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Amid failed ceasefires and polarised narratives, a new peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump has emerged, promising a lasting truce, hostage releases, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. But as headlines proclaim 'the war is over,' questions linger about its durability.

The violence has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian and 2,000 Israeli lives, reduced cities to rubble.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Israel’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Einat Weiss, offered a candid perspective on the ceasefire, Israel’s stance on accountability, the emotional toll of the conflict, and the fragile hope for peace.

Speaking from Kigali, where she began her diplomatic mission just 50 days before the war erupted, Weiss reflected on the human and strategic dimensions of a conflict that has reshaped Israel and its global relationships.

A personal and national trauma

The war’s onset was deeply personal for Weiss. 'When October 7 happened, it was deeply traumatic,' she said, recalling the chaos as 1,500 Israelis were killed, hostages were taken, and missiles rained across the country. Her husband, Aviad, driven by what she describes as Israel’s 'deep patriotism,' volunteered as a reservist, serving multiple tours in the Southern Command until recently.

'My parents and family were in shelters,' Weiss added. 'As a human being, it was challenging to start a new diplomatic mission amidst such uncertainty.'

She highlighted the resilience shown by many Israelis, noting that around 500,000 people, over 5% of the population, gathered in Hostages Square to mark the recent peace agreement.

'If terror is abandoned and its sponsors held accountable, a positive future is possible,' she said.

A historic ceasefire

The Trump-brokered deal, finalised in October 2025, marks a turning point. Weiss described Monday, October 13, 2025, the day the hostages were released, as 'the most optimistic day we’ve experienced in the last two years,' with all 20 known hostages released from Gaza, either after crossing the border or while in Red Cross custody.

'They are on their way back to their families,' she said, though their physical and emotional conditions remain unclear.

Amid failed ceasefires and polarised narratives, a new peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump has emerged, promising a lasting truce, hostage releases, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Unlike previous ceasefires, which failed to hold, Weiss said the latest agreement is bolstered by its concise 20-point framework and 'strong American safeguards.'

She credits the timing with Hamas “weakened” after two years of Israeli operations targeting its leadership, and President Trump’s personal pressure on all parties. The plan aims to demilitarize Hamas, dismantle its 600 kilometers of tunnels, and create a safe zone for Israel’s security.

'This is the first time Hamas agreed to these terms,' Weiss noted.

Accountability in the wake of heightened criticism

The war’s toll of over 67,000 reported deaths in Gaza, half of them women and children, according to human rights organisations, has fueled accusations of genocide and the use of disproportionate force by Israel.

The war’s toll of over 67,000 reported deaths in Gaza, half of them women and children.

Weiss denied accusations of genocide and excessive force as 'false,' framing the conflict as an 'asymmetric war' against a terror organization. She accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, operating from hospitals and homes, and blocking evacuations to provoke global condemnation.

'Israel has done more than most armies to minimize harm,' she stated, pointing to warnings via pamphlets and instances where soldiers’ lives were risked to avoid civilian casualties.

However, critics argue that Israel’s extensive airstrikes and ground operations in densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 67,000 reported deaths, raise serious questions about proportionality and the effectiveness of these measures, especially given Israel’s advanced intelligence capabilities.

Weiss dismissed calls for independent investigations into Israel’s actions, arguing that equating a state with a terror group like Hamas, which she says 'openly disregards international law,' is misguided. She defended Israel’s judicial system as 'robust' and capable of meeting international standards for self-investigation.

'We investigate thoroughly, even during the war,' she said, acknowledging mistakes but stressing efforts to learn from them.

However, critics contend that Israel’s internal probes may lack impartiality, given the scale of destruction in Gaza and allegations of war crimes, raising doubts about whether self-investigation can adequately address international concerns over accountability.

Rebuilding Gaza and Israel’s role

The peace plan prioritizes Gaza’s reconstruction, redirecting funds to health, infrastructure, and economic growth. Weiss notes Israel provided aid throughout the war, though much was looted by Hamas. The agreement aims to ensure aid reaches civilians.

Before October 7, 2023, Gaza saw economic growth through Israeli work permits, she says, yet critics argue Israel’s blockade and restrictions stifled Gaza’s potential long before the war.

The plan’s transitional technocratic government, backed by the U.S. and Arab states, seeks to replace Hamas’ rule. An International Stability Force will work with the IDF to ensure demilitarization, but Weiss emphasizes Hamas must cease as a terror entity.

The plan’s transitional technocratic government, backed by the U.S. and Arab states, seeks to replace Hamas’ rule.

