Israel released Palestinian hostages after Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages, following a delay in the agreed swap.

Hamas transferred the bodies to Red Cross officials at the Kerem Shalom border without a formal ceremony. Israeli authorities are set to identify them. In response, Palestinian hostages were freed from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank and transported to Ramallah, where they were welcomed by relatives. The exact number of released detainees remains unclear.

Israel had previously postponed the exchange, accusing Hamas of using released prisoners for propaganda. The swap was finalized after negotiations in Cairo, with Hamas insisting on full adherence to the agreement.

Hamas Hostage Israel prisoner Swap

VideoWORLDECONOMYPOLITICS

ECO Leaders Meet in Khankendi for 17th Summit

On Jul 4, 2025

The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) convened in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, with the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other regional leaders. Hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the summit brought together heads of state and government from Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

In his speech, President Erdoğan criticized Israel’s regional actions, stating, “We can neither abandon the Palestinian cause nor remain silent as the Netanyahu administration turns our region into a bloodbath.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended recent Iranian military actions under the UN Charter’s right to self-defense. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said, “Currently, Azerbaijan is building new cities and villages on the lands that Armenia turned into ruins, the Great Return program is being implemented.”

Established in 1985 as a continuation of the earlier RCD platform, the ECO aims to boost regional cooperation among its 10 member states. The summit, held every two years, facilitates joint initiatives across sectors such as trade, transport, energy, and health.

Prev 1 of 7 Next

Azerbaijan ECO khankendi summit

Israel-Hamas Hostage Swap Resumes After Delay

ECO Leaders Meet in Khankendi for 17th Summit