'Will You Name Pet After Hindu God or Muslim Prophet?': HC Orders Bengal Govt To Change Names Of Lion 'Akbar', and Lioness 'Sita'

New Age Islam News Bureau

23 February 2024

 

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) had approached the court against the West Bengal forest department's move to keep the lion and the lioness in the same enclosure. It argued that the move hurt the sentiments of the Hindus. (Representational/ File)

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·         'Will You Name Pet After Hindu God or Muslim Prophet?': HC Orders Bengal Govt To Change Names Of Lion 'Akbar', and Lioness 'Sita'

·         Muslim Groups Say Canadian MPs Not Welcome In Mosques Unless They Condemn Israel For Gaza War

·         Mosque In Sweden's Capital Again Targeted By Islamophobes With Threatening Graffiti

·         Imran, Bushra Challenge Trial Court's Verdict In 'Un-Islamic Nikah' Case

·         Palestinians' Use Of Force To Resist Foreign Oppression 'Well Founded' In International Law: China

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India

·         No Shab-e-Barat Prayers At Recently Demolished Akhoondji Mosque In Mehrauli: Delhi HC

·         Political Parties Should Find Solutions To Kashi, Mathura Outside Courts: Ajmer Dargah Chief

·         Shahi Idgah Case: HC To Hear Again Plea Challenging Maintainability Of Suit On Friday

·         Islamic Preacher, Mufti Salman Azhari, Put In Preventive Detention After Getting Bail In Third Hate Speech Case

·         Special Task Force Interrogates Mahmood Madani For Six Hours Over Halal Certification Case

·         BJP's ‘Congress Hates Muslims’ Attack After MLA Claims Harassment Over Religion

·         Delhi: Jama Masjid Shahi Imam To Appoint Son, Syed Usama Shaban Bukhari, As Successor

·         SandeshkhaliCase Is No Hindu-Muslim Issue. TMC And BJP Must Stop With Their Blame Games

·         Talibanisation Of India Can Never Be Accepted: BJP On Darul Uloom’s Fatwa

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North America

·         Gaza war shows how power of US Muslims is easily blown away by outside events: American Muslim scholar

·         13 Jewish Democrats pen letter to Biden urging 'temporary' cease-fire, hostage deal

·         US intelligence casts doubt on Israel’s accusations against UNRWA

·         CAIR Applauds Sen. Warren, Rep. Omar’s Efforts to Combat ‘Banking While Muslim’ Practices

·         CAIR Calls on Biden Admin to Condemn Israeli Official ‘Proud of Ruins in Gaza’ Comment, End Support for Genocide

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Europe

·         UK Parliament Speaker Faces No Confidence Vote After Gaza Ceasefire Debate

·         Belgian Politician: ‘Sending Arms To Israel Is Direct Complicity In Genocide’

·         France under pressure to suspend military sales to Israel amid its genocidal war in Gaza

·         Chaos and protest erupt over UK parliament vote on Gaza ceasefire motion

·         France expels Tunisian imam accused of hate speech

·         Catholic, Evangelical Groups In Spain Protest Israeli Attacks On Gaza

·         Russian foreign minister says scale of tragedy in Gaza 'deliberately' downplayed

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Pakistan

·         PTI Supremo Wants US-Based Lender To Intervene: IMF Refuses To Comment On ‘Imran’s Letter’

·         JUI-F to hold nationwide protests against ‘rigging’

·         PPP, PMLN will continue to blackmail each other: Fazl

·         Jail chief not allowed meeting with Imran despite court orders: Omar Ayub

·         Pakistan presents position on Israel in ICJ today: FO

·         Palestinian Ambassador praises people of Pakistan

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Southeast Asia

·         2-State Solution For Israel-Palestine Conflict ‘Remains Only Viable Path,’ Japan Tells UN Court

·         Home minister slams Israeli rep for ‘evil and slanderous narrative’ against Malaysia after suggestive post about visa exemption

·         65% of Indonesian Muslims Support Boycott of Israeli-Affiliated Products: Populix

·         Israeli defence firms make return at Singapore air show, tight-lipped on Gaza war

·         Malaysia agrees to increase financial aid to UNRWA: Anwar

·         Govt not ignoring ringgit’s decline, stop comparing with 1998: PM Anwar

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Mideast

·         Ayatollah Khamenei: Islamic World Will See Eradication Of Cancerous Zionist Tumour

·         Foreign Ministers At The G20 Says Two-State Solution Only Answer To Israel-Palestinian Conflict

·         UN Agency For Palestinians Refugees At ‘Breaking Point’: Chief

·         Bombs Dropped By Israeli Forces Massacre Mosque And Ravage Countless Homes In Rafah

·         Iran’s Leader criticizes Islamic states for failing to cut ties with Zionists

·         IDF says Jenin drone strike kills Islamic Jihad terrorist behind string of shootings

·         Day 5 at ICJ hearing: Oman and Qatar to speak at The Hague

·         WHO plans more evacuations from Gaza hospital as bodies buried on grounds

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South Asia

·         No Global Leader Raised Any Questions About Polls: Bangladesh PM

·         Islamic Emirate Reacts to Miller’s Statements about Durand Line

·         Youth Issues to Receive Special Focus: Deputy PM

·         Education Key For Afghanistan’s Development, Says Abbas Stanikzai

·         Muttaqi To Otunbayeva: Doha Meeting Yields No Specific Outcome

·         Afghan migrant killed by throwing off bridge in Tehran: Iran Right Group

·         UN: Over $400 million needed to reconstruct deadly Herat Earthquake damage

·         FM Warns BNP Against Programmes During Ramadan

·         FM thanks Egypt for facilitating delivery of Bangladesh's humanitarian aid to Gaza

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Africa

·         South Africa Urges G20 To Provide Solutions To Global Conflict, Insecurity, Rising Inequality

·         Debate on ditching CFA begins as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger forge new path

·         Armed Militia: Court Orders FG To File Charges Against Miyyeti Allah’s Bodejo Within 7 days

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Arab World

·         Houthis Order ‘Ban’ On Israel, US And UK-Linked Ships In The Red Sea

·         Yemeni forces target Israel’s Eilat, UK ship, US destroyer with missiles, drones

·         Development Authority Unveil 'The Earthen Testaments' at UNESCO House, Paris

·         Makkah expo focuses on next steps for hotel, culinary sectors

·         Saudi, French FMs discuss bilateral ties on G20 sidelines

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hindu-god-muslim-prophet-akbar-sita-lion-lioness/d/131784

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'Will You Name Pet After Hindu God or Muslim Prophet?': HC Orders Bengal Govt To Change Names Of Lion 'Akbar', and Lioness 'Sita'

 

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) had approached the court against the West Bengal forest department's move to keep the lion and the lioness in the same enclosure. It argued that the move hurt the sentiments of the Hindus. (Representational/ File)

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FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Yimkumla Longkumer

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to change the names of the lion named ‘Akbar’ and the lioness named ‘Sita,’ both housed in the same enclosure at Bengal Safari Park.

“Will you yourself name your own pet after some Hindu God or Muslim Prophet?” said a single-judge bench, led by Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, as reported by Bar and Bench.

“Mr Counsel, will you yourself name your own pet after some Hindu God or Muslim Prophet … I think, if any one of us would have been the authority, none of us would have named them as Akbar and Sita. Can anyone of us think of naming an animal after Rabindranath Tagore? Sita is worshipped by a larger section of this country … I also oppose naming the lion after Akbar. He was an efficient, successful and secular Mughal Emperor,” Bhattacharya remarked.

The single-judge recommended the state government to consider assigning alternative names to the two lions, adding, “We aren’t talking about the names of the pet animals of an officer of the zoo department. But you are a welfare and a secular State why should you draw a controversy by naming a lion after Sita and Akbar.”

The court was hearing a petition filed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) Bengal wing, opposing the forest department’s decision to house the two big cats together in the same enclosure and demanding a change in the name of the lioness ‘Sita’.

The VHP, in its plea, stated that this decision was a ‘direct assault’ on the religious beliefs of all Hindus and could be considered blasphemy.

The West Bengal government, however, informed the court on Thursday that the naming of the two large felines as ‘Sita and Akbar’ was carried out by the Tripura Zoo authorities in 2016 and 2018, before the lions were recently transferred to the Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri.

Source: news18.com

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https://www.news18.com/india/will-you-name-pet-after-hindu-god-or-muslim-prophet-hc-orders-bengal-govt-to-change-names-of-lions-akbar-sita-8789040.html

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Muslim Groups Say Canadian MPs Not Welcome In Mosques Unless They Condemn Israel For Gaza War

 

Photo: International Quran News Agency

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Barry Ellsworth 

22.02.2024

Canadian Muslim organizations said Thursday that federal lawmakers are not welcome in mosques unless they publicly condemn Israeli “war crimes,” demand for a cease-fire in Gaza and restore UN aid funding for Palestinians.

The message was delivered in an open letter signed by groups including the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

“If you cannot publicly commit to all of the above, respectfully, we cannot provide you with a platform to address our congregations,” said the letter. “Ramadan is about humanity. This Ramadan more than ever, only those MPs who share in our commitment to humanity will be welcome to address us in our sacred spaces.”

The holy month of Ramadan is scheduled to begin March 10.

The letter also urges lawmakers to stop the “flow of arms and military equipment to the (Israeli) government” and to defend the “right of Canadians to express solidary with the Palestinian people without fear of reprisal.”

Canada was among several countries that halted funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when it was charged that several employees were complicit in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. There is some doubt about the charge.

The letter said UNRWA aid is a “lifeline for millions of refugees which was suspended without reasonable basis” and demands it be restored.

Israel launched a deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip following a Hamas attack on Oct. 7. The ensuing Israeli bombardment has killed more than 29,000 victims and injured over 69,000 with mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Now, it is expected that Israel will soon mount an offensive against Rafah, which is considered the last haven in Gaza.

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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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/muslim-groups-say-canadian-mps-not-welcome-in-mosques-unless-they-condemn-israel-for-gaza-war/3145426

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Mosque In Sweden's Capital Again Targeted By Islamophobes With Threatening Graffiti

  

FILE PHOTO/ aa.com

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 23/02/2024

A mosque in the Swedish capital of Stockholm has been the target of Islamophobic attacks for over a year, with the latest incident occurring on Wednesday when Muslim faithful read graffiti on the mosque wall with a Swastika sign and the threatening message "kill Muslims."

The Stockholm Mosque in the capital's Sodermalm district has been subjected to hate crimes for the second time this week.

It is just one of several threats and hate crimes targeting Muslims over the last year.

On Tuesday, the perpetrator also scrawled graffiti with a Swastika mark and a threatening message, saying "go home" carved on a door, the mosque's administration said in a post on its website.

Mohamed Amin, a member of the Stockholm Mosque committee, told SVT TV that "soon we will have to put bars in front of the windows to protect them, like in a prison."

The administration also shared photos of windowpanes smashed by the perpetrators before they left the mosque premises.

Just a couple of weeks ago, a letter containing a powder-like substance was sent to the mosque, and a fake bomb was also reportedly placed at the main entrance.

The mosque had previously been targeted by scrawled doors in November.

"Threats to our mosques must be taken more seriously,” the congregation of the Islamic Association of Stockholm's mosque issued a statement condemning racist attacks and urging authorities to take action against hate crimes targeting Muslims.

In a statement issued following the Tuesday incident, the association urged Swedish politicians to prioritize the safety of the Muslim community in the country, saying the safety of Swedish Muslims in general and mosques in particular need to be higher on the political agenda.

"We are witnessing an increased image of threats against mosques and it is fundamentally rooted in anti-Muslim racism that has gained a foothold in the media debate and political discourse.

“It is high time to prioritize these hate crimes so that we can feel safe to enjoy religious freedom."

Source: yenisafak.com

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https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/mosque-in-swedens-capital-again-targeted-by-islamophobes-with-threatening-graffiti-3677908

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Imran, Bushra Challenge Trial Court's Verdict In 'Un-Islamic Nikah' Case

 

Imran Khan with his wife Bushra Bibi

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February 23, 2024

Arfa Feroz Zake

ISLAMABAD: Weeks after a trial court handed over a seven-year prison sentence and fine to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the "un-Islamic" nikah case, the couple have separately approached the district and sessions court challenging the verdict on Wednesday.

The appeals, filed against the verdict by Khan and his wife, will be marked by the sessions court today.

A trial court in Islamabad, in its February 3 verdict, sentenced the couple to seven years in prison with a Rs500,000 fine, each.

In her petition, filed through her lawyers — Usman Gill, Khalid Yusuf and Salman Safdar — Bushra Bibi has sought annulment of the decision.

The PTI founder's wife's petition stated that the judgment delivered by civil judge Qudratullah on February 3 was against the facts, while the indictment issued against Bushra on January 16 was also illegal.

It added that the plea of jurisdiction was rejected without assigning any reason and that the civil court did not conduct the trial properly.

"Bushra Bibi reserves the right to request discharge from the case," it stated.

The petition further mentioned that the complainant and Bushra Bibi's former husband, Khawar Maneka, filed his complaint six years after she got married to Khan, while a similar application was earlier filed by another complainant.

"The trial court observed the rules of recourse, disregarding the Shari'a on divorce," the plea read.

It added that the statements of complainant Khawar Maneka and witnesses kept changing, while Mufti Saeed could not prove his claim of a second nikah between Bushra and Khan.

The delayed filing of the complaint raises doubts, while the civil judge also misused his judicial mind, the petition mentioned.

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi convicted

Earlier this month, just a day ahead of the February 8 general elections, a trial court handed seven-year sentences, each, to Khan and his wife in the "un-Islamic nikah" case at the Adiala jail.

The couple were also fined Rs500,000 each — for which the failure to pay provisions additional four months of incarceration.

The verdict was pronounced by senior civil judge Qudratullah, a day after the hearing of the case was conducted inside the jail premises for 14 hours.

The judge issued the court's verdict in the case pertaining to the plea filed by Bushra Bibi's ex-husband Khawar Maneka against what he referred to as an "un-Islamic and illegal nikah" with the former prime minister.

Four witnesses in the case gave their statements, which were later cross-examined during the proceedings, while Khan and Bushra Bibi also recorded their statements under section 342.

Bushra Bibi, who was placed under house arrest at her residence in Banigala following its status declared as a sub-jail, was presented before the court for the proceedings, while her husband Imran, who remains incarcerated at the facility, was also present in the courtroom, alongside their respective lawyers when the verdict was announced.

Nikah during iddat

Maneka, in his petition, had termed Bushra and Khan's nikkah "fraudulent" contending that the marriage was solemnised during her iddat — following her divorce with him.

"That above said nikah and the marriage ceremony was neither legal nor Islamic as it was solemnised without observing iddah period," read the petition available with Geo.tv.

He also accused the former prime minister of ruining his entire life with the petition stating that the PTI top leader "stigmatised the complainant and his family just to achieve his unethical and immoral objects through intrusion in the complainant's peaceful marital life".

"In light of the above, it is humbly prayed that respondents No.1 [Imran Khan] and 2 [Bushra Bibi] be summoned and punished strictly in accordance with law in the interest of justice," Maneka prayed to the court.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1160660-imran-bushra-challenge-trial-courts-verdict-in-un-islamic-nikah-case

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Palestinians' Use Of Force To Resist Foreign Oppression 'Well Founded' In International Law: China

 

Addressing the International Court of Justice, China on Thursday said the Palestinians’ use of armed struggle to gain independence from foreign and colonial rule was “legitimate” and “well-founded” in international law.

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Riyaz ul Khaliq 

22.02.2024

Addressing the International Court of Justice, China on Thursday said the Palestinians’ use of armed struggle to gain independence from foreign and colonial rule was “legitimate” and “well founded” in international law.

“In pursuit of the right to self-determination, Palestinian people’s use of force to resist foreign oppression and complete the establishment of an independent state is (an) inalienable right well founded in international law,” the Chinese representative told the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Citing resolutions by the UN General Assembly, Beijing’s envoy to the world court said people struggling for self-determination could use “all available means, including armed struggle.”

In his address to the ICJ, Ma discussed three areas, including the jurisdiction of the top UN court, the self-determination of the peoples, and international humanitarian law.

"The struggle waged by peoples for their liberation, right to self-determination, including armed struggle against colonialism, occupation, aggression, domination against foreign forces should not be considered terror acts," he added, citing international conventions.

However, Ma stressed that genuine acts of terrorism are another matter.

For the first time since its establishment in 1948, Israel is currently being tried before the International Court of Justice, the highest judicial body in the UN, on charges of committing the crime of "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel's practices and policies of "oppression have severely undermined and impeded the exercise and full realization of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination," said the envoy.

The conflict stems "from Israel's prolonged occupation of Palestinian territory and Israel's longstanding oppression of the Palestinian people. The Palestinian peoples' fight against Israeli oppression and their struggle for completing the establishment of an independent state under occupied territory are essentially just actions," he added.

