‘Love Jihad’ Propaganda Of Godi Media- Report By Retired Supreme Court Judge

New Age Islam News Bureau

02 March 2024

 

Aman Chopra Sudhir Chaudhary, Amish Devgan and Himanshu Dixit

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·         ‘Love Jihad’ Propaganda Of Godi Media- Report By Retired Supreme Court Judge

·         Afghan Taliban Publicly Execute Three People In Five Days As Means Of Intimidation: 'Their Version Of Sharia Law'

·         Kenyan University Accused Of Forcing Muslim Students To Attend Church

·         Hindu Teacher Acquitted In Blasphemy Case After Five Years; Prosecution Fails To Establish A Case

·         Meeting Of Saudi & Israeli Trade Ministers...New Saudi Step Towards Normalization

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India

·         ‘150-Year-Old Sunehri Bagh Masjid Demolition Matter Referred To Heritage Committee’: Police To HC

·         Supreme Court To Hear Gyanvapi Mosque Panel, Suit Claiming Site For Temple Challenged

·         India Expresses Deep Shock At The Loss Of Lives In Northern Gaza

·         2022 Hate Speech Case: SC Adjourns Hearing On Plea

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South Asia

·         Islamic Emirate Called Human Rights For Afghanistan Report ‘Repetitive, Biased'

·         Islamic Emirate, Private Sector Delegation Leaves for Turkmenistan

·         Protecting Rohingyas: Don’t Repeat Mistakes Of The Past, Says Türk in UNHRC

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Africa

·         Nigeria Sharia Police Chief Resigns after Conducting Abusive Raids on Social Media Influencers, Brothels

·         Sudan: Rapid Support Forces Commit Ethnic Killings In Darfur, UN Says

·         Tunisia Raises Drinking Water Prices By Up To 16 Percent Due To Drought

·         Military Court In Somalia Sentences 6 Moroccan Men To Death For Membership In Daesh

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Pakistan

·         Security Improves In Rest Of Pakistan As Balochistan Grapples With Militants

·         Afghan Taliban ‘Warn Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Leadership’ Against Attacks In Pakistan

·         Pakistan's Foreign Office Dismisses United States 'Directions' On Probing Alleged Election Rigging

·         Imran’s Interim Bail In 4 Cases Confirmed

·         Imran Named Primary Accused In May 9 Riots

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Arab World

·         Riyadh Hosts GCC, Talks With Foreign Ministers On Sunday

·         Jeddah Al-Balad’s New Heritage Hotels Offer Glimpse Into Bygone Era

·         Improving Communication Services in Grand Mosque in Preparation for Ramadan Season

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Europe

·         Islamophobic Attacks On Me Because I Am Muslim, Pakistani: London Mayor

·         Germany Is Facilitating Israeli 'Genocide' In Gaza, Nicaragua Tells ICJ

·         Amid Anti-Israel Protests, Sunak Says Extremists Deliberately Undermining UK Democracy

·         In Moscow Talks, Hamas And Fatah Vow To Seek ‘Unity Of Action’ On Post-War Gaza

·         Hundreds Demand Gaza Ceasefire Outside Spain’s Foreign Ministry

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Mideast

·         Israel Said To Refuse Further Truce Talks Until It Receives Living Hostages’ Names

·         Hezbollah Pounds Israeli Military Sites In Support Of Gaza

·         Another Hezbollah Force Martyred In Clashes With Zionists

·         Gaza Children Die Of Hunger As UN, International Community Fail: Hamas

·         Organization Of Islamic Cooperation To Hold Meeting On Palestine Next Week

·         Türkiye Says It’s ‘Convinced’ Israeli Officials Will Be Brought To Justice For Their Crimes In Gaza

·         Ceasefire Reached Before Ramadan ‘Imperative,’ Says Egyptian Foreign Minister

·         UN Chief Calls For Independent Investigation Into Killings Of Palestinians Awaiting Aid In Gaza

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Southeast Asia

·         Junta Troops In Myanmar’s Rakhine State Abduct 40 Relatives Of Muslim Camp Residents

·         Waqf Land Certification Provides Legal Certainty To Religious Assets: Indonesian Government

·         Yusuf Islam, The British Musician To Establish Charity Organisation In Malaysia

·         Wisma Putra: Malaysia Strongly Condemns Israeli Regime's Inhumane Attack On Palestinians Seeking Aid In Gaza

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North America

·         CAIR-NJ Calls on NJ Lawmakers to Revaluate Relationship with Israeli Govt

·         CAIR-Minnesota to Join Palestinian Families Impacted by Gaza War at Capitol

·         US Strikes Houthi Missile Preparing To Launch Towards Red Sea From Yemen

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

 URL:   https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/love-jihad-godi-media-sc/d/131840

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‘Love Jihad’ Propaganda Of Godi Media- Report By Retired Supreme Court Judge

 

Aman Chopra Sudhir Chaudhary, Amish Devgan and Himanshu Dixit

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02.03.24

Syed Ilyas Basha

Some media channels in the country about Four years ago had unleashed rubbish talk about Muslim youth eloping with Hindu girls, converted to their religion Islam and marrying. Huge debates were conducted by their anchors blowing such incidents out of proportion and declaring it part of plot aiming to increase population of Muslims in the country. The fact is, there had always been inter-religious, inter-caste such marriages in the society.

The government’s inaction had greatly encouraged these anchors. These concerted baseless allegations had in fact tensions. Sitting in a responsible seat, these anchors were spreading lies based on rumours and through concocted stories. NBDSA (The News Broadcasting and Digital and Standard Authority) was approached pleading for justice. According to ‘The Wire’, dt.29 Feb, 2024, Orders have been issued now instructing Navbharat, News 18 India, Aaj Tak to take down 3 TV Shows. The Body has called for several television news programmes to be taken down and fine paid, for their role in spreading hatred and communal disharmony.

Anchors involved here have been Himanshu Dixit, Sudhir Chaudhary, Aman Chopra and Amish Devgan. The Body is currently headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, Justice A.K. Sikri.

Times Now Navbharat has been fined Rs 1 lakh and News 18 India has been ordered to pay a fine of Rs 50,000 and a warning has been issued to Aaj Tak. All three channels have been ordered to take down the online versions of the programmes within seven days, reports LiveLaw.

Complaints were lodged against the communal and inflammatory shows by activist IndrajeetGhorpade. Times Now Navbharat, a part of the mega Times group, has been penalised as anchor Himanshu Dixit was found to have targeted Muslims as a community and termed inter-faith relationships as “love jihad”.9-News 18 India, (now part of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s group), was fined for as many as three shows, two of which were anchored by Aman Chopra, and one by Amish Devgan. These shows have been penalised as they were found to have communalised the Shraddha Walker murder case as one of so-called “love jihad.”;. .

Aaj Tak, of the India Today group, was warned for its show anchored by Sudhir Chaudhary, which generalised acts of violence during Ram Navami as one of targeting a particular community. The complainant had cited violations of the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards, regarding impartiality, objectivity, neutrality, and accuracy. The NBDSA also cited breaches of guidelines related to hate speech prevention and avoiding communal narratives in reporting incidents.

On the Times Navbharat programme on “love jihad”, the NBDSA observed, “on a perusal of the impugned broadcast, it appears that at the very beginning of the broadcast, the anchor has concluded that men from a certain community lured women from another community by hiding their religious identity and then committed violence or murders against such women and every such violence or murder committed on women of a certain community related to love jihad’.”. “This is evident from the questions raised and statements made by the anchors during the impugned broadcast. When some of the panellists expressed their concerns regarding the communal angle being given to such alleged incidents and regarding selective cases of violence against women where the perpetrator belonged to a particular community, the anchor shouted them down and did not allow them to express their views,” NBDSA ruled.

The NBDSA order stated, speaking of instances of inter-faith relationships, “some such instances should not lead to making generalized statements regarding inter-faith marriages by giving it a communal colour. Every citizen, from whichever religion, has a right to marry a person of his/her choice, irrespective of the religion to which he/she belongs.”

“Merely because a Hindu girl married a boy of another faith would not tantamount to love jihad unless it is established that such a Hindu girl was duped or coerced into the marriage. Further, because of few incidents of such forced marriages, an entire community cannot be branded. NBDSA stated that the term “love jihad” should be used “with serious introspection in future broadcasts as religious stereotyping can corrode the secular fabric of the nation”, reports LiveLaw.

On February 4, 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a written response to Parliament, when asked about so-called “love jihad” that “the term ‘Love Jihad’ is not defined under the extant laws. No such case of ‘Love Jihad’ has been reported by any of the central agencies.” It also said that “Article 25 of the Constitution provides for the freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion subject to public order, morality and health. Various courts have upheld this view including the Kerala High Court.” The ministry did add that “two cases from Kerala involving inter-faith marriages have been investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).”

Indian TV news channels being filled with hate has been a matter of concern for some years now. The Supreme Court, while hearing a matter on the prevalence of hate in Indian media in 2022, cited the audience as a reason. “Hate drives TRPs, drives profit,” one judge said.. “It is the generalization of these incidents by targeting the entire community, which is found to be violative of the principles of Impartiality, Objectivity and Neutrality under the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards (“Code of Ethics”) and the Specific Guidelines covering Reportage relating to Racial and Religious Harmony. In the impugned broadcast, the anchor had also violated Clauses (f) and (h) of the Specific Guidelines for Anchors conducting Programmes including Debates,” the NBDSA order stated.. Last year, on March 2, 2023, the NBDSA had ordered three TV news channels to remove their programmes. Two of them were repeat offenders, News18 India and Times Now, apart from Zee TV. They were asked to remove as many as seven programmes broadcast by them from their online platforms and YouTube because these were in violation of the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards. The News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) [formerly known as News Broadcasters Association (NBA)] is an industry body, not an arm of the government. This represents the private television news, current affairs and digital broadcasters. It describes itself as “the collective voice of the news, current affairs and digital broadcasters in India. It is an organization funded entirely by its members” on its website.

Source: muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/eng/love-jihad-propaganda-of-godi-media-justice-prevailed-at-last/

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Afghan Taliban Publicly Execute Three People In Five Days As Means Of Intimidation: 'Their Version Of Sharia Law'

 

Taliban security personnel stand guard as an Afghan burqa-clad woman (R) walks along a street at a market in the Baharak district of Badakhshan province on February 26, 2024. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images)

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March 1, 2024

Peter Aitken

The Taliban have staged three public executions in the past week, marking a sharp jump after months of inactivity in an act clearly intended to intimidate the Afghan people, an expert told Fox News Digital.

"Our understanding of the situation just decreases daily; however, I would say the Taliban are interested in asserting their dominance over the Afghan people," Bill Roggio, the Founding Editor of "The Long War Journal," said.

"We have to remember their primary reason for existence is to impose sharia, or Islamic law, on the Afghan people," Roggio added. "They view that as a number-one priority, and executions for various crimes – theft, or adultery or other crimes – that is a means for them to impose Sharia."

"I don’t believe anything they’re doing here is to send a message externally," Roggio stressed. "This is the Taliban asserting their control over the Afghan people."

Courts convicted the three men of murder: The first man, identified as Nazar Mohammad from the Faryab province, killed one person; the other two had stabbed victims to death. Relatives of the victims shot the convicts while standing in arenas where thousands of people watched, The Associated Press reported.

The brother of the murdered man shot Nazar Mohammad five times with a rifle, according to a witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity and added that security around the stadium was tight. Three of the country’s highest courts and the Taliban supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, approved Mohammed's execution.

Separate statements from the supreme court said a man and a woman convicted of adultery were flogged with 35 lashes each in northern Balkh province over the weekend. Two other people were given 30 lashes each in eastern Laghman province, also over the weekend, for allegedly committing immoral acts.

The State Department told Fox News Digital that it has "seen reports" of "three public executions in five days" and denounced such killings as "an affront to the dignity and human rights of all Afghans."

"We continue to monitor the Taliban’s treatment of the people of Afghanistan," a State Department spokesperson wrote in an email. "At every opportunity, we emphasize to the Taliban that their relationship with the international community is contingent upon their respect for the rights of all Afghans."

The Taliban waited over a year after taking power before authorizing the first public execution under their new government. The courts had convicted the executed man of killing another man, continuing what many labeled as hard-line policies.

Authorities shot the man with an assault rifle used by the victim’s father. Hundreds of spectators and many top Taliban officials – some who had traveled from the capital Kabul to western Farah province – witnessed the execution.

The government carried out only one further execution in the following year – another murderer who had killed five people in two separate incidents. Again, the executioner used a gun owned by the son of one of the victims.

Roggio explained that the Taliban seemingly reserved public execution for convictions of murder, but could also extend to theft, adultery and other act perceived as "crimes against the Taliban state."

"I haven’t seen any visual confirmation, but I see no reason not to believe it," Roggio said. "If you go back to the 1990s, the Taliban were executing women, burying them to their heads and stoning them and things like that in soccer stadiums and stadiums in Kabul."

"The purpose of the arena, again, is a public display of execution: It helps promote a message, so if they’re not hiding this, they don’t want to hide these executions," Roggio argued. "They want the public to see that the Taliban is upholding their version of Sharia law."

Source: foxnews.com

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/taliban-publicly-execute-3-people-5-days-means-intimidation-version-sharia-law

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Kenyan University Accused Of Forcing Muslim Students To Attend Church

 

Kenyan Muslims recite the Holy Quran, before the Zohar prayers at a mosque during

Copyright © africanews/Sayyid Azim/AP

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01.03.2024

Kenya's parliament head has ordered the education ministry to look into claims that a university in the country is making Muslim students go to Christian services.

Daystar University, a private Christian school near Nairobi, is also said to be keeping back grades of students who don't go to chapel.

The university says this isn't true, as per local reports.

These accusations came up in parliament from Kenyan MP Mohammed Ali, who thinks this goes against people's right to practice their religion freely.

