Hamas specifies conditions for releasing US hostage, delivering hostage bodies

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Hamas specifies conditions for releasing US hostage, delivering hostage bodies

2025-03-16 17:29 Last Updated At：20:07

Hamas has stipulated that the release of an Israeli prisoner with U.S. citizenship and the delivery of the bodies of four other hostages is contingent upon the opening of the Rafah Crossing, the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip and an extension of the ceasefire for approximately two months.

The conditions were confirmed by a senior official from the Hamas on Saturday.

The official added that Hamas also required a direct transition to the negotiations of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which entails a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The Hamas's conditions have been conveyed to the Israeli side and are awaiting a response.

On Friday, Hamas announced that a negotiating delegation had headed for Cairo to meet with Egyptian officials and follow up according to developments in the negotiations and the ceasefire agreement.

A three-phase Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on Jan 19. However, negotiations for the second phase remain stalled after the initial 42-day phase expired on March 1.

Since March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, Israel has blocked aid and food shipments from entering Gaza.

Shanghai cruise port welcomes record 4,800 passengers in single day

2025-03-16 19:21 Last Updated At：19:57

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal welcomed 4,800 international passengers on Sunday, setting a new record for the highest number of foreign tourists to enter the port in a single day. On Sunday, the German luxury cruise ship AIDA Stella docked at the port for the first time, bringing approximately 2,200 international tourists. On the same day, Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas also arrived, delivering over 2,600 foreign visitors to the port.

The cruise port hosted a special welcoming ceremony for foreign tourists, featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese music performances, and displays of intangible cultural heritage, which captivated many visitors. "I think it's a beautiful town, I've never been there before. I will see what it will be," said a foreign tourist.

"It's the first time we're here in China and we're really excited to see Shanghai, to see what's going on in China. We have heard that it's a really modern country. So, we are really excited about what we can see here," said another tourist.