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Peace Talks Falter as New Strikes Shake Ukraine

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives the heads of delegations participating in the UAE hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine, Director of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kirill Budanov, United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov, and Jared Kushner at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. US‑mediated negotiations aimed at easing the war in Ukraine ended abruptly without an agreement after Russia launched a series of overnight airstrikes that hit multiple Ukrainian cities and energy facilities. The renewed bombardment intensified pressure on the talks, which had been viewed as a tentative step toward de‑escalation. Diplomats from both sides described the discussions as “constructive but inconclusive,” noting that major sticking points — in...

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Battles Rage Around Rafah After US Halts Some Weapons to Israel

 

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, the southern Gaza city of Rafah has become a focal point. Here’s a brief overview of the situation:

  1. US Halts Shipment of Powerful Bombs:

    • As Israeli troops battled Hamas on the outskirts of Rafah, the United States made a significant move by halting a shipment of powerful bombs that Israel could potentially use in a full-scale assault.
    • This decision aims to prevent civilian casualties and further escalation in the region.
  2. Ceasefire Talks in Cairo:

    • Ceasefire negotiations have resumed in Cairo, with delegations from Hamas, Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar participating.
    • The remaining differences between Israel and Hamas are being addressed, and there is optimism that the Palestinian militant group’s latest ceasefire proposal can bridge the gaps.
    • CIA Director Bill Burns is also involved in these talks, traveling from Cairo to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and officials.
  3. Challenges and Warnings:

    • Israel declared Hamas’ three-phase proposal unacceptable due to softened terms, but the revised proposal suggests that the remaining gaps can be closed.
    • Hamas warns that continued Israeli military aggression in Rafah could jeopardize any truce agreement.
    • The situation remains tense, with both sides closely monitoring developments.
  4. Humanitarian Impact:

    • The seizure of the main border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in Rafah has cut off a vital route for aid into the enclave.
    • Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza are facing homelessness and hunger.

In summary, the battles in Rafah continue, and the US’s decision to halt weapon shipments underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution. The world watches as negotiations unfold, hoping for a breakthrough that will spare lives and bring stability to the region.


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