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The National
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
US hostage envoy describes 'new sense of ability' to achieve deal with Hamas
US hostage envoy Adam Boehler said he is optimistic about a potential deal between Hamas and Israel that would involve the release of hostages from Gaza. During an appearance on CNN's State of the Union, Mr Boehler told anchor Jake Tapper that negotiations were down to 'little details' and that in his opinion, mentalities have changed significantly in recent months. 'I think that post Israel winning in Iran, there's a new sense of ability to get something done,' he said, cautioning that he felt Hamas was still being 'hardheaded', while Israel was 'bending over backwards'. Mr Boehler also spoke about the two deceased Americans believed to be remaining in Gaza, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, saying that it was still a major priority for the administration to recover their bodies and 'get them home'. He claimed that during previous occasions when Hamas had turned down potential deals, their negotiating position weakened. 'So my recommendation to Hamas would be take the deal that Israel and the United States is offering you,' he continued. 'Let's get some people home and let's move to end this conflict.' As of June, it was estimated that 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Back in March, Mr Boehler was the source of controversy for the Trump White House when he described Hamas as 'nice guys' and said his country was 'not an agent of Israel'. He later said in a social media post: 'I want to be crystal clear as some have misinterpreted. Hamas is a terrorist organisation that has murdered thousands of innocent people. They are by definition bad people.' Israel's campaign in Gaza – which followed the 2023 attacks by Hamas-led fighters on Israel that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the capture of 240 hostages – has killed nearly 58,895 people and injured more than 140,980. The latest round of Gaza talks mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt began on July 6. On Sunday, sources told The National that Hamas was considering giving Israel and Gaza ceasefire mediators until the end of the week to reach a deal that would end the war or it would withdraw from the current talks in Doha and only return if proposals for a comprehensive deal are on the table. Also on Sunday, the Gaza Health Ministry said at least 85 Palestinians waiting for aid had been killed in Gaza – the deadliest day yet for aid-seekers in over 21 months of war. The deaths included 79 people trying to reach aid entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel in northern Gaza, the ministry said. More than 150 people were injured, some of them left in critical condition.
Zawya
a day ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Doha agreement brings Democratic Republic (DR) Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace
An agreement signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) has been hailed by the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUSCO) as 'an important step toward sustainable peace. In a statement released on 19 July, MONUSCO said that the Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, 'reflects the parties' resolve to prioritize peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.' 'This important declaration marks a shift toward easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict,' declared Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO. 'We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good faith implementation.' Those commitments include measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin, and the encouragement of inclusive dialogue, seen as vital to addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace. Earlier this year, the M23 launched an offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu. Thousands of civilians were killed, hundreds of thousands more were displaced, and serious human rights violations were committed. The Declaration of Principles comes less than a month after a peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda, long accused by the Congolese government of supporting the M23. The Mission's statement highlighted the Declaration's emphasis on civilian protection and support for the ceasefire, with assistance from MONUSCO and other partners, and reaffirmed its readiness to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism. MONUSCO's statement concluded by urging all parties to honour their commitments, act in good faith throughout the process, and prioritise human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Congo and rebels sign declaration to end conflict
Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decades-long fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement that would include the restoration of state authorities in key eastern cities controlled by the insurgents. Congo and the M23 rebels committed to "building trust" through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar's minister of state, said at a briefing on Saturday. It was not immediately clear if the declaration involves M23's withdrawal from cities it controls, as the two parties seemed to interpret the agreement differently. Bertrand Bisimwa, an M23 leader, said on X that the declaration is "not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations". M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka told The Associated Press in a telephone call: "We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out." À peine la déclaration de Principes signé, le régime de Kinshasa en viole déjà l'esprit par une campagne de désinformation. Nulle part il n'a été demandé à l'AFC/M23 de se retirer des zones libérées. La clause stipule la "restauration de l'autorité de l'État sur toute l'étendue… — Lawrence KANYUKA (@LawrenceKanyuka) July 19, 2025 However, Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account "the non-negotiable withdrawal" of the rebels, followed by the deployment of government forces and institutions. Backed by neighbouring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congo's mineral-rich east. With seven million people displaced in Congo, the UN has called the conflict in eastern Congo "one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on earth". Saturday's signing is the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. A final peace deal is to be signed no later than August 18, and it "shall align with the Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda," facilitated by the US in June, according to a copy of the declaration seen by AP.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles to end conflict in eastern Congo
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decadeslong fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement that would include the restoration of state authorities in key eastern cities controlled by the insurgents. Congo and the M23 rebels committed to 'building trust' through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar's minister of state, said at a briefing. It was not immediately clear if the declaration involves M23's withdrawal from cities it controls, as the two parties seemed to interpret the agreement differently. Bertrand Bisimwa, an M23 leader, said on X that the declaration is 'not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations.' M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka told The Associated Press in a telephone call: 'We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out.' However, Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account 'the non-negotiable withdrawal' of the rebels, followed by the deployment of government forces and institutions. Backed by neighboring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congo's mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the U.N. has called the conflict in eastern Congo 'one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.' Saturday's signing is the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. A final peace deal is to be signed no later than Aug. 18, and it 'shall align with the Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda,' facilitated by the U.S. in June, according to a copy of the declaration seen by AP. M23 had been pushing for the release of its members held by Congo's military, many of them facing the death sentence. Congo had requested the withdrawal of the rebels from seized territories. 'The Declaration of Principles signed today paves the way for direct negotiations towards a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict,' the Qatari minister said. Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Ministry called it 'a significant step forward" in ending the conflict. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that America remains committed to supporting 'a peace that results in the restoration of (Congolese) authority and inclusive governance' in the region. In Goma, the city at the center of the conflict, locals received the news of the signing with mixed feelings, with most expressing doubts over the possibility of a lasting peace without a provision for victims of the decadeslong conflict. 'We cannot build peace without justice and reparation,' said Amani Muisa, a resident of Goma. The document touches on most of the highlights of the peace deal Congo and Rwanda signed on June 27, including the protection and safe return of millions who fled the conflict. Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump who attended the Doha-led talks, said on Saturday: 'It is time to find a final solution' to the conflict, reiterating that the most important article of the agreement is the affirmation of state control in rebel-held territories. 'The issue requires dialogue, and following up on this dialogue and requires persistence,' Boulos said. Another key issue the two sides will have to face is whether Rwanda will stop supporting the rebels, including the thousands of troops that the United Nations experts said are in eastern Congo. When Rwanda and Congo signed the peace deal in Washington, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda agreed to lift its 'defensive measures' — suggesting a reference to its troops in eastern Congo — once Congo neutralizes an armed group whose members Kigali accuses of carrying out the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Analysts have said it is going to be difficult for the M23 rebels to withdraw from the eastern Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu and that it would depend on concessions the Congolese authorities agree to make. There have also been doubts about long-lasting peace if justice for the victims of the war is not addressed. ___ Associated Press journalists Ahmed Hatem in Cairo, Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo and Justin Kabumba in Goma, Congo contributed to this report. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Congo, M23 rebels pledge in Qatar to reach peace deal next month
By Imad Creidi DOHA (Reuters) -Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group pledged to sign a peace agreement by August 18, at a ceremony in Doha on Saturday, a sign of progress even as outstanding details need to be negotiated. Representatives of both sides signed a declaration of principles laying out the new timeline, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters, at the ceremony that followed months of Qatari mediation after talks began in April. The United States, which has hosted separate talks between the governments of Congo and Rwanda, has exerted pressure to finalise a durable peace deal in Congo. President Donald Trump has made clear he hopes that would spur Western investment into a country rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium and other minerals. Last month, the Rwandan and Congolese foreign ministers signed a peace deal and met with Trump at the White House. Trump at the time invited Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Washington to sign a package of agreements potentially including economic deals. The U.S. welcomed the declaration of principles between Congo and the rebels and urged continued discussions to reach a full peace agreement. "We commend the Parties for taking this meaningful step toward advancing lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region," U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. The rebel group M23, in the latest of a series of uprisings, has controlled Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, since late January and has also made gains across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Rwanda has long denied allegations that it has helped M23, which has seized more territory in Congo than it has ever previously held. The fighting has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year, while escalating the risk of a full-scale regional war. Several of Congo's neighbours had troops deployed in eastern Congo when the advance began. Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi said at a news conference Saturday's declaration "lays the groundwork for a new phase of partnership among the various components of society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - including armed movements that have chosen to prioritise the greater national interest." It was brought about by talks that followed a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, brokered by Qatar in March, during which they called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire. Congo had previously rejected the idea of holding talks with M23, branding it a terrorist group. While denying it has supported M23, Rwanda has said its forces have acted in self defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. POINTS OF CONTENTION Sources in both delegations have expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations in Doha and the lack of progress on confidence-building measures including the release of M23 members held by Congo and the re-opening of banks in rebel-held territory. The declaration of principles does not resolve those issues, instead committing the parties to "creating the necessary conditions" to eventually do so. It also does not address bigger questions concerning the possible Rwandan and M23 withdrawals from eastern Congo. It says Congo and M23 agree state authority should be restored "on all national territories" as part of an eventual peace agreement but does not give details. Congo government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya nevertheless said on X on Saturday that the declaration "takes into account the red lines we have always defended, including the non-negotiable withdrawal" of M23. Negotiations for a peace agreement are to start no later than August 8, according to the declaration, which would give the parties less than two weeks to finalise a deal if they stick to their new August 18 deadline. "We are confident and we are hopeful," Massad Boulos, Trump's senior adviser for Africa, told Reuters after Saturday's ceremony in Doha, adding that Tshiskedi and Kagame "have both committed to resolving this." Solve the daily Crossword
