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Middle East latest: Israel's Netanyahu says Gaza ceasefire deal is not complete

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Middle East latest: Israel's Netanyahu says Gaza ceasefire deal is not complete
News

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Middle East latest: Israel's Netanyahu says Gaza ceasefire deal is not complete

2025-01-16 13:05 Last Updated At:13:11

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement with Hamas is still not complete and the final details are being worked out.

Netanyahu's statement comes hours after the United States and Qatar announced the deal, which would pause the devastating 15-month war in Gaza and clear the way for dozens of hostages to go home. The conflict has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

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People gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People write in chalk during a gathering to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People write in chalk during a gathering to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians watch TV as they await the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians watch TV as they await the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Relatives of hostages, held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and their supporters gather outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Relatives of hostages, held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and their supporters gather outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the ceasefire announcement as they take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the ceasefire announcement as they take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

President Joe Biden, center, with Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken, right, speaks in the Cross Hall of the White House on the announcement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden, center, with Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken, right, speaks in the Cross Hall of the White House on the announcement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

FILE - Destroyed buildings are seen through the window of an airplane from the U.S. Air Force overflying the Gaza Strip, on March 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

FILE - Destroyed buildings are seen through the window of an airplane from the U.S. Air Force overflying the Gaza Strip, on March 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Mourners pray next to the bodies of six Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli airstrike, draped in the Palestinian and Hamas flags during their funeral in Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Mourners pray next to the bodies of six Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli airstrike, draped in the Palestinian and Hamas flags during their funeral in Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

A young man leaves a replica of a tunnel used by Hamas militants during a rally to free the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A young man leaves a replica of a tunnel used by Hamas militants during a rally to free the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

People gather for a rally to free hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

People gather for a rally to free hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Yifat Zailer shows photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, center, her husband Yarden, left, and their sons Ariel, top right, and Kfir, who are being held hostage by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, at home in Herziliyya, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Yifat Zailer shows photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, center, her husband Yarden, left, and their sons Ariel, top right, and Kfir, who are being held hostage by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, at home in Herziliyya, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Yifat Zailer holds photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, her husband and two young sons, who are being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as she poses for a portrait at home in Herziliyya, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Yifat Zailer holds photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, her husband and two young sons, who are being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as she poses for a portrait at home in Herziliyya, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

People look at the site where six Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

People look at the site where six Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians who were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians who were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Relatives react next to the body of a Palestinian who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Relatives react next to the body of a Palestinian who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Waleed Shaqoura carries the body of his nephew, Mohammad Shaqoura, 7, who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Waleed Shaqoura carries the body of his nephew, Mohammad Shaqoura, 7, who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners pray next to the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners pray next to the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners embrace the body of their relative who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners embrace the body of their relative who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A boy looks at the bodies of Palestinians killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip as they are brought for burial at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A boy looks at the bodies of Palestinians killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip as they are brought for burial at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hanan Shaqoura embraces the body of her son, Mohammad, 7, who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hanan Shaqoura embraces the body of her son, Mohammad, 7, who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Large crowds of joyful Palestinians took to the streets in Gaza when the agreement was announced, cheering and honking car horns.

“No one can feel the feeling that we are experiencing now, an indescribable, indescribable feeling,” said Mahmoud Wadi in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah before joining a chanting crowd.

The Israel Hamas-war has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to health authorities there. The Health Ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians, but says women and children make up more than half the fatalities.

Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1,200 people and abducted around 250. A third of the 100 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be dead.

Here's the latest:

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Thursday that Hamas has backtracked on an earlier understanding of the ceasefire agreement. His statement could indicate that obstacles remain to implementing the deal.

Under the three-phased deal, Hamas would release dozens of hostages in exchange for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. It would also allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes.

Netanyahu said that Hamas was objecting to a part of the agreement that gave Israel the ability to veto the release of certain Palestinian prisoners. Hamas was trying to dictate which Palestinian prisoners would be released, Netanyahu said.

He said he told Israeli negotiators to stand firm on the earlier agreement. Hamas did not immediately respond to Netanyahu’s statement.

The statement came soon after President Joe Biden wrapped up a final farewell address to the nation after earlier touting the role of American diplomacy in negotiating the ceasefire.

WASHINGTON — Egyptian, Qatar and U.S. negotiators will head to Cairo on Thursday for further talks on implementing all aspects of the ceasefire deal, according to a senior U.S. official.

The official said the negotiators are focused on making sure expectations are clear to both Israel and Hamas, and that implementation of the agreement is carried out as smoothly as possible.

The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

By Aamer Madhani

CAIRO — Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group after Hamas, hailed the cease-fire deal as “honorable.”

Hamas had needed the group's support for the deal in order to avoid a potential disruption in the process.

“Today, our people and their resistance imposed an honorable agreement to stop the aggression,” Palestinian Islamic Jihad said in a statement.

The group said the deal between Israel and Hamas includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as well as an “honorable” prisoner exchange. It said that militant groups in Gaza “will remain vigilant to ensure the full implementation of this agreement.”

Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s fighters took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and have since been battling Israeli forces in Gaza.

WASHINGTON — A senior Biden administration official says two Americans, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Keith Siegel, are expected to be released in the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire is set to begin Sunday and last for six weeks.

The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing efforts to get the hostages home.

There’s a least one other known living American captive in Gaza, an Israeli soldier named Edan Alexander, who will be released at a later date in the second phase of the agreement, the official said. It’s not clear how many of the hostages are still alive.

By Colleen Long

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire agreement with Hamas is still not complete and final details are being worked out.

Netanyahu has not said explicitly whether he accepts the deal announced hours earlier by Qatar’s prime minister and President Joe Biden.

In a statement, Netanyahu said he would only issue a formal response “after the final details of the agreement, which are currently being worked on, are completed.”

Here are the basics of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal that mediators say has been reached. Any deal still needs the approval of Israel’s Cabinet. There are three phases.

Phase one starts Sunday, according to mediator Qatar. It should include a six-week halt to fighting and the opening of negotiations on ending the war. Thirty-three of the nearly 100 hostages should be released over the period, although it’s not clear if all are alive. They include women, older adults and wounded people.

Mediator the United States says this first phase also includes a withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza. That will allow many displaced Palestinians to return to their communities. Humanitarian assistance would surge, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza each day. Final details still being worked out include the list of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners to be freed.

Phase two is harder.

Negotiations for this phase are to begin on Day 16 of the ceasefire. The phase would include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers. Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. But Israel has said it will not agree to a complete withdrawal until Hamas’ military and political capabilities are eliminated. And Hamas says it will not hand over the last hostages until Israel removes all troops.

Phase three calls for the return of the bodies of remaining hostages and the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which is largely devastated and faces decades of rebuilding.

The ceasefire is meant to bring a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Here’s what the United Nations has said of the situation inside the territory earlier this month:

- at least 1.9 million people are displaced

- 92% of housing units are destroyed

- 68% of the road network is destroyed or damaged

- there are “zero” fuel reserves to operate generators at hospitals

- 88% of school buildings need rebuilding or major repairs

- food aid amounting to three months’ of rations for Gaza’s population are waiting to enter

NEW YORK — World leaders are calling the long-awaited ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas an opportunity for peace and stability in the Mideast.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrated the hostages who are set to return home and mourned the people killed in the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, and in captivity. He promised to surge humanitarian aid to war-weary civilians in Gaza.

“Our attention must turn to how we secure a permanently better future for the Israeli and Palestinian people – grounded in a two-state solution that will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine state,” he said in a statement.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, said all the remaining hostages and the bodies of those who died must be returned.

“This ceasefire opens the door to a permanent end to the war and to the improvement of the poor humanitarian situation in Gaza,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that, “The agreement must be respected. The hostages, freed. The Gazans, rescued. A political solution must be found.”

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the deal, saying he hoped it would benefit “our region and all of humanity, and will open the door to lasting peace and stability.” He also paid respect to the Palestinians in Gaza who “courageously defended their land.”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the U.N. is ready to support implementation of the ceasefire deal and scale up delivery of humanitarian aid. “Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict,” he said.

CAIRO — The militant group Hamas is hailing its ceasefire with Israel as the result of “the legendary resilience of our great Palestinian people and our valiant resistance in the Gaza Strip.”

“The agreement is a milestone in the conflict with the enemy, on the path to achieving our people’s goals of liberation and return,” the statement said.

Khalil al-Hayyah, the acting head of Hamas’ political bureau and chief negotiator, said the ceasefire deal represents a “new phase” which will focus on Gaza rebuilding and recovering.

“We are able - with God’s help first - and then with the help of our brothers, siblings, loved ones and supporters, to rebuild Gaza again, alleviate the pain, heal the wounds,” he said in a speech shared online by Hamas.

