Trump says Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei not seen after strike – Latest on Middle East crisis
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore naviga...
The Gaza summit held on 13 October in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, is being hailed as a significant diplomatic milestone for securing peace in the region.
European Council President Antonio Costa described the summit as “a day of hope for peace,” emphasising the importance of international commitment to achieving a lasting solution. Costa stated that the European Council would continue its support for border control and police training while expanding humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. He also noted that the European Union has allocated €1.6 billion to the Palestinian Authority to strengthen governance and contribute to the establishment of a democratic, terrorism-free Palestinian state in the future.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country is ready to play an active role in disarming Hamas and monitoring the ceasefire. He stressed that the fulfilment of commitments by all parties and the decommissioning of Hamas weaponry is vital for future peace. Starmer added that the UK would draw on its experience in Northern Ireland with the decommissioning of IRA weapons to support these efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the summit as a “decisive stage” and highlighted the necessity of further diplomatic measures to ensure lasting peace in the region. He also underlined the importance of accelerating humanitarian aid and providing international oversight.
US President Donald Trump called the summit “a day that opens the door to reconstruction.” He noted that Hamas had released the last Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while Israel had freed Palestinian prisoners by bus. Trump added that the reconstruction of Gaza would require demilitarisation and the establishment of a new civilian police force. He also pledged that the US would work to ensure security in the region in the future.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the release of hostages as a “crucial opportunity” to end the Gaza conflict. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said the ceasefire has brought Gaza and Israeli residents “a cautious hope for calm after months of devastation,” adding that the UN and its partners are accelerating humanitarian aid and expanding efforts to meet essential needs.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasised that a two-state solution is “the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and live in peace.” He added that Egypt, in coordination with the US, would take the necessary steps to support the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, including hosting an “Early Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development Conference.” These measures aim to provide Palestinians with livelihoods and hope, highlighting that peace is only complete when reconstruction follows destruction.
During the summit, US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani signed the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Along the route from the airport to the summit centre, large billboards displayed smiling images of Trump and Sisi with the words “Welcome to the Land of Peace.” Trump thanked Sisi for his mediation role following the summit.
Seven heads of state attended the summit, including US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Experts describe the summit as a historic event for regional peace, improving humanitarian conditions, and initiating reconstruction in Gaza. They note that international monitoring and support will play a decisive role in ensuring the sustainability of the ceasefire.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational Command.
Russia has imposed a fine of 35 million roubles (around $432,366) on the messaging platform Telegram for failing to remove content deemed illegal by the authorities, according to the Interfax news agency.
Madagascar's president, Michael Randrianirina announced the appointment of anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, six days after dismissing the previous premier along with the entire cabinet.
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