Ma stressed that all parties involved in armed conflict "are obliged to comply with international humanitarian law."

He said that following World War II, various people "freed themselves from foreign occupation, (and) their practices serve as convincing evidence."

The top UN court is currently hearing oral statements by states on South Africa’s case against Israel over its war on Palestine, where the death toll since Oct. 7 is rapidly approaching 30,000 since Tel Aviv launched attacks on the besieged enclave of Gaza.

Western nations, including the US, the UK, and their allies have condemned the armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas group for launching a "terror" attack inside Israel on the morning of Oct. 7.

Palestine a 'litmus test of humanity, wisdom of UN'

Calling the question of Palestine a “litmus test to collective conscience of humanity and wisdom of the UN,” Ma said China is committed to respecting the rule of law.

Backing a “comprehensive cease-fire” in Gaza and an early two-state solution through negotiation between Palestine and Israel, the Chinese envoy put Beijing’s weight behind the jurisdiction of the ICJ to rule on the case brought by South Africa against Tel Aviv.

“China submits the court has the jurisdiction over the case (and has) no reason to decline to exercise its jurisdiction,” stressed the Chinese legal advisor.

“Arguments against jurisdiction (of ICJ) are not tangible,” he added.

Noting that the question of Palestine “goes beyond sphere of bilateralism,” the Chinese envoy said: “China supports the court in discharging its jurisdiction, … upholding the purposes of principles of UN Charter and providing legal guidance to UN.”

On the right to self-determination of Palestinians, Ma said it was because of a “prolonged occupation and oppression of Palestinian” by Israel.

“Their struggle (is) for completing independence (of the Palestinian) state and for restoring the legitimate rights,” he added.

Citing the UN General Assembly Resolution 3707 of 1973, the Chinese legal expert said it reaffirms the “legitimacy of people’s struggle for liberation from colonial and foreign domination and subjugation by all available means including armed struggle.”

“This recognition” of armed struggle, said Ma, “is also reflected in international convention, for example Arab convention for suppressing of terrorism of 1998 (which) affirms the right of peoples to combat foreign occupation, aggression by whatever means, including armed struggle in order to liberate their territories and secure the right to self-determination and independence.”

“Armed struggle, in this context, is distinguished from acts of terrorism. It is grounded in the international law,” he noted.

“This distinction is acknowledged by several international conventions.”

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/palestinians-use-of-force-to-resist-foreign-oppression-well-founded-in-international-law-china/3144798

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 India

No Shab-e-Barat Prayers At Recently Demolished Akhoondji Mosque In Mehrauli: Delhi HC

February 23, 2024

The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to permit prayers at the recently demolished ‘Akhoondji mosque’ and the nearby graveyard in Mehrauli on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, while dealing with an application by the Managing Committee of the Delhi Waqf Board, noted that the court has directed status quo on the site which is now in the possession of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The application forms part of a petition by the committee on the issue of demolition.

Justice Kaurav observed that the main petition, which was heard by the court on several occasions, is already listed for final disposal on March 7.

“At this stage, the court is not inclined to pass any directions. The application is dismissed,” ordered the court.

The ‘Akhoondji mosque’, believed to be over 600 years old, as well as the Behrul Uloom madrasa there were declared as illegal structures in Sanjay Van and demolished by the DDA on January 30.

The counsel for the petitioner said worshippers, whose families are buried in the nearby graveyard, should be allowed offer prayers there on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat later this month.

He said the mosque was several centuries old and prayers were being offered there for the last many years. There was also an “active graveyard” which was used by the locals, the advocate told the court.

On February 5, the high court had asked the DDA to maintain status quo on the site where the mosque once stood.

The petitioner committee has argued that the demolition of the mosque was illegal.

The DDA has defended its action before the high court on the ground that the demolition took place pursuant to the January 4 recommendation of its Religious Committee. The decision, it said, was taken after the Religious Committee afforded an opportunity of hearing to the CEO of Delhi Waqf Board. The petitioner has, however, contended that the Religious Committee has no jurisdiction to order any demolition action.

On January 31, the court asked the DDA to file its reply clearly setting out the action that has been taken in respect of the property concerned as well as its basis.

It also asked the development authority to state whether any prior notice was given before the demolition.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-hc-refuses-to-permit-shab-e-barat-prayers-at-akhoondji-mosque-in-mehrauli-9177087/

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Political parties should find solutions to Kashi, Mathura outside courts: Ajmer Dargah chief

 23.02.24

Ajmer Dargah chief Syed Zainul Abedin said political parties should try to find solutions to disputes such as in Mathura and Kashi outside the courts.

Any dispute that is resolved by mutual consent will win hearts and trust of communities, he said.

The Ajmer Dargah chief was addressing a conference titled "Paigam-e-Mohabbat Hum Sab Ka Bharat" organised by the Rajasthan unit of All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council in which heads of almost all the dargahs of Rajasthan were present.

Abedin said that India was playing a positive role in restoring peace in the world by following the civilization of Vasudhaiva Kutambakam, a statement issued here said.

“India is playing its role in world peace, so efforts should be made to resolve the internal issues of our country peacefully outside the courts… All that is needed is a strong initiative," he said.

On the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Ajmer Dargah chief also said that in the last few years, Muslims have been misled about the CAA law.

“The reality is that after a detailed analysis of the provisions of the Act, we found that the law has nothing to do with Indian Muslims and that the law will not affect them.

“It will benefit the persecuted minority immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh. This is not going to take away the Indian citizenship of anyone.

“Citizenship of any Indian cannot be taken away because there is no such provision in the law,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.
Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/political-parties-should-find-solutions-to-kashi-mathura-outside-courts-ajmer-dargah-chief-syed-zainul-abedin/cid/2002404

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Shahi Idgah case: HC to hear again plea challenging maintainability of suit on Friday

February 22, 2024

Prayagraj : The Allahabad High Court will hear again on Friday a plea challenging maintainability of a suit seeking removal of Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura which it claims has been built on 13.37 acre land of Katra Keshav Deo temple.

After hearing counsels of both sides, Justice Mayank Kumar Jain fixed February 23 as the next date of hearing in the case.

On January 30, the high court had fixed February 22 for hearing the plea challenging maintainability of the suit and said objections to the plea have to be filed before February 22.

On January 17, the court had given time to the Hindu side to file its reply on the application of the Muslim side moved regarding maintainability of the suit.

In May last year, the high court transferred to itself all 15 cases related to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute. Notably, objections in some of the cases have been filed. ( With PTI inputs )

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/shahi-idgah-case-hc-to-hear-again-plea-challenging-maintainability-of-suit-on-friday/

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Islamic Preacher, Mufti Salman Azhari, Put In Preventive Detention After Getting Bail In Third Hate Speech Case

February 22, 2024

Modasa, Gujarat: Mumbai-based Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari was on Thursday taken under preventive detention by the Gujarat police soon after he was granted bail in a hate speech case registered against him in the state's Arvalli district.

Earlier in the day, the court of Additional Sessions Judge HN Vakil granted conditional bail to Azhari, who was booked for delivering an inflammatory speech in an open ground in Modasa on December 24 last year.

This was the third case of hate speech in Gujarat in which the cleric was arrested before being granted bail.

However, as soon as Mufti Azhari was released on bail, he was detained at Modasa by the Junagadh local crime branch under the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA).

He will be handed over to Vadodara central jail, Junagadh crime branch inspector Jatin Patel said.

"We have detained him under PASA soon after a warrant was issued against him by the Junagadh collector," Mr Patel said.

The act allows the administration to take anti-social elements under preventive detention to maintain public safety.

Mufti Azhari was held from Mumbai on February 5 after he delivered an alleged hate speech in B division police station limits in Junagadh on January 31.

Later, Kutch East police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and arrested him on February 8 for delivering an allegedly provocative speech in Samakhiyari village in Bhachau taluka on January 31.

Mufti Azhari was earlier granted bail in cases registered against him in Junagadh and Kutch.

In Junagadh and Kutch East, Azhari was booked under Indian Penal Code sections 153B (promoting enmity between different religious groups) and 505 (2) (making statements conducive to public mischief).

Besides IPC sections 153 (B) and 505 (2), Azhari has also been charged under section 298 for uttering words with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person in the Modasa case.

According to the police, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has also been invoked as he made derogatory remarks against the SC community in his speech at Modasa.

Source: ndtv.com

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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/islamic-preacher-put-in-preventive-detention-after-getting-bail-in-third-hate-speech-case-5107801

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Special Task ForceInterrogates Mahmood Madani For Six Hours Over Halal Certification Case

February 22, 2024

Mahmood Madani, a well-known figure in the halal certification sector, was summoned by the STF (Special Task Force) for questioning in connection with a suspected case involving fraudulent halal certification practices on Wednesday in Lucknow. The interrogation took place at the STF headquarters in Lucknow, where Madani was subjected to inquiries regarding his role and any potential involvement in the alleged fraudulent activities.

Sources within the  revealed that the investigation stemmed from allegations of irregularities and discrepancies in the halal certification process, which raised concerns about the authenticity and credibility of halal labels on various food products. The ATS has been working closely with regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders to address these concerns and ensure the integrity of halal certification procedures.

During the interrogation, Mahmood Madani provided comprehensive responses to the questions posed by STF officials and cooperated fully with the investigation. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the halal certification process and expressed willingness to assist authorities in uncovering any wrongdoing.

Madani’s involvement in the case has sparked speculation within the halal food industry and among consumers, given his prominent position and influence in the sector.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to have significant implications for the halal food industry, affecting consumer trust and confidence in halal-certified products.

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/stf-interrogates-mahmood-madani-for-six-hours-over-halal-certification-case/

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BJP's ‘Congress hates Muslims’ attack after MLA claims harassment over religion

Feb 23, 2024

Mumbai: Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddique, who was sacked as the president of the Mumbai Youth Congress earlier this week, has claimed that he was being harassed within the party because he is a Muslim. The MLA from Vandre East is the son of Baba Siddique, who recently quit the Congress and joined Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. Reacting to the remarks, the BJP said Congress hates Muslims.

"I won't say I will remain in the Congress, but I will discuss my political options with my supporters (first)," he said.

Zeeshan Siddique said he communicated to the party that his father's exit shouldn't have a bearing on his association with the Congress.

"I have been repeatedly saying that even though my father Baba Siddique joined the NCP, I will remain with the Congress, but still action was taken against me," he said.

He claimed he bagged 90 percent votes in the election for the Mumbai Youth Congress president's post but the party took nine months to appoint him to the post.

"I had secured 88,517 votes in my Youth Congress chief election. But there was a huge delay in my appointment. Apart from me, injustice was done to Mohammed Nalpad, who was elected as Youth Congress president in Karnataka. Congress has no values. If Congress has problems with Muslims, then they must stop claiming that they are with Muslims," he said.

"When MilindDeora stepped down as president of Mumbai Congress, names of possible presidents were discussed. Muslim leaders like Naseem Khan, Aslam Shaikh, Amin Patel, and Baba Siddique were not considered. The Congress does not prioritise minorities," he added.

He said Muslims have no place in the Congress.

"I was harassed a lot because I am a Muslim," he said.

"In Mumbai and Karnataka, two Muslim candidates won Youth wing elections but it took nearly a year for them to get the post in both cases," he said.

Zeeshan also said he felt bad about the Congress being in alliance with the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray (as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi), when Thackeray, at a solidarity rally of the alliance in Mumbai, praised the demolition of Babri mosque.

He also claimed that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge is not being allowed to work freely.

"Mallikarjun Kharge is such a senior leader but even his hands are tied. Rahul Gandhi is doing his job but it looks as if people around him have taken a 'supari' (contract) from other parties to finish off the Congress," he alleged.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said Zeeshan Siddique's allegation has proved that the Congress uses the minorities for vote bank politics.

Also read: Zeeshan Siddique says he was asked to lose 10kg weight if he wanted to meet Rahul Gandhi

"Today Zeeshan Siddiqui has spilled out the beans which was told by me six-seven years ago that Congress is the most anti-Muslim party. It may project for the vote bank and for appeasement's sake that it is with the minorities. But actually, it has done the most damage to minorities. Today Zeeshan Siddiqui is facing it himself. We have seen that Congress allowed riot after riot to be orchestrated. Congress party used to say that Uddhav Sena is responsible for the Mumbai riots but today they have allied with them because Congress hates Muslims," he said.

"They only keep them as their vote bank. In Congress, apart from 'Parivaar', nobody can take decisions. What Zeeshan is facing today, Congress leaders had been facing for a long time because Rahul Gandhi is promoting such a culture," Poonawalla added.

Several Maharashtra Congress leaders have exited the party lately, including MilindDeora and Ashok Chavan. While Deora joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, Chavan joined the BJP.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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Delhi: Jama Masjid ShahiImam To Appoint Son, Syed Usama Shaban Bukhari, As Successor

Feb 23, 2024

NEW DELHI: Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi imam of Jama Masjid in Delhi, is going to appoint his son and Naib imam Syed Usama Shaban Bukhari as his successor. He will become the fourteenth Shahi imam.

An invitation has been sent out to all dignitaries, prominent visitors, friends and family for the Dastarbandi or turban tying ceremony on Feb 25 after the evening Isha Namaz.

Ahmed Bukhari’s invite states that it has been a custom and tradition of Jama Masjid, Delhi, that imam during his lifetime appoints his son as his successor and formalises the succession by tying the turban of imamate on his head at the Dastarbandi ceremony. Therefore, according to the age-old tradition, he has decided to appoint his son, Syed Usama Shaban Bukhari, NaibShahi imam, as his successor.

Shaban, a master’s in social work from Amity University, is an Alim and Fazil in Islamic theology. He completed his comprehensive study of Islam from Madrasa Jamia Arabia Shamsul Uloom, Delhi. He was appointed the naib imam in 2014. His great grandfather Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari was the first imam of Jama Masjid appointed by emperor Shah Jahan. The family claims that the emperor had decreed that the imamate shall continue in the same family.

The invite, a personal note by Ahmed Bukhari, also says that “after the Dastarbandi ceremony, I shall continue with my duties of the imamate of Jama Masjid Delhi as usual. If, after me, or for health reasons, during my lifetime, I am unable to dispense my responsibilities of the imamate, then in such case the current naibshahi imam, Syed Usama Shaban Bukhari, shall assume the office of the imamate as the fourteenth shahi imam of the lineage.”

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Sandeshkhali case is no Hindu-Muslim issue. TMC and BJP must stop with their blame games

AMANA BEGAM

23 February, 2024

The protests in Sandeshkhali area in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district is part of a longstanding pattern of unrest in the region. The villagers’ allegations of land grabbing and other atrocities, including claims of sexual assault, against Trinamool Congress leaders Sheikh Shahjahan, ShibaprasadHazra, and Uttam Sardar underscore the gravity of the situation. While Hazra and Sardar have been arrested, Shahjahan remains on the run since a mob attack on a team of Enforcement Directorate officials that had arrived in early January to raid his house. Primarily, though, it is the response of the Mamata Banerjee government to the protests over police inaction on the villagers’ complaints that should concern us all.

It is difficult just yet to establish the veracity of the claims and counter-claims in the grave matter of sexual assault allegations. Parsing through the various TMC and BJP versions is difficult enough. But what we must put under scrutiny are their responses and the theatre of the absurd that West Bengal politics has become. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hasn’t demonstrated empathy and urgency in dealing with the allegations and is accusing the BJP of politicisation instead. The BJP, on the other hand, is turning it into a Hindu vs Muslim issue and is more interested in cornering the TMC.

The escalation of tensions into violence, marked by clashes between BJP workers and the police, emphasises the volatile state of affairs in Sandeshkhali. These incidents highlight deep-seated issues related to governance, law enforcement, and the protection of basic rights in the state.

When allegations of gender-based violence and injustice surface, leaders must demonstrate empathy, resolve, and a commitment to justice for all affected parties. Arrests have been made and CM Banerjee has promised to take action, but by engaging in political blame games, she has also undermined the gravity of the situation. There is a need for systemic change, and the CM doesn’t quite recognise that.

Governments and law enforcement agencies need to maintain a monopoly over the use of force. It’s a fundamental principle of governance. However, it has been compromised in West Bengal as significant territories have fallen under the sway of syndicate politics. A section of TMC leaders appear to operate with impunity, shielded by their pivotal roles within the nefarious network of a warped system.

Addressing this critical issue demands decisive action from the government, both in substance and in perception. The authorities must demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rule of law by rooting out those who are complicit in undermining it. Failure to do so not only emboldens the perpetrators but also erodes public trust in the government’s ability to maintain order and justice.

The government’s first step should be to assert its authority and confront the alleged syndicate and its collaborators. This requires swift and robust enforcement actions and transparent accountability mechanisms to reassure the public that justice is being served.

