More than 90% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, says the UN

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Talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, a Palestinian official has told the BBC, as the US accused Hamas of making “entirely impractical” demands at meetings in Qatar.

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Negotiators have been trying to find a way forward after the first phase of the temporary truce ended on 1 March.

The US proposed to extend the first phase until mid-April, including a further exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

But the unnamed Palestinian official said Israel and Hamas disagreed over key aspects of the deal set out by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff at the indirect talks.

Israel is yet to comment, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he would receive a report from Israel’s negotiating team later on Saturday.

The White House accused Hamas of making “entirely impractical” demands in its response to Witkoff’s proposal.

It would extend the ceasefire into April but delay the negotiation of a permanent end to the war.

A statement from Witkoff’s office and the US National Security Council on Friday said: “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not.”

“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes.”

A Hamas statement seen by the BBC said negotiations had broken down.

Netanyahu’s office had earlier said Israel accepted the US proposal.

It said Hamas remained “firm in its refusal and has not budged a millimetre,” accusing the group of “manipulation and psychological warfare”.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal involving three stages in January, after 15 months of war.

In the first stage, Hamas returned 25 living Israeli hostages, the remains of eight others, and five living Thai hostages. Israel released about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

The deal says stage two will include the remaining living hostages in Gaza exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners.

But both sides currently disagree on the number of hostages due to be released next.

They also disagree on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which the original deal states should be happening by now.

Israel resists this point, while Hamas insists it should happen.

Earlier in March, Israel blocked aid shipments to Gaza and then cut electricity, saying it aimed to put pressure on Hamas.

It is believed that Hamas is still holding up to 24 living hostages in Gaza and the remains of 35 others.

As indirect talks continued on Friday, the group said in a statement it was ready to release the last living Israeli-American hostage it is known to be holding.

Edan Alexander, 21, was serving as an Israeli soldier close to Gaza when he was taken.

Under the terms of the original ceasefire agreement, it was expected that he would have been among the last hostages to be released.

The group also said it would hand over the remains of four other dual nationals captured during the 7 October 2023 attacks.

It did not give further details or make clear what it would demand in return.

Witkoff dismissed the offer, saying Hamas was trying to appear flexible in public while being impractical in private.

The attacks led by Hamas on 7 October 2023 killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel, mostly civilians, with 251 taken hostage.

The assault triggered an Israeli military offensive that has since killed more than 48,520 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry which are used by the UN and others.

Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million population has been displaced multiple times.

An estimated 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, healthcare, water, and sanitation systems have collapsed and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter.

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Pro-Palestinian accounts later tried to share the Israeli man’s whereabouts.

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Israeli national Tamir Ohayon was spat at and harassed by two local women while visiting Dublin for a business trip, he shared on Instagram with a video of the interaction.

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“My heart is truly broken THIS is Ireland in 2025,” Ohayon shared. “During my business trip to Dublin, me and my co-worker were assaulted by an organized group of girls for simply being Israelis.”

Antisemitism is at a record high. We’re keeping our eyes on it >>

Ohayon claimed that before the filming began, one of the girls approached him and shared the information she had collected on him – including the hotel he was staying at.

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North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world. Home to approximately 25 million people, the nation operates under a tightly controlled regime led by the Kim dynasty, where every aspect of life is influenced by the state. From peculiar propaganda stories to extraordinary military policies, North Korea often seems like a nation frozen in time, steeped in strict traditions, unique cultural practices, and an ironclad political ideology.

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The global fascination with North Korea lies in its stark contrasts—an ancient Confucian culture juxtaposed with modern autocratic rule, a heavily militarized state, and a controlled economy. While much of its internal workings remain a mystery, certain facts about this nation defy logic and invite curiosity. From surreal laws to bizarre daily life experiences, North Korea offers a glimpse into a world that is completely unlike any other.

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In this article, we explore some of the strangest and most intriguing realities of life inside this “hermit kingdom,” shedding light on a country that continues to captivate global attention.

1. Compulsory Loyalty Education
From childhood, North Korean students are taught an unwavering reverence for the ruling Kim dynasty. Their curriculum features propaganda-heavy materials, glorifying their leaders and emphasizing loyalty above all else. This contrasts starkly with global education systems, where diverse perspectives are encouraged.

2. Exclusive Tourism Policies
Tourists visiting North Korea must follow strict itineraries set by the state and are accompanied by government-assigned guides at all times. Photography is regulated, and visitors can only see a curated version of the country. Independent exploration is strictly forbidden, ensuring that the regime’s image remains controlled.

3. The “Single” State-Approved Haircuts
Rumors have circulated that North Korea offers a list of state-approved hairstyles for citizens, with women often required to choose styles reflecting their marital status. While some of these claims may be exaggerated, personal expression in fashion and appearance is minimal.

4. Technology Under Surveillance
North Koreans have access to only a government-controlled intranet, and mobile devices function primarily for calls within the country. Internet access is reserved for elites. Imported smartphones are modified to block external content, ensuring total control over digital communication.

5. The World’s Largest Stadium
North Korea boasts the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, the largest stadium globally, seating up to 150,000 spectators. This facility hosts mass gymnastics and propaganda events, showcasing the regime’s power and unity.

6. Unique Calendar System
North Korea follows the Juche calendar, starting in 1912, the birth year of Kim Il-sung. This makes 2024 the year 113 in North Korea. This calendar is used exclusively within the country, separating it from the rest of the world.

7. Military Dominance in Daily Life
Approximately 4.7% of the population serves in the military, one of the highest ratios worldwide. Military parades and events play a crucial role in showcasing strength and maintaining public loyalty.

8. The Arduous March and Its Legacy
The 1990s famine, known as the « Arduous March, » left an indelible mark on North Korea. Despite improved conditions in recent years, food scarcity remains a pressing issue. Citizens rely on government-controlled distribution systems, with many turning to informal markets.

9. Elite-Only Cities
Pyongyang, the capital, is home to North Korea’s elite. Ordinary citizens need government approval to live or even visit the city. This segregation highlights the stark divide between the privileged and the working class.

10. State-Orchestrated Celebrations
National events, such as the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung’s birthday), are marked with grand displays of patriotism, including parades, performances, and fireworks. Participation is mandatory, demonstrating collective loyalty.

11. The Propaganda Machine
From elaborate murals to operatic performances, North Korea uses art as a medium for political propaganda. Movies and plays glorify the Kim dynasty and depict the West as adversaries.

12. Iconic Architectural Oddities
The Ryugyong Hotel, an unfinished pyramid-shaped skyscraper in Pyongyang, is an architectural curiosity. While incomplete for decades, it symbolizes the country’s ambitious, albeit unfulfilled, aspirations.

13. Restricted International Interactions
Citizens cannot freely interact with foreigners. This isolation fosters a controlled worldview and limits cultural exchange. Keywords like “controlled diplomacy” or “restricted international access” resonate here.

14. Unique Fashion Codes
Clothing choices often reflect social status and conformity. Bright colors or Western-style outfits are rarely seen, as citizens adhere to the regime’s preferred aesthetic.

15. Strict Border Controls
Defection is dangerous, with severe penalties for those caught attempting to flee. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea remains one of the most fortified borders globally.

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