Israel frees Greta Thunberg, 170 others

Israel has released 171 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who were detained from the Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.

According to Israeli officials, the detainees were released and flown to Greece and Slovakia. The group included citizens of 19 countries, among them Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, the UK, and the US, reports BBC.

The release comes ahead of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt, aimed at ending the two-year-long Gaza war.

A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, who narrowly survived an Israeli airstrike in Doha last month, has already arrived in Cairo.

US President Donald Trump welcomed the move and urged both sides to accelerate the peace process, saying on social media, “I’ve been told the first phase will conclude this week. I’ve asked everyone to move faster.”

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross said it stands ready to assist in the return of Israeli hostages and facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.