For today, links to nine reports: from the Associated Press, Reuters, National Public Radio, and the Cradle; others or at least headlines are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (GAZA 5-10-25 is HERE, or scroll down. WEST BANK and UKRAINE entries for this date are HERE and HERE, or scroll up or down.) — MCM
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NEWER Hamas says it released American-Israeli hostage in goodwill gesture toward Trump administration, by Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy and Tia Goldenberg | AP DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An American-Israeli soldier held hostage for more than 19 months in the Gaza Strip was released today, Hamas said, in a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration that could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel. READ MORE . . .
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FROM MAY 11 Ten weeks into Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza, desperate families grind lentils for flour. Reported by Carrie Kahn, Anas Baba and Daniel Estrin | NPR Families in Gaza have begun grinding up lentils and beans to add to the meager flour they have to make bread. Click HERE to listen and read.
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The U.S. has a plan for getting food into Gaza. Top aid groups object to the idea. Reported by Daniel Estrin | NPR Daniel Estrin | NPR TEL AVIV — The U.S. and Israel have announced a plan to allow food and essential supplies back into Gaza after a ten-week Israeli ban that aid workers say is driving rampant hunger in the territory. It is the result . . . Click HERE to read more and listen.
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Hamas set to free U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, but Israel says no ceasefire, by James Mackenzie | Reuters JERUSALEM — Hamas will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza on Monday, the Palestinian militant group said, but Israel’s prime minister said there would be no ceasefire and plans for an intensified military campaign would continue. READ MORE . . . Click HERE, HERE and HERE for reports from NPR, AP and the Cradle.
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FROM MAY 11 Pope Leo XIV appeals for ‘no more war’ in first Sunday message, by Joshua McElwee, Philip Pullella and Keith Weir | Reuters VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV appealed to the world’s major powers for “no more war” in his first Sunday message to crowds in St. Peter’s Square since his election as pontiff — calling for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all Israeli hostages held by militant group Hamas. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for report from AP.
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