Palestinian statehood and global perceptions

On the contentious issue of Palestinian statehood, Weiss reiterated Israel’s conditions: the Palestinian Authority must stop encouraging terrorism, including compensating families of attackers and promoting anti-Israel material in schools. Only then, she said, can a U.S.-led dialogue proceed, as outlined in the agreement’s final points. Critics argue that Israel’s conditions delay negotiations, maintaining the status quo.

Global opinion, especially among African youth, remains polarised, with many viewing Israel’s actions in Gaza as disproportionate due to the high civilian toll and widespread destruction. Ambassador Weiss attributed these perceptions to misinformation on social media, often driven by anti-Israel agendas. She urged audiences to look beyond the conflict, emphasising that Israel offers significant contributions in areas like agriculture and technology.

While some African nations criticised Israel, she added, others strengthened their support, visiting Israel and its border areas.

'Criticism often reflects specific agendas,' Weiss said, 'but Africa remains a key friend. Israel has increased its focus on Africa, with frequent high-level visits reflecting mutual interests and support, including at the UN.'

The ambassador also dismissed concerns that the conflict could escalate to involve Hezbollah or Iran, pointing instead to a de-escalating trend and urging critics to focus on Iran’s role in militarizing the region.

'The situation is de-escalating, not escalating. Hezbollah is weakened, and Iran’s influence is being countered. The focus now is on stabilization and rebuilding,' she said.

Even as Trump declared the war over on Monday, Weiss struck a cautious tone. 'The war is officially over, with Israel withdrawing as agreed,' she noted, 'but Hamas must fulfill its obligations, including surrendering weapons and addressing the tunnels.'

Watch the full interview below:

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This commitment was reiterated on October 10, 2025, when management visited clients at various COPEDU Plc branches, including the Remera branch, which was acknowledged for its exceptional service delivery.

Customers shared their satisfaction with the event and appreciated the company’s thoughtful gesture.

COPEDU Plc’s CEO, Raïssa Muyango, emphasized that providing excellent service is the responsibility of every employee. Muyango particularly thanked the clients who engage with the institution daily.

'I want to reaffirm that providing top-notch service is our duty as COPEDU Plc employees, and we thank you for daily cooperation because no financial institution can exist or function without clients,' she said.

She went on to highlight some of COPEDU Plc’s services, including 'E-kash,' which enables clients to send and receive money across different banks, and the 'Umurabyo uratinda' loan, which allows customers to receive their requested loans within three days.

One of the standout customers at the Remera branch, Yvonne Murebwayire, shared with IGIHE that the ten years she has spent working with COPEDU Plc has significantly contributed to her sustainable development.

'I thank COPEDU Plc because over the past ten years, they have helped me grow through loans, making repayment easier and allowing my business to thrive,' she said.

Devota Umuhoza Nyiraruhango, who has also been with the bank for ten years, explained that after her husband passed away, COPEDU Plc helped her resolve financial challenges.

'I had taken a loan elsewhere with my husband, but after his death, repaying it became impossible. COPEDU Plc stepped in and gave me a loan, enabling me to settle the debt,' she said.

The Manager of the Remera Branch, Théodette Uwineza, expressed her gratitude for the award the branch received for providing exceptional service.

'We are thrilled that the management recognized and motivated us to continue performing well,' she said.

Additionally, the company has introduced a new offering in collaboration with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), where clients earning at least Frw 1,200,000 per month can access a housing loan of up to Frw 40 million with an interest rate of just 11%.

Those earning Frw 1,500,000 monthly can access loans of up to 60 million RWF, with a 15% interest rate.

For the past 28 years, COPEDU Plc has focused on empowering women, offering various programs to help them take on entrepreneurial ventures that generate profit.

The Remera branch of COPEDU Plc received recognition for its outstanding service during Customer Service Week.

CEO Raïssa Muyango highlights the importance of providing top-notch service, emphasizing that it is the duty of every COPEDU Plc employee.

COPEDU Plc’s CEO, Raïssa Muyango, thanked clients for their daily cooperation and trust in the institution.

Clients expressed their satisfaction with COPEDU Plc’s exceptional customer service during the week-long celebration.

COPEDU Plc’s management visited clients during Customer Service Week and reaffirmed their commitment to excellence in service delivery.

IGIHE

Once confirmed by the Supreme Court, Dr. Habineza and Nkubana will replace Senator Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa, whose terms will end on October 22, 2025.

