of the Israel Prison Service are carrying out the release of the terrorists in accordance with the political directive, as agreed upon for the return of the hostages, and in full coordination with all security agencies," the statement said.

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