Inauguration of First Ever Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi by PM Modi on February 14

New Age Islam News Bureau

13 February 2024

 

BAPS Temple will become Middle East’s first-ever traditional Hindu stone temple. The temple is built on 27 acres of land, the construction of which started in 2015. Photograph:(Twitter)

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·         Inauguration Of First Ever Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi by PM Modion February 14

·         UN Special Rapporteur Banned from Entering Israeli-Occupied Palestinian Territories After Supporting Hamas’ Al-Aqsa Storm

·         Historical Miniature Paintings Depict Holy Mosques Before Expansionof the Two Holy Mosques

·         Pakistan Polls: Jamaat-i-Islami Candidate Forfeits Seat in Sindh; Says Imran Khan's Party-Backed Candidate Actual Winner

·         “The Solution to Nigeria’s Current Challenges Is Prayers” – Sultan of Sokoto

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India

·         Haldwani ViolenceClaimed Six Lives and Injured 60 Others: 300 Muslim Families Flee, Manhunt Intensified to Arrest Rioters

·         RSS Placing Muslims loyal to PM on Top Posts in Muslim Universities: Report

·         Police Station to Come Up InHaldwani Where Mosque And Madrasa Were Demolished, Says Uttarakhand CM

·         Mumbai BJP Leader Demands Demolition Of ‘Illegal Mosques’, Cites Mira Road Violence

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Mideast

·         Israeli Genocide of Palestinians: Addressing Global Sensitivity and Humanitarian Concerns

·         Sports Improve Organs: Istanbul Mosques Convert Working Class Faithful To Sport

·         Org. associated with Israeli Islamist party transfers money to Hamas-linked group

·         Palestinian president discusses latest Gaza developments with Qatari emir in Doha

·         Turkey arrests Russian at nuclear plant in Islamic State probe, sources say

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Arab World

·         Iranian Embassy in Sana'a commemorates 45th anniversary of Islamic Revolution victory

·         Yemen’s Houthi missiles hit Iran-bound ship in Red Sea

·         Ministry of Islamic Affairs Organizes Quran Memorization Competition in Nepal

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Pakistan

·         Muslim League and People’s Party Discuss Rotational Prime Ministership: Pakistani Media

·         Pakistani Security Forces Kill Top Islamic State Terrorist, Surat Gul, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

·         Lahore ATC Holds Jail Trial of PTI Leaders, Workers in May 9 Violence Case

·         SC Urged to Order Dr Shoaib Suddle to Probe Jaranwala Attacks

·         Pakistan condemns Israel’s Rafah ‘massacre’

·         Pakistan wants to enhance bilateral ties with Iran: FM

·         135 nationwide constituencies: ECP urged to take notice of ‘non-compliance by ROs’

·         IHC directs police not to arrest any accused on premises of courts

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Africa

·         Tunisian Popular Current Party condemns Zionist aggression against Rafah

·         Mama Boko Haram, two others jailed over N40 million fraud

·         Prominent Islamic cleric lands in DSS custody after comparing Buhari, Tinubu to Pharaoh, Haman

·         You Won’t Destroy This Country and Leave, We Die Here – Abbo Calls for Visa Ban on Corrupt Judges

·         Niger Coup Leader Speaks On Returning To ECOWAS, Vows Never To Release Arrested President, Bazoum

·         South Sudan: AFDB and UNHCR partner to support refugees

·         Rwanda Army using surface-to-air missiles in east DR Congo, says UN

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South Asia

·         IEA Deputy PM to Neighbour Countries: Do Not Force Afghan Refugees Out

·         Shia Scholars and Elders Discuss Development Projects with Deputy PM

·         Hanafi Urges Officials to Enhance Efforts for Kabul’s Order and Prosperity

·         Portugal provides €200,000 for the first time to Afghanistan humanitarian fund

·         Taliban Deputy Foreign Minister signals participation in Doha Conference

·         Germany Warns Against Travel to Afghanistan, Kabul Denies Danger

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Southeast Asia

·         Dr M Being Treated At IJN, Trial of Defamation Suit Against Zahid Postponed

·         Interfaith students pray for peaceful elections

·         PAS steps up efforts to consolidate federal and state syariah laws

·         China urges Israel to stop military operation in Rafah 'as soon as possible'

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North America

·         American Muslims Set to Punish Biden Over Israel’s Gaza Assault

·         Biden To Jordanian King: 'Status Quo Must Be Maintained at Al-Aqsa Mosque'

·         CAIR Holds News Conference with Family of U.S. Citizen Kidnapped, Beaten by Israeli Forces in Gaza

·         CAIR Calls on President Biden to Condemn Israeli Murder of Palestinian-American Teen, Massacre of Civilians in Rafah ‘Safe Area’

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Europe

·         France Proposes Hezbollah Withdrawal, Border Talks for Israel-Lebanon Truce

·         UK slaps sanctions on West Bank settlers for ‘egregious’ violence, following US move

·         Court Orders Netherlands to Stop F-35 Parts Delivery to Israel

·         EU’s Borrell urges Israel allies to stop sending weapons

·         Israel should be pressed not to attack Rafah, home to 1.7M Palestinians: EU foreign policy chief

·         ICC prosecutor ‘deeply concerned’ by situation in Gaza’s Rafah

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/inauguration-hindu-temple-abu-dhabi-modi/d/131711

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Inauguration Of First Ever Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi by PM Modi on February 14

 

BAPS Temple will become Middle East’s first-ever traditional Hindu stone temple. The temple is built on 27 acres of land, the construction of which started in 2015. Photograph:(Twitter)

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12th February 2024

Amidst adverse weather conditions and showers in UAE, preparations are going on for the grand opening of the first ever Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, capital of UAE, on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to formally inaugurate the temple on February 14.

The National Centre for Meteorology has issued a severe red alert urging people to be highly vigilant during adverse weather conditions where thunder and heavy rain may continue until noon on Tuesday.

More than 65,000 Indians have registered to participate in the Ahlan Modi event, PM address to NRI community in a stadium, to welcome Modi ahead of inauguration of the temple on Tuesday, where attendees must be seated by 4 PM. The working day added with unexpected rain conditions are posing a challenge for the organisers of the public meeting. More than 1,500 volunteers from the UAE have been part of the organising and planning process of the large-scale stadium gathering.

Jitendra Vaidya, the President of the Indian People Forum and leader of the ‘Ahlan Modi’ initiative, expressed his excitement about the unique nature of the event.

“It is a very unique type of event because there is no single organisation conducting this event; it is an entire community arranging it. As you may know, when PM Modi’s name comes, people gather in large numbers. This is the love for PM Modi,” Vaidya told ANI.

“We are certain that a large number of NRIs attend the event to welcome Modi”, said K. Mahinder Reddy of IPF, a community organization in Dubai and that is actively involved in organising the event.

“The youth of Telangana NRI community is one of the large crowds that we are expecting” said N. Devender Reddy of BJP.

The key highlights of the event include an exhibition by over 700 cultural artists, bringing to life the vast diversity of Indian arts, and ensuring an inclusive cultural soiree.

Active participation from more than 150 Indian community groups in the event showcases India’s regional diversity and the integration of thousands of blue-collar workers from across the emirates, weaving a rich tapestry of diversity and unity into the fabric of the event.

Earlier, in an interview with ANI, Indian ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, said that people are keen to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and his vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ in the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event set to be held on February 13.

The following evening, on Wednesday, Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Hindu temple after a morning prayer ceremony during which the place of worship will be consecrated and blessed.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), which is building the temple, is an international community-based Hindu fellowship affiliated with the United Nations and actively involved in the religious and spiritual service of its devotees in UAE and some other parts of the GCC for a long time. The temple has seven deities apart from principal deity Swamy Narayana. Tirumala’s Sri Padmavati Srinivasa, also known as Tirupati Sri Venkateshwara also among them.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir is set to become the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.

Mahant Swami Maharaj, the head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha who will preside over the temple opening ceremony, was accorded the status of a state guest, and received in traditional Arabic style with a troupe of dancers, drummers, and chanters performing Al Ayyala. Sheikh NahayanMabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, warmly greeted Swami Maharaj at the airport.

Swami Maharaj was also accompanied by Lulu’s Yusuf Ali during his visit to the temple premises.

PM Modi will be in the UAE on a two-day official visit beginning tomorrow. This will be his seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months.

During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders will discuss ways to further deepen, expand and strengthen the strategic partnership between the countries and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister will also participate in the World Government Summit 2024 to be held in Dubai as a Guest of Honour and deliver a special keynote address.

Source: siasat.com

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https://www.siasat.com/all-set-for-inauguration-of-temple-in-abu-dhabi-by-pm-modi-2976527/

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UN Special Rapporteur Banned from Entering Israeli-Occupied Palestinian Territories After Supporting Hamas’ Al-Aqsa Storm

 

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese

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12 February 2024

A United Nations special rapporteur has been banned from entering the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories after voicing support for last October’s Operation al-Aqsa Storm, the largest retaliatory attack by Palestinian resistance groups against Israel in decades.

Francesca Albanese was officially denied visa to Israel following a post on her X social media account, in which she backed the Hamas-led surprise attack on October 7, 2023 and wrote, “The victims of 7/10 were not killed because of their Judaism, but in response to Israel’s oppression.”

Albanese, who has been the UN’s point person for the occupied Palestinian territories since 2022, made the post after French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that the Hamas-led attack was the "greatest anti-Semitic massacre of our century.”

The UN special rapporteur went on to stress, “I reject all racism, including anti-Semitism which is a global threat. But explaining these crimes as anti-Semitism obscures their true cause."

The Israeli regime’s foreign and interior ministries confirmed the ban on Albanese on Monday, saying she would not be allowed into the occupied territories and that the ban was attributed to her "outrageous statement."

In a post on X later in the day, Albanese said the ban must not become a “distraction from Israel's atrocities in Gaza,” and that UN special rapporteurs are no stranger to such moves by the occupying regime.

Albanese has been an outspoken critic of Israel and has previously described the regime’s treatment of Palestinians as tantamount to apartheid.

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

Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups fired some 4,000 rockets at the occupied territories and killed around 1,200 Israeli forces and settlers.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 28,176 individuals, the majority of whom are innocent civilians, and injured more than 68,000 others.

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

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/02/12/719980/United-Nations-special-rapporteur-Francesca-Albanese-Israel-ban-

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Historical Miniature Paintings Depict Holy Mosques Before Expansion of the Two Holy Mosques

 

The documentation of the Two Holy Mosques in miniature paintings offer a glimpse in to the past, before the expansions of the sites. (Supplied)

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February 12, 2024

MAKKAH: Throughout Islamic history, art has played a pivotal role in capturing cultural development and marking important moments in time.

The documentation of the Two Holy Mosques in miniature paintings owned by Omar Murshid, a Saudi enthusiast in Islamic civilization and arts, offer a glimpse into the past, before the expansions of the sites.

Murshid said that the paintings in his possession showcase the evolution of Islamic architecture — in tandem with the emergence of Islamic statehood — and its contribution to civilization and artistic imagination.

Speaking about the diversity of the art forms of the time, he said: “When talking about arts, namely Islamic arts, we talk about wide and various types of art, including drawings, decorations, Arabic calligraphy, interwoven geometric decorations, sword hilts, shields, ornaments, walls of mosques, domes and even graphics coupled with texts. Paper making — a widespread process in the Abbasid era — had a positive impact on arts and calligraphy.”

Noting some of the prominent artists of the past, he added: “Yahya Al-Wasiti was a painter who excelled in these arts and whose name was prominently featured in the Islamic heritage in the mid-13th century. Other books including miniature paintings were also featured after Kalila wa-Dimna, namely the book of songs by Abu Al-Faraj Al-Isfahani.”

Some miniature paintings, he added, document “the architectural and civilizational aspects of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah through pilgrims who performed their Hajj and Umrah rituals and visited the Prophet’s Mosque.”

Murshid said that black and white as well as coloured drawings of the Two Holy Mosques reveal many architectural elements featured in Islamic architecture, namely the Kaaba, minarets, domes, interior space, pulpits, lanterns, Maqam Ibrahim, arches, doors and more.

The works also feature residential houses and city walls, surrounded by geographical elements of mountains and palm trees. Arabic calligraphy and Qur’anic verses are also featured in some.

Murshid said that miniature paintings are “works of art characterized by the abundance of details, beautiful decorations, and finely outlined shapes showing the aspects of life, 'religious rituals and architecture of the Two Holy Mosques from an Islamic point of view.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2458791/saudi-arabia

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Pakistan Polls: Jamaat-I-Islami Candidate Forfeits Seat in Sindh; Says Imran Khan's Party-Backed Candidate Actual Winner

 

File Photo: Polling officers count ballot papers during the general election in Karachi, Pakistan. Credit: PTI Photo

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12 Feb 2024

KARACHI: In an unusual move, a senior leader of Pakistan's Jamaat-i-Islami Party on Monday forfeited his seat in the Sindh province that he won in Thursday's elections, saying it was not him but the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party-backed candidate who has won from the constituency he contested.

According to the provisional results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan for the February 8 general elections, Naeem won from the PS-129 constituency (Karachi Central VIII) with 26,296 votes.

Addressing a press conference, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that he took the unusual step to highlight the alleged rigging in many constituencies during the February 8 polls.

“A PTI-backed independent candidate has won and I will not avail this seat,” he said.

"When I estimated that there was a difference of a few hundred votes, I asked my team for each and every Form [45]. When we checked, we found out that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had shown fewer votes for us but as I did not succeed, I forfeit this seat,” he said.

He went on to claim that jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)-backed independent candidate Saif Bari had won according to his team's calculations, stating that his votes were “reduced to 11,000 from 31,000”.

In a separate post on social media platform X, he said, “Therefore, according to my conscience and the moral traditions of my party, I vacate my provincial assembly seat and demand that all seats we won be returned to us.”

The decision of Rehman, who is the chief of the Jamaat-i-Islami party's Karachi unit, came on the heels of the two days of protests, some of them violent, being carried out by different parties in several parts of Sindh province over the alleged rigging in the polls.

Since the General Elections on February 8, the PTI, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TL), and Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) have been claiming their candidates were robbed of their wins in many National Assembly and provincial constituencies and they don't accept these results.

The fact that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has ended up with 17 of the 22 National Assembly seats from Karachi and several provincial assembly seats has only angered the protesting parties.

The PTI, JI, TL, and JUI have been leading the protests and on Monday workers of these parties blocked the highways leading into the city.