He also congratulated the hundreds of Palestinian prisoners who will be released in the first phase of the deal: “Our heroic prisoners have an appointment with the dawn of freedom.”

BEIRUT— The Israeli army said it fired at vehicles in Syria loaded with weapons near a buffer zone established under a 1974 agreement between Syria and Israel.

The strike in the town of Ghadir al-Bustan in Quneitra province killed three people, including two members of Syria's Military Operations Administration, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Military Operations Administration is run Syria’s de facto leadership under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which did not comment on the attack. The attack coincided with Syrian security operations to search homes for weapons, according to the war monitor.

The Israeli military said located vehicles carrying weapons and “fired a warning shot adjacent to the vehicles, and the vehicles drove away from the area.” Asked about casualties, the Israeli military said it had no information.

Israeli forces captured the U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights following former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s fall last month. The military has been also conducting incursions outside the buffer zone, prompting local protests.

BEIRUT — Celebrations erupted in several areas in Lebanon following the announcement of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Many people flooded the streets in Palestinian refugee camps, as well as cities like Sidon in the south, Tripoli in the north and Beirut’s southern suburbs. People marched or rode motorcycles, honking in celebration while waving Hamas flags.

In some areas, nonstop shooting and fireworks rang out. Images circulated on social media showing several people wounded, with at least one killed, by stray bullets.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has strong ties to Hamas and had opened a support front on the day after Hamas’s attack Oct. 7, 2023, on Israel. This led to a 14-month war between Hezbollah and Israel, which ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on Nov. 27.

Hezbollah has not commented on the Gaza ceasefire.

RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinians are marching in part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and some have chanted, “Hamas!” in the hours after the Gaza ceasefire was announced Wednesday evening.

Associated Press video shows the men and women in the city of Ramallah, some holding flags. They also called out the name of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader who masterminded the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the war and was killed last year in Gaza.

The marchers also have chanted, “God is great.” They are stopping traffic in places, and security is nearby.

The West Bank, administered in part by the Palestinian Authority, has seen an increase in deadly unrest since the war in Gaza began.

WASHINGTON — Voters of Tomorrow, a Gen Z voter engagement group in the U.S., said Wednesday's ceasefire deal is overdue and the war in Gaza had a profound effect on their generation.

"Gen Z, who has led the push for a ceasefire, will never forget the images of lifeless bodies and miles of rubble we’ve seen for over a year,” the organization said in a statement.

The group held Netanyahu responsible for his role in the military offensive and humanitarian crisis that has killed tens of thousands in Gaza, as well as Hamas for the “senseless violence on October 7th.”

GENEVA — The U.N. human rights chief says people responsible for killings of civilians and other rights violations committed in the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and subsequent killings across Gaza over more than 15 months must be held to account.

Volker Türk also said human rights must be at the forefront of any reconstruction of Gaza after Wednesday’s announcement of a cease-fire between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the strip.

“The right of victims to full reparations must be upheld,” said Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement. “There is no true way forward without honest truth-telling and accountability on all sides.”

UNITED NATIONS -- The top U.N. humanitarian official for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, has been discussing with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials how to increase desperately needed aid after a ceasefire takes effect.

The U.N. humanitarian office reported Tuesday that “Israeli authorities continue to deny U.N.-led efforts to reach people with vital assistance,” said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday.

He said U.N. efforts are “seriously constrained” by fighting, armed looting of aid convoys, Israeli access restrictions, road damage, unexplored ordnance, fuel shortages and a lack of telecommunications equipment.

Tom Fletcher, the head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said aid agencies have been mobilizing to scale up aid delivery across Gaza.

In a statement, Fletcher called for the protection of civilians and infrastructure, authorization for aid workers to have safe and “unfettered” access to people in need, and “removing all obstacles to the entry of essential aid.”

OCHA spokesperson Eri Kaneko, in an email, said, “we can only deliver as much as the conditions on the ground allow for us to do so.”

U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, emphasized that, “The surge humanitarian assistance into Gaza will begin. And the innocent people can have a greater access to these vital supplies.”

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — A Palestinian man in central Gaza, Haitham Doghmosh, summed up the mixed reactions of relief and loss after the ceasefire was announced.

“Thank God that the agreement has been reached and that we will return to our homes, to our families, and to our loved ones,” he said, however, “It is true that our homes are gone, and our loved ones, our brothers, and our families are gone.”

In the city of Deir al-Balah, there were pounding drums, clapping and celebratory gunfire. Excited men hung out the windows of honking cars.

