by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | foreign policy, gaza israel conflict, international relations, news, politics
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The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, called for resuming negotiations on Monday in reaction to the recent intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which followed unexpected Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) air strikes on Gaza.
During a press conference in Jerusalem, where she had a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Kallas commented, “Violence only breeds further violence.”
“What we’re seeing currently is a perilous intensification of the situation. This is creating immense uncertainty for the captives and their loved ones, and simultaneously instilling terror and leading to fatalities among the Palestinian population,” Kallas stated additionally.
Foreign Minister Sa’ar stated that “the conflict could conclude as early as tomorrow” provided certain conditions are met. These include the liberation of hostages seized by Hamas, the disarmament of Gaza, along with “the removal of armed factions from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.”
Sa’ar stated that they would be delighted to reach their objectives through diplomatic channels. However, should this prove unfeasible, they must proceed with their military operations.
The truce initiated in January halted more than a year of conflict that started with Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023. During this period, their fighters killed around 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, and seized 251 hostages. Many of these captives have subsequently been freed via ceasefire arrangements or various pacts.
During the initial stage of the truce, 25 Israeli hostages along with the remains of eight more were freed in return for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
The Israeli military later permitted hundreds of thousands of individuals to return to their homes, leading to an uptick in humanitarian assistance. However, Israel recently halted all deliveries of supplies to Gaza earlier this month in order to exert pressure on Hamas for additional negotiations regarding the agreement.
It was anticipated that the parties would start discussions in early February concerning the subsequent stage of the truce. This included releasing the leftover 59 captives—of whom roughly half are thought to have perished—in return for additional Palestinian inmates being freed, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and Israel’s retreat from occupied areas. Nonetheless, such dialogues did not take place.
“The only viable solution to alleviate the pain for everyone involved is to restart the discussions,” Kallas emphasized again.
Moreover, Kallas highlighted that the EU does not envision a role for Hamas in governing the Strip moving ahead and stated their willingness to engage in talks regarding Gaza’s future with the aim of achieving lasting peace.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | air travel, aviation, flights, flying, news
________________
BRUSSELS –
On Monday, Brussels Airport declared that it would cancel all departure flights planned for March 31 as an anticipatory measure due to a national strike anticipated to severely affect air traffic control operations.
The head of operations at Belgium’s biggest airport advised passengers to prepare for potential cancellations of incoming flights due to a strike announced by the nation’s primary labor unions.
Much of the airport’s security and maintenance workforce is anticipated to go on strike during a protest against proposed changes to their pensions from the new conservative administration, along with concerns about rising costs of living.
The strike scheduled for next Monday was likewise anticipated to significantly disrupt activities at the nation’s secondary airport, located in the southern town of Charleroi.
Bart De Wever, a Flemish nationalist, assumed the role of prime minister at the beginning of last month. This followed extensive coalition negotiations that occurred after Belgium’s elections in June of the previous year.
However, trade unions have been angered by his efforts toward pension reform as Belgium struggles with a budget deficit that exceeds the limits set by European Union regulations.
The scheduled demonstration on Monday follows a previous national strike that took place six weeks ago, drawing tens of thousands of participants to the streets.
A significant number of military personnel, educators, railroad employees, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders have participated in the strike due to the government’s decision to eliminate their distinct retirement plans, which disproportionately impacts these professions.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | agriculture, business, commerce, international trade, news
Tariffs place a 100 per cent surcharge on rapeseed oil, peas and oil cakes for animal feed. Aquatic products will face a 25 per cent levy
Canada has initiated a complaint against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding extra tariffs imposed on agricultural and fisheries goods, according to an announcement from the organization on Monday.
The agency stated, “Canada has sought WTO dispute consultations with China regarding the latter’s actions that have imposed extra import tariffs on specific agricultural and fishery goods coming from Canada.”
The duties announced at the beginning of this month affect rapeseed oil, oil cakes — which serve as an animal feed — and peas coming into the country.
