Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Head: War With Hamas Is Not Confrontation With Islam
New Age Islam
News Bureau
16 February 2024
Vered Levi, 53, who was born in Israel but now lives
in the U.S., and Josef Trommer, 58, attend a "Stand with Israel"
rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington, U.S., October 13, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn
Hockstein Purchase Licensing Rights
-----
·
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Head: War With Hamas Is
Not Confrontation With Islam
·
Report: 8,000 Nigerian Christians Murdered In Worst
Year For Islamist Attacks
·
Terror Groups Enjoy Greater Freedom In Afghanistan
Than At Any Time In Recent History: UNSG Report
·
Saudi Media Forum To Discuss Gaza Tragedy And
Western Media Bias in Its Third Edition In Riyadh
·
Look Out Notice Issued Against Haldwani Violence
Mastermind Abdul Malik And Son, Five More Rioters Arrested
------
Europe
·
In A London Borough Home To Many Muslims, Labour
Loses Appeal Over Gaza
·
EU Policies Linked To 3,000 Migrant Deaths In
Mediterranean, Ngos Urge Overhaul
·
Brazilian, Egyptian presidents call for immediate
ceasefire in Gaza
·
Ireland pledges funding for UNRWA after US-led
withdrawal of support
----
Africa
·
Gunmen Storm Mosque, Kill Worshippers, Abduct
Several Villagers In Katsina
·
DR Congo rebel attacks on gold mine and South
African soldiers kill 14
·
Lagos Central Mosque presents Baba Adinni to Jam’ah
·
Anti-Western demonstrations in DR Congo as fighting
escalates in east
·
UNICEF hands over $300m lifesaving health supplies
to Borno govt
----
South Asia
·
Haqqani Tells Former Afghan Politicians to Stop
Holding Gatherings Abroad
·
Bangladesh-India Urs Special Train: A Symbol Of
Friendship For Over 100yrs
·
World Bank Allocates $300 Million Aid To
Afghanistan, Away From Taliban’s Reach
·
OCHA: Afghanistan needs $367 million for health aid
·
Soviet Withdrawal Major Day of Victory in Afghan
History: Hanafi
·
Khalilzad: Lots of rights violations around the
world, and it’s not just responsibility of US forces
·
BNP to continue movement to restore democracy:
Fakhrul
----
Arab World
·
Saudi foreign minister arrives in Germany to head
delegation at Munich Security Conference
·
Saudi Arabia, UK’s Science Museum Group to launch
joint program
·
Yemeni forces claim ‘direct hit’ on British ship in
Gulf of Aden
·
Third Group of Guests of the Custodian of Two Holy
Mosques Program Arrives in Madinah
·
Saudi and French ministers discuss increased
security cooperation
·
Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief sends humanitarian aid to
Ukraine
----
India
·
Haldwani Muslims Fear Death Toll Maybe Higher Than
Official Figures: Fact-Finding Report
·
2024 elections and electoral choices before Indian
Muslims
·
MP: Muslim Man Held, House Razed After Upper-Caste
Men Strip, Beat Tribal
·
PM Modi thanks Emir of Qatar for release of 8 Indian
naval veterans
----
Pakistan
·
Gen Faiz, Gen Bajwa Orchestrated No-Confidence Move
Against Imran, Claims Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl
·
PML-N And PPP Set To Discuss Power-Sharing Deal For
Coalition Government In Pakistan: Report
·
'JUI-F not to become part of any govt'
·
‘May 9’ protests: Verdict reserved on IK’s plea to
issue his production orders
·
Lt-Gen Lodhi claims there was a contact between
establishment and IK
·
ECP rejects Nawaz plea against NA-15 Mansehra
results
·
Imran urges US tough stance on ‘poll rigging’
·
Pakistani quadcopters found hovering near LoC in
J-K’s Poonch, Army opens fire
----
Southeast Asia
·
Zakat Can Eradicate Poverty, Muslims Must Donate
With Consistency, Says PMAnwar Ibrahim
·
Shariah Laws: Special Committee Open To Discussions
With All Parties, Says PM Anwar
·
BPKH forges cooperation with Saudi partners to
bolster Hajj ecosystem
·
PM Anwar approves RM1m to Masjid Jamek Tengah
Berapit for mosque programmes
----
Mideast
·
Israel Accuses South Africa Of Abusing ICJ's
Jurisdiction
·
Nearly 75% Of Journalists Killed In 2023 Died In
Israel’s War On Gaza: CPJ
·
Israel PM rejects international recognition of
Palestinian state
·
Islamic Jihad condemns Zionist enemy’s bombing of
Al-Amal Hospital in Gaza
·
Türkiye to send more humanitarian aid to Gaza by
Ramadan
·
IDF arrests three suspects in West Bank, confiscate
terror funds
·
Hamas rejects Israeli proposal to release 1,500
inmates for hostages - report
·
Hezbollah fires rockets at northern Israel in
response to Lebanon attacks
-----
North America
·
Biden Again Tells Netanyahu That Rafah Civilians
Must Be Protected
·
US investigators visit homes of two Palestinian-American
teens killed in the West Bank
·
Blinken says he believes deal on Gaza hostages
‘possible’
·
CAIR-Ohio Hosts Imam Dawud Walid to Speak on Black
Liberation and Palestine Event in Honor of Black History Month
·
App for Muslim Canadians, fundraising platform seek
transparency from banking service
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/euro-asian-jewish-congress-hamas/d/131735
----
Euro-Asian
Jewish Congress Head: War With Hamas Is Not Confrontation With Islam
Vered Levi, 53, who was born in Israel but now lives
in the U.S., and Josef Trommer, 58, attend a "Stand with Israel"
rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington, U.S., October 13, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn
Hockstein Purchase Licensing Rights
-----
FEBRUARY
15, 2024
ALAN
ROSENBAUM
Michael
Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, in a pre-recorded
video address delivered at Joint Perspectives, a conference hosted by the
German newspaper WELT and The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, said that the
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress does not view the war with Hamas as a confrontation
with Islam as a whole.
“Hamas
terrorists, like other radical Islamists, may claim to be the true
representatives of Muslims.
Still,
we know that Islam, like other Abrahamic religions, is based on the ideals of
peace, cooperation, and respect for others,” he said, stating that the Abraham
Accords have opened the door to unprecedented cooperation between Israel and
the Gulf countries.
Even
though the war with Hamas has unleashed a wave of antisemitism around the
world, Mirilashvili expressed the hope that “Education, proactive diplomacy and
peaceful dialogue keep us dreaming that maybe one day we will speak of
antisemitism in the past tense.”
Israeli
tech helped the region
He
noted that before the war, Watergen, a company that he heads that creates
drinking water from moisture in the air, had installed several of its devices
in Gaza, where people were suffering from a shortage of clean drinking water.
“The
reality has changed since then, but the brutal war unleashed by Hamas
terrorists won’t mislead us or harden our hearts.
I am
convinced that if society eliminates its radical ideology, opposes lies and
propaganda, admits mistakes, and chooses to cherish every human life,
everything can change in less than a generation… We will continue to fulfill
our essential mission in the world to be a light to the nations, and together
with those who believe in peaceful coexistence, we will build a more confident,
sustainable, and peaceful future for us and the entire region.”
Source: jpost.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-787232
----
Report:
8,000 Nigerian Christians Murdered In Worst Year For Islamist Attacks
Nigeria
last year witnessed the bloodiest year of Islamist attacks against Christians
according to a new report.
------
February
16, 2024
YAOUNDÉ,
Cameroon – Nigeria last year witnessed the bloodiest year of Islamist attacks
against Christians according to a new report.
More
than 8,000 Christians were killed in 2023, the International Society for Civil
Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has said.
The
report published on Ash Wednesday gives harrowing details of killings,
kidnappings, and forced disappearances of largely Christian populations in
several parts of Nigeria.
“The
combined forces of the government-protected Islamic Jihadists and the country’s
Security Forces (NSFc) are directly and vicariously accountable for hacking to
death in 2023 of no fewer than 8,222 defenceless Christians – covering a period
of 13 months or Jan (2023) – Jan (2024),” said the report, signed among others
by the Director of Intersociety, EmekaUmeaglalasi.
The
killings were carried out by a range of factions, including Jihadist Fulani
Herdsmen who were responsible for at least 5,100 Christian deaths, Boko Haram
and their allies with 500 deaths, Jihadist Fulani Bandits with 1,600 deaths and
“Islamic-inspired” security forces with 1000 Christian deaths.
It
said the January 2023 to January 2024 killings marked “the deadliest in recent
years,” and blamed the woeful failure of the Nigerian government and the
security forces for failing to “rise to the occasion”.
But
the killings over the past year are part of a long-standing war against
Christians, dating back to 2009 when Boko Haram started its murderous campaign
in Africa’s most populous nation.
“Nigeria
has become the second deadliest Genocide-Country in the world accounting for more
than 150,000 religiously motivated defenseless civilian deaths since 2009,” the
report states.
It
says about 100,000 Christians were among the 150,000 killed while moderate
Muslims accounted for about 46,000, and members of other religions accounted
for the remaining 4,000 defenceless civilian deaths.
The
report says the death toll in Nigeria is surpassed only by the numbers in
Syria, which has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2011 with
civilian deaths of 306,000 out of about 21.5 million citizens.
According
to the report, the systematic murder of Christians in Nigeria amounts to “a
silent genocide,” highlighting the absence of media coverage and the
indifference of the global community.
The
report also states that the killings and the related horrific and atrocious
violence against people or groups and their properties based on ethnic and
religious factors resulted in the destruction of tens of thousands of homes of
civilians, more than 18,500 Christian places of worship, 1000 religious shrines
and 2,500 Christian/Traditional education centres. During the same period, over
59,000 square kilometers of land that belonged to native Christians and
non-Muslims were taken over and their inhabitants displaced and expelled.
The
report cites both national and international sources to state that the Boko
Haram group and its affiliates were responsible for the kidnapping and
disappearance of at least 22,500 mostly unarmed Christians between 2009 and
2014, during which time they also recklessly demolished or set fire to 13,000
churches and 1,500 Christian schools, and compelled over 1.3 million others to
leave to avoid being killed or coerced into Islam.
“Between
2016 and 2023; a period of eight years, more than 30,000 defenceless civilians
were abducted by Islamic Jihadists and, some say, “Islamic-inspired” security
forces in Nigeria,” the report states.
According
to the International Alliance against Genocide, Nigeria is listed among
fourteen ongoing genocides in the world.
Umeagbalasi
told Crux that the Muhammadu Buhari government (2015-2023) and even the Bola
Tinubu government – which went into office in 2023 – as well as the Nigerian
security forces have been complicit in the killing of Christians in Nigeria.
“This
government is not different from the Buhari government,” he said.
The
report makes the point even more forcefully.
“The
most shocking of it all is that the Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen operate freely and
unchallenged with impunity and reckless abandon; with the Nigerian Security
Forces (NSFs), widely accused of being ‘Islamic-inspired,’ turning blind eyes
or looking the other side; except when it comes to protection of Fulani cows
and their herders; or arresting members of the victim communities and their
leaders; labeling them “bandits,” the report says.
Emeka
said there is a “silent genocide” going on in Nigeria.
“If
you look at the definition of genocide, then you find out that genocide is
already going on in Nigeria: Anti-Christian genocide,” he told Crux.
Source: catholicherald.co.uk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://catholicherald.co.uk/eight-thousand-nigerian-christians-murdered-in-worst-single-year-for-islamist-attacks-says-report/
-----
Terror
Groups Enjoy Greater Freedom In Afghanistan Than At Any Time In Recent History:
UNSG Report
The
report also voiced member nations’ concern that terrorist groups enjoy “greater
freedom” in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. | Photo Credit: Reuters
-------
February
16, 2024
There
are no recent signs that the Taliban, which seized power in Afghanistan in
2021, has taken steps to limit the activities of foreign terrorist fighters in
the war-torn country, according to a report by United Nations (UN) chief
Antonio Guterres.
The
report also voiced member nations' concern that terrorist groups enjoy
"greater freedom” in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan than at any time in recent
history, especially noting the spike in the strength of the dreaded ISIL-K
terror group which has nearly doubled from earlier estimates of 2,200 fighters
following the release of several thousand individuals from prison.
“The
security landscape in Afghanistan changed dramatically on August 15, following
a Taliban military campaign that seized 33 of 34 provincial capitals, including
Kabul,” according to the '14th report of the Secretary-General on the threat
posed by ISIL (Da’esh) to international peace and security and the range of
United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat'.
The
report said that there are no recent signs that the Taliban has taken steps to
limit the activities of foreign terrorist fighters in the country. “On the
contrary, Member States are concerned that terrorist groups enjoy greater
freedom in Afghanistan than at any time in recent history,” it said.
Member
States assess that the strength of the Da’esh affiliate in Afghanistan —
Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K) — has increased from
earlier estimates of 2,200 fighters to now approaching 4,000 following the
release by the Taliban of several thousand individuals from prison.
According
to the Secretary General’s report, one Member State assessed that up to half
the individuals are foreign terrorist fighters. While Da’esh controls limited
territory in eastern Afghanistan, it is capable of conducting high-profile,
complex attacks such as the August 27, 2021 bombing at Kabul airport, which
killed over 180 people, and several subsequent attacks, in particular against
the Taliban and members of the Shia community.
The
report further said that Da’esh in Afghanistan continues to be led by Sanaullah
Ghafari, an Afghan national. The group is taking advantage of the turmoil in
the country, including by recruiting fighters from the Eastern Turkistan
Islamic Movement and the Turkistan Islamic Party, among other foreign terrorist
groups.
Da’esh
in Afghanistan “aims to position itself as the chief rejectionist force in
Afghanistan and to expand into neighbouring Central and South Asian countries
and is viewed by the Taliban as its primary armed threat. Member States are
concerned that, if Afghanistan descends into further chaos, some Afghan and
foreign violent extremists may shift allegiances to Da’esh,” the report said.
The
report was prepared by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team,
the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Office of
Counter-Terrorism, in close collaboration with other United Nations Global
Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities.
Member
States also remain concerned about the glut of weapons, especially small arms,
that exists in the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan, to which Da’esh, its
affiliates and other terrorist groups could gain access.
“Such
concerns have been exacerbated by the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, given
the large quantities of weaponry and other military equipment in the country,”
the report said.
“With
Afghanistan facing a severe economic, financial and humanitarian crisis, there
is a risk that tradable commodities such as arms and related materials could be
acquired by organised criminals and terrorists inside Afghanistan and even that
they could find their way into neighbouring countries,” it said.
On
February 29, 2020, the United States and the Taliban signed the Doha Agreement,
which led to the August 30, 2021, withdrawal of U.S. and Allied forces from
Afghanistan.
Since
the forcible takeover by the Taliban in August 2021, culminating in the fall of
Kabul on August 15, the U.S. has shifted to a position of pragmatic engagement
in Afghanistan.
Source: thehindu.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/terror-groups-enjoy-greater-freedom-in-afghanistan-than-at-any-time-in-recent-history-unsg-report/article67852320.ece
-----
Saudi
Media Forum To Discuss Gaza Tragedy And Western Media Bias in Its Third Edition
In Riyadh
Photo:
Saudi Gazette
----
February
15, 2024
RIYADH
— The Saudi Media Forum, set for its third edition in Riyadh on February 20 and
21, will spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid a prolonged conflict.
A
dedicated session titled "Gaza in the Media: Between Misrepresentation and
Bias" aims to dissect the allegations of Western media's partiality toward
Israel and the inaccuracies in the portrayal of the Gaza conflict.
Esteemed
participants like Dr. Saad Al-Ajmi, former Kuwaiti Minister of Information;
GhassanCharbel, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Sharq Al-Awsat; and Ahmed Khattabi,
Assistant Secretary General at the Arab League, will engage in this critical
dialogue.
The
session, moderated by Hussein Al-Sheikh of Al Arabiya, will explore the media's
role in depicting Gaza events, the Arab media's efforts to refocus on the
Palestinian cause, and the experiences of Arab journalists with the Palestinian
issue.
The
forum, a collaboration between the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and the Saudi
Journalists Association, anticipates over 2000 participants from around the
globe. It also features the "FOMEX" Future of Media Exhibition, the
Middle East's largest media showcase, running from February 19 to 21, with
participation from over 200 entities. An awards ceremony to celebrate media
innovation and creativity will conclude the event.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/640451/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Media-Forum-to-discuss-Gaza-tragedy-and-Western-media-bias
----
Look Out
Notice Issued Against Haldwani Violence Mastermind Abdul Malik And Son, Five
More Rioters Arrested
Photo:
The Times of India
------
16.02.24
A
look out notice has been issued against Haldwani violence key accused Abdul
Malik and his son Abdul Moid, while five more rioters have been arrested,
police said on Friday.
With
the fresh arrests, the total number of rioters held in connection with
incidents of stone pelting and arson triggered by the demolition of a madrassa
in the town on February 8 has climbed to 42, they said.
Malik
had constructed the madrassa and had vehemently opposed its demolition. He is
said to be the mastermind behind the clashes. Relaxation of curfew for a few
hours with certain restrictions continued on Friday in Banbhoolpura area, which
was the epicentre of the violence.
