HAMAS UNVEILS THREE-STAGE CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL; NETANYAHU REJECTS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas's recent ceasefire offer on Wednesday, asserting that total victory in Gaza was achievable despite the ongoing conflict. Hamas, in response to a mediation proposal from Qatar and Egypt, outlined a three-stage plan to end hostilities with Israel.

The proposed ceasefire plan entails three phases, each lasting 45 days. In the first phase, Hamas aims to secure the release of Israeli female hostages, boys under 19, and individuals with health issues or elderly status. In exchange, Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons would be freed. Concurrently, Israel would withdraw its military from populated areas in Gaza, enabling the commencement of reconstruction efforts, particularly focused on hospitals.

Phase two of the plan involves the release of remaining male hostages by Israel and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Finally, in the third phase, both sides would exchange the bodies and mortal remains of those killed during the conflict.

The proposal surfaced on the same day as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's insistence on the recognition of an independent Palestinian state before considering normalization of ties with Israel.

Despite the ceasefire offer, Netanyahu faces internal pressure from right-wing factions opposed to concessions to Hamas, as well as demands from families of hostages seeking the return of their loved ones.

The ceasefire plan signals a potential shift in dynamics amid the ongoing conflict, with both sides considering diplomatic solutions alongside military actions.

FATAL BLASTS STRIKE BALOCHISTAN AHEAD OF PAKISTAN ELECTIONS

Tragedy struck Balochistan province in Pakistan just a day before the nation's crucial general elections, as twin blasts claimed the lives of at least 30 individuals and left over 40 others wounded. Despite extensive security measures involving the deployment of half a million personnel to ensure peaceful polls, the attacks underscored persistent challenges posed by violence and alleged pre-poll rigging.

Balochistan's information minister, Jan Achakzai, condemned the bombings as yet another attempt by terrorists to disrupt the electoral process. However, he affirmed the government's commitment to proceeding with the elections as scheduled, despite the grim circumstances.

In the lead-up to the elections, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces witnessed a surge in militant activity, with frequent attacks targeting both security personnel and political operatives. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has been identified as a primary perpetrator of violence against security forces in the region. Just last week, the BLA claimed responsibility for assaults on military and security installations in Balochistan's Mach district, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals.

Beyond the BLA, various militant factions, including the Pakistani Taliban, maintain a significant presence in Balochistan, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan. These groups pose ongoing security challenges, further exacerbating the volatile situation in the province as the country braces for critical electoral proceedings.

SIX CIVILIANS AMONG 10 DEAD IN ISRAEL STRIKES ON SYRIA: WAR MONITOR

BEIRUT: Six civilians were among 10 people killed in Israeli air strikes on the Syrian city of Homs early on Wednesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Three students and a woman were among the dead while Two Hezbollah fighters were also among the casualties, a source to the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group said.

CONTROVERSY ERUPTS OVER TUCKER CARLSON'S PUTIN INTERVIEW

Tensions are soaring in the US as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson gears up to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin, triggering a backlash from America's national security establishment and mainstream media. Carlson, known for his pro-Trump stance, defended his decision to engage with Putin, asserting that Americans deserve insights into the conflict with Ukraine, which they are financially involved in.

While Carlson's move has drawn condemnation, with accusations of promoting Russian propaganda, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of providing alternative perspectives. He criticized the US media for allegedly biasing coverage towards Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of hearing from all sides in a conflict.

Expected to air soon on Carlson's platform and X, owned by Elon Musk, the interview has stirred controversy reminiscent of past instances where American journalists engaged with leaders deemed adversarial by Washington. Critics fear Carlson's ties to Trump may jeopardize US national security, raising concerns about the alignment of MAGA Republicans with perceived adversaries.

As tensions escalate, the episode underscores deep divisions within American politics, with Carlson's actions seen as emblematic of broader ideological clashes and the ongoing battle over narrative control in the media landscape.

EU AND HUNGARY AT ODDS ONCE AGAIN OVER COUNTRY’S NEW ‘SOVEREIGNTY’ LAW

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, launched an ‘infringement procedure’ into Hungary’s new Defence of National Sovereignty law, setting Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on a collision course with the bloc. Under the controversial law, Hungarian authorities will be able to use the intelligence services to investigate individuals and organisations involved in the democratic and electoral process and allegedly receiving foreign funds.

The Commission said the law, which came into effect in December, violated the democratic values of the EU and the right to privacy of its citizens and the freedom of association among other concerns. Orban claims the law is intended to curb foreign influence in Hungary.

