Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Dispute: HC Allows Plea Seeking Survey Of Mathura Shahi Idgah Mosque Premises

New Age Islam News Bureau

15 December 2023

 

A file picture of the Shahi Idgah mosque

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·         Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Dispute: HC Allows Plea Seeking Survey Of Mathura Shahi Idgah Mosque Premises

·         Imam-e-Haram From Mecca To Lay New Ayodhya Mosque Mohammad Bin Abdullah Foundation

·         Michigan Islamic Scholar’s Praise For Jihad Latest Example Of Rising Danger Of Extremism: MEMRI Expert

·         Britain's Muslims Are Keeping Us On The Right Side Of History In Gaza

·         Israel Suspends It’s Soldiers For Reading Out Jewish Prayers At Jenin Mosque During West Bank Raid

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India

·         Assam Govt Converts 1281 Madrasas Into General Schools

·         Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma calls for caste census among Muslim community, says ‘crucial for them to be strong’

·         Shahi Idgah Masjid Survey: Robbing Muslims’ Dignity Is Goal Now, Says Owaisi

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North America

·         New York City's 'Ground Zero Mosque' Site Faces Foreclosure Amid Loan Default

·         Middle School Teacher Arrested After Allegedly Threatening To Behead Muslim Student Who Said Israeli Flag Offended Her

·         Shooting of Palestinian college students came amid spike in gun violence in Vermont

·         US denounces war crimes against civilians in Sudan; ignores questions about Israel’s actions in Gaza

·         US has 'historic responsibility' to ensure cease-fire in Gaza: Turkish President Erdogan

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Europe

·         European Union Has 'Lost Credibility' On Israel And Palestine, Says Ireland's PM

·         Mosque's bid for boosted security after 'attacks' proves successful

·         Germany to gradually end practice of importing imams from Turkey

·         Denmark remands six in custody after foiled terror attack

·         UK, US sanction Iranians linked to Quds Force, Palestinian militant groups

·         Spanish PM calls on EU to take stand against Israel

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Mideast

·         From Homes To Lands, Zionist Colonization Of Everyday Life Of Palestinians

·         Mosque Hit As Raids, Phosphorus Bombs Strike Southern Lebanon

·         Israel ‘Carpet-Bombs’ Gaza Amid Starvation, Epidemic, Coms Blackout

·         Communication blackout in Gaza amid Israeli bombardment

·         Turkiye strongly condemns Israeli raid on Jenin, calls for accountability

·         Iran reiterates support for ‘legitimate’ Palestinian resistance

·         Hamas announces killing '36 Israeli forces in 72 hours'

·         'Half of the population starving in Gaza': UN official

·         Iran warns UN refugee chief of 'dangerous' Israeli plan to forcibly relocate Gazans

·         Israel bombs school housing displaced families in Khan Yunis

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Arab World

·         Jihad Representative In Iran Hails Yemen's Support For Resistance

·         Yemen conducts drone attack against ship headed for Israel

·         Saudi Arabia commits over $18 billion for refugees within its borders, Al-Rabeeah says

·         Saudi initiative to plant 100,000 trees in Bahrain

·         26th Saudi relief plane for Gaza arrives in Egypt

·         Saudi Arabia, World Bank discuss stronger digital economy growth partnership

·         Saudi FM and UK’s David Cameron discuss Gaza ceasefire, aid in London

·         KSrelief Convoys Cross Rafah Border to Deliver Aid to Palestinians in Gaza

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Pakistan

·         Islamabad Again Asks Kabul To Take Action Against DI Khan Attack Perpetrators

·         PM reaffirms Pakistan's support to Kashmiris; rejects Indian SC verdict as politically-motivated

·         Toshakhana case: Imran’s two-day physical remand approved

·         LHC larger bench hears Imran’s pleas against ECP today

·         Cipher trial coverage banned as hearings deemed in-camera

·         Timely elections crucial for eradicating terrorism: JI chief

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South Asia

·         US Envoy Meets Islamic Cooperation Officials To Discuss Afghanistan

·         Pakistan Trying to Pressure Kabul With Refugees: Minister

·         Complaints Persist of Afghan Refugees Mistreated by Pakistani Police

·         30 Indian war veterans arrive in Dhaka to celebrate Victory Day

·         Deadline extended for Afghan refugees in Pakistan; overstay fines set at $100 per month

·         Deputy PM Abdul Kabir Returns to Work After 3 Months

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Southeast Asia

·         POS Malaysia Launches Special Stamps In Solidarity With Palestinian Struggle

·         Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia’s Silver Jubilee Celebration Showcases The Richness Of Islamic Art

·         Local Government Development Ministry: RM2.65m approved for maintenance of 20 non-Islamic houses of worship in KL

·         Over one million free treatments given under Madani scheme

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Africa

·         “Buhari Miraculously Escaped Deadly Gas Poisoning As President” – Islamic Group Reveals

·         South Africa security forces ramp up clampdown on illegal miners

·         Nigeria: the State "must take additional measures" for the economy - World Bank

·         Hamas attack: Tanzania announces the death of its 2nd missing national

·         Senegal court clears jailed opposition figure for presidential run

·         Kaduna bombing: NGF demands probe, group warns troublemakers

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/krishna-janmabhoomi-mathura-shahi-idgah/d/131317

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Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Dispute: HC Allows Plea Seeking Survey Of Mathura Shahi Idgah Mosque Premises

 

A file picture of the Shahi Idgah mosque

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14th December 2023

LUCKNOW: In a major development, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday allowed an application seeking appointment of a court-monitored advocate commissioner to survey the Shahi Idgah mosque premises, adjoining the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura.

The High Court said that it would hear the application seeking appointment of the advocate commissioner on December 18 and then decide the maintainability issue later. A single-judge bench, comprising Justice Mayank Kumar Jain, passed the order on an application filed on behalf of Hindu deity Bhagwan Shri Krishna Virajman and seven other Hindu plaintiffs.

Notably, the application seeking the court monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque premises was filed as part of an original suit pending before the High Court, in which the plaintiffs (Hindu side) have claimed that the Mathura Shahi Idgah Masjid was built over Krishna Janmabhoomi land and that the actual birthplace of Lord Krishna lies beneath the mosque.

The applicants had claimed that evidence existed to support the view that the Shahi Idgah mosque was, in fact, a Hindu temple.

The application mentioned the presence of a lotus shaped pillar, a classic characteristic of architecture of Hindu temples. Moreover, the image of 'Sheshnaag', the deity who had protected Lord Krishna when he was being shifted from Mathura to Vrindavan on the night of his birth by father Vasudev, is also present there.

Therefore, the applicants had urged the Court to appoint a commission to examine the site.

The application was filed through advocates Hari Shankar Jain, Vishnu Shankar Jain, Prabhash Pandey and Devki Nandan.

Meanwhile, in all the 18 original suits pending in the High Court, the plaintiffs have mainly sought a declaration that the land under dispute -- the area where the Shahi Idgah Mosque is situated – belonged to the deity Lord Shri Krishna Virajman.

The main suit also seeks the removal of the mosque on the ground that it was built over Krishna Janmabhoomi land.

According to advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who appeared for the Hindu side, application no. 130 ‘Ga’ was allowed on Thursday and on December 18, the court would hear the parties concerned. It would decide the modalities of the constitution of the court commission like how many advocates will be appointed commissioner, while the time frame of the survey will be decided on the next date.

On November 16, the High Court had reserved its order on the application moved by the Hindu side seeking the appointment of a court-monitored advocate commissioner. It had also sought a direction to the defendant to remove the mosque. It may be recalled that a Mathura civil court had dismissed the suit over the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi- Shahi Eidgah Mosque dispute on September 30, 2020 citing the bar on admitting the case under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. However, the Mathura district court, in May 2022, overturned the civil court’s order following an appeal against it.

The appellants had asserted that as devotees of Lord Krishna, they had a right to move the suit in view of their fundamental religious rights under Article 25 of the Constitution of India.

Later, the Allahabad High Court, on May 26 this year, transferred to itself all the suits pending before the Mathura district court praying for various reliefs pertaining to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Mosque dispute. The case is presently pending before the High Court.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/dec/14/shri-krishna-janmabhoomi-dispute-hc-allows-plea-seeking-survey-of-shahi-idgah-mosque-premises-2641505.html

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Imam-e-Haram From Mecca To Lay New Ayodhya Mosque Mohammad Bin Abdullah Foundation

 

Ayodhya: Security personnel stand guard outside a mosque on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, in Ayodhya, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. (PTI)

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 Dec 15, 2023

MUMBAI: The foundation stone for Masjid Mohammad Bin Abdullah, the proposed mosque in Ayodhya replacing the Babri Masjid but at a different spot, will be laid by Imam-e-Haram or the Imam who leads Namaz at the holy mosque in the precincts that also house the Kaaba in Mecca.

The mosque is being built at Dhannipur, 25km from Ayodhya, on a plot the Uttar Pradesh government gave to the Muslims in accordance with the Supreme Court order in the Ayodhya dispute.

Mumbai-based BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh, who has been made chairman of the Masjid Muhammad Bin Abdullah’s Development Committee, said the new mosque in Ayodhya, set to be biggest in India, will also have the biggest Quran of the world — 21 feet high and 36 feet wide.

Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation, the trust formed on July 29, 2020, had initially taken up the task of building the Ayodhya mosque and a few more amenities. However, in October this year, at a function attended by several senior clerics and the foundation chairman Zufar Ahmed Farooqui in Mumbai, it was announced that the mosque would be named Masjid Muhammad Bin Abdullah. Apart from consecration of the first brick, a new design of the mosque was also released on the occasion. “The mosque will have five minarets symbolising five pillars of Islam — namely kalima, namaz, roza, Haj and zakat,” said Shaikh.

Shaikh added that he is a trustee of the foundation and now has also been made head of the mosque’s development committee. Apart from the mosque, the complex will also have a cancer hospital, schools and colleges, a museum and a library and a completely vegetarian kitchen where visitors will be offered food free.

A major attraction, said Shaikh, will be the huge aquarium near the wazukhana or abulation space with separate sections for men and women.

Its beauty, claimed Shaikh, will outshine Taj Mahal’s. “When the evening falls, fountains at the mosque will come alive coinciding with the call for evening namaz,” said Shaikh. “It will be more beautiful than the Taj Mahal and people of all faiths will come to see this monument to peace and harmony even if not all of them will pray here.”

(With inputs from Arshad Afzal Khan in Ayodhya)

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/imam-from-mecca-to-lay-new-ayodhya-mosque-foundation/articleshow/106002024.cms

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Michigan Islamic Scholar’s Praise For Jihad Latest Example Of Rising Danger Of Extremism: MEMRI Expert

 

Ahmad Musa Jibril, an Islamic scholar from Michigan (Screenshot)

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December 15, 2023

A Michigan Islamic scholar posted a video on social media calling on Muslims in the West and U.S. to embrace jihad, continuing a trend that threatens to spread extremism in the United States.

"You have pretty radicalizing, extreme content happening," Alberto Fernandez, vice president of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), told Fox News Digital. "This is stuff they uploaded on social media. It's there for everybody to see."

Fernandez's comments come after MEMRI uploaded a video featuring Ahmad Musa Jibril, an Islamic scholar from Michigan who encouraged Muslims in America to celebrate and aspire to jihad.

"Yes, there is holy war in Islam. It is jihad," Jibril says in the video, which was uploaded to X. "This may be a surprise to many who grew up in the West, especially those who were born or grew up post 9/11, because of the growing number of hypocrites who are spreading the American-Zionist Islam. And it has nothing to do with Islam, that version of Islam is and Islam that suits the enemies."

Jibril took aim at many in the West who he claims pushed a fake version of Islam since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, shying away from the celebration of jihad while pushing a version of "slam that suits the enemies."

"The Muslims in the West, especially the youth in the West, especially the youth in America, need to wake up," Jibril said. "The current events are a wake-up call for Muslims to start normalizing mentioning jihad's proper meaning and putting it back into their vocabulary. Jihad must be a common, normal term on your tongues, on your social media and in the mosques and elsewhere."

The scholar also lashed out at the U.S. and President Biden, calling him "a terrorist" while blaming the U.S. for "the genocide in Palestine."

"It is about time that the Muslims — especially the youth —  in the West. It is time for them to understand what should already be known, that the infidel West, particularly the U.S., are the enemies of Muslims," Jibril said. "If you can't raise your child telling him you want him to be Mujahid and martyr, then you are the root of the problem."

Less than a week after Jibril's video was published, MEMRI shared another video featuring a Delaware imam who warned Muslims living in the West the day will come for Allah to turn "America into Palestine," something Muslims enjoying first world luxury should be prepared for.

"Allah hasn't turned America into Palestine yet. That time is coming, we've enjoyed a lot," the imam, Shadeed Muhammad, says in the video. "This is stolen land, make no mistake about that. Every breath that we take on this land right here, this is blood money. Blood money taken from the natives right here … and you think that we want to just stay here, live here, enjoy all of our lives, and die, and the time is not going to come?"

The IDF cares more for the lives of Palestinians than Hamas itself: Shahar Azani Video

According to Fernandez, the two videos are the latest in a growing trend of extremist content being posted to mainstream social media, an indication dangerous ideas might become pervasive.

"If that's the stuff that they're saying openly, what are they saying that is not open?" Fernandez said.

Such content, Fernandez warned, is especially dangerous when seen by impressionable young people who may not be fully knowledgeable on religion.

"This also happened after 9/11," Fernandez said, noting that reactions to the terrorist attacks ranged from anger from some to curiosity about the "bad guys'" point of view from others.

"In some cases, of course, it was kind of just curiosity. In other cases, there was a conversion to Islam, and, in other cases, people were actually radicalized and actually carried out acts of terrorism," Fernandez said.

"The challenge now is, are we going to have the same kind of series: People that are curious, some people who may convert and that's the end of it and then some people who will maybe, instead of politics or instead of antisemitic demonstrations, go into violent action. That's the challenge, that's the concern."

Fernandez noted that Jibril in particular became "notorious" during the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq in Syria, becoming known for radicalizing Western Muslims and encouraging them to join the terrorist group. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas risks being a similar "accelerant" to push extremist ideas.

"It accelerates something which is already happening, which is a kind of ideological war which is occurring. So, it drives interest, and it drives people becoming more extreme," Fernandez said. "They'll use whatever is happening to promote their message."

Source: foxnews.com

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https://www.foxnews.com/us/michigan-imams-praise-jihad-latest-example-rising-danger-extremism

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Britain's Muslims Are Keeping Us On The Right Side Of History In Gaza

 

British Muslims have been at the forefront of organising efforts to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, where more than 18,600 Palestinians have been killed by Israel. [Getty]

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14 Dec, 2023

One of the myths that Britain likes to tell itself is of standing up for the underdog. Sure, some historical events cast doubt on this track record, but most of us like to think that backing David when faced with Goliath is in our DNA.

It is certainly a role-play beloved by our politicians and media commentators. Only last year, they were conducting an orchestra of outrage at Russia, and piling in on the side of plucky little Ukraine.  

For a conflict where, unusually, our historic footprint was minimal, we brought out the bunting, we lit up the football stadiums, we opened our homes and emptied our military reserves. 

Explaining the economic costs involved, the great and the good assured us that this was a moral imperative. It was ‘what Britain does’.  

But what happens when these conductors of our national conscience go missing in action?

When they see the world’s most advanced weapons systems murdering 18,600 Palestinians at an unprecedented speed while denying 2.3 million people the means of life, and just don’t react?

Judging by the millions who have now marched for a ceasefire in Gaza, the answer is that Britain’s Muslim community steps into the moral vacuum and the gatekeepers of the public square go ballistic. 

The protests were immediately dubbed ‘hate marches’, those taking part smeared as Hamas supporters, Nazism invoked and slogans for peace twisted into calls for annihilation.  