Heavy contingents of the police and rangers were called in to clear the roads as the traffic got disrupted.

In some cases where protesters have tried to march towards the ECP's provincial office in the Saddar area. Heavy contingents of police have used tear gas shells, water canons, and even batons to charge the heavy crowds to disperse them.

The police have also carried out arrests of some workers who were later released.

The protests began one day after the provisional election results started being announced by the ECP.

Since the provincial results started coming out the courts have been flooded with legal petitions and several candidates have challenged the provisional results in their constituencies in a bid to win the seat.

According to the details, the PTI-backed independents have filed the highest number of petitions in the courts against the results.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2024/Feb/12/pak-s-jamaat-i-islami-party-candidate-forfeits-seat-in-sindh-says-imran-khan-s-party-backed-candidate-actual-winner

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“The solution to Nigeria’s current challenges is prayers” – Sultan of Sokoto

 

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III,

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Jerry Wright-Ukwu

February 12, 2024

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, has asserted that Nigeria’s prevailing challenges are a consequence of citizens deviating from the worship of God.

Speaking at the grand opening of a Jum’ah Mosque in Guzape, Abuja, the Sultan urged Nigerians to return to God through prayers, emphasizing a perceived connection between the nation’s difficulties and a departure from spiritual values.

Represented by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the Sultan conveyed a message emphasizing the importance of seeking divine intervention during challenging times.

He referred to the Holy Qur’an, stating, “If anyone departs from the worship of God, definitely God will not look on his side; this is evident in many places in the Holy Qur’an. We will continue to give genuine advice to the government.

“Everyone knows the situation in Nigeria right now but the solution is to go back to seek divine intervention and prayers. However, we should not supplicate for eye service but for genuine supplication, because the Lord has said that after hardship, there is relief.”

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami, as well as former governors and senators.

Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, the Chairman of the Council of Scholars of JIBWIS, expanded the call for moral rectitude beyond religious circles.

He urged judges to avoid corruption and implored public officeholders to uphold truthfulness and transparency in the execution of their duties.

Source: politicsnigeria.com

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https://politicsnigeria.com/the-solution-to-nigerias-current-challenges-is-prayers-sultan-of-sokoto/

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India

 

Haldwani ViolenceClaimed Six Lives and Injured 60 Others: 300 Muslim Families Flee, Manhunt Intensified to Arrest Rioters

Feb 13, 2024

Piyush Mishra

Four days after the violence in Uttarakhand's Haldwani claimed six lives and injured 60 others, over 300 Muslim families have migrated from the Banbhoolpoora area to safer zones.

Several families were seen walking on roads with their luggage due to a lack of transportation facilities with a curfew in place. Restrictions were imposed in the area where violence broke out on February 8 after authorities razed an 'illegal' mosque and madrasa during an anti-encroachment drive in Banbhoolpoora.

In the wake of the violence, massive search operations are still being carried out by the police. So far, the police have arrested 30 people in connection with the violence and many are still on the radar.

The Uttarakhand Police have also recovered weapons from the possession of the arrested accused.

The Nainital district administration, under which Haldwani falls, has now relaxed curfew in many parts of Haldwani, but the Banbhoolpoora area remains under an intense curfew.

People have been asked strictly to stay indoors or else actions will be taken according to law. Internet services have been restored in many parts of Haldwani, barring areas where curfew is still in place.

As more Muslim families are planning to flee, the district administration has now sealed all the entry and exit points of Banbhoolpoora. Sources said the decision to seal the area had been taken by the police because the investigators felt that rioters who were involved in the violence could also flee.

On Sunday, a delegation of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind visited Haldwani and held a meeting with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) wherein they apprised the district administration of their demands. The meeting went on for more than one hour.

After meeting with the SDM, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind General Secretary Abdul Raziq said the decision to raze the mosque was taken by the administration in haste, which led to tensions and violence in the area.

"We came here to appeal for peace in the area. We have requested the SDM to ensure that actions are not taken against innocent people. It has happened because the demolition drive was carried out suddenly," Raziq said.

"The administration should have waited for the court's orders. Neither were there demolition orders nor orders by the court to put on hold the demolition. We want an answer as to why the action was taken in haste?" he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that a police station will be built at the same location where the mosque and madrasa were demolished.

Source: indiatoday.in

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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/haldwani-violence-uttarakhand-mosque-madrasa-demolition-muslim-families-flee-curfew-2501133-2024-02-13

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RSS Placing Muslims loyal to PM on Top Posts in Muslim Universities: Report

13th February 2024

 Arsalan Nazir

A right-wing group, affiliated with RSS, is installing Muslim citizens loyal to Prime Minister Modi at Muslim universities as part of a push to accumulate Muslim votes ahead of the general elections, Reuters reported, citing officials.

The report claimed that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was attempting to drive Muslim voters away from Congress and other parties by trying different strategies.

In the past two general elections, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) only won about 9% of the Muslim votes. However, the party is targeting up to 17% in the elections this time. Opinion polls are also indicating that the BJP, which has no Muslim members in parliament, may easily win a third straight term.

“It is for certain that the BJP will win a much bigger percentage of Muslim votes than the last time,” a senior RSS leader told Reuters.

Meanwhile, Muslims and many rights groups allege the BJP government has propagated anti-Islamic rhetoric and vigilantism and demolished numerous Muslim-owned properties, including masjids and madrassas.

Citing the officials, the report said that the RSS has been placing Muslim allies on top posts in universities, which is something unheard of, marking a new approach and working from within the community. Moreover, RSS also has branches working with Christians, Sikhs, and other religious groups.

“Membership in the RSS’s Muslim Rashtriya Manch, formed in 2002 for dialogue between Muslims and the RSS, has jumped 10,000 to 1 million since Modi took office a decade ago,” a spokesperson told Reuters.

‘Love of nation’

Kumar told Reuters that in the past, universities and schools in Muslim-majority areas, especially in Kashmir, where the government fought insurgency for decades, served as hotbeds of Islamic activism and even sanctuaries for people in India’s interests.

“These schools were anti-India, and they would disrespect the Indian flag and not celebrate events like Independence Day and Republic Day, but now it is changing,” the spokesperson said.

He claimed that the network among teachers was building adequately, students were coming on board with studies, and love for the nation was building up in these institutions.

He said that the RSS’s Muslim wing seeks to create a well-organised system to reach out to the youth and the teachers in Muslim-majority universities, including Aligarh Muslim University, the University of Kashmir, Jamia Millia Islamia, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, and Jamia Hamdard.

Citing a senior professor, the report stated that the vice-chancellor of the University of Kashmir raised the India flag on Independence Day and Republic Day, after which the national anthem was played. Rarely, a vice-chancellor may have done so in the past.

“Playing the national anthem is mandatory for every function now, and it is also ensured that all the students and staff stand up as a mark of respect,” a university faculty member said.

University of Kashmir Celebrates 77th Independence Day with Flag Hoisting Ceremony

‘Obeisance to Modi’

Last year, vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) resigned to become a BJP state lawmaker, and three months later, he was titled as a party national vice-president.

A professor of medieval Indian history, Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi, claimed that increasing numbers of faculty close to the right-wing affiliated parties have joined the university in recent years.

“My vice-chancellor knows that he can continue as a vice-chancellor only if he pays obeisance to Modi ji, he told Reuters.

However, former vice-chancellor of the University of Lucknow, Roop Rekha Verma, said, “If ideology is given priority over qualifications and lots of people are placed through the back door holding the same ideology, then it is very damaging to the intellectual atmosphere.”

Source: siasat.com

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https://www.siasat.com/rss-placing-allies-on-top-posts-in-muslim-universities-report-2976434/

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Police station to come up in Haldwani where mosque and madrasa were demolished, says Uttarakhand CM

Feb 12, 2024

A police station will be built on the land where a mosque and a madrasa were demolished in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday.

On February 8, municipal authorities demolished the Mariyam mosque and the Abdul Razzaq Zakariya madrasa, located in the Banbhoolpura locality of the city, claiming that they were built illegally on government land. The structures were razed even while the matter was underway in the Uttarakhand High Court.

This led to clashes between the local residents and police officials. While the locals threw stones at the police and set vehicles on fire, the police hurled tear gas shells and baton-charged them.

At least six persons were killed in the violence and more than 100 were injured, including police personnel. Some of the persons killed in the violence had gunshot wounds, reports suggest.

On Monday, Dhami said that “encroachment” was recently removed from a garden in Banbhoolpura and several acres of land was recovered.

“On that land, arson and stone-pelting took place, disturbance was caused, all laws were broken, and our journalist brothers were thrown into fire,” said the chief minister during an event in Haridwar. “From this holy bank of Ganga, I announce that a police station will be built at that place.”

Dhami shared a video of his statement on social media said that it was “a clear message from our government to the miscreants and rioters”.

“To one who plays with the peace of Devbhoomi will be spared, there is no place for such miscreants in Uttarakhand,” he said.

On Sunday, the police said that 30 persons had been arrested in connection with the violence. Nainital’s Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Narayan Meena stated that three first information reports have been filed in the matter so far.

Of the total arrested persons, 12 were allegedly involved in attacking the police station, six allegedly in setting cars ablaze outside the police station and seven had allegedly participated in the violence during the demolition.

A Congress delegation met Dhami on Sunday and demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.

Dhami told the delegation led by Yashpal Arya, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, that the government has taken immediate steps to maintain law and order in Haldwani.

Meanwhile, a delegation of representatives from two Muslim groups, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, visited Haldwani on the same day, PTI reported.

Jamiat chief Maulana Arshad Madani criticised the use of police force and alleged that the police were barging into homes and harassing Muslims, including men and women.

Madani alleged that instead of enforcing law and order, the police “become a party against Muslims everywhere” but act differently in cases involving others.

Source: scroll.in

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https://scroll.in/latest/1063603/police-station-to-come-up-in-haldwani-where-mosque-and-madrasa-were-demolished-says-uttarakhand-cm

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Mumbai BJP Leader Demands Demolition Of ‘Illegal Mosques’, Cites Mira Road Violence

12th February 2024

The Bhartiya Janata Party leader Nitish Rane recently spearheaded an anti-Muslim rally in association with Sakal Hindu Samaj – a coalition of several right-wing Hindu nationalist outfits -demanding the demolition of “illegal madrasas and mosques.”

The rally took part in Govbandi’s Shivaji Nagar, Mumbai, on February 10, where scores of Hindutva supporters holding anti-Muslim placards and sporting saffron turbans and flags walked the streets chanting “Band karo, band karo, Love-jihad band karo (Stop this Love Jihad)”, and “Tu Durga ban, tu kali ban, kabhinaburqewali ban (Become Goddess Durga, become a Goddess Kali, but never become a Burqe-clad woman).” in Hindi as well as in Marathi.

A large contingent of police personnel were also seen walking with the crowd in the video.

‘Love Jihad’ is a conspiracy theory devised by far-right wing leaders that accuses Muslim men of taking advantage of the ‘gullible’ nature of Hindu women and ‘trapping’ them into marriage, ultimately forcing them to convert to Islam.

Rane is famously known for his inflammatory speeches against minority communities and has many FIRs registered against him in the past.

Speaking to media persons at the rally, Rane said that the mosques and madrasas built on ‘illegal’ lands in Shivaji Nagar should be demolished, indicating if not done sooner, Shivaji Nagar will face the same consequence as Mira Road of Thane district that led to communal violence.

“The Hindu here is also not safe. All of our Mankur-Shivajinagar area is becoming a mini-Bangladesh. A large number of ‘illegal’ masjids and madarsas are being created by ‘land jihad’. We demand them to be demolished with immediate effect,” Rane said, adding, “Police won’t do anything to me because our boss is sitting at ‘Sagar’ bungalow. The government is with you.”

It should be mentioned here that the state deputy chief minister Devendra Fednavis resides in the ‘Sagar’ bungalow.

What happened in Mira Road?

On January 21,  ahead of the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, clashes occurred between Hindus and Muslims in Mira Road town of Thane district after a group of Hindutva supporters took out a procession with saffron flags in a minority-dominated area chanting provocative ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans, following which the other community reacted.

On January 23, the district administration decided to bulldoze alleged illegal encroachments targeting multiple buildings and shanties, mainly belonging to the Muslim community.

Escorted by police and security personnel, around 15 structures were demolished. Videos of the razing of the stalls have gone viral on social media.

On January 25, as many as 19 people, including four minors, were arrested in connection with the communal clash that took place on the night of January 21, a senior police said.

However, no Hindutva supporter was arrested even after a police complaint lodged by Muslims alleging assault and arson.

Source: siasat.com

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Mideast

 

Israeli Genocide of Palestinians: Addressing global sensitivity and humanitarian concerns

Syed Mohammad Raghib

13.02.24

The conflict between Israel and Palestine began as a result of Hamas’s military actions on the 7th of October 2023, which, claimed twelve hundred Israeli lives. In retaliation, Israel started bombardment against Palestinians in Hamas Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip in which more than 28 thousand civilians killed including mostly women and children so far and more than 50-80 thousand injured. Israel has severely devastated Gaza’s and West Bank infrastructure and cut off its food, water, and electrical supplies. For humanitarian and medical reasons, Hamas and Islamic Jihad also freed a few hostages, but the bombing went on. Due to the shelling, most of Gaza’s towns were completely destroyed. Israeli soldiers arrived in Gaza from many directions and immediately began attacking hospitals, schools, and even children’s hospitals and intensive care units.

Due to IDF sniper shooting and shelling, majority of hospitals destroyed badly like Al Shifa Hospital, Al-Amal Hospital of Khan Yunis and Al Quds Hospital, were also forced to close. In addition, hospitals are suffering from fuel scarcity and other necessary operations materials. Without anaesthesia, doctors are doing surgery on the patient. Many journalists, UN employees, and citizens were killed due to heavy bombardment and lack of medical support. Because of how terrible things are, Red Cross workers and some basic supplies have been deployed to Gaza. The notoriously violent Israeli Security Forces (IDF) are killing without hesitation, not just in Gaza but also in the Jenin camps of the West Bank. They uprooted the road and infrastructure badly and the whole world silently looked at all these pictures of dying children, old ladies and men mercilessly. To know the reason, Why Hamas attacked the Israeli military post and fired thousands of rockets at Israel is having historical happening in the region. Firstly, it was a retaliation by Hamas, due to two decades long of Israeli incursions, siege, blocks and atrocities, against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank since the Israeli state came to power in 1948. Secondly, during the sidelined G20 summit in Delhi, there was a talk regarding an economic corridor through India, the US, EU, Saudi Arabia, and UAE to counter China’s BRI, which is isolating the Palestinian issue. Even many Middle Eastern countries were not happy with the way this project was discussed without touching their countries, Egypt, Iran and Turkey.

