Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes deal with Hamas, Israel

The aid distribution process in Gaza, backed by the Israeli-American initiative, has devolved into "complete chaos," according to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. She criticized the new distribution plan, which forces civilians to travel long distances for aid, as contradictory to humanitarian principles and potentially dangerous due to military presence. With only 10% of needed aid reaching the 2.1 million residents, including over a million children, Russell highlighted the severe consequences of the ongoing conflict,...

Egypt has dismissed concerns that a recent court ruling regarding the land use of Sinai's Saint Catherine monastery jeopardizes its UNESCO heritage status, despite warnings from Greek and church authorities. The ruling affirmed the monastery's right to use the land, prompting criticism from Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, who claimed it infringes on religious freedoms and could lead to the property's confiscation. The Egyptian government, however, pledged to uphold the monastery's sacred status and rejected rumors...

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is set to sail for Gaza on Sunday aboard a humanitarian ship organized by the Freedom Flotilla, aimed at protesting the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007. The mission, which includes European Parliament member Rima Hassan, seeks to denounce the humanitarian blockade and raise international awareness regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza. Thunberg's previous attempt to sail to Gaza was thwarted when her ship was struck by a drone...

SummaryLast month, Saudi Arabia's defense minister conveyed a warning to Iranian officials in Tehran, urging them to take President Trump’s nuclear negotiation offer seriously to prevent potential war with Israel. During the April 17 meeting, Prince Khalid bin Salman emphasized that the U.S. administration desires a swift agreement, as the diplomatic window is closing. Iranian officials expressed a willingness to negotiate for economic relief but voiced concerns about the unpredictable nature of U.S. demands regarding...

In Gaza City, chaos has erupted due to food shortages and a breakdown of security, with reports of looting and violence as desperate residents search for aid. An Israeli airstrike killed seven Hamas police officers attempting to restore order amidst increasing lawlessness, while at least 44 people died across the territory, including during a clash at a UN food warehouse. Witnesses described scenes of thousands rushing aid distribution centers, leading to further desperation as many...

SummaryA senior Hamas official announced rejection of a new US ceasefire proposal which includes the exchange of hostages for a 60-day truce, claiming it does not address key demands like ending the war. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly accepting the plan, he maintains Israel will continue military operations until all hostages are released. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 54,249 people killed in Gaza since the war began in October...