Sudan’s brutal conflict has entered its third year, leaving more than 150,000 dead and millions displaced. What began as a power struggle between two generals has evolved into a proxy battleground shaped by competing regional and international interests. Nations including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Russia have been accused of fueling the crisis — each seeking influence over one of Africa’s most strategically important nations.

The Complex Web Behind Sudan’s War

The fighting in Sudan, initially viewed as an internal clash between rival generals, has been exacerbated by outside actors. The war pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.

The Rapid Support Forces’ recent capture of the Darfur city of El Fasher, followed by reports of mass civilian killings, drew widespread international outrage. Amid growing pressure, the RSF agreed to a humanitarian truce proposed by the “Quad” countries — the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. However, the ceasefire has yet to halt the violence or address the deeper problem: the murky involvement of several foreign powers whose interests extend beyond Sudan’s borders.

Sudan’s geography makes it a strategic prize. The country bridges Africa and the Middle East, commands more than 500 miles of Red Sea coastline along a vital global shipping route, and holds vast gold reserves and fertile land. It also influences the flow of the Blue Nile, making it pivotal in the region’s water diplomacy.

Foreign Stakes in Sudan’s Future

According to Charles Ray, a retired U.S. diplomat and chair of the Africa Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, “Whoever controls Sudan is in a position to have influence in the broader region — the Horn of Africa as well as sub-Saharan Africa.” That influence has drawn in powerful regional players with competing agendas.

United Arab Emirates: Alleged Arms and Gold Connections

The United Arab Emirates has faced repeated allegations of arming Hemedti’s RSF, despite firm denials from Emirati officials. Human rights groups and UN investigators have traced weapons found in Darfur to shipments linked to companies based in the UAE.

Washington’s Treasury Department sanctioned several of these companies, saying they were tied to Hemedti and his family, including brothers Algoney and Abdul Rahim Dagalo, for providing weapons and financing the RSF through gold exports to Dubai. The UAE has dismissed the allegations as “fake news,” claiming it supports only peace and civilian rule in Sudan.

UAE adviser Anwar Gargash recently admitted that the international community made a “mistake” by not intervening more decisively when Sudan’s civilian government was toppled in 2021. Still, experts say Abu Dhabi’s ambitions go beyond stability.

Khalil al-Anani, a Georgetown University scholar, noted that the UAE’s interests are partly economic — targeting Sudan’s agriculture and gold — but also political. “The UAE does not want to see a successful democratic transition in Sudan,” he said, linking its actions to a broader campaign against post–Arab Spring movements.

Amnesty International and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute have also cited Chinese-made howitzers found in Darfur that could only have been imported via the UAE, though Emirati officials dispute this. Despite repeated inquiries, the UN’s most recent report omitted specific findings about the UAE’s involvement, raising questions about diplomatic pressure behind the scenes.

Egypt: Security and the Nile Factor

Egypt, sharing deep historical and geographic ties with Sudan, has backed al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a former general who seized power in 2013, has provided diplomatic support to the SAF, hosting multiple meetings with Sudanese military officials and reaffirming Cairo’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty.

Experts say Egypt’s motives are driven by security and water politics. “Egypt is involved mainly due to national-security concerns, particularly the implications of Sudan’s instability on the Nile River,” al-Anani said. The Nile provides 90% of Egypt’s freshwater, and instability in Sudan could jeopardize Cairo’s position in its ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Egypt also fears a democratic Sudan could embolden opposition movements at home. Moreover, the war has forced tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees into Egypt, compounding the country’s economic strain.

Saudi Arabia: Seeking Stability Along the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia has taken a more cautious approach, calling for a Sudanese-led solution and co-hosting peace talks with the United States. Nonetheless, analysts suggest Riyadh leans toward supporting al-Burhan’s military faction.

