TULKAREM, West Bank — In memory of late U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a grove of 250 young olive trees was planted Monday in the occupied West Bank by Palestinian activists and residents, who described Carter as a staunch advocate for the Palestinian cause.

Qatar, a key mediator, said negotiations for a Gaza truce and hostage release deal were in their "final stages" on Tuesday, expressing hope an agreement could be reached "very soon". Qatar, Egypt and the United States have intensified efforts to broker a ceasefire to enable the release of hostages taken during Hamas' October 7,

Rockets fired from Gaza and intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system over Israeli skies are seen from Gaza City, on May 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair, File) DOHA, Qatar — Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip,