Hamas reaffirms commitment to ceasefire as delays in returning hostages’ bodies fray nerves

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas has moved to shore up its brittle ceasefire agreement with Israel by reaffirming its commitment to the terms of the deal that includes a pledge to hand over the remains of all dead Israeli hostages. The militant group’s statement, released in the early hours Friday, follows a dire warning from U.S. President Donald Trump that he would green-light Israel to resume the war if Hamas doesn’t live up to its end of the deal. The militant group has also defended the killings in Gaza of alleged gang members who one official accused of causing death and destruction. Meanwhile, the U.N. says a large infusion of aid into Gaza is still being held up.

An army colonel who led a lightning-fast coup takes over as Madagascar’s president

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — Col. Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader after seizing power in a military coup. The rapid takeover ousted President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country. Randrianirina, the commander of an elite army unit, took office at the nation’s High Constitutional Court. The United Nations has condemned the military takeover as unconstitutional. The coup followed weeks of anti-government protests led by young people. Randrianirina plans to run the country with a military council for up to two years before elections. The situation has led to Madagascar’s suspension from the African Union.

Hannibal Gadhafi, son of late Libyan leader, ordered released if he pays $11M bail

BEIRUT (AP) — A Lebanese judge has ordered the release of he son of Libya’s late leader Moammar Gadhafi on condition he pay $11 million bail. Hannibal Gadhafi has been held in Lebanon for a decade without charge. His lawyers have said he has been ill in his cell at police headquarters in Beirut. On Friday, judicial officials said he was taken to the Justice Palace in Beirut, where Judge Zaher Hamadeh ordered his release once the bail condition is met. One of his lawyers said Gadhafi does not have the money or access to accounts to pay the bail.

Pakistan army facility targeted by suicide bomber and militants, 6 gunmen killed

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Police say a suicide car bomber backed by several Pakistani Taliban have attacked a compound of the security forces in the country’s northwest near the Afghan border. Friday’s attack in Mir Ali involved a shootout that left at least six militants dead, police said. It comes just days after Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire following days of cross-border fighting that killed dozens and wounded hundreds on both sides. The ceasefire ended Friday evening and was likely to be extended. According to local media reports, Qatar has offered to host peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha. However, neither government has confirmed the offer or any such talks.