Mob Lynching and Arbitrary Demolition of Muslim Houses is Also Terrorism—PM Modi Must Stop It Immediately: Arun Shourie, Former BJP Cabinet Minister

New Age Islam News Bureau

20 May 2025

Mob lynching of Muslims by Hindutva militants

----------

·         Mob Lynching and Arbitrary Demolition of Muslim Houses is Also Terrorism—PM Modi Must Stop It Immediately: Arun Shourie, Former BJP Cabinet Minister

·         Waqf (Amendment) Act Hearing LIVE: Singhvi Counters Government’s Claim Of 116% Explosion Rise In Waqfs

·         UK, France And Canada Threaten Action Against Israel Over Gaza

·         Netanyahu Says UK-French-Canada Condemnation Gives ‘Huge Prize’ To Hamas

·         King Orders Hosting 1,000 Hajj Pilgrims From Affected Palestinian Families

-------

India

·         Probe Turkish Drone-Maker’s Links To Indore, Bhopal Metro Projects: BJP MP Minister

·         Waqf (Amendment) Act: Centre urges SC to confine proceedings to three issues for passing interim order

·         Conflict With Pakistan Was Always Conventional, No Nuclear Signalling: Vikram Misri To Parliamentary Panel

·         Retreat ceremony at India-Pakistan border to resume for public from May 21: BSF

·         Terrorists in Pahalgam attack had 'communication nodes' with masterminds in Pakistan: MEA

·         Indian Army destroyed military installations at Leepa Valley in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

·         Kerala Moves SC To Protect Its ‘Large Percentage Of Muslims’ From 2025 Waqf Amendments

·         Allahabad high court upholds trial court order, backs Sambhal mosque survey

·         SP was born with the DNA of Muslim appeasement: UP Deputy CM

-----

Europe

·         'Disgusting' Racist Graffiti Targeting Muslims Removed In North Belfast

·         Councillors Offer Introductions For New Reform UK Members To Muslim Community After Social Media Posts

·         ITFC inks two agreements to expand Islamic financing solutions in Uzbekistan

·         Azerbaijani delegation participates in “Russia–Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025”

·         Purra’s aide under fire for calling Islam ‘the devil’s plot’

·         Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' start ceasefire talks, says Trump

·         Brussels hails UK deal as 'new chapter' - but much is yet to be written

------

Mideast

·         Iran Ready To Give Assurances To US It Won't Build Nukes

·         Britain, Canada, France condemn Israel’s ‘egregious actions’ in Gaza

·         Academics should collaborate in solving Islamic world issues

·         President Pezeshkian: Iran ready for cooperation with Muslim states

·         Gaza civil defense says 91 killed in Israeli strikes Monday

·         Palestinian hospital chief calls for pressure on Israel

·         Yemen’s Houthis threaten Israeli port

·         One SDF fighter killed in attack by Daesh in eastern Syria

·         Qatar, Jordan condemn Israeli bombing of Hamad Hospital in Gaza

·         Settlers storm Aqsa Mosque yards

-----

Arab World

·         Project Management Forum Highlights AI’s Growing Impact On Industry

·         Saudi Arabia condemns escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza

·         Technology to improve accessibility of Qur’an studies highlighted at competition

·         Where We Are Going Today: ‘Level Up’ social hub in Riyadh

·         Saudi project clears 1,095 mines in Yemen

----

North America

·         CAIR Designates Johns Hopkins U. as ‘Hostile Campus’ for Targeting of Anti-Genocide Students

·         CAIR-Ohio ‘Team Palestine’ Raises Awareness for Palestinian Children at Cleveland Marathon

·         CAIR-Pittsburgh Condemns Distribution of Antisemitic Propaganda

·         US to pay $5m to family of 6 January rioter Ashli Babbitt

·         How Malcolm X fought against the 'American nightmare'

-----

South Asia

·         IEA Commission Allows Books Publication Based On Islamic, National Values

·         Hundreds of kgs of explosive ordinance seized in Khost crossing, Fitrat

·         HRW: Families Of Afghan War Crimes Victims Await Justice

·         Sharia-based educational system: Structure, objectives and methods

·         IEA seeking positive engagement based on balanced foreign policy

·         Mullah Hedayatullah Badri Embarks on Official Visit to Iran

·         Ishraque supporters continue protest, block part of Gulistan–Bangabazar road

·         2 more cases filed against Hasina

·         Arrest of NusraatFaria 'mockery' of judicial process: NCP

-------

Africa

·         At Least 58 Corpses Found In Libyan Hospital, Ministry Says

·         Enugu Muslims seek fairness in board appointments

·         2027: Youth Coalition Demands Muslim-Christian Ticket For Equity, Unity

·         Crew killed in Egyptian military training jet crash

·         El-Rufai Alleges Widespread Corruption In Nigerian Judiciary

-----

Southeast Asia

·         Penang Exco Calls For Clear Policy On Construction Of Non-Islamic Places Of Worship

·         Malaysia’s ASEAN leadership aligns with growing demand for pragmatic alliances

·         Most JS-SEZ investors agree to RM3,500 minimum salary for Malaysians, says Johor MB

·         Dzulkefly among three Malaysians honoured with WHO’s ‘World No Tobacco Day Award’

·         Anwar launches Malaysia’s first locally built tactical vehicle ‘RIBAT’ at Lima ’25

·         Sultan Ibrahim appoints three judges to top courts at Istana Negara

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-houses-mob-lynching-terrorism/d/135598

------

Mob Lynching and Arbitrary Demolition of Muslim Houses is Also Terrorism—PM Modi Must Stop It Immediately: Arun Shourie, Former BJP Cabinet Minister

May 20, 2025

Mob lynching of Muslims by Hindutva militants

----------

Arun Shourie, former Cabinet Minister and former Editor of The Indian Express, in an interview with Karan Thapar, endorsed Prime Minister Modi’s new doctrine to end terrorism. However, he also warned the Prime Minister that to effectively fight terror, Modi must first treat all Indians—specifically Indian Muslims—justly. Quoting from the Gospel of Matthew (12:25) in the New Testament, Shourie stated, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation.”

We, the 200 million Indian Muslims, fully endorse the central government’s initiative to send all-party delegations of Members of Parliament to key global capitals beginning May 23, aiming to present a united front against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

While no action has been taken against Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah despite his vile, hate-filled remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi. Meanwhile, punitive measures were swiftly taken against Mahmudabad, who did nothing wrong. This selective application of the law underscores the exact concern he raised in his brief article—one that has now tragically come to pass in his own experience.

What Ali Khan expressed reflects the genuine sentiments of 200 million Indian Muslims.

Since the Modi government came to power, Indian Muslims have faced a surge in hate crimes, often resulting in mob lynchings of innocent Muslims, frequently based on mere suspicion. RSS-affiliated cow vigilantes and members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal openly call for the genocide of Muslims. Television channels owned by Adani and Ambani broadcast Islamophobic content 24×7×365.

Even a BJP minister shamelessly garlanded accused involved in the mob lynching of Muslims upon their release on bail.

Despite Supreme Court orders prohibiting arbitrary demolitions, bulldozers continue to target Muslim homes almost daily, particularly in BJP-ruled states.

Meanwhile, BJP politicians, including sitting MPs, have been distributing arms among their cadres. VHP and Bajrang Dal regularly organize arms training camps in these states.

Instead of condemning mob lynching, Prime Minister Modi has fueled hatred against Muslims during his election campaigns.

All of this has been happening in India under the Modi-led government.

A report by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) reveals that in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, a total of 184 anti-Muslim hate incidents occurred between April 22 and May 8, in which three Muslims were killed.

We, the 200 million Muslims of India, sincerely hope that Prime Minister Modi will take meaningful steps to stop the heinous mob lynching of Muslims and the arbitrary demolition of their homes.

Source: muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/mob-lynching-of-muslims-and-arbitrary-demolition-of-their-houses-is-also-terrorism-pm-modi-must-stop-it-immediately/

--------
Waqf (Amendment) Act Hearing LIVE: Singhvi Counters Government’s Claim Of 116% Explosion Rise In Waqfs

May 20, 2025

The Hindu Bureau

The Supreme Court on May 15 said the pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act's constitutional validity will be taken up by a bench headed by Chief Justice of Indi B.R. Gavai on May 20. | Photo Credit: PTI

------------

The Supreme Court is hearing today a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and will consider whether to grant an interim stay on its provisions.

Commencing arguments on behalf of the petitioners, senior advocate Kapil Sibal apprised a Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih that the contentious law constitutes a “creeping acquisition” of waqf properties by the Centre, thereby infringing upon the right of Muslims to manage their religious affairs.

He further contended that the 2025 amendments constitute a fundamental departure from the well-established framework of Waqf legislation developed over several decades.

Earlier in the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, submitted that the court could first deliberate on three specific concerns—whether properties declared as Waqf by courts can be denotified, the legality of waqf-by-user, and Waqf-by-deed—before proceeding to wider questions around the law.

However, the petitioners vehemently opposed this approach, contending that the case involves fundamental constitutional questions that cannot be resolved in a “piecemeal” manner.

The Centre had notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 last month, following President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on April 5. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 members in favour and 232 against. In the Rajya Sabha, 128 members voted in favour, while 95 opposed it.

Key Updates

May 20, 2025 16:18

Bench rises for the day

May 20, 2025 16:18

Proof of being a muslim

Mr. Ahmadi asks is there any ascertainable distinctions which would make me a Muslim? He referred to the provision which requires a person to prove himself a Muslim for at least five years before dedicating a waqf.

May 20, 2025 16:18

Waqf property as monuments

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi refers to Section 3D of the 2025 Act.

‘Any declaration or notification issued under this Act or under any previous Act in respect of waqf properties shall be void, if such property was a protected monument or protected area under the Ancient Monuments’.

This amounts to ‘obliteration’ of a large number of mosques if they are declared monuments under the ancient monuments’ Preservation Act, 1904 or the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, at the time of such declaration or notification.

May 20, 2025 16:16

Singhvi counters government’s claim of 116% explosion rise in waqfs

Singhvi counters government’s claim of 116% explosion rise in waqfs from 2013-2024. He said the loading of waqfs in a portal started in 2013. They (government) are treating an updation exercise, listing in portal as increase in waqfs. The government made a prejudicial argument in its counter affidavit.

Total 8.72 lakh waqf properties, of which over 4 lakh are waqfs-by-user. 50% are waqfs-by-user, Mr. Singhvi submits.

The JPC report shows survey of waqfs was conducted only in 5 out of 28 States and 4 UTs, he submits.

May 20, 2025 15:52

A friendly banter between Singhvi and Mehta

Super-imposing Ancient Monuments Act on the Waqf Act has the effect of doing the same thing with the Places of Worship Act, Mr. Singhvi argues.

Mr. Mehta objects. Mr. Singhvi complains light-heartedly that Mr. Mehta is not allowing him his fundamental right to say wrong things to the Bench for the 15 minutes allotted to him.

May 20, 2025 15:49

Five reasons to oppose the Act, according to Singhvi

2025 Act’s provisions contrives to make waqifs suffer terror, control and endless visits to a government office, senior advocate Abishek Manu Singhvi submits.

Asking proof of one’s faith is discrimination on the ground of religion under Article 15, he says.

Waqf-by-user is largely unregistered, he notes.

The moment the District Collector decides a property not to be waqf, there is no legal remedy available, say Mr. Singhvi.

May 20, 2025 15:47

Act is in the teeth of a large number of Constitution Bench decisions of the Supreme Court: Dhavan

The 2025 Act is in the teeth of a large number of Constitution Bench decisions of the Supreme Court. TMA Pai says the minorities have a right to manage and administer their religious affairs and that cannot be shaken, Rajeev Dhavan says.

May 20, 2025

Trusts devoted to charity were considered waqfs: Rajeev Dhavan

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan submits how trusts devoted to charity, religion were considered waqfs. The objectives of charity and faith were considered to identify trusts as waqfs. There are many trusts like this considered as waqfs, he submits.

Property goes to the heart of religion. If you take property away from a religion, it diminishes, Dhavan indicates.

Beliefs, practices and property that sustain these beliefs and practices form the bulwark of religions. Take that away, the entire edifice of secularism will become suspect, Mr. Dhavan submits.

May 20, 2025 15:29

Do other religious endowment bodies allow members of different faith?

Kapil Sibal compares how other religious endowments like Hindu, Sikh are run by the members of the same faith. The meaning of secularism is to allow religious communities run their own affairs.

Why should member of other religions allowed to be part of waqf administrative bodies, Mr. Sibal asked.