As each weekend drew greater numbers, and still minimal arrests, the language became ever more unhinged. By Armistice weekend, those opposing the marches were all but encouraging a far-right counter-demonstration. 

That was the weekend I drove to London from the Midlands to show some physical solidarity with the people of Gaza and judge the atmosphere for myself.  

My friend, a man in his late fifties, half-jokingly suggested we bring armbands in case fitter, stronger GB News fans decided to dunk us both in the Thames.  

The reality was that we felt incredibly safe.

At the Cenotaph, it was the far-right protesters who had resorted to violence, attacking Met Police officers, drunk and frustrated that all they’d read about ‘Hamas supporters’ hijacking the Armistice was nothing more than propaganda.   

At the Palestine protest, we felt safe because of the sheer numbers, alongside almost one million marching peacefully. And for that, the biggest praise should go to Britain’s Muslim community, who came out en masse to call for a ceasefire. Men, women, and little children all marched together.

The Muslim community may have been the vanguard but every faith, every class and every colour was represented.  

And it makes the arguments put forward by po-faced commentators that these marches show the ‘failure of multiculturalism’ even more offensive.  

What our media can’t bear is large numbers of British Muslims doing things which, if anyone else did it, would be considered praiseworthy and in the best tradition of British protest. 

You see, it has been a rule in this country, at least since 9/11, that anything the Muslim community does must be criticised, their motives questioned, and terrorism invoked. 

Never mind that Muslim communities are over-represented among the caring professions, never mind that their charitable instincts make them invaluable during times of crisis as we saw during Covid. Only negative framing is permissible.  

Last year, I sat among a small pack of reporters in Derby waiting for a grisly alleged murderer to make his first appearance.  

As we waited, three white English men appeared before the court on child grooming offences. It was a brief appearance and soon they were gone.  

I discussed this with a reporter from ITV and we both agreed that if it had been three young men from Muslim backgrounds, the press benches would have been filled to record it.  

This is not to pretend that Muslim communities are perfect or should be beyond criticism but it does reflect that they are held to a higher standard, their worst traits exaggerated and portrayed as the norm. 

It is a perverse way of bringing about better community relations. In fact it looks like the opposite.  

What makes this deluge of negativity especially grotesque is that it comes from the very same people who bang on constantly about their fears for community relations whenever Israel faces criticism and its supporters invoke antisemitism. 

The very same people whose sudden interest in ‘racism’ came when they discovered ‘white victims’ and ‘brown perpetrators’ of this phenomena. 

But you only have to look at the world’s reaction to the slaughter in Gaza – be it on the streets or in the votes of the United Nations - to see how out of step they are. 

Imagine for a moment that we stuck to the script set out for us by our politicians and their media courtiers.  

Imagine if we, Britain, the country that played such a unique role in enabling Israel’s colonisation of what was then Mandatory Palestine, had no marches for a ceasefire. 

How would that look when across the globe people in cities with no such connections or responsibilities are marching in unprecedented numbers for peace and justice? 

It would be a diplomatic disaster, and right now the Muslim community is helping to keep us on the right side of history.  

They are acting as our national conscience, and they deserve praise not condemnation for that.

Source: newarab.com

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https://www.newarab.com/opinion/uk-muslims-deserve-praise-not-hate-standing-gaza

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Israel Suspends It’s Soldiers For Reading Out Jewish Prayers At Jenin Mosque During West Bank Raid

 

Israeli soldiers have been disciplined after video surfaced of them singing Hannukah songs and reciting Jewish prayers inside a mosque.

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15 December 2023

Israel has suspended a group of its soldiers after video emerged of Israeli troops reading out Jewish prayers at a mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin.

In video circulating on social media on Thursday, soldiers are seen inside the mosque, with one using a microphone to read a Jewish prayer in the style of an Islamic call to prayer.

A song about banishing darkness, associated with the current Jewish festival of Hanukkah, is heard sung in Hebrew through a loudspeaker in a minaret.

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The person filming laughs and joins in with the song.

In another, a soldier declares: "In the name of God, the merciful. Here is the spokesperson of the IDF.

"For the residents of the camp, the story is over, we will not allow the presence of armed men inside the camp.

"The future will be clean, we want you to live with dignity in the camp, there is no power beyond the power of Allah," the soldier adds.

Both videos show soldiers in the mosque with their boots on, where footwear is forbidden.

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned what it said was a mockery of the religious sanctum, warning it would increase religious tension.

The soldiers were immediately removed from operational activity, the IDF said.

Israeli military vehicles pass by during a raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank December

The IDF's international spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht, said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the troops "acted against IDF codes of conduct within a religious establishment" and "were immediately removed from operational activity".

Their behaviour, he said, "stands in complete opposition to the values of the IDF, the soldiers will be disciplined accordingly".

The videos were filmed during Israeli raids on Jenin on Thursday.

At least a dozen people were killed in the raids, Palestinian authorities said, calling the attacks a "dangerous escalation".

Israel said it captured dozens of militants.

At least 18,400 Palestinians have died since Hamas launched its attack on 7 October, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has said.

At least 1,300 Israelis have died, while at least 117 Israeli soldiers have been killed.

Source: sky.com

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https://news.sky.com/story/israel-hamas-war-israeli-soldiers-suspended-for-reading-out-jewish-prayers-at-jenin-mosque-during-west-bank-raid-13030762

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 India

Assam Govt Converts 1281 Madrasas Into General Schools

 Dec 14 2023

The Assam government has renamed at least 1281 Madrasas across 31 districts in the state and turned them into general schools, officials said on Thursday.

Taking to his X handle, state education minister Ranoj Pegu shared the information.

He wrote, “Consequent to conversion of all Govt and Provincialised Madrasas into general schools under Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA). Department of School Education, Assam has changed the names of 1281 ME Madrasas into Middle English (ME) School by a notification today.”

The order shared by Pegu read as, “As per approval of the state government, the nomenclature of the 1281 Upper Primary Schools ME Madrassa under Directorate of Elementary Education, Assam shall be known as ME School with immediate effect.”

A legislation was passed by the Assam government in January 2021, opening the door for all government-run Madrasas in the state to become general schools.

With the exception of private Madrasas, it had an impact on 731 Madrasas and Arabic colleges that were part of the State Madrasa Education Board, Assam Higher Secondary Education Council, and Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA).

At a rally in Karnataka in March this year, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that his government had closed 600 Madrasas and that he intended to close all Madrasas because he preferred educational institutions over Islamic religious centers. –IANS

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/assam-govt-converts-1281-madrasas-into-general-schools/

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Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma calls for caste census among Muslim community, says ‘crucial for them to be strong’

15 Dec 2023

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a media event said that there is a need to conduct caste census among Muslims community in India. The Assam CM's statement came at the ‘Agenda Aaj Tak event’ on 14 December. While speaking at the event Sarma said that the Muslim community in India can be empowered by caste census.

"Hindus are our brothers, but Muslims are elder brothers. It is crucial for them to be strong," the CM said during Agenda Aaj Tak event as quoted by India Today report.

“The opposition misleads the country. Now the Hindus of the country have woken up, now Hindus will not be divided. We are one, two brothers - Hindu and Muslim," he added.

Criticising Rahul Gandhi, Samra said that Gandhi's move backfired in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan elections, and questioned why OBC census issues only arise during elections. During the event, he also spoke how PM Modi has long been emphasizing the need for justice for Pasmanda Muslims and a caste census within the Muslim community.

Earlier in October, the Assam government had said that it will conduct a socio-economic survey of the state's five indigenous Muslim communities so that measures can be taken for their upliftment. CM Sarma had held a meeting with senior officials at the state secretariat regarding it. In a post on X, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said, “In a meeting held at Janata Bhawan, HCM Dr @himantabiswa directed the officials concerned to carry out a socio-economic assessment of Assam's Indigenous Muslim communities (Goria, Moria, Deshi, Syed &Jolha)."

The findings of the assessment will guide the state government to take suitable measures, aimed at comprehensive socio-political and educational upliftment of the indigenous minorities, it had said.

The development came a day after the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar released findings of its much-awaited caste survey, months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which revealed that OBCs and EBCs constitute 63 percent of the state's total population. Congress also asked the centre to conduct caste-based census at all-India level.

Meanwhile, the election results in four states, especially the losses in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, came as a huge blow to the Congress's hopes for 2024, as it is now out of power across a vast swathe of the Hindi heartland. Recently, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury recently took a dig at BJP and claimed that PM Modi is "following in the footsteps" of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

"After Rahul ji spoke about caste census, now CMs (in Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh ) are appointed keeping in mind the caste equation. Modi ji is now following in the footsteps of Rahul ji. This is an effect of demand for caste census," Chowdhury said. "Whenever Rahul ji talks about something, Modi ji also adopts it and works towards implementing it," he added. Earlier on Sunday, Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, was declared the Chhattisgarh CM, later, the party Mohan Yadav's name as the Madhya Pradesh CM, who is also an OBC leader.

Source: livemint.com

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https://www.livemint.com/news/india/assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-calls-for-caste-

census-among-muslim-community-says-crucial-for-them-to-be-strong-11702614443774.html

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Shahi Idgah masjid survey: Robbing Muslims’ diginity is goal now, says Owaisi

14th December 2023

Hyderabad: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday, December 14, made strong remarks on the Allahabad High Court’s verdict to survey the Shahi Idgah masjid in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

In a post on X, the Hyderabad MP said that the verdict will “embolden Sangh Parivar’s mischiefs after the Babri Masjid judgement, adding that “this is despite the Places of Worship Act prohibiting such litigation”.

He said that the dispute in Mathura was settled decades ago by mutual consent between the masjid committee and the temple’s trust.

“A new group has been raking these disputes. Whether it is Kashi, Mathura, or Lucknow’s Tiley Wali Masjid, it’s the same group. One can read the agreement here, which was settled before a court of law,” he added.

He also asked reasons behind the high court’s ‘hurry’ to issue the verdict when the matter is to be heard by the Supreme Court on January 9.

“The Places of Worship Act is still the law in force. But this group has made a mockery of the law and the judicial process. The SC was supposed to hear this matter on January 9, so what was the hurry that a survey had to be ordered?” he asked.

He remarked that robbing the dignity of Muslims is the only goal now.

“Please don’t preach give and take when one side is interested in constantly targeting Muslims. But law doesn’t matter anymore,” he said.

The Allahabad High Court’s decision to allow the inspection of the Mosque is a significant development in the longstanding dispute.

On December 18, the court will decide the constitution of the panel to carry out the survey.

It has also transferred also transferred two new suits concerning the dispute to itself and directed the District Judge in Mathura to provide notice to the relevant parties about the transfer.

The decision, made by Justice Mayank Kumar Jain, comes in response to an application filed by the deity Bhagwan Shri Krishna Virajman and seven others.

This application is part of an original suit pending in the court and claims that Lord Sri Krishna’s birthplace lies beneath the mosque.

The application also notes that there are visible signs of the Mosque being a Hindu temple, including a lotus-shaped pillar and an image of Sheshnaag, a Hindu deity associated with Lord Krishna.

As a result, the appointment of a commission was deemed essential.

The suit also seeks a declaration that the land in dispute, including the area where the Shahi Idgah Mosque is located, belongs to the deity Lord Shree Krishna Virajman.

It further requests a direction to the defendants, including the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board, to remove the mosque.

Source: siasat.com

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

https://www.siasat.com/shahi-idgah-masjid-survey-robbing-muslims-diginity-is-goal-says-owaisi-2934479/

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North America

 

New York City's 'Ground Zero Mosque' Site Faces Foreclosure Amid Loan Default

 Dec 15, 2023

NEW DELHI: The property in New York City, infamously known as the 'Ground Zero Mosque' due to its close proximity to the World Trade Centre site, is facing foreclosure. This development follows the defaulting on a $7.5 million loan by developer Sharif El-Gamal. The site, located at 49-51 Park Place, along with an adjacent unfinished luxury condo tower at 45 Park Place, is at risk of repossession.

The site first gained national attention when El-Gamal proposed the construction of an Islamic center there, just a short distance from where the Twin Towers once stood. The proposal, made in 2010, met with significant backlash, leading to the abandonment of the Islamic center plans in favor of constructing high-end condominiums. However, court documents reveal that El-Gamal's company has consistently failed to meet mortgage payments, prompting lender Blueberry Funding to seek foreclosure.

Jeremy Doberman, representing the lender, expressed that legal action became necessary after multiple failed negotiations with El-Gamal.

"There comes a time when people's assurances are no longer good enough and in order to get paid back, you have to take things to the next step. This is what the legal filing represents," Doberman said. The lawsuit seeks repayment of the $7.5 million debt plus interest and at least $10,000 in legal fees.

El-Gamal acquired the then-dilapidated building, which had previously housed a Burlington Coat Factory store damaged during the 9/11 attacks, in 2009. His initial proposal for the site included a 13-story Muslim community center with various amenities. However, the project faced intense opposition, with some 9/11 victims' families calling it insensitive, while others defended it as a matter of religious freedom.

Despite the controversy and the shift in development plans, the site remains largely vacant, save for a construction crane. El-Gamal, however, remains optimistic about the project's future, hinting at 'big announcements' to come. This optimism persists even as he faces ongoing foreclosure battles, including with his Times Square hotel, Margaritaville.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Middle School Teacher Arrested After Allegedly Threatening To Behead Muslim Student Who Said Israeli Flag Offended Her

December 14, 2023

(CNN) — A Georgia middle school teacher was arrested last week after multiple witnesses told authorities he threatened to behead a 13-year-old Muslim student who said the Israeli flag hanging in his classroom offended her.

Benjamin Reese, a 51-year-old seventh grade teacher at Warner Robins Middle School, was arrested on charges of making terroristic threats and cruelty to children in the third degree, according to an incident report from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, which lists more than 20 witnesses.

Reese was arrested on December 8 and records show he has since bonded out of jail. CNN has been unable to determine if he has an attorney who would comment on his behalf.

In a statement, the Houston County School District said all employees are required to adhere to an educator’s code of ethics, and a violation or accusation of one would prompt an investigation.

“While we are not able to discuss specific personnel matters, we can share that Mr. Reese has not been on the campus of Warner Robins Middle School since December 7, 2023,” the statement said. “Safety and the well-being of our students and staff is our number one priority.”

The incident report – written by a sheriff’s deputy who was on duty at the school when the incident occurred – cites several witnesses who said they heard Reese shouting profane threats at three female students in the seventh-grade hallway on December 7, including, “You motherf****ing piece of s**t! I’ll kick your a**! I should cut your motherf****ing head off!”

Another teacher, who was tutoring students in the next classroom, reported hearing Reese call one of the three students “my anti-Semitic friend.” The teacher said the students began walking down the hall and Reese started yelling that they disrespected “his flag” and were ignorant, according to the incident report.

Reese began walking back to his classroom, the teacher added, when she says she heard him yelling, “She is a stupid motherf***er, and I will drag her by the back of my car and cut her f***ing head off for disrespecting my Jewish flag,” the report stated.

A separate adult witness reported to the deputy she heard Reese yell at the student, “You don’t make an anti-Semitic comment like that to a Jew,” and later shouting in the hallway that he would “slit her f***ing throat” when talking about the students. That teacher said Reese was yelling loudly and cursing down the hallway back into his classroom.

School surveillance video showed Reese following the three students in the hallway, according to the incident report. The video did not include audio.

When confronted by the school’s principal and the sheriff’s deputy, Reese initially “got defensive,” questioned why the deputy was present and denied speaking to anyone, the report stated. Eventually, however, Reese told the principal a student came into his classroom to tell him she found the Israeli flag offensive, the report says. Reese claimed he told the student she was being anti-Semitic but denied saying “anything racist.”

