‘Not Hindu-Muslim Row’: Mira Road, Mumbai. Residents Say Politicians Changing Nature of ‘Peace Haven’

New Age Islam News Bureau

27 January 2024

  

Saba Boutique in Shanti Nagar, Mira Road, was attacked with stones Tuesday evening | Purva Chitnis | ThePrint

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·         ‘Not Hindu-Muslim Row’: Mira Road, Mumbai. Residents Say Politicians Changing Nature Of ‘Peace Haven’

·         Muslim Side Says ASI’s Report On Gyanvapi Not Final Verdict: ‘Responsibility To Keep Mosque Safe’

·         Biden Makes History: 1st Sitting US President Sued For Complicity In The Israeli Regime's Ongoing Genocidal War Against The Gaza Strip

·         International Court Of Justice Urges Israel Regime To Abide By The Genocide Convention\

·         Malaysian PM Shares Insights On MADANI Concept With Muslim Thinker Sheikh Tareq

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India

·         Gyanvapi mosque security heightened post ASI report release

·         2 Muslim Men Allegedly Pronounce "Triple Talaq" Outside Delhi Court, Charged

·         Muslims Should Hand Over Gyanvapi Mosque To Hindus: Union Minister Giriraj Singh

·         “Broken Shiva linga, terracotta objects depicting deities recovered in Gyanvapi mosque survey”: ASI report

·         PM Modi, Macron discuss tensions in Red Sea, Israel-Hamas conflict

·         French President Emmanuel Macron visits Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi

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North America

·         Michigan Muslim, Arab Leaders Rebuff Biden Campaign Team Over Israel-Gaza Response

·         'Unequivocally', 'Quite Evident', 'Justified': Young Americans Back Genocide Charges Against Israel

·         Canadian cardinal denies sex assault claims, will pause duties

·         US Using 'Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs' With Kabul: Patel

·         Australia, Canada suspend UN agency funding after Israeli allegations

·         US attacks Yemen after operation against UK tanker in solidarity with Palestinians

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Mideast

·         UN Court's Ruling Puts ‘End To Israel's Impunity Era’: Palestinian Prime Minister

·         Hezbollah Fighters Destroy Israeli Military Surveillance System In 'Night Of Fire'

·         Islamic Resistance In Iraq Vows To Strike More At US-Led Coalition Forces

·         ‘Islamic Nations’ Unity Vital To Bolster Palestine Humanitarian Front’: Turkish Parliament Speaker

·         Unity of Muslims to increase capabilities of Islamic World

·         Iran FM congratulates South Africa success in ICJ

·         Netanyahu's diplomatic fallout: Israel faces regional crisis with Egypt, Qatar, Jordan: Report

·         Erdogan hopes ICJ ruling can help halt genocide

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Southeast Asia

·         PM Anwar: Malaysia stands with Palestine, welcomes ICJ decision on genocide against Israel

·         Philippine troops kill nine Islamist militants, including two linked to Catholic Mass bombing

·         Israel must comply with the ICJ decision: Foreign Ministry

·         Netanyahu's stance on Palestinian statehood unacceptable: Widodo

·         PM Anwar's Madani framework will make Malaysia more resilient with strong fiscal position -

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Africa

·         ICJ Ruling Vindicated Us: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa After UN Court's Decision In Genocide Case

·         Kenya: pro-Palestine protesters targeted by police

·         Nigeria ; Nine arrested after deadly clashes in Plateau state

·         DRC rebel group kills at least 19 people in attack on eastern town

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Arab World

·         Saudi Foreign Ministry Welcomes ICJ Ruling On Gaza

·         Muslim, Arab groups welcome World Court preliminary ruling on Israel

·         Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalate Red Sea attacks, hit Trafigura fuel tanker

·         Massive protest staged in Yemen to show support for Palestine

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Europe

·         World Should Use ICJ Decision To Step Up Pressure On Israel: Greek Palestinian Community Leader

·         Police arrest man after hostage situation in Germany

·         Denmark provides $2.2 million aid to Afghanistan

·         Sweden won’t negotiate with Hungary on NATO: PM

·         European lawmaker urges US, EU to demand immediate, permeant cease-fire in Gaza

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Pakistan

·         Pakistan President Calls For Greater Cooperation On Islamophobia, Science Among OIC Countries

·         Pakistan President Welcomes ICJ Ruling On Prevention & Punishment Of Crime Of Genocide In Gaza

·         State lawyers to represent Imran, Qureshi in cipher case

·         People no longer willing to tolerate PPP, PMLN’s dynastic politics: Siraj

·         PTI Leader Gets Angry At Imran’s ‘Bashing’ At Mosque

·         Pak-Iran diplomatic ties officially restored

·         Pakistan reaches out to US over Indian role in killings

·         CTD foils attack in Quetta, arrests TTP ‘commander’

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South Asia

·         Islamic Emirate Invited to Coming Meeting in Doha: Deputy PM

·         25 Foreign Nationals in Jail: Prisons Official

·         Fakhrul turns 77; family greets him at Dhaka Central Jail

·         UN Special Envoy for Afghanistan will top agenda at Doha meeting

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:   https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hindu-muslim-mumbai-peace-haven/d/131599

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‘Not Hindu-Muslim Row’: Mira Road, Mumbai, Residents Say Politicians Changing Nature Of ‘Peace Haven’

 

Saba Boutique in Shanti Nagar, Mira Road, was attacked with stones Tuesday evening | Purva Chitnis | ThePrint

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PURVA CHITNIS

27 January, 2024

Mumbai: Earlier this week, on Tuesday evening, Shamsher Alam of Mira Road’s Shanti Nagar stepped away from his shop for some time. The atmosphere in the area had been tense since the day before, when a procession through the adjacent area of Nayanagar, celebrating the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, allegedly came under attack, leading to clashes.

Even so, nothing could have prepared Alam for what happened next. As his son Sahil, 19, ran their boutique, and his brother-in-law worked inside, bike-borne assailants stopped outside and started pelting the shop with stones.

When Sahil failed to stop the attackers, he started filming the attack. The video has been accessed by ThePrint.

By the time the assailants left, a glass pane installed at the shop had been shattered, and the mannequins placed inside broken.

“We went to the police to file an FIR but instead they just took an NC (complaint for a non-cognisable offence),” Alam told ThePrint. “Even two days later, there has been no FIR.”

“We have submitted the proof of CCTV, and videos that my son took but all they say is that we will contact you later,” he added.

As he counted his losses, Alam talked about the clashes at Nayanagar and asked why the police “took swift action in one case, and not in the other”.

In the case of the Nayanagar violence, the police booked and arrested 13 accused within 24 hours.

Police deny the charge, saying an investigation is under way into the wave of tensions.

“The investigation is going on,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Bajbale. “So far, 10 FIRs have been filed in the overall Mira Road violence. Twenty-five arrests have been made and more arrests are expected.”

Speaking to ThePrint, Shamsher Alam said he has run his shop, Saba Boutique in Mira Nagar’s Shanti Nagar — a Hindu-dominated area with a significant Muslim population — for 13 years.

His son said their Hindu neighbours had stepped in to defend him during the attack, and residents of Mira Road recalled how the area’s neighbourly fabric had held strong even through the aftermath of the 1992 Babri masjid demolition.     

But a change appears to be afoot, they added, pointing to communally charged statements made by the local MLA, Geeta Bharat Jain of the BJP, and certain provocative programmes held since last year.

Alam and his neighbours said the attackers knew their target.

Shops that had put up saffron flags that read “Jai Shri Ram” were spared, they added. The others attacked included a mobile shop close by and a tempo driver. 

‘Haven of peace’

Shanti Nagar and Nayanagar are both located in Mira Road, a Thane suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai.

Nayanagar was formed around 1979 as a Muslim-dominated area, the foundation stone laid by the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader G.M. Banatwala.

This area, located very close to the Mira Road railway station, was conceived as a planned residential area for Muslims.

Although the understanding between Thackeray and Banatwala’s IUML did not last long, Nayanagar has been a haven of peace, residents said.

According to the 2011 Census, Muslims comprise 16 percent of the population (8 lakh) under the Mira Bhaindar Municipal Corporation. Most of them reside in and around Nayanagar, which has an estimated population of 35,000.

Speaking to ThePrint, the local residents said that even during the peak of the communal riots in Mumbai — then Bombay — in 1992-93, after the demolition of Babri Masjid, Nayanagar stayed peaceful.

After the riots, said Sadique Basha, a local activist, many Muslims from Dongri and other parts of Mumbai started shifting to Nayanagar, making it “a larger ghetto”.

“For years, Hindus and Muslims stayed peacefully here without any communal tensions,” he added.

Just about 200 metres from the epicentre of Monday’s violence, there is a Ganesh Mandir in Nayanagar. The temple was constructed around 30 years ago and, every year, local residents celebrate its “sthapna din”.

“We have puja, aarti, even bhandara every year on the ‘sthapna din’ and Hindus-Muslims come together to participate in it,” said Omkar Gupta, a local shopkeeper. “Not only that, we celebrate the Ganesh festival and other festivals without any issues,” he added.

A similar story is shared about Shanti Nagar.

Alam, a resident of Mira Road for 30 years, said he had never felt alienated in the area, saying his 13 years of running a shop in Shanti Nagar had been smooth.

Sahil Alam said when “the assailants tried to attack me, the neighbouring Hindus rushed to help me and saved me”.

“They told the mob that he is our own and not to attack him and that is how I got saved. The mob would have otherwise hit me that evening,” he said.

‘Not a Hindu-Muslim fight’

Tension in the area, however, has been palpable since 22 January. A day after the clashes, the Mira Bhaindar Municipal Corporation razed “illegal” structures in Nayanagar’s Haidri Chowk with bulldozers. While residents questioned the timing of the drive, the civic body said it was a “routine exercise”.

Later that evening was when Alam’s shop was attacked.

Local residents told ThePrint that BJP MLAs Nitesh Rane and Geeta Bharat Jain visited the area Tuesday and gave objectionable speeches — they have also taken on a divisive tone on social media — and tried to disturb the atmosphere of the area.

Since the formation of the Mira Road assembly constituency in 2009, the BJP has dominated it with either the party or its affiliates winning both the constituency and the municipal corporation.

In the 2019 assembly elections, incumbent MLA Geeta Jain fought as an Independent and defeated BJP MLA Narendra Mehta by over 15,000 votes. She has since joined the BJP.

There have been other worrying aspects too over the last couple of years, the residents added.

In March 2023, Kajal Hindustani aka Kajal Shingala from Gujarat, who is known for her anti-Muslim rhetoric, was invited to give a speech at a ‘Hindu Jan Akrosh’ rally arranged at Mira Road.

“Love Jihad and land jihad are connected to terrorism, all those topiwalas in the waqf board are terrorists,” she said in her speech, a video of which is available on YouTube. Later, an FIR was registered against her for the speech.

In the second half of March 2023, a ‘darbar’ of Bageshwar Dham baba was conducted in the area where he purportedly spoke about making India a “Hindu Rashtra”.

After the violence this week, Jain reportedly weighed in on reports of Nayanagar residents placing barricades at the area’s entry points, and spoke of the potential consequences of giving Hindus a “free hand for five minutes”, emphasising their dominance in the area.

Said Basha, “Things started going downhill after that (the statements since last year).”

“These are not some fringe elements or anti-social players, they are MLAs and people with public responsibility.”

Iqbal Mahadik, who runs an NGO in Mira Bhayandar, said “this is not a communal fight but a political fight”. 

“This is about political power and not a Hindu-Muslim fight,” he added. “No Hindu or no Muslim here wants any fight. They want to live peacefully as they always did.”

(Edited by Sunanda Ranjan)

Source: theprint.in

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

https://theprint.in/india/not-hindu-muslim-row-mira-road-residents-say-politicians-changing-nature-of-peace-haven/1940641/

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Muslim Side Says ASI’s Report On Gyanvapi Not Final Verdict: ‘Responsibility To Keep Mosque Safe’

 

The ASI had carried out a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi premises, located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple

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Jan 27, 2024

A survey by the ASI suggesting the existence of a Hindu temple before the Gyanvapi Masjid was built in Varanasi is only a report

A survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which said that a large Hindu temple existed before the construction of the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, is only a report and not a decision, the Muslim petitioners in the decades-old case said on Friday, adding that they’d study the document before deciding on their next move.

The statement came even as the Hindu petitioners, lead by lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain who made the ASI report public on Thursday night, said they will approach the Supreme Court for a fresh survey of the sealed area of the mosque which contains a disputed structure, seen as a Shivling by Hindus and a ritual ablution fountain by Muslims.

SM Yasin, the joint secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee (AIMC) which manages the 15th century mosque, said the body will go through the ASI survey report, analyse it, consult experts and then decide on its next move.

“In present circumstances, it is our first and foremost responsibility to keep the mosque safe… ASI has given the report as per its reputation. This is a report and not a decision,” Yasin said.

The ASI survey — which conducted a study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, to conclude that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure — marked a decisive turn in the fractious dispute. The findings were a shot in the arm for Hindu petitioners who argue that the mosque was built by Mughal emperors after demolishing a temple and seek rights to the complex.

The report also suggested that the temple was destroyed during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. “The Arabic-Persian inscription found inside a room mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th regnal year of Aurangzeb …hence, the pre-existing structure appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and reused in the existing structure,” the report said.

But Yasin appeared to dispute this.

“The Gyanvapi mosque was built 600 years ago by a Zamindar (landlord) of Jaunpur. It was renovated by Mughal emperor Akbar during his rule. Then the expansion and renovation of the Gyanvapi mosque was done by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb,” said Yasin.

“Muslims have been offering Namaz for about 600 years ago… and will continue to do so in future too.”

Yasin said that committee was going through the report.

“The report contains 839 pages. We will read the ASI survey report. Our team of counsel will study it. Its study and analysis will take time. After analysing all the things discussed in the report, an opinion will be taken from the experts. We will decide our further legal move.”

Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lead lawyer for four Hindu women petitioners seeking regular worshipping rights in the mosque complex, said he will file a petition in Supreme Court seeking an order for an ASI survey in the sealed Wazookhana of the Mosque. The current survey had excluded that section.

“The survey is required to make it clear if the structure is a Shivling or a fountain,” said Jain.

The Gyanvapi dispute dates back decades but in August 2021, five women filed a petition in a local court demanding the right of unhindered worship at the Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal, located inside the complex that houses idols of Hindu gods.

In April 2022, the local court ordered a controversial survey of the complex, which quickly ran into protests. The survey was finally completed in May that year, but not before the Hindu side claimed that the Shivling was found in the final hours of the exercise even as the Muslim side disputed this. The court clamped security on the entire complex and ordered to seal Wazookhana area inside the mosque complex, even as the Muslim side argued that the structure found was a ceremonial ablution fountain.

Then, last year, the Varanasi district court ordered an extensive survey of the mosque by ASI to ascertain whether it was built over a pre-existing temple, while holding that a scientific probe was necessary for the truth to come out. The judge, however, excluded the section over which a dispute had arisen, which remains sealed.

Another counsel for the four Hindu women plaintiffs, Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, said that images captured by GPR system during the survey showed that the remains of several Hindu signs, symbols, idols below the ground. “We will file application to bring these remains and signs, symbols with idols out of the ground,” said Chaturvedi.

Varanasi, Mathura and Ayodhya are part of a decades-old ideological project by Hindu groups who argue that medieval-era Islamic structures were built by demolishing temples and demand rights over those structures. The Supreme Court paved the way for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2019, and the Mandir opened on January 22 in a major ideological win. Cases by Hindu groups and individuals in Varanasi and Mathura are currently being adjudicated in courts across Uttar Pradesh, even as a larger challenge to the Place of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 — it preserved the religious character of all shrines, except the Ayodhya dispute — is being heard by the Supreme Court.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/muslim-side-says-asi-s-report-on-gyanvapi-not-final-verdict-101706292359048.html

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Biden Makes History: 1st Sitting US President Sued For Complicity In The Israeli Regime's Ongoing Genocidal War Against The Gaza Strip

 

Photo: Pars Today

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 26 January 2024

Joe Biden sears his name in history by becoming the first sitting American president to be sued for complicity in genocide over the United States' abetment in the Israeli regime's ongoing genocidal war against the Gaza Strip.

The first hearing in the case was being held at the federal courthouse in Oakland, California on Friday.

Human rights bodies and Palestinian US citizens are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which was lodged by the Centre for Constitutional Rights (CCR), a New York-based legal advocacy organization, in mid-November.

The CCR filed the lawsuit on behalf of Dr. Omar Al-Najjar, a physician at Nasser Medical Complex in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, as well as Palestinian human rights groups Defence for Children International – Palestine and al-Haq.

The lawsuit also names US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Israeli regime has been waging war against Gaza since October 7, 2023, following an operation carried out by the Palestinian territory's resistance groups.

More than 26,000 Palestinians, some 70 percent of whom are women, children, and adolescents, have been killed in the brutal onslaught so far, while upwards of 64,100 others have been injured.

The United States has been providing the war with all-out military and political support. It has armed the regime with more than 10,000 tons of military hardware, and blocked ratification of all United Nations Security Council resolutions that have called for cessation of the Israeli aggression.

"If the legal responsibility to prevent an unfolding genocide is to mean anything – indeed, if the rule of law is to signify anything – courts must have a role and responsibility to enforce these foundational international law principles," the lawsuit states, adding, "The lives of so many more people are at stake."

"I am certainly not aware of another sitting US president who has had charges of complicity in genocide brought against him in federal court, or against his senior cabinet members – a testament in and of itself to the gravity of the US’s significant role in this genocide, the crime of crimes," Sadaf Doost, a Berth Justice fellow with the CCR, told The Independent.

A court hearing in the case would force the Biden administration "to confront what it has gone to great lengths to deny or even recognize – and through a public, permanent record," she noted.

Also on Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is the UN's top court, ordered the Israeli regime to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide in Gaza.

It ordered the regime to report back in one month on the measures it has been asked to carry out.

Source: presstv.ir

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

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/26/718946/Palestine-Israel-United-States-Joe-Biden-court-genocide-war-Gaza

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International Court Of Justice Urges Israel Regime To Abide By The Genocide Convention

 

International Court of Justice

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Jan 26, 2024

TEHRAN, Jan. 26 (MNA) – Ordering Israel to take all measures to prevent Genocide in Gaza Strip, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an emergency order for the Israeli regime to abide by the Genocide Convention.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver on Friday its much-anticipated ruling on the provisional measures requested by South Africa in its genocide case against Israel.

The court will not be pronouncing a final verdict on the merits of the genocide allegations, but will instead be ruling on the nine provisional measures requested by South Africa.

The United Nations International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to take urgent measures to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip has caused numerous casualties and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, said Joan Donoghue, President of the UN International Court of Justice.

"Israel must take all necessary measures to prevent all acts that fall under the Genocide Convention," said Joan Donoghue.

The court also ordered Israeli authorities to "take action against those who incite genocide" and ordered Israel to report back in a month on the implementation of the measures, it said.

On January 11-12, the top United Nations court in The Hague held public hearings on South Africa's suit. In its address, South Africa's representatives urged the ICJ to obligate Israel to end its military operation in the Gaza Strip, ensure that the enclaves' residents have access to food, water and humanitarian aid, and abstain from actions that could worsen the situation.

Source: mehrnews.com

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

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211318/ICJ-urges-Israel-regime-to-abide-by-the-Genocide-Convention

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Malaysian PM Shares Insights On MADANI Concept With Muslim Thinker Sheikh Tareq

 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim greets Muslim thinker Sheikh Tareq Al-Suwaidan when he called on the prime minister in Putrajaya, January 26, 2024. — Picture from X/Anwar Ibrahim

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27-01- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today shared insights with Muslim thinker Sheikh Tareq Al-Suwaidan from Kuwait on the MADANI concept that emphasises a balanced approach and commitment to combat abuse of power among leaders.

Anwar also expressed Malaysia’s continued stance and efforts to uphold justice in Palestine during the meeting.

According to Anwar, Sheikh Tareq is in Malaysia to attend a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, particularly in the areas of leadership, strategic planning and management.

“I also expressed appreciation for Sheikh Tareq’s efforts through positive messages that can benefit the younger generation. Thank you also for Sheikh Tareq’s prayers and hopes for Malaysia.

“May Malaysia continue to contribute to the development of the Muslim community and help strengthen cooperation among international Muslim scholars,” Anwar said via social media.-Bernama

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/pm-shares-insights-on-madani-concept-with-muslim-thinker-sheikh-tareq-OA12033058

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India

 

Gyanvapi Mosque Security Heightened Post ASI Report Release

January 26, 2024

Varanasi : Security measures have been beefed up outside the Gyanvapi mosque, a day after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex revealed there “existed a large Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure”.

Following the release of a survey report by the Archaeological Survey of India, confirming evidence of Hindu temples, today’s Jumma (prayers held by muslims on every friday) at the disputed Gyanvapi mosque holds a special importance. Consequently, stringent security measures were put in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

The media was intentionally kept at a distance from Gyanvapi, ensuring that the situation remained calm for the peaceful execution of the Friday prayer. The authorities were keen on avoiding any misinformation or unnecessary panic.

However, there was a conscious effort to manage any potential conflicts in the area.

Notably, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex revealed that a pre-existing structure appeared to have been destroyed in the 17th century, and “part of it was modified and reused,” adding that based on scientific studies, it can be said that there “existed a large Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure.”

“The Arabic-Persian inscription found inside a room mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th regnal year of Aurangzeb (1676-77 CE). Hence, the pre-existing structure appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and reused in the existing structure. Based on scientific studies/ survey carried out, study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure,” the ASI said in its report.

“Based on the scientific studies and observations on central chamber and main entrance of the pre-existing structure in existing structure, western chamber and western wall, reuse of pillars and pilasters of pre-existing structure in the existing structure, inscriptions on the existing structure, Arabic and Persian inscription on the loose stone, sculptural remains in cellars, etc.,it can be said that there existed a large Hindu temple, prior to the construction of the existing structure,” the report further said.

The ASI survey was ordered by the district court after the Hindu petitioners claimed the 17th-century Gyanvapi mosque was constructed over a pre-existing temple. ( With ANI inputs )

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/gyanvapi-mosque-security-heightened-post-asi-report-release/

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2 Muslim Men Allegedly Pronounce "Triple Talaq" Outside Delhi Court, Charged

January 27, 2024

Mukesh Singh Sengar

New Delhi: Two Muslim men who tried to divorce their wives outside a Delhi court have been charged with trying to use the banned practice of instant triple Talaq.

The police in a statement said they have filed two separate first information reports (FIRs) against the two men.

In the first case, the woman said she and her sister had gone to Delhi's Tis Hazari Court to attend proceedings related to maintenance. After the hearing, the woman alleged, her husband said "Talaq" thrice outside the courtroom.

The police said they filed the case after an initial investigation. The woman holds a PhD in Chemistry.

In the second case, a 24-year-old woman told the police that she got married in February 2021 in Mumbai, but returned to her parents' home in Delhi due to alleged harassment by her in-laws.

Later, she filed a petition in court for maintenance. She said when she and her family members had gone to court to attend the proceedings, her husband also came and pronounced "talaq" thrice outside the court.

The police have also filed an FIR into the second case.

Triple talaq was banned in August 2019. It was a practice among Muslim men to instantly divorce their wives by uttering "talaq" thrice. The law makes "triple talaq" an offence with a jail term of up to three years and a fine for the husband, and makes the woman entitled to maintenance.

Source: ndtv.com

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https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/2-muslim-men-allegedly-pronounce-triple-talaq-outside-delhi-court-charged-4938422

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Muslims should hand over Gyanvapi mosque to Hindus: Union minister Giriraj Singh

 Jan 27, 2024

NEW DELHI: Even as BJP refrained from an official statement on the ASI report on Gyanvapi mosque, senior party leader from Bihar and Union minister Giriraj Singh on Friday said Muslims should hand over the mosque to Hindus, and said no statement should be made that could disrupt communal harmony.

"The pran pratishtha (consecration) at the Ram temple (in Ayodhya) has been done by PM Modi and the Sanatanis have welcomed it... But our demand has always been Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura," Singh said.

"I will appeal to my Muslim brothers, when all evidence is out, hand over Kashi to Hindus so that communal harmony is maintained. We have not broken any mosques after Independence, but there is no temple left in Pakistan," he claimed.

He further said, "I am saying this for harmony, don't make provocative statements. This is a changed India, the Sanatani youth has awakened." The minister said if someone tried to be Babar or Aurangzeb, youths would have to become Maharana Pratap.

A senior VHP functionary avoided giving a formal statement but said the ASI report vindicated the claims of the Hindu community and ideally the site should be handed over to them.

AICC spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said, "These are all transitional, in pipeline procedures and documents being filed in actively ongoing sub-judice cases. They await even preliminary adjudication. A comment would be premature and inappropriate and, needless to add, the brooding omnipresence of the Places of Worship Act cannot be ignored, but is yet to be adjudicated."

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/muslims-should-hand-over-gyanvapi-mosque-to-hindus-union-minister-giriraj-singh/articleshow/107175602.cms

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“Broken Shiva Linga, Terracotta Objects Depicting Deities Recovered In Gyanvapi Mosque Survey”: ASI Report

January 26, 2024

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque has stated that a lot of Terracotta objects including figurines of deities and fragmentary figures of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha were found from debris in the western wall area of the premises.

ASI also mentioned that during its scientific survey two glass objects, a pendant and a broken Shiva linga were also found.

“Different types of stone objects include sculptures of deities, pestles of varying dimensions and other household items, inscribed slabs, etc. Among the listed sculptures mentioned may be made of Shiva linga, Vishnu, Krishna, Hanuman, Ganesha etc. Different types of terracotta objects recovered during the investigations include figurines of deities, male and female figures, bricks and tiles, sling balls, etc. Fragmentary figures of Hanuman and Ganesha were found from debris in the western wall area,” the report read.

“During the survey two glass objects, i.e. a pendant and a broken Shiva linga were found,” it added.

Archaeological Survey of India also stated that coins belonging to different periods were also retrieved from the premises.

“These coins belong to different periods. Three coins have legends in Persian and were issued by Shah Alam. Numbers of British-India coins were found including a hoard of 64 coins. They include coins belonging to the East India Company, Queen Victoria, Edward VII and George V, and some were difficult to identify due to corrosion. One copper coin of Madhav Rao Scindia was also found,” the report read.

After the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) released its survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, Islamic Centre of India chairperson Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali said that the report needs to be studied first and only after that, anyone can comment anything on it.

“The ASI has given its 839-page report to the concerned parties and the Muslim side has to study the entire report first and give their opinion. We have full hope that whatever decision will be taken will be taken on the basis of reality. The case is going on in the court. The ASI report will be studied first and only then anything can be said,” Maulana Khalid Rasheed said.

