Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the country would resume “intense fighting” if Hamas fails to meet the deadline, without specifying the number of hostages to be released.
The Israeli military also confirmed that it was deploying additional troops to the southern region near Gaza, including the mobilization of reservists.
Under the ceasefire deal with Hamas that took effect on Jan. 19, Hamas is to set free three more hostages on Saturday. Earlier this week, the group said that it was suspending the handover, citing what it claimed were Israeli violations of the ceasefire.
Hamas’ decision prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to suggest that Israel cancel the agreement entirely, saying all hostages must be freed by noon on Saturday or he would “let hell break out.”
Concerns over the ceasefire’s collapse grow as there is increasing outrage in the Arab world over Trump’s proposal for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, Jordanian King Abdullah II discussed “dangerous developments” in Gaza and the West Bank in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The phone call came one day after the Jordanian king met with Trump in Washington, where he reiterated his country’s “steadfast position” against Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
This follows the arrival of two military aircraft carrying South African soldiers at Bujumbura International Airport last Wednesday.
Reports from Bujumbura indicate that these troops are reinforcing South African forces already deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in eastern DRC.
The use of Bujumbura airport is said to be a contingency measure after M23 closed Goma International Airport upon capturing the city on January 27, 2025.
Burundian security officials told SOS Burundi that the South African troops moved from the airport to Gakumbu military base before reportedly heading towards the Gatumba-Uvira route into South Kivu, DRC.
A Burundian military officer stated, “Yes, the aircraft carried South African soldiers. We learned that they may pass through the Gatumba-Uvira road to reinforce SADC troops’ positions in South Kivu.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously suggested withdrawing troops from the DRC following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers in clashes with M23 around Sake and Goma.
His remarks came as South African forces remained stationed at a military base in Goma, under protection from M23 fighters.
However, recent movements suggest South Africa may be escalating its involvement. The deployment of troops to Burundi, an ally of the Congolese government against M23, adds to speculation.
Between January 30 and February 7, 2025, South Africa reportedly sent between 700 and 800 soldiers to Lubumbashi in southern DRC, with plans to reinforce troops in the east. This deployment was confirmed by diplomats and South African lawmaker Chris Hattingh.
Despite warnings from politicians like Julius Malema, urging the government to withdraw troops to prevent further casualties, South African authorities continue their military engagement.
Critics argue that M23 possesses superior battlefield experience and advanced weaponry, potentially putting South African forces at risk.
In its latest monthly oil market report released in February, OPEC anticipates global oil demand to rise by 1.45 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, followed by an increase of 1.43 million bpd in 2026.
According to the organization, this year’s growth is expected to be fueled by strong demand for transportation fuels, particularly due to increased air travel and stable road mobility. Additionally, non-OECD countries are projected to see higher oil consumption in the industrial, construction, and agricultural sectors.
OPEC also maintained its global economic growth outlook, forecasting an expansion of 3.1 percent in 2025 and 3.2 percent in 2026.
Facilitated by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the training highlighted the importance of AML compliance in safeguarding the integrity of Rwanda’s financial market.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, Thapelo Tsheole stressed the critical importance of Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) compliance.
CEO Thapelo affirmed that adherence to global standards is mandatory for all licensed capital market intermediaries and urged collaborative efforts to foster the sustainable growth of Rwanda’s capital market industry.
Chief Executive Officer of MO Capital Ltd, a trading member of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, Olivier Muneza stated that “this training has significantly enhanced my understanding of AML/CFT practices and how they can be effectively implemented in our daily business operations.”
The training equipped market participants with practical guidance on implementing risk-based approaches, ensuring beneficial ownership transparency, conducting customer due diligence (CDD), and applying enhanced due diligence (EDD).
It also covered internal controls, governance measures, Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS), and reporting obligations, preparing firms to identify and mitigate ML/TF/PF risks effectively.
According to UN officials, any initiative that encourages direct discussions between Russia and Ukraine is seen as a positive development. They emphasized that progress toward ending the war depends on both nations’ willingness to engage in negotiations.
The UN also acknowledged the significance of continued dialogue between the United States and Russia, noting that regular communication between major global powers plays a crucial role in resolving international disputes.
Both Washington and Moscow confirmed that the two leaders held a phone conversation, during which they agreed to initiate direct negotiations to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Regarding the UN’s potential involvement in the talks, the organization stated that it remains open to providing diplomatic support if requested by the parties involved.
According to the ministry, the incident took place on Tuesday evening when a military patrol from Tunisia’s Rapid Intervention Unit, operating under the UN’s peacekeeping mission, was ambushed.
The unit was on a routine mission as part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Tunisia has been contributing troops to MINUSCA since June 2021, with its Rapid Intervention Unit tasked with reinforcing frontline security, ensuring civilian protection, securing strategic locations, escorting humanitarian convoys, and safeguarding UN personnel.
