Author: News Desk

Trump and his top advisers are finalising about 100 executive actions that he will sign in his first days in office beginning on Monday

British hostage freed as Gaza ceasefire starts The Independent reports that British hostage Emily Damari is one of three hostages in Gaza to be released – 15 months after being kidnapped. The front page shows footage of the tree reuniting with family. The UK economy – and the paper’s assessment of the chancellor feature at the top of the paper.

Hostages out as truce holds The Guardian reports Emily – the last remaining British hostage in Gaza  – has arrived in Israel to be reunited with her family after 471 days in captivity. The paper also reports that hundreds of aid trucks queued to enter Gaza, bringing supplies to its 2.3 million residents as the ceasefire took effect. Simultaneously, Red Cross officials worked at Israel’s Ofer prison to oversee the release of Palestinian prisoners. Donald Trump is to be sworn in as president on the same spot as the Capitol riots, the paper says.

As the fighting stops after 15 months … Home at last The Metro leads with the headline “Home at last,” recounting the “chaotic scenes” surrounding the trio’s release. The paper says Emily “was shot in the hand, injured by shrapnel in her leg, and saw her dog Choocha killed before she was blindfolded and bundled into a car that took her to Gaza.”

British hostage Emily Damari among three released in Gaza ceasefire: Home after 471 days in hell The Daily Express reports after 15 months of unimaginable torment, Emily Damari’s return home is a beacon of hope amid a sea of despair in the Middle East. Her mother’s tears of joy tell a story of love and resilience. The ceasefire is now in its second day – Palestinian prisoners are being swapped for Israeli hostages.

Gaza hostage release: Out of the darkness .. back in mum’s arms The Daily Mirror leads on the release of the hostages as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire begins. The paper focuses on Israeli British hostage Emily’s reunion with her mother Mandy, quoting Mrs Damari’s call to action: “Every hostage must be released.”

After 471 days of Gaza hell … Home at last The Sun front page reports on British hostage Emily Damari who was amongst the first to be freed in the first stage of the agreed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The front page also reports on the weekend’s Premier League action – as both Man United and Spurs lose again.

Monday’s front pages lead on the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel – as a prisoner-hostage swap deal takes place. Amongst the hostages released include a British-Israeli citizen who leads most of the paper’s images this morning.

Beyond the Middle East truce, the papers leave space to report on President-elect Donald Trump – who takes the oath of office today, Monday 20 January 2025. Several stories regarding the US president make the front pages, including reports about the prime minister racing to secure a deal with the new president.

Last night’s Premier League matches dominate the UK back pages – with Manchester United’s 3-2 loss to Brighton leading several after Man Utd boss Amorim labelled his squad the worst side in Manchester United’s 147-year history. Spurs also suffered a loss to Everton, putting pressure on boss Ange Postecoglou.

What next for the worst team in United’s history as Ruben Amorim’s side fell to a fifth defeat in eight games as a familiar set of issues plagued his side against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.Yankuba Minteh opened the scoring after five minutes before captain Bruno Fernandes equalised with a penalty, but Brighton seized control in the second half. First, Man United’s defence failed to deal with a cross that was finished by Kaoru Mitoma, then goalkeeper Andre Onana let the ball slip from his grasp, allowing Georginio Rutter to nip in for a third.The 3-1 defeat means…

A band of rain across western Scotland will clear into northern England and northwest Wales throughout today. Rather cloudy to the south of this, although perhaps a few breaks developing. To the north a mix of bright spells and showers. Tonight: The band of patchy rain will stall across the central swathe of the UK overnight. Otherwise a mix of cloud and clear spells, with some fog patches developing.