Gaza

Amid the escalating tension in the Middle East, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and the militant group Hamas have drawn a proverbial line in the sand, resolutely rejecting suggestions to forcibly relocate Palestinians from the beleaguered Gaza Strip. This response comes on the heels of remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who recently floated a controversial idea to "clean out that whole thing," a phrase that’s as contentious as it is simplistic. In the backdrop of this heated rhetoric, whispers among Palestinian…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the swirling dance of diplomacy and military tensions, Sunday heralded another somber chapter from the knotty conflict front. A tragic incident shook the northern Gaza Strip as Israeli forces reportedly killed a Palestinian while they were attempting to make their way back to a place he once called home. As if on cue, Hamas unleashed a salvo of accusations, charging Israel with dragging its feet on the supposed ceasefire and leaving displaced folks in a lurch with bureaucratic shackles. Well, Israeli…

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…

Steve Witkoff captured the spotlight at a lively presidential inauguration parade held within the pulsating walls of Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on a chilly January 20. Washington, DC – Embarking on a daring diplomatic mission, the United States' Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced plans for a visit to Gaza within days. This journey is part and parcel of his endeavor, whimsically described as an “inspection team,” to keep a vigilant eye on the ceasefire pact recently inked between Israel and Hamas. In a…

In a recent whirlwind of diplomatic discussions, the UN Secretary General has thrown a bouquet of praise at former US President Donald Trump, crediting him with a pivotal role in orchestrating the recent ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking at the illustrious World Economic Forum in Davos, António Guterres reflected on the somewhat sluggish negotiations that seemed to have hit a brick wall. Then, out of the blue, progress materialized. With a hint of admiration, he remarked, “The negotiations were dragging on interminably. Then all…

The scene was thick with emotion as jubilant crowds gathered to greet a busload of Palestinians who had tasted freedom again, following their release from Israeli jails. This act was a poignant part of a complex and tenuous dance of ceasefire and prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, all under the January sunshine of 2025. Imagine the hopeful yet weary faces outside the Israeli military prison, Ofer, nestled near Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. They stood in anticipation, waiting for a reunion forged in the…

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…

First Day of Ceasefire Sees 630 Aid Trucks Roll into Gaza In a remarkable turn of events, the first day of the much-anticipated ceasefire in Gaza witnessed a substantial influx of humanitarian aid. A remarkable total of 630 aid trucks crossed into the beleaguered region, bringing with them hope for a population worn thin by conflict. After weeks of unrest, this moment felt like a breath of fresh air, even if just for a moment. Imagine standing in a world where the sounds of gunfire are replaced by the rumble of…

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…

Later this morning, a ceasefire is set to take hold in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, ushering in a tentative hope for an end to a brutal conflict that has gripped the region for 15 long and tumultuous months. As part of this fragile truce, a release of hostages is slated to occur a few hours thereafter, which could signal a shift toward peace, albeit a complicated one. This breakthrough follows months of fluctuating negotiations, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Interestingly, the timeline coincides with…