JERUSALEM -- Israel’s president has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to approve the Gaza ceasefire.

Isaac Herzog made the appeal in a nationally televised speech.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Qatar’s prime minister announced the deal late Wednesday, but Netanyahu’s office did not immediately confirm its acceptance.

“I strengthen the hands of the prime minister and the negotiating team in their efforts to bring about a deal and call on the Israeli government to approve it when it is brought before them,” Herzog said.

Herzog’s position is largely ceremonial and is meant to serve as a unifying force and moral compass for the country.

Netanyahu’s Cabinet must approve the deal for it to go into effect.

TEL AVIV, Israel -- The Hostage Families Forum, which represents many relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, has welcomed “with overwhelming joy and relief” the agreement between Israel and Hamas.

“We have been anxiously awaiting this moment, and now, after 460 days of our family members being held in Hamas tunnels, we are closer than ever to reuniting with our loved ones,” the group said in a statement shortly after the agreement was announced.

The group thanked both the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations and the international mediators for facilitating the deal.

WASHINGTON — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has hammered home warnings that there better be a Gaza hostage deal by his Jan. 20 inauguration or “all hell would break out.”

Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both seem to have been listening.

Netanyahu’s agreement to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal Wednesday “ironically shows how effective actual pressure can be in changing Israeli government behavior,” said Nancy Okail, head of the U.S.-based Center for International Policy.

She accused Netanyahu of long stalling such a deal, and faulted Biden for not raising the stakes for Netanyahu in his continued objections to proposed terms.

Trump declared in a social media post last month “there will be ALL HELL TO PAY” if the hostages weren’t released before the U.S. Inauguration Day.

“It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone,” he told reporters this month, underscoring the deadline.

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a speech on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire immediately after fellow mediator Qatar announced a deal had been reached.

The six-week ceasefire will allow for negotiations to bring about a permanent end to the war, Biden said. He added if negotiations take longer than six weeks, the ceasefire would continue as long as talks continue.

Biden noted that his administration negotiated the deal but that Trump’s team will soon be charged with making sure it’s implemented. Trump’s incoming Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, had joined White House Middle East adviser Brett McGurk as the talks came to fruition in Doha.

“For the past few days, we have been speaking as one team,” Biden said.

WASHINGTON — Implementation of the agreement could begin Sunday, when the first group of hostages may be freed, according to a senior U.S. official involved in the talks. The official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The U.S., Qatari and Egyptian negotiators along with Israel’s team nearby worked until the wee hours Wednesday morning, just a floor above where the Hamas negotiators were also at work, the senior official said.

Later Thursday, Hamas made several last second demands, but “we held very firm” and Hamas eventually agreed to the terms of the deal, the U.S. official said.

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden cheered the announcement of the ceasefire and hostage deal, and credited “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy” for landing the agreement, while claiming a measure of credit in the breakthrough moment in the 15-month war.

“I laid out the precise contours of this plan on May 31, 2024, after which it was endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council,” Biden added in a statement. “My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.”

Biden’s comments came not long after President-elect Donald Trump in a social media post claimed his election victory is what brought about the deal.

DOHA, Qatar -- Qatar’s prime minister on Wednesday announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, pausing the devastating 15-month war in Gaza and clearing the way for dozens of Israeli hostages to go home.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced the agreement in the Qatari capital of Doha, the site of weeks of painstaking negotiations. He said the deal would go into effect on Sunday.

Officials had earlier said a deal had been reached. There was still no confirmation from Israel.

WASHINGTON -- The families of the seven American hostages still held in Gaza expressed their deep gratitude for news that Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage deal Wednesday.

“The coming days and weeks will be just as painful for our families as the entirety of our loved ones’ horrific ordeals,” the families’ statement said. “That is why we ask all parties to stay committed to this agreement, every phase until it is fully implemented and everyone has been returned.”

Over six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 hostages are to be reunited with their loved ones after months in captivity with no contact with the outside world, although it’s unclear if all are alive.

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s foreign minister said a year of negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza needlessly prolonged civilian suffering and “only provided more time for Israel’s operations.”

Hakan Fidan spoke at a news conference Wednesday in Ankara shortly before officials confirmed a deal had been reached.

“What happened? Fifty thousand people, mostly women and children, were massacred, human dignity was trampled and the international system emerged as dead and buried,” he said.

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says a ceasefire deal with Hamas has still not been reached.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said that final details were still unresolved, but that it hoped “details will be finalized tonight.”

