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Sharm el-Sheikh. Hamas said on Tuesday it was ready to reach a deal to end the war in Gaza based on President Donald Trump’s plan but still has demands, as Qatar’s prime minister and senior U.

S. mediators headed to Egypt to join indirect negotiations between the Palestinian militant group and Israel.

On the second anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel that triggered Israel’s assault on Gaza, Trump expressed optimism about progress toward a Gaza deal. A U.

S. team including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and his Middle East envoy during his first term, left for the talks.

“I think there’s a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East” beyond just Gaza, Trump told reporters in Washington. A source close to the talks said they had adjourned for the day and the atmosphere was better than Monday.

Negotiations on Wednesday would be a decisive indicator of whether progress was possible given the presence of the senior mediators, the source said. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani of Qatar, a key mediator, will join Wednesday’s talks, an official said, “with the aim of pushing forward the Gaza ceasefire plan and hostage release agreement”.

On the second day of talks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, top Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya told Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV the group had come “to engage in serious and responsible negotiations.” He said Hamas was ready to reach a deal, yet it needed a “guarantee” to end the war and ensure “it is not repeated”.

According to Gaza authorities, some 67,000 people have been killed and the Palestinian enclave has been devastated by Israel’s assault that followed the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militants. Israel says 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken to Gaza as hostages in the Hamas attack.

The talks appeared to hold the most promise yet of ending the war. But officials on all sides urged caution over the prospects for a rapid agreement, as Israelis remembered the bloodiest single day for Jews since the Holocaust and Gazans voiced hope for an end to the suffering brought by Israel’s onslaught.

Even if a deal is clinched, questions will linger over who will govern Gaza and rebuild it, and who will finance the reconstruction. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ruled out any role for Hamas.

Hamas sets out conditions Trump met Witkoff and Kushner, who will join the talks on Wednesday, for an update on negotiations before they departed for Egypt, a senior U.S.

official said. They discussed issues like the safety of hostages and security guarantees, the official added.

“The (Hamas) movement’s delegation participating in the current negotiations in Egypt is working to overcome all obstacles to reaching an agreement that meets the aspirations of our people in Gaza,” senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum said in a televised statement. He said a deal must ensure an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza – conditions that Israel has never accepted.

Israel, for its part, wants Hamas to disarm, something the group rejects. Hamas wants a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire, a complete pullout of Israeli forces and the immediate start of a comprehensive reconstruction process under the supervision of a Palestinian “national technocratic body”, he said.

Underlining the obstacles at talks, an umbrella of Palestinian factions including Hamas issued a statement vowing a “resistance stance by all means” and saying “no one has the right to cede the weapons of the Palestinian people”. Netanyahu did not comment on the status of the talks.

But in a statement on X, he told Israelis they were in “fateful days of decision.” “We will continue to act to achieve all the war’s objectives: the return of all the hostages, the elimination of Hamas’ rule, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel,” he said.

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officials suggest they want to initially focus talks on a halt to the fighting and the logistics of how the Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian detainees in Israel would be freed. In the absence of a ceasefire, Israel has pressed on with its offensive in Gaza, increasing its international isolation.

Global outrage has mounted against Israel’s assault, which has internally displaced nearly Gaza’s entire population and set-off a starvation crisis. Multiple rights experts, scholars and a U.

N. inquiry say it amounts to genocide.

Israel calls its actions self-defense after the 2023 Hamas attack. Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated around the world on Tuesday against Israel’s war in Gaza while vigils and other events commemorated Israeli victims on the second anniversary of the Hamas attack.

Protests in support of Palestinians and those killed in Gaza along with vigils remembering victims of the Hamas attack took place in Sydney, Istanbul, London and Washington as well as in New York City, Paris, Geneva, Athens and Stockholm. At the White House on Tuesday, Trump hosted Edan Alexander, who was believed to be the last surviving U.