Reese became angry and “kicked the door stopper in an aggressive manner” when asked to discuss the incident further, the report says. He then asked in what capacity the deputy was present – whether as a school resource officer or a member of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, to which the deputy responded, “Both.” Reese then told the deputy he had “nothing further” to say and “invoked his civil rights,” according to the report.

The deputy interviewed all three of the students about what led up to allegedly being threatened by Reese, the report says. One told the deputy she decided to speak with Reese about the flag because she found it offensive, according to the report.

The student said she entered Reese’s classroom, pointed to the flag and asked him why he had it hanging there. According to the student, Reese responded he was Jewish and had family members who still live there, the report stated.

The student told him she found the flag offensive due to “Israelis killing (Palestinians),” and then claimed Reese became angry, she told the deputy. She said he began to yell and asked if she denied the right of Israel to exist and called her anti-Semitic, according to the report.

The student claimed she left the classroom due to the situation becoming “heated and uncomfortable,” but Reese tried to prevent her from leaving and demanded her name and homeroom teacher, which she gave him. She said he continued to yell at her and her friends as they walked away down the hallway, the report says.

Source: cnn.com

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Shooting of Palestinian college students came amid spike in gun violence in Vermont

December 15, 2023

BURLINGTON: The recent shootings of three college students of Palestinian descent in Vermont’s largest city come as the small rural state, often ranked as one of the nation’s safest, is grappling with a spike in gun violence.

Two days after the students were shot and seriously wounded during their Thanksgiving break, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said it “was one of the most shocking and disturbing events in this city’s history.”

Statewide, Vermont has had 10 homicides and one suspicious death since October, including a double homicide in Burlington, Weinberger said. Burlington has seen 16 gunfire incidents so far this year, he said, adding that Vermont’s largest city is not alone.

“Many communities are experiencing an alarming rise in gun violence with recent shootings happening in Newport, Danville, St. Johnsbury, Brattleboro, Castleton, Leicester, Brookfield,” Weinberger said at the time.

Overall the country had a 6 percent decrease in national firearms homicides between 2021 and 2022, but Vermont saw a 185 percent jump, according to Vermont State Police Capt. Shawn Loan.

“So we went from seven firearms deaths in 2021 to 20 in 2022,” he said, adding that he did not yet have the current total for this year.

About half of the homicides in Vermont involved a firearm between 2017 and 2021, he said. Last year that rose to 86 percent, Loan said.

While authorities are investigating the shooting of the students as a possible hate crime, many of the homicides around Vermont this fall are likely drug-related and all are isolated from each other, Vermont State Police Director Col. Matthew Birmingham said.

“Vermont is experiencing many drug-related issues. Fentanyl is a huge problem for this state and the country, for that matter,” said Birmingham. “Our overdose death rate is climbing every year, which is a problem and something that should be on everybody’s radar.”

The shooting deaths this fall have taxed the short-staffed Vermont State Police, which has made arrests in two of them. The agency has a 15 percent vacancy rate — with 51 positions unfilled — and about a 25 percent functional vacancy rate meaning there are a certain number of people on family, military or other leave that are not available, Birmingham said.

“So that puts us in a challenging position. We’re doing more work — our calls for service go up every year — with less people,” he said.

Statewide, Vermont’s homicide rate last year was about 3.9 per 100,000, compared to Los Angeles at 3.1 and New York City at 2.3 per 100,000, Loan said. Burlington’s rate was 11.2 per 100,000, exceeding the rates in Philadelphia, Phoenix and Springfield, Mass., according to Loan.

“We don’t have enough ambulances to run, we don’t have enough homicide investigators because we’re not designed to have that high rate of violent crime. So it has a bigger effect,” he said.

In Burlington, the drug problem is spiraling out of control and it’s routine to see people injecting drugs downtown, in city hall park and in other places, said Andrew Vota, who has lived in the city for 25 years.

“It’s a citywide issue and people experience it in the downtown but they’re also experiencing it in their neighborhoods and it’s everywhere across the city and it’s scary,” he said of the drug activity.

Retail theft and other crime has increased and some businesses have left downtown.

Vota and Jane Knodell, a former chair of the Burlington City Council, drafted a letter this fall that now has been signed by about 1,500 residents in the city of about 45,000, that outlines concerns and makes recommendations.

“The increasing levels of violence, burglary, retail, automobile, and bike theft, unlawful public drug and alcohol consumption, drug dealing, graffiti, and other illegal activity are unacceptable,” the letter states.

The crimes come as the city’s police department tries to rebuild its staffing levels. In 2020, the City Council passed a resolution directing the department to reduce its maximum number of officers through attrition from 105 to 74, amid calls in Burlington and nationwide for racial justice and to defund police.

More than a year later, the City Council authorized the department to increase its staffing level to an effective number of 87, but then-Acting Police Chief Jon Murad said at the time that it would take years to rebuild the department. As of Nov. 15, Burlington had 69 sworn officers.

“I think the fundamental problem is the reduction in the police force because that’s kind of the back bone. Because they are a deterrent,” said Knodell, who did not support the cap.

The city has added security guards to the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian outdoor mall downtown, to help shoppers feel safe during the holiday season. Other businesses are planning to fill some of the vacancies, Weinberger said. The city also planned to hold a community public safety forum Thursday and has another one planned next week to discuss drug trafficking, gun crime, substance use and property crime.

After the shooting of the Palestinian students, suspect Jason J. Eaton, 48, was arrested the next day at his Burlington apartment. He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder and is currently being held without bail. The shooting came as threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities have increased across the US since the the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October.

Meanwhile, Vermont State Police are making progress on the investigations into other shooting deaths around the state this fall, Birmingham said, including that of a 77-year-old retired college dean who was shot while walking on a recreational trail in the small town of Castleton in October.

Castleton residents are still rattled. They don’t think police are doing enough and don’t feel safe walking on the trail, said Mark Brown, a business owner in town, who has organized a daily group walk Monday through Friday on the trail. A fundraising effort led by Brown has raised more than $25,000 for a reward leading to an arrest.

Some investigations will take longer than others, Birmingham said last month. “But I am confident that we are going to make progress on all of them that will end in resolutions for victims,” he said.

Source: arabnews.com

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US denounces war crimes against civilians in Sudan; ignores questions about Israel’s actions in Gaza

December 15, 2023

CHICAGO: Biden administration officials on Thursday ramped up their calls for the prosecution of warring Sudanese factions for war crimes against civilians but brushed aside questions about alleged Israeli war crimes against civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Beth Van Schaack, the US Department of State’s ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, described the situation in Sudan, caused by the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and rival militia the Rapid Support Forces, as “dire.” She said “at least 10,000” people have been killed and more than 6.8 million displaced.

Van Schaack highlighted the continuing efforts by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to “track and document” the “myriad” crimes in Sudan, in particular denounced the violence against civilians, women and children.

However, she declined to respond to numerous questions about similar allegations of war crimes against civilians in Gaza.

“We have all seen chilling media reports that reflect that thousands of people have been swept into detention sites in and around Khartoum, where we know that some have been tortured and some have been killed,” Van Schaack said during an online briefing attended by Arab News.

“The war has also been waged on the bodies of women and girls who have been terrorized by deliberate, systemic sexual violence inflicted by the RSF and its allied militia forces. They are attacked in their homes. They are kidnapped from the streets. Women and girls have been subjected to conflict-related sexual violence including rape, gang rape and sexual slavery. Survivors are often unable to access any kinds of medical care or psychological support, thus leaving lasting trauma.

“In Darfur in particular we have witnessed an explosion of violence against civilians along ethnic lines. People are not safe in their homes, in mosques or in schools. We have read numerous, credible reports of RSF and affiliated Arab militias seeking out, in particular, Masalit people and members of other African communities, hunting for men and boys, shooting people desperately fleeing for their lives, stealing everything of value, and burning the rest.”

Van Schaack continued: “We’re also really looking for ways to use some of our many sanctions authorities to put pressure on individuals and entities that are undermining peace in the region. So back in May we announced a new executive order, President Biden announced, that will allow for the designation of those responsible for targeting civilians and other serious human rights abuses."

She said the US was encouraged to hear that allegations of “war crimes and crimes against humanity” in Sudan “may be subject to investigation and prosecution” by the International Criminal Court.

“The laws of war demand that civilians and civilian objects, the civilian infrastructure, are immune from deliberate attack,” Van Schaack said. “And so warring parties are only supposed to engage with military objectives — so with troops or with military materiel, weapons, caches, etc.

“Unfortunately, we do see that some of these military objectives are within civilian areas. And so the message is always that the parties need to be extremely precise and deliberate in engaging with those military objectives so that they don’t inadvertently harm civilians that are in the immediate vicinity.”

Governments have a responsibility to protect civilians when targeting militant or armed groups, she added.

“There is a principle of proportionality that is in play here, where you’re allowed to target military objectives but you must do so with a level and degree of force that is proportionate to the value of that

military objective,” she said. “And when you have military objectives collocated with civilians, that proportionality analysis becomes extremely important.

“So, part of our messaging with the parties has been to adhere to their responsibilities and take all measures possible to protect civilian life but also to protect the civilian infrastructure.”

Van Schaak said she is also concerned by the targeting of journalists in Sudan and praised representatives of the media for their role in documenting the conflict.

“It’s a dangerous situation and I know that many of you are putting yourselves at personal risk to travel to these regions in order to be able to cover them firsthand, and to hear from survivors themselves so that those of us outside the region are able to learn more about what’s going on, so that we can inform and strengthen our own efforts to try and bring about a cessation of hostilities, bring the parties together, and chart a path forward for a civilian-led democratic future for the Sudanese people,” she said.

“So we’re really very grateful for all of your hard work and want to acknowledge that.”

Numerous questions were submitted asking Van Schaack to explain the differing stances of the Biden administration on the conflict in Sudan compared with the violence in the Gaza Strip, but those questions were ignored.

At the start of the briefing, the Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub moderator, Tiffany Jackson-Zunker, made it clear that no questions about issues outside of the Sudan conflict would be answered.

“We ask that you limit yourself to one question related to the topic of today’s briefing, the determination that members of the SAF and the RSF have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in Sudan,” she said.

Van Schaack said Blinken is determined “to bear witness to and to shine a light on the abuses suffered by the Sudanese people at the hands of the very forces who are meant to protect them.”

The Biden administration hopes “to rally the international community to help us end the violence, address the humanitarian crisis, and promote justice for survivors and victims,” she added

Source: arabnews.com

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US has 'historic responsibility' to ensure cease-fire in Gaza: Turkish President Erdogan

DiyarGuldogan

14.12.2023

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday told his US counterpart that it is America's "historical responsibility" to ensure a permanent cease-fire in Gaza as soon as possible.

Erdogan and Joe Biden held a phone call to discuss Israel's attacks on Palestinian territories, especially Gaza, bilateral relations, as well as Sweden's NATO bid, Türkiye's Communications Directorate said.

The president said a cease-fire could be achieved quickly if the US withdrew its "unconditional support" for Israel.

Erdogan told Biden that the human tragedy in Gaza should be stopped, and warned that deepening and prolongation of Israel's attacks could have "negative regional and global consequences."

He underlined the need for the establishment of a guarantor mechanism, as suggested by Türkiye, to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Erdogan stressed that the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital based on the 1967 borders is "the most reasonable and permanent solution."

The leaders also discussed Ankara's bid to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the US.

Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip from the air and land, imposed a siege and mounted a ground offensive in retaliation for a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 18,787 Palestinians have since been killed and 50,897 others injured in the Israeli onslaught, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

The Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stands at nearly 1,200, according to official figures.

Source: aa.com.tr

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Europe

 

European Union has 'lost credibility' on Israel and Palestine, says Ireland's PM

December 15, 2023

BRUSSELS — Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar says the European Union has "lost credibility" because of its "inability to take a stronger and more united position on Israel and Palestine."

Speaking at the start of a EU summit in Brussels focusing more on Ukraine, Varadkar said the EU should condemn “terrorism perpetrated by Hamas,” but also call for justice for the Palestinian people.

The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with close to 20,000 civilian deaths after a months-long Israeli military offensive, is prompting more European Union countries to support the idea of a humanitarian cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Varadkar urged other EU leaders to call for a halt in the fighting, rather than a limited pause to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

“We’ve lost credibility at the global South, which actually is most of the world, because what is perceived to be double standards. And there’s some truth in that, quite frankly,” said Varadkar.

The 27 EU countries have long been divided in their approach to Israel and the Palestinians. At their previous meeting in October, EU leaders called “for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures, including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.”

Varadkar said he hopes they will achieve “stronger wording” this time.

Before the summit, Varadkar and the prime ministers of Spain, Belgium, and Malta wrote to European Council President Charles Michel asking him to host a “serious debate” about the Israel-Hamas war and the “humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.”

“We must call urgently for all the parties to declare a lasting humanitarian cease-fire that can lead to an end of hostilities,” the four leaders wrote.

Israel has drawn international outrage and rare criticism from the United States over the killing of civilians. More than 18,400 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths.

Israel says 113 of its soldiers have died in the Gaza ground offensive it launched after Hamas raided southern Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking about 240 hostages, some of whom were freed in a short-lived ceasefire.

On Tuesday, 17 out of 27 EU countries backed a resolution at the UN General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. In October, only eight EU member states voted in favor of an earlier resolution which advocated for a truce instead of a cease-fire.

Varadkar insisted that a cease-fire could lead “to a new peace process and Palestinian statehood, which is the only way to secure justice and security for everyone living in the region.”

Spanish Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, backed his Irish colleague.

“Europe has to speak out ... in a clear, strong, firm and unified voice,” he said.

Despite its limited political leverage, the EU is the world’s top aid supplier to the Palestinians. The EU has little influence over Israel -- the United States is its staunchest ally -- but remains the country’s biggest trade partner. — Euronews

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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Mosque's bid for boosted security after 'attacks' proves successful

Matt Simpson

 15 December 2023

SECURITY at a town centre mosque is due to be ramped up.

A second planning application for a new taller fence and alarm around the Bournemouth Islamic Centre & Central Mosque has been approved.

The mosque on St Stephen’s Road has been targeted in a “spate of targeted attacks” in recent years.

Imam Majid Yasin told the Echo in the autumn there have been “a number of incidents” where people have attacked the place of worship by “throwing paint and liquid” at it.

But now, BCP Council has given the mosque the green light to improve its safety..

The plans include a 1.8m fence, taller than an existing structure, as well as new security lights.

A case officer report by BCP Council said: “In terms of the undesirable height of the proposed railings, it is recognised railings of this height are needed in this case to provide the sought level of security to the centre.

“It is commendable that to help mitigate the negative impact of the height of the railings, interest has been added to their design.

“The railings would have a curved top and according to the revised fence drawing, would also have two rails as well as ball tops softening the appearance of the proposed boundary treatment.”

The documents state that the lights would be low-wattage and would not be permanently on in the evenings, except in the case of trespassers being detected by the sensors.

As reported, Mr Yasin had wanted the planning application to be successful as a “matter of urgency” following safety concerns for women and children who attend the mosque.

He said there have been incidents when pig meat was thrown at the door, windows smashed and red paint daubed on the building.

The last application was rejected because the applicant “failed to provide details that are sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on the asset’s significance”, according to the council.

Source: yahoo.com

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Germany to gradually end practice of importing imams from Turkey

December 14, 2023

The German Interior Ministry, Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) and the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DİTİB) have reached an agreement to gradually end the posting of state-employed imams from Turkey to Germany and to train the imams domestically, according to a press release from the ministry.

As part of a joint training initiative, 100 imams are to be trained in Germany every year and will replace the Turkey-appointed imams in the country, according to the Thursday press release.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called the agreement “an important milestone for the integration and participation of Muslim communities in Germany.”

“We need preachers who speak our language, know our country and stand up for our values,” Faeser said. “We want imams to get involved in the dialogue between religions and discuss questions of faith in our society.”

Feaser said the agreement with Turkey was reached after “lengthy negotiations.”