Canada
with a 100 percent surcharge.
Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with
SCMP Knowledge
Our latest platform offers carefully selected content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.
Canada ranks as one of the leading global suppliers of canola, which is a type of rapeseed utilized for producing cooking oil, animal feed, and biodiesel fuel.
China
Has traditionally been among its biggest clients.
In the meantime, aquatic products and pork will be subject to a 25 percent tariff.
Leaders from Canada’s industries have stated that they would suffer significantly due to the recent tariffs. These were implemented following an inquiry initiated by Beijing regarding the duties that Ottawa placed on Chinese products in the previous year.
The tariffs follow growing trade tensions between the United States and both Canada and China, following new duties introduced by U.S. President
Donald Trump
.
In August, Ottawa imposed 100 percent tariffs on China.
electric vehicle
imports, matching
US
initiatives aimed at preventing a surge of government-supported vehicles from China into the North American market.
Additionally, they imposed an extra fee on imported Chinese steel and aluminum goods.
Beijing’s commerce ministry said an investigation into these measures found that Canadian policies “disrupted the normal trade order and harmed the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises”.
Following the submission of grievances to the
WTO
, discussions are started among the members who are in conflict with one another.
In the absence of an agreement, the complainant may seek the formation of a special committee comprising three to five specialists.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | ghana, government, international relations, news, politics
Morocco and Ghana have entered into an agreement to exempt travelers from visa requirements when visiting each other’s countries. According to Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, this pact will shortly be submitted to the parliaments of Morocco and Ghana for approval.
On Monday, an announcement was made after a meeting took place between Ghana’s Foreign Minister and the Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil. During their discussions, they explored ways to enhance collaboration in areas such as agriculture and food production, tourism, and security. Additionally, both parties concurred on boosting educational ties bilaterally; Morocco decided to double the scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students, raising the count from 90 to 180, beginning this year.
Ablakwa tweeted, “I’ve had productive and reassuring talks with the Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Imane Ouaadil. She confirmed that Ghanaians and all African residents in Morocco are safe, contradicting the numerous videos circulating online alleging that around 700 Africans are facing violence.”
This reconciliation comes after Ghana informed Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January about suspending its relationship with the “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).” The same stance was supported by Ibrahim Boughali, who serves as the Speaker of Parliament in Accra.
Ablakwa further explained that the Moroccan ambassador assured the safety of Ghanaians and other African residents in Morocco, dispelling false reports circulating online. He noted that the disputed video actually depicted an earlier event from June 24, 2022, at the border, where sadly 23 individuals lost their lives close to the Melilla-Nador barrier. However, he stressed that these events did not involve any Ghanaians.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, government, news, politics, politics and government
The stakeholders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo Federal Constituency, within Oyo State, are urging Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene due to an ongoing crisis affecting their party locally.
Stakeholders hailing from Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East, and Oyo West local government areas made this plea after convening over the weekend. During their gathering, they emphasized the critical necessity of reviving and restoring the PDP within the federal constituency.
At the conclusion of their gathering, party members released a statement listing “unequal distribution of political positions and roles, actions against the interests of the party, concentration of authority, and disregard for the party charter” as key challenges impeding the party’s development within the constituency.
The statement entitled “Critical Need to Rescue, Revive, and Restore PDP in Oyo Federal Constituency” was endorsed by ex-Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Morufu Atilola; Alhaji Isiaka Adebayo; Alhaji Fatai Obabi; Mr. Wasiu Olaoti; Mr. Tunde Ogunlana, as well as an additional 29 individuals.
As stated in the document, “Every dedicated member of the PDP within the Oyo Federal Constituency has joined forces to rejuvenate and salvage their party from impending ruin caused by authoritarianism, betrayal, biased treatment, deceit, suppression, and public disputes.”
The stakeholders appealed to Governor Makinde, who they referred to as the party’s leader within the state, to “decentralize authority, promote full inclusion, and tackle various challenges impacting the party.”