Netanyahu’s government policy also fueled the fire and became a factor in this war, their right-wing policies to create more settlements on the Palestinian land of Palestinian, daily atrocities in the West Bank around Masjid Al Aqsa and in other cities of the Palestinian were the factors behind this war. Since last several months when Netanyahu who during the Knesset vote of confidence got 63 in favour and 54 against out of 120 in the Knesset election took power once again in December 2002 after shaking hands with far-right and ultra-nationalist coalition partners. The two far-right leaders religious Zionist leader Bezalel Smotric and Jewish Power leader Itamar Ben-Gvir are known as far-right leaders who openly supported Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque massacre in which 29 Palestinians were killed in 1994.

Because the US and its Western allies, including the UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan, supported Israeli aggression and violence against the defenceless Palestinians, the UN appears unable to act against Israel. A UN resolution calling for a ceasefire was considered, but the United States and its Western Allies were against the proposal. While the West backs the Israeli bombing of defenceless Palestinian people, their Middle East allies, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are simply talking about ending the Gaza War immediately and not doing anything about it. Some Arab and other Muslim nations sought to impose an oil embargo on Israel and its Western backer during the OIC summit in Riyadh on November 12, 2023, in response to Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, however, opposed this attempt to use oil as a weapon against Israel and its supporters. Why do Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE want to keep links with Israel, is it only for economic benefit? It demonstrates how the leaders of the Gulf, including Turkey, are preserving their regimes and providing coffins to the Palestinians without endorsing their ideologies. Those who suggested a boycott and were sent back to Israel included Algeria, Syria, and Iran. Western ambassadors were also turned down at the conference. These leaders, who have blatantly disregarded Palestinian concerns for many years, are in some ways also granting Israel the upper hand in resolving Palestinian matters first. Mahmood Abbas, the Palestinian leader, did not speak out much either. The Palestinian struggles suffered greatly as a result of the extreme rift that existed between Hamas and Fatah. Although Abbas does not speak up much for his own people, he is willing to give American Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken a hug, who is known to be Jewish. After giving hugs to Arab leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, he took two plane trips to the Middle East. However, the Jordanian monarch turned the US President away on his second visit to the area. These diplomatic sessions didn’t alter Israeli strategy since, despite killing an increasing number of people and succeeding in their goal of eliminating Hamas, the true objective is to drive out all Palestinians from their land.

It is crucial to address the fact that the Arab world is dreaming if it believes that Israel is just focusing on Hamas and Palestinians in the West Bank and would spare them. The goal of Israel and its Zionist leaders is to create Greater Israel by acquiring an increasing amount of territory. Thus, the $500 billion grandiose Saudi project at NEOM, which is currently under development, would also disappear; the Sinai Peninsula, including Sharam Al-Sheikh and Egyptian Sinai, will become part of Israel. The reason for this is that these Arab governments lack a long-term plan for safeguarding themselves against the Zionist state of Israel. Washington is not going to guarantee them that their throne will be safe for a long.

One thing that is very important to discuss here is that if the Arab World is thinking that Israel is only targeting Hamas and Palestinians in the West Bank and will spare them they are in a dream. Israel and its Zionist leaders are very clear about their agenda to acquire more and more land to establish Greater Israel. So the Saudi’s $500 billion ambitious project at NEOM which is under construction in full swing will also vanish, Egyptian Sinai and Sharam Al-Sheikh and the whole Sinai Peninsula will also be part of Israel’s territory. Why because these Arab states do not have a far-sighted vision for their security against the Zionist Israel state. Since Washington is closer to Tel-Aviv than it is to Cairo, America will not guarantee them the security of their monarchy, or military dictator and will back any Arab nation, even with NATO’s assistance.

Lastly, why are only Palestinians sacrificing their blood to rescue and defend Sharam Al Shareef, and why are others showing little interest? After all, Palestinians are not the caretakers of Sharam Al Shareef; it is the first Qibla for all Muslims. Only four hours of relaxation were offered as a tangible result of Turkey and Qatar’s negotiations with the US President and Secretary of State Blinken and other international leaders. This is a really strange form of diplomacy: Iran, the Houthi of Yemen, and Hezbollah in Lebanon are facing each other, at least in northern Israel. As non-state actors, they are firing a lot of missiles and drones at Israel. The main point, though, is that these affluent Arab nations will destroy Israel either diplomatically or physically, just as they did on September 16–17, 1970, in Jordan, during the Black September. Over 20,000 Palestinians lost their lives at the hands of their fellow Muslims as the Pakistani military violently suppressed them following orders from Arab authorities. Since the commencement of the Afghan War in 1979 and the Iranian Revolution, Saudi Arabia has had a highly dubious foreign policy. They not only overthrew powerful Arab leaders like Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi but also a great number of other leaders. These Arab regimes seldom deployed their advanced weaponry against adversaries such as Israel, but they readily employed it against their own citizens, including Kurdish, Iraqi, and Houthi populations. According to the report, Saudi Arabia’s defence expenditure increased by 5.7% in 2023 to $69.1 billion. Turkey does not support him; in 2023, it set aside around $16 billion for security and defence, and in 2024, it plans to add $40 billion to its defence budget. Official figures from the Israeli Ministries of Industry and Trade and Economics show that Israel imports $115 million worth of commodities from Egypt and exports $150 million worth. When they barely challenge Israel against the Palestinians, it may sometimes appear quite suspicious. Turkey’s economic relations with Israel have expanded over the AKP’s two decades in power, but Ankara’s pro-Palestinian rhetoric has also become more strident and mixed with Islamist rhetoric. The value of their bilateral commerce increased from $1.4 billion in 2002 to $8.9 billion in 2022. Israel ranked as both the 10th greatest importer of Turkish goods and the 29th largest buyer of Turkish goods in the previous year.

They will never be able to halt Israeli aggression and the slaughtering of Palestinians, whether it is done in the name of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Fatah, or any other organization if there is no regional unity and no coherent ideas to bring about peace in the area. Is it not unfortunate that these nations, who value diplomacy highly, would rather send burial clothing to Palestinians rather than engage Israel in combat? If the US assumes Israel’s security responsibilities, what about the war crimes committed by Israel with American approval? Accountability needs to be established, and the US shouldn’t preach about human rights abuses and breaking international law when they are complicit in the murder of Palestinian children and defenceless civilians.

South Africa argues the case on 11-12 January 2024, and after the 26 January ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), nothing yet come in concrete to stop Israel from killing innocent civilians in Gaza and West Bank cities. According to a top UN official, Israel looks to be breaking the ICJ’s rulings over Gaza.

This week marks the seventh trip to the Middle East by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken since October 7, but nothing concrete Palestinians received in terms of peace despite world peace champion efforts, but facing extreme hunger and starvation. Not even the United Nations can stop Israel from killing innocent Palestinians due to the country’s ongoing war crimes and genocide against them. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) likewise appears to be powerless, and nothing can be foreseen. The other Arab leaders were saying that this war would expand throughout the region, causing a catastrophic loss of human life and maybe sparking a third world war.

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/israeli-genocide-of-palestinians-addressing-global-sensitivity-and-humanitarian-concerns/

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Sports Improve Organs: Istanbul Mosques Convert Working Class Faithful To Sport

13/02/2024

A dozen worshippers and the imam with a long, carefully trimmed beard stand up straight, feet planted on the thick, turquoise carpet of the Abdulhamid Han Mosque.

Then they raise their knees, rotate shoulders and hop in place, exchanging muted giggles and shy glances.

For 15 minutes they follow the instructors' movements, getting more exercise in then they had done in many years.

"A person is like a vehicle. Just like we need vehicle maintenance, when we do sport our organs improve," mosque-goer Servet Arici explained.

Like the others, the 66-year-old had been doing his daily gymnastics since January, when a fitness project was rolled out in 11 mosques of Istanbul's Bagcilar district, one of the massive city's most densely populated and deprived.

To his right, the veteran of the group, Huseyin Kaya, 75, said he was delighted to "make every part of my body move".

"It makes a difference," the bearded former taxi driver said, his forehead creased with wrinkles under his black skullcap.

The instructor, Fatih Yamanoglu, said the daily routine was enough "to avoid future injuries and make life easier" for the elderly men.

Between 25 and 35 worshippers work on their flexibility every day after noon and late afternoon prayers, Yamanoglu said.

'They are rejuvenated'

Women, who in Turkey more often pray at home, are currently excluded from the project.

But the Bagcilar council, led by a mayor from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Islamic-rooted AKP party, said it was open to seeing that change.

Women's employment rate in Turkey is less than half that officially recorded for men, making them especially vulnerable to sedentary lifestyles.

More than half of Turkish women have low levels of physical activity, compared to about one in three men, according to health ministry data.

This female fitness deficit is found "in many countries", said Serap Inal, director of the department of physiotherapy and rehabilitation at the Istanbul Galata University.

The residents of Istanbul's disadvantaged neighbourhoods do less sport than their counterparts in better-off districts, Inal added.

In a country where the share of the over-65s has almost doubled in 25 years to more than 10 percent, offering gym sessions in mosques "might be a good idea", Inal said.

"However, I would suggest taking them out and exercising in fresh air," she said.

The imam, Bulent Cinar, is delighted his mosque was now more than a place of worship, attracting fitness-conscious faithful from neighbouring mosques.

He said he was also ready to have "a female instructor" lead exercises in the women's prayer room, urging the initiative to be extended across Turkey's 90,000 mosques.

"After we do these exercises, the quality of their prayers improves," the imam said.

"They move more easily. They are rejuvenated."

Source: france24.com

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https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240213-istanbul-mosques-convert-working-class-faithful-to-sport

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Org. associated with Israeli Islamist party transfers money to Hamas-linked group

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

The State Attorney's office filed on Sunday an indictment against an Israeli-Arab citizen named Rami Habiballah, who is accused, among other things, of having transferred sums of money to the "Khir Ummah" association in Turkey, which belongs to Hamas, Kan news reported on Monday.

According to the indictment, the money was transferred through a member of Hamas named Abdel-Jaber Shelbi, who lives in Turkey and manages the association.

The report states the association "Aid 48", the social wing of the Islamic Movement - of which the Ra'am party is its political wing - transferred huge sums to an association linked to Hamas in Turkey through Shelbi.

In 2021 alone, the association transferred close to - NIS 400,000 to the "Khir Ummah" association.

In accordance with the counter-terrorism law, Habiballah was prosecuted for his acts on Sunday. He was accused of contact with a foreign agent and of the offense of prohibiting operation with terrorist property.

Sister movement of Ra'am transfers sums to Hamas

It has now been revealed that the sister movement of the Ra'am party carried out the same actions.

"Aid 48" said in response: "Apparently, the press decides to outlaw associations without the knowledge of the Defense Ministry. As far as we know, and according to the constant checks we carry out, the association "Khir Ummah" is not a declared association on behalf of the Defense Ministry.

“The transfers were made in accordance with the law and rules With the approval of the authorities and the bank. The association operated and continues to operate solely for the benefit of those in need and according to the law. We continue to punish Ra'am and those associated with it for their political positions."

Source: jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-786575

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Palestinian president discusses latest Gaza developments with Qatari emir in Doha

February 13, 2024

LONDON: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the other occupied Palestinian territories during a meeting in Doha on Monday.

In particular, they talked about ongoing efforts to secure an agreement for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in a way that could pave the way for a just, comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the Palestinian issue. The two leaders also discussed the escalation of violence in the region, and reviewed bilateral ties and ways in which they might be enhanced, the Qatar News Agency reported.

Sheikh Tamim reiterated Qatar’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its solidarity with the Palestinian people in their efforts to achieve their rightful national aspirations.

He said his nation remains committed to diplomatic and mediation efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, and ease unrest in the West Bank, and to its support for initiatives that can help bridge divisions among Palestinians.

Abbas thanked the sheikh for Qatar’s continued support for the Palestinian people.

The president also met Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, known for his compelling coverage of war-torn Gaza. The photographer was evacuated to Doha in January after receiving death threats and alleged offers of bribes from Israel to stop documenting the Israeli military aggression in the territory.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2458911/middle-east

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Turkey arrests Russian at nuclear plant in Islamic State probe, sources say

13 February 2024

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish counter-terrorism police investigating the militant group Islamic State have detained a Russian citizen working at a nuclear power plant under construction on Turkey's southern coast, security sources said on Tuesday.

The suspect was caught working under a fake identity at the $20-billion Akkuyu nuclear plant, which is being built by Russian conglomerate Rosatom in the Mediterranean province of Mersin, the sources added.

Police in Mersin said that a Turkish court formally arrested the foreign national. Its statement did not specify the suspect's nationality or give further details on the operation.

Last week, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Turkey had detained 147 people suspected of having ties to Islamic State in operations across 33 provinces.

Last month, one Turkish citizen was killed by two Islamic State gunmen at the Italian Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul. Turkish police detained two people suspected of carrying out the attack.

(Reporting by Daren Butler; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Andrew Heavens)

Source: yahoo.com

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https://uk.news.yahoo.com/turkey-arrests-russian-nuclear-plant-

081042730.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAML1uJ9rJuoZ5v1GIUcOZUz3jCHxFK9fuagDyNPNr1DNH3sQ298kfA4b817CSpjuVsqkSpkdgTF6NBmT-

hCRT9mHZM73Aaw7ez4Ko954JdZyYLuw0TqTTtQLmib9_iiYrb1QbIEJfPW3P65SD_cel986RMjjrSP2CIrSq-UaQqwk

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Arab World

 

Iranian Embassy in Sana'a commemorates 45th anniversary of Islamic Revolution victory

[12/February/2024]

SANA'A February 12. 2024 (Saba) -The Iranian Embassy in Sana'a commemorated today,Monday, the 45th anniversary of Islamic Revolution victory in Iran with a rhetorical activity.

At the event, a member of the Supreme Political Council, Sultan Al-Sami, congratulated the Iranian leadership, government and people for Islamic Revolution victory on its 45th anniversary against the injustice and tyranny that the brotherly Iranian people have experienced for decades.

He presented an approach between the Iranian Islamic Revolution , the September 21 Revolution and the extent of similarity between the two revolutions, in that the two peoples have a civilization that extends back thousands of years and are subject to persecution by the forces of hegemony and arrogance.