Orban, whose Fidesz party has a parliamentary majority, is no stranger to being isolated from his EU and Western allies. The Hungarian leader was initially an outlier blocking a $54 billion EU aid package for Ukraine announced on February 1. Obran eventually lifted his veto.

He has also been holding out on a parliamentary vote to ratify Sweden’s membership to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

The Hungarian government will have two months to respond to the EU’s infringement notice.

HALEY LOSES TO ‘NONE OF THESE CANDIDATES’ OPTION IN NEVADA

Nikki Haley was swamped in Nevada’s symbolic Republican presidential primary as GOP voters resoundingly picked the “none of these candidates” option on the ballot in a repudiation of the former UN Ambassador who is the last remaining major rival to front-runner Donald Trump.

Trump did not compete in Tuesday’s primary, which does not award any delegates needed to win the GOP nomination.

The former President is instead focused on caucuses that will be held on Thursday and will help him move closer to becoming the Republican standard-bearer.

Meaningless results

That leaves the results on Tuesday as technically meaningless in the Republican race. But they still amount to an embarrassment for Ms. Haley, who has sought to position herself as a candidate who can genuinely compete against Trump. Instead, she became the first presidential candidate from either party to lose a race to “none of these candidates” since that option was introduced in Nevada in 1975.

There was also a Democratic primary on Tuesday that President Joe Biden easily won against author Marianne Williamson and a handful of less-known challengers. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota was not on the ballot.

RUSSIA ADMITS TO ENCOUNTERING ‘PROBLEMS’ WITH CHINA PAYMENTS

MOSCOW: The Kremlin on Wednesday acknowledged that Russian companies faced problems with Chinese banks after a major Chinese lender had blocked payment settlements with Russian firms. Beijing has become Moscow’s crucial economic partner since the West hit Russia with sanctions since the start of Ukraine war.

TAIWAN HALTS TOURIST GROUPS TO CHINA AFTER CHANGE TO FLIGHT PATH

TAIPEI: Taiwan ordered on Wednesday travel agencies to stop organising group tours to China following Beijing’s adjustment of an aviation route that drew ire on the self-ruled island. It cited Beijing’s “unilateral” decision to adjust the M503 route through the Taiwan Strait which “would impact aviation safety”.

MALDIVES FACES HIGH DEBT DISTRESS DESPITE POST-PANDEMIC GROWTH

The IMF warns of high debt distress risk for Maldives despite robust post-pandemic growth. Urgent policy adjustments are urged to address elevated fiscal deficits and public debt, echoing concerns raised by the World Bank. President Mohamed Muizzu pledges reform policies to improve financial stability. IMF projects 5.2% economic growth in 2024, driven by tourism expansion. Seeking aid, Muizzu visits China for assistance with the airport's expansion and debt deferment talks. Maldives, with a debt exceeding $1.4 billion to China, faces a debt-to-GDP ratio over 115% this year, according to the World Bank.

CONFLICT IN MYANMAR IS WORRYING INDIA AND BANGLADESH: DHAKA

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Hasan Mahmud, expressed shared concern with India over the escalating conflict in Myanmar during his visit to New Delhi. Mahmud, after meeting National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, highlighted the need for stability and regional security, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity between the two countries.

Addressing the media, Mahmud disclosed that discussions included the situation in Myanmar, where a significant number of border security guards and army personnel had crossed into Bangladesh. Bangladesh has provided shelter to these individuals and is in talks with Myanmar to facilitate their return.

This visit marks Mahmud's first trip abroad since assuming office as Foreign Minister. He noted that discussions with Doval also involved deliberations on the repatriation process for Myanmar's border guards and military personnel currently in Bangladesh.

HIDDEN OCEAN DISCOVERED BENEATH SATURN'S MOON MIMAS

Astronomers have uncovered compelling evidence suggesting the presence of a substantial, youthful ocean hidden beneath the icy surface of Mimas, Saturn's moon resembling the Death Star. Analyzing data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft, a French-led team observed changes in Mimas' orbit and rotation, concluding that a vast ocean lies 20 to 30km beneath its frozen crust. Despite its small size and heavily cratered appearance, Mimas lacks typical signs of subsurface activity seen on other moons like Enceladus and Europa. The discovery, detailed in the journal Nature, suggests potential habitability on this unlikely celestial body, with the ocean estimated to fill half of Mimas' volume. However, given its petite size, the ocean represents only a fraction of Earth's oceans. Mimas, known for its resemblance to the Death Star from "Star Wars," boasts one of the largest impact craters in the solar system.