*) US Vice President Harris calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

The United States Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and has described the situation there as “devastating.”

She noted the necessity of an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, saying that it is "currently on the table."
During her visit to Alabama, Harris said that the ceasefire would facilitate the release of hostages and the delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza.

150 days into Israel's war on Gaza, the human cost is staggering. At least 30,410 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, while another 71,700 were injured.

*) Six children among 14 killed in Israeli bombing of Rafah

At least 14 Palestinians, including six children, were killed in an Israeli bombing that targeted a house in Rafah in southern Gaza on Sunday.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that an Israeli air strike targeted a three-story house "resulting in the killing of dozens of civilians, including six children".

According to the agency, many civilians remain trapped under the rubble.

The attack inflicted extensive damage on the surrounding area.

*) Gaza truce talks set to resume in Cairo as heavy fighting rages

Egypt is set to host the latest talks for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, amidst Israel’s ongoing bombardment on Gaza that has spanned nearly five months.

According to a senior Hamas official, the Palestinian group's delegation will engage with mediators to discuss a proposed six-week truce. It comes after a US official suggested that Israel had "more or less accepted" the terms of the ceasefire.

Envoys from the United States, Qatar, and Hamas have arrived in Cairo, as all sides have been scrambling to lock in a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that will begin on March 10 or 11.

*) Gang attack triggers massive prison break in Haiti
Gang members in Haiti's capital launched a violent assault on the main prison, resulting in the deaths of at least a dozen people.
Following the gang assault on Saturday night, only approximately 100 of the National Penitentiary's estimated 3,800 inmates remained inside the facility.

The government declared a state of emergency and a nighttime curfew that would be effective from Sunday, March 3, to Wednesday, March 6.

*) Officials call for UN reform, global peace at Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024 has convened, drawing together prominent diplomats and officials to tackle pressing global issues.
The Forum concluded with a consensus on the urgent need for reform within the United Nations to address the evolving challenges to global peace.

Participants emphasised the significance of embracing innovative diplomatic approaches and redoubling efforts towards nuclear disarmament to foster a more peaceful world.