NEW YORK: The UN Security Council on Thursday expressed grave concern over the signing of a charter to establish a parallel governing authority in Sudan, warning that the move risks exacerbating the fragmentation of the war-torn country and worsening its already dire humanitarian situation.
Council members said that any such unilateral action will undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and therefore threatens the stability of the country and the wider region.
Sudanese political groups and armed movements aligned with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Tuesday signed what they billed “a transitional charter” in Nairobi, endorsing “a secular state for Sudan” and paving the way for a parallel government in RSF-controlled areas.
The Sudanese government has rejected the move, saying it encourages the division of African countries and violates their sovereignty.
Members of the Security Council called on both parties involved in the conflict to seek an immediate halt to hostilities and to engage, “in good faith,” in diplomatic efforts toward a durable ceasefire.
They also welcomed calls by the African Union and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to urgently declare a ceasefire during Ramadan.
The 15-member body, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, also called for all parties to comply with their commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration.
They emphasized “the importance of a genuine, inclusive, and transparent national dialogue leading to a free, fair and democratically elected national government, following a civilian-led transitional period, to realize the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful, stable and prosperous future, in full accordance with the principles of national ownership.”
Council members further urged all countries to halt any external interference “which seeks to foment conflict and instability, to support efforts for durable peace, to abide by their obligations under international law, and to implement relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2750,” which was adopted last year to renew the arms embargo on Sudan.
The Security Council also called on warring parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and resolution 2736.
Resolution 2736, adopted in June 2024, demanded the RSF halt a siege and de-escalate fighting in North Darfur’s capital Al-Fashir.
Since the beginning of the conflict in early 2023, humanitarian officials have decried the weaponization of hunger in Sudan and lamented the lack of access to the millions in need, which has caused famine to return to some parts of the country, including Zamzam camp.
UN Security Council warns any parallel government in Sudan risks worsening war, fragmentation
https://arab.news/98jhu
UN Security Council warns any parallel government in Sudan risks worsening war, fragmentation
- Unilateral action threatens Sudan’s sovereignty, regional stability, says Security Council
- Alarm grows over signing of ‘transitional charter’ in Nairobi, endorsing ‘secular state for Sudan’
Israel plans to force Gazans into 3 security zones, leaked map shows
- Enclave to be divided by IDF areas if ceasefire talks with Hamas fail
- Palestinian civilians will be forbidden from traveling freely across Gaza
LONDON: Israel is planning to force Palestinians in Gaza into three security zones separated by four military-occupied areas if a ceasefire with Hamas is not reached in the coming days.
A map of the plan was leaked by diplomats and seen by the Sunday Times. It shows four Israeli military zones in the north, center and south of the Gaza Strip, with three civilian areas in between.
It is understood that civilians will be forbidden from traveling between each area without permission, while goods will undergo security screening.
Humanitarian distribution companies said the restrictions would separate Palestinians from their land and homes, and prevent them from moving throughout the enclave.
An Israeli military spokesman declined to confirm or deny the plan — entitled “Stage three: the complete takeover of Gaza” — when asked by the Sunday Times.
According to the plan, a military corridor will be constructed north of Khan Younis, modeled on the existing Netzarim Corridor south of Gaza City.
Sources said Israeli bulldozers will begin to empty land from the area ahead of construction. The corridor will separate the civilian sections north of Rafah and south of the Netzarim Corridor.
The Israeli military will also widen the buffer zone between Israel and Gaza, with the leaked map showing a huge perimeter around the entire enclave.
Creating the new army zones in the center of Gaza, as well as the expanded buffer zone, will take at least three weeks. It is part of the first stage of Israel’s long-term strategy to conquer Gaza.
The leaked map also shows about a dozen sites within the new civilian areas, believed to be the locations of new humanitarian distribution centers.
The launch of a new purported humanitarian model is part of a widely condemned plan by Israel to bypass the UN and charities, and use private companies to deliver aid.
Since March, Israel has imposed a total blockade on the entry of humanitarian goods into Gaza.