Riyadh’s key concern lies in maintaining stability along the Red Sea, a vital artery for global trade and central to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 development plan. Saudi Arabia has also leveraged its position as a humanitarian actor, coordinating large-scale evacuations of civilians and foreign nationals during the early stages of the conflict.

Former U.S. diplomat Charles Ray said Riyadh’s role also reflects competition with regional powers. “There are economic benefits to being involved in Africa, but also strategic rivalry — Saudi Arabia doesn’t want to be outpaced by the UAE or Russia,” he noted.

Russia: Gold, Bases, and Wagner’s Shadow

While focused on its war in Ukraine, Russia has quietly deepened its presence in Sudan. U.S. officials accuse Moscow of “playing both sides of the conflict to advance its own political objectives.”

The Wagner Group, the now-restructured Russian mercenary network, had long provided military support to the RSF in exchange for access to Sudan’s gold mines. Wagner operatives were also accused of smuggling weapons through Libya and the Central African Republic.

After Wagner’s failed mutiny in 2023 and the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Kremlin sought direct control over these operations. Meanwhile, Moscow has negotiated with al-Burhan’s government for a Red Sea naval base in Port Sudan, a move seen as part of its broader strategy to expand influence in Africa.

Sudan: A Nation Torn by Proxy Interests

Experts agree that Sudan’s conflict has evolved beyond domestic rivalry. “There is no neutral actor in the Sudanese conflict,” said al-Anani. “Every party intervenes to pursue its own goals. Controlling Sudan means controlling access to the sub-Saharan region.”

Years of war have devastated the nation’s institutions, crippled its economy, and deepened human suffering. With millions displaced and famine looming, the country remains vulnerable to manipulation by external powers that see opportunity in its instability.

Despite international mediation, Sudan’s future hinges not only on peace between its warring factions but on whether the global powers competing over its territory can restrain their ambitions long enough to let the country heal.

Source: CNN – Sudan’s bloody conflict is plagued by foreign influence – here is what we know

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Published: October 13, 2025, 21:45 EDT

Anticipation has grown across Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds ahead of a critical day of hostages, prisoners, and humanitarian releases. The developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to visit Israel and Egypt, marking a high-stakes diplomatic moment for the region.

Hostage Release Expected Monday

Israel said Sunday that it expects the release of 20 living hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks, when Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 Israelis and abducted about 250 people. The hostages will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being transferred to the Israeli military’s Reim base for medical evaluation and family reunions.

Officials have prepared ambulances in case urgent medical care is required following more than two years of captivity. The remains of up to 28 other hostages are not expected to be returned at the same time, although Israel stated that “an international body” will assist in locating and recovering them if not released within 72 hours, as stipulated in the ceasefire terms.

Palestinian Prisoners Set for Mass Release

As part of the truce deal, Israel is set to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 1,700 detainees captured during the war and held without formal charges. Another 250 prisoners serving sentences will also be freed.

The group includes members of Hamas and Fatah involved in violent attacks against Israelis, as well as individuals convicted of lesser offenses. Many will return to Gaza or the West Bank, while some could face exile depending on the final terms of the exchange.

It remains unclear which prisoners will be allowed to return directly to Gaza or whether certain individuals will be deported under international supervision.

Humanitarian Aid Surge Planned for Gaza

International aid agencies said they are preparing to significantly increase humanitarian deliveries to Gaza as part of the ceasefire framework. On Sunday, around 400 trucks carrying food and supplies from Egypt awaited Israeli inspection before entering the enclave.

Israel’s defense body overseeing aid operations confirmed that the number will soon rise to 600 trucks per day. The goal is to alleviate severe shortages and widespread hunger in the territory, where famine conditions have been documented by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

The IPC reported in August that Gaza City was already experiencing famine, with the crisis projected to spread south toward Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis if restrictions were not eased. Rebuilding efforts remain daunting, with much of Gaza reduced to rubble and more than two million residents displaced.

