Pak-Afghan Peace Talks: Turkey and Qatar have mediated new rounds of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul, aiming to solidify the ceasefire agreed in Doha earlier in October 2025. Both sides have committed to continuing the truce and establishing a monitoring mechanism to ensure enforcement and penalties for violations.

Pakistan, Afghanistan To Hold Another Round of Talks in Istanbul 

Donald Trump calls himself the “peace president,” but critics argue he’s profited the most from war and defense deals. As he champions diplomacy on the global stage, questions arise — is Trump truly pursuing peace, or strategically leveraging conflict for political and financial gain? Watch as we decode the paradox of Trump’s peace narrative versus his profit-driven policies.

Trump: The President Who Profits From War Talks Of Peace

A major breakthrough in the Middle East: All living Israeli hostages have been freed as part of a historic Gaza ceasefire agreement. The two-year-long crisis between Israel and Hamas sees a dramatic turn as Palestinian prisoners are also returned to Gaza. This swap marks a hopeful step toward lasting peace after years of conflict.

Gaza Ceasefire: All Living Hostages Freed | End Of 2-Year Long Crisis

After two years of war, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has begun. Israeli troops have started withdrawing, while Hamas prepares to release hostages. Israel will free thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid is set to enter Gaza. A U.S.-led multinational force will monitor the truce, but questions remain over Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and Hamas’ future role. Watch for the latest updates on this fragile peace and the unfolding humanitarian response.

Gaza Ceasefire Begin as Israeli Military Pulls Back From Parts of Gaza

Israel has completed the first phase of its troop pullback from the Gaza Strip, marking a shift in military posture while still retaining control over 53% of the territory. The partial withdrawal follows Israel's declaration of Hamas’s defeat but signals continued security concerns. Officials state that further withdrawals will depend on on-ground assessments and the stability of remaining areas, keeping Gaza’s future in a tense balance.

Phase One of IDF Pullback Complete, Israel Retains 53% Control of Gaza Strip

A senior negotiator has revealed that U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were presented with a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal over a year ago...
What was the deal? And what does it mean for future negotiations?

'Joe Biden & Netanyahu Offered Gaza Deal A Year Ago': Negotiator | The Reality 

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a historic ceasefire, paving the way for the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Streets across Gaza and Israel erupted in celebrations as citizens welcomed the news.
While the deal is hailed as a major diplomatic victory for President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting political pressure at home.
Key ministers in his cabinet are divided over the release of Palestinian prisoners and the future governance of Gaza.
The Gaza ceasefire is a major win for Trump, but will Netanyahu survive politically?

Trump Peace Plan Victory in Gaza May Mean Netanyahu Defeat

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of his Gaza peace plan, hailing it as a "historic and unprecedented" step to ending the two-year-old war.


Trump: 'The World Is Loving Israel Again' | First Phase Of Gaza Ceasefire

Israel and Hamas have begun indirect negotiations in Egypt to discuss the Gaza peace proposal backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The talks, also involving Qatari and Egyptian mediators, follow Hamas’ partial acceptance of a 20-point plan, which includes the release of Israeli hostages.

Despite ongoing diplomacy, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue, with over 24 Palestinians reportedly killed in 24 hours, as per civil defence and health ministry sources. The UN warns of worsening conditions in Gaza hospitals, with UNICEF calling the situation “dire,” especially for children.

Israel & Hamas Begin Indirect Talks in Egypt Over Trump Peace Plan 

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's Massive Drone Attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine Kills 1 Amid Peace Talks

Russia launched a sweeping attack on Ukraine which killed one person, injured at least 24 others, and damaged infrastructure and residential buildings, authorities said on Saturday.


Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's Massive Drone Attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine Kills 1 Amid Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump joining peace talks with Russia in Turkey might give Vladimir Putin an &lsquo;impetus&rsquo; to attend. &ldquo;We have invited President Trump to join us. I do not know the US president&rsquo;s decision, but if he confirms his participation, I think it would give additional impetus for Putin to come,&rdquo; Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv. The Kremlin has made no comment on whether Putin will travel to Turkiye himself or not.
President Trump offered to join the talks that Russia&rsquo;s President Vladimir Putin suggested should be held directly with Ukraine after criticism of the Western &ldquo;ultimatums&rdquo; to end the conflict between the two nations.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gets-f-15-escort-lavender-carpet-welcome-to-saudi-arabia-9064913">Trump gets &lsquo;lavender&rsquo; carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort</a> Trump said on Monday he was &ldquo;thinking about actually flying over&rdquo; to the Turkish city of Istanbul to attend the negotiations expected to take place on Thursday. The initiative was welcomed by Zelensky, but there was no reaction from Moscow. &ldquo;All of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Turkey. This is the right idea. We can change a lot,&rdquo; Zelenskyy said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mamnwjtg-8jxz1rf3-rgnch6tf">
I have just heard President Trump's statement. Very important words. I supported <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> idea of a full and unconditional ceasefire &mdash; long enough to provide the foundation for diplomacy. And we want it, we are ready to uphold silence on our end. I supported President Trump&hellip;
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1921955780682502280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
 Trump publicly asked Zelensky to attend after Putin proposed the direct talks following a rejection of a 30-day ceasefire Ukraine and its Western allies insisted should come first. The Ukrainian leader&rsquo;s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, reiterated that Zelensky would only meet Putin and no other members of the Russian delegation.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-compares-agility-of-indias-modern-weapons-to-maharana-prataps-legendary-horse-chetak-9064665" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PM Modi compares agility of India&rsquo;s modern weapons to Maharana Pratap&rsquo;s legendary horse Chetak</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-compares-agility-of-indias-modern-weapons-to-maharana-prataps-legendary-horse-chetak-9064665" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a> &ldquo;We are committed to a serious search for ways of a long-term peaceful settlement,&rdquo; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday but did not say whether Putin will travel to Turkiye. If Zelensky and Putin happen to meet on Thursday, it would be their first face-to-face meeting since December 2019. Meanwhile, Ukraine said its air defence units destroyed all 10 drones that Russia launched overnight on Tuesday. Russia accused Ukraine of attacking its Belgorod region, with the governor Vyacheslav Gladkov saying on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces used 65 drones and more than 100 rounds of ammunition to attack his region in the past day.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-saw-the-true-face-of-pak-when-its-army-officials-attended-funerals-of-terrorists-pm-modi-9064451" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;World saw the true face of Pak when its army officials attended funerals of terrorists&rsquo;: PM Modi</a>
&nbsp;

