Israel and Hamas agree deal for release of Gaza hostages, ceasefire
New Age Islam News Bureau
22 November 2023
Israel
had committed not to attack or arrest anyone in all parts of Gaza during the
truce period.
File
picture
------------
· Israel and Hamas agree deal for release of Gaza hostages, ceasefire
· Amid war in Gaza, India to host virtual G20 meet today
· Nawaz advises Imran to abandon 'Riasat-e-Madina' narrative after Maneka’s ‘revelations’
·
Nigeria:
clashes between jihadists, more than 60 deaths feared
· US President Joe Biden welcomes Israel and Hamas deal for release of Gaza hostages
· Qatar says four-day humanitarian pause in Gaza subject to extension
· Over 1,000 deaths in Afghanistan due to diabetes complications: Ministry
------
Mideast
· Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says war against Hamas will not stop after cease-fire
· Israel army shares video, claims mosque used as Hamas rocket laboratory
· Israeli hostage Hanna Katzir, 76, dies shortly after Israel and Hamas reach deal to free some captives
· Iran calls on BRICS states to designate Israel as terrorist entity, sever ties with regime
· Awqaf: Aqsa Mosque has special place in hearts of believers
· Türkiye cannot accept Israel's policy of depopulating Gaza: President Erdogan
· Iran's president calls for 'international inquiry' into Israel's use of banned weapons
· Jordan says it beefs up army presence along borders with Israel
· Promised Hamas command center at Al-Shifa still elusive
· Hezbollah retaliates strongly against Israel after Tel Aviv's killing of al-Mayadeen journalists
------
India
· Goa: Hindu groups seek action against Halal certified products
· India chips in with $2.5mn humanitarian aid to Gaza
· BJP Minority Morcha wanted 10 Muslims in fray in 3 states but party ‘didn’t find winnable contenders’
· Fifteen Years After 26/11 Terror Attack in Mumbai, Israel Bans LeT to Mark Anniversary
· PM Modi, Amit Shah chant ‘Ram, Ram’ at rallies ahead of Rajasthan assembly elections
· Kashmir top cop's warning on ‘writings’ at odds with High Court on freedom of speech
-----
Pakistan
· JI seeks Australia’s help for Gaza ceasefire
· Imran’s remand in Al-Qadir Trust case extended
· Afghan border trade resumes after Pakistan suspends new visa rule
· Vandalism at FJC: Proceedings in cases against Imran, Qureshi adjourned
------
Africa
· South Africa calls on ICC to arrest Netanyahu
· South African lawmakers vote in favour of closing Israel's embassy and cutting diplomatic ties
· National Chief Imam and Clemence Gyato donate relief items to Dam Spillage victims
· CDS: B’Haram Terrorists Planned Attacks from Prison with Warders’ Connivance
· LASEPA seals mosque, hotels, company over noise pollution
· Burkina: fifteen civilians killed in "simultaneous attacks" this weekend
· UN warns no more food aid cash for Sudan refugees in Chad
------
North America
· Obama admin security advisor involves in racist, anti-Muslim harassment
· US conducts self-defense strike against Iran-backed militias in Iraq: Pentagon
· US fighter aircraft strike Kataib Hezbollah targets in Iraq after attacks on bases
· New audio shows X users potentially targeting US Muslim lawmaker with violent plot
· As Turkish Islamists Prepare To Sail to Gaza, the Cat Seems to Have Gotten President Biden’s Tongue
· Over 100 CA Muslim Organizations Publish Joint Open Letter to Governor Newsom and Congressional Officials Urging Support for Ceasefire in Gaza
· CAIR Welcomes Probe of Islamophobic Classroom Incident Targeting Md Muslim Students, Urges Appropriate Corrective Action
· US reviewing possible ‘terrorist’ designations for Houthis
------
Arab World
· Ansar Allah Media Authority condemns targeting of Al-Mayadeen TV team
· Muslim country group to push for Gaza truce
· Prophet's Mosque in Madinah receives over 5 million worshipers and visitors in a week
· Saudi Cabinet advocates for international accountability amid Gaza crisis
· Saudi crown prince: We demand ‘serious’ peace process for Palestinian state
· Saudi aid chief reinforces need for collective action to reduce global food insecurity
------
South Asia
· US special envoy affirms support for recently expelled Afghan migrants from Pakistan
· Russian Media reports detention of student linked to active terrorist groups in Afghanistan
· Islamic Emirate Reacts to UN's Assessment of Afghanistan
· Swedish Red Cross to Enhance Collaboration with Afghan Red Crescent
------
Southeast Asia
· PKB urges Muslims to promote peace in Middle East
· China Is Expanding Its Mosque Crackdown Beyond Xinjiang, Report Says
· Penang exco says national heritage listing made for BatuUban mosque, but land dispute in the way
· Rawang mosque allegation: High Court orders Papagomo to enter appearance in Fahmi
· Fadzil’s suit
· Private religious school in Rembau hit by bomb scare
------
Europe
· Putin expresses concern over 'thousands of deaths' in Gaza Strip
· UK Muslims feel the heat for supporting Palestinians
· British Red Cross says Ukrainian refugee families in UK four times as likely to end up homeless
· EU faces growing Muslim animosity over Gaza war stance — Borrell
· UK teachers 'censoring their lessons over fears of offending Muslim pupils' - Damning survey
· Hamburg’s Islamic Center Raid: Just a Surface Scratch on Tehran’s Expansive Network in Europe
· Russian FM, delegation of Arab-Islamic foreign ministers agree on urgent need for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
· Zelensky: 200 Ukrainians safely left Gaza
-----
Australia
· Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Australian port
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
------------
Israel
and Hamas agree deal for release of Gaza hostages, ceasefire
22.11.23
Israel
had committed not to attack or arrest anyone in all parts of Gaza during the
truce period.
File
picture
------------
Israel's
government and Hamas on Wednesday agreed to a four-day pause in fighting to
allow the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians
imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged
enclave.
Officials
from Qatar, which has been mediating negotiations, as well as the US, Israel
and Hamas have for days been saying a deal was imminent.
Hamas is
believed to be holding more than 200 hostages, taken when its fighters surged
into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.
A
statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office said 50 women
and children will be released over four days, during which there will be a
pause in fighting.
For
every additional 10 hostages released, the pause would be extended by another
day, it said, without mentioning the release of Palestinian prisoners in
exchange.
"Israel's
government is committed to return all the hostages home. Tonight, it approved
the proposed deal as a first stage to achieving this goal," said the
statement, released after hours of deliberation that were closed to the press.
Hamas
said the 50 hostages would be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women
and children who are held in Israeli jails. The truce deal will also allow
hundreds of trucks of humanitarian, medical and fuel aid to enter Gaza, Hamas
said.
Israel
had committed not to attack or arrest anyone in all parts of Gaza during the
truce period, it added.
The
accord is the first truce of a war in which Israeli bombardments have flattened
swathes of Hamas-ruled Gaza, killed 13,300 civilians in the tiny densely
populated enclave and left about two-thirds of its 2.3 million people homeless,
according to authorities in Gaza.
Before
gathering with his full government, Netanyahu met on Tuesday with his war
cabinet and wider national security cabinet over the deal.
Ahead of
the announcement of the deal, Netanyahu said the intervention of US President
Joe Biden had helped to improve the tentative agreement so that it included
more hostages and fewer concessions.
But
Netanyahu said Israel's broader mission had not changed.
"We
are at war and we will continue the war until we achieve all our goals. To
destroy Hamas, return all our hostages and ensure that no entity in Gaza can
threaten Israel," he said in a recorded message at the start of the
government meeting.
Three
Americans, including a 3-year-old girl whose parents were among those killed
during Hamas's oct. 7 attack, are expected to be among the hostages to be
released, a senior US official said.
Israeli
media including Channel 12 news said the first release of hostages was expected
on Thursday. Implementing the deal must wait for 24 hours to give Israeli citizens
the chance to ask the Supreme Court to block the release of Palestinian
prisoners, reports said.
Hamas
has to date released only four captives: US citizens Judith Raanan, 59, and her
daughter, Natalie Raanan, 17, on Oct. 20, citing "humanitarian reasons,"
and Israeli women Nurit Cooper, 79, and YochevedLifshitz, 85, on Oct. 23.
The
armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which participated
in the Oct. 7 raid with Hamas, said late on Tuesday that one of the Israeli
hostages it has held since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel had died.
"We
previously expressed our willingness to release her for humanitarian reasons,
but the enemy was stalling and this led to her death," Al Quds Brigades
said on its Telegram channel.
Hospital
ordered to evacuate
As
attention focused on the hostage release deal, fighting on the ground raged on.
Mounir Al-Barsh, director-general of Gaza's health ministry, told Al Jazeera TV
that the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital in
Gaza City. Israel said militants were operating from the facility and
threatened to act against them within four hours, he said.
Hospitals,
including Gaza's biggest Al Shifa, have been rendered virtually inoperable by
the conflict and shortages of critical supplies. Israel claims that Hamas
conceals military command posts and fighters within them, a claim that Hamas
and hospital staff deny.
On
Tuesday, Israel also said its forces had encircled the Jabalia refugee camp, a
congested urban extension of Gaza City where Hamas has been battling advancing
Israeli armoured forces.
The
Palestinian news agency WAFA said 33 people were killed and dozens wounded in
an Israeli air strike on part of Jabalia.
According
to the United Nations, most Palestinians in Gaza are registered as refugees
because they or their ancestors were displaced by the 1948 war of Israel's
creation.
In
southern Gaza, Hamas-affiliated media said 10 people were killed and 22 injured
by an Israeli air strike on an apartment in the city of Khan Younis.
Reuters
could not immediately verify the accounts of fighting on either side.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/israel-and-hamas-agree-deal-for-release-of-gaza-hostages-ceasefire/cid/1981719
-----
Amid war
in Gaza, India to host virtual G20 meet today
Nov 22,
2023
While
Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) will make an appearance at a G20
meeting after two years, this will be the first instance of Canadian PM
------------
NEW
DELHI: Against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, a major gathering of
global leaders will take place on Wednesday, when the world’s largest economies
and the African Union come together for a virtual meeting of the G20, convened
by India.
While
Russian President Vladimir Putin will make an appearance at the G20 for the
first time in at least two years, US President Joe Biden will not be present
due to Thanksgiving and will be represented by treasury secretary Janet Yellen.
This
will also be the first time when Canadian PM Justin Trudeau will come face to
face, although virtually, with PM Modi after the bitter diplomatic standoff
between the two countries days after his return from India to Ottawa in
September. China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang as President Xi
Jinping will once again be missing.
While
India will push for the development agenda to be at the centre stage, officials
did not rule out the possibility of the Israel-Hamas war being a key talking
point.
“Since
our successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the world has witnessed a
succession of events and several new challenges have emerged. While development
will be the core agenda and we will focus on the development issue, the leaders
may discuss other issues,” India’s sherpa Amitabh Kant told reporters.
Foreign
secretary Vinay Kwatra said it wouldn’t be proper to prejudge issues to be
discussed by the leaders, as Indian officials listed out the progress on
several issues that have been made since the summit in September.
“The PM
will be hosting leaders of the G20 within a span of just over two months. This
is something very rare and rather exceptional. No other presidency has had a
physical meeting of all the leaders and then a virtual meeting. In addition to
all this, the PM has hosted two sessions of the Voice of Global South. Actually,
India has held four such meetings in a single year with the participation of
over 150 world leaders which clearly demonstrates the convening power and the
leadership of the prime minister at the global level,” Kant said.
India
secured a rare consensus at the G20 summit in September against the backdrop of
the Russia-Ukraine war — an issue which had threatened to create a divide
between the developed and emerging economies.
New
Delhi is now working on implementation of the issues agreed by leaders in the
summit. There has been substantial progress on several issues, including
climate financing, reform of multilateral development banks and work on
creation of a framework for ethical artificial intelligence based on the
Unesco’s principles.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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the full text of the original
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amid-war-in-gaza-india-to-host-virtual-g20-meet-today/articleshow/105395924.cms
-------
Nawaz
advises Imran to abandon 'Riasat-e-Madina' narrative after Maneka’s
‘revelations’
November
21, 2023
Nawaz
Sharif and Imran Khan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
----------
Former
prime minister Nawaz Sharif, while appearing in the Islamabad High Court for
his appeals against graft convictions on Tuesday, responded to the shocking
revelations made by Bushra Bibi's ex-husband, Khawar Farid Manika, accusing
Imran Khan of ruining his 28-year-long marriage.
In a
quip aimed at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, Nawaz Sharif urged
Imran Khan to refrain from invoking the 'Riasat-e-Madina' narrative in his
political pursuits, as reported by Express News.
Nawaz
Sharif's remarks came in response to questions from media representatives about
his reaction to Maneka's interview aired on a private news channel the previous
night.
When
asked if he believed that Maneka's revelations exposed Khan's real face, Nawaz
clarified that his assertion was directed at Khan's use of the 'Riasate-e
Madina' narrative after the allegations made against him.
Maneka,
the former husband of PTI Chairman Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, made
shocking revelations on Monday regarding his divorce and Khan's third marriage.
In an interview with a private TV channel, Maneka claimed that Khan had ruined
his 28-year-long marriage with Bushra under the guise of Piri-Muridi, a
relationship between a spiritual guide and a follower.
Maneka
also supported allegations that Khan and Bushra's marriage took place before
the completion of Iddat, the mandatory isolation period for a divorced woman
under Islam. According to Maneka, Khan married Bushra one-and-a-half months
after their divorce in November 2017, with pictures of the wedding released in
February 2018 to hide it from the public eye.
Maneka
further claimed that Khan would visit his house without his consent, expressing
dissatisfaction with his then-wife's meetings with the PTI chief. He recounted
an incident where he allegedly kicked Khan out of his house with the help of
domestic staff.
The
'Riasat-e-Madina' is a key discourse of the PTI narrative, advocating for the
transformation of Pakistan into an egalitarian society that adheres to law and
justice. Khan has consistently presented the 'Riasate-e-Madina' model as a
driving force behind his mission to see Pakistan as a state valuing the
principles laid down by the Holy Quran and Sunnah of Holy Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH).
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2447447/nawaz-advises-imran-to-abandon-riasat-e-madina-narrative-after-manekas-revelations
------
Nigeria:
clashes between jihadists, more than 60 deaths feared
21
November 2023
Illustration
photo: security guards patrol the village of Janjala, Nigeria, 24 February
2017.
-
Copyright
© africanews
Lekan
Oyekanmi/Copyright 2017 The AP. All rights reserved.
----------
Fierce
fighting this weekend pitted Boko Haram fighters against another jihadist
group, affiliated with the Islamic State, in the Lake Chad region,
anti-jihadist militiamen said on Monday, adding that "more than 60 people
are feared dead".
The
fighting took place on Friday and Saturday when Islamic State in West Africa
(ISWAP) fighters ambushed a fleet of Boko Haram boats on the islet of Kaduna
Ruwa in Lake Chad, which straddles Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad, the
sources said.
"The
fighting began at around 4pm (1500 GMT) and continued until Saturday morning.
Nine Boko Haram boats and all the fighters on them were sunk," Ibrahim
Liman, a leader of an anti-jihadist militia in the region, told AFP.
In
addition to the fighters, several dozen hostages kidnapped two weeks earlier
were present on these boats. "At least 60 people died, at the very least,
if you count the fighters and their dozens of hostages", said Mr Liman.
"We
don't have a definitive assessment of the fighting, but there will certainly be
more than 60 dead. Nine boats sank, and (...) we know that the rebels charge
them a lot when they are on operations", added another anti-jihadist
militia leader, KabiruHabu.
However,
no bodies have yet been found, according to local sources, and no confirmation
of this death toll was available from the local authorities on Monday.
-
Kidnappings -
Two
weeks earlier, Boko Haram fighters had left their camp in the Diffa region of
Niger for the island of Doron Baga on the Nigerian shore of Lake Chad,
terrorising the local population by looting and kidnapping, SallauArzika, a
fisherman from the village of Baga, told AFP.
They
kidnapped several dozen people, including fishermen and at least eight Fulani
women, according to MrArzika and Labo Sani, also a fisherman.
The
jihadists beheaded one of the fishermen and gave his head to other fishermen to
take to a military contingent in Cameroon to threaten them with an attack,
according to these sources.
They
were intercepted by ISWAP troops, who then hunted down their rivals and
attacked the Boko Haram fighters and their hostages.
In
February and March, the two factions of Boko Haram and ISWAP clashed for
control of the islands in Lake Chad.
According
to fishermen and local anti-jihadist militiamen, both factions lost many men in
the fighting. The jihadist conflict has killed more than 40,000 people in
north-east Nigeria and displaced more than 2 million since 2009.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/21/nigeria-clashes-between-jihadists-more-than-60-deaths-feared/
------
US
President Joe Biden welcomes Israel and Hamas deal for release of Gaza hostages
22.11.23
Joe
Biden
File
--------
US
President Joe Biden on Tuesday welcomed the deal to secure the release of
hostages taken by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas during the attack on Israel.
Israel's
government and Hamas agreed to a four-day pause in fighting to allow the
release of 50 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned
in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
Biden
added that the deal should also bring home additional American hostages.
"Today’s
deal should bring home additional American hostages, and I will not stop until
they are all released," he said in a statement.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-welcomes-israel-hamas-deal-for-release-of-gaza-hostages/cid/1981725
-----
Qatar
says four-day humanitarian pause in Gaza subject to extension
Nov 22, 2023
DOHA:
Qatari foreign ministry said on Wednesday Hamas and Israel have agreed on a
humanitarian pause in Gaza hostilities for four days, subject to extension, the
starting time of the which will be announced within the next 24 hours.
The
pause, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US, includes the release of 50 civilian
women and children hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for
the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli
prisons, the ministry said in a statement.
"The
number of those released will be increased in later stages of implementation of
the agreement," the ministry said.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/qatar-says-four-day-humanitarian-pause-in-gaza-subject-to-extension/articleshow/105402626.cms
-----
Over
1,000 deaths in Afghanistan due to diabetes complications: Ministry
Fidel
Rahmati
November
22, 2023
The
Ministry of Public Health in Afghanistan has revealed alarming statistics
concerning diabetes, stating that 1,000 individuals succumb to the disease
annually, highlighting the severity of this health crisis.
On World
Diabetes Day in Kabul, acting Deputy Minister of Public Health Habibullah
Akhundzadah expressed deep concern over the escalating diabetes rates, citing
that in 2022 alone, a staggering 17,499 people were diagnosed with the
condition.
Acknowledging
the gravity of the situation, Akhundzadah emphasized the nationwide capacity of
health centres to diagnose and treat diabetes, assuring that concerted efforts
are underway to enhance public awareness about the disease.
The
Deputy Minister’s disclosure underscores the pressing need for proactive
measures to curb the rising prevalence of diabetes, urging a comprehensive
approach that involves both diagnosis and treatment.
it is
worth mentioning that most Afghan patients choose neighbouring countries such
as Pakistan and Iran as treatment destinations due to lack of facilities and
medical equipment in Afghanistan.
Naeemullah
Safi, a representative of the World Health Organization, echoed the concern
during the meeting, stating that the WHO collaborates closely with the Ministry
of Public Health in the battle against diabetes.
Safi
highlighted the multifaceted collaboration between WHO and the Ministry,
emphasizing their joint efforts in controlling and providing essential services
to counter the diabetes epidemic.
The
revelation of over 17,000 new diabetes cases in a single year underscores the
critical role of international partnerships, as organizations like WHO actively
engage with local health authorities to address the growing health challenges.
The
collective commitment of the Ministry of Public Health and international
entities like the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of
collaborative strategies to raise awareness, enhance healthcare infrastructure,
and effectively combat the escalating diabetes crisis in Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
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the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/over-1000-deaths-in-afghanistan-due-to-diabetes-complications-ministry/
-----
Mideast
Israeli
Prime Minister Netanyahu says war against Hamas will not stop after cease-fire
22.11.23
Israel
and Hamas on Tuesday appeared close to a deal to temporarily halt their
devastating six-week war for dozens of hostages being held in the Gaza Strip to
be freed in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
But as
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his Cabinet for a vote, he
vowed to resume the Israeli offensive against Hamas as soon as the truce ends.