Al-Sami’i pointed to the assassinations and bombings that took place after the Iranian Islamic Revolution, and after the revolution of September 21, 2014 AD, and the Iranian-Yemeni sacrifices that were made after the success of the two revolutions, from the eight-year war against Iran and the nine-year war against the Yemeni people.

He pointed out that the Islamic Republic of Iran has been able, over the course of 45 years, to cross the ranks of developed countries in the region and the world and has become one of the first countries in the region in the field of industrialization, pointing in numbers to the developments and achievements made by the Iranian Revolution in the fields of education, universities, health, roads, the construction of dams and the eradication of illiteracy and others.

The Supreme Political Member Al-Samii urged merchants to import medicines from the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has developed all the capabilities of society and has become comparable to the countries of the world in manufacturing and armament, indicating that the Iranian Revolution does not base its existence on America and its tools, but on God and the will of the people.

He stressed the insistence of the Yemeni people, led by the revolution leader , Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, to confront the forces of global tyranny led by America, the Zionist enemy and European countries, pointing out that Yemen and Iran are on one front with the people , the Palestinian cause and confronting Zionist arrogance.

For his part, the Grand Mufti of Yemen, Shams al-Din Sharaf al-Din, expressed his congratulations to the Iranian leadership, government and people on the 45th anniversary of the victory of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, which fulfilled the aspirations of the Iranian people and inspired resistance movements in the Islamic world.

He stated that the Iranian revolution transcended geography and was launched from faith-based foundations to confront American hegemony and arrogance. He said, “Whenever revolutions are launched from faith-based foundations, they have a positive impact on the national, regional, Arab and international levels.”

He added, "Imam Khomeini influenced the souls of people, especially the resistance movements and factions in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon, because the Iranian revolution that was achieved by him stemmed from the spirit of Islam and the Qur’an and its role model was the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and his family and grant them peace."

The scholar Sharaf al-Din reviewed the opposition that Imam Khomeini faced, just as the revolution of September 21, 2014 AD, faced internal opposition, and it was overcome by the greatness of faith and trust in God Almighty.

He pointed out that the nation is going through a dangerous turning point in light of the loyalty of some regimes to the Jews and Christians, which it requires uniting ranks to overcome the state of weakness, humiliation, rupture, and loss that the nation is experiencing.

He said, "There is right and wrong, good and evil, and there are countries and systems that support good and others that support evil, keep up with enemies , stand by the forces of hegemony and arrogance, but Imam Khomeini at the time did not pay attention to America and the forces of global tyranny."

The Mufti of Yemen touched on the qualitative changes and effective steps achieved by the Iranian Revolution in various fields and made it a strong industrial country on par with major countries, reviewing the miserable situation that Iran experienced before the revolution under Shah Pahlavi regime and the urgent need for the Islamic Revolution to advance it politically, militarily, economically, culturally and socially.

He touched on the sacrifices of the Yemeni people, who set the most wonderful examples of sacrifice, steadfastness, and redemption through their support of the Palestinians, their just cause, and their valiant resistance.

He added, "In light of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Arabs and Muslims were divided into countries that declared their loyalty to America, Israel, Europe, and others were content with statements of denunciation, condemnation, and solidarity with Palestine, and did not provide any support to the Palestinian cause, and to the axis of resistance that emerged from the Islamic Revolution and proved its worth and credibility in standing with Palestine and confronting it the American-Zionist Western enemy."

The scholar Sharaf al-Din praised the position of the revolution leader, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, who felt responsible for what the American and European-backed Zionist enemy was committing, he triumphed over the oppression of the Palestinian people by targeting the enemy’s depth in the occupied territories and his ships in Red and Arab sead and Aden Gulf , as well as preventing ships heading to him from crossing in the Red Sea.

He denounced the silence of the rulers, regimes, and countries that possess the capabilities, equipment, their lack of action to support the Palestinians, win the Palestinian cause, support their resistance to confront the enemy entity, America, Britain, the countries allied with them to kill the Palestinians and displace them from their country.

At the conclusion of his speech, Mufti of Yemen called on the countries of the world and free peoples to carry out their duty and make more efforts to stop the American-Western Zionist aggression on Gaza, lift siege, allow the entry food , medicine, and lift the injustice against the Palestinians.

For his part, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, Daifallah Rassam, considered the Iranian revolution the mother of Islamic revolutions in spirit and meaning.

He reviewed the conspiracies that confronted the Islamic Revolution and failed with the wisdom , awareness of the Iranian leadership , people, and Iran became competing with the world in space, industry and production.

Ressam said, “Iran and Yemen faced a global war at the hands of global tyranny forces , led by America , the Zionist entity, and its tools.” He called on the leadership in Iran and Yemen to unify their visions by creating a scientific academic curriculum for the axis of resistance to dispense with sending male and female students to study abroad, as well as closing the Strait of Hormuz. Bab al-Mandab is in front of the countries that support the Zionist entity.

He called on the tribes of Yemen and the Arabs in general to support the axis of resistance in confronting the forces of arrogance , the tools of global Zionism, and to abort the enemies’ plans aimed at tearing apart the unity of Arab and Islamic ranks.

Ressam presented the rifle of loyalty in the name of the tribes of Yemen to the Iranian leadership , people, and the representative of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic in Sana'a received it, stressing that the tribes of Yemen will remain the solid rock in the face of the plots of evil axis, aggression and international arrogance.

At the celebration, which was attended by the Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Hisham Sharaf, members of the parliament , the Shura Council, the Political office of Ansar Allah, and state leaders, a poem by the poet Aiza Al-Razami was presented, and presentations were presented about the health, electronic, technological achievements of the Iranian Revolution, in terms of technical innovations and oil wealth.

Source: saba.ye

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Yemen’s Houthi missiles hit Iran-bound ship in Red Sea

February 12, 2024

SAEED AL-BATATI

AL-MUKALLA: Yemen’s Houthis claimed credit on Monday for shooting two missiles at what the militia believed to be an American ship, the Star Iris, in the Red Sea, resuming assaults on ships in the critical commerce channel after a four-day lull.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said that their naval troops launched “a number of” anti-ship missiles at the American ship in the Red Sea, adding that their actions are both in support of Palestinians and in retaliation to US and UK bombings on Yemeni territory under their control.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported receiving a warning on Monday morning regarding an incident 40 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Mocha town in which two missiles impacted a vessel, inflicting minor damage. “Vessel and crew are safe. Vessel proceeding to next port of call,” it said in its alert.

Ambrey, a British marine security firm, identified the ship as a Marshall Islands-flagged, Greece-owned bulk carrier that was hit by Houthi missiles twice while passing through the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

Despite the Houthis’ claims that the targeted ship was American, the ship’s information on www.marinetraffic.com, which provides up-to-date information about ship locations and movements, shows that it left Vila do Conde port in Brazil on Jan. 12 and was sailing to Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini port. Last week, the Houthi militia leader, Abdulmalik Al-Houthi, accused US ships of flying the Marshall Islands flag to avoid attacks.

The Houthis captured a commercial ship in November and launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles against commercial and naval ships in the Red Sea, blocking the Red Sea from all Israel-linked and Israel-bound ships.

The Yemeni militia claims that their strikes are intended to force Israel to ease its embargo on Gaza and enable humanitarian aid to enter the Palestinian territory.

Since Friday, the US Central Command has claimed the destruction of 12 explosive-laden drone boats and cruise missiles planned for launch by the Houthis in Yemen.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2458401/middle-east

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Ministry of Islamic Affairs Organizes Quran Memorization Competition in Nepal

12 Feb, 2024

 The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, in cooperation with the Islamic Commission in Nepal, organized the Quran memorization competition at the federal level in Kathmandu, the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The event was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Nepal, Saad bin Nasser Abu Haimed, the President of the Islamic Commission Shemim Mia Ansari, and the Ministry’s coordinator Badr Al-Anzi, as well as various officials and Islamic figures.

 During his speech, Abu Haimed expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He praised their unwavering care and attention to Islam and Muslims, highlighting their exceptional dedication to serving the Quran. This commitment is evident in their efforts to organize both international and local competitions for Quran recitation, memorization, and interpretation. Furthermore, their tireless work includes printing translations of the Quran's meanings in various languages and distributing them across the globe.

 It is important to mention that a total of 350 participants, both male and female, took part in the competition. These participants competed in 4 different categories, and a total of 18 winners were chosen across all categories.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/a6b6650dabd342c7bbcb1aead16c4498

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Pakistan

 

Muslim League and People’s Party discuss rotational Prime Ministership: Pakistani Media

Fidel Rahmati

February 12, 2024

According to Pakistani media outlets, senior officials from the two major political parties in Pakistan discussed power-sharing during a meeting on Monday, February 12th.

Geo News reported that it was proposed in this meeting that the Muslim League and the People’s Party would alternate holding the Prime Minister’s seat over the next five years.

The two senior officials, Shahbaz Sharif, the head of the Muslim League faction led by Nawaz, and Asif Ali Zardari, the head of the Pakistan People’s Party, an agreement on forming a coalition government but the fate of the prime minister’s seat remains undecided.

According to Geo News, in this meeting, the Muslim League faction advocated for the Prime Minister’s seat, while the Pakistan People’s Party stated that the Prime Minister should be Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

One of the proposed options is a rotational premiership for the leaders of the two parties for a term of three and two years respectively. Geo News sources have stated that the two parties have agreed on forming a coalition government.

Neither of these traditional and major parties holds the majority of seats necessary to form a government and, like the past two years, they must compromise on power-sharing.

This development follows the success of Tehreek-e-Insaf led by Imran Khan, despite Khan’s imprisonment. The party emerged victorious, winning the most of seats in the elections. Notably, this marks the first instance where independent candidates supported by Imran Khan’s party have secured more seats in Pakistan’s elections.

Meanwhile, the Muslim League, which won the most seats after the Tehreek-e-Insaf group, is negotiating to form a coalition government in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

These post-election alignments come amid increasing tensions over election results. Small political parties in Balochistan have staged sit-ins, and candidates affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Insaf party are contesting the results in most constituencies.

Source: khaama.com

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Pakistani Security Forces Kill Top Islamic State Terrorist, Surat Gul, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

13.02.24

A militant ringleader, associated with the Islamic State, was killed by Pakistani security forces during an intelligence-based operation in the restive Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Sunday.

The security forces conducted an operation after getting information on the reported presence of a “high-profile terrorist” in the area, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army.

After an intense exchange of fire, the “high-value terrorist ringleader” Surat Gul, alias Saifullah, of Daesh (Islamic State) was eliminated, the military said in a statement.

Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the “terrorist commander”, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including “targeted killing of innocent civilians as well as extortion”, and was wanted by the law enforcement agencies, the ISPR said.

“Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area. The locals appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism,” it said.

Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, which were held on February 8, there was a surge in attacks targeting contesting candidates and offices of the election commission in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. At least 12 people were killed and several others injured in a powerful bomb blast outside the election office of an independent candidate in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, a day before the general elections.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/pakistani-security-forces-kill-top-islamic-state-terrorist-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-province/cid/2000155

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Lahore ATC holds jail trial of PTI leaders, workers in May 9 violence case

February 13, 2024

LAHORE: An Anti-Ter­rorism Court on Monday conducted proceedings of two cases against PTI leaders and workers in Kot Lakhpat jail for their alleged involvement in May 9 attacks on Shadman Police Station and burning of police vehicles near Rahat Bakery in Cant­on­ment area.

The court also summ­o­ned prosecution witnesses at the next hearing.

ATC-I Judge Naveed Iqbal conducted the proceedings of cases in the jail.

PTI-Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid, former governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Senator Ijaz Chaudhry, former provincial minister Mehmoodur Rasheed and other jailed PTI suspects were produced before the court.

Rubina Jamil, a former MNA of PTI, and some other suspects, who were released on bail, did not appear before the court.

The judge adjourned further hearing of the two cases till Feb 15 and directed the prosecution to produce its witnesses at the next hearing.

The judge also ordered the prosecution to ensure appearance of the suspects in the court, who are on bail, at the next hearing.

The PTI leaders and workers have already been indicted in the cases, but they have pleaded not guilty.

Copies of challans (inv­estigation reports) have been given to the suspects.

Sarwar Road police had registered a case against PTI leaders and workers for allegedly torching official vehicles near a bakery during May 9 violence.

Shadman police had registered FIR No 768 regarding attack on the police station.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1813773/lahore-atc-holds-jail-trial-of-pti-leaders-workers-in-may-9-violence-case

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SC Urged To Order Dr Shoaib SuddleTo Probe Jaranwala Attacks

February 13, 2024

Nasir Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court, which resumes the case proceedings in the 2023 Jaranwala tragedy today, has been urged to direct the one-man commission of Dr Shoaib Suddle — appointed in 2019 to implement its 2014 order in a minority rights case — to conduct inquiry and assign culpabilities to groups and individuals involved in the gruesome arson attacks on churches and properties of Christian community in Faisalabad on Aug 16 last year.

A new petition was filed in the top court on Monday seeking a direction that the one-man commission conduct inquiry and assign culpabilities to groups and individuals involved in the attacks.

Moved by senior counsel Faisal Siddiqui, the new petition has been filed by Reverend Khalid Mukhtar, Pervez Gill, Peter Jacob, Shehzad John Crest, The Diocese of Karachi and Balochistan, Church of Pakis­tan, Reverend Shafique Kanwal and Reverend Ghazala Parveen.

Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, a three-judge bench also comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali, will take up on Tuesday the Jaranwala case.

CJP-led bench to resume hearing of Jaranwala case today

The petition pleaded that the one-man commission appointed on Jan 8, 2019, in a suo motu case, should be asked to conduct a detailed inquiry and ascertain facts of the attack on the churches and properties of minorities in the Jaranwala tragedy.

The commission should also investigate the causes of the Jaranwala incident and assign culpabilities to the groups and individuals involved in the attacks on the churches and properties of minorities in the Jaranwala tragedy, the petition said. Besides, it added, the commission should also ascertain the quantum and extent of damage caused by the attacks and ascertain to what extent the compensation has been paid and damage to property restored.

The petition urged the court to ensure that commission ascertain the extent of negligence on part of the state institutions in failing to prevent the attacks on the churches and properties of minorities in the Jaranwala incident. The SC should also direct this commission to act with such powers as conferred by the court and to submit a report within one month. The federal and the provincial governments should immediately implement the 2014 SC judgment on minority rights and furnish a report regarding compliance of the judgment within two months, it demanded.