That comes after multiple officials had said Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war.

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian Health Ministry says an Israeli airstrike in the occupied West Bank has killed six men.

It said the strike occurred Wednesday in Jenin, an epicenter of Israeli-Palestinian violence in recent years. Israeli military acknowledged the strike but did not comment further.

An Israeli drone strike in Jenin on Tuesday also killed six people.

The Israeli military has carried out frequent raids into Jenin targeting militants, often igniting gunbattles. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority has also been carrying out a rare crackdown on militants in Jenin in recent weeks.

The West Bank has seen a surge in violence since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza triggered the war there.

WASHINGTON — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump celebrated the soon-to-be-announced ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas in a post on his Truth Social social media platform.

“WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!” Trump wrote.

Trump's incoming Mideast envoy had joined Biden’s Mideast adviser for the talks in Doha.

Trump also claimed credit for the agreement being reached.

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies,” Trump wrote on social media. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

Trump last week had vowed “all hell” would break loose on Hamas if a deal wasn’t reached before his inauguration next week.

Trump in his posting added that his incoming Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, would continue “to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”

His incoming national security adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz, in his own posting on X also credited Trump calling the development, “The Trump Effect.”

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, large crowds of joyful Palestinians have taken to the streets, with people cheering and honking car horns.

“We have been waiting for this happiness for a year and a half. No one can feel the feeling that we are experiencing now, an indescribable, indescribable feeling,” said Mahmoud Wadi in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah before joining a chanting crowd.

Even as Palestinians celebrated outside Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, an ambulance with its sirens and flashing lights hurriedly wove among the crowd.

Ashraf Sahwiel, a displaced man who is currently living in a tent in Deir al-Balah with five family members, said all 2 million people in Gaza have been closely following the negotiations in recent days — even children, who are eager to return to their homes.

As news of the deal reached Israel, “hostages square” in Tel Aviv was calm, with some people unaware that it had gone through.

Sharone lifschitz, whose father Oded is being held hostage told the AP by phone she was stunned and grateful but won’t believe it until she sees them come home.

“I can’t wait to see them coming back to their families I’m so desperate to see them if by some miracle my father has survived,” she said.

Now it’s up to everyone not to sabotage it, she said.

Some people whose friends are being held hostage said they won’t trust the deal until all the hostages returned.

“I don’t trust Hamas, don’t trust them at all to bring them back,” said Vered Froner. She and her mother hid in a safe room for 17 hours in Nachal Oz kibbutz during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

She said she’d prefer to have had all of the hostages return at once rather than a phased approach.

WASHINGTON — A deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas that will see some hostages freed and the pause war in Gaza, three US officials confirmed to The Associated Press.

One official said that it was expected that the ceasefire would be implemented in the coming days. All three requested anonymity to discuss the contours of the deal before the official announcement by mediators in Doha.

President Joe Biden was preparing to address the breakthrough agreement later Thursday, officials said.

__

By Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller.

DOHA, Qatar — Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, mediators announced Wednesday, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip and raising the possibility of winding down the the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.

The deal, coming after weeks of painstaking negotiations in the Qatari capital, promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and would allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes. It also would flood badly needed humanitarian aid into a devastated territory.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Dozens of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip lined up at a charity kitchen on Wednesday as they awaited word of a ceasefire.

Aman Abu Jarad, a displaced woman from Beit Hanoun, is yearning to return home and rejoin her siblings and loved ones, despite the massive destruction across the Gaza Strip.

“Even though it has already been bombed, at least we return to our land. The moment a ceasefire takes hold, there is a psychological relief, and you return to the land you used to live on better than being in humiliation,” she said.

Nearly 2 million Palestinians in the territory have been displaced because of the war and are suffering from malnutrition, lack of food aid, destroyed healthcare infrastructure and harsh winter conditions.

“We would ululate as we go back home safely, but our homes have been bombed and everything is gone. Where do we go?” said Kifaiya Al-Attar, a displaced woman from Beit Lahiya.

DOHA, Qatar -- A Hamas official says a last-minute dispute in ceasefire talks between the militant group and Israel has been resolved.

Israel announced late Wednesday that Hamas had tried to change agreed-upon understandings for security arrangements along Gaza’s border with Egypt. It strongly rejected the proposals.

The Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations, confirmed the matter was resolved.

There was still no official word on whether a final agreement had been reached.