"We
are at war, and we will continue the war," he said. "We will continue
until we achieve all our goals."
The
Israeli Cabinet was expected to vote on a plan that would halt Israel's
offensive in Gaza for several days in exchange for the release of about 50 of
the 240 hostages held by Hamas. Israel has vowed to continue the war until it
destroys Hamas' military capabilities and returns all hostages.
Hamas
predicted a Qatari-mediated deal could be reached in "the coming
hours."
Netanyahu
acknowledged that the Cabinet faced a tough decision, but supporting the
cease-fire was the right thing to do. Netanyahu appeared to have enough support
to pass the measure, despite opposition from some hard-line ministers.
Netanyahu
said that during the lull, intelligence efforts will be maintained, allowing
the army to prepare for the next stages of battle. He said the battle would
continue until "Gaza will not threaten Israel."
The
announcement came as Israeli troops battled Palestinian militants in an urban
refugee camp in northern Gaza and around hospitals overcrowded with patients
and sheltering families.
Details
of the expected cease-fire deal were not released. Israeli media reported that
an agreement would include a five-day halt in Israel's offensive in Gaza and
the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for some 150 Palestinian
prisoners held by Israel.
Israel's
Channel 12 TV said the first releases would take place Thursday or Friday and
continue for several days.
Talks
have repeatedly stalled. But even if a deal is reached, it would not mean an
end to the war, which erupted on Oct. 7 after Hamas militants stormed across
the border into southern Israel and killed at least 1,200 people, most of them
civilians, and kidnapped some 240 others.
THE TOLL
IN GAZA
In weeks
of Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion, more than 11,000 Palestinians have
been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, and more than 2,700 others
are missing and believed to be buried under rubble, according to Gaza's Health
Ministry. The ministry says it has been unable to update its count since
November 11 because of the health sector's collapse.
Gaza
health officials say the toll has risen sharply since, and hospitals continue
to report deaths from daily strikes, often dozens at a time.
The
Health Ministry in the West Bank last reported a toll of 13,300 but stopped
providing its own count Tuesday without giving a reason. Because of that, and
because officials there declined to explain in detail how they tracked deaths
after November 11, the AP decided to stop reporting its count.
The
Health Ministry toll does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants but has not provided
evidence for its count.
In
southern Lebanon, an Israeli strike killed two journalists with Al-Mayadeen TV,
according to the Hezbollah-allied Pan-Arab network and Lebanese officials.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. A separate Israeli
drone strike in Lebanon killed four Hamas members, a Palestinian official and a
Lebanon security official said.
The
Israeli military has been trading fire almost daily across the border with
Lebanon's Hezbollah group and Palestinian militants since the outbreak of the
war.
TALKS ON
HOSTAGES
Israel,
the United States and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas, have negotiated for
weeks over a hostage release that would be paired with a temporary cease-fire
and the entry of more aid.
In
Washington, President Joe Biden said Tuesday that a deal on releasing some hostages
was "very close."
"We
could bring some of these hostages home very soon," he said at the White
House.
Qatar's
Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari expressed optimism, telling
reporters that "we are at the closest point we ever had been in reaching
an agreement." He added that negotiations were at a "critical and
final stage."
Izzat
Rishq, a senior Hamas official, said Tuesday that an agreement could be reached
"in the coming hours," in which Hamas would release captives and
Israel would release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas' leader-in-exile, Ismail
Haniyeh, also said they were close to a deal.
Israel's
Channel 12 TV, citing anonymous Israeli officials, said a truce could be
extended and additional Palestinian prisoners released if there were additional
hostages freed.
FIGHTING
IN JABALIYA AND AROUND HOSPITALS
Inside
Gaza, the front line of the war shifted to the Jabaliya refugee camp, a densely
built district of concrete buildings near Gaza City that houses families
displaced in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. Israel has bombarded
the area for weeks, and the military said Hamas fighters have regrouped there
and in other eastern districts after being pushed out of much of Gaza City.
The
fighting in Jabaliya also affected two nearby hospitals, trapping hundreds of
patients and displaced people sheltering inside. A strike Tuesday hit inside
one of the facilities, al-Awda, killing four people, including three doctors,
the hospital director told Al-Jazeera TV. The director, Ahmed Mahna, blamed the
strike on Israel, a claim that AP could not independently confirm.
Residents
of Jabaliya said there was heavy fighting as Israeli forces tried to advance
under the cover of airstrikes. "They are facing stiff resistance,"
said Hamza Abu Mansour, a university student.
The
Israeli military said strikes hit three tunnel shafts where fighters were
hiding and destroyed rocket launchers. Footage released by the military showed
Israeli soldiers patrolling on foot as gunfire echoed around them.
It was
not possible to independently confirm details of the fighting.
It's
unclear how many Palestinian civilians remain in northern Gaza, but the UN
agency for Palestinian refugees estimates that some 160,000 people are still in
its shelters there, though it can no longer provide services. Thousands more
still shelter in several hospitals in the north even after many fled south in
recent weeks.
Most
hospitals are no longer operational. The hospital situation in Gaza is
"catastrophic," Michael Ryan, a senior World Health Organization
official, said Monday.
With
Israeli troops surrounding the Indonesia Hospital, also near Jabaliya, staff
had to bury 50 dead in the facility's courtyard, a senior Health Ministry
official in the hospital, Munir al-Boursh, told Al-Jazeera TV.
Up to
600 wounded people and some 2,000 displaced Palestinians remain stranded at the
hospital, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
A
similar standoff played out in recent days at Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest,
where over 250 patients and medical workers are stranded after the evacuation
of 31 premature babies.
Israel
has provided evidence in recent days of a militant presence at Shifa. But it
has yet to substantiate its claims that Hamas had a major command center
beneath the facility, allegations denied by Hamas and hospital staff.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-says-war-against-hamas-will-not-stop-after-cease-fire/cid/1981608
------
Israel
army shares video, claims mosque used as Hamas rocket laboratory
Nov 22,
2023
Israel
and Hamas worked out a ceasefire deal in the mediation of Qatar in which 50
Israeli hostages would be released.
The
Israel Defense Forces shared a purported video of a mosque in Gaza and claimed
that it was used as a weapon storage facility and a laboratory for Hamas'
rockets. The laboratory was hidden behind a wall which the forces had to
destroy to uncover the tunnel which led to a hiding place of the terrorists and
a laboratory, the IDF claimed. Apart from different types of mortars, rockets
and explosive materials, rocket sketches were found drawn on the whiteboard,
the video claimed. "Holy places, such as mosques, should not be used as
fronts for terrorism...what was once a place of worship is now a home for
terrorism," the caption of the video read. The stirring claim came after
IDF claimed to have found a Hamas base and hostages under Gaza's largest
hospital Al-Shifa Hospital.
Israel-Hamas
ceasefire deal after 6-week war: 10 points
1.
Israel and Hamas are closing a deal to halt the ongoing strikes to facilitate
the release of hostages.
2.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war against Hamas will
continue after the ceasefire.
3. In
the deal, Hamas would release about 50 of the 240 hostages in exchange for
Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
4.
"I would like to reiterate: The war is continuing and the war will
continue until we achieve all of our goals – Eliminating Hamas, returning all
of our hostages," Netanyahu said.
5.
"And assuring that the day after Hamas, Gaza will no longer threaten
Israel - there will be no other element that supports terrorism, educates its
children for terrorism and threatens the State of Israel. With G-d's help, we
will do it and we will succeed, and together we will win," the official
handle of the Prime Minister of Osrael tweeted.
6.
Officials from Qatar have been mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
7. This
would be the first halt in the clash that started on October 7 after Hamas
attacked Israel. This would also allow for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
8. The
first release of hostages is expected on Thursday and will be women and
children.
9. Hamas
has so far released only four captives: US citizens Judith Raanan, 59, and her
daughter, Natalie Raanan, 17, on October 20, citing "humanitarian
reasons," and Israeli women Nurit Cooper, 79, and YochevedLifshitz, 85, on
October 23.
10.
Hamas said one of the Israeli hostages died.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news
-----
Israeli
hostage Hanna Katzir, 76, dies shortly after Israel and Hamas reach deal to
free some captives
Nov 22,
2023
Hanna
Katzir and her adult son, Elad, were captured during the October 7 Hamas attack
The
Palestinian group Islamic Jihad has announced that a 76-year-old Israeli, Hanna
Katzir from Nir Oz, has died. Katzir and her adult son, Elad, were captured
during the October 7 Hamas attack. The terror group had previously said they
“did everything” to care for her and her fellow hostages. The announcement
comes shortly after Hamas and Israel reached a tentative deal to free some
hostages from Gaza.
“We
previously expressed our willingness to release her for humanitarian reasons,
but the enemy was stalling and this led to her death,” Al Quds Brigades said on
its Telegram channel.
“In
light of this announcement, we renew our affirmation of renouncing our
responsibility towards our enemy prisoners in light of the barbaric and
frenzied bombing of every inch of the Gaza Strip,” the spokesman added,
according to The Messenger.
Earlier
this month, videos of Katzir circulated by Islamic Jihad were accompanied by a
message saying the group would release her, as well as another 12-year-old boy,
on humanitarian and medical grounds
While it
has been reported that as per a tentative deal Hamas will release some of the
hostages, when the truce will begin is unclear. "Details on when the pause
starts are still unclear," a source told CNN. Some Americans, too, are
expected to be among those who will likely be released. The Americans include a
three-year-old girl named Abigail, and two other women.
The
terms of the deal say that Israel must agree to a five-day pause in its
offensive to have the hostages released. Hamas said they would release 50
hostages, including babies, toddlers [and] mothers."
"The
Israelis rightly insisted that Hamas must ensure, and as did we, the release of
all women and children," a senior administration official said, according
to New York Post.
"US
and Israel "believe[s] that the number of hostages in this category being
held by Hamas are higher than 50, and the deal has also been structured to
incentivize releases beyond the 50, even in this initial phase,” the official
added.
The
temporary ceasefire could reportedly be extended if Hamas releases more than 50
hostages.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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-------
Iran
calls on BRICS states to designate Israel as terrorist entity, sever ties with
regime
November
22, 2023
During a
virtual BRICS summit, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi urged member nations to
designate the Israeli government as a terrorist entity, citing extensive
alleged crimes committed in the Gaza Strip in recent weeks.
Raisi
presented seven proposals to the BRICS summit held at the organization’s
headquarters in South Africa. He emphasized the need for recognition of the
Israeli regime as a terrorist entity and urged the classification of its army
as a terrorist organization.
The
summit, convened at Iran’s request, aimed to address the ongoing conflict in
Palestine, notably condemning the Israeli regime for what Raisi referred to as
a relentless campaign resulting in significant casualties, especially in Gaza,
where over 13,000 people have reportedly lost their lives.
Raisi
urged BRICS members to collaborate in lifting the Israeli siege on Gaza,
ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the area, where approximately
2.3 million people face dire humanitarian conditions.
Highlighting
concerns about Israel’s alleged use of banned weapons, including white
phosphorous bombs against civilians in Gaza, Raisi called for a joint inquiry
into these actions.
The
Iranian president also called on BRICS members to acknowledge the Palestinian
nation’s right to self-defense against Israeli aggression and their ongoing
struggle to reclaim lands occupied by the Israeli regime over decades.
Expressing
expectations from the international community, Raisi urged governments,
especially those within BRICS, to consider severing political, economic, and
military ties with the Israeli regime due to its alleged continuous crimes and
discriminatory practices.
Raisi
announced Iran’s support for several BRICS countries in filing a complaint
against Israel in the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its actions in
Gaza. Additionally, he emphasized the need for the ICC prosecution to encompass
the United States for its support of Israeli actions, particularly concerning
the reported deaths of children in Gaza.
BRICS,
comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, initially formed to
counter Western dominance. In January 2023, Iran and five other nations joined
the bloc.
Source: muslimmirror.com
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------
Awqaf:
Aqsa Mosque has special place in hearts of believers
November
21, 2023
KUWAIT:
Assistant Undersecretary for Media and External Relations and Acting Assistant
Undersecretary for the Holy Quran and Islamic Studies Affairs at the Ministry
of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Muhammad Al-Mutairi emphasized the special
significance of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque in the hearts of believers, having
a revered location with a high status in the eyes of Allah Almighty.
He
underscored its importance as the initial qibla and the starting point of the
Prophet’s (PBUH) ascendance to the heavens, emphasizing that the “We are all
yours, Al-Aqsa” forum signifies a triumph for the Palestinian cause. He said
the cause is not only for Palestinians but concerns all Muslims, calling for
prayers, devotion to Allah Almighty, and reliance on Him alone.
These
remarks were made during the inauguration of the forum organized by the
Department of Islamic Studies and Quranic Sciences for the Capital and Hawally
governorates at the department’s theater in Shuhada.
Mutairi
noted that the forum saw participation from various governmental and private
entities involved in charitable and humanitarian work, along with Holy Quran
centers and select schools under the ministry of education. The primary aim is
to acquaint new generations with the Palestinian cause and educate them about
its significance.
In
conclusion, Mutairi expressed gratitude to all those who contributed, organized
and participated in the forum, giving special thanks to the Department of
Islamic Studies and Quranic Sciences of the governorates of Capital and
Hawally.
Source: kuwaittimes.com
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-----
Türkiye
cannot accept Israel's policy of depopulating Gaza: President Erdogan
Diyar
Guldogan
22.11.2023
Türkiye
cannot accept Israel's policy of depopulating the Gaza Strip, President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday, reiterating that Israel is a "terror
state."
"We
cannot and will not tolerate the policy of the State of Israel, which has grown
by constantly occupying, seizing land and massacring the oppressed, to render
Gaza uninhabited," Erdogan said at the Algeria-Türkiye Business Forum.
Erdogan
paid a one-day visit to the capital Algiers to meet with his Algerian
counterpart AbdelmadjidTebboune and to attend the second meeting of the
Türkiye-Algeria High-Level Cooperation Council, where the presidents also
discussed Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza.
"The
attacks, in which more than 13,000 of our Palestinian brothers were martyred,
have once again revealed the true face, intention and purpose of Israel and its
supporters.
"In
this regard, it is very important that the war crimes and crimes against
humanity committed by Israeli rulers are not left without sanctions,"
Erdogan said.
All
"conscientious" countries, along with the Islamic World, have a
responsibility to ensure that Israel does not attempt "similar
atrocities" again, he said, stressing: "We need to know this once and
for all. Israel is a terrorist state. There is no need to hesitate to say this.
This is the truth we know. This is the case."
Israel
and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must be referred to the
International Criminal Court (ICC), the tribunal based in The Hague, Erdogan
said.
"Netanyahu
is a goner. Even the Israeli people no longer support Netanyahu," he said,
adding Türkiye will not allow the issue of nuclear weapons and atomic bombs,
whose existence is denied by Israeli ministers, to be forgotten.
"Israel,
tell whether you have an atomic bomb or not. (It) Can't say. But look, we say
it. Israel, you have the atomic bomb
"We
will take initiatives both before the UN Security Council and the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on this issue, which threatens the security of the
entire region, including Türkiye," Erdogan added.
Israel
has launched relentless air and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip following a
cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.
Thousands
of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have been damaged or
destroyed in the Israeli offensive.
An
Israeli blockade has also cut off Gaza from fuel, electricity and water
supplies and reduced aid deliveries to a trickle.
-
Bilateral ties with Algeria
Erdogan
said recently accelerated contacts and visits are adding significant momentum
to bilateral relations between Türkiye and Algeria.
The
bilateral trade volume reached a record $5.3 billion in 2022, he said, adding:
"Hopefully, we will reach the $6 billion level by the end of the
year."
Around
1,400 companies with Turkish partners operating in Algeria provide employment
to approximately 5,000 Algerians, he noted.
"The
market value of our companies' investments has approached $6 billion. With
these figures, Türkiye is the country that makes the most investments and
provides the most employment in Algeria, excluding oil and natural gas,"
Erdogan said.
Türkiye
is also pleased with the Algerian investments in the country, he added,
stressing that Ankara will continue to provide the necessary facilities for
Algerians to increase their investments in Türkiye.
Source: aa.com.tr
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-----
Iran's
president calls for 'international inquiry' into Israel's use of banned weapons
HaydarSahin
22.11.2023
Iranian
President Ebrahim Raisi called Tuesday for the creation of a "special
international inquiry" into Israel's use of banned weapons in Gaza.
Raisi
was speaking during a virtual summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies
held at the organization’s headquarters in South Africa, the official Iranian
agency IRNA reported.
He said
the Israeli atrocities in the Gaza Strip are indicative of the West's moral
decline.
“Today,
the whole world is in a struggle as we witness live the unprecedented violence
and crime committed against Palestine in Gaza. What is happening in Gaza these
days clearly reveals the injustice of the Western international system. The
Gaza issue is a matter of humanity and justice,” he said.
Raisi
argued that Israel and its supporters not only violate humanity, morality and
the law, but also try to mislead world public opinion by providing
disinformation.
Source: aa.com.tr
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------
Jordan
says it beefs up army presence along borders with Israel
November
22, 2023
AMMAN:
Jordan said on Tuesday the army had beefed up its presence along its borders
with Israel and warned that any Israeli attempt to forcibly push Palestinians
across the Jordan River would represent a breach of its peace accord with its
neighbor.
Prime
Minister BisherKhasawneh said his country would resort to “all the means in its
power” to prevent Israel from implementing any transfer policy to expel
Palestinians en masse from the West Bank.
The
Israel-Gaza conflict has stirred long-standing fears in Jordan, home to a large
population of Palestinian refugees and their descendants. Right-wing, ultra-nationalist
hard-liners now in the Israeli government have long espoused a
Jordan-is-Palestine solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
Israel
has launched a massive bombardment of the Gaza Strip since the deadly Oct. 7
rampage by the Islamist group Hamas into southern Israel, that has left some
1.7 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million people internally displaced
“Any
displacements or creating the conditions that would lead to it, Jordan will
consider it a declaration of war and constitutes a material breach of the peace
treaty,” state media quoted Khasawneh as saying, referring to the 1994 peace
treaty with Israel.
“This
would lead to the liquidation of the Palestinian cause and to harming the
national security of Jordan,” Khasawneh added.
Jordan,
the second Arab country after Egypt to sign a peace accord, has had strong
security ties with Israel. But relations have plummeted since the advent of one
of the most right-wing governments in Israel’s history.
“The
peace treaty would be a piece of paper on a shelf covered with dust if Israel
did not respect its obligations and violated it,” Khasawneh said.
Any
threat to Jordan’s national security would “put all options on the table,”
Khasawneh said, adding that recent deployments of troops along the borders with
Israel were part of measures to protect the country’s security.
Residents
and witnesses have seen large columns of armored vehicles and tanks moving
along a main highway leading to the Jordan Valley opposite the West Bank in the
last few days.
Officials
say the army was already in a heightened alert for any eventualities.
Khasawneh
said Israeli actions in the West Bank could trigger wider violence, citing
growing Jewish settler attacks on Palestinian civilians since the Oct. 7
attacks.
Washington
has also urged Israel to curb settler violence, fearing wider conflict.
“Israel
should steer away from any escalation in the West Bank... This is a red line
Jordan won’t accept,” the prime minister added.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2413006/middle-east
-----
Promised
Hamas command center at Al-Shifa still elusive
November
22, 2023
JERUSALEM:
Three weeks ago, the Israeli military unveiled a detailed 3D model of Gaza’s
Al-Shifa Hospital — showing a series of underground installations that it said
was part of an elaborate Hamas command and control center under the territory’s
largest healthcare center.
Days
after taking control of the hospital, the military has yet to unveil this
purported center. But it has released videos of weapons allegedly seized inside
the hospital, a tunnel running through the complex and videos appearing to show
Hamas militants dragging hostages through the hospital’s hallways. Israel says
there will be much more to come.
What
Israel finds — or fails to find — could play a large part in its efforts to
rally international support for its war against Hamas.
Gaza’s
hospitals have played a central role in the dueling narratives surrounding the
war.
Hospitals
enjoy special protected status under the international laws of war. But they
can lose that status if they are used for military purposes.
