Fears of renewed Gaza war as Hamas disarmament talks stall
BBC reports that talks on the timetable for Hamas disarmament have stalled, raising fears of a renewed war in Gaza. Mediators Egypt and Qatar are working on a new proposal formula. Humanitarian organisations are weighing measures against the rising risk.
The BBC reports that negotiations on the timetable for Hamas disarmament, launched after the Gaza ceasefire, have reached a serious sticking point. Diplomatic sources close to the talks said the parties have not found common ground on security guarantees and the international oversight mechanism. The impasse has heightened concerns about a possible return to war.
Egypt and Qatar are working on a new proposal framework to get negotiations back on track. UN sources said keeping civilian aid corridors open has been prioritised. Field hospital capacity in Gaza remains limited.
Hamas said it will not accept a disarmament timetable without a lasting ceasefire and a prisoner-exchange deal. Israeli officials said the ceasefire cannot move forward without verified disarmament. Humanitarian agencies have started updating their stockpile and staffing plans against the risk of renewed fighting.
More from Middle East
Ailing Iranian Nobel laureate granted bail and transferred to hospital
BBC reports that an Iranian Nobel-laureate human rights activist whose health deteriorated in prison has been granted bail. The activist has been transferred to hospital for treatment. The decision follows sustained international calls for medical access.
Iranian activist tells BBC fear of war restarting intensifies trauma of repression
A woman activist with a history of detention in Tehran told the BBC that post-war security pressure has increased in Iran. Human rights organisations have reported a marked acceleration in the wave of detentions. The pressure, which also weighs on the economy, is fuelling social anxiety.
Bowen: Strait of Hormuz standoff raises risk of sliding back into all-out war
BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen warns that the US and Iran's mutual pressure in the Strait of Hormuz has put the fragile ceasefire at serious jeopardy, risking a return to full-scale conflict.