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Uncertainty looms as first phase of Gaza truce due to expire

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas truce is drawing to a close on Saturday, but negotiations on the next stage, which should secure a permanent ceasefire, have so far been inconclusive.The ceasefire took effect on January 19 after more than 15 months of war sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, the deadliest in the country's history.Over the initial six-week phase, Gaza militants freed 25 living hostages and returned the bodies of eight others to Israel, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Uncertainty looms as first phase of Gaza truce due to expire

US blacklisting of Huthis 'devastating' for Yemen, NGOs say

The United States' move to re-classify Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebel group as a foreign terrorist organisation could have "devastating" effects on the country's largely aid-dependent, war-wracked population, humanitarian groups warned on Thursday.The listing, which bans any interaction with the Huthis -- who control large swathes of the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country -- could push up prices and make it difficult to import essential goods, aid groups said.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: US blacklisting of Huthis 'devastating' for Yemen, NGOs say

Tunisia opponents to be tried on state security charges amid crackdown

A highly anticipated trial of several prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of plotting against state security is set to start Tuesday, with critics and rights groups denouncing it as unfair and politically motivated.The case has named around 40 high-profile defendants -- including former diplomats, politicians, lawyers and media figures -- some of whom have been outspoken critics of President Kais Saied.Many were detained following a flurry of arrests in February 2023, after Saied dubbed them "terrorists".
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Tunisia opponents to be tried on state security charges amid crackdown