WASHINGTON — White House Middle East adviser Brett McGurk had briefed Biden administration officials on the status of the negotiations early Wednesday and told them that talks were continuing but there were still issues that needed to be ironed out, according to two administration officials familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly.

TEL AVIV, Israel — The Israeli military said it had confiscated over 3,300 weapons in the past six weeks in and around areas in Syria where Israeli troops have operated close to the Golan Heights.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said troops will occupy a buffer zone inside Syria for the foreseeable future. Israel said it has seized Syrian army tanks, weapons, anti-tank missiles, rocket propelled grenades, shells, mortars and mortar shells, and observation equipment, among other weapons.

Israel’s capture of the buffer zone in December following the ouster of President Bashar Assad has sparked criticism that Israel was violating a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. Syrians in the areas Israeli forces have moved into have protested their presence and complained about the lack of action by the country’s new authorities to pressure Israel to withdraw.

The military said the seizure of weapons and its presence in the buffer zone are necessary to ensure the security of Israel and the Golan Heights.

Israel seized control of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it — a move not recognized by most of the international community.

OSLO, Norway — Norway’s foreign minister says it’s important to look ahead to the longer-term future as hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza rise.

Espen Barth Eide said at an event in Oslo Wednesday attended by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa that “that it’s really the moment to deep dive into what will then happen next.”

He cautioned that “just the ceasefire can easily create the sense of vacuum, of unfulfilled hope. And the problems in Gaza would not be over. The divisions will not be over. The hatred would not be laid to rest if it was only a ceasefire.”

Barth Eide said the international community expects “that Israel understands that it’s time to move on and to help solve the long outstanding issue of Palestine. And of course, that our friends in Palestine also work effectively together to build a strong government and a strong capacity that all the Palestinian territories are united, so that both sides have a good partner in building peace.”

Norway is one of three European countries that formally recognized a Palestinian state in May.

OSLO, Norway — The Palestinian prime minister says it’s unacceptable for any entity other than the Palestinian Authority to run the Gaza Strip in the future, as Israel and Hamas appear to be at the closest point yet to sealing a deal to end 15 months of war.

“While we’re waiting for the ceasefire, it’s important to stress that it will not be acceptable for any entity to govern Gaza Strip but the legitimate Palestinian leadership and the government of the State of Palestine,” Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said Wednesday. He was visiting Norway, one of three European countries that formally recognized a Palestinian state in May.

Mustafa said “any attempt to consolidate the separation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, or creating transitional entities, will be rejected.”

Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007, confining the Western-backed Palestinian Authority’s limited self-rule to parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The U.S. has called for a revitalized Palestinian Authority to govern both the West Bank and Gaza ahead of eventual statehood, which the Israeli government opposes.

People gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People gather to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People write in chalk during a gathering to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

People write in chalk during a gathering to celebrate the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal reached between Israel and Hamas in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians watch TV as they await the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians watch TV as they await the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Relatives of hostages, held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and their supporters gather outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Relatives of hostages, held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and their supporters gather outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the ceasefire announcement as they take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the ceasefire announcement as they take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

President Joe Biden, center, with Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken, right, speaks in the Cross Hall of the White House on the announcement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden, center, with Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken, right, speaks in the Cross Hall of the White House on the announcement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

FILE - Destroyed buildings are seen through the window of an airplane from the U.S. Air Force overflying the Gaza Strip, on March 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

FILE - Destroyed buildings are seen through the window of an airplane from the U.S. Air Force overflying the Gaza Strip, on March 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, take part in a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Mourners pray next to the bodies of six Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli airstrike, draped in the Palestinian and Hamas flags during their funeral in Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Mourners pray next to the bodies of six Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli airstrike, draped in the Palestinian and Hamas flags during their funeral in Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

A young man leaves a replica of a tunnel used by Hamas militants during a rally to free the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A young man leaves a replica of a tunnel used by Hamas militants during a rally to free the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

People gather for a rally to free hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

People gather for a rally to free hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Yifat Zailer shows photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, center, her husband Yarden, left, and their sons Ariel, top right, and Kfir, who are being held hostage by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, at home in Herziliyya, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Yifat Zailer shows photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, center, her husband Yarden, left, and their sons Ariel, top right, and Kfir, who are being held hostage by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, at home in Herziliyya, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Yifat Zailer holds photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, her husband and two young sons, who are being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as she poses for a portrait at home in Herziliyya, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Yifat Zailer holds photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, her husband and two young sons, who are being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as she poses for a portrait at home in Herziliyya, Israel, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