Germany has been seeking for years to increase the number of imams educated domestically to decrease the influence of foreign countries on its Muslim communities.

About 5.5 million of Germany’s 83.2 million residents are Muslim, and almost 3 million people in the country are Turkish or have Turkish roots.

According to the agreement DİTİB will be in charge of training the 100 imams in Germany every year.

Due to the lack of Islamic theological schools in Germany, Muslim congregations have for years imported religious leaders. Yet many believe that imams trained in Islamic theology programs in Germany would be better able to serve the needs of a younger generation of Muslims growing up in the country.

The training of the 100 imams in Germany each year is to take place as part of the existing DİTİB training program in Dahlem in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate and through an additional program.

For the training of the imams, cooperation will also be sought from the Islamic College Germany, or Islamkolleg Deutschland, based in Osnabrueck in northern Germany. The college was founded by Muslim community associations, theologians and academics in 2019 to provide practical and theological training for German-speaking religious staff and imams for local communities.

The supervision of the state-employed imams will be transferred to DİTİB from the Diyanet during the transition process in 2024.

Until now, the Turkish imams have been sent to serve at more than 900 mosques across Germany run by DİTİB, which operates under Turkey’s Diyanet. They stay four or five years, are paid by Turkey and have been criticized for having little to no knowledge of the German language or culture.

DİTİB is an association registered under German law that will then take direct responsibility for training the imams.

DİTİB was founded by the Diyanet in Germany in 1984 at a time when more fundamentalist Islamic movements that were banned in Turkey had become increasingly popular among the Turkish population in Germany.

DİTİB has been accused of acting as the long arm of the Turkish government following a 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Some imams are alleged to have acted on the orders of Turkish diplomatic posts to spy on followers of the Gülen movement, which Ankara blames for the failed coup.

Source: turkishminute.com

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Denmark remands six in custody after foiled terror attack

December 15, 2023

COPENHAGEN: Danish prosecution authorities said Friday that six people had been remanded in custody overnight after a police swoop they said prevented a terror attack.

Police have not given any details about the target of the alleged plot but said late Thursday that there was no direct link to the arrest the same day of four suspected Hamas members in Germany accused of preparing an attack against Jewish targets in Europe.

Israel had said on Thursday that the suspects in Denmark were acting “on behalf of Hamas,” which has not been confirmed by Danish authorities.

“Six people were remanded in custody overnight until January 9 — four of them in absentia. One person has been released,” the Danish prosecution service wrote on X, without providing further details.

Suspects can be remanded in custody in absentia in order to obtain an international arrest warrant, which suggests the four may be abroad.

The proceedings were held behind closed doors and no details of the case have been made public.

Danish police said Thursday that they had arrested three people in Denmark.

“It was a group that was planning an act of terror,” FlemmingDrejer, head of operations at the PET intelligence service, told a news conference.

Danish news agency Ritzau and public broadcaster DR said the arrests were linked to the organized crime gang Loyal to Familia, which is banned in Denmark.

Ritzau and DR said the three arrested were two men and a young woman. One of the two men was released, they said.

Three men arrested in Germany and a fourth in the Netherlands on Thursday were said to have begun preparing a weapons cache in the German capital where arms would be “kept in a state of readiness in view of potential terrorist attacks against Jewish institutions in Europe,” German federal prosecutors said in a statement.

Source: arabnews.com

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UK, US sanction Iranians linked to Quds Force, Palestinian militant groups

December 14, 2023

LONDON: Britain said it had adopted a new sanctions regime against Iran on Thursday as it announced measures against seven individuals, including the head of Tehran’s Quds Force, for threatening or planning the destabilization of Israel.

The British government said the new regime, which it said gave it greater powers to act against Iran and its decision makers, had been brought in response to “unprecedented threats” from Tehran to peace in the Middle East and to plots to kill individuals in Britain.

“The behavior of the Iranian regime poses an unacceptable threat to the UK and our partners,” foreign minister David Cameron said in a statement.

“It continues to threaten people on UK soil and uses its influence to destabilize the Middle East through its support to armed groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).”

Those subject to travel bans and asset freezes under the new sanctions included EsmailQaani, the head of the Quds Force, which is the arm of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) that controls its allied militia from Lebanon to Iraq and Yemen to Syria.

Also sanctioned were Mohammed Saeed Izadi, the head of IRGC-QF Palestine branch, and three other members from that branch: Ali Marshad Shirazi, Majid Zaree and Mostafa Majid Khani.

The entire branch itself is subject to asset freezes, the government said, while Hamas and PIJ representatives to Iran, Khaled Qaddoumi and Nasser Abu Sharif, respectively, also face travel bans and asset freezes.

London has accused Iran of supporting Houthi militant attacks on shipping in the Red Sea but the British Chief of the Defense Staff, Tony Radakin, said Britain did not think Tehran wanted a war in the Middle East.

“We assess Iran doesn’t want a direct war ... But Iran is comfortable with the way events have unfolded, the dilemmas for Israel, the threat posed by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, militia groups exploiting this crisis to challenge America’s role in the region,” Radakin said in a speech on Wednesday.

The United States on Thursday also imposed sanctions on a Quds Force official, the Treasury Department said in a statement, accusing Majid Zaree of being involved in support to groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

The action freezes any of the official’s US assets and generally bars Americans from dealing with him. Those that engage in certain transactions with him also risk being hit with sanctions.

“The United States continues to coordinate with our partners, including the United Kingdom, to tackle terrorist financing and threats from Iran,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in the statement.

Source: arabnews.com

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Spanish PM calls on EU to take stand against Israel

Dec 14, 2023

TEHRAN, Dec. 14 (MNA) – Spain's prime minister urged the EU on Wednesday to speak out against Zionists as it continues to pursue its relentless attacks on the Gaza Strip.

"It is time to speak openly about what is happening in Israel and Palestine," Pedro Sanchez said at the General Assembly of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Anadolu reports.

Sanchez called on European lawmakers to "stop the silence and speak with the same clarity and unity about what is happening in Israel and Palestine."

"If we want the world to respect us as a coherent and relevant geopolitical actor, if we want our citizens to be proud of our actions and to see that European values are not just words, we must speak loudly, clearly and with one voice," he continued.

"We must say enough of the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, including thousands of children. The bombings must stop immediately. Humanitarian aid must arrive urgently and in sufficient quantities," he added.

In the shadow of global inaction and the support of Washington and the West, the Zionist regime continues its crimes against the people of Gaza and bombards different areas of Gaza from the north to the center and south of this strip.

The UN estimates that 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million people have been displaced and are receiving goods from only around 100 aid trucks per day.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 18,608 Palestinians have been killed and more than 50,594 injured in Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza starting on October 7. Palestinian and international estimates say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

Source: mehrnews.com

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Mideast

 

From homes to lands, Zionist colonization of everyday life of Palestinians

15 December 2023

Xavier Villar

One aspect that often goes unnoticed when analyzing the situation in Palestine is what can be described as the 'occupation of everyday life.'

This refers to how the Zionist colonial regime and its settler-colonial project are present even in the smallest details and in the most intimate spaces of Palestinian lives.

A political analysis of 'intimacy,' particularly within Palestinian homes, will help illustrate how colonialism infiltrates even the most private corners, typically thought to be secluded or, at the very least, less exposed to the colonial entity.

The intimate focus on politics also enables an observation of how the daily and routine presence of occupation affects the lives and interpersonal relationships of the colonized.

For instance, through this intimate perspective, it's possible to analyze how receiving a home demolition notice impacts people psychologically, or how rebuilding a home each time it is demolished can ultimately affect the mental health of those involved in that process.

This type of analysis should not be interpreted as a departure from studying colonialism but rather as a means to highlight how invasive colonialism is, penetrating households.

In other words, a perspective on the micropolitics of intimate spaces complements the macropolitical analysis of colonialism.

Palestinian homes are regularly evacuated, demolished, and raided. This violation of intimate space is neither recent nor solely provoked by the supposed reaction to the events of October 7.

For instance, in 2016, data published by Israeli media itself indicated an average weekly demolition of 20 structures.

Another example of this home destruction was documented by the Palestinian journalist and author RamzyBaroud, who recorded in 2017 how the Palestinian Bedouin village of Al-Araqeeb was demolished more than 116 times.

In addition to house demolitions, there are other ways in which the Zionist occupation manifests in everyday spaces, such as state harassment aimed at forcing residents to abandon their homes or eviction orders, which in the Palestinian colonial context could be defined as the legitimization of that harassment.

It's quite common for Palestinian families to be expelled from their homes where they've lived for decades. In the occupied East Jerusalem, there are areas where settler movements, supported and protected by the regime military and legal structure of the colonial state, attack and intimidate Palestinian residents in order to evict them from their homes.

Geographer SabrienAmrov highlights how violence and the occupation of daily life manifest in the military perception applied to Palestinian homes.

In an infographic published in 2014 by the Israeli army titled 'When is a House a Home?', a typical Palestinian home was portrayed from a militarized perspective.

The bedroom was identified as an 'operations room,' while the living room was considered an 'arms depot.' Through this discursive exercise, the Israeli army justified its attacks on infrastructures that are typically conceived as civilian spaces, places of refuge, and protection.

This discursive process connects the two aspects of Zionist colonial occupation: the microcosm represented by homes and intimacy, and the macrocosm represented by Palestinian territory as a whole.

In both realms, the objective is to dispossess Palestinians of their homes and lands.

Both colonial records highlight the entirety of the occupation, its presence in the daily lives of Palestinians, and the impossibility of finding spaces of refuge, both physically and politically.

From the perspective of homes, it's crucial to note how they have ceased to be simple familial spaces isolated from the colonial exterior and have transformed into what are considered 'battlefields.'

This unexpected intrusion of war into the private sphere of the home has represented, for civilians in Palestine as well as in Iraq or Afghanistan, the deepest form of trauma and humiliation.

In this sense, Palestinian homes are no longer just spaces of increasingly restricted intimacy, but places of occupation, control, and dispossession.

From a theoretical standpoint, a city in a normal context might be delineated by two types of walls: outer walls defining its perimeter and shaping the public space, and inner walls separating intimate or private spaces.

However, in colonial contexts like Palestine, the separation between the public and the intimate disappears. The entire space is delineated by colonial occupation, from open areas to individual rooms.

The image evoked in the case of Palestine, where the boundaries blur between the exterior and the interior of the home, is that of a concentration camp. In such a setting, there are no intimate spaces to seek refuge from violence.

In Palestine, families aren't safe even within their rooms, in their most private and intimate spaces.

The colonization of everyday life and intimacy is another consequence of the Zionist colonial system, serving as yet another reason for resistance.

Source: presstv.ir

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Mosque hit as raids, phosphorus bombs strike southern Lebanon

December 14, 2023

BEIRUT: Israeli artillery shelling intensified on Thursday at various Lebanese border towns where Hezbollah is active.

War correspondents reported “the use of phosphorus bombs by the Israeli army in shelling the outskirts of the town of Khiam.”

Israeli Channel 14 reported that the Iron Dome intercepted 20 missiles fired from southern Lebanon towards the Galilee Panhandle.

The Israeli military launched a drone strike on a house located in the town center of Aita Al-Shaab.

The property belongs to Lebanese citizen Haidar Srour, who evacuated with his family at the start of escalations on the border. Israel targeted the house in a previous raid as well.

An Israeli drone bombed a mosque in the town of Jebbayn with a missile, causing damage to it, and the region between Alma Al-Shaab and Naqoura came under artillery shelling from the Israel Defense Forces.

Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes in the forested and plain areas near Aitaroun and Maroun Al-Ras, and the area between Chihine and Marwahin was subjected to Israeli shelling. Wadi Saluki and Mays Al-Jabal were also subjected to artillery fire.

In the morning, Israeli artillery targeted the Awaidah and Aaziyyeh hills on the outskirts of the town of Taybeh, which experienced a power outage due to a targeted attack on the high-voltage transmission network supplying the area.

Lebanon’s southern border is split into three sectors known as the Blue Line — west, central, and east. The east sector is the most important strategically as it includes disputed mountain villages of the Arqoub area between Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.

Reports of unknown callers asking homeowners to evacuate before shelling have increased in the southern region.

Political analyst Ali Al-Amin told Arab News several people had reported being contacted by people who speak Arabic, and they had experienced similar situations.

“This does not mean that the Israeli army is showing mercy to civilians because we can see its massacres in the Gaza Strip, but it seems that its current plan in Lebanon is not to target civilians,” he said.

“The Israelis have access to the communication data of people in southern Lebanon and perhaps in other regions.

“It is concerning that some people who received calls from unknown people were unaware that the caller was from Israel.

“Men and women answered normally, thinking the caller wanted to ensure they were safe.”

Al-Amin added: “The technological advancement possessed by the Israeli army during these confrontations may have surprised Hezbollah as it accurately hits targets. In return, Hezbollah may have achieved field gains through its tactics to mitigate its losses.”

Hezbollah announced Thursday that it targeted the Yiftah outpost and a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles in its surroundings.

The group also targeted the Israeli forces in the vicinity of the Shomera outpost.

Army spokesperson AvichayAdraee said that Israeli fighter jets struck Hezbollah’s infrastructure and military buildings inside Lebanon.

Adraee said that the Israeli side “detected the launching of a rocket from Lebanon toward the Shomera region on the Lebanese border.”

Hezbollah announced the death of one of its fighters, Ahmad Hassan Moukahal, from Jouaya village in southern Lebanon.

The militant group announced the death of two of its fighters on Wednesday, bringing the total toll of Hezbollah fighters killed since the violence broke out along the Lebanese border on Oct. 8 to 101 as of Thursday afternoon.

Source: arabnews.com

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Israel ‘carpet-bombs’ Gaza amid starvation, epidemic, coms blackout

14 December 2023

At least 27 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on two residential buildings in Rafah in southern Gaza, with victims still being reported to be under the rubble.

Footage from the scene shared online on Thursday showed local residents trying to extinguish a fire and rescue survivors as black smoke rose from one of the buildings.

Two adjacent homes belonging to the Abu Dhbaa and Ashour families were obliterated in the attack on the city, where tens of thousands of displaced people have sought shelter since a weeklong truce collapsed in early December.

Displaced people have been sleeping in makeshift shelters and in the streets after evacuating from the north and from other areas of southern Gaza that had previously been deemed safe by the Israeli military.

The new bout of killings came as a new US intelligence assessment revealed that nearly half of the air-to-ground munitions that Israel has used in Gaza in its war on Gaza since October 7 have been unguided, otherwise known as “dumb bombs”.

Israel carried out 18 strikes in the latest attack, in which 179 Palestinians were killed and 303 others wounded over the past day, Palestinian Ministry of Health spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said.

Israeli warplanes on Thursday carried out a series of intense raids on large areas in the northern and southern Gaza Strip, specifically on the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.

In northern Gaza, bodies of 10 Palestinians were retrieved after Israeli warplanes struck the Jabalia refugee camp.

The ministry said the death toll in Gaza since the start of the war has now reached 18,787. It said 50,897 Palestinians have also been wounded.

Josh Paul, the former State Department official who resigned in October over arms transfers to Israel as it bombarded Gaza, said the use of unguided bombs on the enclave is “unconscionable” and “must end now”.

According to a CNN report on Wednesday, a US intelligence report says that 40 to 45 percent of the 29,000 air-to-ground munitions Israel has used in Gaza are bombs without guidance systems.

"The use of thousands of unguided bombs against such a small and densely populated area as Gaza puts the lie to any comparison between Israel's current operation and previous US military operations in the global war on terror,” Paul said on Thursday.

Paul said the idea that the US would continue to provide “munitions of any type to a regime that our own intelligence community assesses is using weapons in this way - effectively carpet-bombing urban areas - should be as horrifying to the American public as I hope it is to my former colleagues in government”.

