Politics
China Facilitates Unity Deal Among Palestinian Factions
In a bid to foster unity among Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah have agreed to form an interim “national reconciliation government” for the West Bank and Gaza, facilitated by China. This agreement, announced by China’s foreign minister and Hamas officials, marks another attempt to bridge the long-standing divide between the two factions. Representatives from these groups, along with 12 other Palestinian factions, committed to working towards unity during three days of discussions in Beijing.
The declaration follows several previous reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah, none of which have successfully resolved the deep-seated rift. Israel has already ruled out any role for Hamas or Fatah in governing Gaza after hostilities conclude. The division traces back to 2007 when Hamas ousted Fatah from Gaza, leading to a split after Hamas won national elections and President Mahmoud Abbas dissolved the unity government.
Since the recent outbreak of conflict on October 7, Hamas has lost control in Gaza, following its attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. In retaliation, the Israeli offensive has led to over 39,000 Palestinian casualties in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Hamas spokesman Hossam Badran described the declaration as a “positive step” toward Palestinian unity, emphasizing agreements on demands such as a ceasefire, withdrawal from Gaza, and reconstruction efforts. The declaration aims to form a consensus government to manage Gaza and the West Bank’s affairs and pave the way for elections. However, significant challenges remain to implement this agreement effectively.
While Fatah has not yet commented on the declaration, its representative Mahmoud al-Aloul expressed gratitude to China for supporting the Palestinian cause. In contrast, Israel dismissed the Beijing declaration. Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Mahmoud Abbas for supporting Hamas, asserting that Hamas’s rule will be eliminated and that Israel will maintain its security independently.
Politics
Sri Lanka swears in new left-leaning president
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president, pledging to bring “clean” governance as the country continues to recover from its deepest economic crisis. The left-leaning leader, known for his stance against corruption, sees his election as a call for change and transparency in a country long troubled by political cronyism.
Dissanayake’s election follows the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 after mass protests driven by economic hardships. In his inaugural address, the 55-year-old president emphasized the need for a new political culture that restores public trust. “We need to establish a new clean political culture,” he said, while committing to safeguard democracy.
His speech underscored the importance of unity, with representatives from Sri Lanka’s Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities attending the ceremony. Dissanayake promised good governance, economic reform, and a focus on manufacturing, agriculture, and IT development. He also pledged to uphold Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aiming to reduce the burden of austerity on the country’s poorest citizens.
Dissanayake’s swearing-in was preceded by the resignation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, setting the stage for a parliamentary dissolution as the nation embarks on this new political chapter.
Politics
Okpebholo Secures Victory in Edo Governorship Election
Okpebholo Monday, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been declared the winner of the Edo State governorship election after receiving 291,667 votes. He defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 247,274 votes, and Labour Party (LP) candidate Olumide Akpata, who finished third with 22,761 votes. Fourteen other candidates also contested but received fewer votes.
Prof. Faruk Kuta, the Returning Officer from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, officially declared Okpebholo the winner at 09:27 pm at the collation center in Benin City, Edo State’s capital, amidst applause from APC supporters.
Okpebholo’s victory was dominant in over 10 out of the state’s 18 local government areas, while Ighodalo achieved marginal wins in the remaining councils. The APC also claimed control in two of the three key senatorial districts in Edo State.
News
Suspect in Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt Faces Gun Charges
Ryan Routh, the suspect in the alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, has been charged with federal gun crimes. During a brief court hearing in Palm Beach, the 58-year-old was charged with two offences: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years, and possession of a firearm with an obstructed serial number, punishable by up to five years.
Routh, dressed in a blue prison jumpsuit and with his hands cuffed, spoke to a public defender for several minutes before the hearing began. Initially displaying a calm demeanor with occasional smiles, he turned expressionless once the court proceedings got underway, responding to the judge’s questions with, “Yes, your honor.”
In a series of personal questions to assess his eligibility for a public defender, Routh revealed that he had “zero funds” in his bank account, made about $3,000 monthly, and owned two trucks in Hawaii, each valued at around $1,000.
Routh was brought into the courtroom just before 10:00 (14:00 GMT) and observed the scene, which included other defendants, press members, and attendees. After his brief hearing, he was escorted out as proceedings for other cases began.
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