Trump’s Visit and Regional Diplomacy

President Trump, who played a key role in securing the ceasefire, is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday morning. His visit will include meetings with families of hostages and an address to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

A large U.S. flag draped Jerusalem’s City Hall complex on Sunday night, while American and Israeli flags were projected onto the walls of the Old City. After his meetings in Israel, Trump will travel to Egypt to attend a regional “peace summit” alongside Middle Eastern and international leaders. He is expected to return to Washington by early Tuesday.

Ceasefire Faces Unresolved Challenges

Despite optimism over the ceasefire and upcoming releases, several key disputes remain unresolved. Israel insists that Hamas must disarm completely, while Hamas demands a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The question of Gaza’s long-term governance also looms large. Hamas has controlled the enclave for nearly two decades, and discussions continue about potential transitional administration models involving Palestinian and international authorities.

Gaza’s Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas, reports that over 67,600 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, about half of them women and children. While Israel disputes these figures, the United Nations and independent analysts regard the ministry’s statistics as the most comprehensive available estimate of casualties to date.

Path Ahead: Fragile Hope Amid Deep Division

The coming days are expected to test whether the ceasefire can evolve into a sustainable peace process or collapse under mutual mistrust. For now, families across both sides — waiting for hostages, prisoners, and news of their loved ones — are clinging to cautious hope that this fragile moment of calm might endure.

Source: AP News – What to know as Israel and Gaza await the release of hostages, prisoners, aid — and Trump’s visit

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Published: October 7, 2025, 22:15 EDT

Israel and the Palestinian territories marked two years since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault triggered one of the deadliest and most consequential wars in the region’s history. As mourners gathered across southern Israel and displaced families sought safety in Gaza, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Egypt under a U.S.-backed peace plan aiming to secure a lasting ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages.

Israelis Gather to Remember the Victims

Thousands gathered across southern Israel on Tuesday to mourn victims of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, which killed around 1,200 people and left deep scars across the nation. The main memorial, organized by bereaved families, took place near the border communities hit hardest during the assault.

At the site of the Nova music festival in Reim, where nearly 400 people were killed and dozens abducted, attendees held a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m. — the precise time militants stormed the grounds. Photos of victims surrounded the former dance floor as survivors recounted the chaos of that morning.

Israel’s government plans a separate ceremony next week, in line with the Hebrew calendar. The division reflects growing discontent with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war and hostage crisis. Many relatives accuse the government of failing to secure a long-term ceasefire that could bring home the remaining captives.

Gaza Endures Another Offensive

In the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian toll remains severe. Israel’s ongoing military operations have devastated urban centers and displaced hundreds of thousands. Gaza’s Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas, reports more than 67,000 Palestinians killed since 2023, roughly half of them women and children. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but independent analysts and major rights groups view the figures as the most reliable estimate available.

Entire neighborhoods in northern Gaza have been reduced to rubble as Israeli forces press forward toward Gaza City, sparking another wave of displacement. Many residents, unable to afford the perilous journey south, remain trapped amid shortages of food, medicine, and clean water.

Israel denies accusations of genocide, asserting its operations target Hamas infrastructure and are carried out in self-defense after the October 7 attack.

Egypt Hosts Renewed Indirect Talks

Diplomatic efforts to end the war have resumed in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Israeli and Hamas negotiators are holding indirect discussions mediated by Egyptian and U.S. officials, focusing on implementing the first phase of a U.S.-drafted peace initiative backed by President Donald Trump.

The proposal seeks an immediate ceasefire in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. According to Egyptian mediators cited by the Associated Press, both sides have agreed on most of the first-phase terms but continue to debate the timeline and conditions for Hamas’ disarmament — a central Israeli demand.

A senior Hamas official told Al Araby Television that the group would reject any foreign military administration of Gaza, calling the entry of international troops “unacceptable.” Another Hamas representative suggested the group might surrender its weapons to a future Palestinian governing body, though that stance was not included in its formal statement.