It also urged the court to order the Punjab chief secretary, home secretary and inspector general of police to submit fortnightly reports regarding investigation of all FIRs arising out of the Jaranwala incident.

The petitioners, it said, were members of the Christian community and were directly affected by the violent attacks of Aug 16, 2023, perpetrated on the Christian community at Jaranwala. It argued that the violent attacks spread to other Christian localities as well as to villages in outskirts of the Jaranwala city and during the entire time, police failed to contain the violent attacks.

The extent of damage caused by violent attacks was colossal and unprecedented, the petition regretted, adding in Jaranwala, at least 24 churches and several dozens of smaller chapels were burnt. Several pastor’s houses and over 80 homes in 11 different localities were looted and burnt to the ground.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1813777/sc-urged-to-order-dr-shoaib-suddle-to-probe-jaranwala-attacks

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Pakistan condemns Israel’s Rafah ‘massacre’

February 12, 2024

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan on Monday joined the rest of the international community to strongly condemn Israel’s latest military offensive in Rafah city in Gaza, where millions have taken refuge to avoid Israeli massacre.

Despite calls even by Israel’s close allies including the United States, Benjamin Netanyahu government went ahead with the offensive.

Dozens of people, including children, were killed as “extremely intense” Israeli airstrikes and shelling pounded multiple locations in Rafah overnight Monday, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society, as international alarm mounts over Israel’s planned ground offensive in the southern Gazan city.

More than 100 people were killed due to Israeli airstrikes as warplanes targeted different areas of the city and helicopters fired machine guns along the border areas, the PRCS said early Monday.

“Israel’s offensive in Rafah violates the provisional measures indicated by the International Court of Justice to protect the people of Gaza from genocide. It will further aggravate the humanitarian disaster witnessed in Gaza over the last four months and jeopardise the ongoing efforts for a potential ceasefire,” said a statement issued by the foreign office.

“We urge the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to take urgent measures to bring an immediate end to Israeli aggression and its incessant crimes against humanity,” the statement added.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Kingdom joined a growing list of countries to express concern over Israel’s planned offensive.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry warned of “very serious repercussions of storming and targeting” the city, while Qatar — a key mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas — on Sunday urged the UN’s Security Council to “prevent” Israel from committing what it described as “genocide” and warned of a “humanitarian catastrophe in the city.”

Source: tribune.com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456232/pakistan-condemns-israels-rafah-massacre

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Pakistan wants to enhance bilateral ties with Iran: FM

2024-02-13

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to enhance bilateral ties with Iran and further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

He was addressing a ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of the Islamic revolution of Iran, organised by the Iranian Embassy here on Monday.

Caretaker Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, members of the diplomatic community, and former members of the parliament were also present on the occasion.

In his address, Jilani congratulated the people and the Government of Iran on this important anniversary.

He emphasized the principles of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity that characterize the relations between Pakistan and Iran.

Solangi, in his address, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with Iran.

While felicitating the government and the people of Iran on the occasion, he said that Pakistan and Iran share historic brotherly relations.

He said the governments and peoples of Pakistan and Iran are well aware of the importance and benefits of friendly relations between the two countries.

He said that Iran achieved numerous goals in its struggle, and is rapidly heading towards development and prosperity.

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam while welcoming the guests, reiterated his country’s desire to expand the scope of cooperation in various areas including trade and economy.

He said that Pakistan and Iran are tied with strong bond of religious, and cultural ties and the two nations enjoy good neighbourly relations.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40288498/pakistan-wants-to-enhance-bilateral-ties-with-iran-fm

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135 nationwide constituencies: ECP urged to take notice of ‘non-compliance by ROs’

2024-02-13

ISLAMABAD: Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), Monday, urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of non-compliance by the returning officers (ROs) on 135 nationwide constituencies, which has overshadowed an otherwise largely controversy-free voting and counting processes at the polling stations.

In a report released here, FAFEN said that ROs failed to comply with ECP’s instructions that reinforced categoric legal provisions requiring complete transparency at all stages of the election results process including the preparation of provisional and consolidated results in the constituencies.

The ROs did not allow FAFEN observers in 135 constituencies to observe the tabulation process, 80 in Punjab, 23 in Sindh, 18 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 11 in Balochistan, and all three in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

Of these 135 constituencies, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independents won 46, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) 43, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) 28, unaffiliated independents five, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-P) three, two each by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML), and one each by Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Balochistan National Party (BNP), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and Majlis-e-Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM). The provisional result of one such constituency is yet to be announced.

The ROs in 135 of 260 National Assembly constituencies did not adhere to these provisions, undermining the ECP’s efforts to maximise electoral transparency, which was generally maintained during the voting and counting processes at the polling stations.

As per FAFEN’s observers, the ROs in 65 constituencies prohibited one or more candidates and/or their election agents from participating in the tabulation proceedings. Of these 65 constituencies, 25 are won by PML-N, 24 by PTI-backed independents, five by PPPP, four by unaffiliated independents, three by PML, and one each by IPP, BNP, and PkMAP. One such constituency remains undecided.

The independent watchdog monitoring the election process in the country, while citing the relevant sections of the law, said that Section 92 of the Elections Act, 2017, requires the ROs to prepare and announce the Provisional Consolidated Statement of the Results of the Count (Form-47) in the presence of contesting candidates, their election agents, and authorised observers as may be present. Similarly, Section 95(1) requires the RO to conduct the consolidation of the results in the presence of the contesting candidates and their election agents. Section 95(9) requires the ROs to provide copies of Form-48 (Consolidated Statement of the Results of the Count Furnished by the Presiding Officers) and Form-49 (Final Consolidated Result). Section 238 also allows the accredited observers to observe the consolidation of results.

While Section 92 requires the preparation of provisional results in the presence of contesting candidates, their election agents and authorised observers, FAFEN observers reported that the ROs in 80 out of 125 National Assembly constituencies where they were allowed by the ROs to observe the tabulation proceedings — 43 in Punjab, 20 in Sindh, 13 in KP, and four in Balochistan— were opening the tamper evident bags containing the Form-45 (Results of the Count) and Form-46 (Ballot Paper Account) brought by Presiding Officers in their presence. In 42 constituencies – 17 in Punjab, 13 in Sindh, 11 in KP, and one in Balochistan – these bags were opened without any candidates and/or their election agents present. In the remaining three constituencies – two in Sindh and one in KP— the observers could not determine whether or not these bags were being opened in the presence of candidates and election agents.

As per Rule 84(3) of the Election Rules, 2017, the ROs are required to point out any arithmetic errors in Form-45 to the presiding officers and ask them to correct the errors with their signatures before resending electronically a copy of corrected Form-45 to the Commission. FAFEN observers reported that in 53 National Assembly constituencies — 23 in Punjab, 18 in Sindh, 10 in KP, and two in Balochistan— the ROs pointed out arithmetic errors in one or more Form-45 and asked the concerned presiding officers to correct the errors with initials and re-send the electronic copies of the corrected forms.

The ROs in most constituencies did not make adequate arrangements for the hundreds of presiding officers who arrived at their offices to hand over the election results and materials. Long queues of vehicles carrying officials and election materials in the winter nights without any seating and food arrangements was the leading reason for the chaotic and crowded environment at the tabulation centres in 66 constituencies including 26 in Punjab, 25 in Sindh, 12 in KP, and three in Balochistan as reported by FAFEN observers. It takes roughly 15-30 minutes for each presiding officer to hand over election results and other election materials. Also, the disorderly proceedings at the tabulation centres may be due to same legal deadline of 2am for delivering polling stations’ results to the ROs both electronically and physically. While this may be a feasible deadline in case results are transmitted electronically, the physical handing over of polling station results and materials remains a logistical challenge, especially in a country where many constituencies are geographically large such as the ones in Chitral, Kohistan, south Punjab, most parts of Balochistan, and rural Sindh. FAFEN observers reported that ROs were able to prepare partially-completed provisional results by legally-stipulated time of 2:00 am in only four constituencies. The complete provisional result has to be prepared by 10:00 am the day following the polling day.

While the parliament may need to reform the Elections Act, 2017, in light of the operational realities as well as plug the persisting loopholes in the election result management process, the ECP must probe the non-compliance of ROs of its instructions to ensure electoral transparency and to determine responsibility as per Section 55 of the Elections Act, 2017, which empower the Election Commission to take action against erring election officials, public servants, and persons in the service of Pakistan.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40288504/135-nationwide-constituencies-ecp-urged-to-take-notice-of-non-compliance-by-ros

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IHC directs police not to arrest any accused on premises of courts

2024-02-13

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC), Monday, directed the police not to arrest any accused from the premises of high court and sessions court.

A single bench of Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir conducted the hearing of a matter related to the arrest of a woman from the court premises and issued the aforementioned directions.

The IHC bench also directed the SSP (Investigations) to hold a meeting with the inspector general (IG) of Islamabad police and finalise the SOPs in this regard and inform all the policemen. He said to him that make it clear to the IG that no accused would be arrested from the court premises.

During the hearing, SSP Rukhsar Mehdi appeared before the court and expressed his embarrassment over the arrest of a woman by a policeman. He informed the court that the concerned ASI had been suspended and further investigations were underway. He also assured the court of no repeat of the incident in future.

Justice Arbab said the police arrested the woman as soon as she left the court. He directed the SSP to hold a meeting with the IG to finalise the SOPs and inform the court within two days. Later, he deferred the hearing of the case till Thursday.

In this matter, the applicant, Shabana Kanwal, mother of an accused Saifur Rehman, and at the time of arguments in the bail petition of her son, the lady had been present in the Court but subsequently, was arrested by ASI Zahid Hameed from within the premises of this Court.

The court observed in its written order that the allegation, on the face of it, reflects a transgression of authority and disobedience to the court of law and, therefore, cannot be overlooked.

Later, on the direction of this court, ASI Zahid Hameed produced the lady before the Court and begged pardon for causing arrest of the lady from within the premises of the Court.

The court order said that he shall file his explanation as to why he shall not be proceeded against on account of alleged willful defiance and transgression of authority.

The official, Zahid Hameed ASI, on being questioned, stated that the lady was implicated in FIR No404 of PS Aabpara by her son, petitioner in connected petition, who was arrested in the referred case on 23.07.2023.

According to the ASI, the disclosure so made by the co-accused had been on 24.07.2023 and thereafter said accused remained on physical remand till 31.07.2023 when sent to judicial lock-up.

The IHC bench said that it is quite strange that since July 2023 till today, despite lapse of more than five months, no effort was made to finalise the investigation and to cause arrest of the accused persons. As apprised by the official in attendance, the investigation was earlier conducted by Nasrullah ASI who has since been transferred and then the investigation was entrusted to him by the orders of DSP.

The judge also observed that the conduct demonstrated by the official, prima facie, reflects transgression of authority and issued notice to S.P. Investigations, ICT to appear in person along with the relevant record for further proceedings in due course.

It added that meanwhile, Ms Shabana, is admitted to ad-interim pre-arrest bail in FIR No404, dated 14.05.2023, under sections 457, 380 PPC PS Aabpara, Islamabad.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40288556/ihc-directs-police-not-to-arrest-any-accused-on-premises-of-courts

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Africa

 

Tunisian Popular Current Party condemns Zionist aggression against Rafah

[13/February/2024]

TUNISIA February 13. 2024 (Saba) - The Tunisian Popular Current Party has condemned the Zionist aggression that targeted Rafah city.

The party said, in a statement, that The Zionist plan “is being carried out with the support and backing of the administration of imperialist brutality in the bloody house of American genocide.”

It pointed out that stopping the Zionist aggression and the attack on Rafah is “primarily an Egyptian responsibility, dictated by the necessities of defending Egypt’s national security and its territorial integrity.”

The party called on the Egyptian people and their national forces to “take action and political escalation with the Zionist enemy, starting with canceling the Camp David Treaty and ending with deterring it militarily.”

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3304410.htm

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Mama Boko Haram, two others jailed over N40 million fraud

 Goodness Adaoyiche

February 13, 2024

Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, sitting in Maiduguri, has convicted and sentenced Aisha Wakil (otherwise known as Mama Boko Haram), Tahiru  Daura and  Lawal Soyade to 10 years imprisonment.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, on Monday night.

The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the EFCC had earlier secured a conviction against Wakil and her accomplices for falsely obtaining N15 million from one Bukar Kachalla of Hamiza Global Resources Limited under the guise of supplying three units of Chemistry Analyser Solar Energy Brand Model 1800 (UK version).

The action was said to be contrary to Section 1(1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

Former EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, sentenced Wakil and the others, to seven years imprisonment for conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses.

In his statement, Oyewale said, “The defendants were jailed upon being arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  on Thursday, March 5, 2020, on a two count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N40m.

Count two of the charge reads: “That you Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Alhaji Saidu Daura, and Prince Lawal Soyade whilst being the Chief Executive Officer, Programme Manager, and Country Director respectively of Complete Care and Aid Foundation, (a Non-Governmental Organisation) and Saidu Mukhtar (at large) sometime in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N40m  from one Bashir Abubakar, the Chief Executive Officer of Duty-Free Shop Ltd under the false pretence of executing a purported contract for the supply of five X-ray Machines 1900 with Solar Energy which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section (1) 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

The defendants however pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them, while the counsel for the prosecution, A. I Arogha, presented four witnesses and tendered 17 exhibits before the court.

The statement also read that Justice Fadawu “convicted and sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of conspiracy.

The court further sentenced the defendants to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of obtaining by false pretence and ordered them to jointly and severally pay the sum of N40 million to Bashir Muhammad.

“The prison term shall run concurrently on the expiration of all prison terms imposed on the convicts by any court.”

The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began when a petitioner alleged that they swindled him through a purported contract for the supply of five X-ray Machines 1900 with Solar Energy to a Non-Governmental Organisation, Complete Care and Aid Foundation, worth N40 million.

Source: politicsnigeria.com

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https://politicsnigeria.com/mama-boko-haram-two-others-jailed-over-n40-million-fraud/

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Prominent Islamic cleric lands in DSS custody after comparing Buhari, Tinubu to Pharaoh, Haman

 Goodness Adaoyiche

February 13, 2024

The Department of State Services (DSS) has quizzed a prominent northern cleric based in Kaduna State, Sheikh Auwal Shariff, for criticizing the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the economic hardship in the country.

The Zaria-based Muslim cleric, who is a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu, was reportedly interrogated on Friday and released the same day.

In one of the videos Shariff had likened the power transition between former President Muhammadu Buhari and Tinubu to that of Pharaoh and Haman.

