January 29, 2024

*) Ceasefire talks between Israel, Hamas advance following Paris summit The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reports progress in negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding an exchange of hostages. This follows the conclusion of a summit in Paris with the participation of Israel, the US, Egypt and Qatar. Talks centred on a two-month ceasefire would also release many Palestinian prisoners. However, the source noted there are still gaps in demands between the conflicting parties. *) Norway and Ireland stand firm in support of UNRWA amid controversy Norway has expressed support for the UN organisation in Palestine following allegations of some staff involvement in the October 7 attacks on Israel. Norway's Representative Office to Palestine said, "Norway continues our support for the Palestinian people through UNRWA. International support for Palestine is needed now more than ever." While Norway calls the UN agency the "most important humanitarian organisation" in the besieged enclave, Ireland confirmed they have no plans to suspend funding for the organisation’s vital Gaza work. *) Iran Executes Four Alleged Israeli Operatives according to state media Iranian state media reported that Iran executed four people on Monday, stating they were connected to an Israeli intelligence operation. The defendants were accused of illegally entering Iran from the Kurdish region of northern Iraq to conduct a bombing operation for Israel's Mossad at a Ministry of Defence factory. Israel neither confirms nor denies its involvement in operations in Iran. *) Türkiye Voices Concerns over UNRWA Funding Suspensions The Turkish Foreign Ministry says it is concerned over recent decisions by certain countries to suspend funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The ministry noted the significant risks faced by its personnel, with over 150 fatalities in Gaza, highlighting the organisation’s crucial role in supporting millions of Palestine refugees despite challenging circumstances. Türkiye said in a statement that "the suspension of funding to the organisation, following allegations against a few staff, will primarily harm the Palestinian people." It called for a collaborative resolution, urging reconsideration of funding suspensions. *) Western Nations Urge Kosovo to Reconsider Euro Adoption Five Western nations, including the US, France, Italy, Germany, and the UK have collectively urged Kosovo to replace the Serbian dinar with the euro, starting on February 1. The embassies of the five nations issued a joint statement expressing concerns about the impact of the new cash payment regulation due to worries about potential tensions with Belgrade.