The Education Minister, Ezekiel Machogu, passed on what the university said: "They say everyone knows it's a Christian school with its own beliefs and values."

"When students join, they agree to follow the Christian values and join in the spiritual activities," he said, quoting the university.

He also mentioned that students are supposed to attend 75% of chapel services each semester.

The ministry will also check out claims from Mr. Ali that the school promotes LGBTQ ideas in its teaching.

Source: africanews.com

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

https://www.africanews.com/2024/03/01/kenyan-university-accused-of-forcing-muslim-students-to-attend-church/

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Hindu Teacher Acquitted In Blasphemy Case After Five Years; Prosecution Fails To Establish A Case

 

Photo: Pakistan Today

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March 01, 2024

Sameer Mandhro

KARACHI:

A Hindu teacher, charged with blasphemy in 2019 in the Ghotki district of Sindh, was ordered by a court to be released immediately if not wanted in any other case.

In the judgment, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, the court acquitted the accused on the grounds that the prosecution failed to establish a case against the accused.

“It is a cardinal principle of law that when the prosecution fails to establish the case against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt and there are facts and circumstances leading to an inference other than the guilt of the accused, its benefit has to go to him not as a matter of grace but as his right,” said the judgement.

The relatives, community members and friends of the teacher have expressed concerns over his security as they believe his life is in danger.

“He was falsely accused of blasphemy in 2019 and incarcerated for nearly five years, but has finally been acquitted and ordered to be released by the court,” said Sukh Dev Hemnani, a board member of the Sindh Human Rights Commission.

“We are trying to arrange security for him and his family,” he told The Express Tribune and added that the court reserved the verdict in the case during its last hearing but released the verdict today.

“His life is in danger as anyone could harm him,” Hemnani said, adding that ‘misinformation’ regarding the case could cause trouble for the teacher.

The allegations and aftermath

A student of the school, Muhammad Ihtisham, had complained to his father that the school owner had allegedly passed derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In a video that went viral during the incident, Ihtisham said that he had complained to other teachers about the remarks but he was told to keep quiet. "I then approached my family," he said. Protesters had then gathered at the A-Section Police Station and demanded the police to register an FIR against the teacher. The FIR was lodged late evening that day.

After the accused's arrest, the school he started in Ghotki city was closed and handed over to another owner while social and political activists demanded his release.

Following the allegations, the school was attacked. Scores of protesters vandalised the SachoSatram Mandir located in the city centre and at least five shops located in Jilani Market were looted during the riots.

The main protest, which attacked the school, where the incident reportedly occurred, was allegedly led by Mian Mithoo's elder brother, Mian Aslam.

Meanwhile, the city administration and law enforcers seemingly remained indifferent and failed to provide security to the temple or disperse the protesters. Thousands of supporters of the Mian brothers held a sit-in on the main roads and marched towards the school.

The protesters reportedly threatened Hindu families, who remained confined to their homes. "We even asked our kids not to cry," a member of the Hindu community told The Express Tribune.

"It was a nightmare. We were in a state of mental trauma and not sure if we could move out freely," he said, adding that the protesters were roaming the streets, shouting slogans against them and their religion.

In one of the videos that went viral following the riots, Mian Aslam is seen leading the protest. But Mian Mithoo, a former member of the National Assembly, denied any involvement.

"I did not lead the protest," he told The Express Tribune. "I was in Ubaro in a meeting," he explained, adding that he was unaware of the situation in Ghotki. "I don't have any idea. I just heard someone [a Hindu] passed comments against our Prophet (PBUH)."

Source: com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458075/hindu-teacher-acquitted-in-blasphemy-case-after-five-years

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 Meeting Of Saudi &Israeli Trade Ministers...New Saudi Step Towards Normalization

 

Economy Minister Nir Barkat (left) meets with Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi at the WTO conference in Abu Dhabi, February 26, 2024. (Courtesy Economy Ministry)

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[01/March/2024]

RIYADH March 01. 2024 (Saba) - Neither the information nor the analyses were wrong, which confirmed that the Saudi regime continues opening all possible paths of rapprochement and normalization agreements between Riyadh and “Tel Aviv”.

In addition, what reinforces this is what was revealed by the Zionist enemy’s media, about a handshake meeting and exchange of conversations that took place last Monday in Abu Dhabi, between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, and the Minister of economy in the enemy’s government NirBarakat.

The Zionist newspaper YediothAhronoth quoted on its website Barakat as saying to the Saudi minister: “Israel is interested in establishing peace with Arab countries that seek peace, and we can make history together.”

The official Zionist Broadcasting Corporation said: The two “exchanged personal phone numbers to be in direct contact,” adding: The two ministers talked about economic cooperation between their countries.

For its part, "Rai Al-Youm" website indicated that the video meeting with the Saudi Minister of Commerce is a rare event given the lack of official relations between the two sides, although the United States seeks to bring them closer together.

Nir Barkat is considered one of the symbols of Likud and a candidate to succeed Netanyahu. He launched extensive settlement projects in occupied Al-Quds when he was head of its Zionist municipality.

This meeting raised the astonishment of observers, especially since this handshake came while the Zionist aggression against Palestine was still ongoing, for more than 146 days, which led to the martyrdom of more than 30,000 civilians, most of them women and children, and the displacement of more than 90 percent of the population.

In light of the continued massacres of the Zionist enemy committed against the residents of Gaza, this meeting indicates, according to observers, Saudi Arabia’s unwillingness to influence the understandings and steps of normalization at the present time, and to deviate from the tools of confrontation, especially since it came after the approval of the land line that departs from the Emirati ports through Saudi territory. Passing through Jordan before reaching the occupied Palestinian territories.

This is a step that the Zionist Minister of Economy said in a new statement: It came to ease the burdens of navigation in the Red Sea, which is prohibited by the Yemeni armed forces.

Observers considered this meeting to be part of one of the fatal stabs directed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Palestinians, who consider the meeting a betrayal of them and a prelude to more Zionist crimes against them.

In a possible sign of the sensitivity of the issue of revealing this meeting, the Saudi regime was quick to deny it with a statement via SPA in which it claimed that the meeting was between the Saudi Foreign Minister and his Nigerian counterpart.

Observers considered this denial to be an excuse uglier than guilt and naive propaganda belied by the UAE’s publication of pictures of a meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce and his Zionist counterpart during a meeting sponsored by Mohammed bin Zayed.

In exchange for Riyadh's cautious denial, US President Joe Biden revealed the secrets of his Saudi ally's betrayal by confirming that Riyadh is still determined to continue efforts towards normalization with the Zionist entity.

The American President said in statements to American network “NBS” on Tuesday: There are several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, that have confirmed their readiness for normalization with the Zionist enemy entity as part of his administration’s continuing efforts in this regard.

Recently, visits by Zionist officials to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, have been renewed as part of participation in international conferences.

Last September, a delegation from the Zionist Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in a meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organized in the Saudi capital. This was considered the first official and public visit of an Israeli government delegation to Saudi Arabia.

The Zionist Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, also visited Riyadh in the same month to participate in a conference of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and then the Zionist Minister of Communications, ShlomoKarei, after receiving an official invitation to participate in the “World Postal Conference” in Riyadh as well.

These visits were arranged within a short period under the guise of hosting international conferences, in the context of accelerating the normalization process between the two sides. This is in addition to successive visits by many Zionists to Saudi Arabia in form of “journalists,” “businessmen,” and “Jewish rabbis.”

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3309364.htm

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India

 

‘150-Year-Old Sunehri Bagh Masjid Demolition Matter Referred To Heritage Committee’: Police To HC

01.03.24

New Delhi : The Delhi Traffic Police on Wednesday (February 28) told the Delhi high court that the matter concerning the demolition of the 150-year-old Sunehri Bagh mosque has been referred to the heritage conservation committee (HCC) of the urban development ministry. The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) in December had issued a public notice for the removal of the medieval era mosque after they received references from Delhi’s traffic police to “ensure sustainable mobility” of vehicles in the area. The NDMC then sought public opinion on the proposed removal of the mosque.

The police’s decision to refer the matter to the Heritage Committee is seen as a step towards a more inclusive and thoughtful resolution. The Heritage Committee, composed of experts in archaeology, history, and architecture, is tasked with evaluating the cultural and historical value of structures and sites. By involving this committee, the hope is to ensure that decisions regarding the Sunehri Bagh Masjid are made with a thorough understanding of its significance and potential impact on the cultural heritage of the region.

This move has garnered mixed reactions from various quarters. Preservationists and heritage enthusiasts have welcomed the decision, viewing it as a positive step towards safeguarding the rich cultural tapestry of the region. They believe that a comprehensive evaluation by the Heritage Committee will shed light on the historical importance of the mosque and influence a decision that aligns with the principles of conservation.

On the other hand, proponents of development argue that delaying or obstructing the redevelopment plans could have economic and infrastructural consequences for the area. They emphasize the need for a balanced approach that considers both historical preservation and the modernization needs of the community.

The case is now in the hands of the Heritage Committee, which is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the Sunehri Bagh Masjid’s historical, cultural, and architectural significance. The committee’s recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the final decision regarding the mosque’s fate. ( With Agency Inputs )

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/sunehri-bagh-masjid-demolition-matter-referred-to-heritage-committee-police-to-hc/

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Supreme Court To Hear Gyanvapi Mosque Panel, Suit Claiming Site For Temple Challenged

02.03.24

R. Balaji

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine a plea from the Gyanvapi Masjid management that contests the maintainability of a 1991 suit that claims the site for Hindus saying the mosque was built after demolishing parts of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, which manages the mosque that shares its compound with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, argued that the suit was barred by the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

This law stipulates status quo at all places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, barring the erstwhile Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The mosque committee has appealed against a December 19, 2023, judgment by Allahabad High Court that upheld the maintainability of the 1991 suit filed by certain Hindu groups.

The high court had ruled that the 1991 suit was not barred by the Places of Worship Act, and that the religious character of the Gyanvapi mosque had to be decided by a civil court through a detailed hearing.

On Friday, the Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra agreed to examine the mosque committee’s appeal.

The bench tagged the matter with similar petitions moved by the Gyanvapi mosque committee, Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and certain others challenging the maintainability of similar suits filed by Hindu groups in the apex court in 2021.

The date of hearing has not been fixed yet.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the mosque committee, told the bench that the matter needed a “detailed hearing”.

Senior advocate C.S. Vaidyanathan appeared for certain Hindu claimants, and solicitor-general Tushar Mehta for the Uttar Pradesh government. Senior advocate Harish Salve informed the bench that he was representing certain private respondents in the matter.

A controversy had erupted in 2022 following the purported discovery of a Shiva linga during a survey of the Gyanvapi premises on a directive from the Varanasi district court. The mosque committee contested the finding.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/supreme-court-to-hear-gyanvapi-mosque-panel-suit-claiming-site-for-temple-challenged/cid/2004149

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India Expresses Deep Shock At The Loss Of Lives In Northern Gaza

 1st March 2024

Sakina Fatima

New Delhi: Expressing its shock at the loss of lives in northern Gaza, India on Friday reiterated its call for safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance in the war-torn region.

More than 100 people were killed and close to 700 were injured as Israeli troops reportedly opened fire on hungry civilians who had gathered around food aid trucks in Gaza City on Thursday.

This came just as the Hamas-run Health Ministry announced that the death toll had crossed the 30,000 mark since Israel’s attacks began on October 7 last year.

“We are deeply shocked at the loss of lives in Northern Gaza yesterday during the delivery of humanitarian assistance,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement issued on Friday.

“Such loss of civilian lives and the larger humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be a cause for extreme concern,” it said, reiterating its call for “safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance”.

Speaking at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India’s concerns on the Gaza conflict, adding that the humanitarian crises arising from conflicts require a sustainable solution.

“The conflict in Gaza is of great concern to us all. The humanitarian crises arising from conflicts require a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected,” he said, adding that efforts must also focus on seeking a two-state solution where Palestinian people can live within secure borders.

World leaders strongly condemned the “tragic incident” saying it could jeopardise ceasefire negotiations.

Source: siasat.com

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

https://www.siasat.com/india-expresses-deep-shock-at-the-loss-of-lives-in-northern-gaza-2985414/

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2022 Hate Speech Case: SC Adjourns Hearing On Plea

1st March 2024

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned the hearing on a plea filed by Umar Ansari, son of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, in connection with the alleged hate speech case registered against him by Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police during the 2022 Assembly polls.

A Bench presided over by Justice Hrishikesh Roy granted three weeks’ time to Umar Ansari to file a rejoinder affidavit to the reply by the UP government in the matter.

Earlier on January 25, the Bench, also comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, issued a notice and granted interim protection from arrest to Umar Ansari taking note of the submission that other co-accused, including Abbas Ansari, had already been granted regular bail by the trial court.

“Issue notice returnable within a period of four weeks, in the meantime, the petitioner is protected from arrest,” the court had ordered.

In December 2023, the Allahabad High Court rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by Umar Ansari, co-accused in the hate speech case. He allegedly threatened UP government officials with payback at a public meeting in Paharpur area in Mau, during elections.

Mau police, in March 2022 booked the Ansari brothers under Section 171F (offence of undue influence at an election) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC, after a video of the speech went viral on social media.

The Supreme Court in July last year had declined to quash criminal proceedings against Umar Ansari and asked him to apply for discharge before the trial court.

He had contended that he was charged for merely being on the stage when his brother allegedly made the controversial speech in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Source: siasat.com

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https://www.siasat.com/2022-hate-speech-case-sc-adjourns-hearing-on-umar-ansaris-plea-2985351/

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South Asia

 

Islamic Emirate Called Human Rights For Afghanistan Report ‘Repetitive, Biased'

MitraMajeedy

March 1, 2024

The Islamic Emirate calls the recent report by Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, repetitive and biased.