S. hostage held in Gaza when the dual Israeli-U.

S. citizen was handed over by Hamas in May.

Hopes of a breakthrough by civilians on both sides On the anniversary, some Israelis visited the places that were hit hardest in the Hamas attack. Orit Baron stood at the site of the Nova music festival in southern Israel beside a photo of her daughter Yuval, who was killed with her fiance Moshe Shuva.

They were among 364 people who were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death there. “They were supposed to get married on February 14th, Valentine’s Day,” said Baron.

“They are buried next to each other because they were never separated.” Israelis are hoping the talks will soon lead to the release of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

“It’s like an open wound, the hostages, I can’t believe it’s been two years and they are still not home,” said Hilda Weisthal, 43. In Gaza, 49-year-old Palestinian Mohammed Dib hoped for the end of the war. “It’s been two years that we are living in fear, horror, displacement and destruction,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. New details emerged yesterday in connection with the alleged abduction of former ambassador Humphrey Polepole.

The incident, which took place in the early hours of Monday, has sparked widespread public concern. Mr Polepole, who previously served as the Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda and Training of the ruling CCM, was reportedly taken from his residence in Ununio, Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, under circumstances that remain unclear.

The incident also caused considerable damage at the property. Neighbours and witnesses described the events as alarming.

A neighbour who did not wish to be identified said he initially assumed the noises he heard at night were related to a family matter. “When I looked outside without opening the gate, I saw two Land Cruiser vehicles.

A person was forcibly placed into one of the cars, which then drove away. The next morning, I discovered large amounts of blood and later confirmed through online sources that it was Polepole,” he said.

The caretaker of the property, who had rented the house to another individual, expressed shock at the turn of events. “I did not know that Polepole was living there.

The tenant had told me his mother would be staying in the house and that she would occasionally come because she works in Dodoma. I never expected such a violent incident,” he said.

The house, rented on July 11, 2025, has three rooms and is regularly cleaned by local youths on a weekly basis. He said that the damage to the property was extensive.

The main gate was broken, along with doors both inside and outside the house. The room where Mr Polepole slept was ransacked.

Neighbours reported hearing vehicles and loud banging around 8 pm, but many were too frightened to investigate until the following morning. Family’s plea Ms Annamary Polepole, the mother of the former ambassador, has made a heartfelt plea for her son’s safe return.

“If he is alive, bring him back to us. If he is dead, bring him to me so I can bury him myself.

Do not throw him into the sea,” she said, describing her son as a loving, cheerful and respectful young man. She said that the attack has affected the entire family.

Annamary also revealed that Mr Polepole had always been passionate about learning and personal development. Despite financial limitations preventing him from pursuing formal flight training, he was devoted to studies and spiritual growth and his family had always considered him a special and promising child.

The shocking incident has drawn condemnation from several organisations. The Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF), through its chairman Deodatus Balile, said, “The lives and safety of Tanzanians must always be a priority.

Peace is rooted in justice and acts of abduction that spread fear among citizens are unacceptable.” Similarly, the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has called on President Samia Suluhu Hassan to urgently intervene, urging that all available resources be deployed to ensure Mr Polepole’s safety.

Police spokesperson David Misime confirmed that investigations commenced immediately after reports of the alleged abduction circulated on social media. “The police opened a case file on 6 October 2025 and have begun collecting evidence and statements from multiple sources to establish the facts.

We are also seeking Polepole’s brother to provide further information and evidence, including allegations of possible police involvement,” he said. The police are working to determine whether Mr Polepole was residing at the property legally or if he was visiting as a guest.

“Investigations are ongoing and we urge the public to remain calm while we establish the truth and identify all parties involved,” Misime said. Legal proceedings Following the alleged abduction, Mr Polepole’s lawyers, led by Mr Peter Kibatala, filed a special application in the High Court, Dar es Salaam, seeking urgent intervention.

The respondents in the case include the Inspector General of Police, Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney General and the relevant police commanders responsible for Dar es Salaam. The court application states that Mr Polepole has not been charged with any crime and is allegedly being held at an undisclosed location, which violates his constitutional rights.

