Connect with us

World News

Thousands Return to Gaza City as Ceasefire Takes Effect

Published

on

Share this:

(DDM) – Thousands of displaced Palestinians have begun a mass return from southern Gaza to Gaza City following the long-awaited ceasefire that took effect in the early hours of Friday.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) correspondent gathered that after months of relentless bombardment, starvation, and displacement, families are now making the difficult trek northward on foot, through rubble-strewn roads, destroyed bridges, and military checkpoints, to reclaim what remains of their homes.

For many, the journey is one of both relief and despair. Carrying sacks of clothes, blankets, and small bundles of food, they walked for miles under the burning sun, guided by memories of neighborhoods that no longer exist.

Children clutched the hands of weary parents, while elderly men and women leaned on makeshift walking sticks, determined to see the places they once called home.

Residents described mixed emotions upon arrival, tears of joy for surviving the war, and tears of heartbreak as they found entire communities turned to dust.

One returnee, 45-year-old Mariam Abu Samir, told DDM that her home in the Shuja’iyya district was flattened. “When I got here, I couldn’t even tell where my house used to stand,” she said.

“All I saw was stones, twisted metal, and ashes. But this is still my home. We have to start again somehow.”

Witnesses said the once-vibrant Gaza City, known for its bustling markets and colorful seaside, now lies in ruins. Streets that once echoed with the sounds of children playing are now filled with silence and the smell of decay.

Entire apartment blocks have collapsed, and burnt-out vehicles line the main roads.

READ ALSO:  US returns 500-year-old Hernán Cortés manuscript stolen from Mexico

Electricity and running water remain scarce. Many residents now depend on rainwater collection, while aid groups warn that disease outbreaks could spread due to contaminated wells and the accumulation of corpses still trapped beneath rubble.

Humanitarian convoys from Egypt and the United Nations have begun moving north, delivering food, medicine, and temporary shelters.

Still, relief workers told DDM that the level of destruction is “beyond imagination.”

The ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, reportedly includes terms for the exchange of prisoners, the gradual reopening of border crossings, and expanded humanitarian corridors.

However, skepticism remains high. Many Gazans recall previous ceasefires that quickly collapsed amid renewed violence.

Dr. Rami Al-Khaled, a political analyst based in Ramallah, told DDM that the truce offers “a narrow but critical window for rebuilding lives and trust.” He added, “The people of Gaza have endured one of the longest humanitarian catastrophes in modern history.

The question now is whether this ceasefire will finally translate into lasting peace.”

According to health officials, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, with thousands more missing. Hospitals remain overwhelmed, operating from tents and damaged facilities.

The health ministry has appealed for international assistance to restore basic medical services.

As night fell over Gaza City, flickers of candlelight glowed from makeshift shelters amid the ruins.

In the distance, a few families gathered to pray, their voices rising above the eerie silence.

Despite the devastation, hope remains a stubborn flame among the survivors. “We will rebuild with our hands,” said 29-year-old Mohammed Darwish, holding his infant son. “We have lost everything, but we still have each other, and that is enough to begin again.”

READ ALSO:  BREAKING: Russian President Putin escapes assassination attempt

For Gaza’s weary residents, the ceasefire is not merely an end to fighting, it is the beginning of another long, uncertain struggle for dignity, healing, and peace.

 

Share this:

World

UK Issues Fresh Travel Alert as Insecurity Worsens in Nigeria

Published

on

Share this:

The United Kingdom has issued a new travel advisory, warning its citizens to avoid large parts of Nigeria due to worsening insecurity, terrorism, and violent crime.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) released the update on GOV.UK, urging British nationals in Nigeria to exercise “extreme caution”, review safety measures, and maintain contingency plans.

According to the advisory, insecurity is now widespread across all regions, with incidents of kidnapping, intercommunal clashes, and violent crime rising sharply.

“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria,” the FCDO said.

The UK government advised against all travel to six northern states  Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara  citing a high and growing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa.

The warning also covered transport hubs, religious sites, and large gatherings, where terrorist attacks are most likely to occur. The FCDO added that humanitarian workers and facilities could be direct targets of extremists.

“Humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals,” the statement added.

The UK further warned against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, along with the outer suburbs of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It noted that violent crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping, has spread from Abuja’s outskirts into wealthier central areas. As a result, British staff in Nigeria have been ordered to restrict movements to central Abuja.

The advisory also flagged occasional protests and unrest in the capital, urging British nationals to stay informed, avoid demonstrations, and comply with security directives.

READ ALSO:  Elon Musk’s wealth grows by $13b after Trump’s victory

In the North-East, the FCDO described the region as unstable despite ongoing military operations. It warned that retaliatory attacks could occur and noted that deteriorating conditions in Maiduguri might make evacuation “extremely difficult.”

The warning extended to riverine areas of the Niger Delta, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. The UK cited the presence of militant groups, frequent kidnappings, and attacks on oil and gas facilities as reasons for concern.

“Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure,” it said.

In the South-East, the UK highlighted the activities of secessionist groups and frequent clashes with security forces, noting that while foreigners are rarely targeted, they risk being caught in crossfire.