Political Divides and Global Reactions

The anniversary has rekindled debate within Israel over Netanyahu’s leadership and the long-term strategy for Gaza. Critics accuse his administration of failing to outline a viable political vision for the post-war period, while supporters argue that continued pressure on Hamas remains necessary to guarantee Israel’s security.

Internationally, leaders across Europe and the United Nations marked the anniversary with solemn statements and renewed calls for peace. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Oct. 7 “a black day in Jewish history” and expressed shame over a resurgence of antisemitism since the attack. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described it as “the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust,” while Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said Israel’s response, though grounded in defense, had caused “too many innocent victims among Gaza’s civilian population.”

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement urging the “immediate and unconditional” release of all hostages. He condemned the suffering endured by both sides and urged leaders to “seize the opportunity to end the cycle of trauma and violence.”

Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Around the World

In Jakarta, more than 1,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched to the U.S. Embassy to protest Israel’s blockade of Gaza and demand the release of activists detained after attempting to breach the blockade by sea. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Free, free Palestine” as police deployed in large numbers to maintain order. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, has no formal ties with Israel and has consistently voiced support for Palestinian statehood.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned planned pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses as “un-British,” warning against rhetoric that could incite antisemitism. His comments followed a deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester days earlier, which heightened tensions nationwide.

The Path Ahead: Fragile Peace and Lingering Uncertainty

Despite renewed diplomatic momentum, major questions remain unresolved. The future governance of Gaza, the status of disarmament, and Israel’s proposed “security perimeter” inside the enclave all remain points of contention.

The U.S.-led plan envisions an eventual transition toward a unified Palestinian administration, but negotiators have yet to clarify how that would be implemented. Analysts warn that without a clear framework for reconstruction and political reconciliation, the cycle of violence could continue.

As families across Israel and Gaza mourn their losses, the region remains suspended between grief and hope — a fragile balance that hinges on whether this latest round of diplomacy can deliver what two years of war could not: a sustainable peace.

Source: AP  News – Live updates: Israelis and Palestinians mark 2 years of war

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Published: October 5, 2025, 16:30 EDT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza “in the coming days,” as Israel and Hamas prepare for indirect talks in Cairo on Monday under a new U.S.-backed proposal aimed at ending the war. The renewed diplomatic activity marks one of the most significant steps toward a ceasefire since the conflict began two years ago.

Netanyahu Eyes Swift Negotiations with Egypt as Mediator

In a brief statement on Saturday, Netanyahu said he dispatched a delegation to Egypt “to finalize technical details,” adding that his government aims to conclude negotiations “within a few days.”

However, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not agree to a full military withdrawal from Gaza — a core Hamas demand since the start of the conflict. The prime minister said Israeli forces would maintain control of territories they currently occupy and reiterated that Hamas must be disarmed, whether “through diplomacy or military action.”

Hamas has reportedly accepted parts of the U.S. proposal, according to mediators. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the development but urged Hamas to “move quickly,” warning that “all bets will be off” if progress stalls.

Ceasefire Framework and Initial Reactions

Trump stated that the ceasefire would begin as soon as Hamas confirms the “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza, sharing a map that indicated Israeli forces would remain stationed across significant parts of the enclave.

He also ordered Israel to halt airstrikes, and reports from Gaza City on Saturday suggested a notable reduction in bombing. Still, local hospital officials reported at least 22 deaths, including women and children.

Israeli defense officials confirmed they had been instructed to adopt a defensive posture in preparation for the first phase of the U.S. plan. “We are not conducting offensive operations,” one official said on condition of anonymity.

Despite this directive, Al-Ahli Hospital reported that an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood killed 17 people and wounded 25 others. Hospital director Fadel Naim said, “The strikes are still ongoing.” Israel’s military said it targeted a Hamas operative and “regrets any harm caused to civilians.”

Diplomatic Momentum Builds Ahead of War Anniversary

The renewed talks come just days before the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing conflict. Trump has pledged to secure a peace deal and the release of hostages before the symbolic date, a goal that has gained broad international support.

