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Gaza Talks: Pick A Side Between Us Or Hamas — Israeli PM Tells Qatar

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Israel has called out Qatar to clarify its position in the ongoing Gaza conflict, accusing the Gulf state of playing both sides in its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas.

In a statement on Saturday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office urged Qatar to “stop playing both sides with its double talk and decide if it’s on the side of civilization or if it’s on the side of Hamas.” Qatar swiftly rejected the remarks as “inflammatory”.

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According to the Reuters, the sharp exchange comes amid continued diplomatic efforts led by Egypt and Qatar to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

READ ALSO: Gaza Protesters Vandalise Trump’s Scotland Golf Resort

However, both sides remain entrenched in their demands, with little sign of compromise.

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Israel maintains that any ceasefire deal must include the disarmament of Hamas and exclude the group from any future governance of Gaza.

It also demands the return of 59 hostages still held in the enclave. Hamas, on the other hand, insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal and a permanent halt to military operations before agreeing to release the hostages.

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari responded early Sunday, stating, “The State of Qatar firmly rejects the inflammatory statements issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, which fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility.”

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Al-Ansari went further to challenge Israel’s framing of the conflict, drawing comparisons to historical regimes that “used false narratives to justify crimes against civilians.”

READ ALSO: Hamas: Israel Cuts Off Electricity Supply To Gaza Strip

He questioned the effectiveness of military action in securing hostages, contrasting it with the success of diplomatic mediation.

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He also highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing what he described as a “suffocating blockade, systematic starvation, denial of medicine and shelter, and the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of political coercion.”

Meanwhile, signs of escalation persist. On Friday, Israel’s security cabinet reportedly approved plans for an expanded military operation in Gaza, indicating a lack of progress in negotiations to halt the conflict and free the remaining hostages.

The war was sparked by the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, which killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and led to 251 hostages being taken.

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Since then, Israel’s military response has killed over 50,000 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins. Aid organisations continue to warn of an impending humanitarian catastrophe under the ongoing blockade.

 

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INEC CVR: CSO Expresses Worry Over Poor Deployment Of Machines, Manpower To LGs In Edo

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By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has expressed worry over the poor deployment of capturing machines and manpower to Igueben Local Government Area of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing Ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

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The Coordinator, EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre, Leftist Enabulele Larry, and Secretary, Leftist Mark Akande expressed the CSO sentiment when the duo visited the INEC headquarters in Igueben where the CBR in the local government is taking place.

In a statement made available to INFO DAILY on Friday, the leadership of EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre condemned the “use of only two capturing devices in a local government with over 69, 396 in population.”

READ ALSO:Things To Know As INEC Begins Physical Voter Registration Monday

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The duo noted in the statement that their findings at the INEC headquarters revealed two capturing machines were deployed to each local government across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The civil society members said INEC excuse of deploying two capturing machines to each local government was not germane enough because many do not have a computer or android phone to do the online registration INEC gave as an excuse.

The question here is, what is the percentage of our people mostly the aged individuals, that have access to Android mobile and other internet gadgets in Edo state?

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READ ALSO: ADC: Why INEC Has Not Recognised David Mark, Others

“How many people can afford internet data to enable them have access internet services in Edo state under the current excruciating economic pains by the people?

“How many of the Edo people can even manipulate the Android mobile phone to the extent of navigating the internet hurdles to undertake the job is INEC? If INEC is not ready for the job, they should tell Nigerians.

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“If citizens are now advised to individually undertake the statutory job of INEC, of what purpose does the commission serve to the people? etc,” they said.

As at when filing this report, INFO DAILY was yet to get a reply from the message sent to the INEC in Edo for reaction.

 

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Edo Sports Commission Boss Celebrates Okpehbolo On Birthday

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has felicated with Governor Monday Okpebholo, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele Okpebholo as a visionary leader whose dedication to the growth and development of the state has continued to inspire confidence and admiration across all sectors, especially sports.

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Enabulele, who highlighted the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sports development, noted that under his leadership, Edo State has witnessed significant strides in grassroots sporting initiatives and infrastructure.

READ ALSO: Enabulele Confident Of Team Edo’s Success At 2025 NYG

His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not just a political leader but a beacon of hope for the younger generation.

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“His passion for excellence and inclusive governance is evident in the way he has continued to support policies that uplift our youths and promote sporting excellence,” the statement read.

The Executive Chairman prayed for long life, good health, and continued wisdom for the governor as he steers the affairs of the state towards greater prosperity.

“On behalf of the entire Edo State Sports Commission, I extend our warmest birthday wishes to His Excellency at 55. May this new chapter of his life be filled with more accomplishments and divine grace,” he added.

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Oba Of Benin Suspends Palace Chiefs

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The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has suspended two of his chiefs for falling for dereliction of duties.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor and made available to journalists in Benin City.

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He said their suspension was as a result of their long absence from the palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their palace responsibilities.

The suspended persons are: Chief John Igiehon, the Izuwako of Benin and chief Aimiukpomonyako Oghogho (Ebengho), the Oyenmwensoba of Benin.

READ ALSO: Oba Of Benin Suspends 67 Dukes

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“The under-mentioned two (2) chiefs have been suspended from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“This is as a result of their long absence from the Palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their Palace responsibilities.

“The public is advised to be wary of unscrupulous chiefs that are no longer functioning in the Palace. His Royal Majesty has approved their _ Suspension and directed the public be duly informed. 

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“The names of the chiefs are: – ; 1. CHIEF JOHN IGIEHON, THE IZUWAKO OF BENIN and, _ 2 CHIEF AIMIUKPOMONYAKO OGHOGHO (EBENGHO), THE OYENMWENSOBA OF BENIN”, the statement said.

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