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Islamic World News ( 24 Apr 2024, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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‘Spreading Hate and Venom’: Ex-BJP Allies, AIADMK, SAD, Opposition Parties Flay PM Modi’s Remarks on Muslims

New Age Islam News Bureau

24 April 2024

  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting for Lok Sabha elections, in Aligarh. (PTI)

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·         ‘Spreading Hate and Venom’: Ex-BJP Allies, AIADMK, SAD, Opposition Parties Flay PM Modi’s Remarks on Muslims

·         How Resumption of Movie Screening Provided a Global Platform for Local Saudi Talent

·         Bangladesh Organisation Ahl-Al-Hadith Notice Doctored to Promote False ‘Cash for Islamic Conversion’ Claim

·         Men Deciding Terms of Nikah Put Brides at A Disadvantage: Pakistan Supreme Court

·         UK’s Top Al-Qaeda Terror Chief and Bin Laden's Top Operative In Europe, Rangzieb Ahmed, Steps Closer To Freedom

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India

·         Farooq Abdullah Reacts to PM Modi's ‘Mangalsutra’ Remarks in Rajasthan: ‘Our Islam Teaches to Walk Together with Everyone

·         BJP’s ‘divisive agenda’ equally harmful for Hindus & Muslims: Mehbooba

·         Congress gave Andhra Pradesh Muslims quota in 2004, but HC struck it down

·         PM Modi doesn’t do politics on religion basis, never thought of dividing society: Rajnath

·         ASI ends survey at Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in MP

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Arab World

·         Islamic Fiqh Council,In Its Concluding Statement, Condemns Abuse, Violations against Muslims

·         Al-Ansari: Doha Needs to Reassess Mediation Efforts Between Hamas, Zionist Entity

·         Outer Edge Summit in Riyadh explores AI, digital futures

·         Al-Sudais Praises Saudi Leadership’s Dedication To Islamic Values

·         Madinah forum targets improved pilgrim experience

·         19 million visit Al-Rawda Al-Sharif, highlighting Madinah's growing importance in Umrah experience

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South Asia

·         Thailand rolls out red carpet to greet Sheikh Hasina on her official visit

·         173 Bangladeshis to return home from Myanmar tomorrow

·         Over 3 Tons Solid and 22,000 Liters Liquid Narcotics Incinerated in Kabul

·         US State Dept: 90% of prisoners in Afghanistan are political

·         US State Dept releases report on extensive Human Rights violations in Afghanistan

·         Deported Migrants from Pakistan Concerned About Their Future

·         Russia’s special envoy meets with IEA ministers, discusses bilateral issues

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Pakistan

·         LHC Orders Federal Govt to Review Steps Taken to Implement Anti-Rape Law

·         Cipher case judge may be repatriated over ‘misconduct’

·         3 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Pishin district: ISPR

·         IHC full court decides to give ‘institutional response’ to meddling

·         Cop martyred while protecting Peshawar Sikh healer

·         Imran alleges ‘pre-planned’ rigging in Punjab by-polls

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Europe

·         European Parliament Members Criticize EU As 'Accomplice’ In Israeli War On Gaza

·         France imposing restrictions on expressions of solidarity with Gaza: Amnesty

·         Germany to resume cooperation with Palestinian UNRWA agency

·         Dutch intelligence: Europe foiled 10 jihadist attacks in 2023, Gaza war among triggers

·         Norway Calls on Donors to Resume Funding to Palestinian UNRWA Agency

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Mideast

·         Over 700 Illegal Israeli Settlers Storm Al Aqsa Mosque for Jewish Passover

·         Lebanon’s Hezbollah Says Fired ‘Dozens’ of Rockets at Israel

·         Hamas armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades calls for escalation across all fronts

·         Iran’s decisive response to Israeli aggression disrupted enemy’s equations: Hamas

·         Iran releases details of confiscated Israeli transit cargo

·         200,000 settlers in occupied lands escaped Hezbollah strikes

·         Over 3,660 Palestinians being held in Israel under administrative detention: Rights groups

·         New Palestinian PM announces reform package for beleaguered Authority

·         Leader: Iran’s progress in arms sector example of turning sanctions, hostilities into opportunity

·         Damage caused by Israeli attacks in Lebanon exceeds Rs 24,985 cr

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Southeast Asia

·         Korean Muslim YouTuber Daud Kim’s Plan to Build Mosque In Incheon Cancelled After Locals Resist

·         Myanmar rebel group says it withdraws from key town on Thai border

·         Rakerkesnas helps make Indonesia a developed country: President

·         Wisma Putra: Malaysia urges countries to resume support for UNRWA

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Africa

·         Boko Haram Bomb Experts Surrender to Multinational Joint Task Force On Terrorism In Borno

·         Niger, US begin talks on withdrawal of American troops

·         UNICEF lauds effective partnership with journalists in Bauchi field office

·         Sudan military downs drones targeting its HQ in Shendi, say army sources

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North America

·         Google Fires Workers For ‘Disruptive’ Protests Over Contract with Israel

·         Ending Mideast Conflict Not A Priority For Most Americans: Survey

·         US military still has concerns about potential Rafah operation: Pentagon

·         At least 100 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested near US Senator Schumer’s home

·         Columbia head threatens to remove anti-Israel encampment as protests roil universities

·         Biden’s Gaza humanitarian envoy to be replaced after overseeing aid boost

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:     https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hate-venom-bjp-aiadmk-sad-pm-modi-muslims/d/132193

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‘Spreading Hate and Venom’: Ex-BJP Allies, AIADMK, SAD, Opposition Parties Flay PM Modi’s Remarks on Muslims

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting for Lok Sabha elections, in Aligarh. (PTI)

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 April 23, 2024

Leaders across party lines on Tuesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allegation that the Congress tried to extend reservation on the basis of religion and give it to Muslims. Among those to led the volley of criticism was former BJP ally AIADMK, whose chief Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised Modi for “speaking controversially about Muslim people”.

“It is not appropriate for political party leaders and the Prime Minister of India, who holds the highest office in the country, to express such controversial views, as it does not suit the governance of India,” Palaniswami, a former chief minister, said. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), another former ally of BJP, condemned Modi’s remarks saying he should never have made such a statement which spreads “communal hatred”. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said the country’s prime minister is the prime minister of all. “Be it rich, poor, Hindu, Christian or Muslim. The country’s prime minister should not make such a statement. I also want to urge the BJP that this country is of all and all religions,” he said.

The remarks come two days after Modi, speaking at a rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara on Sunday, said the Congress, if voted to power, could distribute the nation’s wealth among “infiltrators” and “those who have more children”. “Earlier, when they (the Congress) were in power, they had said Muslims have the first right to the wealth of the nation. This means they will distribute this wealth to those who have more children, to infiltrators,” Modi had said.

On Tuesday, at an election rally in Rajasthan’s Tonk, Modi said that as soon as the Congress formed the government at the Centre in 2004, one of its first tasks was “reducing the SC/ST reservation in Andhra Pradesh” and giving it to Muslims. Modi also said that when the BJP government in Karnataka got an opportunity, the first thing it did was to abolish the Muslim quota, “which was created by snatching it from STs/SCs”.

The Congress accused Modi of attempting to create communal polarisation for electoral gains and complained to the Election Commission seeking action against him for his remarks, alleging they were “divisive”, “malicious” and targeted a particular religious community.

Meanwhile, Congress leader P Chidambaram said he cannot recall that any other PM had made such “outrageous statements” with each sentence outdoing the previous one in its “absolute falsehood and brazen mendacity”.

In a post on X, Chidambaram said, “Will the BJP tell the world: when and where did the Congress say that we will distribute people’s land, gold and other valuables among Muslims? When and where did the Congress say that a survey will be conducted to value the property of individuals, gold held by women and silver owned by tribal families?”

“The Prime Minister must have some respect for his predecessor. Dr Manmohan Singh’s speech to the NDC in December 2006 has been reproduced in the Indian Express today. Dr Singh had said that the first claim on resources lies with SC, ST, OBC, minorities, women and children. It is scandalous to distort his words as Mr Modi has done,” Chidambaram said.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said “our religion does not tell us to look down at other religions” and added that a Muslim can never snatch the mangalsutra of Hindu women.  “Our religion Islam tells us to treat everyone equally. Our religion does not tell us to look down at other religions. It tells us to respect other faiths like we respect our own faith,” Abdullah told reporters.

Further, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav said the trends of election results are visible from the BJP leaders’ speeches.

Addressing a rally in support of the INDIA bloc candidates of Aligarh and Hathras, Yadav said, “Although the election trends come later but now you must have heard the speech of the people of Delhi (PM) and the people of Lucknow (CM). The trends of the election results are visible in the speeches of those who are about to go out of power.”

With inputs from agencies

Source: indianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-muslims-lok-sabha-polls-9286940/

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How Resumption of Movie Screening Provided a Global Platform for Local Saudi Talent

 

Poster of Saudi movie “Norah.” (Supplied)

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April 23, 2024

REBECCA ANNE PROCTOR

RIYADH: This month, Saudi Arabia marks six years of movie screenings after a 35-year gap. Back then, the idea of a flourishing domestic film industry seemed improbable. Today, it has become a reality.

Since cinemas reopened on April 18, 2018, multiplexes have prospered, with accumulative box office revenues hitting almost $1 billion. Even the closures of the pandemic years were not enough to halt the industry’s meteoric rise.

Cities across the Kingdom now boast their own world-class movie theaters, screening the latest international blockbusters, regional hits and domestic productions, while homegrown film-making capability is now routinely spotlighted at local film festivals.

With the launch of the Red Sea Film Festival in December 2021 and the establishment in 2020 of the Saudi Film Commission under the Ministry of Culture, many Saudis who were working in production houses overseas are now relocating to the Kingdom.

“The year 2018 marked a significant turning point for Saudi filmmakers and audiences as well,” Saudi film producer Mohammed Al-Turki, who was named CEO of the Red Sea Film Festival in 2022, told Arab News.

“The Saudi box office is growing rapidly. These achievements reflect the filmmakers’ passion for crafting captivating stories that are deeply embedded in our culture and resonate with an engaged local audience.”

Saudi filmmakers are making their mark both locally and internationally. Among them are Tawfiq Al-Zaidi, the Qudus brothers, Ali Al-Kalthami, and Mishal Al-Jasser, said Al-Turki. “All tirelessly striving to deliver their finest work.”

The Red Sea Film Foundation, which was created in 2019 after the cinema ban was lifted, has become a catalyst for the industry’s expansion, staging one of the Middle East’s biggest film festivals in partnership with other major gatherings in the world cinema calendar.

RSFF has developed a variety of programs and initiatives specifically tailored to filmmakers from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia, with a special focus on Saudi filmmakers.

“Our programs include the Red Sea Fund, which offers financial support to film projects at various stages from development through to post-production,” said Al-Turki. “The Red Sea Labs provide a range of training workshops and courses for filmmakers.”

Additionally, the Red Sea Souk acts as a networking hub, providing numerous developmental programs.

“Among our recent successful initiatives is our collaboration with the Series Mania festival, which has enabled several promising Saudi filmmakers to advance their television projects and gain exposure at one of the world’s foremost television festivals,” said Al-Turki.

“We continue to launch many value-adding programs aimed at nurturing rising Saudi talent.”

The Kingdom has established several initiatives to support the industry. Most recently, a SR375 million ($100 million) Saudi Film Fund was unveiled by the government’s Cultural Development Fund in partnership with local investment firm MEFIC Capital and Roaa Media Ventures, a holding company that promotes local media projects and talent.

The fund will collaborate with major international studios to invest in film production that provides content reflecting Saudi culture and values.

Such government initiatives are also spurring the private sector. In 2023, Syed Ali launched 40Films KSA to work with local and international clients.

“This cinematic renaissance has made a positive impact on our business, fueling commitment to nurture more and meet the top standards being set daily in the market,” Ali, a Pakistani businessman based in Riyadh, told Arab News.

“The Kingdom is not just a consumer of global cinema; it is a creator, contributing its unique voice to the rich tapestry of world cinema. Saudi filmmakers are narrating stories that captivate audiences both at home and around the globe.”

Saudi filmmaker Mujtaba Saeed, who is based between the Kingdom and Germany, says he has also benefited from the boom in the Saudi entertainment industry and will begin working on a film to be shot in the Eastern Province at the end of this year.

The film, titled “Drowning,” will be funded by the Red Sea Film Festival, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, and the Saudi Film Commission. “Without this support I would not have been able to shoot the film,” Saeed told Arab News.

“The great developments in the Saudi film industry have greatly contributed to the growth of my work as a young director. Through increased opportunities for collaboration and greater support I have access to resources and support that were previously unavailable to me.”

During the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, the Saudi Film Commission announced an incentive program aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a global hub for film production. This included 40 percent returns for productions that hired local crews, among other initiatives.

The incentive program was announced a few months after the RSFF established the Red Sea Fund to support Arab and African filmmakers and directors. The $10 million fund has backed more than 250 projects since its launch.

It is through schemes such as these that the RSFF aims to foster “cultural connections,” providing a platform for up-and-coming film talent in the Kingdom, said Al-Turki.

The Saudi Film Commission is responsible for numerous initiatives that have helped bolster the Saudi industry at home and abroad by providing young Saudi filmmakers with opportunities.

One example is “Norah,” a Saudi production that will be screened at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this year in its “Un Certain Regard” section. It will be the first time a Saudi movie has been selected for the prestigious festival.

Directed by Saudi Tawfik Alzaidi and produced by American Paul Miller, formerly the head of finance at the Doha Film Institute, the film is the first Saudi movie shot entirely in the AlUla region.

Supported by the Red Sea Fund, the film also clinched the top prize of a funding award from the Saudi Film Commission’s Daou Competition — an initiative launched by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Culture in September 2019 to bolster Saudi film production and nurture the country’s next generation of filmmakers.

Set in Saudi Arabia during the 1990s, the film follows Norah, a young Saudi woman who lives in a small village, who is introduced to Nader, an artist. Norah asks him to paint her portrait and soon an artistic relationship develops between them.

The film, Alzaidi’s debut feature, explores the period of Saudi conservatism and the various forms of art that were banned. It examines how art can facilitate communication between people and foster social change.

In the run-up to the sixth anniversary of the lifting of the cinema ban, the Saudi Film Commission organized the fourth edition of the Gulf Cinema Festival, which ran from April 14 to 18.

This was the first time the festival was managed by a government agency, underlining the recognition of the socio-cultural and economic importance of the film industry for the Kingdom.

In a speech during the opening of the festival, the Film Commission’s CEO Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani said “this edition of the festival represents a crucial milestone in cultural cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and embodies our wise leadership’s commitment to enhancing collaboration among us,” according to SPA.

“This festival, which brings us together today, reflects the strong connection between ambition and the cultural strategy of the GCC countries, which play a significant role in enhancing cultural exchange, expanding infrastructure, drawing inspiration from successful experiences, and encouraging Gulf talents to offer more,” he said.

The booming Saudi entertainment industry is also attracting directors from across the world to shoot and produce films in the Kingdom.

Over the last 18 months, the landscapes of NEOM in the Tabuk region have been featured in several international films, including Ruper Wyatt’s “Desert Warrior,” starring Anthony Mackie and Sir Ben Kingsley; “Dunki” directed by Indian filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani starring Shahrukh Khan; the first regional reality TV show “Million Dollar Island;” and the “Rise of the Witches,” the region’s largest-ever budget TV show.

As deals continue to be made and incentives offered for making movies in Saudi Arabia, the future looks bright not only for domestic movie theaters but also for local, regional and international filmmakers and producers intending to work and collaborate in the Kingdom.

“Despite these accomplishments, this is merely the start,” said Al-Turki. “Saudi cinema has much more to accomplish.”

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2498211/saudi-arabia

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Bangladesh Organisation Ahl-Al-Hadith Notice Doctored to Promote False ‘Cash for Islamic Conversion’ Claim

 

Photo: Yahoo News

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Devesh MISHRA

 24 April 2024

Online posts shared hundreds of times in India have falsely claimed that an Islamic group in neighbouring Bangladesh advertised cash payments to anyone who could convert Hindu girls to Islam. AFP found several visual inconsistencies with the message that indicated it was doctored from an unrelated notice. The group has denied that it offered cash for conversions.

The message purportedly from Ahl-Al-Hadith -- a non-political Islamic group in Bangladesh --  was shared alongside a Hindi-language caption here on X on April 3, 2024.

It translated to English as, "Trap a Hindu girl and win up to Rs 3 lakh ($3591); convert a Hindu family and get Rs 5 lakh ($5986). Horrific Islamic fundamentalist plan exposed."

The caption further read, “Bangladesh Cyber Team hacked a Facebook page run by Bangladeshi Islamists.

"After this, shocking facts came to light -- a reward of 3 lakh has been offered for the conversion of a Hindu Brahmin girl. A reward of Rs 2 lakh ($2394) for an Indian Bengali girl, and Rs 5 lakh for the conversion of a Hindu family.”

The post carried two notices with a similar message -- one written in Bengali language, and another that appears to be an English translation of it.

They both included what appeared to be an official stamp for the Bangladesh-based group Ahl-Al-Hadith, as shown in the screenshot below:

Altered notice 

The notice shared in the false post included the full name of the Islamic group "Bangladesh Jamiyat Ahl-Al-Hadith" in the top left-hand corner.

Below this, two scripts -- Bangla and Arabic -- were used in the doctored part of the notice which referred to cash rewards for conversions, as highlighted in blue by AFP:

In response to the false posts, the group posted a clarification message on its official Facebook page on April 4, 2024.

The post's Bangla-language caption translated in part as “We came to know that a fake circular notice is being shared on social media posts with false claims.

"Ahl-Al-Hadith of Bangladesh Jamiyat strongly condemns this baseless, conspiratorial and fake notification and calls on the law and order forces of the country to take action against all those who are misleading people by creating and spreading this fake notification.”

The original circular was published here on the organisation's official website on February 7, 2022 (archived link).

Below is a screenshot comparison of the notice in the false post (left) and the original message from the group's official website (right) with similarities highlighted in red by AFP:

A reporter from AFP's Bangladesh team compared the doctored notice to the original notice and found they both had the same reference number, date, official stamp and letterhead.

In the original notice, there was no reference to a cash reward for conversions.

A spokesperson for Ahl-Al-Hadith told AFP that the original document was digitally altered and shared online with false claims.

“One of our circulars of 2022 has been digitally morphed and shared online, in which we had issued a notice to each of our local committees to organise learning sessions of Koran Hadith. There is no mention anywhere in it of conversion of Hindus or giving money,” he said.

Source: yahoo.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/bangladesh-organisation-notice-doctored-promote-064147134.html

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Men Deciding Terms of Nikah Put Brides at A Disadvantage: Pakistan Supreme Court

 

Representative photo

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April 24, 2024

Nasir Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ruled that male family members deciding the terms of Nikah on behalf of the bride is “accepted as a cultural and social norm”, but it puts her at a disadvantage in the later stages of marriage.

The order, released on Tuesday, was pronounced by a two-member Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Aminud Din Khan and Athar Minallah, in the case of determining the bride’s entitlement to a plot mentioned in Nikahnama.

In 2022, the Lahore High Court (LHC) decided in favour of a woman, Huma Saeed, who had married Mohammad Yousaf in May 2014.

Mr Yousaf, who divorced his wife in October 2014, challenged the decision in Supreme Court on grounds that the said plot, mentioned in column 17 of the Nikahnama, cannot be interpreted as part of the dower or gift.

In case of any ambiguity in Nikahnama, benefit should go to the wife, Justice Minallah holds

The title of column 17 was ‘special conditions’, “making it distinct from the other columns which have been specifically provided for the purposes of settling the terms of dower”, the petitioner pleaded.

In his written statement before the SC, Mr Yousaf pleaded that the plot was meant for the construction of a house, and his wife was to live in it for as long as their marriage lasted.

“A plain reading of the description of the property, as mentioned in column 17, does not indicate nor support such a stance,” said the 10-page judgement authored by Justice Minallah.

It added that the question before the bench was how to interpret the terms and conditions of a Nakahnama in case of any doubt and ambiguity.

“Its [dower’s] determination at the time of the execution of the [Nakahnama] must necessarily be guided by an informed understanding of the bride regarding her rights. The freedom to negotiate and settle the terms by the bride, therefore, becomes crucial.”

Bride’s consent

Justice Minalllah regretted that society’s “paternal tendencies” and “dominance of the male members” in deciding the terms and conditions on behalf of the bride has generally been accepted as a cultural and social norm. “It places a bride in a disadvantageous position, inevitably adversely affecting her capacity to execute the contract with free consent”.

The bench held that a Nakahnama “is the deed of marriage contract” entered into by two parties, and its clauses are to be interpreted “in the light of the intention of the parties”.

“The headings, therefore, are not sufficient to determine the intention of the two parties to the [Nikahnama].”

“The courts, while interpreting the contents and terms and conditions of a [Nikahnama], also have to take into consideration the factor of free consent of the bride and her freedom to settle the terms and conditions as a person having an informed understanding of her rights.”

The judgement added that in case of any ambiguity in the terms of Nikahnama, “the benefit ought to go in favour of the wife” if it was established that she wasn’t informed of her rights at the time of the Nikah.

The bench dismissed the husband’s appeal on the grounds of correct interpretation of the Nikahnama by the LHC.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1829288/men-deciding-terms-of-nikah-put-brides-at-a-disadvantage-sc

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UK’s Top Al-Qaeda Terror Chief and Bin Laden's Top Operative InEurope, RangziebAhmed, Steps Closer To Freedom

 

Rangzieb Ahmed was jailed in 2008 for plotting mass murder and was caught with a book of terror contacts written in invisible ink, and a rucksack which contained traces of explosivesPA

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 24/04/2024

Nick Owens

The UK’s top Al-Qaeda terror chief has moved a step closer to freedom, it can be revealed.

Rangzieb Ahmed, once said to be Osama Bin Laden’s top operative in Europe, was the first person in the UK to be convicted of directing terrorism.

He was jailed in 2008 for plotting mass murder and was caught with a book of terror contacts written in invisible ink, and a rucksack which contained traces of explosives.

Ahmed, 47, who has received almost £1m in legal aid to help fund his bid for freedom, was rejected parole in September 2022 after officials judged that he was too dangerous to be released.

Then, in July last year, he was ordered to take part in a deradicalisation programme that aims to make him safe for release.

Now it can be revealed that Ahmed has been approved for a new hearing with the Parole Board in which he is expected to argue he is rehabilitated.

The hearing takes place on June 20 and if officials agree to release him, Ahmed is likely to be freed within weeks.

His freedom bid comes just days after it emerged another jailed terrorist is trying to secure an exit from prison.

Parviz Khan, who threatened to kidnap and decapitate a British Muslim soldier, will appear before the Parole Board next week.

Last night terror expert Chris Phillips, former head of national counter terror security office, told GB News: “Public safety will be at risk if either of these men are released. You have to question whether it will ever be safe for either of them to walk the streets again.”

Rangzieb Ahmed was once said to be Osama Bin Laden’s top operative in EuropeGetty

Confirming the date of Ahmed’s freedom bid, a Parole Board spokesperson said: "An oral hearing has been listed for the parole review of Rangzieb Ahmed and is scheduled to take place in June 2024.

"Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.

“Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing.

“The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more.

“Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”

Rochdale-born Ahmed At Ahmed's was jailed for life with a minimum of 10 years after Manchester Crown Court heard he was behind the terror cell.

Counter-terrorism chiefs were not sure where Ahmed was planning to strike, but were convinced an attack was imminent.

His scheme was revealed with the discovery of three diaries, which were found to contain details and phone numbers of key al-Qaeda operatives written in invisible ink.

He was initially arrested by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency when he flew into the country in August 2006. He was held for a year before being deported to the UK where he was arrested.

Ahmed later sued MI5 and MI6 for alleged collusion in his torture by Pakistani intelligence, but in 2020 had his damages claim thrown out by the High Court.

Source: gbnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.gbnews.com/news/uk-top-al-qaeda-terror-chief-closer-to-freedom

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India

Farooq Abdullah Reacts to PM Modi's ‘Mangalsutra’ Remarks in Rajasthan: ‘Our Islam Teaches to Walk Together with Everyone

Apr 23, 2024

Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference on Tuesday condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent ‘Mangalsutra’ remarks in Rajasthan's Banswara and said Islam and Allah “teach us to walk together with everyone”.

Adddressing a rally in Banswara on Sunday, ahead of the Lok Sabha election 2024, PM Narendra Modi alleged that if the Congress came to power, it would redistribute the wealth of the people to Muslims and cited former prime minister Manmohan Singh's statement that the minority community had the first claim on the country's resources. Modi also alleged that the Congress plans to give the people's hard-earned money and valuables, including mangalsutra, to the "infiltrators" and “those who have more children”.

“Regretting” that the prime minister has said such a thing, J&K National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said, “Our Islam and Allah teach us to walk together with everyone. Our religion never taught us to look down upon other religions, instead always taught us to respect other religions...If a person snatches the 'mangalsutra' he is not a Muslim and does not understand Islam…”

P Chidambaram questions PM Modi

Modi's remarks have evoked sharp reactions from the Congress as well, with former finance minister P Chidambaram alleging that the “level of debate has sunk to a new low after April 21.

"I cannot recall that any other prime minister had made such outrageous statements like PM Modi did at Jalore &Banswara in Rajasthan yesterday. Each sentence outdid the previous sentence in its absolute falsehood and brazen mendacity," P Chidambaram wrote on X.

The senior Congress leader also questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party on claims against the Congress regarding alleged announcements to distribute people's land and other valuables among Muslims, among others.

"Will the BJP tell the world: a) when and where did the Congress say that we will distribute people's land, gold and other valuables among Muslims? b) when and where did the Congress say that a survey will be conducted to value the property of individuals, gold held by women and silver owned by tribal families? c) When and where did the Congress say that land and cash belonging to government employees will also be distributed?" P Chidambaram said in the post.

PM Modi doubles down attack on Congress

Modi, meanwhile, reiterated on Tuesday that he had put the truth before the country that Congress was hatching a deep conspiracy to snatch your property and distribute it to its special people.

Addressing a public meeting in Rajasthan's Tonk, Modi said his speech had created panic in the entire Congress and INDIA bloc.

"When I came to Rajasthan the day before yesterday, I had presented some truths before the country in my 90-second speech. This has created panic in the entire Congress and INDI alliance. I had put the truth before the country that Congress is hatching a deep conspiracy to snatch your property and distribute it to its special people. I exposed their vote bank and appeasement politics. After all, why is Congress so afraid of the truth?" Modi said.

On Monday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin OwaiI took strong exception to the stereotyping of Muslims in a speech by Modi.

Addressing an election rally in Bihar, Owaisi said he would like to conduct a “post mortem" examination on Modi’s speech in Rajasthan.

“Modi said Muslims have more children. That is a lie. Fertility rate has declined in the community and, according to official data, it is 2.36 per cent. Though, admittedly, the fertility rate is lower among our Hindu brethren,” Owaisi told the rally in Purnea district.

Alleging that the prime minister “told a lie, as he has always done” at the Banswara rally, Owaisi said the remarks were “divisive”.

Source: hindustantimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/farooq-abdullah-reacts-to-pm-modis-mangalsutra-remarks-in-rajasthan-our-islam-and-allah-101713861684886.html

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BJP’s ‘divisive agenda’ equally harmful for Hindus & Muslims: Mehbooba

 23rd April 2024

Marziya Sharif

Srinagar: The President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has claimed that in pursuit of their agenda against one community, the BJP is destroying the social fabric of the majority Hindu community, “radicalising and criminalising the youth for their lust for power”, according to a PDP statement issued on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media while campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls in South Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti claimed that attempts are being made to tear apart the country’s communal fabric, adding that the slogans projecting BJP crossing the 400-mark are proving hollow with each passing day.

The PDP chief also claimed that the BJP-NDA knows the results will be in favour of the INDIA bloc, as the youth of the country have understood the gimmicks of the ruling party.

“The youth want an end to inflation and massive unemployment in the country. However, the BJP is busy sowing the seeds of discord and creating new fault lines. People must remain cautious and not allow the divisive elements to succeed in their nefarious agenda,” she said.

Source: siasat.com

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Congress gave Andhra Pradesh Muslims quota in 2004, but HC struck it down

 Apr 24, 2024

HYDERABAD: The issue of reservations for Muslims is back in political discourse with PM Narendra Modi accusing Congress of plotting to snatch the quota for SCs and STs and hand it to the minorities. Modi said at a rally in Rajasthan on Tuesday that this was Congress's 'pilot project' in Andhra Pradesh, the first state to implement the Muslim quota.

The demand for inclusion of socially, educationally and economically backward sections among Muslims existed in undivided Andhra from the 1960s as some of the sections, like washermen and weavers, were found to be poorer and lagging behind even SCs in terms of education and socio-economic conditions.

In Aug 1994, then Congress CM K Vijayabhaskar Reddy issued a GO including some categories of Muslims such as washermen and weavers into OBC list. But the quota was not implemented. An OBC commission headed by Justice Puttuswamy was tasked to look into issue of inclusion of more Muslims into the OBC list.

Telugu Desam Party govt under Chandrababu Naidu which took over soon after kept the Puttuswamy Commission alive, giving it six terms. The commission submitted its report to Naidu govt in 2003, but it was not made public.

In July 2004, within 56 days of forming Congress govt after defeating Naidu in polls, YS Rajasekhara Reddy issued orders giving 5% reservations to Muslims, fulfilling the party's promise in its poll manifesto. Muslims were included in the OBCs list by creating a new section - category E - over and above the existing four categories (from A to D).

YSR's move took total quota in the state to 51% as the existing reservations under various heads - OBC categories A to D 25%, SCs 15% and STs 6% - were left untouched.

In Sept 2004, Andhra HC struck down the order on the ground that it was against SC's ceiling of 50% on reservations.

In Nov 2004, YSR govt reconstituted OBC commission under Justice Dalva Subrahmanyam. And in Oct 2005, it issued an ordinance providing 5% reservation to Muslims in educational institutions and state govt jobs. The ordinance was replaced by an Act later.

In Nov 2005, a five-member bench of Andhra Pradesh high court struck down the Act.

In July 2007, based on Justice Subrahmanyam's report on socio-educational backwardness of Muslims, YSR govt promulgated another ordinance providing 4% quota to 14 categories of poor Muslims, thereby bringing reservation within the 50% limit.

This was stayed by SC with the court criticising it as an attempt to get around constitutional prohibition of reservation on the ground of religion.

However, Muslim quota backers say it is not based on religion. They argue that only 14 socially and educationally backward groups of Muslims are included - like Singali, Muslim Dhobi (washermen), Faqir, Garadi Muslim, Gosangi Muslim, KeeluGurravallu Muslim, Hajjam, Labbi, Qureshi, Sheikh & Turaka Kasha.

Govt excluded Syed, Mughal, Pathan, Irani, Arab, Bohra, Khoja & other sections considered to be socially & educationally superior to BC Muslims.

Between 2004-5 and 2023-24, over 20 lakh Muslim students have benefitted by getting admissions in MBBS, engineering, MCA, MBA, BEd MEd and other professional courses according to official sources. Enrolment of Muslims increased in higher professional courses after getting reservations.

After Telangana was formed in 2014, first chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao promised Muslims to enhance quota from 4% to 12% in tune with their population.

On April 16, 2017, during a special session, the Telangana House passed a resolution to increase reservations for backward sections among Muslims to 12%, taking the total quota in the state to over 50%. The resolution, which also sought an increase of reservations for STs from 6% to 10%, was sent to Centre. The resolution has not been implemented as the Centre has not responded so far.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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PM Modi doesn’t do politics on religion basis, never thought of dividing society: Rajnath

 23rd April 2024

Marziya Sharif

Noida: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never done politics on the basis of religion or by dividing the society and stressed that his predecessor Dr Manmohan Singh had in 2006 talked about extending reservation for the Muslims.

The defence minister made the remarks at an election rally in Greater Noida in support of BJP’s Gautam Buddh Nagar Lok Sabha candidate Mahesh Sharma.

Prime Minister Modi on Sunday suggested that if the Congress comes to power, it would redistribute wealth of people to the Muslims and cited Dr Singh’s remark that the minority community had the first claim on the country’s resources.

Addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara, Modi also alleged the Congress plans to give people’s hard-earned money and valuables to “infiltrators” and “those who have more children”.

Addressing a gathering at Bisahda village in Greater Noida, the defence minister attacked the opposition for creating a ruckus at this time and trying to put a question mark on Prime Minister Modi.

“Sisters and brothers, it’s not that I know the prime minister from today. We have had very good relations for a long time. He has never done politics of Hindu, Muslim and Christian. Our prime minister never thought of doing politics by dividing the society,” Singh said.

“He (Modi) said at one place that Congress has said in its manifesto that we will get the properties surveyed. If it is said in the manifesto then why should people have any objection to it. What do you want to do by getting the properties surveyed? Do you want to distribute the country’s resources equally? What do you want to do?” he asked.

The veteran BJP leader also asked the Congress to clear its position on the matter.

“Dr Manmohan Singh ji was the prime minister of India. I respect Dr Manmohan Singh ji even today, I have respect for him, brothers and sisters. Dr Manmohan Singh himself in the meeting of the National Defence Council at the Vigyan Bhawan on December 9, 2006, had said that if anyone has the first right on the property of this country, it is the minority and especially he had said that it belongs to the Muslims,” Singh said.

“Sisters and brothers, whatever property and whatever resources there are in this country, everyone should have equal rights, he had said this, we did not say this. Now when the prime minister said this, these people created an uproar over it,” he added.

Singh said the Congress-led government had in the past formed several commissions, which had recommended in their report that out of the 27 per cent reservation for the OBCs, 6 per cent should be for the Muslims and 2 per cent should be for the minorities.

“We did not make this commission,” he added.

Escalating his attack on the Congress, Singh said, “It did not stop at this. If someone from the Scheduled Caste converts, he should be given reservation despite the change of religion. Not only this, they (Congress) also ended the reservation of SC-ST in Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University.”

“These people have formed the government by dividing the country equally on the basis of Hindu and Muslim,” he alleged.

The senior BJP leader stressed that his party does not want to make the country by dividing it on the basis of caste, creed, religion, Hindu, Muslim or Christian, but wants to make India a great country of the world by keeping everyone together.

Singh also slammed the opposition parties for their critical comments over the victory of a BJP Lok Sabha candidate in Surat, Gujarat, after he was elected unopposed.

“One of our candidates has won unopposed in Surat, Gujarat, the process of BJP’s victory has started. But people of Congress and other political parties are saying that this is a threat to democracy. I want to ask this, I want to say to the friends of the Congress, I want to say to the people of the other party — do not do politics by throwing dust in the eyes of the public, do politics by looking the public in the eye if you have the courage,” Singh said.

“You also had your governments. Many times the MPs were elected unopposed. If your MP wins unopposed, democracy becomes stronger and if one of our MPs wins, democracy becomes weaker,” he added.

The BJP leader reminded that Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav had won unopposed in the by-election in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, in 2012.

“At that the time the Congress or the BSP did not see democracy in danger. Where do these people want to take the country?” Singh asked.

“I say this often that don’t do politics by misleading the public, instead look them in the eyes and do politics. They have made a ‘tamasha’ of everything. They want to seek public support by misleading them,” he said.

“Also I urge the friends from the press, if I say something wrong, print it in newspapers and run it in on the television. I am someone who would acknowledge if I make a mistake. I am saying this because I have never engaged in politics by deceiving the public,” he added.

Source: siasat.com

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ASI ends survey at Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in MP

 24th April 2024

Sameer Khan 

Dhar: The ongoing survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of the Bhojshala Complex located in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, which started on March 22, ended on Tuesday.

The ASI has to submit the report to the Indore High Court on April 29, but the ASI has submitted an application seeking 8 more weeks for the survey.

On Tuesday, a team from the ASI reached the Bhojshala in the morning, with 21 members and 32 laborers. Along with ASI team, Gopal Sharma and Ashish Goyal from the Hindu side and Abdul Samad Khan from the Muslim side also reached the complex.

According to an arrangement in 2003, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Following the direction of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the ASI began an archaeological survey at the Bhojshala Complex on March 22.

For Hindus, the Bhojshala Complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while for Muslims, it is the site of the Kamal Maula mosque.

On April 1, the Supreme Court refused to stay the March 11 Madhya Pradesh High Court order directing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct within six weeks a survey of the Bhojshala Temple cum Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district.

Last month, the appellants, while seeking an urgent hearing of the matter “in view of the sensitivity of the issue,” had said that “the survey may cause damage to the place of worship and affect religious sentiments of communities at large”.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had also directed the ASI to constitute an expert committee that will “complete scientific investigation, survey and excavation, through the adoption of latest methods and techniques” and submit the report within six weeks. The next hearing into the matter is scheduled on April 29.

Source: siasat.com

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Arab World

 

Islamic Fiqh Council,In Its Concluding Statement, Condemns Abuse, Violations against Muslims

24 April 2024

The Islamic Fiqh Council condemned on Tuesday abuse and violations against Muslims.

The 23rd edition of the Council, which is affiliated with the Muslim World League (MWL), convened in the Saudi capital Riyadh for three days of meetings that tackled latest developments and emerging issues.

The event brought together senior clerics and scholars from across the Islamic world and non-Muslim countries.

In its concluding statement, the Council condemned the abuses against Muslims and their sanctities that it viewed as a fight against Islam.

It also underscored the right to woman to an education. It explained that Islam is the religion of education and civilization.

God Almighty made it a duty to all Muslims to earn an education within the means at their disposal and according to their needs as individuals and the need of their societies, and this includes men and women, it went on to say.

It recommended that Muslims across the globe empower women to earn an education and not to deprive them from it so that they can play their role in service of their societies and nations.

In addition, it called on non-Muslim countries to recognize Islamic occasions, namely Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, to allow Muslims to enjoy these days as holidays. Such a step would reflect positively on society, demonstrate equality between religions and consolidate coexistence and social cohesion.

The Council also focused on official charity electronic platforms in Saudi Arabia, urging Saudi citizens and residents of the Kingdom to pay their Zakat through these trusted government-recognized portals.

On homosexuality, the council said it was following with “deep pain” campaigns in some countries that “advocate the legalization of sexual aberrations and attempts to impose these views on peoples and nations under the pretext of personal freedoms.”

It condemned such campaigns “that aim to promote this heinous crime that violates human and moral values and the teachings of all prophets.”

“It is the duty of countries to confront and combat this phenomenon and stand against its approval no matter the justifications for it,” it declared.

“It called on officials at educational institutions and various media outlets and platforms to carry out their duties in protecting the youth against these dangerous perversions,” it added.

Secretary-General of the MWL and Vice President of the Islamic Fiqh Council Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa expressed his great gratitude to the Muslim scholars, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, for their efforts in service of Muslims and Islam.

He also hailed the efforts of various grand muftis, senior scholars and researchers in ensuring the success of the latest edition of the Council.

The Islamic Fiqh Council is focused on clarifying legal rulings faced by Muslims. It aims to highlight the creativity of Islamic jurisprudence, disseminate Islamic jurisprudential heritage, and clarify its terminology in modern language.
Source: english.aawsat.com

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https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/4982126-islamic-fiqh-council-condemns-abuse-violations-against-muslims

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Al-Ansari: Doha needs to reassess mediation efforts between Hamas, Zionist entity

[23/April/2024]

DOHA April 23. 2024 (Saba) – Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Ansari said on Tuesday that Doha needs to reassess mediation efforts between the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas and the Zionist entity at this stage. He stressed his country's commitment to mediation efforts and to work to prevent further security collapse in the region.

Al-Ansari said at a press conference on Tuesday that his country expressed its frustration with the repeated attack on mediation efforts, especially those made by Qatar. He explained that ministers in the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made negative statements about the Qatari role.

He also stressed that Doha cannot accept any statements that do not correspond to the reality of its role in mediation efforts. He stressed that it will not accept its use for political positioning or electoral purposes by any party.

The attack on the mediator shows a serious lack of commitment to reaching an agreement, as well as a lack of determination to work positively to reach an agreement. He pointed out that the first challenge for mediation is for both parties to have seriousness and flexibility to reach a result.

Al-Ansari said mediators were frustrated by the lack of an exchange agreement in Ramadan, after rounds of negotiations continued in Doha and Cairo last month.

He reported that negotiating teams for the war in Gaza are not currently present in Doha.

He also stressed that Qatar's reassessment of mediation efforts does not change its humanitarian commitment to Palestine. He pointed to the continued arrival of aid to Gaza and Doha's reception of injured people.

Al-Ansari said that the humanitarian commitment to Palestine is a constant and non-negotiable issue.

Speaking about Turkey's possible role in mediation efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip, Ansari said that coordination is continuing with Ankara on ways to stop the war on Gaza.

He added that Turkey is one of the most important countries supporting the mediation efforts led by Qatar to stop the war on Gaza.

Regarding the threat of the Zionist enemy to invade Rafah, Ansari said: "The escalation leads to the stalling of negotiations, the possibility of reaching an agreement and a further deterioration in the humanitarian situation." He stressed that the international community must work to stop the upcoming Zionist attack on Rafah, which is crowded with displaced people.

On April 17, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that Doha is evaluating its mediation in the Gaza crisis completely and accurately, after misusing its mediation to serve narrow political goals by some.

Hamas condemned on Monday the statements of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and said: It is an attempt to hold the movement responsible for blocking the reach of an agreement, which contradicts the movement's flexible positions to facilitate reaching an agreement, which collided with the intransigence and procrastination of Netanyahu.

Source: saba.ye

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Outer Edge Summit in Riyadh explores AI, digital futures

April 23, 2024

SULAFA ALKHUNAIZI

HAJAR ALQUSAYER

RIYADH: By owning our data, we will be empowered and safe, says Krista Kim at Outer Edge Innovation Summit on April 23 at The Garage in Riyadh.

Kim spoke in one of the summit’s panel discussions, titled “Web3 and AI for business and smart cities,” which included guest speakers Naif Al-Rabeah, director of Web3 and spatial reality portfolio at NEOM; Eric Pulier, founder & CEO at Vatom Corporation; and Kamal Youssefi, president at the Hashgraph Association.

The Korean Canadian artist has a goal to raise awareness of the importance of each person owning their data: “I believe that data is power. You need to allow people to be empowered by owning their own data and to give them a choice of what projects they want to be involved in.”

Kim highlighted that data ownership “is one of the greatest human rights issues in the 21st century.

“Right now, in the Web2 system, our data is taken for free. The companies practice surveillance capitalism and they take your data and they monetize on your free data.”

Scott Lawin, CEO of Candy Digital, a gaming and fan engagement company focused on sports and entertainment, attended the summit to support Web3: “Web3 really gives people that opportunity to authenticate their data and share it in a selective way where necessary. And also benefit from the contribution of that data.”

Lawin attended the panel discussion highlighting the importance of the harmony of web3 and smart cities. Web3 is a term used to describe an idea for the next stage of internet development, which incorporates concepts such as decentralization, blockchain technologies, and token-based economics.

"I’m really excited about the Kingdom’s push forward and support for Web3. And I wanted to come and sort of see it here at first hand and meet the community here."

“As it relates to smart cities, (they) are designed and built around data. And understanding how the personalization of that data can help improve citizens’ lives,” he explained. “But ownership of that data and giving each individual the ability to sort of turn on and turn off the way that data is utilized is also quite important. From a privacy perspective and just a self-determination perspective.”

Meanwhile, Kim hopes to raise awareness of the global issue through personal projects and artistic efforts.

Last month, she presented “Heart Space,” the first collaborative generative AI biometric artwork in history, commissioned by Julius Baer at Art Dubai.

Within the exhibition, visitors take their heartbeat measurements with an app that will create a heart signature to be used an artwork in the immersive space.

“So, you are contributing through your heartbeat to the experience of the artwork, and you have the opportunity to create the NFT of your heart signature on the app,” the artist explained. “This is a project that I'm creating for people to take the first step to create your heart signature and then from that first step, you can start the movement toward that privacy and identity on the chain.”

The line between real and fake is being blurred further, creating ramifications in various fields. “AI can now create fake articles and they can fake your identity ... in three years, AGI (artificial general intelligence) is going to automatically just create stories,” Kim said. “So, we need to differentiate between what is real and what is fake, and also what is made by a human being versus what is made by the machine.”

Technology can be used to its advantage. Blockchain provides a solution of creating verification for newspapers, journalists and online media outlets, Kim says.

Speaking about how it works, she added: “On-chain media is very important, so that you can see the verification of this story on the blockchain. To bring it a step further — biometrics. So, your heart signature that I spoke about, as a journalist, you can use your heart signature to sign your story online.”

Outer Edge Innovation Summit brought together some of the biggest names in the blockchain, AI, and gaming ecosystems from all over the world.

In partnership with Animoca Brands and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the summit highlights advances in Web3 and the gaming ecosystem development in Saudi Arabia.

Topics at the summit will include smart cities, gaming, esports, art, culture, and more.

For more information about the Outer Edge Innovation Summit in Riyadh, visit outeredge.live/riyadh.

Source: arabnews.com

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Al-Sudais praises Saudi leadership’s dedication to Islamic values

April 23, 2024

RIYADH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their dedication to the message of Islam.

He commended their promotion of tolerance and moderation, service of Islam, Muslims and the broader Islamic community, and advocation for Islamic world issues in international forums.

In his speech at the Muslim World League meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, Al-Sudais expressed his gratitude to the grand mufti of the Kingdom, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, for his role in supporting the Islamic Fiqh Council’s mission.

Al-Sudais acknowledged the grand mufti’s efforts in addressing contemporary issues facing Muslims, encouraging inter-civilizational dialogue and promoting the values of tolerance.

He also highlighted the role and contributions of Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa in promoting the values of moderation and inclusivity, encouraging interfaith dialogue and serving the league’s mission.

Al-Sudais praised the Muslim World League’s commitment to fostering moderation and moderate thinking, fulfilling Islam’s mission to spread peace and justice, and encouraging familiarity and cooperation among peoples.

He acknowledged the league’s efforts in organizing international conferences and awareness programs, and its role in combating religious extremism.

Al-Sudais highlighted the importance of combating misguided ideologies and terrorist organizations, focusing on the youth, supporting Islamic minorities, combating fanaticism, factionalism and moral decay, and upholding the values of tolerance and moderation.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2498056/saudi-arabia

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Madinah forum targets improved pilgrim experience

April 23, 2024

NADA HAMEED

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program, organized the inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah.

The three-day event, taking place from April 22-24, is being held under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of the Madinah region.

Prince Salman said that the leadership has prioritized the enhancement of Hajj and Umrah services during the prosperous era of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He said: “The great honor bestowed by God on this country is a source of pride for all of us and motivates us to improve the level of services provided to the guests of God, to search for ideas, and to conduct studies that would advance the Umrah and visit sector.”

The forum is an opportunity for specialists to communicate and exchange experiences during dialogue sessions and discussion panels, and to develop recommendations that contribute to enriching visitors’ experience, he added.

He also expressed hope that the forum would yield positive outcomes and thanked the minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, as well as the ministry’s employees, for organizing the forum.

Prince Salman visited the exhibition held in parallel with the forum. It houses more than 100 pavilions showcasing the services offered by tourism and travel companies, Umrah agencies, academic and research institutions, small and medium enterprises and service developers, as well as companies from related sectors such as hospitality, catering, transportation, healthcare, technology, communications, artificial intelligence, banking and insurance.

A documentary about Madinah, an essential component of the Umrah experience, was screened at the forum.

A group of experts and specialists attended, with discussions focused on enriching the Umrah and Hajj experience and aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

Al-Rabiah also delivered a speech at the forum, highlighting the special attention given by the leadership to the Two Holy Mosques and visitors to the sites.

One of the most important factors in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Al-Rabiah said, is the Pilgrim Experience Program, as the Two Holy Mosques are expected to witness the influx of millions of worshippers and visitors, requiring management by security personnel from the Ministry of Interior, and from the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

One of the program’s primary goals, he added, is to enrich the visitors’ experience. The forum serves as a comprehensive platform where 180 speakers from the Kingdom and abroad can discuss strategies to improve the experience.

Al-Rabiah highlighted the involvement of 28 government entities and more than 3,000 local and international companies, with more than 1,500 agreements expected to be signed over the course of the event.

He noted that visits were made to 24 countries to address challenges faced by pilgrims and visitors, and to introduce them to the facilities provided by the Kingdom.

Al-Rabiah said that over the past two years, more than 19 million people have visited Al-Rawda Al-Sharifa, along with a significant number of unique historical sites connected to the life of the Prophet Muhammad in Makkah and Madinah, with many of the historical sites having been rehabilitated.

He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to providing quality services throughout pilgrim journeys, describing the Grand Mosque as a globally significant destination. Additionally, he announced the launch of the 1966 contact center in nine languages for pilgrim inquiries, catering to both domestic and international audiences.

Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to France and Monaco, and the permanent representative of the Kingdom to UNESCO, also gave a speech highlighting the role of historical and cultural sites in enriching the visitor experience.

During his address, Al-Ruwaili referenced remarks made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the previous Hajj season, emphasizing the Kingdom’s honor in serving the Two Holy Mosques and making it a top priority.

The crown prince’s comments demonstrate the Kingdom’s leadership goals toward serving pilgrims, enabling them to perform their worship rituals and achieve the purposes of Hajj, Umrah, or visitation with ease and peace of mind, he added.

Four significant agreements were signed during the opening ceremony.

The first, between the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque and Nusuk, aimed to establish and operate an awareness center for pilgrims.

The second, with the Prince Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Charitable Foundation, created a fund of SR100 million ($26 million) for water supply.

The third agreement, between the General Authority for Awqaf and the Madinah Region Development Authority, focused on repairing and renovating water facilities at the Meeqat of Dhul-Hulayfah.

The fourth agreement, between the General Authority for Awqaf and the Taybah Mosques Association, addressed support for the Quba Mosque’s needs.

The forum consists of six dialogue sessions and 24 workshops, in which 29 experts and specialists will take part. It also includes several competitions, including the Artificial Intelligence Competition in Umrah and a hackathon on historical sites related to the Prophet Muhammad’s life.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2498051/saudi-arabia

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19 million visit Al-Rawda Al-Sharif, highlighting Madinah's growing importance in Umrah experience

April 23, 2024

MADINAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah highlighted the significant visitor numbers during his speech at the opening of the first Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, revealing that over the past two years more than 19 million people have visited Al-Rawda Al-Sharif.

The forum, which aims to enrich the experience of religious tourists, was inaugurated under the auspices of Madinah Emir Prince Salman bin Sultan at King Salman International Convention Center on Monday.

Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, the three-day event features six dialogue sessions, 24 workshops with 29 experts, and competitions that include an Artificial Intelligence competition on Umrah and a hackathon on historical sites related to the Prophet’s life.

Al-Rabiah

noted that the Pilgrim Experience Program is one of the major components of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

"The Two Holy Mosques are expected to witness the influx of millions of worshippers and visitors, the largest gathering in one place, which needs to be managed by security personnel from the Ministry of Interior and from the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in a complex situation."

Al-Rabiah highlighted that one of the main goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program is to enrich the visitors’ experience. The forum, he said, is a comprehensive platform where some 180 speakers from the Kingdom and abroad will discuss the ways to further improve this experience.

In his inaugural address, Prince Salman bin Sultan emphasized the enhanced services during the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He noted the forum's role in fostering dialogue and producing actionable recommendations for improving services for the guests of God from their arrival until their departure from the Kingdom.

The forum also serves as a comprehensive platform for 180 speakers from within the Kingdom and abroad to discuss further improvements to the pilgrim experience. It includes an exhibition with over 100 pavilions showcasing services from various sectors such as tourism, healthcare, technology, and more.

The opening ceremony concluded with the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing the Umrah and visit sectors.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/642336/SAUDI-ARABIA/19-million-visit-Al-Rawda-Al-Sharif-highlighting-Madinahs-growing-importance-in-Umrah-experience

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South Asia

 

Thailand rolls out red carpet to greet Sheikh Hasina on her official visit

Apr 24, 2024

A red carpet was rolled out as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reached Bangkok at noon today on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart SretthaThavisin.

On her arrival at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok at 1:08pm (local time), the premier was received by Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior AnutinCharnvirakul.

She was given a static guard of honour and a 19-round gun salute at the airport.

Thailand Minister-in-Attendance PuangpetChunlaiad, Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh MakawadeeSumitmor and Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Mohammed Abdul Hye were present at the airport.

Earlier, the PM left Dhaka by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at 10:13am on the six-day tour, which is both a bilateral and multilateral visit.

The bilateral visit of the prime minister will be the first-ever visit at the level of head of the government from Bangladesh to Thailand since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972.

During her visit from April 24 to 29, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin and also attend the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Bangladesh and Thailand will sign a number of cooperation documents including a letter of intent on negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Bangladesh and Thailand are likely to sign an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation while two more MoUs on tourism sector cooperation and duty related mutual cooperation to expand the relations, said Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud at a media briefing on Monday.

Bangladesh will seek support from Thailand regarding Rohingya repatriation as well as increased investment from Thailand, he said, adding that the issue of shipping connectivity will also be discussed.

On April 26, PM Hasina will be formally received by her Thai host SretthaThavisin while a ceremonial guard of honour will be accorded to her.

On the same day, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin at the Government House (Prime Minister's Office) following a tete-a-tete between the two leaders, witness the signing of the documents, participate in a joint press conference and then attend a state lunch to be hosted by her Thai counterpart in her honour there.

During the visit, the prime minister will have a Royal audience of Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, King and Queen of the Kingdom of Thailand at the Palace.

In her multilateral engagement, PM Hasina is scheduled to attend the 80th Session of ESCAP and deliver a speech there on April 25.

On the same day, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida SalsiahAlisjabana will call on the prime minister.

Guided by the theme "Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific", the eightieth session will be an opportunity to strengthen region-wide cooperative action on leveraging digital innovation for the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The session will bring together government leaders and ministers from across Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders to discuss how digital innovation can more inclusively contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals across multiple disciplines.

Source: thedailystar.net

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173 Bangladeshis to return home from Myanmar tomorrow

Apr 23, 2024

One hundred and seventy-three Bangladeshi nationals will return home tomorrow from Sittwe prison in Rakhine State of Myanmar.

The returnees will be carried by the "Myanmar Naval Ship Chin Dwin" which is visiting Bangladesh to bring back members of Myanmar defence forces who were forced to cross the border into Bangladesh due to conflict in Rakhine state, said the Bangladesh embassy in Yangon.

The ship is expected to reach Bangladesh territory by tomorrow and handover of the Bangladeshi citizens to the relevant authorities of Bangladesh will take place at that time.

Out of the 173 people, 129 are from Cox's Bazar, 30 are from Bandarban, seven are from Rangamati, one each from Khagrachari, Noakhali, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Rajbari, Narshingdi and Nilphamari.

The Bangladesh embassy in Yangon, upon learning of the tentative visit of the Myanmar ship to Bangladesh, took up the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh and relevant Myanmar authorities to seize the opportunity to send back the maximum number of verified Bangladeshi Nationals who were in different prisons of Myanmar.

The embassy also pursued the relevant host authorities to bring the 144 "verified and jail term completed or pardoned" returnees in Sittwe prison for smooth return and pursued for releasing the 29 verified Bangladeshi nationals who were still serving their jail terms or under trial. Pursuant to the mission's efforts, the 29 persons were pardoned and sent back to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh embassy in Yangon and Bangladesh consulate in Sittwe have been working for this return since the last return of Bangladeshi citizens that took place on October 3 last year when 29 Bangladeshis returned home through a flag meeting.

Representatives of the Bangladesh embassy in Yangon and consulate in Sittwe were physically present to coordinate with the local authorities, conduct verification process and issue travel permits in favour of the returnees.

Source: thedailystar.net

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Over 3 Tons Solid and 22,000 Liters Liquid Narcotics Incinerated in Kabul

 2024-04-24

The counter-narcotics department of the Ministry of Interior burned more than three tons of solid narcotics and 22,000 liters of liquid narcotics today in Deh Sabz, Kabul.

Ahmadullah Ahmadi, the General Director of the Police for Combating Narcotics, says that this amount of narcotics was collected from the provinces of the central zone, including Kabul, after the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate in the country, and 9,000 people have been arrested in connection with this.

Ahmadi stated: "In the presence of this delegation, 379 kilograms of opium are now being burned in front of you. 635 kilograms of heroin will, God willing, also be burned."

Meanwhile, Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, says that the cultivation and production of narcotics in the country have reached zero; however, completely eradicating it requires cooperation from regional countries and the international community.

Qani also criticized the lack of cooperation from the international community in combating narcotics in the country.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior said, "Despite their commitment to cooperate, unfortunately, there has been no cooperation. However, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has spent most of its resources and a significant portion of its budget, including some from mining revenues, to eradicate addiction and seriously combat this evil phenomenon."

Rohullah Habibi, the head of the Primary Court for Narcotics, said: "They load from Pakistan and get caught at our airport. They do not get caught at Pakistani ports or their airports; when brought to the Afghan airport to be transferred abroad and to Europe, other countries defame the Islamic Emirate."

Previously, some neighboring countries had claimed that there had been no reduction in the trafficking of industrial narcotics from Afghanistan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-188468

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US State Dept: 90% of prisoners in Afghanistan are political

Fidel Rahmati

April 23, 2024

The US State Department, in its annual report on human rights, has stated that despite declaring a “general amnesty,” the Taliban has continued to detain citizens, especially those affiliated with the former Afghan government.

The US State Department recently released a report on the human rights situation in several countries, including Afghanistan, in 2023.

The report stated that 90% of Taliban prisoners are political.

The report added that the Taliban often detain Afghan citizens arbitrarily, without legal basis, and in the absence of legal support mechanisms for them.

According to the report, the Taliban last year detained individuals without any judicial process and kept them in long-term detention without organizing their right to have a lawyer.

According to the US State Department, almost all cases of Taliban detentions have been conducted in an “unfair” manner, as these arrests have no clear legal basis, and the detainees have not been informed about the reasons for their detention and the charges they face.

Following the regime change in Afghanistan, many former officials sought refuge in neighbouring countries to evade arbitrary detention, reprisals, and security threats. Despite the declaration of amnesty, the Taliban continues to detain former police officers and officials.

Source: khaama.com

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US State Dept releases report on extensive Human Rights violations in Afghanistan

Fidel Rahmati

April 23, 2024

The U.S. State Department has published its annual human rights report for 2023, which highlighted a notable decline in women’s rights. It pointed to new regulations limiting women’s access to education and jobs, leading to a situation where women became increasingly limited to domestic responsibilities.

The report highlighted a range of human rights issues, including killings, abuse, harsh prison conditions, unjust detentions, media and internet restrictions, and limits on political participation, corruption, and child recruitment.

The department emphasized that they do not recognize the Taliban as legitimate.

“This year’s report also captures human rights abuses against members of vulnerable communities. In Afghanistan, the Taliban have limited work opportunities for women, shuttered institutions found educating girls, and increasing floggings for women and men accused of, quote, ‘immoral behavior,’ end quote,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated.

In the report, the State Department criticized the Taliban’s authoritarianism, stating that they have declared a “so-called interim government consisting largely of Taliban fighters, mullahs, and close associates of the group, predominantly belonging to the Pashtun ethnicity.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a statement on Tuesday regarding this report that the Taliban has “effectively removed Afghan women from the public sphere” with its directives.

According to the report, the ban on education and employment for women has worsened their situation, and they are now confined to the four walls of their homes.

The U.S. State Department said that the Taliban has shown no flexibility in its policies and that the group’s orders are in contradiction with Afghanistan’s commitments and international conventions.

The State Department’s report mentions political imprisonments, poor prison conditions, killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, and the lack of judicial independence.

The report states that the Taliban has used children in armed conflicts.

The U.S. State Department has given a negative assessment of the media situation in Afghanistan. The report states that the Taliban imposes increasing restrictions on freedom of speech every day. Additionally, journalists face Taliban violence and arbitrary detentions.

Meanwhile, the Taliban has obstructed peaceful gatherings and imposed restrictions on internet usage.

The U.S. State Department has stated that religious freedoms in Afghanistan are limited, and violence against ethnic and religious minorities has occurred.

The annual report also highlights the Taliban’s widespread disregard for the rule of law and the impunity of human rights violators, as the group has failed to reduce domestic violence, sexual violence, early and forced marriages.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesperson, responded to the report by emphasizing that Afghan people’s rights are defined by Islamic laws.

He stated that cultural and human rights norms in the West differ from those in Afghanistan, cautioning against imposing Western values on other nations.

Source: khaama.com

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Deported Migrants from Pakistan Concerned About Their Future

 2024-04-24

Hadia Ziaei

Some Afghan migrants, recently deported from Pakistan and returned to their country, are concerned about their future.

They are calling on the Islamic Emirate to provide them with shelter and job opportunities.

Hazrat Gul Eid Mohammad, a deported migrant from Pakistan, said, "Our request from the Islamic Emirate is to assist us. We have no homes; if they cooperate with us in providing land and houses."

After spending forty years of his life, Eid Mohammad returned from Pakistan last Thursday.

Eid Mohammad, a deported migrant from Pakistan, stated, "We couldn't go to the city; whenever we went, they arrested us and took money from us. Four days ago, I was arrested and they took 18,000 Afghanis from me."

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also released a report stating that from September 2023 to April 6, 2024, over five hundred and forty-eight thousand nine hundred deported Afghan migrants have been registered with this agency.

The report further states that of the given statistics, 62% are children and adolescents, 20% are children under five years of age, and 48% are women.

Asifa Stanikzai, a migrant rights activist, said, "With the intensification of forced deportations by Pakistan, it is necessary for the regime in Afghanistan to engage in diplomatic consultations with the relevant Pakistani officials and international organizations on this matter."

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations has not commented on this issue; however, according to the statistics from this ministry, nearly two thousand eight hundred Afghan migrants were returned from Pakistan and Iran on Tuesday.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-188471

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Russia’s special envoy meets with IEA ministers, discusses bilateral issues

 April 23, 2024

Zamir Kabulov, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Afghanistan, who is on a visit to Kabul, has met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi for talks on political and economic issues between Afghanistan and Russia.

Regional issues were also discussed.

Muttaqi expressed appreciation for Russia’s support at regional and international meetings and emphasized the need to further strengthen political ties and trade relations between the two countries.

He also said that Afghanistan’s relations with countries in the region are flourishing and currently Afghanistan has active embassies in all neighboring countries.

Muttaqi called Afghanistan’s relations with Russia important and said the current ground realities of Afghanistan should be understood and that there is no reason why the United Nations needs to appoint a special representative to deal with Afghanistan.

He said the Afghan government is in talks with the UN over this issue and will make public its position after sufficient clarification has been provided on the agenda and composition of the next UN meeting in Doha.

Kabulov in turn stressed that any meeting held on Afghanistan should be convened with the approval of the Afghan government.

He said it is important for the United Nations to have the Afghan government approve and attend the next Doha meeting.

He said this series of meetings will not yield positive results without the Afghan government being in agreement.

He also said governments of the world should maintain relations with the Afghan government through bilateral mechanisms instead of multilateral contact mechanisms.

Kabulov emphasized that the US should release Afghanistan’s frozen assets and end its unilateral and “illegal” restrictions on the country’s banking system.

He also said Russia and Afghanistan need to improve coordination between them and went on to say he hoped Muttaqi would visit Moscow during the course of this year.

Kabulov also met with acting Minister of Interior Affairs Sirajuddin Haqqani.

This meeting focused on bilateral relations between both countries while political and security issues pertaining to the region were also discussed, the ministry said.

Source: ariananews.af

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Pakistan

 

LHC orders federal govt to review steps taken to implement anti-rape law

 2024-04-24

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court observed that child sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic and sensitive issue that demands to handle these cases with exceptional care and consideration for the unique needs and vulnerabilities of child victims.

The court directed the federal government to review the steps taken to implement the Anti Rape Act immediately and ensure that the requisite systems are in place within 60 days.

The court regrettably said that some provisions of the Act have not been implemented, even after the lapse of two years and hence the Act’s intended goals have not been realised.

The court passed these directions in response to a petition of one Amdadullah who challenged the decision of a lower court which sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for 14 years with a fine of rupees one million in child abuse case.

