Connect with us

News

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Teeter as Stalemate Deepens in Doha

Published

on

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza are teetering on the edge of failure, according to Palestinian officials close to the talks taking place in Qatar.

A senior Palestinian source told the BBC that Israel appeared to be deliberately stalling the process.

The official accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of using the talks merely to “buy time” while Netanyahu visited Washington earlier this week.

The Israeli delegation sent to Doha, the official claimed, lacked the authority to make substantive decisions, particularly on major sticking points such as troop withdrawals and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Despite Netanyahu’s optimistic tone before departing the U.S. on Thursday, expressing hope for an agreement within days, tensions behind the scenes have deepened.

Since the previous Sunday, eight rounds of indirect, or “proximity,” talks have taken place in Doha, with the two parties meeting in separate locations.

These discussions have been mediated by Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, senior Egyptian intelligence officials, and U.S. envoy Brett McGurk.

Throughout the negotiations, the mediators have shuttled between the two delegations, conveying numerous oral and written proposals.

However, by Friday night, Palestinian insiders revealed to the BBC that the talks were close to unraveling.

Both sides were reportedly locked in disagreement over two core issues: how humanitarian aid should be delivered and the scale of Israel’s military pullback from Gaza.

Hamas has insisted that humanitarian relief should be managed by United Nations agencies and international NGOs.

READ ALSO:  US. Vice President calls for stronger US-India ties

In contrast, Israel is pushing for a mechanism backed by itself and the U.S., the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), to oversee aid distribution, a plan that has drawn considerable controversy.

Mediators noted that while some progress had been made in narrowing differences on this point, no final agreement has yet emerged.

More contentious, however, is the dispute over Israeli military positions.

During earlier rounds of negotiation, Israeli representatives reportedly submitted a written message pledging to establish a limited buffer zone within Gaza, extending 1 to 1.5 kilometers deep.

This, Hamas indicated, could serve as a basis for further discussion.

But when Hamas requested a detailed map outlining Israel’s proposed withdrawal zones, the contents contradicted previous promises.

The map revealed Israeli intentions to maintain much deeper buffer zones, up to 3 kilometers in some locations, and retain a military presence across significant areas of Gaza.

The proposed zones included all of Rafah in the south, 85% of Khuzaa near Khan Younis, large sections of Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun in the north, and eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City such as Zeitoun, Shejaiya, and Tuffah.

Palestinian officials said the map undermined any remaining trust, accusing Israel of negotiating in bad faith.

One senior negotiator claimed Israel’s delegation used the talks to project an illusion of progress and support Netanyahu’s diplomatic narrative during his U.S. trip.

“They were never serious about these talks,” the negotiator said.

The same official further alleged that Israel’s broader objective is to forcibly displace Palestinians under the guise of humanitarian planning.

He cited Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s proposal to establish a so-called “humanitarian city” in Rafah as a step toward mass displacement.

READ ALSO:  Trump calls for $9.4 billion cut in funding for public media and foreign aid

Katz had instructed the military to prepare for a new encampment initially housing 600,000 Palestinians, with eventual capacity for Gaza’s full population of over 2 million.

Entry would be conditional upon Israeli security screening, and those inside would not be permitted to leave.

The plan has sparked widespread condemnation, with critics ranging from human rights groups to legal scholars labeling it a blueprint for forced population transfer or even a “concentration camp.”

As the Doha talks hang in the balance, Palestinian officials are urging the U.S. to apply greater pressure on Israel to offer meaningful concessions.

Without stronger intervention, mediators fear the negotiations may collapse entirely, complicating broader regional peace efforts and deepening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

“There is still a narrow window for compromise,” a regional diplomat said.

“But unless something shifts drastically and fast, this process could fall apart.”

The Israeli military campaign in Gaza began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken.

Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that at least 57,823 people have died in the ongoing conflict.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

Published

on

The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.

In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”

Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.

If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.

Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.

Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.

The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.

Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.

Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.

READ ALSO:  2025: How gov Soludo plans to win the Anambra governorship election

“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.

The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.

“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.

Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.

“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.

The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.

Continue Reading

News

2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

Published

on

Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.

“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.

Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.

“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.

When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.

“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.

I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.

The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

Published

on

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.

The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.

President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.

“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.

Details of the JICA Loan Project

The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.

Key components of the project include:

Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines

Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines

Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations

Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses

According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.

“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.

This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.

Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.

He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.

READ ALSO:  Uzodinma allegedly bankrolling moves to impeach Akpabio

The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.

Continue Reading

News

‘Gate of Hell’ Will Open on Gaza’– Israeli Defence Issues Finally Warning to Hamas

Published

on

Hamas militants kill Israeli male hostage, injured two female hostages in Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.

Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.

He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.

“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.

He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.

His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.

The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.

Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.

The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.

Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.

The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.

Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.

READ ALSO:  Outrage as Akwa Ibom Govt. job portal collects Voter Identification Number from applicants

International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.

Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.

The United Nations considers these figures credible.

The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.

Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.

With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.

The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.

Continue Reading

Health

NAFDAC Raises Alarm as Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Nigerian Markets

Published

on

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.

Fake cowbell milk.

NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.

The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.

Picture of Fake cowbell milk.

Picture of Fake cowbell milk.

The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.

Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk

NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.

Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.

Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:

  • Foodborne illnesses
  • Allergic reactions
  • Organ damage
  • Long-term health complications
  • In extreme cases, death

Counterfeit Product Details

  1. Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
  2. Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
  3. Production Date: 04/2025
  4. Expiry Date: 12/2028

Picture of original cowbell milk.

NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning

The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.

Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.

READ ALSO:  Catholic Church Archdiocese In Tanzania Expels Nigerian Priest

Reports can be made through:

The nearest NAFDAC office

Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322

Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.

The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.

This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.

Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.

Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.

By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products

Continue Reading

Latest from DDM TV

Latest Updates

Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

‘Gate of Hell’ Will Open on Gaza’– Israeli Defence Issues Finally Warning to Hamas

NAFDAC Raises Alarm as Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Nigerian Markets

‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Why I’ll never encourage my son to visit Nigeria — Taribo West

Hardship: Man commits suicide in Imo

Canada Announces Permanent Residence Lottery Results for Foreign Workers

First son blocks mother’s burial in imo over alleged settlement dispute

Subscribe to DDM Newsletter for Latest News

Trending

Copyright © 2023 -2024 Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) www.diasporadigitalmedia.com. All Rights Reserved . NOTE: All opinion articles published on Diaspora Digital Media are ENTIRELY those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publishers.

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks