ceasefire

On a crisp Sunday morning, the sun peeked over the horizon, casting its golden hue over the Gaza Strip. But this symbolic new dawn was quickly overshadowed by the stark reality of an unyielding blockade. Israel, firm in its resolve, halted the entry of goods and essential supplies into the beleaguered territory. The catalyst behind this decisive action was a lingering conflict with Hamas over extending a tenuous ceasefire. Within the echo chamber of international diplomacy, tensions simmered. Egypt, a…

As we approach the conclusion of the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas truce today, negotiations surrounding what comes next have yet to yield clear results. It’s a critical juncture, one that holds the potential for hope but is fraught with uncertainty. The ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, marks a significant milestone following a tumultuous period of over 15 months of conflict that escalated dramatically after Hamas’ unprecedented assault on Israel on October 7, 2023—an event that many now refer to as the…

In a multifaceted conflict characterized by deep-rooted tensions, Palestinian militant group Hamas has urged for heightened international pressure on Israel as both parties navigate the next stage of a fragile ceasefire. This distinct phase follows a complicated history marked by loss and sorrow. Negotiations commenced in Cairo, where mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are engaged in what has been described as "intensive" discussions. These talks aim not only to extend the current truce but also to seek a…

In a decisive move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his negotiating team to depart for Cairo tomorrow. This initiative aims to address the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, specifically focusing on its initial phase, as confirmed by his office. The statement clarified Netanyahu’s instructions, noting, “Following the scheduled security cabinet meeting tomorrow, the team will receive further directives regarding negotiations for Phase II.” This underscores the complexity of the situation and the careful steps…

As the days tick by, the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect just over three weeks ago, is beginning to show signs of fragility. Initially heralded as a significant step to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the truce now teeters on a precipice, threatened by escalating mistrust and finger-pointing between the involved parties. Under the ceasefire, Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners have been exchanged five times, allowing direct contact between families that had long been severed. Yet,…

This past weekend, regional dignitaries from southern and eastern Africa gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's bustling capital. Their agenda? To address the increasingly perilous situation unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There, M23 rebels have rapidly seized control of significant territories in a region blessed with abundant minerals. But can mere discussions truly pave the way for peace amidst such turmoil? Experts observing the proceedings noted a deeply entrenched discord among the leaders,…

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…