Dr. Habineza is a politician and environmental advocate in Rwanda. In August 2009, he officially entered politics by founding the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (GDPR), a party focused on democracy and environmental protection.

In 2017, Dr. Habineza ran for president, but was unsuccessful. The following year, he started serving a single term as a member of parliament, which ended in 2024.

In the same year, he once again ran for president but did not win. Since last year, he has dedicated more attention to the activities of the GDPR, where he serves as the party president.

Meanwhile, Nkubana is the president of the Social Democratic Party (PSP) and has also served as the spokesperson for the Forum during a six-month mandate from September 2024 to March 2025.

PSP is a party focused on solidarity and development, promoting policies based on social unity, justice, and sustainable development for building an inclusive country.

In both 2017 and 2024, PSP allied with other parties to support Paul Kagame of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) in his presidential campaign.

Dr. Habineza is a politician and environmental advocate in Rwanda.

Nkubana is the president of the Social Democratic Party.

The two individuals, Dr. Habineza and Nkubana are expected to replace Senator Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa, whose terms will end on October 22, 2025.

IGIHE

The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the existing defence cooperation between the Gambia Armed Forces and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

As part of his visit, Lieutenant General Cham visited RDF Headquarters on Monday, October 13, where he held meetings with the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and the Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, General MK Mubarakh.

During the meeting, Lieutenant General Cham was briefed on regional security dynamics and Rwanda’s contributions to peace and security in Africa.

He also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he paid respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Additionally, he toured the Campaign against Genocide Museum.

Throughout his visit, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces will also visit institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Defence and the Rwanda Defence Force.

The Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham is on a working visit to Rwanda from 12 to 17 October 2025.

As part of his visit, Lieutenant General Cham visited RDF Headquarters on Monday, October 13, where he held meetings with the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and the Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, General MK Mubarakh.

During the meeting, Lieutenant General Cham was briefed on regional security dynamics and Rwanda’s contributions to peace and security in Africa.

IGIHE

The bank reaffirmed its commitment during the closing ceremony of Customer Week, where the management emphasized that any goal an individual sets is achievable, which was the central theme of this special week dedicated to the customers and employees of the bank.

Throughout the week, the bank highlighted various initiatives aimed at empowering customers, including the 'Ikamba’ program, designed to help women engaged in small and medium-sized businesses access loans without requiring collateral.

The week also included a session where customers shared their feedback, expressing both their concerns and satisfaction with the bank, while exploring various technological solutions easing access to services.

During this week, BPR Bank honored some of its longstanding customers, including Louis Nsengiyumva, who was the first customer of the bank and received two cows as a token of appreciation.

BPR Bank Rwanda also acknowledged the contributions of its employees in delivering diverse services, with special recognition given to Marie Grace Nyinawabiru, who has been with the bank for over 30 years. She was awarded a two-million-franc prize for her outstanding long-term service.

The bank, which began operations in 1975, currently has 137 branches across the country.

The Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, Patience Mutesi interacting with customers.

BPR Bank Rwanda employees enjoyed memorable moments with customers.

Louis Nsengiyumva, the first customer to open a bank account in BPR received two cows as a token of appreciation.

IGIHE

According to the hospital’s annual performance report covering July 2024 to July 2025, patient numbers have been on a steady rise for the past three years. The hospital treated around 94,000 patients in 2023, and the figure climbed to over 101,000 in 2024, before reaching nearly 120,000 in the latest reporting period.

The report shows that neurological and psychiatric disorders remain the leading causes of admission, with epilepsy and schizophrenia accounting for nearly half of all cases recorded.

Epilepsy most common condition

Epilepsy topped the list of illnesses treated at Ndera, with 36,097 patients, representing 29.08 percent of all those treated. It was followed by schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking and perception, which accounted for 24,991 cases (20.14 percent).

Surge in acute and bipolar disorders

The hospital also treated 10,349 cases of Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorder (ATPD), a short-term mental illness that can be triggered by stress, trauma, or substance use, representing 8.34 percent of total admissions.

Bipolar disorder, characterised by alternating episodes of depression and mania, affected 7,235 patients (5.83 percent), while depression accounted for 4,076 cases (3.28 percent).

Rise in substance abuse and trauma cases

Cases of Substance Use Disorders, including dependence on alcohol, cannabis, heroin, and other drugs, continued to rise, with 3,229 patients (2.7 percent) receiving treatment. These are primarily managed at the Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Center in Kicukiro District, which also provides specialized care for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In total, the hospital recorded 4,250 inpatients during the year under review.