It is deeply disheartening to witness the TMC, a political party that often portrays itself as progressive, liberal, and supportive of women’s empowerment, downplaying accusations of atrocities against its own cadre. The tragic case of a minor who was allegedly raped while attending a birthday party in Nadia in April 2022 highlights this disturbing trend. The victim, who died shortly after the harrowing incident, was allegedly cremated under pressure by TMC leader Samar Goala without an autopsy. The leader’s son, Braja Gopal Goala, is the prime accused in the case.

Braja was later detained by the West Bengal Police, but Banerjee’s response to reports of the 14-year-old’s rape was distressing. By questioning whether the incident should be classified as rape, and suggesting speculative scenarios such as “pregnancy” or a “love affair”, the CM disregarded the plight of the victim’s family and their need for justice.

No Hindu- Muslim issue

The BJP’s reaction to the women’s protest will hopefully put pressure on the government to take swift action. But framing it as a Hindu versus Muslim issue for political gain is deeply problematic and counterproductive in the long run.

Portraying Hindu women as victims of Muslim men is a form of polarised politics that doesn’t lead to positive outcomes. BJP MP Locket Chatterjee compared the incident to attacks on Hindu women in Pakistan and Iraq. It is a false parallel, because Hindu, Sikh, and other non-Muslim women in Pakistan face abduction, rape, and forced conversion solely because of their religious identity. In the Sandeshkhali case, the accused are Hindus and a Muslim.

Additionally, comparing non-BJP-ruled states to Pakistan is a dangerous oversimplification that ignores India’s diverse realities and complexities. Such rhetoric only exacerbates social divisions and undermines efforts to foster unity and harmony across communities. It is important, however, to recognise that the use of inflammatory language and divisive narratives is not exclusive to any particular political party.

It is important, however, to recognise that the BJP alone cannot be accused of using inflammatory language and divisive narratives. The Opposition, too, has used terms like ‘Lynchistan’ and fascism for the BJP-led government. Both the BJP and the opposition are guilty of engaging in such tactics to cater to their vote base.

Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist and TV news panelist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal.

(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)

Source: theprint.in

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Talibanisation of India can never be accepted: BJP on Darul Uloom’s fatwa

February 22, 2024

New Delhi : The BJP on Thursday said that talibanisation of India can never be accepted, shortly after Islamic seminary, Darul Uloom Deoband, issued a fatwa approving ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’.

BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla said the Darul Uloom’s fatwa approving Ghazwa-e-Hind is anti-Constitution and pro-Pakistan.

“It clearly indicated that Darul Uloom does not have faith in the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the Constitution of India,” Prem Shukla said.

The BJP spokesperson said that Darul Uloom is speaking the language of Pakistan.

Taking action on the matter, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued a notice to the district magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Saharanpur district.

The NCPCR has said that Darul Uloom, Deoband is giving anti-India teachings to children in madrasa, promoting Islamic fundamentalism.

The Commission has declared this as violation of Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Taking suomotu cognisance of the matter under Section 13 (1) TJ of the CPCR Act, the NCPCR has said that the contents of such fatwa can spread hatred against the country.

The Commission has requested the district administration to investigate the website of Darul Uloom, saying that the people of the country are being misled through it.

Therefore, Darul Uloom’s website should be checked and blocked immediately. Along with this, NCPCR has warned that if no action is taken regarding this soon, then the district administration itself will be equally responsible for this. — IANS

Source: muslimmirror.com

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North America

 

Gaza war shows how power of US Muslims is easily blown away by outside events: American Muslim scholar

Muhammed EnesCalli

22.02.2024

Israel’s war on Gaza has affected the lives of Muslims all over the world – none more so than the US, where millions are living through turbulent times.

As the 2024 presidential election inches closer, Gaza remains a defining factor in almost all spheres of Muslims’ lives in the US, shaping their daily realities, specifically in terms of rising Islamophobia, and their political choices.

“In many ways, Oct. 7 feels as if a Muslim committed an attack, a terrorist attack, here on United States soil, and the Muslim community is facing the backlash for that,” Omar Suleiman, a prominent Muslim American scholar, imam and activist hailing from a Palestinian family, told Anadolu.

What Muslims are facing for something that did not even happen in the US “shows that any power that the Muslim community supposedly has earned within the establishment, within the mainstream, is so easily blown away by things that don’t even happen on our soil,” he said.

Suleiman believes that fallout of the Gaza war demonstrates that the Muslim community are “perceived as outsiders, regardless of invitations from those on the inside urging them to join as insiders.”

“You are tokenized, but you are still outsiders, and that’s especially true for Palestinians. The Palestinian cause is not welcome, not on a Republican platform or on a Democratic platform,” he stressed.

Another significant negative impact is that “we are seeing hate crimes rise,” he said, referring specifically to the murder of six-year-old Palestinian-American Wadea al-Fayoume, who was stabbed 26 times by his landlord.

The wave of Islamophobia in the US since Oct. 7 was documented in a December 2023 report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which said there were nearly 2,200 Islamophobia-related requests or complaints of bias in just the first 57 days of the war, almost 50% of the total cases the organization had in 2022.

On the other hand, Suleiman said today many Muslims in the US, who may not have previously felt a strong connection to the Palestinian cause, “certainly feel connected now.”

“We are seeing the consciousness of the Muslim community rise, which I think is a good thing. We are seeing a development of the character of the community, which I think is a good thing,” he said.

“We are seeing the American public as well, especially younger Americans, becoming more educated about the Palestinian cause and not falling for Israel’s propaganda.”

Elections, Gaza and Biden

In the lead-up to the November election, the shadow of Gaza is looming large over President Joe Biden’s bid for a second term in the White House.

There is growing resentment among Muslim and Arab Americans over his administration’s continued financial, military and diplomatic support to Israel, with the latest example being the US veto this week of a UN resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

In a recent interview with Anadolu, Osama Siblani, a journalist in Michigan and publisher of The Arab American News, said the community there considers Biden a “war criminal” and will not vote for him.

Michigan is just one of several key swing states where the 1 million registered Muslim voters in the US could play a decisive role in the outcome.

Suleiman, however, pointed out that unconditional support for Israel is a “bipartisan disease” in the US, equally prevalent among both Democrats and Republicans.

In 2020, Muslims voted for Biden over Donald Trump with the belief he was the “lesser of two evils.”

“Donald Trump had shown us what he was all about … Obviously, you had the Muslim ban, you had the movement of the (US) embassy to Jerusalem. You had many policies, both domestically and abroad, that were detrimental to the Muslim community,” he said.

“And, of course, the rhetoric and the unhealthy environments that we had here in the United States. The crazy environment that we had under his administration, I think, pushed Muslims to vote for Biden.”

Now, though, the calculus of Biden being better than Trump has been upended, he said.

“The thing is now that what’s more evil than a genocide?” he asserted.

The US has not just given Israel diplomatic cover, using its veto to make sure that Israel is not held accountable, but has been “participating in this genocide every step of the way, both by funding it and making sure that no one holds Israel accountable,” he said.

“So, the United States is just as guilty as Israel in this genocide, and it’s happening on Biden’s watch,” he added.

“Therefore, it’s very hard to make the argument to the Muslim community that he’s the lesser of two evils, when the most evil episode of modern history is playing out on his watch and with his cover.”

Suleiman said the US has been held “hostage by the two-party system.”

A country presenting Trump and Biden as the two choices for president is “already a country with a failed political system,” he said.

He stressed that it essential for voters to “penalize support for genocide” and “the lack of moral courage to stand for a cease-fire.”

“I still think Muslims need to vote. I think Muslims need to show that their vote is consequential,” he said.

“It would be a loss for our community to send a message to these politicians that you can literally carry out a genocide and still bank on our vote.”

Islam and the Palestinian cause

The Gaza crisis has led to an increase in awareness in the US about the Palestinian cause and the teachings of Islam, encouraging more people to revert to Islam, said Suleiman.

“Every Friday … there are people that embrace Islam after the prayer, and almost all of those people that are embracing Islam now are directly referencing the Gaza as a factor in their embracing Islam,” he said.

He explained that the suffering in Gaza and the display of faith by Gazans is “leading to great curiosity and leading people directly to their local mosques, leading people to pick up a Quran for the first time, leading people to search for Islamic lectures.”

“The people of Gaza are clearly special. They clearly have something that much of the world wishes that they had on the inside, while at the same time they are living a nightmare that no one else in the world has to live,” he added.

Boycott a ‘spiritual imperative’

About the global movement of boycotting brands supporting Israel, Suleiman emphasized that this should be viewed as a “spiritual imperative.”

“How can you be a Muslim and consume the products that are made by the oppressor of your brothers and sisters, while you are watching that oppression play out on your screens?” he said.

“There’s something that’s spiritually wrong with us when we fail to act upon something that doesn’t require any major adjustments in our lives.”

It is always collective action that has a major impact, he said.

“It’s important for us to recognize the political effectiveness of boycotts,” he stressed.

“It’s politically effective, that’s why Israel fears it so much. That’s why here in the United States, you have 38 states that have anti-boycott laws on the books. It’s why Israel is doing what it can to make sure that people cannot peacefully boycott it, because they know that it can have a major impact on its economic status.”

Source: aa.com.tr

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13 Jewish Democrats pen letter to Biden urging 'temporary' cease-fire, hostage deal

Michael Gabriel Hernandez

23.02.2024

Over a dozen Jewish members of Congress urged US President Joe Biden Thursday to "exhaust every effort to facilitate" what they described as an agreement for a "temporary ceasefire" in the besieged Gaza Strip.

That deal, they wrote in a letter to the president, should be made in exchange for the "immediate return of all of the 134 hostages, including six Americans who have been languishing in captivity for months."

"Recently, we learned that 32 of the 134 remaining hostages are dead. Every day that the remaining living hostages are left to suffer in the tunnels in Gaza without medical attention increases the chances that more will die. The hostages and their families simply cannot wait any longer," they wrote.

"Likewise, the situation for the civilian population in Gaza is dire and desperate. At least 1.4 million displaced Palestinians in Gaza cannot wait any longer for access to additional humanitarian aid to alleviate widespread hunger, homelessness, and the continuing spread of dangerous diseases," they added.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack by Hamas. The ensuing Israeli war has killed nearly 30,000 people, and caused mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Nearly 70,000 people have been injured.

About 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.

The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel 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.

Hostilities have continued unabated, however, and aid deliveries remain woefully insufficient to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Source: aa.com.tr

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US intelligence casts doubt on Israel’s accusations against UNRWA

23 February 2024

A US intelligence assessment has cast doubt on Israel’s accusations against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), citing the regime’s bias against the UN agency.

A National Intelligence Council (NIC) report released last week assessed with “low confidence” that a handful of UNRWA staffers had taken part in the October 7 operation launched by Hamas resistance movement against the occupying entity.

The four-page intelligence report indicated that the NIC could not independently confirm the allegations.

Earlier this year, the Israeli regime claimed that 12 employees of the UNRWA were involved in the attack.

Tel Aviv also alleged that 10% of all UNRWA’s 12,000 workers have links to Hamas.

Noting that UNRWA does coordinate with Hamas, which governs Gaza, in order to deliver aid and operate in the besieged strip, the NIC said there was a lack of evidence to suggest that the UN agency was collaborating with the resistance movement in a wider way. 

The NIC report added that Israel has not “shared the raw intelligence behind its assessments with the US.”

The Wall Street Journal cited two sources familiar with the report as saying that it highlighted Israel’s dislike towards the UNRWA.

“There is a specific section that mentions how Israeli bias serves to mischaracterize much of their assessments on UNRWA and says this has resulted in distortions,” one source told the WSJ.

Last week, Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner general of the UNRWA, said Israel was waging a concerted campaign aimed at destroying the main UN agency in the besieged Gaza Strip.

“It is believed that if the aid agency is abolished, the status of the Palestinian refugees will be resolved once and for all -- and with it, the right of return,” Lazzarini told the Swiss newspaper group Tamedia.

The regime’s allegations against UNRWA, which were not publicly backed by evidence, have prompted more than 10 donor countries, including the United States, Germany, the European Union, Canada, and Japan, to suspend financial support.

The funding from these countries makes up the bulk of all funding received by the UN agency.

UNRWA said being cut off in this way means the agency will run out of money altogether within weeks.

"The grossly disproportionate decision to suspend funding by some of the largest donor states defies the basic principle of humanity, and goes against states’ commitment to leave no one behind," several UN experts said in a statement earlier this month.

Nearly the entire population of Gaza now relies on UNRWA for basics, including food, water, and hygiene supplies.

Since the regime started its war on Gaza in early October, 1.9 million people – 85 percent of Gaza’s population – have been internally displaced.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 29,410 Palestinians and injured more than 69,465 others.

Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under “complete siege” by Israel.

Source: presstv.ir

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CAIR Applauds Sen. Warren, Rep. Omar’s Efforts to Combat ‘Banking While Muslim’ Practices

Ismail Allison

February 22, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) for spearheading a joint U.S. Senate and House letter addressing discriminatory banking practices that disproportionately affect Muslim Americans and communities of color, often called “banking while Muslim.”

The letter, directed to major U.S. banks, demands transparency regarding policies addressing issues such as banking while Muslim, Black, and Iranian, and emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access to banking services for all Americans.

The letter, co-signed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), calls on banking executives to address concerns raised by lawmakers and respond to inquiries by March 13. CAIR urges the banking industry to demonstrate compliance with legal non-discrimination standards and engage in socially responsible practices to ensure equitable access to banking services for all Americans.

In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw said:

“CAIR applauds Senator Warren, Representative Omar, and their congressional colleagues for calling on major U.S. banks to end their discriminatory de-risking practices that threaten the economic well-being of the American Muslim community. Muslim and Arab, Iranian, and South Asian Americans are often disproportionately and discriminatorily labeled by U.S. banks as high-risk when engaging in legitimate financial transactions, including sending payments abroad or donating to charities. American banks and lenders need to do better for minority communities.”

The lawmakers’ letter underscores the pressing need for transparency regarding banking practices that have unfairly targeted Muslim Americans and minority communities. The “banking while Muslim” phenomenon has led to the suspension or closure of bank accounts without explanation, as well as increased scrutiny of financial transactions, significantly impeding the financial autonomy of affected individuals and organizations.

Senator Warren emphasized the importance of holding banks accountable for practices that harm consumers and undermine financial access. She stated, “Banks don’t get a free pass to discriminate against Muslim Americans and other minority groups in the name of preventing suspicious banking activity.”

In 2022, CAIR welcomed a related joint U.S. House and Senate letter led by Representative Omar and Senator Warren and signed by 22 lawmakers addressed to the Biden Administration and the heads of all U.S. banking regulators calling on them to “improve banking access for immigrant communities and communities of color,” including Iranian and Muslim Americans.

CAIR remains committed to advocating for the civil rights of Muslim Americans and stands in solidarity with efforts to combat discriminatory practices in the financial sector.

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-applauds-sen-warren-rep-omars-efforts-to-combat-banking-while-muslim-practices/

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CAIR Calls on Biden Admin to Condemn Israeli Official ‘Proud of Ruins in Gaza’ Comment, End Support for Genocide

Ismail Allison

February 22, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Biden administration to condemn comments made by Israeli Minister of Social Equality & Women’s Advancement May Golan in which she said she is “personally proud of the ruins of Gaza, and that every baby, even 80 years from now, will tell their grandchildren what the Jews did.”

When asked about the comments, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said “we care about the lives not just of Israelis but of Palestinians […] and we grieve for all of those who have been killed, all of those who have been injured, and it’s what animates our work to try to bring a durable end to this conflict.”

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“The Biden administration should condemn the sadistic, bloodthirsty rhetoric of this Israeli official and immediately stop bankrolling and arming the genocide the Israeli government is committing in Gaza. This is not the first time the Israeli government has expressed its genocidal intent. If our government takes action, it could stop the genocide.”

He noted that yesterday, CAIR called on House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic leader Hakim Jefferies to publicly repudiate Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) and to issue a formal censure for his recent statement that “We should kill them all” in reference to Palestinian children in Gaza.

Take Action: Call on U.S. House Leaders to Censure Rep. Ogles for ‘We Should Kill Them All’ Comment on Gaza Children

Also yesterday, CAIR called on the Biden administration to address reported sexual violence, arbitrary detention and abuse by the forces of the far-right Israeli government targeting Palestinian women and girls.

Source: cair.com

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Europe

 

UK parliament speaker faces no confidence vote after Gaza ceasefire debate

Mehmet Solmaz

22.02.2024

Though UK Parliament Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has apologized to the Scottish National Party (SNP), dozens of lawmakers have called for his resignation a day after he assisted the Labour Party pass an amended version of an SNP motion.

The proposed motion, which called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza, was amended to “humanitarian ceasefire” by the Labour Party without allowing the SNP to object.

After 59 members of parliament signed a motion of no confidence in the speaker on Thursday, Hoyle said: “I regret it. I apologise to the SNP... I apologise and I apologise to the House. I made a mistake. We do make mistakes. I own up to mine.

“I have a duty of care, and I say that, and if my mistake is looking after members I am guilty.”

The House of Commons descended into chaos after Hoyle allowed the Labour Party to pass an amended version of the SNP motion on Wednesday.

The original SNP motion which called for an “immediate ceasefire” faced a Labour Party response, saying they would ask for an amendment to the motion.

However, the parliamentary convention says that if the motion has been put forward by an opposition party, like the SNP, it cannot be amended by another opposition party, like Labour - only by the government.

The Labour changed the wording of the motion to the “immediate humanitarian ceasefire.”

Lawmakers from the SNP and the ruling Conservatives walked out of the House of Commons on Wednesday to protest Hoyle’s stance, accusing him of not being impartial and supporting efforts to curb a possible rebellion in his party.

Conservatives later pulled out its amendments to the motion in protest of Hoyle, and with the ruling party abstaining from any votes on the motion, the Labour's amendment was able to pass without a vote.

This meant the original SNP motion had been changed to Labour's form of words and the Scottish MPs never got a chance to vote on their own proposal.

As of Thursday noon, 59 members of the parliament signed a motion of no confidence in the speaker.

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn informed Hoyle that he would not be able to continue in his role.

Flynn said his party was denied the right to vote on their Gaza ceasefire motion, which "is of grave concern to us."

"As I have expressed to you privately prior to proceedings here today, we do not on these benches therefore believe that you can continue in your role as Speaker," he said.

"We do not have confidence in your ability to do so."

Source: aa.com.tr

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Belgian politician: ‘Sending arms to Israel is direct complicity in genocide’

Selen Valente 

22.02.2024

A Belgian member of the European Parliament called on European governments to put pressure on Israel to end its "genocidal" treatment of Palestinians.

c Botenga stressed that sending arms to Israel is direct complicity in genocide.

Botenga, from the Left Group, spoke to Anadolu in the European Parliament regarding Israel's practices against Palestinians and the stance of European countries.

Stating that it is one of the bloodiest wars against the people, Botenga said: “It is impossible to imagine what's going on. I think from here, the suffering, the ethnic cleansing. It is very clear that a number of civilians being killed is something that has not been seen in decades. I think it's an extremely bloody attack targeting civilians directly. The majority of the victims are women and children. So that clearly says that it's not a war against this or that. It's a war against the entire people.”

He recalled the story of 6-year-old Hind Rajab, whose relatives were killed in the Israeli attack and the ambulance that went to rescue her was also targeted.

“So these are horrible stories and there is so many of them. It is important to put faces to these numbers because there are humans there and they are being massively killed and it is extremely shocking,” Botenga added.

Stating that it is "normal and logical” for Israel to be tried for genocide, Botenga said: "If you look at what is happening (in Gaza) and the different dimensions of the definition of genocide, you cannot help but say that these are genocidal policies."

He continued: “And the International Court of Justice has spoken about a plausible risk of genocide. I know has ordered provisionary measures in order to stop it.”

"What's going on in Gaza? The targeting of children, the targeting of families and so on. Of course, these are genocidal practices," he said.

“But what's really making the difference, I think, is the mobilization. Because we need an immediate cease-fire. We need the killing to stop, and we need people to be just respected, their right to live, they like to live in good health. In order to do this, we need to put pressure on our governments because Israel will not stop if we do not put pressure on Israel,” he further said.

Botenga said Belgium suspended some arm licenses to Israel. "We have seen other countries, Ireland and Spain speaking about measures. But if there is no concrete pressure on Israel, nothing will happen.”

“Today there is still weapons, arms going through the European Union, through the territory of European member states to Israel. It's a direct complicity with this genocide,” he said.

Botenga said: “I don't know the association agreement. So this is a preferential trade and an economic agreement the European Union has with Israel. This gives privileges to Israel in the access to the European market. It is impossible today to say that is justified because the agreement itself speaks about human rights. The article two of the agreement says this agreement is based on human rights. Well, you cannot in any way say today that Israel is respecting human rights. That's just impossible. So this agreement needs to be cancelled.”

Source: aa.com.tr

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France under pressure to suspend military sales to Israel amid its genocidal war in Gaza

22 February 2024

Opposition parties and activists have called on France's government to reconsider arms sales to Israel in the wake of its genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.

They encouraged Paris to follow the example of other European nations that suspended military exports to Israel over concerns about the humanitarian situation on the ground, France 24 reported on Thursday. 

French company Eurofarad is facing charges of complicity in war crimes against Palestinians in France. The company has since been bought by Exxelia Technologies.

Israeli troops had used missiles of Eurofarad to kill Palestinian children of the Shuheibar family.

A specialized department looking at crimes against humanity opened an investigation on suspicion of "complicity with war crimes" at a Paris court, and last summer several members of the Shuheibar family were heard.

The Shuheibar case is not unique. Other French defense companies – including Dassault, Thalès and MBDA – are facing charges of “complicity in war crimes” over weapons sales to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which has fought a war in Yemen.

The Shuheibar case raises some lingering questions in the context of the Israeli war in Gaza, and following the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month and the pending ruling.

French companies have exported weapons or any “dual-use” equipment to Israel that can be used in a military context.

The head of Amnesty International in France, Jean-Claude Samouiller, wrote an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, calling on him for the suspension of all weapons sales and military equipment to Israel.

Opposition MPs have repeatedly grilled members of the government over continuing French military exports to Israel.

Last week, MathildePanot, the president of the LFI parliamentary group, asked Foreign Minister StéphaneSéjourné whether France was arming Israel and called for a suspension of any such sales.

“Has France continued providing weapons to [Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin] Netanyahu? Mister minister, can you say with certainty that no French military component is being used in Gaza in any war crime that is being committed? When will you declare an arms embargo?” she asked, adding: “[Charles] de Gaulle did it [in 1967]. Emmanuel Macron must do it.”

She also asked the French foreign minister to provide a list of weapons and other equipment provided to Israel.

“Concerning weapons, I will revert back to you to give you a number, because I don’t have it here,” Séjourné replied.

Since the Israeli occupation of Palestine in June 1967, the illegal entity has perpetrated a raft of crimes, including killing, displacement, arrest and torture of Palestinians and demolition of their homes.

In its latest act of aggression, more than 29,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and over 70,000 others injured since the Israeli regime launched its US-backed onslaught on Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Providing Israel with an unbridled supply of arms and ammunition since the initiation of the Gaza war, the United States, Israel’s great benefactor, has vetoed UN Security Council resolutions that called on the regime to cease its aggression.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/02/22/720600/France-under-pressure-to-suspend-military-sales-to-Israel-

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Chaos and protest erupt over UK parliament vote on Gaza ceasefire motion

MICHAEL STARR

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Pro-Palestinian protesters and politicians responded in outrage on Wednesday when a United Kingdom parliamentary debate and vote on a Scottish National Party motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza ended with the adoption of a Labour Party amendment.

The SNP had put forward a call “for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel,” condemned plans for an Israeli military assault on Rafah, called for the release of Hamas’s Israeli hostages, demanded an “end to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people” and said that the only way to stop the slaughter of innocent civilians is to “press for a ceasefire now.”

In a breaking of procedure by allowing one opposition party to amend the motion of another, House Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle allowed the proposals for amendments by the Labour and Conservative Parties. MPs roared with disapproval as Hoyle explained that the Labour amendment would be voted on first.

A highly sensitive subject takes parliament

“This is a highly sensitive subject in which feelings are running high, in the House, in the nation, and throughout the world,” Hoyle said before the debate. “I think it’s important on this occasion that the House is able to consider the widest possible range of options.”

SNP MP Owen Thompson demanded to know what the point of having an opposition day for his party was if another opposition party’s amendment for their motion would be voted on.

After almost five hours of debate, the Labour Party’s amendment was adopted in an informal vote with a chorus of “ayes,” and the SNP motion did not see a vote.

The Labour amendment put less onus for cessation of hostilities on Israel, saying that Hamas needed to return hostages during a humanitarian ceasefire, but that “Israel cannot be expected to cease fighting if Hamas continues with violence and that Israelis have the right to the assurance that the horror of 7 October 2023 cannot happen again.”

After the vote, Hoyle defended his decision as being motivated by his concern for the “security of all members.”

SNP MP Stephen Flynn alleged that Hoyle, a former Labour member, had colluded with Labour Party leader Keir Starmer to block the vote for the more strongly worded motion. SNP social media shared allegations that Starmer sought to avoid a split in his party over voting for the SNP motion. SNP leader Humza Yousaf said that the Westminster system was broken by the event, but pleased that the House called for a degree of ceasefire.

“I’m proud of the SNP for bringing demands for an immediate ceasefire to the Commons, forcing Labour to change their position, which I welcome,” Yousaf said in a statement.

“The suffering has to end. There must be an immediate ceasefire; enough is enough.”

Source: jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/international/article-788310

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France expels Tunisian imam accused of hate speech

23/02/2024

MahjoubMahjoubi, an imam in the small southern French town of Bagnols-sur-Ceze, was sent back to Tunisia "less than 12 hours after his arrest", Darmanin said in a post on X.

He added that it was evidence of how a recently voted immigration law "makes France stronger".

The law toughening migration conditions was seen as part of the government's response to the rise of the far-right. It has been strongly opposed by left wing parties.

"Firmness is the rule," said Darmanin, who slammed what he called a "radical imam who made unacceptable comments".

The official order for Mahjoubi's expulsion, seen by AFP, said that in sermons in February he had given a "retrograde, intolerant and violent" image of Islam that would encourage behaviour against French values, discrimination against women, "tensions with the Jewish community" and "Jihadist radicalisation".

The imam also referred to Jewish people as "the enemy", according to the order, which said Mahjoubi called for "the destruction of Western society".

The imam's lawyer, Samir Hamroun, said he would appeal the expulsion.

Last year, France expelled a Moroccan imam and an Algerian who had been an official at a mosque that was closed in 2018.

President Emmanuel Macron said in 2020 that he wanted to end the stay in France of about 300 imams sent by other countries. None have been accepted from abroad since January this year.

Source: rfi.fr

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Catholic, Evangelical groups in Spain protest Israeli attacks on Gaza

SenhanBolelli

23.02.2024

Representatives of more than 180 Catholic and Evangelical associations staged a protest Thursday in Spain’s capital against Israel’s war on Gaza.

They gathered in front of the Israeli embassy in Madrid in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, members of the crowd held signs saying "Free Palestine" and "Justice."

Speaking to Anadolu, Nicase Theron, a Catholic priest, said they attended the demonstration to call for peace and to show their support for Palestinians, who have been suffering for a long time.

"Stop this massacre in the name of humanity," said Theron.

Another protester, Margarita Jimenez, criticized Israel for attacking the Gaza Strip, saying Israeli forces are killing women and children, bombing hospitals and not allowing humanitarian aid to enter.

Referring to UN resolutions on a two-state solution, Jimenez noted that Israel has never recognized them and is trying to expel Palestinians from their land.

The Palestinians hope to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been adamant in his opposition to a two-state solution, despite the international community advocating it as the only viable path forward.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. The ensuing Israeli war has killed more than 29,410 people and caused mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Nearly 70,000 people have been injured.

Around 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack while over 200 were taken back to Gaza as hostages.

The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel 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.

Hostilities have continued unabated, however, and aid deliveries remain woefully insufficient to address the humanitarian catastrophe.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/catholic-evangelical-groups-in-spain-protest-israeli-attacks-on-gaza/3145513

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Russian foreign minister says scale of tragedy in Gaza 'deliberately' downplayed

Elena Teslova

22.02.2024

The scale of tragedy in Gaza has been "deliberately downplayed," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.

"The scale of the tragedy in Gaza has been deliberately belittled, where in less than five months more civilians, including children and women, were killed than on both sides in Donbas in the 10 years since the unconstitutional coup in Kyiv," Lavrov said, speaking at a G20 ministerial meeting in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro.

The minister noted that G20 will hardly find solutions to the accumulated challenges and threats to global security.

He also invited the world's leading economies to clearly declare their refusal to use economics as a weapon and war as an investment, to demonstrate their commitment to open and equitable trade and economic cooperation.

"It is important to confirm that global banks and funds should not finance militaristic goals and aggressive regimes, but needy countries in the interests of sustainable development.

"This would be the contribution of the G20, in its area of responsibility, to creating material conditions for finding ways to resolve conflicts through inclusive diplomacy while respecting the central role of the UN Security Council, and not through closed formats and formulas based on ultimatums," he said.

Lavrov also suggested inviting the leading integration structures of other regions of the Global South in the work of the G20 on an equal basis.

Tensions have been running high across the occupied territory since Israel launched a military offensive against the Gaza Strip following an Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed some 1,200 people.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice over its onslaught on the Gaza Strip, which has left more than 29,300 people dead.

In an interim ruling in January, the Hague-based court 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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Pakistan

 

PTI supremo wants US-based lender to intervene: IMF refuses to comment on ‘Imran’s letter’

February 23, 2024

 Azim Mian &Mehtab Haider & Mumtaz Alvi

ISLAMABAD/ NEW YORK: Looking forward to working with the new government, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday declined to comment on PTI founder Imran Khan’s intended letter seeking intervention in Pakistan’s political scene.

Addressing a press briefing, IMF’s Director Communications Julie Kozack said that on January 11, the IMF brought total disbursements under the Standby Arrangement (SBA) to $1.9 billion, adding, “During the period of the caretaker government, the authorities have maintained economic stability.” She said, “We look forward to working with the new government on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and prosperity for all of Pakistan’s citizens.”

When asked to comment on Imran Khan’s letter, she said, “I’m not going to comment on ongoing political developments.”

Earlier in the day, the PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan decided to write a letter to the IMF urging it to call for an audit of February 8 election before it continues talks with Islamabad.

The country’s dwindling foreign exchange reserves may hit another low if the Fund takes the letter seriously and goes ahead with the election audit.

On the other hand, the IMF has sought further clarifications from the Government of Pakistan on the proposed restructuring plan of PIA and its unbundling to ascertain how the rescheduling of domestic debt of Rs268 billion would create fiscal implications and how the government would tackle them without hiking the fiscal deficit.

The IMF needs more clarity before sharing its formal response with the government, said the sources.

This crucial statement from the PTI has surfaced when the new government is going to be sworn in probably in the first week of March.

The government will have no option but to accomplish the existing $3 billion Standby Arrangement (SBA) program and then sign a fresh bailout package of 36 months with the request of augmentation of quota keeping in view a larger size to fill the gap of dollars.

“Imran Khan will issue a letter to the IMF today. The charter of IMF, EU, and other organizations stipulates that they can function or provide loans to a country only if there’s good governance,” the incarcerated PTI founder chairman’s counsel Barrister Ali Zafar told reporters at the Adiala Jail.

He said the mandate of the people was stolen in the darkness of night, insisting that democracy could not run if the mandate of the people was stolen. He said the whole world had seen rigging taking place in the general elections.

He said Imran will write a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today, in which the IMF will be asked to call upon the Government of Pakistan to conduct an audit of the rigged constituencies through an independent audit team.

“We clearly ask the IMF that if talks are to be held, then first there should be audit in constituencies, where rigging was done and the audit should be independent and not through the ECP. The judiciary should be involved and if the apex court heads it, it will be very fine,” he argued.

Ali Zafar said if the elections were not transparent, no one will give loans to this country.

The upcoming government soon after taking the reins of power will have to furnish a formal request with Washington-based international lender to dispatch its review team to Islamabad to accomplish the second review which should be accomplished by March 15 so that the board’s approval could be sought for release of last tranche of $1.1 billion till April 12.

There’s no doubt that Pakistan will have to go back to the IMF for securing another medium-term Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with a request to augment the size of the program beyond the allocated quota keeping in the larger size of filling the needs of dollars.

“In the wake of increased political instability, it might make the work of upcoming economic team more difficult because the IMF might come up with more stringent conditions,” said an independent economist and added that there would be three major challenges for the incoming government coming into power over next few months. The first challenge would be striking staff-level agreement and securing the last tranche of $1.1 billion under the $3 billion SBA program.

The second challenge would be to strike a fresh IMF deal in a staggered manner for years and it would not be an easy task.

The third major challenge would be to get the budget 2024-25 sail through the parliament in line with the conditions agreed with the IMF.

Reacting to the PTI’s move, PMLN Deputy Secretary General Atta Tarar Thursday termed it a heinous attempt to “invite foreign interference” and “derail democracy”.

“They [PTI] want to derail democracy in the country [...] Legal action should be taken against their ulterior motives to dent national economy,” Tarar said in a statement.

The PMLN leader said the PTI wanted to see chaos in the country which won’t be allowed.

The next government will have to revive the national economy, and eliminate unemployment, he added.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1160524-pti-supremo-wants-us-based-lender-to-intervene-imf-refuses-to-comment-on-imran-s-letter

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JUI-F to hold nationwide protests against ‘rigging’

February 23, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl held a workers’ convention in the federal capital on Thursday, terming it the beginning of a countrywide protest movement against alleged rigging in the elections.

Addressing the ‘Islam­abad general council’ of the JUI-F, party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the nation witnessed the worst rigging in the country’s history on Feb 8. He alleged that the 2024 polls were manipulated at such large scale that it even put the rigging of 2018 elections to shame. He said a joke has been made of the public mandate, leaving the assemblies to stand on bogus results.

The JUI-F announced that in the first phase of its planned protest drive, meetings of the party’s general assemblies have been called which will be followed by the feedback meetings with its provincial chapters to devise the future course of action.

“After the 2018 elections, it was thought that the 2024 elections would be fair,” Maulana Fazl said, adding, “Once again our wish and our longing for the supremacy of Constitution and promotion of democracy in the country has been crushed.”

“Parliament is called the supreme body, but if the establishment continues to interfere [in politics] and chooses representatives of its choice, then how can those members be called the people’s representatives?” he alleged. “I am saying that in this election, the establishment has broken the record of 75 years of corruption — the fact is that uniforms do not earn respect, character does.”

The JUI-F emir predicted that these handpicked representatives would always be the victim of criticism, irrespective of their party affiliations.

He said that a decision had been made by the party’s central executive council and this has also been conveyed to people.

“We are the flag-bearers of democracy, our elders have signed this Constitution and we consider it our responsibility to protect it — but now the Constitution seems to have lost its value as its sanctity has been reduced to a mere piece of paper.”

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1816447/jui-f-to-hold-nationwide-protests-against-rigging

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PPP, PMLN will continue to blackmail each other: Fazl

February 23, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The JUIF chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on Thursday said the upcoming government would be run by hidden forces and not by the parties sitting in parliament.

Addressing a protest meeting of his party, the JUIF top leader said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would continue to blackmail each other as their government would be run by hidden forces. “They will be sitting in parliament but will be at the mercy of outside forces,” he said.

Accusing the establishment of interference in February 08 elections, Fazlur Rehman said 75-year record of corruption in polls has been broken. He said he would not criticize defence forces but when the defence forces become political, then political force would face criticism.

He observed the PMLN got almost the same mandate in 2024 elections which they were given in the 2018 elections. “Then they were leveling allegations of rigging and now they are satisfied with the results,” he said, adding the PTI leadership’s reaction was the same.

At the same time, Fazlur Rehman said that his party was of the view that both 2018 and 2024 elections were rigged. He said his party would have to consider whether it should remain in the process of elections in future if parliament continues to lose its importance.

He said those selected with interference of establishment could not considered masses’ representatives. “Once again our hopes and desire for supremacy of Constitution and progress of democracy have been shattered,” he said.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1160588-ppp-pmln-will-continue-to-blackmail-each-other-fazl

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Jail chief not allowed meeting with Imran despite court orders: Omar Ayub

February 23, 2024

Khalid Iqbal

RAWALPINDI. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and party’s nominee for prime minister’s slot, Omar Ayub Khan, complained on Thursday that he was not allowed to meet party founder Imran Khan despite having a court order.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, he said the jail superintendent rudely refused to obey the court order after making him, other party leaders and lawyers, wait for an hour and a half outside the jail gate. An anti-terrorism court (ATC) Thursday allowed Omar Ayub, on his application, to meet the incarcerated party founder and former prime minister in Adiala Jail. He reached the jail with the court orders, but the jail chief refused to allow him to meet Imran Khan.

Omar Ayub, who contested election from National Assembly constituency NA-18, Haripur as an independent candidate, backed by PTI, and won by securing 192,948 votes, said the jail superintendent committed contempt of court by refusing to obey the orders. He said it seemed as if the jail chief was more powerful than the ATC judge.

PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser questioned the credibility of the incoming coalition government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). He alleged that the coalition was trying to ‘buy’ loyalties of the PTI-supported winners. He also condemned the prison administration for not allowing them to meet Imran Khan. He claimed that the PMLN was forming governments in Punjab and centre by offering bribes or pressuring the PTI elected people, as they had a fake mandate. “What credibility will this government have? What say will it have? Who will respect this government? If you would not respect the public opinion, how will this country move forward?” he asked.

Asad Qaiser said he would try to talk to the superintendent, presumably that of the Adiala district jail, to meet Imran Khan to discuss various ongoing alliances of the PTI with other political parties.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1160596-jail-chief-not-allowed-meeting-with-imran-despite-court-orders-omar-ayub

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Pakistan presents position on Israel in ICJ today: FO

February 23, 2024

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan will present its position at the ongoing advisory proceedings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case on Israel on Friday.

In a statement, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, “Tomorrow evening, Pakistan will present its position at the ongoing advisory proceedings of the International Court of Justice in the case on legal consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.”

More than 50 states are due to present their stances in the week-long hearings, which have further emphasised the isolation of Israel’s few supporters, following a UN security council hearing on Tuesday in which the US was the lone vote against a draft ceasefire resolution, with the UK abstaining. The US and UK are expected to be virtually alone again at the ICJ hearings in urging restraint in its ruling on Israel’s occupation.

The ICJ is expected to issue its opinion by the summer, and it could have a far-reaching political and legal impact if it rules the occupation to be illegal. It could for example have implications for governments attempting to ban boycott campaigns aimed at products made in the occupied territories. It could also further increase the geopolitical costs to the US and UK in continuing to defend Israel on the world stage.

Most of the other states offering submissions in the case have argued the opposite: that the absence of negotiations in the face of the Israeli government’s adamant opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state requires a decisive intervention from the ICJ.

“That is the central dispute between the US and many other states, about the prudence of the court advising on certain questions,” said Adil Haque, a professor at Rutgers Law School.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457305/pakistan-presents-position-on-israel-in-icj-today-fo

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Palestinian Ambassador praises people of Pakistan

2024-02-23

ISLAMABAD: Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan Ahmed Rabaei on Thursday expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the State of Palestine to the people of Pakistan for their profound support and solidarity amid continued Israeli genocide of the Palestinians.

He was speaking on the eve of an art competition for children aged 8-12 years, titled, Expressing Solidarity with the Children of Gaza," which aimed to pay homage to the courage and resilience of the people of Gaza, particularly its children, who have borne the brunt of the conflict.

The art competition was organised by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).

The chief guest on the occasion was Ahmed Rabaei.

Brian Witbooi, Counsellor at the South African High Commission in Islamabad; Ambassador Sohail Mahmood (retd), Director General ISSI; and Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, ISSI also spoke.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmed Rabaei expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the State of Palestine to the people of Pakistan for their profound support and solidarity in such testing times.

He expressed pleasure on seeing the participating students, who shared their heartfelt sentiments and contributed efforts in support of the Palestinian people in the wake of ongoing conflict. He reiterated the concerns of UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, "who feared that there may be no life in Gaza".

He added that 70 per cent of the victims in Gaza were children and women, which meant more than 21,000 human lives. Further, he said, more than 20,000 buildings in Gaza had been demolished by Israel occupation forces. People in the south of Gaza “more than 1.4 million “ were waiting in the small congested area for hope.

However, Israel was attacking Gaza continuously. Speaking about Pakistan, Ambassador Rabaei stated that he felt at home, as the people in Pakistan spoke about Palestine through their hearts which showed that Palestinians were not alone in facing the challenges while they pursued their struggle for inalienable rights.

Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks on the occasion, highlighted the human suffering in Gaza as a result of relentless Israeli military operations, and especially the devastating impact on Gaza children.

He noted that over 12,600 children had been killed, while those who survived were psychologically traumatized, displaced, homeless, and short of food and safe drinking water. Thousands had lost body limbs and would be forced to live the lives of disability and dependence. This was the worst part of the collective punishment being imposed on the civilian population.

He particularly lauded the courage and resilience of the people of Gaza, who remained steadfast in the face of unspeakable atrocities and continued to fight for their freedom from illegal occupation.

The ISSI was overwhelmed with the response, when it approached young Pakistani students to raise awareness about the plight of Gaza children and to express solidarity with them. They had composed powerful poetry and drawings and paintings “ affirming their support and extending a message of hope.

He lamented that the latest Security Council attempt to effect a ceasefire had been stymied by another veto. Noting South Africa approach to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for proceedings against Israel for violation of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention, he lauded the ICJ landmark preliminary ruling that called upon Israel to take all measures in its power to prevent genocidal acts against Palestinians.

He stressed that everyone should know that there can be no peace in the Middle East without justice for the Palestinians.

Brian Witbooi, in his remarks on the occasion, said that the atrocities are blatant and bold and for the entire world to see. He explained that journalists have run out of adjectives to describe the onslaught and the horror that we see every day on our television screens, on our mobiles, on social media and the mainstream media.

The atrocities are well documented and Israel and the West want to start the narrative from October 7, 2023 but we know that what we see today is a culmination of what started 75 years ago with the creation of the state of Israel.

75 years of the robbing of the land of Palestinians, 75 years of their deprivation of their human rights, 75 years of dehumanization, and 75 years under the throngs of an apartheid Zionist regime.

He concluded by saying that the South African struggle was a just struggle for human rights and that human rights are universal.

Amina Khan, in her remarks stated that the recent events in Gaza and the West Bank have witnessed an unprecedented level of brutality from the Israeli occupation forces, which have been highlighted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, describing them as, We are witnessing a killing of civilians that is unparalleled and unprecedented in any conflict “ in modern history.

She further said that the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis has robbed the children of Palestine of their childhood and denied them basic rights that every child deserves. Unfortunately, this conflict has tragically given birth to a disturbing acronym used by aid workers "Wounded Child No Surviving Family" (WCNSF) which reflects the sad reality of this conflict.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40290230/palestinian-ambassador-praises-people-of-pakistan

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Southeast Asia

 

2-state solution for Israel-Palestine conflict ‘remains only viable path,’ Japan tells UN court

Riyaz ul Khaliq

22.02.2024

Japan reiterated its position Thursday that the way forward to end the conflict between Israel and Palestine is a two-state solution.

Tokyo “believes a two-state solution for a future independent Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel with peace and dignity, remains the only viable path for both peoples,” Tomohiro Mikanagi, legal advisor at the Foreign Ministry, told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

For the first time since its establishment in 1948, Israel is currently being tried before the ICJ, the highest judicial body in the UN, on charges of committing "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza.

The ICJ is hearing oral statements by states on the South African case against Israel for its war on Palestine, where the death toll since Oct. 7 is rapidly approaching 30,000 since Tel Aviv launched attacks on the besieged enclave of Gaza.

Mikanagi said the conflict should be “resolved not through any violent or unilateral act but through negotiations.”

He encouraged “efforts to build mutual trust among the parties concerned while respecting international law.”

Calling it an “essential element,” Mikanagi said the prohibition of acquisition of territories by force “provides an important safeguard for the international community.”

Japan, he said, as chair of G-7 chair last year, “reaffirmed” that position.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/2-state-solution-for-israel-palestine-conflict-remains-only-viable-path-japan-tells-un-court/3145135

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Home minister slams Israeli rep for ‘evil and slanderous narrative’ against Malaysia after suggestive post about visa exemption

23 Feb 2024

John Bunyan

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today clarified that his presence at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last year was not a show of support for Israel but for Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He was responding to pictures showing him at the UNGA last September, which have been circulating on social media recently after an Israeli representative suggested that Malaysia is next on the visa exemption list, after the US even though Malaysia and Israel have no diplomatic ties.

“I think the purpose of this post being shared again is to create an evil and slanderous narrative against me and the Malaysian government.

“My presence, as in this picture, is in my capacity as one of the delegation to listen to the Prime Minister’s speech at the UNGA,” Saifuddin Nasution wrote on his X account.

“Israel, please don’t flatter. During his speech at the UNGA, the Prime Minister of Malaysia clearly criticised Israel’s actions in front of everyone!” he added.

Yesterday, Israel’s 17th permanent representative to the United Nations Danny Danon shared a picture on X showing Saifuddin Nasution and other Malaysian officials at the 78th UNGA in New York while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was supposedly speaking.

“It warms the heart to see the representatives of Malaysia present at the speech of the Prime Minister of the State of Israel.

“After the visa exemption from USA, the next destination – maybe Malaysia?” Danon posted.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/23/home-minister-slams-israeli-rep-for-evil-and-slanderous-narrative-against-malaysia-after-suggestive-post-about-visa-exemption/119616

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65% of Indonesian Muslims Support Boycott of Israeli-Affiliated Products: Populix

Faisal Maliki Baskoro

 February 22, 2024

Jakarta. A study by digital research firm Populix reveals that 65 percent of Muslim respondents support the Indonesian Ulema Council's (MUI) call to boycott products affiliated with Israel as a form of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

In November 2023, the MUI issued a fatwa (edict) declaring Muslims must support the struggle for Palestinian independence through various means, including donations, almsgiving, or charity. Additionally, the fatwa prohibits any form of activity and support for Israel's aggression against Palestine.

Respondents state that the primary motivation behind their intention to comply with the fatwa is to show solidarity with Palestine, express a response to humanitarian issues, and protest against Israel's military aggression.

According to Populix's study titled "Understanding Public Sentiment on the Boycotts Movement Amid the Palestine-Israel Dispute," awareness of MUI Fatwa has reached a high level of 94 percent among Indonesian society, both Muslim and non-Muslim.

"The call for boycott is so strong that awareness of this fatwa is not only among Muslims but also non-Muslims. Even non-Muslim respondents express their support for the boycott. This may be because this issue is a humanitarian one that transcends religious boundaries," said ViviZabkie, Head of Social Research at Populix.

On the other hand, the impact of this boycott movement has begun to be felt by companies and brands affiliated with Israel. In the fourth quarter of 2023, McDonald's, a target of the boycott movement, faced a global decline in total revenue of 4 percent compared to the previous quarter.

Looking specifically at the Indonesian market, fast-moving consumer goods company Unilever Indonesia recorded a significant decline in sales due to the boycott. The company posted reduced sales in the fourth quarter of 2023, amounting to Rp 8.1 trillion. This represents a decline both quarter-on-quarter by 20.6 percent and year-on-year (by 16.3 percent. The cumulative sales for the full year 2023 reached Rp 38.6 trillion, reflecting a 6.3 percent year-on-year decrease.

Although the majority of Muslim respondents express agreement with the fatwa and commit to compliance, it is not entirely accepted by Indonesian society. This is reflected in the 26 percent of respondents who remain hesitant about compliance with the fatwa. Those who are still unsure express their uncertainty about the practical implications of the boycott and feel insufficiently informed to make decisions at present.

Meanwhile, 9 percent of respondents oppose the fatwa. They reject it due to a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of the boycott to address social and political issues, expressing a desire for autonomy in product choices. This dynamic reflects public perspectives on the Palestine-Israel issue and indicates the need for a more in-depth understanding of various viewpoints.

The research was conducted from Nov. 21 to 28, 2023. The survey was carried out online with a total of 1,058 respondents, both male and female aged 17-55, in Indonesia. Survey questions were presented in the form of a questionnaire with single-choice, multiple-choice, and Likert scale formats.

Source: jakartaglobe.id

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https://jakartaglobe.id/business/65-of-indonesian-muslims-support-boycott-of-israeliaffiliated-products-populix

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Israeli defence firms make return at Singapore air show, tight-lipped on Gaza war

 23 Feb 2024

SINGAPORE, Feb 23 — Israel’s defence industry was out in force at the Singapore Airshow this week, making its return after being largely absent from the Dubai air show in November in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, a subject that was off limits at the Asia summit.

The Israeli ministry of defence and 11 of its defence contractors attended Asia’s largest aerospace and defence gathering, including Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems.

IAI, Rafael, Elbit and the defence ministry all declined to comment on the war in Gaza, including the performance of their own weapons.

“We don’t discuss weapons,” ZivAvni, vice president of business development at Elbit, told Reuters at the unveiling of its latest aerial drone, which a placard said could carry “loitering munitions for covert and precise airstrikes”.

Israel has faced criticism and protests over its months-long military campaign in Gaza, which the health ministry there says has killed more than 29,000 Palestinians.

Israel began its military offensive in Gaza after militants from Hamas-ruled Gaza killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages in southern Israel on October 7.

The war wasn’t brought up by delegates at the Singapore event and didn’t dampen appetite for Israel’s missiles, spy gear and aerial drones, two Israeli industry officials at the show told Reuters, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Groups of men in military uniforms, mostly from Asian countries, could regularly be seen shuffling into the booths of Israeli defence companies for conversations.

Unauthorised public assemblies and protests over political situations in other countries are banned in Singapore. But there was some criticism online about Israeli defence firms at the air show.

IAI, Rafael and the Israeli defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment about the online criticism.

The Israeli government has repeatedly defended its military campaign in Gaza as a legitimate defence of its people against Hamas militants, who started the conflict. — Reuters

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2024/02/23/israeli-defence-firms-make-return-at-singapore-air-show-tight-lipped-on-gaza-war/119597

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Malaysia agrees to increase financial aid to UNRWA: Anwar

23-02- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has agreed to increase financial aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) following the actions of several major countries to stop their contributions, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who shared the matter in his conversation with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi yesterday, said, besides the annual aid, Malaysia had also recently contributed an additional US$2.1 million (RM10 million) to UNRWA in addition to US$250,000 to the Egyptian Red Crescent Society and US$500,000 to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Anwar had called Abdel Fattah yesterday to congratulate him on winning the Egypt election.