World: President Trump offered to join the talks that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin suggested should be held directly with Ukraine after criticism of the Western “ultimatums” to end the conflict between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump joining peace talks with Russia in Turkey might give Vladimir Putin an ‘impetus’ to attend. “We have invited President Trump to join us. I do not know the US president’s decision, but if he confirms his participation, I think it would give additional impetus for Putin to come,” Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv. The Kremlin has made no comment on whether Putin will travel to Turkiye himself or not. President Trump offered to join the talks that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin suggested should be held directly with Ukraine after criticism of the Western “ultimatums” to end the conflict between the two nations. Also Read | Trump gets ‘lavender’ carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort Trump said on Monday he was “thinking about actually flying over” to the Turkish city of Istanbul to attend the negotiations expected to take place on Thursday. The initiative was welcomed by Zelensky, but there was no reaction from Moscow. “All of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Turkey. This is the right idea. We can change a lot,” Zelenskyy said. I have just heard President Trump's statement. Very important words. I supported @POTUS idea of a full and unconditional ceasefire — long enough to provide the foundation for diplomacy. And we want it, we are ready to uphold silence on our end. I supported President Trump… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 12, 2025 Trump publicly asked Zelensky to attend after Putin proposed the direct talks following a rejection of a 30-day ceasefire Ukraine and its Western allies insisted should come first. The Ukrainian leader’s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, reiterated that Zelensky would only meet Putin and no other members of the Russian delegation. Also Read | PM Modi compares agility of India’s modern weapons to Maharana Pratap’s legendary horse Chetak “We are committed to a serious search for ways of a long-term peaceful settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday but did not say whether Putin will travel to Turkiye. If Zelensky and Putin happen to meet on Thursday, it would be their first face-to-face meeting since December 2019. Meanwhile, Ukraine said its air defence units destroyed all 10 drones that Russia launched overnight on Tuesday. Russia accused Ukraine of attacking its Belgorod region, with the governor Vyacheslav Gladkov saying on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces used 65 drones and more than 100 rounds of ammunition to attack his region in the past day. Also Read | ‘World saw the true face of Pak when its army officials attended funerals of terrorists’: PM Modi

Zelensky says Trump’s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend

Positive signs are emerging in US-Russia ties as envoys from both sides, including Putin's aide Dmitriev and Trump's envoy Witkoff, meet in Washington. While talks aim to restore trade and business relations, the US remains cautious, waiting to see if Russia is serious about peace.

US-Russia peace talks gain momentum amid tense diplomacy

India has said that it is ready for any significant step aimed to end the Ukraine conflict but the participation of Russia is essential for any peace negotiation between the two countries.

India: Ready for any step towards ending war

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a renewed effort to bring peace to Ukraine, adding that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had both agreed in recent talks on the need for a new peace conference that would include Russia.

Zelensky ready to include Russia in Peace Talks: Olaf Scholz

Talks aimed at ending Sudan's shattering 16-month-old civil war began on Wednesday in Switzerland although the absence of the military dampened hopes for imminent steps to alleviate the country's humanitarian crisis.

Sudan truce talks: Sudanese armed forces give ceasefire negotiations a miss

Sudan crisis: Sudanese army skip truce talks in Switzerland

Palestinian militant group Hamas said Sunday (May 12) that&nbsp;US President Biden's remarks that the truce in Gaza war is linked&nbsp;to the release of hostages was a "setback" to peace negotiations.&nbsp;

"We condemn this position by the US president, we consider it a setback from the outcomes of the latest round of negotiations, which led to the movement's agreement to the proposal put forward by mediators," Hamas said&nbsp;in a statement.

A day before, Biden suggested that a ceasefire in the besieged territory was possible 'tomorrow' if Hamas released all hostages it captured in the&nbsp;October 7&nbsp;attack.

<h2>Truce talks stalled</h2>

Hamas also said that Israel's decision to advance with the Rafah attack 'overturned' peace talks.

Negotiations, led by mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the United States, have&nbsp;largely stalled&nbsp;due to Israel's operation in Rafah.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjo4JTDvoiGAxWGS2wGHarAD6QQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-just-wrong-biden-issues-most-direct-warning-to-israel-against-rafah-invasion-719507" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/its-just-wrong-biden-issues-most-direct-warning-to-israel-against-rafah-invasion-719507&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo4JTDvoiGAxWGS2wGHarAD6QQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Israel reacts to Biden`s most direct warning against full blown Rafah invasion</a>

The militant group accused the Israeli government of "escalating their brutal massacres in various areas of the Gaza Strip" and "reaffirming their pursuit of continuing the genocidal war in Gaza".

<h2>US says Israel lacks a credible plan for&nbsp;Rafah</h2>

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the Biden administration's decision to halt arms delivery to Israel by saying that the Jewish nation lacked credible plans to safeguard the civilian population.

Biden has made clear to Israel that if it “launches this major military operation to Rafah, then there are certain systems that we’re not going to be supporting and supplying for that operation,” Blinken said.

“We have real concerns about the way they’re used,” he continued. Israel needs to “have a clear, credible plan to protect civilians, which we haven’t seen.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjo4JTDvoiGAxWGS2wGHarAD6QQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-evacuation-orders-for-people-in-more-areas-of-gazas-rafah-720367" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-evacuation-orders-for-people-in-more-areas-of-gazas-rafah-720367&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo4JTDvoiGAxWGS2wGHarAD6QQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive</a>

Experts are worried a full-throttle military offensive in Gaza would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the territory.

As per data released by the Gaza health ministry, more than 35,000 Palestinians have&nbsp;been killed&nbsp;in the war triggered after the&nbsp;Oct 7&nbsp;attacks.&nbsp;

More than 78,000 people have sustained injuries. Most of the casualties have been women and children, the health ministry has said.