The ceremony was held in RWABATT-1 Headquarters, at the UN Tomping Base Camp at Juba on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian who presided over the medal awarding ceremony, thanked the Government of Rwanda for providing key contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations and commended Rwandan peacekeepers for their discipline and dedication while performing their duties.
He highlighted that Rwandan peacekeepers are the largest peacekeeping contingent in South Sudan and therefore the backbone of the UNMISS.
Brig Gen William Ryarasa, the Sector Unity Commander and Rwanda Senior National Representative in South Sudan, said that RWABATT-1 successfully carried out various operations that contributed to security and stability in their area of responsibility.
They include patrols to liaise with local security forces, monitor human rights situations, and gather critical information for the protection of civilians.
RWABATT-1 ensured the security of the UN Tomping and Torit Company Operating Base Camp, safeguarding key installations and personnel.
They also conducted community activities aimed at promoting cleanliness, health and education such as provision of medical services to the local community, provision of scholastic and hygiene materials to students and planting of trees and cleaning among others.
Lt Col Emmanuel Ntwali, RWABATT-1 Contingent Commander, said that the event was a milestone for the peacekeepers who have now completed 11 months fulfilling their duties under UNMISS.
He added that Medal decorations play a crucial role in raising UN Peacekeepers’ motivation and morale.
Lt Col Ntwali further appreciated the support rendered by the UNMISS leadership, the Government of South Sudan and friendly contingents in accomplishing the mandated tasks.
The event was attended by fellow peacekeepers from different nations under the UNMISS, South Sudan senior military officials and other friends. It was marked by parade demonstration, medal pinning and cultural dance performance.
The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, which has been engaged in conflict since November 2021, allegedly causing human rights violations in North Kivu. This case, filed in August 2023, comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
In his address, Dr. Ugirashebuja brought to light the numerous procedural irregularities and legal shortcomings in the case brought against Rwanda.
“From its inception, this application has been marked by lack of coherence, procedural irregularities, and an outright disregard for the established principles governing the court’s jurisdiction and admissibility requirements. It is not merely flawed, but fundamentally untenable,” he stated, criticizing the DRC’s approach from the start.
Dr. Ugirashebuja elaborated on the procedural lapses, emphasizing several instances of non-compliance with court rules.
He specifically pointed to the DRC’s filing of an additional application for an expedited procedure, which he called “an unprecedented move that had no justification.”
He further speculated that the DRC may have been seeking a quick resolution ahead of an upcoming election, though the court had rightfully dismissed this request.
Additionally, he condemned the DRC’s diplomatic maneuver when a government official visited the court in August 2024 with little notice, which he described as “perhaps an attempt to intimidate its members.”
He continued, “This is unheard of. President of the court, members of the court… graver yet was when the applicant sought to lodge 11,000 observations to the respondent’s rejoinder in another breach of procedural norms that underscores the opportunistic and unstructured nature of the applicant’s approach to this case.”
Dr. Ugirashebuja noted that the DRC’s actions, such as filing duplicative claims before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) without disclosing this to the AfCHPR, revealed a “cavalier attitude” towards the proceedings.
According to the Minister, the DRC’s conduct undermines the integrity of the legal process.
“It should therefore be clear that the applicant’s attempt to conceal its litigation strategy erodes the principles of good governance and transparency essential to international adjudication,” Dr. Ugirashebuja argued, calling for the court to firmly reject such tactics.
Beyond procedural flaws, Dr. Ugirashebuja also pointed to the lack of a solid legal foundation for the DRC’s claims. He stated that the DRC had invoked a wide range of legal instruments without demonstrating their relevance or applicability.
“The applicant seems to be under the impression that it suffices to invoke a bewildering array of legal instruments and alleged norms without demonstrating their applicability, let alone their ratification or even binding nature upon the respondent,” he explained.
Dr. Ugirashebuja emphasized that the DRC had failed to establish a bona fide legal dispute or to address preliminary objections raised by Rwanda.
“The applicant has opted to raise as many arguments as possible while ignoring the respondents’ legitimate objections and is now simply hoping that the court will somehow sort out its case,” he said.
Additionally, Rwanda pointed out the DRC’s failure to exhaust local remedies before seeking international intervention.
Dr. Ugirashebuja underscored that the burden of proof lies with the applicant to show that such remedies were unavailable or unnecessary, a requirement the DRC had not met.
“The applicant has utterly failed to rebut, preferring to believe that it is not bound by the usual rules of admissibility,” he added.
The Rwandan Minister concluded by urging the court to consider the procedural chaos and substantive deficiencies of the case.
“This case is therefore remarkable, but it’s couched with a lot of procedural chaos and substantive deficiencies,” he said. He called on the court to reject the claims and reaffirm the importance of adhering to international legal principles.
Rwanda’s legal representative, Prof. Dapo Akande, argued that the African Court lacks jurisdiction over the case filed by DRC, as it pertains to actions outside Rwanda’s borders.
Rwanda’s representatives claimed the complaint aimed to dodge diplomatic processes for peace in eastern DRC.