HamdullahFetrat, the deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, says that all rights of women are protected within the framework of Islamic rulings in the country.

"These accusations are repetitive and biased, in Afghanistan all the people's Sharia rights are preserved, and in Afghanistan, all rights that Islamic Sharia has given to women are secured," said HamdullahFetrat.

This comes as Richard Bennett, last night (Thrusday) in the fifty-fifth session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, expressed concern over educational and work restrictions, detentions, disappearances, and public executions in Afghanistan.

He called on the international community to condition the normalization of relations with the Islamic Emirate on the improvement of the human rights situation in Afghanistan.

"I ask you to stand together for the human rights of the Afghan people. Consultations should be held with Afghans, and their views for finding solutions, for Afghanistan to be at peace internally and externally, should be heard. I ask the Taliban to improve their human rights record and to increase the small achievements they had in the private sector and health because human rights are the cornerstone of lasting and long-term peace," said Richard Bennett.

"The people of Afghanistan want this council to adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Afghanistan was one of the first 48 signatories, and consider the universal principles of human rights when making decisions about Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan want this council to defend fundamental human rights," said Nasir Ahmad Andisha, the permanent representative of Afghanistan to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

In this session, representatives from the United States, Turkey, Iran, Germany, and Pakistan also called for an end to human rights violations, especially against women in Afghanistan.

"The international community must remain determined and united and ask the Taliban to lift these restrictive actions. We also join others in calling for accountability. The future of Afghanistan depends on all Afghans being partners in decision-making," said Michelle Taylor, the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

"We are equally concerned about the humanitarian situation, human rights, and socio-economic issues in Afghanistan. We are equally concerned about the rights of Afghan women and girls; the governing authorities in Afghanistan must lift restrictions on women's education and allow women and girls to participate in the future of Afghanistan," said Pakistan representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

"Germany asks the authorities in Afghanistan to immediately stop human rights violations and adhere to international laws including human rights; fundamental rights of all Afghans especially religious, ethnic minorities, and women should be observed, and all decrees limiting these should be revoked," said Katharina Stasch, the Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Previously, the Secretary-General of the United Nations had also asked the interim government of Afghanistan to lift the restrictions imposed on the education and employment of women in Afghanistan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187643

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Islamic Emirate, Private Sector Delegation Leaves for Turkmenistan

Bibi Amina Hakimi

March 1, 2024

A delegation from the Islamic Emirate and the private sector, led by Nooruddin Azizi, acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, traveled to Turkmenistan today (Friday).

Azizi is set to participate in an exhibition being held in Ashgabat during this trip.

The acting Minister of Commerce and Industry added that more than 300 Afghan traders will participate in the Turkmenistan exhibition and will display their products. He emphasized that the challenges of traders will also be addressed during this trip.

"High-ranking officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will talk about transit trade and solving the issues and problems of our traders. We also have a big exhibition, with approximately 300 companies accompanying us, including 250 companies from within the country and fifty companies from abroad,” Nooruddin Azizi noted.

Meanwhile, some of the traders participating in the Turkmenistan exhibition said they will display their various products at the event.

"We want to participate in this exhibition in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and we hope to achieve something from this exhibition,” Mohammad Omar, a trader, told TOLOnews.

"The overall goal of this trip is to access the market, reduce preferential tariffs and transportation costs, solve the visa problem, and market our agricultural products,” Omid Haideri, another trader told TOLOnews.

In the meantime, the Chamber of Industries and Mines said that the Islamic Emirate's delegation will discuss investment opportunities in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, as well as the development of trade between the two countries, during their trip to Turkmenistan.

"During this trip, there will be discussions about increasing our exports to Turkmenistan. Our imports from Turkmenistan are very high, and we hope that the trade will be balanced,” said ShirbazKaminzada, head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Industry and Mines.

Previously, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs had discussed commercial expansion, transit, railway development, starting infrastructure projects, and importing electricity from Turkmenistan with officials of that country during his trip to Turkmenistan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/business-187646

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Protecting Rohingyas: Don’t Repeat Mistakes Of The Past, Says Türk in UNHRC

Mar 2, 2024

"After suffering decades of systematic discrimination, repression, forced displacement, and other serious human rights violations, the Rohingya today remain essentially imprisoned in villages and internment camps," he said while addressing the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday.

He said more than a million continue to languish in refugee camps in Bangladesh, and in Myanmar, they continue to be denied citizenship rights and free movement, and there is currently no prospect for safe and sustainable return.

Türk said since November, amid communications blackouts, sources indicated that nearly 200 people have died in Rakhine, of which at least 50 were Rohingya. Over 150,000 people fled their homes seeking safety – most Rohingya, however, are not allowed to flee.

"Just yesterday [Thursday], military naval vessels shelled a market in Rakhine's capital of Sittwe, reportedly killing at least 16 civilians and injuring over 80 others. This violence impacts every community, many of which are still reeling from last year's Cyclone Mocha," he said.

"In Rakhine State, we have heard reports that displaced Rohingya youth are being offered money, food, and even citizenship if they join the ranks of those who displaced them years ago. They are threatened with punishment if they refuse. And reports of forced recruitment, including child recruitment, have already proliferated among many warring parties.

"Military-imposed movement restrictions have almost completely disrupted the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid. Homes have been burned down. Supply routes connecting Rakhine to other parts of Myanmar have been closed, creating an acute food shortage and significant price hikes. Most families are now surviving on one meal a day."

"Up to 5,000 Rohingya undertook perilous boat journeys last year in their search for safe haven. Hundreds of others have been detained as they seek to escape to other parts of Myanmar," Türk added.

He said his office has received multiple credible reports that hundreds of Rohingya fleeing violence are being prevented from entering Bangladesh. I appeal to all Member States to ensure international refugee protection to people fleeing persecution and conflict in Myanmar.

Four years ago, the International Court of Justice called on Myanmar to halt any activities that could violate provisions of the Genocide Convention. It ordered that the authorities protect Rohingya communities, preserve evidence of wrongdoing against them, and create conditions conducive to a safe, dignified, and voluntary return to their places of origin.

"Yet, the military continues to engage in the same callous, heavy-handed behaviour. This Council must act on these alarming warning signs."

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/protecting-rohingyas-dont-repeat-mistakes-the-past-3556676

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Africa

 

Nigeria Sharia Police Chief Resigns after Conducting Abusive Raids on Social Media Influencers, Brothels

MARCH 02, 2024

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

The head of Sharia police in northern Nigeria’s Kano state announced his resignation on Friday after the governor accused his force of abusive raids and crackdowns on social media influencers.

Sheikh AminuDaurawa stepped down a day after state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf accused the Sharia police, called Hisbah, of assaults and dehumanising suspects during operations against hotels, brothels and immoral joints.

The rift highlights the divisions over how social media influencers are managed in northern Nigeria’s conservative Muslim society, with clerics opting for a harsh approach and politicians preferring more conciliatory engagement.

“I apologise to the governor who is infuriated by what we have done and hereby resign,” Daurawa said in a video he posted online Friday.

He said that his aim was “instilling moral sanity” and that he tried encouraging filmmakers and TikTok users to “sanitise” their content to “make them tally with religious and cultural values”.

“Some of them have continued with the immoral acts and we have done what we believe is the best in that regard,” Daurawa said.

He was apparently referring to the arrest and arraignment in court of social media influencers for posting semi-nude videos and others containing obscenities considered immoral.

Murja Kunya, a TikTok celebrity with a huge following, is on trial for immoral social media videos while Ado Gwanja, a popular singer, was declared wanted by a judge for releasing a song the Hisbah deemed immoral.

Kano is one of 12 predominantly Muslim northern states where Islamic Sharia law runs side by side with common law.

The state government established the Hisbah in 2000 to enforce Sharia provisions, which mandated it to raid taverns and brothels and crack down on all forms of immorality.

The force is also empowered to sanction filmmakers and social media influencers over content deemed to contravene Sharia morality.

During a meeting with Muslim clerics in his office on Thursday, Yusuf chided the Hisbah for high-handedness in carrying out raids that endangered the lives of suspects and exposed them to abuse.

“I saw a video clip that disturbed me… Young men and women were pursued with sticks to make them trip and fall,” Yusuf told the gathering.

“They were being seized like goats and thrown into vans… We think this is a serious mistake,” Yusuf said.

He called on a change in Hisbah strategy and warned that such dehumanisation and strictness would only harden the young people they were meant to reform.

Ukraine Suggests War On Russian Interests In Africa After Video Shows Wagner Interrogation In Sudan

Yusuf suggested joint raids of suspected immoral spots by Hisbah, police and paramilitary civil defence personnel who would arrest suspects and hand them over to relevant authorities for prosecution.

“Preaching with wisdom, compassion and understanding is what brings a delinquent back to his senses and leads him to repentance and be reintegrated into society,” Yusuf said.

Source: news18.com

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https://www.news18.com/world/nigeria-sharia-police-chief-resigns-after-conducting-abusive-raids-on-social-media-influencers-brothels-8800506.html

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Sudan: Rapid Support ForcesCommit Ethnic Killings In Darfur, UN Says

01.03.2024

Paramilitary forces and their allied militias fighting for power in Sudan have carried out large-scale ethnic killings and rapes as they take control of much of West Darfur, which could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, UN experts said in a new report.

The report to the United Nations Security Council, obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, paints a terrifying picture of the brutality of the Arab-dominated Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against Africans in Darfur. It also explains how Rapid Support Forces managed to take control of four of Darfur's five states, in part through complex financial networks involving dozens of companies.

Sudan plunged into chaos in April, when long-simmering tensions between the army, led by General Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support paramilitary forces, commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, boiled over into street fighting in the capital, Khartoum.

The fighting has spread to other parts of the country, but in Sudan's Darfur region, it has taken a different form: brutal attacks by Rapid Support Forces against African civilians, particularly members of the Masalit ethnic group.

War crimes

Two decades ago, Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes, particularly by Arab Janjawid militias against populations who identify with Central or East Africa. This appears to be the case again, with International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan saying in late January that there was reason to believe both sides were committing war crimes, crimes against humanity. or genocides in Darfur.

The panel said Darfur was experiencing "its worst violence since 2005". The ongoing conflict has caused a large-scale humanitarian crisis and displaced around 6.8 million people - 5.4 million in Sudan and 1.4 million who have fled to other countries, including around 555,000 to neighboring Chad, said the experts.

Both the RSF and rival Sudanese government forces have used heavy artillery and shelling in highly populated areas, leading to the mass destruction of critical water, sanitation, and sanitation facilities. , education, and health care.

In their 47-page report, the experts indicate that the RSF and its militias targeted sites in Darfur where displaced people had found refuge, civilian neighborhoods, and medical facilities.

According to intelligence sources, the panel said that in one town alone – Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state near the Chad border – between 10,000 and 15,000 people were killed.

Sexual violence

Experts said sexual violence by the RSF and its allied militias was widespread.

According to Geneina's reliable sources, women and girls as young as 14 years old were raped by RSF elements in a United Nations World Food Program warehouse controlled by the paramilitary force, in their homes or when they returned home to collect their personal belongings after being displaced by violence. In addition, 16 girls were reportedly kidnapped by RSF soldiers and raped.

“Racial slurs against the Masalit and the non-Arab community were part of the attacks,” the panel said. “Neighborhoods and homes were continually attacked, looted, burned and destroyed, particularly those where Masalit and other African communities lived, and their residents were harassed, assaulted, sexually abused and sometimes executed.”

Experts said prominent members of the Masalit community were targeted by the FSR, which had a list, and the group's leaders were harassed and some executed. At least two lawyers, three doctors, and seven staff members, as well as human rights activists who were monitoring and reporting on the events, were also killed.

The RSF and its allied militias looted and destroyed all hospitals and medical storage facilities, leading to the collapse of health services and the deaths of 37 women suffering from childbirth complications and 200 patients requiring treatment. kidney dialysis, according to the expert panel.

Torture

According to the report, after the assassination of the West Darfur governor in June, the Masalit and African communities decided to seek protection in Ardamata, just outside Geneina. A convoy of thousands left at midnight, but as it reached a bridge, FSR and allied militias opened fire indiscriminately, and survivors reported that around 1,000 people had been killed.

The panel stressed that disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks against civilians – including torture, rape and murder, as well as the destruction of essential civilian infrastructure – constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

The RSF was created from Janjawid fighters by Sudan's former president, Omar al-Bashir, who ruled the country for three decades, was overthrown in a popular uprising in 2019, and is wanted by the Criminal Court internationally for accusations of genocide and other crimes during the conflict in Darfur in the 2000s.

According to the group of experts, "the RSF's takeover of Darfur relied on three lines of support: allied Arab communities, dynamic and complex financial networks, and new military supply lines through Chad, Libya, and South Sudan."

While the Sudanese army and the RSF have engaged in extensive recruitment drives across Darfur starting in late 2022, the RSF have been more successful, experts say. They also "invested large sums from their pre-war gold trade in several sectors of activity, thus creating a network of 50 companies".

Financial networks

The RSF's complex financial networks "made it possible to acquire weapons, pay salaries, finance media campaigns, lobby and buy support from other political and armed groups", the experts said.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who visited Chad in September, called the report's findings " horrible" and said she was "deeply disappointed" that the Council UN Security Council and the international community have paid so little attention to these allegations. “The Sudanese people feel like they have been forgotten,” she said.

Given the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan and the wider region, Thomas-Greenfield called on the Sudanese army to lift the ban on cross-border aid from Chad and to facilitate cross-border aid in coming from the east of the country. She also demanded, in a statement on Wednesday, that the RSF end the looting of humanitarian warehouses and that both sides stop harassing aid workers.

“The Council must act urgently to alleviate human suffering, hold those responsible to account, and end the conflict in Sudan,” the US ambassador said. "Hurry up."

