Jordan, Qatar urge Gaza ceasefire implementation, call on Israel to halt regional military actions

Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani co-chaired the fifth session of the Jordanian-Qatari Joint Higher Committee in Amman on Sunday, with two sides exchanging views and reaching consensus on multiple regional hotspots. In a joint statement, the two sides said the Gaza ceasefire agreement must be fully implemented, urging Israel to ensure the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. They also voiced strong opposition to forcing Palestinians to leave their homes.

The two sides also firmly demanded that Israel halt its military violations in Syria and Lebanon, stressing the need to fully adhere to existing ceasefire agreements.

On the issue of Yemen, they urged all parties to stop hostilities and engage in political dialogue for comprehensive reconciliation so as to jointly ensure long-term security and stability in the region.

In addition, Jordan and Qatar reiterated their opposition to Israel's unilateral recognition of "Somaliland," saying the move is a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter and undermines peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

Jordan, Qatar urge Gaza ceasefire implementation, call on Israel to halt regional military actions

South Africa's National Disaster Management Centre declared a national disaster on Sunday as heavy rains and flooding continued to batter northern parts of the country.

According to local media reports, continuous rainfall since late December has caused severe flooding in Limpopo Province, where at least 17 people, including two children, have died. Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa said in a statement on Sunday that 20 people had been killed in flood-related incidents in Mpumalanga Province.

More than 1,600 homes and 31 schools have been affected in Limpopo, while over 1,000 homes in Mpumalanga have suffered varying degrees of damage. The flooding has also forced the partial closure of Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest wildlife reserves, with more than 600 visitors evacuated after rising waters inundated access roads and campsites.

The South African National Defence Force has deployed two helicopters to assist with rescue operations and evacuate residents stranded in hard-hit areas.

S Africa declares national disaster as flooding batters northern region