<h2>IDF opens&nbsp;‘Western Erez’ Crossing&nbsp;</h2>

The IDF revealed that it has&nbsp;opened&nbsp;‘Western Erez’ Crossing in northern Gaza for transfer of humanitarian aid.&nbsp;This was done in accordance with the government directive and in coordination with the US, as part of the effort to increase aid routes to Gaza and to the northern part in particular.

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Today (Sun), the ‘Western Erez’ Crossing was opened in the area of northern Gaza for the transfer of humanitarian aid. 
 
This was done in accordance with the government directive and in coordination with the US, as part of the effort to increase aid routes to Gaza and to the… <a href="https://t.co/Tqosop32F5">pic.twitter.com/Tqosop32F5</a>
— COGAT (@cogatonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/cogatonline/status/1789686967589843327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian militant group Hamas said Sunday (May 12) that US President Biden's remarks that the truce in Gaza war is linked to the release of hostages was a "setback" to peace negotiations.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said Sunday (May 12) that US President Biden's remarks that the truce in Gaza war is linked to the release of hostages was a "setback" to peace negotiations. "We condemn this position by the US president, we consider it a setback from the outcomes of the latest round of negotiations, which led to the movement's agreement to the proposal put forward by mediators," Hamas said in a statement. A day before, Biden suggested that a ceasefire in the besieged territory was possible 'tomorrow' if Hamas released all hostages it captured in the October 7 attack. Truce talks stalled Hamas also said that Israel's decision to advance with the Rafah attack 'overturned' peace talks. Negotiations, led by mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the United States, have largely stalled due to Israel's operation in Rafah. Also read: Israel reacts to Biden`s most direct warning against full blown Rafah invasion The militant group accused the Israeli government of "escalating their brutal massacres in various areas of the Gaza Strip" and "reaffirming their pursuit of continuing the genocidal war in Gaza". US says Israel lacks a credible plan for Rafah Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the Biden administration's decision to halt arms delivery to Israel by saying that the Jewish nation lacked credible plans to safeguard the civilian population. Biden has made clear to Israel that if it “launches this major military operation to Rafah, then there are certain systems that we’re not going to be supporting and supplying for that operation,” Blinken said. “We have real concerns about the way they’re used,” he continued. Israel needs to “have a clear, credible plan to protect civilians, which we haven’t seen.” Also read: Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive Experts are worried a full-throttle military offensive in Gaza would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the territory. As per data released by the Gaza health ministry, more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war triggered after the Oct 7 attacks. More than 78,000 people have sustained injuries. Most of the casualties have been women and children, the health ministry has said. IDF opens ‘Western Erez’ Crossing The IDF revealed that it has opened ‘Western Erez’ Crossing in northern Gaza for transfer of humanitarian aid. This was done in accordance with the government directive and in coordination with the US, as part of the effort to increase aid routes to Gaza and to the northern part in particular. Today (Sun), the ‘Western Erez’ Crossing was opened in the area of northern Gaza for the transfer of humanitarian aid. This was done in accordance with the government directive and in coordination with the US, as part of the effort to increase aid routes to Gaza and to the… pic.twitter.com/Tqosop32F5 — COGAT (@cogatonline) May 12, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

‘Setback for peace talks’: Hamas slams Biden’s call for releasing all hostages in Gaza

A Hamas delegation on Sunday (Mar 3) arrived in Cairo as talks to hammer out a Gaza truce get momentum. According to local media reports, mediators from Qatar and the US also arrived in Egypt’s capital on Sunday amid indications that Israel has agreed to the six-week truce deal currently in the works. However, the Jewish nation has reportedly boycotted the talks over the unknown fate of hostages still held by the Palestinian militant group.

Earlier on Saturday, talks involving Israeli officials took place in the Qatari city of Doha. Hamas is expected to submit its response on Sunday or Monday, as time to finalise a truce deal runs out before the said deadline of March 10, when the holy month of Ramadan starts.

<h2>Mixed hints from Hamas and Palestine</h2>

Earlier in the day, a Hamas official was quoted by AFP news agency as saying that if Israel withdrew its military from the Gaza Strip and stepped up humanitarian assistance in the besieged territory, it would “pave the way for an agreement within the next 24-48 hours”.

On the truce talks, however, a Palestinian official warned that the deal was still not imminent as “we’re not there yet.”

<h2>Israel seeking details about hostages</h2>

Israel will reportedly be absent from the Sunday meeting in Cairo as the Jewish nation demands reassurances on the fate of hostages held by Hamas.

However, according to a senior US official quoted by Reuters, Israel has “more or less accepted” the truce deal drafted by mediators.

Israeli media say Hamas is refusing to say which of its hostages are still alive, so Israel will not attend.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | New demand: High-level prisoners should be deported to Qatar

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According to Egyptian officials, representatives from both Israel and Hamas were expected to join the meeting.

<h2>Pressure grows on Israel</h2>

Pressure for a ceasefire has grown after Feb 29&nbsp;incident outside Gaza City in the north of the territory where at least 112 people were killed as crowds rushed an aid convoy.

Hamas has accused the Jewish nation of shooting at civilians as they attempted to get food, a claim Israel vehemently denies. Israel said an investigation was launched into the incident.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj38ur1qdiEAxWFumMGHdU5CkgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-schools-in-gaza-adjacent-city-of-sderot-reopen-for-first-time-since-oct-7-696184" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-schools-in-gaza-adjacent-city-of-sderot-reopen-for-first-time-since-oct-7-696184&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj38ur1qdiEAxWFumMGHdU5CkgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Israel: Schools in Gaza-adjacent city of Sderot reopen for first time since Oct 7</a>

The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Sunday underscored the need to protect civilians in Gaza, while expressing deep concerns over the deadly episode.

Hamas claims more than 30,000 people have lost their lives in Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza enclave launched after the Oct 7 terror attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Hamas delegation on Sunday (Mar 3) arrived in Cairo as talks to hammer out a Gaza truce get momentum. According to local media reports, mediators from Qatar and the US also arrived in Egypt’s capital on Sunday amid indications that Israel has agreed to the six-week truce deal currently in the works.