“Yesterday evening I was able to get in touch with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. In that phone conversation, I congratulated him on his victory in the Egypt elections.

“I also convey my appreciation to President Sisi and the Egyptian government for their important role in helping facilitate the delivery of 100 tons of humanitarian aid worth US$1.2 million from Malaysia to the Palestinians in Gaza.

“We also express our continued commitment to help our brothers in Palestine,“ said Anwar in a post on Facebook today.

According to Anwar, several members of the Malaysian Parliament from the government and opposition bloc are on their way to Rafah to express their support for Egypt and help with the delivery of humanitarian aid from Malaysia to Gaza.

“Alhamdulillah, President Sisi and the Egyptian Government have helped our representatives and all Malaysian Members of Parliament have been permitted to visit the Rafah border,“ he said.

During his conversation with Abdel Fattah, Anwar said both of them expressed their commitment to continue strengthening Malaysia-Egypt bilateral relations not only regarding the Palestinian issue, but also on trade and economic issues to bring the ties to a higher level.

“I also invited President Sisi to visit Malaysia,“ he said.-Bernama

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/malaysia-agrees-to-increase-financial-aid-to-unrwa-anwar-FB12131703

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Govt not ignoring ringgit’s decline, stop comparing with 1998: PM Anwar

23-02- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The MADANI government is not ignoring or taking the decline of the ringgit lightly as it is making continuous efforts to address the issue while simultaneously assuring Malaysia’s investment figures remain intact, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the central bank has been assigned to monitor the ringgit closely, and on the government’s side, relevant ministries and authorities, including the investment council, are conducting daily meetings to tackle the issue.

“It is concerning. But look at the overall investments which are the biggest ever in the country, inflation continues to go down, unemployment is down, and growth (is) sustained compared to our neighbours.

“I think (we should) take a comprehensive view and the country’s capacity for growth. What is most important to me is the reassuring investment figures,” he told the media after the launch of TunRazak Exchange as Malaysia’s International Financial Centre here today.

Anwar noted that if confidence was reduced because of the ringgit, Malaysia would not have been able to achieve its record-high investment of RM329.5 billion last year, an increase of 23.0 per cent from 2022.

”Why should we look only in terms of the ringgit and compare it to 1998? In 1998, the ringgit fell, investment fell and inflation rose, it’s not the same,“ he said.

At the same time, Anwar said it is important for the government to focus on what can be done and what needs to be done on a daily basis.

“We will continue to monitor the situation every day, including the cost of living and the impact on people’s lives,” he said.-Bernama

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/govt-not-ignoring-ringgit-s-decline-stop-comparing-with-1998-pm-anwar-JB12131668

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Mideast

 

Ayatollah Khamenei: Islamic world will see eradication of cancerous Zionist tumor

23 / 02 / 2024

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has predicted that the Islamic world will witness the annihilation of the cancerous tumor of Zionism.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with several attendees of the 40th edition of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) International Holy Quran Competition at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah in Tehran on Thursday morning.

Addressing the meeting, the Supreme Leader underlined that the Gaza Strip is a big issue in the Islamic world today, urging heads of Muslim nations to announce the halt of support for the Zionist regime.

God Almighty would ask those Muslim nations who had not put pressure on their governments to stop support for the Israeli regime, he said, referring to the verses of the Holy Quran.

The Islamic world is mourning for the Palestinians in Gaza, he said, adding that non-Muslim freedom-loving nations around the world are also mourners for the oppressed people in Gaza.

Resistance fighters of Palestine and especially Gaza are obeying the Quran’s directives when they fight the villain Zionist enemy; so, by the grace of God, the Palestinian nation will win in this fight, he noted.

Pointing to the importance of the Holy Quran, the Supreme Leader argued that the Quran is a panacea for all human sufferings, including spiritual problems as well as human-related challenges such as war, injustice, and oppression.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili also spoke at the event, while some competitors received awards.

Source: ilna.ir

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https://www.ilna.ir/Section-politics-3/1451529-ayatollah-khamenei-islamic-world-will-see-eradication-of-cancerous-zionist-tumor

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Foreign Ministers At The G20 Says Two-State Solution Only Answer To Israel-Palestinian Conflict

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Foreign ministers at the G20 group of nations meeting in Brazil were nearly unanimous in their support for a two-state solution as the only path to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Brazilian minister hosting the event said on Thursday.

"There was virtual unanimity in the two-state solution as the only solution to the conflict," Brazil's foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, said at the close of the two-day meeting.

Vieira said all members of the group of the world's largest economies highlighted concerns about the war in Gaza and the risk of the conflict's spreading in the Middle East.

There were calls for a ceasefire and access to Gaza for humanitarian aid, while "many" countries criticized Israel's military offensive in Rafah, he said.

The meeting, which set the agenda for the G20 group presided by Brazil this year, discussed current tensions in the world, mainly focused on the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine.

Overwhelming consensus

European Union foreign policy chief JosepBorrell said earlier that there was consensus on the need for a two-state solution in Israel, supported by every speaker who addressed the conflict.

"Everybody here, everybody, I haven't heard anyone against it. There was a strong request for a two-state solution," Borrell told reporters. "It is consensus among us.

"There is not going to be peace ... not going to be sustainable security for Israel unless the Palestinians have a clear political prospect to build their own state," he said.

Borrell, EU minister for foreign affairs, said the crisis in Gaza extends to the West Bank, which is "absolutely boiling" as Israeli settlers are "attacking Palestinian civilians."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government largely reject the establishment of a Palestinian state. Still, the United States, Israel's main ally, maintains that the two-state solution is the only feasible way to bring lasting peace to the region.

On Ukraine, Borrell said he saw no sign of Russia's accepting a ceasefire. "Putin wants to continue this war," he said, speaking of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Western foreign ministers from the G20 on Wednesday attacked Russia for its invasion of Ukraine as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov listened during the meeting, diplomats said.

Vieira said all G20 countries backed the priorities set by Brazil for the group in 2024: reform of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, fighting climate change, and reducing hunger and poverty in the world.

Source: jpost.com

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

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-788448

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UN agency for Palestinians refugees at ‘breaking point’: chief

February 23, 2024

UNITED NATIONS: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees warned Thursday it has reached a critical juncture as it struggles to cope with the war in Gaza.

“It is with profound regret that I must now inform you that UNRWA has reached a breaking point,” chief Philippe Lazzarini said, as donors freeze funding, Israel exerts pressure to dismantle the agency and humanitarian needs soar.

“The Agency’s ability to fulfill the mandate given through General Assembly resolution 302 is now seriously threatened,” he said in a letter to the assembly.

That is the resolution under which the agency was founded in 1949, following the creation of Israel.

UNRWA employs some 30,000 people working in the occupied territories, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

Several countries — including the United States, Britain, Germany and Japan — have suspended funding to UNRWA in response to Israeli allegations that some of its staff participated in the October 7 attack on Israel.

In an interview published over the weekend, Lazzarini said $438 million has been frozen — the equivalent of more than half of expected funding for 2024. He said Israel was waging a concerted effort to destroy UNRWA.

The UN fired the employees accused by Israel and has begun an internal probe of UNRWA.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also tasked an independent panel with assessing whether UNRWA acts neutrally in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Lazzarini asserted Thursday that Israel has provided no evidence against the 12 former employees it accuses, but 16 countries have suspended funding anyway.

“I have cautioned donors and host countries that without new funding, UNRWA operations across the region will be severely compromised from March,” he said.

He added: “I fear we are on the edge of a monumental disaster with grave implications for regional peace, security and human rights.”

The war started after Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Hamas militants also took about 250 hostages — 130 of whom remain in Gaza, including 30 presumed dead, according to Israel.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 29,410 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest count by Gaza’s health ministry.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2465116/middle-east

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Bombs dropped by Israeli forces massacre mosque and ravage countless homes in Rafah

 23.02.24

Israeli bombs on Rafah flattened a mosque and destroyed homes in what residents called one of their worst nights yet, while the Hamas chief was in Cairo for talks Gazans hope could bring a truce in time to head off a full-blown assault on the city.

Mourners wailed over at least seven corpses in body bags, laid out on cobbles outside a morgue in the city hard against the Egyptian border.

Gaza health authorities said 97 people were confirmed killed and 130 wounded in the last 24 hours of Israeli assaults, but most victims were still under rubble or in areas rescuers could not reach.

The al-Farouk mosque in the centre of Rafah was flattened into slabs of concrete, the facades of adjacent buildings blasted away. Authorities said four houses had been struck in the south of the city and three in the centre.

Residents said the bombing was the heaviest since an Israeli raid on the city ten days ago that freed two hostages and killed scores of civilians.

“We couldn’t sleep, the sounds of explosions and planes roaring overhead didn’t stop,” said Jehad Abuemad, 34, living with his family in a tent. “We could hear children crying in nearby tents, people here are desperate and defenceless and Israel is showing its power on them.”

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/bombs-dropped-by-israeli-forces-massacre-mosque-and-ravage-countless-homes-in-rafah/cid/2002321

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Iran’s Leader criticizes Islamic states for failing to cut ties with Zionists

February 22, 2024

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has slammed Muslim heads of state for failing to cut their relations with the Israeli regime.

During a meeting with the participants at the 40th International Qur’an Competition in Tehran on Thursday, the Leader called on Muslim countries to openly express their opposition to Israel, sever ties with the regime and cut off support for it.

The Leader emphasized that the resistance forces in Gaza are acting in accordance with the Holy Qur’an and are standing against the enemy, but wondered whether Muslim countries and their leaders were implementing the Qur’anic teachings regarding the Gaza situation.

“Are the heads of state and officials of Muslim countries following the Qur’an commandments that say ‘Do not establish contact with the enemies of God and enemies of Muslims’?” the Leader said.

“And why don’t the leaders of Muslim countries take action to openly cut off their relationship with the murderous Zionist regime and stop helping this regime?” Ayatollah Khamenei asked, calling on people in Muslim countries to press their governments to take stronger action on Gaza.

Ayatollah Khamenei described the Palestinians’ plight in the Gaza Strip as the most important issue of the Muslim world today, adding, “Certainly, the Muslim world and the world’s free people are mourning for Gaza.”

The Leader emphasized that the people of Gaza are being oppressed by those who are “devoid of humanity,” and stressed the importance of supporting the oppressed people of Gaza, the brave resistance forces as well as those who helped the Gazans as the “biggest duty” of the world.

Ayatollah Khamenei added the people of Palestine will achieve a victory through God’s assistance, expressing confidence that the Muslim world would witness the destruction of the “Zionist cancerous tumor.”

Source: ifpnews.com

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https://ifpnews.com/iran-leader-islamic-states-cut-ties-zionists/

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IDF says Jenin drone strike kills Islamic Jihad terrorist behind string of shootings

 Feb 23, 2024

 EMANUEL FABIAN

The Israeli military carried out a drone strike against a vehicle in the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Thursday night targeting, according to security officials, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative on his way to carry out a terror attack.

The target was identified by the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security agency as Yasser Hanoun, a resident of Jenin, who was previously jailed by Israel for his involvement in Islamic Jihad activities.

A joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet said Hanoun was involved in a large number of shooting attacks in recent months — against IDF troops, army posts, Israeli settlements and towns over the Green Line.

Recent attacks allegedly carried out by Hanoun included gunfire at the northern kibbutz of Meirav, the settlement of MevoDotan, as well as the Salem and Jalamah checkpoints.

“The terrorist was eliminated while en route to carry out another shooting attack,” the IDF said.

A local wing of Islamic Jihad in Jenin confirmed Hanoun was a member and was killed in the Thursday night strike.

The Palestinian Authority health ministry said another 15 people were wounded in the strike on Hanoun’s vehicle in Jenin, including two in critical condition.

The IDF has recently ramped up airstrikes in the West Bank, most of them amid counter-terrorism raids, carrying out more than 30 since the beginning of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military has also intensified its near-daily raids across the West Bank in the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 onslaught, in operations aimed at dismantling Palestinian terror groups such as Hamas.

Since October 7, Israeli troops have arrested more than 3,200 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including more than 1,350 affiliated with Hamas, according to security authorities.

The Palestinian Authority health ministry says that more than 400 West Bank Palestinians have been killed during that time.

Based on military estimates, the vast majority of those killed since October 7 were shot during clashes amid arrest raids, and many of them, according to data seen by The Times of Israel, were armed with either a firearm or an explosive device.

The IDF is aware of at least three cases of uninvolved Palestinians being killed by troops in recent months, and a handful of cases of settlers killing Palestinians, that are still under investigation.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-jenin-drone-strike-kills-islamic-jihad-terrorist-behind-string-of-shootings/

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Day 5 at ICJ hearing: Oman and Qatar to speak at The Hague

February 23, 2024

DUBAI: The International Court of Justice, the UN’s top court, on Friday will contiune its hearing from dozens of states and three international organizations who question the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Representatives from countries including Qatar, Oman, Pakistan, Malaysia and the United Kingdom are expected to deliver their positions during the foruth day of the hearing at the ICJ, also known as the World Court.

Speakers from the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have already demanded Israel end its occupation of the Palestinian territories, with the Kingdom’s envoy to the Netherlands Ziad Al-Atiyah stating Israel’s continued actions were legally indefensible.

The hearing follows a request by the UN General Assembly for an advisory, or non-binding, opinion on the occupation in 2022. More than 50 states will present arguments until Feb. 26.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2465256/middle-east

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WHO plans more evacuations from Gaza hospital as bodies buried on grounds

 23 Feb 2024

GAZA, Feb 23 — Aid agencies hope to evacuate roughly 140 patients stranded in Gaza’s Nasser hospital, a World Health Organisation official said yesterday, as Palestinian authorities reported that Israeli troops withdrew from the complex and then stormed it again.

Medical teams had buried on the grounds of the hospital 13 patients who had died because the facility had no power or oxygen, Gaza’s health ministry said.

The WHO says the hospital in Khan Younis, which is Gaza’s second-largest and is crucial to the territory’s crippled health services, stopped working last week after an Israeli siege followed by a raid.

The WHO and partners have so far carried out three evacuations from the hospital, the latest on Wednesday, transferring a total of 51 patients to southern Gaza, the UN agency’s AyadilSaparbekov told a press briefing.

“The WHO will continue to try evacuation of those critically ill and critically wounded patients from the Nasser hospital to other hospitals in the south, including the field hospitals that have been established in Rafah,” Saparbekov said.

“However it’s a very difficult and high-risk mission.”

Israeli forces had withdrawn from the hospital, positioning themselves nearby and preventing movement to and from it before storming it once more, the Gaza health ministry said. There was no immediate comment from Israel.

The number of patients remaining in Nasser hospital had been changing by the hour as some people left to escape the fighting and others succumbed to their wounds, Saparbekov said.

Gaza’s health ministry had said in an earlier statement on Wednesday that 110 patients were waiting to be evacuated. It said eight patients at Nasser had died due to the lack of power and oxygen four days previously and that their bodies had begun to decompose, posing a risk to other patients.

When the WHO carried out the evacuations so far, it observed four doctors and nurses at Nasser hospital along with about a dozen volunteers helping medical staff keep patients alive, Saparbekov said. Staff had not yet managed to reconnect the main generator.

The Gaza health ministry said there was a lack of food, drinking water and medical supplies at the complex, and that the ground floors were flooded with sewage water.

Four-and-a-half months after Israel began its campaign in Gaza in retaliation for a major Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, just 13 of the Palestinian enclave’s 34 hospitals are functioning on a partial or minimal level.

Gaza’s population of 2.3 million faces acute hunger and the spread of disease in a humanitarian crisis that aid officials describe as unprecedented.

Most Gaza residents have been displaced and are crammed into the south of the strip around Rafah, close to the border with Egypt.

Israel says Hamas, the Islamist group that has run Gaza since 2007, uses hospitals for cover. Hamas denies this and says Israel’s allegations serve as a pretext to destroy the healthcare system. — Reuters

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/02/23/who-plans-more-evacuations-from-gaza-hospital-as-bodies-buried-on-grounds/119536

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South Asia

 

No Global Leader Raised Any Questions About Polls: Bangladesh PM

 Feb 23, 2024

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said no global leader raised any concerns or questions about last month's general election during her recent visit to Germany.

"No one said anything about the election. They don't have any concerns or questions regarding the election," she said, replying to a question at a press conference in her official residence GonoBhaban.

The press conference was held to discuss the outcomes of her recent trip to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference in 2024.

The prime minister said bilateral issues dominated the agenda of her meetings with global leaders, held on the sidelines of the conference.

"None told me anything about the election as they knew that I would come back winning the election," she said.

Not naming anyone, she said there is a country where the election is called free and fair despite it takes 12-13 days to declare the poll results.

