July 2025 | Page 38 of 48

Israel Dispatches Delegation to Qatar for Ceasefire Talks as Gaza Death Toll Climbs by 78

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Doha / Gaza City – July 7, 2025 Amid intensifying diplomatic efforts and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to send a negotiating team to Qatar for renewed ceasefire talks, even as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 78 Palestinians in the last 24 hours. The decision to dispatch the team came after Netanyahu’s office said Israel would “accept the invitation for close talks” in Doha, but maintained that Hamas’s proposed changes to the truce framework are “unacceptable.” The statement did not detail which parts of the proposal Hamas sought to amend. Background to the Talks The move follows Hamas’s announcement on Friday, where the group described its response to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal as “positive.” The proposed deal reportedly includes a 60-day truce, paving the way for hostage releases and increased humanitarian aid. Despite this, Israel’s leadership has rejected some of Hamas’s latest demands, which are believed to include: The Toll of War The war, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks, has left at least 57,338 Palestinians dead and over 135,000 injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israeli airstrikes have flattened neighborhoods, devastated infrastructure, and driven much of the Strip’s population to the brink of famine. On Saturday night, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes across Gaza, including a deadly attack on a UNRWA school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City. Dozens were killed or injured, with funerals held at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital drawing grief-stricken crowds. Hamas and International Pressure Hamas, in its recent statement, reaffirmed its willingness to “immediately enter a new round of negotiations”, signaling readiness to advance the implementation of the current ceasefire framework. The pressure for a truce is mounting as international outrage grows over the humanitarian catastrophe and rising civilian death toll. Aid organizations have warned that Gaza’s situation is spiraling into an unprecedented disaster, with hunger, disease, and mass displacement now rampant. What’s Next? With Israeli envoys en route to Qatar, attention now shifts to whether a viable compromise can be brokered. Netanyahu remains under domestic and international pressure — not just to end the war, but to secure the return of hostages still held in Gaza. But deep mistrust and clashing political interests on both sides may continue to stall progress .

Hamas Seeks Key Amendments to Ceasefire Proposal as Netanyahu Faces Mounting Pressure at Home

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

July 7, 2025 – Gaza/Tel Aviv/Amman Hamas has submitted three major requests for amending the current ceasefire proposal, even as pressure mounts on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a deal for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. According to Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, Hamas’s demands are centered on: Netanyahu Under Fire from Hostage Families Meanwhile, protests erupted across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa over the weekend as families of Israeli hostages still in Gaza demanded urgent action. Only 10 of the estimated 20 surviving hostages would be returned under the current ceasefire proposal. This has led to public outrage and accusations that Netanyahu is blocking the deal for political gain. “His right-wing allies—the reason why Netanyahu is still in power—oppose any deal,” said Salhut, adding that the families believe politics is being prioritized over lives. The Prime Minister is currently on trial for corruption and is expected to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, where Gaza will likely dominate discussions. Far-Right Pressure: ‘Abandon the Path of Surrender’ Hardline figures in Netanyahu’s coalition have also come out strongly against the deal. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared any agreement that involves Israeli troop withdrawal, release of Palestinian prisoners, or resumption of aid as a “reward for terrorism.” “Victory lies in the total conquest of Gaza and halting all humanitarian aid,” Ben-Gvir posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling on Netanyahu to “abandon the path of surrender.” Expert: Netanyahu ‘Hedging His Bets’ Omer Bartov, an Israeli-American scholar of genocide studies, told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu may be intentionally stalling the end of the war to preserve his grip on power. “If Netanyahu agrees to a ceasefire, his government may collapse,” Bartov said.“He’s negotiating cynically—using both the hostages and the war to buy time.” Bartov warned that the current proposal allows Netanyahu to later accuse Hamas of non-compliance and resume military operations, thereby maintaining the conflict.

