Eurotopics.net

The ceasefire agreed between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas group to allow an exchange of hostages and prisoners came into force on Friday morning. It is expected to last for at least four days and, according to mediator Qatar, could be extended to as many as ten. An initial 50 of the presumed 240 hostages held by Hamas are now to be released in exchange for Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners.

A presidential election is scheduled to take place in Russia on 17 March 2024. Although incumbent President Vladimir Putin has not yet declared his candidacy it is widely assumed that he will run for re-election. Commentators are already convinced that there will be no real alternative to Putin.

The last Friday in November has long since become established as Black Friday in the retail sectors of many European countries - with online and offline special offers, record sales and massive ad campaigns heralding the start of the Christmas shopping season. Commentators take a look at what's behind the colourful advertising.

Geert Wilders' right-wing populist PVV has emerged as the strongest party in elections in the Netherlands. But with just 37 of the 150 seats in parliament after almost all votes have been counted, Wilders needs several coalition partners to form a government. European commentators examine the reasons for and ramifications of his victory.

Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas group have agreed on a ceasefire to allow an exchange of hostages and prisoners. The ceasefire is expected to last at least four days, although there were conflicting statements about when exactly it would begin. According to Israel, 50 of the presumed 240 hostages held by Hamas are to be released on Friday at the earliest. Reactions from the media testify to a mixture of anxiety and relief.