AU URGES DE-ESCALATION AS FIGHTING DISPLACES OVER 180,000 IN SOUTH SUDAN’S JONGLEI STATE. (PHOTO).

Image
 AU urges de-escalation as fighting displaces over 180,000 in South Sudan’s Jonglei state The Chairperson of the African Union Commission called for immediate de-escalation and strict adherence to South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement, as renewed fighting in Jonglei State displaced more than 180,000 people and raised fears of further civilian harm. In a statement, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he was deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country, particularly Jonglei, where escalating violence and inflammatory rhetoric have put civilians—including women and children—at heightened risk. South Sudanese authorities estimate the number of displaced in Jonglei at more than 180,000, the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA said last week. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions immediately, and comply fully with the permanent ceasefire and power-sharing arrangements under the agreement, T...

ISRAEL TO KEEP BORDER CROSSING CLOSED AMID CEASEFIRE DISPUTE WITH HAMAS . (PHOTO)


 Israel to keep border crossing closed amid ceasefire dispute with Hamas 

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday, tying its reopening to Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages. The closure comes amid ongoing disputes over alleged ceasefire violations between Israel and Hamas.

Netanyahu’s announcement followed a statement from the Palestinian embassy in Egypt claiming the crossing would reopen on Monday for entry into Gaza. Both sides have exchanged accusations: the U.S. State Department warned of “credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza,” describing any attack on civilians as a “direct and grave violation” of the truce. Hamas denied the claims, instead accusing Israeli authorities of supporting armed gangs involved in killings, kidnappings, and looting, and said Gaza police were working to hold those gangs accountable.

The closure also affects humanitarian operations. Hamas said blocking Rafah prevents the entry of equipment needed to recover additional hostage bodies from rubble, delaying the handover process. Israel reported receiving two more bodies late Saturday, bringing the total to 12 out of 28 under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage agreement. The deal included the release of 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Israel and Hamas continue negotiating over the remaining deceased hostages and the return of Palestinian bodies.

The situation underscores Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement, famine concerns, and overwhelmed health services. Since the ceasefire, aid deliveries have increased to about 560 metric tons of food per day, though this falls short of the population’s needs. Major challenges remain for implementing U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the conflict, including Hamas disarmament, governance in Gaza, formation of an international stabilization force, and steps toward a Palestinian state.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

SHAKIRA COVERS WOMEN'S HEALTH MAGAZINE,APRIL ISSUE.

INNOSON GIVES OUT BRAND NEW IVM G5 AND SALARY FOR LIFE TO THE MAN WHO PROPHESIED ABOUT HIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING IN 1979.(PHOTO).

TINUBU ANNOUNCES ARRIVAL OF 4 U.S ATTACK HELICOPTERS. (PHOTO).