Displaying items by tag: truce

In a rare diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Lebanon have held their first direct talks in over thirty years, mediated by Marco Rubio. The discussions aim to reduce violence and address the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah, which continues to launch attacks despite the meeting: Israel has continued to bombard targets in Lebanon in retaliation. Both sides agreed to pursue further negotiations, though key differences remain, with Israel seeking the disarmament of armed groups and Lebanon calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief. The conflict has already caused thousands of deaths and displaced around a million people, deepening suffering across the region. While the talks offer a hopeful step toward dialogue, progress will likely require sustained effort amid complex political and security challenges. Breaking news: Donald Trump has announced a ten-day truce between Israel and Lebanon, starting on 16 April. See

The devastating civil war in Sudan continues, with renewed international pressure for a ceasefire. The RSF, locked in conflict with the army since April 2023, has announced a three-month humanitarian truce. It says the move is in response to global diplomatic efforts, including initiatives from the Quad mediators (the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt). However, deep distrust remains. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejected the US-backed proposal, calling it biased due to the UAE’s involvement and accusing the mediators of favouring the RSF. There are persistent allegations that the UAE is secretly arming the RSF, though it denies the claims. The conflict’s political roots remain unresolved: proposals have suggested transitions toward civilian rule without either military faction holding power - an idea the army has strongly opposed. In October the RSF seized the key Darfur city of El-Fasher after a relentless siege which sparked warnings of crimes against humanity and genocide. The warring parties have so far violated every ceasefire agreement.

A fragile calm took hold in Hodeidah on 18 December, after sporadic gunfire between Houthi fighters and forces loyal to the government. Two days later it was being hailed by many as a positive step on the path to peace for the war-torn country. However the agreement is open to different interpretations by the warring parties. It talks of ‘mutual redeployment of forces’ from Hodeidah and other ports. The Houthis do not see this as meaning that they need to withdraw, while the other side thinks they must do so - a key point of contention. See. Everyone is praying that the truce will hold. The humanitarian situation is beyond atrocious. The majority of malnourished people don't know where they will get their next meal. Women can't produce milk for their children. People die daily. 22 million people need aid. 8.4 million face starvation. Pray for immediate co-ordinated availability and distribution of all that is needed.