However,
internet service in the area remained suspended for the eighth day.
Authorities
on Thursday had relaxed curfew in Banbhoolpura area of the town for varied
durations.
Violence
broke out on February 8 over the demolition of an illegally built madrassa in
the Banbhoolpura area, with locals hurling stones and petrol bombs at municipal
workers and police, forcing many police personnel to seek refuge at a police
station, which the mob then set on fire.
In
the violence, six rioters were killed and more than a 100, including police
personnel and mediapersons, were injured, according to the police.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/look-out-notice-issued-against-haldwani-violence-mastermind-abdul-malik-and-son-five-more-rioters-arrested/cid/2000845
----
Europe
In a
London borough home to many Muslims, Labour loses appeal over Gaza
Samira
Shackle
15
Feb 2024
In
it, he said that Israel had the “right” to cut off power and water from Gaza.
Labour
later denied that Starmer had intended to support Israel cutting off supplies
to the territory, saying he was instead supporting Israel’s right to defend
itself.
But
for Naqvi, and many others, the damage was done.
“For
me, that party didn’t represent me any more,” Naqvi told Al Jazeera.
“It’s
a matter of principle. In the 21st century, how can you say it’s OK to shut
down water, food, electricity? He’s talking like that and he’s supposed to be a
human rights lawyer.”
Naqvi
left the Labour Party.
This
was not a decision she took lightly – she had been a member of Labour for a
decade. In her local area of Newham, in East London, she had served as a
women’s officer for the party.
Her
father and grandfather were both involved with Labour, too. But it felt
extremely clear.
“There
comes a time when there are two paths. You can continue being on the wrong
side, or you can leave.”
Twenty
days after Starmer’s interview, as more Palestinians had been killed in Gaza,
he said it was not the time to call for a ceasefire, but demanded a pause in the
fighting to allow for aid to be sent into the besieged strip.
Next
week, Starmer faces another major test as a second parliamentary motion calling
for an immediate ceasefire will be held.
In
Newham, 32 percent of residents are Muslim according to the latest census,
making it one of the largest Muslim communities in the United Kingdom.
Its
two Labour parliamentarians enjoy large majorities, and until recently, all 60
of its local council seats belonged to Labour.
Soon
after leaving the party, Naqvi stood as an independent candidate in a local
council by-election and won the seat.
“While
I was knocking on doors to campaign, people said, ‘Labour? Go away.’ I said
‘I’m independent,’” she recalled. “I found that a lot of people had the same
belief as I do about what’s happening in Gaza, and they wanted to be
represented.”
The
Hamas-led attack on October 7 killed 1,1139 people. Israel’s months-long
assault on Gaza has killed at least 28,663 people and levelled much of the
densely populated strip.
The
Labour Party has traditionally enjoyed support from the UK’s Muslim
communities, and constituencies with large Muslim populations are among the
party’s safest seats.
But
with Labour refusing to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, there are signs that this
could be changing.
A
snapshot poll by Savanta in November showed that 41 percent of Muslim voters
say they feel more negatively about Labour since the outbreak of the conflict.
A
recent poll carried out by Survation for the London Muslim Network found that
only 60 percent of Muslims who voted for Labour at the 2019 general election
are willing to do so again at the election due this year.
The
same poll found that 85 percent of British Muslims said the political position
of parties on the Israel-Gaza war would influence their vote.
‘A
lot of anger within the community’
It is
not clear what impact this will have at the ballot box, given Labour’s dominant
position in opinion polls overall.
“The
Muslim community by and large nationally tends to stick with Labour and that’s
also the case locally in Newham,” said Tahir Talati, an imam and volunteer with
the Newham Muslim Forum.
“But
there’s a lot of anger within the community. Labour’s stance, their duplicity,
statements by Starmer. The party hasn’t understood that the strength of feeling
on this issue isn’t temporary.”
Disappointment
with Labour’s handling of the crisis in Gaza has exacerbated an existing trend.
In
2021, just a year into Starmer’s leadership, polling that followed a report
into Islamophobia in the party found that 55 percent of British Muslims did not
“trust the leadership of the Labour party to tackle Islamophobia effectively”.
For
some Muslim voters, the party’s refusal to take a clear stance on Gaza – at
once calling for humanitarian relief while simultaneously supporting Israel –
compounds their sense of not being listened to.
“It
feels like we don’t matter, like Labour thinks, ‘Oh the Muslims are going to
vote for us whatever happens because they have nowhere else to go politically’,
and so that’s an excuse not to listen to our voices,” said Ali Azhar, a cafe
manager in Stratford, one of Newham’s main hubs.
He
plans to abstain.
“I’ve
always voted Labour, but to be honest, at this rate, I just won’t bother voting
at all.”
While
this trend is unlikely to keep Labour out of power, there is some nervousness
among individual Labour legislators who represent constituencies with large
Muslim populations.
A
website called theMuslimVote.co.uk suggests which candidates to back in
different areas. It says it is “focused on seats where the Muslim vote can
influence the outcome” and will not back anyone “who voted against or abstained
on the ceasefire vote”.
It
lists a variety backers, including NGOs, community groups and Muslim-run
businesses.
“It
used to be the case that if you put a Labour symbol on a lamp-post, people
would vote for it, but that’s changing,” said Naqvi. “Labour used to be a party
for social justice, a working-class party, so we expect more from them than
from the Conservatives.”
In
Newham, Talati said that the two Labour members of Parliament have handled the
issue very differently.
Stephen
Timms has “been fantastic on this issue”, raising Gaza in parliament and
communicating with his Muslim constituents.
By
contrast, Lyn Brown, the other parliamentarian, has reportedly not responded to
a request for a meeting by Muslim community organisations.
“If
it was in our control and we had a credible independent candidate, the
community would vote for them,” said Talati.
“But
it would require a massive, organised local campaign which I don’t think anyone
in Newham has the appetite for.”
What
many Muslim voters appear to share is a sense that they are not being heard by
the party they have long supported.
“Nobody
likes the Tories but we are not going to be voting for Keir Starmer,” said
Talati.
“We
know that most likely he’s going to come into power – but he’s not going to
come into power on the back of our votes.”
Source: aljazeera.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/15/in-a-london-borough-home-to-many-muslims-labour-loses-appeal-over-gaza
-----
EU
policies linked to 3,000 migrant deaths in Mediterranean, NGOs urge overhaul
February
15, 2024
LONDON:
Organizations involved in Mediterranean rescue operations are urging the
European Union to overhaul its current policies, which they claim are partly
responsible for the drownings of over 3,000 migrants in 2023, the Guardian
reported on Thursday.
In
2023, the Italian government adopted new rules which significantly curtailed
the operational capabilities of NGOs, endangering the lives of individuals
attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
It
mandates that upon completing a rescue, these organizations must directly
proceed to a designated port, preventing them from conducting further rescues,
the groups said.
The
International Organization for Migration's Missing Migrants project highlights
the grim statistic that out of nearly 30,000 migrants who have died or
disappeared since 2014, at least 27,088 have drowned. Despite the absence of a
unified EU search-and-rescue framework, international maritime law requires
coastal states to aid vessels in distress, a responsibility often neglected,
with NGOs facing numerous challenges in their efforts to provide assistance.
“It’s
our legal duty to inform all of these countries’ maritime rescue and
coordination centres when we find an unseaworthy boat in distress,'' Emanuele
Nannini, who heads Italian NGO Emergency’s rescue missions, told the Guardian.
He explained that the first country to respond – whether that’s Libya, Tunisia,
Malta or Italy – will coordinate the rescue.
“Italy
is repeatedly the only country to reply,” he added. “The other coastal states
just ignore us. Once a rescue is completed, we’re immediately assigned a port,
which makes it almost impossible to perform additional rescues – unless the
boats in distress are on our direct route to the port.”
The
vast majority of rescue operations for migrant boats departing from Northern
Africa across the Mediterranean are undertaken by the Italian Coast Guard and
other official agencies, with non-governmental organizations contributing to a
relatively small fraction of these efforts, the Guardian reported.
Meanwhile,
Italy has adopted a policy of assigning ports for rescue vessels that are
significantly distant from their usual areas of operation, necessitating
lengthy additional voyages. This policy has notably affected their patrol and
rescue capabilities in the Mediterranean.
According
to a 2023 report from SOS Humanity, such practices resulted in rescue ships
spending an additional 374 days at sea, covering distances that significantly
exceed the necessity.The report further revealed that over the course of a
year, these vessels travelled more than 150,500 kilometers, while highlighting
that these demands only target humanitarian boats, and not the Italian
coastguard.
“This
is not a coincidence, but a political tactic,” the report said.
During
the same period, the Italian NGO Emergency succeeded in rescuing 1,077
individuals through 14 missions in the central Mediterranean.
On
numerous occasions, rather than directing these missions to the nearest ports,
such as those in Sicily, the vessels were ordered to dock in far-off locations
like Tuscany, significantly delaying their return to the rescue zones.
The
Italian government claims such measures help to distribute arrivals, but NGOs
argue they cost lives and increase fuel costs, the Guardian reported.
“Costs
for such detours are exorbitant,” Nannini said. “We often have to pay an
additional €50,000 (£43,000) per rescue in fuel alone.”
However,
he stated that he was most concerned about the people the organization was
unable to rescue. “Sailing to these
faraway ports hinders us from doing rescue missions for at least eight days. In
the meantime, people are drowning.”
Despite
the dangerous crossing, the majority of migrants attempting to traverse the
Mediterranean do reach their destinations. Late last year, the EUreached a consensus
aimed at distributing the financial and logistical burden of hosting asylum
seekers among all member states.
Ursula
von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, hailed the agreement as an
effective response to a collective European challenge, emphasizing that it
would allow European authorities to control migration into the EU, rather than
traffickers.
Human
rights organizations such as Amnesty, Oxfam, Caritas, and Save the Children
have criticized the changes, claiming that they will result in a "cruel
system" in an open letter.
Italy's
right-wing government has also announced a potential deal with Albania, which
could see up to 36,000 migrants transferred from Italy to Albanian reception
centers each year. Amnesty International described the proposal as
"unworkable, harmful, and unlawful."
Matteo
de Bellis, an Amnesty migration and asylum researcher, stated that the
agreement would subject “people in distress [are] subjected to long and
unnecessary transfers by sea and ending up in automatic and potentially
prolonged detention, in violation of international law.”
Nannini
expressed frustration with EU policies, particularly when considering the
conditions from which people were fleeing and the risks they faced along the
way, from the sea crossing to detention centres in Libya.
“It
seems there is political will to keep Europe closed because we don’t want to
share our privilege with people who might have had less luck; who couldn’t
choose where they were born,” he said. “It’s disappointing – and dangerous for
those attempting to cross the Mediterranean.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460706/world
-----
Brazilian,
Egyptian presidents call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
February
15, 2024
SAO
PAULO: Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel
Fattah El-Sisi on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and
discussed the importance of resuming a peace process in the Middle East.
Lula
was on an official state visit to Cairo, celebrating 100 years of diplomatic
relations between the two countries. It was his second visit to Egypt, the
first having been in 2003.
“At a
time when we should be talking about increasing food production for the world,
about economic growth, about income distribution, we are talking about war. War
does not benefit anyone. It brings death, destruction, and suffering,” said
Lula, calling again for reform of global governance institutions.
“It
is regrettable that the multilateral institutions created to resolve these
situations do not work.”
El-Sisi
said: “We agree that an immediate and sustained ceasefire is very important, as
is the need to get humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza.
“We
are thinking especially of the post-war phase, which requires the establishment
of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, and I thank the Brazilian
president for recognizing the Palestinian state.”
Lula
stressed the need to modify the structure of the UN Security Council, which has
been unable to prevent conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, and in
which veto powers have been used.
He
said many of the most recent wars have been started by nations that are council
members.
“It
is urgent to establish a definitive ceasefire that allows for the provision of
sustainable and unimpeded humanitarian aid, and the immediate and unconditional
release of hostages,” Lula said, adding that Brazil is “opposed to attempts at
the forced displacement of the Palestinian people.
“For
these reasons, among others, Brazil has expressed its support for the
proceedings instituted in the International Court of Justice by South Africa
... There will be no peace without a Palestinian state, living side by side
with Israel, within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders.”
Lula
thanked the Egyptian government for its help in enabling the return of 117
Brazilian Palestinians who had been stranded in Gaza since the start of the
conflict.
During
the meeting, El-Sisi confirmed that he would go to Brazil in November, both to
participate as an invited leader of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, and for
an official visit to the country at Lula’s invitation.
It
will be the first time an Egyptian president has visited Brazil in 11 years,
since Mohamed Morsi’s visit in 2013. The intention is to expand bilateral
trade.
Lula
said the admission of Egypt as a member of the BRICS Bank represents a
milestone in effective collaboration between emerging economies.
“Our
coordination with other developing nations is essential for the success of the
UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which we will host in Brazil in 2025. And
we will need a lot of help and experience from Egypt, which hosted COP27 in
2022,” he added.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460901/middle-east
----
Ireland
pledges funding for UNRWA after US-led withdrawal of support
16
February 2024
azzarini
in Dublin, called the agency's work a "lifeline" for the displaced
Palestinians in Gaza. "There is no replacement for UNRWA's work in
Gaza," the Irish top diplomat said.
Led
by the United States, a whole host of states, namely Canada, Australia,
Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Estonia, Japan,
Austria, and Romania withdrew their financial support for the agency.
The
move was taken over Israeli allegations that 12 of the agency's 13,000-strong
staff in the Gaza Strip were involved in Operation al-Aqsa Storm, an operation
staged by the coastal sliver's resistance groups against the occupied
territories on October 7, 2023.
The
US-led withdrawal of support for UNRWA denies the agency funding worth about
$450 million, which amounts to almost half of the agency's budget for 2024.
The
developments come amid a genocidal war that the Israeli regime has been waging
against Gaza following the Palestinian operation.
More
than 28,660 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have so far died and
around 1.9 million others been displaced in Gaza as a result of the brutal
Israeli onslaught.
Source: presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/02/16/720152/Ireland-Palestine-UNRWA-Gaza-war-Israel
---
Africa
Gunmen
Storm Mosque, Kill Worshippers, Abduct Several Villagers In Katsina
February
16, 2024
DunamisOgalah
Armed
assailants unleashed terror across Katsina State on Wednesday night and
Thursday morning, attacking a mosque, homes, and leaving a trail of death and
abductions in their wake.
The
most devastating incident occurred during Ishai prayer in Yargoje village,
Kankara Local Government Area.
DAILY
POST gathered that the gunmen stormed the mosque, spraying bullets at
worshippers.
“They
just walked in and started shooting,” recounted a witness who narrowly escaped
the attack.
“Two
people were killed right there, and another one was shot as he tried to run
away. It was chaotic.
“The
attack claimed the lives of three individuals and left four others injured. The
injured are receiving treatment at a Kankara hospital. The gunmen also abducted
a man and two women from the village.
“One
of the victims, a man, tried to fight back, but they overpowered him and killed
him,” the source lamented, adding that “they took the two women with them, and
we don’t know where they are.”
Around
2:30 am on Thursday, the gunmen targeted the home of Sani Maikifi, a vigilante
member in UngwarTudunBoka, Kankara.
However,
Maikifi managed to escape through the backyard, but his family wasn’t as
fortunate.
A
source familiar with the incident claimed the attackers had been tracking
Maikifi for some time.
“They’ve
been after him for a while now,” the source told our correspondent.
“They
came looking for him, but he managed to get away. So, they took his wife and
son instead,” he revealed.
Adding
to the night of terror, armed men also invaded Dangani village in Musawa LGA
around 11:30 pm on Wednesday.
They
fired gunshots, causing panic and chaos before abducting an unknown number of
residents.
“They
came shooting sporadically,” reported a resident who witnessed the attack.
“We
heard they were after a rich man from the south who was here visiting a
bereaved family member. They took many people with them,” he added.
The
police are yet to issue a statement on the attacks.
Source: dailypost.ng
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/16/gunmen-storm-mosque-kill-worshippers-abduct-several-villagers-in-katsina/
----
DR
Congo rebel attacks on gold mine and South African soldiers kill 14
15
Feb 2024
Rebel
attacks in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have killed at least
14 people, including two South African soldiers, amid an uptick in violence.
Last
12 people were killed and 16 others kidnapped by rebels from the CODECO armed
group at a gold mine near Djugu district in Ituri province, a civil society
organisation said on Thursday.
Meanwhile,
South Africa said on Thursday that two of its soldiers had been killed by
mortar fire in eastern DRC, the first fatalities since it deployed troops
there.
“As a
result of this indirect fire, the SANDF suffered two fatalities and three
members sustained injuries. The injured were taken to the nearest hospital in
Goma for medical attention,” the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
said.
Both
of the attacks took place on Wednesday.
Violence
has been on the rise in the conflict-hit region in recent weeks, with many
blaming attacks on the M23 rebel group that has been fighting Congolese
soldiers in the region for years.
Kinshasa
says M23, one of more than 120 armed groups in the region, is receiving
military support from neighbouring Rwanda. Experts from the United Nations and
European Union have said there is evidence backing this but Rwanda denies the
allegations.
But
M23 has indicated in recent statements that it is amid an onslaught in eastern
Congo, leading to fears the group is again targeting Goma, which it once seized
10 years ago.
CODECO,
a separate rebel group, is a loose association of militia groups mainly from
the ethnic Lendu farming community. It has fought other rebel groups, and is
known to target areas rich in gold and minerals in the resource-rich country.
Southern
African military mission
Efforts
to reduce violence in the DRC have seen the deployment of thousands of South
African troops as part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC)
mission to fight against armed rebel groups in the east.
South
Africa announced this week it would be sending a new contingent of 2,900
soldiers to eastern Congo. It was not immediately clear if those killed and
injured in Wednesday’s attack were part of that new deployment.
The
base that was hit was in the North Kivu province, SANDF spokesperson SiphiweDlamini
said. The injured were taken to a hospital in the regional capital Goma.
More
than one million people have been displaced by the conflict since November, aid
groups say. That adds to the 6.9 million who already fled their homes in one of
the world’s biggest humanitarian crises.
On
Thursday, the Norwegian Refugee Council said the recent advance of armed groups
toward the key town of Sake, near Goma, “poses an imminent threat to the entire
aid system” in eastern Congo.
“The
isolation of Goma, home to over 2 million people and hosting hundreds of
thousands of displaced individuals who have fled clashes with armed groups,
would bring disastrous consequences to the region,” the NRC said.
Source: aljazeera.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/15/two-south-african-soldiers-killed-in-dr-congo-amid-uptick-in-violence
---
Lagos
Central Mosque presents Baba Adinni to Jam’ah
TajudeenAdebanjo
February
16, 2024
The
Lagos Central Mosque has introduced the newly appointed Baba Adinni of Lagos,
AlhajiSikiruAlabi-Macfoy to the general public.
The
presentation was done before the commencement of Jumat Service. It was
witnessed by executive members of the Lagos Central Mosque, the missioners, ratibis,
some religious, traditional and political leaders.
Shortly
after stepping into the mosque in his full regalia, the Baba Adinni of Lagos
thanked the regular Jam’ah and guests.
He
prayed to Allah to grant the late Baba Adinni, Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou
Al-Jannah Firdau.
AlhajiAlabi-Macfoy
urged Nigerians to continue to pray to Almighty Allah to ease the affairs of
the country, saying that succour will come from Almighty Allah.
He
called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinunu and Governor BabajideSanwo-Olu’s
administrations with prayers.
“When
something has spoiled, you cannot use the magic wand to correct it, you have to
go in stages. Without suffering, you cannot achieve success,” he said.
He
urged the Jammah to keep on praying and have fear of God.
“If
you fear God and you are consistent in your prayer, you will see signs that
your prayers are accepted,” he said.
Chief
Imam of Lagos Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, thereafter, mounted the minbar for
Jumat sermon.
Sheikh
Abou-Nolla also enjoined the congregation to always fear Allah.
AlhajiAlabi-Macfoy
was joined by his wife, AlhajaAwawu and children for photograph session.
Other
guests took turns to take pictures with the 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos.
Congratulating
the Baba Adinni after Jumat prayer, the President-General of Muslim Ummah of
Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), AlhajiRasakiOladejo, said AlhajiAlabi-Macfoy’s
presentation is ordained.
AlhajiOladejo
said: “He (AlhajiAlabi-Macfoy) has gone through the tutelage, because all
along, he has been deputy to the former Baba Adinni and he knows everything
about the mosque management. He’s well loved by everybody. So, we just pray
that God will give him long life, guide and protect him, so that he can run
this particularly mosque very well.”
He
called on Lagosians to rally round and give him the necessary supports.
MUSWEN
Deputy President, who doubles as an Executive member of the Lagos Central
Mosque, AlhajiRafiuEbiti, said the Jam’ah elected him and he is competent to
hold the office.
“We
have faith in him, he is qualified for the position, he has worked with three
different Baba Adinnis and he has gathered enough wealth of experience to drive
the affairs of the Jam’ah.
He
expressed optimism that Alabi-Macfoy’s tenure will turn round the mosque’s
activities.
Iya
Sunnah of Lagos, AlhajaMuinatShopeyin-Akande, described the newly appointed
Baba Adinni as a good and nice person.
“I
wish long life life. I urged him to be patient and embrace the qualities of the
late Baba Adinni,” she said.
Among
the guests in attendance were Alhaji T.A. Oki; Dr JubrilOyekan; members of
Rostrum; All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Secretary of the
Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) AlhajiMutiu Are; AlhajiOladosuFashola; Alhaji Akeem Apatira; President of
Anwar-Ul-Islam Society AlhajiMubashiruOjelade; Alhaji Rasheed Giwa;
RosulEshilokun; Alhaji A.A. Mustapha; APC Lagos Island Chairman, GaniuSodiq; Alhaji Chief Muritala Adamson;
AlhajiAwelenje; AlhajiJideEko; AlhajiSurajudeenLawal; Sheu of Lagos Sheikh
Mustapha Eshilokun; JamiuFolorunshoFashola; AlhajiMuyideen Ibrahim;
AlhajiAbdulBaqeeYemisi-Coker; AlhajiDapo Elias; Alhaji Rasheed Akindele; AlhajiMuritala Ibrahim;
AlhajiNurudeenJelil-Owo; OtunbaDapoAlli-Balogun; MusiliuAriyo; Sulaimon Bakusa;
Tijani Abdulhammed; BadmusMolakeJaji and AlhajiLabinjo.
The
female guests include AlhajaAwawuFujah; AlhajaSherifatOlugbode; AlhajaAwelenje;
AlhajaSofiatAnimashaun; AlhajaRukayatOlubukola; wives of Barons and
AlhajaOluwatoyinElemoro among others.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://thenationonlineng.net/lagos-central-mosque-presents-baba-adinni-to-jamah/
----
Anti-Western
demonstrations in DR Congo as fighting escalates in east
February
16, 2024
Anti-Western
demonstrations rocked the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, with
protesters denouncing what they said was silence in the international community
over deaths caused by fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese army.
Demonstrators
burnt tyres and the flags of the United States and Belgium near Western
embassies and the headquarters of MONUSCO, the UN mission in the DRC.
They
said Western countries are supporting Rwanda which is accused of backing the
Tutsi-led M23 rebellion in the North Kivu province.
"What
the Congolese reproach the international community for is its silence and
indifference in the face of the massacres suffered by their compatriots in the
east,” said analyst and security expert, Amani Kombi.
He
added that while demonstrations of this kind were not new, Monday’s protests
were on a different level.
The
Congolese government sent police to protect the embassies and UN headquarters
but did not denounce the violence against its Western partners.
“The
government is in an impasse because it has difficulty differentiating between
action and condemnation. I would have liked the two to be combined, but today
we realise the government is in a form of impasse, which is why it’s following
in the footsteps of the people," said Kombi.
Fighting
between government forces and the M23 in the eastern North Kivu province has
escalated recently and is drawing closer to its capital, Goma.
The
group launched the offensive in late 2021, capturing swathes of the province
and driving over one million people from their homes.
“It's
now up to the government to take things in hand and adopt a serious approach to
this war,” said Kombi.
"I
think that in the past, the government hasn't really negotiated with a credible
interlocutor, which in my opinion is still Rwanda, because the M23 are nothing
more than auxiliaries," he said.
Kigali
has denied that it supports the M23, but Western governments, including the
United States and Belgium, and the United Nations say the rebel group benefits
from Rwandan support.
The
eastern part of the DRC has been plagued by violence from local and foreign
armed groups for nearly 30 years.
Source: africanews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/15/anti-western-demonstrations-in-dr-congo-as-fighting-escalates-in-east/
----
UNICEF
hands over $300m lifesaving health supplies to Borno govt
AtikuGaladima
February 15, 2024
The
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over lifesaving health
supplies worth over $300 million to the Borno state government.
Speaking
at a brief handover ceremony in Maiduguri on Thursday, the UNICEF Chief of
Borno Field Office, Phuong T. Nguyen, said a quarter of health facilities in
north-east Nigeria have been destroyed, while a shortage of health workers and
essential equipment and drugs has impeded the delivery of quality health
services to pregnant women, newborns, and children.
She
noted that the intervention was to ensure that pregnant women, newborns, and
vulnerable children are getting better healthcare services to fulfil their
potential.
According
to her, women and children have paid the highest cost of armed conflict in
north-east Nigeria, especially in 2020. Each day of conflict claimed the lives
of 170 children from direct and indirect causes in northeast Nigeria, which
reduced access to health services, based on the United Nations (UNDP) agency
report.
She
explained that UNICEF will soon hand over a newly built primary health care
centre and supplies worth over $15,000 already installed at the Hajj Camp
Clinic to strengthen healthcare delivery for children and adults affected by
conflict in Borno State.
“Protracted
conflict has continued to contribute to disease outbreaks and maternal and
child mortality rates, including child malnutrition in north-east Nigeria.
“With
this intervention, pregnant women, newborns, and children affected by conflict
in Borno State will be able to access qualitative healthcare services in their
communities through the provision of essential health supplies in primary
healthcare facilities located in their communities.
“This
support is in addition to other essential health and nutrition services UNICEF
and donors are providing to conflict-affected women and children through the
government and other partners.”.
She
further explained that UNICEF will continue to work with governments across the
northeast to ensure the survival and wellbeing of women and children.
Receiving
the medical supplies, the Borno state commissioner of health, Prof. Malam Gana,
said the equipment would go a long way in reducing neonatal morbidity and
mortality in Borno.
He
explained that Borno State is one of the states in Nigeria with the highest
indices of maternal mortality and neonatal mortality, but UNICEF is committed
to seeing that every child and pregnant woman gets the best health care
delivery in the state.
“I
will like to recall the generosity of UNICEF in terms of assisting the Borno
state government, especially in this 13th year of insurgency, which has
resulted in the loss of 45 per cent of our health care facilities; some of them
were partially damaged and some of them were neglected by the insurgents, and
it has led to the loss of a lot of personnel; some were kidnapped, some were
killed, and some have suffered from distress disorder, which has left Borno
state in a callous and critical situation.
“But
with the assistance of UNICEF, we have gotten some succour,” said Gana.
Source: tribuneonlineng.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://tribuneonlineng.com/unicef-hands-over-300m-lifesaving-health-supplies-to-borno-govt/
----
South Asia
Haqqani
Tells Former Afghan Politicians to Stop Holding Gatherings Abroad
February
15, 2024
Nazir
Shinwari
The
acting minister of refugees and repatriation asked former government members
who are in opposition to the Islamic Emirate to stop holding gatherings abroad.
Speaking
at the 35th anniversary of the withdrawal of the former Soviet Union Red Army
from Afghanistan, Khalil Rahman Haqqani also criticized countries that are
hosting such gatherings.
He
said that political figures should not try to ruin the Islamic Emirate.
“No
matter for what cause they [countries] host them [former Afghan politicians],
train them or impose another war on Afghanistan, we will not forgive them,”
said Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the acting minister of Refugees and Repatriation.
Although
Haqqani did not name any specific country, he added that drones of some
countries violate the space of Afghanistan.
The
acting minister said it was against international law.
“No
matter from what soil, route or port we are threatened, countries should
remember that we we will hold them accountable for any [potential] attacks they
launch,” said Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the acting minister of Refugees and
Repatriation.
Earlier,
the political deputy minister of foreign affairs and other officials of the
Islamic Emirate said that Afghanistan’s space is still occupied by US planes.
They
have asked Pakistan not to allow its space to be used by other countries
against Afghanistan.
Source: tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://tolonews.com/index.php/afghanistan-187431
-----
Bangladesh-India
Urs Special Train: A Symbol Of Friendship For Over 100yrs
Feb
15, 2024
A
special train left Chuadanga'sDarshana today with 2,250 devotees who will
attend the annual Urs at Jora mosque in Midinipur, West Bengal.
The
train left Rajbari at 10:30pm yesterday and reached Darshana International
Railway Station at 12:10 pm. It left for Medinipur at 10:30am today.
The
special train that runs between the two countries once a year has been in
operation since 1902.
Mirza
Kamrul Hasan, superintendent of Darshana International Railway Station, said the
special train left for India at 10:30am with 2,250 passengers following all
rules.
The
devotees included 1,312 men, 858 women, and 80 children.
Abdul
Aziz Quadri, general secretary of religious institution Anjuman-e-Quaderia of
Rajbari said that the Urs will be held at MedinipurJora Mosque on February 17
night.
For
more than 100 years, this special train has been a bridge of friendship between
the two countries as many Bangladeshis travel by train to attend the religious
event every year, he said.
Aziz Quadri
said that the Indian embassy provides visa to Bangladeshi devotees in
collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.
The
railway authorities have taken all measures so that passengers can reach their
destination safely, Rajbari Railway Station Master Tanmoy Kumar Dutta said,
adding that guards, electricians, and attendants have been appointed so that
there is no disruption in the devotees' journey by the train.
The
devotees will return home by the same train on February 19.
Darshana
International Immigration In-Charge Atiq Hasan said tight security measures
have been taken for the passengers.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bangladesh-india-urs-special-train-symbol-friendship-over-100yrs-3544676
---
World
Bank allocates $300 million aid to Afghanistan, away from Taliban’s reach
Fidel
Rahmati
February
16, 2024
According
to the report, The World Bank will allocate around $300 million in aid to
Afghanistan, “away from the Taliban’s reach.
According
to the French News Agency, The World Bank’s executive board has approved a new
approach to “support the people of Afghanistan.
This
is the first time since the Taliban took over the country that the World Bank
is allocating money to Afghanistan.
Under
the new approach referred to as “Approach 3.0,” the World Bank will revive
infrastructure projects that were halted after the Taliban takeover of
Afghanistan.
A
World Bank spokesperson told the French news agency that based on the approach
known as the “International Development Association,” which supports the
poorest countries, $300 million will be allocated to Afghanistan in the next 15
months.
The
World Bank, in a statement about its new approach to Afghanistan, said that
since August 2021, it has provided over $1.5 billion to the Afghanistan
Reconstruction Trust Fund, covering approximately 25 million people.
According
to the bank, the new funds will be provided to Afghanistan as per the request
of supporters of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund. The World Bank
statement does not specify the amount of the new contributions.
According
to the statement, the World Bank’s new approach prioritizes women in project
implementation, ensuring that projects are executed by and for women.
Resumption
of “CASA-1000 Project”
The
World Bank also announced in a part of its statement that the work on the
Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project in
Afghanistan is being resumed.
The
bank announced that the resumption of the project, which involves three
countries – Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, is at their request.
Additionally, the statement noted that work on this project in three other
countries is nearing completion.
The
CASA-1000 project, valued at $1.2 billion, is said to transmit clean energy
from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan through Afghanistan to Pakistan.
The
World Bank, by announcing the resumption of work on this project, stated that
all construction payments and revenues in the future will be managed outside of
Afghanistan and will remain beyond the reach of the Taliban.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.khaama.com/world-bank-allocates-300-million-aid-to-afghanistan-away-from-talibans-reach/
----
OCHA:
Afghanistan needs $367 million for health aid
Fidel
Rahmati
February
15, 2024
The
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has
announced that $367 million is needed for health services in Afghanistan in
2024.
OCHA
stated on Thursday, through a message on its official media platform X, that
this budget has been requested to support various health sectors.
According
to the UN coordinating office, this budget is necessary to improve access to
health services, provide mental health support services, manage nutrition, and
strengthen preparedness and response to disease outbreaks.
Previously,
relief agencies in Afghanistan had expressed concerns about the reduction in
aid and called for addressing the current crisis in the country.
Human
rights watchdogs have also described the state of healthcare services in
Afghanistan as catastrophic, emphasizing that the significant reduction in
foreign aid and imposition of restrictions against women are among the main
factors contributing to this catastrophe.
This
comes as the reduction in health aid to the health sector in Afghanistan has
led to an increase in severe malnutrition and illness.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.khaama.com/ocha-afghanistan-needs-367-million-for-health-aid/
----
Soviet
Withdrawal Major Day of Victory in Afghan History: Hanafi
February
15, 2024
The
Islamic Emirate's deputy prime minister for administrative affairs said that
the 26th of Dalwa (February 15) is a major day of victory for the people of
Afghanistan.
Speaking
at the 35th anniversary of the withdrawal of the former Soviet Union's Red Army
from Afghanistan, Abdul Salam Hanafi said that the Afghan people have proven
that they will not allow any country to occupy Afghanistan.
“The
people of Afghanistan have always given a crushing answer to anyone who came to
Afghanistan with the intention of occupation. In addition to the recent evemts,
the British attacked Afghanistan three times before. They came to Afghanistan
and left Afghanistan in a defeated state,” said Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Islamic
Emirate's deputy prime minister for administrative affairs.
“Our
Afghans have always fought for the truth and have faced disbelief, injustice
and oppression and have always won,” said Noor Mohammad Saqib, the acting minister
for Hajj and Islamic Affairs.
The
deputy prime minister reiterated that the Islamic Emirate wants friendly
relations with all countries in the region and the world.
