Stalled Cease-fire Negotiations in Cairo
The talks between Israel and Hamas hit a roadblock once again, causing more uncertainty for Israeli hostages’ families and no immediate relief for Palestinians in Gaza. Mediators struggled to close the remaining gaps, leading to a Hamas delegation walking out of the discussions, according to officials.
The primary issue revolved around the duration of the cease-fire, with Hamas pushing for a permanent agreement while Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, only considered a temporary pause in hostilities. Netanyahu’s threat of a ground offensive in Rafah, with or without a deal, further complicated the situation.
Hamas pointed fingers at Netanyahu for the lack of progress, while Israel and the U.S. accused Hamas of delaying a resolution. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of ending the war to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military capabilities and posing a threat to communities across Israel.
Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Visit to Europe
China’s President, Xi Jinping, made his first trip to Europe in five years, starting with a visit to France where he was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron. The European Union Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will also participate in their discussions in Paris.
Xi’s itinerary includes stops in Serbia and Hungary, where all three nations are aligning to some extent with China’s vision for a new global order. This shift challenges the traditional dominance of the U.S. and may strain Europe’s ties with its Western allies.
Upcoming: Xi’s visit to Serbia coincides with the 25th anniversary of NATO’s accidental bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, an event that China continues to use to criticize Western actions.
Ukraine’s Challenge in Identifying Fallen Soldiers
Two years into the conflict in Ukraine, concerns arise over the military’s ability to track and identify thousands of deceased soldiers. Some are believed to be in Russian captivity, while others remain unidentified in morgues, complicating the process of determining the true toll of the war.
The nature of trench warfare has left many bodies abandoned in buffer zones, making it difficult to ascertain the exact number of casualties.
Statistics: President Zelensky estimated 31,000 soldiers killed, with an additional half missing. U.S. estimates suggest a much higher death toll of 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers by August last year.
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2024-05-05 23:19:33
Post from www.nytimes.com