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/03/01/sudan-rsf-commit-ethnic-killings-in-darfur-un-says/

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Daurawa’s Resignation Stirs Controversy Over Kano’s War Against Immorality

 2 Mar 2024

The resignation of the Kano state Hisbah Board Commander General, Sheikh AminuDaurawa, Friday morning following criticism of  his mode of operation by the state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf  is posing a serious challenge to Kano’s battle with immorality.

Sheikh AminuDaurawa tendered his resignation in  a viral video clip shared on his Facebook page, while attending a retreat with Kano lawmakers in Kaduna.

“I heard some statements coming from Kano State, which honestly got me demoralised. What I have been trying to do in Hisbah is instill moral discipline and behavioural change. I have done my best in inviting filmmakers and we discussed a lot on how to go about our mission.

“But I am seeking the forgiveness of the governor. I wish to let him know that I have stepped down from the position he gave me at Hisbah. And I pray that he succeeds in his government,” he said in the video.

Governor Yusuf had on Thursday, during a meeting with imams at the Government House, expressed displeasure with the way and manner Hisbah carried out some raids against places of ill repute late last year.

He reprimanded the Hisbah over the way its operatives manhandled adolescent males and females and forcefully threw them into lorries during the operation.

The governor cited two viral videos of Hisbah raids at a fish joint by Sarina Hotel and the storming off-campus lodgings of female Bayero University Kano students.

“Hisbah is a board that we take in high esteem and bring in God fearing people that we know they can deliver given the people’s mandate in line with what is right.

“I want to call on the attention of agencies saddled with the responsibility of putting youth on the righteous paths, especially Hisbah.

“The meaning of establishing agencies like this is to do the right thing and also advise us and all stakeholders on the right thing to do.

“We want the right thing to be done, what if, God forbids someone got injured on his spinal cord, he is finished.” He said.

Governor Yusuf therefore called on Hisbah officers to change their tactics by conducting joint operations with other security agencies and handing over the suspects to relevant authorities.

Murja Kunya Controversy

The curious thing about the governor’s comment is the timing amid the raging controversy over notorious female TikTok celebrity Murja Kunya.

Ms Kunya, an ardent supporter of Governor Yusuf was released from prison custody in unclear circumstances while undergoing trial in a Sharia court after she had been arrested by Hisbah officers.

The manner in which she was released without proper bail hearing led to rumors that Sheikh Daurawa had resigned from his position.

The Commander General denied the rumor that time while explaining that the only thing that would make him to resign was if the Governor that appointed him wouldn’t allow him to execute his work.

The governor’s speech is therefore seen as the last straw given that the Hisbah stopped the raids he alluded to since November last year.

Also, the Commander General seems to believe that the governor is expressing a specific concern over the fate of Murja Kunya even though he did not mention her by name.

“I equally called TikTokers and used money from my pocket and those of my subordinates. We gave them data and transport fares and we also discussed; the same thing with Murja and her friends. I prayed for them and advised them accordingly.

“We have done our best in seeing that we did the right thing.” Daurawa said in his resignation video.

Clerics urge reconciliation

However, some prominent Islamic clerics have called for reconciliation to allow Daurawa retain his position.

 Dr Abdallah Gadon Kaya, in a video shared on Youtube, called for  truce, saying someone like Sheikh Daurawa should not be allowed to go like that.

The cleric said the primary function of Hisbah was upholding what is right and prohibiting what is bad.

“Sheikh Daurawa has contributed immensely to this cause, assisting not only Kano State but the federal government and many states, as well as foreign governments,’’ he said.

Gadon Kaya said that at the moment, there is no cleric as experienced with Hisbah work as Daurawa, noting that the governor is human and can err, especially when he spoke while he was probably angry.

“I call on the governor to exercise restraint and invite Daurawa for discussion on the way forward. It will be a great loss to allow the cleric go without reconciliation. Daurawa must not to be allowed to resign,’’ he emphasised.

He appealed to Daurawa to forget what happened and remember that the work of Hisbah is to please God, saying mischief makers will feast on the situation to continue with immoral behaviours in Kano.

Another prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani RijiyarLemo, during his Friday sermon at the Sheikh Jaafar Mahmud Adam Mosque, implored the state government to  support the fight against all forms of immorality in the state.

RijiyarLemo said Kano  was being targeted for promotion of immoral things “with girls trooping into the state just to engage in uploading video contents promoting nudity on the social media.’’

Although the Islamic cleric did not call out names, he said if the government, clerics and traditional rulers allowed immoral activities to go unchecked, the whole society would be in trouble.

Residents react

Meanwhile, Kano residents have expressed their opinions over the utterance of Governor Yusuf, which they believe triggered the resignation of Sheikh Daurawa.

A journalist and publisher of Daily Nigerian, Jafar Jaafar,  accused Governor Yusuf of not granting audience to Sheikh Daurawa when he tried to brief him on Murja Kunya’s case.

“From what I gathered, Sheikh Daurawa made some attempts to see the governor but he did not give him an audience nor he answer his call,” Jaafar wrote.

Also, Malam Nasiru Umar, a tailor said that what the governor said would give licence to girls who engage in immorality to continue with what they were doing and remain untouchable. “Everybody that uses the social media is definitely aware that what Murja is doing is not Islamic, it is immoral. But she is now free. This is unacceptable in Kano, where most people are Muslims,” he said.

Another resident, Ummi Uba, told Daily Trust Saturday that the Sheikh’s resignation was disappointing 

“When I first heard about the resignation, I thought it was a mistake until I reached out to social media handles. This is impossible,” she said.

Malam YahayaAbdullahi faulted the Kano State Government for its action.

“Had it been the governor called Sheikh Daurawa and spelt out how he wanted him to approach the job, I am sure it would have been better. Coming out publicly to condemn the activities of Hisbah is an insult to Daurawa. What the governor did was very wrong,” Abdullahi said.

AlhajiAminuAlkasim also condemned the statement by Governor Yusuf and sympathised with Daurawa. He urged Hisbah officials not to relent in their activities, saying they should continue where Daurawa stopped.

“I urge Hisbah officials to continue with what they have been doing. From the governor’s speech, I understand that he did not mention that Hisbah should stop raiding those places. So they should continue and not give those girls room to continue with their unmoral activities.

 When contacted on whether Governor Yusuf has accepted the resignation of Sheikh Daurawa, his director-general, media and publicity, SanusiBatureDawakinTofa, declined comment.

War against immorality

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf he reappointed Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa as the commander-general of Hisbah following his electoral victory in 2023.

Former Governor RabiuKwankwaso first  appointed Sheikh Daurawa as the Hisbah commander-general in 2011, but he resigned in July 2019 because former Governor AbdullahiGanduje accused Hisbah of deviating from its main function.

The Hisbah Board under Sheikh Daurawa had, late last year, launched coordinated raid on some hotels in Kano metropolis and arrested about 190 young girls and boys for alleged involvement in immoral acts.

Following a public uproar over the operation, Hisbah changed tacticts by inviting filmmakers and TikTokers to discuss ways to conform to religious injunctions in their activities.

Source: dailytrust.com

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https://dailytrust.com/daurawas-resignation-stirs-controversy-over-kanos-war-against-immorality/

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Tunisia Raises Drinking Water Prices By Up To 16 Percent Due To Drought

March 02, 2024

TUNIS: Tunisia has raised its drinking water prices by up to 16 percent, the official gazette said on Friday, in response to a drought that has lasted five years.

After years of drought, average rainfall has increased in recent months but government officials said this week that Tunisian dams have only reached 35 percent of their stock capacity.

The North African country last year imposed a quota system for drinking water and a ban on its use in agriculture. Since last summer, it has been cutting off water supplies at night.

The price of water will be unchanged for small consumers.

Those whose consumption exceeds 40 cubic meters face about 12 percent increase to 1.040 Tunisian dinars ($0.33) per cubic meter and consumers of between 70 and 100 cubic meters per quarter will pay 13.7 percent more at 1.490 dinars per cubic meter with immediate effect.

The highest increase is for those whose consumption exceeds 150 cubic meters and for tourist facilities, for which the price per cubic meter has increased by 16 percent to 2.310 dinars.

Tunisia has launched water desalination plants to try to make up for the country’s lack of dams and the impact of climate change.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2469721/middle-east

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Military Court In Somalia Sentences 6 Moroccan Men To Death For Membership In Daesh

March 01, 2024

MOGADISHU: A military court in Somalia’s northeastern semiautonomous state of Puntland sentenced to death six Moroccans believed to be foreign fighters for the Daesh group in Somalia.

The individuals entered Somalia to cause harm to Muslims and Somalis and incite unrest in the country, the presiding judge in the Puntland region, Col. Ali Ibrahim Osman, said late Thursday.

The six men, identified as Mohamed Hassan, Ahmed Najwi, Khalid Latha, Mohamed Binu Mohamed Ahmed, RidwanAbdulkadirOsmany, and Ahmed Hussein Ibrahim, can appeal and if they are unsuccessful they will be shot to death by firing squad.

Additionally, an Ethiopian and a Somali were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, while another Somali defendant was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

It was not immediately clear if any of the men had access to legal representation or where they were being held Friday. The eight men claimed they were misled into joining the group and expressed a desire to be repatriated, Osman said.

According to Osman, the six Moroccans were accused of receiving training with Daesh at its base in the Cal-Miskaat Mountains in northeastern Somalia, which serve as a stronghold for the group.

The Moroccans were apprehended in the mountain range, located to the east of Bosaso, which is the commercial hub of the Puntland region.

The Somali branch of Daesh was established in 2015 by a group of defectors from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabab group, which is the most prominent militant group in Somalia.

The group is notorious for extorting locals and primarily carries out small-scale, sporadic attacks. This marks the first time that authorities in the semi-autonomous Puntland region have charged or sentenced foreigners for joining Daesh.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2469501/world

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Pakistan

 

Security Improves In Rest Of Pakistan As Balochistan Grapples With Militants

March 02, 2024

Islamabad: Statistics released by the Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), reveal intriguing terrorism trends for February 2024.

According to PICSS, the country experienced 97 attacks, resulting in 87 fatalities and 118 injuries. While there was a marginal increase in militant attacks compared to January's 93 incidents, the ensuing casualties slightly decreased, with 90 deaths and 135 injuries reported in January 2024.

The PICSS report highlights a significant escalation in violence in Balochistan, juxtaposed with a decline in tribal districts of KP (former FATA) and mainland KP. The report attributes the surge in Balochistan's violence to terror groups such as BLA, BLF, BRAS, etc., targeting the election process and related activities, warning against public participation.

In Balochistan, militant attacks spiked by 72 percent in February compared to January, totalling 57 attacks resulting in 42 deaths and 72 injuries. January had witnessed 33 attacks, leading to 31 fatalities and 50 injuries. Notably, 30 out of the 57 attacks recorded by PICSS in Balochistan during February were directed at election activities.

The National Party of former chief minister Dr. Malik and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) were primary targets, along with attacks on PTI, PMLN, JUI, BNP-Mengal, and BNP-Awami.

A discernible pattern emerged, revealing that 50 out of the 57 attacks in Balochistan occurred from February 1st to 8th. Only seven attacks were recorded after the elections, underscoring the militants' primary focus on disrupting the election process, considering political participation in Pakistan a threat to their cause. Of the 57 attacks in Balochistan, 30 targeted election-related activities, with only three election-related attacks reported in the first eight days from other provinces, one each from mainland KP, the former FATA region, and Sindh. Post-election, five attacks targeted politicians, with three in former FATA and two in mainland KP, resulting in casualties.

Overall, 33 attacks targeted election-related activities, leading to 35 deaths and 59 injuries. In post-election attacks against political individuals, five people were killed, and eight were injured.

In contrast, the security situation improved in the rest of the country, with a 54 percent drop in violence in former FATA (merged districts of KP) and a 23 percent reduction in mainland KP. In the tribal districts of KP, 11 attacks resulted in seven deaths and 17 injuries, compared to 24 attacks, 36 deaths, and 57 injuries in January. Mainland KP witnessed 23 attacks with 35 deaths and 28 injuries, showing a decrease in attacks but an increase in human losses compared to January. Sindh experienced five militant attacks in February, resulting in three deaths and one injury, while Punjab reported one low-profile attack with no casualties.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1163374-security-improves-in-rest-of-pakistan-as-balochistan-grapples-with-militants

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Afghan Taliban ‘Warn Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Leadership’ Against Attacks In Pakistan

March 02, 2024

Umar Cheema

ISLAMABAD: The Taliban government has strictly warned the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan leadership against using the Afghan soil for attacks inside Pakistan and noted that such acts have weakened the relations between the two peoples, said a member of the delegation that recently visited Kabul.

A delegation led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Sami) head, Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, went to Kabul. Hamid is the son of the late Maulana Sami-ul-Haq from whose madrassa, Dar-ul-Uloom Haqqania, several Taliban leaders had graduated. The visit was coordinated by Asrar Madani, the head of the International Research Council for Religious Affairs, an organisation that studies the Islamic Movement. This was the second high-profile visit after Maulana Fazlur Rehman who went there in January.

Taliban leaders told the visiting delegates that some four weeks ago, a meeting was called in which TTP leaders like Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, Hafiz Gul Bahadur and others were also in attendance. Mulla Muhammad Hassan, the prime minister and some of his ministers represented the Afghan government. In the meeting, the TTP leadership was told in unequivocal terms that the attacks inside Pakistan have weakened their relations with the people and the government of Pakistan.

Things have improved since that meeting, Madani said, quoting the Taliban government officials. However, he added that Taliban and, in particular, Haqqani network, believes that resumption of dialogue with TTP could improve the relations. Pakistani officials seem averse to this idea as the TTP in the past secured concessions in the form of release of their prisoners in Pakistani jails, who returned to their native areas but didn’t remain peaceful.