Psychiatric and neurological cases

Out of the total caseload, 66,335 were psychiatric patients, while 53,524 suffered from neurological disorders, making up 44.67 percent of all admissions. Neurological conditions treated include stroke, dementia, and chronic headaches, among others.

The report emphasizes that CARAES Ndera’s services extend beyond mental illness, countering the long-held perception that it treats only psychiatric conditions. The hospital now plays an expanding role in managing neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Rising demand exceeds hospital capacity

Hospital officials say that patient demand continues to outpace the facility’s capacity, pushing operations to 116 percent of what it was designed to handle.

'We are now operating beyond our capacity, treating up to 116 percent of what the facility was originally built for,' said Frère Nkubiri Charles, the hospital’s Director General.

Nkubiri noted that 45 percent of patients come from Kigali City, with the hospital experiencing sustained growth in mental health cases following the Covid-19 pandemic.

'Globally, Covid-19 led to about a 30 percent increase in mental health disorders,' he explained. 'Our figures were slightly below that, but we still observed noticeable rises in depression, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions.'

CARAES Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital received 119,859 patients during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, marking a 17.7 percent increase from the previous year and underscoring the growing demand for mental and neurological health services in Rwanda.

The Director General of CARAES Ndera Hospital, Frère Nkubiri Charles, said that the number of patients being treated continues to rise and has exceeded the hospital’s capacity.

The annual report shows that neurological and psychiatric disorders remain the leading causes of admission, with epilepsy and schizophrenia accounting for nearly half of all cases recorded.

Sarkozy was notified of the conditions of his incarceration at the request of the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF). For reasons of security and discretion, details regarding the arrangements will not be made public.

According to a source close to the case cited by BFMTV, Sarkozy is expected to serve his sentence at La Sante Prison in Paris. The interval before Oct. 21 will allow him time to organize his personal and professional affairs.

Once in custody, his defense team will be able to file a request for release before the Court of Appeals, which will have two months to issue a ruling.

On Sept. 25, the Paris Criminal Court sentenced Sarkozy to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy related to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 campaign. Although he has appealed, the judges ordered that the sentence be enforced immediately, citing the “exceptional seriousness” of the offenses.

Sarkozy will become the first former French president in contemporary history to serve a prison sentence.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been informed that he will begin serving his prison sentence on Oct. 21, following his conviction in the case concerning alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign, French media reported Monday.

Xinhua

Gathering leaders from more than 20 countries as well as regional and international organizations, the summit is co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump.

The summit will discuss ending the war in the Gaza Strip, enhancing efforts to bring peace and stability to the Middle East, and ushering in a new phase of regional security and stability, according to the Egyptian presidency.

The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas entered into effect on Friday, following three days of intensive negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh between the two sides mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States.

The first phase of the plan includes Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Younis, and the north, and the opening of five crossings for aid, and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

Hamas announced earlier in the day that it had handed over all 20 of the remaining live hostages, who were captured during the attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have begun releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the exchange deal.

More than two years of Israeli military operations have devastated Gaza, killing over 67,000 people and triggering famine, according to Gaza’s health authorities and UN-backed food experts.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (C) addresses the summit on ending the Gaza war in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Oct. 13, 2025. A summit on ending the Gaza war kicked off here Monday, which witnessed the signing of the recently-reached ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Xinhua

In Rwanda, this message could not be more relevant. The country’s steep hills and intense rainfall make it particularly prone to natural hazards. In 2023, two forces of nature stood out as Rwanda’s deadliest disasters — landslides and lightning. One crept silently through soaked hillsides; the other struck suddenly from the sky. Together, they claimed more lives than any other disasters that year, underscoring how geography and climate continue to shape risk across the nation.

Data from the Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Risks in Rwanda (2024) show that landslides and lightning have been the most frequent and fatal hazards over time. Between 2016 and 2023, landslides killed 449 people, while lightning strikes claimed 379 lives. Over the same period, floods caused 259 deaths and rainstorms 237, revealing a consistent and worrying pattern in Rwanda’s disaster history.

Between 2016 and 2023, landslides killed 449 people, while lightning strikes claimed 379 lives.

The country’s iconic landscape — steep, green, and breathtaking — is also what makes it fragile. Western and northern districts such as Gakenke, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Ngororero, and Rubavu sit on hilly terrain that receives some of the heaviest rainfall in Rwanda.

According to the Disaster Risk Hotspots Assessment Report (2024), Rwanda has 326 identified hazard hotspots, with 134 rated as high or very high risk. Most lie in highland regions where rainfall often exceeds 1,800 millimetres per year, loosening soil and triggering deadly slope failures.

