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The White House has recently expressed concerns that Hamas is making "entirely impractical" demands and is stalling negotiations regarding the release of a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire. This accusation comes amid a complex backdrop of ongoing tensions and indirect talks. In a statement from the office of President Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with the US National Security Council, it was emphasized: "Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not." The…

The remnants of Cyclone Alfred have unleashed torrential rain across Australia's east coast, leading to significant flooding as emergency workers strive to restore power to over 190,000 homes and businesses. Despite the weather system losing its strength, authorities continue to issue a range of flood and severe weather warnings along a 400 km stretch of coastline that spans Queensland and New South Wales. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that Brisbane, Queensland's capital, received an alarming 30 cm of rain within just…

Across the vast and diverse landscapes of Africa, the specter of hunger casts a long shadow. It's a formidable challenge—one that sees millions of people grappling to secure enough food each day. Envision the plight of families who wake up each morning, unsure of their next meal. How did a continent so rich in resources find itself in such a predicament? Nations like Somalia, Chad, and Madagascar epitomize this struggle, confronting extreme levels of malnutrition and pervasive food shortages.…

In a world interconnected by complex socio-economic forces, the closure of the UN's Southern African bureau stands as a significant decision that reverberates across continents. As we delve into this development, one cannot help but ponder the ramifications on both global and local scales. Positioned amidst an evolving diplomatic climate, the relationship between South Africa and the United States finds itself under scrutiny. At this pivotal moment, the closure of the bureau, largely funded by U.S. contributions,…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In the heart of Sweden, a harrowing event unfolded that has changed the fabric of the community. Qamar Hilowle, a resilient 38-year-old mother of three, was among the ten victims in the tragic school shooting at Campus Risbergska on February 4, a day now etched in Sweden’s history. The tragedy commenced with a hail of bullets at midday, fired by 26-year-old Rickard Andersson, who was swiftly apprehended by authorities. Andersson's links to extremist ideologies have left a nation questioning: What…

In recent years, the plight of children in Mali has escalated, leaving an indelible mark on their lives amid escalating violence and widespread atrocities. The ongoing conflict, fueled by various factions, has created an environment where the most vulnerable—our children—face unimaginable horrors on a day-to-day basis. What does it say about our collective humanity when the innocent are caught in the crossfire of such chaos? Reports suggest that between April 2022 and March 2024, more than 2,000 egregious violations against…

The Emirates have once again stepped up to the plate, offering a helping hand to Somalia by sending over 700 tons of essential food aid. This shipment aims to alleviate the harsh conditions faced by numerous families caught in the throes of a relentless drought sweeping across the Horn of Africa, as highlighted by Anadolu Agency. During a heartfelt ceremony, the Somali National News Agency disclosed that the provisions were formally handed over to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). Notable attendees included…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a generous act of solidarity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come to the aid of Somalia by delivering a staggering 700 tons of food supplies. This generous donation aims to help communities severely impacted by the ongoing drought in the region. The handover ceremony took place in Mogadishu, where UAE Ambassador to Somalia Ahmed Juma Al-Rumaithi formally transferred the lifesaving supplies to Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) Commissioner Mohamud Moallin Abdulle. This gesture is a testament…

The Spanish meteorological service has raised the alert levels in various regions of Valencia, responding to the significant risk of heavy rainfall—an urgent note following devastating floods that resulted in over 200 fatalities just two weeks prior. AEMET, the national weather agency, has issued a red alert, particularly for the coastline of Valencia. This alert is set to remain in effect until noon tomorrow (11 AM Irish time). Forecasters are predicting an alarming 180mm of rain could fall within just 12 hours. Malaga…

Recent reports from UNICEF reveal that over 420,000 children in the Amazon region are facing severe challenges due to an unprecedented drought striking much of South America. This situation is critically impacting water resources and disrupting essential river traffic, making life increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities. This extraordinary drought is particularly hard-hitting for Indigenous groups and other local populations in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, who depend heavily on waterways for transportation. The…