A Hamas delegation on Sunday (Mar 3) arrived in Cairo as talks to hammer out a Gaza truce get momentum. According to local media reports, mediators from Qatar and the US also arrived in Egypt’s capital on Sunday amid indications that Israel has agreed to the six-week truce deal currently in the works. However, the Jewish nation has reportedly boycotted the talks over the unknown fate of hostages still held by the Palestinian militant group. Earlier on Saturday, talks involving Israeli officials took place in the Qatari city of Doha. Hamas is expected to submit its response on Sunday or Monday, as time to finalise a truce deal runs out before the said deadline of March 10, when the holy month of Ramadan starts. Mixed hints from Hamas and Palestine Earlier in the day, a Hamas official was quoted by AFP news agency as saying that if Israel withdrew its military from the Gaza Strip and stepped up humanitarian assistance in the besieged territory, it would “pave the way for an agreement within the next 24-48 hours”. On the truce talks, however, a Palestinian official warned that the deal was still not imminent as “we’re not there yet.” Israel seeking details about hostages Israel will reportedly be absent from the Sunday meeting in Cairo as the Jewish nation demands reassurances on the fate of hostages held by Hamas. However, according to a senior US official quoted by Reuters, Israel has “more or less accepted” the truce deal drafted by mediators. Israeli media say Hamas is refusing to say which of its hostages are still alive, so Israel will not attend. Watch: Israel-Hamas war | New demand: High-level prisoners should be deported to Qatar × According to Egyptian officials, representatives from both Israel and Hamas were expected to join the meeting. Pressure grows on Israel Pressure for a ceasefire has grown after Feb 29 incident outside Gaza City in the north of the territory where at least 112 people were killed as crowds rushed an aid convoy. Hamas has accused the Jewish nation of shooting at civilians as they attempted to get food, a claim Israel vehemently denies. Israel said an investigation was launched into the incident. Also read: Israel: Schools in Gaza-adjacent city of Sderot reopen for first time since Oct 7 The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Sunday underscored the need to protect civilians in Gaza, while expressing deep concerns over the deadly episode. Hamas claims more than 30,000 people have lost their lives in Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza enclave launched after the Oct 7 terror attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Gaza war: Israel 'boycotts' Cairo talks with Hamas over unknown fate of hostages

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan met in Berlin on Wednesday as part of peace talks between the two countries.

Azerbaijan and Armenia make new push for peace in Berlin

The Kremlin on Wednesday (Dec 20) said that currently there was no basis for peace talks with Ukraine over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and that such negotiations were 'not relevant' currently. Kremlin also dismissed the peace plan Ukraine had proposed saying it was absurd.

"We really consider that the topic of negotiations is not relevant right now," said Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as he interacted with reporters.

Peskov accused the UK of sinking chances of a peace in 2022 when it pressured Ukraine to refuse to agree to a draft deal which was drawn up shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.

"After that, there were no prerequisites for negotiations - and there were even fewer prerequisites after Ukraine actually legally prohibited any negotiations with the Russian side," Peskov said.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Fatigue builds among Kyiv allies

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Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In October last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree making Ukraine talks with Russia "impossible". The decree was signed after Russian President Vladimir Putin annexed four regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.&nbsp;

Peskov on Wednesday said that Zelensky's "peace formula" had flaws as it was seeking peace without participation from Russia.

"To say the least, this is an absurd process," Peskov said.

Zelensky has proposed 10-point peace plan which calls for cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of Russian soldiers from Ukraine and restoration of Ukraine's borders with Russia.

<h2>'Foreign' elements are destabilising Russia: Putin</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that foreign agents were helping Ukraine to destabilise Russia. He has called for "severe" response to such attempts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-completely-abandon-us-dollar-in-bilateral-trade-says-russian-pm-671667">Russia, China completely abandon US dollar in bilateral trade, says Russian PM</a>

"The Kyiv regime with direct support of foreign special services has taken the path of terrorist methods, practically state terrorism," Putin said in a video address.&nbsp;

"These are acts of sabotage against civilian sites, transport and energy infrastructure, attacks against civilians and representatives of authority," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-says-trump-presidency-could-have-strong-impact-on-war-671508">Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war</a>

"The attempts by foreign special agents to destabilise the political and social situation in Russia must be severely stopped," Putin said in his address on security agency workers' day.

"Security services have no easy task. But you have all the necessary potential, all the possibilities in order to ensure the security of the state, of society and our citizens."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin on Wednesday (Dec 20) said that currently there was no basis for peace talks with Ukraine over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and that such negotiations were 'not relevant' currently.

The Kremlin on Wednesday (Dec 20) said that currently there was no basis for peace talks with Ukraine over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and that such negotiations were 'not relevant' currently. Kremlin also dismissed the peace plan Ukraine had proposed saying it was absurd. "We really consider that the topic of negotiations is not relevant right now," said Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as he interacted with reporters. Peskov accused the UK of sinking chances of a peace in 2022 when it pressured Ukraine to refuse to agree to a draft deal which was drawn up shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. "After that, there were no prerequisites for negotiations - and there were even fewer prerequisites after Ukraine actually legally prohibited any negotiations with the Russian side," Peskov said. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Fatigue builds among Kyiv allies × Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In October last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree making Ukraine talks with Russia "impossible". The decree was signed after Russian President Vladimir Putin annexed four regions in eastern and southern Ukraine. Peskov on Wednesday said that Zelensky's "peace formula" had flaws as it was seeking peace without participation from Russia. "To say the least, this is an absurd process," Peskov said. Zelensky has proposed 10-point peace plan which calls for cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of Russian soldiers from Ukraine and restoration of Ukraine's borders with Russia. 'Foreign' elements are destabilising Russia: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that foreign agents were helping Ukraine to destabilise Russia. He has called for "severe" response to such attempts. Also Read | Russia, China completely abandon US dollar in bilateral trade, says Russian PM "The Kyiv regime with direct support of foreign special services has taken the path of terrorist methods, practically state terrorism," Putin said in a video address. "These are acts of sabotage against civilian sites, transport and energy infrastructure, attacks against civilians and representatives of authority," he said. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war "The attempts by foreign special agents to destabilise the political and social situation in Russia must be severely stopped," Putin said in his address on security agency workers' day. "Security services have no easy task. But you have all the necessary potential, all the possibilities in order to ensure the security of the state, of society and our citizens." (With inputs from agencies)

Peace talks with Ukraine ‘not relevant’, says Kremlin on Zelensky’s 10-point proposal

Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh.

Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on ending the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said.

The kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue among all warring parties in Yemen, the Saudi defence minister said on Wednesday after meeting with the Houthi delegation.

“I emphasised the Kingdom’s support for Yemen and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting dialogue among all parties to reach a comprehensive political solution under UN supervision,” Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a post on messaging platform X.

Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on a potential agreement paving the way to put an end to the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said.

Some progress has been made on the main sticking points, including a timeline for foreign troops exiting Yemen and a mechanism for paying public wages, two sources said, adding the sides would meet for more talks after consultations “soon.”

The Houthi delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia last week. It was the first such official visit to the kingdom since the war broke out in Yemen in 2014 after the Iran-aligned group ousted a Saudi-backed government there.

The talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts, and a timeline for foreign forces to quit Yemen. An agreement would allow the United Nations to restart a broader political peace process.

The Houthis have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and left 80% of Yemen’s population dependent on humanitarian aid.

The United States has put pressure on its ally Saudi Arabia to end the war and linked some U.S. military support to the kingdom to ending its involvement in Yemen.

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Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh. Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on ending the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said. The kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue among all warring parties in Yemen, the Saudi defence minister said on Wednesday after meeting with the Houthi delegation. “I emphasised the Kingdom’s support for Yemen and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting dialogue among all parties to reach a comprehensive political solution under UN supervision,” Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a post on messaging platform X. Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on a potential agreement paving the way to put an end to the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said. Some progress has been made on the main sticking points, including a timeline for foreign troops exiting Yemen and a mechanism for paying public wages, two sources said, adding the sides would meet for more talks after consultations “soon.” The Houthi delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia last week. It was the first such official visit to the kingdom since the war broke out in Yemen in 2014 after the Iran-aligned group ousted a Saudi-backed government there. The talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts, and a timeline for foreign forces to quit Yemen. An agreement would allow the United Nations to restart a broader political peace process. The Houthis have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and left 80% of Yemen’s population dependent on humanitarian aid. The United States has put pressure on its ally Saudi Arabia to end the war and linked some U.S. military support to the kingdom to ending its involvement in Yemen. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi Arabia welcomes positive results of talks to support peace process in Yemen

Saudi Arabia, I said to host peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine War beginning tomorrow in Jeddah. National Security advisors and Senior officials from 40 countries are set to take part in the talks while Russia has been excluded the question mark still hangs over whether China will take part or not.

Russia not invited to peace talks on Ukraine in Jeddah

Yemen is hoping for a breakthrough as the region's neighbors, Oman and Saudi Arabia, begin peace talks. Additionally, two rebel groups supported by Iran have agreed to hold the negotiations in Sanaa for years.

Saudi and Omani delegations hold peace talks with Houthis

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6). In response, Xi said that he also hoped that the two warring nations could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Xi greeted Macron at the grand Great Hall of the People with an elaborate military parade and after that, the leaders went on to hold their talks and discussed trade ties and issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Both Macron and Xi advocated the urgency to pursue peace talks and also reaffirmed that they are opposed to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Pointing towards China’s support for the United Nations Charter, which calls for respect of a country’s territorial integrity, and for nuclear agreements, Macron said, “I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table.”

“We need to find a lasting peace. I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe,” Macron told Xi. 
 
The Elysee Palace said that the talks were "frank and constructive", meanwhile Beijing said the discussions were "friendly" and "in-depth".&nbsp; 
 
Ahead of the meeting with Xi's, Macron met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the French president stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France "in these troubled times".

<h2>Ukraine takes centre stage</h2>

Ukraine emerged to be a headline point during the talks between Xi and Macron, and both leaders agreed on the need to focus on "peace talks". The French president said that Beijing can play a "major role" in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China's "willingness to commit to a resolution".&nbsp;

Macron's visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plan&nbsp;to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. China had floated a peace plan as a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation of the war.&nbsp;

Macron said he is "counting" on Xi to persuade the Russian president, however, it appears to be unlikely, especially after the Chinese president's recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic".&nbsp;

Also, Beijing is officially neutral and Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion and has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war started last year in February. &nbsp; 
 
China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and this trade has propped up the Kremlin's revenue amid sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>No prospect of Chinese mediation</h2>

The Kremlin said it saw no "prospect" for China to mediate the Ukraine conflict and said it had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation. But the situation with Ukraine is complex, so far there are no prospects for a political settlement. At the moment, there are no other ways for us aside from the continuation of the special military operation."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6).

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6). In response, Xi said that he also hoped that the two warring nations could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible. Xi greeted Macron at the grand Great Hall of the People with an elaborate military parade and after that, the leaders went on to hold their talks and discussed trade ties and issues of mutual interest. Both Macron and Xi advocated the urgency to pursue peace talks and also reaffirmed that they are opposed to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Pointing towards China’s support for the United Nations Charter, which calls for respect of a country’s territorial integrity, and for nuclear agreements, Macron said, “I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table.” “We need to find a lasting peace. I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe,” Macron told Xi. The Elysee Palace said that the talks were "frank and constructive", meanwhile Beijing said the discussions were "friendly" and "in-depth". Ahead of the meeting with Xi's, Macron met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the French president stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France "in these troubled times". Ukraine takes centre stage Ukraine emerged to be a headline point during the talks between Xi and Macron, and both leaders agreed on the need to focus on "peace talks". The French president said that Beijing can play a "major role" in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China's "willingness to commit to a resolution". Macron's visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plan to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. China had floated a peace plan as a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation of the war. Macron said he is "counting" on Xi to persuade the Russian president, however, it appears to be unlikely, especially after the Chinese president's recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic". Also, Beijing is officially neutral and Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion and has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war started last year in February. China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and this trade has propped up the Kremlin's revenue amid sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. No prospect of Chinese mediation The Kremlin said it saw no "prospect" for China to mediate the Ukraine conflict and said it had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation. But the situation with Ukraine is complex, so far there are no prospects for a political settlement. At the moment, there are no other ways for us aside from the continuation of the special military operation." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Macron in China: French president wants Xi Jinping to ‘bring Russia to its senses’

An Israeli man was injured in a suspected terror attack in the West Bank town of Huwara on Sunday (March 19), as per local media reports. The Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom said a man in his 30s was seriously wounded in the shooting attack. This comes as the Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Egypt for talks, on Sunday, to prevent the surging violence from further escalating during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan&nbsp;which begins next week.&nbsp;

Suspected terror attack in Huwara

According to Magen David Adom, the two people found at the scene&nbsp;were&nbsp;a man and a woman in their 30s. The woman, later identified as his wife, was taken to a hospital for treatment of traumatic shock, while the man was in critical condition.