The ASI report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex revealed that a pre-existing structure appeared to have been destroyed in the 17th century, and “part of it was modified and reused,” adding that based on scientific studies, it can be said that there “existed a large Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure.”

Source: thestatesman.com

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https://www.thestatesman.com/india/broken-shiva-linga-terracotta-objects-depicting-deities-recovered-in-gyanvapi-mosque-survey-asi-report-1503263707.html

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PM Modi, Macron discuss tensions in Red Sea, Israel-Hamas conflict

Jan 27, 2024

The discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron covered key developments in the region including the Red Sea tensions, the situation in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Friday.

“The two leaders discussed not just areas of priority in our bilateral partnership but also focussed quite a lot on what’s happening in different parts of the world,” he said.

An India-France joint statement said the two leaders “strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel. Condemning the huge loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict, they emphasised the need to respect international humanitarian law”.

Modi and Macron on Thursday held extensive talks in Jaipur to deepen bilateral ties. “The potential disruptions and the actual things happening in the maritime domain there (Red Sea), which is causing disruption to the commercial shipping is indeed a matter of serious concern and both leaders focussed on it,” he said.

India is deeply concerned about the situation unfolding in the Red Sea and parts of the Arabian Sea as attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the region impact its economic interests.

He said India has always had very strong partnerships with different stakeholders in this maritime space. “We have always had very strong partnerships with different players. It is important because those partnerships help you build an information matrix in which you can respond to protect your commercial shipping interests and also other maritime security interests,” Kwatra added.

The Indian Navy has stepped up surveillance in the troubled region substantially and deployed task groups consisting of around 10 warships following the recent attacks on India-bound merchant vessels, including MV Chem Pluto and MV Saibaba.

The Iran-backed Houthi militia has been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea with missiles and drones after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7.

The attacks on commercial shipping in the Red and Arabian Seas and the situation in Gaza were the focus of recent discussions between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran, with the Indian minister flagging concerns about a perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime traffic in the region including attacks in the vicinity of the Indian coast.

“The ongoing conflict in Gaza, and its various dimensions, the terror dimension, the humanitarian dimension, the civil disruption dimension...all those things came up for discussion and both leaders shared their perspective,” Kwatra said.

The joint statement, which was released late on Friday, added: “Both leaders also called for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The two leaders reaffirmed that a political process leading to a two-state solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people is required for lasting peace and stability in the region.”

Responding to a question on cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and Indo-Pacific, he said both India and France are resident powers in this part of the world and they can cooperate to mitigate the challenges and harvest the opportunities that exist. “That has always been a very important priority of discussions between the leaders. And discussions this time were no exception.”

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-macron-discuss-tensions-in-red-sea-israel-hamas-conflict-101706293734346.html

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French President Emmanuel Macron visits Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi

January 27, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Dargah Nizamuddin Aulia in New Delhi on January 26, officials said.

Mr. Macron was the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations at Delhi's Kartavya Path.

He reached the almost 700-year-old shrine — the nerve centre of Sufi culture in India — at 9.45 p.m. and remained there for more than half an hour, they said.

The Dargah is the mausoleum of the famous Sufi Nizamuddin Auliya and his disciple Amir Khusrau.

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu received her French counterpart Macron at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour.

Welcoming President Macron, she said the leaders of the two countries being guests of honour in each other's successive National Day parade and celebrations, is a historic moment, and "a symbol of the depth of our friendship and the strength of our partnership".

Source: thehindu.com

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/french-president-emmanuel-macron-visits-nizamuddin-dargah-in-delhi/article67782145.ece

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North America

 

Michigan Muslim, Arab leaders rebuff Biden campaign team over Israel-Gaza response

January 27, 2024

Muslim and Arab American leaders in Michigan canceled a meeting with President Joe Biden's campaign team amid increasing opposition to his administration's response to the Israel-Hamas war, multiple people told ABC News.

"We're dumbfounded," the National Executive Director of The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Abed Ayoub, told ABC News. "Why does this administration still believe that we're just going to be willing to meet with them with no movement on their part on our demands? And they've been the same demands since October, and nothing's changed."

Deputy Wayne County Executive Assad Turfe, who had organized the planned meeting between the campaign and the community, was the one who canceled it, a person familiar with the decision told ABC News.

Since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the Biden administration has faced calls for the U.S. to support a permanent cease-fire as emphatic protests over its staunch support of Israel persist.

On Tuesday, as Biden delivered a major campaign speech in Virginia on abortion rights, he was interrupted some 14 times by pro-Palestine demonstrators chanting, "Genocide Joe," and "Cease-fire now!"

Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez traveled to Michigan on Friday to meet with elected officials in the Detroit-area. However, initial plans were for her to meet with 10 to 15 Muslim and Arab American leaders after her staff approached them to discuss growing discontent in their community, Ayoub said.

"We are aware that she is meeting with different individuals," Ayoub said. "It's not a group setting … It's upsetting that they thought they had the right to go ahead and schedule this. They don't speak on behalf of the community."

Several local leaders invited to meet with Rodriguez, including Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, declined to do so after pushback from the community.

"Our immediate demand is crystal clear: the Biden Administration must call for a permanent ceasefire to a genocide it is defending and funding with our tax dollars," Hammoud, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Dearborn residents have tirelessly protested and organized in demand of a ceasefire. As their mayor, I follow their lead."

Hammoud added: "I will not entertain conversations about elections while we watch a live-streamed genocide backed by our government.

Lexis Zeidan, a Palestinian-American and Dearborn resident said she was also approached by the campaign but she rejected the invite as well.

"I strongly believe that the community has mobilized effectively and strategically over the last four months that we should not be making any decisions or having any conversations without bringing our community into the fold," said Zeidan.

Wayne County, home to Detroit and Dearborn, has the largest rate of Arab inhabitants of any other county in America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And Michigan, a state that Biden narrowly won against Trump in 2020 and is critical in the coming election, has the largest Arab population of any battleground state.

Amid reports that Vice President Kamala Harris is privately pushing Biden that he needs to be more sympathetic towards Palestinians, multiple people also tell ABC News that Harris's team reached out for a February meeting in D.C.

Huwaida Arraf, a civil rights attorney, says a senior adviser reached out to her from Harris' team but Arraf immediately declined.

"We have been asking the administration to stop fueling funding enabling this genocide, and we have been stonewalled," said Arraf. "And now because we're getting close to the elections. And Biden isn't doing so well in overall polls. Now they want to talk to us."

The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Leaders of the community told ABC News the outreach is too little too late and that the only thing that will appease them is a cease-fire.

"Our position since day one has been clear: without a ceasefire on the table or call for a ceasefire, then we don't see a purpose of meeting," said Ayoub.

Source: abcnews.go.com

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https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/michigan-muslim-arab-leaders-cancel-meeting-biden-campaign/story?id=106720208

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'Unequivocally', 'quite evident', 'justified': Young Americans back genocide charges against Israel

Michael Gabriel Hernandez

27.01.2024

As the International Court of Justice (ICJ) moves forward on genocide charges against Israel for its war conduct in the besieged Gaza Strip, a growing number of Americans are supporting the allegations.

That has been particularly true among young voting-age Americans.

Polling released Wednesday indicates that those aged 18 - 29 are far more likely to agree that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza than other age groups.

Forty-nine percent said so, compared to a little more than one-third of the general public, according to data from the Economist/YouGov poll.

Anadolu asked more than 100 people in the nation's capital, all of whom fit into the 18 - 29 age group used in the survey, if they would be willing to speak on the record about their views on Gaza.

The vast majority declined after hearing the word "Gaza," but of the eight who would speak on the record, all agreed Israel's conduct constitutes genocide.

“I think it’s an unjust, Apartheid-esque killing of masses of people. That is a genocide," Zachariah John, a 20-year-old junior at Georgetown University told Anadolu during an interview just off the campus grounds.

The sentiments were shared by all of those with whom Anadolu spoke.

Justin, a 21-year-old Georgetown student who did not provide his surname, concurred with John, saying he "unequivocally" believes Israel is carrying out genocide in the coastal enclave, whether looking at the strict legal definition, or what many people assume.

"Even in just the popular understanding of genocide, I think this is genocide. It's just happening at maybe a slower pace than what Americans think genocide is. I think most people would agree that the Holocaust is the worst genocide in history. But that doesn't mean that nothing can hold a candle to it in terms of it being genocide," he said.

"I think that what's happening now is an ongoing one, and in 40 years, the people who said nothing will realize that it was genocide, except then it will be too late to do something about it," he added.

Caitlin, another 21-year-old Georgetown student who also declined to give her last name, said it is "quite evident" that Israel is conducting genocide.

"Israel has clearly violated so many parts of the Geneva Conventions. We see videos from journalists in Gaza of buildings that are housing civilians being bombed, children who are being indiscriminately slaughtered, we see pictures of men being rounded up and are stripped and kneeling on the ground. All of these clear violations of human rights are happening in front of the world, and the US government, and so many other Western governments are continuing to fund Israel despite all of that," she said.

The ICJ issued its interim ruling Friday in which it ordered Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, but fell short of mandating a cease-fire.

South Africa brought the case late last month and asked the court to grant emergency measures to end the bloodshed in Gaza where more than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7. The vast majority of the confirmed dead, roughly two-thirds, have been women and children.

Thousands more are assumed dead under the rubble after Israel's war laid waste to wide swathes of the coastal enclave.

By 15 votes to two, the ICJ said: “The State of Israel shall, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of this Convention.”

"At least some of the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa to have been committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the (Genocide) Convention," said the judges.

The 1948 Genocide Convention defines genocide as "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group."

Acts of genocide include killing members of a group, causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of a group and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of a group in whole or in part.

Regarding the blockade of humanitarian assistance and services, the Hague-based court said Israel “shall take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip."

Asked about the ruling, Marina Mcphaill, a 22-year-old junior at Georgetown, said the genocide charges are "justified" based on what she has seen and read about the war. She said the case that is being prosecuted against Israel is "fair."

The decision handed down is "probably the right call," she said. "I think it's a challenging decision to make, because of all the political implications, not that it's like picking a side, but it does seem to be a really divisive domestic political issue as well as an international one. So, I think it's the right decision, but we'll see.”

Kyndall Jackson, an 18-year-old Georgetown freshman, said the ruling is "positive," but she does not "think it's enough, because charges, again, are just charges.

"It doesn't mean that anything will be done to fix what's going on," she said. "I don't think anything can really be done to fix the lives that are being lost."

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/unequivocally-quite-evident-justified-young-americans-back-genocide-charges-against-israel/3120392

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Canadian cardinal denies sex assault claims, will pause duties

27 Jan 2024

OTTAWA, Jan 27 — A Canadian cardinal who is a close advisor to Pope Francis yesterday “categorically” denied accusations he sexually assaulted a teenage girl in the 1980s, but he will step back from his duties, the archdiocese of Quebec said.

Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, the 66-year-old archbishop of Quebec, is facing claims of sexual assault dating back to 1987 and 1988, when the victim was 17, as part of a class action suit against more than 100 priests in the archdiocese.

Lacroix has been the archbishop of Quebec since 2011 and a cardinal since 2014. Since last year, he has served on the pontiff’s Council of Cardinal Advisors, which meets regularly at the Vatican.

“Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix has just announced to his main collaborators that he is temporarily withdrawing from his activities until the situation is clarified,” the archdiocese said in a statement.

“He categorically denies the allegations against him yesterday, which he considers unfounded,” it added.

The legal action is an updated filing of a case first brought in 2022.

It features testimony from 147 people who claim they were sexually assaulted by more than 100 priests in the archdiocese, some of them high-ranking clergy, the law firm representing his accuser said.

Pope Francis has made combatting sexual assault in the Church one of the main missions of his papacy, and insisted on a “zero tolerance” policy in the wake of multiple wide-reaching scandals.

The pontiff has created a commission on the sexual abuse of minors, in an attempt to lift the veil of secrecy that had shrouded criminal behaviour by the clergy for decades.

Clergy and staff are required to report abuse in their dioceses, but anything revealed in confession is still considered private, and victims’ rights activists have demanded better accountability.

All cardinals under the age of 80 participate in conclaves convened to elect new popes. — AFP

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/01/27/canadian-cardinal-denies-sex-assault-claims-will-pause-duties/114856

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US Using 'Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs' With Kabul: Patel

January 26, 2024

The deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, Vedant Patel, said that “work” is ongoing by the US special envoy of hostage affairs regarding American citizens.

In a press briefing was asked what is the US "doing to release hostages taken by the Taliban and deter Taliban from this action?”, Patel said: “We have no greater priority than the safety and security of American citizens, especially those who are wrongfully detained and held hostage. And so that work continues to be ongoing through our special envoy for hostage affairs, as well as other work throughout the interagency.”

“But I want to take this opportunity to remind people tuning in that, again, our Travel Advisory for Afghanistan continues to be at Level 4, which is Do Not Travel. Those travel advisories are important, they are serious, and Americans should review them before they travel to any particular destination around the planet,” he said.

The Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on it but earlier, its spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that the foreign nationals detained by the Islamic Emirate are in good health.

Earlier, relatives and some US politicians in a gathering called for the release of American citizen Ryan Corbett from detention in Afghanistan.

Ryan was detained on 10 August 2022 after he returned to Afghanistan.

The political analysts meanwhile urged the Islamic Emirate to provide proper peace and security in the country in a bid to earn trust of the international community.

“It is necessary for the interim government of Afghanistan to take necessary steps to provide peace, stability and security of the people of Afghanistan, particularly the foreigners inside Afghanistan,” said Najib Rahman Shamal, a political analyst.

“This can have a negative impact on the tourists and many tourists will avoid traveling to Afghanistan because their foreign ministries warned them terrorists’ presence there [Afghanistan],” said Wahid Faqiri, international relations’ analyst.

Earlier, the UK Foreign Office also advised the British citizens to refrain from traveling to Afghanistan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187137

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Australia, Canada suspend UN agency funding after Israeli allegations

January 27, 2024

OTTAWA: Australia and Canada have suspended their funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, after Israel accused several employees of involvement in Hamas’s October 7 attack.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Saturday she was “deeply concerned” by the allegations against the agency, UNRWA.

“We are speaking with partners and will temporarily pause disbursement of recent funding,” she wrote on social media platform X.

“We welcome UNRWA’s immediate response, including terminating contracts and launching an investigation, as well as its recent announcement of a full investigation into allegations against the organization,” she added.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday meanwhile slammed Israeli “threats” against the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

“We ask the UN and the international organizations to not cave in to the threats and blackmail” from Israel, Hamas’s press office said in a post on Telegram.

Canada’s International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen on Friday announced that Ottawa had “temporarily paused any additional funding to UNRWA while it undertakes a thorough investigation into these allegations.”

“Canada is taking these reports extremely seriously and is engaging closely with UNRWA and other donors on this issue,” he wrote on X.

“Should the allegations prove to be accurate, Canada expects UNRWA to immediately act against those determined to have been involved in Hamas’s terrorist attacks.”

The moves come after the United States halted its funding to UNRWA on Friday, saying the allegations were against 12 employees who “may have been involved” in the Hamas attack that triggered the war in Gaza.

UNRWA said on Friday it had sacked several employees accused by Israel of involvement in the October 7 attack.

The head of the agency, Philippe Lazzarini, has vowed to hold “accountable, including through criminal prosecution” any UNRWA employee found to have been involved in “acts of terror.”

UN chief Antonio Guterres has pledged to conduct an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA.”

Wong noted in her statement UNRWA’s “vital, life saving work,” adding it “is providing essential services in Gaza directly to those who need it, with more than 1.4 million Palestinians currently sheltering in its facilities.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2449021/world

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US attacks Yemen after operation against UK tanker in solidarity with Palestinians

27 January 2024

US forces have attacked Yemen, hours after a British oil tanker was struck with a missile and set alight in the Gulf of Aden after transiting the Red Sea.

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had carried out a strike early Saturday morning on a Yemeni “anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea and which was prepared to launch.”

“Forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missile,” it added in a statement published on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

On Friday evening, an oil tanker operated on behalf of the commodities group Trafigura was struck in the Red Sea by a missile, a company spokesperson said in a statement.

Yemen's armed forces have declared US and British ships as legitimate targets after the two countries launched strikes at different locations across the Arab nation in support of Israel. Yemen has been targeting Israeli vessels in solidarity with the Palestinians in order to force Tel Aviv to stop its destructive war on Gaza. 

The Marlin Luanda, a petroleum products tanker vessel, was struck by the missile in the Gulf of Aden. Firefighting equipment on board is being used to suppress a fire in one of the cargo tanks, the spokesperson said.

“We remain in contact with the vessel and are monitoring the situation carefully,” Trafigura, which has offices in Britain, said. “Military ships in the region are underway to provide assistance.”

Trafigura said the vessel is flagged under the Marshall Islands.

Yemeni forces strike British tanker heading towards the occupied territories, in support of Gaza, which is enduring a genocidal US and UK-backed Israeli war.

Yemeni Armed Forces later claimed responsibility for the attack, describing the vessel as a “British oil ship.”

Yemeni forces used a “number of appropriate naval missiles. The strike was direct and resulted in the burning of the vessel,” the Yemeni military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a statement.

Earlier on Friday, Yemeni naval forces fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Yemen towards the USS Carney destroyer in the Gulf of Aden, CENTCOM said.

Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine’s struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory’s Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

The United States and United Kingdom have been carrying out strikes against Yemen after the Biden administration and its allies offered the Tel Aviv regime unqualified support, and said that Yemeni forces bear the consequences of their attacks against Israeli-owned ships or merchant vessels heading to the occupied territories.

The Iranian foreign minister says the Islamic Republic has sternly warned the United States over its decision to launch joint strikes with Britain on Yemen as such attacks constitute “a strategic mistake.”

Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won’t stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed at least 26,083 people and wounded another 64,487 individuals, come to an end.

Leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has said that it is “a great honor and blessing to be confronting America directly.”

The attacks have forced some of the world’s biggest shipping and oil companies to suspend transit through one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

Tankers are instead adding thousands of miles to international shipping routes by sailing around the continent of Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/27/718956/US-strikes-target-in-Yemen-after-British-oil-tanker-hit-by-missile-in-Gulf-of-Aden

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Mideast

 

UN court's ruling puts ‘end to Israel's impunity era’: Palestinian prime minister

Awad Rjoub

27.01.2024

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said the decision Friday by a UN court “confirms the end of Israel's impunity era.”

His comments came in a statement received by Anadolu in response to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision, which ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

“The decision means the end of Israel's impunity era, and it imposes on countries that support Israel to stop supporting and assisting it,” he said. “We had hoped that the court's decision would include an immediate ceasefire, given the severe suffering of our people in the strip, with daily massacres claiming the lives of hundreds, mostly children and women, in addition to the spread of famine and epidemics among those besieged in shelters.”

Shtayyeh said the response to the complaint filed by South Africa carries a “high degree of importance,” as it puts Israel “in the dock as a war criminal, the first time it stands in this capacity before the International Court of Justice.”

He expressed his country's gratitude to South Africa “for its presentation of court files and professional arguments condemning Israel for its crimes against the Palestinian people.”

Shtayyeh also expressed hope that “the court will continue its deliberations until the final decision is issued, condemning Israel for its acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people, unprecedented since World War II.”

The prime minister held Israel “fully responsible for the exacerbation of the catastrophic humanitarian conditions experienced by our people in the region.”

He called for “pressure to be exerted on Israel to compel it to stop its aggression and facilitate the urgent flow of humanitarian aid and relief supplies to the region.”

The ICJ ordered Israel on Friday to take “all measures within its power” to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, but fell short of ordering a cease-fire.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas which Tel Aviv said killed 1,200 people.

At least 26,083 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and 64,487 injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.

The Israeli offensive has left 85% of Gaza’s population internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure was damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/un-courts-ruling-puts-end-to-israels-impunity-era-palestinian-prime-minister-/3120310

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Hezbollah fighters destroy Israeli military surveillance system in 'night of fire'

27 January 2024

Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have targeted and destroyed a surveillance system at an Israeli military outpost, in response to the ongoing Israeli genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

Lebanon’s Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network, citing a Hezbollah statement, reported that the group struck the newly-installed system at an outpost in the town of Zar'it, close to the border with Lebanon, at around 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) on Friday.

The development came shortly after Hezbollah announced in a separate statement that it had launched surface-to-surface Falaq-1 (Dusk-1) missiles, for the first time since the outbreak of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, against Ma'ale Golani barracks in the west part of the occupied Golan Heights.

Lebanese resistance fighters also targeted gatherings of Israeli forces stationed near the Hunin Castle in Margaliot in the northern part of occupied Palestinian territories near the Lebanon border.

Moreover, Hezbollah rained down rockets and anti-tank guided missiles on other Israeli military sites and settlements, including Hanita barracks, Avivim settlement, Doviv settlement, Metula and the Shlomi settlement, for over an hour across the border.

Israeli media described it as a “night of fire.”

These attacks came after the Israeli army launched air raids on several areas against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, including Beit Lif, in which four Hezbollah fighters lost their lives.

The Israeli regime launched its devastating hostilities in the Gaza Strip on October 7 after the territory’s Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

The Israeli military has also been carrying out attacks against the Lebanese territory since then, prompting retaliatory strikes from Lebanon’s resistance movement Hezbollah in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its onslaught on Gaza.

The Israeli campaign in Gaza has killed at least 26,083 people, most of them children and women. Another 64,487 individuals have also been wounded.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/27/718964/Hezbollah-fighters-destroy-Israeli-military-surveillance-system-in-%E2%80%9Cnight-of-fire%E2%80%9D

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Islamic Resistance in Iraq vows to strike more at US-led coalition forces

 January 26, 2024

Baghdad – Iran-allied armed groups vowed Friday to keep up attacks on US-led coalition forces in Iraq, ahead of imminent talks between Washington and Baghdad on the future of the foreign troops in the country.

Washington has forces in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, but after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war the troops have faced frequent attacks, prompting the US to launch retaliatory strikes in Iraq.

The volatile situation has pushed Iraq’s Prime Minister — whose government relies on the support of Iran-aligned parties — to call for the coalition to leave.

The United States and Iraq announced Thursday that discussions on the troops were set to start, with Baghdad expecting them to lead to a timeline for reducing the forces.

In a statement on Telegram, the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq”, a loose alliance of Iran-linked groups that oppose US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, said that American agreement to hold the talks was “an attempt to reshuffle the cards… and buy time”.

“The Islamic Resistance’s response will be to continue its operations… against the foreign presence… until their true intentions and the seriousness of their commitment to withdraw their forces are proven”, the group said.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday that Washington and Baghdad had agreed to form working groups that would eventually lead to formulating “a specific and clear timeline… and to begin the gradual reduction of its (the coalition’s) advisers on Iraqi soil”.

The ministry said the timeline would be contingent on evaluating the “threat posed by IS and its danger” as well as the “reinforcement of the capacities of the Iraqi security forces”.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told journalists on Thursday that the US military footprint in Iraq “will certainly be part of the conversations as it goes forward”.

Earlier, a senior US defence official had said the upcoming meetings would not be a negotiation on the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq, but said Washington “sees a need to transition to a normal bilateral security cooperation relationship”.

There are roughly 2,500 US troops deployed in Iraq and about 900 in Syria as part of the anti-IS coalition formed in 2014 — the year the jihadist group overran around a third of Iraq.

Source: iraqinews.com

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https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/islamic-resistance-in-iraq-vows-to-strike-more-at-us-led-coalition-forces/

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‘Islamic Nations’ Unity Vital To Bolster Palestine Humanitarian Front’: Turkish Parliament Speaker

JAN 26, 2024

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş on Thursday called for enhanced unity among Islamic countries to strengthen the humanitarian front for Palestine.

Kurtulmuş received Hayef Al Mutairi, chair of the Kuwait-Türkiye Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group of Kuwait's National Assembly, and the accompanying delegation in the capital Ankara.

Kurtulmuş said the Turkish and Kuwaiti people are friendly and highlighted the fraternal ties between the two nations.

He appreciated increased contacts between the friendship groups of both Parliaments to enhance bilateral ties.

He stressed the need for urgent aid delivery to Gaza, where Israeli attacks since the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion has killed nearly 26,000 people, and to achieve a cease-fire.

Kurtulmuş also conveyed his condolences on the passing of the late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, and expressed hope for improved relations with the formation of the new government in the Gulf country.

He stressed the importance of increasing, developing and strengthening relations in all areas between Türkiye's Parliament and the Kuwaiti National Assembly.

Al Mutairi, for his part, expressed his appreciation for Türkiye's political stance on the Palestinian cause. He expressed the desire for increased cooperation among Islamic countries, highlighting the importance of relations with Türkiye in various fields, including the economy, and hoped to see more Turkish investors in Kuwait.

The Turkish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee Chairperson Fuat Oktay also met the Kuwaiti delegation.

Since the beginning of the conflict in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, Ankara has devoted a significant part of its efforts to stopping Israeli attacks on the besieged enclave and achieving lasting peace.

Emphasizing the necessity of a cease-fire and two-state solution in his bilateral meetings, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan drew attention to his international initiatives with counterparts in the Contact Group, formed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League.

The group, made up of officials from Türkiye, Palestine, Egypt, Indonesia, Qatar, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, aims to mobilize the international community by initiating the solution process as soon as possible and stopping the bloodshed in Gaza.

Fidan also raised Türkiye’s proposal for a guarantor system to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Source: dailysabah.com

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https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/islamic-nations-unity-vital-to-bolster-palestine-humanitarian-front

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Unity of Muslims to increase capabilities of Islamic World

Jan 26, 2024

TEHRAN, Jan. 26 (MNA) – Iran's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ali-Reza Enayati has said that the unity among the Muslims and the solidarity among the Islamic countries will lead to growing the capabilities of the Islamic World.

Islamic centers and scholars of Islam can play a leading role in strengthening the position of Islam in the global equations, Enayati said in a meeting held in Riyadh with Secretary General of Muslim World League Mohammed Al-Issa, IRNA reported on Friday.

The meeting among the Islamic scholars would make the viewpoints come closer, the ambassador noted.

For his part, Al-Issa stressed the importance of fostering solidarity despite the variety of religions.

In the meeting, the two sides said deepening of religious, cultural, and scientific cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Saudi Arabia would be effective in the solidarity of the Islamic World.

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211315/Unity-of-Muslims-to-increase-capabilities-of-Islamic-World

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Iran FM congratulates South Africa success in ICJ

Jan 26, 2024

TEHRAN, Jan. 26 (MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has in a message congratulated South Africa on its diplomatic success in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

I congratulate South Africa's success in the International Court of Justice in filing a complaint against the Zionist regime to the government and people of South Africa, the Palestinian people and Mrs. Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of this country, Amir-Abdollahian wrote on his Twitter account on Friday.

Once again, I emphasize Iran's support for the initiative of the South African government, he added.

Today, the officials of the fake Israeli regime are the most hated people in the world's public opinion, who must be brought to justice immediately for committing genocide and unprecedented war crimes against the Palestinians, he noted.