Osama
Hamdan, a top Hamas leader based in Beirut, acknowledged that Israel could find
a tunnel “here or there.”
“We
don’t deny there are hundreds of kilometers of tunnels in and around Gaza,” he
told a news conference. But he said Hamas does not use hospitals for militant
activities.
Hamdan,
the Hamas leader, mocked the Israeli discoveries so far. “The Israelis said
there was a command and control center, which means that the matter is greater
than just a tunnel,” he said.
Israel
has long claimed that Hamas uses hospitals, schools, mosques and residential
neighborhoods as human shields.
In
particular, it says Hamas has hidden command centers and bunkers underneath the
sprawling grounds of Al-Shifa. The United States says its own intelligence
corroborates those claims. Hamas denies the allegations.
The UN
and other international organizations say these evacuations have endangered
patients and overwhelmed the remaining hospitals in the besieged territory.
With
Israel already facing mounting international criticism of its offensive, a
failure to uncover a significant Hamas presence could step up the pressure to
halt the operation. Israel has vowed to press ahead until it destroys Hamas.
The
Israeli military has released videos showing AK47s, ammunition and other
military equipment it said was found in the hospital’s MRI unit.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2412966/middle-east
------
Hezbollah
retaliates strongly against Israel after Tel Aviv's killing of al-Mayadeen
journalists
22 November 2023
The
Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah has retaliated strongly against the
Israeli regime over Tel Aviv's fatal targeting of journalists belonging to
Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network.
The
retaliation took place on Tuesday following the Israeli regime's killing
earlier in the day of al-Mayadeen correspondent Farah Omar and camera operator
Rabie al-Memari, who were reporting on violence along Lebanon's border with the
occupied territories.
An
Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon has left four people dead, including two
Lebanese journalists, amid intensified border clashes following the regime’s
onslaught on the Gaza Strip.
"In
a resolute response, the resistance carried out a series of 10 intensive
operations targeting Israeli sites and bases," Lebanon's al-Manar
television network reported.
The network
identified some of the targets hit during Hezbollah's response as a force
affiliated with the Israeli military intelligence on the outskirts of the
al-Manara settlement, a gathering of enemy troops within a residence in the
Avivim settlement, the Beit Hilal military base, the Jal al-Deir site, the
al-Malkieh site, and the vicinity of the Notoa settlement.
The
targets were hit with missiles, including surgical strike ones, al-Manar said,
reporting affliction of some casualties among the enemy's ranks.
Earlier
in the day, Hezbollah had released a statement, pledging reprisal over the
regime's killing of the journalists.
"We
assert that this aggression and the accompanying martyrdom of fellow citizens
will not go unanswered...," it had said.
The
Israeli regime has been waging sporadic attacks on southern Lebanon since
October 7, when it launched a devastating war against the Gaza Strip. The
Israeli attacks have sparked a firefight between the regime and Hezbollah.
A senior
Hezbollah official says the popular resistance movement is in a state of war
with Israel, calling on Muslim world and Arab countries to do more for
Palestinians.
More
than 14,000 Palestinians have been killed in the brutal Israeli war against
Gaza, which the regime started after an operation staged by the territory's
resistance groups that killed some 1,200 Israeli settlers and military forces.
According
to al-Manar, Hezbollah's Tuesday operations were also meant as "a show of
solidarity with the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip...[and] a
robust endorsement of their courageous and honorable resistance."
Source: presstv.ir
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-----
India
Goa:
Hindu groups seek action against Halal certified products
November
22, 2023
Several
Hindu organisations in Goa on Tuesday demanded banning the sale of Halal
certified products in Goa on the lines of the decision taken by the Uttar
Pradesh government.
The
representatives of these organizations submitted a memorandum at Ponda police
station in South Goa seeking to ban production, storage and sale of Halal
certified products in Goa.
The
delegation comprised of Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu
Janajagruti Samiti. Satyavijaya Naik of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, speaking
to reporters, praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanad for taking
action against ‘Halal’ certified products.
“Products
with halal tags are sold everywhere openly. In Goa, too, we can see the same
situation. Hence, we have also demanded from the government to take action,”
Satyavijaya Naik said.
“Halal
certification of food products is a parallel system which creates confusion
regarding the quality of food items and is not tenable under Section 89 of the
Food Safety and Standards Act. The halal certification system is creating
confusion about the quality of food,” he said.
“In Goa
also, Halal certified food, cosmetics, medicines, from ‘Namkeen’ to dry fruits,
sweets, grains, oil, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, nail polish, lipstick etc.
cosmetics are being sold everywhere from small shops to big malls,” he said.
–IANS
Source: muslimmirror.com
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--------
India
chips in with $2.5mn humanitarian aid to Gaza
22nd
November 2023
NEW
DELHI: India has donated $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works
Agency (UNRWA) for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The UNRWA, functional since
1950, carries out direct relief and work programmes for registered Palestine
refugees and is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN
member states.
India on
Monday handed the UNRWA $2.5 million as part of its annual contribution of $5
million for the year 2023-24 to support the agency’s core programmes and
services, including education, healthcare, relief, and social services provided
to Palestinian refugees, the Representative Office of India at Ramallah said.
The
contribution was handed over by the Representative of India (ROI) to Palestine,
Renu Yadav, to the Director of Partnerships, Department of External Relations
of UNRWA, Karim Amer. The ROI underlined India’s continued support for the
agency’s activities in the region and the services it provides to Palestinian
refugees during the handover ceremony at UNRWA’s field office in Jerusalem, an
official press release said.
The
UNRWA has been struggling to provide basic services to hundreds of thousands of
Palestinians since the October 7 Israel-Hamas conflict which has prompted more
than two-thirds of the Gaza population of approximately 2.3 million to flee
their homes.
Earlier
on November 19, India had delivered 32 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to the
people of Palestine via the El-Arish Airport in Egypt. Since 2018, India has
provided $27.5 million to the UNRWA.
During
an extraordinary virtual ministerial pledging conference for UNRWA held on June
23, 2020, India announced that it would contribute $10 million to UNRWA over
the next two years.
Prior to
the war in Gaza, UNRWA was already facing an increased demand for services
resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the
extent of their vulnerability, and their deepening poverty.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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-----
BJP
Minority Morcha wanted 10 Muslims in fray in 3 states but party ‘didn’t find
winnable contenders’
SHANKER
ARNIMESH
22
November, 2023
New
Delhi: The BJP may have been aggressively reaching out to Pasmanda Muslims
across India, but it has chosen not to field any Muslim candidates in this
month’s assembly elections in Rajasthan, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, a scan
of the candidates list has revealed.
The BJP
Minority Morcha had demanded that across the three states, which have a
combined assembly strength of 549, up to 10 Muslim candidates — a figure of
less than 2 per cent — be fielded, ThePrint has learnt, but the demand was not
met.
“We
wanted 10 seats in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana, and there was no
demand from the minority morcha in Chhattisgarh (another state which went for
polls this month). The Rajasthan unit wanted at least five candidates standing
from minority-dominated constituencies, while two seats were demanded in
Telangana and three in Madhya Pradesh. But the party did not find suitable
candidates,” a senior Minority Morcha functionary said.
BJP’s
Rajasthan Minority Morcha chief, Hameed Khan Mewati, added that they had
accepted the party’s decision and would not question it.
“More
than 15 constituencies in Rajasthan are minority-dominated, with many having
more than one lakh Muslim population. We were expecting to get at least
four-five of these 15 seats but the party decided not to field any minority
candidates. We have accepted it and can’t question the decision,” he told
ThePrint.
He
added: “The prominent seats we wanted were Tijara, Hawa Mahal, Pokaran, Sikar,
Kota North, Tonk and Pushkar.”
According
to the party’s Madhya Pradesh Minority Morcha chief Aijaz Khan, they “were
expecting at least two-three seats for Muslim candidates — Bhopal Uttar and
Bhopal Madhya, and one of Jabalpur or Indore — from the state’s two-dozen
minority-dominated constituencies, but the party chose not to field any
minority leaders. Our morcha has campaigned in all minority-dominated seats to
get votes”.
Defending
the BJP’s decision to not field any Muslims in the five states which voted or
are to vote for a new assembly this month, a senior party member said, “In
deciding tickets, winnability is the main criteria and the party did not find
any winnable [Muslim] candidate in the high-stakes battle in these states”,
He
further admitted that “fielding Muslims did not give an edge to the BJP in
large constituencies, and rather the party’s Hindutva narrative was
questioned”.
“Fielding
Muslims in local body polls was experimented with in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya
Pradesh, where tickets were given to over 300 candidates and 94 candidates,
respectively, and many of them won,” said the leader.
The
denial of tickets to Muslim candidates comes amid an exodus of prominent Muslim
leaders from the BJP in Rajasthan — Yunus Khan and Amin Pathan — and Madhya
Pradesh — Fatima Rasool.
Aijaz
Khan admitted that during campaigning, people often asked Minority Morcha
members why the BJP had not fielded any Muslims.
“We feel
embarrassed and try to convince people not to look at the candidate’s religion
but at the welfare policies of the Modi government which was not discriminating
in delivery of services on religious lines,” he explained.
“(Prime
Minister Narendra) Modi and (MP chief minister) Shivraj (Singh Chouhan) have
not discriminated among Muslims, but when the party is making an outreach
towards Pasmanda Muslims and other Muslims, people often ask such questions,”
he added.
While
BJP Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui admitted that ”a few of
Muslim party members were hopeful [of getting a ticket] in these states”, he
conceded that the “party decides candidature keeping in mind several factors”.
“Once decision has been made, every one follows the collective decision,”
Siddiqui told ThePrint.
ThePrint
also reached BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra for comment over phone. The article
will be updated once a response is received.
In
January this year, addressing the BJP national executive in New Delhi, PM Modi
had asked partymen to reach out to Pasmanda Muslims and Bohra Muslims. However,
10 months later, the BJP did not field any Muslim candidate in state polls,
ignoring the expectations of its Minority Morcha.
Madhya
Pradesh & Rajasthan
Arif
Beg, a key member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh — the precursor to the BJP — and
among the pioneering Muslim faces of the party in Madhya Pradesh, was the
founding president of the BJP Minority Morcha. He died in 2016.
According
to the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute approximately 6.57 percent of the
state’s population and are estimated to be the dominant voters in 22 seats.
The BJP,
however, fielded only one Muslim candidate in the state polls in 2018, while
its main rival, the Congress, pitched three.
That
year, Congress’s ArifAqueel defeated BJP’s Fatima Rasool with a margin of
35,000 votes in Bhopal Uttar, while Congress’s Arif Masood defeated BJP’s
Surendra Singh by 15,000 votes in Bhopal Madhya.
This
election, the Congress has fielded two Muslim candidates — sitting MLA Arif
Masood from Bhopal Madhya and Atif Aqueel, son of ailing MLA ArifAqueel, from
Bhopal Uttar.
Meanwhile,
Fatima Rasool quit the BJP last week to join the Congress.
In
Rajasthan, a prominent Muslim face of the party used to be Ramzan Khan, who
died in 2004. He was a minister in the Bhairon Singh Shekhawat government and
won as MLA from Pushkar several times.
In the
2003 and 2008 state polls, the BJP had fielded three Muslims. In 2013, it
fielded four Muslim candidates, with two of them winning — Habibur Rahman (who
joined the Congress in 2018) from the Nagaur seat, and Yunus Khan from
Muslim-dominated Deedwana.
Yunus
became a minister in the Vasundhara Raje cabinet and was said to be close to
the CM. He was fielded again in 2018, as the BJP’s lone Muslim candidate,
against Congressman Sachin Pilot from Tonk constituency, but lost the polls.
A senior
Rajasthan BJP leader had earlier told ThePrint that Raje was a strong advocate
of Yunus, but that other party leaders did not necessarily agree.
The
decision to field him from Tonk in 2018 had reportedly come on Raje’s
insistence. All the other three Muslim candidates who had contested in 2013
were denied tickets in that election.
“Yunus
Khan was not a favourite of the RSS, but he was a favourite of Raje. The BJP
fielded him against Pilot in 2018 to divide the Muslim vote in Tonk, which has
a significant Muslim population,” he said.
Yunus’
ascent in politics started after former Rajasthan CM Shekhawat chose him to
fight from Deedwana, which Yunus won in 2003 as well. However, his influence
has waned over the years.
After
being denied ticket for this month’s election, the leader quit the BJP earlier
this month and is fighting independently against the official BJP candidate,
Jitendra Jodha, from Deedwana.
Last
week, Yunus told ThePrint: “I don’t know why the BJP did not field me this
time. People in my constituency were angry and they have asked me to fight
against the party’s decision. I was in the BJP for 25 years and did whatever I
was asked to do. I did not ask for anything in return and followed orders. Now,
I can’t disrespect the people who voted for me in the past.”
Another
Muslim leader from Rajasthan to have quit the party is former state Minority
Morcha chief and state minister Amin Pathan, who has alleged that the BJP is no
longer following the path of Vajpayee and Shekhawat “who believed in
‘sabkasaath, sabkavikas’ in the true sense”.
Last
week, Pathan joined the Congress in the presence of Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.
The
Congress had fielded 15 Muslim candidates in Rajasthan in 2018, with seven
emerging victorious. This year, it has again fielded 15 Muslim candidates in
the state.
Chhattisgarh
& Telangana
In Chhattisgarh,
while the BJP hasn’t fielded any Muslims, the Congress has fielded one —
sitting legislator Mohammad Akbar from Kawardha. In 2018, the Congress had
fielded two Muslims, but only Akbar had won while the other candidate,
Badruddin Qureshi, lost from Vaishali Nagar.
In
Telangana, where Muslims are reported to account for 12.68 per cent of the
population, the BJP Minority Morcha had demanded two seats in Hyderabad region
this year but got none.
In the
previous assembly election, the party had fielded two Muslim candidates,
including a woman — Shahzadi Syed in Chandrayangutta against four-time AIMIM
MLA AkbaruddinOwaisi, and Haneef Ali from Bahadurpura constituency.
The
Congress has fielded five Muslim candidates in Telangana this year, while the
AIMIM has fielded eight such candidates. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi has fielded
two Muslims.
Speaking
to ThePrint, Pathan said the “BJP’s Delhi leadership at the last minute decided
to not give tickets to Muslims in poll-bound states”.
“Even
Vasundharaji was saying three candidates must be fielded from the community (in
Rajasthan) to give it representation,” he added, pointing out that “in every
previous election, the BJP got 15 to 20 per cent of votes from Muslims because
of candidates in the fray from the community”.
“But
now, the BJP doesn’t want votes from the community and their slogan
(sabkasaath, sabkavikas) is a farce.”
A senior
BJP leader from Madhya Pradesh said that Chouhan, after taking over as CM in
2005, had cultivated the image of a leader who believed in
“Ganga-JamuniTehzeeb” denoting the syncretic fusion of Hindu-Muslim culture.
“That is
why, Chouhan got Muslim votes in consecutive elections in 2008 and 2013. But,
after the assertion of Modi’s Hindutva politics, he was left with no option but
to emulate the central BJP narrative. He can’t risk displeasing the Hindu
majority by fielding Muslim candidates,” said the leader.
(Edited
by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
Source: theprint.in
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://theprint.in/politics/bjp-minority-morcha-wanted-10-muslims-in-fray-in-3-states-but-party-didnt-find-winnable-contenders/1853522/
------
Fifteen
Years After 26/11 Terror Attack in Mumbai, Israel Bans LeT to Mark Anniversary
21.11.23
New
Delhi: Israel on Tuesday, November 21, announced that it has banned the
Laskhar-e-Taiba as a terror organisation 15 years after the Mumbai terror
attack, during which terrorists specifically targeted a Jewish centre in
India’s commercial capital.
A press
release issued by Israeli embassy said Tel Aviv had listed Lashkar-e-Taiba as a
“terror organisation” to mark the “15th year of commemoration of the Mumbai
terror attacks”.
Ten
members of the LeT terror group had entered the city of Mumbai on the night of
November 26, 2008. Over the course of four days, they killed 166 people and
injured 300. One of the locations targeted by the terrorist was a Chabad centre
at Nariman House. Four Israeli citizens were killed in the attacks.
“Despite
not being requested by the Government of India to do so, the state of Israel
has formally completed all necessary procedures and has satisfied all required
checks and regulations to the result of introducing Lashkar-e-Taiba into the
Israeli list of illegal terror organisations,” said the press note.
The
embassy stated that the Israel “only lists terror organisations who are
actively operating against it from within or around its borders, or in a
similar manner to India – those globally recognised by UNSC or the US state
department”.
The LeT
had been listed as a terror group by the UN Security Council’s panel in 2005.
The US state department had designated LeT even earlier in 2001.
The
press readout noted that the Israeli ministries of defence and foreign affairs
“jointly worked in the last few months towards an expedited and extraordinary
listing of the Lashkar-e-Taiba organization on this date, to highlight the
importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism”.
Israel
described the LeT as “deadly and reprehensible terror organization, responsible
for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others. Its heinous
actions on November 26, 2008 still reverberate in force, through all peace
seeking nations and societies”.
Following
the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, Israeli ambassador NaorGilon had
asked India to declare the Palestinian group as a terror organisation.
Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had immediately expressed “solidarity” with Israel
on October 7, which he reiterated in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu. India had to nuance its position by speaking about its
traditional support for Palestine a week later. However, India had one of the
few countries in the Global South which abstained on the resolution in the UN
General Assembly that called for a humanitarian pause to allow the supply of
food, fuel and water into Gaza strip.
Source: thewire.in
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://thewire.in/diplomacy/laskhar-e-taiba-ban-israel-15-year-anniversary
-----
PM Modi,
Amit Shah chant ‘Ram, Ram’ at rallies ahead of Rajasthan assembly elections
22.11.23
J.P.
Yadav
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged the crowd at his election rallies in
Rajasthan to knock at each and every home in their area and convey his “Ram,
Ram” greetings to the people while home minister Amit Shah promised free travel
to Ayodhya for “Ram Lalla darshan” if the BJP was voted to power.
Modi and
Shah addressed three rallies each and then led roadshows in Jaipur and Sawai
Madhopur, respectively, urging the voters to drive out the “corrupt” Congress
indulging in “appeasement and nepotism” and elect a BJP government in the
state. Rajasthan votes on November 25.
Apart
from concentrating on slamming the Congress, the two leaders sought to play the
Hindutva card and sway the voters by using the proposed inauguration of the Ram
temple at Ayodhya in January next year. While Modi made an oblique reference by
using the popular “Ram Ram” greeting, Shah put it directly, telling the voters
to elect a BJP government in the state and get a free trip to Ayodhya.
“I want
to request you to do one personal work for me. It is personal and not
election-related. Will you do?...” Modi asked the crowd at two rallies in Baran
and Kota. He repeated it a couple of times till the crowd shouted a loud “yes”.
“Go to
each and every home in your area and tell the people that ‘apne Modi ji’ (our
Modi) had come here and he has asked us to convey his ‘Ram Ram’ to you all,” he
said, again and again asking the crowd, “Will you do it for me?” Ram Ram, Jai
Siya Ram and Sita-Ram are popular greetings people use in Hindi heartland
states and Modi appeared to be playing on them, obliquely hinting at the
upcoming inauguration of the Ram temple at Ayodhya in January next year.
Addressing
a rally in Sikar district, home minister Amit Shah pointedly accused the
Congress of obstructing the construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya for 70
years and credited Modi for clearing all hurdles to pave the way for the
construction of the grand temple.
“Rahul
baba used to ask when the temple would be constructed. I want to tell him that
on January 22, exactly at 12:22 pm, Modi ji will perform the consecration
rituals of Ram Lalla,” Shah said amid “Jai Shri Ram” chants.
Shah
then went to ask the crowd wouldn’t they like to get an auspicious sight of the
deity and the crowd shouted back “yes”. “Travelling to Ayodhya involves a cost.
So, I want to tell you that just elect a BJP government here and the government
will arrange for a free visit for ‘darshan’ of Ram Lalla,” he stressed amid a
big applause from the crowd.
Shah
claimed that for 500 years Ram was banished from his birthplace and the Modi
government has ensured the deity’s respectful home-coming. He also referred to
the destruction of Hindu temples by Mughal rulers like Aurangzeb and credited
Modi for restoring the glory of Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath and other Hindu
temples.
