Hamas accepts ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
"The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, urging Israel not to obstruct the plan.
The leader of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, announced the decision on Eid al-Fitr, a holiday following the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, emphasising their commitment to mediation efforts.
Al-Hayya said that the weapons of the resistance are a red line.
Meanwhile, Israel has countered with its own proposal, reportedly seeking the release of more captives.
The push for a deal comes amid renewed Israeli air strikes on Gaza, which have killed over 920 people since March 18.
In its war on Gaza, Israel has killed more than 50,200 Palestinians since October 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on Israel."
Academy apologizes after backlash over Palestinian filmmaker’s arrest
"The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued an apology after its initial response to the arrest of Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal sparked outrage.
Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning No Other Land, was assaulted by Israeli settlers and detained by Israeli forces before his release.
Critics slammed the Academy’s vague statement, prompting a stronger follow-up.
While it now explicitly mentions Ballal and reiterates its condemnation of violence and suppression of free speech, it does not directly name Israel.
No Other Land won Best Documentary for exposing Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes.
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Syria's al Sharaa unveils new government
"A new chapter for Syria has begun as President Ahmad al Sharaa unveiled the newly formed government, emphasizing a commitment to rebuilding state institutions grounded in transparency and accountability.
Speaking at a ceremony in Damascus, al Sharaa declared the government’s mission to advance education, healthcare and tackle corruption.
The cabinet, comprising 22 ministers—including the first woman—covers key sectors, from defence to culture.
The groundbreaking change in Syria comes after al Sharaa’s leadership, following the ousting of Bashar Assad’s regime."
Sudanese army secures key area from paramilitary RSF
"Sudan's army has announced it has seized control of the crucial Souq Libya market in Omdurman, a key area previously utilised by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces for attacks during the two-year conflict.
The new development follows the army's declaration of victory in the capital Khartoum.
Souq Libya, a major commercial hub, was left abandoned by the Rapid Support Forces, who fled, leaving behind weapons and equipment.
While the army already held much of Omdurman, it aims to secure the entire capital area.
The Rapid Support Forces has yet to comment.
The UN has described the war, triggered by a power struggle, as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, causing widespread displacement, hunger and ethnic violence.
Estimates suggest tens of thousands have died. The conflict has further destabilised the region. "
Myanmar quake death toll exceeds 1,600
"The death toll from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand has surpassed 1,600.
Myanmar's military junta reports at least 1,644 dead and over 3,400 injured, with the toll expected to rise.
The quake, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock, devastated Mandalay and surrounding regions.
Rescue efforts continue as the isolated areas struggle with severe damage, including collapsed buildings and infrastructure.
Amid the destruction, survivors are calling for urgent aid, with some fearing more casualties are trapped in the rubble."
30 March 2025, 12:00 am