Three more Israelis held captive in the Gaza Strip are on the verge of being freed on Saturday as part of a shaky ceasefire deal which requires Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

The truce that began nearly four weeks ago had been jeopardised in recent days by a tense dispute that threatened to renew the fighting.

US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to remove more than two million Palestinians from Gaza and settle them elsewhere in the region has cast even more doubt on the future of the ceasefire. Mr Trump has said all hostages should be released by noon today local time (10am) or he would propose cancelling the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and “let hell break out”.

But Hamas said Thursday it would move ahead with the release of more hostages after talks with Egyptian and Qatari officials. The group said the mediators had pledged to “remove all hurdles” to assure Israel would allow more tents, medical supplies and other essentials into Gaza.

It will be the sixth swap since the ceasefire took effect on January 19. So far, 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners have been freed during the first phase of the truce.

Of the 251 people abducted on October 7, 2023, 73 remain in Gaza, around half of whom are believed to be dead. Nearly all the remaining hostages are men, including Israeli soldiers.

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The future of Japan’s incredible £50 billion train line hangs in the balance as the project faces delays. 

Japan‘s ambitious Maglev bullet train project, designed to revolutionise high-speed travel, has hit significant roadblocks, delaying its progress.

Short for Magnetic Levitation, Maglev, also known as the Chūō Shinkansen, is an ambitious high-speed rail project that uses magnetic levitation technology instead of traditional wheels. 

This allows for ultra-fast speeds, reduced friction, and a smoother ride. The project is self-funded by JR Central, without direct government financial aid.

However, it has faced resistance due to concerns about tunnel construction impacting water sources. 

The train line was planned to connect Tokyo and Nagoya (177 miles) in 40 minutes, later extending to Osaka (totaling 272 miles).

The route was supposed to open in 2027, but that’s not likely to happen anymore.

It is reported that he Shizuoka Prefecture government has refused to approve construction, citing concerns that tunneling under the Southern Japanese Alps could impact local water supplies.

Shizuoka’s Ōi River provides drinking water for millions, and officials fear that groundwater could be permanently diverted.

The Governor of Shizuoka, Heita Kawakatsu, has remained firm in his opposition, demanding further environmental studies.

Local residents and environmental groups argue the project prioritises speed over sustainability.

Negotiations between JR Central (Japan Railways Central) and local authorities have stalled over the years, causing indefinite delays.

While construction has continued on other parts of the route, progress in Shizuoka Prefecture remains at a standstill.

At present, the Japanese government and JR Central are exploring compromises and environmental solutions, but no resolution has been reached.

The Spanish Government is reportedly planning to spend around £ 1.6 million (2 million euros) on housing migrants in a four-star Costa del Sol hotel until April, The Olive Press has reported. 

The migrants will remain until at least April 24, after which they will be relocated to other areas along the Costa del Sol, including Marbella and Estepona.

According to the report, the Hotel Oh Nice Caledonia, in Bel Air, is being paid around £50 (60 euros) per person per night.

It means around £17000 per night or £1.6million will be paid during the three months when the hotel is normally closed for the winter season.

In comparison, one night at the hotel for paying guests costs €65 minimum, though no bookings are being taken yet for this summer. 

Bel Air resident Joerin Reiddel told The Olive Press: “It’s a win for the hotel, probably more than they get in the high seasons. It’s too much to give to people who don’t contribute.”

A 52-year-old expat resident explained: “They shouldn’t be showered with money, clothes and food. If they want to become Spanish citizens they should prove it by serving in the military.”

On the other hand, most locals were in favour of the decision to house the migrants

Dutch resident Marjolijne Reedijk said: “We are talking about basic things people should have. We have everything we need, a house, food, safety, they deserve that too.”

Meanwhile, the Spanish Government has also decided to grant one-year residency and work permits to as many as 25,000 foreigners affected by catastrophic flash floods that hit an eastern area of the country last October.

The measure, which was approved by the Spanish cabinet earlier this week, will facilitate paperwork for those now left homeless in dozens of towns affected by the floods, principally in the Valencia region.

The government has embarked on a major recovery and reconstruction effort after the 29 October disaster, which killed 227 people and destroyed countless homes and businesses.