Experts warn that changing rainfall patterns, longer dry spells followed by intense downpours, are increasing disaster risks.

Human activity and a changing climate intensify risks

Human activities such as deforestation and cultivation on steep slopes have magnified these natural vulnerabilities. As trees are cleared for farming or construction, soil stability weakens. When heavy rains fall, water quickly turns into runoff, destroying homes, crops, and roads.

The May 2023 floods and landslides demonstrated this danger vividly. In just two days, torrential rains killed 131 people, displaced over 51,000, and destroyed thousands of homes, mostly in the same western districts repeatedly flagged in national risk assessments.

According to the Disaster Risk Hotspots Assessment Report (2024), Rwanda has 326 identified hazard hotspots, with 134 rated as high or very high risk.

Lightning, though less visible in its destruction, remains equally deadly. Rwanda’s equatorial location and high elevation make it one of Africa’s most lightning-prone countries. The same storms that sustain agriculture can, in moments, turn lethal. Victims are often caught in open spaces such as farms, playgrounds, or church grounds.

Adapting through science, relocation, and awareness

Experts warn that changing rainfall patterns, longer dry spells followed by intense downpours, are increasing disaster risks. Soils become more saturated, landslides more frequent, and thunderstorms more violent. In fast-urbanising areas like Musanze and Rubavu, metal roofing and hillside construction further heighten lightning exposure.

Residents of Kagogo Sector, Kabaya Cell, try to clear land after past landslides.

Recognising these threats, the Government of Rwanda has strengthened disaster preparedness through relocation, infrastructure upgrades, and community awareness. Under the National Relocation and Mitigation Plan, more than 6,000 households living on high-risk slopes are being moved to safer zones. Engineers are reinforcing bridges and roads, planting trees, and building terraces to stabilise hillsides.

The Ministry of Education has installed lightning rods in schools, while local authorities extend protection to churches and community centres. Public campaigns now teach residents how to stay safe during storms and recognise warning signs of slope failure.

Building a culture of preparedness

These interventions align with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation II (NST2), which treats disaster risk reduction as a cornerstone of sustainable development. The focus is shifting from response to prevention, integrating resilience into agriculture, urban planning, and education.

Musanze-Kigali Road destroyed by a landslide in 2013.

Rwanda’s geography cannot be changed, but its management can. Through reforestation, stronger building standards, and continuous community engagement, the country is building resilience step by step.

On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Rwanda’s story stands as both a warning and an inspiration, a reminder that resilience is not built after disaster strikes, but every day through preparation.

Each landslide that scars a hillside and each flash of lightning in the sky reminds Rwanda that survival depends on readiness. The challenge now is not just to recover from disasters, but to stay ahead of the next one.

IGIHE

The fair, which ran from October 10 to 12, was officially inaugurated by the Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwandan companies joined global participants in showcasing the country’s diverse tourism offerings.

Godfrey Rurangwa, Business Operations Manager at Makario Safaris, expressed that the fair provided an invaluable opportunity to build connections and learn from industry peers.

“We were able to engage with counterparts in the sector, exchange ideas about potential collaborations, and discuss ways to mutually promote our platforms in both Rwanda and Poland. This is a great starting point to attract tourists from Poland and the region,” he said.

Rurangwa also expressed his gratitude to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwandan Embassy in Poland for their logistical and institutional support.

Similarly, Walter Marcel, representing Mapendano Voyages, also thanked the RDB for facilitating participation.

He noted that the fair was an excellent platform to highlight Rwanda’s attractions, including Nyungwe, Akagera National Park (home to the Big Five), and the gorillas in Virunga National Park.

“It is a privilege for us to be present at TT Warsaw 2025. Rwanda is a country of remarkable beauty, with stunning landscapes, safety, and cleanliness, it deserves to be visited more,” he said.

For Marcel, the fair provided a unique opportunity to directly engage with visitors and Polish tourism professionals, dispelling misconceptions and offering concrete reasons for future travelers to choose Rwanda.

Both Rurangwa and Marcel stressed shared goals, such as strengthening commercial ties between agencies, exchanging digital promotion tools, and creating offers tailored to the European market.

Participants from Rwanda believe TT Warsaw 2025 has laid the foundation for the sustainable development of tourism between Rwanda and Poland.

Aimable Rutagarama, Chairman of the Chamber of Tourism, explained that the fair provided a valuable opportunity to tap into new markets and showcase Rwanda’s attractions to the world, positioning the country as a gateway to the region.

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe