(Reuters): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the continuation of the intended hostage release after Hamas said that it would halt it. He emphasized that violence should not be allowed to return to Gaza and warned that a prolonged conflict could result in a catastrophic event.
Hamas announced on Monday that it would stop freeing more Israeli prisoners, citing alleged breaches of the truce by Israel. This action has sparked worries about the potential breakdown of the truce and the intensification of hostilities in the region.
In exchange for Palestinian inmates and a few other Israeli prisoners, Hamas hoped to exploit the most recent agreement to bargain for the release of more Israeli hosts. This conversation lasted for three weeks before Hamas abruptly stopped it.
After discussing the next phase of the Gaza truce in Doha, an Israeli delegation returned. The Israeli prime minister's office confirmed the delegation's return and pointed out that there are increasing concerns about whether the ceasefire negotiations, which have been mediated by Egypt and Qatar, will continue.
Guterres underlined the need for all parties to carry out their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and return to Doha for additional talks. He called on Israel and Hamas to fulfill their commitments to maintain calm and move toward a settlement.
In his comments, former US President Donald Trump demanded that Hamas free all hostages by Saturday noon. He threatened to support ending the ceasefire and permitting unfettered military action against Hamas if this did not occur.
Hamas senior leader Sami Abu Zuhri made reference to Trump's comments and said that the only way to facilitate the return of Israeli hostages was to keep the ceasefire agreement intact. He emphasized that the ceasefire must be maintained for any future negotiations.
The ceasefire is still being held, although with increasing tension, as outside mediators try to maintain it. Both parties are under pressure to keep talking in the hope of averting an all-out war.ur until 5 PM. The hours that were previously in effect, from 10 AM to 3:15 PM, have been extended until January 27. An extra hour of operation during the warmer months is made possible by the modification.
The adjustment has been confirmed by Prakash Aryal, Acting Project Director of Dharahara's operations, who said that guests can now buy tickets until 4:15 PM and board the tour until 5 PM. The goal of this addition is to provide visitors more time to view the historical site at the busiest times of the year.
Dharahara has made a substantial profit since the tower's November 24 launch, collecting Rs 15 million in its first three months of operation. This income has primarily come from ticket sales, and the tower has seen a steady stream of visitors since it opened to the public on November 24 until January 27.
Aryal reported that an average of 1,200 people visit the tower daily, excluding Wednesdays when it is closed. In recent years, the tower's increasing popularity has drawn both domestic and foreign visitors.
Visitors must pay Rs 200 per person to climb the tower. The entrance charge is, however, reduced by 50% for members of specific categories, such as students, the elderly, children, and those with impairments.
Visitors from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries are required to pay Rs 500 per person, while those from non-SAARC countries must pay Rs 1,000.
The admission fees for the Dharahara tower were established by the Special Structure Operation and Management Development Committee Order, 2081. On November 21, the cabinet decided to open the tower and authorize the admission prices.
Additionally, the skyscraper provides parking for guests. Four-wheeler parking costs Rs 20 per hour, while two-wheeler parking costs Rs 10.
In addition to the price of entry and parking, visitors can benefit from a comprehensive experience that includes a tour of the ancient tower. The expanded operation hours will allow more guests to take advantage of this experience, especially as summer approaches.
Despite being a well-liked tourist destination, the government deliberately selected the tower's opening to strike a balance between accessibility and maintaining the site's historical significance.
A popular landmark in Kathmandu, the historic Dharahara attracts visitors from both domestic and international locations. More people will be able to enjoy it thanks to the longer working hours. The changes show how popular the tower is becoming, which is helping the local economy.
The increased number of visitors brought about by the additional hours is expected to significantly increase the tower's significance as a cultural and historical monument in Nepal.