“We
want good relations with all our neighbors, with all countries in the region
and beyond. The territory of Afghanistan is not used against the security of
any of the neighboring countries, the region and the extra region,” said Abdul
Salam Hanafi, the Islamic Emirate's deputy prime minister for administrative
affairs.
Hanafi
said to ensure the survival of the Islamic Emirate, the government officials
should behave properly with the people.
The
acting minister of Hajj and Islamic Affairs said that those who consider
occupying Afghanistan would face the destiny of the Soviet Union and the US.
Source: tolonews.com
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https://tolonews.com/index.php/afghanistan-187432
------
Khalilzad:
Lots of rights violations around the world, and it’s not just responsibility of
US forces
February
16, 2024
There
are lots of violations of human rights around the world, and it’s not just the
responsibility of the US forces, Zalmay Khalilzad, former US special envoy for
Afghanistan reconciliation, said on Thursday.
Khalilzad
made the remarks at at a Republican-led House of Representatives Foreign
Affairs Committee hearing.
Democrat
Kathy Manning said she was “shocked” by the 2020 deal and accused Khalilzad of
playing a hand in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) victory, saying
they “gave up all the leverage” with the landmark agreement.
Manning
particularly emphasised the deal’s failure to include any conditions on the
status of women.
“I
certainly cannot see any protection of Afghan women and girls [in the Doha
Agreement] … Apparently, the protection of women and girls was not important to
President Trump,” Manning said.
Khalilzad
argued that the status of women in Afghanistan was meant to be included in
US-supported, intra-Afghan negotiations after a withdrawal and the
establishment of a shared government.
“The
key issue for you and for our other leaders is whether achieving the goals that
you outline on women should have been a precondition or withdrawal … there are
lots of violations of human rights around the world, and it’s not just the
responsibility of the US forces,” Khalilzad said.
Keith
Self, a Republican, called it “naive to think the Taliban (IEA) was ever going
to live up to anything”.
“Over
a span of 20 years dealing with a region, this entire process that we’ve heard
today is extremely naive, and, sir, I find you in the middle of it,” Self told
Khalilzad.
Khalilzad
repeatedly emphasised that the ultimate blame for the demise of American goals
in a postwar Afghanistan rested with Ashraf Ghani’s government.
“I
will put the responsibility for what happened largely on the shoulders of the
Afghan government leadership for not standing for their government, for their
system and for the values that they said they had,” he told the committee.
But
he conceded that Washington’s calculations were clearly wrong on the direction
a postwar Afghanistan would take.
“The
assumption was, it turned out to be wrong, that the government would not
collapse, that it would have more forces, weapons, more international standing,
more money,” he said.
Khalilzad
has previously said that he believes Washington did not put enough pressure on
Ghani to share power with the IEA.
Source: ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/khalilzad-lots-of-rights-violations-around-the-world-and-its-not-just-responsibility-of-us-forces/
----
BNP
to continue movement to restore democracy: Fakhrul
Feb
15, 2024
BNP
Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party will continue
their ongoing peaceful movement for the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.
"Our
peaceful movement will continue. The people of Bangladesh are fighting for the
rights to vote, for the rights of democracy. We will continue our movement
until the people's victory," Fakhrul told reporters after his release from
Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj this afternoon.
Over
one hundred BNP leaders and activists greeted Fakhrul and standing committee
member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury with flowers and chanted slogans as they
walked out of the prison gate around 3:45pm.
"The
people of Bangladesh will be victorious in the ongoing movement," Fakhrul
said.
"BNP's
movement has not suffered any loss. The movement to restore voting rights will
continue. It is the government that has suffered a loss by holding the
one-sided election on January 7. BNP has not suffered any loss."
Khasru
said, "The people of Bangladesh have voted for democracy. So we will
continue our movement with the people of Bangladesh until the restoration of
democracy is successful."
He
said the Awami League government has "illegally seized power" through
an election that "deprived people of their rights".
"Those
who have illegally seized power, it [power] must be taken away from them and
given back to the people," Khasru said, adding that they were unfairly
jailed.
"They
[Awami League] have usurped power by depriving people of their rights and
holding elections by force. The people of the country have rejected them. They
have been morally defeated in the election," he added.
According
to the party sources, the two top officials returned home after being released.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/bnp-continue-movement-restore-democracy-fakhrul-3544556
----
Arab World
Saudi
foreign minister arrives in Germany to head delegation at Munich Security
Conference
February
16, 2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Germany on
Thursday to head the Kingdom’s delegation at the Munich Security Conference.
Prince
Faisal is expected to discuss the most prominent international issues and ways
of enhancing multilateral action to strengthen international peace and
security, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said.
The
Saudi delegation will also hold bilateral meetings with heads of delegations
from several countries, and the most prominent figures attending the
conference.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460921/saudi-arabia
----
Saudi
Arabia, UK’s Science Museum Group to launch joint program
February
15, 2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia's Assistant Culture Minister Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Tawq and the
director of the UK’s Science Museum Group Ian Blatchford have signed a deal to
launch a joint executive program, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The
agreement came as part of the official visit to the UK of Saudi Culture
Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah to boost bilateral cultural relations.
The
two sides are to encourage cooperation and cultural exchange following the
deal, with a focus on developing training programs and facilitating the
exchange of expertise in the museum sector.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460896/saudi-arabia
----
Yemeni
forces claim ‘direct hit’ on British ship in Gulf of Aden
15
February 2024
Yemen
says its armed forces fired missiles at a British ship passing though the Gulf
of Aden on Thursday and scored a “direct hit” in their latest operation in
solidarity with the Palestinians.
The
forces carried out "a military operation targeting a British ship... while
it was sailing through the Gulf of Aden", military spokesman Yahya Saree
said on social media.
Two
Western maritime security agencies earlier reported an explosion near a vessel
off the coast of Yemen.
The
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the ship reported "an
explosion in close proximity to the vessel" east of Yemen's Aden, adding
the vessel was sailing to its next port of call.
Security
firm Ambrey said a "bulk carrier was targeted by an explosive projectile
whilst transiting" east of Aden.
The
projectile, Ambrey said, exploded off the vessel and caused "minor damage
due to shrapnel impacting a diesel generator pipe which led to a diesel
leak".
Yemen’s
armed forces have been targeting Israeli ships and those bound for Israeli
ports since November in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza which has been
subject to five months of ferocious airstrikes and a ground invasion.
The
Yemeni operations have prompted some shipping companies to detour around
southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, which normally carries about 12 percent
of global maritime trade.
The
Yemeni army says only Israeli, US and British ships are targeted, stating that
other countries can rest assured of the safety of their cargoes.
Last
November, UK-owned ship The Galaxy Leader sailing through the Red Sea was hit
by rocket fire, according to Ambrey.
Yemen
has declared an open war against US and British interests since the two
countries launched a military campaign against the Arab country in support of
Israel.
On
Thursday, the US military said it conducted strikes against what it claimed as
mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile unmanned aerial vehicles, and an
explosive unmanned surface vessel in Yemen.
Yemen’s
Saba news agency reported several strikes on the Red Sea coastal province of
Hudaydah.
CENTCOM
said an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from Yemen into the Gulf of
Aden.
'Failure
of US, UK aggression'
In a
speech on Thursday, Yemen’s Ansarullah leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said the
United States had launched around 40 strikes this week, most of them on
Hudaydah.
"This
equation of America threatening and everyone being a spectator is over,"
he said.
Al-Houthi
said US attacks would fail to deter Yemeni forces from striking vessels if a
ceasefire in Gaza is not reached.
“We
will continue our operations as long as Israel continues its crimes,” he said.
"According
to the enemies' own admission, the American and British aggression has failed
to achieve its goals. Our American and British enemies have admitted the
influence of the Yemeni front in supporting Gaza against the Israeli enemy,” he
added.
The
effectiveness of Yemen’s operations at sea, al-Houthi said, has reached the
point of preventing the traffic of ships related to the Israeli regime where
their movement has almost reached zero.
Al-Houthi
also warned the European Union against being drawn into the US and British
military campaign after member states last month gave initial backing to a
naval mission in the Red Sea.
"European
countries should not listen to the Americans or the British, and should not
involve themselves in matters that do not concern them or affect them," he
said.
Al-Houthi
said the US bears the primary responsibility for the destruction and crimes in
Gaza and the continuation of the war.
“The
Israeli enemy has dropped more than 25,000 tonnes of American munitions and
bombs to kill the children and women of Gaza and destroy their homes.”
Al-Houthi
said the amount of explosives used by the enemy against the people of Gaza is
equivalent to four atomic bombs that the US dropped on the Japanese city of
Hiroshima in 1945.
According
to the Ansarullah leader, the US is directly involved in Israeli crimes through
participating in the flight of warplanes, spying and identifying and providing
the necessary information and planning operations and aggression against Gaza.
Source: presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/02/15/720149/Yemeni-forces-claim-%E2%80%98direct-hit%E2%80%99-on-British-ship-in-Gulf-of-Aden-
----
Third
Group of Guests of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Program Arrives in Madinah
15
Feb, 2024
Participants
in the third group of the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
Program for Umrah and Visit for 2024, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic
Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, all arrived in Madinah today.
The delegations of the program's guests
include around 250 male and female Umrah performers representing Jordan, Iraq,
Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Chad,
Ethiopia, Cameroon, Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda.
The program includes a visit to the Prophet's
Mosque and the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex in Madinah before
heading to Makkah to perform Umrah.
Participants in the program expressed their
happiness and commended the hospitality they have received, extending their
gratitude and thanks for the Kingdom for the services and attention for its
guests.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/7ca33a56abf14bc6a131d5de9769f529
----
Saudi
and French ministers discuss increased security cooperation
February
16, 2024
RIYADH:
The Saudi minister of interior, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, and his
French counterpart Gerald Darmanin discussed the expansion of security
cooperation between their countries during a meeting in Riyadh on Thursday.
The
prince said this was in keeping with directives from King Salman and Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, based on the longstanding good relationship between
the two nations.
The
ministers witnessed the signing of a joint plan for several initiatives and
projects designed to boost cooperation between their ministries, and also
discussed other topics of mutual interest.
Darmanin
also held talks with the minister of Islamic affairs, dawah and guidance,
Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, during which he commended the Kingdom for its efforts to
promote the principles of moderate Islam and combat extremism and terrorism. He
also expressed his admiration for the remarkable progress in the Kingdom’s
process of transformation.
Al-Sheikh
said Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of its leaders, is committed to promoting
the values of moderation and tolerance, denouncing extremism, and respecting
all people.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460931/saudi-arabia
----
Saudi
Arabia’s KSrelief sends humanitarian aid to Ukraine
February
15, 2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia has sent more than 130 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine through
its relief arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.
Two
aircraft loaded with aid took off on Thursday from King Khalid International
Airport in Riyadh for Poland’s Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, where packages will be
unloaded and forwarded to neighboring Ukraine.
“KSrelief’s
air bridge to Ukraine is an important aid mission to assist people in Ukraine.
Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, is committed to continuing its efforts to
alleviate the suffering of civilians in Ukraine and elsewhere based on our
guiding principle of preserving life,” said Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, KSrelief’s
supervisor general.
The
two cargo planes are carrying 50,000 units of baby milk and more than 16,000
items needed by Ukrainian families and businesses, including large electrical
appliances.
The
first aircraft, carrying 72 tons of humanitarian aid, departed Riyadh at 5 a.m
on Thursday. A second plane took off at noon, carrying 60 tons of aid.
As
part of KSrelief’s aid program for Ukraine, the center will carry out 15
deliveries of essential materials, including generators, electronic supplies,
refrigerators and baby food canisters.
It
comes as a part of aid initiatives led by the Kingdom to alleviate impact of
war and disaster on people around the world.
“We
will continue to send aid as long as it is needed, and pray for the end of hostilities
and their impact on innocent people,” Al-Rabeeah said.
On
Oct. 15, 2022, the Kingdom pledged $400 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine,
which included a joint cooperation program co-signed by KSrelief and Ukraine to
provide humanitarian relief worth $100 million.
In
August that year, Al-Rabeeah visited a medical transport station in Przemysl,
Poland, and called for the urgent supply of medical aid to Ukrainian refugees.
Following
his visit, medical and shelter aid worth $10 million was supplied for refugees
fleeing Ukraine to neighboring countries in Europe.
KSrelief
has also worked with international partners such as the World Health
Organization and UNHCR to develop strategic alliances in support of Ukrainian
refugees, prioritizing immediate relief and fostering resilience among affected
populations.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460761/saudi-arabia
----
India
Haldwani
Muslims Fear Death Toll Maybe Higher Than Official Figures: Fact-Finding Report
16.02.24
New
Delhi: In the aftermath of the violence which erupted in Gafoor Basti, Haldwani
on February 8 over the demolition of a mosque and madrasa built on government
land, the police searched approximately 300 homes and the reported beatings,
detentions and property damages and internet shutdown in the area aggravated
the fear of the locals and they feel that the actual death toll may be higher
than the official figures, a seven-member fact finding team wrote in a report
on the Haldwani violence.
Officially,
six people were reportedly killed in the clashes. The incident was an “outcome”
of the “narrative” built by Uttarakhand Chief Minster Pushkar Dhami and radical
right-wing citizen groups to create the northern state as “a Devbhoomi – the
holy land for Hindus, which would have no place for other religious
minorities,” the citizen fact finding report by Association for Protection of Civil
Rights (APCR), Karawan-e-Mohabbat and civil rights activist Zahid Qadri
suggested.
The
report underlined that there was a steady rise in communal tempers in
Uttarakhand over the last couple of years which also resulted in calls for
economic and social boycotts of Muslims and eviction of Muslim tenets from
houses and shops and demands and threats for them to leave the state.
Further,
the members of the fact finding team highlighted that the Haldwani incident was
also a result of Dhami’s projection of the “the destruction of 3000 Mazaars” in
the state as an “accomplishment” of his government and “being silent on
unauthorised Hindu religious structures in forest and Nazul lands” (a type of
government land used for non-agricultural, public purpose such as building,
road, market and playground).
The
fact finding team visited Haldwani on February 14 and prepared the interim
report based on the conversations with civil society members, journalists,
writers and lawyers and telephonic conversations with a few affected persons
who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Eviction
stayed by Supreme Court
Recently,
several disputes arose regarding the legal ownership of tracts of urban land in
Muslim majority areas in Haldwani. While Muslims who occupy these lands claim
to be the rightful lessees, the state government suggest that these are
government lands, as per the report.
Further,
the Supreme Court ordered a stay on the proposed eviction related to the claims
by the Indian Railways regarding settlements in Railway land occupied by Muslim
residents in Haldwani.
The
bulldozers were out while matter was sub-judice
The
dispute is related to around six acres of land in which a 20-year-old mosque
and a madrasa are located.
The
masjid and madrasa were sealed by the local municipality on February 4 after a
group of ulemas met the municipality officials to plead against the eviction
notices served on January 30 to vacate both the mosque and madrasa.
According
to the report, the police asserted that the land belonged to the government
while Sofiya Malik who claimed to be the lessee of the disputed land approached
the Uttarakhand High Court due to these recent developments.
A
single judge bench heard the matter on February 8 and the next hearing was on
February 14. The local residents told the fact finding team that on February 8
evening the local officers arrived with bulldozers, municipal workers and
significant police protection to undertake the demolition of the mosque and the
madrasa “despite the matter being sub-judice”.
Community
anger fuelled as women were beaten
According
to the fact finding report, a group of women residents who stood before the
bulldozers in a bid to prevent the demolitions were reportedly forcefully
removed, dragged and beaten by male and female police personnel.
The
police action angered the local community. Moreover, their plea that the Quran
and other sacred properties in the mosque be respectfully handed over to the
imam before the demolition was also brushed aside, as per the report.
As
the demolition began the local Muslims pelted stones and municipal workers and
journalist who were present on the spot were injured. However, there is video
evidence that highlights that the police also resorted to stone throwing on the
crowd, the fact finding team wrote.
Police
vehicles set on fire by the locals; violence escalated
The
report also underlined that the violence rapidly escalated as crowds set
vehicles near the police station on fire which resulted in parts of the police
station being ablaze. While the police responded with firing, it is unclear
when the firing started and when formal shoot-at-sight orders were given, the
report mentioned.
Source: thewire.in
Please
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https://thewire.in/communalism/haldwani-muslims-fear-death-toll-maybe-higher-than-official-figures-fact-finding-report
----
2024
elections and electoral choices before Indian Muslims
Ram
Puniyani
16.02.24
As
the 2024 General Elections are looming on the horizon some Muslim elite are
appealing to Muslim community to give a relook at BJP. They claim that Indian
Muslims are not being discriminated against. Such intellectuals also argue that
BJP is giving special attention to Pasmanda Muslims and the Sufi Muslims. They
also argue that Muslims are beneficiaries of BJP’s schemes for social welfare:
food; housing; gas; water among others and lastly that there has been no major
communal violence since 2014 and that India has been most peaceful during the
last fifty years.
Such
appeals are based on half truths and ignore the core problem which shapes the
lives of Muslims in India. True, some elite Muslims may not be facing the
problems so severely but overall the central issue of insecurity,
marginalization and ghettoization as a whole is not accounted for in such
appeals. The point that there is no major violence against Muslims since 2014
is a blatant lie. The horrific Delhi violence in the aftermath of massive
Shaheen Baugh movement, instigated by BJP worthies, (GoliMaro, and ‘we will get
them removed from the place of Dharna’) led to the death of 51 people, 37 of
those being Muslims.
Day
in and day out bulldozers are on the streets to target the Muslim properties,
on one or the other pretexts. In BJP ruled states there seems to be a competition
as to who can inflict more damage to Muslim properties. AP Shah, a retired
chief justice of the Delhi High Court, affirmed to the news portal Coda, “Mere
alleged involvement in criminal activity cannot ever be grounds for demolition
of property.” While the cow beef politics has led to stray animals causing
accidents on roads and in attacks on the standing crops on one hand on the
other it has led to initiation of a new phenomenon of lynching on Indian
streets. Starting from Mohammad Akhlaq there are many cases where Muslims (and
also dalits) have been the target of the incited mobs.
The
case of Monu Manesar who was part of the crime of Nasir and Junaid is most
frightening. Harsh Mander who visited victims’ families wrote “I am profoundly
chilled as I scan social media pages of Monu Manesar. He and members of his
gang live stream as they openly brandish sophisticated firearms, sound sirens
mimicking police jeeps, shoot at vehicles, and brutally thrash the men they
catch.” The proper data of bovine related violence is not available as the
state wants to hide it, but it has created a fear among large sections of
Muslims. In Mewat in particular where Muslims deal with dairy business face a
tough time. Just a couple of horrific incidents which give us chills in our
spine are when ShambhulalRegar not only killed but videotaped brutal killing of
Afrazul in Rajasthan. We saw those accused of murdering Kalimuddin Ansari feted
by Jayant Sinha, a Union Minister at the time. Such incidents have now become
‘new normal’.
We
also saw the scare created around Love Jihad and then types of Jihad were
tabulated, UPSC, Land Jihad among others. The amusing one was Corona Jihad,
where the Tablighi Jamaat meeting was blamed for the spread of Corona, the
Muslims hawkers were denied entry into societies.
Islamophobia
is reaching new heights by the day. This intimidatory atmosphere is leading the
rise in the process of ghettoisation of Muslims in the cities. Muslims are
being denied housing in the mixed localities in most places. This is
accompanied by the decline in their educational and economic status. One
example of this is the scrapping of Maulana Azad Fellowship, the major
beneficiaries of which have been the Muslim students trying to pursue higher
education. The economic climb-down of the community continues in recent years.
Gallup data shows that, “For both groups, (Hindus and Muslims) perceptions that
standards of living were worsening shot up between 2018 and 2019, as the Indian
economy entered a deep slowdown. Among Muslim Indians, the percentage jumped to
45% in 2019, up from 25% the previous year. And among Hindu Indians, the
percentage saying the same hit 37% in 2019, an increase of 19 percentage points
from 2018.”
The
threat of disenfranchising the Muslims through exercise of NRC, CAA is very
much there. The Assam exercise showed that among the 19 Lakh people who did not
have proper papers the majority were Hindus. For Hindus the safety clause of
CAA is in place and for Muslims, detention centers are coming up.
The present
show of sympathy for Pasmanda Muslims is a mere eye wash. We understand the
majority of victims of violence inspired by majoritarian politics are Pasmanda
Muslims. The Muslim Ashrafs do need to ensure better treatment of the
Pasmandas, but the bigger threat for the community as a whole is the
insecurity, which affects them both and makes a fertile ground for orthodox
elements to flourish. Reform amongst Muslim community is a must, however the
point is reforms remain in the backyard till the community feels the threat to
their existence and to their citizenship.
The
BJP Government in different states is now planning things which are further
discriminatory against Muslims. With Ram Temple inaugurated the RSS-BJP’s
majoritarian politics may become more assertive. Already Muslims have been
losing representation in the political institutions. We remember that in this
Hindu nationalist party not a single MP is a Muslim.
Even
earlier governments could not alleviate the suffering of this community. The
major obstacle in this direction has been the opposition from RSS-BJP. Sachar
Committee has been an example of how any affirmative action for this deprived
community is marred. In the aftermath of this report, the then Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh stated that deprived and marginalized communities have the first
right on national resources. That was propagated as if Singh is saying that
Muslims have the first right on national resources. And then there was a brake
in any initiative to alleviate the miseries of this community.
BJP’s
claim that its free rations etc. are reaching all sections of society. Such
schemes and the very concept of Labharthis is so much against the democratic
‘Rights based approach’. We do need to introspect about electoral choices in
general for all the communities, and of course the luring of Muslim community
is a hollow drum bereft of any substance.
—
Source: muslimmirror.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://muslimmirror.com/eng/2024-elections-and-electoral-choices-before-indian-muslims/
----
MP:
Muslim man held, house razed after upper-caste men strip, beat tribal
15th
February 2024
In a
horrific incident, a tribal young man was subjected to inhumane brutality as he
was stripped naked, hung upside down and beaten by upper-caste men in the Betul
district of Madhya Pradesh.
A
Muslim man was arrested for the incident and his house was demolished by state
authorities.
The
incident happened on November 15, during the MP Assembly elections where the
Bhartiya Janata Party emerged victorious.
However,
the video of the incident recently went viral on social media recently.
What
happened?
The
victim, Ashish Parte, hailing from Banspani village in Betul district, runs a
tea shop. Local reports suggest that he was subjected to brutality on suspicion
of extorting money from cattle carts and cow smugglers.
Parte
was invited by one of the accused Rinkesh Chauhan to the arrested accused
Shohrab’s house. Other men were also present. They took off his clothes and
started beating him. Then hung him upside down and assaulted him with belts and
sticks, according to reports.
Somehow,
Parte managed to escape but did not lodge a police complaint out of fear of
being attacked again.
But
as the video went viral on social media platforms, Parte, along with his elder
brother lodged a complaint recently and an FIR was registered.
Muslim
man arrested, house demolished
Police
have named Shohrab, in whose house the incident took place, as prime accused
and he was arrested on Wednesday, February 15.
Moreover,
his house was bulldozed by the district administration as it was allegedly
built on ‘encroached land’.
The
tribal victim Ashish Parte had named six people in his FIR. However, the other
accused belonging to upper caste, remain absconding.
Betul
police said that search is on for the other accused.
Source: siasat.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.siasat.com/muslim-man-held-house-razed-after-upper-caste-men-strip-beat-tribal-2977394/
----
PM
Modi thanks Emir of Qatar for release of 8 Indian naval veterans
16
Feb 2024
NEW
DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday conveyed his "deep
appreciation" to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for the
release of eight Indian naval veterans, previously on death row.
"PM
Modi thanked the Emir, for his support for the welfe of the Indian community
and, in this regard, expressed his deep appreciation for the release of eight
Indian nationals of Al-Dahra company. We are extremely gratified to see them
back in India. PM Modi invited the Emir to visit India,’’ Foreign Secretary
Vinay Mohan Kwatra said in Doha on Thursday.
After
the talks at the majestic Amiri Palace in this Qatari capital city, Modi
described his meeting with the Emir as "wonderful" and said the
bilateral ties are growing "stronger and stronger" and both the
nations are looking forward to collaborating in futuristic sectors that will
benefit the planet.
"My
visit to Qatar has added new vigour to the India-Qatar friendship. India looks
forward for scaling up cooperation in key sectors relating to trade,
investment, technology and culture. I thank the government and people of Qatar
for their hospitality,’’ said PM Modi.
The
two leaders discussed at length various elements of bilateral engagement as
also issues of regional importance to both countries. This was followed by a
dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Qatar in honour of PM Modi. The dinner
was attended by senior ministers on both sides.
"I
had discussions with PM Modi in which we reviewed important aspects of our
growing historical and economic relations and discussed the most prominent common
priorities and broad lines for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the next
stage in light of the promising capabilities and opportunites our two friendly
nations possess,’’ said the Emir of Qatar.
The
two leaders held detailed discussions, first in a delegation level format and
then in the restricted format. The topics of discussion included wide range of
areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade partnership, investment
cooperation, energy partnership, issues engaged in regional security, cultural
affinity, and people-to-people ties. They spoke about the need for strategic
investment and strategic partnership in the field of energy and technology.
They also discussed issues of regional and international importance.
The
third and the last segment was PM Modi meeting with His Highness, the Father
Amir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Prime
Minister congratulated His Highness, the Father Amir on his visionary
leadership that has paved the way for Qatar's development over the past
decades, which has helped lay a strong foundation for the India-Qatar bilateral
partnership.
Father
Amir affirmed that India and Qatar share an unwavering bond epitomized by
mutual trust and cooperation. He also appreciated the role of the Indian
community and Indian diaspora in Qatar in the development and nourishing of the
bilateral partnership.
The
bilateral trade between India and Qatar is close to $20 billion. On the
sidelines of India Energy Week in last week, held in Goa, India and Qatar
signed an agreement for supply of 7.5 MMTPA, LNG from Qatar to India for 20
years, starting 2028 onwards.
India-Qatar
cooperation has been steadily growing in diverse sectors over the last few
years. Prime Minister Modi paid his first visit to Doha in June 2016.
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Feb/16/pm-modi-thanked-the-emir-of-qatar-for-release-of-8-indian-naval-veterans
----
Pakistan
Gen
Faiz, Gen Bajwa Orchestrated No-Confidence Move Against Imran, Claims Jamiat
Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl
February
15, 2024
Jamiat
Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday claimed that
former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and ex-spymaster Lt Gen Faiz Hameed,
who was the then-Peshawar corps commander, had guided all political parties
regarding the no-confidence vote against former prime minister Imran Khan and
the PTI government.
In
April 2022, Pakistan saw for the first time in its history the ouster of a
prime minister through a no-confidence vote. The efforts for the PTI founder’s
removal were led by the then-opposition.
For
its part, the PTI accused the country’s then-rulers of colluding with the US
and hatching a regime change conspiracy to topple Imran’s government and blamed
the military, which was led by retired Gen Bajwa at the time, for letting the
then-dispensation in Islamabad go ahead with the alleged conspiracy. The US had
denied any interference.
In a
tell-all interview on Samaa TV programme ‘Nadeem Malik Live’, the JUI-F chief
elaborated on the events of the no-confidence vote and said: “They (Gen Bajwa
and Gen Faiz) were in contact with all political parties regarding the
no-confidence motion and they told us the way of going about it.”
When
asked whether the move was a brainchild of the two generals, the JUI-F chief
replied in the affirmative but added that ultimately, both the PPP and the
PML-N supported the move.
Fazl
stated, “I was not in favour of the no-confidence move. Just for my friends, I
sacrificed my opinion.”
He
emphasised his preference to proceed with the “power of the movement”, noting
that the PPP was spearheading the no-confidence motion.
“Gen
Faiz had come to me and he asked me to go ahead [with the no-confidence vote],
but only within the system, but not out of the system. Though I refused it,” he
claimed.
Fazl
further explained that he changed his stance once representatives from various
parties approached him for a joint action. “If I had refused it again, they
would say I am saving Imran.”
He
insisted that all political parties were convened in the presence of the two
generals, who allegedly provided directions on the matter.
It
must be mentioned that Gen Faiz was replaced as the Inter-Services Intelligence
director-general by Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum in October 2021 and
posted as the Peshawar corps commander.
Reflecting
on the multi-party alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the JUI-F chief
clarified that the PDM was not merely a political or electoral alliance. “It
was a movement founded on common principles, and despite our differences, we
continued to stand together,” he remarked.
When
asked for the reasons behind the ascension of Shehbaz Sharif in the PM’s race,
Fazl said he was unconcerned about such developments “because I have taken my
position and hence there is no reason for me to discuss this matter”.
Regarding
the possibility of discussions with the PTI, he stated that a decision would be
made after their delegation engaged in talks with him.
On
the fairness of the recent general elections, Rehman said: “The election has
been stolen, all of it … There are stories that can’t be told on the media … we
have clearly rejected it and we will start a campaign against it.”
Rehman
said the JUI-F was the only party that maintained there was rigging in both the
2018 and 2024 elections.
Questioned
about his statement yesterday that the “narrative” regarding last year’s May 9
riots was “buried”, Rehman said: “If the establishment’s narrative is that the
elections are fair then it means the narrative on May 9 has been buried and
people have voted for traitors in Pakistan.”
He
clarified that his grievance was with the establishment.
Flurry
of reactions to Rehman’s allegations
Rehman’s
remarks triggered a flurry in political circles with his former allies in the
PDM-led government and the PTI both opining on the allegations he made.
“Today
it was proved that behind the conspiracy to overthrow the government of Imran
Khan,” the PTI said in an incomplete message on social media platform X,
alluding to the two generals that Rehman accused in his interview.
“A
confession that has vindicated Imran Khan’s stance,” the PTI’s United States
chapter said.
Former
National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri said the truth always emerged.
Jamaat-i-Islami
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed called for the Supreme Court to take legal action against
the former generals.
Meanwhile,
PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb refuted Rehman’s allegations.
Speaking
on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ today, she said: “None of
the events that the Maulana spoke about happened in front of me. I was never
part of the events that were mentioned by him nor did I hear anything about
it.”
She
added that the PML-N doesn’t see a coalition between PTI and JUI-F.
Speaking
on the same show, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said Rehman’s allegations only
proved that the establishment withdrew its support from Imran.
“The
establishment role is a reality,” he said. “They announced to withdraw the
support from him.”
Source: dawn.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1814484/gen-faiz-gen-bajwa-orchestrated-no-confidence-move-against-imran-claims-fazl
----
PML-N
and PPP set to discuss power-sharing deal for coalition government in Pakistan:
Report
16.02.24
A
second round of talks between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan
Peoples Party is expected to take place on Friday on the power-sharing formula
between them for the formation of a coalition government, according to a media
report.
The
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari-led PPP has promised to back PML-N in the formation of a
government as well as the election of the next prime minister, on the condition
that Nawaz Sharif's party will support them in elections to key constitutional
offices like that of the President.
A
scheduled second round of talks between the Contact and Coordination Committees
(CCCs) of the PPP and PML-N could not take place on Thursday, as both sides
sought more time to assess proposals that came up in their first meeting.
The
next meeting between the two sides is likely to take place on Friday for
clarity on the power-sharing formula, the Dawn newspaper reported.
However,
given the tough competition between individuals, nominating people to fill
those coveted spots is proving to be a tough nut to crack for PPP Chairman
Bilawal, the report said.
Sources
said that former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was in contention for
National Assembly Speaker. He had been instructed to retain his Senate seat,
indicating that he may be fielded for the slot of Senate chairman.
Meanwhile,
former opposition leader Khursheed Shah’s name has also been floated for the post
of Speaker, as word within party circles is that the custodians of both houses
may hail from Sindh.
On
the flip side, the PML-N is said to have named another former speaker, Ayaz
Sadiq, as their nominee for the position, the report added.
On
Thursday, PPP Chairman Bilawal was briefed by members of the PPP’s CCCs about
contacts with political parties at Zardari House. The meeting was attended by
Qamar Zaman Kaira, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Saeed Ghani and other leaders.
Meanwhile,
an independent candidate from PP-89 Bhakkar, Ameer Muhammad Khan, announced his
intention to join the PPP.
On
Tuesday, two of Pakistan’s major political parties - the PML-N and the PPP -
said they will form a coalition government after the February 8 inconclusive
elections.
Their
move means that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of Imran Khan will not
be in power, despite independent candidates backed by it gaining the maximum
number of seats in the National Assembly.
Also,
Geo New reported on Thursday that PTI founder Imran Khan has agreed to hold
talks with the PPP on the matter of government formation in the Centre.
However,
PPP Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the PTI has not made
any contact with the PPP for political reconciliation so far.
He
said the PTI had announced that it would contact all political forces,
including the PPP, but said the party has yet to reach out to them.
“If
PTI has any suggestion, it should meet the six-member coordination committee
and then these suggestions will come to the top leadership for consideration,”
he added.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/pakistan-muslim-league-nawaz-and-pakistan-peoples-party-set-to-discuss-power-sharing-deal-for-coalition-government-in-pakistan-report/cid/2000862
----
'JUI-F
not to become part of any govt'
February
16, 2024
QUETTA:The
JUI-F will not participate in the government, neither at the federal level nor
in Balochistan, announced Maulana Abdul Wasay, the party’s Balochistan
president, on Thursday.
“The
JUI-F is not going to form a government in the province. The party has decided
not to become part of any government,” stated Wasay.
In
the February 8 general elections, JUI-F secured 10 seats in the provincial
assembly of Balochistan. However, despite being part of the last coalition
government, the party managed to secure only 4 seats in the National Assembly,
much to the dismay of JUI-F chief, Fazlur Rehman.
On
Wednesday, Fazl threw a political curveball by rejecting the "rigged"
election results while extending an invitation to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to
join him on the opposition benches instead of pursuing government ambitions.
The
JUI-F refused to accept the electoral outcome lying down. He announced the
party would kickstart nationwide protests against alleged electoral
manipulation by "anti-Islamic forces."
