ceasefire

In the early hours of the morning, medics in Gaza reported a grim toll: at least 32 lives extinguished due to a series of Israeli airstrikes that mercilessly rained down on urban areas. This catastrophic episode unfolded just hours before Israel's cabinet was slated to cast a decisive vote on a proposed ceasefire deal, which many hope might finally bring about a break in the grim hostilities. Witness accounts paint a harrowing picture, citing significant destruction in neighborhoods stretching from the bustling streets of…

In a race against time, mediators are striving to clinch a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiate a hostage release, spurred on by optimistic declarations from a Qatari official who hinted that a deal could be within grasp "very soon." The efforts, a collaborative initiative involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have ramped up as the clock ticks down following Hamas' devastating attack on Israel on October 7, 2023—an assault that has been labeled the deadliest in Israel's history. During a phone call yesterday, US…

In a significant turn of events, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a hostage agreement related to Gaza, even amidst vocal dissent from certain hardline nationalist factions within the government coalition. “I’m confident that should we finalize this hostage deal, a majority of the government will be on board,” Saar stated during a press conference in Rome alongside Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, a sentiment that reflects not only hope but also a strategic…

In a dramatic turn of events under the starry skies of Doha, Qatar has presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft aimed at putting an end to the devastating conflict in Gaza. This breakthrough, which came after marathon talks that ran late into the night, saw the involvement of some high-stakes players, including an envoy from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, according to a well-informed source who spoke to Reuters. The ceasefire agreement, structured alongside the promise of releasing hostages, was the brainchild of…

Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, launching a series of attacks just one day after Lebanese officials hinted at their consideration of a US-mediated ceasefire. This conflict is deeply rooted in a web of alliances, with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad enjoying the backing of Iran, Israel’s primary adversary. Notably, Iran has expressed its eagerness for a rapid conclusion to the ongoing hostilities that have gripped Lebanon for nearly two months. Since September 23, Israel has…

Israel's military has unleashed a series of intense airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking one of the most significant daytime assaults in the region. This ramped-up offensive comes after the Israeli defense minister made clear there would be no ceasefire until their objectives were fully realized. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over Beirut as approximately ten airstrikes rained down throughout the morning hours. In a warning distributed via social media, the Israeli army informed locals of their…

In a compelling demonstration of solidarity, the Federal Republic of Somalia's head honcho, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, threw his weight behind the Palestinian cause, making an impassioned plea for an immediate halt to hostilities. "The bloodshed must stop," he declared, emphasizing the necessity of freeing all captives and prisoners. "This is not just about peace, it's about preserving lives and easing suffering." Speaking at the high-stakes Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, President Mohamud laid bare…

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bids Welcome to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha(Source: AFP) Qatar is under a bit of pressure from Uncle Sam, who wants the country to evict Hamas's political bigwigs by the end of the next month. This inside scoop comes from two insiders who spilled the beans to The National over the weekend. Qatar has acted as a cozy haven for these Palestinian leaders since 2012 after Khaled Meshaal moved there from Syria. Meshaal had been the head honcho of Hamas for over 20 years until 2017. It's…

Leaders from nine Mediterranean countries have united in their plea to halt the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. In a recent statement, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, labeling them as "unacceptable." This sentiment was mirrored by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. These three nations contribute approximately 2,000 troops to the UNIFIL mission, which reported that Israeli tank fire resulted in injuries…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that a ceasefire with Russia is not on the table during discussions with European partners. Instead, he is advocating for increased Western support as Ukraine braces for a harsh winter amid his whirlwind visit to four European capitals. During a short 48-hour jaunt to London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin, Zelensky was on a mission to secure both military and financial aid. Escalating concerns hover over the possibility of waning support if Donald Trump assumes the presidency in…