reunited

A Palestinian family in the northern Gaza town of Jabalia has been reunited with their son after believing for a year that he had been killed by Israeli army fire, only to discover he had been held in an Israeli prison throughout that time.

Inside the family’s home, which was damaged by Israeli bombardment, relatives broke down in tears of joy as 23-year-old Hamada Al-Banna returned unexpectedly after they had lost hope of ever seeing him again.

His family had believed that Hamada and his brother, Adham, were shot dead by Israeli forces while on their way to collect food aid during the peak of the famine that hit the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2025.

On Monday, Israeli authorities released Hamada along with 16 other Palestinian detainees. The International Committee of the Red Cross transferred them to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza before he returned to his family in the north of the territory.

His mother, Widad, fainted after hearing her son’s voice for the first time in a phone call following his release. Hours later, she collapsed again as she embraced him when he arrived home.

An Anadolu correspondent witnessed the family’s emotional reunion, in a story reflecting the suffering of hundreds of Palestinian families who remain unaware of the fate of their relatives since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza on 8 October 2023.

Al Jazeera journalist Al-Tahir al-Mardi has been reunited with his family in Khartoum after three years of separation and forced displacement caused by Sudan’s war.

Ruby Wax will be with Tom Read Wilson as they host the British LGBT Awards together

Ruby Wax will be with Tom Read Wilson as they host the British LGBT Awards together. The comedienne, 73, competed alongside Celebs Go Dating star Tom, 39, on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! towards the end of last year.

Ahead of teaming up with her jungle campmate, Ruby teased that there is a lot to come from the “glamorous” evening, which all kicks off in London on Thursday night.

She said: “Glamour, chaos and emotion, as well as me trying not to say anything that gets me cancelled before dessert! But seriously, it’s going to be a celebration of brilliant people doing extraordinary things. There’ll be laughter, there’ll be tears, and there’ll probably be someone giving a speech that makes everybody rethink their life choices.”

The star, who has had a stellar career in stand up comedy and worked on Absolutely Fabulous with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, was then asked why “visibility” was still so important in this day and age.

She said :”Because visibility changes lives. When people see themselves represented, honestly and proudly, it gives them permission to exist fully. We’ve made progress, but progress can’t be something we assume is permanent. Events like the British LGBT Awards remind people that community matters, ally ship matters and joy matters too!”

Meanwhile, Tom, who has also appeared on This Morning, and presented a host of one-off documentaries, insisted that the whole thing meant “more” than a typical awards ceremony.

He said: “It feels profoundly special. I’ve always believed that visibility is a kind of kindness, and being here among so many extraordinary people who are actively shaping a more inclusive world is humbling.

“This isn’t just an awards ceremony – it is a celebration of courage and community. To play even a small role in that feels like a real privilege.”

Some of the biggest names leading this year’s awards, include Wicked star Jonathan Bailey, Loose Women panellist GK Barry and former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary. They are joined by an influential and diverse mix of nominees spanning entertainment, sport, media and activism, all recognised for their powerful contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ equality.

Additional standout nominees include Charlie xcx, Claudia Winkleman, and Jill Scott MBE, further cementing this year’s ceremony as a landmark moment for representation and recognition.

Rebecca Twomey, Head of Showbiz at the Mirror said: “We’re thrilled to put our support behind this incredible award ceremony which champions the LGBTQ+ community. The Mirror is all about bringing people together and championing all voices from the heart of Britain.”

The glittering ceremony will take place on 28 May 2026 in London, bringing together celebrities, business leaders, campaigners and community champions for an unforgettable evening celebrating progress, pride and possibility.

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