Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said on Wednesday the group "appreciates" Lebanon's right to reach an agreement that protects its people and it hopes for a deal to end the war in Gaza.

Mediator Qatar has said it will suspend its efforts until the two warring sides are prepared to make concessions. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Israel’s cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah inked Tuesday may grease the wheels on securing the release of the remaining hostages — including four Americans — in Hamas’ custody for more than a year,