Algeria’s Military Chief Arrives in Russia, Will Meet Shoigu 

In this photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, July 31, 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu speaks at the National Defense Control Center of the Russian Federation during a videoconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
In this photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, July 31, 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu speaks at the National Defense Control Center of the Russian Federation during a videoconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
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Algeria’s Military Chief Arrives in Russia, Will Meet Shoigu 

In this photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, July 31, 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu speaks at the National Defense Control Center of the Russian Federation during a videoconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
In this photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, July 31, 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu speaks at the National Defense Control Center of the Russian Federation during a videoconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

The chief of staff of Algeria's military has arrived in Russia and is due to meet Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the TASS news agency cited the Algerian embassy in Russia as saying on Tuesday.

It did not say what they would discuss.

Russia is interested in broadening military cooperation with non-Western countries as it faces a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the 17-month-old war.

Shoigu last week visited North Korea on what he said was a trip to strengthen defense ties, but the United States said was likely aimed at securing weapons supplies.



Hamas, Two Other Palestinian Groups Say Gaza Ceasefire Deal 'Closer Than Ever'

Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
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Hamas, Two Other Palestinian Groups Say Gaza Ceasefire Deal 'Closer Than Ever'

Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)

Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said on Saturday that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel is "closer than ever", provided Israel does not impose new conditions.

"The possibility of reaching an agreement (for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal) is closer than ever, provided the enemy stops imposing new conditions," Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a rare joint statement issued after talks in Cairo on Friday.

Last week, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States were held in Doha, rekindling hope of an agreement.

A Hamas leader told AFP on Saturday that talks had made "significant and important progress" in recent days.

"Most points related to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange issues have been agreed upon," he said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.

"Some unresolved points remain, but they do not hinder the process. The agreement could be finalized before the end of this year, provided it is not disrupted by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's new conditions."