“American lethal military assistance to Israel for use in Gaza, and in any of the occupied territories, makes us complicit in these war crimes. It must end - and it must end now,” he said.

The humanitarian situation in the besieged territory continued to deteriorate, with nearly 85 percent of Gaza’s residents or 1.9 million Palestinians having been displaced, according to the UN which said almost half of Gaza's population now live in Rafah.

Strong winds and heavy rain are bringing even more misery to displaced Palestinians. The rain is tearing and flooding flimsy tents, drenching clothes and blankets, and leaving people exposed to the cold.

At a tent camp in Rafah, located on sandy terrain strewn with rubbish, people were trying to recover from a horrible night, carrying buckets of sand to cover puddles inside or just outside their tents, and hanging up soggy clothes, Reuters reported Thursday.

UNRWA commissioner-general  Philippe Lazzarini said UN trucks are being stopped in Gaza as Palestinians starved by the Israeli siege crowd around shelters and trucks in large numbers.

"People are stopping aid trucks, taking the food and eating it straight away," he said. "Hunger has now emerged over the last few weeks and we meet more and more people who haven't eaten for one, two or three days."

A spokesperson for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) said it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain life in Gaza due to Israeli bombing and siege. 

“Staff on the ground say that every day that passes makes it more and more difficult to sustain human life in Gaza, that’s because of the systematic denial of food, water, medicine and fuel to the civilian population in Gaza,” Melanie Ward, the CEO of MAP said.

Ward added that Israeli indiscriminate bombing will soon result in the killing of 10,000 children. “The situation couldn’t be more grim,” she added.

Paltel, one of the main telecommunications providers in Gaza, announced on Thursday that due to Israeli aggression all its services have been cut.

“Dear people in our beloved homeland, we regret to announce a complete cessation of all communications and Internet services with the Gaza Strip, due to the ongoing aggression. May God protect you and protect our country,” Paltel said in a post on X.

Doctors and aid workers also said that with a health system on its knees, and no food, water or shelter, people in Gaza face an inevitable epidemic.

"The perfect storm for disease has begun. Now it's about, 'How bad will it get?'" James Elder, chief spokesperson for the UN children's fund (UNICEF), told Reuters.

Between November 29 and December 10, cases of diarrhea in children under five in Gaza jumped 66 percent to 59,895 cases, and climbed 55 percent in the rest of the population, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The UN agency said the numbers were inevitably incomplete due to the meltdown of all systems and services in Gaza because of Israeli bombing.

The head of the pediatric ward at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Dr Ahmed Al-Farra, said his ward was overrun with children suffering extreme dehydration, causing kidney failure in some cases, while the rate of severe diarrhea was four times higher than normal.

Source: presstv.ir

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Communication blackout in Gaza amid Israeli bombardment

December 15, 2023

JEDDAH: Internet and telephone services were cut across the war-torn Gaza Strip on Thursday as Israel’s bombardment took more Palestinian lives.

“We regret to announce that all telecom services in the Gaza Strip have been lost due to the ongoing offensive ... Gaza is blacked out again,” the Palestinian telecommunications company Paltel said.

Israel kept up its barrage of Gaza as a surge in deadly diseases sweeps through displaced residents.

Israel’s defense minister warned the war with Hamas would last “more than several months” as he met US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Tel Aviv.

US President Joe Biden said this week Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza was eroding international support.

The war, now in its third month, began after the Palestinian group’s unprecedented Oct. 7 attacks on Israel that Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people.

In response, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and launched an unrelenting military offensive that has left swathes of Gaza in ruins.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said 18,787 people have been killed, mostly women and children.

In Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis, smoke rose from a grey landscape of rubble which people combed with shovels and their bare hands after a strike. One man sat on the broken concrete, wiping his eyes.

“Around four people are still stuck under the rubble” after an airplane hit the building “without a warning,” said Hassan Bayyout, 70.

Israeli troops have killed 12 Palestinians in three days of raids in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, including one youth shot dead at a hospital.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said the Biden administration must now “walk the walk” and take specific steps toward what has been an elusive two-state solution, including by applying pressure on Israel.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has rejected statements by Israel’s ambassador in London that her country does not want a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians.

Sunak said: “Our long-standing position remains that a two-state solution is the right outcome,” adding that he is “incredibly concerned” by the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli artillery shelling intensified at various Lebanese border towns where Hezbollah is active. War correspondents reported “the use of phosphorus bombs by the Israeli army in shelling the outskirts of the town of Khiam.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Turkiye strongly condemns Israeli raid on Jenin, calls for accountability

December 15, 2023

ANKARA: Turkiye strongly condemns “provocations” by Israeli forces during raids on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin and the desecration of a mosque there, Turkiye’s foreign ministry said, calling for those responsible to be punished.

Israeli troops killed a youth at a hospital and read out Jewish prayers at a mosque in Jenin during the raids that Palestinian authorities said killed 12 and that Israel said helped capture dozens of militants.

“We strongly condemn the provocations of Israeli soldiers who stormed the Jenin Refugee Camp, and disrespected sanctity of a place of worship by entering the mosque,” Spokesman OncuKeceli said on social messaging platform X late on Thursday.

“In East Jerusalem and the West Bank, where tensions are running extremely high due to settler terror and heavy pressure and attacks by Israeli security forces against Palestinians, we expect attacks on Muslim holy places to be ended immediately and those who perpetrate these provocations to be punished in the most severe way,” he added.

The Palestinian government criticized the operation inside Jenin as a “dangerous escalation” and in a statement said the desecration of the mosque by some Israeli troops fanned religious tension. Israel’s army said it would discipline the soldiers.

Turkiye, which supports a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has harshly criticized Israel for its attacks on Gaza and in the West Bank, saying the Israeli settlers in the region were “terrorists.” It has called for an immediate ceasefire and slammed Western support for Israel.

Source: arabnews.com

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Iran reiterates support for ‘legitimate’ Palestinian resistance

14 December 2023

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reiterated Iran’s backing for the “legitimate” resistance of the Palestinian people, calling on all countries to step up their efforts to stop the “war crimes of the Zionist regime”.

“It has been many years that the Palestinian people have been trying to free their country from occupation. This is a legitimate resistance from the standpoint of international law and the United Nations Charter,” he told Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba in Geneva on Thursday.

“It is necessary for all countries to try to stop the war crimes of the Israeli regime against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, while supporting the liberation struggles of the Palestinian people,” he added.

Amir-Abdollahian, in Geneva on the final day of the Global Refugee Forum, explained the Islamic Republic’s course of action for a democratic solution of the crisis in Palestine.

His talks with Rouamba, he said, were a very good opportunity to discuss cooperation between Tehran and Ouagadougou following the recent meeting of their joint economic commission.

Amir-Abdullahian expressed hope that the implementation of the agreements signed between the two countries would go well. He also announced Iran’s readiness to provide educational services to Burkina Faso in various specialized fields, including medicine and medical equipment.

Rouamba thanked the Islamic Republic for supporting her country, calling it a relief to the sufferings of two million displaced persons in her country.

More than 2 million people are internally displaced in the West African nation, the majority of them women and children, amid violence linked to al-Qaeda and Daesh terrorist groups.

The violence has pushed people from their homes, off their farms and into congested urban areas or makeshift camps, fueling a dire humanitarian crisis.

Rouamba, who visited Tehran in September, welcomed Iran's scientific, technical and educational activities in Burkina Faso, calling it a basis for strengthening Iran's cooperation with her country and the African continent.

In a phone conversation, Amir-Abdollhian and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira also stressed the importance of continued consultations to help stop the Israeli killings and protect civilians in Gaza.

Source: presstv.ir

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Hamas announces killing '36 Israeli forces in 72 hours'

 15 December 2023

The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas' military wing has announced killing at least 36 Israeli forces in the course of the past 72 hours.

Al-Qassam Brigades made the announcement through a statement released by its spokesman Abu Ubaida on the Telegram messaging app on Thursday.

"Our fighters confirmed the killing of 36 soldiers and the injury or death of dozens of other Zionist soldiers," the spokesman said.

He noted that the battleground gains had come about following complicated maneuvers, during which al-Qassam's fighters "engaged them (the Israeli troops) at point-blank range" and "carried out successful sniper operations against them."

Abu Ubaida also confirmed that throughout the past 72 hours, the fighters had managed to either "completely or partially" destroy as many Israeli military vehicles.

"They (the fighters) also targeted headquarters and field command rooms, shelled military gatherings with mortar shells and short-range rockets on all fronts of the battle," he noted.

Penetrating into the occupied territories, al-Qassam fighters, meanwhile, "directed rocket barrages towards various targets at different ranges inside the Zionist entity," Abu Ubaida concluded.

The Hamas military wing says it has targeted southern Tel Aviv with missiles in response to the Israeli regime’s bombardment of the besiege Gaza Strip.

The Israeli regime has, itself, confirmed that as many as 116 of its forces have been killed in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas is headquartered, since October 7, when the regime began bringing the Palestinian territory under a genocidal war.

Also on Thursday, Gaza's Health Ministry said nearly 18,800 people, mostly women and children, had been killed in the war that the regime started following an operation staged by the territory's resistance movements.

Speaking to Press TV on Wednesday, a senior Hamas official reaffirmed the movement's determination to continue standing up to the Israeli regime's unbridled aggression.

Osama Hamdan, Hamas' senior representative in Lebanon, said the movement was ready for "a long war" against the Israeli regime, and would not give up resistance.

Source: presstv.ir

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'Half of the population starving in Gaza': UN official

15 December 2023

A senior United Nations official said on Thursday during a press briefing at UN headquarters in New York City that "half of the population are starving" in Gaza.

"The grim reality is also that nine out of ten people are not eating enough, are not eating every day, and don't know where their next meal is going to come from," said Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), who visited Gaza over the weekend.

Skau said the WFP was able to deliver food during the seven-day pause, but "that has not been possible since the fighting resumed."

He called for a humanitarian ceasefire and said the WFP was "ready to deliver to another million people within a couple of weeks should the conditions allow."

The Gaza health ministry said on Thursday that Israel's genocide in the blockaded territory, which started on October 7, has so far killed over 18,787people and wounded 51,000 others.

Source: presstv.ir

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Iran warns UN refugee chief of 'dangerous' Israeli plan to forcibly relocate Gazans

14 December 2023

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has warned the United Nations refugee chief of the Israeli regime's plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which is subject to an unrelenting Israeli war.

The top diplomat made the remarks to FilipoGrandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), on Thursday in Geneva, where he attended the Global Refugee Forum 2023 earlier during his stay.

Speaking to Grandi, Amir-Abdollahian expressed concern about the Israeli regime's "dangerous" measures aimed at bringing about an exodus of Palestinians from the northern part of Gaza to the southern parts of the coastal sliver and from there to neighboring countries.

The Israeli regime has been waging a genocidal war against Gaza since October 7 following an operation staged by the territory's resistance groups, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm.

Also on Thursday, Gaza's Health Ministry said nearly 18,800 people, mostly women and children, had been killed in the Israeli strikes so far.

Palestinian and other regional officials have warned that through its unbridled aggression, the Israeli regime pursues a policy of resettling the people of Gaza in Egypt.

UNRWA chief has warned that the besieged Gaza Strip remains akin to “hell on earth”.

Amir-Abdollahian urged that the UNHCR and other responsible international organizations refrain from adopting discriminatory approaches towards refugees from various countries and the countries that host them.

He, meanwhile, pointed to the Islamic Republic's hosting of millions of foreign refugees, and the extensive services that the country renders to them, despite suffering from oppressive and unilateral United States-imposed sanctions.

The foreign minister emphasized Tehran's demands for support from the United Nations in light of the situation.

Source: presstv.ir

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Israel bombs school housing displaced families in Khan Yunis

Dec 15, 2023

TEHRAN, Dec. 15 (MNA) – Local Palestinian reported Friday that five civilians were killed and dozens were wounded when a Zionist Israeli regime's airstrike targeted a school sheltering displaced people in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.

According WAFA News Agency, a few hours earlier, at least four civilians, including children, were killed, and others injured when Zionist forces bombarded the Abu Nasr family home in the western camp west of Khan Yunis. The casualties were swiftly transported to Nasser Hospital in the city.

The artillery shelling by Israeli occupation forces overnight and into the morning in various neighborhoods of Khan Yunis resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. Additionally, an Zionist airstrike hit a residential block near Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza, leading to scores of casualties and injuries. The victims were rushed to the Abu Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital in the city.

Zionist airstrikes also targeted residential areas and homes in Deir al-Balah, Gaza City, Nusairat, and Jabalia, causing several injuries among the civilian population.

The ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has tragically claimed the lives of 18,787 individuals, including over 7,000 children, and left approximately 50,900 injured, according to a non-final tally.

Source: mehrnews.com

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Arab World

 

Jihad representative in Iran hails Yemen's support for resistance

[15/December/2023]

TEHRAN December 15. 2023 (Saba) - Representative of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Tehran Nasser Abu Sharif praised Yemen's support for the Palestinian resistance, stressing that it stands on the side of truth.

Al-Mayadeen TV quoted Abu Sharif on Thursday as saying that “Ansarullah” chose to stand with the truth, pointing out that the movement is strangling the main artery of the Zionist entity, which has a major impact in this battle.

He added "Every party that is silent about what is happening against the people of Gaza is participating in this aggression," noting that the participation of the resistance axis in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq in this war has an impact on the enemy.

Abu Sharif held the American administration responsible for the crimes committed against the Palestinian people, through its unlimited support for the Zionist entity enemy.

He said that the Zionist enemy is waging a war of extermination in Gaza, with full support of the United States of America, which considers the resistance its first enemy.

Abu Sharif said that the United States will be “in great trouble and will face a major strategic defeat” if it does not stop this war, holding the American administration responsible for all these crimes against the Palestinian people, through its unlimited support for the Zionist entity.

Referring to Egypt, he said Egypt is “too big to be a mediator,” stressing that “it could have been a superpower if it had taken a greater position in this conflict.”

He called on Egypt to develop its position and regain its position in the Islamic world, adding, "This is what we aspire to."

Abu Sharif also called for broader Arab public participation to force governments to change their policies, pointing out that there must be a strong voice from the world to stop the war and the criminality of the occupation.

He stressed that it is not possible to accept any form of negotiations in which the rights of the Palestinian people are violated, adding that a truce is not currently on the table, and any permanent ceasefire is in exchange for the release of all Palestinian prisoners.

Nasser Abu Sharif affirmed that the resistance continues and the occupation will not be able to subjugate or weaken it, indicating that victory is the ally of the peoples confronting the occupation.

Source: saba.ye

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Yemen conducts drone attack against ship headed for Israel

Dec 15, 2023

TEHRAN, Dec. 15 (MNA) – Yemen's Armed Forces have said they have conducted a successful operation against a container ship headed for the occupied territories, calling the attack a move taken in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The forces' spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced the development on Thursday, identifying the targeted vessel as Maersk Gibraltar.

"The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces, with the help of God Almighty, carried out a military operation against the Maersk Gibraltar container ship, which was heading to the Israeli entity. It was targeted by a drone and the hit was direct," the official said.

Saree said the operation came after the ship's crew refused to respond to warnings that had been issued by the Yemeni naval forces.

The Armed Forces have vowed to target any vessel that may use the country's territorial waters to head towards the occupied territories until the Israeli regime relieves its siege of Gaza.

"The Yemeni armed forces confirm that they continue to prevent all ships heading to Israeli ports from navigating in the Arab and Red Seas until they bring in the food and medicine that our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip need," Saree likewise said.

The siege is taking a heavy toll on the Palestinians in Gaza, who have been enduring the war since October 7.

Also on Thursday, Gaza's Health Ministry said nearly 18,800 people, mostly women and children, had been killed in the war that the regime started following an operation staged by the Palestinian territory's resistance movements.