Madani said the Taliban government was concerned about the repatriation by the Pakistani government of Afghan refugees in haste. Those returning after 20-40 years are strangers even in their native areas. The entire landscape has changed in the case of many refugees and they are struggling to settle down. Madani explained the Taliban government said that Pakistan being the host for decades could have waited for more time or at least could make this decision after taking the Afghan government in confidence. Many in the Taliban leadership have also been refugees in Pakistan for decades. Mulla Haibatullah, currently the supreme leader, has spent almost 15 years in a madrassa in Kuchlak (Quetta) where he taught as Sheikh-ul-Hadith. Maulana Abdul Hakeem Haqqani, the current Chief Justice of Afghanistan, had been teaching in a madrassa in Pushtunabad (Quetta). Amir Khan Muttaqi, the foreign minister, lived in Quetta. Khalil-ul-Rehman Haqqani, minister for refugees, lived in Peshawar.

Pakistan says the repatriation policy was mainly aimed at fighting terrorism. The authorities have explained that Afghan nationals were found to be involved in attacks against the government and the army, including 14 of this year’s 24 suicide bombings.

Interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said in November 2023, “A significant portion of those involved in criminal and terrorist activities are among these illegal immigrants.”

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Pakistan's Foreign Office Dismisses United States 'Directions' On Probing Alleged Election Rigging

 02.03.24

Pakis­tan has dismissed the US suggestion to probe discrepancies in the February 8 general elections, asserting that it will not succumb to external dictates.

Foreign Office spokes­person Mum­taz Zahra Baloch in her weekly press address on Friday categorically said that "no country could give directions" to Pakistan, an independent and sovereign nation.

“We believe in our own sovereign right to make decisions about Pakistan’s internal affairs,” Dawn News quoted Bal­och as saying in reply to the comments made by her US counterpart reg­arding allegations of misconduct in the controversy-marred general elections.

Earlier this week, US State Department spoke­sperson Matt­hew Miller said any claims of interference or fraud “should be fully and transparently investigated per Pakis­tan’s laws and procedures”.

On another occasion, Miller said: “Concerning inv­estigations into reported irregularities, we want to see those investigations proceed … [and] wrapped up as soon as possible.” The comments were prompted by accusations, particularly by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party-backed candidates, of tampering with and manipulation of election results.

The results were announced after an unprecedented delay by the Elec­tion Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The ECP and the caretaker government have strongly refuted the accusations, urging political parties to pursue legal remedies for their complaints through courts and other appropriate channels.

Miller is not the only US official to express concerns over the polls.

Citing "strong evidence" of election rigging in Pakistan, a group of influential lawmakers, including Muslim legislators, belonging to the ruling Democratic Party has urged US President Joe Biden to withhold "recognition" of a new government in Islamabad until a transparent and credible investigation is conducted.

The February 8 general election, marred by allegations of widespread rigging, in Pakistan, resulted in a hung Parliament with independent candidates backed by the PTI party winning more than 90 seats at the 266-member National Assembly.

Ex-premier Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) bagged 75 seats and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) got 54 seats.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) won 17 seats.

In a joint letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the lawmakers expressed concerns about "pre-and post-poll rigging in Pakistan’s recent parliamentary elections", urging the US Congress to "withhold recognition of a new government in Pakistan until a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation of election interference has been conducted".

Islamabad is a long-standing ally of Washington and it is in the interest of the US to ensure that democracy thrives in Pakistan and that election results reflect the interests of the Pakistani people, not the interests of the Pakistani elite and military, the letter sent on Wednesday said.

Since the election resulted in a hung Parliament, the PML-N and the PPP have struck a post-poll deal with four other parties to form a coalition government, which may effectively end Khan's chances of returning to power.

A party must win 133 out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly to form the government.

PTI has rejected the attempts by the PML-N and the PPP to form a coalition government, warning that robbing its public endorsement by the "mandate thieves" will result in the worst political instability.

"Given the strong evidence of pre- and post-poll rigging, we urge you to wait until a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation has been conducted before recognising a new Pakistani government. Without taking this necessary step, you risk enabling anti-democratic behaviour by Pakistani authorities and could undermine the democratic will of the Pakistani people," the US lawmakers said.

The letter urged Pakistani authorities to release anyone who has been detained for engaging in political speech or activity and tasked State Department officials in Pakistan with gathering information about such cases and advocating for their release.

It urged the Biden administration to "make clear" to Pakistani authorities that US law provides for accountability for acts that violate human rights, undermine democracy, or further corruption, "including the potential for military and other cooperation to be halted".

Around 35 Congress members, led by Democratic Party’s Gregorio Casar, have written a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging not to acknowledge the new government in Islamabad until the cash-strapped country formally investigated the rigging allegations.

In response to a question about the letter, Baloch said: “This is a communication between public officials in the US and is not addressed to the government of Pakistan. We therefore have no comments to offer on such letters.” Baloch said Pakistan is a “dynamic democracy” and possesses the necessary domestic frameworks to address issues related to elections or democratic processes.

The spokesperson also refrained from commenting on PTI founder Imran Khan's letter to the International Monetary Fund which linked any future financial support with the election audit.

"As you know the (interim) prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has made a statement on this matter. The Ministry of Finance takes the lead on IMF-related issues, so they will be in a better position to comment on this subject,” she said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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Imran’s Interim Bail In 4 Cases Confirmed

March 02, 2024

LAHORE: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday confirmed the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in four cases related to the May 9 violence and others.

The court confirmed the interim bail in cases of attack on police outside the Zaman Park, murder of PTI activist Zille Shah, torching of PMLN office in Model Town and a container at Kalma Chowk, subject to furnishing of surety bonds of Rs500,000. ATC Judge Arshad Javed heard the bail petitions of the PTI founder and announced the verdict.

The counsel for the PTI founder had requested to confirm the bail of his client in the cases during the proceedings. However, Special Prosecutor Rana Shakil argued that the PTI founder was the main accused in the May 9 cases. While referring to statements of witnesses, he claimed that the PTI founder incited workers to treason and arson before his arrest.

Meanwhile, another ATC Judge Naveed Iqbal extended the interim bail of PTI founder in three cases of May 9 violence till March 7. The court extended the interim bail in cases of attacking the Jinnah House, Askari Tower and torching of Shadman police station. Earlier, on August 11, 2023, an ATC dismissed the pre-arrest bails of the PTI founder over his non-appearance in the cases due to his conviction in the Toshakhana case. However, the Lahore High Court set aside the decision of the ATC and restored his bail petitions while allowing a petition of the PTI founder.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Yasmin Rashid in the case of torching police vehicles in Gulberg during the May 9 riots. The court directed the PTI leader to furnish surety bonds of Rs500,000 for availing the relief. ATC Judge Arshad Javed heard the post-arrest bail petition of the PTI leader and allowed the petition on the conclusion of arguments. The Gulberg police had registered a case against Dr Yasmin and others on charges of torching police vehicles during the May 9 riots.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday granted bail to 16 accused involved in attacking the Jinnah House on May 9, ordering them to furnish surety bonds of Rs100,000 each to avail the relief of bail.

ATC Judge Muhammad Naveed Iqbal heard the post-arrest bail petitions of the accused Muhammad Danish, Farhan Ahmad, Mukhtar Khan, Saqib Munir, Mian Abdul Rehman, Hassan Ijaz, Yasir Abbas, Muhammad Kashif, Mian Bilal, Suleman Ilyas, Adnan Ashraf, Muhammad Shan, Raheemullah, Hafiz Muhammad Nauman and Muhammad Rayan and granted them bail.

The Sarwar Road police had registered a case against PTI leaders and workers on charges of attacking the Jinnah House, known as the residence of corps commander Lahore, during the May 9 riots.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Imran Named Primary Accused In May 9 Riots

March 02, 2024

LAHORE: The special prosecutor has designated PTI founder Imran Khan as the primary accused in seven cases related to the May 9 riots and other incidents.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) proceeded with the hearing on Friday regarding Imran’s applications for interim bail.

Special Prosecutor Rana Shakeel, presenting arguments during the hearing, identified Imran Khan as the main accused in the PM House burning case.

Shakeel pointed to witness statements that allegedly link the PTI founder to incitement, claiming that the former prime minister had urged party leaders to set military installations ablaze.

Reading out witness statements in court, he highlighted the PTI founder's purported calls for people to take to the streets.

The court sought clarification on whether Imran Khan had used social media platforms to attack individuals opposing institutions, to which the special prosecutor responded affirmatively, citing numerous tweets and messages on Instagram.

It is noteworthy that the court has mandated Imran Khan's presence via video link from jail and has called for arguments from the founder's legal representatives.

The seven registered cases against the PTI founder chairman include charges related to Jinnah House and Askari Tower vandalism.

On August 11, 2023, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) dismissed Imran's pre-arrest bail due to his absence, resulting from his incarceration following a conviction in the Toshakhana case.

Subsequently, in response to a petition filed by Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court overturned the ATC's decision and reinstated his bail petitions. The high court further instructed the trial court to re-evaluate the bail petitions based on their merits.

These bail petitions pertain to various cases, including attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, Shadman police station, the burning of PML-N offices in Model Town, an incident involving a container at Kalma Chowk, the murder of PTI activist Zile Shah, and an attack on police outside Zaman Park.

An anti-terrorism court (AT ) on Friday confirmed the pre-arrest bails of PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan in four FIRs registered against him over his alleged involvement in the Zille Shah murder case, Zaman Park riots and arson cases.

The petitioner’s counsel argued before the court that their client had been implicated in fabricated and politically motivated cases, intended solely to demean and embarrass him, despite his lack of involvement in these allegations.

The counsel argued that there was no substantial evidence on record to establish his client's connection to the charges outlined in the FIRs. Urging the court, he requested bail for his client.

On the other hand, the prosecution vehemently contested the petitioner's counsel's account, asserting that there is ample evidence to substantiate the accused's involvement in these cases.

The law officer requested the court to dismiss the bail petitions.

The special prosecutor designated PTI founder Imran Khan as the primary accused in seven cases related to the May 9 riots and other incidents.

Special Prosecutor Rana Shakeel, presenting arguments during the hearing, identified Imran Khan as the main accused in the PM House burning case.

Shakeel pointed to witness statements that allegedly link the PTI founder to incitement, claiming that the former prime minister had urged party leaders to set military installations ablaze.

Reading out witness statements in court, he highlighted the PTI founder's purported calls for people to take to the streets.

The court sought clarification on whether Imran had used social media platforms to attack individuals opposing institutions, to which the special prosecutor responded affirmatively, citing numerous tweets and messages on Instagram.

However, the Judge ATC after hearing detailed arguments confirmed bail to the accused former prime minister Imran Khan in the aforementioned cases registered against him in Race Course, Naseerabad and Model Town police stations.

It is noteworthy that the court has mandated Imran Khan's presence via video link from jail and has called for arguments from the founder's legal representatives.

The seven registered cases against the PTI founder chairman include charges related to Jinnah House and Askari Tower vandalism.

On August 11, 2023, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) dismissed Imran's pre-arrest bail due to his absence, resulting from his incarceration following a conviction in the Toshakhana case.

Subsequently, in response to a petition filed by Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court overturned the ATC's decision and reinstated his bail petitions. The high court further instructed the trial court to reevaluate the bail petitions based on their merits.

These bail petitions pertain to various cases, including attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, Shadman police station, the burning of PML-N offices in Model Town, an incident involving a container at Kalma Chowk, the murder of PTI activist Zile Shah, and an attack on police outside Zaman Park.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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Arab World

 

Riyadh Hosts GCC, Talks With Foreign Ministers On Sunday

March 01, 2024

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council will host its 159th ministerial session in Riyadh on Sunday, while separate meetings will be held involving the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt and Morocco.

“The GCC Ministerial Council and the joint ministerial meetings with Egypt, Jordan and Morocco will be held on March 3,” the GCC posted on X.

The council shared a statement from GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, which said: “The meeting of the 159th Ministerial Council of the GCC will be held (on) Sunday in Riyadh, headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Qatar (and) president of the current session of the Ministerial Council, in the presence of the foreign ministers of the GCC countries.”

A joint ministerial meeting will be held on the sidelines between the GCC and Egyptian Foreign Minister SamehShoukry, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

The secretary-general said that the Ministerial Council will discuss a number of reports on the subject of following up on the implementation of the decisions of the GCC’s Supreme Council that were issued by the summit in Doha in December 2023.

It will also focus on memorandums and reports submitted by the ministerial and technical committees and the general secretariat, in addition to topics related to dialogues and strategic relations between the GCC countries and global countries and blocs, as well as the latest regional and international developments.

Al-Budaiwi said that the Gulf-Egyptian meeting will look at several topics, the most important of which are the joint action plan and ways to enhance cooperation.

The meetings between the GCC and Jordan and Morocco will form part of the distinctive relationships and partnerships between the parties.

Source: arabnews.com

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Jeddah Al-Balad’sNew Heritage Hotels Offer Glimpse Into Bygone Era

March 01, 2024

JEDDAH: Nestled in the heart of Jeddah’s historic district are heritage hotels launched by the Jeddah Historic District Program under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and in partnership with Al-Balad Development Co.

These hotels, including Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al-Rayess and Beit Kedwan, have been meticulously restored while preserving their architectural features to provide guests with an authentic glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The restoration and rehabilitation of these heritage hotels was carried out in alignment with the highest international standards and the guidelines set out by UNESCO, which designated Jeddah Historic District as a World Heritage Site in 2014.

Tariq Omar Al-Saggaf, the project manager, told Arab News about the extensive work involved in reviving about 600 heritage buildings in the area. “These buildings are not only being restored but also repurposed for various functions ranging from hotels to residential, administrative, commercial and cultural purposes,” he said.

Through a harmonious blend of historical restoration and modern hospitality, these hotels offer guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and architecture of one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic districts.