The White House's all-out support for the Zionists' crimes will never be forgotten and is the subject of attention by public opinion, he stated.

I urge all my counterparts in the world to support the action of South Africa in the International Court of Justice, he stressed.

Source: mehrnews.com

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Netanyahu's diplomatic fallout: Israel faces regional crisis with Egypt, Qatar, Jordan: Report

Abdelraouf Arnaout

27.01.2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed his government into a regional crisis as evidenced by strained relations with Egypt, Qatar and Jordan.

It is attributed to his policies, which the opposition claims are putting "Israel in danger."

Netanyahu's crises with the three regional key countries began to dominate headlines in Israeli media in the last 24 hours.

Egypt

Israeli political analyst Itamar Eichner revealed Wednesday that Netanyahu attempted to call Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, only to be refused.

''Apparently, Netanyahu made the call through the National Security Council, but the Egyptians chose not to accept it,'' Eichner wrote in the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

''The Prime Minister's office tried to play things down, claiming the call will be made at a later time,'' he said. ''The failed phone call attempt by Netanyahu could be related to recent tensions from the Egyptian side, increasingly agitated by Israeli statements regarding the Philadelphia Corridor.”

The Corridor is a narrow strip within the Gaza Strip, extending 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) along the border between the enclave and Egypt.

Under the 1979 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, the route is a demilitarized zone that was under Israeli control before Tel Aviv withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005.

Netanyahu repeatedly said in previous weeks that the Corridor area must be under Israel's control.

Egypt warned Israel earlier this week that any military takeover of the Corridor would damage relations between Cairo and Tel Aviv.

The Maariv newspaper said Thursday that the war in Gaza poses difficult challenges for Israeli-Egyptian relations.

The challenges are Egypt's concern about the influx of Palestinians from Gaza into the Sinai Peninsula, delivering humanitarian aid from Egypt to Gaza via the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings and control over the Corridor.

Qatar

A leaked recording of Netanyahu on Wednesday during a meeting with the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza revealed that he criticized Doha’s mediation efforts between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, aimed at securing the release of the remaining hostages.

Netanyahu's remarks prompted a sharp response from Doha. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari wrote on X: ''We are appalled by the alleged remarks attributed to the Israeli prime minister in various media reports about Qatar’s mediation role.''

''These remarks, if validated, are irresponsible and destructive to the efforts to save innocent lives, but are not surprising,'' he added.

Close associates of Netanyahu attempted to place the responsibility for the leaked recording on the families of the hostages, a claim strongly denied by the families.

"All conversations that take place in meetings with the Prime Minister are recorded by his office and his associates present at the meeting,'' Haim Rubinstein, a spokesperson for the families, responded in a statement.

''The families participating in the meeting had their phones taken at the entrance,'' said Rubinstein.

The spokesperson termed the leak as a ''grave issue that indicates a loss of control.''

Jordan

Netanyahu's crisis did not spare the eastern neighbor, Jordan, as Israel said it is considering a decision not to extend a water agreement with Jordan due to Amman’s criticism of the deadly Israeli military offensive against the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media on Thursday.

''The Energy Ministry is looking into a decision not to extend the water agreement with Jordan over anti-Israel statements from senior Jordanian officials,'' said public broadcaster, KAN.

Jordan and Israel have an agreement that sees the Arab nation purchasing 50 million cubic meters of water from Tel Aviv under a 1994 peace agreement.

In 2021, the two countries signed an agreement allowing Amman to purchase an additional 50 million cubic meters of water from Israel in exchange for electricity production from Amman to Tel Aviv.

''A final decision has not yet been taken,'' said KAN. ''The issue depends on the development of relations with Jordan and how the Jordanians will express their position on the war in the near future.''

The website, YNET, noted Thursday that Netanyahu is in disagreement with two key mediators, Qatar and Egypt, amid negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages.

It emphasized that relations with Doha and Cairo are of the utmost importance for reaching a deal with Hamas to release the hostages.

Israel has launched a deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, killing at least 25,700 Palestinians and injuring 63,740 others. Nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.

The Israeli war has left 85% of Gaza’s population internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while more than half of the enclave’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/netanyahus-diplomatic-fallout-israel-faces-regional-crisis-with-egypt-qatar-jordan-report/3120272

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Erdogan hopes ICJ ruling can help halt genocide

 2024-01-27

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday he hoped a UN court ruling that Israel must prevent acts of genocide in Gaza will halt “inhumane” attacks against civilians.

“I find the interim injunction decision taken by the International Court of Justice regarding the inhumane attacks in Gaza valuable and welcome it,” Erdogan said in a social media statement.

“We hope that Israel’s attacks against women, children and the elderly will come to an end,” he said, adding that Turkey would continue trying to “establish a ceasefire and ensure the path to permanent peace”.

Erdogan has emerged as one of the Muslim world’s harshest critics of Israel for the massive toll of its reprisal campaign against Hamas, who staged an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40285980/erdogan-hopes-icj-ruling-can-help-halt-genocide

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Southeast Asia

 

PM Anwar: Malaysia stands with Palestine, welcomes ICJ decision on genocide against Israel

27 Jan 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — Malaysia welcomes the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case initiated by South Africa against Israel concerning the application of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

He added that Malaysia also hopes to see Palestine accepted as a full member in the United Nations.

“Although according to the friends from Palestine, it is not completely in its favour, it is clear that the ICJ's position condemns the attack and insists that the attack be stopped and that humanitarian aid be urgently provided,” he told reporters after officiating at Zoo Negara’s 60th anniversary celebration here.

He said Malaysia will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East, but stressed that his government is fully committed to speak up for the rights of the Palestinian people.

He noted that the ICJ decision yesterday did not specify a ceasefire.

South Africa went to the ICJ and accused Israel of committing genocide last December after weeks of an all-out armed assault on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

On January 12, the ICJ ordered Israel to comply with obligations under the Genocide Convention to stop inciting its people to commit genocide against Palestinians, and suspend its military from taking armed action resulting in the same.

The world court said Israel must stop destroying evidence related to genocide and instead preserve all materials and submit a comprehensive report that details all measures taken to implement the order within one month from its ruling.

The ICJ also ordered Israel to take responsibility to facilitate the provision of essential services and humanitarian aid to alleviate the challenging living conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Moreover, Israel must hinder the destruction of evidence and guarantee the preservation of materials related to allegations of genocide.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/01/27/pm-anwar-malaysia-stands-with-palestine-welcomes-icj-decision-on-genocide-against-israel/114891

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Philippine troops kill nine Islamist militants, including two linked to Catholic Mass bombing

27 Jan 2024

MANILA, Jan 27 ― Government troops killed nine members of a pro-Islamic State group in the southern Philippines, the military said today, including two suspects in a deadly blast at a Catholic Mass last month.

Four soldiers were wounded during Thursday and yesterday’s counter terrorism operation in the Lanao del Sur province, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a statement, but all are in stable condition.

Those killed were members of Daulah Islamiyah, the AFP said, a pro-Islamic State militant group that took control of the southern Marawi city in 2017 and held it through five months of ground offensives and air strikes by the military.

Among those killed were the two named suspects in the December 3 bombing in a university gymnasium in Marawi that killed at least four people and injured 50 others.

“The precision and unwavering dedication exhibited in this operation ... delivered swift and decisive justice for the victims of the despicable attack,” Military chief Romeo Brawner said in a statement.

“This operation sets a clear precedent: the AFP will not tolerate those who endanger the lives and well-being of our people,” Brawner said. ― Reuters

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/01/27/philippine-troops-kill-nine-islamist-militants-including-two-linked-to-catholic-mass-bombing/114905

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Israel must comply with the ICJ decision: Foreign Ministry

 January 27, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry urged Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice's (ICJ's) decision to prevent genocide acts against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip that led to at least 26 thousand being killed.

"Even though the ICJ's decision has not fulfilled the expectations of many parties regarding the importance of ending Israeli aggression in Palestine, this decision is still an important development for the enforcement of international law," as quoted from the ministry's account on social media, X, on Saturday.

In the verdict hearing that took place in The Hague, Netherlands, on Friday (January 26), the ICJ also decided that Israel must ensure that its troops do not commit genocide and take several steps to improve the humanitarian situation.

Moreover, the ICJ ordered Israel to report to the court within a month regarding their efforts to uphold the results of the trial's decision.

The court did not order a ceasefire but granted several emergency measures requested by South Africa, as it hears a case accusing Israel of genocide.

Responding to the verdict, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his "sacred commitment" to continue to defend his country and his people.

“Israel's commitment to international law is unwavering. We will uphold our commitment to defend our country and our people," he noted in a television speech.

He claims that the war, which has been ongoing since the cross-border attack carried out by the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on October 7, 2023, is against the Hamas group, not against Palestinian civilians.

However, until now, Israeli aggression in Palestine has killed at least 26 thousand Palestinians, mostly women and children, while 63 thousand others were injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Israel's aggression has also displaced 85 percent of Gaza's population amid shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60 percent of the infrastructure in the enclave had been damaged or destroyed, according to the United Nations.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated on Friday that he firmly opposed Netanyahu's statement regarding the absence of a future for a two-state solution to resolve the conflict between Palestine and Israel.

Source: antaranews.com

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/304221/israel-must-comply-with-the-icj-decision-foreign-ministry?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_news

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Netanyahu's stance on Palestinian statehood unacceptable: Widodo

 January 26, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance against the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is unacceptable.

"I firmly reject Israeli PM Netanyahu's opposition to the actualization of the two-state solution," he stated during a press conference, which was followed online from Jakarta on Friday.

He also fiercely condemned Israel's attack on a refugee camp in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, which claimed lives and left dozens of innocent civilians injured.

"Israel has committed too many violations of international law," he stressed.

He said he had received a report from Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, who attended the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on Gaza issues in New York, the United States.

During the debate, Marsudi conveyed Indonesia's strong rejection of Netanyahu's statement.

"Prior to Minister Marsudi's departure for New York, I asked her to continue to echo Indonesia's firm voice in supporting Palestinians' struggle for independence," Widodo said.

He further emphasized that Indonesia will never allow Israeli vessels to enter its waters.

"I would like to once again affirm that no ports in Indonesia will accommodate Israel's interests," he reiterated.

Earlier on Sunday (January 21, 2024), Netanyahu released a video in which he rejected a US call for creating post-war scenarios that involve measures for establishing a Palestinian state.

He stated that the establishment of an independent state of Palestine would threaten the existence of Israel.

Netanyahu's statement sparked condemnation from a number of parties, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said that Israel's opposition to Palestinian statehood is unacceptable.

He also emphasized that all parties must respect and recognize the self-determination right of the Palestinian nation.

Source: antaranews.com

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/304140/netanyahus-stance-on-palestinian-statehood-unacceptable-widodo

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PM Anwar's Madani framework will make Malaysia more resilient with strong fiscal position - economists

27 Jan 2024

 THE Madani framework embarked by the government would enable Malaysia to become more resilient, competitive and agile in a few years to come, with strong fiscal position that would enable the government to have the financial muscle to devise development programmes more effectively, economists said.

Under the framework mooted by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the government will focus on the problem-solving process and values to build good morals in building a better society through six pillars, namely sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.

In line with the focus, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid believed that transparency and fairness in government dealings would create trust and confidence in the rakyat.

“The Madani concept has set the stage for economic reforms. Since it was launched, there have been several policy announcements such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (MTR 12MP) and Budget 2024.

”The government has launched the Central Database Hub (PADU) in early January 2024, while the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act has also been approved by Parliament in October last year,” he told Bernama.

In that sense, he opined that the present administration has demonstrated its commitment to ensure that the economy would be more competitive and financially disciplined.

“I suppose it is now about execution and (we will) be able to see the desirable outcome,” he pointed out.

Anwar introduced the concept of Malaysia Madani on Jan 19, 2023, an initiative that is inclusive of all groups and races, to restore the country’s dignity and glory on the world stage as well as aiming to propel the nation towards development and prosperity.

Touching on the NETR, Mohd Afzanizam said the roadmap essentially talks about energy transition which would certainly open up new opportunities for businesses to thrive as the country transforms towards a greener economy.

“Along the way, there will be a need for capacity building such as the availability of a highly skilled workforce and employing advanced technology in the production processes.

"All these would require massive investments, in which foreign investors will assess Malaysia accordingly and would put their money after completing their due diligence,” he said.

He noted that these documents would serve as important information for investors to form their opinions before committing their investments.

More importantly, he said the government needs to strategically communicate all the initiatives to the rakyat and should mobilise its machinery, at the federal or state level.

“It also needs to showcase its progress report... let's say every quarterly. That way, we can see the outcome,” he said.

Echoing similar thoughts, Malaysia University of Science and Technology economics professor Geoffrey Williams said civil servants need to be retrained from their old-fashioned way of thinking into an efficient and smarter way of mobilising the MADANI concept, making it a success for the whole nation.

He opined that the Madani framework would be significant in changing the way people think, but it must be embedded into policy designs and practices that require changes and speed in implementation.

“Nevertheless, we have started to see a change in approach to the economy under the MADANI framework with better fiscal management, a stronger focus on cutting wastage, leakages and corruption, and an emphasis on structural reforms,” he noted.

On taxes, Williams believed that Malaysia needs a fresh new look at taxes and a plan to reform taxes during the rest of the parliamentary sittings in search of fiscal headroom.

“Reducing taxes is always better than increasing taxes, but the government has inherited a very inefficient tax system built up over time with ad hoc taxes based on old-style thinking,” he said.