May 20, 2025 15:05

Where are the muslims in the waqf board?

Sibal says the previous Waqf Acts had mandated that the administrative bodies had Muslim members. The 2025 Act does not mention it

May 20, 2025 15:04

All evacuee property vested with the Waqf Boards taken away by the government: Sibal

Kapil Sibal refers to the amendment of Section 36 of the principal Act which says that the District Collector would inquire into the genuineness and validity of an application for registration of a waqf and correctness of any particulars, and submit a report to the State Waqf Board.

If the Collector mentions that the property for registration is in dispute or is government land, the property will not be registered as a waqf. It has to be decided by a competent court.

 

No legal proceedings for enforcement of any right on behalf of any waqf, which have not been registered in accordance with the provisions of 2025 Act, will be entertained by any court six months after the commencement of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Mr. Sibal says the District Collector, an officer of the government, would decide if there is any dispute on a property for which registration is sought. If there is a dispute, the Collector will not register the property as waqf unless directed by a court of law. However, no legal proceedings will be entertained after the six-month deadline from the commencement of the Act.

All evacuee property vested with the Waqf Boards is taken away by the government, he argues.

May 20, 2025 14:36

Act facilitates wholesale takeover of a community’s rights: Sibal

Kapil Sibal argues that the amended Act facilitates the takeover of a community’s rights.

Amendments have replaced an elaborate survey mechanism of properties identified as waqfs with the ‘designated officer’ process, he says.

A survey used to precede the registration. Now only registration remains. There is no proper survey, he points out.

May 20, 2025 14:28

Sibal’s clarification

Kapil Sibal clarifies that registration of waqf was made statutorily mandatory only after 1954. He had earlier said 1923.

Mr. Sibal says provisions in the waqf Bill was hardly discussed. Sections 3(d) and 3(e) of the 2025 Act was introduced at the time of voting and passed. There were no meaningful discussions held in the JPC. Sections were not circulated in the JPC, he says.

May 20, 2025 13:03

The 2025 Act uses the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, to curtail minority rights: Sibal

Mr. Sibal points out that the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, is secular and was never intended to limit minority rights.

“However, the 2025 Act uses this law to circumscribe minority rights,” he argues. “It states that declaring a structure or area as an ancient monument would deprive it of its character as a waqf.”

May 20, 2025 12:51

The 2025 amendments pave way for waqfs to lose their character with retrospective effect: Sibal

Mr. Sibal argues that the 2025 amendments pave the way for waqf properties to lose their status with retrospective effect.

“How will we know the creator of a waqf-by-user that dates back hundreds of years, even if it is registered?” he asks. “Where do we find the records for such dedications?”

He adds that under the amendments, if a muthawalli (manager of a waqf) cannot name the original creator of the waqf, they could face six months’ imprisonment and a fine.

May 20, 2025 12:49

Sibal flags lack of due process in waqf property enquiries

Mr. Sibal argues that the 2025 Act does not lay down a proper procedure for the enquiry conducted by the designated officer to determine whether a property is waqf or government-owned.

“The officer conducting the enquiry is a government officer,” he says. “He effectively acts as a judge in his own cause.”

Mr. Sibal adds that the waqif—the person making the dedication—gets an opportunity to approach the Waqf Tribunal only after the officer concludes that the property is not waqf.

May 20, 2025 12:42

Requirement to prove one is a practising Muslim for waqf dedication violates Article 25: Sibal

Highlighting the extent of executive interference under the 2025 Act, Mr. Sibal says that if any government body or local authority—even a panchayat—raises a dispute over a waqf property, the property loses its waqf status under Section 3 of the Act.

Mr. Sibal further argues that the requirement to prove one is a practising Muslim directly violates Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion.

May 20, 2025 12:32

Sibal says failure to stay the 2025 amendments will cause irreparable damage

The Chief Justice points out that there is a presumption of constitutionality in favour of parliamentary legislation.

In response, Mr. Sibal argues that irreparable damage will be caused if the 2025 amendments to the law are not stayed.

“A Muslim has to prove that he is a Muslim to dedicate his property as waqf, and a district collector decides if a property is waqf or government property. The damage would be irreparable”, he asserts, seeking a stay on the implementation of the 2025 amendments.

May 20, 2025 12:27

The 2025 amendments constitute a ‘creeping acquisition’ of waqf properties: Sibal

“Earlier, the State waqf boards were elected to power. Now all the members are nominated. Out of the total 11 members, 7 can be non-Muslims. Conceptually, they have captured the boards”, Mr. Sibal contends.

He underscores that this constitutes a ‘creeping acquisition’ of waqf properties.

May 20, 2025 12:22

Right to manage waqf properties diluted as majority of central waqf council members are non-muslims: Sibal

Mr. Sibal challenges the 2025 Act’s requirement that a person must prove they are a “practising Muslim” to dedicate property as waqf.

He highlights that the Act fails to recognise waqf dedications by people belonging to the Scheduled Tribe who are also Muslims.

He also contends that the right to manage waqf properties has been undermined, as the majority of the Central Waqf Council members are non-Muslims under the new law.

May 20, 2025 12:15

Amendments violate the fundamental right to manage religious affairs: Sibal

Mr. Sibal points out that under the 2025 Act, a structure once declared a protected monument or area would lose its waqf status.

The CJI then asks whether such a declaration would infringe upon the right of citizens to worship or continue their religious practices.

Concurring, Mr. Sibal says, “The perpetuity of the dedicating is lost”. He points out that the 2025 amendments violate the fundamental rights enshrined under Articles 14 (right to equality), 25 (freedom to practice one’s religion) and 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs) of the Constitution.

Sibal confirms, says the 2025 amendments are expropriatory, would disturb the dedication of the property as a waqf and was a violation of the fundamental rights to manage religious affairs, equality and dignity.

May 20, 2025 12:02

After 1923, registration became mandatory for all waqfs: Sibal

Addressing the Chief Justice, Mr. Sibal clarifies that before 1923, registration of waqf-by-user was not required. However, after 1923, registration became mandatory for all waqfs.

May 20, 2025 11:59

The CJI asks if earlier versions of the Waqf Act mandated registration

The CJI asks if earlier versions of the Waqf Acts, from 1913 to 2013, mandated registration.

“We will record your submission that earlier versions of the Waqf Act required registration, but consequences were not spelt out except removal of Muthawalli, and hence registration was not mandatory”, he says, addressing Mr. Sibal.

May 20, 2025 11:54

2025 amendments mark complete departure from the framework of waqf legislation developed over decades: Sibal

Mr. Sibal argues that waqf is an endowment to Allah and that once an individual dedicates property to God, it acquires waqf status.

“These properties do not generate revenue and are preserved through charity. A dispute raised by an encroacher does not strip the property of its waqf character”, he says.

He further contends that the 2025 amendments mark a complete departure from the framework of waqf legislation developed over the decades.

May 20, 2025 11:48

CJI Gavai agrees to hear the case for the purpose of granting interim relief

Mr. Sibal points out that former CJI Sanjiv Khanna had not limited the number of issues for consideration and had agreed to hear the matter for interim relief.

The Chief Justice asks the lawyers to proceed, allowing the petitioners two hours to present their case. He does not impose any restriction on the issues to be argued.

May 20, 2025 11:43

The hearing begins; SG Mehta urges the court to confine the proceedings to three specific questions

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta urges the court to restrict the ambit of the proceedings to the three limited questions outlined in the Centre’s affidavit.

Opposing this, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, contend that the challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act cannot be heard in a “piecemeal” manner.

May 20, 2025 11:09

Kerala decides to oppose Waqf (Amendment) Act in Supreme Court

The Kerala government has eventually made up its mind to challenge the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 in the Supreme Court.

The State government has issued instructions to its legal officers to file an impleading petition in the Supreme Court, said P. Rajeeve, Minister for Law.

The State government had been dilly-dallying on the question of opposing the legislation in the top court even as several BJP-led State governments had impleaded in the case with the prayer to protect the recently passed legislation by the Union government.

Kerala decides to oppose Waqf (Amendment) Act in Supreme Court

Kerala government challenges Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 in Supreme Court, citing constitutional violations and democratic norms.

May 20, 2025 10:39

What has been the Centre’s response?

The Union government has told the Supreme Court that the “shocking” misuse of waqf provisions enabled “rampant encroachments” into private and government properties, leading to a 116% rise in waqf lands between 2013 and 2024, a phenomenal high unmatched even in the Mughal period.

“After the amendment brought in the year 2013, there is a 116% rise in auqaf [assets] area. It is submitted that right before even Mughal era, pre-Independence and post-independence eras, the total of wakfs created was 18,29,163.896 acres of land in India. Shockingly after 2013, in just 11 years, the addition of wakf land is 20,92,072.536 acres… The figure of 20 lakh acres is additional and not the total figure. The total comes to 39,21,236.459 acres of land,” a preliminary reply, filed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and shared on Friday (April 25, 2025), said.

Waqf Act row: Can’t stay law made by Parliament when validity presumed, Centre tells Supreme Court

Centre defends Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in Supreme Court, arguing against blanket stay, citing presumption of constitutionality.

May 20, 2025 10:00

What the Waqf Bill means for madrassas and Muslim education | Explained

After the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Rajya Sabha and subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court, debates have intensified around its legal and political implications. While much of the discourse has focused on property rights and governance, the Bill also affects the administration of madrassas and the broader ecosystem of education of Muslims in India.

May 20, 2025 09:31

In Focus podcast | What concerns are flagged for adjudication?

In this podcast, Supreme Court Advocate Shahrukh Alam joins us to discuss the Waqf Act 2025, the current status of waqf properties, and the key issues raised in the petitions now up for adjudication.

Petitions challenging Waqf Act in SC: What concerns are flagged for adjudication? | In Focus podcast

The petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, are set for hearing on May 15. Shahrukh Alam joins us to discuss the Waqf Act 2025, the current status of waqf properties, and the key issues raised in the petitions now up for adjudication.

May 20, 2025 09:07

Waqf (Amendment) Bill | Analysis and explainers from The Hindu

Waqf (Amendment) Bill | Analysis and explainers from The Hindu

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to reform the 1995 Waqf Act, increasing the Centre's regulatory authority over waqf properties.

Source: thehindu.com

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

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/waqf-amendment-act-supreme-court-hearing-cji-gavai-live-updates-may-20-2025/article69596122.ece

-----
UK, France and Canada threaten action against Israel over Gaza

20 MAY 2025

People wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen in Jabalia, northern Gaza.

------------

The UK, France and Canada have warned Israel they will take "concrete actions" if it continues an "egregious" expansion of military operations in Gaza.

Sir Keir Starmer joined the French and Canadian leaders to call on the Israeli government to "stop its military operations" and "immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza".

No food, fuel or medicine had been allowed into Gaza since 2 March, a situation the UN previously described as taking a "disastrous toll" on the Palestinian population.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying the three leaders had offered a "huge prize" for Hamas in the Gaza war.

On Sunday, Netanyahu said his country would allow a "basic amount of food" to enter the territory after an 11-week long blockade but it planned to take "control of all of Gaza".

The three Western leaders criticised this as "wholly inadequate" as the "denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law".

They added the level of suffering in Gaza was "intolerable".

They also condemned "the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate".

"Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law," they added.

UN humanitarian relief chief Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat, said the number of aid trucks which had been cleared to enter was a "drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed".

"We have always supported Israel's right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate," the leaders' statement added, referring to Israel's renewed offensive.

Sir Keir, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney also called for Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages taken in the "heinous attack" on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack which saw around 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage.

Some 58 hostages remain in Gaza, up to 23 of whom are believed to be alive.

Gaza's health ministry, which is run by Hamas, says more than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's military campaign.

The statement from the UK, France and Canada reiterated support for a ceasefire as well as the implementation of a "two-state solution", which proposes an independent Palestinian state which would exist alongside Israel.

Netanyahu hit back at the suggestion: "By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities."

He also called on "all European leaders" to follow US President Donald "Trump's vision" for ending the conflict.

Source: bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxy19n4kpyo

----------
Netanyahu says UK-French-Canada condemnation gives ‘huge prize’ to Hamas

May 20, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the annual ceremony at the eve of Israel’s Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers (Yom HaZikaron) at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in Jerusalem, on April 29, 2025. (AFP/File)

------------

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday hit back at condemnation of his country’s military offensive in Gaza by the leaders of France, Canada and Britain saying they had given a “huge prize” to Hamas.