The court while dismissing the appeal held that the prosecution has established the charge against the appellant beyond any shadow of doubt.

The court held that the lower courts are obligated to adhere to provisions of the Anti Rape Act and should ensure that every child is treated with respect, dignity, and sensitivity throughout the legal process.

The court, therefore, directed the judges of the lower courts to exercise extreme caution when writing judgments and should identify the victims using acronyms rather than full names.

The court said the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021 contains comprehensive provisions to address child victims’ distinctive requirements and susceptibilities.

The child’s identity is protected and confidentiality is maintained to reduce potential stigma and harm to him.

The examination of child witnesses is conducted in a manner that is sensitive to their age, maturity, and capacity to understand and it should be designed to elicit their testimony in a child-friendly and supportive manner, the court added.

The court also held that cross-examination is a fundamental component of the legal process. Hence the judges should balance the child’s rights and their need for protection with the accused’s right to a fair trial.

They may intervene to prevent aggressive or inappropriate questioning during cross-examination.

The court observed that when a child engages with the judicial system, the response should be supportive, collaborative, and aligned with a child right-driven approach.

Courts must acknowledge that children may respond to the trauma of abuse in diverse ways, which may include confusion, fear, or emotional distress, the court added.

This approach helps to reduce the potential emotional impact on the child while maintaining the integrity of the legal process, the court added.

The court said Section 12 of the Anti Rape Act mandates that the trial of the scheduled offences must be conducted in-camera. However, in his discretion or upon application of either party, the judge may allow specific persons to observe the court proceedings.

The court also observed that notwithstanding any other law for the time being in force, the judge may take suitable measures, such as conducting the trial through video-link or utilizing screens, to ensure the protection of the victims and witnesses.

The special courts must allow this provision in letter and spirit and should also hear bail applications in-camera in cases involving the scheduled offences.

The court, therefore, directed the registrar to circulate copies of this judgment to all the District and Sessions Judges in the Punjab to ensure compliance with the court directives.

Source: brecorder.com

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Cipher case judge may be repatriated over ‘misconduct’

April 24, 2024

Malik Asad

ISLAMABAD: The adm­­­i­nistration of Islam­abad High Court (IHC) has initiated the process to send back District and Sessions Jud­ge Abul Hasnat Moha­mmad Zulqa­rnain to his parent department, the Lahore High Court (LHC), over alleged misconduct.

Judge Zulqarnain convicted former prime minister Imran Khan and PTI leader Shah Mahm­ood Qureshi in the cipher case and sentenced them to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment each, in a hurriedly concluded trial.

Sources in the IHC told Dawn on Tuesday that the senior puisne judge, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who is also the inspection judge of the capital’s Special Courts, has recommended the repatriation of Judge Zulqarnain since a division bench of the high court passed certain observations regarding the conduct of the judge in a bail order on the plea of PTI leader Aamir Masood Mughal.

Mr Mughal, who was booked in March last year for allegedly leading a group of rioters that set a pol­ice van on fire, applied for pre-arr­est bail at the Anti-Terrorism Court.

During a hearing on Feb 6, Mr Mughal appeared in the court of ATC judge Zulqarnain and requested the court to adjourn the hearing on the petition until after the Feb 8 general elections, in which the accused participated as an independent candidate, backed by the PTI.

The judge accepted the request and adjourned the matter until Feb 13.

The IHC bench, however, noted that “the presiding officer [Judge Zulqarnain] dictated and announced such an order in the open court. However, later they were informed that the said petition [for pre-arrest bail] has been dismissed for non-prosecution”.

According to the order, the IHC asked the petitioner and his lawyers to submit separate affidavits before the court, and they later submitted affidavits affirming the facts.

The court further noted that the investigation officer in the case also confirmed the statements of the petitioner and his counsel that the ATC-I on Feb 6 had adjourned the hearing until Feb 13.

“At this juncture, we will exercise restraint to record observations regarding the conduct of the presiding officer [ATC-I judge] in the light of the principle and law laid down by the Supreme Court. However, a separate note is being submitted on the administrative side,” the order said.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1829284

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3 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Pishin district: ISPR

 April 23, 2024

Iftikhar Shirazi

Three terrorists were killed by security forces in an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Pishin District, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

A press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the operation took place last night on the reported presence of terrorists in the area.

“During the conduct of [the] operation, after intense fire exchange, three terrorists were sent to hell, while one terrorist was apprehended in injured condition, who has been identified as an Afghan national,” the ISPR said.

It added that a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was also recovered during the operation.

“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan,” the ISPR said.

Two alleged terrorists were also killed and several injured in a gun battle with security forces in the district a day ago.

According to officials, the local administration had received information about the presence of terrorists in the Sanzalai mountain range of Pishin, following which an operation was planned.

Officials of the Frontier Corps (North) had claimed that the terrorists had crossed into Pishin from Afghanistan and had established their pickets on top of the hills.

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan after the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

According to an annual security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023 — marking a record six-year high.

KP and Balochistan were the primary centres of violence, accounting for over 90 per cent of all fatalities and 84pc of attacks, including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations.

Source: dawn.com

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IHC full court decides to give ‘institutional response’ to meddling

April 24, 2024

Awais Yousufzai

ISLAMABAD: In a major development, a full court meeting of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday “unanimously decided” to give an “institutional response” to any meddling in the court affairs, well-placed sources said.

The IHC full court meeting was held on Tuesday with Chief Justice Aamer Farooq in the chair to finalise proposals before submission to the Supreme Court in connection with a matter related to the alleged interference of spy agencies in judicial affairs.

According to the inside story of the full court meeting, all the judges unanimously suggested giving an “institutional response” to meddling in the judicial affairs, the sources revealed.

A draft comprising the proposals would be prepared and submitted to the Supreme Court Wednesday, the sources added. The top court had sought the suggestions in this regard till April 25.

Meanwhile, the IHC registrar’s office issued a declaration, saying that the full court meeting was held with the CJ Farooq in the chair. All the judges of the high court attended the meeting. A unanimous stance of the IHC would be submitted before the apex court in the suo moto case, it added.

Last month, six judges of the IHC — comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz — wrote a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), seeking its guidance on “interference” of the intelligence agencies in the courts’ affairs.

“We are writing to seek guidance from the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) with regard to the duty of a judge to report and respond to actions on [the] part of members of the executive, including operatives of intelligence agencies, that seek to interfere with [the] discharge of his/her official functions and qualify as intimidation, as well as the duty to report any such actions that come to his/her attention in relation to colleagues and/or members of the courts that the high court supervises,” read the latter.

Later, the apex court had initiated suo motu proceeding on the letter and sought a proposal from the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), high courts and the federal government in this regard.

“They should suggest what should be the institutional response and mechanism to address the issues like the ones raised in the letter [of IHC judges] and ensure that such issues do not arise in future and, if they do, to fix liability and proceed against those responsible,” read the April 3 order of the apex court.

In response to the top court’s order, the IHC registrar’s office sought suggestion from the judges to counter the alleged meddling of intelligence agencies in the court affairs.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1181545-sc-requested-to-direct-govts-to-implement-nap

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Cop martyred while protecting Peshawar Sikh healer

April 24, 2024

Ahtesham Khan 

PESHAWAR:A policeman on Tuesday embraced martyrdom while protecting a Sikh healer when unidentified assailants fired gunshots at his clinic located in the suburbs of Peshawar.

Constable Farhad, a 40-year-old ex-serviceman, lost his life when the gunmen opened fire on Guljit Singh’s clinic in Baghbanan area falling within the limits of Inquilab police station. However, the Sikh healer remained unhurt.

Peshawar police chief Syed Ashfaq Anwar said security was provided to the Sikh community.

“The policeman sacrificed his life and the Sikh healer remained safe in the attack,” he added.

The city’s police chief continued that an investigation was under way and it would be premature to say anything about the incident.

The Sikh community has expressed its concern over the attack.

Baba Gurpal Singh, a Sikh leader in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, told The Express Tribune that in the last few years, around a hundred families of their community have migrated from Peshawar because of terrorism, unemployment, and targeted killings.

“A few of them have settled in Punjab families while most of them have shifted to the US, Canada and Europe,” he added.

Gurpal said 18 Sikhs were killed in the last few years and 11 injured in terrorist attacks.

“We can only demand better security measures and a favourable environment from the government.”

K-P Counter Terrorism Department chief Shaukat Abbas had previously claimed that the international terrorist organisation, Daesh, was involved in the killing of the religious minorities in the province i.e. the Sikh and Christian communities and other important targets but its network had been eliminated from Peshawar last year.

Even the “last” terrorist of the network was killed in the year 2023 in Peshawar.

However, the attack on Tuesday has rung alarm bells across the province.

According to K-P CTD’s data, there has been a marked increase in the incidents of terrorism this year.

Only from January to March, there have been 131 terrorist attacks in K-P and its tribal districts

Over 60 of them were on the police, while the southern districts witnessed the highest number of them.

In June last year, unidentified motorcyclists shot dead a Sikh trader, identified as Manmohan Singh, in Peshawar’s Kakshal neighbourhood.

K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur condemned the attack on the policeman assigned to the security of a citizen belonging to the Sikh community in Peshawar.

He expressed his grief over the martyrdom of the constable.

In a statement, the K-P chief minister offered his condolences to the family of the martyred policeman and prayed to the Almighty grant them fortitude to bear this loss.

Gandapur directed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to improve the security of religious minorities.

He pledged that the elements involved in the attack would be arrested and brought to justice.

The K-P CM assured the family of the martyr that the provincial government would not leave them alone in this hour of need and support them in every possible way.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463760/cop

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Imran alleges ‘pre-planned’ rigging in Punjab by-polls

April 23, 2024

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan asserted on Tuesday that premeditated rigging marred the by-polls in Punjab, accusing the Punjab Police of indulging in rigging.

As opposed to the shocking victory of the opposition in the general elections, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had smooth sailing in the recently held by-elections.

Unofficial results showed that the ruling party secured majority of seats of the national and provincial assemblies contested on Sunday.

"Democracy hinges on the supremacy of law and the conduct of free and fair elections, yet what we witnessed was jungle law. The interference of the police in the Punjab by-elections is deeply concerning," he remarked during a media interaction at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.

Imran highlighted that by-polls were also conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) is ruling, affirming that no instances of rigging transpired in the province.

"There exists no semblance of democracy in the nation presently. The rigging was a preemptive move, driven by fear of the events that unfolded on February 8. The postponement of the [general] elections from October to February was a deliberate tactic to suppress the PTI. Even our petition in the Supreme Court remained unheard, as it awaited the demise of the PTI," he elaborated.

Imran lamented that myriad tactics were deployed ahead of the general elections to besmirch the reputation of the PTI, resulting in the conversion of a majority vote into a minority.

The former prime minister deplored the lack of constitutional governance within the country, asserting that only the influential wield power.

"The absence of security for overseas Pakistanis impedes investment in the nation. Transparent elections are the cornerstone of a stable government, a quintessential element of democracy," he reiterated.

Imran voiced concern that the existing governmental framework jeopardises Pakistan's future, underlining the imperative of transparent and accountable governance.

Regarding negotiations and purported deals, Imran questioned the feasibility and necessity, asserting that the masses' will, as demonstrated on February 8, cannot be undermined.

He lamented the dwindling trust in the judiciary, highlighting the encroachment upon the fundamental right of citizens to elect their representatives.

Imran expressed dismay over the unjust treatment of his wife, emphasising her non-political stance. "My wife's involvement in politics is non-existent, yet she faces persecution and confinement. Cases have been unjustly registered against my three sisters. Unlike Maryam Nawaz and Benazir Bhutto, my wife has never been involved in politics," he clarified.

Furthermore, Imran underscored the positive diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia during his government's tenure, citing the hosting of the OIC Foreign Minister Conference in Pakistan as a testament to the amicable ties.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463676/imran-alleges-pre-planned-rigging-in-punjab-by-polls

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Europe

 

European Parliament members criticize EU as 'accomplice’ in Israeli war on Gaza

24 April 2024

Some members of the European Parliament (EP) have rebuked the European Union for its complicity in Israeli crimes in the Gaza Strip during the occupying regime’s months-long war against Palestinians in the besieged territory.

The EP members of parliament said the EU was “accomplice” in Israel's actions violating international law as the regime’s genocidal war on Gaza rages on for more than 200 days.

During a session titled, EP’s reaction to the killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists, and civilians by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, Left Group member Manu Pineda condemned Israel’s failure to implement provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as he highlighted the deaths of journalists and humanitarian aid workers in Israeli attacks.

Pineda described Israel as a "tumor" in the West Asia region.

Another Left Group member, Clare Daly, blamed the EU for complicity and silence regarding Israel's actions in Gaza over the past seven months.

Daly criticized the EU for cutting support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) without substantiating Israel's allegations against the agency.

She accused the EU of "waving the flag of the oppressor from day one," and condemned some EU countries for their actions.

Mick Wallace, also a member of the Left Group, condemned the delayed timing of the session, criticizing the EU's provision of arms to what he referred to as a "genocidal apartheid regime."

Wallace said the EU was providing diplomatic cover for Israel's actions while failing to impose sanctions or take decisive action.

He underscored the EU's contradictory reactions to conflicts involving Russia and Israel, questioning the prioritization of geopolitical interests over human rights.

Wallace concluded by questioning whether the EU considers the loss of children's lives in Gaza an acceptable price to protect its interests.

Israel waged its brutal US-backed war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance groups carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Israel has been carrying out war crimes in Gaza by deliberately starving people and forcing their evacuation, as well as targeting hospitals and schools sheltering displaced Palestinians.

The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed over 34,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 77,000 others.

Since the start of the onslaught, the US, Israel's most dedicated ally, has fast-tracked arms shipments to the occupying regime and blocked UN resolutions that called for a Gaza truce.

Source: presstv.ir

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France imposing restrictions on expressions of solidarity with Gaza: Amnesty

Esra Taskin 

24.04.2024

France has been imposing restrictions on expressions of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, human rights group Amnesty International said Tuesday.

The statement by Amnesty’s local branch said recent weeks have witnessed a series of limitations imposed on public displays of solidarity coupled with the cancellation or prohibition of events, while individuals face accusations of disseminating "terrorist propaganda."

One such instance cited by Amnesty was the banning of a scheduled conference on Palestine organized by the Free Palestine Association in the city of Lille earlier this month.

French authorities justified the ban, citing concerns over "terrorist propaganda," a move condemned by rights advocates as an attempt to stifle legitimate discourse on the Palestinian cause.

Amid these developments, Mathilde Panot, a senior Member of Parliament for France's La France Insoumise (LFI) party known for her vocal support for Palestine, revealed that she had been summoned for questioning on charges of "terrorist propaganda."

Panot, undeterred by the intimidation tactics, reaffirmed her commitment to standing against the genocide faced by the Palestinian people.

Israel has waged a sweeping offensive on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 which killed around 1,200 people.

At least 34,151 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and 77,000 have been injured amid mass destruction and severe shortages of necessities.

The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement as acute shortages of food plunge Gaza into famine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. 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

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Germany to resume cooperation with Palestinian UNRWA agency

April 24, 2024

BERLIN: The German government plans to resume cooperation with the UN agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) in Gaza, the foreign and development ministries said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The decision follows an investigation by the former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna into whether some UNRWA employees were involved in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

The Colonna-led review of the agency’s neutrality on Monday concluded Israel had yet to back up its accusations that hundreds of UNRWA staff were operatives in Gaza terrorist groups.

The German ministries urged UNRWA to swiftly implement the report’s recommendations, including strengthening its internal audit function and improving external oversight of project management.

“In support of these reforms, the German government will soon continue its cooperation with UNRWA in Gaza, as Australia, Canada, Sweden and Japan, among others, have already done,” said the ministries in the statement.

Source: arabnews.com

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Dutch intelligence: Europe foiled 10 jihadist attacks in 2023, Gaza war among triggers

23 April 2024

AMSTERDAM — Western intelligence prevented at least 10 jihadist attacks across Europe last year, and the current Israel-Hamas war has increased the threat of further attacks, Dutch intelligence agency AIVD said on Tuesday.