On Jan 16,  Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the government had agreed to exempt the imposition of capital gains tax (CGT) as well as taxes on foreign sourced income (FSI) on unit trusts, with the exemption on CGT effective from Jan 1, 2024, until Dec 31, 2028, while the exemption on FSI is effective from Jan 1, 2024, until Dec 31, 2026.

"Given that more than 90 per cent of unit trust holders are individuals, the government will continue to make capital market investments in Malaysia rakyat-friendly," he said. - Bernama, January 27, 2024

Source: thevibes.com

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https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/100816/pm-anwars-madani-framework-will-make-malaysia-more-resilient-with-strong-fiscal-position-economists

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Africa

 

ICJ ruling vindicated us: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa after UN court's decision in genocide case

 27.01.24

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the International Court of Justice's ruling has vindicated South Africa's unprecedented decision to charge Israel of genocide during its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza and marked an important first step in its quest to secure justice for the Palestinians.

The top UN court on Friday stopped short of ordering a ceasefire in Gaza but demanded that Israel try to contain death and damage in its military offensive. South Africa, which brought the case, had asked for the court to order Israel to halt its military operations against Hamas militants.

The top UN Court court decided not to throw out genocide charges against Israel for its military offensive in Gaza, as part of a preliminary decision in the case.

In a national TV broadcast on Friday evening, Ramaphosa said the ruling of the International Court of Justice is "a victory for international law, for human rights, and above all, for justice".

"The court has concluded that pursuant to Article 9 of the (1948 Genocide) Convention, it has jurisdiction to adjudicate our application. The effect of the order that the ICJ has granted today is that there is a plausible case of genocide. This follows the unprecedented action taken by South Africa to take another country to the International Court of Justice," he said.

The president said the ICJ ruling marked an important first step in South Africa's quest to secure justice for the people of Gaza.

"Some have told us to mind our own business. Others have said it was not our place. And yet it is very much our place, as people who know too well the pain of dispossession, discrimination, and state-sponsored violence.

"We are also a people who were the victims of the crime of apartheid. We know what apartheid looks like. We experienced and lived through it. Sadly, many people died and were exiled like our beloved leader Oliver Tambo and others, others were jailed, like the father of our democracy (Nelson Mandela) and others were maimed," Ramaphosa said.

He said, "We, as South Africans, will not be passive bystanders and watch the crimes that were visited upon us being perpetrated elsewhere. We stand on the side of freedom for all. We stand on the side of justice." The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7 after Hamas' attack in which around 1,200 Israelis were killed.

Since then, Israel has been continuously attacking Gaza with the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressing that they will continue its war till victory is achieved despite “international pressure”.

Since Israel started bombarding the Gaza strip, some 26,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza health authority.

Paraphrasing a statement by Nelson Mandela made 30 years ago when he was elected South Africa's first democratically elected president, Ramaphosa said, "We say again today, never, never and never again shall it be that acts of genocide are perpetrated with impunity as we, the international community look on." The president said he firmly believed that following this judgment there should now be a more concerted effort towards a ceasefire.

"Negotiations should commence on a permanent two-state solution, to enable Israel and Palestine to live side by side as independent states," he said as he thanked those in the international community who had supported South Africa’s application to the ICJ.

"We will not waver in our commitment to the Palestinian people and their quest for self-determination. Our own painful history obliges us to do no less. We thank the International Court of Justice for upholding its role of achieving justice, promoting peace, preventing genocide and holding those guilty of genocide accountable," Ramaphosa said.

South Africa filed the ICJ application on December 29 last year, arguing that Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The ICJ, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, handed down a ruling that Israel should immediately implement a set of provisional measures to prevent any further acts of genocide in Gaza, desist from such acts, and take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence relating to acts of genocide.

"As the South African Government, we welcome the decision of the ICJ. We note the court's statement that it is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering and that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is at serious risk of deteriorating further before the court renders its final judgement.

"This order is binding on Israel, and must be respected by all states that are party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide," Ramaphosa said in a veiled reference to the US, UK and other countries who are supporting Israel.

"We expect Israel as a self-proclaimed democracy and a state that respects the rule of law to abide by the measures handed down by the International Court of Justice," the South African President said.

After more than half a century of occupation, dispossession, oppression and apartheid, the Palestinian people's cries for justice have been heeded by an eminent organ of the United Nations, Ramaphosa concluded.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Friday criticised the World Court's order, calling it “outrageous”.

“Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas, a genocidal terror organisation,” Netanyahu said in a message from Jerusalem.

He stressed that Israel's commitment to international law is unwavering.

"Equally unwavering is our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and defend our people. Like every country, Israel has an inherent right to defend itself," he said.

“The vile attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right is blatant discrimination against the Jewish state, and it was justly rejected. The charge of genocide levelled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it,” Netanyahu said.

“We will continue to do what is necessary to defend our country and defend our people,” Netanyahu said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/international-court-of-justice-ruling-vindicated-us-south-african-president-cyril-ramaphosa-after-united-nations-courts-decision-in-genocide-case/cid/1996438

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Kenya: pro-Palestine protesters targeted by police

26 Jan 2024

Human rights activists in Kenya who held a protest in solidarity with Palestinians on Thursday were hit with teargas by police in Nairobi.

The protest in the Kenyan capital, which reportedly had been given permission via permit, was dispersed by police and some of the activists were arrested.

Lali Yusuf, one of the protesters, said the protest in Nairobi had been given permission via permit, but that they "were targeted with tear gas and threatening by the police and some of our colleagues have been arrested."

The protest came as the German foreign minister was in the country during a four-day tour of Africa.

Germany is a strong supporter of Israel's military operations in Gaza and is set to intervene in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Over 25,700 people have been reported killed and another 63,000 wounded in Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas militants which killed 1,200 people.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/01/25/kenya-pro-palestine-protesters-targeted-by-police/

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Nigeria ; Nine arrested after deadly clashes in Plateau state

26 Jan 2024

Police in Plateau state, central Nigeria, have arrested nine individuals linked to renewed attacks in the Mangu area. Over the past two days, at least 50 people lost their lives in communal clashes.

On Wednesday, armed men targeted villages near Mangu town, following confrontations between two rival ethnic groups that saw mosques and churches set ablaze the previous day.

General Edward Buba, spokesperson for the Nigerian military, confirmed the deployment of special forces to hot spots in the state to contain the situation.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/01/26/nigeria-nine-arrested-after-deadly-clashes-in-plateau-state/

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DRC rebel group kills at least 19 people in attack on eastern town

26 Jan 2024

At least 19 people were killed when rebels attacked a town in Congo’s North Kivu province, the army said late Thursday (Jan. 25).

The rebels shelled the town of Mweso, where they “indiscriminately dropped mortar bombs,” which also injured 27 other civilians, army spokesman Lt. Col. Guillaume N’djike Kaïko said in a statement read on state television.

The town's streets were empty Thursday evening, after most of its residents took refuge in the Mweso General Hospital, Kaïko added.

The army blamed the attack on the M23 rebel group, which rose to prominence 10 years ago when its fighters seized Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city on the border with Rwanda. Its name refers to a March 23, 2009, peace deal, which it accuses the government of not implementing.

There was no response from the group to the accusation.

U.N. experts warned last year that attacks by M23 fighters have become more frequent, longer and stronger, and that territory under the group’s control “significantly increased,” causing massive displacement of civilians and indiscriminate shelling. M23 combatants also “deliberately killed civilians” and attacked U.N. peacekeeping troops.

Fighting in eastern Congo has been simmering for decades as more than 120 groups fight for power, land and valuable mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities.

The security crisis was a key issue in Congo's recent presidential election, in which Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi was reelected with a promise to end the violence.

Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of destabilizing Congo by backing the M23 rebels. U.N. experts have linked the rebels to Rwandan forces, though Rwanda denies supporting them.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/01/26/drc-rebel-group-kills-at-least-19-people-in-attack-on-eastern-town/

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Arab World

 

Saudi foreign ministry welcomes ICJ ruling on Gaza

January 26, 2024

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s welcoming of a preliminary decision issued by the International Court of Justice on Friday, which aimed to stop any practices and statements aimed at genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

The UN’s top court, which issued an interim ruling in a case brought by South Africa against Israel last year, stopped short of ordering a ceasefire in the enclave, but demanded that Israel attempted to limit deaths and damage caused by its military offensive there.

The foreign ministry expressed the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the practices of the Israeli occupation and violations of the UN Convention on Genocide.

The ministry also praised the efforts of South Africa and stressed the importance of the international community taking further measures to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, providing protection for the Palestinian people, and holding the Israeli occupation forces accountable for any violations of international law.

Elsewhere in the Arab world, Qatar’s foreign ministry “welcomed the provisional measures” ordered by the ICJ, calling them a “victory for humanity... and international justice.”

Kuwait welcomed an “important step” in the conflict, emphasising the “imperative” for Israel to “respect this decision as well as the principles of international law, humanitarian law and UN resolutions,” according to a foreign ministry press release.

The UAE also welcomed the ICJ’s preliminary rulings and reaffirmed the importance of providing protection for civilians, and ensuring the entry and delivery of humanitarian and relief aid urgently, sustainably and without impediment.

Through a foreign affairs ministry statement, the UAE also reiterated the importance of achieving the two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state.

Source: arabnews.com

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Muslim, Arab groups welcome World Court preliminary ruling on Israel

January 27, 2024

RIYADH: International Muslim organizations and Arab countries welcomed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) preliminary ruling in which the Hague-based judicial body dealt an overwhelming rebuke of Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

While stopping short of ordering Israel to stop its operation, as sought by South Africa in the case that it filed, a majority of the 17-person ICJ panel demanded that Israel strive to limit deaths and damage caused by its military offensive.

“The International Court of Justice’s verdict is in line with international laws and treaties related to the protection of innocent civilians,” Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohammad Albudaiwi said in a statement.

Albudaiwi said Israel had violated the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide “by targeting civilian institutions and hospitals, which led to the killing and injury of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip.”

As of Friday, the Israeli offensive has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, destroyed much of Gaza, and driven nearly 85 percent of its 2.3 million people from their homes, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which groups 57 Muslim states worldwide, stressed that the ruling seeks "to prevent more genocidal acts and statements against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.”

In a statement, the OIC called on all parties concerned “to ensure Israel’s complete and immediate abidance by the ICJ ruling.”

ALSO READ: What is the genocide case against Israel at top UN court?

It also urged the international community "to shoulder its responsibilities and provide protection for the Palestinian people.”

In a separate statement, the Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL) also stressed the need for continued efforts by the international community to stop the war and destruction, ensure the protection of innocent civilians in Gaza, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance into the enclave.

The ICJ ruling is only an interim one and analysts say it could take years for the full case brought by South Africa to be considered.

Israel rejected the ruling, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to press ahead with the war. “We will continue to do what is necessary to defend our country and defend our people,” he said on television.

Israeli officials told the ICJ panel that the offensive was only meant to go after Hamas militants and not the Palestinian people as a whole.

The Israeli offensive was in response to the so-called “Al-Aqsa Flood” of October 27, in which some 3,000 Hamas commandoes breached the Gaza–Israel barrier and attacked Israeli communities and military bases along the border.

Israeli authorities have placed the total number of casualties in that attack at 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals killed, including 766 civilians and 373 security forces.

Hamas attackers also took some 250 civilian and military hostages, some of them foreigners who came to attend a music festival in southern Israel and the rest contract workers.

Source: arabnews.com

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Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalate Red Sea attacks, hit Trafigura fuel tanker

January 27, 2024

Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Friday stepped up attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea, including a hit that sparked a fire on a fuel tanker operated on behalf of trading firm Trafigura.

Trafigura said a missile struck the fuel tanker Marlin Luanda as it transited the Red Sea. The tanker was carrying Russian naphtha purchased below the price cap in line with G7 sanctions, a Trafigura spokesperson said, Reuters reported.

Firefighting equipment on board was being deployed to suppress and control a fire in one cargo tank on the starboard side, the company said in an emailed statement.

“We remain in contact with the vessel and are monitoring the situation carefully,” it said, adding military ships were underway to provide assistance.

Attacks by Houthi rebels have primarily targeted container vessels moving through the Red Sea. Many oil tankers have kept using the route.

On Friday, vessel Free Spirit, chartered by Vitol to carry crude oil, did a U-turn before reaching the Gulf of Aden, shortly after the attack on the Marlin Luanda, according to data from LSEG.

A representative for Vitol did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency and British maritime security firm Ambrey said they had received reports of vessels being struck in the Red Sea near Yemen’s Aden and a fire breaking out aboard.

The Houthi military spokesperson said naval forces carried out an operation targeting the “British” tanker Marlin Luanda in the Gulf of Aden, causing a fire to break out.

UKMTO received a report of an incident approximately 60 nautical miles south east of Aden where “a vessel has been struck by a missile and remains on fire.” Crew members were reportedly safe.

“Coalition Warships are in attendance and supporting the vessel,” UKMTO added.

Ambrey also said it was aware of an incident 55 miles (88.5 kilometres) southeast of Aden where a fire broke out after a merchant vessel was hit by a “missile”.

Earlier, UKMTO reported an incident in which two missiles exploded in waters near a ship off the port of Aden and another one 60 nautical miles off Yemen’s Hodeidah port.

It was unclear if one of those vessels was the Marlin Luanda.

The U.S. military said in a statement it shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, adding there were no injuries or damage.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched waves of exploding drones and missiles at vessels since Nov. 19, in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Some shipping companies have suspended transits through the Red Sea and taken much longer, costlier journeys around Africa.