Nigeria, Togo Set to Defend Titles at 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships in Lagos

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Defending champions Nigeria and Togo are gearing up to retain their titles at the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 19 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Nigeria, the region’s most decorated team, will defend its women’s team title, which it retained in Lomé last year. Meanwhile, Togo will aim to secure a second consecutive men’s team title, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nigeria in the 2024 final. This year’s championship will feature strong competition from across the region, with Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger Republic, and Sierra Leone joining the fray. In the singles events, Nigeria’s top-ranked player, Matthew Kuti, will defend his men’s singles title. Kuti made history last year in Lomé by defeating Côte d’Ivoire’s Oba Oba Kizito 4-1 to claim his first regional crown. A repeat victory would make him the first male player to win back-to-back singles titles in the tournament’s history. The women’s singles title is open for the taking following the absence of reigning champion Hope Udoaka of Nigeria, setting the stage for a new champion to emerge. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships, to be held later this year in Rwanda. With the advantage of home support and the largest player contingent, Nigeria is also eyeing a return to the top in the men’s team event. Participation has reached a new high, with over 10 countries confirmed, surpassing previous editions that peaked at nine. Notably, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Niger Republic are returning to the competition after years of absence. “All eyes will be on Nigeria,” said Ferdinand Sonou, Vice President of ITTF Africa West Region and former President of the Benin Table Tennis Federation. “Nigeria has a proven track record of hosting international competitions, and teams always look forward to playing here. This tournament marks the beginning of a series of international events in Lagos, and I believe we’ll witness the emergence of new stars alongside the established ones.” Sonou also commended ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi for his continued support, noting that the increased number of participating teams reflects the growing strength of table tennis in the region. The 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships promise high-stakes action, intense rivalries, and a celebration of West African table tennis excellence.

Mission X: Super Falcons Trounce Tunisia, Look Forward to Clash with Botswana

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

A fourth minute strike by six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala steered the Super Falcons to a comfortable 3-0 victory over their Tunisian counterparts as the nine-time champions got their challenge for a 10th continental title smoothly off the ground in Casablanca on Sunday. Rinsola Babajide, from the left side of the field, floated the ball from a free-kick, and as defender Ashley Plumptre missed contact, the USA-based Oshoala met the ball with a glancing header to force the ball past goalkeeper Soulaima Jabrani at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Morocco’s industrial and economic capital. Oshoala came close to doubling the advantage in the 16th minute, but defender Norhene Bettoumi was alert and diverted the ball as the forward was set to pull the trigger from Toni Payne’s cross. Deborah Abiodun’s left-footed shot in the 37th minute did not have enough power behind it, but two minutes into added time of the first period, Babajide packed enough power into her shot as she stormed past Chaima Alabbassi and blasted past Jabrani for Nigeria’s second of the evening. Just before the break, Ashleigh Plumptre thought she had got Nigeria’s third off a header from Babajide’s corner kick, but her effort was disallowed. In the second half, Plumptre, forever adventurous, rattled Jabrani with a sharp shot, and four minutes later, substitute Esther Okoronkwo’s sharp delivery begged for connection. Osinachi Ohale missed from close range as Nigeria chased the ball in a melee from a free-kick in the 62nd minute. At the other end, the veteran defender was fortunate not to be penalized after bringing down the lively Salma Zemzem in Nigeria’s vital area. True to character, Okoronkwo bustled and hustled, and came pretty close with nine minutes left when she turned a defender and saw the ball hit the upfront from her shot. Three minutes later, she was jumping for joy when her knockdown, from Plumptre’s cross, found fellow substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo in the right place to slot the ball past Jabrani for Nigeria’s third. In added time, Plumptre’s clever header almost got Jabrani befuddled, but there was still time for Zemzem to rattle goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s crossbar. Victory handed the Super Falcons three precious points and momentary leadership of group B, ahead of the clash between Algeria and Botswana.