During
a press conference, Fazl expressed reservations about the Election Commission
of Pakistan's (ECP) role, alleging it had been “dubious from day one.”
"Our
central committee has rejected the election results and expressed reservations
about the role of the ECP, but JUI-F will play its role in the parliament and
will attend it with reservations,” he stated.
He
accused the election process of being manipulated at the behest of
“anti-Islamic forces” and emphasized the party's commitment to maintaining
strong relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He noted that their efforts
in this regard were not accepted by the United States and Israel.
On
Thursday, the JUI-F chief claimed that he was against the idea of removing the
PTI government from power through a vote of no confidence. However, he felt
compelled to align with other political parties as he was leading the
multi-party alliance, the PDM. Later that day, he also met with a PTI
delegation.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456635/jui-f-not-to-become-part-of-any-govt
----
‘May
9’ protests: Verdict reserved on IK’s plea to issue his production orders
2024-02-16
ISLAMABAD:
A local court, on Thursday, reserved its verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan’s plea seeking to issue his
production orders in six cases registered against him in connection with May 9
protests.
Additional
Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra while hearing the case reserved its judgment
on plea of Khan seeking his protection orders in the cases registered against
him in Tarnol, Kohsar, Karachi Company, Ramna, and Secretariat police stations.
The
PTI founder’s counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry
appeared before the court.
At
the start of the hearing, Safdar filed an application seeking production orders
of Khan. He told the court that his client is in the custody of the state,
therefore, he should be produced before the court.
The
investigation officer (IO) of Khosar police appeared before the court along
with the record but the prosecutor did not appear before the court. The court
after hearing the arguments reserved its verdict on Khan’s plea regarding his
production before the court.
The
court will decide to produce Khan before the court or mark his attendance
through a video link from jail.
Source: brecorder.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40289057/may-9-protests-verdict-reserved-on-iks-plea-to-issue-his-production-orders
----
Lt-Gen
Lodhi claims there was a contact between establishment and IK
February
16, 2024
Ansar Abbasi
ISLAMABAD:
Former secretary defence Lt-General (R) Naeem Khalid Lodhi has said that the
military establishment had contacted Imran Khan but there was no outcome.
Talking
to The News, the retired general said it was in his knowledge that the military
establishment had indirectly contacted Imran Khan.
He
said the message for Imran Khan was to admit that he had planned the May 9
attacks, apologise for the same and assure that he would never repeat any such act
in future.
Lodhi
added that Imran Khan replied he never planned the May 9 attacks, condemned
those involved in arson and hooliganism and said he would ensure those who were
involved in these incidents were removed from the PTI.
General
Lodhi said that he was not aware of any post-election contact between the two
but he thinks there is a possibility of such initiatives.
According
to Lodhi, Imran Khan and PTI should accept the reality of the institution of
Pakistan Army and avoid confronting them.
He
also added that since the PTI has emerged as the most popular political entity,
therefore, the military establishment should also recognise it and pave the way
for some reconciliation in the best interest of Pakistan
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1158155-lt-gen-lodhi-claims-there-was-a-contact-between-establishment-and-ik
-----
ECP
rejects Nawaz plea against NA-15 Mansehra results
February
16, 2024
ISLAMABAD:
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Thursday rejected former prime
minister and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s plea,
challenging the NA-15, Mansehra, poll results.
A
two-member bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan
Raja, heard the petition. However, Nawaz’s lawyer could not appear before the
bench whereas the returning officer submitted his report to the bench.
According to the RO’s reply, the result of the constituency had been compiled
according to Form 45.
The
petitioner’s lawyer, Jehangir Jadoon, appeared before the bench later and
requested against dismissing the petition. The ECP directed him to file the
petition again. Later, the lawyer filed another application seeking restoration
of the rejected plea and submitted it to the commission. However, the bench
turned down the request to stop the notification of the successful candidate,
Muhammad Gushtasib Khan, who had returned by receiving 105,249 votes, whereas
Nawaz got 80,382 votes as the runner-up.
Meanwhile,
the ECP suspended the victory notification of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP)
candidate Awn Chaudhry who had earlier been declared as the returned candidate
from NA-128 (Lahore). The decision came on a petition filed by a PTI-backed
candidate from the constituency, Salman Akram Raja.
The
ECP fixed February 19 for hearing again Salman Akram’s petition, which had
challenged the victory of Awn Chaudhry. The two-member ECP bench, headed by the
CEC, issued an order regarding the hearing held on February 13, which says,
“Arguments heard and record perused. The petitioner informed the commission
that the process of consolidation has been completed by the returning officer
concerned, and Form 49 has been issued by him accordingly”.
The
bench said that the matter cannot be decided without getting a detailed report
from the RO and without issuing notices to the contesting candidates, whose
names have been provided by the applicant/ petitioner by amending the list of
respondents.
Separately,
the ECP bench constituted an inquiry committee, headed by Nadeem Haider, ADG
Elections, and consisted of Ibrar Ahmed Jatoi, Director of Elections, and Nasir
Khan, DD Coordination, as members, according to the two-member bench order. The
bench issued an order regarding the hearing held on February 13 in the matter,
saying, “The petitioner namely Shah Jee Gul Afridi contested the elections for
the seat of National Assembly from constituency NA-27, Khyber. As per Form-47,
uploaded on the website of the commission, the petitioner has obtained 18,832
votes, and the returned candidate has obtained 85,514 votes.
“The
petitioner being aggrieved with the result, issued by the returning officer,
has filed an instant application. The learned counsel for the applicant
appeared and at the very outset submitted seven books of original ballot papers
stamped at the symbol ‘bowl’ and argued that respondent Muhammad lqbal Khan,
contesting candidate of NA-27 with the collusion of returning officer, and
presiding officers, committed large-scale rigging, fabrication, forgery and
manipulation of result of the count.” The bench said that from the perusal of
the ballot papers, it is observed that seven books had been given to the
commission with numbers i.e. (Book No. l)… all the books of the ballot papers
are original and stamped with the symbol ‘bowl’, which is an offence under
chapter X o1 the Elections Act, 2017 and also attracts the consequences of
criminal cases along with disqualification of the contesting candidates.
“The
inquiry committee shall submit its report within seven days before the
commission after recording the statements of returning officer, assistant
returning officer, presiding officers and assistant presiding officers
concerned. The matter will be fixed for February 21 and notification of the
returned candidate shall remain suspended.”
Separately,
the two-member bench issued an order in relation to an application, filed by
Eman Waseem, a contesting candidate from NA-50, Attock, about consolidation of
results and her concerns thereon. The bench had issued an order earlier on
February 11, which she said in the second application, was not implemented. The
bench, in its fresh order, directed the district returning officer to ensure
the presence of the returning officer in his office and entertain and decide
the application of the applicant in accordance with the law and comply with the
order, passed by the commission on Feb 11, 2024, under intimation to the
commission.
Meanwhile,
Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Firdous Ashiq Awan tendered a written
apology for slapping a policeman on the polling day. She informed a two-member
ECP bench there was a strange atmosphere in the polling station, while the
police acted as a silent spectator despite so many law violations. However, she
apologised for her wrong act. She insisted that it was the duty of policemen to
protect her as the mob was harassing her, but the police were acting only as
spectators.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1158156-ecp-rejects-nawaz-plea-against-na-15-mansehra-results
----
Imran
urges US tough stance on ‘poll rigging’
February
16, 2024
RAWALPINDI:PTI
founding chairman and former premier Imran Khan on Thursday demanded that the
US should adopt a tough stance on “rigging” the recent general elections in
Pakistan.
After
meeting Imran in Adiala Jail, PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif,
accompanied by former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, told the media
that the former premier had pushed the US to take a tougher stance on the
recent general polls.
He
further quoted Imran as saying that the manner in which the PTI was ousted from
the polls, the US should be more vocal.
Barrister
Saif said the PTI founding chairman was of the opinion that the US had
supported the governments of dictators and corrupt people, but now it was
presented with an opportunity to raise its voice on Pakistan’s election
“rigging”.
The
statement came a day after the US Department of State had said it is
appropriate for the Pakistani state to investigate the allegations of rigging
in the general elections.
|To a
query, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States had
called for those allegations to be investigated.
"We
think that’s an appropriate step to take. That's our response to questions of
irregularities not just in Pakistan, but when we see them anywhere in the
world. We think that they're thoroughly investigated and resolved. And so that
– we will continue to call for that.
"But
at the same time, it's clear that the elections in Pakistan were competitive,
and we look forward to working with the government, once it’s formed, that the
people of Pakistan elected," he maintained.
To
another query, Miller has called the efforts to form a coalition government in
Pakistan “ultimately an internal matter”.
"You
see this in a number of countries that have parliamentary system of government
where no party has established a majority; you see the kind of coalition that
is formed, ultimately that is not the decision for the US to make, it’s the
decision for Pakistan to make," the department’s spokesperson said.
Meanwhile,
speaking on the occasion, Qaiser, who won the election for NA-19 Swabi-I as a
PTI-backed independent candidate, said they would not resign under any
circumstances and sit in the assemblies. “We have expressed our concerns and
will also protest, but sit in the assemblies as well,” he added.
The
former NA speaker further said the US, which considered itself a champion of
democracy, was silent on this matter.
He
continued that the US’ ‘cosmetic’ statement on the elections in Pakistan was
unacceptable.
Qaiser
also demanded that the US should take a stricter stand against those who had
“rigged” the recent polls.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456634/imran-urges-us-tough-stance-on-poll-rigging
----
Pakistani
quadcopters found hovering near LoC in J-K’s Poonch, Army opens fire
February 16, 2024
Army
troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC) on Friday opened fire to bring down
Pakistani quadcopters at two different places in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch
district, officials said.
However,
the flying objects returned to the Pakistan side after briefly hovering over
the Indian territory in Balnoi-Mendhar and Gulpur sectors, they said.
They
said a search operation was launched in both the sectors to ensure there was no
dropping of weapons or narcotics by the quadcopters.
Officials
said troops noticed two quadcopters entering the Balnoi area of Mendhar around
6.30 am and opened fire but the remotely controlled machines returned.
Similarly,
a couple of quadcopters hovering over Gulpur sector around the same time
returned in the face of firing by Indian troops, they said.
Earlier
on February 12, Army troops had fired on an enemy drone after picking up its
movement in Mankote area of Mendhar sector.
Pakistan
is using drones to drop narcotics and weapons in Jammu and Kashmir.
The
Jammu and Kashmir Police recently announced a cash reward of Rs three lakh to
anyone providing information about drones flown from across the border with a
purpose to drop weapons and narcotics.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pakistani-quadcopters-loc-j-ks-poonch-army-opens-fire-9164750/
-----
Southeast Asia
Zakat
Can Eradicate Poverty, Muslims Must Donate With Consistency, Says PMAnwar
Ibrahim
16
Feb 2024
PRIME
Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants all Muslims to fully embrace the
practice of donating to Zakat as it is an obligatory facet of the charitable
element in Islam.
He
called on the administrators of Zakat funds to give renewed impetus and drive in
the collections while understanding the idealism behind the practice.
"Muslims
have gone to war over disputes on paying zakat. It underscores our faith to aid
the poor and the needy," he said at the International Zakat Conference in
UniversitiSains Malaysia (USM) in Penang today.
He
said that zakat can help fund efforts to totally eradicate poverty if every
Muslim is compelled to donate consistently.
Also,
those managing the funds must realise the importance of meeting the idealism of
Zakat, which is to aid the poor.
"It
must be managed well. It must be par excellence. We know what needs to be done
and we must do it,” he told zakat administrators at the event.
Anwar
also called for the poor to be given the aid and support to be able to compete
amid the rising demands for meritocracy.
"There
must be a conscious effort to help the groups that cannot compete, like the
poor. The tyranny of using the same standards of meritocracy for all groups
must stop."
Anwar,
who is the finance minister, said that Zakat funds must be designed to aid each
specific group that is lagging, before meritocracy is imposed.
It
cannot be a level playing field, he stressed.
Zakat
must be disbursed to those who need it to survive and those who can use it to
reduce the gap between the rich and the stragglers.
Zakat
is not just an economic and social agenda, but also an Islamic spiritual
agenda, he said.
Anwar
also declared that this year the government will focus on upgrading staff
quarters of key enforcement officers such as from the police, customs, and the
immigration – The Vibes, February 16, 2024.
Source: thevibes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/100999/zakat-can-eradicate-poverty-muslims-must-donate-with-consistency-says-pm
----
Shariah
laws: Special committee open to discussions with all parties, says PM Anwar
16
Feb 2024
BUKIT
MERTAJAM, Feb 16 — The special committee to study issues related to the
competencies of the State Legislative Assembly in enacting Islamic laws is open
to discussions with all quarters, including political parties.
Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the committee will study all views
and suggestions before proceeding to the next stage.
“Yesterday,
former Chief Justice TunZakiTun Azmi presented an initial briefing before the
Sultan of Selangor (Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah). In a meeting (before), I
have also agreed for the special committee to convene and meet with all
quarters, all states, or any (political) party, to discuss the matter openly,”
he said at the opening ceremony of Masjid Jamek Tengah Berapit here today.
Anwar
said that it is better for certain parties that have been criticising and
accusing the government of not defending the Shariah Court to participate in
the committee’s discussions rather than turning the recent invalidation of
certain provisions in Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment into a political
controversy.
“Once
we have an agreement, we’ll bring it to the Cabinet and present it to the
Conference of Rulers. If it is consented, we enact it in Parliament, ask Malay
friends (Muslim Members of Parliament) for support, amend, and improve the
quality of the Shariah Courts, that should be the way,” he said.
Anwar
said that the responsibility of empowering the jurisdiction of Shariah Court
through this special committee does not only involve states but extends to all
levels.
“Give
us the chance to improve. Let’s not quarrel about this issue, and accuse me of
being indifferent, secular, and so on,” the prime minister said at the event,
which was also attended by the Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil.
Last
December, TunZaki was appointed as chairman of the special committee to study
issues related to the competencies of the State Legislative Assembly in
enacting Islamic law.
Yesterday,
Anwar reportedly said that the federal government welcomed Sultan of Selangor
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree calling for all parties to respect the
decision of the Federal Court and the position of the Federal Constitution as
the supreme law of the country.
He
said that the decree of the Selangor ruler, as Chairman of the National Council
of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), also came at the right time to reduce the
rising political heat following the Federal Court’s decision on February 9 in
declaring 16 provisions under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment 2019
null and void. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/16/shariah-laws-special-committee-open-to-discussions-with-all-parties-says-pm-anwar/118382
----
BPKH
forges cooperation with Saudi partners to bolster Hajj ecosystem
February
15, 2024
Jakarta
(ANTARA) - The Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH) has entered into cooperation
with a number of partners in Saudi Arabia in the sectors of accommodation and
catering as part of an effort to strengthen the Hajj ecosystem.
"The
goal is to be able to invest and participate in the Hajj ecosystem," BPKH
head FadlulImamsyah informed here on Thursday.
He
said that strengthening the Hajj ecosystem is a very crucial aspect of the
operational management of Hajj implementation and financial/investment
management.
According
to him, the cooperation carried out by the BPKH will not only take the form of
investment that will generate returns for Indonesian pilgrims, but also focus
on providing more optimal services going forward.
He
expressed the hope that henceforth, for accommodation, hotels, which have so
far been rented directly from hotel owners in Saudi Arabia, would be made a
part of the Hajj ecosystem, especially through BPKH investment.
As
for catering, BPKH is ready to invest in providing food services for Indonesian
Hajj pilgrims while they are in Saudi Arabia, both in Mecca and Medina.
"Insya
Allah (God willing), we will be part of the provision of three meals a day
catering and hopefully, it will not only provide good services but also create
a better atmosphere for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims," he said.
Based
on the agreement between the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Ministry of
Religious Affairs, catering services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims must meet the
30-percent local component requirement.
"Hopefully,
from the money we spend, namely Rp20 trillion (around US$1.28 billion) for the
operations of Hajj there, some will return to Indonesia in the form of results
of investment and profits resulting from investment in the accommodation and
catering sectors," he said.
Source: antaranews.com
Please
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/306087/bpkh-forges-cooperation-with-saudi-partners-to-bolster-hajj-ecosystem
----
PM
Anwar approves RM1m to Masjid Jamek Tengah Berapit for mosque programmes
16
Feb 2024
BUKIT
MERTAJAM, Feb 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today approved an
allocation of RM1 million to Masjid Jamek Tengah Berapit, here, for the use of
programmes to be conducted at the mosque.
Anwar
said that the mosque was very close to him, especially when he was the
PermatangPauh Member of Parliament and deputy prime minister, as he often
stopped to perform prayers at that time.
“This
mosque brings back memories, because of many teachers and friends here; the
mosque congregation once informed me that they would wait until I become the
prime minister to officiate it because when it was under construction, I was
the deputy prime minister.
“When
this mosque was completed I was in prison, and after being released (from
prison) I was the leader of the opposition, but they still wanted to wait for
me to officiate it. Alhamdulillah, today I came as prime minister,” he said
while officiating the mosque today.
Also
present was Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil.