The lawyers have requested the court to order his immediate release on bail or to produce him in court pending further proceedings. They emphasised the urgency of the matter, citing concerns over his safety and well-being.

Public concerns The Mr Polepole’s alleged abduction has raised serious concerns about the safety of prominent figures and ordinary citizens alike. Analysts and civil society organisations have warned that such incidents, if unchecked, could undermine public confidence in security institutions and create widespread fear among the population.

The incident has sparked online discussions and debates about citizen protection, accountability of security agencies and the need for swift action to safeguard human rights. Many have called on the government to provide transparency on the case and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay.

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Tanzanian singer and songwriter Abigail Chams has expressed her gratitude after her collaboration with Harmonize, titled “Me Too,” received consideration from the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards. In a post shared on her Instagram page, Abigail describes 2025 as a year filled with blessings and growth, thanking the Recording Academy for the recognition.

“Thank you for this consideration @recordingacademy. This year’s journey has been wonderful – God continues to show His favour,” she write.

She also applauded Harmonize for their joint effort, writing, “@harmonize_tz, we made a great song!” Abigail, who is signed under Sony Music Africa, extended appreciation to her family, management, and record label for their support. “And to everyone who has supported, believed in and rooted for me,” she added.

The Nani? hitmaker continues to make waves across the continent with her soulful sound and bilingual artistry. Her collaboration with Harmonize has been praised for blending Afro-pop and Bongo Flava influences while showcasing her vocal maturity.

The Recording Academy will announce the 2025 Grammy nominations on November 7, with the awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California .

Dar es Salaam. The world football governing body, FIFA, has appointed three prominent Tanzanian football leaders to key international roles, a move that reflects the country’s growing influence in global football governance.

The Tanzanian trio appointed to these prestigious positions are Wallace Karia, President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and a member of the CAF Executive Committee; Hersi Said, President of Young Africans SC (Yanga) and also President of the African Clubs Association (ACA); and Neema Haji, Manager of the national women’s football team, Twiga Stars. Their appointments signal FIFA’s recognition of Tanzania’s steady football development and the leadership qualities these individuals have demonstrated at both national and continental levels.

Karia has been named Vice Chairman of the FIFA Beach Soccer Committee, the body responsible for overseeing the global development and organization of beach soccer competitions. His appointment underscores FIFA’s confidence in his administrative expertise, as well as his growing role in strengthening football governance across Africa.

Under Karia’s leadership, Tanzania has made notable progress in both grassroots and professional football, and his presence on this global committee is expected to enhance the country’s influence in shaping international football policies. Hersi Said has been appointed to the FIFA Club Competitions Committee, which is tasked with managing and structuring international club tournaments.

This role aligns closely with his experience in leading one of Tanzania’s most successful clubs, Yanga SC, as well as his position as ACA President, where he has championed the development of club football across the continent. Hersi’s insights into club management and competition structures are expected to contribute meaningfully to FIFA’s strategies for international club tournaments.

Meanwhile, Neema Haji joins the FIFA Women’s Competitions Committee, in recognition of her significant contributions to the growth of women’s football in Tanzania. As manager of the Twiga Stars, Haji has been instrumental in elevating the team’s profile in regional and continental tournaments.

Her appointment reflects FIFA’s acknowledgment of her dedication to developing female talent and promoting gender equity in the sport. These appointments, effective for four years until 2029, represent a historic milestone for Tanzanian football.

They not only highlight the leadership and expertise of Karia, Hersi, and Haji but also strengthen Tanzania’s voice in global football affairs. Observers expect that these appointments will further integrate Tanzania into key international football discussions, providing opportunities for the country to contribute to policy-making, tournament management, and the overall growth of the game on the African continent and beyond .

Dar es Salaam. A team of Tanzanian legal drafters from the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman (OCPD) has embarked on a mission to modernise the country’s legislative drafting process, drawing inspiration from one of the world’s oldest parliamentary systems.

