T he outburst of euphoria in Israel at the rescue on June 8th of four hostages who had been captive in Gaza for eight months was short-lived. Senior Israeli officers rushed to extol the commandos who carried out the mission, one of whom was killed, and the accurate intelligence that located the two apartments in the crowded Nuseirat refugee camp where they were incarcerated. But officials were just as quick to dampen expectations that the remaining 120 Israeli hostages held by Hamas could be rescued in a similar fashion.
It was a “unique combination of intelligence and operational circumstances”, explained one general. But Israeli security officials still reckon that a deal will have to be struck with their enemies if most of the remaining hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th are to be freed. After the death of the puritanical president, Iran’s reformists hope to win a portion of power Will this force Binyamin Netanyahu at last to decide to push for a ceasefire? Some go to undermine the Islamic Republic; others to boost it After the death of the puritanical president, Iran’s reformists hope to win a portion of power Will this force Binyamin Netanyahu at last to decide to push for a ceasefire? Some go to undermine the Islamic Republic; others to boost it But hardliners in Israel and Hamas may yet scupper it A clement climate at high altitudes and an entrepreneurial spirit are giving Kenyans a fruitful future The world’s second-favourite sport is taking off on t.