People look at the site where six Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

People look at the site where six Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians who were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians who were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Relatives react next to the body of a Palestinian who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Relatives react next to the body of a Palestinian who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Waleed Shaqoura carries the body of his nephew, Mohammad Shaqoura, 7, who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Waleed Shaqoura carries the body of his nephew, Mohammad Shaqoura, 7, who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners pray next to the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners pray next to the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners embrace the body of their relative who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Mourners embrace the body of their relative who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A boy looks at the bodies of Palestinians killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip as they are brought for burial at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A boy looks at the bodies of Palestinians killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip as they are brought for burial at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hanan Shaqoura embraces the body of her son, Mohammad, 7, who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hanan Shaqoura embraces the body of her son, Mohammad, 7, who was killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, during his funeral in Deir al-Balah, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Next Article

Australian Open 2025: How to watch on TV, betting odds and more to know

2025-01-25 20:04 Last Updated At:20:11

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Get caught up on the Australian Open with a guide that tells you everything you need to know about how to watch the year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament, what the betting odds are, what the schedule is and more:

— In the U.S.: ESPN and Tennis Channel.

— Other countries are listed here.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner takes on Alexander Zverev in the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 Australian Open men's final since 2019. The final on Rod Laver Arena starts at 7:30 p.m. local time Sunday (3:30 a.m. EST). Top-ranked Sinner is seeking his third Grand Slam title overall. No. 2 Zverev is trying to win his first after finishing as the runner-up in two previous major finals. The last time the men seeded 1-2 met for the championship at Melbourne Park, No. 1 Novak Djokovic beat No. 2 Rafael Nadal. Zverev advanced when 10-time champion Djokovic quit because of an injury after one set of their semifinal. Sinner advanced over No. 21 Ben Shelton of the United States.

Madison Keys upset two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the Australian Open women's final. The victory gave the 29-year-old American her first Grand Slam title. Keys added this win over the No. 1-ranked Sabalenka to her elimination of No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals and is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat both of the WTA’s top two players at Melbourne Park. Keys was playing in her second major final after being the runner-up at the 2017 U.S. Open. She prevented Sabalenka from becoming the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1997 to 1999 with three titles in a row at the Australian Open.

Sam Schroder clinched his fourth consecutive quad wheelchair title at the Australian Open with a 7-6 (7), 7-5 victory over fellow Dutchman Niels Vink. In the junior singles finals, Japan’s Wakana Sonobe beat American Kristina Penickova 6-0, 6-1 for the girls title and Henry Bernet of Switzerland took the boys championship with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over American Benjamin Willwerth.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner is listed as a -275 money-line favorite to beat Alexander Zverev (+225) in the men’s final Sunday, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

— Sunday: Men’s Final.

Let’s see if you know as much as you think you do about the Australian Open. The Associated Press has put together a quiz to test your knowledge — the faster you answer, the more points you get. Try to top the leaderboard.

Get caught up:

— It's No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the Australian Open men's final

— How did the Happy Slam become the Angry Slam?

— Madison Keys takes a new approach into her second Grand Slam final

— American Ben Shelton calls out TV interviewers handling post-match Q-and-As

— Iga Swiatek benefits from a no-call on a double-bounce against Emma Navarro

— The net detaches from the Rod Laver Arena court during Sinner's win over Rune

— Coco Gauff writes ‘RIP TikTok USA’ on a TV camera at the Australian Open

— I love it! Novak Djokovic backs Danielle Collins in her back-and-forth with Australian Open fans

— Australian Open streaming animated feeds to mimic tennis action

— A Grand Slam innovation — the courtside coaches’ boxes in Melbourne

— The Big Three is down to just Novak Djokovic

— There isn’t really any time off for tennis players during their offseason

— Jannik Sinner's doping case will have a hearing in April

The two singles champions each will receive 3.5 million Australian dollars (about $2.15 million), up from 3.15 million Australian dollars (about $1.95 million) a year ago, but still below the pre-pandemic high of 4.12 million Australian dollars ($2.55 million) in 2020.

46 - Only Flavia Pennetta (49), Goran Ivanisevic (48) and Marion Bartoli (47) appeared in more main draws to win their first Grand Slam singles title than Madison Keys in the Open era.

“I have wanted this for so long and I have been in one other Grand Slam final and it didn’t go my way. I didn’t know if I was going to get back in this position to try to win a trophy again. And my team believed in me every step of the way, so thank you so much.” — Madison Keys after winning her first Grand Slam title eight years after her only previous run to a major final.