The Yemeni official described the drone attack as "a victory for the oppressed Palestinian people, who are currently being subjected to killing, destruction, and siege in the Gaza Strip, and a response to the calls of the free Yemeni people."

He also noted that the Yemeni forces had succeeded in preventing the passage of several ships bound for the occupied territories during the past 48 hours.

Source: mehrnews.com

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Saudi Arabia commits over $18 billion for refugees within its borders, Al-Rabeeah says

December 14, 2023

GENEVA — Saudi Arabia has allocated over $18 billion to support refugees residing within its borders, according to statements made by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief).

Dr. Al-Rabeeah made these significant remarks during his participation in the Global Refugee Forum 2023, held in Geneva, Switzerland. In his address, he acknowledged the challenging global circumstances marked by escalating humanitarian crises and stressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to the humanitarian cause, both on political and humanitarian fronts.

Highlighting the Kingdom's collaborative efforts with the international community to mitigate conflicts and crises globally, Dr. Al-Rabeeah emphasized Saudi Arabia's dedication to alleviating the suffering of refugees and their host countries by providing essential requirements for a decent life.

Over the years, Saudi Arabia has extended its humanitarian aid to refugees worldwide, amounting to $1.15 billion, thus significantly alleviating the burden on host countries. Dr. Al-Rabeeah noted that, thanks to the leadership's directives and support, refugees make up 5.5% of the total Saudi population, with the Kingdom hosting approximately 1.07 million refugees. These refugees receive free healthcare and educational opportunities, with Saudi Arabia's total expenditure amounting to $18.57 billion.

In response to the current crises and the rising numbers of refugees and displaced persons, the Kingdom, through KSrelief and in collaboration with international, regional, and local organizations, is executing a range of humanitarian projects across various sectors. The allocated budget for these initiatives totals $170 million, including $40 million specifically for displaced persons in Gaza. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is contributing $10 million to the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah also revealed that approximately 7% of upcoming humanitarian projects over the next two years will be dedicated to refugees and displaced persons.

In conclusion, Dr. Al-Rabeeah emphasized the importance of uniting efforts to address refugee challenges and reduce their suffering. He called for partnerships and innovative initiatives, along with support for host countries, to create a better environment that upholds human dignity and fosters humanitarian stability. This approach aims to counter inhumane acts that have contributed to the growing numbers and deteriorating conditions of refugees.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/638683/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-commits-over-$18-billion-for-refugees-within-its-borders-Al-Rabeeah-says

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Saudi initiative to plant 100,000 trees in Bahrain

December 15, 2023

RIYADH: The Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has initiated the planting of 100,000 trees as part of the initiative to plant 1 million trees in several proposed locations in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

The initiative titled “Planted in Saudi Arabia to be Grown in Bahrain” aims to increase green areas in Bahrain, preserve biodiversity, improve citizens’ quality of life, reduce the effects of climate change, and combat desertification.

In the initiative’s first phase, 30,000 camphor and sidr trees were transferred to the designated locations in Manama, and work is currently underway to transfer another 70,000 acacia and sidr trees to complete the planting process.

On this occasion, the Bahraini minister of municipal affairs and agriculture said that this initiative comes in line with the national strategy for afforestation of Bahrain and in implementation of the regional initiative for a green Middle East led by Saudi Arabia.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2425986/saudi-arabia

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26th Saudi relief plane for Gaza arrives in Egypt

December 15, 2023

EL-ARISH: The 26th Saudi relief plane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, arrived at El-Arish International Airport in Egypt on Thursday.

The plane carried various relief supplies, including 24 tons of medical and shelter materials, to be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The assistance comes as part of the fundraising campaign to aid the Palestinian people in the enclave. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to standing with the Palestinian people during times of crisis.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2425966/saudi-arabia

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Saudi Arabia, World Bank discuss stronger digital economy growth partnership

December 14, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha met with a delegation from the Executive Board of the World Bank Group in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The minister discussed strengthening partnership and cooperation with the World Bank in developing digital economy policies and digital government, promoting innovation, and adopting artificial intelligences.

He said that progress achieved under Vision 2030 was reflected in the World Bank’s Digital Government Index, which placed the Kingdom third in the world.

Saudi Arabia has also seen a rise in the number of skilled digital workers in the sector from 150,000 to 354,000 men and women, along with an increase in women’s participation from 7 percent to 35 percent, which is higher than the average of the G20, the EU, and Silicon Valley, he added.

Al-Swaha highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to digitize and transform government business and services to the cloud, a move that has attracted $4.4 billion in investment from major international companies to establish cloud service areas in 2023 alone.

Saudi Arabia has also stimulated innovation and enabled digital entrepreneurship to become the first destination for venture capital in the region, with funding of almost $1 billion.

The visiting World Bank delegation also met with a team from the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen to review the joint transport development projects being implemented in the country.

The Saudi team outlined the program’s development projects and initiatives aimed at improving education, health care, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, and capacity building of government institutions across Yemen.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2425926/saudi-arabia

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Saudi FM and UK’s David Cameron discuss Gaza ceasefire, aid in London

December 14, 2023

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron during his visit to London, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The two sides discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and surrounding areas, and the need to take the necessary steps for a ceasefire and to ensure the violence does not spread, the ministry said in a statement.

Prince Faisal stressed the importance of the international community, especially the permanent members of the UN Security Council, including the UK, intensifying efforts aimed at a ceasefire, as well as providing secure relief corridors to deliver humanitarian, food and medical aid to the Gaza Strip.

The meeting, which was held in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan, also reviewed relations between the two countries.

Cameron then held a working lunch in honor of the Saudi minister and his accompanying delegation.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2425861/saudi-arabia

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KSrelief Convoys Cross Rafah Border to Deliver Aid to Palestinians in Gaza

14 Dec, 2023

A new batch of Saudi relief convoys provided by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) today crossed the Rafah border crossing carrying food, shelter, and medical assistance to be delivered to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

 This aid comes as a part of the fundraising aid campaign provided to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's historic role in standing with the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/81d4a40fe88e4f748cf03ef489605648

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Pakistan

 

Islamabad again asks Kabul to take action against DI Khan attack perpetrators

December 15, 2023

Mariana Baabar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan once again on Thursday called upon the Afghan Interim government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous attack in Dera Ismail Khan on December 12 and hand them over to Pakistan along with the TTP leadership in Afghanistan.

This comes after a strong demarche was made to Kabul by Pakistan’s foreign secretary.

Pakistan also demanded strongly worded statements from the top leadership of Afghanistan (to condemn the attack) as it would reflect their seriousness in combating this menace of terrorism and to signal to these terrorist groups that they were not welcome in Afghanistan.

The spokesperson at the Foreign Office said that Islamabad had noted the statement from Kabul that it will investigate this terrorist attack. It is a fact that Pakistan expects the Afghan authorities to take effective action against these terrorist sanctuaries and hideouts and the results on the ground will speak for themselves of the effectiveness of the action taken inside Afghanistan.

“We also expect Afghanistan to take concrete and verifiable steps to prevent the use of Afghan soil by terrorist entities against Pakistan,” she said at a time when Kabul has chosen to use the media to interact with Islamabad.

When asked to comment on Afghan interim government Spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid who had washed his hands off the terrorist attack, she responded, “Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism for the last several decades. And our reaction, our public reaction and our bilateral dialogue on these matters are based on facts which have been determined by our security and law enforcement authorities. And our law enforcement authorities have determined that terrorist incidents in recent months have their links with individuals belonging to the TTP or its affiliates who have hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.” Pakistan, said the FO spokesperson, appreciated the messages of sympathy and condolences from the international community over Tuesday’s terrorist attack on Pakistan security forces in Dera Ismail Khan.

“The members of the UN Security Council have condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack and expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences. They have also recalled that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan to which Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan is affiliated, is listed by the Security Council ISIL/ Daesh and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee,” she said. In this context, the members of the Security Council have underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. They have urged all the States to cooperate actively with the Government of Pakistan as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard. When asked about a Tweet from the caretaker Balochistan information minister suggesting Pakistan should give the US some drone bases particularly to target Al Qaeda and TTP, the spokesperson appeared to have little patience with the Tweet which has since been deleted. “I would not like to comment on the personal remarks of a public official of a province who does not have a foreign policy portfolio or has a defence portfolio.” Commenting on those that were directly responsible for the terrorist attack, the FO spokesperson said that this would be best responded to by law enforcement authorities.

“What I would like to do is invite your attention to the press release that we issued a couple of days ago, in which we underlined the involvement of a terrorist group affiliated with the TTP, which has claimed responsibility for this terrorist incident and Pakistan has called on Afghanistan to take action against its leadership and those responsible for this attack,” she pointed out.

When it was pointed out that Kabul has still not condemned this heinous terrorist attack, she responded, “The first thing that we expect from any country when such a heinous attack takes place is an expression of condemnation and sympathy. Pakistan has received such messages of sympathy from a large number of countries. Afghanistan as it would reflect their seriousness in combating this menace of terrorism and to signal to these terrorist groups that they are not welcome in Afghanistan.”

On the visit of the Army Chief to the United States, the FO spokesperson explained that when any senior official or public official, government official, visits a foreign country, there is a process of consultations and preparation.

“And in this case as well before the visit of the Chief of Army Staff to the United States, a consultation process was undertaken and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was involved, and we provided our input in the preparation of this visit. He has been invited by the relevant US authorities. As explained by ISPR, he is expected to meet with the relevant defence officials. He is also expected to have engagements with officials in the State Department and defence related engagements. Further details you may seek from the ISPR, which I believe will be sharing information based on the various meetings as they take place,” she said. To suggestions that Pakistan had an option for a plan for hot pursuit inside Afghanistan to defend itself, she said, “This question is based on a speculation and a hypothetical situation. We have made some concrete demands on Afghanistan and we have made them public with respect to the Tuesday’s terrorist attack. We expect Afghanistan to take those actions. Afghanistan has said it would investigate the terror incident; we expect them to do more than investigate but to take effective concrete action against these terrorist groups and to hand over the culprits and the TTP leadership to Pakistan.” Pakistan, she said, strongly denies such reports or speculation of any talks, which are claimed to be taking place between Pakistan and TTP. “There is absolutely no dialogue taking place,” she said.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1138431-islamabad-again-asks-kabul-to-take-action-against-di-khan-attack-perpetrators

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PM reaffirms Pakistan's support to Kashmiris; rejects Indian SC verdict as politically-motivated

December 14, 2023

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has reiterated Pakistan's steadfast commitment to supporting the people of Kashmir in their rightful struggle against Indian subjugation.

Speaking at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad this evening, he expressed all-out solidarity with people of Occupied Kashmir facing significant injustices.

The Prime Minister criticized the Indian Supreme Court's politically-motivated decision, affirming the Indian Government's unlawful measures of August 5, 2019. He emphasized that India, instead of being labeled the world's largest democracy, should be recognized as the world's largest hypocrisy.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar underscored that the Indian Government's unilateral actions on August 5, 2019, endorsed by the Indian Supreme Court, blatantly violate international provisions. He asserted that domestic legislation and judicial decisions cannot absolve India of its international obligations under UN Security Council resolutions, emphasizing that any process subject to the Indian Constitution cannot determine Jammu and Kashmir's final status under international law.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an international dispute, and neither the Indian government nor its judiciary has the right to take unilateral actions against the will of other involved parties namely, the Kashmiri people and Pakistan. He stressed that no Indian court verdict can suppress the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Highlighting the actions of the Hindutva-driven leadership of India, the Prime Minister condemned the targeting of defenseless Kashmiri men, women, and children. He lamented the loss of over 96,000 lives, with thousands of women facing molestation and harassment in the past 34 years. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar called for an end to these brutalities.

The Prime Minister reminded Indian leaders that unilateral steps in Jammu and Kashmir cannot legitimize their occupation or suppress the genuine sentiments of the Kashmiri people. He rejected illegal and unilateral measures, including gerrymandering of electoral constituencies, issuance of domicile certificates to outsiders, and additions to the voters' list, as strategies to alter Kashmir's demography and political landscape.

Affirming that Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein, the Prime Minister stressed the intrinsic connection between Pakistan and Kashmir based on geographical proximity, shared history, and commonality of faith. He asserted that the entire Pakistani leadership, despite political differences, stands united in supporting the Kashmiri people's just struggle for self-determination.

Discussing Pakistan-India relations, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan's desire for good neighborly relations with New Delhi. However, he emphasized that durable peace in South Asia hinges on resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Pakistan advocates constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue but notes that India's unabated hostility has hindered progress. He called on India to create an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue.

Responding to Indian leaders' belligerent statements about Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar asserted that Pakistan has exercised maximum restraint. He warned against misconceptions, emphasizing Pakistan's resilience in the face of challenges while safeguarding its sovereignty and interests.

The Prime Minister appealed to people of conscience to urge India to refrain from unilateral actions, revoke measures of August 5, 2019, and assure that demographic composition and property ownership in Jammu and Kashmir remain unchanged. He demanded that India cease human rights violations, repeal emergency laws, and withdraw heavy military presence from Kashmiri areas.

Moreover, the Prime Minister said that India grant unrestricted access to UN, OIC, human rights organizations, and international media for investigating and reporting on the IIOJK situation. He called for full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, allowing Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite, as promised by India, Pakistan, and the international community.

Paying tribute to Kashmiri martyrs, the Prime Minister affirmed Pakistan's unwavering resolve to stand with Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/14-12-2023/pm-reiterates-support-to-kashmiris-just-struggle-against-indian-subjugation

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Toshakhana case: Imran’s two-day physical remand approved

December 15, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Accountability Court, Islamabad Judge, Muhammad Bashir, approved a two-day physical remand of Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case here on Thursday.

The Deputy Prosecutor General of NAB, Sardar Mazhar Abbasi, and the investigation team appeared before the court after the NAB sought a seven-day physical remand of the former prime minister.

The NAB team argued that thorough investigation was needed in the Toshakhana case, requiring the physical remand of the accused.

Despite objections from the defence counsel, the court granted a two-day physical remand. Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing till December 16.

A day earlier, the court dismissed Khan’s interim bail in the case after Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict on the former premier’s plea, which was reserved earlier. The court said that Khan will remain and be interrogated in prison.

Following the order, NAB also arrested the former prime minister, who is already imprisoned in the cipher case.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1138437-toshakhana-case-imran-s-two-day-physical-remand-approved

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LHC larger bench hears Imran’s pleas against ECP today

December 15, 2023

LAHORE: A Lahore High Court larger bench would hear on Friday (today) petitions by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan against multiple actions of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) including his five-year disqualification in Toshakhana case and cancellation of PTI`s party polls held last year.

The bench is headed by Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan and comprises Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza, Justice Shahid Karim, Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry and Justice Jawad Hassan.

Last week, a senior judge of the high court had referred the petitions of Imran Khan to the larger bench as it already seized an identical matter relating to the ECP proceedings against the former chairman of the PTI.

In the petitions, filed through Barrister Senator Syed Ali Zafar, Mr Khan said the ECP, despite his clear explanations for Toshakhana gifts, illegally de-seated him as an MNA from Mianwali’s NA-95 constituency and directed that a complaint be filed against him under the Elections Act 2017.

Ex-PM challenges disqualification in Toshakhana, party poll cancellation cases

He said the ECP also started proceedings to remove him as PTI chairman, though he secured a stay order from the high court.

Alleging malice and ulterior motives, Mr Khan criticised the ECP for instigating baseless legal actions against him under sections 167 and 173 of the Elections Act 2017 before a session court in Islamabad.

Mr Khan said that general elections are slated to be held on Feb 8, but the ECP denied his fundamental right to contest polls.

He also accused the ECP of issuing another illegal order on Oct 23, directing the PTI to hold party elections in 20 days.

The former premier said he had the right to contest the general and intra-party elections but an attempt was made to stop him from being the PTI chairman through an ‘illegal’ notification.

