Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners released for two additional days… Myanmar rebels additionally occupy major border checkpoints

This is ‘Global Village Today’, which brings you important news from various countries around the world.

Host) What news is there today?

Reporter) While the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was extended, hostages and prisoners were released on the 27th. Ethnic rebels have taken over an additional important border checkpoint in northeastern Myanmar’s border area with China. Meanwhile, China conducted military training using live ammunition near the Myanmar border.

Host) This is the first news from the global village today. Hostages held by Hamas, a Palestinian armed faction designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, and some Palestinian prisoners imprisoned in Israel were released on the 27th?

Reporter) That’s right. On this day, 11 Israeli hostages and 33 Palestinian prisoners were released. In accordance with an agreement between Hamas and Israel, hostages and prisoners were released for four days starting on the 24th. The Associated Press reported that 51 Israeli hostages, 19 foreign hostages, and 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Hamas during this period were released.

Host) Originally, the ceasefire was supposed to end on the 27th. It was announced that the ceasefire would be extended for two more days, right?

Reporter) Yes. The Qatari government, which mediated the ceasefire negotiations, announced today that Hamas and Israel had agreed to extend the ceasefire by two days. Britain’s BBC reported that Hamas said in a statement to reporters on the 27th that the ceasefire would continue “under the same conditions as before.”

Host) Didn’t Hamas already say on the 26th that the ceasefire could be extended?

Reporter) That’s right. Hamas issued a statement today and said it was seeking to extend the ceasefire. Israel has also indicated that it may extend the ceasefire. The Israeli government previously said it could extend the ceasefire by one day for each additional 10 hostages released.

Host) Hostages and prisoners will be released even during this extended ceasefire period?

Reporter) Yes. Citing sources, the BBC reported that 10 hostages would be released on the 28th and 29th respectively. However, the Israeli government has not confirmed this. Meanwhile, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Mayed al-Ansari told the BBC that Hamas had indicated it could release 20 more hostages during the extended ceasefire.

Host) Last weekend, an American hostage was released. Are there any more American hostages?

Reporter) Yes. John Kirby, the U.S. White House strategic communications coordinator, said on the 27th that it is estimated that there are eight to nine more American hostages. The only American hostage released during this ceasefire was 4-year-old Abigail Aidan.

Host) What was the reaction from outside to the extension of the ceasefire?

Reporter) Yes. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “In the darkness of war, we can glimpse hope and humanity.” He said he hoped the extension of the ceasefire would allow the United Nations to increase humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.

Host) What did the US government say?

Reporter) Yes. President Joe Biden issued a statement on the 27th, saying, “We are making the most of the pause in fighting to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza,” and “We will continue to work to build a future of peace and dignity for the Palestinian people.” He emphasized.

Host) First of all, the ceasefire was extended by two days. Is there any possibility of further extension?

Reporter) Yes. The extension of the ceasefire depends on what Hamas proposes going forward. The Israeli government previously said it could extend the ceasefire by one day for each time Hamas releases 10 hostages. However, Israel has already stated that there are limits to extending the ceasefire. So for now, it’s very likely that fighting will start again once the ceasefire ends.

Host) Israeli government leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the military have repeatedly warned that the war is not over, right?

Reporter) That’s right. Prime Minister Netanyahu previously emphasized on the 26th that the purpose of this war is to eliminate Hamas, return all hostages, and eradicate the threat from the Gaza Strip, and that he will not stop until these goals are achieved.

Host) It is reported that the Qatari government, which is mediating ceasefire negotiations, is continuing to push for an extension of the ceasefire. Is there any word from the Qatari government on this matter?

Reporter) Yes. Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesman Ansari said at a press conference on the 28th that the Qatari government is focusing on further extending the ceasefire. Previously, he was asked a question by the BBC about the possibility of extending the ceasefire. To this, he responded, “We are very hopeful,” and “now that we have extended the ceasefire by two days, we are optimistic that we can work towards a more sustainable ceasefire for both sides.”

Host) The first ceasefire ended on the 27th. Has the ceasefire agreement been properly observed?

Reporter) Yes. At a press conference on the 28th, Ansari explained that although there were minor violations of the ceasefire, he did not threaten the overall agreement.

Myanmar People’s Liberation Army (PLA) members are transporting an injured civilian. (file photo)

Host) This is the next news from Global Village Today. Myanmar government forces are struggling with recent rebel offensives. Rebels have taken over another important border checkpoint?

Reporter) That’s right. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), one of the ‘brotherly alliances’ formed by three Myanmar rebel groups, has captured the ‘Kyin San Kyawt’ border checkpoint on the Chinese border in northeastern Myanmar, according to MNDAA officials. The media recently revealed this.

Host) How many border checkpoints have rebel groups recently occupied?

Reporter) Yes. Since the rebel coalition launched its offensive on the 27th of last month, four border checkpoints have been occupied.

Host) What kind of place is occupied this time?

Reporter) Yes. It is a place where many imported goods such as machinery, electronics, agricultural tools, and agricultural products pass through. This is one of the five main trade gateways in the Meuse region. The Muse region is a very important gateway to the 170km long trade zone with China.

Host) The rebel coalition has also occupied many government military posts, right?

Reporter) That’s right. Since launching the offensive last month, more than 200 government military posts have been captured in northern Shan State. This is the most serious military defeat since Myanmar’s military took power in a coup in 2021.

Host) What rebel organizations are included in the Brotherhood Alliance?

Reporter) Yes. In addition to the MNDAA, it is comprised of the Arakan Army (AA), and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Among these, MNDAA is leading the alliance. Meanwhile, the rebel coalition announced on the 27th that it was ready to launch a new level of operation.

Host) Myanmar’s military regime succeeded in taking power two years ago, but it was unable to completely suppress the resistance, right?

Reporter) That’s right. When the coup took place and the civilian regime collapsed, many anti-government forces entered rebel-controlled areas and continued resistance, including armed struggle. So the government forces began suppressing it. However, they faced strong resistance and had difficulty suppressing it.

Host) Aren’t the major rebel organizations in Myanmar supporting the forces opposing the military regime?

Reporter) Yes. In particular, well-organized rebel groups such as the Kachin, Karen, and Chin rebels have decided to sympathize with the National Unity Government created by civilian government members who were ousted in a coup. However, from the beginning, the organizations in the Brotherhood Alliance did not sympathize with the resistance against the military regime. However, they recently changed their stance and began an offensive against government forces.

Host) Last week, a large convoy of vehicles carrying imported goods was burned in the Chinese border area?

Reporter) That’s right. On the 24th, about 120 trucks transporting imported goods from China to Myanmar were set on fire in the Muse area. The Myanmar government claimed that this was the work of terrorists. So, they say it was the work of rebels. However, the MNDAA denied responsibility for the attack.

Host) Meanwhile, the Chinese military conducted military training near the Myanmar border, right?

Reporter) Yes. The day after the truck convoy burned down last week, it was announced that the Chinese military would begin combat training in the border area of ​​Myanmar. According to media reports, the People’s Liberation Army of China conducted training using live ammunition in the border area.

Host) It is known that China, which borders Myanmar, is keeping an eye on the situation in Myanmar, right?

Reporter) That’s right. The Chinese military said it was seriously concerned about the conflict in Myanmar and urged both sides to stop fighting and start peaceful dialogue to prevent the situation from worsening.

Host) We will listen to this part of the global village today.