The foiled attacks included a plan to stab people at random and preparations for an assault on specific buildings and events, the AIVD said in its annual report, without elaborating.

“There were two mobilizing issues: The destruction of Qurans in the Netherlands and other European countries and the conflict between Israel and Hamas,” the Dutch agency said.

“The terrorist threat is serious at this moment,” the agency’s director-general, Erik Akerboom, said.

Akerboom said he is particularly concerned about big events, noting that the agency is working closely with French authorities to prevent incidents during the Paris Olympics this summer.

Earlier this month, four teenagers were arrested in Germany for suspected planning of Islamist terror attacks on churches and synagogues.

Sweden raised its terror alert in August to the second-highest level, after Quran burnings and other acts in the country targeting the holy book of Islam outraged Muslims and triggered threats from jihadists.

In October, two Swedish soccer fans were shot dead in Brussels, allegedly by a man who identified himself as a member of the Islamic State jihadist group.

Also in October, a 20-year-old man fatally stabbed a teacher and gravely wounded two other people in an attack at a school in the northern French city of Arras, in what French President Emmanuel Macron condemned as “barbaric Islamic terrorism.”

The war between Israel and Hamas began with the shock Hamas assault on October 7, when thousands of terrorists invaded southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 253 hostages.

In response, Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas and end the terror group’s rule of Gaza, launching an aerial assault and ground offensive to achieve its goals and return the hostages.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has placed the Palestinian death toll since October 7 at over 34,000 people, although this figure cannot be independently verified and does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Israel says it has killed some 13,000 Hamas gunmen in battle, as well as some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7. Since Israel launched the ground offensive in Gaza, 260 IDF soldiers have been killed.

The AIVD did not say how many of the foiled jihadist attacks had occurred since October 7.

In December, the Dutch counterterrorism agency increased the country’s threat alert to its second-highest level because of concerns about the Islamic State group’s Khorasan affiliates, Akerboom said. IS-K, a Central Asian affiliate, was responsible for the attack at a suburban Moscow concert hall that killed at least 133 people in March.

According to the new report, “global jihadism has been the greatest terrorist threat for years in the Netherlands.” Incidents such as the one last April, when an anti-Islam activist tore pages from the Quran in front of the Dutch parliament building, put the Netherlands on the map of targets.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/dutch-intelligence-europe-foiled-10-jihadist-attacks-in-2023-gaza-war-among-triggers/

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Norway Calls on Donors to Resume Funding to Palestinian UNRWA Agency

23 April 2024

Norway called on international donors on Tuesday to resume payments to the UN agency for Palestinians refugees (UNRWA) after a report found Israel had yet to provide evidence that some UNRWA staff were linked to terrorist groups.

The United States, Britain and others earlier this year paused payments to UNRWA following Israel's claims, while Norway, also a major donor to the organization, argued that funding cuts put the population of Gaza at risk.

A review of the agency's neutrality led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna on Monday concluded Israel had yet to back up its accusations that hundreds of UNRWA staff were operatives in Gaza terrorist groups.

"I would now like to call on countries that have still frozen their contributions to UNRWA to resume funding," Norway's foreign minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement.

A separate investigation by internal UN investigators is looking into Israeli allegations that 12 UNRWA staff took part in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks which triggered the Gaza war.

"Norway has emphasized that it is unacceptable to punish an entire organization, with 30,000 employees, and all Palestine refugees for the alleged misdeeds of a small number of the organization's employees," Barth Eide said.

While 10 countries have since ended their suspensions, the United States, Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and Lithuania have not. A UN spokesperson on Monday said UNRWA currently had enough funding to pay for operations until June.

Source: aawsat.com

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https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/4981251-norway-calls-donors-resume-funding-palestinian-unrwa-agency

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Mideast

 

Over 700 Illegal Israeli Settlers Storm Al Aqsa Mosque for Jewish Passover

24th April 2024

Hundreds of illegal Israeli settlers on Wednesday stormed into the Al Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem to mark the Jewish Passover holiday.

In a statement, the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem said nearly 703 illegal settlers, who were protected by the Israeli forces, stormed the mosque.

Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt during the time of Prophet Moses, is considered one of the most important holidays on the Jewish religious calendar.

The Israeli forces imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinians inside the Al Aqsa Mosque complex during the settlers' tour in its courtyards, it also said.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu that the Israeli forces were heavily deployed inside the mosque to secure the settlers who entered the mosque in groups from the Al Mugharbah Gate area, west of the holy mosque.

Third-holiest site for Muslims

Al Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the Temple Mount, claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognised by the international community.

Tensions have been running high across the occupied West Bank since Israel launched a deadly military offensive on Gaza after a cross-border operation by the Palestinian group Hamas last October.

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, where more than 34,100 people have been killed.

Source: trtworld.com

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Lebanon’s Hezbollah says fired ‘dozens’ of rockets at Israel

April 24, 2024

Beirut: Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement said it fired a fresh barrage of rockets across the border on Wednesday after a strike blamed on Israel killed two civilians.

The group had already fired rockets at northern Israel late on Tuesday “in response” to the civilian deaths.

Hezbollah has exchanged near-daily fire with the Israeli army since its ally Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, triggering war in Gaza.

It has stepped up its rocket fire on Israeli military bases in recent days.

Hezbollah fighters fired “dozens of Katyusha rockets” at a border village in northern Israel “as part of the response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on... civilian homes,” the group said in a statement.

On Tuesday, rescue teams said an Israeli strike on a house in the southern village of Hanin killed a woman in her fifties and a girl from the same family.

Since October 7, at least 380 people have been killed in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters but also 72 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

Israel says 11 soldiers and eight civilians have been killed on its side of the border.

Source: arabnews.com

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Hamas armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades calls for escalation across all fronts

April 24, 2024

DUBAI: The spokesperson for Hamas’ armed Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubaida, called on Tuesday for an escalation across all fronts in a televised speech marking 200 days since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7.

Israel says it is seeking to eradicate Hamas, which controls the enclave, in a war that has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians thus far. The war started when the militant group attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

In a video aired by Al Jazeera TV, Abu Ubaida praised Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13, saying the direct strikes with explosive drones and missiles “set new rules, drew important equations, and confused the enemy and those behind it.”

He also called for an escalation in the West Bank and Jordan calling it “one of the most important Arab fronts.”

Jordan, which lies between Iran and Israel, intercepted and shot down dozens of Iranian drones that entered its airspace and were heading to Israel, two regional security sources said on April 13.

“We call on the Jordanian people to step up their actions and raise their voices,” Abu Ubaida said.

He said Hamas was sticking to its demands at the ongoing ceasefire talks — that Israel ends its military offensive, pulls out forces from Gaza, allows the displaced to return to northern Gaza, and lifts the blockade.

“The government of the occupation is stalling in reaching a hostages-swap deal and is trying to obstruct efforts by the mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement,” Abu Ubaida said.

Qatar and Egypt have been trying to mediate a ceasefire, but Qatar foreign ministry’s spokesman said earlier on Tuesday all concerned parties should “show seriousness” in allowing such efforts to succeed.

Source: arabnews.com

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Iran’s decisive response to Israeli aggression disrupted enemy’s equations: Hamas

23 April 2024

The spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestianian resistance movement Hamas, has hailed Iran’s unprecedented retaliatory military operation against Israel, saying the Islamic Republic’s decisive response disrupted the enemy's equations.

Abu Obeida made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday.

On April 13, Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones in its first direct attack on the occupied territories in retaliation for the regime’s strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1.

“Iran's response in its size and nature, set new rules and disrupted the calculations of the occupation,” he said, calling on the masses of the Palestinian nation “to escalate their supportive movement for the resistance.”

Abu Obeida further denounced as a “big lie” the Israeli regime’s claim that its forces have eliminated all resistance factions, stressing that the occupying regime was unable, in 200 days, “to achieve anything other than mass massacres, destruction, and killing.”

He said the “criminal” regime seeks to improve its image, but it will achieve nothing but humiliation and it is still caught in a quagmire in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that after 200 days, the resistance has remained as strong and firm as a mountain.

The spokesman also vowed that the resistance will continue its fight against Israel.

“Our strikes and resistance will continue as long as the occupation’s aggression or its presence continues on any inch of our land.”

“We will not give up the basic rights of our people, most notably withdrawal [of Israeli forces], lifting the siege, and the return of the displaced to their homes,” he said, stressing that the resistance will remain faithful to the sacrifices of Palestinians.

Source: presstv.ir

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Iran releases details of confiscated Israeli transit cargo

Apr 23, 2024

TEHRAN, Apr. 23 (MNA) – The Iranian police (FARAJA) have released more details of a cargo it seized earlier this month that was made in the Israeli-occupied lands and was bound to be delivered to customers in Uzbekistan via the Iranian territory.

FARAJA’s head of Enforcement and Protection Units said on Tuesday that the cargo seized on April 15 in the border crossing of Bazargan in Iran’s northwest contained more than 22 metric tons of potassium nitrate, a chemical product used as fertilizer in agricultural projects.

General Reza Baniasadifar said the product under the commercial name of Haifa Group had been manufactured by the “fake Zionist regime” and was confiscated based on the article 9 of Iran’s Export-Import Regulations that prohibits any commercial dealings with the Israeli regime.

The Iranian parliament adopted a law earlier this year to toughen restrictions on imports and transit of goods made by Israeli companies or by their partner and affiliate companies.

The law was adopted in response to Israel’s brutal aggression on Palestinians in Gaza.

Baniasadifar said a domestic company responsible for the transit of the cargo to Uzbekistan had declared it to customs authorities as fertilizers, adding that judicial authorities will decide what would happen to the consignment and the truck that carried it.

The cargo seized in Bazargan, a key trade gateway with Turkey, is a first of its kind to be seized on land border crossings in Iran.

On April 13, commandos of Iran’s elite military force the IRGC boarded an oil tanker owned by an Israeli company nearly two weeks after an Israeli attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria which killed senior IRGC military commanders.

Authorities said the ship had been seized because it violated international maritime rules. 

Source: mehrnews.com

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200,000 settlers in occupied lands escaped Hezbollah strikes

Apr 23, 2024

TEHRAN, Apr. 23 (MNA) – Sirens in multiple northern towns in occupied territories went off on Tuesday after suspected drone and rocket attacks by the Lebanese Hezbollah movement.

Sirens in multiple northern towns warn of suspected drone and rocket attacks, Times of Israel reported on Tuesday.

Alerts are heard in the coastal city Acre and towns a short distance north of Haifa, the regime media added.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah Al-Manar TV cited the Israeli media outlets as reporting the explosion of a missile intercepting a suspicious object in the airspace of Nahariya.

The suspected rocket and drone fire came after the Hezbollah moment mourned Martyr All the Way to Al-Quds Hussein Ali Azqoul (Hadi), who was martyred in an Israeli regime air strike in the south of Lebanon.

Israeli military radio has reported that as many as 200,000 settlers in the North have resorted to shelters after three drones have been launched into Nahariya.

Source: mehrnews.com

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Over 3,660 Palestinians being held in Israel under administrative detention: Rights groups

AwadRajoob

24.04.2024

More than 3,660 Palestinians are being held under administrative detention in Israeli prisons, the highest number since 1967, prisoners' rights groups said Tuesday.

"As of the beginning of April, more than 3,660 Palestinians were being held under administrative detention in Israeli occupation prisons, marking 200 days since the continuous aggression in Gaza,'' the Commission of Detainees' Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Society said in a joint statement.

The statement pointed out that "the number of detainees was around 1,320 before the Hamas Oct. 7 attack.''

Administrative detention is imprisonment under Israeli military order without charges being filed, lasting for six months and renewable.

The current number of Palestinians who are under administrative detention is "the highest since 1967 and since human rights institutions began documenting data on administrative detainees during the years of the Stone (First) Intifada in 1987,'' Amani Sarahneh, the media coordinator for the Prisoners Club, told Anadolu.

"Among the current detainees are 22 women and more than 40 children,” the statement added.

The statement also noted that "the number of new or renewed administrative detention orders issued after Oct. 7 reached 5,210."

At least 9,500 Palestinians, including 80 women and more than 200 children, are behind bars at Israeli prisons, according to Palestinian figures.

Tensions have been high across the occupied West Bank since Israel launched a deadly military offensive against the Gaza Strip which has killed nearly 34,200 people following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year.

At least 487 Palestinians have since been killed and over 4,800 others injured by Israeli army fire in the occupied West Bank.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in an interim ruling in January ordered it to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Source: aa.com.tr

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New Palestinian PM announces reform package for beleaguered Authority

23 April 2024

JACOB MAGID

RAMALLAH — Newly installed Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa announced a package of reforms on Tuesday aimed at strengthening the Palestinian Authority amid increased global pressure for a revival of political dialogue with Israel.

Mustafa, appointed by PA President Mahmoud Abbas earlier this year, said his government would introduce measures to improve transparency and fight corruption, overhaul the justice system and security sectors and improve public sector efficiency.

In addition, he said the health and education system would be improved, public finances strengthened and economic reforms implemented.

The reform pledges largely match promises previously made by his predecessor Mohammed Shtayyeh, who announced his resignation in February as the PA looked to build support for an expanded role amid Israel’s war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

The United States and other international partners have pressed the PA to implement sweeping reforms to restore confidence among Palestinians, who have become deeply disillusioned with the body set up under the interim Oslo Peace Accords more than 30 years ago.

“A revitalized PA is essential to delivering results for the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza and establishing the conditions for stability in the broader region,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said when the move was announced at the end of March.

In addition to the new cabinet, the PA was in the final stages of talks with the Biden administration about reforming its controversial welfare policy, which included payments to terrorists and their families, two sources familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel last month.

The urgency to make reforms has increased as attention has turned towards the governance of Gaza, once Israel completes its military campaign against Hamas. The war there began after the October 7 massacres in southern Israel, when 3,000 Hamas-led terrorists killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took over 250 hostages.

Despite resistance from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Washington and its allies say the PA must be involved in administering the enclave once Israeli troops pull out.

Netanyahu has thus far rejected efforts to include the PA in post-war planning, arguing that the more moderate foil to Hamas, which publicly backs a two-state solution, is actually no different than the Gaza-ruling terror group in its refusal to accept a Jewish state and tacit support for terror.

However, some in the security establishment have argued that the PA represents Israel’s least bad option for who can manage Gaza after the war — the alternatives being Hamas or a state of anarchy, according to an Israeli official.

The US and most Western countries say only a two-state solution, entailing an independent Palestinian state next to Israel, can offer the chance of a peaceful resolution to decades of conflict.

Abbas reacted angrily last week when Washington vetoed a Palestinian request for full United Nations membership, saying the PA would reconsider bilateral ties with the US following the decision.

Abbas’s threat to the US, which he had previously made during US President Joe Biden’s tenure without following through, was published by the PA’s Wafa news agency

“While the world agrees on the application of international law and stands by the Palestinian right, America continues to support the occupation, refusing to compel Israel to stop its genocidal war,” Abbas was quoted as saying. “It provides Israel with weapons and funds that kill our children and destroy our homes, and it stands against us in international forums, in positions that do not serve security and stability in the region.”

The PA has been grappling with a severe financial crisis that has left most public sector employees receiving only part of their normal salary for the past two years.

The crisis has worsened since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, as Israel has cut off some of the tax revenues it collects on the PA’s behalf, accusing the Authority of supporting Hamas.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-prime-minister-announces-new-reform-package-fighting-corruption-in-pa/

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Leader: Iran’s progress in arms sector example of turning sanctions, hostilities into opportunity

24 April 2024

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Islamic Republic’s remarkable achievements in arms production attest to the fact that a “lively nation” can turn sanctions into opportunities.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks on Wednesday as he received a group of workers from across the country on the occasion of Labor Week.

The Leader said the anti-Iran sanctions aimed to put the Islamic Republic in a “tight spot” to force it to toe the line of imperialism and colonialism, asserting that, “It is self-evident that the Islamic Establishment, the Islamic zeal and a great nation with an Islamic history will by no means submit to such bullying.”

Ayatollah Khamenei added, “A lively nation creates opportunities for itself out of the enemy’s hostilities, a clear example of which is in the [Islamic Republic’s] arms sector. In other sectors, great progress has been achieved as well despite pressures.”

