Politics

Middle East: Qatar reportedly pulls out of Gaza truce talks

Published

1 year ago

November 10, 2024

Qatar has reportedly concluded that the Hamas political office in Doha no longer serves its purpose. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Donald Trump that he is willing to work toward peace.

Qatar will no longer mediate between Israel and the militant group Hamas, according to media reports Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli airstrikes on Tyre killed seven people, including two children Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke on the phone with US President-elect Donald Trump

Here are the main developments regarding Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Gaza and the wider Middle East region on Saturday, November 9:

Qatar pulls out of Gaza cease-fire talks — reports

Qatar has reportedly pulled out of talks for a cease-fire in Gaza, according to media reports on Saturday.

An unnamed official told news agencies Reuters and AFP that Doha would no longer mediate between Israel and militant group Hamas until both sides “demonstrate a sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table.”

“The Qataris informed both the Israelis and Hamas that as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith, they cannot continue to mediate,” the diplomatic source told AFP.

According to the reports, the Gulf monarchy concluded that Hamas’ political office in Doha “no longer serves its purpose.”

A senior Hamas official later told AFP that the militant group had not received an order from Qatar to leave the country.

“We have nothing to confirm or deny regarding what was published by an unidentified diplomatic source, and we have not received any request to leave Qatar,” the unnamed Hamas official said from Doha.

zc/jcg (AFP, dpa, AP, Reuters)

Israeli airstrikes kill 7 in Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven people, including two children, in the Lebanese city of Tyre, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Saturday.

The Health Ministry said body parts had been found and would be “identified with DNA testing.”

Another 46 people were injured during the strikes, the Health Ministry added.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said the strikes caused “massive damage to dozens of homes.”

The Israeli military said it previously told residents to evacuate the area.

Palestinian leader Abbas tells Trump he’s ready to work for Gaza peace

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed readiness to work towards a “just and comprehensive peace” in Gaza during a phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump, his office said in a statement on Saturday.

Abbas congratulated Trump on his victory and expressed his “readiness to work with President Trump to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy.” “President Trump stressed that he will work to stop the war, and his readiness to work with president Abbas and the concerned parties in the region and the world to make peace in the region,” the statement said.

Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

3 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.