The BJP
and the other wings of the wider Sangh parivar have been gearing up to turn the
inauguration of the Ram temple into a mega event across the country, eyeing to
generate a Hindutva frenzy in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls next year.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/pm-modi-amit-shah-chant-ram-ram-at-rallies-ahead-of-rajasthan-assembly-elections/cid/1981615
------
Kashmir
top cop's warning on ‘writings’ at odds with High Court on freedom of speech
22.11.23
Muzaffar
Raina
The new
police chief of Jammu and Kashmir seems to be in dissonance with the high court
over the limits of freedom of speech and expression here and which “writings”
can constitute a “terrorist act”.
Director-general
of police Rashmi Ranjan Swain on Saturday vowed a tougher anti-militancy
campaign, promising action against writers “hiding behind freedom of speech and
expression” but whose “writings” are believed to have incited youth to pick up
arms.
A day
earlier, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh had put up a rare
defence of freedom of speech in the Union Territory.
Swain on
Saturday told reporters that security agencies and police were discussing new
ways that could check militant recruitments in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the
security forces would ask parents, teachers and mosque imams who were the
people who “incited” the youths to pick up arms.
“Each
act of recruitment will be treated as an act of terror in which people who
decided to or helped the facilitated boy, this youngster, to join the terrorist
ranks are equally liable, if not more,” Swain said.
“There
would be a sustained action against people who motivate and recruit, even
people who write very differently, they are also liable for encouraging
recruitment. Those persons also, I mean the writers, we will initiate action
against them, those who are hiding behind this, in the name of freedom of
expression, are inciting people…. We will not allow it to happen.”
On
Friday, a division bench of the high court comprising Justices Anil Sreedharan
and Mohan Lal granted bail to Fahad Shah, the editor of the now-defunct news
portal The Kashmir Walla, and offered a rare reprieve to the embattled
journalist community and citizens caught on the charge of sheltering the
militants. Shah is in detention since February 2022 and has still not been
released.
The
principal charge against Shah was that his portal reportedly carried an
article, authored by Kashmir University scholar Abdul AalaFazili and titled
“The shackles of slavery will break”, 11 years after its publication in 2011.
Fazili has also been arrested.
The
court said the article called for secession from India and accused the
government of committing genocide in Kashmir, but said Shah’s case was
primarily associated with his “right to freedom of speech and expression” which
“prima facie appears to have gone wrong”.
The
government had accused Fazili of creating a narrative to incite youth to adopt
violent means of protests to secede from India, calling Shah a “willing
collaborator”.
“It
must, however, be stated that there is no call to arms by the author. There is
no incitement to an armed insurrection against the state. There is no
incitement to violence of any kind, much less acts of terrorism of undermining
the authority of the state with acts of violence,” the court said.
“The act
was allegedly done 11 years back. From then till date, no evidence has been
brought on record that the offending article was responsible in provoking
persons to take to militancy. Not a single witness says this.”
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/kashmir-top-cops-warning-on-writings-at-odds-with-jammu-and-kashmir-high-court-on-freedom-of-speech/cid/1981621
------
Pakistan
JI seeks
Australia’s help for Gaza ceasefire
November
22, 2023
LAHORE:
Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins on Tuesday called on Jamaat-i-Islami
emir Sirajul Haq at Mansoorah.
Both
sides discussed Pak-Australia relations and matters of mutual interest. JI foreign
affairs director Asif Luqman Qazi was also present.
Haq
urged the visiting ambassador to use diplomatic influence to halt the bloodshed
in Gaza, emphasizing the need for an urgent ceasefire in the war-torn area.
He
expressed confidence in Australia’s capacity as a nation that upheld justice
and human rights to play a pivotal role in putting an end to the violence in
Gaza.
Haq
handed over a letter to Mr Hawkins addressed to Australian Prime Minister
Anthony Norman Albanese, highlighting the dire situation in Palestine and
seeking Australia’s intervention.
He said
Israeli forces were responsible for the killing of civilians, including
children and women, resulting in the death toll of 13,000 people in the Israeli
attacks. He asserted that Palestinians had the right to resist against the
occupants of their land, citing the rights granted to them under international
law.
Characterising
the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza as a blatant violation of
international law and a grave abuse of human rights amounting to crimes against
humanity, the JI leader underscored the urgency of addressing these violations.
The
meeting also delved into discussions on the Kashmir issue and the economic
situation in Pakistan.
Mr
Hawkins expressed appreciation for the role of the JI in promoting peace.
Meanwhile,
Haq presided over a meeting of the JI central working committee, which
discussed the prevailing political, economic situation and upcoming election.
The JI
leader demanded free and fair elections, saying the election practices held in
the past had weakened democracy due to rigging. He added any future attempt to
rig the polls would further destabilise the country. He said the JI would
continue to struggle for the people of Gaza.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1791294/ji-seeks-australias-help-for-gaza-ceasefire
--------
Imran’s
remand in Al-Qadir Trust case extended
November
22, 2023
Khalid
Iqbal
ISLAMABAD:
An Accountability Court Tuesday extended the physical remand of PTI Chairman
and former premier Imran Khan to another two days in Al-Qadir Trust case, while
hearing in the Toshakhana reference was adjourned till November 29.
On the
other hand, the interim bail of the PTI chairman’s wife Bushra Bibi in Al-Qadir
Trust case and Toshakhana reference was extended to November 29.
The
court also granted the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) two more days to
interrogate Imran in Al-Qadir case.
Earlier,
the NAB had been given three days to investigate Imran Khan. The bureau had
sought a 10-day physical remand, but it was not granted. Imran and Bushra Bibi
both were present in the courtroom. The NAB team included Muzaffar Abbasi,
Irfanullah, Umar Nadeem, Mohsin Haroon, Asif Munir, Waqarul Hasan, and
Barrister Owais Irshad.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1131325-imran-s-remand-in-al-qadir-trust-case-extended
-----
Afghan
border trade resumes after Pakistan suspends new visa rule
November
22, 2023
PESHAWAR:
Cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan was back to normal
Wednesday, officials in both countries said, after Islamabad suspended a new
visa rule.
Commercial
traffic ground to a halt Tuesday when Pakistan began requiring the crew of
commercial vehicles to have passports and visas to enter, and Afghanistan
responded by refusing to allow any trucks to pass.
“Yesterday,
when Pakistan enforced its new rules, the Afghan side responded by suspending
trade in protest,” a Pakistan customs official told AFP Wednesday.
“Last
night, officials from the Ministry of Commerce held a meeting with Afghan
officials, reaching an agreement to grant another two-week extension for Afghan
drivers.”
Border
trade halts after Pakistan imposes restrictions on Afghans
The
official said Pakistan had already twice deferred implementing the new rule.
The
media office of the governor of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan confirmed
that cross-border trade had resumed.
“Afghan
and Pakistani officials held talks… and it was assured that this problem will
be solved permanently,” it said in a post on X.
Long-fraught
relations between Kabul and Islamabad have worsened since October, when
Pakistan announced plans to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants it
said were in the country illegally.
So far
about 340,000 Afghans have been deported or returned voluntarily.
Pakistan
has said only Afghans with passports and visas will be allowed to enter the
country, ending a decades-old practice of allowing people to cross with only
their national identity cards.
Landlocked
Afghanistan is heavily dependent on its neighbour for imports – both locally
made goods and foreign items sourced through Pakistan’s Karachi port.
But
Pakistan, in the grip of a massive economic crisis, says it loses hundreds of
millions of dollars each year allowing Afghan-bound goods to enter the country
duty-free.
Forced
out of Pakistan, Afghan waste pickers count their losses
Some
items never make it across the border, while others are smuggled back into
Pakistan and sold illegally.
Islamabad
says the mass deportation of illegal migrants is necessary to protect its
“welfare and security” after a sharp rise in attacks that the government blames
on militants operating from Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s
Taliban government insists it does not allow foreign militants to use its soil,
and says Pakistan’s security issues are a domestic affair.
Source: brecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40274595/afghan-border-trade-resumes-after-pakistan-suspends-new-visa-rule
-----
Vandalism
at FJC: Proceedings in cases against Imran, Qureshi adjourned
2023-11-22
ISLAMABAD:
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), on Tuesday, adjourned the proceedings in cases
registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and PTI’s
Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in connection with vandalism at Federal
Judicial Complex (FJC) till November 23 due to absence of prosecution.
The ATC
judge, AbualHasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, while hearing the cases at Adiala jail
adjourned it without proceedings due to the non-availability of the prosecutor.
Two
terrorism cases had been registered against the PTI chief and Qureshi at Khanna
police and one case at BharaKahu police station against them.
The
PTI’s lawyers, Barrister Salman Safdar, Khalid Yousaf, and others appeared
before the court. The court was informed that the prosecution did not produce
the record of the cases before the court. The court adjourned the hearing of
the case till November 23.
Source: brecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40274466/vandalism-at-fjc-proceedings-in-cases-against-imran-qureshi-adjourned
------
Africa
South
Africa calls on ICC to arrest Netanyahu
21
November 2023
on the International Criminal Court to issue
an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by
mid-December.
Minister
in the Presidency KhumbudzoNtshavheni said it would signal a "total
failure" of global governance if the ICC does not do so.
The
world cannot simply stand by and watch. The global community needs to rise to
stop this genocide now," said Ntshavheni.
Israel
says it is defending itself following the October 7 attack by Hamas which
killed 1,200 people but the South African government has repeatedly described
the Israeli campaign in Gaza as "genocide".
Gaza's
Hamas-run government says at least 13,000 Palestinians have been killed in
Israeli bombardments, including at least 5,500 children.
Alongside
four other countries, South Africa last week submitted a referral to the ICC to
investigate whether war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed
in Gaza.
A
longtime supporter of the Palestinian cause, South Africa recalled its
ambassador and diplomatic staff from Israel on November 6.
Following
South Africa's move on Monday, Israel recalled its own envoy in Pretoria.
"Against
the background of recent comments from South Africa, the Israel ambassador to
South Africa has been called for consultations in Jerusalem," the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday night.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/21/south-africa-calls-on-icc-to-arrest-netanyahu/
------
South
African lawmakers vote in favour of closing Israel's embassy and cutting
diplomatic ties
November
22, 2023
A
majority of South African lawmakers on Tuesday voted in favour of a motion
calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy and the cutting of diplomatic
ties until Israel agrees to a cease-fire in Gaza.
The vote
on the motion supported by the ruling African National Congress party came as
President Cyril Ramaphosa in a meeting with other world leaders accused Israel
of committing genocide in Gaza with its military offensive in the beseiged
territory in search of its Hamas militant rulers.
The
motion tabled by the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters received the
support of 248 parliament members while 91 lawmakers opposed it.
The vote
came after Israel's foreign ministry said it had recalled its ambassador to
South Africa, EliavBelotserkovsky, back to Jerusalem “for consultations."
The two
countries’ diplomatic relations have witnessed a rise in tensions over the war
in Gaza. Ramaphosa previously said his country believes Israel is committing
war crimes in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed.
South
Africa announced last week that it had referred what it called Israel’s
“genocide” in Gaza to the International Criminal Court for an investigation.
Its cabinet has called on the ICC to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Earlier
this month, South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel and withdrew all its
diplomatic staff.
Ramaphosa's
new comments on Tuesday came in a virtual meeting of BRICS countries attended
by leaders of the bloc including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese
President Xi Jinping.
The
Israel-Hamas war began after the Palestinian militant group's surprise attacks
on Israel on October 7 killed about 1,200 people. Israel's retaliatory strikes
on Gaza have killed more than 12,700 people, according to Palestinian health
authorities.
Source: thehindu.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-african-lawmakers-vote-in-favour-of-closing-israels-embassy-and-cutting-diplomatic-ties/article67559812.ece
----
National
Chief Imam and Clemence Gyato donate relief items to Dam Spillage victims
November
22, 2023
EVANS
EFFAH
The
visit to the Agbetikpo camp, housing approximately 1,200 displaced individuals
among the 12,000 affected, showcased solidarity and compassion in the wake of
this crisis.
The
generous donation comprised diverse essential items valued over GH₵300,000,
including rice, water,
clothing, footwear, and hygiene supplies. Additionally, a sum of GH₵70,000
was offered to aid in alleviating the immediate needs of those affected.
Addressing
the gathering, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu emphasized the significance of
communal support during adversity, extending prayers and words of encouragement
to the affected individuals. He expressed empathy and reassured the victims
that hardship can pave the way for eventual solace.
The
National Peace Ambassador Mr. Clemence Gyat commended the Chief Imam's enduring
commitment to peace-building, reflecting on their joint efforts in past
reconciliation endeavors. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace,
especially during challenging times, urging the youth to avoid actions that
could disrupt community harmony.
Samuel
OkudzetoAblakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, conveyed heartfelt
gratitude on behalf of the victims, highlighting the substantial impact of the
calamity with over 1,500 houses damaged and 21 camps established to shelter the
displaced.
Recognizing
the overwhelming support and benevolence shown, Ablakwa emphasized the unity
and compassion exhibited by Ghanaians, particularly praising the Chief Imam's
understanding of the region's needs.
Promising
accountability for the received aid, Ablakwa pledged equitable distribution
among the remaining camps, ensuring no one is neglected in the recovery
process.
The
Chief Imam's unwavering presence and generosity resonate deeply with the
affected populace, signifying a beacon of hope amidst their trials.
The
donation not only addresses immediate necessities but also signifies a
collective commitment towards rebuilding lives shattered by the Dam Spillage
disaster.
Source: pulse.com.gh
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/national-chief-imam-and-clemence-gyato-donate-relief-items-to-dam-spillage-victims/h25relj
------
CDS:
B’Haram Terrorists Planned Attacks from Prison with Warders’ Connivance
November
22, 2023
The
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that some
recently arrested Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east planned attacks from
the prison in connivance with prison warders. Musa disclosed this yesterday,
when he appeared before the House of Representatives, alongside the service
chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The CDS
said about 73 unmanned forests had been taken over by bandits. He called for
the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous
People of Biafra (IPOB), from his operational base in Finland.
Chief of
Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, decried the rising cost of
aviation fuel, saying it is hindering the war against terrorism in the country.
The IGP,
Kayode Egbetokun, lamented that the police were operating in a difficult
environment, stressing that the current manpower in the police is grossly
inadequate, and the criminals also know this.
Relatedly,
the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, called on President
Bola Tinubu to promptly issue an executive order to allow state and local
governments in the country to set up their own police forces, as practised in
other heterogeneous and large countries.
Musa
decried the corrupt attitudes of some prison warders in the North-east, and
alleged that they aided arrested Boko Haram terrorists in planning their
operations.
He
stated, “The issue of correctional facilities. In the North-east, when we were
debriefing some of the arrested Boko Haram, they were able to tell us how, from
the prison, they could plan operations out in the field. They pass funds
across.
“They
use some of the warders there. We are not saying all of them are corrupt. They
use their accounts and the deal is that anyone whose account is used, they
share it 50/50. Those are the challenges.”
Musa
lamented that media reportage in the country often glorified bandits and
terrorists but demoralised soldiers.
He said,
“Most times we think security is only the responsibility of security forces. I
say no, everybody has a responsibility to play.
“We can
never be everywhere. So we need educational sensitisationprogrammes for all
Nigerians to understand that security is everybody’s responsibility. What you
see, you talk about it. You don’t just keep quiet and say that this is for the
police or the army. Everybody has a role.
“We need
to have a system, where we can train from schools, from primary school, where
Nigerians can be made to understand they need to take ownership of security.
The awareness will be made easier.”
The
defence chief said they had realised that the magic wand to address insecurity
was good governance, adding that anywhere there is good governance, insecurity
goes down.
He
explained that security did not connote only military security, but included
food, health, social, and education security, saying all these always play a
role, and whenever good governance is lacking, there would be problems.
The CDS
stated, “In the North-east, we are able to achieve so much because we have an
element of good governance. We have seen governors that are willing and doing
things to make the people happy and that is why we are having the cases of
success we are having.
“As I
mentioned earlier, the issue of Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) has remained
the most potent threat that we have. They put these IEDs on the ground and
because there are no roads, a vehicle climbs it and everyone in that vehicle is
either killed or dismembered.
“So,
this becomes a problem. If people cannot eat, if people are hungry, no matter
how you tell them to keep the peace, they will not and that breeds criminality.
Those are the aspects we are looking at, particularly good governance.”
Musa
also complained about the country’s porous borders, stressing that there are
about a thousand border crossings, where people come in and out without check.
He
stated, “That is where we have the movement of light weapons and small arms.
Human trafficking is rampant. It is important that we must establish good
border control, so that we can know the people coming in and going out.”
Musa
added that Niger State alone had over 73 unmanned forests, saying these are
places where non-state actors operate.
He
alleged that the judiciary was frustrating the war against terrorism in the
country.
According
to him, “The issue of judiciary. I have been in the North-east. There were a
lot of Boko Haram elements that have been captured. We have kept them for
five/six years. We, the armed forces, can arrest but cannot prosecute.
“Some of
them have been found wanting but no prosecution. We are keeping them for this
lengthy period – everyone is accusing the armed forces in keeping them against
their human rights but we cannot prosecute.
“Another
aspect of the judiciary is that you use all your effort to make an arrest, you
hand them over, and before you enter your vehicle, the man has been released on
bail. Now, you have risked yourself in doing that, by the time he is released,
he goes to tell the people the person that arrested him.
“Now
your family members or you are at risk. It is getting to a state, where the
security forces do not want to make any effort. We have the issue in the
South-south. A lot of the ships – the last ship that was arrested, was arrested
10 years ago – the ship went and changed its name, changed its colour and came
back again.
“Ten
years they were arrested again. By the time you hand over the ship, before you
know it, it is released. I think that is one area we must look into. We must
have a special court to look into it. That is why we arrest and destroy them
because the longer we keep them, it becomes a problem because we come under
pressure to release them.”
In the
South-east, Musa said, “Simon Ekpa has become a menace to this country. The
country must act on it diplomatically. Finland is having a freeway encouraging
him to do what he is doing. His utterances and actions are affecting what is
happening in Nigeria.
“We
should never allow that. Our foreign service should step in. It is either we
invite the ambassador to come and explain why they are protecting him. And he
is doing us more harm because by his utterances, a lot of people have been
killed.”
The CAS,
on his part, bemoaned the rising cost of aviation fuel, which he said was
hindering the war against terrorism in the country. He stated that the delay in
budget funding was a significant challenge, considering that about 85 per cent
of Nigerian Air Force capital budget was for procuring military hardware
abroad.
Abubakar
stated, “The astronomic rise in aviation fuel prices and the introduction of
surcharges has adversely affected Nigerian Air Force air operations,
considering its large fleet.
“The
situation continues to worsen with the cost of Jet A-1 fluctuating at N1,150
per litre as against the budgeted N360 per litre. The need for an intervention
fund to the Nigerian Air Force as an independent importer of Jet A-1 fuel to
sustain air operations, while reducing the financial burden on the government,
may thus suffice.
“The
consistent delay in budget funding is a significant challenge, bearing in mind
that about 85 percent of the Nigerian Air Force capital budget is for procuring
military hardware abroad.
“Since
hardware by original equipment manufacturers are time bound, delay in budget
funding may lead to late delivery due to late payment. Timely disbursement of
approved funds would surely solve this challenge.”
Abubakar
further lamented the complexity in targeting terrorists within the populace,
and explained that the contemporary operating environment was characterised by
terrorists, who situated themselves among the general populace. He said this
made targeting complex in view of the need to avoid collateral damage.
“Thus,
the Nigerian Air Force kinetic operations are supported by credible
intelligence to minimise undesired casualties,” he said.
The IGP
said the police operated in very difficult environment, and the manpower in the
force was grossly inadequate, and the criminals knew this.
He
stressed that the United Nations ratio of one police officer to 400 civilians
was not attainable in Nigeria as at today. He said the ratio in country was one
to 1000, which suggested that they had to double the manpower.
Egbetokun
stated, “We have 1,537 police divisional headquarters across 774 local
government areas. But getting operational vehicles for the divisions is
difficult.