This comes after the delegation visited the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel (CALC) European Regional Conference in the United Kingdom to explore how each chamber functions, observed parliamentary procedures in session, and learned about the long-standing traditions that continue to shape democratic lawmaking in Britain. Acting Director of the Division of Law Revision, Research and Training at OCPD, Ms Rehema Katuga, said the visit had been an eye opener, offering invaluable lessons that could help transform Tanzania’s legislative processes.

“We had the opportunity to visit the UK Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC), where we learned in depth how they operate as an independent but closely linked institution to the Attorney General’s Office,” she said in a statement. “This has given us valuable insight into how we can improve our systems back home.

” reads part of the statement. According to her, the experience marks a new chapter in OCPD’s ongoing reform agenda one focused on modernising internal systems and integrating technology in law drafting, law revision, legal interpretation, and records management.

“The tour was highly beneficial. It allowed us to see how our UK counterparts perform their duties using modern systems and well-structured training programmes,” she said, adding that her team also learned about advanced record management systems that make legal information more accessible to citizens.

“We are returning home with new perspectives and lessons on how to improve our office from enhancing the use of technology and establishing continuous training for drafters to making our lawmaking processes more transparent and participatory,” she added. OCPD’s Acting Head of ICT, Mr Alfred Nyaronga, was particularly impressed by the UK’s Lawmaker System a digital platform that connects all stakeholders in the legislative process, from ministries and Parliament to the Government Printer.

“Through this system, a Bill can be drafted, reviewed, amended, and approved step by step until it becomes law,” he explained. “It also enables citizens to instantly access the most updated version of legislation, promoting transparency and efficiency — something we hope to replicate in Tanzania.

” He revealed that UK officials had expressed willingness to support OCPD through capacity-building initiatives should Tanzania decide to adopt a similar digital framework. “It’s an impressive system that has transformed law drafting in the UK.

We are eager to collaborate with them so that we, too, can move away from traditional paper-based methods and digitise our processes,” Mr Nyaronga added. For Mr Bavoo Junus, OCPD’s Acting Head of Quality Assurance, one of the strongest takeaways from the UK experience was how British legislative drafters invest in people — not just systems.

“We learned that the UK’s Office of Parliamentary Counsel runs an in-house mentorship programme where senior drafters guide new recruits for a year or more,” he said. “This hands-on approach ensures high professional standards and continuity something we have begun adopting at OCPD.

” He added that teamwork and accountability were central to the UK’s success. “Their office operates through four teams, each responsible for specific policy areas.

It means work doesn’t stop when one person is unavailable everyone is informed and involved. It’s a model that promotes collaboration and shared responsibility,” he said.

The Tanzanian delegation’s visit forms part of OCPD’s broader strategic plan to strengthen institutional capacity through global partnerships, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning. With renewed inspiration and practical lessons from Westminster, the team hopes to usher in a new era of efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly legislative drafting in Tanzania.

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Dar es Salaam. JKT Queens players have dominated the national women’s football team, Twiga Stars, squad that is preparing for two crucial qualification matches for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Ethiopia later this month.

The heavy representation reflects JKT’s growing influence in women’s football following their impressive performances in domestic competitions. Out of the 25 players named by head coach Bakari Shime, 12 are from JKT Tanzania, the highest contribution from any single club.

They are followed by Simba Queens, who have three players called up to the national side. The balance of the squad showcases a mix of both home-based and foreign-based stars who bring a blend of youth, experience, and international exposure to the team.

The squad will be captained by Opa Clement, who plays for Eibar in Spain’s top women’s league. Her leadership and experience are expected to be key as Twiga Stars aim to secure qualification for the continental showpiece.

The team also features several rising stars from the national U-20 side, Tanzanite Queens, who recently eliminated Angola in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Their inclusion marks a significant step in integrating young talent into the senior setup, ensuring continuity and long-term development for Tanzanian women’s football.

Midfielder Diana Lucas, who has been in outstanding form and currently plays professionally in Turkey for Trabzonspor, retains her spot in the team. She will be joined by Mexico-based duo Enekia Kasonga and Julitha Singano of FC Juarez, both of whom add valuable international experience and creativity to the squad.