News Updates Oyo government requests stakeholders’ assistance to combat gender-based violence in educational institutions Rivers state conflict: PDP governors contest Tinubu’s emergency governance before the Supreme Court Oyo reported treating 14,930 tuberculosis cases — Official
They further pushed for acknowledging ex-Speaker Atilola officially as the head of the PDP within the Oyo Federal Constituency, emphasizing that he serves as a “unifying figure” with the capability to advance democratic principles.
As per their view, taking into account their suggestions could contribute to discovering a permanent resolution for the issues faced by the party within the constituency.
They stressed that adopting their suggestions would boost the party’s advancement, cautioning that the present system of indirect leadership has perpetually exacerbated the issues rather than resolving them.
The stakeholders also pointed out concerns like “an imbalance in the distribution of political positions and roles, subversive actions by certain party officials, concentration of authority on one side causing exclusion, defamation, and suppression, along with the ineffectiveness of party structures.”
They also criticized “failure to comply with the party’s constitution and lack of collective discussions and coordination during the previous local government elections.” They further expressed disappointment over “the total absence of information and communication resulting from the consolidation of power within one faction.”
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | community, government, local news, news, politics
The Erin-Osun Progressive Union (EPU) has lamented the extensive damage resulting from the continuing intercommunity conflict among Ilobu, Ifon-Osun, and Erin-Osun, indicating that assets valued at billions of naira have been destroyed.
On Monday, Chief Kayode Olawale, who serves as the National President of EPU, released a statement from Osogbo expressing deep concern over the destruction caused in contested frontier regions. According to him, numerous houses were set ablaze, and vehicles along with motorbikes faced vandalism, resulting in tens of thousands of inhabitants being forced out of their homes.
“Numerous individuals from our community have become displaced and are fighting for survival. Consequently, we urge the government via NEMA and the State Emergency Management Agencies to promptly provide assistance to our area,” pleaded Olawale.
The EPU additionally called upon the Osun State Government to implement more robust measures to avoid further violence.
“We acknowledge the government’s first steps, but we urgently call for stronger actions to tackle this crisis. The expansionist objectives of those attacking us have left them oblivious to the catastrophic outcomes of their deeds, leading to casualties and property damage in Erin-Osun,” the statement said.
Accusations Targeting Ilobu and Security Forces The labor union alleged that inhabitants of Ilobu and armed insurgents deliberately attacked Erin-Osun on Friday evening, resulting in burnt-down homes and numerous people being displaced.
Related News Ilobu/Ifon Crisis: Affected Individuals Appeal for Help from Governor Adeleke, NEMA, et al. Flooding: NEMA Warns Residents of Niger Community About Disaster Risk Reduction and Inadequate Waste Disposal More Than 500 Shops Destroyed in Aleshinloye Market – NEMA
Even though our town remained neutral during the resumption of the Ilobu-Ifon conflict, attackers from Ilobu invaded our community, razing houses and damaging property,” Olawale stated. “Security personnel arrived subsequently; however, their response was delayed, permitting further devastation.
He further alleged that soldiers deployed to restore order acted with bias, intimidating Erin-Osun residents while giving Ilobu attackers free rein.
“One of our team members was fired upon up close by a soldier who was meant to safeguard us,” he alleged.
Denials and Counter-Accusations Emerge as Ilobu Rejects Claims, Blames Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun In response, the Ilobu Asake Development Union’s National President, Pastor Olufemi Salako, refuted these claims in a separate statement. He alleged that Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun jointly attacked Ilobu, supported by an influential government figure.
“This marks the eighth occasion where our innocent populace has endured such brutal assaults, even though Ilobu has contributed significantly to maintaining national tranquility. Despite producing the late Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja—who met with an unexplained end—rather than safeguarding their fellow townspeople, Ilobu remains vulnerable to these fires,” Salako emphasized.
As tensions escalate and the death toll rises, all parties involved are urgently demanding governmental action to halt additional devastation and establish enduring stability.
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