How come! In Bangladesh, the election is not free despite its results being announced within 24 hours (of the balloting), she said.

The prime minister went to Munich on February 15 and returned home on February 19.

During her stay in Munich, Hasina attended the Munich Security Conference and held meetings with global leaders on the sidelines.

Sheikh Hasina also said that her participation at the conference reflected Bangladesh's strong commitment to peace, sovereignty, and overall global security.

She said she told the world leaders that the strength of the policy of a country - not the size - is the way to political and socio-economic freedom.

"Besides, through the bilateral meetings with friendly countries and international organisations the continuation of the relations has become stronger and new horizons of cooperation have been unleashed," she said.

The prime minister said that while speaking at the high-level panel on 'From Pocket to Planet: Scaling Up Climate Finance' she called for an immediate end to all hostilities, illegal occupations, and inhuman killings of unarmed people, especially women and children, in Gaza and the rest of the world.

"I drew everyone's attention to the fact that the adverse effects of economic sanctions and counter-sanctions are felt far beyond the battlefield," she said.

In this context, she urged everyone to make available and implement the necessary logistics and financing to address the risks of climate change by ending the senseless arms race.

"In the crisis of humanity's existence, I presented this harsh reality that petty interests only bring misery."

Hasina said that she called on the world leaders to work together to seriously consider the financing needed to address the challenges posed by climate change.

"I placed special emphasis on increasing financing for affected countries and populations, the actual transfer of pledged funds, and ensuring financial and technical assistance to vulnerable countries to address the multiple security risks posed by climate change."

She called for the swift implementation of the political commitments of rich countries and for all concerned to work together based on mutual partnership and cooperation to address the global risk of climate change.

Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani during his talks assured  Qatar's continued support for a sustainable and quick solution to the Rohingya problem.

"Besides mutual trade and investment, LNG supply was discussed. We also discussed the need to work together to end Israeli violence in the Gaza Strip," she said.

Source: thedailystar.net

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Islamic Emirate Reacts to Miller’s Statements about Durand Line

February 22, 2024\

In reaction to statements made by US Department of State spokesperson Mathew Miller, the Islamic Emirate said that Washington does not have authority over the Durand Line issue.

The spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid said that the decision regarding the Durand Line is up to the citizens of the two sides.

"America has no right for an intervention here and it is not related to America either. I repeat again that this is the issue of two nations that live on both sides of the line,” Mujahid said.

This comes as the US Department of State’s spokesman, Mathew Miller, at a press briefing said that Washington “supports the territorial integrity of both Afghanistan and Pakistan within their internationally recognized borders.”

Earlier, the prime minister of the caretaker government of Pakistan, Anwar ul-Haq Kakar, in an interview with TOLOnews said that the Durand Line is an internationally recognized “border” between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“The UN and 206 countries have approved this as an international border, what the Afghan people say about this is their internal discussion, in which I am not interested,” he said.

In reaction to the remarks of Kakar, the deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Islamic Emirate said that Afghanistan will never recognize the Durand Line as a border.

Speaking at a gathering in Logar on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said that Afghanistan’s territory is still on the other side of the line.

“We have never recognized Durand and will never recognize it, today half of Afghanistan is separated and is on the other side of the Durand Line. Durand is the line which was drawn by the English on the heart of Afghans. And today our neighboring country deports the refugees in a very cruel manner and they are being told to return to their country,” Stanikzai said.

Meanwhile, the media outlet Foreign Policy reported that “Afghanistan’s government doesn’t recognize a 130-year-old border—and its local affiliates are causing havoc in the Pakistani borderlands.”

"It is obvious to us and the whole world that this line is imaginary and no one has ever called it an international border,” said Shams Rahman Ahmadzai, a political analyst.

"Durand's imaginary line was drawn by an English diplomat during the colonial period of British India,” said Tariq Farhadi, a political analyst.

The Durand Line issue has been unresolved between Afghanistan and Pakistan for many years. Pakistan has frequently referred to it as a shared "border," while Afghanistan has consistently said that the Durand Line is only an imaginary line between the two nations.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187531

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Youth Issues to Receive Special Focus: Deputy PM

  2024-02-22

KABUL (BNA): Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, has announced that the government will prioritize addressing the challenges faced by the youth. This statement was made during a meeting with Youth Council members from various regions of Kabul, according to an ARG press release.

The council members highlighted that the previous administration was dominated by youth who were influenced by Western values, lacked understanding of Afghan values and Islamic principles, and did not prioritize national interests. They noted that this influence had permeated people’s minds over the past two decades.

However, they expressed gratitude for the increased focus on the spiritual development of youth following the establishment of the Islamic Emirate in the country. The council members appreciated the Islamic Emirate’s openness towards the youth and discussed some of the issues they face.

They emphasized that the Islamic Emirate is committed to preventing youth emigration due to unemployment and aims to create job opportunities within the country. The young participants view the Islamic Emirate as a system shared by all Afghans, and they pledged not to allow the youth to be exploited for Western propaganda or actions against the country and its system.

Mawlavi Abdul Kabir acknowledged that Afghan youth, including school graduates, have been actively involved in the struggle over the past two decades and continue to play a significant role in the Islamic Emirate today. He stated that the Islamic Emirate and its youth are jointly focused on overcoming their challenges.

He further added that the country has now achieved security, eradicated corruption, and operates under an independent system free from biases based on ethnicity, language, or affiliation. Appointments are made based on competence and knowledge, ensuring a fair system for all.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/youth-issues-to-receive-special-focus-deputy-pm/

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Education key for Afghanistan’s development, says Abbas Stanikzai

Fidel Rahmati

February 22, 2024

Taliban Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad AbaadStanikzai, emphasizing girls’ education, stated that “no one can prove who education is obligatory for and who it is not.”

Abbas Stanikzai, speaking at a gathering of girls from a religious school, said that educating girls and boys is the only way for the country’s development.

Abbas Stanikzai, on Thursday, while emphasizing girls’ education, considered education to be “obligatory” for both men and women.

With over two years since the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan and despite global emphasis on reopening schools and universities, this group has not changed its position on women’s education.

 The Taliban only considers religious education permissible for girls and has significantly increased the number of religious schools.

In September of this year, Abbas Stanikzai addressed the rulers and the Islamic government, stating that facilitating the conditions for women’s education is obligatory upon them.

He also considered the closure of schools and universities as causing distance between the people and countries from the Taliban, stating that anyone who deprives people of the right to education is “oppressive and unjust.”

Despite widespread criticism from both national and international communities, the Taliban has yet to lift the ban on women’s education beyond the sixth grade and university.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/education-key-for-afghanistans-development-says-abbas-stanikzai/

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Muttaqi to Otunbayeva: Doha meeting yields no specific outcome

Fidel Rahmati

February 23, 2024

Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told UNAMA head Roza Otunbayeva that their administration closely watched the Doha meeting and noticed that it didn’t produce any specific results.

Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said on his social media platform X, Muttaqi hopes that the interactive meetings with the Taliban administration will yield positive results.

Muttaqi believes discussions with the de facto authorities on Afghanistan’s matters need to be thorough for any progress.

Balkhi, citing Otunbayeva, conveyed that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres thinks actions shouldn’t complicate engagement with the Taliban in appointing a special representative for Afghanistan.

The second meeting of special representatives for Afghanistan happened in Doha on 18 and 19th of February, but the Taliban’s representatives didn’t take part.

Participants in this two-day meeting discussed proposals for an independent assessment of Afghanistan and the appointment of a special representative of the United Nations for Afghanistan.

However, the appointment of the special representative has been deferred to the upcoming session of the Security Council, expected to convene shortly.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/muttaqi-to-otunbayeva-doha-meeting-yields-no-specific-outcome/

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Afghan migrant killed by throwing off bridge in Tehran: Iran Right Group

Fidel Rahmati

February 23, 2024

The Iranian Human Rights Center announced the identity of a young man who was thrown off a bridge and killed by a supporter of the Iranian government two weeks ago on suspicion of “insulting the flag”.

The Iranian Human Rights Center wrote on its social media platform X, on Thursday that 19-year-old Elias Mohammadi was killed by a “Hezbollah” individual at midnight on February 22 on Niayesh Highway in Tehran.

It is reported that Iranian security forces have banned any information about the killing of Elias Mohammadi.

Elias Mohammadi, who worked in a fruit shop during the day and cleaned the streets for the Tehran Municipality at night, was killed when the murderer, suspecting him of “insulting the Islamic Republic flag,” threw him from the top of the bridge down onto the highway.

The killer claimed that he attacked Elias Mohammadi to “defend the government” and threw him off the bridge.

Meanwhile, several journalists said that Tehran security forces have banned any information about the killing of Elias Mohammadi, as reported by media outlets.

According to these reports, after the murder, security forces, through threats to agents and witnesses, attempted to remove all identity information about Elias.

According to what was published in Hamshahri, the killer admitted, “I thought the victim intended to insult the flags and wanted to destroy them. I even called the police and reported the matter.”

This person stated that after the confrontation with the victim, he pushed him off the bridge and lost his life.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/afghan-migrant-killed-by-throwing-off-bridge-in-tehran-iran-right-group/

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UN: Over $400 million needed to reconstruct deadly Herat Earthquake damage

Fidel Rahmati

February 22, 2024

The United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, the European Union, and the Asian Development Bank have released the findings of a needs assessment after the disaster in Herat province, indicating that $402.9 million is needed for the damages caused by the deadly earthquake in Herat.

In a joint report by these organizations released on Wednesday, February 21st, it is stated that this comprehensive report shows the extent of the disaster, with $217 million in direct physical damages and $78.9 million in remaining damages.

However, this assessment shows that an immediate need of $402.9 million is required for the reconstruction of basic infrastructure in this province.

In the joint report of these organizations, it is stated that the housing sector, which has suffered the most damage, has allocated 41% of the requested budget ($164.4 million) for its reconstruction.

On the other hand, this earthquake damaged 49,578 houses, of which 13,516 were destroyed. Education is the second most affected sector, with 180,000 students and 4,390 teachers currently facing difficulties.

Furthermore, the report of these organizations continues to state that it is noteworthy that the agricultural sector, which is the main source of employment and income in the affected areas, has faced significant setbacks.

It is worth noting that this assessment covers 9 regions with a population of around 2.2 million people. This indicates that more than 275,000 individuals have been affected, including 17,358 pregnant women, 17,146 children, 3,976 households with severe disabilities, 3,207 elderly households, 6,806 female-headed households, 3,176 individuals with chronic illnesses, 147,000 children under the age of 18.

 The districts of Herat, Injil, and Zinda Jan have suffered the most damage, and remote areas and vulnerable groups have suffered the most losses.

The series of earthquakes on October 7, 11, and 15 left over 1,500 dead and over 2,600 injured.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/un-over-400-million-needed-to-reconstruct-deadly-herat-earthquake-damage/

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FM warns BNP against programmes during Ramadan

 Feb 22, 2024

BNP will face the wrath of people if it announces political programmes during the Ramadan, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said today.

Saying BNP doesn't have respect for Ramadan or Eid, Hasan Mahmud feared that the party might announce such programmes defying the sentiment of people.

Hasan Mahmud, also the joint general secretary of Awami League, said this during a view-exchange meeting with journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Segunbagicha in the afternoon.

"The mistake of boycotting the elections has caused instant downfall of the party," the minister said.

"Leaders are under the fire from the BNP workers for that mistake. And they will be under the fire from the people if they announce programmes in Ramadan," he added.

When asked if there's any relation between US President Joe Biden's letter congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the upcoming visit by Afreen Akhter, deputy assistant secretary of the State Department's South and Central Asia Bureau, the foreign minister said, Biden's letter is very important for the advancement of the relationship with the US and the visits by US officials will deepen and broaden the relationship.

Source: thedailystar.net

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FM thanks Egypt for facilitating delivery of Bangladesh's humanitarian aid to Gaza

Feb 22, 2024

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has thanked the Egyptian government for their timely support in facilitating the delivery of three consignments of humanitarian assistance sent by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the distressed Palestinians in Gaza.

He conveyed the gratitude when Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Omar MohieEldin Ahmed Fahmy met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

Hasan also requested the Egyptian Ambassador, as a member of both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, to raise a strong voice to achieve a ceasefire in order to avoid further casualties of civilians in Gaza, especially women and children.

The ambassador congratulated the minister for assuming the office of the foreign minister of Bangladesh.

They discussed the areas of bilateral cooperation between two countries, particularly in the jute sector.

They also underscored the importance of greater engagement of Bangladesh and Egypt to take the relationship to a new height.

During the meeting, both the minister and the ambassador emphasised on high level visits from both sides and the holding of the second round of Foreign Office Consultations, scheduled to be held in Cairo, as soon as possible.

Source: thedailystar.net

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Africa

 

South Africa urges G20 to provide solutions to global conflict, insecurity, rising inequality

Hassan Isilow

22.02.2024

South Africa has asked G20 leaders to take on ongoing challenges by offering workable solutions and approaches to issues that are fueling global conflict, division, insecurity, and growing inequality.

“The world is watching to see whether the most powerful can initiate a reversal of our slide to disaster,” International Relations and Cooperation Minister NalediPandor said at the ongoing G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brazil.

According to a statement posted on her ministry's official website, Pandor said in her address to the meeting's agenda item on Wednesday about the G20's role in dealing with ongoing international tensions that global tensions have been fueled by a variety of developments over the last decade.

They involve, she said, "trade tensions between the largest economies in the world, the economic fallout related to COVID-19, ongoing terrorism and extremism and the difficulties of battling it, growing debt burdens of poor and middle-income countries."

Pandor added that tensions and conflicts have been fueled by “feelings of exclusion, inequality and abandonment in some regions of the world including Palestine, the Russia Ukraine war and infringement of UN prescripts and lately the Israel war on Gaza and related breaches of International law.”

She said all of these have placed the world in a more precarious situation, and that the G20 must attempt to craft implementable responses.

The top South African diplomat also said if developing countries are to achieve greater progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, then suitable sustainable funding will be needed from multilateral development banks.

“The international tension we see today require balanced and fair approaches to global challenges, respect for diversity of opinion and belief and acceptance that global bodies are most successful when they act in the interests of all equally,” Pandor said.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/south-africa-urges-g20-to-provide-solutions-to-global-conflict-insecurity-rising-inequality/3145024

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Debate on ditching CFA begins as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger forge new path

HannaneFerdjani

23 Feb 2024

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – Since Niger’s July 30 coup, fissures within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have become bigger.

In September, Niger along with fellow ECOWAS members Burkina Faso and Mali formed a military alliance called the Association of Sahel States (AES). Four months later, the trio announced their withdrawal from the larger bloc for “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions” it imposed on them after coups.

This month, reports emerged of a possible parting with their currency, the West African franc (CFA).

“Perhaps everything we’ve done has surprised you, hasn’t it?” Captain Ibrahim Traore, leader of the Burkinabe transitional government, said in an interview in February. “More changes might still surprise you. And it’s not just about currency. We will break all ties that keep us in slavery.”

Within days, his Nigerien counterpart, AbdourahmaneTchiani, confirmed that a major monetary shake-up could be in the offing. “Currency is a sign of sovereignty. … The AES member states are engaged in the process of recovering their full sovereignty. It is no longer acceptable for our states to be France’s cash cow,” he said in an interview with the state broadcaster.

Their statements made headlines across a continent where criticism of the continued use of the CFA, a remnant of the French colonial system, is on the rise.

While there is no word on when the planned change will happen or if indeed it will, the desire to change the currency seems to not be uniform yet among the three countries.

“It should be noted that Mali remains a member state of the UEMOA,” the West African Economic and Monetary Union, Economy and Finance Minister AlousseniSanou said on Monday in a broadcast on Mali’s national television while presenting the annual budget.

One of the country’s prominent businessmen grinned wryly as he watched.

The entrepreneur who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect his business operations in Mali and Senegal believes the new Sahel alliance is not as cohesive as it has claimed to be.

“Niger’s military coup happened some seven months ago, ” he told Al Jazeera. “I think Malian and Burkinabe leaders have been grappling with the realities of governing for longer and aren’t as spirited as they once were, … at least not when it comes to the UEMOA evidently.”

A measure of stability?

France created the CFA in 1945 as a currency for its African colonies. Indeed, the acronym CFA initially stood for “Colonies Francaisesd’Afrique” (French Colonies of Africa). This system provided France with significant economic and political influence over its African territories because it maintained control over the currency’s convertibility and monetary policy.

The colonies gained independence in the 1960s and ’70s, but many clung to the currency, which is now named “CommunauteFinanciereAfricaine” (African Financial Community).

Eight members of UEMOA –  Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo – still use the CFA. An equivalent currency, the Central African franc (also called the CFA) is being used by the six member states of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Only Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau are not former French colonies, having been subjugated by Spain and Portugal respectively.

For years, the CFA was trumpeted by government officials as a mechanism for promoting monetary stability, facilitating economic integration, and enhancing overall economic performance.

