Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
A US deal with Hamas to free American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander has prompted heavy criticism of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with opponents accusing him of abandoning the remaining captives in Gaza and undermining his country's relationship with the Trump administration.
The direct negotiations between the US, Israel's closest ally, and its sworn enemy, Hamas, have sparked anger over Mr Netanyahu's insistence on prolonging the war in Gaza. Hostage families are also concerned that captives without a US passport are now at a disadvantage.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said the release of Mr Alexander was “welcome and exciting” but that it must “lead to a broad hostage deal”.
“The reports of direct contacts between Hamas and the US are a disgraceful diplomatic failure by the Israeli government and its leader,” he added. “The kidnapped are ours, and the responsibility for their return lies with the government.”
Members of a forum representing most of Israel’s hostage families slammed the Prime Minister at a press conference in Tel Aviv. One mother said in words addressed to her captive son: “We are doing everything for your return, even though Netanyahu has abandoned you.”
She then addressed Mr Trump, saying: “All of the Israeli people are behind you. End this war. Bring them all home.”
Mr Netanyahu announced on Monday that he is sending a negotiating team to Doha to discuss a wider deal, while thanking Mr Trump "for his assistance".
No second passport
Mr Lapid’s comments echo fears by many hostage families that the fate of the remaining captives, none of whom have US passports, will be abandoned to Mr Netanyahu if Mr Trump loses interest in the issue.
Yehuda Cohen, the father of Israeli soldier Nimrod Cohen, one of those being held captive in Gaza, said: “The state sent our son, like Edan Alexander, to defend its borders. Nimrod is a proud Israeli patriot. Never thought to seek a foreign passport. Tonight we got a resounding slap in the face from the government abandoning hostages.”
Critics say Mr Netanyahu is prolonging the war to ensure his own political survival, torching Israel's legitimacy and most important alliances in the process. Allies appear to be growing ever more uneasy about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and disillusioned with the ultra-nationalist coalition’s war strategy.
The hostage news came amid hints of a growing Israeli rift with the US. Mr Trump announced a deal with Yemen’s Houthis that left out Israel, despite the group continuing to target Israeli territory. The US President is also not due to pay a visit to Israel during his high-profile Middle East tour, which is set to begin on Tuesday.
Mr Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying his government is committed to “achieving all war goals” and that “negotiations will take place under fire”. On Monday it then said the hostage release was down to “the aggressive policy we led with the backing of President Trump, and thanks to the military pressure of IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip”.
It added that "Israel did not commit to any ceasefire or to the release of terrorists". CNN reported that Mr Alexander’s release would lead to “immediate peace deal negotiations”, citing a source.
US officials have vowed they will continue to fight to release the remaining hostages. On a commercial flight to Israel, US hostage envoy Adam Boehler took to the PA system to tell fellow passengers that “we’re going after every single hostage”, to applause. “This is the start […] the bond of Israel and the bond of the [US] has never been stronger,” he added.
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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