Other foreign-based players include Hasnath Ubamba of Al Masry in Egypt and Noela Luhala, who plays for Asa Tel Aviv in Israel. He 25-player squad also features local stars such as Najat Abbas, Asha Mrisho, Donisia Misnja, Lidya Maximilian, Ester Maseke, Fumukazi Ally, Christer Bahera, Janeth Pangamwene, Elizabeth Chenge, Stumai Abdallah, Jamila Rajab, and Winifrida Gerald from JKT Tanzania.

From Simba Queens, the selected players are Asha Ramadhan, Fatuma Issa, and Aisha Mnunka. Others in the team include Maimuna Kaimu from Yanga Princess, Nusrat Jaffar from Alliance Girls, and Suzan Adam from Tausi Queens.

Twiga Stars will host Ethiopia on October 22, 2025, in the first leg of the WAFCON qualifiers before traveling to Addis Ababa for the return leg on October 28, 2025. The aggregate winner over the two matches will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, which will be held in Morocco next year and feature 16 of the continent’s best women’s national teams. .

Beijing. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is “prostituting” himself to foreigners to try and win their favour but his schemes are doomed to fail, China’s government said on Wednesday after he gave an interview lauding U.

S. President Donald Trump.

China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has a special dislike of Lai, saying he is a “separatist” and rebuffing his repeated offers of talks. Lai says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

In an interview released this week with a conservative U.S.

radio show and podcast, Lai said Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize if he could convince Chinese President Xi Jinping to abandon use of force against Taiwan. Trump and Xi are expected to meet this month at a regional summit in South Korea.

Responding to the interview, where Lai also talked about China’s military threats and increased defence spending, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said Lai was “spouting nonsense”, showing his true nature as a manufacturer of crises and destroyer of peace. Since taking office last year, Lai has been “rampantly propagating separatist fallacies”, it said.

Using unusually strong wording, the statement added: “He has engaged in unprincipled foreign pandering and bottomless selling out of Taiwan, squandering the flesh and blood of the people, prostituting himself and throwing in his lot with foreign forces”. There was no immediate response from Taiwan’s government.

The Chinese statement said efforts to seek independence through relying on foreign forces were doomed to fail. “Lai Ching-te and the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces are but ants shaking a tree: they will ultimately be swept into the dustbin of history,” it added.

The statement also comes just two days before Lai gives his key national day speech on Friday. China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, staged a day of war games around the island last year shortly after that same event in what it said was a warning to “separatist acts”.

Lai says that the Republic of China – Taiwan’s formal name – and the People’s Republic of China are “not subordinate to each other”. The Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists.

No peace treaty has ever been signed and neither government officially recognises the other to this day. .

Tanzanian music superstar Diamond Platnumz continues to make international waves as his collaboration with American RandB icon Ciara, the single ‘Low’ has been listed for Grammy consideration by the Recording Academy. The recognition marks yet another global milestone for the Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) founder, who has consistently pushed the boundaries of African pop music on the world stage.

Released earlier this year, ‘Low’ blends Ciara’s signature RandB sound with Diamond Platnumz’s Afro-fusion energy, creating a smooth, danceable track that celebrates love and rhythm. The song was part of Ciara’s Cici’s Prayer EP, which showcased diverse global influences and high-profile collaborations.

While the nomination phase is still underway, being under Grammy consideration is a significant achievement, highlighting Diamond’s growing footprint in the global music industry and his continued crossover appeal. This milestone follows Diamond’s previous international accolades and collaborations with artists like Alicia Keys, Rick Ross, and Ne-Yo, positioning him as one of Africa’s most recognized musical exports.

Fans and fellow artistes have taken to social media to celebrate the achievement, calling it another proud moment for East African music on the world stage. “From Tandale to the Grammys,” one fan wrote.

“Diamond keeps proving that Bongo Flava can go global.” With ‘Low’ now in the Grammy conversation, Diamond Platnumz cements his reputation as one of Africa’s most influential hitmakers and a driving force in bringing East African sounds to global audiences .