During an exclusive tour at Beit Jokhdar, MilicaMarkovic, the general manager of Al-Balad Historic Hotels, told Arab News that the restoration process aimed to maintain the original charm of the buildings: “80 percent of the building has been restored to how it originally was. This building has the biggest roshan window in Jeddah. It has nine rooms and suites and it’s the biggest out of the three that we have.”

She added: “So, that’s why the architecture is actually very unique. It is very important for us to reflect for the guests, although these are hotels (they have) a very homey, elegant vibe.”

The attention to detail in preserving elements such as the roshan window, wooden ornaments and oil lamp hooks gives guests an insight into the heritage of the region. Local craftsmanship and artistry are also integral to the interior design and ambiance of the hotels, reflecting the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia.

“The ceilings are also original with wood ornament carving that is handmade. We even preserved the old hooks, where they used to put the oil lamps to lighten up the room. Most of the art and furniture you see … most of it has been done locally, so we really try to showcase fully not just the interior design and architecture of Saudi Arabia but also ... the work of the artists,” Markovic said.

Each of the three heritage hotels showcases a different architectural design that highlights the historical and aesthetic value of the buildings.

Beit Jokhdar, for instance, has one of the largest wooden facades in Al-Balad and features distinctive elements such as plaster decorations, arches, stained glass and ornate wooden interiors.

Beit Kedwan, facing Beit Nassif, stands out for its wooden rawasheen and mashrabiyyas, while Beit Al-Rayess is celebrated for its location and architectural features both internally and externally.

Markovic said: “The whole renovation process, I believe, took a little bit more than two years. But to set it up at the hotel and the hotel operation … it’s been only actually three months so we’ve been hardcore working to set everything up for the year.

“The most beautiful thing about these hotels is we don’t have to come up with a fancy marketing strategy or anything, we can just embrace them and share this beautiful history story,” Markovic said.

“Prices go usually from SR5,000 ($1,333) and more per night, but depending on the seasonality event in Jeddah, it can go a certain percentage lower or higher depending on the occupancy.”

Hospitality and dining in all hotels is inspired by an authentic Saudi flavor, “We have hired fantastic young chefs that are basically developing dishes that are inspired by Saudi cuisine, but with a bit of a more modern fine dining and elegant twist,” Markovic said.

The recent agreement between the Jeddah Historic District Program and Al-Balad Development Co. signals a new chapter in the operation of the heritage hotels.

With 34 heritage houses set to be managed under this partnership, Al-Balad Hospitality aims to offer authentic hospitality experiences that celebrate the culture of the region.

The commitment to preserving the history and providing enriching experiences positions Jeddah Historic District as a sought-after destination for visitors worldwide.

The opening of the first three heritage hotels in Jeddah Historic District marks a significant milestone in efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Source: arabnews.com

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Improving Communication Services in Grand Mosque in Preparation for Ramadan Season

02 Mar, 2024

 The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has expanded the scope of the fifth-generation (5G) network inside the Grand Mosque to cover the well of Zamzam and the basement of the King Fahd expansion. The increased scope was accomplished with the support of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites as part of the preparation for the month of Ramadan and to improve integration of efforts exerted by all the concerned authorities in serving the visitors during Ramadan season.

 The step aims to enhance the efficiency of Zamzam water production by monitoring the water level inside the well, sending data directly to the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Project for Zamzam Water Distribution. The network will also contribute to improving the quality of transmitting religious lessons and broadcasting them live on the Manarat Al-Haramain digital platform, so that their content reaches various parts of the world.

 The General Authority is working to expand the coverage of the network to include the third Saudi expansion in the month of Ramadan, to ensure the best experience for pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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Europe

 

Islamophobic Attacks On Me Because I Am Muslim, Pakistani: London Mayor

March 02, 2024

Murtaza Ali Shah

LONDON: London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said racist and Islamophobic attacks have been launched on him – with backing from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak – by the senior-most Conservative leaders because he’s a Muslim and of Pakistani origin.

In an interview with The News and Geo, the London mayor said he had no doubt why false and dangerous claims had been made against him and British Muslims by senior Tories such as Suella Braverman, Lee Anderson, Lizz Truss and others. The senior-most Tory leader Lee Anderson, the former Tory deputy chairman, claimed that Sadiq Khan was being controlled by the “Islamists” and Suella Braverman claimed that Britain was being run by the “Islamists”.

Sadiq said: “It’s very unfortunate that the Conservative party is amplifying conspiracy theories that I am being controlled by the Islamists. These allegations are lies and slurs about Muslims. I can tell you that if I was not a Pakistani and a Muslim, these allegations would have never been made. It is very dangerous and completely untrue to say that there is Islamification of London, that Muslims are taking over London and that London has become Londonistan. These allegations are being made to cause fear about Muslims in the non-Muslim communities. The fact is Muslims have integrated themselves into the society, we have learnt the language, we go to schools and universities for education, we work and we pay taxes. We then wonder what it will take for us to be accepted?”

Sadiq had urged the prime minister to call the remarks racist and Islamophobic, but Rishi Sunak has refused to do so. Sadiq said Rishi Sunak and his cabinet should have categorically said that these comments by their leaders are racist, Islamophobic and anti-Muslim, but they are scared. He said: “When there is any incident of anti-Semitism, we say that it is wrong and anti-Semitic. We also condemn misogyny and sexism. Then why is it that when Pakistani-origin Britons and Muslims are attacked, nobody says that it is Islamophobic and anti-Muslim.”

He said it had been over a week since Lee Anderson made Islamophobic comments, but the whole government refused to utter the word Islamophobic. “Even if you have a problem with the word Islamophobic, you can say this is anti-Muslim. This is very unfortunate because Rishi Sunak should know better,” he said, urging the PM to stop discriminating against Muslims and Pakistanis.

Sadiq said the Geo News in 2016 had brilliantly reported “how the Conservatives and Zac Goldsmith ran a highly Islamophobic and racist campaign against me. My fear is that the same is happening all over again because the May Local Council Elections are right around the corner and Tories are doing it again to scare the voters that Sadiq Khan is a Muslim and Pakistani. Next year there is going to be a general election and they are projecting lies and Islamophobia to gain votes on the basis of fear and hate”.

He said the senior Tory leaders attacking Muslims were not fringe elements but the mainstream politicians. “Lizz Truss was the last prime minister before Rishi Sunak, Suella Braverman was the last home secretary and Lee Anderson was the last deputy chairman of the Tory party. This is the mainstream Conservative party amplifying anti-Muslim hatred. Lizz Truss agreed with the right-hand man of Donald Trump that Tommy Robinson is a hero. It is the same Tommy Robinson who was in prison for his racism and for the things he did.”

Sadiq condemned Braverman who has repeatedly attacked Muslims. The Mayor of London said: “Suella Braverman says that Britain has been taken over by the Islamists. I ask her how and where, in the House of Lords or in the Supreme Court or in the House of Commons or in the media? I ask everyone not to get mad but to get even. We must organise a register and a vote because these attacks are being launched to deter us from taking part in votes. For Muslims, it is more important than ever before to take part in politics.”

A latest YouGov poll has put Sadiq Khan 25 points ahead of his Conservative rival, but Sadiq said that he was not bothered about the polls and believed that the only way forward was that the maximum number of people come forward and vote. He said for the two terms that he had been the London Mayor, gun crimes, burglaries and homicides came down “but I am not complacent and I still believe that they are too high”. He said he would be able to deliver more for London when there is a Labour PM in the centre and a Labour London mayor.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1163489-islamophobic-attacks-on-me-because-i-am-muslim-pakistani-sadiq

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Germany Is Facilitating Israeli 'Genocide' In Gaza, Nicaragua Tells ICJ

March 02, 2024

Nicaragua has accused Germany of facilitating "genocide" in besieged Gaza in a case started in the International Court of Justice [ICJ], by giving support to Israel and suspending funding of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA.

"By sending military equipment and now defunding UNRWA, which provides essential support to the civilian population, Germany is facilitating the commission of genocide," Nicaragua said in its legal filings on Friday.

According to Nicaragua's argument, Germany is violating the 1948 Genocide Convention and the 1949 Geneva Conventions on the laws of war in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Nicaragua's filing adds that emergency measures were needed because of Berlin's "participation in the ongoing plausible genocide and serious breaches of international humanitarian law" in besieged Gaza.

Nicaragua was asking the court to take a swift interim stance against Germany before judges gave the case an in-depth study.

The lodging of the case follows the ICJ order on January 26 that Israel must do everything to prevent genocidal acts in the blockaded enclave and take "immediate" measures for aid provisions.

That interim order was given as the court moves to weigh in full a case lodged in December by South Africa alleging that Israel was engaged in genocide in Gaza.

Israel has dismissed South Africa's case as a "grossly distorted story".

ICJ rulings are legally binding, but the court has no enforcement mechanism. Rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch this week said Israel is disregarding the ICJ's interim order by limiting humanitarian aid to Gaza.

UNRWA funding

Accusations from Israel that staff from UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, took part in the October 7 Hamas surprise blitz prompted several countries, including Germany, Britain, Japan and the United States, to suspend their funding.

On Friday, the European Commission emphasised that it was maintaining its funding of UNRWA while reviewing arrangements in light of the Israeli allegation.

The commission said it was releasing $54 million to the UN agency next week, with a further $34 million to follow later.

Israel's war on Gaza — now in its 148th day — has left at least 30,228 Palestinians dead, mostly children and women, and wounded 71,377 others, as famine looms in the coastal enclave of 2.3 million besieged people.

Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the tiny Palestinian-blockaded enclave, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

Gaza officials say 10 children have died of "malnutrition and dehydration", adding some people have resorted to eating animal feed and even cactuses to survive.

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

Source: trtworld.com

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https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/germany-is-facilitating-israeli-genocide-in-gaza-nicaragua-tells-icj-17193682

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Amid Anti-Israel Protests, Sunak Says Extremists Deliberately Undermining UK Democracy

1 March 2024

Following weeks of simmering tension in the UK over the Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday said that the “time has come” to battle extremist forces as he warned “democracy itself is a target.”

In an unusual address from outside his Downing Street home, Sunak said that “in recent weeks and months, we have seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality.”

Regular marches protesting Israel’s military response to Hamas’s October 7 attacks have seen dozens arrested for antisemitic chanting and banners, inviting support for Hamas, a banned terror organization, and assaulting emergency workers.

Right-wing counter-protesters were also arrested when they descended on London for Remembrance Day events in November.

“Islamist extremists and far-right groups are spreading a poison. That poison is extremism,” said Sunak.

Matters came to a head last week when the Speaker of the House of Commons said he bucked procedure during a debate due to concerns about the safety of MPs.

Sunak said that the protests, a regular occurrence on Saturdays in the capital, “had descended into intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence.”

Sunak said that people had the right to protest and demand the protection of civilian life in Gaza, but could not use that cause to justify the support of Hamas, a proscribed group, and said he wanted police to “not merely manage these protests, but police them.”

He added that “Islamist extremists and the far-right feed off and embolden each other” and were “two sides of the same extremist coin.” He said that people in the country on visas would have their right to be in Britain removed if they “choose to spew hate.”

“Now our democracy itself is a target. Council meetings and local events have been stormed.

“MPs do not feel safe in their home. Long-standing parliamentary conventions have been upended because of safety concerns,” he added.

“I fear that our great achievement in building the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy is being deliberately undermined,” Sunak said.

The prime minister said that “police have a tough job in policing the protests” but that “we must draw a line.”

“I say this to the police, we will back up when you take action,” he added.

Sunak’s speech came as left-wing firebrand George Galloway was elected to the UK parliament after tapping into anger over the Israel-Hamas war in a chaotic by-election marred by allegations of antisemitism.

Sunak said it was “beyond alarming” that voters had elected a candidate “who dismisses the horror of what happened on October 7, and who glorifies Hezbollah.”

The government will soon unveil a “new, robust framework” to tackle extremism, which will include backing for the counter-radicalization Prevent program and a demand for universities to stop extremist activity on campus, he explained.

“It is not enough to live side-by-side, we must live together, united by shared values and a shared commitment to this country,” said Sunak.

“The time has now come for us all to stand together to combat the forces of division,” he added.

British lawmakers this week have been given funding for new security provisions after some faced threats for expressing support for Israel in its war with Hamas.

The Gaza war began on October 7, when thousands of Hamas-led terrorists stormed southern Israel to kill nearly 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and took over 250 hostages.

Vowing to dismantle the Palestinian terror group and release the hostages, Israel launched a ground offensive in Gaza.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says that more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed so far. The figures cannot be independently verified, and are believed to include both civilians and Hamas members killed in Gaza, including as a consequence of terror groups’ own rocket misfires.

The IDF says it has killed more than 13,000 Hamas operatives in addition to another 1,000 killed inside Israel on October 7.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/amid-anti-israel-protests-sunak-says-extremists-deliberately-undermining-uk-democracy/

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In Moscow Talks, Hamas And Fatah Vow To Seek ‘Unity Of Action’ On Post-War Gaza

1 March 2024

Palestinian factions including rivals Fatah and the Hamas terror group said on Friday they would pursue “unity of action” in confronting Israel after representatives met at Russia-hosted talks.

The meeting in Moscow on Thursday brought together Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Fatah and other Palestinian groups for talks on the war in Gaza and an eventual post-war period.

It came on the heels of the resignation of the Palestinian Authority government, which is led by Fatah and based in the West Bank.

Outgoing prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called for intra-Palestinian consensus as he announced his resignation, and some analysts said the development could pave the way for a government of technocrats that could operate in the West Bank and Hamas-run Gaza after the war.

Arab and Western leaders have been pushing for reforms to the Palestinian Authority as they discuss possible reconstruction efforts.

A statement on Friday by the Palestinian factions represented in Moscow said there would be an “upcoming dialogue” to bring them under the banner of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

Thursday’s “constructive” talks saw agreement on points including the need for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the creation of a Palestinian state, the statement said.