“By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities,” Netanyahu said in a statement, referring to the October 2023 attack that set off the Gaza war.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601369/middle-east

---------
King orders hosting 1,000 Hajj pilgrims from affected Palestinian families

May 19, 2025

King Salman

--------

RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has issued directives to host 1,000 pilgrims from the families of martyrs, prisoners, and the wounded among the Palestinian people at his own expense to perform Hajj this year. This is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, being implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and General Supervisor of the program Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh expressed his gratitude to the King and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for this generous gesture. He said that it reflects the Kingdom’s continued care and its wise leadership’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and strengthening the bonds of Islamic brotherhood.

Al-Sheikh emphasized that this initiative is an extension of the leadership’s efforts to facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals for Palestinians. He noted that the ministry has immediately begun implementing a comprehensive plan to provide all necessary services and facilities to the Palestinian pilgrims, from the moment they depart their homeland until their return, within a fully integrated system during their stay in Makkah and Madinah.

He stated that since its inception in 1417 AH, the program has hosted more than 64,000 pilgrims from various countries, reflecting the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to serve Islam and Muslims and reinforce its status as the heart of the Islamic world and the Qibla of Muslims.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/651922/SAUDI-ARABIA/King-orders-hosting-1000-Hajj-pilgrims-from-affected-Palestinian-families

--------

India

Probe Turkish Drone-Maker’s Links To Indore, Bhopal Metro Projects: BJP MP Minister

May 20, 2025

Days after the Union government said Pakistan used Turkish-made Songar drones in attempted attacks on sites in India earlier this month, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has called for an investigation into Turkey-based defence company Asisguard’s links to metro projects in the state.

Pointing out that Asisguard drones have been accused of being used in “anti-India activities”, Vijayvargiya said, “A serious concern is that the same company, ‘Asis’, is currently contracted for digital systems work in the Bhopal and Indore metro projects.”

Songard drones are designed and manufactured by Asisguard. They were first launched in April 2019 and delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces in February 2020. They are Turkey’s first indigenous armed drones.

Vijayvargiya said officials have been directed to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation of the facts”.

“If it is found that the company is directly or indirectly associated with anti-India elements or that its products have been used against India’s security, then the contract with the company will be terminated. We will not compromise on the nation’s honour, security, or self-respect,” he said.

Asserting that “for us, national duty is paramount”, the Madhya Pradesh minister said, “Anyone who stands against India’s sovereignty, regardless of who they are, will not be met with any sympathy or support. That is unacceptable.”

This stance aligns with India’s recent actions concerning Turkish firms. The government revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India, another Turkey-based company, citing national security concerns following Turkey’s support for Pakistan during the hostilities in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

Source: indianexpress.com

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

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kailash-vijayvargiya-calls-for-probe-into-turkish-drone-maker-asisguards-links-to-madhya-pradesh-metro-projects-10016509/

---------
Waqf (Amendment) Act: Centre urges SC to confine proceedings to three issues for passing interim order

20 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday commenced hearings on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, with the Centre urging the bench to confine the proceedings to three key issues for the purpose of passing interim orders.

Appearing for the Union government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the court could first deliberate on three specific concerns—whether properties declared as waqf by courts can be denotified, the legality of waqf-by-user, and waqf-by-deed—before proceeding to wider questions around the law.

"The court had earmarked three issues. We had filed our response to these three issues. However, the written submissions of the petitioners now exceed several other issues. I have filed my affidavit in response to these three issues. My request is to confine it to the three issues only," the law officer.

However, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing one of the petitioners opposed to the current Waqf framework, strongly objected to the Centre’s proposal. Sibal argued that the matter involves constitutional questions and cannot be adjudicated in a piecemeal manner. “You cannot dissect the challenge. The law must be examined in its entirety,” he submitted.

One of the issues is the power to denotify properties declared as waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed.

The second issue raised by the petitioners relates to the composition of state waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, where they contend only Muslims should operate except ex-officio members.

The third issue relates to a provision that says a waqf property will not be treated as a waqf when the collector conducts an inquiry to ascertain if the property is government land.

The hearing is underway and Sibal commenced advancing submissions and is referring to the background of the case.

On April 17, the Centre assured the top court that it would neither denotifywaqf properties, including "waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the central waqf council and boards till May 5.

The Centre had opposed the apex court's proposal to pass an interim order against the denotification of waqf properties, including "waqf by user" aside from staying a provision allowing the inclusion of non-Muslims in the central waqf councils and boards.

On April 25, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs filed a preliminary 1,332-page affidavit defending the amended Waqf Act of 2025 and opposed any "blanket stay" by the court on a "law having presumption of constitutionality passed by Parliament".

The Centre notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 last month after it got President Droupadi Murmu's assent on April 5.

The bill was cleared by Lok Sabha with the support of 288 members while 232 MPs were against it.

The Rajya Sabha saw 128 members voting in its favour and 95 against it.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/May/20/waqf-amendment-act-centre-urges-sc-to-confine-proceedings-to-three-issues-for-passing-interim-order

---------
Conflict With Pakistan Was Always Conventional, No Nuclear Signalling: Vikram Misri To Parliamentary Panel

19.05.25

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a parliamentary committee on Monday that the conflict between India and Pakistan was always in the conventional domain, and there was no nuclear signalling by the neighbouring country, sources said.

The sources said Misri reiterated the government's stand that the decision to stop military actions was taken at a bilateral level, as some opposition members questioned US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions about his administration's role in stopping the conflict.

Some MPs, the sources said, asked if Pakistan used Chinese platforms in the conflict.

Misri said it did not matter as India hammered Pakistani air bases.

When an Opposition member asked about Trump's several social media posts eyeing "centre-stage" after India and Pakistan decided to stop hostilities, the foreign secretary quipped that the US president did not take his permission to do so.

The committee members also unanimously condemned the trolling of Misri following the stoppage of military actions and praised his professional conduct, the sources said.

To questions about Turkiye's adversarial stand against India, he said the country had traditionally not been a supporter of India.

The meeting of Parliament's Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was attended by a number of lawmakers, including the TMC's Abhishek Banerjee, the Congress' Rajeev Shukla and Deepender Hooda, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and the BJP's Aparajita Sarangi and Arun Govil.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of the Indian Armed Forces carrying out Operation Sindoor to avenge the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military actions between the two countries.

India and Pakistan reached an understanding on halting all military actions on May 10.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/india-and-pakistan-conflict-was-always-in-conventional-domain-vikram-misri-to-parliamentary-panel/cid/2100666

--------
Retreat ceremony at India-Pakistan border to resume for public from May 21: BSF

20.05.25

The Border Security Force (BSF) has said the public flag-lowering retreat ceremony at three locations in Punjab along the Pakistan frontier will begin on Wednesday, about two weeks after it was stopped following Operation Sindoor by India in response to the Pahalgam attack.

The Jalandhar headquartered Punjab frontier of the force said the ceremony will resume from Tuesday, but it will be open only for media persons. The public can participate from Wednesday, it said, adding the event time will be 6 pm.

Officials said on Monday that the event held daily in the evening at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki will be opened for public viewing from May 20.

The ceremony, however, will be curtailed as BSF troops will not shake hands with Pakistan Rangers, and the gates will not be opened during the flag-lowering process as declared earlier, officials had said.

The flag was being lowered each day by BSF troops irrespective of the public presence, the officials clarified.

The BSF on May 8 stopped public entry for this event at these three locations, citing "public safety".

The decision was taken a day after India destroyed nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military offensive against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead.

It had, days after the attack, declared that the public ceremony would be conducted, but without opening the border gates and the traditional shaking of hands between the BSF and Rangers.

The Indian flag is lowered every evening by BSF troops in synchronisation with Pakistan Rangers at the joint check posts located at Attari (Amritsar district) opposite Pakistan's Wagah, Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district across Ganda Singh Wala and at Sadki in Fazilka district.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/retreat-ceremony-at-india-pakistan-border-to-resume-for-public-from-may-21-bsf/cid/2100753

----------
Terrorists in Pahalgam attack had 'communication nodes' with masterminds in Pakistan: MEA

19.05.25

The Ministry of External Affairs told a parliamentary committee that the initial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack has revealed "communication nodes" of terrorists with their "masterminds in Pakistan".

The attack has "footprints and tracks" similar to previous attacks claimed by The Resistance Front, the ministry said in a presentation, adding the terror organisation is just another name of designated terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Pakistan's track record as a terror sanctuary is well established, rooted in solid facts and evidence, it said.

The ministry also said Pakistan blames India for the killings of some individuals, labelled as extra-judicial and extra-territorial by the neighbouring country, on its soil even though its allegations are devoid of any facts or evidence.

It is meant to draw a false equivalence between the two countries to suggest that both neighbours are victims of cross-border terrorism which is not the case, it said in the presentation.

UN-designated terrorists roam freely in Pakistan and continue to incite violence against India, the ministry said in its presentation to the Standing Committee on External Affairs headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

The Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes early on May 7 at nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's Muridke base.

The strikes were conducted under Operation Sindoor two weeks after the execution-style killing of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed, were eliminated during Operation Sindoor, according to the Indian military.

India and Pakistan reached an agreement on May 10 to halt military actions after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.

Following the pause, the Union government formed seven delegations comprising 51 political leaders, parliamentarians and former ministers cutting across party lines who will travel to world capitals to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/terrorists-in-pahalgam-attack-had-communication-nodes-with-masterminds-in-pakistan-mea/cid/2100679

----------

Indian Army destroyed military installations at Leepa Valley in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

20.05.25

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army has completely destroyed military infrastructure at Leepa Valley in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), officials said.

Indian Army officials estimate that it will take Pakistan 8-12 months to rebuild the infrastructure.

During a visit by PTI to the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar, a forward village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the destruction of Pakistani military infrastructure, resulting from Indian Army’s response to ceasefire violations in the second week of May during Operation Sindoor, was evident.

"We completely destroyed at least three posts, an ammunition depot, fuel storage facility, and gunnery, among other targets. Our retaliation was so devastating that it will take Pakistan at least 8-12 months to rebuild, possibly longer,” a senior Indian Army official told PTI.

Another official said that the Pakistan Army employed heavy weaponry, including aerial platforms, to target Indian positions but failed to inflict any damage.

"Our indigenously developed Akashdeep radar system performed brilliantly while our air defence guns neutralised their aerial platforms. Our military infrastructure remains intact, while the enemy's has been decimated," the second official said.

The officials noted that several vacant military structures were present in Leepa Valley but the Indian Army targeted only those where maximum damage could be inflicted.

Based on information from various sources, the officials said at least 64 Pakistani military personnel were killed and 96 injured by the Chinar Corps during the retaliatory strikes in the second week of May.

"The message was clear – our retaliation follows a 1:3 ratio, meaning the Indian Army will strike three times as hard for every Pakistani ceasefire violation," a top Chinar Corps official said.

Providing details about the 25-minute strike near Muzaffarabad in PoK on May 7 under Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the officials said the coordinated strikes were so intense that the commander of PoK’s 75th Infantry Brigade urged troops to prioritise saving lives over protecting assets.

"Intercepted communication revealed how a Pakistan Army commander, hiding inside a mosque, was instructing troops to save lives first. One message was 'save lives first, offices can reopen later',” a senior Chinar Corps official said.

Under Operation Sindoor, India demolished nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7. In response, Pakistan tried to strike Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10.

Both nations agreed to halt hostilities on May 10 after four days of clashes.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/indian-army-strikes-military-installations-at-leepa-valley-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir/cid/2100771

----------

Kerala moves SC to protect its ‘large percentage of Muslims’ from 2025 Waqf amendments

May 20, 2025

Kerala has moved the Supreme Court to protect the fundamental right of the “quite a large percentage of Muslims” in the State to manage their own religious affairs while challenging the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2025.

The State said the Muslim population of Kerala was wary about the consequences of the 2025 Act on their waqfs and waqf properties.

“They have got genuine apprehension that implementation of the present amendment Act would deny them their fundamental rights under the Constitution including Article 25; and that the implementation would negate or alter the nature and status of waqf and waqf properties. The State feels that the apprehension of the Muslim minority in Kerala that they are discriminated against in the matter of right to manage religious affairs, the waqf and waqf properties is genuine,” an intervening application filed through State counsel, advocate C.K. Sasi, submitted.

The State said it found many of the provisions of the amendment Act “highly unjust and their constitutional validity doubtful”.

Kerala said it wanted to intervene in the waqf challenge and sought its day in court against the 2025 Act.

“The State is very much interested in the outcome of the case. The State has got valid legal and constitutional submissions to be made before this court,” the application said.

