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Washington makes new push for Gaza ceasefire to head off famine, Rafah assault

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Washington makes new push for Gaza ceasefire to head off famine, Rafah assault

– The United States is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent a famine and is urging Israel not to launch a ground assault on Rafah, where over a million displaced people are taking refuge.
– Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning a trip to the Middle East to meet leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia to discuss peace, but no visit to Israel has been announced.
– Israeli air strikes in Rafah killed 14 people, and Gaza’s food shortages have surpassed famine levels according to the international hunger monitor.
– Israel denies causing Gaza’s hunger, claiming it is opening new routes for aid and that U.N. and other agencies should distribute food more effectively.
– The U.N. suggests Israel’s restrictions and conduct in the conflict could constitute a war crime.
– Ceasefire talks are resuming in Qatar, with discussions around a six-week truce that would involve the release of hostages and detainees and the provision of aid to Gaza.
– The humanitarian situation in Gaza and the potential assault on Rafah have caused tension between the Israeli government and the U.S. administration.
– White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed that a ground operation in Rafah would be a mistake and that Israel’s goals can be achieved by other means.
– Israel insists a ground assault is necessary to defeat Hamas in Gaza, including in Rafah.
– Hamas reported the death of a senior police commander and his family in northern Gaza due to overnight air strikes.
– Israel aims to continue its military operations in Gaza until Hamas is defeated and claims to have killed senior Hamas officials, including the deputy commander of the Hamas military wing.
– Talks hosted in Qatar between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with hopes for a truce that would benefit over two million people in Gaza.

Israel’s restrictions to Gaza aid may be war crime, says UN rights office

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Israel’s restrictions to Gaza aid may be war crime, says UN rights office

Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gaza might constitute a war crime due to potential starvation tactics, as stated by the U.N. human rights chief, Volker Turk. A U.N.-backed report warned of a possible famine in Gaza by May if the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. Israel, however, claims it is facilitating aid delivery and blames the U.N. and relief groups for any issues related to aid distribution. The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva asserted that Israel is actively working to provide Gaza with aid through various means. The U.N. High Commissioner emphasized Israel’s obligations as the occupying power to ensure food and medical care for Gaza’s population and support humanitarian organizations in their aid delivery efforts. The report highlighted severe malnutrition and food insecurity in northern Gaza, with people resorting to eating bird seeds, animal fodder, wild grass, and weeds due to the lack of food. Turk described the crisis as “human-made” and called for international pressure on Israel to allow full aid delivery and restore essential services in Gaza.

All decision making on Cyprus made in Ankara , – Kombos

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All decision making on Cyprus made in Ankara , – Kombos

Nicosia has observed no difference in the stance of the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey on the Cyprus issue during the new efforts by the UNSG’s personal envoy. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stated that the decision-making occurs in Ankara, indicating a unified approach between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Kombos also mentioned that Nicosia is committed to the negotiation efforts led by UNSG envoy Maria Ángela Holguin, aiming to resume meaningful negotiations within the UN’s framework. He highlighted Ankara’s decisive role in the process and appreciated Holguin’s diplomatic efforts, including her contacts in the guarantor states and potential outreach to other interested capitals.

A sociologist, ’s view of the Cyprus problem

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A sociologist, ’s view of the Cyprus problem

The Cyprus problem has been unresolved for 50 years, with significant changes in both the physical landscape and the mindset of its people since 1974. The UN-led negotiations have focused on constitutional and legal challenges, often overlooking the social realities and expectations of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots regarding a federal Cyprus. The social structure and the passage of time have influenced the local dimension of the Cyprus issue, with Greek Cypriots generally expecting a reversal of the northern occupation and Turkish Cypriots aiming to retain benefits supported by Turkey. Urban expansion and new economic interests in the north have altered perceptions of life. Sociological analysis is deemed necessary to understand the underlying contradictions in the images of Cypriot society and to foster progress towards settlement. Examples of successful bicommunal cooperation include the Nicosia Master Plan and the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage. These initiatives demonstrate the potential for building solidarity and mutual understanding through shared efforts, yet they have not significantly influenced the formal negotiation process. The article emphasizes the importance of sociological insight in addressing the Cyprus problem and fostering a bicommunal society.

Our View: The two sides have over-complicated the peace process

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Our View: The two sides have over-complicated the peace process

Maria Angela Holguin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, completed her second visit to Cyprus after meeting President Christodoulides. During her week-long visit, she engaged with party chiefs, mayors, chambers of commerce, and civil society members from both sides of Cyprus. Holguin plans to return next month following visits to Brussels and several EU member-states. She had previously visited the three guarantor states. Details of her meetings are scarce, but it is known that she sought opinions on breaking the deadlock in Cyprus without revealing her own views. Holguin has expressed interest in engaging with civil society groups, although their influence is considered limited. The text suggests that a breakthrough in the peace process should come from the leadership level rather than civil society, emphasizing the roles of President Erdogan and President Christodoulides in potentially advancing towards a settlement.

President stresses focus on substance for new Cyprus talks

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President stresses focus on substance for new Cyprus talks

– President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of resuming talks.
– Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, is working towards resuming talks.
– President Christodoulides and Holguín had a meeting where they reviewed the week’s developments while Holguín was in Cyprus.
– Their goal is the resumption of talks, which they are working towards step by step.
– Holguín plans to return after visiting some European capitals.
– President Christodoulides expressed a preference not to prejudge or publicly discuss the results of Holguín’s efforts, emphasizing the focus on substance and the goal of resuming talks.

UN envoy may visit European capitals

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UN envoy may visit European capitals

– Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, may visit European countries after her meeting with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.
– Holguín had a meeting with President Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace that lasted about one hour.
– She expressed satisfaction with her meetings throughout the week and concluded this round of meetings with President Christodoulides.
– Holguín is considering visiting some European capitals in April and may have contacts at the EU level, but she does not have a fixed timetable yet.
– This was the second meeting between Holguín and President Christodoulides during her stay on the island.
– Holguín is expected to leave the island on Sunday, but a close collaborator of hers will stay in Cyprus to act as her “eyes and ears.”
– During her stay in Cyprus, Holguín met with political parties, professional organizations, and representatives of civil society from both communities.

UN continuing to find common ground in Cyprus

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UN continuing to find common ground in Cyprus

The UN is actively working to find a resolution that benefits both communities in Cyprus, as stated by UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. This effort continues despite statements by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan advocating for a “two state solution” and emphasizing the “equal rights” of Turkish Cypriots. The UN’s envoy, Maria Holguin, is involved in these efforts to find common ground between the two sides.

President says everything will investigated in monastery scandal

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President says everything will investigated in monastery scandal

President Nikos Christodoulides stated that all aspects of the scandals at the Osiou Avakoum monastery will be thoroughly investigated. He responded to criticism from the opposition party Akel, asserting that the scandal does not reflect governmental failures. Christodoulides emphasized that any cases arising from the investigation would be brought to justice promptly, highlighting ongoing investigations into police responsibilities and allegations. The police have been criticized for their handling of the monastery scandal but have denied giving the church special treatment.

President says with political will Cyprus talks can recommence

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President says with political will Cyprus talks can recommence

President Nikos Christodoulides expressed optimism that with political will, the goal of resuming Cyprus talks can be achieved. He made these remarks while commenting on the Cyprus problem and the visit of UN personal envoy Maria Holguin at an event for refugee women. Holguin is on her second round of contacts and plans to return to Cyprus in April after visiting several European capitals of EU member states and Brussels. Christodoulides mentioned that he has been in telephone contact with Holguin and will meet her to discuss the results of her contacts and exchange views.