Israeli air strike in Gaza ahead of new talks on truce with Hamas
The Hindu
Israel conducts air strike in Gaza amid ceasefire, prepares for talks in Doha with Hamas, risking peace.
Israel carried out an air strike on militants in northern Gaza on Sunday (March 9, 2025), rattling an already fragile ceasefire as it prepared for fresh talks in Doha on the future of its truce with Hamas.
Despite the end of the truce's initial phase a week ago, both sides have refrained from returning to all-out war, though there have been sporadic episodes of violence. Sunday's air strike was the latest of daily strikes reported by Israel since Thursday.
The Palestinian militant group has repeatedly called for an immediate start to negotiations on the ceasefire's second phase, which was negotiated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt aiming to bring a permanent end to the war.
Also Read | Muslim nations adopt Arab alternative to Trump’s Gaza plan
Israel says it prefers an extension of phase one until mid-April, and cut off aid to Gaza over the impasse.
Hamas representatives met mediators in Cairo over the weekend, emphasising the urgent need to resume humanitarian aid deliveries to the territory "without restrictions or conditions", a Hamas statement said.
"We call on mediators in Egypt and Qatar, as well as the guarantors in the US administration, to ensure that the occupation complies with the agreement... and proceeds with the second phase according to the agreed-upon terms," Hamas spokesman, Hazem Qassem, told AFP.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakens to a tropical low, causing flooding and injuries in Queensland and New South Wales.
Over 1,000 dead in Syria clashes, including civilians, security forces, and militants, marking a deadly escalation in violence.
Toronto Police Superintendent describes shooting at Piper Arms pub, 12 injured, suspects at large, motive unclear, community shaken.
House Republicans introduce spending bill for 2025, sparking confrontation with Democrats over government spending and potential shutdown.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurates new consulate in Manchester, highlighting positive shift in India-UK relationship.
Ahmadi community members arrested by police after TLP activists gather outside their place of worship in Karachi.
Russian Defence Ministry recaptures Viktorovka, Nikolayevka, and Staraya Sorochina from Ukraine in Kursk border region.
OIC adopts Arab League counter-proposal to Trump's Gaza takeover plan, urges international support for reconstruction under Palestinian Authority.
Barefoot man climbs Big Ben tower with Palestinian flag, prompting emergency services response in London.
Taliban claims Afghan women's rights are protected, despite ongoing bans on education and employment, as U.N. condemns restrictions.
European Foreign Ministers support Arab-backed Gaza reconstruction plan, emphasizing importance of Palestinian Authority and rejecting Hamas governance.
Pope Francis continues recovery from double pneumonia as Vatican operations proceed, emphasizing pro-life message and volunteer celebration.
Russian attacks in Ukraine kill 14, prompt Zelenskyy to call for more sanctions ahead of US-Ukraine talks.