‘Once a waqf, always a waqf’

Kerala argued that a waqf -- once a waqf would always be a waqf. “Nobody, including the waqf or his heirs, can alter the nature of the properties involved in a Waqf after its creation. The new provision would definitely make the status of the existing waqf uncertain/or alter the nature of waqf,” the State noted.

Munambam land dispute: Waqf Tribunal approves land holders’ plea to implead them in the case

Earlier, the Kerala State Waqf Board had moved the Supreme Court, contending that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on waqf “completely ignored” it and the State.

“The main grievance put forth by the Kerala State Waqf Board is that the present JPC did not visit the State of Kerala… The Kerala State Waqf Board is one of the best working Boards in the country as reported by the JPC in 2013. But the present JPC completely ignored the State of Kerala and the Kerala State Waqf Board,” the State’s Waqf Board through A. Haseeb, the Chief Executive Officer (in-charge), represented by advocate Subhash Chandran, had submitted.

A Supreme Court Bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih is scheduled to hear the waqf law challenge for an entire day on May 20. The court would hear arguments for and against an interim order to stay the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

In April, a Bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna (now retired), Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan had nudged the government into making a statement that it would not change the character or alter the status of waqf properties across the country on the basis of the 2025 amendments.

Over a 100 petitions were initially filed in the case, with many following. This had led the Supreme Court to convert the case into a suo motu one in order to avoid duplicate petitions and repetitive arguments in court.

The petitions have argued that the 2025 amendments infringed upon and prejudiced the rights of Muslims across the country. The amendments fundamentally altered the governance, creation, and protection of Waqf properties — Islamic endowments dedicated perpetually to Allah for religious and charitable purposes. The enhanced role of state in the waqf administration impinged on the right of the Muslim community to manage its institutions

The petitions have highlighted that amendments omitted the concept of Waqf-by-User affirmed by the Supreme Court itself as a property which would attain the status of waqf through long-standing religious use. Further, an amendment to the composition of the Waqf Board and the Central Waqf Council has mandated inclusion of non-Muslim members in waqf administrative bodies.

Source: thehindu.com

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

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-moves-sc-to-protect-its-large-percentage-of-muslims-from-2025-waqf-amendments/article69596333.ece

-------
Allahabad high court upholds trial court order, backs Sambhal mosque survey

May 20, 2025

PRAYAGRAJ: Allahabad high court dismissed on Monday the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid committee's petition challenging a Nov 19, 2024 trial court order directing an advocate commissioner to survey the structure, the subject of a suit claiming that the mosque was built in 1526 after demolishing a temple, reports Rajesh Kumar Pandey.

While upholding the trial court's survey order, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal vacated the interim stay on the Hindu plaintiffs' suit. The mosque committee had asked for the suit to be dismissed on the ground that the Hindu side's claim to the site was prima facie barred under the Places of Worship Act, 1991. The legislation prohibits conversion of any place of worship and mandates maintaining the religious character of any such site that existed on Aug 15, 1947.

HC: Plaintiffs only seeking right to access to Sambhal site

This is not a case where any conversion of place of worship is taking place or the religious character is being changed. The plaintiffs have only sought right to access to a protected monument, declared in 1920 under Section 18 of Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the 45-page judgment states. In its petition, the mosque committee contended that the civil judge (junior division) ordered the survey "hastily" and "without issuing notice". Based on the Nov 19 directive, a survey was conducted that very day and another one on Nov 24.

Later that month, SC stayed proceedings in the trial court until the mosque committee's petition against the survey order was heard by an HC bench.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said in its submission to the bench that the mosque had been designated as a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. This effectively means that its status is governed by preservation laws rather than religious classification. ASI also mentioned that nowhere in official records was the mosque described as a religious place.

The Hindu plaintiffs contend that the disputed Sambhal mosque stands at what used to be site of an ancient Harihar temple dedicated to Kalki, last avatar of Vishnu. The suit claims in 1526, on orders of Mughal emperor Babar, the temple was partially demolished and a mosque built over it.

Source: indiatimes.com

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/allahabad-high-court-upholds-trial-court-order-backs-sambhal-mosque-survey/articleshow/121278698.cms

---------
SP was born with the DNA of Muslim appeasement: UP Deputy CM

May 20, 2025

Lucknow: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and deputy CM Brajesh Pathak on Monday continued to trade barbs, with the BJP leader charging that the SP was "born with the DNA of Muslim appeasement" while the SP accused him of indulging in sycophancy and meaningless talk.

The SP had also referred to news clippings where Pathak had referred to "DNA of Samajwadi Party." In a lengthy post on X in Hindi, Pathak said, "Akhilesh Yadav ji, you are very angry on the question of DNA. I said there is a problem in the DNA of Samajwadi Party, (and) you lost your temper just like you were thrown out of power in UP 10 years ago. You should understand that by problem in DNA we do not mean any particular person, but the political thinking of your party."

"Problem in DNA means that the foundation of your party's politics has been based on casteism and appeasement and it still is," charged. Sharpening his attack, he said Muslim appeasement has been the central part of the SP's politics and that any political scientist can vouch for it.

"He will explain to you that your party was born with the DNA of Muslim appeasement and this is the bread and butter of your entire politics," he said.

"Be it education policy, appointments or law and order issues, your governments have repeatedly ignored the rest of the society to please a particular class. This has deepened the division and distrust in the society. As chief minister, you have withdrawn 14 cases related to terrorists with your signature so that your party's Muslim appeasement DNA keeps getting nourishment. In such a situation, I can explain very well why you are so agitated by the questioning of DNA. Why are you hurt so much?" Pathak further said. PTI

Lucknow: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and deputy CM Brajesh Pathak on Monday continued to trade barbs, with the BJP leader charging that the SP was "born with the DNA of Muslim appeasement" while the SP accused him of indulging in sycophancy and meaningless talk.

The SP had also referred to news clippings where Pathak had referred to "DNA of Samajwadi Party." In a lengthy post on X in Hindi, Pathak said, "Akhilesh Yadav ji, you are very angry on the question of DNA. I said there is a problem in the DNA of Samajwadi Party, (and) you lost your temper just like you were thrown out of power in UP 10 years ago. You should understand that by problem in DNA we do not mean any particular person, but the political thinking of your party."

"Problem in DNA means that the foundation of your party's politics has been based on casteism and appeasement and it still is," charged. Sharpening his attack, he said Muslim appeasement has been the central part of the SP's politics and that any political scientist can vouch for it.

"He will explain to you that your party was born with the DNA of Muslim appeasement and this is the bread and butter of your entire politics," he said.

"Be it education policy, appointments or law and order issues, your governments have repeatedly ignored the rest of the society to please a particular class. This has deepened the division and distrust in the society. As chief minister, you have withdrawn 14 cases related to terrorists with your signature so that your party's Muslim appeasement DNA keeps getting nourishment. In such a situation, I can explain very well why you are so agitated by the questioning of DNA. Why are you hurt so much?" Pathak further said. PTI

Source: indiatimes.com

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/sp-was-born-with-the-dna-of-muslim-appeasement-up-deputy-cm/articleshow/121275910.cms

---------

Europe

 

'Disgusting' racist graffiti targeting Muslims removed in North Belfast

19 MAY 2025

Racist graffiti that appeared in North Belfast is "disgusting and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms", an SDLP councillor has said.

The graffiti contained a message targeting Muslims and featured a crude attempt at a depiction of a crosshair. The graffiti has since been removed by the council, after it was reported by SDLP councillor Carl White.

Mr White said "racists and the right-wing" have become "emboldened recently to the point they think they can get away with doing something like this".

In a statement, the SDLP councillor said: "The appearance of this racist graffiti is disgusting and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The people behind this do not speak for residents in this area, it is an increasingly multicultural place where people of all backgrounds happily live and work alongside each other and the actions of this tiny minority cannot be allowed to overshadow that."

He continued: "It is important that incidents like this are called out. We have unfortunately seen racists and the right-wing become emboldened recently to the point they think they can get away with doing something like this. This creates fear among minority groups and we need to express our solidarity and let them know we have their backs."

Mr White added: "I commend council’s quick response in removing this graffiti and while I hope it was not widely seen it has still caused hurt in our Muslim community. I would urge anyone with any information about this to come forward to police and for those behind it to cease this attempt to spread hate in our community."

The PSNI has been approached for comment.

Source: belfastlive.co.uk

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

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/disgusting-racist-graffiti-targeting-muslims-31675638

---------
Councillors offer introductions for new Reform UK members to Muslim community after social media posts

19th May 2025

The three Labour councillors representing Doncaster’s most ethnically diverse ward have offered to introduce new Reform UK councillors to leaders of the city’s Muslim community.

Town ward councillors Rob Dennis, Gemma Cobby and Majid Khan extended the offer after the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) published details of a Facebook post from Reform UK Hatfield councillor Mark Broadhurst.

Cllr Broadhurst has previously posted an image to the platform which compared Islamic dress to bin bags.

A now-deleted post on his page included an image of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler saying he would have been a “legend” if he had targeted Muslims.

In a statement released last week, the town ward councillors said: “We firmly express that Islamophobia, as well as all other forms of racism and prejudice, has no place in Doncaster.

“We represent all communities in the ward, not just those who vote for us, and we act in the confidence of our residents, both advocating and representing in their best interests.

“We are committed to our ward, but also to our city when shaping decisions and providing recommendations at a Council level, through Committees, such as Overview and Scrutiny and at Full Council.”

Cllrs Dennis, Cobby and Khan said their roles have involved regular visits to local mosques and supporting a new Kurdish centre in the city.

They also said they had “helped at the Muslim led homeless food kitchen and regularly worked alongside with the Doncaster Community Development group” – a “Muslim charity which predominantly helps non-Muslim residents of Doncaster”.

“We treasure and embrace the diverse nature of our ward and work with all ethnic and religious groups, therefore, we would be more than happy to introduce any Councillor, including the new set of Reform Councillors, to the local Muslim community within Doncaster,” the statement concluded.

Reform UK previously declined to answer any questions from the LDRS about Cllr Broadhurst’s controversial social media posts.

The party again declined to make any comment when approached regarding the statement from Labour’s town ward councillors.

Cllr Broadhurst did not respond to a request for comment.

Source: doncasterfreepress.co.uk

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

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/politics/councillors-offer-introductions-reform-uk-members-to-muslim-community-5135483

--------
ITFC inks two agreements to expand Islamic financing solutions in Uzbekistan

19 May 2025

ALGIERS, Algeria, May 19. On the sidelines of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Annual Meetings in Algiers, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the IsDB Group, has strengthened its partnership with JSCB Agrobank Uzbekistan and its subsidiary Smartbank by signing two key Agreements aimed at expanding Islamic financing solutions for the country’s private sector, Trend’s special correspondent reports.

The first agreement is a US$10 million Mudaraba Financing Agreement with JSCB Smartbank, a subsidiary of JSCB AgroBank. This is complemented by a second Agreement: to increase the amount of Line of Finance Facility to US$ 25 million.

These strategic agreements reflect the growing demand for Sharia-compliant financial solutions in Uzbekistan.

Source: en.trend.az

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

https://en.trend.az/business/4045856.html

--------
Azerbaijani delegation participates in “Russia–Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025”

 19 May 2025

A delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev took part in the 16th International Economic Forum “Russia–Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025,” Azernews reports, citing the Cabinet of Ministers.

This year’s forum was held under the theme “Digitalization: New Realities and Additional Opportunities for Expanding Cooperation.” Discussions across various platforms of the Kazan Forum focused on international partnerships in areas such as finance and investment, transport and logistics, tourism, education, and healthcare.

Deputy Prime Minister Mustafayev participated in the plenary session and delivered a presentation on the development of digitalization in Azerbaijan, outlining key projects currently being implemented in the country.

During the visit, Shahin Mustafayev held several high-level bilateral meetings, including with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister JamshidKhodjaev, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of the DP World Group.

The meetings addressed prospects for economic cooperation between the respective countries, emphasizing the expansion of bilateral and multilateral relations, enhancement of transport and logistics capabilities, and strengthening of regional institutional ties. Special attention was given to joint initiatives in trade, investment, and digital technologies.

The Azerbaijani delegation also visited the national pavilion at the Russia Halal Expo, an international exhibition held within the framework of the Forum, where Azerbaijan’s achievements in goods and services were showcased.

Source: azernews.az

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

https://www.azernews.az/nation/241983.html

--------

Purra’s aide under fire for calling Islam ‘the devil’s plot’

19 MAY 2025

A political aide to Finnish Finance Minister RiikkaPurra has come under criticism for calling Islam “the devil’s plot” in a heated Facebook exchange during the Eurovision Song Contest final.

JariMäkäräinen, a special adviser responsible for communications in Purra’s cabinet, made the comments on his private Facebook page while praising Israel’s Eurovision contestant. In one post, he wrote: “Palestinians, Hamas supporters and Muslims don’t achieve anything this beautiful in their entire lives. Love wins over the devil.”

The post received critical responses, to which Mäkäräinen replied: “Israel is right to ensure Hamas no longer poses a daily threat. You leftists always support terrorists and Muslims whenever you can. That says everything about you.”

Mäkäräinen later stated that his references to “the devil” were not aimed directly at Muslims or Palestinians. In an interview with HelsinginSanomat, he clarified: “When I refer to the devil, I mean the opposite of love. I believe love is God, and its opposite is the devil.”

He also denied that he meant to describe all Muslims in the same way: “In Finland, we have Tatar Muslims who live very differently than, say, those who could be called Islamists.”

Mäkäräinen added that his remarks were based on personal reflection and not meant as theological or political statements: “It’s my private page and those were personal thoughts, not fully formed essays.”

He also said he did not regret praising Israel’s Eurovision entry, calling it a moving performance. However, some of his original comments were no longer visible by Sunday. Mäkäräinen said this was because a Facebook contact had unfriended him, which removed parts of the thread.

Asked whether he believes Islam itself is a manifestation of evil, Mäkäräinen said: “If we follow the traditional Christian view that the devil exists, then maybe it's closer than some other belief systems. But I don’t want to start a theological debate.”

Mäkäräinen has no elected office but was a local election candidate in Helsinki in 2021, where he received 54 votes.

The Finnish government has not commented on the remarks. Purra, who leads the far-right Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset), has previously been criticised for past racist writings, some of which she later distanced herself from.

Asked whether criticism of both Israel and Hamas is valid, Mäkäräinen said it should be: “If it’s true that Israel blocks food aid from reaching Gaza, that’s shocking. War is brutal on all sides.”

The incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of rhetoric from figures in the Finns Party, which is part of the current coalition government.

Source: helsinkitimes.fi

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

https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/26902-purra-s-aide-under-fire-for-calling-islam-the-devil-s-plot.html

--------
Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' start ceasefire talks, says Trump

20 MAY 2025

US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" start negotiating towards a ceasefire and an end to the war, after a two-hour phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Trump, who described the conversation as having gone "very well", also said conditions for peace would need to be negotiated between the two parties.

Despite the note of optimism from Trump, who also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, any ceasefire or peace deal does not appear close.

Putin said he was ready to work with Ukraine on a "memorandum on a possible future peace agreement", while Zelensky said "this is a defining moment", and urged the US not to distance itself from talks.

In his remarks, the Russian president did not address demands from the US and European countries for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

After his one-on-one call with Trump, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's desire for a "full and unconditional ceasefire", and warned if Moscow is not ready, "there must be stronger sanctions".

Speaking earlier before Trump's conversation with Putin, Zelensky said he had asked that any decisions about Ukraine were not made without his country, calling them "matters of principles" for Ukraine.

He added he did not have any details on a "memorandum" but said once they have received anything from the Russians, they will "be able to formulate their vision accordingly".

Writing on his Truth Social page after the call, Trump said: "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," adding he had informed Zelensky of this in a second call, which also included other world leaders.

He added: "The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of."

Zelensky said the negotiation process "must involve both American and European representatives at the appropriate level".

"It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace, because the only one who benefits from that is Putin," he explained.

Talking at a White House event later in the day, Trump said the US would not be stepping away from brokering talks between Russia and Ukraine, but that he has a "red line in his head" on when he will stop pushing on them both.

He also denied that the US was stepping back from its negotiating role.

In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly warned that the US would step away from negotiations as he became increasingly frustrated at the lack of developments from both Moscow and Kyiv in the way of peace.

When asked on what he believes on Russia, he said he thinks Putin has had enough of the war and wants it to end.

Meanwhile, Putin - who described the call with Trump, which he took from a music school on a visit to the city of Sochi, as "frank, informative and constructive" - also spoke of the potential for a ceasefire.

"We have agreed with the US president that Russia will offer and is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum on a possible future peace agreement," he said.

This, he added would define "a number of positions" including "principles of the settlement and a timeline for concluding a possible peace agreement...including a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time, should relevant agreements be reached".

YuryUshakov, an aide to the Russian president, said a ceasefire timeframe was not "discussed... although Trump, of course, emphasises his interest in reaching one or another agreement as soon as possible".

Zelensky held a second call with Trump after the US president spoke to Putin, which also included President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders of France, Italy, Germany and Finland.

"I want to thank President Trump for his tireless efforts to bring a ceasefire to Ukraine," von der Leyen said, adding: "It's important that the US stays engaged."

Italian Prime Minister GiorgiaMeloni said Pope Leo's offer to host potential peace talks was a gesture welcomed by the US and the other leaders in the call, and "judged positively".

Earlier this month, the new Pope offered the Vatican as a venue for possible peace talks after Putin turned down Zelensky's offer to meet face-to-face in Turkey for negotiations.

Kyiv has previously said Putin's comments saying he desires peace are hollow.

"Putin wants war," AndriyYermak, a top aide to the Ukrainian president, said after Russia on Sunday launched what Ukraine said was its biggest drone attack since the full-scale invasion began.

Ukraine says at least 10 people have been killed in Russian strikes in recent days - including nine people in an attack on a civilian minibus in north-eastern Ukraine. Russia says it has also intercepted Ukrainian drones.

The strike on the bus happened just hours after Russia and Ukraine held their first face-to-face talks in more than three years. A prisoner swap was agreed but there was no commitment to a ceasefire.

Trump had offered to attend the talks in Turkey if Putin would also be there, but the Russian president declined to go.

Russia has declared ceasefires before - but only temporary ones. It declared one for 8-11 May - which coincided with victory celebrations to mark the end of World War Two - but Kyiv would not sign up to it, saying Putin could not be trusted and that an immediate 30-day ceasefire was needed.

The Kremlin announced a similar, 30-hour truce over Easter, but while both sides reported a dip in fighting, they accused each other of hundreds of violations.

Russia and Ukraine have been at war since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Source: bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce824m5849po

----------

Brussels hails UK deal as 'new chapter' - but much is yet to be written

20 MAY 2025

"We're turning a page," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday after the bloc's first summit with the UK since Brexit. "We're opening a new chapter."

It is not the first page that has been turned in the post-Brexit period, but it is potentially the most significant.

The two sides have now struck a deal that covers fishing, trade, defence, energy and strengthening ties in a number of policy areas that are still up for negotiation.

For Brussels, this negotiation was a chance to bring Britain – a major defence power – closer in a time of geopolitical turbulence.

And to address what some member states see as irritating hangovers from Brexit.

For years, there was a "don't touch it" mentality when it came to taking a broad look at the Brexit settlement, according to one EU diplomat.

It all involved "too much politics" with fears it could all "go wrong."

Remember, up until the 2023 Windsor Framework agreement, London and Brussels were bogged down in a protracted dispute over trade arrangements for Northern Ireland.

Then, in 2024, a new government won power in the UK - the more EU-friendly Labour Party.

Officials in Brussels had long voiced exasperation – even distrust – with prior Conservative administrations, a party with a vocal Brexit-backing contingent.

Some Brexit supporters are now castigating a deal that they say amounts to a sell-out of sovereignty to EU bureaucrats.

The new UK-EU deal at a glance

Diplomats in Brussels, however, insist that this is a "normalisation" of relations between neighbours who still look at the world in a broadly similar way.

That being said, there was evident satisfaction in EU circles about locking in fishing quotas for 12 years.

When I checked with one diplomat about that detail, they initially replied with a smiley face emoji.

Another said: "The deal is balanced—arguably with favourable terms for the EU—and simply shows that splendid isolation is not an option in today's climate."

Of course, the EU will want to highlight its "wins" in a negotiation with a former member state who badly shook the bloc by leaving.

Nevertheless, coastal countries - notably France – will be happy at not having to endure annual fish quota talks, for now.

It was, in the end I'm told, quid pro quo. The EU got its fishing deal. In return, it'll be easier for UK businesses to export agri-food products – although that element hasn't been finalised.

Also yet to be ironed out are the plans for youth mobility – which would allow young people to study or work more easily between Britain and the EU.

That was a particularly important goal for countries like Germany, anxious to win better access to an English-speaking country with prestigious universities.

Another key point for Berlin was the new defence and security partnership.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Donald Trump's unpredictable White House have ripped up the rules on European security.

Time has been something of a healer – but the events of recent years have also created a sense of urgency.

Better ties with Britain, which remains a major defence player, is a no-brainer – now more than ever – for mainland Europe as it tries to scale up investment and capabilities.

Nations like Germany – which only recently hit the 2% Nato spending target – are acutely aware that they have been left exposed by the dramatic global developments of recent years.

But, of course, most of this deal is an agreement in principle; a statement of intent on issues also ranging across cyber security, energy and migration.

"I think it's a good step," another EU diplomat told me. "It's good to test the waters for practical cooperation and what can be done. Let's take it from there."

There is still a watchful wariness in Brussels about Britain's fraught and divisive debate about relations with the EU.

All the specifics, which have yet to be negotiated, could stir up further political storms whether that's on political compromises or cost.

This "reset" may not change the big fundamentals of Brexit - the UK remains out of the single market and customs union- but it does commit London and Brussels to doing a lot more talking as they try to fill the many gaps that lie within this long list of ambitions.

That means there will be a greater volume of diplomatic traffic between the UK and the EU going forward.

Doing more business with Brussels inevitably means doing more talking. In that regard, today is just the beginning.

Source: bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4gwvezvvko

---------

Mideast

 

Iran ready to give assurances to US it won't build nukes

May 19, 2025

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made the comments in a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Tehran on Monday.

In the meeting, President Pezeshkian said that Tehran is ready to provide the Iraqis with its peaceful nuclear achievements.

He stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never accept bullying and excessive demands from the United States, adding that the Islamic Republic "will not deprive its nation of the peaceful achievements of the nuclear industry in the fields of health, treatment, agriculture, and industry."

Pezeshkian went on to highlight that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not ask for permission from the United States or any other side in pursuit of its right to develop and use its peaceful nuclear industry.

He went on to say that Iran is ready to give assurances to the US it won't build nuclear weapons. "If the US government is really concerned about Iran's alleged development of nuclear weapons, we are ready to give assurances," he said.

The Iranian and US delegations have held four rounds of indirect talks on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions in the Omani capital Muscat and Italy's Rome. Both parties have described the talks as positive, useful and moving forward.

Source: mehrnews.com

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

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/232056/Iran-ready-to-give-assurances-to-US-it-won-t-build-nukes

---------
Britain, Canada, France condemn Israel’s ‘egregious actions’ in Gaza

May 19, 2025

PARIS: The leaders of Britain, France and Canada on Monday condemned Israel’s “egregious actions” in Gaza, opposed its expanded offensive, and slammed Israeli ministers for threatening the mass displacement of civilians.

“We will not stand by” while the government of Benjamin Netanyahu pursues those actions, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a joint statement.

“We are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end,” they said.

The statement coincided with a joint demand by 22 countries — including Britain, France and Canada — for Israel to immediately “allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza,” noting that the territory’s population “faces starvation.”

Israel has kept Gaza in a total aid blockade since March 2, but announced on Monday it would allow a limited number of supply trucks.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said the limited aid access was because “images of mass starvation” in Gaza could hurt the legitimacy of his country’s war.

The statement by Britain, France and Canada said that Israel’s “denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law.”

It also slammed “abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate.”

The leaders said that “permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.”

Israel’s military has stepped up an offensive in Gaza as part of its prolonged response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack that triggered the war and resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Gaza’s health ministry said on Monday at least 3,340 people have been killed since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, taking the war’s overall toll to 53,486.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601339/middle-east

--------
Academics should collaborate in solving Islamic world issues

May 20, 2025

In a meeting with heads of delegations attending the second Ministerial Meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform in Tehran on Monday, President Pezeshkian emphasized that these gatherings create opportunities for promoting a unified perspective among scientists from the Islamic world.

He highlighted the necessity for Muslim nations to support one another across various sectors, stating that Iran is prepared to collaborate with Islamic countries, particularly in the scientific arena.

According to the president, scientists and academics are ideally positioned to identify and address pressing issues. He encouraged them to work together to resolve problems in their own countries and across the Islamic world, particularly through platforms like this meeting.

Pezeshkian also called on the scientific and educational authorities of Islamic countries to motivate researchers and students to engage in collaborative efforts. He noted that cooperation among the 1.8 billion Muslims can elevate their standing in science and technology.