Anwar
then performed the Friday prayers at the mosque, which can accommodate 1,500
congregants, before joining the kendurirakyat held in the mosque compound.
Meanwhile,
the mosque kariah chairman, FakhrulAzman Ali, said that the mosque, costing
RM2.1 million, was built in January 1996, to replace the old mosque which was
built by the residents in 1927.
He
said that RM1.2 million of the construction cost was contributed by Anwar, who
at the time was the deputy prime minister, while the remaining RM900,000 was
contributed by the public.
“Due
to the service and financial contribution of the Prime Minister (Anwar) to this
mosque, the mosque’s committee was hoping that one day this mosque would be
officiated by him, whom we love.
“Alhamdulillah,
we would like to express our infinite gratitude because our wish was granted by
Allah, and it became a reality today and will remain etched in the history of
this mosque,” he said, adding that the first prayer held in the mosque was the
Aidiladha congregational prayers in 1997.
He
added that Anwar was no stranger to the mosque because when he was the deputy
prime minister, he often stopped by for Friday prayers and had delivered
sermons at the mosque several times. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/16/pm-anwar-approves-rm1m-to-masjid-jamek-tengah-berapitfor-mosque-programmes/118384
----
Mideast
Israel
accuses South Africa of abusing ICJ's jurisdiction
Selman
Aksunger
16.02.2024
Israel
accused South Africa on Thursday of abusing the jurisdiction of the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) by requesting new measures due to plans by
the Israeli army to expand its ground assault into the city of Rafah in
southern Gaza, where roughly 1.4 million Palestinians have sought refuge.
Israel
said South Africa's request is "peculiar" and "improper"
instead of addressing the issue of the planned attack.
Tel
Aviv said the case brought against it by South Africa for violating the
Genocide Convention is “wholly unfounded in fact and law," "morally
repugnant" and represents "an abuse of both the Genocide Convention
and the Court itself."
In
its statements, Israel, claiming to adhere to international law in its attacks
in Gaza, argued that the court had already ruled on certain measures recently
and that there had been no significant changes in Gaza necessitating new
measures.
Israel
accused South Africa of not adequately informing the court about the
Palestinian group Hamas's actions and of using the precautionary measure
mechanism not as a protective "shield" but as a "sword"
against Israel.
It
said the court lacks the jurisdiction to manage minor armed conflicts in Gaza
and accused South Africa of attempting to undermine Israel's right to
self-defense and manipulate the court, citing its longstanding alliance with
Hamas.
Israel
also demanded that the court reject South Africa's request for additional
measures.
South
Africa on Monday asked the ICJ to urgently assess Israel's intentions in
expanding its military presence in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, urging the
court to consider whether it should use its power to prevent further breaches
of Palestinians' rights.
Israel
has pounded the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. The ensuing Israeli
attack has killed over 28,600 Palestinians and caused mass destruction and
shortages of necessities.
Nearly
1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.
The
Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal
displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60%
of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the
UN.
Israel
stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in an
interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take
measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in
Gaza.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-accuses-south-africa-of-abusing-icjs-jurisdiction/3139081
----
Nearly
75% of journalists killed in 2023 died in Israel’s war on Gaza: CPJ
15
Feb 2024
Seventy-two
of the 99 journalists killed worldwide in 2023 were Palestinians reporting on
Israel’s war on Gaza, making those 12 months the deadliest for the media in
almost a decade, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Killings
of reporters would have dropped globally year-on-year had it not been for the
deaths in the ongoing war on Gaza, the CPJ said in its annual report released
on Thursday.
“In
December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first
three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single
country over an entire year,” the organisation said.
In
total, it documented 77 journalists killed in the war on Gaza last year while
doing their jobs: 72 Palestinians, three Lebanese and two Israelis.
The
Palestinian victims account for nearly 75 percent of all journalists killed
worldwide.
“This
war is unprecedented in terms of the threat to journalists,” Jodie Ginsberg,
president of the CPJ, told Al Jazeera from New York.
“What’s
important to remember about this war is that Gazan journalists are the only
journalists able to report on what’s happening inside Gaza. International
journalists have not been able to get in, have not been allowed in, except on
very, very controlled trips that are overseen by the Israeli army.
“So
we are entirely reliant on those [Palestinian] journalists, who are risking
their lives to bring us this story,” she added.
On
February 7, the New York-based press freedom organisation said the number of
journalists killed in the war on Gaza had risen to 85.
The
CPJ has previously attacked what it calls the “persecution” of journalists by
Israeli forces and is investigating whether a dozen journalists killed in the
Gaza conflict were deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers, which would
constitute a war crime.
‘Journalists
under threat everywhere’
Ginsberg
said she was “disappointed … at the lack of public solidarity that we have
seen” with Palestinian journalists during the ongoing war.
She
said Western “hesitancy” to show solidarity with those targeted and killed in
Gaza was “sadly unsurprising” given that Israel is “the country, the issue that
has divided international media, international politicians more than anything”.
But
she emphasised: “I think it’s really important that we let our colleagues
inside Gaza as well as in the region know that we stand with them, that we are
there to support them, so that we can make sure that press freedom and
journalists are protected not just at this crucial moment in Gaza but also
globally at a time when journalists are under threat everywhere.”
Worldwide,
the CPJ report said the death toll of 99 reporters killed was the highest since
2015 and an increase of nearly 44 percent on 2022’s figures.
It
said the greatest reductions in journalist fatalities in 2023 were registered
in Ukraine and Mexico. Both went from 13 killings to two.
Fatalities
remained stable in Somalia and the Philippines, the organisation said. However,
it warned that Mexico – along with the Philippines and Somalia – was “one of
the world’s deadliest countries for the press”.
“Compounding
the situation, government agencies spy on reporters and rights defenders, and a
significant number of journalists have had to leave their homes, and abandon
their professions, due to violence,” the CPJ report warned.
In
the Palestinian territories, even when journalists are not on the job, they
face the risk of Israeli bombardment or arrest. Gaza’s Government Media Office
said at least 126 Palestinian media workers have been killed since Israel’s war
began on October 7.
Journalists
working in conflict areas are protected under international humanitarian law.
Palestinian journalists accuse Israel of repeatedly violating that law by
targeting the media.
“It’s
very important that these killings are thoroughly investigated and that those
responsible are held accountable,” Ginsberg told Al Jazeera.
She
said her organisation was doing the work to document attacks against
journalists in Gaza, which could later be used as evidence and presented to
bodies such as the International Court of Justice or the International Criminal
Court.
Source: aljazeera.com
Please
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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/15/nearly-75-of-journalists-killed-in-2023-died-in-israels-war-on-gaza-cpj
---
Israel
PM rejects international recognition of Palestinian state
16
Feb 2024
JERUSALEM,
Feb 16 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late yesterday that he
rejected a plan for international recognition of a Palestinian state, saying
such an initiative “would offer an enormous reward to terrorism”.
Netanyahu’s
comments follow a similar rejection by influential far-right ministers Itamar
Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who responded to reports of the plan in The
Washington Post.
The
newspaper report, which cited several US and Arab diplomats, said that the
United States, Israel’s main ally, was working with several Arab countries on a
comprehensive plan for long-term peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
The
plan included a firm timeline for the establishment of a Palestinian state, the
newspaper reported.
“Israel
will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state,”
Netanyahu said in a post in Hebrew on social media platform X.
“Such
recognition, in the wake of the October 7 massacre, would offer an enormous
reward to unprecedented terrorism and would prevent any future peace
agreement,” he said.
“Israel
categorically rejects international diktats concerning a permanent settlement
with the Palestinians,” he added, saying that a peace agreement could only
result from “direct negotiations without preconditions”.
The
Washington Post reported that the plan would begin with a ceasefire “expected
to last at least six weeks”, with officials hoping that an agreement could be
reached before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on March 10.
The
agreement would include a pause in the fighting, the release of hostages held
by Hamas in Gaza since the October 7 attack, and a timetable for the eventual
establishment of a Palestinian state.
“We
will never agree to such a plan, which in reality says that the Palestinians
deserve a reward for the terrible massacre they have committed,” Smotrich wrote
on X, describing a Palestinian state as “an existential threat to the State of
Israel”. — AFP
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/02/16/israel-pm-rejects-international-recognition-of-palestinian-state/118308
-----
Islamic
Jihad condemns Zionist enemy’s bombing of Al-Amal Hospital in Gaza
[15/February/2024]
GِAZA February 15. 2024 (Saba) -The
Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine condemned in the strongest terms the
Zionist enemy’s bombing of Al-Amal Hospital and its surroundings in Khan Yunis
city, south of the Gaza Strip.
The
movement said in a statement on Thursday: This is a new crime added to the war
crimes committed by the Zionist enemy against the Palestinian people.
It
stressed that this crime and others like it are evidence of a war of genocide,
ethnic cleansing and displacement against the Palestinian people throughout
their entire land.
The
movement also called for escalating resistance everywhere to respond to the
enemy’s crimes and overthrow its plans.
Source: saba.ye
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3305233.htm
-----
Türkiye
to send more humanitarian aid to Gaza by Ramadan
YildizNevinGundogmus
15.02.2024
Two
humanitarian aid ships organized by Türkiye's disaster management agency AFAD
and the Turkish Red Crescent will set sail from the country to Gaza by the
Muslim holy month of Ramadan in March, delivering various aid, primarily food,
according to the agencies on Wednesday.
Head
of the Turkish Red Crescent Fatma Meric Yilmaz, prior to a visit by Türkiye's
first lady Emine Erdogan to the Egyptian Red Crescent in Cairo, told Anadolu:
"Frankly, our hope at the time was that the conflict would have ended by
now, but unfortunately, things are not improving in Gaza."
The
collaboration between the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Turkish Red Crescent
has been increasing, and since the beginning of the events in Gaza, the
Egyptian Red Crescent has undertaken an important role, Yilmaz said.
She
stressed that regardless of where the aid comes from, the Egyptian Red Crescent
provides the logistics, establishes communication, and delivers it to the Rafah
Border Crossing.
The
biggest problem in the early days of Israel's attacks was logistics, Yilmaz
noted, saying: "Although a lot of aid has been arriving, very few trucks
were entering. So, we asked for the gate to be opened wider to have more aid to
pass through. Since then, the number of trucks entering has increased."
"Actually,
there is a continuous need for more sustainable and regular aid here," she
added.
Meanwhile,
NiyaziCetinkaya, the head of AFAD's international humanitarian aid department,
also told Anadolu that the aid sent from Türkiye amounts to 34,000 tons to be
transferred through five ships and 12 planes.
"In
addition to the aid sent through Egypt, we sent 26,000 tons of flour in
cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA). We delivered 26,000 tons of flour to UNRWA at (Türkiye's
southern) Mersin Port," he said.
He
said that so far, four shipments consisting of 21 trucks each have been sent to
Gaza on a weekly basis.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkiye-to-send-more-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-by-ramadan/3138499
----
IDF
arrests three suspects in West Bank, confiscate terror funds
FEBRUARY
16, 2024
The
IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police arrested three suspects in the West Bank on
Thursday night and seized thousands of shekels that were suspected of being
intended for terrorist operations.
The
suspects were arrested in Aqaba and Silat ad-Dhahr. The terrorist funds were
seized in Hebron.
Since
the beginning of the war, over 3,100 suspects have been arrested by Israeli
forces in the West Bank, including over 1,350 who are affiliated with Hamas.
Source: jpost.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-787284
---
Hamas
rejects Israeli proposal to release 1,500 inmates for hostages - report
FEBRUARY
15, 2024
Hamas
has rejected an Israeli offer to free all hostages taken into the Gaza Strip in
exchange for the release of 1,500 Palestinians from Israeli prisons, Saudi
media outlet Al-Arabiya reported on Thursday.
US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that a deal on the release
of hostages held by Hamas remains possible, but there remain "very
hard" issues to be resolved.
Asked
whether an agreement could be reached on a break in hostilities before the
Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on March 10, Blinken said an earlier
response from Hamas on a potential deal had included some "clear
non-starters" but offered the possibility of working toward an agreement.
"We're
now in the process with our counterparts from Qatar, from Egypt, from Israel,
in working on that and working very intensely on that with the goal of trying
to find an agreement, and I believe that it is possible," Blinken said at
a news conference during a visit to Albania.
"There
are some very, very hard issues that have to be resolved. But we're committed
to doing everything we can to move forward and to see if we can reach an
agreement," Blinken said.
Blinken
was speaking at a news conference during a visit to Albania days after talks
involving the US, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar on a deal that would see a pause in
fighting in Gaza ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday.
IDF
launches operation to retrieve Gaza hostages' bodies
The
IDF has launched a targeted operation within Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis,
Gaza, aiming to apprehend Hamas terrorists and recover the bodies of hostages.
In a
Thursday briefing, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated,
"Sadly, we know that some hostages are no longer alive. We are committed
to finding and returning the bodies of those hostages in Gaza.
"We
have credible intelligence from a number of sources, including from released
hostages, indicating that Hamas held hostages at the Nasser hospital in Khan
Yunis and that there may be bodies of our hostages in the Nasser hospital
facility," Hagari continued.
Source: jpost.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-787205
-----
Hezbollah
fires rockets at northern Israel in response to Lebanon attacks
15
Feb 2024
The
Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has said it fired dozens of rockets at a town in
northern Israel in response to air raids that killed at least 10 civilians and
three Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.
“Islamic
resistance fighters fired dozens of Katyusha-type rockets at KiryatShmona,” an
Israeli town near the Lebanese border, Hezbollah said in a statement.
It
said the rocket fire was “a first response” to the deadly Israeli attacks on
the southern city of Nabatieh and as-Sawana on Wednesday.
Five
children were among those killed in the Israeli attacks on Lebanon in the
deadliest day for Lebanese civilians in four months of hostilities across the
Lebanon-Israel border.
Seven
of the civilians were killed in Nabatieh late on Wednesday when a rare Israeli
attack on the city hit a multistorey building, sources in Lebanon said. The
dead were from the same extended family, and included three children. A boy
initially reported missing was found alive under the rubble.
It
followed an earlier attack that killed a woman and two children in the village
of as-Sawana at the border, who were buried on Thursday.
The
bodies of the children, wrapped in green shrouds, were so small they each
fitted on two plastic chairs as people came to pay respects. Their father held
them tight before they were buried as another man sobbed on his shoulder.
Israel
said it killed a senior commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, his deputy
and a third fighter in an air raid on Nabatieh in an attack the previous day.
The
Israeli military named the first two men as Ali Muhammad Aldbas and Ibrahim
Issa. Aldbas was reportedly involved in a roadside bombing in northern Israel
last March, and had been involved in cross-border fighting since October, it
added.
Hezbollah
said three of its fighters had been killed but did not identify any as
commanders, which it has done in the past.
The
attacks on Wednesday came just hours after projectiles from Lebanon killed an
Israeli soldier.
The
United Nations urged a halt to what it called a “dangerous escalation”, which
has played out in parallel to the Israeli assault on the besieged Gaza Strip
and heightened concerns of a wider confrontation between the Iran-backed
Hezbollah and Israel.
More
Israeli attacks were reported in south Lebanon on Thursday and Lebanon’s
caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the escalation.
“At a
time where we are insisting on calm and call all sides to not escalate, we find
the Israeli enemy extending its aggression,” read a statement from his office.
‘War
crimes’
The
Israeli military said Thursday’s attacks targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and
launch posts. Lebanese state media said Israel’s air force carried out attacks near
the border towns of Labbouneh, WadiSlouqi, MajdalSelm and Houla, according to
NNA.
Attacks
on dense urban areas far from the border are considered rare.
A
source familiar with Hezbollah thinking told Reuters that the attack on
Nabatieh marked an escalation but was still within unwritten “rules of
engagement” by which much of the violence has been contained near the border.
MohanadHage
Ali, of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East Center, said that, while Israel
appeared to be “testing the limits” of those rules of engagement, Hezbollah was
signalling it “wants to keep this as confined as possible”.
Israeli
government spokesperson Avi Hyman said Israel’s “message to Hezbollah has been
and always will be: ‘Don’t try us’. As Defence Minister Gallant said at the
beginning of the war, we will copy and paste what we’ve done in Gaza to Hamas,
in Lebanon,” he said.
The
UN peacekeeping force deployed along the Lebanon-Israel border, known as
UNIFIL, expressed concerns over the latest “exchanges of fire”.
“Attacks
targeting civilians are violations of international law and constitute war
crimes,” UNIFIL’s spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said in a statement. “The
devastation, loss of life, and injuries witnessed are deeply concerning.”
Both
sides have said they do not seek all-out war.
Hezbollah
chief Hassan Nasrallah said earlier this week that his group’s cross-border
shelling would end only when Israel’s “aggression” on the Gaza Strip stops.
The
group has been trading fire with the Israeli military across Lebanon’s southern
border in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas, which launched a cross-border
assault from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7, which was followed by
heavy Israeli bombardment of Gaza from the land, air and sea.
There
are growing fears of another full-blown conflict between Israel and Hezbollah
with tens of thousands displaced on both sides of the border and regional
tensions soaring.
