Displaying items by tag: ceasefire talks

The Israeli government has announced the establishment of Nahal Heletz, the first new West Bank settlement created from scratch since 2017, near Bethlehem. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who pushed for the settlement, stated it will connect Jerusalem to the Etzion settlement bloc and strengthen opposition to a Palestinian state by ‘establishing facts on the ground’. The settlement's formal approval was granted in June, alongside the retroactive legalisation of four illegal outposts. Zoning and construction permits are still required, which could take years. Peace Now, an organisation opposing settlements, says Nahal Heletz will contribute to Israel's ‘de facto annexation’ of the West Bank: ‘It will be an enclave in a Palestinian zone, and will bring about friction and security challenges.’ Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that it will not participate in the indirect talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal due to resume in Doha on 15 August.

Sudan's military commander, Gen Abdel-Fattah Burhan, has survived a drone attack at a military graduation ceremony which killed five people. The attack occurred as the conflict continues between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with military leaders now operating mainly in the east of the country. The drone strike followed the RSF announcement of upcoming ceasefire talks in Switzerland, hosted by the USA and Saudi Arabia. The foreign ministry expressed readiness to participate but emphasised the need to protect civilians and accused the RSF of being the only party attacking cities, villages and civilians. The UN reports that over 4.6 million people have been displaced by the conflict, with many fleeing to safer areas within Sudan or neighbouring countries.