Then coups occurred, and anti-French sentiments increased.

Since 2020, there have been six successful coups in West Africa, all in UEMOA states. The military took power during a time of rising insecurity in these countries. It then accused French forces of not doing enough in their collaborations to fight armed groups.

As relations soured and states in the region turned to new partners like Russia, calls for cutting ties with France and instituting a new currency have grown louder.

Supporters of the CFA say being pegged to the euro is a useful buffer against inflation, given the state of economies in the Sahel. Together, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger contribute only about 8 percent of the $761bn gross domestic product (GDP) of ECOWAS.

Far bigger economies like Nigeria and Ghana have struggled with recessions in recent years as the value of their currencies – the naira and cedi, the world’s weakest currency in 2022, according to Bloomberg News – continued to plummet.

But the counterargument from the CFA’s critics is that using the perceived failure of some African monetary policies as an indicator of how replacement currencies would behave stems from outdated and reductive monetary doctrines.

One of them is Senegalese economist Ndongo Samba Sylla, who is head of research and policy for Africa at International Development Economics Associates. He said the CFA was created not for the benefit of African states but for France to protect itself against the rise of the United States dollar.

The famed stability of the CFA, he said, is artificial because the benchmark is external.

“From a purely practical economic standpoint, the CFA is not a beneficial currency or system for its user states,” he told Al Jazeera.

“Long-term analysis of the GDP per capita indicator, which is used to assess income growth per person, proves that countries that have used the CFA since their independence have not recorded the development that they should have,” Sylla said. “For example, Ivory Coast, the most economically significant country among the 14 nations of the CFA zone, reached its income per capita peak in 1978. Similarly, Niger, which experienced a military coup in 2023 and has recently decided to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States recorded its highest income per capita in 1965. The list goes on.”

He noted that the CFA being pegged to the euro is detrimental to oil-producing African states because the commodity is priced and traded in US dollars, a practice that dates back to the 1970s when the petrodollar system was established.

To reform or to renounce?

In previous years, there has been talk of ending the currency system or at least reforming it.

The most recent – and consequential – one happened after a December 2019 joint proclamation by Ivorian President AlassaneOuattara and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, that the CFA as it had existed until then was no more. Two years of negotiations with the UEMOA member states followed with Paris eventually loosening its grip on the West African franc.

The Central Bank of West African States is no longer required to deposit half of its foreign exchange reserves with the French Treasury, an obligation that critics of the currency have long denounced as a humiliating attachment to France. Before the reform, the central bank’s governor and the French finance minister met twice annually.

Those reforms went largely unnoticed by mainstream society.

“The system has evolved, but it remains misunderstood by a lot of pundits and the public,” Mao Makalou, a Malian economist and former presidential adviser, told Al Jazeera.

He said the operating account that held part of the foreign reserves of UEMOA states provided stable profits for its members, which ended with the reform.

The West African central bank “tried to invest its foreign exchange reserves, which were previously paid at the interbank rate, and its profits decreased. It was more profitable in this operating account, which was a standard current account,” Makalou said.

But he also admitted that the currency’s origins are tainted, which is why many are calling for it to be discarded. “You have to take the political environment into account,” he added. “We know that the UEMOA community is tied to France through a monetary cooperation agreement that includes an exit clause. It is, therefore, up to the member states to leave this system if they consider it disadvantageous. But we have to remain pragmatic.”

For the governments in these Sahel countries, the definition of pragmatism may differ from that of economists.

In the face of sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on the three Sahel countries and supported by the European Union, Niger appears to have embarked on the most radical route.

In October, the military government announced a 40 percent cut in the national budget. Aid previously accounted for up to 60 percent of its budget funding.

The ECOWAS sanctions prevented Niger from accessing the UEMOA regional financial market to finance its budget and conduct banking transactions. It has also missed several repayment deadlines as its external debt stands at 14.5 billion Central African francs ($519m) as of this month.

“With everything Niger has been going through, I understand Tiani’s position,” Makalou told Al Jazeera. “It’s one thing to impose sanctions targeted at the military leader but to create such economic and social chaos? Medicine has run out. The borders have closed. It’s indiscriminate. And it’s giving reasons to the government to push regional integration to the side and find other alternatives to govern. I don’t see what other choice he has.”

Source: aljazeera.com

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https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/2/23/burkina-faso-mali-and-niger-debate-exiting-cfa-zone

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Armed Militia: Court Orders FG To File Charges Against Miyyeti Allah’s Bodejo Within 7 days

Feb 23, 2024

 A Federal High Court, Abuja has asked the Federal Government to file charges against the Pres­ident of Miyetti Allah KautalHore, Bello Bodejo who has been in detention for forming armed militia within seven days.

Bodejo was arrested for allegedly forming a vigilante group made up of members of Miyetti Allah in Nasarawa State.

The court, presided over by Justice InyangEkwo had earlier granted the office of the Attor­ney-General of the Federation (AGF) permission to remand Bodejo for 15 days in the custody of Defence Intelligence Agency (NIA) pending the conclusion of his investigation.

The Court granted the per­mission in its ruling in a mo­tion ex-parte marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/141/2024 in which the Federal government sought an order to remand Bodejo, the sole respondent, in the NIA custody pending the conclusion of the in­vestigation and his arraignment in court.

The motion was dated and filed Feb. 5 by M.B. Abubakar, Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation in the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice.

In the affidavit deposed to by Noma Wando, a litigation officer in the ministry, he said Bodejo was arrested on Jan. 23 in Ma­lia, Nasarawa State and was in custody.

Wando said that his arrest was predicated on the alleged raising up of an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s uni­ty contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to him, the sus­pect/respondent is being inves­tigated for offences which consti­tute threat to national security under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 ).

“That if the suspect/respon­dent is released into the society, that there Is a likelihood that he will continue to commit similar or more serious offences,” he said.

Besides, Wando averred that if Bodejo was released into the society, “there is a likelihood that he will jump his administrative bail, flee and evade his trial or fail to make himself available for his trial in court.”

Source: independent.ng

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https://independent.ng/armed-militia-court-orders-fg-to-file-charges-against-miyyeti-allahs-bodejo-within-7-days/

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Arab World

 

Houthis order ‘ban’ on Israel, US and UK-linked ships in the Red Sea

22 Feb 2024

Yemen’s Houthis have announced they have “banned” vessels linked to Israel, the United States and United Kingdom from sailing in surrounding seas, as the rebels seek to reinforce their military campaign, which they say is in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

The Houthi’s Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center sent formal notices of the ban to shipping insurers and firms operating in the region on Thursday, the Reuters news agency quoted a statement as saying.

The Houthis’ communication, the first to the shipping industry outlining a formalised ban in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, came in the form of two notices, Reuters said.

It affects vessels wholly or partially owned by Israeli, American and British individuals or entities, as well as those sailing under their flags.

The warning came amid continuing Houthi attacks that have disrupted international trade on the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia, and counterattacks by US and British forces hoping to deter the rebels.

The Iran-aligned Houthis have launched repeated attacks on ships in the region since November.

They said the attacks were a response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have killed almost 30,000 people in four months. They have promised to continue their campaign in solidarity with Palestinians until Israel stops the war.

On Thursday, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi also said the group had introduced “submarine weapons” in their attacks.

“Operations in the Red and Arabian Seas, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden are continuing, escalating, and effective,” he added in a televised speech.

The Houthis took control of the capital Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in 2014. A Saudi Arabian-led coalition militarily backed the Yemeni government in the ensuing conflict, but the Houthis have continued to maintain their control, and have grown in strength and military capabilities.

Continuing attacks

The Houthi attacks have disrupted international commerce along a route that accounts for about 15 percent of the world’s shipping traffic.

Several shipping companies have redirected their vessels around the southern tip of Africa, delaying delivery times and adding a further 3,000-3,500 nautical miles (5,500-6,500km) to their route.

In response to the attacks, US and British forces began launching air raids on Yemen in January. The US also re-designated the Houthis a “terrorist” group. But the attacks have shown little sign of abating.

On Thursday, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said it conducted four “self-defence” raids against the Houthis, destroying seven antiship cruise missiles, a mobile ballistic missile launcher and a drone it said originated from areas of Houthi-controlled Yemen.

CENTCOM separately said that one person had been injured after two Houthi missiles hit a British-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea, and added that the US had earlier shot down six Houthi drones in the Red Sea identified as imminent threats to US and allied warships.

Meanwhile, the French navy shot down two drones over the Red Sea, the defence ministry said.

The navy, which has two frigates deployed in the area, detected a threat in the night of Wednesday to Thursday and “destroyed two drones”, it said. Earlier this week, it downed two other drones overnight from Monday to Tuesday.

On Monday, the European Union formally launched a naval mission to protect Red Sea shipping from the Houthis.

Source: aljazeera.com

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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/22/houthis-order-ban-on-israel-us-and-uk-linked-ships-in-the-red-sea

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Yemeni forces target Israel’s Eilat, UK ship, US destroyer with missiles, drones

22 February 2024

Yemeni armed forces say they have carried out three military operations, targeting Israeli port of Eilat, a British ship in the Gulf of Aden and a US destroyer in the Red Sea with a number of ballistic missiles and drones.

A statement issued on Thursday said the operations were launched “in support of the oppressed Palestinian people, and as part of the response to the American-British aggression on our country”.

“During the first operation, the missile force and the drone air force of the Yemeni Armed Forces launched a number of ballistic missiles and drones at various targets of the Zionist enemy in the Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) area in occupied southern Palestine.

“The second operation took place in the Gulf of Aden, where the Yemeni Armed Forces' naval forces targeted a British ship (ISLANDER) in the Gulf of Aden with a number of appropriate naval missiles, hitting it directly, which led to a fire on board by the grace of Allah.

“The third operation involved targeting an American destroyer in the Red Sea with a number of drones,” the statement said.

Earlier Thursday, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a UK-owned ship was set on fire off the southern coast of Yemen after being struck in a missile attack in the Gulf of Aden.

The strike, it said, saw two missiles fired at the ship some 70 nautical miles southeast of Aden. US-led coalition forces are responding to the incident, the UKMTO added.

Ship-tracking data identified the vessel ablaze as a Palau-flagged cargo ship named Islander.

The private security firm Ambrey also said “the missile attack led to a fire onboard and coalition military assets were responding to the incident.”

Yemen’s armed forces have introduced “submarine weapons” in their attacks on vessels either owned by Israel or associated with the regime, Ansarullah Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said on Thursday.

Yemen sent shippers and insurers formal notice of a ban on vessels linked to Israel. The communication, the first to the shipping industry outlining a formalized ban, came in the form of two notices from the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center.

Ships that are wholly or partially owned by Israeli individuals or entities; Israel-flagged vessels, or those owned by US or British individuals or entities, or sailing under the flags of the US or Britain, are banned from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, according to the Thursday notices.

“The Humanitarian Operations Center was established in Sana’a to coordinate the safe and peaceful passage of ships and vessels that have no connection to Israel,” a senior Ansarullah official said.

"The Yemeni Armed Forces continue to fulfill their religious, moral, and humanitarian duties towards the Palestinian people and in defense of dear Yemen in the face of the American-British aggression," the Thursday statement said.

"Their military operations will not stop until the aggression ceases and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted."

On October 31, 2023, Yemeni forces first claimed a missile-and-drone barrage targeting the port. Eilat has seen an 85% drop in activity since the Yemeni forces stepped up attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

In recent months, the United States and its allies have launched attacks on Yemen’s territory amid frustration in the face of the anti-Israel maritime campaign by the Yemeni armed forces.

Source: presstv.ir

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The Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO &Diriyah Gate Development Authority Unveil 'The Earthen Testaments' at UNESCO House, Paris

22 Feb, 2024

‘The Earthen Testaments,’ a multidisciplinary exhibition exploring Diriyah’s natural and built landscapes through imagery, film, artefacts, and contemporary artworks commissioned from Saudi artists, has opened at Ségur Hall, UNESCO House, in Paris, France. This exhibition combines historical remnants and archaeological objects to offer a wider lens into Diriyah and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the center of government of the First Saudi State and the ancestral home of the Saudi Royal family. The exhibition will be on view from 22- 29 February 2024.

“We are thrilled to host this exhibition on the rich heritage of Diriyah and At-Turaif, its UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our collaboration is vital to our mission to protect cultural heritage sites and to bring their archaeological significance to life—not only for the Saudi people but also for the international community. ‘The Earthen Testaments’ presents, through the visionary work of contemporary Saudi artists, a window into the world of Diriyah and At-Turaif. For this enriching cultural exchange, we extend our sincere gratitude,” added Fahad bin Maayouf Al Ruwaily, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to France Republic and Principality of Monaco and Interim Permanent Delegate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO.

“It is an honor to unveil 'The Earthen Testaments'—an exhibition that celebrates and preserves the cultural heritage of Diriyah. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Kingdom, At-Turaif represents the birthplace and gateway to Saudi Arabia, and it is a privilege and great responsibility to share Diriyah’s stories, values, culture, art, and heritage with the world through this exhibition,” said Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

The historical city of Diriyah, birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia situated along WadiHanifah, has today been redefined as a thriving, vibrant center of culture, history, heritage, and knowledge that celebrates its storied landscape, history, heritage, and symbolic monuments. The unique characteristics of this site have contributed to its status as a natural, cultural, and national landmark, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif at its heart. The earthen structures of At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, stand today as a symbol of the heritage, traditions, values, and material forms that define Najdi culture and heritage.

The exhibition combines historical remnants and archaeological objects with contemporary responses from various Saudi artists, offering a wider lens into Diriyah’s heritage and values through material traces. The artworks and film are juxtaposed with a selection of material excerpts, archival images, historical maps, poetry, and an interview with a descendent of the master builder of At-Turaif. Numerous elements immerse visitors in the unique properties of At-Turaif and its intimate link between landscape, natural resources, and the history of place. ‘The Earthen Testaments’ presents a glimpse into the story of this historical city and its people through an exploration of its materials.

The exhibition combines archeological fragments, archival photographs, film, poetry, and artworks by Saudi artists RashaAlRashed (b.1985), Omar Abduljawad (b.1989), Ali AlSumayin. and the collective Bricklab (Est. 2015). In addition, the artisan Abdullah AlSayegh and the perfumer Bader AlHarqan have crafted a Diriyah-inspired giveaway. Visitors will be able to trace the material as witness to the stories of the Wadi and the archeological structures of the sites and experience the tangible and intangible heritage of the area, stepping into a site that stands today as the gateway to the establishment of the story of Saudi Arabia today.

‘The Earthen Testaments’ is open from the 22nd February until the 29th of February and is presented by The Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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Makkah expo focuses on next steps for hotel, culinary sectors

February 22, 2024

MAKKAH: The Makkah Expo for Hotels and Restaurants, held at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Exhibition Center, ended on Wednesday evening.

The exhibition’s fifth edition was inaugurated by Vice Chairman of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce Mustafa Rajab and involved officials, business owners and company representatives.

A large number of companies and institutions representing the hotel and culinary sectors, specialized in serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors, attended the three-day exhibition, which was held in collaboration with the Unit for Exhibition Organization.

Abdullah Haneef, the acting secretary-general of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, told Arab News: “The exhibition provided an opportunity to access the best practices in the hotel and restaurant sectors, as it brought together a select group of people specialized in this field in Makkah, a pioneer in the hotel sector field attracting large numbers of visitors from around the world.”

He added that industry officials exchanged business ideas and showcased modern tools and technology, food products and hotel and restaurant supplies, and took part in several accompanying events.

Haneef added: “The exhibition offers an opportunity for investors, interested parties, specialized companies and experts in the hotel and restaurant sector from inside and outside the Kingdom, to display their products to investors and interested individuals and exchange expertise, as well as engage in commercial deals between exhibitors, participants and individuals interested in the hotel and restaurant sector.”

The exhibition also hosted a salon for culinary arts and live cooking demonstrations.

Khalid Al-Ghamdi, an investor in the hotel sector, said that the Saudi industry has begun a strong post-pandemic recovery, and is fulfilling its role in serving visitors.

He added that intensive training programs Saudi employees are undertaking in top international hotel schools are helping them apply their knowledge back in the Kingdom.

Al-Ghamdi said that the restaurant sector is facing significant challenges but also opportunities, including smart digital solutions.

Makkah is one of the most significant and holiest places worldwide, drawing millions of Muslims for religious rituals such as Hajj and Umrah, he added.

The city should therefore focus on enhancing future innovation plans and smart marketing to make the hospitality sector a top performer, through innovative solutions and major investment, he said.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi, French FMs discuss bilateral ties on G20 sidelines

February 22, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met on Thursday with his French counterpart Stephane Segournet on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

They discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They also reviewed the latest regional and international developments, particularly Israel’s war on Gaza.

The Kingdom’s Ambassador to Brazil Faisal Ghulam and Walid Al-Smail, assistant director general of the Saudi foreign minister’s office, were also present at the meeting.

Source: arabnews.com

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