US Reiterates Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in Sahara

Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa Joshua Harris. (United States Department of State)
Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa Joshua Harris. (United States Department of State)
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US Reiterates Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in Sahara

Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa Joshua Harris. (United States Department of State)
Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa Joshua Harris. (United States Department of State)

Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa Joshua Harris reaffirmed on Thursday that the US continues to view Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as serious, credible, and realistic in the Sahara.

Harris and Ambassador Puneet Talwar met with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and reaffirmed the deep and historic partnership between the US and Morocco.

Harris underscored the US appreciation for Morocco’s crucial efforts on a wide range of regional and global challenges, including addressing instability in the Sahel, supporting Libyan elections, and promoting equal measures of freedom, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians.

Harris is on a regional tour that includes Morocco and Algeria.



Israeli Govt' Official Says Delegation Sent to Negotiate Hostage Deal with Hamas

Destruction in Gaza caused by Israeli airstrikes (AP)
Destruction in Gaza caused by Israeli airstrikes (AP)
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Israeli Govt' Official Says Delegation Sent to Negotiate Hostage Deal with Hamas

Destruction in Gaza caused by Israeli airstrikes (AP)
Destruction in Gaza caused by Israeli airstrikes (AP)

An Israeli government official said on Thursday that a delegation has been sent to negotiate a hostage release deal with Hamas.
Under a deal brokered in late November by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, more than 100 of the estimated 240 hostages taken to Gaza during an attack by Hamas-led militants on Oct. 7 were freed in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, Reuters reported.
Since then, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure to secure the release the 136 hostages who remain in captivity.