Underlining that the sanctions will fail to bring the Iranian nation to its knees as it has not pinned hopes on help from outside of the borders, the Leader said, “This spirit needs to be lifted.”

“The Iranian nation must showcase its strength through work, action and national unity,” Ayatollah Khamenei noted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader pointed to the Iranian labor community and stressed that the country’s authorities are responsible for the job security of workers.

“In a period, we were beset by the closure of large factories, [but] thanks to the efforts by the authorities, many closed workshops were reopened in the past one or two years, and this must continue,” the Leader said, adding that power will increase in a society where there is work.

Source: presstv.ir

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Damage caused by Israeli attacks in Lebanon exceeds Rs 24,985 cr

24th April 2024

Sakina Fatima

Beirut: The damage caused by Israel to the agricultural field and other sectors in southern Lebanon is worth more than 3 billion dollars (Rs 2,49,85,68,00,000), said Lebanese Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan.

Hajj Hassan added on Tuesday that the Ministry updates daily a map that includes direct and indirect damage caused by Israeli attacks in the southern villages and towns, reported the National News Agency.

The Minister said it is impossible to obtain a scientific answer as to whether Israeli attacks harmed the soil of the south until necessary studies are carried out after a ceasefire, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We formed a committee ready to study this soil as soon as the Israeli attacks stop,” he said, adding that the Ministry will plant 10 trees for every tree burned by the “enemy”.

He added that there is also a plan to develop the fish sector with Norwegian funding of about $2 million, calling for Arab investment in Lebanese agricultural projects.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on October 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

Source: siasat.com

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Southeast Asia

 

Korean Muslim YouTuber Daud Kim’s Plan To Build Mosque In Incheon Cancelled After Locals Resist

APRIL 24, 2024

Korean Muslim YouTuber Daud Kim’s plans to build a mosque in the western port city of Incheon has come to a grinding halt after it received backlash from local residents. Following the backlash, the land purchase contract he signed has been cancelled upon the request of the landowner, according to a report by the Korea Times.

YouTuber Daud Kim, or Kim Jae-han then agreed to cancel the contract with the property owner. The property owners wanted the contract cancelled and said that he did not know about Kim’s plans to build a mosque.

Kim posts about living as a Korean Muslim and has made a fan following on YouTube with over 5.52 million subscribers and 3.5 million Instagram followers from his posts.

He purchased 284.4 square metres of land on Incheon’s Yeongjong Island for 189.2 million won ($136,500).

He posted a video on YouTube and Instagram where he told his followers that he paid a deposit of 20 million won in advance and will pay the remainder of the amount the coming month.

“Finally with your help, I have signed a contract for land to build a Masjid in Incheon. I can’t believe this day has come. I plan to build a prayer place and Islamic podcast studio for Dawah to Koreans,” he said.

He also shared his bank information online, seeking donations from his subscribers. The local community, however, protested against the construction of the mosque which lies near schools and residential areas.

The opposition to his plans to build a mosque were further exacerbated by local news media reports resurfaced a sex crime he committed in 2019. He was allegedly prosecuted for attempting to rape a foreign woman.

The video on TikTok posted by the victim where she talks about the attempted rape went viral again and drew attention to his actions. Kim tried to explain that the case was closed and the indictment was suspended after he apologized to the victim and said the victim did not want him to get a punishment.

The Korea Muslim Federation (KMF), the only Islamic organization officially registered with the Korean government, last week told the Korea Times that Kim’s plans to build the mosque is his personal project.

“All Masjids across the country associated with the Korea Muslim Federation are registered under the name of the KMF, and nobody is allowed to register in the name of an individual or raise funds for the construction of the Masjid,” the group said in the announcement.

The Korea Times in its report said there are 19 mosques in Korea which cater to some 35,000 Korean Muslims and 150,000 Muslims of foreign nationalities who live there.

Source: news18.com

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Myanmar rebel group says it withdraws from key town on Thai border

APR 24, 2024

MYAWADDY, Myanmar - A Myanmar rebel group has withdrawn its troops from a town along the Thai border, following a counter-offensive by soldiers of the ruling junta from whom the rebels had earlier in April wrested the key trading post, an official said on April 24.

A spokesman for the Karen National Union (KNU) said the “temporary retreat” from the town of Myawaddy came after the return of junta soldiers to the vital strategic area that is a conduit for annual foreign trade of more than US$1 billion (S$1.35 billion).

“KNLA troops will... destroy the junta troops and their back-up troops who marched to Myawaddy,” Mr Saw Taw Nee told Reuters, referring to the group’s armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, one of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic fighting forces.

Fighting had flared as recently as April 20 in Myawaddy, forcing 3,000 civilians to flee as rebels fought to flush out Myanmar junta troops holed up for days at a border bridge crossing.

Many of those civilians have since returned, the Thai government said, adding that it had also urged Myanmar to keep the fighting from spilling across the border.

Photographs posted on some pro-junta social media groups showed a handful of soldiers raising the Myanmar flag at a military base the KNU had controlled just days before and where the rebel group had raised its own banner.

The junta, which has mounted a counter-offensive to retake Myawaddy, was able to enter the area with the help of a regional militia that had stood aside when the KNU laid siege to Myawaddy early in April, according to Mr Saw Taw Nee.

Officials from the militia group, the Karen National Army, and the junta did not respond to telephone calls from Reuters to seek comment.

Three years after its coup ousted a democratically elected civilian government, Myanmar's junta is under unprecedented pressure, having lost control of a string of key frontier areas to rebel groups. REUTERS

Source: straitstimes.com

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Rakerkesnas helps make Indonesia a developed country: President

 April 24, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that the 2024 National Working Meeting on Health (Rakerkesnas) played a significant role in helping Indonesia become a developed country.

"Everyone present this morning has a very significant role in realizing a healthy society for a developed Indonesia, for a Golden Indonesia. Hence, do not let this opportunity be lost," President Jokowi noted in his remarks at the event here on Wednesday.

The head of state remarked that Indonesia has the opportunity to become a developed country through the demographic bonus projected to be achieved by around 2030, where 68 percent of Indonesia's population will belong to the productive age group.

"The next 15-20 years will be a crucial period. Everyone must understand this problem," he emphasized.

President Jokowi also stated that people's health is crucial and fundamental in bringing Indonesia to become a developed country.

"As the minister of health said earlier, what is the point of (Indonesia having) lots of smart people but they are not healthy?" he stressed.

The president then pointed out that the government still has obligations that need to be met immediately, including the task to overcome stunting and to address the issue of deadly non-communicable diseases, such as strokes, heart attacks, and cancer.

President Jokowi stated that the stunting rate in Indonesia had fallen, from 37.6 percent 10 years ago to 21.5 percent in 2023.

"At least this year, we will reach 14 percent. I do not think this is easy because this is work that must be integrated. However, hopefully, in one year, we can reach 14 percent," he noted.

Meanwhile, he stated that deadly non-communicable diseases are still the cause of the relatively high death rate in Indonesia.

These diseases include stroke that causes around 330 thousand deaths per year and heart disease causal to around 300 thousand deaths per year.

"Deaths due to heart disease in our country are still (ranked at) number two, and (at) number three are deaths due to cancer," the president stated.

Source: antaranews.com

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/311649/rakerkesnas-helps-make-indonesia-a-developed-country-president

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Wisma Putra: Malaysia urges countries to resume support for UNRWA

 24 Apr 2024

PUTRAJAYA, April 24 — Malaysia has urged countries that suspended their contributions to resume their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The agency serves as a vital lifeline for the besieged Palestinians, according to the Foreign Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry widely known as Wisma Putra said Malaysia welcomed the decision by several countries to resume their contribution to UNRWA.

“It is imperative for nations to re-evaluate their priorities with Israel, given its despicable actions at the expense of the Palestinian people,” it said.

The ministry said Malaysia welcomes the findings of the United Nations Secretary-General by the “Independent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to the Humanitarian Principle of Neutrality”.

It said the report unequivocally rejects Israel’s baseless accusations of United Nations (UN) staff being involved with terrorist organisations.

“The continued propagation of lies, deceit, and misrepresentation by Israel’s propaganda machinery constitute a grave offence against human decency.

“Israel’s false accusation has not only tarnished the agency’s reputation but also undermined the valuable contribution of donor countries, unjustly impeding their support without valid grounds,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the Independent Review Group was established by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on February 5 this year to assess UNRWA’s neutrality following allegations by Israel of the involvement of UNRWA’s staff in the October 7, 2023 attacks.

On Monday, Anadolu Agency reported the Independent Review Group revealed that Israel has yet to provide evidence for its terror-link allegations against personnel of the UNRWA.

According to media reports, the UNRWA was established by the UN General Assembly over 70 years ago to assist Palestinians who were forcibly displaced from their land.

The agency provides crucial support to millions of Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and other areas where large numbers of registered Palestinians live. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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Africa

 

Boko Haram Bomb Experts Surrender To Multinational Joint Task Force On Terrorism In Borno

April 24, 2024

It was gathered that the state assembly workers who staged a peaceful protest to the state assembly complex in Awka, the state capital, said they are embarking on the industrial action over non-payment of their numerous entitlements, poor pay and poor working conditions.

Workers at the Anambra State House of Assembly under the umbrella of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), have commenced an indefinite strike in the state.

it was gathered that the state assembly workers who staged a peaceful protest to the state assembly complex in Awka, the state capital, said they are embarking on the industrial action over non-payment of their numerous entitlements, poor pay and poor working conditions.

The aggrieved workers accused lawmakers in the state of recruiting corps members to perform their duties instead of paying them.

Speaking on the matter, the Deputy National President of PASAN, Comrade Promise Chijioke Onwukwe, said, “We had embarked on this strike before but the Conference Of Speakers of the 36 state assemblies and the Governor’s Forum appealed to us that all our entitlements would be settled, but here in Anambra State, nothing has been done.”

According to the aggrieved state assembly staff, they staged the protest against the lack of enhanced  salary known as CONYRESS, staff training, laptops, ICT unit in the complex and utility vehicles, adding that they are also demanding for employment of more staff.

Speaking further, Onwukwe lamented, “You go to collect or submit mails and you will be trekking from one office to the other under the sun, while those that you are working for are cruising in air-conditioned vehicles.

“It might not be far from the truth that Gov Charles Soludo may have provided all these things but they are nowhere to be found and this is unfortunate.

“Go round the complex, you will see that it has been overgrown by grasses and staff kill all manner of reptiles, snakes and scorpions almost every week.”

In his reaction to the claims by the workers, the State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme described the claims as untrue.

Ofodeme said that most of the workers are strictly under the office of the Head Of Service and they are posted to work with the state Assembly members, stressing that if they don’t want to work at the House of Assembly, they are free to go back to the Head of Service.

The Majority Leader said, “It is only the Anambra State PASAN that is on strike and they are not on strike because their statutory payments are not being paid, they are on strike because they are talking about their welfare which has to do with their allowances.

“Most of those staff are strictly under the office of the Head Of Service and they are posted to come and work with the state Assembly members.

“They are duty bound to listen to where they are posted. If they don’t want to work at the House of Assembly, they are free to go back to the Head of Service and not to come here to disrupt the activities of the House of Assembly.”

Source: saharareporters.com

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Niger, US begin talks on withdrawal of American troops

 24.04.24

Talks have begun between the authorities in Niger and the US for the withdrawal of American troops stationed in two airbases in the sahelian nation.

On Tuesday both parties gave confirmation amid the decision of the Nigerien government last month to end military co-operation agreement with Washington.

Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary:

"We can confirm that discussions have begun between the United States and Niger for the orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. In the near future, the Department of Defense will provide a small delegation from the Pentagon and U.S. Africa Command to participate in those discussions."

Through two bases in Niger, the US has over the past decade performed counter-terrorism and global security operations against ISIS and Al Qaeda in the West African region. The future of those operations have been cast into doubt but the US pentagon press secretary tried to allay fears.

 Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary:

" We'll continue to work with regional partners to address how best, to ensure that we can continue to do the kinds of things we do to not only protect our national interests but also look at the collective security of of regional partners."

The withdrawal of US troops was seen as inevitable after the arrival of 100 Russian soldiers in the sahelian nation earlier this month. There have also been mass protests across the capital Niamey calling for the US troops to leave.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/04/24/niger-us-begin-talks-on-withdrawal-of-american-troops/#:~:text=Talks%20have%20begun%20between%20the,co%2Doperation%20agreement%20with%20Washington

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UNICEF lauds effective partnership with journalists in Bauchi field office

Ishola Michael 

April 24, 2024

Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the crop of Journalists who are engaged in working with it for the good of the woman and child.

The commendation was made by the Chief of Field of UNICEF, Bauchi, Dr Tushar Rane during a media parley held at the Conference Hall of UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office, Bauchi.

Rane while giving an opening remarks said, “I want to say a very big thank you for taking out your time to be here with us. I will also take this opportunity to immensely thank all of you because you have been a wonderful and very important partner for us, all of you have been a wonderful support.

“I think we could not have been able to do anything alone, it is that partnership that has helped us to amplify efforts, amplify the redress, amplify our call to all the rights of the children and the women to take decisions and to come forward to access quality healthcare service delivery.

“I really thank you, you are the full partners in this sector and in the spirit of sipmlyhood we continue to work together for the common cause. So, thank you very much indeed.

“UNICEF relies on you to always amplify the cause of the woman and child to attain full life through effective and efficient healthcare service delivery to ensure that no child is left behind.”

Also speaking, Rajat Madhok, Chief of Communications, UNICEF Nigeria, said “I have met some of you in the past and had a wonderful engagement with you. I have to be very honest, one of the strongest media coverage that we have in the work we are doing is from here.

“So, I show full appreciation to you on behalf of UNICEF Nigeria. Thank you so much. I look forward to a sustained partnership for the good of the woman and child.”

In his remark, Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Umar Sa’idu commended UNICEF for the opportunity given to Journalists in the State to be part of the success story of Health and Education interventions.

The NUJ chairman stressed that the various trainings and workshops organised over the years have exposed the Journalists to the rudiments of advocacy journalism which has contributed to clear and objective reporting of the various interventions.

Umar Sa’idu assured that Journalists in the state will continue to support UNICEF in all its campaigns and advocacy for improved healthcare services and the provision of quality education.

He however called for more training and workshops which will further bring Journalists updates in the reportage of health and education sectors.

Source: tribuneonlineng.com

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Sudan military downs drones targeting its HQ in Shendi, say army sources

23 April, 2024

Sudan's army used anti-aircraft missiles on Tuesday to shoot down drones targeting its headquarters in the city of Shendi, witnesses and army sources said, the latest in a series of such drone attacks.

None of the drones hit their target, the army sources said. Reuters could not independently verify the report.

The head of Sudan's army, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, arrived on Monday in Shendi, which is some 180 km (112 miles) north of the capital Khartoum, army media reported earlier. It was not immediately clear whether he remains in the area.

Sudan's army is battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control of the vast north African country.

Tuesday's drone attack is the third targeting areas that remain solidly under army control. The city of Atbara, also in River Nile state, and Al-Gedaref state to the east have also come under drone attack.

Both the army and the RSF have used drones in the conflict, which erupted a year ago.

The RSF, which controls much of Khartoum and western regions of the country, has not claimed responsibility for any of the attacks.

Shendi residents said the attacks have created panic in the town.

The war between the army and RSF has sparked warnings of famine, displaced millions, killed thousands in the crossfire and given way to ethnic killings by the RSF and allied militias.

The war appears likely to spread to the city of Al-Fashir, the army's final holdout in the Darfur region, with many warning of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Source: newarab.com

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https://www.newarab.com/news/sudan-army-downs-drones-targeting-hq-shendi-army-sources

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North America

 

Google Fires Workers For ‘Disruptive’ Protests Over Contract with Israel

24.04.2024

Google fired at least 20 more workers in the aftermath of sit-in protests over technology the company is supplying the Israeli government amid war in Gaza, bringing the total number of terminated staff to more than 50, a group representing the workers said.

There has been turmoil at the tech giant centred on “Project Nimbus,” a $1.2 billion contract signed in 2021 for Google and Amazon to provide the Israeli government with cloud computing and artificial intelligence services.

Workers held sit-in protests last week at Google offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California. The company responded by calling the police, who made arrests. Google later announced that it fired 28 employees for violating company policies by disrupting other workers and preventing them from reaching its facilities.

