The United States Congress has authorized President Donald Trump to impose severe sanctions on Nigeria following alarming reports that the country accounts for 90 percent of Christians killed globally each year. The decision, announced by Chris Smith, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, came after a congressional hearing on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The hearing featured testimonies, including that of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi, who described militant Fulani herdsmen as terrorists operating with impunity.

Smith criticized the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christians, citing a report by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, which documented over 55,000 killings and 21,000 abductions linked to religious violence between 2019 and 2023. He also blamed the previous Biden administration for removing Nigeria from the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list, a designation Trump had initially placed on the country. Smith urged Trump to take decisive action, reintroducing a resolution calling for renewed CPC designation and potential sanctions if the violence continues.

“This hearing should be a catalyst for action,” Smith stated, emphasizing that sanctions have historically driven change. He expressed confidence that Trump would engage Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on the crisis and take necessary steps to address what he termed “religious cleansing.”

In response, the Nigerian Presidency rejected the US Congress’s findings, describing the report as lacking context and timelines. Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, defended the Tinubu administration, stating that it promotes religious tolerance and has significantly reduced cases of Christian persecution since taking office on May 29, 2023.

“While we are in no way admitting or authenticating the report of the US foreign relations committee, it is noteworthy to state that the committee’s report falls short of context and timelines,” Bwala said. “President Bola Tinubu remains committed to promoting peace and religious tolerance.”

In a significant development in Nigeria's downstream oil sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has further reduced the loading cost of petrol from N825 to N815 per litre, intensifying the ongoing price war. This move, implemented on Thursday, has been met with enthusiasm by oil marketers, who are now sourcing products directly from the refinery, bypassing private depot owners. The reduction is expected to compel private fuel depots to adjust their prices downward to remain competitive.

This price cut follows a recent drop in the landing cost of imported petrol to N774.72 per litre, as reported by The PUNCH earlier this week. Industry stakeholders attribute this decline to factors such as shipping costs, import duties, and exchange rates. The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Ukadike Chinedu, noted that the reduction in crude oil prices could further drive down petrol prices to around N800 per litre.

However, the Dangote Refinery's latest adjustment brings the total cost to N825 per litre when the N10 levy charged by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is included. In response, private depot owners in Lagos have also reduced their loading costs to N825 per litre, down from N830 earlier this week. Several depots, including AA RANO, MENJ, and Bovas, have adjusted their prices to remain competitive, with some offering rates as low as N826 per litre.

Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery has received additional crude oil shipments from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), bolstering its production capacity. The delivery was confirmed by a high-level NNPCL. The crude oil vessels, originally delayed due to uncertainties surrounding the naira-for-crude deal, have now sailed to the $20 billion Lekki-based refinery.

This development follows a meeting of the Technical Sub-Committee on the Naira-for-Crude Policy in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed the policy's progress and reaffirmed their commitment to its implementation. The NNPCL presented a crude delivery report, while the NMDPRA provided updates on domestic production, including operations at the Dangote Refinery, NNPCL Warri Refinery, and Port Harcourt Refinery.

Industry experts attribute the ongoing decline in petrol prices to fierce competition in the downstream sector, driven by deregulation and increased local refining capacity. A major marketer, who preferred anonymity, explained that the competition has forced prices down, with petrol potentially dropping below N800 per litre. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between local production and imports to ensure prices remain low while encouraging local refiners to keep their prices competitive.

US proposes 'bridge' to extend Gaza ceasefire, White House says

The United States is proposing a "bridge" plan to extend the ceasefire in Gaza into April beyond Ramadan and Passover and allow time to negotiate a permanent cessation of hostilities, the White House said in a statement on Friday.

The proposal was presented on Wednesday by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Council official Eric Trager, according to a statement issued by their offices.

"Through our Qatari and Egyptian partners, Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this “bridge” would have to be implemented soon — and that dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately," it added.

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Putin urges Kiev to order troops in Kursk Region to surrender

Moscow is “sympathetic” to US President Donald Trump’s request that the lives of the Ukrainian troops encircled in Russia’s Kursk Region be spared, President Vladimir Putin said during a National Security Council meeting on Friday. Russia will guarantee their lives if they lay down their arms, he added.

Earlier in the day, Trump urged Putin to preserve the lives of the “thousands of Ukrainian troops" who are "completely surrounded by the Russian military.”
“This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II,” he said in a post on Truth Social.
Putin responded that he was aware of Trump’s request, adding that Russia was willing to consider it. “If they lay down their arms and surrender, [we] will guarantee them their lives and dignified treatment in accordance with international law and Russian legal norms,” the president said.

The Russian leader pointed out that Kiev’s forces had committed “numerous crimes against civilians” during their incursion into Kursk Region and that the Russian law enforcement authorities were treating their actions as “terrorism.” 
For the US president’s call to be “effectively heeded,” Kiev must order its troops to lay down their arms, Putin stated.

Kiev launched a major offensive into the Kursk area in August 2024, capturing the town of Sudzha and dozens of villages. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky said the incursion across the two countries' internationally recognized border was an attempt to gain leverage for future peace talks.
The Ukrainian advance was quickly halted by the Russian military, which has been gradually reclaiming ground ever since. As of Wednesday evening, Moscow’s forces had liberated 86% of the territory occupied by Ukraine in August 2024, according to the head of the Russian General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov. The remaining Ukrainian units in the area are largely “encircled” and “isolated,” he explained, without providing any specific figures about the number of troops surrounded.

Putin had earlier named the fate of the Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region as one of key issues to address before any deal on a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev can be reached.

Speaking on Thursday, the president said that Russia supports the idea of a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US but emphasized the need for further discussions with Washington to resolve specific concerns.

Kiev has so far not commented on Putin’s call. Earlier, the Ukrainian General Staff dismissed the reports about Kiev’s troops being surrounded in Kursk Region as “political manipulation” by Russia.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine's Zelenskiy says there is now a good chance to end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that he saw a good chance to end the war with Russia after Ukraine accepted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day interim ceasefire and Moscow said it would only agree if certain conditions were met.

"Right now, we have a good chance to end this war quickly and secure peace. We have solid security understandings with our European partners," Zelenskiy said on X.

"We are now close to the first step in ending any war – silence," he said, referring to a truce.

Speaking to reporters, Zelenskiy urged the U.S. and other allies to apply pressure on Moscow, reiterating his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin will delay reaching a ceasefire as long as possible.

"If there is a strong response from the United States, they will not let them play around. And if there are steps that Russia is not afraid of, they will delay the process," Zelenskiy told media.

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He said that the ceasefire along a more than 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) frontline could be controlled with U.S. help via satellites and intelligence. Washington resumed intelligence sharing and military aid after U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia this week and Ukraine accepted the ceasefire.

Zelenskiy also said that officials at that meeting discussed the issue of territory, but a difficult dialog would be required to resolve it.

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"The issue of territories is the most difficult after the ceasefire," Zelenskiy said at a media briefing.

With the war is in its fourth year, Russian forces control nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory and they have steadily advanced in the eastern Donetsk region in recent months.

"The ceasefire unblocks the way for the sides to end the war. And the territories ... will be the point that makes it possible to end the war after this issue is resolved," the Ukrainian president said.

Moscow has demanded that Kyiv permanently cede territory claimed by Russia including Crimea and four other regions, a position Ukraine has rejected.

Zelenskiy said he was discussing with Kyiv's allies future security guarantees and also economic support, adding that 100% air defence cover would required as deterrence in a peace deal.

RT/Reuters

On Thursday, senators “overwhelmingly”, or rather, shamelessly, passed a vote of confidence in the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, despite the sexual harassment allegation levelled against him by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Nigerians have still not recovered from the shame displayed in how votes are taken in the Senate, as the viral video of the voice vote episode continues to circulate. The Senate president had proposed a motion that after Natasha’s six-months suspension, she would still have to apologise before she might be re-admitted into the Senate. He called for the voice vote and the overwhelming majority said “NAY.” He decided they did not hear him well and repeated the motion, again, the majority said “NAY.” The same thing happened the third time when the almighty Senate president decided to announce that the “Ayes” have it.

The meaning of this incident is clear. Senators have had their mandates confiscated by Akpabio and whatever he decides to announce is the absolute law in the upper chamber. The Senate is the highest expression of political tyranny in contemporary Nigeria, where the “distinguished” are not allowed to vote against a decision of their tyrant.

There was, therefore, no surprise that the Senate passed the vote of confidence on the tyrant that runs it. I was, however, surprised that the members of the upper chamber had the temerity to urge Nigerians not to allow the allegations of sexual harassment against their tyrant serve as a distraction from the legislative responsibilities of the Assembly. What sense of responsibility have they portrayed to expect respect from Nigerians. Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a brave warrior who had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, had also reported the matter, along with her suspension from the Senate, to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

I believe that the evidence is clear that the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months is an unconstitutional move that undermines democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for legislative governance. The suspension of an elected senator contradicts Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly outline the lawful processes for a legislator to lose their seat. Section 68(1) & (2) states that a legislator’s seat can only be declared vacant under specific circumstances such as resignation, defection, conviction, or recall by constituents through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Section 69 stipulates that the recall process is the only constitutional means for removing an elected legislator, making the Senate’s decision legally baseless. By suspending Natasha, the Senate has effectively denied the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their right to representation, an action that constitutes an abuse of power.

Many judicial rulings have consistently declared legislative suspensions unlawful. They include key cases such as Honourable Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009), where the Federal High Court ruled that legislative chambers lack the authority to suspend elected members. “In Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018), the Court of Appeal nullified the senator’s suspension, reinforcing the principle that lawmakers cannot be arbitrarily removed by their peers. Similarly, House of Assembly v Hon. Danna (2003) established that only the judiciary or the electorate have the power to remove an elected official. The Senate is knowledgeable about these rulings but deliberately decided to disregard the law simply because the Senate president is angry with a colleague that has accused him of sexual harassment. There has been a lot of grumblings within the Senate but the cowardly members simply don’t have the balls to challenge the tyranny they are subjected to by their own leadership.

A majority of members appear to oppose the reckless behaviour of their bosses but are afraid of losing their privileges. They know that they should have questioned the impartiality of the Senate president, Akpabio, in handling the matter in which he is the main accused person but did nothing. Even more troubling is the decision the Senate’s Ethics Committee, clearly influenced by the leadership, to dismiss the allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio without a fair and neutral review. By so doing, they violate Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing.

It is important to recall the case of the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly versus Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna (2017). This classic case defined the issue of suspending a legislator from his/her functions in a clear manner. The following are the facts of the case: The Respondent in that case was a member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly and she was suspended indefinitely. She filed a Suit at the Bauchi State High Court questioning the Resolution of the House. Judgment was delivered in her favour; the House contested the judgement at the Court of Appeal, which however affirmed the decision of the High Court. The Court of Appeal stated that the lawmaker, not being an employee of the House, can neither be suspended nor have her entitlements i.e. salary and other allowances, withheld.

The court, while taking its decision on the provision of section 111 of the 1999 Constitution, stated that: “The fixing of salaries and wages of the respondent lies within the province of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission under section 111 of the constitution, certainly not the 1st and 2nd appellants. The 1st and 2nd appellants have no right to interfere with the salaries and allowances of the respondent serving as a member of Bauchi State House of Assembly. No Rules or Standing Order of Bauchi State House of Assembly can derogate these rights and privileges conferred on an elected member of the House of Assembly…” The Court further had this to say about the illegality of the suspension:

”Any member of the Bagoro constituency could have timeously challenged the indefinite suspension of their choice representative in the Bauchi State House of Assembly on the grounds that their accrued rights had been violated or breached by the appellants. The conduct of the appellants is the tyranny of the majority against an elected minority of the Bauchi State House of Assembly. Peers of a legislator who suspend the members are deliberately committing the anti-democratic crime of depriving the said member’s constituency from representation in the legislature where they have been legitimately elected by voters.”

Finally, the principle of Nemo Judex in Causa Sua (no one should be a judge in their own case) has been completely disregarded in this matter on the unconstitutional punishments meted out to Natasha. The idea of sending out legislators who oppose the ruling party is a very direct threat to democracy and we as citizens should not allow the legislature to be turned into a tyrannical chamber that blindly supports it leadership, even if the support is under duress.

Women are grossly under-represented in Nigeria’s governance structures and to zero-in on both the sexual and political harassment of a female legislator is a disservice to our democracy. Such action has legitimised attacks on the freedom of expression, encouraged intimidation, and institutionalised sexual harassment in public spaces. All enlightened opinion cannot but demand the immediate reinstatement of Natasha and a stop to reckless intimidation and harassment of legislators in the opposition but also those in the ruling party who are terrorised into silence.

** A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES.

PT

Du Qiongfang

Humanoid robot manufacturer AgiBot in Shanghai unveiled on Tuesday its latest humanoid robot model which achieves nearly human-like mobility such as riding a bicycle and balancing on a hoverboard. With its prompt responding competence in interaction with users, the robot showcases the perfect integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robot technology, presenting a great application potential in scenarios such as elderly care services and family companionship.

In a video released by Peng Zhihui, co-founder of AgiBot or Zhiyuan Robotics, the 1.3-meter tall and 33.8-kilogram Lingxi X2 humanoid robot showcases its excellent sports, interaction and operation competence.

It not only can walk, run, turn around and dance like a real human being, but can also ride a bicycle, a scooter and a hoverboard, with its movement flexibility far outperforming other similar humanoid robots through combining deep reinforcement learning and imitation learning techniques and algorithms.

According to Peng, the robot was designed with a system integrated with great innovation and was made with impact-resistant flexible materials.

When Peng picks up a mobile phone and shows it to the robot, asking what time it is, the robot can precisely tell the time. When Peng further asks the robot for advice on which drink to take, milk or juice, at the time of 5:42 am, the robot suggests him to drink milk which helps with sleep.

Besides, the robot can also quickly read and understand medicine description.

As the second model of the Lingxi series, Lingxi X2 is the first truly agile robot with complex interaction capabilities. It can mimic human breathing rhythms, exhibit curiosity and attention mechanisms, and communicate with human beings through subtle body movements and gestures, the Global Times learned from the company on Tuesday.

Based on a multimodal large language model, the robot can achieve millisecond-level interaction responses, assess human’s emotional states through their facial expressions and vocal tones, and provide corresponding responses.

According to Peng, the research team is improving the robot’s cognitive model and expects to empower it with more emotional expression capabilities in the future.

According to the company, the robot can achieve multi-robot collaborations for certain tasks and extend its applications to various aspects of daily life, serving as a security guard, a nanny, and a cleaner in sectors such as education and healthcare. Its functions can also be tailored by users according to their respective needs in various scenarios such as elderly care, services and family companionship.

Peng said in the video that Lingxi X2 represents a significant breakthrough in the fields of AI and emotional AI.

Experts noted that this humanoid robot has reached a new level of naturalness and immersion in human-robot interaction. With continuous advancements in technology, it is expected to become an important assistant in human life, bringing more possibilities for future smart life.

Global Times

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that he knows individuals who paid to secure ministerial appointments under President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) government. Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, El-Rufai expressed his disappointment with the current state of the APC, stating that the party has deviated from its founding principles and become a platform for personal gain rather than public service.

El-Rufai, who recently left the APC to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), clarified that his decision to exit the party was not due to his failure to secure a ministerial position. Instead, he attributed his departure to the APC’s abandonment of its core values and its transformation into a commercialized entity where "everything has a price tag." He lamented that the party no longer recognizes or rewards those who contributed to its success, with key appointments now being controlled by a select group from Lagos.

"It could have been easier for me if the APC sacked me because that would have saved me from explaining the stress of why I left the party," El-Rufai said. "I did not leave the APC; the party abandoned me and its original ideals. The APC has become a business enterprise where personal interests dominate governance."

El-Rufai also addressed speculation that he left the party because he was not considered for a ministerial role, stating, "Did I even seek to be a minister? I know people who paid to get ministerial appointments." He emphasized that while he does not regret supporting Tinubu’s presidential ambition, he feels disappointed by the way he has been treated and the direction the party has taken.

Before leaving the APC, El-Rufai consulted several prominent political figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Tunde Bakare, Abdullahi Adamu, Adams Oshiomhole, and Bisi Akande. He sought their opinions and blessings, particularly from Buhari, whom he described as the "father of the land." Buhari reportedly gave him his blessings and prayers for his political journey.

El-Rufai further criticized the APC for sidelining him and other dedicated members, stating that he was not involved in party activities and was completely marginalized. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies, claiming that they do not align with the plans he and others had envisioned when the party was formed.

"The party is dead," El-Rufai declared. "Justice has been kept at bay, and those who worked for the party are ignored instead of being compensated. Appointments are now controlled by a select group from Lagos. We’ve given up on the APC."

El-Rufai’s remarks highlight growing discontent within the APC and raise questions about the integrity of the appointment process under Tinubu’s administration. His decision to join the SDP marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, as one of the APC’s prominent figures publicly denounces the party and its current leadership.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, met with Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, at the Government House in Bauchi on Thursday. The meeting has sparked widespread speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with both leaders emphasizing the need for a united opposition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

During the closed-door meeting, Mohammed declared Obi the "face of opposition politics in Nigeria," praising his political vision and governance style. "Whether we like it or not, he is now the face of opposition politics in Nigeria," Mohammed stated. He expressed his readiness to collaborate with Obi to build a formidable opposition focused on good governance and national unity.

"I want to say clearly that I am ready to work with Peter Obi. We must come together to bring good governance, offer a vibrant opposition with vision and strategy, and rescue this country from mediocrities parading themselves as leaders," Mohammed said. He added that his fellow PDP governors support such alliances, signaling a potential realignment of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi, for his part, described the meeting as part of broader consultations aimed at addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, particularly in the North. He highlighted poverty as a root cause of insecurity and urged political leaders to prioritize economic policies that uplift citizens. "All of you know where we are today as a country. We must talk about the issues affecting the North because the North is a critical component in getting Nigeria on the right path," Obi said. "When people talk about criminality in Nigeria, especially in the North, I tell them the real issue is poverty. Until we address poverty, we cannot solve criminality."

The meeting comes amid growing discussions about a coalition of opposition parties to challenge the APC in the 2027 presidential election. Obi, who resigned from the PDP in 2022 citing internal party issues, has not confirmed any plans to return to the party but has expressed openness to a coalition focused on governance rather than merely seizing power. "I am open to the idea of a coalition, but only one focused on governance," Obi has previously stated.

The discussions between Obi and Mohammed also touched on national issues, including political developments in Rivers State and the state of opposition politics in Nigeria. Mohammed hinted that the meeting was a step toward building a strategic alliance that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.

The meeting follows recent political developments, including Nasir El-Rufai’s departure from the APC and his pledge to unite opposition leaders against the ruling party.

As coalition talks intensify, the meeting between Obi and Mohammed underscores the growing momentum for opposition unity and the potential for significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Suspected bandits have abducted ten villagers from three remote communities in Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

The incidents occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, around 2am., when a group of armed bandits invaded the Unguwan Yashi-Maraban Kajuru community and kidnapped six persons.

Those abducted were God-Dream Ladan, Lady God-Dream, Philip Mudakas, Mercy Philip, Bitrus Philip, and Gmen Philip.

Similarly, in Makyali village, two persons sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical attention at Maraban Kajuru Hospital after bandits stormed the community.

Two females – Rahina Yahaya and Zulai Yahaya – were also kidnapped in the village.

The injured victims were identified as Ubale Yahaya and Abdullahi.

It was gathered that the same group of bandits moved to Ungwan Mudi Doka around 4am and kidnapped two more persons – Amos Michael and Samita Amos.

Stephen Maikori, the Acting District Head of Kufana, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Thursday, stating that such attacks had reduced in the past but resurged this week.

“So far, ten people have been taken away, with two injured now receiving treatment. We are appealing for an intensified rapid security response and action to save lives and properties in this axis,” he said.

He also added that the incident had been reported to security agencies accordingly.

Meanwhile, the State Government and the Police Command have yet to release an official statement on the incident.

The State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, could not be reached on the phone at the time of filing this report.

Daily Trust

Hamas official welcomes Trump’s apparent retreat on call to displace Gazans

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem welcomed on Wednesday U.S. President Donald Trump’s apparent retreat from his proposal for a permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, urging him to refrain from aligning with the vision of the "extreme Zionist right."

The statement by the Hamas official came after Trump said on Wednesday that "nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza" in response to a question during a meeting in the White House with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

"If US President Trump's statements represent a retreat from any idea of displacing the people of the Gaza Strip, they are welcomed," Qassem said in the statement.

"We (Hamas) call for this position to be reinforced by obligating the Israeli occupation to implement all the terms of the ceasefire agreements."

Last month, Trump proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza where Israel's military assault in the last 17 months has killed tens of thousands, after he earlier suggested that Palestinians in the enclave should be permanently displaced.

On Sunday, Taher Al-Nono, political adviser to the leader of Hamas, confirmed unprecedented, direct talks with Washington in the Qatari capital over the past week, focusing on the release of an American-Israeli dual national being held by the militant group in Gaza.

He added that the meetings between Hamas leaders and U.S. hostage negotiator Adam Boehler had also discussed how to see through the implementation of the phased agreement aimed at ending the Israel-Gaza war.

Israel and Hamas signaled on Saturday they were preparing for the next phase of ceasefire negotiations, as mediators pushed ahead with talks to extend a 42-day truce that began in January.

A Hamas delegation met in the past two days with Egyptian mediators and reaffirmed its readiness to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire. Israel sent negotiators to Doha on Monday for ceasefire talks.

The discussions between Boehler and Hamas have broken with a decades-old policy by Washington against negotiating with groups that the U.S. brands as terrorist organisations.

The Islamist militant group carried out a cross-border raid into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering a devastating war in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Reuters