He also lambasted the president for the hasty decision to remove petrol subsidy.

“Tinubu and Buhari are like Pharaoh and Haman; there is no difference between them. If not for Tinubu’s lack of respect and dignity for Nigerians, how can you announce the removal of subsidy in your inaugural speech?

“After announcing the removal on the inauguration stage, the petrol price jumped from around N200 to over N600 before the president left the venue.

“And people just laughed it off, as though nothing happened. What kind of people are we?

“Ideally, he should have consulted his economic team before making such a hasty decision; even the military, which rules by decree, don’t make that kind of pronouncement,” Sharif said according to DailyNigerian.

An top source revealled hat the cleric was quizzed for some hours before he was asked to go home.

“Some operatives of the SSS stormed the residence of Malam on Friday before Jumuat prayers, but he wasn’t at home.

“They came back again after the Jumuat prayer, but could not meet him. So they left behind a letter and a phone number for him to call.

“Upon his arrival from the mosque, Malam reached out to them, confirming the receipt of their letter.

“He offered to go to their office immediately, but we advised him against it. Even the SSS asked him to wait until Monday, but he insisted on going to know the reason for the invitation, and prove his innocence.

“He went and had a discussion with them, and after hours of grilling, he was allowed to go home.

“From what we gathered, the order to arrest Malam was from Abuja, but somehow the matter was handled by the Kaduna State Command,” he said.

The source said the secret police expressed security concern about some of his sermons and the kind of engagement they received from people of all faith.

“He was advised to be less critical due to the fragile nature of the polity,” the source added.

Source: politicsnigeria.com

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

https://politicsnigeria.com/prominent-islamic-cleric-lands-in-dss-custody-after-comparing-buhari-tinubu-to-pharaoh-haman/

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You Won’t Destroy This Country And Leave, We Die Here – Abbo Calls For Visa Ban On Corrupt Judges

 13 February 2024

 Justina Otio

A former senator representing Adamawa north, Elisha Abbo, has called on the European Union (EU), US and UK to issue a visa ban on Nigerian corrupt judges.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Abbo insisted that the judges and their families should not be allowed to leave the country after they have destroyed it.

Abbo’s call is coming about a week after he asked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, the lead judge of the court of appeal panel that sacked him from office.

Reiterating his accusations on Monday, Abbo argued that Nwosu-Iheme canceled the election results in over 200 polling units where he had won.

He said the results were cancelled just because the figure zero was not recorded by parties that did not even participate in the election.

He said, “We had cases under Buhari in 2016 where judges were sued to court and if they continue, I will sue her. She should resign.

“The news tomorrow should be that Senator Abbo asks Chioma Iheme to resign. When she gets to the supreme court, we will continue to press for it.

“I have written to the American embassy in Nigeria. I have written to the office of Mr Antony Blinken, direct to the US and I’m calling on the US, the European Union and the UK to add corrupt judges to the list of visa bans for them and their families.

“They should not be allowed into the US. Their families should not be allowed into the US. If their children are there, they should be deported back, so that we can live in this same Nigeria with their children.

Source: naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/13/you-wont-destroy-this-country-and-leave-we-die-here-abbo-calls-for-visa-ban-on-corrupt-judges/

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Niger Coup Leader Speaks On Returning To ECOWAS, Vows Never To Release Arrested President, Bazoum

13 February 2024

Enioluwa Adeniyi

In a firm declaration that underscores the widening rift between certain Sahel nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the head of Niger Republic’s military junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has stated unequivocally that Niger, along with Burkina Faso and Mali, will not reconsider their decision to exit the regional bloc.

During an interview with RTN news channel in Niamey on Monday, General Tchiani articulated this commitment, highlighting the steadfast resolve of the three countries in their stance against ECOWAS.

This pronouncement comes after the military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced on January 28 their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS, branding it a “sovereign decision” to leave the bloc “without delay.”

The departure of these nations from ECOWAS marks a significant moment of discord within the region, challenging the cohesion and unity that the bloc has strived to maintain among its member states.

The leaders of the three Sahel countries have questioned the efficacy and benefits of their membership in ECOWAS and have also signalled a potential reconfiguration of alliances and partnerships within the West African region.

He said, “Just because we are members of the bloc, food and medicine supply was cut off. Power was also cut off and our own funds have been freezed. So, we consulted our friends in the Sahel on exiting the bloc to better the life of our citizens. That we should withdraw from the bloc that is answerable to the foreign countries. So, we have withdrawn our membership from the bloc and would never return to the union.”

Responding to the consequences of its withdrawal on security, trade and socio-economic activities, he said, “Now the world is a global village and is the world within ECOWAS? So, God will feed every human He created.

“We would never release Bazoum. Setting Bazoum free is akin to stabbing ourselves in the stomach which would do harm to Nigeriens.”

Source: naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/13/niger-coup-leader-speaks-on-returning-to-ecowas-vows-never-to-release-arrested-president-bazoum/

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South Sudan: AFDB and UNHCR partner to support refugees

 2024-02-12

The African Development Bank and the UN Refugee Agency have said they are partnering to support displaced people and their host communities in South Sudan

Since the start of the war in neighbouring Sudan last year, over half a million people have arrived in the country, where resources are already overstretched.

Most of the arrivals are South Sudanese who had been in Sudan for decades. Many are heading back to villages that barely have any services and where there is no humanitarian assistance available.

Partnering to address fragility

Senior officials from the African Development Bank and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency paid a joint visit to Gendrassa Refugee Camp in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State.

Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, the Bank’s Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, and Raouf Mazou, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, met with government authorities, refugees and members of the host community.

“We have decided to partner with the UNHCR because as part of the bank strategy for addressing fragility and helping to bring to build resilience in countries, one of the tenants is to leave no one behind," says Akin-Olugbade.

"We are extremely, and I think the international community should be, very grateful to the government of South Sudan for their open policy in welcoming more refugees who are coming.”

“What we've seen is that there are a lot of opportunities, a lot of projects that they could be funding," says Mazou. "These are the kind of things that we humanitarian actors cannot fund. But [the] African Development Bank and other development actors can actually [fund].”

Humanitarian and development collaboration

The visit comes in the context of strengthened collaboration between humanitarian and development actors globally.

The two sectors have recognised the need in recent years to work more closely with one another.

Source: africanews.com

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

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/12/south-sudan-afdb-and-unhcr-partner-to-support-refugees/

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Rwanda Army using surface-to-air missiles in east DR Congo, says UN

February 13, 2024

The Rwandan Army supporting M23 rebels in an escalating conflict in eastern DR Congo is using sophisticated weapons such as surface-to-air missiles, according to a UN document seen by AFP on February 12.

Amid intensifying fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a “suspected Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM)” was fired at a UN observation drone on last Wednesday without hitting it, the confidential report said.

“External military intelligence from France supports assessment that the suspected WZ551 6×6 IFV mobile SAM system is Rwandan,” it added.

Attached to the report are two aerial images in which a six-wheeled armoured vehicle is visible with a radar and missile launcher system on the roof.

The photos were taken by the targeted drone about 70 km north of the city of Goma, in rebel-held Rutshuru territory.

The UN’s MONUSCO peacekeeping mission says in the document it has “no past reporting of known armed groups possessing the training, capital or resources to operate and maintain a mobile SAM system”.

It added that it “indicates an escalation of conventional force conflict in eastern DRC”.

The document notes that M23 and the Rwanda Army have used numerous weapons against aircraft and also have in their armoury anti-aircraft guns and MANPAD mobile air defence systems.

Such weapons pose a high risk to all DRC government and UN aircraft in the region.

Source: thehindu.com

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

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/rwanda-army-using-surface-to-air-missiles-in-east-dr-congo-says-un/article67840568.ece

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South Asia

 

IEA Deputy PM to Neighbour Countries: Do Not Force Afghan Refugees Out

 February 12, 2024

The deputy PM for political affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, during his visit to a temporary camp in Torkham called on the neighbouring countries not to force Afghan refugees out of the country.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir also asked Afghan refugees, especially the businesspeople in foreign countries, to return to Afghanistan, saying security is ensured throughout.

“We ask all the countries not to force the refugees out in this cold season and worsen the situation, especially when their property is not collected and accounts are not cleared,” he said.

“More than 50,000 refugees have returned up to now and the process is not stopped and is continuous, when the process stops it will be confirmed. About 15 families have been deported,” said Baz Mohammad Abdul Rahman, the head of the Refugees and Repatriation.

On the other hand, some fresh returnees from Pakistan complained of mistreatment by the Pakistani police and asked the Islamic Emirate for assistance and to provide them with permanent shelter.

“Those who have got no land should be given land and those who have land should be helped to make a life,” said Noor Mohammad a returnee.

“We have come from Pakistan, as they used to detain us repeatedly and were not leaving us to relax to work and live, so we prioritized our honor and returned to our own country,” said Muskin Afghan, another returnee.

According to the numbers of the Directorate of Refugees and Repatriation of Nangarhar province, from November 1, 2023, to the present, over 50000 families have been deported from Torkham crossing.

Source: tolonews.com

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

https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187386

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Shia Scholars and Elders Discuss Development Projects with Deputy PM

2024-02-12

KABUL (BNA): Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Administrative Deputy Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, held a meeting with a group of Shia scholars and elders in Kabul on Monday.

Haji Mohammad Amir Bazel, one of the scholars, spoke on behalf of the group, providing the Deputy Prime Minister with information about the social situation and development activities in their regions.

Bazel expressed that the Shia community holds a positive view of the Islamic Emirate and supports the Islamic system in the country. He appealed to the officials of the Islamic Emirate to pay special attention to initiating development programs in provinces and remote areas that have been neglected in recent years.

On the other hand, Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi stated that the officials of the Islamic Emirate consider it their duty and honor to serve the people and address their issues. He emphasized the crucial role of scholars and elders in fostering a robust and solid relationship between the nation and the government.

Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi also highlighted that the Islamic Emirate is committed to balanced development and is initiating development programs throughout Afghanistan.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/shia-scholars-and-elders-discuss-development-projects-with-deputy-pm/

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Hanafi Urges Officials to Enhance Efforts for Kabul’s Order and Prosperity

 2024-02-12

KABUL (BNA): Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, met with Eng. Aamer Yaser, the Deputy Mayor of Kabul Municipality.

According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, they discussed the activities, functions, and plans of the Kabul Municipality.

Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Kabul Municipality in maintaining order, cleanliness, and initiating development projects. He urged officials to further contribute to the cleanliness, greenery, order, and prosperity of Kabul.

He emphasized that the initiation of large-scale development projects in Kabul demonstrates that with determination and the utilization of internal resources, development and prosperity can be achieved.

Eng. Aamer Yaser, the Deputy Mayor of Kabul, highlighted the successful launch and completion of numerous development projects across Kabul, funded internally since the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate. He also outlined the upcoming development plans and projects for the following year.

The Kabul Municipality has played a significant role in the beautification, organization, and greening of Kabul over the past two years, completing development projects using internal budget allocations.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/hanafi-urges-officials-to-enhance-efforts-for-kabuls-order-and-prosperity/

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Portugal provides €200,000 for the first time to Afghanistan humanitarian fund

Fidel Rahmati

February 12, 2024

The United Nations Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced that for the first time, Portugal has contributed €200,000 to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.

This announcement was made by OCHA on Monday, February 12th, on its social media platform X, that Portugal has contributed €200,000, which is equivalent to $215,750 US dollars, to the humanitarian fund for Afghanistan.

OCHA added that this is Portugal’s first humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

OCHA has not specified how this money will be allocated but previously stated that internal displacement, the return of migrants to Afghanistan, climate change, and budgetary constraints are major challenges increasing the Afghan people’s need for humanitarian assistance.

It should be noted that Portugal has delivered this amount of money to OCHA.

Earlier, the World Food Programme warned that among more than 10 million people, many are forced to choose between feeding their children and keeping them warm. Additionally, humanitarian organizations, especially the World Food Program, have also warned about the dire economic conditions in Afghanistan.

Many Afghan refugees returning from neighboring countries encounter numerous challenges, including securing shelter, accessing food, obtaining energy for warmth during harsh winters in their homeland, and acquiring essential medicines.

Source: khaama.com

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

https://www.khaama.com/portugal-provides-e200000-for-the-first-time-to-afghanistan-humanitarian-fund/

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Taliban Deputy Foreign Minister signals participation in Doha Conference

Fidel Rahmati

February 12, 2024

As the Doha conference nears, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the deputy of the caretaker government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has told the media that the Taliban government is thinking about joining the conference and will let everyone know its decision soon.

Mr. Stanikzai made these remarks on Sunday, February 11, during a ceremony commemorating the forty-fifth anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran in Kabul. On the other hand, sources suggest that preparations for the Doha conference are nearing completion.

The two-day Doha conference, initiated by the United Nations on Afghanistan, scheduled for February 18th and 19th, will discuss major challenges facing Afghanistan with representatives from specific countries and will negotiate the selection of a new representative from the organization for Afghan affairs.

Discussions for selecting a new representative for Afghanistan affairs are ongoing, while the Taliban considers the presence of the UN Deputy Office in Kabul sufficient and deems appointing a new representative unnecessary.

Thomas Nicholson, the EU’s Special Representative, stated during his press conference in Kabul that Afghan men and women have been invited to share their experiences and perspectives at the Doha conference.

However, sources indicate that the Taliban does not accept the presence of protesting women at this conference, despite women’s participation being one of the major demands of women’s rights activists in this event.

While discussions continue for selecting a new representative for Afghanistan affairs, a final decision has not yet been announced.

Source: khaama.com

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

https://www.khaama.com/taliban-deputy-foreign-minister-signals-participation-in-doha-conference/

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Germany Warns Against Travel to Afghanistan, Kabul Denies Danger

February 12, 2024

The Islamic Emirate reacted to the travelling warning of the Foreign Office of Germany and denied hostage-taking and arrests of foreigners in Afghanistan.

The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate said that thousands of foreigners who have travelled to Afghanistan recently did not encounter any threats or danger.

According to Zabiullah Mujahid, countries who publish such warnings intend to portray Afghanistan as an unstable country.

“Now Afghanistan is secure, but countries still warn their citizens, it means that there is a political goal behind this. Countries want to portray Afghanistan as an unstable and insecure country to the world; we ensure people that Afghanistan is secure,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate.

The Foreign Office of Germany in a warning asked its citizens to leave Afghanistan and not to travel to the country for security reasons.

“The infrastructure and flight safety facilities at Kabul International Airport do not meet international standards. The situation at the border crossings with neighboring countries is confusing. There are always short-term closures. Armed clashes occasionally occur at border crossings with Pakistan.” Reads the statement of the Foreign Office of Germany.

“The US made the first warning to its citizens followed by the UK, but the Islamic Emirate was not serious about the warnings then. Now that Germany has warned its citizens against travel to Afghanistan, this can mean the proclamation of insecurity in Afghanistan,” said Aziz Maarij, a political analyst.

“The Germans have made the warning because they have not reached a political agreement with the Islamic Emirate yet. It will be efficient if countries start engagement based on their respective interests. Afghanistan’s current security is better than the 20-year presence of foreigners, including Germany, in the country,” said Zalmai Afghanyar, a political analyst.

Following the US and Australia, Russia, the UK and Germany are three other countries who have warned their citizens against travelling to Afghanistan due to alleged security threats.

Source: tolonews.com

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

https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187388

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North America

 

American Muslims set to punish Biden over Israel’s Gaza assault

 February 12, 2024

AYSE ISIN KIRENCI

As Israel pushes on with its brutal military campaign in Gaza – killing Palestinian civilians at will and razing swathes of the besieged Palestinian enclave – the rumblings of the war are being felt as far as the US.

The US – Israel’s all-weather ally – has backed the war on Gaza since the cross-border operation by Hamas on October 7, providing moral and material support to the Jewish state to carry on its military campaign against Palestinians.

The Biden administration’s no-questions-asked backing of Israel has also led to a surge in Islamophobia in the country, which has come as a big shock and disappointment to the American Muslim community.

Ahead of the November presidential elections in the US, the Muslim community is preparing to punish the Democrats politically for being an accomplice in Israel’s lopsided war on Gaza.

And the biggest signs of the political upheaval are emanating from Michigan, a crucial swing state that has been playing a decisive role in determining the outcome of the race.

The state chose the Democrats in 2020 by a bare three percent margin while backing the Republicans in 2016 by an even narrower margin – 0.23 percent.

Representing an estimated five percent of the voters in Michigan, American Muslims in the state believe they can lodge their protest through the ballot box.

Since Israel launched its war on Gaza, Michigan has passed at least 14 resolutions calling for a ceasefire. However, their calls have gone unanswered.

President Joe Biden is almost certain to be nominated by the Democrats for another term, and he is likely to face off against potential Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump in a 2020 rematch.

Growing disappointment

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ (CAIR) Michigan chapter, articulated the frustration and anger of the community in clear terms.

He says that although US support for Israel is not a new thing, Washington’s involvement in the unprecedented level of killing since October 7 has been disappointing for Muslims.

“Many Muslims do not want their leaders to even have a conversation with President Biden due to America's unconditional support for Israel, including giving Israel weapons during the current genocide that's taking place against Palestinian people,” Walid tells TRT World.

Towards the end of January, Muslim and Arab American leaders in Michigan declined an invitation to attend a listening session with Joe Biden’s campaign.

Activists in Michigan have also launched an ‘Abandon Biden’ campaign, calling on voters to reject the potential Democrat nominee in the November elections, says Bilal Irfan, president emeritus of the governing body representing students of the University of Michigan.

Some others have launched a ‘Listen to Michigan’ campaign, hoping to put pressure on the Biden administration to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Biden has had many opportunities in the last few months to make genuine inroads and communicate with his Arab and Muslim constituents, and the only thing we have seen is disrespect and an utter disregard–even hostility–towards our families and the people we love,” Irfan tells TRT World.

To protest Biden's Gaza policy, more than 30 elected officials across Michigan have also said they would vote "uncommitted" in Michigan's Democratic presidential primary that will take place on February 27.

In primaries held 9 to 10 months before the general election across the state, voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate to nominate.

Voting ‘uncommitted’ means not committing to any candidate for the race, which may lead to a break for the Muslim community, says Reem Abou-Samra, teaching Politics at the University of Michigan.

Therefore, it increases the chance for third-party and independent candidates.

A chance wasted for Biden

In the 2020 election, Biden won by 150,000 votes in Michigan, where approximately 240,000 Muslims live.

“In the previous election [2020], Muslims wanted Bernie Sanders to win. However, since Mr. Biden won, Muslims were willing to give him a chance,” Walid says.

“With a series of policy decisions and the worst of them being his support for the war against Gaza, there is virtually no support for President Biden in the Michigan Muslim community at this particular time.”

He says that even if Biden calls for a ceasefire, it won’t satisfy the Muslim community as his administration won’t stop sending aid and weapons to Israel.

It is estimated that Israel dropped 22,000 US-provided guided and unguided bombs on Gaza in just the first six weeks of the war.

US military aid to Tel Aviv topped $3.8 billion in 2023, with half of the amount meant to bolster Israel’s missile defence.

‘A very important election’

Across Detroit, Dearborn, Ypsilanti, Hamtramck, Dearborn Heights, Canton, and Ann Arbor, which have passed ceasefire resolutions, the anger against Biden is growing.

“Many Muslims in Michigan feel that this is a very important election, just simply to make a point that the Muslims in Michigan matter and that if people don't take our voices seriously, the Michigan Muslim community can literally affect who can be the next president of the United States,” Walid says.

He says it is hard for anyone to become US president without winning Michigan because the last two elections have been very close.

It is the consequence they should pay if they do not listen to Muslims, he says, adding, “It's not about whether it's Trump or Biden for many American Muslims, it's about asserting the political power of the Michigan Muslim community so that these politicians cannot take the voices of the community for granted.”

“Our vote is one way we can hold truth to power and force our leaders to listen,” Irfan says.

Legacy of Black American Muslims

At the same time, the Muslim community is also hopeful since local politics has a special place and strength in Michigan.

Because of the rich legacy of Black American Muslims, they have a strong history of organising their local leaders, Abou-Samra says.

Rashida Tlaib became the first Muslim woman in the Michigan legislature in 2008, and then in 2018 became the first Muslim woman to be elected to the US Congress.

The city of Hamtramck in Michigan became the first municipality in the US to be administered entirely by Muslim Americans after the city elected a Muslim-American city council and a Muslim mayor in 2021.

Having strong relationships with the local leaders makes the Muslims in Michigan hopeful for the upcoming election as well, she emphasises.

Also, there is an organic link between the Black movement and the Palestinian movement, says Irfan.

“When Black protestors were being attacked by police in Ferguson after George Floyd’s murder, Palestinians were supporting the movement and sending tips on how protestors could protect themselves from police violence.”

Both communities have faced a common understanding of police brutality, he says, comparing Israel’s military to the US police and adding that many of the US police have been trained by Israel.

In that sense, Biden risks not only the support of Muslims but also the Black community since most Black people see a common thread binding their own struggle for freedom to the Palestinian cause.

“The Muslim vote is significant and valuable because ‘all politics is local’,” Abou-Samra says.

Surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric

Since October 7, anti-Muslim hate in US states has also increased, which the community blamed on politicians and media aligned with Israel.

On February 2, WSJ published an op-ed titled ‘Welcome to Dearborn, America’s Jihad Capital’, labelling the largely Arab-American city of Michigan as a supporter of terrorism due to its pro-Palestinian sentiment and hostility against the US’ Gaza policy.

The writer called counter-terrorism agencies to consider the situation in Dearborn as a national security threat.

“Even this article has the role to increase of anti-Muslim rhetoric, attempts of voter intimidation and uptick of violence against Muslims in America,” Abou-Samra says.

Dawud Walid shares another instance of growing anti-Muslim hatred in Dearborn, where a man threatened to kill all the Palestinians in the city.

“It's a very troubling trend, and especially since this is an election year, we are a little nervous that some of the political candidates may try to use Muslims as a political football and try to win cheap points that may increase Islamophobia in our country,” he says.

Bilal Irfan talks about how the students have been harassed and targeted on various campuses by not only external groups but also by school administrations.

“Muslim and Arab communities are hearing loud and clear from our leaders that our lives and well-being don’t matter,” he says.

“Biden has made it abundantly clear that not only are Arabs and Muslims not safe in Gaza, but also here in America,” he adds.

Biden recently announced financial and travel sanctions on four Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

It was not the first, but a rare instance of US action against Israelis.

Walid, however, dismissed the action as a “token”, saying that “no one really cares about the executive order Biden made regarding Israeli settlers, it won't affect the vast majority of those illegal Israeli settlers because the majority of them are actually American citizens.”

It just punishes individuals who have limited agency in the larger conflict instead of the settler-colonialist state, Abou-Samra notes.

Although Biden’s executive order seeks to appease historically Arab and Muslim democratic voters, he has given Israel the mandate to continue its policies of aggression on besieged Gaza and the occupied West Bank, she adds.

Source: trtworld.com

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

https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/american-muslims-set-to-punish-biden-over-israels-gaza-assault-16954835

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Biden to Jordanian King: 'Status quo must be maintained at Al-Aqsa Mosque'

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

BARAK RAVID

US President Joe Biden said that the status quo must be maintained at Al-Aqsa Mosque in a discussion with Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, at the White House on Monday.

At the same time, President Biden also commented on Jordan's role to play in maintaining stability, saying "The critical role that Jordan plays in the holy places for Muslims in Jerusalem must be recognized," according to a Walla report.

The Al-Aqsa mosque, which Muslims regard as the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina, resides on a hill in Jerusalem's Old City known to Jews as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary.

The name Temple Mount comes from the belief that it is also where the Temple in Jerusalem (Beit Hamikdash) is located, which is the holiest site for Jews and proximal to the Western Wall.

The discussion also included the ongoing Gaza war and potential hostage deal

These comments were made in a broader discussion between the two about Middle East stability, and the ongoing war in Gaza.

This discussion also included an announcement from Biden about a promising a hostage deal proposal that would include a six-week ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The two also discussed the imminent implications of IDF operations in Rafah.

Source: jpost.com

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

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-786627

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CAIR Holds News Conference with Family of U.S. Citizen Kidnapped, Beaten by Israeli Forces in Gaza

Ismail Allison

February 12, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today held a news conference at its Washington, D.C. headquarters with the sons of Samaher Esmail, an American citizen and grandmother from New Orleans who was recently kidnapped, beaten, and denied access to medicine by Israeli forces in the West Bank.

As mentioned during the press conference, the family’s Israeli Arab attorney wrote a memorandum documenting the abuses Ms. Esmail has endured since the start of her detention.

Last Monday, CAIR called for the release of Esmail. Last Wednesday, the CAIR also sent a letter to the State Department, urging expedited action in demanding her release.

Congressman Troy A. Carter (D-LA-2) also reported on Twitter (formerly known as X) that his office is concerned about Esmail and is “in contact with the American Embassy and the State Department to inquire why a U.S. citizen is being held.” This incident was also covered by Louisiana NBC news station WDSU6 in the article titled: “Family: New Orleans grandmother kidnapped, beaten in West Bank of Palestine.“

Last week, CAIR also called the Biden administration to demand the release of two U.S. citizens reportedly kidnapped overnight in Gaza by Israeli forces and to save other Americans trapped or held hostage in Gaza by securing a ceasefire.

Sky News reports that Israeli forces have detained two American brothers – Borak Alagha, 18, and Hashem Alagha, 20, two brothers born in the Chicago area – and their Canadian father in an overnight raid on their home in Gaza. 

Source: cair.com

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

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-holds-news-conference-with-family-of-u-s-citizen-kidnapped-beaten-by-israeli-forces-in-gaza/

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CAIR Calls on President Biden to Condemn Israeli Murder of Palestinian-American Teen, Massacre of Civilians in Rafah ‘Safe Area’

Ibrahim Hooper

February 12, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR),the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Biden administration to condemn the far-right Israeli government’s murder of a Palestinian-American teenager in Jerusalem as well as an overnight massacre of Palestinian civilians in Rafah, Gaza.

Defense for Children International – Palestine reports that Israeli forces shot and killed 17-year-old Mohammad Ahmed Mohammad Khdour northwest of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. Khdour was reportedly shot in the head by Israeli forces when they opened fire on the car that he was sitting in with one of his relatives.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society reports that more than 100 people were killed early today in Israeli airstrikes targeting the so-called “safe area” of Rafah in Gaza. At least two mosques and a dozen homes were targeted in the strikes.

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

“The Biden administration has repeatedly failed to hold the far-right Israeli government accountable for attacks like last night’s Rafah massacre and even attacks on American citizens, like the assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the murder of another American teenager, Tawfiq Hijazi, last month. These failures embolden the Israeli government to kill more innocent people with impunity.

“President Biden must fulfill his legal and moral duty to protect Americans around the world, and he must stop enabling genocidal war crimes against Palestinians in Gaza. He should start by condemning the Israeli government’s latest atrocities and using the power of his office to secure an immediate ceasefire and then pursue a just, lasting peace by ending the occupation.”

Last month, CAIR condemned the killing of American-born 17-year-old Tawfiq Hafiz Hijazi by the forces of the far-right Israeli government in the occupied West Bank.

In December of last year, CAIR called on the State Department and FBI to investigate the shooting and detention of a 13-year-old Palestinian-American boy by Israeli forces in the West Bank.

Also last year, CAIR called on the Biden administration to demand “real justice” after an announcement that Israeli soldiers will not face criminal prosecution for the death of an elderly Palestinian-American man who they dragged from a car, bound and left unresponsive on the ground overnight after apparently suffering a heart attack.

Hundreds of relatives of American citizens have already been killed by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank and noted President Biden’s refusal to meet with the family of murdered Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

Today, CAIR held a news conference with the sons of Samaher Esmail, an American citizen and grandmother from New Orleans who was recently kidnapped, beaten, and denied access to medicine by Israeli forces in the West Bank.

CAIR also called the Biden administration to demand the release of two U.S. citizens reportedly kidnapped overnight in Gaza by Israeli forces and to save other Americans trapped or held hostage in Gaza by securing a ceasefire. Israeli forces detained two American brothers – Borak Alagha, 18, and Hashem Alagha, 20, two brothers born in the Chicago area – and their Canadian father in a raid on their home in Gaza.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.            

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstados Unidos.           

Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.                  

You are receiving this email due to your interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information

Source: cair.com

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

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-president-biden-to-condemn-israeli-murder-of-palestinian-american-teen-massacre-of-civilians-in-rafah-safe-area/

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Europe

 

France Proposes Hezbollah Withdrawal, Border Talks for Israel-Lebanon Truce

 2024-02-13

(Reuters Exclusive) - France has delivered a written proposal to Beirut aimed at ending hostilities with Israel and settling the disputed Lebanon-Israel frontier, according to a document seen by Reuters that calls for fighters including Hezbollah's elite unit to withdraw 10 km (6 miles) from the border.

The plan aims to end fighting between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel at the border. The hostilities have run in parallel to the Gaza war and are fueling concern of a ruinous, all-out confrontation.

The document, the first written proposal brought to Beirut during weeks of Western mediation, was delivered to top Lebanese state officials including Prime Minister Najib Mikati by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne last week, four senior Lebanese and three French officials said.

It declares the aim of preventing a conflict "that risks spiraling out of control" and enforcing "a potential ceasefire, when the conditions are right" and ultimately envisions negotiations on delineation of the contentious land border between Lebanon and Israel.

Hezbollah rejects formally negotiating a de-escalation until the war in Gaza ends, a position reiterated by a Hezbollah politician in response to questions for this story.

While some details of similar mediation efforts by U.S. Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein have been circulating in recent weeks, the full details of the French written proposal delivered to Lebanon have not previously been reported.

The three-step plan envisages a 10-day process of de-escalation ending with the border negotiations.

One French diplomatic source said the proposal had been put to the governments of Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah.

France has historical ties with Lebanon. It has 20,000 citizens in the country and some 800 troops as part of a U.N. peacekeeping force.

"We made proposals. We are in contact with the Americans and it's important that we bring together all initiatives and build peace," Sejourne told a news conference on Monday.

The plan proposes Lebanese armed groups and Israel would cease military operations against each other, including Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.

Several non-state groups, including Palestinian factions, have mounted attacks on Israel from south Lebanon during the latest hostilities, though Hezbollah is the dominant power in the area with a fighting force widely seen to outgun the Lebanese army.

The Lebanese armed groups would dismantle all premises and facilities close to the frontier, and withdraw combat forces - including Hezbollah's elite Radwan fighters and military capabilities such as antitank systems - at least 10 km north of the frontier, the document proposes.

Any such withdrawal could still leave Hezbollah fighters much closer to the border than the 30 km (19 mile) withdrawal to Lebanon's Litani River, stipulated in a U.N. resolution that ended a war with Israel in 2006.

The shorter withdrawal would help ensure rockets did not reach villages in northern Israel that have been targeted with anti-tank missiles and was a compromise seen as more palatable to Hezbollah than a retreat to the Litani, one Western diplomat with knowledge of the two-page proposal said.

Up to 15,000 Lebanese army troops would be deployed in the border region of south Lebanon, a Hezbollah political stronghold where the group's fighters have long melted into society at times of calm.

Asked about the proposal, senior Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah told Reuters that the group would not discuss "any matter related to the situation in the south before the halt of the aggression on Gaza".

"The enemy is not in the position to impose conditions," added Fadlallah, declining to comment on details of the proposal or whether Hezbollah had received it.

One of the Lebanese officials said the document brings together ideas discussed in contacts with Western envoys and had been passed on to Hezbollah. French officials told the Lebanese it was not a final paper, after Beirut raised objections to parts of it, the Lebanese official said.

An Israeli official said such a proposal had been received and was being discussed by the government.

Reuters reported last month that Hezbollah had rebuffed ideas suggested by Hochstein, who has been at the heart of the efforts, but that it had also kept the door ajar to diplomacy.

Asked for comment for this story, a State Department spokesperson said the United States "continues to explore all diplomatic options with our Israeli and Lebanese counterparts to restore calm and avoid escalation." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Lebanese official said several elements prompted concern in Beirut, including the demand armed groups dismantle premises and facilities close to the border, which the official said was vaguely worded and could be used to demand moves against Hezbollah-affiliated civilian institutions.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/index.php/world-187397

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UK slaps sanctions on West Bank settlers for ‘egregious’ violence, following US move

12 February 202

The United Kingdom imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals on Monday who it said had carried out violent attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, following a US move slapping unprecedented financial and travel restrictions on Israelis active in settlements earlier this month.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the four targeted Israeli settlers, one of whom was also included in the US sanctions, were involved in “egregious abuses of human rights.”

“Extremist Israeli settlers are threatening Palestinians, often at gunpoint, and forcing them off land that is rightfully theirs,” he added. “This behavior is illegal and unacceptable.”

Yinon Levi, Moshe Sharvit, Zvi Bar Yosef and Ely Federman were identified by the UK government as “Israeli settlers who have violently attacked Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.”

Of the four, only Levi was included in sanctions announced by the US.

In a statement, the UK said that Levi and Sharvit “have in recent months used physical aggression, threatened families at gunpoint, and destroyed property as part of a targeted and calculated effort to displace Palestinian communities.”

On October 17, Hebrew daily Haaretz reported an incident in which several dozen Palestinians had fled their home village of Ein Shabli in the Jordan Valley after Israeli settlers attacked members of their community and vandalized their homes. Sharvit was named by the Haaretz report as one of the key instigators of the attack.

Levi, too, was involved in similar incidents according to a statement by the US State Department earlier this month. The founder of the Meitarim Farm outpost in the southern West Bank, he was accused of assaulting Palestinian and Bedouin civilians, threatening them with additional violence if they did not leave their homes, burning their fields, and destroying their property, leading to a West Bank village being abandoned by its approximately 250 residents.

Federman, who also lives in the Meitarim Farm outpost, was accused of involvement “in multiple incidents against Palestinian shepherds” south of Hebron.

He is the son of Noam Federman, a prominent far-right activist from Hebron, who told The Times of Israel that his son was currently in combat operations in Khan Younis and is therefore unaware that he has been sanctioned by the UK. Ely was wounded several weeks ago when an RPG struck the D9 bulldozer he was operating, but he returned to combat duty after ten days recuperation in Sheba Hospital.

Federman denied that his son has been involved in attacks against Palestinians, stating that he has been performing his mandatory military service over the last three years.

“These allegations are a lot of nonsense. Tell me when he would have time to do such things. This is the result of a campaign of extreme leftist, anarchists, who harass the IDF in the Jordan Valley, Samaria, and the South Hebron Hills, and have turned to the US and Britain as part of this campaign,” Federman said Monday.

Bar Yosef was accused by the UK of threatening families on a picnic at gunpoint on two occasions, one of which the West Bank watchdog organization Kerem Navot documented in 2021.

Echoing the US, Cameron called for Israel to “take stronger action and put a stop to settler violence.”

“Too often, we see commitments made and undertakings given, but not followed through,” he said of Israel’s pledges to stopping settler violence across the West Bank.

“We should be clear about what is happening here. Extremist Israeli settlers are threatening Palestinians, often at gunpoint, and forcing them off land that is rightfully theirs,” said Cameron, who visited Israel earlier this month.

Britain’s Foreign Office said there had been unprecedented levels of violence by settlers in the West Bank over the past year.

At least 10 Palestinians were killed and dozens of homes were torched across the West Bank in settler attacks in 2023, human rights group Yesh Din said in January.

The violence spiked after the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas in southern Israel, in which some 1,200 people were slaughtered and 253 were taken hostage, but violence had been on the rise before then, according to watchdogs.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on January 1 that there was a daily average of three settler-related incidents in the first eight months of 2023 compared to the two-per-day average in 2022 — the highest rate since the beginning of record-keeping in 2006.

It’s not known if any of the four targeted extremists named have assets in the UK, but the sanctions can nonetheless have wide-ranging impacts.

Following the US-issued sanctions, Levi’s Israeli bank accounts were frozen, as were those of sanctioned settler David Chai Chasdai, due to financial compliance requirements Israeli banks are legally committed to.

Israeli peace movement Combatants for Peace thanked the British government for backing “an unequivocal position against settler violence.”

“While their representatives sit in the government, the hilltop youth [a common term for extremist settler activists] have lost all restraint,” Combatants for Peace said. “It is a moral obligation to intervene. It’s good that such a necessary decision has been reached on the issue.”

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-slaps-sanctions-on-west-bank-settlers-for-egregious-violence-following-us-move/

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Court orders Netherlands to stop F-35 parts delivery to Israel

 2024-02-13

THE HAGUE: The Netherlands must stop delivering parts for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in the Gaza Strip, after a Dutch court Monday ruled there was a “clear risk” the planes would be involved in breaking international humanitarian law.

The Appeals Court in The Hague sided with a group of human rights organisations that argued the parts contributed to violations of law by Israel in its war with Hamas.

“The court therefore orders the State to put an end to the further export of F-35 parts to Israel within 7 days,” said the ruling.

“There is a clear risk that serious violations of humanitarian law of war are committed in the Gaza Strip with Israel’s F-35 fighter planes,” added the judge.

The US-owned F-35 parts are stored at a warehouse in the Netherlands and then shipped to several partners, including Israel, via existing export agreements.

In December, the District Court in The Hague had said that supplying the parts was primarily a political decision that judges should not interfere with.

“The considerations that the minister makes are to a large extent of a political and policy nature and judges should leave the minister a large amount of freedom,” the court ruled at the time.

But the appeals court overturned this ruling, saying the Netherlands “must prohibit the export of military goods if there is a clear risk of serious violations of the humanitarian law of war.”

“Israel does not take sufficient account of the consequences for the civilian population when conducting its attacks,” said the court.

The attacks in Gaza “have caused a disproportionate number of civilian casualties, including thousands of children.”

The war was launched in response to the unprecedented attacks on Israel by Palestinian group Hamas on October 7.

Those attacks resulted in the deaths of around 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Group also seized about 250 hostages, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel says around 130 are still in Gaza, though 29 are thought to be dead.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40288571/court-orders-netherlands-to-stop-f-35-parts-delivery-to-israel

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EU’s Borrell urges Israel allies to stop sending weapons

 February 12, 2024

BRUSSELS: EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday urged allies of Israel – primarily the United States – to stop sending it weapons as “too many people” are being killed in Gaza.

Pointing to US President Joe Biden’s comment last week that Israel’s military action was “over the top”, Borrell said: “Well, if you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should provide less arms in order to prevent so many people have been killed.”

“Is (it) not logical?” he asked, in a Brussels news conference alongside Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA whom Israel is pressuring to resign.

“How many times have you heard the most prominent leaders and foreign ministers around the world saying too many people are being killed?” Borrell asked.

The chief EU diplomat also slammed a call by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the more than one million Palestinians sheltering in the Gaza city of Rafah to be “evacuated” ahead of a planned Israeli military operation there.

“They are going to evacuate – where? To the moon? Where are they going to evacuate these people?” Borrell asked.

The Gaza war was sparked by Palestinian group Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Vowing to eliminate Hamas, Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza that the territory’s health ministry says has killed at least 28,340 people, mostly women and children.

Lazzarini told the news conference, held after a meeting of EU ministers tasked with development aid issues, that he was not going to resign, as Israel was demanding.

“No, I have no intention to resign,” he said.

“We have one government calling for the resignation. We might have other voices, but I haven’t heard any other government.”

‘Deep sense of panic’

Lazzarini said he took Israeli allegations that 12 UNRWA staff members were involved in Hamas’s October 7 attack so seriously that he sacked those employees and the UN has started an independent investigation.

He said he was “calling for and hope the Israeli authorities will cooperate” with the investigation to determine whether the allegations can be substantiated.

He also said Israel’s claim that a Hamas tunnel was found under the UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters – whose existence he has already denied knowledge of – should be investigated once the current conflict is over.

With some countries suspending funding to UNRWA, the agency would fall into the red to the tune of $30 million to $40 million next month, and then even deeper in April, as it needs $60 million to cover the salaries of its 30,000 workers, he said.

Lazzarini added there was a “deep sense of panic” regarding Israeli’s planned operation in Rafah, given the “unspeakable” civilian toll so far.

“We talk about five percent of the population which has been either killed, either injured or is missing – more than a hundred thousand people out of a population of two million. And this in only four months,” he said.

“To tell you the truth, I have no idea what a safe place means in the Gaza Strip,” he said.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40288472/eus-borrell-urges-israel-allies-to-stop-sending-weapons

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Israel should be pressed not to attack Rafah, home to 1.7M Palestinians: EU foreign policy chief

Ahmet Gençtürk

12.02.2024

Israel should be pressed not to attack the city of Rafah, home to 1.7 million Palestinians, said the EU’s foreign policy chief on Monday.

“Even the US, the strongest supporter of Israel, the President (Joe) Biden himself, considers that this action is disproportionate, the toll of civilians being killed is unbearable and (is) warning Israel not to continue this way,” Josep Borrell said.

“If you believe the toll of death is too high, maybe you can do something about it,” he said, adding that the EU is not providing Israel with weapons, unlike the US does.

“We should do more than expressing concern,” Borrell also said.

Palestinians sought refuge in Rafah after the Israeli army launched intensified bombardments on Gaza and Khan Younis cities, as well as their surrounding towns and neighborhoods, on Oct. 7, killing more than 28,000 people and causing widespread destruction and shortages of necessities.

Source:

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/israel-should-be-pressed-not-to-attack-rafah-home-to-17m-palestinians-eu-foreign-policy-chief/3134796

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ICC prosecutor ‘deeply concerned’ by situation in Gaza’s Rafah

February 12, 2024

THE HAGUE: International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan said on Monday he was deeply concerned about reports of bombardment and potential ground incursion by Israeli forces in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Khan posted on X after airstrikes in the city that is the last refuge of about a million displaced civilians.

The prosecutor said the court was “actively investigating any crimes allegedly committed” in Gaza and that “those who are in breach of the law will be held accountable.”

He later told Reuters that half of the population of Gaza is currently concentrated around Rafah, “reportedly six times its normal concentration.”

“When you have a population that is 60 percent children and women by all accounts, the risks to civilians are profound,” he said.

“This situation is one that I give the utmost priority to. It’s an issue that we’re moving forward on.”

Israel is not a member of the Hague-based court and does not recognize its jurisdiction. But Khan said in October his court had jurisdiction over any potential war crimes carried out by Hamas Palestinian militants in Israel and by Israelis in the Gaza Strip.

Israel denies committing atrocities in its attacks on Gaza, which followed the Hamas cross-border raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 240 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

More than four months on, much of the densely-populated strip of land on the Mediterranean is in ruins, with 28,340 Palestinians dead and 67,984 wounded, according to Gaza health officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said four Hamas battalions are in Rafah, and that Israel cannot achieve its goal of eliminating the Islamist militants while they remain there. Civilians should be evacuated from the combat zone, it said.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2458806/middle-east

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