While Hamas and Islamic Jihad are designated terror groups, the PLO is internationally recognized as representing Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and the diaspora.

Discussions in recent years about integrating Hamas into the PLO have ended in failure. Hamas kicked the PA out of Gaza in 2007 in a violent takeover of the Strip.

In recent years, Moscow has strived to maintain good relations with all actors in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including Fatah and Hamas.

Russia’s relations with Israel have become strained amid Moscow’s criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, its invasion of Ukraine and increasingly close ties with Iran.

The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel that killed some 1,200 people and took another 253 hostages.

Israel launched an offensive in Gaza aimed at returning the hostages and destroying Hamas.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says that more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed so far. The figures cannot be independently verified, and are believed to include both civilians and Hamas members killed in Gaza, including as a consequence of terror groups’ own rocket misfires.

The IDF says it has killed more than 13,000 Hamas operatives in addition to another 1,000 killed inside Israel on October 7.

Source:

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-moscow-talks-hamas-and-fatah-vow-to-seek-unity-of-action-on-post-war-gaza/

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Hundreds Demand Gaza Ceasefire Outside Spain’s Foreign Ministry

02 March 2024

Hundreds rallied outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Madrid on Friday, calling on the Spanish government to "stop the arms trade" with Israel and demanding an immediate ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Footage shows crowds chanting and waving flags outside the building as they stood behind a large banner bearing the slogan: "Long live the struggle of the Palestinian people."

Organizers called for the impromptu rally after reports emerged from the Gaza Health Ministry on Thursday that 100 people were killed after Israeli troops "opened fire" as people gathered for food aid.

According to media reports, people rushed to secure food and medicine from aid trucks. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 104 people were killed and 760 injured.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/02/721121/Spain-Madrid-Gaza-ceasefire-protest-Israel-

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Mideast

 

Israel Said To Refuse Further Truce Talks Until It Receives Living Hostages’ Names

1 March 2024

Israel will not participate in further talks aimed at achieving a temporary ceasefire and prisoner swap until it receives a list of living hostages still held by Hamas, the Axios news site reported Friday, as Hebrew-language media indicated that the Palestinian terror group had adopted an increasingly intransigent stance in the negotiations.

According to the Axios report, Qatar and Egypt, who mediate between Israel and Hamas, had coaxed Israel to take part in talks over the past week in Doha by guaranteeing that if an Israeli delegation were sent, Egypt and Qatar would secure a list of living hostages, and pressure Hamas to come down from its demands regarding the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in return for each Israeli hostage.

But after three days of talks in Doha, the Israeli delegation returned home without any answers on either issue. “The mediators promised that Hamas would give numbers and that didn’t happen,” Axios quoted an unnamed Israeli official as saying.

On Thursday, Qatari and Egyptian officials proposed another round of talks in Cairo to take place over the coming week, but Israel refused the offer due to the mediators’ failure to receive from Hamas the promised list of hostages.

“There is no point in starting another round of talks until we receive the lists of which of the hostages are alive and until Hamas gives its answer regarding the ‘ratio’ that defines how many prisoners will be released for each hostage,” the official said.

In a televised press conference Thursday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that he is “demanding to know in advance the names” of all the hostages Israel is supposed to see released within the current proposed framework, and added that it is “too early” to know if the planned deal will come to fruition in the coming days.

In any case, “we won’t capitulate to Hamas’s delusional demands,” Netanyahu said, noting that “if we capitulate, we simply won’t be here.”

“We are determined” to return all the hostages, “with or without a framework,” the premier added.

Senior Israeli officials told Axios they were waiting to see whether American pressure exerted during US President Joe Biden’s calls with Egyptian and Qatari leaders on Thursday will bear fruit, breaking the impasse with Hamas.

However, the Ynet news site reported Friday that in a security cabinet briefing on the prisoner swap negotiations Thursday night, those present were informed that Hamas was doubling down on its demands.

Israel, meanwhile, was reported by Channel 12 to have given the Egyptian government a list of security prisoners that it would not release even if a deal is reached with Hamas. According to the report, the Israeli delegation will participate in the Cairo talks next week.

Biden said earlier this week that he was optimistic that a deal could be reached by early next week. But he acknowledged that a prospective deal may have been set back after dozens of Palestinians were killed in a stampede around an aid convoy in northern Gaza on Thursday. Israeli troops fired at several of them who were endangering the soldiers.

Biden on Friday expressed cautious optimism that a deal can still be struck.

“We’ve been working and hopefully we’ll know shortly,” Biden said.

Egypt also said it believed a deal could still be done.

“We are hopeful that we can reach a cessation of hostilities and exchange of hostages. Everyone recognizes that we have a time limit to be successful before the start of Ramadan,” said Egyptian Foreign Minister SamehShoukry at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey on Friday.

Over 250 hostages were taken during Hamas’s brutal October 7 onslaught, which saw thousands of gunmen led by the Palestinian terror group storm southern Israel to kill nearly 1,200 people, mainly civilians.

It is believed that 130 hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 remain in Gaza — not all of them alive — after 105 civilians were released from Hamas captivity during a weeklong truce in late November, and four hostages were released prior to that. Three hostages have been rescued by troops alive, and the bodies of 11 hostages have also been recovered, including three mistakenly killed by the military.

The IDF has confirmed the deaths of 31 of those still held by Hamas, citing new intelligence and findings obtained by troops operating in Gaza. One more person is listed as missing since October 7, and their fate is still unknown.

Hamas is also holding the bodies of fallen IDF soldiers OronShaul and Hadar Goldin since 2014, as well as two Israeli civilians, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who are both thought to be alive after entering the Strip of their own accord in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Vowing to dismantle Hamas and release the hostages, Israel launched an air and ground campaign.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says that more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed so far. The figures cannot be independently verified, and are believed to include both civilians and Hamas members killed in Gaza, including as a consequence of terror groups’ own rocket misfires.

The IDF says it has killed more than 13,000 Hamas operatives in addition to another 1,000 killed inside Israel on October 7.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-refuse-further-truce-talks-until-it-receives-living-hostages-names/

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Hezbollah Pounds Israeli Military Sites In Support Of Gaza

Mar 2, 2024

TEHRAN, Mar. 02 (MNA) – Hezbollah has conducted multiple strikes against Israeli military positions in the northern sector of the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories, in yet another retaliatory operation amid the war on Gaza.

Lebanon’s al-Mayadeen television, citing a brief Hezbollah statement, reported that the group launched two surface-to-surface Falaq (Dusk) missiles at Khirbet Ma’ar base late on Friday, and the projectiles hit the designated targets precisely.

Hezbollah fighters also struck a gathering of Israeli soldiers inside the Ruwaisat al-Alam outpost in the occupied KfarChouba Hills, causing casualties among the troops.

Moreover, the Lebanese resistance group targeted Israeli forces stationed near the al-Menara military site, leaving several soldiers injured as a result.

It also rained down rockets on other Israeli military sites, including one in the occupied Lebanese village of Hounin and al-Baghdadi outpost.

A gathering of Israeli troops came under a drone strike as the troops were about to take a position in the Ma’ayan Baruch kibbutz.

Additionally, Israeli soldiers positioned near Ramim barracks were targeted with a salvo of rockets. There were no immediate reports about possible casualties and the extent of damage caused.

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

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

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

The Israeli war on Gaza has killed at least 30,228 people, most of them children and women. Another 71,377 individuals have also been wounded.
Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/212538/Hezbollah-pounds-Israeli-military-sites-in-support-of-Gaza

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Another Hezbollah Force Martyred In Clashes With Zionists

Mar 2, 2024

TEHRAN, Mar. 02 (MNA) – Another Hezbollah force was martyred in clashes with Zionists, the Lebanese Resistance group announced in a statement on Saturday.

On Friday, Hezbollah said that it had targeted a gathering of the Israeli regime's forces with drones.

The Lebanese Resistance movement has been conducting regular raids since early October against the Israeli regime’s military position in retaliation for the occupying regime’s offensives against Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Israel waged its brutal war on besieged Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out an unprecedented operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

So far, the Tel Aviv regime has killed nearly 30,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured at least 68,883 others.

Israel has imposed a complete siege on the densely populated territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/212531/Another-Hezbollah-force-martyred-in-clashes-with-Zionists

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Gaza Children Die Of Hunger As UN, International Community Fail: Hamas

01 March 2024

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has blamed the United Nations and the international community for the death of 13 children in the Gaza Strip from hunger amid Israeli siege and aggression.

Palestinian medical sources said on Thursday that seven children died because of malnutrition, bringing to 13 the number of children who have lost their lives because of hunger in the northern part of the besieged strip.

The deaths are "a declaration of failure of the international community and the United Nations in carrying out their tasks in protecting children from starvation," Hamas said in a statement on Friday.

The movement also described the deaths as a “dangerous precedent” in the modern era.

"We renew our call on the United Nations and international relief institutions to take urgent action to save children and civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially in the Gaza and North governorates, and not to submit to the dictates of the criminal Zionist occupation," the statement said.

Hamas also called on the international community to help deliver food and medical supplies to Gaza urgently "to avoid the increasing catastrophe of famine.”

Israel launched the genocidal war on Gaza early in October. The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a “complete siege” on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Gaza health system ‘more than on its knees': WHO

Amid the Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the health system in the strip is “more than on its knees.”

"The system in Gaza is on its knees, it's more than on its knees," WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said on Friday, adding "All the lifelines in Gaza have more or less been cut."

The spokesperson noted that desperate Palestinians risk their lives to find food, water and other necessities.

His remarks come as Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid in northern Gaza. The latest incident killed at least 112 people and injured hundreds of others near the al-Nabulsi roundabout in Gaza City on Thursday.

"The food supplies have been cut off deliberately. Let's not forget that," Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva.

On Tuesday, UN officials slammed Israel for “systematically” blocking aid from reaching Gazans, warning that at least one-quarter of the population of Gaza is one step away from famine.

Israel waged its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 30,228 Palestinians and injured 71,377 others.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/01/721091/Hamas-blames-UN-death-Gaza-kids-hunger-

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Organization Of Islamic Cooperation To Hold Meeting On Palestine Next Week

Ahmed Asmar

01.03.2024

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation said on Friday it will hold an "extraordinary meeting" of its Council of Foreign Ministers on March 5 "to discuss the continued Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people."

The pan-Islamic body in a statement said the session will convene at its headquarters in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.

Last November, the OIC and the Arab League held a joint summit in Riyadh, which adopted a number of decisions including assigning a committee to tour world capitals and seek to stop the Israeli war against the Palestinian people.

Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion have killed more than 30,000 people, most of them women and children. The initial Hamas attacks killed about 1,200 people.

The onslaught has also caused mass destruction, displacement and conditions for a famine in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/organization-of-islamic-cooperation-to-hold-meeting-on-palestine-next-week/3152853

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Türkiye Says It’s ‘Convinced’ Israeli Officials Will Be Brought To Justice For Their Crimes In Gaza

Emre Başaran

01.03.2024

Türkiye on Friday said that “sooner or later,” Israeli officials will be brought to justice for their crimes in the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

"We are closely following the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice," OncuKeceli, Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, said in a statement.

"We are convinced that sooner or later all members of the Israeli government will be brought to justice for the crimes they are committing in Gaza," he said.

"The Israeli government must put an end to the indiscriminate, systematic and deliberate massacre of Gazans," Keceli added.

Israel has launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by the Palestinian group Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people.

At least 30,035 Palestinians have since been killed and 70,457 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

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

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkiye-says-it-s-convinced-israeli-officials-will-be-brought-to-justice-for-their-crimes-in-gaza/3152823

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Ceasefire Reached Before Ramadan ‘Imperative,’ Says Egyptian Foreign Minister

01.03.2024

Egyptian Foreign Minister SamehShoukry stressed on Friday that a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance factions should be reached before the holy month of Ramadan.

"It is imperative to reach a ceasefire before Ramadan for the safety of the Palestinian people," the minister told Anadolu during his first participation in the Antalya diplomatic forum in Türkiye.

He stressed that "it would be unacceptable that military activities continue" during the holy month of Ramadan due to "the impact it will have not only on the civilian Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank but generally."

The minister also reiterated his country's refusal of any displacement plans for the Palestinians, both internally and externally.

"The issue of displacement, which is contrary to international humanitarian law, should not continue to take place, whether internally or outside of Palestine," he said.

He considered the displacement of Palestinians a way of "liquidating the Palestinian cause," adding that "it is not acceptable and is a violation of international humanitarian law."

The official noted that his country "will continue to exert every effort [for a ceasefire]."

"We hope that there will be necessary flexibility and understanding of the dangers and the need for a cessation of hostilities so that the volume of humanitarian assistance can be increased, the threats of displacements can be dispelled, but primarily, it is the lives of the Palestinian people that has to be saved," he added.

Israel has launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which Tel Aviv said killed less than 1,200 people.

At least 30,035 Palestinians have since been killed and 70,457 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

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

Israel is accused of genocide by the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/ceasefire-reached-before-ramadan-imperative-says-egyptian-foreign-minister-/3152551

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UN Chief Calls For Independent Investigation Into Killings Of Palestinians Awaiting Aid In Gaza

MerveGülAydoğanAğlarcı

01.03.2024

The UN chief has called for an "independent and credible investigation" into Israeli killings of more than 100 Palestinian civilians awaiting aid in Gaza, said his spokesperson on Friday.

"The Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) said himself yesterday, that there needs to be an independent and credible investigation into what happened," Stephane Dujarric said in a briefing.

There needs to be "accountability for everything (that) has happened since October 7," said Dujarric.

On Thursday, Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid at the Al Nabulsi roundabout on Al Rashid Street, a major coastal road to the west of Gaza City in northern Gaza, leaving at least 112 Palestinians dead and 760 injured.