The group organizing the protests, No Tech For Apartheid, said the company fired 30 workers last week — higher than the initial 28 they had announced.

Then, on Tuesday night, Google fired “over 20” more staffers, “including non-participating bystanders during last week’s protests,” said Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, without providing a more specific number.

“Google’s aims are clear: the corporation is attempting to quash dissent, silence its workers, and reassert its power over them,” Chung said in a press release. “In its attempts to do so, Google has decided to unceremoniously, and without due process, upend the livelihoods of over 50 of its own workers.”

They refuse to leave until @google stops powering the genocide in Gaza

LIVESTREAM: https://t.co/uUiPbr3oDz pic.twitter.com/vCkInh0769

— No Tech For Apartheid (@NoTechApartheid) April 16, 2024

Google said it fired the additional workers after its investigation gathered details from coworkers who were “physically disrupted” and it identified employees who used masks and didn’t carry their staff badges to hide their identities. It didn’t specify how many were fired.

The company disputed the group’s claims, saying that it carefully confirmed that “every single one of those whose employment was terminated was personally and definitively involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.”

The Mountain View, California, company had previously signaled that more people could be fired, with CEO Sundar Pichai indicating in a blog post that employees would be on a short leash as the company intensifies its efforts to improve its AI technology.

In March, Google fired an employee after he interrupted a speech by the tech firm’s managing director in Israel with pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel declarations during a conference in New York City.

The rallies came against the background of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, which was started by the Palestinian terror group Hamas on October 7 when it led a cross-border attack on Israel in which some 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage.

Israel responded to the Hamas onslaught with a military offensive to destroy the terror group, replace its de facto regime in Gaza, and free the hostages.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 34,000 people in the Strip have been killed in the fighting so far, a figure that cannot be independently verified and includes some 13,000 Hamas gunmen Israel says it has killed in battle. Israel also says it killed some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7. Two hundred and sixty-one IDF soldiers have been killed in the Gaza offensive.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/google-fires-more-workers-for-disruptive-protests-over-contract-with-israel/

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Ending Mideast conflict not a priority for most Americans: Survey

April 24, 2024

Chicago: A majority of Americans do not see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a foreign policy priority, according to two new concurrent surveys by the Pew Research Center.

Americans identified as their top four of 22 foreign policy priorities protecting the country from terrorism (71 percent), reducing illegal drugs (64 percent), preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction (63 percent) and maintaining a military advantage over foreign powers.

Finding a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict drew 29 percent, ranking only 14th among the 22 priorities.

The question of “supporting Israel” ranked even lower at 20th with 22 percent, with 31 percent opposing that support.

“Overall, a majority of Americans say that all 22 long-range foreign policy goals we asked about should be given at least some priority. Still, about three in 10 say supporting Israel, promoting democracy in other nations (28 percent) and supporting Ukraine (27 percent) should be given no priority,” Jacob Poushter, Pew associate director of research, told Arab News.

“Even with these priorities, 83 percent of Americans say it is more important for President Joe Biden to focus on domestic policy, compared with 14 percent who say he should focus on foreign policy.

“In 2019, 74 percent wanted then-President Donald Trump to focus on domestic policy, and 23 percent said he should focus on foreign policy.”

Pew researchers said finding a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was previously “a priority that saw no partisan difference at all” in a 2018 survey.

But the new surveys show a “partisan gap” emerging, with twice as many Democrats (36 percent) today than in 2018 calling the conflict “a priority,” while the share of Republicans (20 percent) has remained constant.

Twenty-nine percent of Americans say they have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in the UN’s ability to provide effective humanitarian aid to Gaza. Fifty-one percent do not have confidence and 19 percent are unsure.

Only 15 percent of Americans say they have confidence in the UN’s ability to enforce a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Sixty-seven percent have no confidence and 17 percent are unsure.

A recent Pew survey found that only 12 percent of Americans believe that lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians is at least somewhat likely.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2498441/world

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US military still has concerns about potential Rafah operation: Pentagon

Servet Gunerigok

24.04.2024

The US military still has concerns about a potential Israeli ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing, spokesman Pat Ryder recalled a meeting between US and Israeli officials in which he said the two countries agreed on a "shared objective" to defeat Hamas and shared their thinking on Rafah.

"We've shared ours, but in terms of what their plan looks like. We still have some concerns in terms of the various courses of actions. And so we'll continue to discuss those concerns related to how they're going to take into account civilian safety and humanitarian assistance," said Ryder.

He said there is no indications at this point that any type of major ground operation has begun.

"And so, again, those conversations will continue to be very important, and it will also continue to be something that we feel is essential, that before any type of operation that they're taking civilian safety and humanitarian considerations," said Ryder.

Despite international warnings about a planned Israeli invasion of Rafah, the Israeli army insists on going ahead in attacking the tiny city, which is home to nearly 1.4 million displaced Palestinians.

Last week, an Israeli government spokesperson said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set a date for invading Rafah.

Rafah is the last remaining area in the enclave where Israel has not yet formally announced the entry of its troops to continue the onslaught against Palestinians.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-military-still-has-concerns-about-potential-rafah-operation-pentagon/3200510

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At least 100 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested near US Senator Schumer’s home

Iclal Turan 

24.04.2024

At least 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were reportedly arrested near Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s home in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday evening during a protest against an aid package that would provide $26 billion to Israel.

The protest, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, was held during the Jewish Passover holiday, to demand a cessation of aid to Israel after the US Senate approved a long-awaited $95 billion foreign aid package, including $26.6 billion for Israel.

The group said in its X account that they blocked traffic at Schumer’s doorstep to "demand the US stop arming and funding the Israeli government as it carries out a genocide."

The group said New York police arrested hundreds of protesters while some US outlets reported that at least 100 protesters were arrested.

Stefanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, said in an interview that the protest was held during Passover in order to send a message to Schumer as the Senate passed the $95 billion aid package for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.

“Everything in our tradition compels us to bring everything we have to stopping these historic atrocities being done in our names and with our tax dollars,” Fox said.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/at-least-100-pro-palestinian-protesters-arrested-near-us-senator-schumer-s-home/3200572

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Columbia head threatens to remove anti-Israel encampment as protests roil universities

24.04.2024

Columbia University President Nemat Shafik called Tuesday for an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters set up at the school’s upper Manhattan campus to be removed, setting a midnight Tuesday deadline for student organizers and representatives of the Ivy League school to reach an agreement on ending the protest.

The move by Shafik came as she has become entangled in a bruising battle between activists angered by Israel’s war on the Hamas terror group in Gaza and Jewish students and faculty who say the demonstrations include antisemitic harassment and calls for violence against Jews. Students at a growing number of United States colleges have gathered in protest encampments with a unified demand of their schools: Stop doing business with Israel — or any companies that empower its ongoing war in Gaza, joining a decades-old campaign against Israel and its policies toward the Palestinians that pro-Israel groups say is tantamount to calls for the destruction of the Jewish state.

As of 3 a.m., the protest encampment at Columbia had yet to be removed, with the local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine saying activists had walked away from negotiations after school administrators threatened to send in both New York City police and National Guard troops to remove the tents.

“Without assurances of good faith bargaining and protections for nonviolent protestors against police and military violence, we will not be returning to the table,” read a statement posted on social media.

In a letter addressed to “fellow members of the Columbia community,” hours earlier, Shafik said that she “fully support[s] the importance of free speech, respect the right to demonstrate, and recognize that many of the protestors have gathered peacefully.”

“However, the encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and at times hostile environment for many members of our community. It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it,” she added.

According to Shafik, negotiations have been going on for several days. If the talks fail, she wrote “we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the [encampment] and restoring calm to campus so that students can complete the term and graduate.”

Ahead of the midnight deadline, some protesters voluntarily packed up their tents and moved to another part of campus, but returned to the main encampment after the deadline passed, the Columbia Spectator student newspaper reported.

Rumors spread online that the deadline had been pushed to the morning, but the university declined to comment on whether that was true. The heightened tension arrived the night before US House Speaker Mike Johnson’s trip to Columbia to visit with Jewish students and address antisemitism on college campuses.

Inspired by ongoing protests and angered over the arrests last week of more than 100 students at Columbia University, students from Massachusetts to California are now gathering by the hundreds on campuses, setting up tent camps and pledging to stay put until their demands are met.

“We want to be visible,” said Columbia protest leader Mahmoud Khalil, who noted that students at the university have been pushing for divestment from Israel since 2002. “The university should do something about what we’re asking for, about the genocide that’s happening in Gaza. They should stop investing in this genocide.”

Across the country, protestors at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt started using furniture, tents, chains and zip ties to block the building’s entrances Monday evening, and an unknown number of students had occupied a second campus building Tuesday.

“We are not afraid of you!” the protestors chanted before officers in riot gear pushed into them at the building’s entrance, video showed. Student Peyton McKinzie said she was walking on campus Monday when she saw police grabbing one woman by the hair, and another student having their head bandaged for an injury.

“I think a lot of students are in shock about it,” she told The Associated Press.

Three students have been arrested, according to a statement from Cal Poly Humboldt, which shut down the campus until Wednesday.

The upwelling of demonstrations has left universities struggling to balance campus safety with free speech rights.

Critics of the protests, including prominent Republican members of the US Congress, have stepped up accusations of antisemitism and harassment by at least some protesters. Civil rights advocates, including the ACLU, have raised free speech concerns over the arrests.

There have been heated exchanges of words and insults between anti-Israel and pro-Israel demonstrators, particularly in the public streets around Columbia, leading congressional Republicans on Tuesday to demand that US President Joe Biden do more to protect Jewish students.

Several campus protesters Reuters spoke to attributed the off-campus incidents to rogue provocateurs who are trying to hijack the protests’ message.

“There are no universities left in Gaza. So we chose to reclaim our university for the people of Palestine,” said Soph Askanase, a Jewish Columbia student who was arrested and suspended for protesting. “Antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism, in particular racism against Arabs and Palestinians, are all cut from the same cloth.”

The Israel-Hamas war erupted when 3,000 terrorists poured across the border with Israel on October 7 in an unprecedented Hamas-led massacre that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, while 253 were kidnapped to Gaza.

The ensuing Israeli offensive has killed over 34,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. This figure cannot be independently verified and includes over 13,000 terror operatives Israel says it has killed since the beginning of the war. The IDF says 261 of its soldiers have been killed in the fighting.

Protesters want university endowments to divest from Israeli interests and the US to end or at least condition Israeli military aid on improving the plight of Palestinians.

Outside the Brooklyn home of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, some Jewish demonstrators said they were taking the second night of the weeklong feast of Passover, a holiday feast when families gather and celebrate the biblical account of the Israelites’ freedom from Egyptian slavery, to reaffirm their faith and distance themselves from the Israeli government’s war strategy.

“Stop arming Israel,” “Stop funding genocide” and “Let Gaza live,” the crowd of some 2,000 chanted.

“I don’t see what Israel is doing as self-defense. I see incredible, absolutely unbelievable human rights violations,” said Katherine Stern, 62, of Woodstock, New York, who gave up her family Seder 120 miles (190 kilometers) away to attend the Brooklyn protest.

Organizers staged music and songs from Jewish and other cultures, giving prominence to Canadian author Naomi Klein, a peace activist who drew on her Jewish roots to argue against Zionism, which she called a “false idol.”

“We want freedom from the project that connects genocide in our name,” Klein said to cheers. “We seek to migrate Judaism from an ethnostate that wants Jews to be perennially afraid… or that we go running to its fortress, or at least keep sending them the weapons and the donations.”

The protest reached a standoff on Tuesday when New York police began to arrest people over disorderly conduct, restraining those who refused to move with zip ties. At least 100 people were seen being arrested, The New York Times reported.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized the use of police force to stifle dissent, saying it undermined academic freedom.

“So does defaming and endangering Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian… students based on suspiciously inflammatory remarks that a few unidentified, masked individuals have made outside of campus,” Afaf Nasher, executive director of CAIR in New York, said in a statement.

Other students blamed universities for failing to protect their right to protest or stand up for human rights.

“As a Palestinian student, I too did not feel safe for the past six months, and that was as a direct result of Columbia’s one-sided statements and inaction,” said Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia.

Students at the University of California, Berkeley — a school well known for its student activism during the 1960s — set up tents in solidarity with protesters at other schools.

Milton Zerman, 25, a second-year student at Berkeley’s law school, who is from Los Angeles, said Jewish and Israeli students have suffered from hateful harassment.

“When you’re an Israeli student on this campus, you feel like you have a target on your back, you feel unsafe and it’s no wonder students from Israel are so hesitant to come here,” Zerman said.

New York police arrested more than 120 protesters at New York University on Monday and more than 100 at Columbia University last week. Columbia canceled in-person classes at its Upper Manhattan campus on Monday in a bid to defuse tensions.

Motivated by the Columbia protests, students at the University of Michigan were camping out on a campus plaza Tuesday demanding an end to financial investments with Israel. They say the school sends more than $6 billion to investment managers who profit from Israeli companies or contractors. They also cited investments in companies that produce drones or warplanes used in Israel, and in surveillance products used at checkpoints into Gaza.

University of Michigan officials said that they have no direct investments with Israeli companies and that indirect investments made through funds amount to a fraction of 1% of the university’s $18 billion endowment. The school rejected calls for divestment, citing a nearly 20-year-old policy “that shields the university’s investments from political pressures.”

At the University of Minnesota campus in St. Paul, police cleared an encampment after the school asked them to take action, citing violations of university policy and trespassing law.

Transparency was one of the key demands at Emerson College, where 80 students and other supporters occupied a busy courtyard on the downtown Boston campus Tuesday.

Twelve tents sporting slogans including “Free Gaza” or “No US $ For Israel” lined the entrance to the courtyard, with sleeping bags and pillows peeking out through the zippered doors.

Students sat cross-legged on the brick paving stones typing away on final papers and reading for exams. The semester ends in a couple of weeks.

“I would love to go home and have a shower,” said Owen Buxton, a film major, “but I will not leave until we reach our demands or I am dragged out by police.”

Source: timesofisrael.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.timesofisrael.com/columbia-head-threatens-to-remove-anti-israel-encampment-as-protests-roil-universities/

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Biden’s Gaza humanitarian envoy to be replaced after overseeing aid boost

24.04.2024

JACOB MAGID

The White House’s top official on getting humanitarian aid to Gaza will step down this week and be replaced by a former United Nations coordinator with decades of experience in the Middle East, two US sources familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel on Tuesday.

Veteran diplomat David Satterfield was brought out of retirement to fill the role of Gaza humanitarian envoy less than two weeks after the October 7 attack.

The position was created by US President Joe Biden’s administration, as it backed Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, but recognized that it had the potential to exact a steep cost on Gaza’s civilian population.

The longtime State Department diplomat, who previously served as US ambassador to Turkey, will be replaced by Lise Grande, who currently heads the US Institute for Peace, or USIP.

Grande has decades of experience in the field, serving as UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, India, Iraq, and most recently, Yemen. She took over USIP in 2020.

Satterfield, who took temporary leave as director of the public policy school at Rice University to take on the envoy role, will stay on at the State Department as a senior adviser, the two US sources said.

His replacement this week allows him to leave the post on a relatively high note.

On Tuesday, he told reporters that after months of sluggish performance by Israel and a stern call from US President Joe Biden with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on April 4, Jerusalem has taken “significant steps” to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“The volume of assistance entering into and, most importantly, distributed within Gaza has increased significantly,” he said, pointing to Israel’s decision to open additional crossings and scale up aid coming in from Jordan.

However, he added that “the risk of famine throughout Gaza is very high, especially in the north.”

He leaves the position days before the US is slated to begin construction on a pier that will establish a maritime aid route meant to help flood north Gaza and the rest of the Strip with assistance.

Satterfield called on Israel to do more to facilitate efforts to avert famine in Gaza, including by establishing additional routes for aid to be transported throughout the Strip since the main two crossings have become overly congested due to the uptick in aid.

Satterfield also noted the need for the UN to secure additional trucks and transfer them into Gaza so that the additional assistance that has been approved in recent weeks can be delivered.

Source: timesofisrael.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.timesofisrael.com/bidens-gaza-humanitarian-envoy-to-be-replaced-after-overseeing-aid-boost/

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