Brazil hosts BRICS summit; Russia’s Putin China’s Xi skip Rio trip

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Leaders expected to decry US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateralism. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh exchange gifts during a meeting at Fort Copacabana, in Rio deLeaders of the growing BRICS group are gathering in Brazil for a summit overshadowed by United States President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateralism. The leaders, mainly from the developing world, will be discussing ways to increase cooperation amid what they say are serious concerns over Western dominance at their two-day summit that begins in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The BRICS acronym is derived from the initial letters of the founding member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc, which held its first summit in 2009, later added Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as full members. It also has 10 strategic partner countries, a category created last year, that includes Belarus, Cuba and Vietnam. But for the first time since taking power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending in person, instead sending Prime Minister Li Qiang. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also miss in-person attendance as he is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would be required to enforce the arrest warrant. The notable absences are raising questions over the group’s cohesion and global clout. Now chaired by Brazil, leaders at the BRICS summit are expected to decry the Trump administration’s “indiscriminate” trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. Global health policies, artificial intelligence and climate change will also be on the agenda. The BRICS countries say they represent almost half of the world’s population, 36 percent of global land area, and a quarter of the global economic output. The bloc sees itself as a forum for cooperation between countries of the Global South and a counterweight to the Group of Seven (G7), comprised of leading Western economic powers. However, behind the scenes, divisions are evident. According to a source quoted by The Associated Press news agency, some member states are calling for a firmer stance on Israel’s war in Gaza and its recent strikes on Iran. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will be attending the Rio summit. But Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from Rio, said the group’s aim remains clear. “The BRICS goal is to exert pressure for a multipolar world with inclusive global governance to give a meaningful voice to the Global South, especially in the trading system,” she said. “It’s not super organised, nor does it have a radical global impact,” Newman added. “The real question is, can an expanded BRICS whose members have very different political systems and priorities form a sufficiently unified bloc to have any significant impact?”

Texas Flood Disaster: 50 Dead, 27 Children Still Missing From Summer Camp

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS — The search for survivors continues after devastating flash floods swept through central Texas, leaving at least 50 people dead, including 15 children, and 27 children still missing from a Christian summer camp in Kerr County. The floods, fueled by torrential overnight rains, caused the Guadalupe River to rise a staggering 26 feet in just 45 minutes, washing away homes, campsites, and vehicles before dawn on Friday. Authorities say 850 people have been rescued so far. The majority of fatalities were reported in Kerr County, located about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that many of the victims were children, including those staying at Camp Mystic, which housed 700 girls at the time of the disaster. Officials say the floodwaters struck suddenly and ferociously while most people were asleep, leading to fears that many were caught unaware. Another girls’ camp in the area, Heart O’ the Hills, reported the death of its co-owner, Jane Ragsdale, though no campers were present at the time. With questions mounting over the adequacy of early warnings, residents and families are demanding answers. “They knew there might be rain, they just didn’t know when or where it would hit,” said Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro. “Evacuations didn’t happen in time.” Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the number of missing, especially among unregistered visitors who were camping near the river for the Independence Day weekend. President Donald Trump responded Saturday, promising federal support and announcing that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would be deployed to the disaster area. “Our brave first responders are doing what they do best,” Trump said on Truth Social. Emergency officials vow to continue air, ground, and water-based search efforts until every missing person is found. The tragedy draws haunting parallels to a 1987 flood in the same region, which claimed the lives of 10 teenagers from a church camp. As the floodwaters recede, Texas faces tough questions—not only about climate resilience but about how many more lives might have been saved with better preparation.

Throwback: Reno Omokri Reignites Allegation of Drug Links Against President Tinubu

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

2027: Martha Agba South-South APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for Second Term

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Prominent political leader Martha Agba joined key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benin City for a high-level South-South Stakeholders Meeting, where the region formally reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 general elections. The strategic gathering brought together a formidable coalition of APC faithful, including Governors of Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River States, zonal party executives, and former governors—most notably Senator Ben Ayade of Cross River State. The President of the Senate led a robust delegation of National Assembly members from the region, underscoring growing internal unity and the APC’s preparedness to retain national leadership. Addressing the gathering, Martha Agba restated her unwavering support for President Tinubu and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, pledging to continue mobilizing grassroots support for their re-election efforts. She also used the platform to encourage young women across the South-South to take active roles in politics, urging them to prepare for elective positions in 2027. “Inclusive participation is essential for a truly representative democracy,” she said. The meeting concluded with the Senate President delivering the closing remarks and reading a communiqué in which the APC South-South leaders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their candidate for a second term. With this endorsement, the APC aims to consolidate its base across the South-South, rallying support amid a tightening race as opposition forces also mobilize nationwide.