“We met up with the vehicle at the Einebus junction along with IDF medical personnel. We provided medical treatment to a man in his 30s who was seriously injured by a gunshot to his upper body and to a woman who fainted from anxiety,” said senior Magen David Adom medic, Moshe Meir Shimon, who was also present at the scene of the incident, reported the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp;

“We quickly transferred them to ambulances and evacuated them to the hospital, as the man was in serious condition,” Shimon added. The identity of the victims has not been revealed. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it received a report of a “shooting incident” in Huwara and that it has launched a manhunt for the suspected terrorist, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

According to initial reports on the incident, at least 20 bullets were fired at the car. The Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikvah, which is treating the victim said that he was sedated and on a ventilator with gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder but is since in a stable condition, reported the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to Twitter and said he was praying for the “wounded hero” who succeeded in shooting the terrorist attacker supposedly confirming some media reports which said that the man who was shot managed to shoot back at the terrorist and injured him. Later the&nbsp;Israeli army confirmed&nbsp;that&nbsp;either soldiers or the victim shot the suspected Palestinian gunman who was the arrested by the&nbsp;Israeli forces.&nbsp;

Israeli and Palestinian officials meeting in Egypt

On Sunday, the officials from the two countries met in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. In a statement,&nbsp;Egypt’s foreign ministry said that the meeting “aims to support dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to work to stop unilateral actions and escalation, and break the existing cycle of violence and achieve calm”, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

It added, that a reduction in violence could create a climate for the “resumption of the peace process”. The move has also been backed by the United States and Jordan. The meeting comes weeks after talks in the Jordanian coastal city of Aqaba brokered by the US has&nbsp;seemingly failed&nbsp;to stop the violence despite the two sides vowing to de-escalate.&nbsp;

Recently, the Israeli-occupied West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence with increased military raids by the Israeli army and a settler rampage in the area last month amid a rise in attacks by Palestinians. There have been some clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians particularly near the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem around&nbsp;Ramzan which also coincides with the Jewish holiday, Passover and Christian Easter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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An Israeli man was injured in a suspected terror attack in the West Bank town of Huwara on Sunday (March 19), as per local media reports. The Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom said a man in his 30s was seriously wounded in the shooting attack.

An Israeli man was injured in a suspected terror attack in the West Bank town of Huwara on Sunday (March 19), as per local media reports. The Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom said a man in his 30s was seriously wounded in the shooting attack. This comes as the Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Egypt for talks, on Sunday, to prevent the surging violence from further escalating during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan which begins next week. Suspected terror attack in Huwara According to Magen David Adom, the two people found at the scene were a man and a woman in their 30s. The woman, later identified as his wife, was taken to a hospital for treatment of traumatic shock, while the man was in critical condition. “We met up with the vehicle at the Einebus junction along with IDF medical personnel. We provided medical treatment to a man in his 30s who was seriously injured by a gunshot to his upper body and to a woman who fainted from anxiety,” said senior Magen David Adom medic, Moshe Meir Shimon, who was also present at the scene of the incident, reported the Jerusalem Post. “We quickly transferred them to ambulances and evacuated them to the hospital, as the man was in serious condition,” Shimon added. The identity of the victims has not been revealed. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it received a report of a “shooting incident” in Huwara and that it has launched a manhunt for the suspected terrorist, as per local media reports. According to initial reports on the incident, at least 20 bullets were fired at the car. The Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikvah, which is treating the victim said that he was sedated and on a ventilator with gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder but is since in a stable condition, reported the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to Twitter and said he was praying for the “wounded hero” who succeeded in shooting the terrorist attacker supposedly confirming some media reports which said that the man who was shot managed to shoot back at the terrorist and injured him. Later the Israeli army confirmed that either soldiers or the victim shot the suspected Palestinian gunman who was the arrested by the Israeli forces. Israeli and Palestinian officials meeting in Egypt On Sunday, the officials from the two countries met in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. In a statement, Egypt’s foreign ministry said that the meeting “aims to support dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to work to stop unilateral actions and escalation, and break the existing cycle of violence and achieve calm”, reported Reuters. It added, that a reduction in violence could create a climate for the “resumption of the peace process”. The move has also been backed by the United States and Jordan. The meeting comes weeks after talks in the Jordanian coastal city of Aqaba brokered by the US has seemingly failed to stop the violence despite the two sides vowing to de-escalate. Recently, the Israeli-occupied West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence with increased military raids by the Israeli army and a settler rampage in the area last month amid a rise in attacks by Palestinians. There have been some clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians particularly near the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem around Ramzan which also coincides with the Jewish holiday, Passover and Christian Easter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli man injured in West Bank shooting attack; officials meet in Egypt to prevent violence ahead of Ramzan

The parties in the conflict in Ethiopia’s northern region of Tigray have agreed on a “permanent truce”, the African Union mediator said, just more than a week after formal peace talks began in South Africa.

Ethiopia's warring sides agree to end fighting in a breakthrough deal

Representatives of the Ethiopian government and rebel forces in the country’s Tigray region are holding peace talks in South Africa to resolve the almost two-year civil war that has ravaged Africa’s second-most-populous nation.

Peace talks between Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels

Ethiopia’s Tigray rebels say they are ready to take part in peace talks led by the African Union (AU) to end almost two years of brutal warfare.

Ethiopia's Tigray rebels say ready for AU-led peace talks

Tigray rebels ready for peace talks with Ethiopian government

Ethiopia's&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;said Sunday they were&nbsp;ready&nbsp;for a ceasefire and would accept a&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process led by the African Union, removing an obstacle to negotiations with the government to end almost two years of brutal warfare.

The announcement was made amid a flurry of international diplomacy after fighting flared last month for the first time in several months in northern&nbsp;Ethiopia, torpedoing a humanitarian truce.

"The government of&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;is prepared to participate in a robust&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process under the auspices of the African Union," said a statement by the Tigrayan authorities.

"Furthermore, we are&nbsp;ready&nbsp;to abide by an immediate and mutually agreed cessation of hostilities in order to create a conducive atmosphere."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tigray-crisis-government-and-rebels-exchange-blame-for-the-latest-round-of-hostilities-509995">Also read |&nbsp;Tigray crisis: Government and rebels exchange blame for the latest round of hostilities</a>

The Ethiopian government has previously said it was&nbsp;ready&nbsp;for unconditional&nbsp;talks&nbsp;"anytime, anywhere," brokered by the Addis Ababa-headquartered AU.

The&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;People's Liberation Front (TPLF) had until now vehemently opposed the role of the AU's Horn of Africa envoy Olusegun Obasanjo, protesting his "proximity" to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

AU Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat issued a statement welcoming the development as a "unique opportunity towards the restoration of&nbsp;peace" and urged "both parties to urgently work towards an immediate ceasefire, engage in direct&nbsp;talks".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called in a statement for "the parties to seize this opportunity for&nbsp;peace&nbsp;and to take steps to end the violence definitively and opt for dialogue."&nbsp;

He said the United Nations is&nbsp;ready&nbsp;to support the&nbsp;AU-led&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process.

Taye Dendea,&nbsp;Ethiopia's state minister for&nbsp;peace, described the TPLF announcement as a "nice development" on Twitter but insisted the "so-called TDF (Tigray&nbsp;Defence Forces) must be disarmed before&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks&nbsp;start. Clear stand!"

Seeking 'credible'&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process&nbsp;

The TPLF statement, which coincided with&nbsp;Ethiopia's new year, made no mention of preconditions, although it said the Tigrayans expected a "credible"&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process with "mutually acceptable" mediators as well as international observers.

TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael earlier this month proposed a conditional truce calling for "unfettered humanitarian access" and the restoration of essential services in&nbsp;Tigray, which is suffering food shortages and a lack of electricity, communications and banking.

In a letter to Guterres, he also called for the withdrawal of Eritrean forces from across&nbsp;Ethiopia, and for troops to pull out of western&nbsp;Tigray, a disputed region claimed by both Tigrayans and Amharas, the country's second-largest ethnic group.

Sunday's statement said a negotiating team including TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda and General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a former Ethiopian army chief now in&nbsp;Tigray's central military command, was "ready&nbsp;to be deployed without delay".

Debretsion had disclosed last month that two rounds of confidential face-to-face meetings had taken place between top civilian and military officials, the first acknowledgment by either warring side of direct contacts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-has-fighting-restarted-in-north-ethiopia-512467">Also read |&nbsp;Why has fighting restarted in north Ethiopia?</a>

Choose&nbsp;talks&nbsp;over fighting

The AU's Faki had held&nbsp;talks&nbsp;Saturday with both Obasanjo, the former Nigerian president, and visiting US envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer.

"May the parties in the conflict have the courage to choose&nbsp;talks&nbsp;over fighting, and participate in an African Union-led process that produces a lasting&nbsp;peace," Hammer said in a new year's message for Ethiopians on Sunday.

Fighting has raged on several fronts in northern&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;since hostilities resumed on August 24, with both sides accusing the other of firing first and breaking a March truce.

The latest combat first broke out around&nbsp;Tigray's southeastern border but has since spread to areas west and north of the initial clashes, the TPLF accusing Ethiopian and Eritrean forces of having launched a massive joint offensive on&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;on September 1.

The United Nations said on Thursday that the renewed fighting had forced a halt to desperately needed aid deliveries to&nbsp;Tigray, both by road and air.

The March truce had allowed aid convoys to travel to&nbsp;Tigray's capital Mekele for the first time since mid-December.

Untold numbers of civilians have been killed since the war erupted in Africa's second most populous country, and millions of people across northern&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;are in need of emergency aid.

Abiy, a Nobel&nbsp;Peace&nbsp;laureate, sent troops into&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;in November 2020 to topple the TPLF in response to what he said were attacks by the group on federal army camps.

The TPLF recaptured most of&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;in a surprise comeback in June 2021 and expanded into Afar and Amhara, before the fighting reached a stalemate.

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Ethiopia's Tigray rebels said Sunday they were ready for a ceasefire and would accept a peace process led by the African Union, removing an obstacle to negotiations with the government to end almost two years of brutal warfare.