Egypt, acting as a mediator, said Monday’s discussions would focus on preparing for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. Egyptian officials also confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will head Washington’s negotiating team.

A senior Egyptian diplomat said the talks will review maps detailing the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from designated parts of Gaza. The source added that regional mediators are also preparing for a broader dialogue among Palestinian factions to coordinate a unified stance on Gaza’s postwar governance.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest armed group, said it had now accepted Hamas’ response after previously rejecting the U.S. proposal.

Provisions and Challenges of the U.S. Plan

Under the U.S. plan, Hamas would release all remaining 48 hostages — including approximately 20 believed to be alive — within three days. In exchange, Israel would halt its offensive, withdraw from much of Gaza, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow expanded humanitarian access for reconstruction efforts.

While Hamas has agreed in principle to the release and transfer of authority to other Palestinian representatives, it has not confirmed its stance on demilitarization — a key sticking point.

Retired Israeli general Amir Avivi, who chairs the Defense and Security Forum, said Israel could “pause operations for a few days” to facilitate hostage releases but would resume its offensive if Hamas fails to disarm.

Security analyst Oded Ailam of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs said Hamas’ position “repackages old demands in softer terms,” suggesting little change in substance.

Mixed Reactions Within Israel’s Leadership

Within Netanyahu’s coalition, right-wing ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the ceasefire plan but stopped short of threatening to collapse the government.

Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for weekly protests urging a resolution to the war and the safe return of hostages. A representative group for hostages’ families said, “The possibility of seeing our loved ones return has never been closer.” The group urged Trump to “keep pressing forward with full force” while warning that “extremists on both sides” could derail progress.

Across Europe, protesters also rallied in major cities calling for an end to the war and increased humanitarian access to Gaza.

Humanitarian Toll and Growing Fatigue in Gaza

Inside Gaza, residents expressed cautious hope but lingering skepticism about the talks. “We want action, not promises,” said Sameer Qudeeh of Khan Younis. “I hope Hamas ends the war because we are truly tired,” added local resident Mohammad Shaat.

Israel’s army issued renewed warnings Saturday against returning to northern Gaza, calling it a “dangerous combat zone.” Residents in the area reported limited movement of Israeli troops but continued artillery fire and airstrikes.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said its Saraya field hospital in southern Gaza received 10 bodies and more than 70 injured following Israeli airstrikes on Saturday afternoon.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the overall Palestinian death toll has surpassed 67,000, after adding over 700 newly verified names. The ministry, which operates under Hamas’ administration, said women and children make up about half the casualties. The United Nations and independent observers continue to regard the ministry’s data as the most comprehensive available.

Outlook: Fragile Hope Amid Unresolved Divisions

Despite growing international pressure and rare cooperation among mediators, uncertainty remains high. Israel insists on long-term security guarantees, while Hamas faces pressure from within Gaza to secure a permanent ceasefire without surrendering control.

For many on both sides, exhaustion and grief have replaced political rhetoric. As one resident said simply, “We are all waiting for this to end.”

Source: AP News – Netanyahu hopes to announce the release of all hostages from Gaza ‘in the coming days’

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The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman was involved in a collision with a merchant vessel, the Besiktas-M, near Port Said, Egypt, on Wednesday night, the Navy confirmed Thursday.

Collision Details

• Both ships were moving at the time of impact.
• There were no injuries reported among the crew members of either vessel.
• The USS Truman sustained no flooding or damage to its propulsion systems.

A defense official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that no crew members aboard the Besiktas-M were harmed.

USS Truman’s Deployment

• The aircraft carrier is based in Norfolk, Virginia.
• It was deployed in September to the Mediterranean and Middle East.
• Prior to the incident, it had just completed a port call in Souda Bay, Greece.

The U.S. Navy has not yet released details on the cause of the collision or whether an investigation will be conducted.

Source

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