Mr Khan asked the court to set aside his disqualification so that he could contest the upcoming general elections.

He also challenged the ECP order instructing the PTI to hold fresh intra-party polls.

He asked the LHC to declare that the intra-party elections conducted on June 10, 2022, were valid by the party`s constitution.

The larger bench would also hear a petition of Khan against the ECP proceedings to debar him from heading his party.

In this case, the court had restrained the ECP from taking adverse action against Khan.

The ECP started the proceedings against Khan after disqualifying him from his Mianwali seat in the Toshakhana reference.

PCB: The Lahore High Court on Thursday suspended the termination of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director media & communications Sami Burney.

Advocate Taffazul Haider Rizvi filed a petition on behalf of Burney and argued before the court that the present management committee of the PCB was appointed for an interim period with limited powers.

He alleged that Zaka Ashraf, the chairman of the committee, had been acting in a dictatorial manner by appointing its favourites and removing or pressurising the board’s employees to resign.

He pointed out that the respondent despite being not qualified to contest election for the office of the PCB chairman hired over 60 new employees on hefty salaries.

He said the petitioner also became a target of the respondent chairman’s arbitrariness and was asked to resign ‘voluntarily’.

The counsel said the respondent terminated the petitioner on Dec 5 after he refused to bow before the respondent chairman’s pressure.

He argued that the interim management committee of the PCB was completely bereft of any power to appoint or terminate any employee. He asked the court to set aside the impugned termination of the petitioner for being unlawful.

Justice Abid Hussain Chattha suspended the impugned notification of the petitioner’s termination and sought a reply from the PCB by second week of January 2024.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1797920/lhc-larger-bench-hears-imrans-pleas-against-ecp-today

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Cipher trial coverage banned as hearings deemed in-camera

December 15, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Special Court (Official Secrets Act) conducting the trial of former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has barred coverage of its proceedings on all mainstream media outlets, as well as the social media.

On Thursday, Judge AbualHasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain accepted the prosecution’s plea — moved under Section 14 of the Official Secrets Act — to exclude the general public from the hearing of the cipher case.

As per this section, the prosecution may move an application to exclude the public from the hearing of a case registered under the Official Secrets Act, but the passing of the sentence will, in any case, take place in public.

In his written order, Judge Zulqarnain barred print, electronic and social media from reporting the proceedings and evidence presented in the cipher case, and declared that its proceedings would be held in-camera.

Aleema says Imran’s sons may move UK court to ensure fair trial

After the hearing, Special Prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi told journalists that the trial would be conducted in-camera from now on. He said that since the case was registered under sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, the trial should be conducted behind closed doors.

He said the court had framed charges against the accused and the process of their indictment has been completed, even though they did not sign the charge sheet. The court would now start recording statements of witnesses, he said.

Similar orders have also been issued in the past on cases pertaining to national security, such as the Mumbai attacks case. However, in that matter, reporters were able to pose questions to lawyers after they emerged from the courtroom, who would share details about the day’s proceedings, which would then be reported by the press.

Incidentally, the Mumbai attacks case is also currently pending before the same judge.

But while Thursday’s order in the cipher case rest­rained the family members of the accused from sharing any details of the proceedings with the media, or on social, it did not mention whether lawyers would be able to share updates on proceedings or not.

Talking to reporters, Mr Qureshi’s counsel Barrister Taimur Malik said that the judge had read out the charges, but the court did not ask the accused to sign the charge sheet.

Mr Khan’s sister Aleema Khan told journalists that her nephews would file a lawsuit in UK courts as they believed the ex-PM has been denied a fair trial. Meanwhile, an accountability court in Islamabad handed over custody of Mr Khan to NAB in the Toshakhana case.

NAB’s prosecutor sought a seven-day physical remand but the judge granted only a two-day remand and adjourned the case until Saturday.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1797972

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Timely elections crucial for eradicating terrorism: JI chief

 2023-12-15

LAHORE. Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Sirajul Haq has emphasized the necessity of a government with the mandate of the people for establishing peace and prosperity in the country.

According to media cell of JI at Mansoora, speaking at a public meeting on Thursday, he asserted that timely elections are crucial for eradicating terrorism.

During the event, local leaders Saeed Ahmed Khan and Muhammad Alam, along with hundreds of people from their tribe, announced their decision to join JI. He expressed condolence to the families of the martyrs of Pakistan Army in D.I. Khan terrorist incident and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. He said the nation and the army are on the same page for the defence of the country.

Haq attributed economic damage to bad governance and corruption, holding the former ruling parties accountable for the people's plight. He criticized these parties for prioritizing personal gain, securing their self-interests, and exploiting the country's resources, while the common man suffered without opportunities to make ends meet.

Haq highlighted the stark reality that a majority of the population in the country lacks basic facilities, with millions suffering from drinking contaminated water and over 25 million children out of school due to poverty.

The JI leader contended that the former ruling parties were lacking a coherent narrative in the ongoing election campaign, accusing them of repeating old slogans and deceiving the public. He said the tested parties should present before the public their past performances in power rather than resorting to falsehoods. He asserted that the track record of the former ruling parties was dismal and emphasized that the people's only viable option in the upcoming election is the JI. He urged voters to choose the JI to bring about genuine change, asserting that even if given another opportunity, the tested parties would be incapable of putting the country on the right track.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40278760/timely-elections-crucial-for-eradicating-terrorism-ji-chief

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South Asia

 

US envoy meets Islamic Cooperation Officials to discuss Afghanistan

Fidel Rahmati

December 14, 2023

Thomas West, the United States special envoy to Afghanistan, has announced that in his meeting with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation officials, he discussed issues such as the humanitarian and economic challenges in Afghanistan, refugees, and the rights of women and girls.

Mr West stated on Wednesday on his social media platform X that he met with Tariq Ali Bakheet, the special representative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Afghanistan, as part of his regional trip.

According to Mr. West, he had an extensive discussion with the special representative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and his colleagues about addressing the humanitarian and economic challenges in Afghanistan, Afghan refugees, the rights of women and girls, and other issues related to Afghanistan.

The United States special envoy for Afghanistan expressed gratitude for the support of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Afghanistan and announced the continuation of their assistance in food security, access to clean water, and immediate humanitarian needs in the country.

Earlier, Mr West had reported on Tuesday about the conclusion of his meetings with Pakistani and Qatari officials, United Nations personnel, and several Afghan citizens in Qatar.

The United States’ special envoy for Afghanistan announced last week the start of his ten-day trip to several countries, including Pakistan, emphasizing that these travels would continue until Friday, 15 December.

On the other hand, he stated that his trip and meetings with officials from four countries aimed to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, including political, security, economic, humanitarian, and refugee issues.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/us-envoy-meets-islamic-cooperation-officials-to-discuss-afghanistan/

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Pakistan Trying to Pressure Kabul With Refugees: Minister

NaweedSamad

 Dec 15, 2023

The acting Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, criticized the deportation of refugees by Pakistan, saying that Islamabad is seeking to put pressure on the Islamic Emirate through the deportation of Afghan refugees.

Speaking at a gathering in Kabul held in the Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs, Noori called Pakistan’s decision to deport Afghan refugees “cruel”.

"The neighboring country has made a very cruel and unkind decision which is in contrast with all international law and manners. One of the reasons it made such a decision is that they thought Afghanistan has a new administration with low capacity and that it may be unable to control it," he said.

Noori also stressed the need for an improvement of education across Afghanistan and for all citizens to have equal rights without discrimination.

“We need knowledge. I accept it that knowledge is a need, and a human without knowledge is blind,” he said.

Meanwhile, some participants of the gathering called on the Islamic Emirate to treat the people with fair behavior based on Islamic Sharia.

"The people in Afghanistan are suffering from lack of a united law ... ," said Mohammad Khanjani, a participant.

The acting Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs referred to the meetings of the Islamic Emirate abroad, saying that the people who attended the meetings have been tested in Afghanistan over the past 20 years.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186491

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Complaints Persist of Afghan Refugees Mistreated by Pakistani Police

December 14, 2023

Several legal Afghan refugees in Pakistan complained about the continued misbehavior of the Pakistani police.

According to their accounts, even though they have legal documents for staying in the country, the police harass them.

They want the Islamic Emirate to pay serious attention to their issue.

 “They are harassed a lot when they go out or want to do their work, some of them are harassed by the police, and ask for documents,” said Farhad, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan.

“The UNHCR, in general, pays no attention to the refugees, we can’t appeal to them, because this is a symbolic organization and pays no attention to refugees,” said Samiullah Azizi, a human rights activist.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani media reported that the cabinet of the caretaker government of Pakistan on Wednesday decided to extend the deadline for those who have been residing in the country without proper documentation, but are waiting on their cases for immigration to Western countries.

“The caretaker cabinet of the federal government on Wednesday extended the deadline for those illegal Afghans who are waiting for the evacuation in the Western countries,” said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan. 

At the same time, the General Consulate of the Islamic Emirate in Karachi said that about 430 documented Afghan refugees have been released from Pakistani prisons.

Takhari told TOLOnews that the detention of Afghans in Pakistan has decreased now.

 “A large number of Afghans who had documents were arrested, now by the efforts of the Islamic Emirate,  427 documented prisoners were released and returned to their families. There are also 459 Afghan [detainees] without documents,” Said Abdul JabarTakhari, the General Consulate of Afghanistan in Karachi.

In a meeting between the Italian Chargé d'Affaires for Afghanistan Natalia Quintavalle with the acting minister of foreign affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi, they discussed the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan among other issues.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186492

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30 Indian war veterans arrive in Dhaka to celebrate Victory Day

Dec 15, 2023

On the 52nd anniversary of the Liberation War, 30 Indian war veterans and six serving officers of Indian Armed Forces have reached Dhaka to participate in Victory Day celebrations.

"These visits provide a platform to celebrate our friendship and to renew the memories of the Liberation War," according to Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

To commemorate the Liberation War of 1971, India and Bangladesh invite each other's war veterans and serving officers to participate annually in their Victory Day celebrations.

On the 52nd anniversary of the Liberation War, 30 valiant Muktijoddhas and six serving officers of Bangladesh Armed Forces departed for India on Thursday to participate in "Vijay Diwas" celebrations at Kolkata.

Similarly, 30 Indian war veterans and six serving officers of Indian Armed Forces reached Dhaka to participate in Bangladesh's Victory Day celebration.

These bilateral visits provide a platform for Bangladeshi Muktijoddhas and Indian War Veterans to celebrate the unique friendship of the two countries and to renew memories of the Liberation War, which epitomises the shared sacrifices of the armed forces of India and Bangladesh for the cause of Bangladesh's freedom from occupation, oppression, and mass atrocities, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/30-indian-war-veterans-arrive-dhaka-celebrate-victory-day-3495071

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Deadline extended for Afghan refugees in Pakistan; overstay fines set at $100 per month

Fidel Rahmati

December 14, 2023

The caretaker federal cabinet of Pakistan extended the deadline for the repatriation of Afghan nationals without proper documentation to February 29, 2024, on Wednesday. This extension aims to aid those waiting to relocate to Western countries under their respective resettlement plans.

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, at a press conference in Islamabad, announced the deadline extension from the initial date of December 31, according to Dawn.

The decision aims to encourage Afghan nationals to either obtain legal documents or finalize evacuation arrangements to a third country as soon as possible.

New regulations state that Afghan nationals lacking legal documents or processing fees and planning to leave for a third country will be fined $400 for overstaying, reduced from the previous $800.

Post-deadline, overstaying Afghan nationals will incur a fine of $100 per month, with a maximum limit of $800.

The Pakistani federal cabinet was briefed that approximately 450,000 Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan, with the majority doing so voluntarily. This return to their native country marks a significant movement of people in the region.

However, Following the October 2023 deadline set by the Pakistani government for Afghan refugees to leave, nearly half a million Afghans were deported from Pakistan. This large-scale deportation occurred amidst substantial criticism from both national and international human rights organizations.

The United Nations has highlighted that most of the repatriated Afghans are in a vulnerable state. These individuals now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives without adequate shelter.

The situation is further exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions in Afghanistan, posing additional hardships for the recently returned Afghan population struggling to find suitable living conditions in their homeland.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/deadline-extended-for-afghan-refugees-in-pakistan-overstay-fines-set-at-100-per-month/

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Deputy PM Abdul Kabir Returns to Work After 3 Months

December 14, 2023

The Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, has returned to work after a three-month absence due to health issues, according to the Arg.

Earlier, TOLOnews reported on the absence of Mawlawi Abdul Kabir in official meetings.

However, on Wednesday, the Arg said on X that the deputy political prime minister has returned to his office and is in good health.

“My health worsened and the doctor recommended that I rest. I was resting at home for one month and I was under treatment. Some made propaganda that I had traveled to a neighboring country for treatment but that was untrue and I was at home,” Abdul Kabir said.

The political analysts said that the senior officials of the Islamic Emirate need to be present at meetings.

“At the current situation, his (Kabir’s presence) is important because he is a member of the leadership and also a political deputy. He might be able to find solutions for many problems with meeting people and the international community,” said Amanullah Hotaki, a political analyst.

“I hope the cabinet of the Prime Minister makes good progress in governance regarding the political and economic situation of the country,” said Janat Fahim Chakari, political analyst.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir met with the former Japanese ambassador Takashi Okada on September 4.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186488

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Southeast Asia

 

POS Malaysia Launches Special Stamps In Solidarity With Palestinian Struggle

14 Dec 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: In a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people's struggle, Pos Malaysia launched a special "Palestin Merdeka" stamp set that will be available from Jan 18 next year.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the launch of the special stamps was not merely symbolic but signifies the solidarity and full support of the Malaysian people for the Palestinian struggle for independence and peace.

"We will consider, perhaps after the launch of the stamps or after they are available in the market, discussing with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to organise a campaign to send letters urging a ceasefire,” he Said after officiating the launch of the special stamps on Thursday (Dec 14), which would be sold online at www.pos.com.my/shop and all post offices and Pos Malaysia Philately Bureau at RM32.50 per set.

Other than the complete set, the stamps can also be purchased separately in a sheet of 20 stamps at a price of RM26, a First Day Cover at RM0.50 and a folder at RM6.

Fahmi said that this was the third time stamps related to Palestine were issued, with the first in 1978 and the second in 1982, demonstrating the steadfast commitment of the Malaysian Government and people in supporting the Palestinian struggle over the years.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the stamps will be directed to the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP) under the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

These funds will be distributed through the Ops Ihsan initiative, a collaboration between the Malaysian Government and 53 non-governmental humanitarian organisations (NGOs) to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.

Also present at the launch were Pos Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar and Pos Malaysia Group chief executive officer Charles Brewer.- Bernama

Source: thestar.com.my

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https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/14/pos-malaysia-launches-special-stamps-in-solidarity-with-palestinian-struggle

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Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia’s silver jubilee celebration showcases the richness of Islamic art

14 Dec 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — The public can delve into Islamic art and culture, encompassing a history and cultural journey of over 1,000 years from East Asia to West Africa, through two exhibitions held in conjunction with the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) silver anniversary celebration.

The exhibitions, “A Journey Through Islamic Art” and “Alif Lam Ra: Contemporary Muslim Calligraphy”, taking place at IAMM until June next year, showcase a variety of historical artefacts and Islamic art for visitors to appreciate.

IAMM curator Hariz Ahmad Kamal said that each artefact displayed in the “A Journey Through Islamic Art” exhibition is part of the museum’s collection gathered over the years and produced from various materials.

“The exhibition showcases the diversity of aesthetic elements in Islamic art. This is because each artefact has its own story,” he told Bernama.

Four royal swords from the Mughal Empire in India, dating from the 15th to the early 18th century, belonging respectively to Emperor Akbar, who reigned from 1556 to 1605, Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627), Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1666), and Emperor Aurangzeb (1658-1707), are displayed in the exhibition.