Syrian foreign minister hails sanctions relief, pushes for inclusive recovery at Arab Summit
- Asaad Al-Shaibani says Syria entering a new phase ‘that embraces diversity, guarantees representation, preserves dignity’
- ‘Syria is for all Syrians, with no place for marginalization or exclusion,’ FM tells Baghdad forum
BAGHDAD: Syria has begun taking serious steps toward national recovery and reconciliation, based on a commitment to inclusivity and sovereignty, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani said on Saturday during his address at the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad.
Delivering his country’s remarks at the high-level gathering, Al-Shaibani said Syria was entering a new phase of “inclusive national dialogue that embraces diversity, guarantees representation, and preserves dignity.”
He added that the move marked what he described as an unprecedented effort to rebuild the nation on foundations that reject marginalization and exclusion.
“Syria is for all Syrians, with no place for marginalization or exclusion,” he declared, underlining the country’s refusal to accept “guardianship” or to serve as a battleground for external conflicts.
Al-Shaibani also welcomed the recent decision by US President Donald Trump to lift sanctions imposed on Syria, a move he hailed as a “positive and important step” on the path to national reconstruction.
He credited “sincere Arab diplomatic efforts” for helping to bring about the breakthrough.
The minister extended special thanks to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye for their role as effective mediators at a “pivotal historical moment,” and expressed deep gratitude to Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council for their support during what he called a “delicate stage” for Syria.
“Lifting the sanctions is not the end, but rather the beginning of a path that we hope will be paved with real cooperation and the integration of Arab efforts,” he said.
He also stressed the need to work together to bolster regional development, safeguard Arab national security, and enhance overall stability.
Al-Shaibani revealed that Syria was finalizing preparations for a national parliament that would represent the full spectrum of Syrian society, alongside efforts to draft a permanent constitution aimed at protecting rights, upholding sovereignty, and establishing the rule of law.
“Any project aimed at weakening or dividing the Syrian state under any pretext is categorically rejected by the Syrian state and people in all their components,” he said.
UN chief at Baghdad summit repeats rejection of Israeli-US aid plan for Gaza
- Gaza dominates agenda at Arab League meet as Antonio Guterres hails major forum next month as ‘important opportunity’
- UN secretary-general also draws attention to events in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Libya
NEW YORK CITY: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeated his rejection of a joint Israeli-US plan to bypass his organization in delivering aid to Gaza.
The UN chief’s comments came two days after satellite imagery revealed construction of new aid distribution centers in the enclave.
Guterres was speaking on Saturday at the annual Arab League summit in Baghdad, where the situation in Gaza dominated the agenda.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani said in his opening speech at the summit: “This genocide (in Gaza) has reached a level of ugliness unparalleled in all conflicts in history.”
As well as Gaza, the UN chief also drew attention to events in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya.
He opened his speech by praising Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit and said that the UN hopes to “further strengthen” its partnership with the league.
“I am alarmed by reported plans by Israel to expand ground operations and more,” he added, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded flow of aid to the enclave.
Since March, Israel has implemented a total blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza in a bid to step up pressure on Hamas.
The latest Israeli plan to allow third parties to deliver aid aims to ensure deliveries reach the right people, the country’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has said.
However, Guterres has repeatedly rejected the Israeli plan.
“I emphasize that the UN will not participate in any so-called aid operation that does not adhere to international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality,” he said on Saturday.
The UN chief also highlighted the situation in the West Bank, where settler annexation and the building of illegal settlements has escalated.
“Annexation is illegal. Settlements are illegal,” he said.
Guterres highlighted next month’s high-level conference on the Palestinian issue, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, as an “important opportunity.”
He said: “The world, the region — and, most of all, the people of Palestine and Israel — cannot afford to watch the two-state solution disappear before our eyes.”
On Lebanon, Guterres praised the “stated commitment by Lebanese officials to ensure a state monopoly over weapons.”
It comes as the UN’s peacekeeping force in the country, UNIFIL, works in tandem with the Lebanese army to seize Hezbollah arms caches in the country’s south.