Muslims share a common heritage, including the holy Quran, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and foundations for mutual understanding and cooperation, Pezeshkian said, noting that by working together, they can advance the Islamic world through synergy and collaboration.

Source: mehrnews.com

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

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/232059/Academics-should-collaborate-in-solving-Islamic-world-issues

-----------

President Pezeshkian: Iran ready for cooperation with Muslim states

May 19, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed optimism that meetings among Muslim scholars will foster cooperation to tackle the challenges faced by Islamic nations.

In a meeting with heads of delegations attending the second Ministerial Meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform in Tehran on Monday, President Pezeshkian emphasized that these gatherings create opportunities for promoting a unified perspective among scientists from the Islamic world.

He highlighted the necessity for Muslim nations to support one another across various sectors, stating that Iran is prepared to collaborate with Islamic countries, particularly in the scientific arena.

According to the President, scientists and academics are ideally positioned to identify and address pressing issues. He encouraged them to work together to resolve problems in their own countries and across the Islamic world, particularly through platforms like this meeting.

President Pezeshkian also called on the scientific and educational authorities of Islamic countries to motivate researchers and students to engage in collaborative efforts.

He noted that cooperation among the 1.8 billion Muslims can elevate their standing in science and technology.

Muslims share a common heritage, including the holy Quran, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and foundations for mutual understanding and cooperation, Pezeshkian said, adding that by working together, they can advance the Islamic world through synergy and collaboration.

Source: en.irna.ir

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

https://en.irna.ir/news/85838099/President-Pezeshkian-Iran-ready-for-cooperation-with-Muslim

--------
Gaza civil defense says 91 killed in Israeli strikes Monday

May 20, 2025

GAZA CITY: A Gaza civil defense official said that 91 people were killed in strikes and attacks throughout Monday as Israel steps up an offensive in the Palestinian territory.

The deaths had been recorded since the early hours of Monday, according to Mohammed Al-Mughayyir, an official in the civil defense agency of the Hamas-run territory. The department had earlier given a toll of 52 dead.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601364/middle-east

-------
Palestinian hospital chief calls for pressure on Israel

May 20, 2025

HELSINKI: An East Jerusalem hospital chief told AFP on Monday that Gaza was in a “catastrophic” state after weeks of a complete blockade of humanitarian aid and called on countries to act to end the suffering of civilians.

FadiAtrash, chief executive of the Augusta Victoria-Hospital in East Jerusalem — which helps Palestinians from the occupied territories and Gaza — said he could no longer “find the words” to describe the crisis faced by people in war-torn Gaza.

“We are facing a very, very critical and catastrophic situation,” he said, with all components of the health care system destroyed, and health care workers “running out of energy.”

Augusta Victoria, which had a hospital in Gaza that has been destroyed in Israeli bombings now provides health care in Gaza with the limited resources available, Atrash said.

Atrash visited Finland — which has not recognized Palestine as a state — on Monday as part of a tour of the Nordic countries.

“My main message for the Nordic countries is to put pressure to stop the war, to stop the killing.”

Humanitarian food, medical and fuel supplies have been blocked from entering Gaza for 11 weeks, and the World Health Organization has warned that two million people face starvation.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb joined other European leaders on Monday to call on Israel to guarantee the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Stubb also said “forced displacement of populations is a war crime and cannot form part of any solution,” in a post on X.

Israel this month approved an expanded military offensive in Gaza but has agreed to let limited aid into Gaza.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601368/middle-east

---------

Yemen’s Houthis threaten Israeli port

May 20, 2025

SANAA: Yemen’s Houthis said Monday that they would target Haifa port in Israel as part of a “naval blockade” in response to Israeli escalation in the Gaza war.

The Houthis would “begin working to enforce a naval blockade of the port of Haifa,” said military spokesman Yehya Saree.

“All companies with ships present in or heading to this port are hereby notified that, as of the time of this announcement, the aforementioned port has been included in the target bank,” the Houthi spokesman added.

The move was “in response to the Israeli enemy’s escalation of its brutal aggression against our people and in Gaza,” he said, adding their attacks on Israel would “cease once the aggression on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted.”

Earlier on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country will “take control” of the whole of Gaza, as rescuers reported dozens killed in a newly intensified offensive.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601363/middle-east

--------

One SDF fighter killed in attack by Daesh in eastern Syria

May 19, 2025

CAIRO: The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a militia group led by Kurdish fighters, said on Monday that one of its fighters was killed and another injured in an attack by Daesh in Syria’s eastern Deir el-Zor region.

The SDF was the main fighting force allied to the United States in Syria during fighting that defeated Daesh in 2019 after the group declared a caliphate across swathes of Syria and Iraq.

The SDF reached an agreement in March to integrate with the Syrian government, now led by former militants who toppled President Bashar Assad last year.

Syria’s new authorities have clashed with Daesh fighters, particularly in the east. Last month, Daesh killed five SDF fighters in one of the deadliest recent attacks against the group.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601357/middle-east

----------
Qatar, Jordan condemn Israeli bombing of Hamad Hospital in Gaza

May 19, 2025

LONDON: Qatar and Jordan condemned Israel’s bombing of the Hamad Hospital for Prosthetic Limbs in the Gaza Strip on Monday, labeling it a clear violation of international and humanitarian laws.

The Hamad Hospital for Prosthetic Limbs in northern Gaza was established in 2019 following a directive from Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, father of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim. It is one of the remaining medical facilities functioning in Gaza that offers rehabilitation services for hearing, balance, and prosthetics.

Qatar said that Israel’s bombing of Hamad Hospital and its ongoing targeting of civilians, medical facilities, and shelters for the displaced families in Gaza is “part of the war of genocide against the brotherly Palestinian people.”

SufianQudah, spokesperson for the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the Israeli use of starvation and blockade to displace Palestinians. He added that Israeli human rights violations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank threaten regional security and stability.

Jordan and Qatar urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and immediately help bring an end to the war in Gaza.

On Sunday, Israel launched extensive military operations in the Gaza Strip aimed at occupying the territory. Several hospitals were targeted in the enclave over the past week, including the Indonesian Hospital, one of the largest partially functioning medical facilities in Beit Lahia. In the south, the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis and the Kuwait Specialized Hospital in Rafah were also affected.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601337/middle-east

---------
Settlers storm Aqsa Mosque yards

19 May 2025

Zionist settlers renewed their storming of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Mughrabi Gate this Monday morning, under heavy protection from Israeli occupation forces.

According to the Palestinian Safa News Agency, the Islamic Endowments Department in occupied Quds reported that dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa and organized provocative tours of its courtyards.

It explained that the settlers performed Talmudic rituals in the eastern area of the mosque and received explanations about the alleged "Temple."

Israeli forces continue to tighten their restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshippers to Al-Aqsa, and have confiscated the ID cards of some worshippers at the mosque gates.

Palestinian calls have intensified for mobilization, solidarity, and resistance to the plans of the occupation and settler groups at Al-Aqsa Mosque, which aim to demolish the mosque and build the alleged "Temple."

The calls emphasized the need to continue their solidarity at Al-Aqsa to thwart the plans of the alleged "Temple groups" during the so-called "Quds Day," which falls on May 26. Al-Aqsa Mosque is witnessing a dangerous escalation in attacks by the enemy and its settlers, with an increase in the frequency of incursions and the number of trespassers, as well as the performance of Talmudic rituals and prayers inside the mosque

Source: saba.ye

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

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3484182.htm

--------

Arab World

 

Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

HAJAR ALQUSAYER

May 19, 2025

RIYADH: Industry leaders and innovators discussed the role of artificial intelligence in advancing project management during the final day of the Global Project Management Forum in Riyadh on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, which has Arab News as a media partner, Ali Al-Khabouri, co-founder of Matrix Oman, told Arab News that AI is playing an increasingly important role in supporting decision-making in project management.

“AI will help the project managers to predict some of the information, predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns,” he said.

Al-Khabouri also discussed the importance of defining a clear strategy for AI adoption, adding that organizations should evaluate whether adopting AI is a value-adding step or simply a response to market trends.

During a panel discussion titled “The Future of Project Management: Leadership, Innovation and Strategic Integration of People, Process and Technology,” Marko Golob, head of IT PMO at SIJ d.d., highlighted the need for education in project management.

“We have a gap of 30 million project (managers) in the board in the next 10 years — 30 million. It’s a lot.”

Al-Khabouri highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in improving decision-making within project environments.

He said: “AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions.”

He added that while the essence of decision-making remains constant, the tools, processes and organizational mindset supporting it are evolving in response to technological advancement.

Imad Al-Sadeq, transformation delivery partner at EY MENA, discussed the growing concern of over-reliance on artificial intelligence in project management.

“The risk here (is) that some people, including project managers, will over rely on (AI). Some people will mistrust the human side for the sake of AI,” he said.

Al-Sadeq added that this trend is already emerging in some settings, and he highlighted the need to strike a balance between technology and human insight.

“We still need to keep the human at center, keep the trust with the human judgment. Otherwise, we are not only calling for best effect, but we are calling only for best practice or previous work. And this is a big difference,” he added.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601327/saudi-arabia

---------
Saudi Arabia condemns escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza

May 19, 2025

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday strongly condemned the Israeli military’s intensified operations in both northern and southern Gaza, denouncing what it described as an expansion of the occupation of large parts of the territory.

In an official statement, the Kingdom said the actions “contradict the will of the international community, violate human rights law and United Nations charters, and obstruct efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.”

The ministry renewed Saudi Arabia’s firm denunciation of all ground operations conducted by Israeli forces, warning that such actions threaten the lives of Palestinian civilians and further aggravate the already dire humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave.

The statement also cautioned against the continuation of “flagrant and unjustified violations,” emphasizing that they constitute a breach of international law and a direct assault on the rights of the Palestinian people.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601318/saudi-arabia

----------

Technology to improve accessibility of Qur’an studies highlighted at competition

NADA HAMEED

May 19, 2025

JEDDAH: A competition to promote Islamic values and new technologies to make Qur’an studies more accessible to those with disabilities was held in Jeddah on Sunday.

The closing ceremony of the 16th edition of the Jeddah University Qur’an Competition for the Hijri year 1446 AH was held under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the governor of Jeddah.

More than 1,000 students took part in the competition, which featured five components: memorization and recitation; people with disabilities; technological challenges in Qur’anic services; Qur’anic calligraphy; and a photography competition.

Winners and participating institutions were honored by Prince Saud at the end of the ceremony.

Ibrahim Shaheen from Egypt took first place in the visually impaired category and received an SR7,000 ($1,866) cash prize. The 17-year-old memorized the entire Qur’an since the age of 12, using braille to study the holy book.

He told Arab News: “I spent four years memorizing the Qur’an starting at the age of nine,” he said. “Reciting the five parts for the competition was very easy and smooth, and I generally review the entire Qur’an every two weeks.”

Safaa Habeeb Allah, head of the judging committee for the technology challenge, said the competition was “a wonderful opportunity for students from various universities and schools to contribute to serving the Qur’an.”

The winner of the SR20,000 technology challenge was the Wijdan app  which provides users with emotional support by using a combination of resources from Islamic scripture and modern psychology.

The app was developed by Radwa Ammar Abdel-Moaty, SuadAnis Al-Saadi, and Gharam Khalil Al-Sharabi, all from Jeddah University.

Abdel-Moaty told Arab News that the inspiration for the app came after noticing similarities between modern psychological theories and passages in the Qur’an.

“This observation was the seed for the Wijdan project, the team combined the Qur’an and psychology using artificial intelligence, and the app mainly consists of two components: the psychological link and the emotion library,” Abdel-Moaty explained.

“The psychological link is an interactive chatbot that engages with the user, identifies emotions and responds based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. The emotion library acts as an index of human emotions mentioned in both the Qur’an and Sunnah.”

Abdel-Moaty added: “We used several technologies. First, we applied text and sentiment analysis using NLP (Natural Language Processing) in the interactive chatbot.

“We also developed smart emotion dictionaries and a reminder system that tracks your recurring emotions — whether sadness or joy — and offers advice and guidance accordingly.”

The app also has text-to-speech technology to make it accessible to those with disabilities, and includes AI-generated illustrations for children.

Another aspect of the competition focused on technologies to help people with disabilities to learn the Qur’an.

The section winner was “Talaa — With Every Sign, a Verse is Recited,” a project that allows deaf and mute people to recite the Qur’an by using sign language.

It was created by Obay Rayan Ghulam and Aseel Ahmed Al-Hammadi from Jeddah University, who received a cash prize of SR10,000.

