It is unusual for Sheikh Mohammed to be publicly involved in the mediation process. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Israel and Hamas on Wednesday accused each other of obstructing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after Israel withdrew its negotiators from the talks the previous day. Israeli media reported on Wednesday that the refusal by the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas to hand over a list of the names of the hostages it still holds is hindering progress in the negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed and wounded in Russia's Kursk region and warned that Pyongyang could send more personnel and equipment for Moscow's army.

The deaths underscore the squalid conditions in Gaza's sprawling camps, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are crammed into often ramshackle tents after fleeing Israel's bombardment and offensives.

CAIRO — Israel and Hamas appear closer than they have been in months to agreeing to a ceasefire that could wind down the 14-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of people held hostage there. But the sides have come close before, only to have talks collapse over various disagreements . This round of negotiations also faces hurdles.

Israel and Hamas have accused each other of complicating ceasefire efforts, as they inch closer to a deal that could wind down the 14-month war in Gaza

Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Wednesday Israel has set new conditions that have led to delays in reaching a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Hamas said, however, that it was showing flexibility and that the talks on a ceasefire,

Although Israel and Hamas have expressed optimism that progress was being made toward a deal, sticking points remain over the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.