In neighboring Syria, a political process “based on the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254” will “safeguard the rights and participation of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity and religion, and ensure their protection,” Guterres said.
The UN chief also welcomed the Houthi-US ceasefire mediated by Oman that was reached earlier this month.
“The trajectory of violence must cease as we work for a negotiated Yemeni-led political settlement,” he said.
Guterres said he was “very grateful” to the Arab League and African Union for “the excellent coordination meeting that we managed to have yesterday” on the situation in Sudan.
“In Libya, we are actively engaging with national and international actors to end the confrontation between armed groups, to preserve the independence of key oversight institutions, to address the obstacles preventing national elections, and set the course for long-term stability and prosperity — in line with the Libyan people’s needs and aspirations,” he said.
The Arab League is a “vital partner” in these efforts, he added.
“Despite the enormous challenges, let us draw lessons and hope from here in Baghdad. Working in unity and solidarity, we can help resolve conflicts and build a future of peace and prosperity,” Guterres said.
“That is the shared goal of the Arab League and the UN, and I look forward to continue to deepen our partnership together.”
Syrian government forces raid Daesh hideouts in Aleppo
- The security forces seized weapons, bombs and uniforms with the security forces’ insignia
- A security source said the raids had targeted sleeper cells in four locations
DAMASCUS: Syrian security forces raided Daesh hideouts in Aleppo on Saturday, killing at least one militant and arresting others, the Interior Ministry said, the first time such an operation has been announced under the country’s new Islamist rulers.
A member of the security forces was also killed, the statement issued by Interior Ministry spokesperson said. The security forces seized weapons, bombs and uniforms with the security forces’ insignia.
A security source said the raids had targeted sleeper cells in four locations. One Daesh militant had blown himself up, and another had been killed in clashes, the source said.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who once led a branch of Al-Qaeda, has long been an adversary of Daesh, and battled the group’s self-declared caliphate during the Syrian war.
US President Donald Trump met Sharaa earlier this week, and praised him as an “attractive guy with a very strong past” after the encounter in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Trump also declared the United States would lift sanctions, a major US policy shift that should help revive the shattered economy and marked a major boost for Sharaa.
Sharaa seized power in Damascus in December after veteran leader Bashar Assad was ousted. Sharaa cut ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016.
Daesh controlled swathes of Syria and Iraq at the height of its power, before being beaten out of the territory by enemies including a US-led military alliance.
New Gaza talks ‘without any preconditions’ begin in Doha, says Hamas official
- “This round of negotiations began without any preconditions from either side,” said Al-Nunu
- “Hamas will present its viewpoint on all issues, especially ending the war”
DOHA: A senior Hamas official said a new round of indirect negotiations with Israel aimed at ending the war in Gaza started in Doha “without any preconditions” on Saturday.
The announcement came as Israel’s military launched a new Gaza offensive, saying it was part of “the expansion of the battle in the Gaza Strip” aimed at defeating the Palestinian militant group.
“This round of negotiations began without any preconditions from either side, and the negotiations are open to discussing all issues,” said senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu.
“Hamas will present its viewpoint on all issues, especially ending the war, (Israel’s) withdrawal and prisoner exchange.”
Prior rounds of negotiations have failed to secure a breakthrough on ending the war, and a two-month ceasefire between the sides fell apart when Israel resumed its operations in Gaza on March 18.
The renewed fighting came after Israel imposed a total aid blockade on the territory that UN agencies warn has created critical shortages of food, clean water, fuel and medicines.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz credited the intensified campaign with bringing Hamas back to the table.
“With the opening of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ in Gaza, which is being led by the IDF (Israeli army) command with great force, the Hamas delegation in Doha announced a return to negotiations on a hostage deal — in contrast to the recalcitrant position they had taken up until that moment,” he said.
Negotiations for the release of the captives held in Gaza have been ongoing, with the latest talks taking place in Doha.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week he had instructed a negotiating team to head to the Qatari capital.