Obay told Arab News: “The inspiration for the project came from learning that the deaf and mute make up approximately 3.4 percent of the global population — around 55 million Muslims.

“Though the percentage may seem small, the number is enormous. Despite this, there are very few specialized resources or experts catering to their needs.”

Obay continued: “The core idea is to give this segment of the community the same independence everyone else enjoys — the ability to recite anytime, anywhere, without needing an interpreter or teacher. All they need is sign language and a device.

“They can see whether their sign is correct and whether they’ve recited the verse accurately, then move to the next one. There’s also a page where they can learn the Qur’an by reading the verses, memorizing them, and then reciting again.

“We used the Madinah Qur’an as our source, which shows the Qur’anic text in Arabic script with sign language letters above. For this, we used deep learning and computer vision techniques, particularly the YOLO (you only look once) model.”

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601313/saudi-arabia

--------
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Level Up’ social hub in Riyadh

RAHAF JAMBI

May 19, 2025

Level Up is a social hub in Riyadh for those seeking entertainment and connection. For just SR60 ($16), visitors gain access to activities ranging from board games and video games to virtual reality experiences.

This multifaceted venue stands out as a gathering place for individuals with shared interests, making it easy to forge new friendships.

One of the highlights at Level Up is its open mic nights, where local bands showcase their talents. This not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community among those attending.

The friendly vibe welcomes both extroverts and introverts, making it a space where people can comfortably engage in conversation or simply enjoy the performances.

The hub also sells PlayStation 5 consoles and accessories, catering to gaming enthusiasts, as well as a range of anime and video game action figures for those into pop culture.

One of the items on the menu I enjoyed was the iced matcha, which is popular among patrons.

While visiting with a friend, I was captivated by the talented musicians at the open mic event, followed by an engaging session of board games.

Level Up hosts discussions every Tuesday, featuring industry leaders such as marketing heads, board members, talent acquisition directors, CEOs, and founders.

These events provide opportunities to learn from and engage with influential figures, helping to enrich the community experience.

Whether you are looking to socialize, enjoy live music, or dive into gaming, Level Up is well worth a visit.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601350/saudi-arabia

----------
Saudi project clears 1,095 mines in Yemen

May 19, 2025

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,095 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,056 unexploded ordnances, 32 anti-tank mines and seven anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 494,351 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601310/saudi-arabia

----------

North America

 

CAIR Designates Johns Hopkins U. as ‘Hostile Campus’ for Targeting of Anti-Genocide Students

May 19, 2025

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today designated Johns Hopkins University (JHU) as a Hostile Campus for fostering a climate of fear, retaliation, and repression targeting students who speak out against occupation, apartheid, and genocide.

“No university that suppresses, injures, or threatens students for peacefully opposing genocide can claim to be inclusive,” said Zainab Chaudry, Director of CAIR’s office in Maryland. “Johns Hopkins has repeatedly chosen repression over dialogue, militarism over justice, and silence over accountability.”

BACKGROUNDER:

In 2024, nearly 100 civil rights complaintsreportedly led to a federal investigation into anti-Muslim and anti-Arab harassment, including a professor’s email referring to “those brutal Arabs” and suggesting divine punishment. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reportedly found that JHU misapplied legal standards in its handling of such incidents. Even after signing a resolution agreement with OCR in 2025, JHU failed to defend over a dozen graduate students and alumni whose visas were revoked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The university offered no public condemnation, further stifling student dissent.

InJanuary 2025, the university’sPublic Interest Investment Advisory Committee (PIIAC) rejected student demands for divestment from weapons manufacturers and companies complicit in Israeli apartheid, offering vague rhetoric instead of transparency or accountability. On May 8, 2025, students established a peaceful Gaza solidarity encampment on Keyser Quad, which was met with a violent crackdown by armed JHU and Baltimore police.

According to eyewitnesses, two students were injured as officers tore down tents and canopies despite the protest being entirely nonviolent. That same day, Palestinian, Lebanese, and visibly Muslim students who reported holding a cultural picnic and performing Dabke were reportedly threatened by JHU administrators and police. According to students, they were told their gathering was a “second attempted occupation” and ordered off campus, simply for expressing their culture and identity. JHU’s failure to register a Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter further reveals its efforts to suppress Palestinian cultural and political expression.

Despite calls for divestment, the university continues to profit from war while silencing opposition. JHU’s Applied Physics Laboratory was awarded a $12.4 billion Department of Defensecontractto develop advanced weapons and defense systems used in military operations, including those enabling Israel’s assault on Gaza. Unsurprisingly, JHU earned a failing score of 48.3% in the 2025 College Free Speech Rankings, reflecting widespread national concern over its hostility toward student expression.

CAIR’s Unhostile Campus Campaign:

In August, CAIR launched its Unhostile Campus Campaign, a project aimed at fostering a campus environment where Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other students, faculty, and staff opposing the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza enjoy free speech and academic freedom and are not subjected to state force or university discipline due to their viewpoints. Since then, CAIR has designated over 20 colleges and universities as hostile due to their creation of a thoroughly hostile and dangerous environment for anti-genocide students.

Students, staff, and faculty who wish to report their university or college campus for consideration as a potential “hostile campus” can complete the ‘Report a Hostile Campus’ form at islamophobia.org/reportcampus.

CAIR’s 2025 Civil Rights Report, “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases. 

Source: cair.com

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

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-designates-johns-hopkins-u-as-hostile-campus-for-targeting-of-anti-genocide-students/

----------
CAIR-Ohio ‘Team Palestine’ Raises Awareness for Palestinian Children at Cleveland Marathon

May 19, 2025

On May 17, CAIR-Ohio participated in the 2025 Cleveland Marathon, joining over 11,000 runners in a citywide celebration of health, resilience, and community. For the second year in a row, CAIR-Ohio sponsored Team Palestine, a powerful initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), an organization providing life-saving medical care and humanitarian relief to Palestinian children.

CAIR-Ohio’s Executive Director, FatenHusniOdeh, crossed the finish line side-by-side with Estelle Raskin, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) Cleveland. Team Palestine was represented by a diverse and passionate group of runners who not only completed the race but also helped raise funds and awareness for Palestinian children in need.

Jenna Muhieddine, Civic Engagement Coordinator at CAIR-Ohio Cleveland, said: “What a privilege to run in safety, while others run for survival. #FreePalestine.”

Through physical endurance and collective action, Team Palestine reminded marathon spectators and fellow runners that advocacy can take many forms—from the streets to the finish line.

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.

La misión de CAIR esproteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.

Source: cair.com

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

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ohio-team-palestine-raises-awareness-for-palestinian-children-at-cleveland-marathon/

----------

CAIR-Pittsburgh Condemns Distribution of Antisemitic Propaganda

May 19, 2025

The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the distribution of antisemitic propaganda in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.

Hate material, which included a reference to an infamous antisemitic tract, was reportedly placed in clear bags and weighted with kernels of corn so the bags could be thrown from a moving vehicle.

Last year, CAIR-Pittsburgh similarly condemned the distribution of antisemitic neo-Nazi propaganda in Squirrel Hill and Downtown.

In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:

“We join people of conscience of all faiths and backgrounds in condemning the distribution of this antisemitic propaganda in our community. We also express our solidarity with the Jewish community as it is targeted by hate-filled bigotry.”

She said Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.

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

La misión de CAIR esproteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.

Source: cair.com

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

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-pittsburgh-condemns-distribution-of-antisemitic-propaganda/

---------
US to pay $5m to family of 6 January rioter Ashli Babbitt

May 20, 2025

The Trump administration has agreed to pay a $5m (£3.7m) settlement to the family of Ashli Babbitt, a US Air Force veteran who was shot and killed by a Capitol police officer while breaching the US Congress on 6 January 2021.

Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger told CBS, the BBC's US partner, he is "extremely disappointed" with the decision. The officer involved in her shooting has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

The settlement resolves a $30m wrongful death suit filed by Babbitt's family and the conservative activist group Judicial Watch.

Thousands of Trump supporters descended on the US Capitol on 6 January in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.

Babbitt was part of a group that smashed windows in an effort to enter the chamber of the House of Representatives while it was still in session, forcing lawmakers to delay certification and flee for safety.

Video of the incident shows her being shot in the shoulder after attempting to climb through a door. She later died in hospital.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt's family claimed that the decision to open fire by Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd was negligent, and that Babbitt's hands were in the air when she was shot.

Family members say that Babbitt was motivated to come to the Capitol by Trump's claims of election fraud. No evidence has ever surfaced of widespread fraud in the 2020 election.

Mr Byrd previously defended the move to fire his gun, saying the group of lawmakers and security "were essentially trapped" and had "no way to retreat".

In August 2021, a Capitol Police review found that Mr Byrd's decision saved lives and was consistent with police training and procedures. A justice department review also found no evidence of any police wrongdoing.

"This is extremely disappointing and I completely disagree with the Department of Justice's decision," Chief Manger said in a statement to staff after learning of the settlement, the Washington Post reported.

"This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers across our nation - especially those who have a protective mission like ours," he added.

In January, on his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump issued a blanket pardon for more than 1,500 Capitol riot defendants, including hundreds accused of assaulting police. He also fired the federal prosecutors who handled those cases.

Trump in March told conservative news outlet Newsmax that he's "a big fan of Ashli Babbitt" and that she was "innocently standing there" when she was shot.

"And a man did something unthinkable to her when he shot her, and I think it's a disgrace," he said, promising to "look into" the lawsuit brought by her family.

Source: bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gr3kdxkr7o

----------
How Malcolm X fought against the 'American nightmare'

May 19, 2025

"What do you think you would do after 400 years of slavery and Jim Crow and lynching? Do you think you would respond nonviolently?" Those were some of the key questions Malcolm X posed to American society.

Although slavery had been abolished in the US in 1865, the so-called Jim Crow laws continued to cement everyday discrimination against Black people until 1964. There were artificial barriers to their right to vote in some states, and in many they weren't allowed to sit next to white people on buses or in restaurants.

"Malcolm X addressed precisely the issues that were burning on the minds of oppressed African Americans," Britta Waldschmidt-Nelson, author of the biography "Malcolm X: The Black Revolutionary," told DW.

His message to African Americans was clear: Be self-confident! Fight for your rights "by any means necessary" — even with violence.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Les Payne (1941-2018) recalled in his Malcolm X biography how a 1963 speech by the activist freed him, as if by a "flashing sword blow," from the "conditioned feeling of inferiority as a Black man" deeply rooted in his psyche.

That was precisely Malcom X's goal.

A childhood marred by racism:

Born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm Little's childhood near Detroit was marked by poverty and violence. He was six years old when his father was found dead; according to various accounts, he had been murdered by white supremacists. With seven children and little money, Malcom's mother was completely overwhelmed and became mentally ill. Malcolm was placed in various foster families and institutions; he later spoke in his autobiography of the "terror of the very white social workers."

Despite his difficult beginnings, he was a good student, the only Black person in his class. A key experience had a profound impact on him: His favourite teacher asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. Malcolm replied that he would like to study law. But the teacher, using an offensive racist slur to describe him, told him that wasn't a realistic goal for a boy like him.

The young Malcolm was completely disillusioned. His grades dropped dramatically, and at 15, he moved to Boston to live with his half-sister Ella Collins, and later to New York. He supported himself by doing odd jobs before becoming a petty criminal. In his early 20s, he was imprisoned for various burglaries.

"Here is a Black man caged behind bars, probably for years, put there by the white man," he later wrote in his autobiography. "You let this caged-up Black man start realizing, as I did, how from the first landing of this first slave ship, the millions of Black men in America have been like sheep in a den of wolves. That's why Black prisoners become Muslims so fast when Elijah Muhammad's teachings filter into their cages by the way of other Muslim convicts."

The mentor Malcolm X refers to, Elijah Muhammad, was a Black separatist and the leader of the Nation of Islam, a religious-political organization of African Americans outside of Islamic orthodoxy.

Fight against the 'white devils'

Nation of Islam (NOI) "claims that all Black people are inherently children of God and good, and all white people are inherently evil and children of the devil," explains Waldschmidt-Nelson. "What made this very attractive to Malcolm and many other prison inmates, of course, is that someone would come along and say, 'You are not to blame for your misery; it is the blue-eyed devils who made you go astray.'"

After joining NOI, he started calling himself Malcolm X, because African Americans' surnames had historically been assigned by their slave owners. Therefore, NOI members rejected their slave names and called themselves simply "X."

He spent his seven years in prison educating himself and remained a member of NOI for 14 years. Leader Elijah Muhammed appreciated the young man's intellectual acumen and oratory skills and made him the organization's spokesperson.