The Israeli military said an initial investigation found that Palestinians approached a military checkpoint overseeing the entry of the aid trucks when soldiers fired warning shots and shot at the legs of Palestinians who continued to move toward the troops.

Dujarric further noted that a team of UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), World Health Organization and UNICEF staff visited the Shifa hospital in Gaza City.

"They brought with them medicines, vaccines and fuel to help ensure that the medical facility remains functioning," he said.

Stating that the hospital received more than 700 people who were injured while seeking life-saving aid on Thursday, Dujarric said the Shifa hospital told UN team that "they had received the bodies of more than 70 people who were killed yesterday."

He also added that the aid brought to the hospital was the first time that the UN "had a UN convoy able to deliver aid into northern Gaza in over one week."

Israel has launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by the Palestinian group Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people.

At least 30,035 Palestinians have since been killed and 70,457 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

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

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/un-chief-calls-for-independent-investigation-into-killings-of-palestinians-awaiting-aid-in-gaza/3152888

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Southeast Asia

 

Junta Troops In Myanmar’s Rakhine State Abduct 40 Relatives Of Muslim Camp Residents

2024.03.01

RFA Burmese

Junta troops in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state have beaten and abducted 40 family members of Muslim displaced camp residents who escaped being conscripted into military training, sources said Friday.

At around 1 pm on Tuesday, a group of around 80 junta troops and police arrived at the Kyauk Ta Lone camp for internally displaced persons, or IDPs, in Rakhine’s Kyaukphyu township and forcibly gathered 107 mostly ethnic-Rohingya Muslims between the ages of 18 and 35 at the camp’s food warehouse, after collecting their personal information.

Junta personnel told the captives that they would be “beaten to death” if they refused to take part in military training and threatened to “remove their families from the camp” if they attempted to escape, a resident told RFA Burmese the following day.

On Friday, a resident of Kyaukphyu who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, told RFA that junta troops took the 107 Muslims to the military’s Light Infantry Battalion 542 headquarters before returning to the camp hours later.

“After those people were taken away, subsequently, at around 4pm, more than 40 people were also abducted,” said the resident. “The 40 people apprehended are family members of those who escaped [the round up of the 107]. They were subjected to forceful beatings before being taken to the Kyaukphyu Township Police Station.”

KoKo Aung, who was among the 40 abducted, was severely and publicly beaten for allegedly speaking to the media about forced recruiting for military training at the Kyauk Ta Lone IDP camp, the resident added.

Desperate for new recruits

The military is desperate for new recruits after suffering devastating losses on the battlefield to the ethnic Arakan Army, or AA, in Rakhine.

On Feb. 10, the junta enacted a conscription law that has seen draft-eligible civilians flee Myanmar’s cities, saying they would rather leave the country or join anti-junta forces in remote border areas than fight for the military, which seized power in a 2021 coup d’etat.

RFA reported last week that the junta had offered freedom of movement to ethnic Rohingya Muslims restricted to Kyauk Ta Lone and other IDP camps in Rakhine state as part of a bid to entice them into military service amid the nationwide rollout of the conscription law. Junta troops have said they are required to join militias to “safeguard their communities.”

But rights campaigners say the junta is drafting Rohingya into military service to stoke ethnic tensions in Rakhine, while legal experts say the drive is unlawful, given that Myanmar has refused to recognize the Rohingya as one of the country’s ethnic groups and denied them citizenship for decades.

Some 1 million Rohingya refugees have been living in Bangladesh since 2017, when they were driven out of Myanmar by a military clearance operation. Another 630,000 living within Myanmar are designated stateless by the United Nations, including those who languish in camps and are restricted from moving freely in Rakhine state.

‘Committing a war crime’

Kyauk Ta Lone is located 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) from the seat of Kyaukphyu township and is home to more than 1,000 people from 375 families.

Residents said that more than 30 young Muslims from Kyauk Ta Lone “sought refuge in areas controlled by the AA because they did not want to serve in the army.”

Nay San Lwin, a Rohingya activist, asserted that compelling an individual to serve in the military constitutes “a war crime.”

"They are forced to take training against their will and then use it on the front line,” he said. “This is a huge violation of human rights, and the equivalent of committing a war crime."

Attempts by RFA to contact Rakhine State Attorney General Hla Thein, the junta’s spokesman in the region, for comment on reports of forced recruiting at the Kyauk Ta Lone IDP camp went unanswered Friday.

The Ministry of Information, affiliated with the military junta, has refuted claims that 107 Muslims were rounded up for military training at Kyauk Ta Lone, labeling it “false information.”

Source: rfa.org

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https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/abduction-03012024174047.html

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Waqf Land Certification Provides Legal Certainty To Religious Assets: Indonesian Government

 March 2, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government has been exerting efforts to certify all parcels of Waqf lands in a bid to provide legal certainty to religious assets, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Raja Juli Antoni stated.

"The handover of these certificates is in line with the government's commitment to providing legal certainty to the assets related to religious purposes," he noted in a statement received from his office in Jakarta on Saturday.

Antoni made the statement during his participation in the handover of five certificates of waqf lands for two mosques and three foundations in a mosque in Palembang City, South Sumatra, on Friday (March 1).

He underlined that the handover of waqf land certificates constituted a concrete implementation of President Joko Widodo's instruction to newly appointed Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister AgusHarimurtiYudhoyono to continue striving to certify all waqf lands.

He noted that the instruction is meant to ensure that the government safeguards religious history and legacies in the country.

The deputy minister then appealed to residents attending the handover process to immediately submit reports and propose land certification to the government if they seek to donate their uncertified lands as waqf assets.

"Let us ensure that all religious assets are protected by a legal basis by certifying them. I believe the offices of the National Land Agency will wholeheartedly respond to your applications (for certification)," he told locals.

He expressed belief that certified waqf lands would facilitate people to manage and optimize the assets in accordance with their supposed purposes, resulting in even greater benefits for holding of religious and social activities.

Source: antaranews.com

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/307425/waqf-land-certification-provides-legal-certainty-to-religious-assets

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Yusuf Islam, The British Musician To Establish Charity Organisation In Malaysia

02 Mar 2024

PUTRAJAYA, March 2 ― Yusuf Islam, the British musician formerly known as Cat Stevens, plans to establish a charity organisation, Peace Train in Malaysia, soon.

The singer and songwriter told Bernama that he chose Malaysia as his first Peace Train overseas branch, due to the country's image.

“Peace Train is an active organisation which delivers food to townships, refugee camps and sometimes to schools.

“In the UK (United Kingdom), we've been supporting many very poor children. It’s that kind of project which we believe, based on prophet Nabi Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to feed people and spread peace,” he said.

Asked if the organisation is to be established this year, he replied: “Yes, if we can get through with the bureaucracy.”

Yusuf said he had conveyed the plan to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“He (Anwar) was very welcoming. He is waiting for the station (Peace Train) to open,” he said.

Since April 2020, Peace Train has provided almost four million meals in the UK and overseas.

Peace Train is a 1971 song by Cat Steven taken from his album Teaser and the Firecat. The song climbed to No.7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart during the week of November 6, 1971, thus making it his first US Top 10 hit.

The singer converted to Islam on December 23, 1977, taking the name Yusuf Islam in 1978. ― Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/02/yusuf-islam-to-establish-charity-organisation-in-malaysia/120969

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Wisma Putra: Malaysia Strongly Condemns Israeli Regime's Inhumane Attack On Palestinians Seeking Aid In Gaza

 02 Mar 2024

PUTRAJAYA, March 2 ― Malaysia has strongly condemned the Israeli regime's recent attack on Palestinians who were awaiting aid in Gaza, resulting in the loss of over 100 lives and leaving around 700 others wounded on February 29.

According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) today, the Malaysian government has expressed profound outrage at the massacre of defenceless Palestinians, who were seeking essential life-saving assistance at the Nabulsi roundabout in the Northern Gaza Strip.

“The cowardly act of targeting Palestinians, including women and children, by Israeli troops has been vehemently denounced by Malaysia.

“Such actions not only contravene international law but also flagrantly violate the provisional measures handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on January 26 and the 1948 Genocide Convention,” said the statement.

Malaysia has reiterated its demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to halt the senseless killing of innocent lives and to ensure the unimpeded and secure delivery of humanitarian aid to those in desperate need throughout Gaza.

The international community has been urged to compel Israel to cease its atrocities and adhere to its obligations under international law.

“Given the gravity of the situation, Malaysia calls upon the international community to conscientiously acknowledge and fulfil its humanitarian, ethical, and legal responsibilities to prevent further loss of life,” added the statement.

Malaysia also reaffirmed its unwavering stance that Palestinians unequivocally deserve the realisation of their own independent and sovereign state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The latest Israeli attack once again sparked outrage and strong condemnation from the world, according to Palestine News Agency (WAFA) yesterday.

WAFA added United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Antonio Guterres condemned the action targetting Palestinian civilians during the delivery of aid in northern Gaza. ― Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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North America

 

CAIR-NJ Calls on NJ Lawmakers to Revaluate Relationship with Israeli Govt

Ismail Allison

March 1, 2024

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Mayor Ras Baraka (D-NJ) statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

In a statement, Mayor Baraka wrote: 

“The notion that all Palestinians are terrorists is not only wrong, it’s racist. To justify these deaths by saying everyone in Gaza supports Hamas is equally wrong and disturbing. We urge President Biden to work tirelessly on getting humanitarian aid, food, and water to the people in Gaza. And in my estimation, this work requires an immediate ceasefire.”

The mayor’s statement comes just one week after CAIR-NJ, in collaboration with the Newark Coalition for Palestine, held a rally on the steps of Newark City Hall calling on council members and the mayor to pass a ceasefire in Palestine resolution. 

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Advocacy and Community Relations Coordinator Mousa Naji said:

“New Jersey has the highest percentage of Muslims across the country, and Newark is home to a sizeable Muslim population. 

“With his call for a ceasefire in Palestine, Mayor Ras Baraka has shown that he listens to his constituents and understands their grief and pain. He has shown that he sees the sharp rise in anti-Muslim bigotry following Israel’s invasion of the besieged Gaza Strip and has responded accordingly.

“The mayor’s statement comes at an especially pivotal time: the openly genocidal Israeli government has made clear that it will continue to ravage through Gaza and collectively punish Palestinians in the West Bank even as Ramadan — one of the holiest Islamic months — approaches. This is unacceptable, and every mayor of every New Jersey city and township should unequivocally condemn Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza and destruction of civilian hospitals, schools, homes, and all infrastructure.

“A call for a ceasefire is the first step, but a reevaluation of New Jersey’s ties to Israel must be a top priority for all lawmakers in New Jersey.”

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-nj-welcomes-mayor-ras-barakas-call-for-an-immediate-ceasefire-in-palestine-calls-on-nj-lawmakers-to-reevaluate-relationship-with-israeli-govt/

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CAIR-Minnesota to Join Palestinian Families Impacted by Gaza War at Capitol

Ismail Allison

March 1, 2024

The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced its active participation in an event with Palestinian families impacted by the war in Gaza at the Minnesota State Capitol on March 6th. The event will feature a crucial 11:30 am press conference, highlighting the urgent need for attention to the dire situation in Gaza and its reverberations within our Minnesota communities. After the press conference, the families will be meeting with elected officials.

What: Minnesota Palestinian Families Impacted by the Gaza War at the Capitol – Press Conference (starts at 11:30 am)

When: Wednesday March 6th

Time: 11:30 a.m. CST

Where: 75 Rev. DR. Martin Luther King, Jr. BLVD., Saint Paul, MN 55155

CAIR-MN stands in solidarity with Palestinian Minnesota families deeply affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The event aims to shed light on the profound impact the situation in Gaza has on our communities here in Minnesota.

The press conference will provide a crucial opportunity for community leaders, activists, and affected families to share their stories and advocate for awareness and action.

CAIR-MN encourages community members, activists, and media representatives to join this significant event at the Minnesota State Capitol on March 6th. By coming together, we can make a collective impact and contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by our fellow community members.

Source: cair.com

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US Strikes Houthi Missile Preparing To Launch Towards Red Sea From Yemen

 Mar 2, 2024

NEW DELHI: The US military on Friday said that surface-to-air missile strikes were launched against Iranian-backed Houthi targets in Yemen.

The missile was prepared to be launched from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen towards the Red Sea and presented an 'imminent threat' to US aircraft in the Red Sea, according to the US Central Command.

It added that one anti-ship ballistic missile was launched by the Houthis, but there was "no impact or damage to any vessels."

"On March 1, at approximately 12:40 pm (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a self-defense strike against one Iranian-backed Houthi surface-to-air missile that was prepared to launch from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen towards the Red Sea. CENTCOM forces identified the missile and determined it presented an imminent threat to U.S. aircraft in the region," US Central Command posted on X.

"At 10:46 pm (Sanaa time), the Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from Yemen into the Red Sea. There was no impact or damage to any vessels," it added.

Amid escalating tensions in the region, Houthi fighters have conducted attacks on both commercial and military vessels since November.

Initially targeting ships linked to Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the Houthis later expanded their scope to include vessels associated with the United Kingdom and the United States.

Recently, US Central Command announced that US aircraft and a coalition warship intercepted and destroyed five Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Red Sea.

Last month, US forces, in collaboration with the United Kingdom Armed Forces and several other nations, launched strikes against 18 Houthi targets in areas controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen.

The objective of this multinational effort, according to US Central Command, is to safeguard their respective countries, partners, and allies in the region.

The escalating insecurity in the Red Sea has prompted major shipping lines to largely avoid the critical trade route, opting for longer journeys around Africa.

This shift has resulted in increased expenses, raising concerns about global inflation, while also depriving Egypt of vital foreign revenue generated by shippers using the Suez Canal for Red Sea transit.

( with input from agency)

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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yemen/articleshowprint/108155830.cms?val=3728

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