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More Palestinian Prisoners Freed As Israel-Hamas Truce Holds into Third Day

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Mohammed Al-Awar, left, kisses his father’s forehead upon return to his home in occupied East Jerusalem

The exchange of captives between Hamas and Israel continues for a third consecutive day under a four-day truce deal.

A third batch of 39 Palestinian prisoners has been freed as the exchange of captives between Hamas and Israel continues for a third day under a four-day truce deal.

Large crowds of Palestinians took to the streets in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Sunday night as they waited for Red Cross buses carrying the prisoners.

Some waved Palestinian flags alongside the flags of the two main Palestinian political parties, Hamas and Fatah. Some youth climbed on top of a white bus transporting mostly young men and some female prisoners.

“At first we did not believe it,” Shakir Mahajna told Al Jazeera while he waited with his family for his son Omar, who recently turned 18.

“The last time I visited him he was frustrated, he told me ‘Dad I want to leave’,” said Mahajna, whose son was 16 when he was arrested and had four months left in his sentence.

“After what happened in October, I was even more scared,” Nour Ara’ar, whose 17-year-old brother Zeid was arrested in July, told Al Jazeera.

“Everything was suspended because of the war,” she added. “The trial did not take place.”

“We are happy, but we are experiencing mixed feelings. Our joy is incomplete because of what is happening in Gaza,” she added.

Meanwhile, in nearby Beitunia, where some Palestinians had also gathered, three Palestinians aged 15, 18 and 33 were injured after Israeli forces fired live rounds, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said. Two children, aged 11 and 13, were admitted to a hospital for tear-gas inhalation, the PRCS added.

Hamas frees American child, Russian man 

Earlier on Sunday, Hamas handed over 13 Israeli captives, including nine children and four foreign nationals – three Thais and one Israeli Russian – to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as part of the truce deal.

The Israeli Russian was released “in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts and in recognition of Russia’s position in support of Palestine”, Hamas said in a statement. He is the first male captive to be released since the truce deal came into effect.

US President Joe Biden said a four-year-old Israeli-American girl, Abigail Edan, whose parents were killed in the October 7 Hamas attack, was also among those released.

“She’s free and she’s in Israel,” he said, adding that another dual American citizen – a 45-year-old woman – was also released. Biden also urged the parties to extend the truce deal to allow for more releases.

The exchange of captives was delayed by a few hours on Saturday after Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce agreement. The standoff sparked concerns that the deal was at risk of derailing.

The impasse was resolved following mediation by Qatar and Egypt.

Around 150 Palestinian prisoners and 50 civilian captives held in Gaza are to be released over four days under the Israel-Hamas deal.

Israel’s ground and air assault on the besieged Gaza Strip has so far killed more than 15,000 Palestinians and left vast swathes of the enclave in ruins.

Netanyahu’s ‘photo-op’ in Gaza

Ahead of Sunday’s exchange, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Gaza, the first since the Gaza assault began last month.

“We continue until the end – until victory,” he told soldiers, footage posted online by his office showed.

“Nothing will stop us, and we are convinced that we have the power, the strength, the will and the determination to achieve all the war’s goals, and we will.”

Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, said it was the first time an Israeli prime minister entered Gaza since Israel disengaged from the enclave in 2005.

“It is a landmark visit,” he said. “We’ve heard Netanyahu talk about victory but not in this location. This location is what he wants the Israeli public to see,” he added, calling it a “photo-op”.

In a statement on Sunday, Hamas said it is seeking to extend the four-day truce with Israel should serious efforts be made to increase the number of Palestinian detainees released from Israeli prisons.

Speaking from Beirut, senior Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera he expected US President Biden to push Israel to end its war on the Gaza Strip.

“President Biden has the ability to make an end to the Israeli offensive against Gaza. He has the power to do that and talking about extending the ceasefire is not the solution.

“The solution is to stop the Israeli attack against Gaza and to force Israel to implement international resolutions regarding the Palestinian people,” he said.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA

Audio

YTJ Announces New Single “JO,”

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Rising Afro-fusion artist builds on the momentum of “Closer” with an energetic new release made for dance floors worldwide
Recoup Records announces the forthcoming release of “JO,” the new single from rising Afro-fusion artist YTJ, arriving on all major digital streaming platforms September 10, 2026.
The release follows the growing international success of YTJ’s previous single, “Closer,” which has generated more than 4 million combined YouTube views and surpassed 3 million audio streams within two months of release. The record has also received airplay across more than 70 radio stations and 30 television channels worldwide, while reaching No. 63 on YouTube Music in Nairobi, Kenya.
With “JO,” YTJ enters the next phase of his sound and creative direction.
Driven by infectious rhythm, vibrant production and an unmistakable celebratory energy, “JO” is an Afro-fusion record built for movement. The single pairs YTJ’s melodic approach with a polished, high-energy production designed to connect across clubs, parties, festivals and playlists globally.
The visual world surrounding the release reflects that same energy. Built around a striking red-lit aesthetic, the “JO” campaign presents a confident and elevated side of YTJ as he continues to expand his presence beyond his home market and reach new audiences internationally.
“My intention with ‘Closer’ was simply to make something that would connect with people, and the response went beyond what I imagined,” says YTJ. “With ‘JO,’ I wanted to take that energy somewhere new. This record is a celebration — and we’re just getting started.”»
“JO” arrives at a pivotal moment for YTJ. Following the momentum established by “Closer,” the new single signals an artist increasingly focused on creating music that bridges cultures while remaining rooted in the rhythm, melody and energy of contemporary African music.
For Recoup Records, the release represents another step in the label’s commitment to developing YTJ’s international profile and introducing his music to a broader global audience.
“JO” by YTJ is available across all major digital streaming platforms HERE

ABOUT YTJ
YTJ is an emerging Afro-fusion artist whose music blends contemporary African rhythms, melody and global influences. With a growing international audience and millions of streams and views across digital platforms, YTJ is building a sound and identity designed to travel beyond borders.
Following the international response to “Closer,” YTJ continues his next chapter with “JO,” expanding his creative vision while establishing himself as an emerging voice in the new generation of African music.
ABOUT RECOUP RECORDS
Recoup Records is an independent music company focused on artist development, music distribution and building globally competitive African talent. Through strategic releases, media partnerships and international promotion, the label works to connect its artists and music with audiences around the world.
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Entertainment Gists

Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits?

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Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶

 

 

Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.

The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.

And the big question now is:

Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂

Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.

One X user joked:

“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”

Another simply said:

“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”

But then came “Lembe.” 🔥

The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.

Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.

And it didn’t stop there.

‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED

On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.

One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.

From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.

Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:

Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥

So, let’s settle this once and for all:

Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?

Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇

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Obeena Delivers Show-Stopping Performance at Igbotic Game Night in East London

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East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.

Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.

Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.

His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.

Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.

For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.

By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.

 

With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.

Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.

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