The South-West, including Lagos, was also listed as an area of concern. The advisory said armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, and kidnapping are common, especially on the mainland and at night.

Although large-scale terrorist attacks remain rare in the region, the FCDO recalled that Islamic State West Africa had claimed two attacks in 2022.

Share this:
Continue Reading

World

Trump Snubs G20 Summit, Revives ‘White Genocide’ Claims Against South Africa

Published

on

President Donald Trump imposed sanctions against South Africa
Share this:

United States President Donald Trump has announced that no American official will attend this year’s G20 Summit in South Africa, accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of grave human rights abuses.

Trump, who had earlier delegated Vice President JD Vance to represent him, made a sudden U-turn, declaring a total boycott of the summit.

“It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.

“No U.S. government official will attend as long as these human rights abuses continue.”

The American leader repeated his controversial claim that white Afrikaner farmers are being “killed and slaughtered” and that their farms are “illegally confiscated.”

He also confirmed that the 2026 G20 Summit would take place in the United States  at his own golf resort in Miami, Florida.

South Africa’s foreign ministry reacted sharply, calling Trump’s remarks “regrettable.”

In a statement, it said the government looked forward to hosting a “successful and inclusive summit” scheduled for November 22–23 in Johannesburg.

“The characterisation of Afrikaners as an exclusively white group is ahistorical,” the ministry said.

“Furthermore, the claim that this community faces persecution is not substantiated by fact.”

Pretoria reaffirmed its G20 theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” and emphasized that its focus remained on global cooperation and shared development goals.

“Drawing on our journey from division to democracy, South Africa is uniquely positioned to champion genuine solidarity,” the ministry added.

Trump’s stance has deepened tensions between Washington and Pretoria.

Since returning to the White House in January, he has repeatedly targeted South Africa, claiming a “white genocide” is underway a claim long dismissed by rights groups and the South African government.

READ ALSO:  Hamas releases first batch of Israeli hostages

Earlier this year, Trump confronted President Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, playing a video that alleged a campaign against white farmers.

The South African leader rejected the claim, saying there was no policy promoting violence or land seizures against any racial group.

Trump’s administration has also moved to slash the U.S. refugee quota to 7,500 per year, giving priority to white South Africans. Meanwhile, the White House has imposed 30 percent tariffs on South African goods  the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.

The diplomatic rift widened further after South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a move that drew sharp criticism from Washington.

Despite the backlash, Pretoria said it remains committed to hosting global leaders and promoting unity at the summit.

Share this:
Continue Reading

World News

Don’t test Trump’s resolve,’ US lawmaker warns FG over killings of Christians

Published

on

Share this:

(DDM) – United States lawmaker Riley Moore has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Federal Government over the continued killings of Christians in the country.

The ongoing and tragic series of killings targeting Christians within the country has become a grave concern, highlighting a distressing pattern of violence that demands urgent attention.

This continued persecution has instigated fear and sorrow within the affected communities, leading to a climate of tension and insecurity that undermines the principles of coexistence and peace.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Moore emphasized the seriousness with which President Donald Trump is monitoring the situation, cautioning that any continued violence against Christians could provoke international scrutiny and action.

According to the lawmaker, the Trump administration is closely observing security challenges in Nigeria’s North and Middle Belt regions, where attacks by armed groups have disproportionately targeted Christian communities.

Moore described the killings as “unacceptable” and urged Nigerian authorities to take decisive steps to protect vulnerable citizens immediately.

He warned that failure to curb the violence may affect Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and could trigger measures from international partners, including sanctions or travel restrictions.

Observers note that the statement comes amid growing concern from foreign governments over religiously motivated attacks, with many human rights organizations calling for urgent intervention.

The lawmaker stressed the moral and political implications for Nigeria, urging the government to prioritize the protection of all citizens over political considerations.

While the Federal Government has pledged to improve security in affected states, incidents of mass killings, kidnappings, and attacks continue to plague areas such as Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Niger.

READ ALSO:  Gunman killed after fatally shooting three police officers in Pennsylvania

Civil society groups welcomed Moore’s warning, describing it as a critical reminder that international attention remains focused on Nigeria’s human rights record.

Moore called for transparent reporting of attacks and immediate prosecution of perpetrators, noting that decisive action is essential to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

Experts say sustained international pressure could influence domestic policy and compel stronger measures against perpetrators of religious violence.

Share this:
Continue Reading

Latest from DDM TV

LATEST NEWS

UK Issues Fresh Travel Alert as Insecurity Worsens in Nigeria

INEC Dismisses Vote-Buying In Anambra Election As Rumours, Declares APGA’s Soludo Winner

INEC Declares Soludo As Winner Of Anambra Election

INEC Adjourns Collation Of Anambra Election Results, Resumes 6AM

All Roads Lead To Delta As ADC Launches Coalition Vehicle <p><span style='color:#808080;font-size:18px;'><i>DDM News</i></span></p>

EFCC Nabs Three Suspected Vote Buyers in Anambra

Trump Snubs G20 Summit, Revives ‘White Genocide’ Claims Against South Africa

EFCC arrests three suspected vote buyers in Anambra governorship election

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.

Anambra State 2025 Governorship Election

X
Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks