33.2 C
Lagos
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Home Blog Page 4

Lagos Deputy Governor raises alarm over N29 million monthly electricity bill

0
< 1 mn read

That ₦29 million electricity bill is insane — even for the Deputy Governor! It’s not just shocking, it’s a loud, clear example of how broken the estimated billing system is in Nigeria, especially in places like Lagos where power access is already patchy and unreliable.

Dr. Hamzat putting his own bill on blast actually makes a strong point — if someone at his level is battling outrageous electricity charges, imagine what the average Lagosian is going through. And that example of someone in Surulere getting a ₦2.8 million bill, higher than their yearly rent? That’s just pure exploitation.

The real kicker is — he already has a meter, but the conversion process to use it properly is “wahala.” That highlights another core issue: meters exist, but the system for using them efficiently is riddled with bureaucracy, poor infrastructure, or outright sabotage.

The bright spot?

The MoU with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the push toward solar mini-grids is promising. Bringing renewable energy into underserved and rural communities could ease the load, reduce dependence on the national grid, and cut down on these absurd bills.

But like the Commissioner for Energy said — “If you’re not in Lagos, you’re not yet there.” It’s a cheeky flex, but it underscores the importance of Lagos leading the charge (literally) on modernizing Nigeria’s energy game.

What do you think — is solar the realistic long-term solution here, or does Nigeria need a deeper overhaul of the entire electricity distribution system first?

Дизайнерская мебель премиум-класса

0
< 1 mn read

Идеи для оформления дизайнерской мебелью.
Дизайнерская мебель премиум-класса [url=https://www.byfurniture.by]https://www.byfurniture.by[/url] .

Blessing CEO engaged to IVD

0
< 1 mn read

Wow, that’s a plot twist no one saw coming — but it looks like love has officially won the headline game again! 🥂

Blessing CEO and IVD getting engaged is bound to stir up conversation, especially considering their past — from the controversial beginnings of their relationship to this big public proposal. But credit where it’s due: the engagement announcement is beautifully worded and surprisingly low-drama — a vibe switch from what many might expect from both personalities.

Her caption, especially lines like “For the first time I did not want drama… I just wanted peace and softness”, really gives insight into a more personal and emotional side that the public rarely sees from Blessing.

And of course, the Internet is eating it up — excitement, well wishes, and some side-eyes too, naturally. Social media never forgets, but it also loves a love story.

What’s your take — are you happy for them? Or do you think this engagement might stir the pot all over again, considering their history?Blessing CEO engaged to IVD

French prisons hit by overnight attacks

0
2 mn read

This coordinated wave of attacks on French prisons is both alarming and deeply symbolic — a direct challenge to state authority, and a clear sign of rising tensions between the government and entrenched criminal networks, especially those involved in drug trafficking.

What makes it especially chilling is the precision and coordination of the attacks:

  • Automatic gunfire on a prison gate
  • Vehicles torched at multiple sites
  • Seven facilities hit in one night
  • And even a training school for prison officers attacked just the day before

This is more than just vandalism — it’s a deliberate message. And while no group has officially claimed responsibility, the spray-painted “DDPF” (French Prisoners’ Rights) and anarchist slogans suggest an ideological undertone, possibly blending criminal and political motives.

Why it matters:

  • France is ramping up its war on drug trafficking, and these attacks could be retaliation by organized crime groups who feel the pressure.
  • The introduction of a dedicated drug crime prosecutor’s office with enhanced powers signals a major policy shift — and likely explains why these networks are lashing out.
  • For prison staff, the fear is real. These aren’t just threats — they’re direct assaults on their workplaces and, by extension, their lives.

Justice Minister Darmanin and Interior Minister Retailleau’s strong language — calling for a “relentless” response — reflects the gravity of the situation. But it also raises questions:

  • Can the government truly protect these facilities long-term?
  • How deep does the connection go between prisons and the outside networks coordinating such attacks?
  • And if criminal groups feel emboldened enough to attack state-run institutions, what’s next?

This moment could mark a turning point in France’s battle against organized crime — but only if it’s matched with real strategy, intelligence-sharing, and not just reactionary force.

What’s your impression — do you think this shows how powerful and embedded these crime networks have become in France? Or is this a sign that the government’s crackdown is starting to work and rattling the right cages?

‘We cannot look away’ – UK hosts Sudan talks as famine takes hold

0
2 mn read

The situation in Sudan is deeply tragic, and the urgency conveyed at the London conference is a clear acknowledgment of just how dire things have become. Two years into a brutal civil war, Sudan is not just facing a political or military crisis — it’s facing a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe.

The numbers are staggering:

30 million in desperate need of aid

12 million displaced

Thousands killed, including infants and children

Zamzam camp, a refuge for 500,000 people, now reduced to ashes

David Lammy’s opening statement struck a powerful chord — “Many have given up on Sudan – that is wrong.” And he’s right. The level of violence — beheadings, sexual assaults, mass starvation — is something the world should not turn away from.

But the real challenge is glaring: the two main parties in the war weren’t even at the table. Instead, we see their allies — some of whom are accused of actively fueling the conflict — trying to chart a “path to peace.” That’s a tough sell.

It’s also unsettling that places like Zamzam are under attack, and groups like Doctors Without Borders are describing children literally dying of thirst upon arrival at makeshift camps. This isn’t just a civil war — it’s systemic suffering and destruction of civilian life on an unimaginable scale.

And yet, there’s still a glimmer of hope — if the conference can:

  • Unite international donors to pour in real, sustainable aid (not just short-term food and medicine),
  • Pressure backers of both sides to step back from the conflict,
  • And most importantly, push for inclusive dialogue led by Sudanese civilians — not just warlords or foreign interests.

The African Union’s message was clear: “No military solution. No partition.” But the question remains — who’s really listening? Because without genuine accountability and ceasefire enforcement, Sudan risks becoming another long-term conflict zone where humanitarian tragedy becomes routine.

What’s your take — do you think this conference will change anything? Or does it feel like another diplomatic gesture that won’t move the needle unless the warring factions are forced to the table?

CBEX: Nigerians lose N1.3tn as digital trading platform crashes

0
< 1 mn read

That CBEX situation is both heartbreaking and infuriating. Over ₦1.3 trillion gone in what looks like another textbook case of a Ponzi scheme disguised with crypto buzzwords and fake AI “trading”? It’s honestly devastating — not just because of the financial loss, but because of how many everyday Nigerians fell victim to it.

The setup was shady from the jump — offering 100% ROI with no SEC registration, using TRX wallets for payments (which are hard to trace), and then locking communication channels right before the crash? Classic red flags. But when people are desperate for opportunities in a tough economy, even obvious scams start to look like hope.

And that “verification fee” scam after the crash — asking people to pay again just to get a fraction of their original money? That’s next-level wickedness.

Taiwo Owolabi laid it out perfectly — it was never real money in those wallets, just digital numbers manipulated to make it feel like profits were being made. Meanwhile, they were laundering it through USDT and ETH. That’s straight-up fraud with a touch of tech smoke-and-mirrors.

The online reactions too — a lot of anger, but also brutal honesty. Many are finally starting to realize that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But sadly, it’s often after the damage is done.

What’s your take on it? Do you think there needs to be tighter regulation, or is it more about financial education for everyday people?

UCL: Real Madrid president, Perez promises players ‘big bonus’ if they beat Arsenal

0
< 1 mn read

Now that’s classic Florentino Perez — pulling out all the stops when it matters most! Real Madrid facing a 3-0 deficit is already dramatic enough, but throwing in a “juicy bonus” just cranks up the intensity.

It’s interesting that he specifically addressed Kylian Mbappe too — considering all the buzz around him possibly joining Madrid. Could be a little “soft launch” of that future relationship, or just some psychological motivation knowing Mbappe thrives under pressure.

And let’s be honest, Real Madrid has a history of pulling off insane comebacks at the Bernabéu, especially in the Champions League. You mix that legendary UCL magic with some extra financial incentive, and you’ve got the recipe for a potential thriller.

What do you think — do they have it in them to pull this off against Arsenal? Or is this mountain a bit too steep, even for Los Blancos?

Opeyemi Aiyeola defends Laide Bakare for shaming Eniola Badmus for undergoing surgery to lose weight

0
< 1 mn read

Whew! That’s some serious Nollywood drama right there — definitely not just a movie script this time. It’s unfortunate when things get that heated between colleagues in the public eye, especially people who have history and have worked together in the past.

Eniola Badmus has been very open about her weight-loss journey and even inspired a lot of people with her transformation. But now it’s being weaponized against her in this fallout, and that makes it messy. Laide Bakare and now Opeyemi Aiyeola jumping in by liking and supporting the shade just adds fuel to the fire.

The fact that private chats and past support are being aired out publicly — like Laide claiming she gave Eniola her first big break — shows how personal this beef is. It’s no longer about just a misunderstanding; it’s now public shaming and character attacks.

It’d be good to see more support and reconciliation than all this back-and-forth. What do you think? Do you feel one side is more justified, or is it just a lose-lose situation all around?

Taribo West reveals ‘Godly’ encounter that led him to quit football and become a pastor

0
< 1 mn read

That’s a powerful and inspiring story! Taribo West’s life transformation from a celebrated footballer to a pastor is truly remarkable. The way he describes hearing God’s voice so audibly and following through with the apology is a testament to his deep faith and willingness to listen to a higher calling. The prophecies from the woman also seem to have been a key moment in his spiritual journey.

It’s interesting how a single divine encounter led to such a radical shift in his life. A lot of people would find it difficult to walk away from the fame and fortune of being a professional athlete, but Taribo’s story shows that sometimes life’s true purpose is found in unexpected places.

Have you been following his journey since then? It seems like his work as a pastor has been impactful, especially since the prophecies about his future church came true.

Bandits may remove two Nigerian govs from office – Primate Ayodele

0
2 mn read

This is a stark and urgent warning from Primate Elijah Ayodele — and while it comes from a religious and prophetic perspective, it’s echoing very real concerns about the deepening insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what he’s saying and its implications:

  1. Threat to Governors’ Offices: Ayodele suggests that insurgents and bandits are planning to physically overrun government houses, especially in states like Borno and Benue. This is a bold claim, but not outside the realm of possibility given the history of insurgent activity in those areas.
  2. Northern Hotspots at Risk: He names Abuja, Kaduna, Yobe, and Nasarawa as areas likely to face increased attacks. These regions have seen various levels of terrorist and bandit activity, so his warning aligns with existing threats.
  3. Political Undermining: He implies that some actors behind the scenes are trying to destabilize the Tinubu administration by amplifying insecurity — essentially weaponizing chaos to weaken the federal grip and leadership legitimacy.
  4. Urgency for NSA Action: He puts Nuhu Ribadu in the spotlight, calling for more decisive and immediate action before things escalate further.
  5. Call for Prayer and Vigilance: As expected from a religious leader, he also calls for national prayer, but notably pairs it with a call for real-time governmental action.

  • If even partly accurate, the idea of insurgents attempting to “sack” governors is a massive escalation that would represent a serious breakdown in state authority.
  • It reinforces the pressure on Tinubu and Ribadu to show tangible results on security — a key concern for many Nigerians already frustrated with banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism.
  • Politically, if instability increases, it could shake the perception of Tinubu’s grip on power — especially in regions that are already feeling neglected or at risk.

Would you like a look at the current security situation in some of these states mentioned, or perhaps a timeline of recent attacks or government responses?

Nuclear deal: Iran must give up or face harsh response – Trump

0
< 1 mn read

 

Putin’s Openness to “Permanent Peace”: If true, that’s significant — but as with all such statements, the devil is in the details. Russia’s definition of “peace” might include territorial concessions or sanctions relief, which Ukraine and the West may not accept.

Trump’s Involvement: The article mentions Steve Witkoff — primarily known as a real estate developer — acting as Trump’s special envoy. That’s an unusual choice for such a high-stakes diplomatic role, and might raise eyebrows among career diplomats.

Commercial Interests: The emphasis on U.S.-Russia business opportunities being part of peace talks is noteworthy. It implies that economic incentives are being considered as a stabilizing factor — a move that could face criticism if it’s seen as sidelining Ukraine’s sovereignty in favor of business gains.

Reality Check: Despite these talks, there’s been no major breakthrough. Putin rejected a ceasefire proposal just last month, and is still leveraging sanctions in any negotiations — suggesting that this “permanent peace” talk might be more about optics than real change, at least for now.

Overall, it’s a cautious flicker of hope in an otherwise stagnant and brutal war — but a lot depends on what “peace” means to each side, and whether Ukraine is actually involved in shaping the terms.

Would you like a breakdown of the likely next steps or how this might affect broader U.S.-Russia or NATO dynamics?

Putin open to ‘permanent peace’ deal in Ukraine -Trump envoy

0
< 1 mn read

This development—if confirmed—marks a potentially significant shift in the Ukraine conflict’s diplomatic trajectory. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggesting that Putin is open to a “permanent peace” could signal Moscow’s interest in redefining its position, at least rhetorically. However, a few key points stand out:

  1. Skepticism Warranted: While the language used—”permanent peace,” “compelling meeting”—is optimistic, Putin’s track record and Russia’s previous negotiating tactics often include strategic pauses or diplomatic overtures that do not translate into actual de-escalation. The lack of concrete concessions and the conditionality of a Black Sea truce reinforce this skepticism.
  2. Business Angle: Witkoff’s mention of commercial opportunities as part of the negotiations is interesting. It suggests that economic incentives—perhaps involving energy or sanctions relief—are being weighed alongside political agreements. That could create new leverage or, conversely, open the door to criticism that U.S. policy is being influenced by business interests.
  3. Trump’s Role: Trump’s direct push for progress, including urging Moscow to “get moving,” aligns with his past approach of personalized diplomacy. But it also raises questions about how aligned this strategy is with broader NATO and EU policies, especially if it leads to zones of control or other controversial compromises.
  4. Timing and Credibility: This is reportedly the third meeting since Trump returned to office in January, implying some continuity and effort behind the scenes. Yet without Ukrainian buy-in or verified steps from Russia (like withdrawal, ceasefire implementation, or prisoner exchanges), it’s hard to say if this is real movement or just diplomatic theater.

Would you like a breakdown of how this could potentially impact NATO relations or the 2025 U.S. foreign policy landscape?

Roadside bomb kills 8 bus passengers in northeast Nigeria

0
< 1 mn read

Boko Haram is officially designated as a terrorist organization by multiple governments and international bodies. The United States Department of State designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2013. The United Nations, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union have also listed Boko Haram as a terrorist group due to its involvement in mass killings, bombings, kidnappings, and other violent activities targeting civilians, especially in Nigeria and neighboring countries.

Adeleke, APC clash over market revenue collection

0
< 1 mn read

Whew, that’s a political powder keg in Osun State right now. This face-off between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the APC chairmen is really heating up—especially with both sides threatening legal action and arrests. It’s like a full-blown turf war over who controls the markets and local revenue systems.

At the core of it seems to be two big issues:

  1. Legitimacy of office – Adeleke insists the APC chairmen are occupying their positions illegally, while the APC points to the Court of Appeal ruling from February 10, 2025, which reinstated their 2022-elected officials.
  2. Control of revenue collection – Especially around markets. Adeleke is saying APC chairmen are forming illegal taskforces, forging documents, and extorting traders. Meanwhile, APC says they’re just doing their constitutionally backed duties.

The tension’s definitely escalating. When a governor and local chairmen are threatening each other with police action and accusing each other of illegality and forgery, things can spiral fast—especially with traders and ordinary citizens caught in the middle. And the mention of “fake policemen” in markets? That’s seriously alarming.

It sounds like the only real solution will have to come from clear legal resolution—maybe even the Supreme Court, like the APC is taunting Adeleke to approach. But until then, it’s going to be a battle of statements, court rulings, and power plays.

Are you following Osun State politics closely, or did this just catch your eye?

Mohamed Salah to stay at Liverpool beyond this season after signing two-year contract

0
< 1 mn read

That’s a huge development for Liverpool fans! 🔴 Locking down Mohamed Salah for another two years is a big win, especially considering all the uncertainty earlier in the season. He’s been in insane form—32 goals in 45 appearances at 32 years old is no joke. And with Liverpool leading the league by 11 points, this could turn into a pretty iconic season under Arne Slot.

Salah staying also adds some much-needed stability as Liverpool faces possible changes this summer—especially if big names like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Van Dijk move on. The Real Madrid links with Trent are definitely something to watch.

Also, did you catch that bit about Declan Rice? Two free-kick goals in a Champions League quarterfinal? Arsenal fans must be buzzing right now.

Are you following the title race closely? Who do you think finishes the season with the trophy—Liverpool, Arsenal, or maybe a late push from City?

2027: PDP governors reject merger talks

0
2 mn read

1. No Coalition or Merger Plans Ahead of 2027

  • The PDP Governors dismissed any speculation about merging or forming a coalition with other parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
  • They reaffirmed that while PDP remains open to individuals or groups joining them, they won’t be part of any formal merger or alliance.

 2. Security Concerns Raised

  • The Forum strongly condemned worsening security across the country, specifically highlighting Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau States.
  • They called for a revised national security strategy that empowers states to build better localized defenses.

 3. Party Structural Decisions

  • The Forum supports the Deputy Secretary acting as National Secretary, pending a formal nomination from the South East and INEC ratification.
  • Plans are in motion for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27, 2025.
  • A National Convention is scheduled for August 28–30, 2025 in Kano, with committee leadership announced.
    • Zoning Committee:
      • Chair: Gov. Douye Diri
      • Vice Chair: Gov. Dauda Lawal
      • Secretary: Gov. Caleb Mutfwang
    • National Convention Committee:
      • Chair: Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri
      • Vice Chair: Gov. Ademola Adeleke
      • Secretary: Gov. Peter Mbah

 4. Support for Rivers State Governor

  • The Forum declared solidarity with Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, amid political tensions and the looming threat of a state of emergency declaration.

Context & Implications:

  • The PDP seems focused on rebranding and rebuilding from within, rather than joining broader alliances.
  • The rejection of a merger might be to project strength or preserve party identity, especially with 2027 on the horizon.
  • The emphasis on security reform shows how the issue could become a major campaign theme in the next elections.
  • Holding the National Convention in Kano, a politically strategic state in the North, may hint at regional outreach and mobilization goals.

If you’re keeping an eye on 2027 politics or party strategies in Nigeria, this is definitely a strong marker of where PDP is positioning itself. Want to dive deeper into any of the points—like potential presidential candidates, the Rivers State crisis, or the merger rumors they’re distancing from?

Peter Obi visits Plateau attack victims, donates N7.5m

0
< 1 mn read

Peter Obi’s visit to Bokkos in Plateau State is another example of his continued grassroots engagement and humanitarian approach, especially in times of crisis. His gesture — traveling personally to meet survivors and offering both emotional and financial support — will likely resonate deeply with many Nigerians who feel underserved or ignored by political elites.

Calling the violence “senseless killings” in a nation not at war highlights the disturbing normalization of insecurity across various regions. His donation of ₦7.5 million for displaced children and the mention of the Obidient Movement’s previous borehole project at the IDP camp suggest a long-term commitment, not just a photo-op.

Obi’s emphasis on compassion-driven leadership taps into the broader frustrations Nigerians have with the current state of governance — where empathy and effective action often seem scarce.

This visit raises a few questions worth thinking about:

  • Do you think more political leaders should take this kind of hands-on approach to crises?
  • And do you believe efforts like Obi’s can help shift the tone of leadership across Nigeria?

Happy to dig deeper into any part of this — Plateau security issues, IDP camps, or Obi’s ongoing political moves.

Jeff Bezos’s rocket blasts into space with all-woman crew including Katy Perry

0
2 mn read

This Blue Origin flight is a landmark moment — not just for commercial space tourism, but for representation, symbolism, and storytelling. While sub-orbital flights are still relatively short and tightly controlled, the first all-women crew since 1963 carries serious cultural weight.

  • All-Woman Crew: The first since Valentina Tereshkova, the Soviet cosmonaut who became the first woman in space in 1963. That’s over 60 years of a gender imbalance in spaceflight being confronted — finally — with a visible, empowering moment.
  • Pop Culture Meets Space: With Katy Perry aboard, this flight straddles the line between science and spectacle. Her presence (and literal singing in zero-G) amplifies public attention and gives the flight a more emotional, relatable angle.
  • Diverse Backgrounds:
    • Amanda Nguyen and Aisha Bowe bring science and activism.
    • Lauren Sanchez and Kerianne Flynn represent entrepreneurship and the film industry.
    • Gayle King bridges journalism and cultural commentary.

    This isn’t just an all-woman flight — it’s a multi-disciplinary representation of what women can contribute to space and science.

The optics are powerful: six women, launching into space, not for a scientific experiment or a Cold War space race, but to inspire, symbolize possibility, and normalize women’s presence in space.Image

And it’s not just optics:

  • Amanda Nguyen is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a legislative reformer.
  • Aisha Bowe is a Black aerospace engineer — the first to fly to space on a commercial mission.

That blend of visibility + achievement creates a new type of space hero — one young girls can now see.

Blue Origin is clearly strategizing around influence and inspiration:

  • After William Shatner’s headline-making flight, this all-women crew is another high-visibility move.
  • They’re cultivating cultural goodwill as they gear up to compete with SpaceX for orbital space tourism.

This also helps shift public perception: space isn’t just for astronauts or billionaires — it’s for activists, artists, and everyday dreamers.

Blue Origin’s New Glenn is the real long-term play. That rocket, capable of orbital missions, is key to competing with SpaceX’s Starship and Falcon 9.

  • This flight helps build public interest and investor confidence in the company’s ability to turn tourism into a broader space services model.

Would you like a side-by-side of how Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic stack up in the space tourism game? Or a breakdown of the women on board and their unique contributions to STEM, media, and advocacy?

Nigerian traveler says her thwarted world record attempt shows ‘passport privilege’ is real

0
2 mn read

Alma Asinobi’s story is both inspiring and deeply telling — a powerful blend of personal ambition and purposeful advocacy. While she didn’t clinch the world record for the fastest time to visit every continent, what she achieved might matter even more: she forced a global conversation about passport privilege into the spotlight, not through rhetoric alone but through real, lived experience.

It’s easy to focus on the missed goal — falling just short of the 64-hour record with her 71-hour journey — but when you zoom out, her story becomes a case study in global mobility inequality. The delays she faced weren’t just random travel inconveniences; they were systemic barriers tied directly to the nationality on her passport.

Asinobi’s Nigerian passport ranks 92nd out of 102 on the Henley Passport Index — meaning there are very few countries she can enter without a visa. Compare that to travelers from countries like the U.S., Germany, or Japan, who enjoy near-frictionless access to the majority of the globe. Her experience starkly illustrates the hidden hierarchies of global travel — ones that are often invisible to those with stronger passports.

Her attempt spanned six continents and involved everything from missed flights due to a fire at Heathrow, to being denied boarding in Dubai because her visa needed “re-confirmation.” These aren’t just bureaucratic glitches — they reflect a global system that routinely questions, delays, and denies travelers from the Global South.

What made her approach resonate was how she didn’t just travel through these obstacles — she made them the point. Her documentation flipped the script from the usual influencer content that glamorizes the destination to something more raw and real: the struggle to even get there.

As Asinobi pointed out, this isn’t only about tourism — it’s about access to life-changing opportunities:

  • A missed medical procedure because of a delayed visa.
  • A lost business deal because of denied entry.
  • A career setback because you couldn’t attend a conference abroad.

When you realize that over half the world’s population holds “low-mobility” passports, this becomes more than a niche issue — it’s a quiet global crisis. And Alma Asinobi’s story makes that painfully visible.

Even if the fastest-continent-visit record eluded her, her attempt to gather the most signatures on a piece of travel memorabilia — a Nigerian flag signed by over 600 people — might still earn her a place in the Guinness World Records. That’s a beautiful metaphor in itself: even if systems slow you down, community support can still carry you across the finish line.


So what now?

Asinobi says she plans to keep the conversation going with policymakers. If governments can strengthen diplomatic relations, simplify visa reciprocity, and rethink the current structures of global mobility, then perhaps someday soon, a traveler like Alma won’t have to turn her journey into a protest.

Would you like a breakdown of how different passports rank — or maybe explore how countries can improve mobility for their citizens?

Hamas says it will release all hostages if Gaza war end is guaranteed

0
< 1 mn read

This statement from Hamas signals a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict and hostage negotiations. By publicly expressing a willingness to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a comprehensive ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and humanitarian aid, Hamas is essentially offering a full-scale deal — one that goes beyond hostage release and into the realm of ending active hostilities.

That said, there are major hurdles:

  • Israel’s position: Historically, Israel has been hesitant to accept ceasefire terms that could allow Hamas to regroup. A total withdrawal and end to the war without dismantling Hamas’s military capability may be unacceptable to the Israeli government.
  • U.S., Egypt, and Qatar’s role: These mediators are trying to strike a phased agreement. The proposal to release 10 hostages in exchange for U.S. guarantees suggests a more incremental approach — potentially a test of trust on both sides.
  • Only 24 of the 59 hostages confirmed alive: This tragic detail adds urgency and complexity. The longer the talks drag on, the higher the risk that more hostages may die due to conflict conditions or lack of medical care.

Also important to note:
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by countries including the United States, Israel, the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This designation affects how these governments engage with or support mediation efforts involving Hamas.

At this point, everything hinges on whether both sides — particularly Israel — can agree to the broader terms, or if the negotiations will revert back to a slower, phased process.

Do you think this kind of offer shifts the balance in ongoing negotiations, or is it more of a strategic move by Hamas to gain international leverage?