The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels have agreed on a declaration of principles in Qatar on Saturday. The ceasefire aims to halt fighting and pave the way for broader peace talks, though major challenges remain.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 19th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Congo and the M23 rebel group have agreed on a declaration of principles after months of Qatar-mediated talks, aiming to end fighting in the country’s east.
A landmark accord between Türkiye and Qatar on global humanitarian cooperation has officially taken effect, paving the way for joint relief operations in third countries.
The Pentagon confirmed that one Iranian ballistic missile struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last month, causing minimal damage. Most missiles were intercepted by U.S. and Qatari air defenses during the largest Patriot missile engagement in U.S. history.
A delegation of senior Qatari officials held a three-hour meeting with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff at The White House on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations, a source familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that a negotiating team will travel to Qatar for talks on a Gaza ceasefire proposal, despite rejecting recent amendments requested by Hamas.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s president has pledged to pursue justice for victims of the conflict in the east despite a peace deal with Rwanda, calling the accord a hopeful yet fragile step toward regional stability.
Tajikistan and Qatar are exploring ways to strengthen their bilateral relationship, focusing on expanding cooperation in economics, trade, and investment.
Qatar’s prime minister said on Tuesday that relations with Iran had been damaged by Tehran’s recent missile attack on a U.S. airbase in Qatar, but expressed hope that ties could eventually return to normal.
Iran has praised Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in helping ease regional tensions following a spike in hostilities between Tehran and Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now in effect, urging both sides not to violate it. This came just hours after Iran launched multiple missile attacks, killing four people in the Israeli city of Beersheba.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has temporarily barred its personnel from entering Al Udeid Air Base due to rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and ongoing regional developments, Qatar’s Amiri Diwan announced Saturday evening.
Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to help Syria by supplying electricity, paying off Syria’s World Bank debts, and providing financial support to cover public sector salaries for three months.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide joint financial support for Syrian state employees, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced during a visit to Damascus, as regional efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction gain momentum.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate telephone discussions on Thursday with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and senior members of Hamas’ political bureau, focusing on escalating humanitarian and security crises in Gaza and Syria.
The Trump administration has formally accepted a Boeing 747 jet gifted by Qatar, instructing the Air Force to evaluate how quickly the plane can be upgraded for possible use as the next Air Force One.
Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. continue coordinated efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns.
A new round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel is underway in Qatar's Doha, Hamas official Taher al-Nono told Reuters on Saturday.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Qatar's plans to invest $10 billion in the Al Udeid Air Base, alongside a $42 billion Qatari defense purchase, during his Gulf tour, which has fostered significant diplomatic and business developments.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Qatar has denied reports of gifting a luxury jet to President Trump for use as Air Force One, stating the matter is still under legal review with no final decision made.
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