“Even though I didn’t get it this year, I’ll come back stronger.” — Aryna Sabalenka after her bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title ended in a three-set final loss to Madison Keys.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts after winning the first set in his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts after winning the first set in his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts during his semifinal match against Ben Shelton of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts during his semifinal match against Ben Shelton of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Alexander Zverev of Germany shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Djokovic retired from their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev of Germany shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Djokovic retired from their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Iga Swiatek of Poland in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Iga Swiatek of Poland in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Paula Badosa of Spain in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Paula Badosa of Spain in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after defeating Tommy Paul of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after defeating Tommy Paul of the U.S. in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Ben Shelton of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Ben Shelton of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Alex de Minaur of Australia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Alex de Minaur of Australia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures during his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures during his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Paula Badosa of Spain celebrates after defeating Coco Gauff of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Paula Badosa of Spain celebrates after defeating Coco Gauff of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Emma Navarro of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Emma Navarro of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Madison Keys of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Iga Swiatek of Poland waves after defeating Eva Lys of Germany in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Iga Swiatek of Poland waves after defeating Eva Lys of Germany in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Emma Navarro of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Daria Kasatkina of Russia in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Emma Navarro of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Daria Kasatkina of Russia in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alex de Minaur of Australia reacts after winning a point against Alex Michelsen of the U.S. during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Alex de Minaur of Australia reacts after winning a point against Alex Michelsen of the U.S. during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark in their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after defeating Mirra Andreeva of Russia during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after defeating Mirra Andreeva of Russia during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. warms up before a fourth round match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. warms up before a fourth round match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts during a fourth round match against Jack Draper of Britain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts during a fourth round match against Jack Draper of Britain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to supporters following his fourth round match against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to supporters following his fourth round match against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Gael Monfils of France celebrates after defeating Taylor Fritz of the U.S. in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Gael Monfils of France celebrates after defeating Taylor Fritz of the U.S. in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Emma Raducanu of Britain during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Emma Raducanu of Britain during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Marcos Giron of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Marcos Giron of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after defeating Nuno Borges of Portugal in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after defeating Nuno Borges of Portugal in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts after defeating Leylah Fernandez of Canada in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts after defeating Leylah Fernandez of Canada in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Jannik Sinner of Italy waves after defeating Tristan Schoolkate of Australia in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Jannik Sinner of Italy waves after defeating Tristan Schoolkate of Australia in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Learner Tien of the U.S. celebrates after winning his second round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, in the early hours of Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Learner Tien of the U.S. celebrates after winning his second round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, in the early hours of Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a backhand return to Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a backhand return to Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Emma Raducanu of Britain celebrates after defeating Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Emma Raducanu of Britain celebrates after defeating Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Jaime Faria of Portugal in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Jaime Faria of Portugal in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after winning a point against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after winning a point against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts after defeating Jodie Burrage of Britain in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts after defeating Jodie Burrage of Britain in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Iga Swiatek of Poland plays a forehand return to Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Jannik Sinner of Italy waves after defeating Nicolas Jarry of Chile in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Jannik Sinner of Italy waves after defeating Nicolas Jarry of Chile in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia waves after defeating Nishesh Basavareddy of the U.S. in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia waves after defeating Nishesh Basavareddy of the U.S. in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Aryna Sabalenka celebrates victory with on-court presenter Jelena Dokic, following her first round match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Aryna Sabalenka celebrates victory with on-court presenter Jelena Dokic, following her first round match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Emma Navarro of the United States serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Emma Navarro of the United States serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Russia's Daniil Medvedev reacts during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Russia's Daniil Medvedev reacts during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Australia's Nick Kyrgios plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Australia's Nick Kyrgios plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Coco Gauff of the United States plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Coco Gauff of the United States plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Germany's Alexander Zverev serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Germany's Alexander Zverev serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus kisses the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Zheng Qinwen of China in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, File)

FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus kisses the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Zheng Qinwen of China in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, File)

FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, left, and Zheng Qinwen of China play as the sun sets during the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)

FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, left, and Zheng Qinwen of China play as the sun sets during the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)

FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, center, holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Zheng Qinwen of China, second left, in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)

FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, center, holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after defeating Zheng Qinwen of China, second left, in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)

FILE - Jannik Sinner of Italy poses with the the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)

FILE - Jannik Sinner of Italy poses with the the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)

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