Biden: Israel willing to pause attacks in Gaza during Ramadhan if Hamas agrees to hostage deal
The start of Ramadhan, around March 10, is seen as an unofficial deadline for a ceasefire deal. The month is a time of heightened religious observance and dawn-to-dusk fasting for hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world.
Biden says Gaza ceasefire is on horizon, hopes Israel and Hamas will agree during Qatar talks
A US official said US negotiators had been pushing hard to get a pause-for-hostages deal by Ramadan’s beginning on March 10 and top US officials were working on the issue last week. The optimism appeared to grow out of meetings between the Israelis and Qataris, the official said.
Ceasefire or not, Israel vows to hit Lebanon’s Hezbollah even if a deal is signed with Hamas
A Lebanese security official said on Sunday that five Hezbollah members were killed in two separate Israeli airstrikes on trucks in the border area between Lebanon and Syria. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to share the information with journalists. Hezbollah announced that three of its fighters had been killed, but did not say where.
After two daughters joined Islamic State they had no idea their family story would vie for an Oscar award
The real-life story of Hamrouni and her children is the focus of “Four Daughters,” an Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature film. On camera, there are many layers to Kaouther Ben Hania’s film: It’s about the radicalisation of two teenage girls; an intimate portrait of a chaotic and often dysfunctional family life; and reflections on generational trauma, patriarchy, motherhood and adolescence.
UAE, Kenya seal comprehensive trade deal that covers food, mining and technology
UAE state news agency WAM quoted Kenya’s trade minister Rebecca Miano as saying the deal would play an important role in enabling Kenyan exports to reach important markets in Asia and the Middle East
Most promising Gaza ceasefire talks underway in Paris despite Israel, Hamas hardline positions
Two Egyptian security sources earlier confirmed that Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel would head on Friday to Paris for the talks with the Israelis, after wrapping up talks with Haniyeh on Thursday. Israel has not publicly commented on the Paris talks, which are expected to continue through the weekend.
MSF boss shocks UN, US with revelations that children as young as five in Gaza prefer to die
The US has vetoed three UN Security Council resolutions since the start of the current fighting on October 7, most recently blocking on Tuesday a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as it instead pushes council to call for a temporary ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Israel bombards Gaza’s Rafah bringing death toll to about 30,000 despite pressure for ceasefire
About 1.5 million people are estimated to be crammed into Rafah, on the southernmost fringe of the enclave close to the border with Egypt, most of them having fled their homes further north to escape Israel’s military onslaught.
Somalia announces deal with Turkey to counter Ethiopia’s MOU with breakaway Somaliland state
Turkey is a key player in Somalia, one of several Gulf Arab states jockeying for influence in a country that lies on the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden – a pathway to the Red Sea.
Israeli missile attack hits high-security district in Syrian capital, no casualties reported
Witnesses heard several back-to-back explosions. The blasts scared children at a nearby school and ambulances rushed to the area, the witnesses told Reuters. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.
