Latest news with #LeadershipCouncil
Daily News Egypt
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Hamas open to long-term Gaza truce but rejects disarmament, adviser says
Hamas is open to a long-term truce with Israel in Gaza but is 'not prepared to lay down its arms,' a senior official said on Saturday, as a delegation from the Palestinian group held ceasefire talks in Cairo. Taher Al-Nono, media adviser to the head of Hamas's political bureau, made the statement while the delegation discussed negotiations covering a potential ceasefire, a framework for prisoner exchange, Israel's complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and reconstruction efforts, according to a Hamas statement. 'The concept of a truce or its duration is not rejected by us, and we are prepared to discuss it within the framework of negotiations,' Al-Nono said, signalling the group's willingness to consider a prolonged ceasefire. 'We are open to any serious proposals to end the war on Gaza.' However, Al-Nono ruled out Hamas agreeing to disarmament, a key Israeli demand for a demilitarised Gaza Strip. 'The resistance's weapons are non-negotiable and will remain in their hands as long as the occupation continues,' he asserted. A Hamas delegation, led by Mohammad Darwish, head of the group's Leadership Council, arrived in Cairo early Saturday and began meetings with Egyptian officials, Hamas reported. Other members included Khaled Meshaal, Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, and Nizar Awadallah. The delegation aimed 'to discuss Hamas's vision for stopping and ending the war and exchanging prisoners based on a comprehensive deal that includes full withdrawal and reconstruction,' the group's statement said. Discussions would also cover 'the repercussions of the occupation's actions in starving our people in Gaza and the need for urgent action to deliver humanitarian aid,' plans for a community support committee to manage Gaza, and internal Palestinian matters, the statement added. Sources close to the Cairo talks told Reuters that Hamas hoped to gain mediator support for its proposal. They indicated the group might agree to a truce of five to seven years in return for an end to the war, reconstruction, the release of Palestinian detainees, and the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Hamas has previously suggested it could agree to a long-term truce for an end to the Israeli occupation, though earlier mentions were part of broader proposals. Separately, Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea travelled to Doha, Qatar, to discuss the ceasefire negotiations, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported. Sources familiar with the negotiations earlier told Daily News Egypt that mediators Egypt and Qatar were expected to present a new proposal to Hamas and Israel, designed to 'balance' the demands of both sides. The proposal, prepared by Egypt in coordination with Qatar and the US administration, resulted from 'contacts and preliminary discussions about new ideas,' the sources said. It reportedly aims for a 'comprehensive agreement' ending the war and establishing a long-term truce of five to seven years, backed by regional and international guarantees for mutual compliance. According to these sources, a 'framework agreement' would involve returning the situation on the ground to its previous state, halting military operations, Israeli army withdrawal to positions held under January 2025 understandings, and admitting aid via an international humanitarian protocol. The talks occur amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Friday that its food stocks for Palestinians in the Strip had run out after a 54-day siege imposed by Israel. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said he had pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. 'I told Netanyahu we must be good to Gaza. These people are suffering, and we will take care of them,' Trump said in remarks aboard the US presidential aircraft, stressing a 'very great need for medicine and food.' Israel resumed its offensive on Gaza on March 18 after a ceasefire that began in January collapsed. Israel said it would continue operations until Hamas releases the 59 remaining hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Aid access to the devastated Strip is heavily restricted by Israel, where hundreds of thousands are displaced. Israeli forces control territory and have declared a buffer zone. Palestinian health authorities state that Israeli strikes since March 18 have killed over 2,000 Palestinians, including many civilians.
Asharq Al-Awsat
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
How Assassinations Reshaped Hamas' Decision-Making Mechanism
Hamas is facing major challenges in its efforts to reorganize after Israel assassinated several high-ranking figures from its political bureau, both in and outside the Gaza Strip, including key figures in the political, military, and governance wings of the movement. During the 58-day truce—collapsed in March—Hamas leaders in Gaza had begun restructuring the organization by appointing new officials to key positions. There was a move to quickly hold internal elections to confirm Khalil al-Hayya as head of the political bureau in Gaza, a decision that was agreed upon due to his previous role as deputy to Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in clashes with Israeli forces in Rafah in October 2024. Administrative Vacuum Al-Hayya, based in Qatar and shuttling between Egypt, Türkiye, and other countries as he leads Hamas' delegation in ceasefire talks, tried to work closely with figures in Gaza such as political bureau members Mohammed al-Jamassi, Yasser Harb, Ismail Barhoum, and Issam al-Daalis to reorganize the movement's internal operations. However, many of these individuals were later assassinated by Israel following the resumption of its military campaign. As a result, Hamas is now grappling with a leadership vacuum inside Gaza, particularly as Israel continues targeting its on-ground operatives. This leadership disruption has contributed to delays in salary disbursement for government employees, although some political and military members received partial payments—up to 60%—on the second day of Eid al-Fitr. Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the salary delays are partly due to the leadership void and the difficulties in decision-making, as many of those responsible for finances and internal affairs have been assassinated. The sources confirmed that the wave of assassinations has significantly impacted the group's internal administration in Gaza. How Hamas Operates Now Leadership in Gaza traditionally handled central and strategic files within Hamas' political bureau, meaning that the assassinations in the Strip had a ripple effect across the broader organization. With the deaths of top leaders like Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July and his successor Yahya Sinwar in Gaza three months later, Hamas formed a temporary governing body known as the 'Leadership Council' to oversee the movement's affairs. Due to the inability to hold internal elections to select a new political bureau chief and deputy, the Leadership Council—comprising regional heads—was empowered to make collective decisions. While the traditional structure relied on consensus among bureau members with deference to the president, vice president, and heads of the West Bank and external wings, the council now makes urgent decisions, consulting other bureau members only when necessary. The council includes political bureau members from Gaza, the West Bank, and abroad, with decisions taken by consensus among those who can be reached—communication challenges within Gaza often complicate this. The de facto head of the Leadership Council is Mohammed Darwish, chair of Hamas' Shura Council, following the assassination of Osama al-Muzaini in an Israeli airstrike on his Gaza City apartment in October 2023. The precise number of council members remains unclear, but sources estimate it includes between 5 and 7 individuals, while the political bureau consists of over 20 positions. Israel has assassinated around 15 Hamas political bureau members in Gaza alone, in addition to leaders abroad like Saleh al-Arouri and Haniyeh. Decision-Making Process According to Hamas sources, for security reasons and the ongoing threat of Israeli targeting, decisions are now made through the Leadership Council without reverting to the Gaza leadership unless in urgent cases. The sources noted that the council briefly assumed this role during the war, particularly just before the last ceasefire in late January. While some normalcy returned during the lull, renewed assassinations and resumed fighting pushed Hamas back into emergency decision-making mode. Nevertheless, the sources stress that there are 'clear red lines'—such as ceasefire negotiations—that require consulting all political bureau members, especially those still in Gaza, and military leaders from the Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing. Among these is Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of Yahya Sinwar, who now leads Qassam after Israel assassinated Mohammed Deif and his deputy Marwan Issa. Hamas sources say Mohammed Sinwar plays a central role in strategic decision-making, especially in military operations and negotiations over Israeli hostages. Still, neither he, nor al-Hayya, nor Darwish can make critical decisions unilaterally; all major moves require consensus between the council, political bureau, and Qassam's military command. The sources acknowledge communication difficulties between Gaza and the outside world due to ongoing security threats and Israeli surveillance, sometimes delaying responses to mediators and stalling negotiations. However, they emphasized that these delays have had limited impact lately, as Israel continues to reject international proposals, diminishing the effect of Hamas' internal constraints on the overall diplomatic process.
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa Tech Festival Announces Leadership Council for 2025
Africa Tech Festival ( the continent's leading platform for technology innovation and connectivity, is proud to announce the esteemed members of its Leadership Council for 2025. Comprising influential leaders from across Africa's technology, business, and investment sectors, the Leadership Council will play a pivotal role in shaping the festival's agenda, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry trends, policy discussions, and digital transformation. The Africa Tech Festival 2025 Leadership Council comprises of: Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, Orange Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Financial Officer, MTN Ghana Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (Shoprite Nigeria) Charles Murito, Regional Director, Government Affairs&Public Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google Dido wa Kalonji, Chief Information Officer, First National Bank – Eswatini Faith Burn, Chief Information Officer, Eskom Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman, APO Group Nina Triantis, Global Head Telecoms, Media and Technology, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank Nomsa Chabeli, Group CEO, SABC Mary Mahuma, Chief Information Officer, Southern Africa, Philip Morris Philip Besiimire, CEO, Vodacom Tanzania President Ntuli, Managing Director, South Africa, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer, Microsoft Africa Ayanda Peta, Chief Information Security Officer, African Rainbow Minerals Richard Cazalet, Executive: Strategy and Transformation, Telkom SA Shamiela Letsoalo, Director: Public Affairs, Naspers Limited Bringing together a wealth of expertise, the Leadership Council will provide strategic guidance to ensure Africa Tech Festival continues to address the most pressing issues and opportunities within Africa's digital economy. Their insights will help drive meaningful discussions on connectivity, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud, and the future of digital infrastructure across Africa. 'Africa Tech Festival serves as a platform for connection, collaboration, and innovation across the continent,' said James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival. 'With the guidance of our Leadership Council, we will continue to curate an event that drives impactful conversations, supports industry growth, and fosters Africa's position as a global technology leader.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival. About Africa Tech Festival 2025: Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The festival encompasses four anchor events: AfricaCom – The continent's largest telecoms and connectivity event AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa's startup ecosystem The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and multiple networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the largest and most influential tech event on the continent. For more information about Africa Tech Festival 2025 and its Leadership Council, visit
Los Angeles Times
26-02-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Dear Angelenos
As we reflect on the devastating wildfires that have recently impacted Los Angeles, we at the Los Angeles Times extend our heartfelt concern to all those affected. The loss, hardship and uncertainty faced by so many Angelenos serve as a solemn reminder of the challenges our city must overcome together. At the same time, we are deeply grateful for the efforts of first responders, community members, and organizations working tirelessly to provide relief and aid during this time of crisis. These events have underscored the urgent need not only to rebuild but to reimagine Los Angeles as a stronger, more resilient city. The scale of devastation is unprecedented – destruction and fire have spread across an area 2.5 times the size of Manhattan, affecting countless lives. This pivotal moment requires leadership, innovation and strategic collaboration to ensure that the future of our city is safe, sustainable, and prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The need to provide support, guidance, and access to world-class expertise as we rebuild is clear. To this end, the Los Angeles Times is proud to partner with a dedicated group of seasoned private-sector leaders and experts to launch a Leadership Council focused on driving and supporting this transformation as we rebuild. The Leadership Council consists of experienced leaders, individuals and organizations who have managed large-scale recovery operations. Their mission is to ensure that Los Angeles rebuilds not just with urgency but with 21st century technology and innovative strategies that will safeguard our city against future tragedies. I am profoundly grateful for the enthusiastic response of these leaders and organizations to this call to action. Their insight and experience will serve as a bridge between the private and academic sectors to the local, state, and federal authorities, offering real-world, actionable solutions to the complex challenges facing Angelenos now. These practical solutions include expert guidance on swiftly and safely removing toxic materials from impacted sites, partnering with utility companies to lay underground power cables to mitigate future fire risks, and identifying fire-resistant building materials. The council will explore advancements such as modernized wireless communication networks, next-generation air filtration systems for cleaner and safer air, and innovative water solutions that extract clean water from the atmosphere. They will also help our community navigate the logistical challenges of securing essential materials on an unprecedented scale, including cement, steel, and fire-resistant furnishings. In addition, the outpouring of support from philanthropic organizations has been immense. The L.A. Times will continue to provide Angelenos with critical information on how to access such support. The challenge before us is immense, but so is the strength and resilience of Angelenos. This council will serve as a beacon of support and guidance, helping our community rebuild with hope, resolve, and a shared commitment to progress. Sincerely,Patrick Soon-Shiong, Chairman, Los Angeles Times
