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Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be implemented in three phases

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Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be implemented in three phases

2025-01-16 12:35 Last Updated At:16:37

The Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal reached between Israel and Hamas will be implemented in three phases, according to the agreement.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said the two conflicting parties in Gaza have reached an agreement regarding the exchange of hostages and prisoners and return to sustainable calm that would lead to a permanent ceasefire.

This agreement marks a breakthrough after about 15 months of devastating conflict.

Al Thani noted that implementation of the agreement will begin on Sunday, Jan 19.

According to the agreement, Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase, spanning six weeks, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. A full and complete ceasefire will be realized and humanitarian aid can enter Gaza in this stage as Israeli forces start to withdraw from Gaza.

In the second phase, Hamas will release the remaining hostages and Israel will fully withdraw its troops. In the third and last phase, Hamas will return the remains of the deceased captives and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip shall begin.

Al Thani emphasized Qatar's continued commitment, alongside Egypt and the United States, to oversee the agreement's implementation and address any potential violations.

Monitoring teams from the three countries will ensure adherence to the agreement and take necessary steps to maintain stability, he said.

Noting that this agreement is a step toward achieving sustainable peace in the region, Al Thani said that Qatar is working closely with all parties to ensure its success.

Since the conflict erupted last October, the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza has risen to more than 46,700, according to the Gaza-based health authorities on Wednesday.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be implemented in three phases

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be implemented in three phases

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Women, children face dire struggles amid ongoing Sudan armed conflict

2025-02-09 17:43 Last Updated At:19:47

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has triggered a humanitarian crisis, leaving millions in Sudan, especially women and children, struggling with food insecurity, displacement, and violence.

The armed conflict that erupted in Sudan in mid-April 2023 has been ongoing for nearly two years, creating a severe humanitarian disaster in the country. A recent report released by the United Nations indicates that by 2025, more than 15 million women in Sudan will require humanitarian assistance.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)'s report -- "Sudan: Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 - Overview" -- highlights that Sudanese women and children are disproportionately affected by the conflict, facing more acute challenges such as food shortages, survival crises, and the risk of gender-based violence.

The report reveals that approximately 24.6 million people in Sudan are in a state of "severe food insecurity" or worse, with women and children being particularly vulnerable. They face greater difficulties in accessing food, drinking water, healthcare, and ensuring their personal safety.

"Life is so hard. We don't have clean drinking water, and the water supply in grocery stores has also been cut off. We are short of food and water, and we are in despair. The prices of everything are continuously rising," said Sakina Ahmed, a resident.

Due to the severe damage and shortages in healthcare facilities, the situation for pregnant women and newborns in Sudan is dire. According to data from Sudan's Ministry of Health, 295 out of every 100,000 pregnant women die, and 51 out of every 1,000 newborns die.

Additionally, Sudan's education system has been severely disrupted by the conflict. Over 10,000 schools have been closed as a result of the fighting, and more than 90 percent of the 19 million school-age children are unable to access formal education, with girls being particularly affected by school dropouts, the report said.

"I was an eighth-grade student, but because of the conflict, I've been out of school for one year and four months," said Asrar Essam.

According to a statement by the UN resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, the armed conflict, along with the resulting mass displacement of people and widespread food insecurity, has led to a significant increase in gender-based violence, including sexual assaults.

The UN has called on Sudan to establish non-violent response mechanisms and strengthen accountability systems to safeguard the safety and dignity of all vulnerable groups. Most importantly, the UN has emphasized the urgent need to end the armed conflict and restore peace and stability.

Women, children face dire struggles amid ongoing Sudan armed conflict

Women, children face dire struggles amid ongoing Sudan armed conflict

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