Cross-border
attacks have killed at least 200 people in Lebanon, including more than 170
Hezbollah fighters, as well as 10 Israeli soldiers and five civilians.
Source: aljazeera.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/15/hezbollah-warns-israel-will-pay-price-after-fighters-civilians-killed
----
North America
Biden
again tells Netanyahu that Rafah civilians must be protected
February
16, 2024
Gaza
Strip: US President Joe Biden on Thursday again told Israel’s Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu that he should not proced with military action in Rafah
without a credible and executable plan to protect Palestinian civilians, the
White House said.
The
call between the two leaders on Thursday was the second time in less than a
week that Biden warned Netanyahu about moving into the southern part of the
Gaza Strip without a plan to ensure the safety of some 1 million people
sheltering there.
They
also spoke about ongoing hostage negotiations and Biden pledged to continue to
work around the clock to help free the hostages, who have spent 132 days in
Hamas captivity, according to the White House read out of the call.
Earlier
this month, Biden said Israel’s military response in the Gaza Strip had been
“over the top“ and expressed grave concern over the rising civilian death toll
in the Palestinian enclave.
The
war began on Oct. 7 when Iran-backed Hamas sent fighters into Israel, killing
1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 253 hostages according to Israeli
tallies.
Israel’s
air and ground offensive has since devastated tiny, crowded Gaza, killing 28,663
people, also mostly civilian, according to health authorities, and forcing
nearly all its more than 2 million inhabitants from their homes.
Israel
sends troops into 'besieged' Gaza hospital
Israel
sent troops into a hospital in war-torn Gaza on Thursday where it said hostages
may have been held, as medics warned the key medical facility was operating in
“near impossible” conditions.
The
raid came after days of intense fighting between troops and Hamas militants
around the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis — one of the largest medical sites in
southern Gaza, and one of the territory’s few hospitals that are still
operational.
Israel,
which has accused Hamas militants of using hospitals for military purposes,
said it was carrying out a “precise and limited operation” at the facility with
“no obligation” for patients or staff to evacuate.
Israeli
army spokesman Daniel Hagari said there was “credible intelligence from a
number of sources, including released hostages, indicating that Hamas held
hostages at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis and that there may be bodies of
our hostages” there.
The
health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza reported that thousands of people who had
sought refuge in the complex, including patients, have been made to leave in
recent days.
It has
called the situation at Nasser “catastrophic,” with staff unable to move bodies
to the morgue because of the risks involved.
Medical
charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) described a “chaotic situation” in the
hospital after it was shelled early Thursday, killing and wounding multiple
people.
“Our
medical staff have had to flee the hospital, leaving patients behind,” MSF
said, with one employee unaccounted for and another detained by Israeli forces.
The
World Health Organization has described Nasser Hospital as a critical facility
“for all of Gaza,” where only a minority of hospitals are even partly
operational.
Netanyahu
insist for a “powerful” operation into Rafah
Roughly
130 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza after the October 7 attack on
Israel by Hamas militants, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people,
mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Dozens
of the estimated 250 hostages seized during the attack were freed in exchange
for Palestinian prisoners during a week-long truce in November. Israel says 30
of those still in Gaza are presumed dead.
At
least 28,663 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s
assault on the Palestinian territory, according to the health ministry.
Israel
launched more deadly strikes on southern Gaza on Thursday after Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu insisted it would push ahead with a “powerful” operation in
the overcrowded city of Rafah for “complete victory.”
Hundreds
of thousands of people have been driven into Rafah, seeking shelter in a
sprawling makeshift encampment near the Egyptian border.
The
city now hosts more than half of Gaza’s population, with displaced people
“crammed” into less than 20 percent of the territory, according to UN humanitarian
agency OCHA.
“We
were displaced from Gaza City to the south,” said Ahlam Abu Assi. “(Then) they
told us to go to Rafah, so we went to Rafah.
“We
can’t keep going and coming,” she added. “There is no safe place for us.”
US
President Joe Biden warned Netanyahu by phone on Thursday against launching an
operation in Rafah without a plan to keep civilians safe, the White House said.
Britain,
meanwhile, joined Australia, Canada and New Zealand in warning Israel not to
launch a ground offensive in the city.
Prime
Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu in a telephone call that Britain was
“deeply concerned about... the potentially devastating humanitarian impact of a
military incursion into Rafah,” his office said.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460951/middle-east
-----
US
investigators visit homes of two Palestinian-American teens killed in the West
Bank
February
15, 2024
JERUSALEM:
The families of two Palestinian-American teenagers killed in separate but
eerily similar incidents in the West Bank say investigators from the American
Embassy have visited their homes to look into the shootings.
The
launch of American probes into the killings of Mohammad Khdour and Tawfic Abdel
Jabbar reflects what appears to be a lack of confidence in the Israeli justice
system to properly investigate the cases. Rights groups have long said that
Israeli investigations into killings of Palestinians rarely lead to
prosecutions, and the State Department has previously called for an
“expeditious and thorough” Israeli investigation into Abdel Jabbar’s killing.
Both
shootings occurred as the Biden administration signals a desire to crack down
on settler violence in the volatile territory.
Khdour,
who was born in Hollywood, Florida, was shot last Saturday while driving with a
cousin on a hillside in Biddu, the town just outside of Jerusalem where Khdour
had lived since the age of 2, relatives said. Khdour was born in Hollywood,
Florida.
Seeking
some fresh air after studying, Khdour joined the cousin on a drive to the
forested hillside where villagers often barbecued, his brother HamedKhdour
said.
In
videos and photos taken before the shooting and seen by The Associated Press,
the boys joked around, taking photos of each other for social media and eating
chocolate-covered waffles.
The
boys were returning to the village, Hamed said, when they heard gunfire. At
least one shot came through the car window, hitting Mohammad squarely in the
head.
Hamed
said his cousin told the family that the shots came from a white Mitsubishi
with an Israeli license plate parked on a road below the hill, a vehicle that
villagers said they had seen before. Hamed said the car was across the security
fence separating Biddu from Israeli territory. The cousin then managed to
escape and run back to the village.
A
video taken directly after the incident and seen by The Associated Press showed
a group of men pulling a body out of the car, littered with shattered glass and
stained with blood. Hamed said Mohammad was pronounced dead at a Ramallah
hospital late Saturday night.
Ahmad
Khdour, Mohammad’s father, said he did not know if Israel had begun
investigating the case and had heard nothing from Israeli officials.
The
Israeli military referred questions to the Shin Bet internal security service,
which did not respond to requests for comment.
But
US Embassy officials visited the home and the scene of the shooting Thursday,
taking pictures of the car Khdour was driving and the scene around it,
Mohammad’s father said. He said the officials told the family they are
preparing a report on the incident.
The
US Office of Palestinian Affairs wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that it was
“devastated” by the killing and called for “a quick, thorough, and transparent
investigation, including full accountability.”
Khdour
lived in Biddu with his mother and four brothers. He hoped to go back to the US
to study law once he finished his final year of high school, Hamed said.
“Mohammad
was a simple kid, like any other kid. He had dreams. He loved cars,” said
Hamed. “He never fought with anyone. Everyone liked him.”
The
shooting came nearly a month after the killing of Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, also a
17-year-old Palestinian-American shot while driving down a dirt road close to
his village in the northern West Bank.
The
sole passenger in the vehicle said the shooting was unprovoked, describing
apparent Israeli fire hitting the back of the vehicle before it overturned
several times. The incident prompted an expression of concern from the White
House and an uncommonly quick pledge from the Israeli police to investigate.
But
Israeli police have still not released any new findings in the case.
A
video shared with the AP by Abdel Jabbar’s father raised new questions of the police’s
original theory, which never mentioned that the teen had been shot while
driving.
Instead,
the police said that a civilian, an off-duty police officer and a soldier had
targeted people “purportedly engaged in rock-throwing activities” along a main
West Bank thoroughfare.
The
video, which the father said was taken moments after the shooting, shows two
Israeli soldiers standing about 20 meters (yards) from the vehicle, guns cocked
— indicating that soldiers were in the vicinity that day.
Abdel
Jabbar’s father said that Israeli investigators took the vehicle into custody
for under a week before returning it.
He
said that last week that US Embassy investigators collected medical and legal
reports issued by the Ramallah prosecutor’s office and the hospital that
treated Abdel Jabbar. The reports indicated that the cause of Tawfic’s death
was a gunshot wound to the right side of the head.
Tawfic
was from Gretna, Louisiana, and had been in the West Bank for under a year.
Like Khdour, he was planning to return to the US for college.
In an
unrelated incident, Israel arrested a 46-year-old Palestinian-American woman,
also from Gretna, last week for alleged incitement in posts on social media.
The woman’s family says it has not seen or heard from her since.
National
Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said a week ago that he was
“confident” that Ambassador Jack Lew was looking into SamaherEsmail’s case, as
well as a circumstances around the detention of two Palestinian-Americans in
Gaza that Israel says are affiliated with Hamas.
“Obviously,
this is the kind of thing we take very seriously, so we’ll be talking to our
Israeli counterparts and trying to get information, more context here about
what happened,” he said.
The
deaths come as violence surges across the occupied territory. Since the shock
attack by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 from Gaza into southern Israel, Israel has
also held the West Bank in a tight grip.
Biden’s
administration has provided military and diplomatic support for Israel’s war
against Hamas. Still, the administration has condemned rising violence by
Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, most recently releasing
sanctions targeting four settlers.
Since
Oct. 7, 395 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli fire,
according to Palestinian health officials. Most have been killed in clashes
during near nightly Israeli army raids aimed at suspected militants.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460856/middle-east
----
Blinken
says he believes deal on Gaza hostages ‘possible’
16
Feb 2024
TIRANA,
Feb 16 — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken yesterday said that he believed
an agreement on a truce in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of hostages
were still “possible”.
Mediators
are racing to secure a pause to the fighting before Israel proceeds with a
full-scale ground incursion into the Gaza Strip’s far-southern city of Rafah,
where more than 1.4 million Palestinians are trapped.
“So
we’re very focused on it and I believe it’s possible,” Blinken said at a joint
press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, as
negotiations between mediators continue in Cairo.
“We’re
now in the process, with our counterparts from Qatar, from Egypt, from Israel,
in working on that and working very intensely on that, with the goal of trying
to find an agreement.”
Blinken
said there were “some very, very hard issues that have to be resolved.
“But
we’re committed to do everything we can to move forward and to see if we can
reach an agreement.”
Roughly
130 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza following the October 7 attack on
Israel by Hamas militants, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people,
mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Dozens
of the estimated 250 hostages seized during the attack were freed in exchange
for Palestinian prisoners during a week-long truce in November. Israel says 29
of those still in Gaza are presumed dead.
At
least 28,600 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s
assault on the Palestinian territory, according to the Hamas health ministry.
Israel
launched more deadly strikes on southern Gaza yesterday, after Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu insisted it would push ahead with a “powerful” operation in
the overcrowded city of Rafah for “complete victory”.
Blinken
yesterday arrived for his first visit to Albania, hailing what he called an
“extraordinary partnership” between Washington and Tirana, showing support for
his country’s Balkan ally. — AFP
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/02/16/blinken-says-he-believes-deal-on-gaza-hostages-possible/118277
-----
CAIR-Ohio
Hosts Imam Dawud Walid to Speak on Black Liberation and Palestine Event in
Honor of Black History Month
Ismail
Allison
February
15, 2024
On
Tuesday, February 13, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR-Ohio), in collaboration with the Muslim American Society
Columbus (MAS Columbus), hosted a Black Liberation educational event for the
community. The event aimed to shed light
on the ongoing struggles for liberation and justice faced by Black and Brown
communities, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Malcolm X as a
revolutionary figure and a devoted Muslim.
Imam
Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR-Michigan and author of the book
“Blackness and Islam,” was the speaker of the event. Imam Dawud brought valuable
insights into the intersections of race, religion, and activism, guiding
attendees through an exploration of Malcolm X’s profound impact as a civil and
human rights activist for Black Americans in the United States.
Participants
from diverse backgrounds and age groups engaged in discussions about the
systemic challenges for Black Americans, delving into the parallels between
their struggles and the injustices faced by the Palestinian people in
Palestine. These connections highlighted the shared experiences of oppression
and the need for solidarity across communities.
Malcolm
X, known for his unwavering commitment to justice, stated, “True Islam taught
me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and
racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human
Society complete.”
“The
event served as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and collective action,
empowering attendees to confront systemic injustices,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach
Director Victoria Hickcox.
CAIR
is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with
three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization
is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights,
promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ohio-hosts-imam-dawud-walid-to-speak-on-black-liberation-and-palestine-event-in-honor-of-black-history-month/
----
App
for Muslim Canadians, fundraising platform seek transparency from banking
service
February
15, 2024
FakihaBaig
TORONTO
- Omar Khan was organizing sessions connecting Canadians to Muslim therapists
and setting up forums to address mental-health fallout related to the
Israel-Hamas war when he learned his online therapy platform had lost access to
its banking service without explanation.
The
CEO of Ruh Care – which connects users to Muslim therapists via chat, phone or
video calls – said he was taken by surprise when he learned that Wise, a global
money-transfer financial tech company, had conducted a risk assessment on his
organization's account before closing it.
The
move came shortly after the Israel-Hamas war began in early October, and was
followed months later by an American online fundraising platform experiencing
similar treatment from Wise. The situation has left Khan raising questions
about whether his organization and other Muslim businesses are being treated
unfairly.
"It
is very unjust and it does feel like it's targeted us as a Muslim
organization," said Khan, who lives in Ottawa. "It was very, very
disruptive."
Ruh
said hundreds of people have accessed its services since the Israel-Hamas war
began on Oct 7, including Canadians who have been struggling with images coming
out of the conflict.
Khan
said he sought answers from Wise on why Ruh's account was closed but did not
receive clarity, nor did he get notice before being cut off from the service.
The
fallout from being unable to access the account was significant – payments to
employees across Canada as well as a software developer in Gaza could not be
processed, day-to-day operations at Ruh were affected and the organization had
to scramble to find another bank, Khan said.
"We
adhere to all the terms of use. We did not break any rules or conditions that
they put in place," Khan said. "It didn't make sense."
LaunchGood,
a decade-old online fundraising platform focused on the Muslim community, said
it was similarly cut off from its Wise bank account in early February.
"We've
established ourselves in the community over ten years with over half a billion
dollars raised for charity. I don't want people to think that maybe we're doing
something illegitimate," said Chris Blauvelt, CEO of the U.S.-based
organization.
Blauvelt
said the Muslim community wants reassurance that Wise is not discriminating against
any of its customers.
"We're
not asking for anything special. We're just asking we be treated equally,"
he said.
Wise,
which calls itself a global technology company that helps people easily manage
their money internationally, did not provide details on its risk assessments on
Ruh or LaunchGood.
A
Wise spokesperson said the company provides "service, where permitted by
law, to customers regardless of their personal characteristics, including their
religious identity."
"We
are also subject to strict rules governing how we handle existing customer
accounts," Jessica Canter wrote in an email.
"For
legal and privacy obligations, we’re unable to provide details on individual
cases, but we never take the decision to deactivate an account lightly and this
is always the result of a thorough review by our team. Throughout, we keep the
customer informed of the process."
Wise's
website states it is regulated by the Financial Transactions and Reports
Analysis Centre of Canada, Canada's financial intelligence unit that tracks
money laundering and terrorist financing. In its latest financial report, Wise
said it also abides by banking regulators in the U.S. and the U.K.
Ruh
and LaunchGood, which have worked together in the past, said they feel they
have been targeted because they are Muslim-run entities doing business as the
Israel-Hamas war continues.
"Ruh
and LaunchGood are established organizations. Being Muslim and being identified
as a 'risk'... that's unfortunately how our communities have been viewed
historically," said AmaneeElchehimi, Ruh's clinical director.
"The
lack of transparency makes it impossible for us to say this (for sure) but it
definitely feels like Islamophobia ... It's happening at a certain time in
history."
Moshe
Lander, an economics professor at Concordia University in Montreal, said the
Israel-Hamas war could have caused Wise to "panic."
It's
more common than many might think for global banking services to suddenly
suspend accounts that have connections to geographical locations experiencing
war or conflict, he said.
Lander
said regulators like FINTRAC warn that banks can face "huge fines" if
they find systems, tools and accounts are being used for any criminal
activities.
If
global banks get "even a whiff of you being connected to someone, who's
connected someone, who's connected to somebody, that's connected to these
organizations or countries, they distance themselves quickly," he said.
Lander
said it can be argued that the way the rules of the global banking system are
set up is unjust.
"It's
a very broad net that catches people and organizations," he said.
Lander
said he can "completely sympathize" with Ruh and LaunchGood.
"There's
nothing worse than a break up where you're not told why," he said.
"But
in the grand scheme of things, the benefit of staying within the international
banking system is much, much greater to these global banks than the potential
cost of losing some customers."
This
report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 15, 2024.
Source: thestar.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/app-for-muslim-canadians-fundraising-platform-seek-transparency-from-banking-service/article_cceb7da8-fb70-5438-85a6-48026f0ab36f.html
----
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/euro-asian-jewish-congress-hamas/d/131735