Also on display is the golden finial that once adorned the throne of Tipu Sultan, famously known as the Tiger of Mysore, from the Mysore Sultanate in Seringapatam, South India, during the 18th century. It is believed to have been seized by the British forces after Tipu Sultan’s defeat to the East India Company in the Anglo-Mysore War.

Among the initial collections of IAMM showcased is a set of 30 volumes of the Hui Quran from the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century. They are adorned with Chinese motifs such as cloud patterns or peony flower buds and are written with only three to five lines on each page for each juz (part).

Additionally, a 10-metre-long red carpet with palm motifs, crafted using sheep’s wool and silk during the Safavid era in the mid-17th century, is expected to captivate visitors’ attention as one of the finest carpets from the Persian heyday.

Meanwhile, the “Alif Lam Ra: Contemporary Muslim Calligraphy” exhibition showcases the evolution of calligraphy as the highest form of expression in Islam.

The exhibition features the works of 42 contemporary Islamic calligraphers from various countries, including notable calligraphers such as FuadKouichi Honda from Japan, AzraAghighi (Iran), Charles Hossein Zenderoudi (Iran), Ahmad Moustafa (Mesir), Nasser Al-Aswadi (Yaman), NjaMahdoui (Tunisia) dan Khaled Al Saai (Syria).

Hariz added that both exhibitions highlight IAMM’s role as a preserver, conservator and educator in driving the direction of Islamic art and culture branches in Malaysia since its opening on December 12, 1998. Overall, IAMM has over 13,000 collections of Islamic art artefacts, but only 2,500 are on display in its 12 permanent galleries during its 25-year existence.

A student from a local college, Gan Joe Ren, 18, said the exhibitions allowed him to witness the grandeur of Islam worldwide.

“I’m fond of Islamic art. It’s not messy but rather highly organised, almost like geometry. Through this art, I can observe the history and cultural aspects of the community’s way of life,” he said.

As for Ong Wei En, 18, she admires Islamic art and hopes to explore it more in the future.

“I find the culture very fascinating, and I like how symmetric and satisfying everything is. I like how they put Arabic words and the Quran into art, and I find it very interesting... I would like to explore more about it,” she said.

Both exhibitions, featuring nearly 150 historical artefacts from the eighth century to modern calligraphic paintings, were officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Tuesday.

More information on both exhibitions is available on IAMM’s Instagram pages @Islamicartsmuseummalaysia and @Islamicartsmuseumeevents. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2023/12/14/islamic-arts-museum-malaysias-silver-jubilee-celebration-showcases-the-richness-of-islamic-art/107528

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Local Government Development Ministry: RM2.65m approved for maintenance of 20 non-Islamic houses of worship in KL

14 Dec 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — The Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) has approved financial assistance worth RM2.65 million for the maintenance of 20 non-Islamic houses of worship (RIBI) here.

The KPKT, in a statement today, said six of the 20 RIBI had received financial aid of RM294,029 while the rest will be distributed next year.

The KPKT also said that it is responsible for implementing the RIBI maintenance initiative involving financial assistance of RM50 million for 370 applications nationwide through Budget 2023, which is for the maintenance and repair work of the premises to provide comfort to worshippers.

The statement also said the assistance was handed over to its minister Ng Kor Ming during a ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral here today.

“The KPKT is committed to implementing this initiative professionally, efficiently and transparently to ensure the allocation under this initiative can be distributed fairly and equally to the eligible RIBI organisations,” it added. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/14/local-government-development-ministry-rm265m-approved-for-maintenance-of-20-non-islamic-houses-of-worship-in-kl/107536

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Over one million free treatments given under Madani scheme

15 Dec 2023

THE Madani Medical Scheme has provided over one million free treatments for minor ailments at private clinics since it was introduced on June 15, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

He said 1,005,645 minor treatments were given to 785,623 patients at 2,506 private clinics at a cost of RM62.5 million.

“The government has shown continuous commitment to this scheme by providing an allocation of RM100 million under Budget 2024 so the scheme can continue next year.

“The Health Ministry and ProtectHealth will continue to shore up the work process to raise the involvement of private clinics to allow lower-income groups greater access to quality healthcare services,” he said in a statement today.

The Madani Medical Scheme is a government initiative to cover the medical needs of the B40 group, and is offered automatically to Rahmah Cash Aid recipients for the treatment of minor ailments at private clinics.

Eligibility checks for the scheme can be made at the ProtectHealth website and on the Madani Medical Scheme and MySejahtera apps. – Bernama, December 15, 2023.

Source: thevibes.com

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https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/100373/over-one-million-free-treatments-given-under-madani-scheme

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Africa

 

”Buhari miraculously escaped deadly gas poisoning as president” – Islamic group reveals

Jerry Wright-Ukwu

December 14, 2023

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari survived a deadly gas poisoning while in office.

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

“This was a president who miraculously escaped the most deadly assassination attempt in history. He was exposed to the most perfect gas poisoning plot of all time and was pronounced dead by his adversaries on different occasions.

”But like the cat with nine lives, Buhari lived on. Of course, this attempt on his life took its toll on him as he laid incommunicado for five months,” Akintola said.

Addressing critics of the former president, Akintola said:

“We as a group always find it amusing when some people try to rubbish the achievements of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. He stands tall among all past leaders of Nigeria.

“Apart from the first prime minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, the former Sardauna of Sokoto, AlhajiAhmadu Bello and former military head of state, Muritala Muhammed, no other Nigerian leader stands to be counted for altruism, patriotism, transparency, credibility and integrity like Muhammadu Buhari.

“Those who describe Buhari as a failure are either being deliberately mischievous for the purpose of scoring cheap political points or suffering from collective amnesia. Judged from the standpoint of the circumstances of the time, Buhari achieved a lot for Nigeria.”

He added: “Seventeen out of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas were under the full control of Boko Haram when Buhari took over in 2015. It was so bad that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) said Boko Haram was controlling the size of Belgium.

”But Buhari pushed them back and recovered all territories. Nigerian troops who used to flee to Niger or Chad during fierce clashes with insurgents due to lack of better weapons became emboldened under the Daura-born president.

“This was made possible because instead of diverting funds meant for weapons and military hardware, Buhari made Nigeria’s money count. He strengthened the military by purchasing the most sophisticated weaponry from everywhere in the world, including American Tucano fighting jets and attack helicopters.”

“His list of achievements includes, but not limited to, the Mambilla Hydropower project of 3050 megawatts, which he started 40 years after it was abandoned.

”Buhari reduced out-of-school pupils from 10.5 million to 8.6 million in two years according to statistics from both UNICEF and UNESCO and introduced the feeding of over five million pupils every school day in 19 states.

“Buhari also increased savings in the Excess Crude Account and increased foreign reserves to 40 billion dollars from 29 billion dollars, which he inherited. He constantly bailed out states with trillions of naira to be able to pay workers and run their governments.

”He reduced monthly import bills from 5 billion dollars to 1.5 billion dollars. The N-Power Volunteer Scheme created jobs for hundreds of thousands of unemployed graduates in all 36 states, and the FCT.” he added.

Source: politicsnigeria.com

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https://politicsnigeria.com/buhari-miraculously-escaped-deadly-gas-poisoning-as-president-islamic-group-reveals/

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South Africa security forces ramp up clampdown on illegal miners

15-12- 2023

Security forces in South Africa have ramped up a clampdown on illegal miners.

On Thursday (Dec. 14), dozens of army and police searched shacks, seizing mining equipment in the Soul City settlement near Kagiso, west of Johannesburg, AFP reporters saw.

More than 70 people, mostly undocumented migrants, were held over two days in the area, which lies near disused gold mines, the provincial police commissioner told the media.

Some were arrested for drug dealing and possession of illegal firearms, he added.

Along with high unemployment and illegal immigration, rampant crime has become a key political issue ahead of general elections next year.

President Cyril Ramaphosa told a passing out ceremony for 1,400 new police recruits in the central city of Kimberly on Thursday that the country was "tired of crime".

He revealed that over 250,000 arrests were made and 3,200 firearms seized since authorities launched a crackdown on criminality in May.

Commonly known as "zamazamas" ("those who try" in the Zulu language), thousands of informal miners operate in mineral-rich South Africa.

The Johannesburg region in particular is dotted with slag heaps, shafts and deep trenches left by generations of miners, whose arrival in a gold rush in the 1880s led to the birth of the city.

Many informal miners are from other countries, living and working in arduous conditions in the clandestine pits.

Their activities are seen as a source of criminality by locals.

Access to the old mines is often controlled by gangs that sometimes fight for territorial control.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/15/south-africa-security-forces-ramp-up-clampdown-on-illegal-miners/

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Nigeria: the State "must take additional measures" for the economy - World Bank

14-12- 2023

The World Bank recognises the efforts made by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve Nigeria's economic situation, but insists on the need for further reforms, in a half-yearly report published on Wednesday.

It is "time to turn the corner by implementing fiscal and monetary measures in the short and medium term", recommended Shubham Chaudhuri, the Bank's Director in Nigeria, in a press release.

The institution is expecting "results" in the continent's largest economy, which is also one of the countries with the highest poverty levels.

As soon as he took office in May, Nigeria's new president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, launched two major reforms designed to restore public finances and attract foreign investment: the end of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the naira, the national currency.

These measures had an immediate impact on the country's economy, with fuel prices tripling and inflation rising to more than 27% in October over the previous twelve months.

Since May, the naira has lost 41% of its value against the dollar on the official currency market and 30% on the parallel market, and food prices have risen by more than 31%.

Poverty in Africa's most populous country has risen from 40% in 2018 to 46% in 2023, according to the World Bank, affecting 104 million people in 2023 compared with 79 million five years earlier.

These reforms were "essential" and "going in the right direction", according to the World Bank, but "additional measures need to be taken", starting with remedying the "lack of transparency on oil revenues" and the gains made to public finances by the end of fuel subsidies.

The objective is to achieve "annual growth of 3.5% over the period 2023-2026", i.e. "0.5 points higher than if the reforms had not been launched", according to the Bretton Woods institution.

When presenting his budget to parliament at the end of November, President Tinubu appealed to the population's patience and assured them that the negative effects of his measures would be temporary. He expects inflation to fall to 21.4% and growth to reach at least 3.76% in 2024.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/14/nigeria-the-state-must-take-additional-measures-for-the-economy-world-bank/

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Hamas attack: Tanzania announces the death of its 2nd missing national

14-12- 2023

Tanzania announced on Thursday the death of its second and latest national missing since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, a 21-year-old student.

"We have been informed by the Israeli government that Joshua Mollel, a young Tanzanian studying in Israel with whom we have lost contact since 7 October 2023 (...) was killed immediately after being captured by Hamas", Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba said on X (ex-Twitter).

The government is arranging for Joshua Mollel's relatives, including his father, to travel to Israel to meet the authorities and "obtain more details", Mr Makamba continued.

Two Tanzanian students taking part in the same programme went missing after the attack on 7 October.

In November, the Tanzanian authorities announced the death of the first, 22-year-old Clémence Félix Mtenga, without specifying the circumstances of his death.

Of the 250 or so hostages and bodies taken on 7 October in the Gaza Strip on the day of the Hamas attack, 135 are still being held by Hamas and its allies, according to the latest figures released on Tuesday by the Israeli authorities, before Tanzania announced the death of its second national.

To date, 110 hostages have been released (105 during the seven-day truce at the end of November and five before the truce): 33 minors, 49 adult women and 28 adult men, mainly Thai farm workers.

Since the war began more than two months ago, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has now exceeded 18,600, mainly women, children and people under the age of 18, according to the Hamas Ministry of Health.

Israel promised to destroy Hamas after the massive attack on 7 October by commandos from the Islamist movement who infiltrated southern Israel from Gaza, which left around 1,200 people dead, most of them civilians, according to the authorities.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/14/hamas-attack-tanzania-announces-the-death-of-its-2nd-missing-national/

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Senegal court clears jailed opposition figure for presidential run

14-12- 2023

A Senegalese judge in Dakar has ordered the reinstatement of OusmaneSonko on the electoral rolls, reviving the imprisoned opponent's bid for the February 2024 presidential election. One of Sonko's lawyers, BambaCisse, said that "above all, it was a question of respecting the right to vote. The Senegalese people want to vote for a candidate of their choice and freely choose their president".

OusmaneSonko was struck off the electoral roll after being sentenced in June to two years' imprisonment for morally corrupting a young person.

He has been at the centre of a stand-off with the state that has lasted more than two years and sparked several episodes of deadly unrest.

In ordering Sonko's reinstatement, the judge in the capital Dakar confirmed a ruling in October by a court in Ziguinchor, the southern city where Sonko is mayor.

Last month, the West African nation's top court had disagreed with that regional court ruling.

But it nevertheless decided that Sonko's case should go back to the Dakar court.

Sonko now has until December 26 to present his candidacy for the February poll and obtain the necessary sponsorships.

Jubilant supporters of Sonko -- who is particularly popular among the under-20s that make up half the population -- were in court on Thursday and shouted his name after the ruling.

One of his lawyers, CireCledor Ly, said the state could lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court but that would not stop Thursday's decision being implemented immediately.

"The electoral code is very clear. When the judge gives his decision, this decision must be immediately carried out," he said.

Sonko, 49, was convicted in absentia on June 1 of morally corrupting a young person and sentenced to two years in prison. He condemned the trial as a plot to exclude him from the presidential election.

In late July, he was arrested on other charges including fomenting insurrection, criminally associating with a terrorist body and endangering state security.

He has periodically been on hunger strikes since then.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/14/senegal-court-clears-jailed-opposition-figure-for-presidential-run/

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Kaduna bombing: NGF demands probe, group warns troublemakers

15th December 2023

Godwin Isenyo

The Nigeria Governors Forum has called for thorough investigations into the accidental drone attacks at TudunBiri, Igabi Local Government, Kaduna State, which killed over 100 persons.

The Chairman of the NGF and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahmanAbdulRazak, made the call during a condolence visit to Kaduna on Thursday.

AbdulRazak said he visited on behalf of the  36 governors of the federation, adding that the incident must be probed and anyone culpable brought to book.

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, thanked the NGF Chairman for the show of support and solidarity in the state’s moment of grief.

He also expressed appreciation to his colleague for visiting Kaduna to condole with the government and people.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the December 3 accidental air strikes killed over 100 and left many others injured.

Meanwhile, a group, Kaduna State Patriot and Good Governance Forum, has warned against the exploitation of the Kaduna tragedy for parochial gains.

The President of the group, Awwal Aliyu, spoke at a press conference in Kaduna on  Thursday against the backdrop of a N33bn lawsuit said to have been instituted by one DalhatuSalihu against the Federal Government over the incident.

Aliyu urged the TudunBiri community to be wary of those he described as “conflict entrepreneurs” cashing in on the incident for the sake of benefiting from it.

He said, “We are aware of a lawsuit filed by one Mukhtar Usman Esq, counsel for one AlhajiDalhatuSalihu, who is claiming to have done so on behalf of the villagers. They are demanding an apology in three national dailies and N33bn compensation.

“While it is the villagers’ right to seek legal redress, we wish to caution them to be wary so as not to fall into the trap of idle lawyers who don’t genuinely care about their predicament but rather are more concerned about dispossessing them of the little assistance they have got from good-spirited individuals.

“While acknowledging the strides made in addressing this unfortunate incident by different groups and stakeholders, we want to urge lawyers and politicians to refrain from politicising the situation.

“It is crucial that we maintain a united front and work towards resolving these challenges collectively, rather than exploiting them for personal or political gain. They should also be wary of taking briefs from urban jobbers who don’t have a direct connection with the victims they claim to be fighting for.”

Source: punchng.com

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https://punchng.com/kaduna-bombing-ngf-demands-probe-group-warns-troublemakers/

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