On the sidelines of UN meet, US Secretary of State Blinken discussed with allies the proposal for a 21-day immediate ceasefire at the Israel-Lebanon border & further de-escalation in Gaza.
A joint statement was signed after discussions at the UN Wednesday by several nations calling for diplomatic negotiation & resolution of the conflict, while also advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Some far-right partners in Netanyahu's coalition have vowed to quit if the war ends before Israel has eradicated Hamas & freed the hostages, a move that could bring down his government.
Earlier, Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aimed at ending the seven-month Gaza conflict, despite Israel deeming the offer inadequate.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Israel’s uncompromising attitude and worsening situation in Gaza prompted the halt. The two nations had trade volume of $6.8 billion in 2023.
Blinken said he agreed with Arab foreign minister in Cairo to gather experts in coming days to identify urgent, practical & concrete steps needed to increase flow of assistance.’
Hamas said initial release of Israelis would include women, children, elderly, and ill hostages in exchange for release of 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners, according to proposal.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘doesn’t want to reach an agreement and the ball now is in the Americans’ court.’
Since 1979, Iran has used the Palestinian issue as a façade for its regional agenda to oppose American diplomacy, the Western world, and the existence of Israel.
In Episode 1544 of CutTheClutter, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at some top economists pointing to the pitfalls of ‘currency nationalism’ with data from 1991 to 2004.
The decorated Naga officer from Manipur also served as envoy to Myanmar & Nagaland chief secy. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a museum dedicated to the Tawang hero Thursday.
Congress is silently acknowledging it over-read verdict of last general election. You can see it in easy concession to SP. It will likely be more reasonable in Maharashtra & Jharkhand.
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