“Each of
these divisions requires at least four functional patrol vehicles. But we have
divisions, which don’t have any patrol vehicles as of today.”
The IGP
also told the legislators, “Training in the police is still inadequate. The
welfare of personnel is nothing to write home about. Funding is critical to
achieving the mandate of the Nigeria Police.
“Unfortunately,
the citizens are not interested in our excuses for underperformance. What the
citizens want; they want us to serve them. We are ready to serve them. We need
your cooperation. We need funding. We need more manpower.”
Meanwhile,
Afenifere expressed concern about the spate of internal security breaches in
various parts of the country in recent times, and insisted on multi-level
policing.
National
Publicity of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, called on Tinubu and
relevant security agencies to up the ante in tackling the menace.
Afenifere
raised the concern against the backdrop of rising security incidents, including
the gruesome murder of a 62-year-old grandmother, IyanuoluwaAdamolekun, at her
Similoluwa area, AgbalukuArigidiAkoko in Ondo State.
Afenifere
listed other cases to include kidnapping incidents at Saki, Okaka and Ipapo,
Okeogun, Oyo State within a month; Fulani herders’ attacks on farmers in Afon,
Ipokia, Ogun State, Iwere-Ile, Komu and Otu in Oyo State; amputation of a
12-year-old Fulani boy in Mayaki, Niger State; and killing of Rev. David Musa
of ECWA in Obajana, Kogi State on October 14, 2023.
The
organisation also noted the abduction of about 15 church members in Ondo State
in September, the narrow escape of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni from
terrorists, the death of two police officers last weekend, and massacre of some
farmers in Benue State, among others.
Afenifere
expressed worry over the rustling of cows in the north eastern and north
western regions of the country as well as the prevention of farmers from freely
accessing their farms.
It said
in the statement, “The latter has, naturally, led to a deficit in food items, thus,
occasioning high costs of food items that are available. This was compounded by
the high cost of transportation due to the removal of fuel subsidy, among other
things.
“To
worsen the situation, schools are being targeted by criminal elements, as reports
have it that no fewer than 34 students were kidnapped in five incidents between
September 22 and October 15, 2023 alone. Some of the incidents included the
abduction of over 24 students of the Federal University, Gusau, in Zamfara
State on September 22.
“The
development informed the recent decisions by the Nigeria Police Force and
Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) to announce a plan to jointly
come up with ‘Safe School Initiative’ in higher educational institutions across
the country.”
Afenifere
stressed that it was a known fact that the army was for the maintenance of the
country’s territorial integrity, while internal security was the major
responsibility of the police, according to the constitutional provisions.
It
stressed that the efforts of the police and allied security agencies had not
yielded the desired results because of the inherent structural error, adding
that the police and other security agencies in the country are centralised in
the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Afenifere
said, “It means that there is an urgent need to decentralise and empower the
security agencies if the insecurity that is fast consuming the nation is to be
brought under control.
“As we
have been shouting for about two years now, the president is enjoined to promptly
give an Executive Order allowing states and local governments in the country to
set up their own police forces, as is being practised by various countries that
are heterogeneous and large.
“Machinery
can then be set in motion for the National Assembly to quickly amend the
relevant sections of the constitution, accordingly. The time to do so is now,
if a stop is to be put to the avoidable loss of lives, properties, declining
economic activities due to fear of being kidnapped and the trauma that these acts
of banditry are causing the people.”
Source: thisdaylive.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/11/22/cds-bharam-terrorists-planned-attacks-from-prison-with-warders-connivance
------
LASEPA
seals mosque, hotels, company over noise pollution
21
November 2023
James
Agberebi
Lagos
State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Monday, 20 November, 2023,
sealed a mosque, a company, and hotels in the Oshodi/Isolo area of the state
due to noise pollution.
The
exercise is part of LASEPA’s ongoing initiatives to tackle noise pollution and
other environmental violations.
The
facilities affected are Adura Agba Ratibi Mosque, Stag Engineering Nig Ltd,
Green Point Hotel and 4 Season Hotel and Suites.
Others
are Big Apple Hotel and Suites, Honey Dew Hotel and Suites, Humble Signature
Hotel and Suites, and New Ground Hotel.
In a
related development, LASEPA on Wednesday, 15th November 2023 sealed Richbon
Nigeria Limited, KeltensNig Ltd, Elinta Suites.
The
Agency also shut down Dynatech System, Capello’s Bar Jesus Refiners Fire
Evidence Ministry, and Me & U Bar Garden, all located in the AmuwoOdofin
area of the state.
These
actions were taken in response to noise pollution and other environmental
infractions complaints received by the agency from their various environment.
Source: guardian.ng
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://guardian.ng/news/lasepa-seals-mosque-hotels-company-over-noise-pollution/
-----
Burkina:
fifteen civilians killed in "simultaneous attacks" this weekend
21
November 2023
Fifteen
civilians, including three army auxiliaries, were killed in "simultaneous
attacks" by suspected jihadists on Saturday in eastern Burkina Faso, local
and security sources told AFP on Tuesday.
These
"simultaneous and synchronised attacks" took place in two
neighbourhoods of Diapaga, the capital of Tapoa province in the east of the
country, and left fifteen people dead, a local resident told AFP, an attack and
death toll confirmed by a representative of the province's civil society.
"Fifteen
people, including three Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP,
civilian auxiliaries to the army) and twelve civilians, were killed by the
murderous bullets of lawless men" who "carried out this attack",
said Kondia Pierre Yonli, a spokesman for civil society organisations, in a
written note.
"The
population, in total disarray, took them to their final resting place on Sunday
19 November at the Diapaga municipal cemetery", he added.
"In
tribute to these men who fell to their deaths (...) a day of 'villemorte' will
be observed throughout the Diapaga municipality on Tuesday", he said,
adding that markets, schools "and all public services will remain
closed".
Confirming
the attack, a security source said that "the response of the defence
forces repelled the attackers and neutralised several dozen of them".
"An air-land operation is underway in the eastern region and has already
neutralised more than fifty terrorists and dismantled several of their
bases".
Since
2015, Burkina Faso has been caught up in a spiral of violence perpetrated by
jihadist groups affiliated to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, which were
already striking neighbouring Mali and Niger.
To date,
more than 17,000 civilians and soldiers have been killed over the past eight
years, including more than 6,000 since the beginning of 2023, according to the
NGO Acled, which tracks the victims of conflicts around the world.
The
violence has also led to the internal displacement of more than two million
people, according to the National Council for Emergency Relief and
Rehabilitation (Conasur).
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/21/burkina-fifteen-civilians-killed-in-simultaneous-attacks-this-weekend/
----
UN warns
no more food aid cash for Sudan refugees in Chad
November
22, 2023
LIBREVILLE:
The UN’s World Food Programme on Tuesday warned lack of funds threatened to
halt food and nutrition assistance for more than a million people in Chad —
including newly arrived Sudanese refugees.
The
organization said funding constraints emanating from a range of other crises
including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine meant its capacity to help was spread
too thin.
It comes
“as aid agencies scramble to respond to a fresh wave of refugees fleeing an
unimaginable humanitarian crisis” in Sudan’s western region of Darfur, WFP said
in a statement.
“In just
the last six months of conflict in Sudan, as many refugees have fled into Chad
as had crossed the border in the preceding 20 years starting from the outbreak
of the Darfur crisis in 2003,” it added.
The
organization said it urgently needed some $200 million of funding.
“Dwindling
funding and soaring immense humanitarian needs is forcing WFP into making
brutal choices,” it added in a stark assessment.
“In
December, WFP will be forced to suspend assistance to internally displaced
people and refugees from Nigeria, Central African Republic, and Cameroon due to
insufficient funds.
“From
January this suspension will be extended to 1.4 million people across Chad —
including new arrivals from Sudan who will not receive food as they flee across
the border.
“To
ensure continued support to crisis-affected populations in Chad over the next
six months, WFP urgently requires $185 million,” the organization said.
Even
prior to the latest civil conflict in Chad which broke out last April, the
United Nations estimated the country was hosting more than 400,000 refugees who
had fled Darfur between 2003 and 2020, but that number has mushroomed to almost
900,000.
The
WFP’s spokesperson for western and central Africa, DjaounsedeMadjiangar,
branded the problem a “forgotten crisis” aggravated by the world’s attention
currently being largely focused upon the conflict in the Middle East and
Ukraine.
Doctors
Without Borders (MSF) warned last Friday that Sudanese child refugees in Chad
were suffering acute malnutrition, the organization having treated some 14,000
since the turn of the year with some 3,000 hospitalized.
The UN
estimated that some 8,000 Sudanese entered Chad in the first week of this month
alone fleeing the latest wave of violence in Darfur, where conflict has
displaced more than two million. In Sudan as a whole, war has displaced more
than 4.8 million people.
Sudan
has since April been torn by civil war between army chief and de facto head of
state General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his former deputy General Mohamed
Hamdan Daglo, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2413027/world
------
North America
Obama
admin security advisor involves in racist, anti-Muslim harassment
22.11.23
Stuart
Seldowitz, a former Obama administration adviser, has been captured on video
making threats and anti-Islam comments against a Muslim food vendor in New York
City.
In one
video circulating on Tuesday on social media, Seldowitz calls the vendor a
"terrorist" and yells at him.
"You
support terrorism. You support killing little children. You’re a terrible
person,” he says.
The
vendor replies, saying: "You kill children, not me.”
Before
leaving, Seldowitz says: "If we killed 4,000 Palestinian kids, you know what?
It wasn’t enough. It wasn’t enough."
In
another video which was taken during an evening encounter with the same vendor,
Seldowitz speaks about "his friends in immigration" and says
"the Mukhabarat wants your picture," referring to Egypt’s intelligence
agency.
Wearing
a green hoodie, he says: "The Mukhabarat in Egypt will get your parents.
Does your father like his fingernails? They’ll take them out one by one."
The
vendor responds with "Go, go."
Seldowitz
then picks up his phone and appears to take a photo of the vendor, telling him
to "smile for me."
Refusing
to leave the area, he then hurls insults against Prophet Muhammad.
The
vendor says he does not speak English, but Seldowitz continues his harassment.
"That’s
why you're selling food in a food cart, because you’re ignorant. But you should
learn English. It’ll help you when they deport you back to Egypt and then the
Mukhabarat wants to interview you.”
In
another video, he harasses the same vendor but is interrupted by a bystander
who tells him to leave, saying "It's not right; you are harassing."
Seldowitz
served as the acting director for the National Security Council South Asia
Directorate under the Obama administration. He also worked as a senior
political officer in the State Department’s Office of Israel and Palestinian
Affairs.
Earlier
Tuesday, Gotham Government Relations, a lobbying firm based in Washington, DC,
announced that it has severed ties with Seldowitz after the videos surfaced.
"Gotham
Government Relations has ended all affiliation with Stuart Seldowitz, an
individual who hasn't contributed to our work in years. The video of his
actions is vile, racist, and beneath the dignity of the standards we practice
at our firm," it said on X.
Source: trtworld.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.trtworld.com/discrimination/obama-admin-security-advisor-involves-in-racist-anti-muslim-harassment-15929251
-----
US
conducts self-defense strike against Iran-backed militias in Iraq: Pentagon
Diyar
Guldogan
22.11.2023
A US Air
Force AC-130 gunship retaliated against Iran-backed militias that fired a
close-range ballistic missile at "US and coalition forces" in Iraq, a
Pentagon spokesperson said Tuesday.
"I
can confirm an attack last night by Iran-backed militias using a close-range
ballistic missile against US and coalition forces at al-Assad Airbase in Iraq,
which resulted in several non-serious injuries and some minor damage to
infrastructure,” spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said at a news conference.
"Immediately,
following the attack, a US military AC-130 aircraft in the area conducted a
self-defense strike against an Iranian-backed militia vehicle and the number of
Iranian-backed militia personnel involved in this attack.”
US
forces have been hacked approximately 66 times since Oct. 17, she said.
"Thirty-two separate times in Iraq and 34 separate times in Syria. US
personnel have sustained approximately 62 injuries. But this does not include
any injuries from last night's attack as they're still being evaluated,"
said Singh.
She
stressed that the retaliatory strike "was not planned” and said the
gunship was airborne in the region so the US was able to identify from where
the close-range ballistic missile was being shot.
Upon a
question regarding the remarks of Sen. Lindsey Graham, who wanted the US and
Israel to "bomb Iran even in the absence of direct evidence of their
involvement” in the attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, against
Israel, Singh said the Pentagon is "extremely mindful" of the conflict
broadening into a regional one.
"That's
what we do not want to see. We do not want to be pulled into a regional
conflict both from attacks on our troops and also from what is happening in
Israel," she said, adding the US is "very confident" about the
targets it has selected.
Iranian-backed
Shiite militias are reported to be responsible for most of the recent attacks
against US facilities and installations.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-conducts-self-defense-strike-against-iran-backed-militias-in-iraq-pentagon/3061010
------
US
fighter aircraft strike Kataib Hezbollah targets in Iraq after attacks on bases
November
22, 2023
WASHINGTON:
US fighter aircraft struck two Kataib Hezbollah operations centers in Iraq in
response to attacks on US bases that have escalated alongside Israel’s
operations against Hamas in Gaza, two defense officials said.
They
said attacks on US bases included the first use of a short-range ballistic
missile against US troops, which happened Tuesday.
The US
fighter jets struck Kataib Hezbollah operations center and a Kataib Hezbollah
Command and Control node near Al Anbar and Jurf al Saqr, south of Baghdad, on
Tuesday, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to provide
additional sensitive details of the attacks. There were Kataib Hezbollah
personnel at both sites at the time of the strikes but the officials said they
could not yet confirm whether anyone there was killed.
The US
strike followed another immediate, unplanned retaliatory strike by an AC-130
gunship that was in the air when the Iranian-backed militants fired two
short-range ballistic missiles at Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq late Monday evening.
The gunship was able to locate the origin of the missiles, and fired on several
militants who had fled in a vehicle.
The
officials said the US is trying to communicate that it does not seek wider
conflict but that the Iran-backed attacks against American forces must stop,
and that the US will take further action if needed.
To date,
US bases in Iraq and Syria have been struck 66 times since Oct. 17, the day a
blast at a hospital in Gaza killed hundreds.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2413051/middle-east
------
New
audio shows X users potentially targeting US Muslim lawmaker with violent plot
Darren
Lyn
22.11.2023
The
nation's largest Muslim civil rights group on Tuesday released audio from X
Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces) that appeared to show pro-Israel activists
targeting Michigan US Rep. Rashida Tlaib with a violent plot.
Tlaib,
the first woman of Palestinian descent in the US Congress and one of its first
Muslim women, was scheduled to visit Arizona State University last weekend when
a social media user noticed the violent audio posts on X, according to the
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
The
audio conversation was used "to strategize about how to target Rep.
Rashida Tlaib during her visit to Arizona … including whether it would be possible
to travel through Arizona with a gun and enter CAIR-Arizona’s annual banquet
with a firearm or ‘shoot her from far away’,” CAIR said in a statement.
"This
bone-chilling discussion among pro-Israel activists … about ways to harass,
disrupt and even shoot Rep. Rashida Tlaib is the latest proof that Islamophobia
and anti-Palestinian racism are absolutely out of control in the United
States," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, the council’s national deputy
director.
Tlaib's
Arizona State University event was scrubbed due to the potential threat, and
the banquet was held at an alternate location after the original hotel venue
was also cancelled.
CAIR
said one X user spoke about how to target Tlaib despite expecting heavy
security around her.
"What
I'm hearing is that if you want to shoot her at the event, you have to do it
from far away," said the user, according to the audio obtained by the
group,
Arizona
law enforcement is now investigating the potentially violent plot, which CAIR
said also included a discussion of disrupting the event and whether it would be
legal to scream a sexually explicit insult at the congresswoman.
CAIR
shared the recording with Tlaib's office, police, and private security in
advance of her visit, and extensive security was present at the banquet, which
did not experience any disruptions.
"We
thank the American Muslim X user who took the time to monitor and report this
disturbing conversation," said CAIR-Arizona Executive Director
AzzaAbuseif. "We also thank law enforcement for quickly acting to
investigate this incident, and we thank everyone who ensured that Rep. Tlaib's
visit to Arizona was ultimately safe and successful."
CAIR
said it has also encouraged law enforcement "to treat these pro-Israel
activists the same way they would a group of Muslim or pro-Palestinian
activists who openly mused about carrying firearms across state lines,
infiltrating a civil rights event, and shooting a member of Congress."
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/new-audio-shows-x-users-potentially-targeting-us-muslim-lawmaker-with-violent-plot/3061296
------
As
Turkish Islamists Prepare To Sail to Gaza, the Cat Seems to Have Gotten
President Biden’s Tongue
BENNY
AVNI
November 21, 2023
Turkish
Islamists are planning to sail toward Gaza, possibly repeating a 2010 incident
that triggered an international crisis. Will American naval assets, sent to the
Mediterranean to avert a widened war, prevent the looming clash?
Up to
1,000 boats and ships will reportedly gather in Turkey tomorrow and start
toward Gaza on Thursday. The flotilla will be manned by 4,500 people from 40
countries, “including anti-Zionist Jews,” the Turkish website Haber 7 reports,
and 313 Russian and 104 Spanish vessels. Only 12 Turkish boats will join the
flotilla.
In 2010,
a similar flotilla claiming to deliver aid to Gaza was organized by an Islamist
group, IHH, which calls itself a “humanitarian relief foundation” but is
classified by Israel as a terrorist organization. A bloody clash ensued on the
deck of the largest ship, the Mavi Marmara, once it entered Israeli waters. Ten
Turks were killed.
A widely
distributed Turkish-language poster calling for donations was seen by the Sun
last week. “Because of the genocide carried out by the occupying forces,
hundreds of thousands of Gazans are in urgent need of assistance,” it said.
“The International Freedom Fleet Coalition is setting out again for Gaza. Now
is the time to support lifting the blockade and embargo and for the genocide to
end.”
Such
language echoes the ever-escalating hostility in President Erdogan’s speeches
since October 7. “Erdogan doesn’t give two hoots about Palestinians,” a Turkey
watcher at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Sinan Ciddi, tells the
Sun. “He highlights Gaza to distract the public from the economic situation.”
Official
numbers put Turkey’s inflation at just above 61 percent. Yet, according
toTurkish economists with the much more reliable ENAgroup, the rate is as high
as 126 percent. As middle class Turks struggle, Mr. Erdogan, who has long
backed the Muslim Brotherhood and hosted Hamas leaders, is egging on Turkish
Islamists.
In
addition to Hezbollah and the Houthis, who bombard Israel in an attempt to divert
the IDF’s attention from Gaza, Iranian proxies have attacked American forces
stationed in Iraq and Syria at least 66 times since mid-October. An American
strike killed several Iraqi militia members on Tuesday, the fourth such
response that some Pentagon officials criticize as inadequate.
After
President Biden’s famous “don’t” warning to anyone trying to enter the war, the
Department of Defense dispatched two air carrier groups to the region. On
Monday, Secretary Austin extended the deployment of United States Ship Gerald
Ford and its carrier group’s deployment in the Mediterranean. Last week the
Pentagon announced the arrival in the region of a nuclear guided-missile
submarine, the United State Ship Florida.
The
eastern Mediterranean is becoming crowded with American naval assets whose
entire purpose is to deter would-be Hamas supporters from escalating the war.
Judging by the events of 2010, a Turkish-led flotilla near Gaza’s shore could
trigger the kind of complications that these Navy vessels were sent to avert.
Following
the Mavi Marmara incident, Turkey severed diplomatic ties with Israel and
demanded international prosecution against members of Shayetet 13, the Israeli
equivalent of the Navy SEALs, who engaged in battle against the ship’s
passengers who were armed with knives, hammers, and at least one pistol. Turkey
accused the IDF of enforcing an illegal blockade and wrongly attacking a
humanitarian mission.
Following
Ankara’s demand, the United Nations issued a report in 2011 that, much to
Turkey’s chagrin, justified Israel’s blockade of Gaza and said that the
flotilla “acted recklessly in attempting to breach” it. Its IHH organizers
“needlessly carried the potential for escalation,” it added.
Five years
later, Prime Minister Netanyahu issued an apology and paid Turkey $20 million
as part of an agreement to renew diplomatic ties between the countries. Mr.
Erdogan, nevertheless, declined an Israeli demand to close Hamas offices at
Istanbul as part of the deal.
Israel
may rue its Turkish detente. Mr. Erdogan “calls Israel a terror state, but in
his actions he supports the terror state of Hamas,” Mr. Netanyahu said in a
statement last week. “He himself shelled Turkish villages within the borders of
Turkey. We will not accept his preaching.”
On
Monday, IDF troops in northern Gaza destroyed a monument Hamas had erected
there to honor the Mavi Marmara, even as Turkey is preparing a repeat of the
deadly 2010 stunt. While Mr. Erdogan’s anti-Israel rhetoric may lack real bite,
“he is playing with fire” by allowing his followers to set sail to Gaza, Mr.
Ciddi says.
Mr.
Biden is yet to publicly call on Mr. Erdogan to reverse course, or to warn
would-be flotilla participants to stay home. Would the ships he deployed to the
Mediterranean act to prevent a potentially new Mideast war front?
Source: nysun.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.nysun.com/article/as-turkish-islamists-prepare-to-sail-to-gaza-the-cat-seems-to-have-gotten-president-bidens-tongue
-----
Over 100
CA Muslim Organizations Publish Joint Open Letter to Governor Newsom and
Congressional Officials Urging Support for Ceasefire in Gaza
Ismail
Allison
November
21, 2023
(SACRAMENTO,
CA – 11/21/2023) – The California chapter of the Council on American Islamic
Relations (CAIR-CA), along with more than 100 Muslim community organizations,
today sent a joint letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, Senators Alex Padilla and
Laphonza Butler, and other Congressional officials on behalf of one million
Muslims in California. The letter calls
on them to uphold their civic duty to represent their constituents and call for
an immediate, unconditional
ceasefire to end the brutal violence in Gaza.
Elected
officials have shown reluctance to support the Ceasefire
Now Resolution and voice opposition to military aid to
Israel, despite a national poll showing that 66% of all voters support a ceasefire. As of today, Nov. 21, only
10 California Congressional members have issued statements supporting a
ceasefire, and two—Representative Mark DeSaulnier and Representative Barbra
Lee—have signed onto the Ceasefire Now Resolution. Many elected officials
initially issued biased, one-sided statements in support of Israel, which have
contributed to a rise in Islamophobia and the dehumanization of Palestinians.
CAIR
National reported a 216% increase in complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab
bias since Oct. 7. CAIR-CA’s offices statewide have received numerous direct
reports of hate and bias—largely targeting students and employees. Community
members have reported intimidation, harassment, discriminatory termination, and
even physical assault for being Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, or showing support
for Palestine.
In a
statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“Our
joint letter is a collective cry for justice for the over 12,300 Palestinians
who have been senselessly murdered in Israel’s ruthless assault of Gaza. It
echoes the sentiments of one million Muslims in California and millions of
others who value justice and peace nationwide—a national majority support for a
ceasefire cannot be ignored.
“It is
time for elected officials to acknowledge the weight of their responsibility to
represent all constituents and listen to their voices. They must fully and
loudly support an unconditional ceasefire and stand behind the principles of
justice and humanity.”
CAIR-CA
demands that Governor Newsom, Senators Padilla and Butler, and all other
Congressional elected officials:
Call for
an unconditional ceasefire from all sides of the conflict and support the
Ceasefire Now Resolution.
Call for
an immediate humanitarian aid response, with the Federal Government playing a central
role in the effort.
Oppose
any new military aid to Israel.
Become
leading voices in support of solving this conflict based on International Law.
Immediately
commit to changing the false and insidious paradigm of viewing Israeli lives as
more valuable than Palestinian lives.
Organizations
who have signed on to the letter and stand unwavering in the pursuit of justice
include the Northern California Islamic Council, Shura Muslim Council of
Southern California, and the Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims.
CAIR-CA
is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy
organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil
rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ca-partners-publish-joint-letter-to-gov-newsom-congressional-officials-urging-support-for-ceasefire-now-resolution/
-----
CAIR
Welcomes Probe of Islamophobic Classroom Incident Targeting Md Muslim Students,
Urges Appropriate Corrective Action
Ismail
Allison
November
21, 2023
(BALTIMORE,
MD, 11/21/2023) – Earlier today, the Maryland office of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed news that Seneca Valley High School
officials in Montgomery County, Maryland, are launching an investigation into
reports from multiple sources that Muslim students at that school were
allegedly singled out by a teacher in a discriminatory way because of their
Islamic faith during a classroom discussion on Israel and Palestine.
According
to reports made to CAIR, the National, State & Local Government teacher at
the school based in Germantown, led a discussion on the violence in Palestine
and Israel and drew parallels to the 9/11 attacks. He then allegedly asked the class: “If there
was one person in this room who you would think is a terrorist, who would it
be?” at which point, students reportedly turned to a visibly Muslim student in
the classroom.
CAIR has
received an unprecedented number of reports of Muslim students experiencing
Islamophobic incidents in recent weeks, as elected leaders in Montgomery County
and elsewhere largely hold their silence and fail to demonstrate support for
their Palestinian, Muslim and Arab constituencies.
“Educators
are tasked with the responsibility of demonstrating that they can objectively
create an inclusive space in their classrooms regardless of their own political
views,” said CAIR’s Maryland director Zainab Chaudry. “We are troubled by these
reports of students reportedly being singled out because of their faith
identity and welcome the Seneca Valley High School administrators’ commitment
to conduct a thorough investigation and take any appropriate action. We also
call on lawmakers to publicly address the unprecedented rise in Islamophobia.”
The
civil rights group offers free diversity trainings and a booklet, called “An Educator’s Guide to
Islamic Religious Practices,” designed to help school officials provide a
positive learning environment for Muslim students.
CAIR
California recently released its 2023 Bullying Report, which revealed that more
than 40% of Muslim students in California schools reported being bullied, which
is double the national average. It has also released a guide that contains practical
advice for both students and their families on
how to recognize bullying when they experience or witness it and how to
advocate for themselves in response.
This
incident comes as Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians across the country report a
surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate since the escalation of violence in
Palestine and Israel last month. Last week, CAIR released new data indicating a
216% surge in complaints, including reported incidents of bias, reported to its
offices since the start of the crisis on October 7th.
The
Council on American-Islamic Relations encourages those experiencing similar
acts of aggression, racism, and Islamophobia to call their local CAIR offices
and report these incidents immediately.
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 los musulmanesen los Estados Unidos.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-probe-of-islamophobic-classroom-incident-targeting-md-muslim-students-urges-appropriate-corrective-action/
-----
US
reviewing possible ‘terrorist’ designations for Houthis
November
22, 2023
WASHINGTON:
The United States is reviewing “potential terrorist designations” for Yemen’s
Houthi rebel group in response to its seizure of a cargo ship, White House
national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday.
Kirby’s
comment was significant because one of the Biden administration’s first acts
after taking office in January 2021 was revoking terrorist designations of the
Houthis over fears the sanctions they carried could worsen Yemen’s humanitarian
crisis.
The
Iran-backed Houthis, who have been sending drones and long-range missiles at
Israel in solidarity with Hamas, seized the Galaxy Leader cargo ship on Sunday
in the southern Red Sea, describing it as Israeli-owned.
Kirby
called the Houthis’ seizure of the vessel a “flagrant violation of international
law” in which “Iran is complicit.”
“In
light of this, we have begun a review of potential terrorist designations and
we will be considering other options as well with our allies and partners as
well,” Kirby said at a White House press briefing. He called for the immediate
release of the ship and its international crew.
The
Bahamas-flagged car carrier is chartered by Japan’s Nippon Yusen. It is owned
by a firm registered under Isle of Man-headquartered Ray Car Carriers, which is
a unit of Tel Aviv-incorporated Ray Shipping, according to LSEG data.
Iran has
denied involvement in the seizure of the ship, which the car carrier’s owner on
Monday said was taken to the Houthi-controlled southern Yemen port of Hodeidah.
Yemen
erupted in civil war after the Houthis, members of the Zaydi sect of Shiite
Islam, seized the capital Sanaa in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition intervened the
following year.
Although
a UN-brokered cease-fire collapsed in October 2022, Yemen has enjoyed relative
calm as the Houthis and Saudi Arabia negotiate a settlement.
The
country remains the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with some 21.6 million
people — about two-thirds of the population — dependent on aid, according to
the United Nations.
The
Trump administration blacklisted the Houthis a day before its term ended,
prompting the United Nations, aid groups and some US lawmakers to express fears
that sanctions would disrupt flows of food, fuel and other commodities into
Yemen.
US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Feb. 12, 2021, revoked the designations in
“recognition of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2413011/world
-----
Arab World
Ansar
Allah Media Authority condemns targeting of Al-Mayadeen TV team
[22/November/2023]
SANA'A
November 23. 2023 (Saba)-Ansar Allah Media Authority condemned in the strongest
terms the crime of the Zionist enemy entity targeting the media team of
Al-Mayadeen Channel in southern Lebanon.
The
Commission explained in a statement received by (Saba) - that the direct and
deliberate targeting by the Zionists of journalists and the media proves the
extent of this entity’s impotence, confusion, and failure in the media battle.
It pointed
out that these systematic crimes confirm the success of the resistance media in
exposing the Nazi enemy’s practices.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3282620.htm
-----
Muslim
country group to push for Gaza truce
NOVEMBER 22, 2023
A
newly-formed group of senior officials from several Muslim countries will visit
the UN Security Council's five permanent members and others to press for an
immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a Turkish foreign ministry source said Tuesday.
The
group was formed earlier this month at a summit of the Arab League and
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh. It includes foreign
ministers and representatives from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria, Saudi
Arabia, Indonesia and the Palestinian Authority, as well as the OIC secretary
general.
The
source said the group had started talking with the permanent UN Security
Council members - the United States, China, Russia, Britain and France - with a
visit to Beijing on Monday, and would also go to other countries.
"The
primary goal of the contact group is for a ceasefire to be announced as soon as
possible and for humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza," the source said.
"As
an end goal, (the group) aims to contribute to the two-state solution within
the framework of internationally accepted parameters, to Palestinians living in
their own country safely, with stability and prosperity," the person said.
Turkish
Foreign Minister HakanFidan did not participate in the Beijing leg of the tour
and will also miss the group's trip to Moscow on Tuesday as President Tayyip
Erdogan is on a visit to Algeria, the Turkish foreign ministry source said.
Fidan
said on Monday that he would join the next legs of the tour. He told Al Jazeera
at the weekend that Muslim countries had, for now, decided to use "all
diplomatic and humanitarian means" available to end the fighting in Gaza.
He said Israeli attacks on the enclave must be stopped at the UN and other
platforms with the efforts of like-minded countries.
The
group will meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President
Emmanuel Macron during visits to Britain and France today, the source said.
Separately,
a group of 87 Turks, Turkish Cypriots and their relatives arrived in Turkey on
Tuesday, after being evacuated from Gaza to Egypt, Turkish media reported. The
foreign ministry source said another 100 people were evacuated from Gaza to
Egypt yesterday evening, and will be flown to Istanbul from Cairo today.
On Monday,
nearly 200 evacuees from Gaza, including patients in need of medical care and
their companions, arrived in Turkey.
Source: gulf-times.com
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the full text of the original
https://www.gulf-times.com/article/672202/qatar/muslim-country-group-to-push-for-gaza-truce
------
Prophet's
Mosque in Madinah receives over 5 million worshipers and visitors in a week
November
21, 2023
MADINAH
— The Prophet's Mosque Agency in Madinah announced that it received over 5
million worshipers and visitors during the period from Nov. 15 to 20.
The
agency has intensified its work with security, service, emergency and volunteer
health agencies to provide services that help visitors and worshipers at the
Prophet’s Mosque to perform their worship with ease.
It has
organized and facilitated the entry of more than 467,221 visitors to have the
honor to greet the Prophet, PBUH, in addition to 135,242 worshippers to pray at
the Rawdah Sharif.
More
than 16,772 people benefited from the area designated to elderly people, the
agency said, noting that they have distributed more than 27,267 gifts.
Also,
48,698 people benefited from the spatial guidance service, while 20,277 people
benefited from the unified number and communication channels, and 3,727 people
benefited from exhibition services.
There
are 37,578 beneficiaries of the language communication service, 11,605
beneficiaries of the library service, and 45,937 beneficiaries of the
transportation service.
As for
food and beverages, the agency distributed 119,400 bottles of Zamzam water and
92.08 iftar meals for fasting people.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/637966/SAUDI-ARABIA/Prophets-nbspMosque-in-Madinah-receives-nbspover-5-million-worshipers-and-visitors-in-a-week
----
Saudi
Cabinet advocates for international accountability amid Gaza crisis
November
21, 2023
RIYADH:
King Salman presided over a Council of Ministers session on Tuesday, during which
Saudi Arabia’s advocacy for international accountability measures in response
to persistent violations in Gaza was discussed.
The
council further deliberated on the Kingdom’s insistence on an immediate
ceasefire, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Minister
of Information Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari said that the council was closely
monitoring regional and international developments in the Gaza Strip.
The
Cabinet also discussed recent diplomatic engagements, international relations,
and economic developments.
It
reviewed the results of the recent summit between Saudi Arabia and the
Caribbean Community, and emphasized the concerted effort from the Kingdom and
the bloc to combat climate change and advance sustainable clean energy
initiatives.
Additionally,
the council committed to the re-election of Saudi Arabia as a member of the
UNESCO Executive Council for the period spanning 2023 to 2027.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2412766/saudi-arabia
------
Saudi
crown prince: We demand ‘serious’ peace process for Palestinian state
November
21, 2023
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia demands the start of a serious and comprehensive peace process to
establish a Palestinian state along the borders of 1967, the Kingdom’s crown
prince said on Tuesday.
Addressing
a virtual summit of the BRICS group, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said
there is no way to achieve security and stability in Palestine except through
the implementation of international decisions related to a two-state solution.
The
crown prince added that the Kingdom rejected the enforced displacement of
Palestinians and called on all countries to stop exporting arms to Israel.
“We
demand an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza,” he said.
Prince
Mohammed said the Kingdom had worked tirelessly since the beginning of the
crisis to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip and demanded the immediate entry
of aid into the territory.
The
Kingdom has so far sent 15 planes carrying various relief aid, including
shelter materials, food and ambulances, to Palestinian people inside the Gaza
Strip. It also set up a sea bridge to deliver aid to Palestinians last week.
Meanwhile,
the chair of the extraordinary BRICS summit accused Israel of war crimes and
“genocide” in Gaza.
South
African President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “The collective punishment of
Palestinian civilians through the unlawful use of force by Israel is a war
crime. The deliberate denial of medicine, fuel, food and water to the residents
of Gaza is tantamount to genocide.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2412661/saudi-arabia
-----
Saudi
aid chief reinforces need for collective action to reduce global food
insecurity
November
21, 2023
RASHID
HASSAN
RIYADH:
Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the adviser at the Royal Court and supervisor general of
the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, has reinforced the need for collective action to
reduce global food insecurity and malnutrition.
Al-Rabeeah
was speaking at the Global Food Security Summit which was held in London and
attended by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak; British Foreign Secretary David
Cameron; Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; and a number of ministers
from several countries, and representatives from the UN leadership, regional
and international bodies, civil society, and relevant stakeholders.
The
summit, which was co-hosted by the UK, the UAE, and Somalia, focused international
attention on the deepening global food security crisis and discussed ways to
boost efforts to achieve zero hunger and end malnutrition.
Al-Rabeeah,
in his speech at a session called “Towards Eliminating Hunger and
Malnutrition,” said: “I am not sure that we will achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals by 2030 as there are globally more than 52 million children
suffering from malnutrition. Many have recently lost their lives or been
deprived of nutrition due to current crises, such as we are witnessing in
Gaza.”
Interventions
by KSrelief helped to address issues of food security and nutrition by adopting
a strategy of integrating nutrition programs with food security, water,
sanitation, and health interventions, said a statement by the organization to
Arab News.
To save
the lives of children at risk, in partnership with international organizations
and nongovernmental bodies, KSrelief had provided more than $2 billion in food
security projects, and $179 million in nutrition-related activities, it added.
Al-Rabeeah
said that to meet the growing needs related to child malnutrition, the Saudi
aid agency worked closely with governments and organizations to unify efforts
and implement projects around the world, noting that partnerships with the
British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and others, were
promising and could become a role model.
He also
stressed the importance of enabling countries and communities to obtain
sustainable food resources and modern agricultural methods, and the necessity
of lifting restrictions imposed on food trade, and the transfer of knowledge in
the field of agriculture, the food industry and health.
He added
the importance of women’s health which would result in the birth of healthy
babies.
Al-Rabeeah
called for a focus on the common goal of ensuring a safe and prosperous life
for all children, while working together to prevent malnutrition.
Mohammed
Shamsul Ola, an associate professor of nutritional biochemistry at King Saud
University, Riyadh, told Arab News: “International action to alleviate food
insecurity is required to combat global hunger and malnutrition, by
collaborating with governments, organizations, and communities worldwide.
“Working
together is needed to address the underlying causes of global food insecurity.
With collective efforts, we can get the SDGs back on track and hope to deliver
a world of zero hunger.
"Tackling
the multidimensional challenges of food insecurity involves strategic
investments in agricultural infrastructure, research, and technology transfer
to empower local farmers.
“In
addition, global food wastage is a significant issue that needs to be addressed
internationally.
“By
mitigating food insecurity and food wastage, the global community can create a
more food secure and nourished world, ensuring that every individual has the
opportunity to lead a healthy life.”
Al-Rabeeah
met UK Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Andrew Mitchell on the sidelines of the summit and discussed the agenda, as
well as developments related to humanitarian and relief affairs.
He
reminded Mitchell of the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip
and ways to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid.
Mitchell
praised the efforts made by the Kingdom through KSrelief to provide assistance
to people all over the world, and Saudi Arabia’s active participation at the
summit.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2412786/saudi-arabia
-----
South Asia
US
special envoy affirms support for recently expelled Afghan migrants from
Pakistan
Fidel
Rahmati
November
22, 2023
Simultaneous
with Pakistan’s decision to expel Afghan migrants from the country, Thomas
West, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, has stated that the
United States remains committed to supporting the recently displaced
immigrants.
In the
face of this challenging situation, West’s affirmation highlights the enduring
bond between the two nations and underscores the importance of assisting those
affected by such decisions. The ongoing commitment from the United States
signifies a dedication to humanitarian values and a recognition of the needs of
vulnerable populations during forced migration.
On
Wednesday, Thomas West conveyed his country’s commitment to supporting the
efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) in addressing the challenges
faced by Afghan migrants expelled from Pakistan.
In his
official Twitter account, West emphasized the importance of international
cooperation in finding solutions for the displaced Afghan population,
reinforcing the United States’ dedication to collaborating with global
organizations focused on refugee and migration issues.
The U.S.
Special Representative for Afghanistan continues to assert that recently
expelled Afghan migrants deserve dignity, respect, and protection. Mr. West has
vocalized his support for Afghan migrants at a time when the Pakistani government
is daily expelling thousands of Afghan migrants, returning them to Afghanistan.
The
International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently announced that,
following the expiration of the deadline set by Islamabad for the expulsion of
Afghan migrants, approximately 17,000 individuals are entering Afghanistan
daily through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings. The organization
has urged Pakistan to delay the process of expelling Afghan migrants.
The
expulsion of Afghan migrants by the Pakistani government has been met with both
national and international reactions. Many organizations have declared their
support for the recently returned migrants from this country.
This
comes as the United Nations allocated $10 million on Tuesday to address the
immediate needs of the expelled Afghan migrants from Pakistan.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/us-special-envoy-affirms-support-for-recently-expelled-afghan-migrants-from-pakistan/
------
Russian
Media reports detention of student linked to active terrorist groups in
Afghanistan
Fidel
Rahmati-
November 21, 2023
Russian
media have reported the detention of a student affiliated with one of the
active terrorist groups in Afghanistan, alleging that he had been propagating
for extremist terrorist organizations.
According
to the TASS news agency, the detained individual is a student who had been
actively involved in calling upon people to engage in “jihad” against the
“infidels.”
Details
about the identity of the detained individual remain undisclosed. He was
arrested in Altai, Russia, and his trial process is set to commence shortly.
Russian
media reports suggest that this person has been promoting the interests of an
active terrorist group in Afghanistan since the beginning of 2023.
Reports
indicate that Afghanistan has been a breeding ground for multiple terrorist
groups, with numerous organizations actively operating in the region. The exact
affiliation of the individual who was arrested remains unclear, and it is
uncertain which specific terrorist group or groups he was promoting on behalf
of.
The
complex and fluid nature of extremist networks in Afghanistan presents a
significant challenge in determining the precise ties and motivations of
individuals involved in such activities.
Russia
has repeatedly identified Afghanistan as a source of security threats and has
issued warnings regarding the situation there.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/russian-media-reports-detention-of-student-linked-to-active-terrorist-groups-in-afghanistan/
-----
Islamic
Emirate Reacts to UN's Assessment of Afghanistan
November 21, 2023
The
Islamic Emirate in a document to the United Nations articulated its stance
towards the assessment of the situation of Afghanistan conducted by a UN team,
saying that it welcomes recommendations that support the strengthening of the
national economy of the country and opening of the pathway to the recognition
of the “current government" and "encourages regional connectivity and
transit via Afghanistan.”
However,
it stressed that Afghanistan “should not be viewed as a conflict zone where
foreign-imposed political solutions like intra-Afghan dialogue are deemed
necessary, and neither should the time of the international community be wasted
with such endeavors.”
Earlier,
in a document accessed by TOLOnews, UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, in
an assessment to the UNSC, provided a range of recommendations for the
reintegration of Afghanistan into the international community.
The
recommendations included building confidence by addressing the immediate needs
of Afghans; continuing cooperation on key security, regional and political
issues; a roadmap for reintegration of the state of Afghanistan into the
international system and mechanisms to support engagement.
Guterres
also called for the appointment of a new UN envoy and start of intra-Afghan
negotiations to result in the formation of an inclusive government.
However,
in a recent document seen by TOLOnews, the Islamic Emirate, addressing the UN,
stressed that the establishment of the parallel mechanism by the UN is
unacceptable.
The
Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, in a voice message to TOLOnews
confirmed the accuracy of the document.
“Yes, we
confirm it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country sent it to the UN,”
he said.
It said
that Afghanistan has a strong central government that is perfectly capable of
independently managing its internal affairs as well as conducting its own
diplomacy, “hence the establishment of parallel mechanisms by the United
Nations such as a Special Envoy are unacceptable.”
The
document noted that Afghanistan should not be viewed as a political vacuum or
an ungoverned space.
It
stated that the interim Afghan government is “obligated to take into
consideration the religious values and national interests of the country during
all engagements and will not allow anyone to interfere in our internal
affairs.”
The
document also highlighted the situation of human rights, regional security,
narcotics and the inclusivity of the interim government of Afghanistan.
The
document noted that the interim Afghan government will continue to strive to
broaden the makeup of governance to the greatest extent possible but stressed
that any attempts to bring back “failed figures from the past or form a
shares-based government is in stark conflict.”
“It is
also worth noting that along with a range of other issues, the definition of
inclusiveness varies profoundly between Afghans and some foreigners,” it reads.
According
to the document, approximately 23.4% of all civil servants are women.
The
document said that over the last two years, no security incident has occurred
where the source is in Afghanistan and that the interim government has
established a large and well-trained security force that has effectively
provided security and combated Daesh.
“Despite
unilateral, malicious, and illegal sanctions, not only has the Islamic Emirate
rescued the national economy from a total collapse but it has also launched
large infrastructure projects,” the document said.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186132
-----
Swedish
Red Cross to Enhance Collaboration with Afghan Red Crescent
2023-11-21
KABUL
(BNA) Mawlavi Mati-ul-Haq, the Acting President of the Afghan Red Crescent
Society (ARCS), had a meeting with the President of the Swedish Red Cross
during his visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, for an international conference.
During
this meeting, the President of the Swedish Red Cross pledged to expand their
collaboration with the ARCS.
This
collaboration will focus on providing assistance to migrants and earthquake
victims in Afghanistan, thereby extending the Swedish Red Cross’s activities
within the country.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/news/swedish-red-cross-to-enhance-collaboration-with-afghan-red-crescent/
------
Southeast Asia
PKB
urges Muslims to promote peace in Middle East
21 Nov
2023
Jakarta
(ANTARA) - Chairperson of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Abdul Muhaimin
Iskandar, has urged Indonesian Muslims to get involved in efforts to promote
peace in the Middle East, especially in view of the Palestine-Israel conflict.
"I
convey this statement as a form of deep concern due to the war between Hamas
and Israel, which has hurt global humanitarian feelings and caused moral and
material losses to both parties," he said in a press release received here
on Tuesday.
The
involvement of Indonesian Muslims in efforts to promote peace in the Middle
East will also need to be followed up with social work such as rebuilding
physical and mentality development, as well as rescuing war victims
simultaneously, he added.
Muhaimin
also asked Hamas and Israel to immediately reach a consensus to stop the war
and end the ongoing crisis.
"I
specifically call on both parties to release all civil society hostages
consisting of children, women, the elderly, and babies," he said.
Muhaimin
also condemned those who are rejecting and ignoring calls for peace as a
collective way out of the war, especially the immediate release of civilian
hostages or detainees. This, he said, is contrary to the values adhered to by
Muslims.
In
addition, he condemned the brutal acts of war and atrocities against innocent
civilians.
"The
Middle East Committee, which I formed some time ago, will immediately work for
this Global Social and Humanitarian Development Program," the vice
president candidate from PKB, Muhaimin, said.
The
program will begin with the sending of medical supplies and encouraging the
Indonesian Hospital and other hospitals in Gaza to continue operating by
inviting various parties to save human lives, he added.
Source: antaranews.com
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/299187/pkb-urges-muslims-to-promote-peace-in-middle-east
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China Is
Expanding Its Mosque Crackdown Beyond Xinjiang, Report Says
NOVEMBER
21, 2023
The
Chinese government has expanded its campaign of closing mosques to regions
other than Xinjiang, where for years it has been blamed for persecuting Muslim
minorities, according to a Human Rights Watch report released Wednesday.
Authorities
have closed mosques in the northern Ningxia region as well as Gansu province,
which are home to large populations of Hui Muslims, as part of a process known
officially as “consolidation,” according to the report, which draws on public
documents, satellite images and witness testimonies.
Local
authorities also have been removing architectural features of mosques to make
them look more “Chinese," part of a campaign by the ruling Communist Party
to tighten control over religion and reduce the risk of possible challenges to
its rule.
President
Xi Jinping in 2016 called for the “Sinicization” of religions, initiating a
crackdown that has largely concentrated on the western region of Xinjiang, home
to more than 11 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.
A United
Nations report last year found China may have committed “crimes against
humanity” in Xinjiang, including through its construction of a network of
extrajudicial internment camps believed to have held at least 1 million
Uyghurs, Huis, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz.
Chinese
authorities have decommissioned, closed down, demolished or converted mosques
for secular use in regions outside Xinjiang as part of a campaign aimed at
cracking down on religious expression, according to Human Rights Watch.
The
Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately answer faxed questions seeking
comment on the report and its official policies toward Muslim minorities.
One of
the first known references to “mosque consolidation” appears in an internal
party document from April 2018 that was leaked to U.S. media as part of a trove
of documents known as the “Xinjiang Papers.” The file instructed state agencies
throughout the country to “strengthen the standardized management of the
construction, renovation and expansion of Islamic religious venues” and
stressed that “there should not be newly built Islamic venues” in order to
“compress the overall number (of mosques).”
“The
Chinese government is not ‘consolidating’ mosques as it claims, but closing
many down in violation of religious freedom,” said Maya Wang, acting China
director at Human Rights Watch. “The Chinese government’s closure, destruction
and repurposing of mosques is part of a systematic effort to curb the practice
of Islam in China.”
In
Liaoqiao and Chuankou villages in Ningxia, authorities dismantled the domes and
minarets of all seven mosques and razed the main buildings of three of them
between 2019 and 2021, according to videos and pictures posted online and
corroborated with satellite imagery by the group’s researchers.
Additionally,
the ablution hall of one mosque was damaged inside, according to videos
obtained by the group.
The
Associated Press could not independently verify the changes described in the
report.
The
policy of “consolidating mosques” was also referenced in a March 2018 document
issued by the government of Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia. According to the
paper, the government wanted to “strictly control the number and scale of
religious venues” and called for mosques to adopt “Chinese architecture
styles.”
The
paper suggested the “integration and combination of mosques” could “solve the
problem of too many religious venues.”
In Gansu
province, several local governments have detailed efforts to “consolidate”
mosques.
In
Guanghe County, where the majority of the population is Hui, authorities in
2020 “canceled the registration of 12 mosques, closed down five mosques and
improved and consolidated another five,” according to the government’s annual
yearbook, referenced in the Human Rights Watch report.
News
reports also suggest the Chinese government has closed or altered mosques in other
places around the country, occasionally facing public backlash. In May,
protesters in Nagu town in southern Yunnan province clashed with police over
the planned demolition of a mosque’s dome.
Source: time.com
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https://time.com/6338651/china-mosque-crackdown-report/
-----
Penang
exco says national heritage listing made for BatuUban mosque, but land dispute
in the way
By
OpalynMok
22 Nov 2023
GEORGE
TOWN, Nov 22 — Penang has already applied to list the BatuUban mosque that
traces Malay Muslim history on the island back to the 18th century, the state
legislative assembly was told today.
Penang
tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said an
application to list the BatuUban mosque as a national heritage under the
National Heritage Act 2005 was made, even though the current building is not
the original structure.
“However,
there were objections from the land owners as the mosque is located on two
pieces of land that belonged to Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang and a
private landowner,” he said in reply to state Opposition Leader Muhammad
FauziYusoff from PAS.
Muhammad
Fauzi who is Sungai Dua assemblyman had yesterday accused the DAP-led state
government of marginalising Malay Muslim heritage and culture in favour of its
colonial British history, and cited the BatuUban mosque as an example.
The PAS
man said BatuUban mosque and its surrounding village were well known to have
been established in the 1730s.
“The
mosque was rebuilt sometime in the 1900s but due to its heritage importance, it
is still tentatively listed to be a state heritage building,” Wong said today.
He added
that there are numerous other Malay heritage buildings and cultural groups that
are in the process of being listed as gazetted as national heritage.
Among
the sites listed as national heritage included Masjid MelayuLebuhAcheh, Masjid
KapitanKeling, Makam Sheikh Omar and Omar Md Hashim as WarisanKebangsaan Orang
Hidup.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/11/22/penang-exco-says-national-heritage-listing-made-for-batu-uban-mosque-but-land-dispute-in-the-way/103447
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Rawang
mosque allegation: High Court orders Papagomo to enter appearance in Fahmi
Fadzil’s suit
21 Nov
2023
KUALA
LUMPUR, Nov 21 — The High Court here today ordered Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris,
better known as “Papagomo”, to enter an appearance in the lawsuit filed by
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil within 14 days from today.
Fahmi,
who is Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament, filed the suit against the blogger
and two others on September 5 over an allegation that he gave a political
speech at a mosque in Rawang, Selangor.
Lawyer
Asheeq Ali SethiAlivi, representing Fahmi, said the order for the blogger to
enter his appearance was issued by Deputy Registrar AisyafFalina Abdullah
during the case management which was conducted online today.
Wan
Muhammad Azri was given until December 5 to do so, he said, adding that last
November 6, the court ordered the summons client to be served to Wan Muhammad
Azri through a substituted service notification in the newspaper as their
attempts to serve the summons to the blogger had been futile.
“The
notice was published in The Star newspaper today,” said the lawyer when
contacted.
He said
the court set December 8 for case management for the plaintiff to inform the
court whether the defendant has entered his appearance or otherwise.
Meanwhile,
Fahmi in his Facebook post today said his lawyer has been trying to contact Wan
Muhammad Azri for the past few months.
“This is
related to the slanderous statement made by the individual (Wan Muhammad Azri)
against me before the state election last August,” he said.
In
addition to Wan Muhammad Azri, Fahmi also named independent speaker Ahmad
Dusuki Abd Rani and the owner of the Facebook account “N13 Kuang”,
MohdFauzanMadzlan as defendants in the lawsuit.
Based on
the statement of claim, Fahmi stated that three defendants had published
defamatory words by accusing him of abusing a place of worship, which is a
mosque, to campaign for an election and had acted contrary to the orders of His
Majesty the Sultan of Selangor.
Fahmi
claimed that the defamatory words were posted on Wan Muhammad Azri’sTik Tok and
Facebook accounts on August 1, while on MohdFauzan’s Facebook account and Ahmad
Dusuki’s Facebook and Instagram accounts on July 31
According
to Fahmi, the slanderous statements were baseless and the Selangor Islamic
Religious Council had confirmed that he did not give any political speech as
accused by the defendants.
He also
claimed that the defamatory statements were made with the aim of defaming his
good name in order to gain cheap publicity or create a sensation in the
national political arena, as well as to tarnish his reputation as a member of
parliament and a Cabinet Minister.
As such,
he is seeking general damages, aggravated or exemplary damages, and an
injunction to prevent all the defendants from repeating or causing the
re-publication of the defamatory statements. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/11/21/rawang-mosque-allegation-high-court-orders-papagomo-to-enter-appearance-in-fahmi-fadzils-suit/103281
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Private
religious school in Rembau hit by bomb scare
22 Nov
2023
A
PRIVATE school in Negri Sembilan was also hit by a bomb hoax, which forced its
students and staff to immediately vacate its buildings yesterday.
Some 539
school students and 47 teachers were among those evacuated from the As-Sofa
Islamic High School in Rembau. They gathered outside the school area while
police carried out investigations.
Rembau
district police chief Hazri Mohamad said the threat arrived in the school’s
email account, in the same manner as the false threats received by several
other schools in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor yesterday.
The
email claimed there was an explosive device that had been planted around the
school yesterday morning.
“As soon
as they received the threatening email, the police, in cooperation with the
fire department, took action by asking the school to vacate the premises while
the investigation got underway.
“The
Bomb Disposal Unit from the Negri Sembilan police headquarters continued to
search for explosive elements in every block inside and outside the school
premises but there were no explosives of any kind to be found.
“After a
detailed inspection, we declared the area safe and instructed the students to
enter their respective dormitories,” Hazri told reporters in Rembau.
Inspector-General
of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had said last night that the police received
a total of 19 reports from government, private and international schools on
bomb threats on schools.
The
other schools that reported the fake threats were in Selangor (seven
incidences), Kuala Lumpur (five), Johor (three), Penang (two), and Perak (one).
He said
the investigations are being conducted under section 507 of the penal code for
criminal intimidation and section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act
1998 for improper use of online facilities.
The
threats were made from two email accounts with the user name “Taktstorer” using
email provider beeble.com’s platform.
Razarudin
said “Taktstorer” is a German word used to refer to a “disruptor of peace”.
The
original content of the email was in English, and it was translated to Bahasa
Melayu using a translation app.
The same
email content had been sent to 70 schools in Jamaica on November 12 from the
same email service provider.
“The
ongoing investigation will look at whether the incidents in Malaysia are linked
to what happened in Jamaica,” he said.
It is
believed that the hoax has been masterminded by a problematic individual who
may have experienced abuse and neglect during childhood but has the expertise
in computer technology to protect his identity, Razarudin added. – The Vibes,
November 22, 2023.
Source: thevibes.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/100052/private-religious-school-in-rembau-hit-by-bomb-scare
------
Europe
Putin
expresses concern over 'thousands of deaths' in Gaza Strip
Elena
Teslova
22.11.2023
Russian
President Vladimir Putin expressed grave concern Tuesday over the deaths of
thousands of people, the mass expulsion of civilians and the humanitarian
catastrophe that has erupted in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking
at an extraordinary meeting of the BRICS group of major emerging economies via
video link from Moscow, Putin said the escalation in the Middle East is a
"direct consequence" of the US stance on "monopolizing mediation
functions" between Israel and Palestine, part of which was blocking the
work of the Middle East Quartet of international mediators consisting of the
European Union, UN, US and Russia.
"Because
of the sabotage of UN decisions that clearly provide for the creation and
peaceful coexistence of two independent and sovereign states, Israel and
Palestine, more than one generation of Palestinians has been brought up in an
atmosphere of injustice shown to their people, and Israelis cannot fully
guarantee the security of their state," he noted.
Putin
emphasized that all BRICS countries have a similar position of the necessity of
collective efforts aimed at the achievement of lasting and sustainable peace,
which was manifested during the vote at the UN General Assembly on the
situation in Palestine and during discussions of the UN Security Council
resolution on the Middle East.
"And
although this resolution contains only a call for the establishment of humanitarian
pauses and not a full-fledged cease-fire, we consider the very fact of its
approval a step in the right direction," he said.
The
Russian president said that such humanitarian pauses are necessary to continue
efforts to free hostages and evacuate civilians and foreign citizens from the
Gaza Strip while "the most urgent task" on the agenda is to achieve a
"truly long-term and sustainable cease-fire."
Putin
thanked Egypt and Saudi Arabia for their contributions to finding ways to
alleviate the current crisis and proposed making the Palestinian-Israeli
confrontation a constant topic on BRICS' agenda.
Source: aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/putin-expresses-concern-over-thousands-of-deaths-in-gaza-strip/3061042
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UK
Muslims feel the heat for supporting Palestinians
21.11.2023
AMINA
SHAREEF
On
October 28, 2023, an unidentified person riding a bicycle flung a red, empty
petrol can into the parking lot of a mosque in Oxford, UK.
Police
said there was a message written on the petrol can that “may be related to the
ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.” But it didn’t disclose the exact words.
The
letters IDF, an apparent reference to the Israeli Defence Forces, were also
scrawled on the can.
Following
the incident, the mosque administration released a statement on social media,
linking the incident to the mosque’s support for Palestinians and the fact that
it had displayed a Palestinian flag on its premises.
The
incident shows the kind of hatred British Muslims endure for showing support
for the Palestinian cause.
It can
also be an indication of the racial violence that awaits Muslims in the UK.
A tide
of anti-Muslim racism
Since
the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Muslims in the UK have faced a wave of
Islamophobia that includes being harassed on the streets, getting shouted at
without any provocation, and in one case a head-scarf-wearing MP was even given
death threats.
Muslims
who have shown support for Palestinians or voiced concern against Israel’s
deadly and disproportionate bombardment campaign have been branded as
terrorists.
While
mosques have been spray-painted and vandalised in recent weeks, this is nothing
new in the UK, which has a long history of repressing support for Palestinians.
For
instance, in 2016, RahmaanMohammadi, a secondary-school student was
interrogated by the police because he wore a “Free Palestine” badge to school.
In 2021,
the last time when Israel launched an attack on Gaza, the Islamophobia Response
Unit (IRU), a charity, received 146 complaints of schools taking action against
students for showing solidarity with Palestinians in less than a week.
At the
time, the Palestinian flag was equated with support for terrorism and likened
to a swastika . A 14-year-old boy was slapped by a deputy head teacher for
carrying a placard with the message, “Palestinian Lives Matter.” And students
were excluded from school for wearing the keffiyeh and hanging up flyers in
schools bearing QR codes that send users to critical web resources on
Israel-Palestine conflict.
Indeed,
more recently, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman attempted to suppress
support for Palestinians by calling the peaceful, pro-Palestine rallies “hate
marches.” And in an article for The Times, Braverman expressed the opinion that
pro-Palestinian protesters support Hamas.
By
drawing a parallel between pro-Palestine rallies on one side and Hamas and
antisemitism on the other, Braverman is indirectly encouraging street violence
against those who advocate for the protection of Palestinian lives.
The
mosque incident is also not the only act of anti-Muslim violence.
Since
the war broke out in Gaza, there has been a 600 percent rise in verbal and
physical assault targeting British Muslims and institutions.
One
incident includes an attack on a hijab-wearing woman with a concrete slab, in
another a pig’s head was dumped at the site of a proposed mosque, and alcohol
was thrown on Muslim protestors as they prayed at a pro-Palestine event.
According
to the Home Office data as of March 2023, 2 out of 5 acts of religiously
motivated violence were directed at Muslims.
Put
differently, 39 percent of violent acts affecting faith groups target Muslims,
making them the most targeted religious minority.
This
hatred towards Muslims can be traced back to the way the community has been
depicted in the public imagination in film, television, news and radio.
UK
Policies of the War on Terror, such as PREVENT, have long-embedded the view of
Muslims as terrorists or potential terrorists.
This is
an attempt to dehumanise Muslims as people who are barbaric and unworthy of
legal protection.
The
dehumanisation and the violence that British Muslims face today—vandalised
community centres and places of worship, open aggression on the street,
alarming animus in the halls of power, “random” stop and search by police —can
be argued to be similar to the dehumanisation and violence that Jewish people
faced in the 1930s.
The
promise of violence
That
empty and innocuous, red petrol can that was thrown at the mosque in Oxford was
actually carrying something with it - it carried a threat of violence.
We need
to pay attention to the threat of violence just as much as we pay attention to
the actual violence directed at Muslims. After all, many British Muslims go
about their lives anticipating the possibility of violence.
For
practising British Muslims, particularly niqab or hijab-wearing women who are
the preferred targets of Islamophobic attacks, the threat of violence forces
them to avoid certain places and be vigilant when they go out.
British
Muslims who are vocal about their support for the Palestinian cause constantly
face the prospect of losing their jobs or being expelled from educational
institutions.
Add to
that the threat of violence and it stops British Muslims from exercising their
right to freedom of speech and practice religion.
The
replacement of Home Secretary Braverman with James Cleverly does not portend an
easier future for British Muslims. For indeed, the government has confirmed
that Braverman’s sacking was not due to her policies, but rather her divisive
language. And prior to his appointment as Home Secretary, Cleverly expressed
the view that Islamophobia cannot exist because Islam is not a race, an
argument made by the far-right to deny the existence of anti-Muslim violence.
Source: presstv.ir
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https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/uk-muslims-feel-the-heat-for-supporting-palestinians-15918588
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British
Red Cross says Ukrainian refugee families in UK four times as likely to end up
homeless
22 November 2023
Thousands
of Ukrainian refugee families in the UK are at risk of homelessness this
winter, a report by the British Red Cross in association with Heriot-Watt
University has said, warning that vulnerable Ukrainian refugees are four times
more likely than Britons to end up on the streets.
The
harrowing report cited by The Guardian on Tuesday said 6,220 Ukrainian refugee
families are expected to have applied for homelessness support by the end of
this financial year. A total of 298,430 families applied for homelessness
support in 2022-23, 1.24 percent of all households in England in 2022,
according to the study.
The
British Red Cross has called for increased funding for Ukrainian families to
prevent homelessness among the vulnerable group of women and children who can
easily be exploited by criminal gangs.
"The
profile of arrivals meant that those arriving on the scheme may be more
vulnerable to exploitation or abuse," the independent public spending
watchdog, the National Audit Office (NAO) reported last month.
Since
war broke out in western Ukraine in February 2022, following UK-included
Western countries' provocations, over 192,000 Ukrainians, mostly women and
children, have arrived in the UK via two housing schemes: The Ukraine Family
Scheme and Homes for Ukraine.
Despite
these schemes, thousands of Ukrainian families faced homelessness in the UK due
to three main factors: a breakdown in hosting arrangements, problems accessing
long-term housing (particularly in the private rented sector), and inconsistent
and insufficient support for refugees.
However,
it is unclear whether the UK Government intends to extend existing three-year
visas for Ukrainian refugees which expire in March 2025.
Ukrainian
refugees in search of safe homes in the United Kingdom are at risk of sexual
exploitation by British men, according to a new report.
“Government
policy is directly damaging the health and well-being of vulnerable children
and their families who have come to the UK seeking safety,” said Jess McQuail,
director of Just Fair. “Instead of pitting people seeking asylum against people
already living in the UK, the government should use its available resources to
ensure that everybody’s rights are met.”
Human
Rights Watch and Just Fair interviewed more than 50 people seeking asylum,
including 27 children, who were living in or had recently left temporary
housing in cities and towns across England.
Under UK
Home Office guidance, people seeking asylum should spend no more than 19 days
in hotels or other initial accommodation before they receive suitable
longer-term housing. But many families said they had spent many months, in some
cases well over a year, in temporary housing.
One
Ukrainian woman named Viktoria, who is being supported by the British Red
Cross, said she had not expected the conditions to be so bad in the UK.
She fled
the conflict in Ukraine and came to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme
with her disabled mother and seven-year-old child. Relieved to be safe from war
at first when she came to the UK, she was not expecting to face the risk of
homelessness just six months after arrival in the UK.
“I was
worried we would be out on the street. I had no idea what to do. It is
stressful because we don’t know what is going to happen to us next,” she said,
complaining “We are not allowed to apply for citizenship, we are working
non-stop, and we don’t know where our future is. After COVID and the war, we just
want to be able to plan our future.”
The
British Red Cross’s head of policy and advocacy said, “This winter we expect
thousands of men, women, and children from Ukraine to become homeless here in
the UK.
“British
Red Cross teams are increasingly seeing how difficult it is for Ukrainians to
get the help and support they need to find long-term housing. They are often
unable to meet upfront rental costs and can be excluded from local authority
schemes that help prevent homelessness," Olivia Field said, adding, “We
also know that many host families, who generously opened their homes, are now
struggling to continue to do so due to the cost of living crisis.”
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/11/22/715062/UKRAINE-REFUGEE-UK-HOMELESS-RED-CROSS
------
EU faces
growing Muslim animosity over Gaza war stance — Borrell
November
21, 2023
BRUSSELS:
The European Union faces growing animosity across the Muslim world and beyond
due to accusations of pro-Israel bias and double standards over the war in
Gaza, the bloc’s foreign policy chief has warned.
Josep
Borrell said he feared such acrimony could undermine diplomatic support for
Ukraine in the Global South and the EU’s ability to insist on human rights
clauses in international agreements.
He said
the EU had to show “more empathy” for the loss of Palestinian civilian lives in
Israel’s war against Hamas, launched in response to the deadly Oct. 7
cross-border assault by the Palestinian militant group.
His
comments came in interviews with Reuters during a five-day Middle East trip
that took him to the rubble of Kibbutz Be’eri devastated by Hamas, the West
Bank, a regional security conference in Bahrain and royal audiences in Qatar
and Jordan.
On the
trip, which ended on Monday evening, Borrell heard Arab leaders and Palestinian
civil society activists complain that the 27-nation EU was not applying the
same standards to Israel’s war in Gaza that it applies to Russia’s war in
Ukraine.
“All of
them were really criticizing the posture of the European Union as one-sided,”
Borrell said.
Waving
his mobile phone, he said he had already received messages from some ministers
signalling they would not support Ukraine next time there was a vote at the United
Nations.
“If
things continue a couple of weeks like this, the animosity against Europeans
(will grow),” he added.
In
response to the criticism, Borrell stressed human lives had the same value
everywhere and that the EU had unanimously urged immediate humanitarian pauses
to get aid to Palestinians in Gaza and quadrupled its humanitarian aid for the
enclave.
But Arab
leaders want an immediate end to Israel’s bombardment, which has killed at
least 13,300 Palestinians, including at least 5,600 children, according to
Gaza’s Hamas-run government.
They
have lambasted both the EU and the United States for not condemning Israel’s
bombing campaign in Gaza, in contrast to the West’s response to the invasion of
Ukraine.
Israel
has stressed that it is responding to the deadliest attack in its history, in
which about 1,200 people were killed and 240 taken hostage, according to
Israeli tallies.
It says
it is attacking civilian areas as that is where Hamas operates and it is trying
to avoid innocent casualties.
EUROPE
STRUGGLES
As High
Representative for foreign policy, Borrell is charged with crafting common
positions among EU members.
A
neighbor of the Middle East and home to substantial Jewish and Muslim
populations, the EU has a major stake in the latest crisis. Although not in the
same league as the United States, it has some diplomatic weight in the region,
not least as the biggest donor of aid to Palestinians.
But the
bloc has struggled for a united stance beyond condemnation of the Hamas attack.
It has largely limited itself to support for Israel’s right to defend itself
within international law and calls for pauses in fighting.
Individual
member countries, meanwhile, such as Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and
Hungary have stressed strong support for Israel while others such as Ireland,
Belgium and Spain have criticized Israel’s military action.
France
has called for a humanitarian truce that would pave the way for a cease-fire.
Borrell,
a veteran Spanish Socialist politician, last month declared that some of
Israel’s actions contravened international law — to the annoyance of some EU
member countries.
He
avoided such direct public criticism on his trip. He also sought to show
understanding for the pain felt by Israelis, recalling his own experience on a
kibbutz in the 1960s.
But he
said the EU also should do more to demonstrate it also cares about Palestinian
lives and this could come through stronger calls for aid to get into Gaza and a
renewed push for a Palestinian state under the so-called “two-state solution.”
Source: gbnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2412831/world
------
UK
teachers 'censoring their lessons over fears of offending Muslim pupils' -
Damning survey
Holly Bishop
21/11/2023
Teachers
across the UK are self-censoring their lessons over fears of offending Muslim
pupils, according to a recent poll.
A survey
of over 1,000 teachers conducted for the Policy Exchange think tank found that
16 per cent of them have admitted to self-censoring in order to avoid causing
religious offence.
The
think tank claims this has created a “de facto blasphemy code in schools across
the country”.
The poll
comes after the Batley Grammar School incident, where campaigners and parents
forced a teacher into hiding for showing a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed in
class.
English
and art teachers were the most cautious of causing offence, with 19 per cent
saying they had chosen to self-censor their classes.
Over
half of teachers polled said that they would never use a picture of Prophet
Mohammad whilst teaching, even when giving lessons on Islamic art or ethics.
A
further 9 per cent cited the Batley incident as the reason for their caution.
In a
foreword to the report, NadhimZahawi, the former education secretary, said it
was a “national disgrace” that the teacher involved in the Batley incident was
still in hiding two years later.
More
than 50 per cent of teachers surveyed were fearful of protests similar to those
at Batley taking place at their schools if they used religious imagery in
class.
In
Yorkshire and the Humber, where the Batley incident occurred, 33 per cent of
teachers said they were fearful of a “very big risk” taking place at their
schools.
Three-quarters
of teachers said that if protests broke out, they would be “damaging” to the
teacher involved.
Furthermore,
around four in 10 suggested that they would be “very damaging”.
In March
2021, a teacher at the Batley school was suspended for showing students a
cartoon taken from the French Satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
The
cartoon, which was shown during a religious studies class, provoked heavy
backlash from parents and resulted in protests outside the school’s gates.
The
teacher – who was later cleared of causing deliberate offence – was forced to
flee his home with his family.
Two
years on, the teacher and his young family have been living in an undisclosed
area outside of Yorkshire.
He has
also been given a new identity.
Zahawi
said: “Our teachers – and their pupils – deserve better than this. We owe it to
them to support them to provide a secure environment where open, honest and
free discussion is not only permitted, but actively encouraged.”
Source: gbnews.com
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Hamburg’s
Islamic Center Raid: Just a Surface Scratch on Tehran’s Expansive Network in
Europe
22nd
November 2023
As part
of the probe into the Islamic Center of Hamburg, on Friday, October 16, at 6
a.m., the police in Germany hit up 54 buildings across seven states. Nancy
Faeser, Germany’s Interior Minister, revealed that this spot has been on the
radar of the BundesamtfürVerfassungsschutz, the country’s intelligence service
(Office for the Protection of the Constitution) for a while, and they’ve
labeled it an Islamist outfit. Over 500 police officers got in on the action.
The
German police weren’t just monitoring the Islamic Center of Hamburg; they were
also checking out five other groups believed to be tied to the Iranian regime’s
spy network. This sweep went down in Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Hessen,
Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The
German Ministry of the Interior stated in a statement, “The Islamic Center of
Hamburg is suspected of acting against the order based on the constitution and
promoting the exchange of ideas between different population groups and
cultures. Therefore, it is subject to prohibition under Article 2 of the Basic
Law and Article 3 of the Law on Associations.”
The
Islamic Center of Hamburg is also suspected of supporting Hezbollah, and
investigations in this regard are underway by security entities. Germany had
previously declared the activities of Hezbollah in its territory illegal.
Berlin believes that other associations whose buildings were searched in
Thursday’s operation are believed to be subsidiary branches of the Islamic
Center of Hamburg.
This
center, along with other intelligence and espionage entities of the Iranian
regime, has been under the watch of German intelligence services for several
decades. However, due to diplomatic considerations, no serious action has been
taken against them so far, and these searches are not unprecedented.
The
Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Germany annually publishes
reports at the federal and state levels on the terrorist activities of the
Iranian regime within its borders. Many of these reports mention that the
National Council of Resistance of Iran and the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization
(MEK/PMOI) are the main targets of the espionage network of this regime.
In 2018,
as part of a European collaboration, the third-ranking officer at the Iranian
regime’s embassy in Vienna was apprehended on German soil. According to leaked
reports, two notebooks were discovered in AsadollahAssadi‘s car; one was a
“black notebook” containing coded text that contained instructions for
bomb-making.
The
second, a green notebook, contained receipts indicating that Asadi had paid
cash to dozens of individuals across Europe. These documents revealed to German
security authorities that AsadollahAssadi had traveled extensively throughout
Europe and had been financially supporting numerous agents in service of the
Iranian regime.
The
Green Book, with 289 notes in both Latin and Farsi, documented addresses of
locations such as shops, hotels, and restaurants, along with specified dates
and times. The entries covered various European countries, including France,
Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. Most
of these addresses (approximately 144) were situated in Germany.
One of
Assadi’s notes referenced the Islamic Center of Hamburg. A report from the
German Office for the Protection of the Constitution stated that the Islamic
Center “seeks to export the Islamic Revolution [to Germany].” Other notes
directed inspectors to cities like Cologne, Bonn, Heidelberg, Regensburg,
Kochum, BergischGladbach, and Munich.
In
recent decades, despite Western security services having access to intelligence
on the regime’s espionage networks within their own countries, effective
measures to counteract these networks have not been taken. It remains unclear
whether this inaction is due to political considerations or a miscalculation
regarding the level of danger posed by members of these networks to the
national security of their respective countries. However, the arrest of
AsadollahAssadi and his three accomplices, who were sentenced to long-term imprisonment
by the Belgian judiciary, demonstrated how Tehran’s sleeper cells can be a
deadly threat to their citizens or even leaders.
On
various occasions, the Iranian dissident group “GhiyamtaSarnegouni” has exposed
a wealth of information about the regime’s espionage network and terrorist
recruitment outside of Iran. A trove of data confirms that Tehran continuously
recruits and trains elements to pursue its terrorist objectives beyond borders,
jeopardizing the national security of other countries to compensate for its
internal instability while gaining political impunity.
With
recent developments in Gaza serving as a strategic alert to Middle Eastern
nations about the repercussions of overlooking the Iranian regime’s involvement
in terrorism, the pervasive Iranian network in Western countries underscores
that Tehran’s leveraging of potential terrorist capabilities is not a question
of “if” but “when.” Although major intelligence endeavors like the “Ahmad
Chalabi” operation have already been proven to be as impactful as more
extensive than mere terrorist or military operations.
Source: ncr-iran.org
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Russian
FM, delegation of Arab-Islamic foreign ministers agree on urgent need for
immediate ceasefire in Gaza
November
22, 2023
MOSCOW,
Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and a joint
delegation of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries agreed on the
urgent need to establish an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza
following their talks in Moscow on Tuesday.
The
delegation was composed of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al
Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi,
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Indonesian Foreign Minister
RetnoMarsudi, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki and Secretary
General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation HisseinBrahim Taha.
All
sides recognized a commonality in approaches with regard to ways in which the
current crisis can be overcome, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a
statement following the talks.
They
expressed "a joint position in favor of an early establishment of a
sustainable ceasefire," and stressed the importance of ensuring the
protection of civilians, the opening of humanitarian corridors, the release of
hostages, and continued evacuation efforts.
"While
strongly condemning terrorism, the participants of the meeting emphasized the
unacceptability of confronting this evil using methods of collective punishment
and an indiscriminate use of force against civilian targets," the
statement said.
All
sides stressed the need to take coordinated measures in the interests of
establishing lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, it said.
It was
emphasized that "there is no alternative to a comprehensive political
solution to the Palestinian problem based on the decisions of the United
Nations and the Arab Peace Initiative," said the statement.
"They
noted the need to intensify international efforts aimed at creating conditions
for establishing negotiations between the parties," which should result in
the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with
East Jerusalem as its capital, it said.
They
further agreed to coordinate joint action in order to support a comprehensive
Middle East settlement, the statement said.
Source: people.cn
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http://en.people.cn/n3/2023/1122/c90000-20100813.html
-----
Zelensky:
200 Ukrainians safely left Gaza
NOVEMBER
21, 2023
Ukraine
has successfully completed the rescue efforts for Ukrainian citizens from the
Gaza Strip. In addition, Ukraine also facilitated the safe passage of Israeli
citizens with Ukrainian citizenship residing in communities within and southern
Israel. Among the evacuees were primarily children and young people who had
recently arrived in Israel without their parents.
As a
whole, over the weekend, Ukraine concluded the rescue of 203 Ukrainians who
were trapped due to the war. The rescue operation involved numerous parties,
including the Egyptian and Israeli authorities, as well as Ukrainian diplomats.
“This
operation was exceptionally complex, and I extend my gratitude to the Egyptian
and Israeli authorities, and personally to Rabbi Yonatan Markovich [who helped
facilitate rescue operations],” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said of
Kyiv’s Chief rabbi in a video sent to Israeli media.
Zelensky:
rescue operation was "highly intricate and sensitive"
Zelensky
personally extended his gratitude to Markovich, stating, “The rescue operation
was highly intricate and sensitive. Ultimately, more than 200 individuals were
rescued. We are also making preparations for the arrival of additional groups
of Ukrainians... Ukraine’s success in operations like these reaffirms our
commitment to our citizens, regardless of their location.”
According
to a statement on behalf of the rabbi, Markovich, who is also a Chabad emissary
in Kyiv, provided invaluable support to the evacuees in adapting and settling
in their new surroundings upon their arrival from Ukraine. He maintained
continuous contact with them since the onset of the conflict and is recognized
as being closely affiliated with the Ukrainian government.
Source: jpost.com
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https://www.jpost.com/international/article-774437
-----
Australia
Pro-Palestinian
protesters arrested at Australian port
November
22, 2023
SYDNEY:
Australian police arrested 23 pro-Palestinian protesters for blocking roads
near one of the country’s largest container ports in Sydney, authorities said
on Wednesday, after they protested against a ship owned by Israeli carrier Zim.
About
400 people had gathered near Port Botany on Tuesday evening for a planned
unauthorized protest activity, New South Wales state police said. Protesters
who did not comply with directions and occupied roads near the port were
charged with offenses, including disrupting operations of a major facility.
Protesters
carried Palestinian flags, chanted “free Palestine” to banging drums, and held
signs “Boycott ZIM” and “End the Gaza Blockade,” television footage showed.
Police forcibly removed some protesters from near the port’s entrance.
The
Israel-Hamas conflict has triggered protests from both Jewish and Palestinian
groups across the world, including in Australia, which has seen rallies in its
largest cities.
Anti-Israeli
stickers were plastered on the front doors and red paint was sprayed on the
walls of an outlet of McDonald’s and Starbucks in Melbourne early this week
after a protest march on Sunday, media reported.
McDonald’s
said it was dismayed by the disinformation and inaccurate reports on its
position and that it was not funding or supporting any governments involved in the
conflict.
Hamas
took about 240 hostages, including children and elderly people, during an Oct.
7 assault on Israel that killed 1,200 people, according to Israel’s tally. In
Israeli attacks, the Hamas-run government says at least 13,300 Palestinians have
been killed, including at least 5,600 children.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday asked his government to back a
deal to clear the way for the release of some of the hostages.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2413016/world
-----
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/israel-hamas-gaza-hostages-ceasefire/d/131161