U.S. and British warplanes, ships and submarines have launched dozens of retaliatory air strikes across Yemen against Houthi forces.

Source: ariananews.af

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Massive protest staged in Yemen to show support for Palestine

Jan 27, 2024

TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (MNA) – Tens of thousands of Yemenis who support the Ansarullah Movement, protested Friday in solidarity with Palestinians, rejecting US-British sanctions on Ansarullah senior officials and denouncing airstrikes on northern Yemen.

Participants waved Palestinian-Yemeni flags, held placards with images of Ansarullah leaders, and chanted slogans against the United States and Israel.

Hatem al-Mahaqri, a protester, said they came to stand by the oppressed people in Gaza and share their suffering. "Our participation shows our steadfast position on the Palestinian issue and our brothers in Gaza."

Earlier Friday, Yahya Sarea, the military spokesman for Yemen's armed forces, said in a statement that their naval forces fired several missiles at a British oil tanker, Marlin Luanda, in the Gulf of Aden, causing a fire.

Over the past month, the forces and Yemen's Ansarullah popular Resistance movement have been staging many such strikes against Israeli vessels or those bound for the occupied Palestinian territories' ports.

The operations have been described as a response to the October 7, 2023-present war and siege that the Israeli regime has been waging against Gaza following an operation carried out by the Palestinian territory's Resistance movements.

More than 26,000 Palestinians, some 70 percent of whom are women, children, and adolescents, have been killed in the brutal onslaught so far, while upwards of 64,100 others have been injured.

Saree said the forces would continue their operations "until the aggression is stopped and food and medicine are allowed [to flow towards] the besieged Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip."

The United States and the UK have also conducted several missile attacks against Yemeni targets in response to the Yemeni strikes.

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211333/Massive-protest-staged-in-Yemen-to-show-support-for-Palestine

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Europe

 

World should use ICJ decision to step up pressure on Israel: Greek Palestinian community leader

Ahmet Gencturk 

27.01.2024

The world should use the provisional ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to increase pressure on Israel to reach a lasting and just peace with Palestinians, the president of the Palestinian Community in Greece said on Friday.

Speaking to Anadolu, Mohammed al-Sayyed drew attention to the fact that world court's decision earlier on Friday, which orders Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, is the first time the ICJ "made a decision that Israel is accountable for what it is doing in Gaza."

Though the ICJ’s provisional ruling stopped short of ordering a cease-fire in Gaza, the first of South Africa's nine demands when it brought the case to the ICJ in late December, it is significant that the court confirmed and informed the world of Israel's atrocities in Gaza, added al-Sayyed.

"The president of the judges read the full list of accusations against Israel, using extracts from the UN general secretary, from the World Health Organization, and from many other international organizations which exposed Israel's criminal acts in Gaza," al-Sayyed remarked.

"Namely, the court told the world that Israel is doing criminal things in Gaza, including displacing Palestinians, causing starvation — hunger and starvation."

Against this background, he said, the international community should take from where the ICJ left off, which is pressing Israel for an immediate cease-fire as a first step.

According to al-Sayyed, the ruling is a defeat for Israel for three major reasons.

First of all, he said, despite massive pressure, the court rejected to drop the case brought by South Africa.

"To put Israel in front of international court and tell them, 'you are responsible for actions in Gaza,' and urging them to stop the killing, protect civilians and open humanitarian corridors, is something."

"And thirdly, not less importantly, it opened the eyes of people who have been hesitant on which side they should stand for," al-Sayyed remarked, adding that the ruling was also a big win for humanity.

He emphasized that the court's ruling would give a new impetus for a permanent and just solution of the long-lasting dispute between Israel and Palestinians.

Calling Israel an "apartheid state," Al-Sayyed said Palestinians would use the ruling as an opportunity to raise awareness of the atrocities Tel Aviv has been committing against them and to demand a permanent solution that includes their "right to return to their ancestral homeland."

"And the world, which has many other problems such as climate-change, pollution and other ongoing bloody armed conflicts in its different parts, should promptly and constantly push Israel until it finally accepts to restore all rights of Palestinians,” al-Sayyed also said.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/world-should-use-icj-decision-to-step-up-pressure-on-israel-greek-palestinian-community-leader/3120296

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Police arrest man after hostage situation in Germany

27 Jan 2024

BERLIN, Jan 27 — German police said yesterday they had arrested a man as he allegedly attempted to flee with a hostage from a store in the Ulm city centre.

Contacted by AFP, a police spokesman in the southwestern city declined to give details about the hostage or the possible motivation behind the incident.

“At 8.20pm (1920 GMT) the male and armed perpetrator left the building with a hostage and fled,” Ulm police said in a statement.

Police fired shots and apprehended the suspect, while the hostage remained unharmed, authorities said.

The hostage situation began around 6.45pm, police said.

An area around the square and the city’s main landmark, the Ulm Minster church, were subsequently closed off.

According to reports by local media, the hostage situation took place in a Starbucks franchise.

Last year, the Hamburg airport was closed after a man took his four-year-old daughter hostage and barricaded himself in his car on the tarmac. — AFP

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/01/27/police-arrest-man-after-hostage-situation-in-germany/114857

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Denmark provides $2.2 million aid to Afghanistan

Fidel Rahmati

January 26, 2024

Following Denmark’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, the United Nations Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced that this country has provided a contribution of $2.2 million to Afghanistan.

OCHA reported this on Thursday, January 25th, on its social media platform X, stating that Denmark has added the equivalent of $2.2 million US dollars to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, which is aimed at supporting life-saving activities.

Furthermore, OCHA added that Denmark has contributed a total of 236.4 million Danish Kroner, equivalent to $36.4 million US dollars, to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund since 2015.

Prior to this announcement, the United Nations’ Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund had disclosed that Denmark had contributed $6.2 million to support the people of Afghanistan, with a particular focus on empowering women and girls.

These contributions come at a time when several aid organizations and agencies had previously warned about the increasing poverty and needs of the people in Afghanistan.

Since the political landscape changed in the country in August 2021, the people have been facing a severe humanitarian crisis.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/denmark-provides-2-2-million-aid-to-afghanistan/

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Sweden won’t negotiate with Hungary on NATO: PM

January 26, 2024

STOCKHOLM: Sweden will not negotiate with Hungary over its application to join NATO, which Budapest is the sole member of the alliance to yet ratify, Swedish Prime Minster Ulf Kristersson said on Friday.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, however, said he now expected Hungary’s parliament to give a green light at the end of next month.

Sweden, along with Finland, applied to join the alliance in 2022.

But its membership has been held up by Turkiye and Hungary, leaving the country in limbo and frustrating NATO allies, who see Sweden as a key player in ensuring security in the Baltic region.

Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed Sweden’s accession documents on Thursday, leaving Hungary as the last holdout.

The Swedish and Hungarian prime ministers will meet at the European Council meeting in Brussels next week, but Kristersson said Sweden would not make any new promises on NATO.

“No demands related to NATO membership — that’s not on the table,” Kristersson told Sweden’s TV4.

However, he said the two countries had much to discuss, including cooperation inside NATO, Hungary’s upcoming EU presidency, support for Ukraine, and how to get the widest synergies from their air forces sharing the same fighter jet program — Sweden’s JAS Gripen.

All of NATO’s 31 members have to ratify an applicant country’s accession before it can join the alliance, and Orban has been angered by Swedish criticism of democratic developments under his government.

He has invited Kristersson to Budapest for negotiations over NATO, but he also repeated on Wednesday that his country supports Swedish membership.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Erdogan said Turkiye was now awaiting the US move on the F-16 sale and that Congress should respond to Biden’s letter “as soon as possible.”

“We are waiting for this. Of course, the outcome that will come from there as soon as possible will allow us, God willing, to start the process of the F-16s being sent to Turkiye, as well as all the repair and maintenance matters,” he said.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Blinken were in close contact and managing the process, Erdogan said.

Stoltenberg said he expected Hungary’s parliament to ratify Sweden’s accession when it reconvenes at the end of February.

“So we have to wait for that,” Stoltenberg said in Brussels on Friday.

“But I am confident and I count on Hungary that the ratification of Sweden will be ratified as soon as the parliament reconvenes at the end of February.”

Kristersson said he did not know when Sweden would become NATO’s 32nd member, but expected it to be “very soon.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2448821/world

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European lawmaker urges US, EU to demand immediate, permeant cease-fire in Gaza

Ahmet Gencturk

27.01.2024

Prominent left-wing European lawmaker from Ireland, Clare Daly, urged the US and the EU on Friday to demand an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip which Israel has been relentlessly attacking since Oct.7.

“International law has spoken. Strong nearly unanimous judgment that South Africa's case is plausible & goes forward. Israel's contemptuous arguments thrown out,” she wrote on X about the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) provisional ruling regarding South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.

“Viva South Africa! Viva Palestine!,” she added, stressing that the cease-fire should be permanent and unconditional.

Meanwhile, renowned British rock musician and activist Roger Waters repeated his call for an immediate cease-fire via a video on X.

In reference to the ICJ ruling, he said: “15-2, 16-1. Really, really going in the right direction. But, ceasefire now!”

Prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg shared a picture on X that showed her holding a banner that read: “Palestine Will Be Free,” while waiting for the ruling to be delivered outside the ICJ in the Hague.

“Israel - as well as those who support Israel’s brutal attacks and occupation - must be held accountable for their actions. We cannot remain silent during a genocide,” she said.

The International Court of Justice on Friday ordered Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, where it has killed more than 26,000 people since an Oct. 7 incursion by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, but fell short of calling for an immediate cease-fire.

South Africa, which brought the case, had asked the court for provisional measures against Israel.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/european-lawmaker-urges-us-eu-to-demand-immediate-permeant-cease-fire-in-gaza/3120311

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Pakistan

 

Pakistan President Calls For Greater Cooperation On Islamophobia, Science Among OIC Countries

January 26, 2024

President Dr. Arif Alvi has stressed the need for increasing cooperation among Islamic countries to overcome the issue of Islamophobia in the world.

He expressed these views while talking to the outgoing Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Ismatullo Nasredin, who paid a farewell call on him in Islamabad today.

Dr Arif Alvi also called for greater cooperation among the OIC member states in the areas of science and technology to meet modern-day challenges.

The President expressed satisfaction over the steadily expanding bilateral relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan in all areas of mutual interest, especially in trade, energy and defence.

Taking about the situation in Gaza, the President said that Pakistan deeply shares the pain of the people in Gaza where Israeli forces are committing genocide and gross human rights violations.

He regretted that the international community has failed to stop the Israeli atrocities, despite the painful imagery coming out of Gaza.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/26-01-2024/president-calls-for-greater-cooperation-on-islamophobia-science-among-oic-countries

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Pakistan President Welcomes ICJ Ruling On Prevention & Punishment Of Crime Of Genocide In Gaza

January 26, 2024

President Dr Arif Alvi has welcomed the ruling of International Court of Justice on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide in Gaza.

Welcoming the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide in the Gaza strip, President Dr Arif Alvi said that it was an outstanding judgment.

He said that Israel must immediately stop the genocide and bloodshed of the innocent civilians in Gaza.

He appreciated the ruling of ICJ asking Israel to fulfill its obligations under the Genocide Convention towards Palestinians in Gaza by taking all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of the Genocide Convention, and enabling the provision of urgently needed "basic services and humanitarian assistance" to the Palestinians in Gaza.

The President stated that the ruling had exposed the inhuman acts and barbarism being committed by Israel, adding that Israel had transgressed all boundaries of humanity by targeting women, children, and hospitals and didn't even spare people who were standing in queue for food, yesterday.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/26-01-2024/president-welcomes-icj-ruling-on-prevention-punishment-of-crime-of-genocide-in-gaza

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State lawyers to represent Imran, Qureshi in cipher case

January 27, 2024

RAWALPINDI: The special court, established under the Official Secrets Act, has appointed state lawyers who will represent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case.

Malik Abdul Rehman will represent Khan while Hazrat Younus will represent Qureshi in the case and cross-examine the witnesses.

During the hearing today, Qureshi took the file from the state-appointed lawyer and hit it on the wall.

The counsellors of both leaders, who are currently incarcerated in Adiala jail, failed to appear before the court during the hearing of a petition filed by the prosecution seeking to terminate the right to cross-examination for the witnesses.

Special court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain had reserved the verdict on the plea on Friday. Special Prosecutors Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi and Raja Rizwan Abbasi were present in court while the accused lawyers failed to appear.

Assistant lawyers Qamar Anayat Raja and Khalid Yusuf Chaudhary then represented the defence.

When the court inquired about the absence of the senior lawyers for the accused, Raja, filing an application to postpone the hearing, explained that senior counsel Sikander Zulqarnain was undergoing dental surgery and could not attend.

Naqvi expressed concern about the repeated adjournment requests, emphasising the inconvenience to witnesses who have come from Dubai for cross-examination.

Despite the explanation regarding the ongoing dental surgery, the court expressed frustration.

Prosecutor Naqvi questioned the regularity of lawyers’ appearances, suggesting a pattern of deliberate delays. Lawyer Raja defended the situation, saying that the adjournment request was not intentional but due to Sikandar's dental surgery.

Judge Zulqarnain expressed anger, noting the previous adjournments and the importance of the case.

Later when the hearing resumed, Prosecutor Abbasi accused the defence of intentionally delaying the case, citing legal provisions.

Judge Zulqarnain instructed the assistant lawyers to contact the absent lawyers by 12:30pm and warned that proceedings would continue according to the law if they failed to do so.