This case, led by ten judges, follows a similar complaint filed by DRC against Rwanda in the East African Court of Justice in September 2024, related to the ongoing conflict since November 2021.
This discomfort isn’t limited to the bereaved. Even the process of confronting death can be difficult, and many find it challenging to view the deceased face-to-face. This fear often extends to those who work with the deceased, especially mortuary attendants.
While many shy away from such work, one individual has dedicated the last two decades of his life to it at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
Ngarambe Assiel, a 76-year-old man from Ruhango District, has spent 20 years working in CHUK’s mortuary, with a career spanning 43 years in the healthcare sector.
Since 1982, his role has involved receiving bodies, ensuring they are properly stored in fridges until claimed by relatives, and assisting in the medical examination of bodies, particularly in cases of diseases and accidents.
“I’ve never feared working in the mortuary. It’s just a job, and I treat it with respect,” Ngarambe says with a calm demeanor.
Each day, Ngarambe prepares for his work with care, donning protective clothing like a lab coat, gloves, and a mask to avoid direct contact with bodies.
He checks the mortuary fridges regularly to ensure they are functioning properly, preventing any damage to the bodies. Upon receiving the bodies, he ensures they are properly prepared for storage or transfer to the appropriate place for family viewing.
Ngarambe’s work is guided by professionalism and a deep respect for human dignity. He takes great care to ensure that bodies are handled respectfully, especially when families come to identify their loved ones.
He carefully explains the process of storing bodies in cold rooms and ensures that family members are treated with sensitivity and empathy during these emotionally charged moments.
Ngarambe also assists with bodies brought from outside the hospital, meticulously documenting each one and ensuring proper handling. Even when bodies are brought from distant locations, Ngarambe carries out his work with professionalism and care.
Despite his long experience, Ngarambe acknowledges the emotional toll of working in the mortuary. He reflects on the impact of seeing young, vibrant people pass away, which reminds him of the fragility of life.
“There are times when you prepare the body of a young person, or someone in their prime, and you can’t help but think about how short life can be. It makes you reflect on your own mortality and how precious time is,” Ngarambe shares.
For him, the job isn’t just about technical tasks; it’s about showing humanity and respect to the deceased and their families. He emphasizes that he never downplays anyone’s loss, always offering condolences and explanations in a thoughtful, respectful manner.
Despite common superstitions about supernatural occurrences, Ngarambe dismisses these beliefs. He’s never experienced anything unusual, even though some people believe that spirits may return in different forms.
“Those are just stories people tell. The rooms we work in are just like any other. There’s nothing supernatural going on here. I’ve never seen anything strange, even at night,” he explains.
Though he has vast experience, Ngarambe admits that sometimes he dreams about his work. However, this does not frighten him; he simply accepts it as part of his job.
Over the years, Ngarambe has witnessed countless deaths, including those of children, the elderly, the rich, and the poor. For him, this reinforces one simple truth: death does not discriminate. He encourages everyone to live humbly, for none of us knows when the time will come.
“Death doesn’t care if you’re young or old, rich or poor. It comes for everyone. That’s why we should live kindly, treat others with respect, and cherish the time we have,” he says.
This elderly man works day and night, depending on his shift. In 20 years, he has handled countless bodies, including those of his own family members. While he can’t recall the exact number, he says it can reach 50 or 60 in some months.
He recalls the heartbreaking moment of receiving his own child’s body at the morgue: “My child fell ill, and we took him to a health center. His condition worsened, so we brought him here, but he passed away. I received him the same way I do with others. It’s devastating.
“Watching your own child leave this world while you remain behind makes you question, ‘Who will bury me when those who should do it are leaving before me?’ It takes an immense amount of strength to bear such pain.”
Mukantaganda Bernadette, a social worker at CHUK, praises Ngarambe’s dedication to his work, noting his professionalism and compassion.
“He’s an exemplary worker, always respectful and considerate. He also helps guide new staff with his wisdom,” she says.
Working in the mortuary is not for everyone, it requires patience, empathy, and a strong emotional constitution. For Ngarambe, however, his role is more than just a job. It is a calling, one he approaches with dignity and care, always ready to support others in their time of need.
At a press briefing in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier explained that “communication has become difficult” due to the severing of traditional channels between the two parties, though he refrained from providing further specifics.
The H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the U.S., which began in April 2024, has led to nearly 70 infections, mostly among farm workers.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stressed that while human-to-human transmission remains unconfirmed and the public health threat remains low, individuals with extended exposure to birds, poultry, or livestock are at higher risk.
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, which was formalized by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his inauguration day, has raised concerns about the sharing of critical health data.
Some countries have privately voiced concerns that the U.S. may withhold important information on emerging diseases, which could hinder global efforts to prevent future pandemics.
The situation has become more alarming following the discovery of a second strain of bird flu in dairy cattle in Nevada, heightening fears that the outbreak could spread further.
