Hamdan Ballal: Academy apologizes after backlash over silence
On Wednesday, AMPAS released a statement condemning the suppression of artistic voices but failed to mention Ballal by name. This vague response did not sit well with many.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that it has received a list of the sixth set of hostages expected to be freed from Hamas captivity on Wednesday, adding that their families have been notified.
This will be the second hostage release after the truce between Israel and Hamas which came into force on November 24, was extended by two more days on Tuesday.
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As part of the ceasefire agreement, another group of 12 hostages, comprising 10 Israelis and two Thai citizens, were released by the Palestinian militant group on Tuesday, according to officials.
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Thirty Palestinians were also freed from Israeli prisons, the officials said.
Since the truce was implemented, Hamas has released a total of 81 hostages, primarily women and children.
Meanwhile, Israel has freed 180 Palestinians from prison — mainly women and minors — many of whom were detained but never charged.
Israel has assured that the ceasefire would be extended if more hostages, who were abducted after the Hamas launched its massive assault on October 7, were released.
Israel has communicated to the Hamas that it needs a minimum of 10 hostages to be released per day and in exchange, 30 Palestinian prisoners would be freed.
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