The court reserved its decision after the expiration of the two-time deadline for the lawyers to appear and adjourned the hearing till today.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1151845-state-lawyers-to-represent-imran-qureshi-in-cipher-case

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People no longer willing to tolerate PPP, PMLN’s dynastic politics: Siraj

January 27, 2024

HYDERABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Sirajul Haq on Friday said the people were no longer willing to tolerate the dynastic politics of the PPP and PMLN.

Addressing an election rally in Hyderabad, he said the polling day on February 8 would bury the politics of tested parties permanently.

Haq arrived in Karachi on Thursday night to lead the election campaign. He would address rallies in different cities of Sindh in next two days. A large number of people, including women participated in the Hyderabad rally. The JI chief later addressed a gathering in Tando Adam, Sanghar.

The JI leader said the PPP destroyed the province in its 15-year-long rule in Sindh. Now, he said, the chairman of the former ruling party was again seeking power. The PPP chairman, he added, should have told the public that what they did for the public in the past.

He said the PPP and PMLN had nothing to showcase their past governments’ performances. “The masses must reject them in this election and vote for the JI,” he said and vowed that the JI would bring about real change after coming into power.

He said the MQM is a thing of the past now and stood exposed. The party, he said, was equally responsible for the plight of the public along with the PPP and the PMLN. “They are the sides of the same coin.”

He said the leaders of the former ruling parties opted silence over the genocide of Palestinian Muslims. They, he said, would never speak for Kashmir and Palestine, fearing the US resentment. They rule the country due to the “blessings” of Washington, he asserted.

Haq said the former PPP government had deprived the people of Sindh of basic facilities. The former ruling party, he said, was a club of feudal lords and waderas.

He appealed to the people to break free from the shackles of corrupt system, saying the election provided them best opportunity to change their future.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1151795-people-no-longer-willing-to-tolerate-ppp-pmln-s-dynastic-politics-siraj

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PTI leader gets angry at Imran’s ‘bashing’ at mosque

January 27, 2024

PESHAWAR: A video went viral on the social media in which Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate for NA-27 Iqbal Afridi could be seen having a heated argument with the prayer leader of a mosque in Hayatabad when the latter started criticising former prime minister Imran Khan in his Friday sermon.

Apparently, the PTI-backed candidate Iqbal Afridi lost his temper when the prayer leader started bashing incarcerated PTI leader Imran Khan.

This angered the PTI candidate who exchanged some harsh words with the prayer leader.

The candidate asked the prayer leader to focus on religious matters in his sermon instead of using the pulpit for political gains.

Iqbal Afridi tried to interrupt the Maulana speaking against Imran Khan and this created a scene at the place of worship. However, the other worshippers stepped in and expelled the PTI-backed candidate from the mosque for calling the prayer leader “hypocrite.”

Meanwhile, another post on social media claimed that the PTI leader in question had himself addressed an election-related gathering in a mosque in his native area recently.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1151793-pti-leader-gets-angry-at-imran-s-bashing-at-mosque

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Pak-Iran diplomatic ties officially restored

January 27, 2024

Khalid Mehmood

ISLAMABAD:The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran have been officially restored with the ambassadors of both the countries restored to their respective positions.

On Jan 16, Iran carried out a missile and drone attack against the armed group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan’s southwestern border province of Balochistan. Pakistan in turn struck armed-group targets inside Iran on Jan 18.

Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Tehran and said Iran’s envoy – on a visit home – was blocked from returning to Islamabad.

Pakistan and Iran then agreed to “de-escalate” tensions after the attacks raised fears of further instability in the region. Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, spoke via phone on Jan 19, the foreign ministry had said in a statement.

The Ambassador of Pakistan, Mudassir Tipu, arrived in Tehran on Friday to take charge of his duties, while the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan will also take charge of his duties on Saturday (today).

The Iranian foreign minister is expected to visit Pakistan on Jan 29. During the visit, he will hold important meetings with the caretaker foreign minister.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454553/pak-iran-diplomatic-ties-officially-restored

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Pakistan reaches out to US over Indian role in killings

January 27, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reached out to the US and Canada over Indian role in orchestrating the assassinations of two Pakistani citizens within its borders last year.

A senior Pakistani diplomat disclosed that this was done for sharing information with the two countries, who had also been victims of India’s “transnational killings programme”.

The diplomat said operations in three countries resembled in sophistication, compartmentalisation and the use of criminal syndicates.

New Delhi has been facing international criticism and investigation due to accusations of running “a covert assassination programme” that targets its critics and opponents abroad.

This scrutiny had intensified following two major incidents: the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist, in Canada, and a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpa­twant Singh Pannun, another prominent Sikh figure and separatist leader, in New York.

These incidents suggest a “pattern of operations by the Indian government to silence dissent or opposition beyond its borders, utilising secretive and illegal methods”. These allegations have raised concerns about sovereignty, international law, and the safety of political dissidents globally.

The indictments brought against one Nikhil Gupta over attempt to kill Mr Pannun revealed that it had links to Mr Nijjar’s killing. Mr Gupta had been working under the instructions of an Indian official.

Following Canada’s allegations regarding Mr Nijjar’s killing, the United States, which had supplied Canada with crucial intelligence on the incident, formally called on Delhi to collaborate with Ottawa in conducting thorough investigations.

India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, has long been implicated in executing terrorist activities in Pakistan. Lately, it was suspected of utilising criminal groups and operatives stationed in the United Arab Emirates for carrying out assassinations of Sikh and Kashmiri separatists in Pakistan.

A noticeable acceleration in these occurrences was witnessed last year.

Islamabad is investigating around 10 such cases, but in two cases — the assassination of Muhammad Riaz in Rawalakot last September and Shahid Latif in Sialkot the previous October, Indian involvement has been conclusively established, the diplomat asserted.

Both victims are believed to have had links with the uprising in India-held Kashmir.

“We have credible evidence of links between Indian agents and assassination of two Pakistani nationals on Pakistani soil,” Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi said at a media briefing earlier this week. He added that India must be held accountable for its “blatant violation of international law.”

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1808969/pakistan-reaches-out-to-us-over-indian-role-in-killings

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CTD foils attack in Quetta, arrests TTP ‘commander’

January 27, 2024

QUETTA: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of police has thwarted a major terrorist attack planned in Quetta and arrested a key commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), officials said on Friday.

A CTD spokesperson said that Abdul Hadi, alias Amarullah, a key figure in the outlawed TTP, was apprehended. Known for orchestrating multiple armed assaults on police and security forces, Hadi was plotting a major terrorist strike in Quetta.

Acting on a tip-off, CTD officials conducted a raid between the night Thursday and Friday on the city outskirts, capturing Hadi along with a large cache of weapons and explosives.

Officials said the suspect was an Afghan national from Zabul province and was conducting terrorist activities in the region along with six others. He was reportedly responsible for an attack on a police vehicle in Pashtoon Chowk, Nawan Killi, which left a senior police officer and other personnel wounded.

During the course of interrogation, he disclosed his Afghan origin and admitted to conducting terrorist attacks in Quetta with six other Afghan nationals under directives from the TTP’s high command based in Afghanistan. He also provided crucial information about the whereabouts of six other terrorists currently in Quetta, leading to further raids in various neighbourhoods.

Section 144 imposed

In response to the emerging security threat, the Balochistan government on Friday imposed Section 144 in the Quetta district for 10 days to prohibit public gatherings.

Jan Achakzai, Balochistan’s caretaker information minister, emphasised that Section 144 was imposed to ensure public safety following continuous reports of security threats.

After the move, he said, obtaining a no-objection certificate from the deputy commissioner of Quetta had been made mandatory to hold election campaign meetings or other gatherings.

He said maintaining law and order was the top priority of the caretaker government, with instructions issued to all relevant institutions to ensure the protection of civilians.

Source: dawn.com

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South Asia

 

Islamic Emirate Invited to Coming Meeting in Doha: Deputy PM

January 26, 2024

 Mitra Majeedy

The political deputy of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, in his meeting with Norway's chargé d'affaires Paul Klouman Bekken said that the Islamic Emirate has been invited to a meeting on the Afghan situation due to be held in Doha.

According to a statement released by the Arg, the two sides discussed girls’ education and other political issues.

The statement quoted Klouman as saying that the world has not forgotten about Afghanistan and that a grand meeting is intended to be convened next month on Afghanistan.

The Norwegian diplomat also asked the Islamic Emirate to provide education and employment for girls and women.

The statement quoted Mawlawi Abdul Kabir as saying the Islamic Emirate is not against girls’ education and that a special committee appointed by the leader of the Islamic Emirate is handling the issue.

According to the statement, the deputy PM said that the Islamic Emirate representative has been invited to next month’s meeting and has asked European countries to reopen their respective embassies in Kabul.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir further stated that Afghanistan’s soil will not be used to threaten other countries and that the Islamic Emirate wants good relations with all.

Doha is to host to a meeting of special envoys of countries on Afghanistan for the second time. The first such meeting was held on February 18-19 2023.

Meanwhile, political analysts said that the presence of an Islamic Emirate representative will pave the way for a solution to the existing challenges of Afghanistan.

“The Norwegian ambassador said that his country has good relations with the interim Afghan government or people of Afghanistan and [he] wants an improvement of relations between the Islamic Emirate and the international community,” said Hassan Haqyar, head of the press office of the deputy prime minister for political affairs.

“There have been negotiations in this regard and there have been preparation. I hope this will be in the interest of Afghanistan. The international community should not consider its interest. This belongs to the current ruling on how they can turn this game to the benefit of Afghanistan,” said Aziz Maarij, political analyst.

Following the February 2023 meeting of envoys, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres appointed a special coordinator to assess the situation in Afghanistan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187136

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25 Foreign Nationals in Jail: Prisons Official

January 26, 2024

The deputy head of the Office of the Prison Administration, Habibullah Badr, said that there are 25 foreign nationals currently in the prisons of the Islamic Emirate.

In an interview with TOLOnews, Badr said that they were detained for committing various crimes, but he did not give details.

“The total detainees of foreign nationals are nearly 25 who are detained on charges with criminal cases,” he said.

Badr said that of over 19,000 detainees, approximately 800 are women and more than 200 are members of the Islamic Emirate.

“The women are between 800 to 850 detainees. Some of them are to be released and some others are newly coming to the prison. The rest of the detainees are men,” he said.

Badr also stated that around 100,000 detainees were freed from prisons after the Islamic Emirate came to power based on the amnesty decree of the Islami Emirate’s leader.

He also stressed efforts to codify a law for reforms within the prisons across the country.

“Since the return of the Islamic Emirate, we have released around 100,000 people from the prison,” Badr said.

According to him, 1,500 Afghans detained in Iran have been transferred to the country and they are now spending their prison term in Afghanistan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187138

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Fakhrul turns 77; family greets him at Dhaka Central Jail

Jan 26, 2024

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir turned 77 today with birthday greetings by the family members at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj.

Fakhrul's wife Rahat Ara Begum along with his younger daughter Mirza Safaruh and sister Najma Kalam met him at the central jail in the afternoon and greeted him on the occasion, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

He said the family members took Mirza Fakhrul's favourite food and a cake to the jail. They spent around 45 minutes with the BNP leader.

Contacted, Rahat Ara said they became upset after meeting Fakhrul as his health condition is not good.

"He lost 5kg as he is sick. So, I feel sad to see him in such poor health condition," she said.

Fakhrul's wife urged the country's people to pray for her ailing husband.

Fakhul has been staying in jail since he was arrested on October 29, a day after violent clashes erupted between the police and BNP leaders and activists centring the party's grand rally in the capital's Nayapaltan area.

Fakhrul was born on January 26, 1948 in Thakurgaon. His father late Mirza Ruhul Amin was a Muslim League leader and a minister of the Pakistan government.

Fakhrul, who had involvement with left politics during his student life, completed his graduation and post-graduation from Dhaka University's Economics department.

Later, he took up teaching as his profession through the BCS examination. Fakhrul quit teaching during the 80s and joined politics formally.

He was elected MP from Thakurgaon-1 with BNP's ticket in 2001 and then made a state minister. He was also elected MP from Bogura-6 seat in the 11th parliamentary election. But he did not take oath yet as the BNP rejected the election results.

Fakhrul was made acting secretary general of BNP after the death of the party's then-secretary general. Khandaker Delwar Hossain, in 2011. He was given the full charge of the party's secretary general position five years later in 2016.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/fakhrul-turns-77-family-greets-him-dhaka-central-jail-3529166

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UN Special Envoy for Afghanistan will top agenda at Doha meeting

Fidel Rahmati

January 27, 2024

The appointment of a UN special envoy for Afghanistan is a key topic for discussion at the upcoming meeting in Doha, according to Nasir Andisha, Afghanistan’s representative at the UN Geneva office.

The meeting, scheduled for February 18-19, will gather special envoys from different countries to address Afghanistan’s pressing issues.

Discussions will also revolve around forming a contact group and reviewing recommendations from Special Coordinator Feridun Sinirlioglu regarding his assessment of Afghanistan.

In addition, emphasis is being placed on appointing the UN special representative before the Doha meeting and ensuring their participation.

The agenda includes deliberations on independent evaluation proposals by the organization, with a focus on the political process once key decisions are made.

Earlier, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, announced on January 24th that the meeting’s main objective is to explore ways to enhance international involvement in Afghanistan in a unified and organized fashion while considering the suggestions put forth by an independent country assessment.

The involvement of both Taliban and non-Taliban political figures in the Doha meeting is still under negotiation, and the meeting may involve significant regional and international interactions, as indicated by recent efforts from G7 countries, Iran, and Russia.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/un-special-envoy-for-afghanistan-will-top-agenda-at-doha-meeting/

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