RSF Delegation Discusses Peace Strategies with Mediators

Saudi Ambassador to Sudan, Ali bin Jaafar Hassan, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) delegation in Geneva (RSF)
Saudi Ambassador to Sudan, Ali bin Jaafar Hassan, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) delegation in Geneva (RSF)
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RSF Delegation Discusses Peace Strategies with Mediators

Saudi Ambassador to Sudan, Ali bin Jaafar Hassan, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) delegation in Geneva (RSF)
Saudi Ambassador to Sudan, Ali bin Jaafar Hassan, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) delegation in Geneva (RSF)

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reported that their delegation held “crucial” talks late Saturday and into Sunday in Geneva about the “escalating situation in Sudan and the strategies for peace and stability.”
The RSF delegation met separately with the African Union, led by Mohamed Ibn Chambas, and with Saudi Arabian representatives.
They expressed “deep appreciation” for international efforts to promote peace in Sudan, emphasizing that their presence in Geneva shows the RSF’s “sincere commitment to ending the conflict and easing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.”
The RSF also accused the Sudanese Armed Forces of refusing ceasefire talks and prolonging the conflict, citing internal divisions and influence from remnants of the former regime.
As for peacemaking efforts, the RSF delegation thanked Saudi Arabia for its “persistent efforts to promote peace and stability in Sudan” and for playing a key role in the Jeddah talks that led to the Geneva negotiations.
The delegation also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s substantial humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict, delivered through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.
The RSF reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the “unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid across Sudan.”
US Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, stated that discussions with the RSF are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Washington continues to engage in phone talks with Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman and Army Chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in an effort to encourage his participation in the negotiations.
Talks are scheduled to resume on Monday after a two-day pause, though mediators have yet to receive confirmation of the Sudanese Armed Forces’ participation.



EU Exploring Support for New Gaza Administration Committee, Document Says

Palestinians push a cart past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the two-year Israeli offensives, in Gaza City, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
Palestinians push a cart past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the two-year Israeli offensives, in Gaza City, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
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EU Exploring Support for New Gaza Administration Committee, Document Says

Palestinians push a cart past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the two-year Israeli offensives, in Gaza City, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
Palestinians push a cart past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the two-year Israeli offensives, in Gaza City, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

The European Union is exploring possible support for a new committee established to take over the civil administration of Gaza, according to a document produced by the bloc's diplomatic arm and seen by Reuters.

"The EU is engaging with the newly established transitional governance structures for Gaza," the European External Action Service wrote in a document circulated to member states on Tuesday.

"The EU is also exploring possible support to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza," it added.

European foreign ministers will discuss the situation in Gaza during a meeting in Brussels on February 23.


Israel Military Says Soldier Killed in Gaza 

A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighborhood, after the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City, October 21, 2025. (Reuters)
A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighborhood, after the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City, October 21, 2025. (Reuters)
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Israel Military Says Soldier Killed in Gaza 

A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighborhood, after the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City, October 21, 2025. (Reuters)
A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighborhood, after the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City, October 21, 2025. (Reuters)

The Israeli military announced that one of its soldiers had been killed in combat in southern Gaza on Wednesday, but a security source said the death appeared to have been caused by "friendly fire".

"Staff Sergeant Ofri Yafe, aged 21, from HaYogev, a soldier in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit, fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip," the military said in a statement.

A security source, however, told AFP that the soldier appeared to have been "killed by friendly fire", without providing further details.

"The incident is still under investigation," the source added.

The death brings to five the number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since a ceasefire took effect on October 10.


Syria: SDF’s Mazloum Abdi Says Implementation of Integration Deal May Take Time

People sit outdoors surrounded by nature, with the Tigris river flowing in the background, following a long atmospheric depression, near the Syrian-Turkish border in Derik, Syria, February 16, 2026 REUTERS/Orhan Qereman
People sit outdoors surrounded by nature, with the Tigris river flowing in the background, following a long atmospheric depression, near the Syrian-Turkish border in Derik, Syria, February 16, 2026 REUTERS/Orhan Qereman
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Syria: SDF’s Mazloum Abdi Says Implementation of Integration Deal May Take Time

People sit outdoors surrounded by nature, with the Tigris river flowing in the background, following a long atmospheric depression, near the Syrian-Turkish border in Derik, Syria, February 16, 2026 REUTERS/Orhan Qereman
People sit outdoors surrounded by nature, with the Tigris river flowing in the background, following a long atmospheric depression, near the Syrian-Turkish border in Derik, Syria, February 16, 2026 REUTERS/Orhan Qereman

Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, said the process of merging the SDF with Syrian government forces “may take some time,” despite expressing confidence in the eventual success of the agreement.

His remarks came after earlier comments in which he acknowledged differences with Damascus over the concept of “decentralization.”

Speaking at a tribal conference in the northeastern city of Hasakah on Tuesday, Abdi said the issue of integration would not be resolved quickly, but stressed that the agreement remains on track.

He said the deal reached last month stipulates that three Syrian army brigades will be created out of the SDF.

Abdi added that all SDF military units have withdrawn to their barracks in an effort to preserve stability and continue implementing the announced integration agreement with the Syrian state.

He also emphasized the need for armed forces to withdraw from the vicinity of the city of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani), to be replaced by security forces tasked with maintaining order.