ceasefire

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — In a region teetering on the brink, uncertainty looms large as Rwanda-backed rebels, involved in a fierce struggle in the Democratic Republic of Congo's illustrious east, have surprisingly declared a ceasefire. The city of Goma, an urban sprawl of over two million souls, stands at the center of this turmoil. With Monday’s declaration, the rebels surprisingly took a step back, professing humanitarian motives and responding to pleas for the creation of a safe corridor for displaced…

A Palestinian advocacy organization for prisoners has announced that Israeli authorities are set to release 110 detainees, including 30 minors. This release is part of a broader agreement reached with Hamas in the wake of a ceasefire in Gaza. In an official statement, the Palestinian Prisoners' Club declared, "Tomorrow, 110 Palestinian prisoners are to be released," marking the third exchange of hostages and detainees since the truce commenced on January 19. The atmosphere surrounding this development seems laden with…

As the ceasefire extends into its seventh day, the residents of Gaza are grappling with the grim aftermath of a staggering 15 months drenched in tragedy and chaos. This week, the health ministry—operating under Hamas—reported a staggering death toll of 47,283, a figure that is grimly expected to climb higher as the debris is sifted and more bodies are discovered beneath the ruins. The erasure of Gaza's infrastructure is nothing short of catastrophic: approximately two-thirds of buildings that once stood have either…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia has once again taken center stage, highlighting its resolve for international diplomacy. At the helm of this diplomatic journey is Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, who praised the newfound ceasefire orchestrated by an unlikely coalition—Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. During an impassioned speech given at UN Headquarters, there's more than just routine platitudes; there's a nation standing firm on its principles. At the Security Council’s 9841st…

In a significant move towards peace, Israel has released 90 Palestinian prisoners, marking the culmination of the first prisoner exchange under a long-awaited truce. This came after Hamas returned three Israeli hostages, providing a glimmer of hope after over 15 arduous months of conflict in Gaza. The Israel Prison Service confirmed the overnight release, and the initial reactions were electrifying. In Beitunia, close to Ofer prison, euphoric crowds erupted in celebration, their chants echoing through the air as the buses…

Three Israeli Hostages Released to Red Cross Team In a significant development amidst the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, three Israeli hostages have been handed over to a team from the Red Cross. This event comes as a flicker of hope in the protracted conflict between Israel and Gaza, which has seen its fair share of heart-wrenching stories and headlines that tug at our collective conscience. Picture this: families holding their breath, praying for the safety of their loved ones, while governments grapple…

In a pivotal move, Israel's government has greenlit a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, signaling a tentative step toward peace in the long-embattled Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed this development just a day before the truce is set to take effect. After a marathon meeting lasting over six hours, the Israeli cabinet ratified an accord that could finally put an end to a relentless 15-month war in the Palestinian enclave under Hamas control. The atmosphere was thick with tension, but there was…

(Minasse Wondimu Hailu - Anadolu Agency) In a world as tumultuous as a caffeine-fueled newsroom, where tensions flicker like a neon sign, there’s a brewing dose of hope. The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas resistance group has drawn applause from the African Union, Somalia, and South Africa, a trio adding harmony to what has been an all-too-dissonant symphony. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the orchestrator and chief conductor of the African Union Commission, lauded the pivotal ensemble cast of…

This afternoon, the Israeli government is poised to finalize a significant agreement that could usher in a ceasefire in Gaza, set to take effect this Sunday. In the narrative woven by the Israeli government and echoed in the country’s media, this deal is predominantly labeled a "hostage arrangement." It is a term that has not only penetrated the official discourse but has also deeply infused itself into the everyday language of most Israelis. This consistent framing has fostered a narrow perception that this agreement is…

In a cruel twist of fate, the jubilation that filled the streets of Gaza in response to news of a ceasefire quickly dissipated into despair as the dawn revealed yet another grim reality—a relentless barrage of Israeli air strikes transformed hopeful celebrations into haunting memories. The air, thick with dust and sorrow, was a stark reminder that peace remains elusive. "We were all eagerly anticipating the truce; it felt like the first glimmer of hope since October 7," recounted Saeed Alloush, a resident of Gaza,…