Ethiopia's Tigray rebels said Sunday they were ready for a ceasefire and would accept a peace process led by the African Union, removing an obstacle to negotiations with the government to end almost two years of brutal warfare. The announcement was made amid a flurry of international diplomacy after fighting flared last month for the first time in several months in northern Ethiopia, torpedoing a humanitarian truce. "The government of Tigray is prepared to participate in a robust peace process under the auspices of the African Union," said a statement by the Tigrayan authorities. "Furthermore, we are ready to abide by an immediate and mutually agreed cessation of hostilities in order to create a conducive atmosphere." Also read | Tigray crisis: Government and rebels exchange blame for the latest round of hostilities The Ethiopian government has previously said it was ready for unconditional talks "anytime, anywhere," brokered by the Addis Ababa-headquartered AU. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) had until now vehemently opposed the role of the AU's Horn of Africa envoy Olusegun Obasanjo, protesting his "proximity" to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. AU Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat issued a statement welcoming the development as a "unique opportunity towards the restoration of peace" and urged "both parties to urgently work towards an immediate ceasefire, engage in direct talks". UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called in a statement for "the parties to seize this opportunity for peace and to take steps to end the violence definitively and opt for dialogue." He said the United Nations is ready to support the AU-led peace process. Taye Dendea, Ethiopia's state minister for peace, described the TPLF announcement as a "nice development" on Twitter but insisted the "so-called TDF (Tigray Defence Forces) must be disarmed before peace talks start. Clear stand!" Seeking 'credible' peace process The TPLF statement, which coincided with Ethiopia's new year, made no mention of preconditions, although it said the Tigrayans expected a "credible" peace process with "mutually acceptable" mediators as well as international observers. TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael earlier this month proposed a conditional truce calling for "unfettered humanitarian access" and the restoration of essential services in Tigray, which is suffering food shortages and a lack of electricity, communications and banking. In a letter to Guterres, he also called for the withdrawal of Eritrean forces from across Ethiopia, and for troops to pull out of western Tigray, a disputed region claimed by both Tigrayans and Amharas, the country's second-largest ethnic group. Sunday's statement said a negotiating team including TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda and General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a former Ethiopian army chief now in Tigray's central military command, was "ready to be deployed without delay". Debretsion had disclosed last month that two rounds of confidential face-to-face meetings had taken place between top civilian and military officials, the first acknowledgment by either warring side of direct contacts. Also read | Why has fighting restarted in north Ethiopia? Choose talks over fighting The AU's Faki had held talks Saturday with both Obasanjo, the former Nigerian president, and visiting US envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer. "May the parties in the conflict have the courage to choose talks over fighting, and participate in an African Union-led process that produces a lasting peace," Hammer said in a new year's message for Ethiopians on Sunday. Fighting has raged on several fronts in northern Ethiopia since hostilities resumed on August 24, with both sides accusing the other of firing first and breaking a March truce. The latest combat first broke out around Tigray's southeastern border but has since spread to areas west and north of the initial clashes, the TPLF accusing Ethiopian and Eritrean forces of having launched a massive joint offensive on Tigray on September 1. The United Nations said on Thursday that the renewed fighting had forced a halt to desperately needed aid deliveries to Tigray, both by road and air. The March truce had allowed aid convoys to travel to Tigray's capital Mekele for the first time since mid-December. Untold numbers of civilians have been killed since the war erupted in Africa's second most populous country, and millions of people across northern Ethiopia are in need of emergency aid. Abiy, a Nobel Peace laureate, sent troops into Tigray in November 2020 to topple the TPLF in response to what he said were attacks by the group on federal army camps. The TPLF recaptured most of Tigray in a surprise comeback in June 2021 and expanded into Afar and Amhara, before the fighting reached a stalemate. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ethiopia's Tigray rebels say ready for African Union-led peace talks

The Pakistani authorities and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have decided to extend the current ceasefire for an indefinite time period till the current peace talks between the two sides that have been going on in Kabul since the start of this month conclude. 
&nbsp; 
The talks, facilitated by the Afghan Taliban regime, have resulted in the extension of the ceasefire between the forces and the Taliban on two occasions.

 
Both the parties continue to hold the dialogue and have formed a three-member committee, with representatives from each side to iron out the differences. These talks will be moderated by Haqqani network chief Sirajuddin Haqqani.

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In the world, every war or insurgency finally terminates at negotiation tables, then why not give chance to peace between the <a href="https://twitter.com/GovtofPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovtofPakistan</a> &amp; 
Tehreek-E-Taliban pakistan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeaceIsTheOnlySolution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeaceIsTheOnlySolution</a> <a href="https://t.co/ImMuIyoApi">pic.twitter.com/ImMuIyoApi</a>
— Hidayat Ur Rehman (@zarrar_11) <a href="https://twitter.com/zarrar_11/status/1530943296306130951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In contrast to previous failed negotiations, the Pakistan government delegation expressed and demonstrated its seriousness this time, as it agreed to some of TTP demands, which would work better towards confidence-building measures for formal and more structured negotiations.

 
In the peace talks, the TTP is represented by Mufti Ghofran, Commander Zarar and Omar Khalid Khorasani while the Pakistani delegation comprises senior military and intelligence officials.

 
Since the government of the Taliban came to power, the attacks on Pakistani forces from across the border increased considerably, resulting in the loss of dozens of lives. In a bid to stop these attacks, Pakistan had conducted a drone strike inside Afghanistan as well.

 
A UN report released last week claimed that the TTP was the militant group that benefitted most from the Afghan Taliban’s ascent to power. According to the report, TTP had a strength of about 3,000 to 4,000 fighters in the neighbouring country. 
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The Pakistani authorities and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have decided to extend the current ceasefire for an indefinite time period till the current peace talks between the two sides that have been going on in Kabul since the start of this month conclude.

The Pakistani authorities and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have decided to extend the current ceasefire for an indefinite time period till the current peace talks between the two sides that have been going on in Kabul since the start of this month conclude. The talks, facilitated by the Afghan Taliban regime, have resulted in the extension of the ceasefire between the forces and the Taliban on two occasions. Both the parties continue to hold the dialogue and have formed a three-member committee, with representatives from each side to iron out the differences. These talks will be moderated by Haqqani network chief Sirajuddin Haqqani. In the world, every war or insurgency finally terminates at negotiation tables, then why not give chance to peace between the @GovtofPakistan & Tehreek-E-Taliban pakistan.#PeaceIsTheOnlySolution pic.twitter.com/ImMuIyoApi — Hidayat Ur Rehman (@zarrar_11) May 29, 2022 × In contrast to previous failed negotiations, the Pakistan government delegation expressed and demonstrated its seriousness this time, as it agreed to some of TTP demands, which would work better towards confidence-building measures for formal and more structured negotiations. In the peace talks, the TTP is represented by Mufti Ghofran, Commander Zarar and Omar Khalid Khorasani while the Pakistani delegation comprises senior military and intelligence officials. Since the government of the Taliban came to power, the attacks on Pakistani forces from across the border increased considerably, resulting in the loss of dozens of lives. In a bid to stop these attacks, Pakistan had conducted a drone strike inside Afghanistan as well. A UN report released last week claimed that the TTP was the militant group that benefitted most from the Afghan Taliban’s ascent to power. According to the report, TTP had a strength of about 3,000 to 4,000 fighters in the neighbouring country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan agree on indefinite ceasefire

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