Connect with us

News

US, Hamas Hold First Direct Talks as Gaza Ceasefire Process Stalls

info

Published

on

IMG 6811.png

The United States and Hamas have held their first direct negotiations since the October 2025 ceasefire, as efforts to sustain a fragile peace agreement continue to face major setbacks.

The talks, held on Tuesday night in Cairo, brought together a U.S. delegation led by senior advisor Aryeh Lightstone and Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.

They were joined by Nickolay Mladenov, who serves as High Representative for Gaza under the Board of Peace, an international body established to oversee postwar arrangements in the territory.

The discussions focused on advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire plan, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of an international security mission. However, progress has stalled due to deep disagreements over timing and security arrangements.

According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will only proceed with key phase-one obligations—including a full ceasefire and withdrawal from populated areas—if Hamas commits to complete disarmament.

Hamas has rejected that condition, with al-Hayya describing the proposal as “unbalanced” and arguing that it undermines humanitarian and political considerations. The group maintains that it will not disarm before Israel fully implements its initial commitments, including an end to airstrikes.

Sources within Hamas also claim that mediators have warned the group that rejection of the disarmament proposal could risk a return to full-scale conflict.

The October 2025 ceasefire, which ended the most intense phase of a two-year war, has faced sustained criticism from humanitarian organisations, which describe it as a ceasefire “in name only.” According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 765 Palestinians have been killed since the truce took effect six months ago.

Aid agencies such as Médecins Sans Frontières say conditions in Gaza remain dire, with overcrowding, infrastructure collapse, and disease outbreaks worsening humanitarian concerns.

The negotiations are also unfolding amid wider regional tensions linked to the broader Iran-related conflict, with continued instability in maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz raising fears of wider escalation.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are reportedly urging flexibility from both sides, but diplomats remain skeptical that a breakthrough will be reached without significant revisions to the current proposals.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Nigerian Wonderkid “Ostilo” Begins Trials With Turkish Giants Beşiktaş

info

Published

on

By

Adewale Quadri 1.jpeg

Former Nigeria U17 international Adewale Quadri, popularly known as “Ostilo” among teammates and close friends, has officially commenced trials with Turkish giants Beşiktaş J.K. youth team.

The highly-rated Nigerian youngster is currently being evaluated by the Istanbul-based club as he continues his pursuit of a breakthrough opportunity in European football.

Read Also: Diana Eze Sets New Personal Best at AGN Track & Field League in South Africa

Sources close to the player indicate that Quadri has already begun making positive impressions during the trial period with his performances, attitude, and work ethic attracting attention within the club setup.

The talented prospect has reportedly shown strong determination, technical ability, maturity on the ball, and attacking quality during training sessions and evaluation matches.

Known for his confidence, creativity, and energetic style of play, the former Nigeria U17 player continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the exciting young Nigerian talents aiming to establish themselves abroad.

Beşiktaş—popularly known as the Kara Kartallar (Black Eagles)—remain one of the biggest and most historic clubs in Turkish football, making the opportunity another important milestone in Quadri’s young career.

Football followers and supporters close to the player remain hopeful that the talented Nigerian can successfully complete the process and secure a permanent place within the club’s development system.

For Adewale Quadri, the trial represents another major step toward achieving his European football dream while proudly representing Nigeria on the international stage.

As the evaluations continue in Turkey, many will now be eagerly waiting for positive news regarding the future of the promising youngster known as “Ostilo.”

Continue Reading

Business

FAAN announces additional health screening measures, enhanced Ebola surveillance at Nigerian airports

info

Published

on

By

WhatsApp Image 2026 02 23 at 21.37.22.jpeg

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured travellers and other airport users that enhanced health surveillance measures have been activated across the country’s international airports following renewed Ebola concerns in parts of Central Africa.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, FAAN said the measures were introduced in collaboration with Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness and prevent possible health risks.

According to the authority, surveillance and passenger monitoring have been intensified, particularly for travellers arriving from high-risk regions.

“Passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, and any suspected case will be promptly isolated and subjected to secondary health checks in line with established national and international health protocols,” the statement said.

FAAN noted that additional emergency response procedures have also been reinforced while airport personnel have undergone increased sensitisation as part of precautionary efforts.

PT WHATSAPP CHANNEL

The authority stressed that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria but said it remains vigilant in safeguarding public health and ensuring safe airport operations.

“FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations,” the agency stated.

READ ALSO: FAAN nabs four unauthorised persons at Akure airport

Passengers were also advised to remain calm, cooperate with health screening procedures and report any symptoms to health officials at the airports.

The development comes as health authorities across parts of Africa continue to monitor Ebola-related concerns and strengthen border surveillance to prevent cross-border transmission.

Nigeria’s aviation and health authorities have previously activated similar emergency screening measures during periods of global and regional disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier Ebola scares.


Continue Reading

Trending