In his speeches, Malcolm X repeatedly denounced the "white devils." Although he lived in the northern states of the US — the "Promised Land" for Black people from the even more restrictive southern states — he no longer placed any hope in white "liberals" there either. After all, he had personally experienced how Black people were treated as second-class citizens throughout the US.

Malcolm X was long scornful of Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights movement. He criticized King's famous speech at the 1963 March on Washington about a free and united America, united across all racial barriers, as unrealistic: "No, I'm not an American. I'm one of 22 million Black people who are the victims of Americanism. [...] And I see America through the eyes of the victim. I don't see any American dream; I see an American nightmare."

Pilgrimage to Mecca — and a change of heart

After becoming disillusioned with the organisation's leader, Malcolm X broke ranks with the Nation of Islam in March 1964.

That same year, he made a pilgrimage to Mecca — and his image of the "white devils" began to waver. "He was deeply impressed by the hospitality and warmth with which he was greeted, even by white Muslims in Saudi Arabia," writes Britta Waldschmidt-Nelson in her biography. "And then, in the last year of his life, he turned away from this racist doctrine," she told DW.

He set himself a new task: "Malcolm X wanted to create an alliance of all oppressed people of color against white colonial oppression," says the biographer.

On a trip to Africa, governments praised his intention, but he couldn't count on their support: "Of course, they were all dependent on US development aid, and most African governments wouldn't have operated openly against the US at the time."

Instead, Malcolm X became the focus of the CIA. The Nation of Islam was also on his heels. "He knew he was going to be assassinated, and it was also a conscious decision on his part to face it," says Waldschmidt-Nelson. "He probably said to himself: I can't give up now. After his experience in Mecca, Malcolm had embarked on a completely new path, open to collaborating with King's civil rights movement and, if necessary, with white people as well."

But that never happened. On February 21, 1965, he was shot dead during a lecture by members of the Nation of Islam. He was only 39 years old.

A renewed legacy:

In the 1980s, hip-hop artists celebrated Malcolm X's legacy by sampling his speeches in their music: "All that became very resonant," says Michael E Sawyer, professor of African American literature and culture at the University of Pittsburgh. "It was a way to create this kind of resurgence of Black identity as also a political identity." The songs served as political declarations of war on white racism, police brutality and the impoverishment of the Black underclass.

In 1992, Spike Lee adapted Malcolm X's autobiography into a film starring Denzel Washington, which also contributed to turning the revolutionary figure into an icon forging many Black people's cultural identity.

Today, as the current US administration is whitewashing history to understate the role racism played in shaping the country, and with the MAGA movement opposed to any criticism of America's alleged past glory, Malcolm X's words remain more relevant than ever:

"You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it."

Source: indiatimes.com

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/how-malcolm-x-fought-against-the-american-nightmare/articleshow/121267260.cms

---------

South Asia

IEA Commission Allows Books Publication Based On Islamic, National Values

May 20, 2025

KABUL: The meeting of the Book Evaluation Commission was held with the Deputy Minister of Information and Culture for the Publications Affairs, MawlaviMuhajerFarahi, on the chair, deciding to allow the publication of the books that have been written according to the Islamic and Afghan values.

According to a statement from the ministry on Monday, at the beginning, the commission’s secretary shared a report regarding the previous commission’s meeting with the participants.

Speaking about the commission’s activities, MawlaviFarahi praised its achievements, adding that those books do not conflict with the principles of Sharia and national values are allowed to be published, according to the statement. The commission decided to allow the publication of those books that have been written according to Islamic and Afghan values, the statement added.

Also, a number of books that have been presented to the commission for assessment were distributed to the commission’s members, and they were instructed to evaluate and share their findings in the next meeting.

The Book Evaluation Commission is convened to assess various books and grant publication approval to those that are written in accordance with Islamic and Afghan values, as well as the policies of the Islamic Emirate.

This process ensures that the content being published aligns with the cultural and religious principles upheld in the country.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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

https://thekabultimes.com/commission-allows-books-publication-based-on-islamic-national-values/

----------

Hundreds of kgs of explosive ordinance seized in Khost crossing, Fitrat

May 20, 2025

KABUL: Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said in a statement Monday that 270 kilograms of explosive materials have been discovered and seized in Khost border crossing.

“The explosive materials, including 270 kilograms of gunpowder, 100 packets of slow-burning fuse, 36 boxes of firecrackers, and other explosive items, which were ingeniously hidden inside boiler equipment within a cargo truck, have been seized at the crossing,” Fitrat said.

He further said that the confiscated explosives and the individuals involved were handed over to security agencies for further investigation.

The incident underscores the persistent efforts of Afghan authorities to thwart the smuggling of illicit and hazardous materials into the country.

These actions reflect the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to enhancing border security and maintaining stability across Afghanistan.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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

https://thekabultimes.com/hundreds-of-kgs-of-explosive-ordinance-seized-in-khost-crossing-fitrat/

----------
HRW: Families of Afghan war crimes victims await Justice

By Fidel Rahmati

May 19, 2025

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that families of Afghan war crime victims are still waiting for justice, with slow progress from responsible nations.

Patricia Gossman, Associate Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that Afghan families of those unlawfully killed by foreign military forces during the 20-year war in Afghanistan have long awaited justice. She noted that Australia and the UK have made “slow and steady” progress in addressing these issues.

On Monday, May 19, Human Rights Watch reported that Australia has taken significant steps by launching a website allowing victims’ families to file complaints and seek compensation in Persian and Pashto. While this initiative is commendable, it comes five years after the release of a government report detailing widespread potential war crimes, including extrajudicial killings of prisoners and civilians.

Despite these efforts, only one soldier has been prosecuted for these crimes. The United Nations has expressed concern, describing Australia’s compensation approach as “charitable discretion” rather than a legal right for victims under international law.

In contrast, the UK has shown even slower progress. Human Rights Watch criticized the UK’s response as inadequate, highlighting the need for more decisive action.

Gossman emphasized the importance of informing Afghan communities about the complaint process and ensuring that compensation is not viewed as charity but as a legal entitlement. She also called for broader international efforts to hold accountable all nations involved in the Afghan conflict.

The pursuit of justice for Afghan war victims remains a critical issue. While some nations have taken steps toward accountability, much work remains to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Human Rights Watch continues to advocate for comprehensive investigations and prosecutions to address the full scope of war crimes committed during the conflict. The organization urges the international community to support these efforts and uphold the rights of Afghan victims.

Source: khaama.com

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

https://www.khaama.com/hrw-families-of-afghan-war-crimes-victims-await-justice/

----------
Sharia-based educational system: Structure, objectives and methods

May 20, 2025

The educational system in Islam is a well-structured framework based on a combination of Sharia rulings and administrative policies.

This system is rooted in the Islamic creed (Aqîdah) and is implemented through legally sanctioned methods.

It is designed not only to impart knowledge but also to shape and nurture Islamic personalities who can contribute meaningfully to society.

At the heart of this system lies the principle that all educational content and methods must originate from Islamic beliefs and conform to divine legal proofs. For example, one of the Sharia-based policies is the separation of male and female students in educational settings, in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

Likewise, the curriculum content must align with Islamic values, encouraging moral development alongside academic achievement.

However, the administrative aspects of implementing educational policy—such as management techniques, classroom tools, school infrastructure, and other logistical matters—fall into the category of permissible means (wasâ¾il mubâ%ah).

These are not directly dictated by religious texts but can be derived from human experiences and worldly knowledge, as long as they do not contradict Islamic principles.

The adoption of administrative methods and educational tools from other nations is considered permissible, especially when it aids the implementation of Sharia rulings and fulfills the educational needs of the Ummah.

These methods may evolve or change depending on time, location, available technology, and the specific needs of learners.

This flexible approach reflects Islam’s recognition of practical necessities and adaptation, provided that the core values and religious boundaries are respected.

To achieve the ultimate goal of education—which is to build strong Islamic personalities—the educational system must be supported by a comprehensive administrative structure.

This structure ensures the successful implementation of both religious and academic goals.

It involves oversight, organization, and quality control across all sectors of education, including curriculum development, teacher selection, student performance evaluation, and infrastructure creation.

Qualified and skilled teachers are a cornerstone of the Islamic educational model.

Their selection and training must be based not only on academic qualifications but also on their commitment to Islamic ethics and teaching methods.

Similarly, the curriculum should be designed to promote intellectual development while remaining grounded in Islamic teachings.

A complete Islamic educational infrastructure includes schools, institutes, universities, and other educational institutions, equipped with appropriate teaching aids and facilities.

These might include laboratories, libraries, research centers, and digital tools that enhance learning.

Although these tools may be modern or borrowed from other civilizations, their purpose remains the same: to facilitate the transmission of Islamic knowledge and the formation of a faithful, capable, and enlightened generation.

Moreover, the educational system in Islam is not only meant for children or youth.

It must encompass lifelong learning opportunities that ensure adults also continue to grow in their understanding of Islam and contribute to the development of the Ummah.

Such a system promotes a culture of learning, reflection, and implementation of Islamic values in every aspect of life.

Educational system in Islam is a purpose-driven, creed-based, and administratively adaptable structure.

It merges divine guidance with practical methods to produce individuals who live by Islamic values and contribute to a morally upright and intellectually advanced society.

The system balances timeless principles with modern methods, ensuring that Islamic education remains relevant and transformative in any era.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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

https://thekabultimes.com/sharia-based-educational-system-structure-objectives-and-methods/

---------

IEA seeking positive engagement based on balanced foreign policy

May 20, 2025

During his stay in Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate, said that Afghanistan’s positive engagement with the world countries is in line with a balanced foreign policy.

Speaking in the opening day of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, the country’s foreign minister described the suppression of ISIS, locally known as Daesh, as one of the achievements of the Islamic Emirate and said that stability in Afghanistan serves the interests of neighboring, regional, and world countries.

As the Islamic Emirate’s foreign minister said, this is clear that over the past nearly four years, the Islamic Emirate have managed to successfully restore nationwide security, eliminate the threats of the so-called Islamic State and other insurgent elements, dismantled tribal warlordism and fought narcotics cultivation, drug use and trafficking, collected thousands of addicts across the country and brought administrative corruption down to zero.

Afghanistan is now secure and is ready to be used as an economic corridor for the Central and South Asian nations. This is what the leaders of the Islamic Emirate have long promised that security in Afghanistan is in the interest of the region and the world.

The current Afghanistan is not the victim of the world rivalries as it has been over the past four decades. The main reason was the lack of a balanced foreign policy.

The Islamic Emirate, after resuming power, managed to transform Afghanistan from a battlefield of the world powers into a peaceful country and is working hard to turn it into an economic hub in the near future.

Also, nation-building and restoration of good governance as well as national understanding and cooperation among nations are the top priorities of the incumbent Islamic system.

On the other hand, the country, under the nationally accepted system has driven attention from the whole world countries and has entered a new phase of interaction with regional and global nation and is expected to be internationally recognized in the near future.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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

https://thekabultimes.com/iea-seeking-positive-engagement-based-on-balanced-foreign-policy/

--------

Mullah Hedayatullah Badri Embarks on Official Visit to Iran

2025-05-19

KABUL(BNA): Mullah Hedayatullah Badri, the country’s Minister of Mines and Petroleum, has officially departed for Iran with a delegation.

The visit coincides with the second Global Conference of Mineral Experts and Researchers, where Minister Badri will represent Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum announced that during the conference, Minister Badri will highlight Afghanistan’s rich mineral resources and capacities. In addition to his participation in the conference, he is expected to engage with investors and representatives from various companies.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/mullah-hedayatullah-badri-embarks-on-official-visit-to-iran/

--------

Ishraque supporters continue protest, block part of Gulistan–Bangabazar road

May 20, 2025

Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain continued their sit-in in front of Nagar Bhaban for the sixth consecutive day today, demanding he be handed over mayoral responsibilities of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

From around 10:00am, supporters of Ishraque--gathering under the banner of "Dhakabashi"--assembled in front of the DSCC's headquarters, Nagar Bhaban.

Some of the supporters blocked part of the Gulistan–Bangabazar road at the same time, disrupting regular traffic.

The building has also been under the lock and key for the last five days as part of the protest.

The protesters chanted slogans calling for Ishraque to be immediately installed as mayor and demanded the resignation of Asif Mahmud ShojibBhuyain, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government.

On March 27, the Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Electoral Tribunal declared Ishraque Hossain, a BNP Foreign Affairs Committee member, as the rightful mayor of DSCC. Following this verdict, the Election Commission issued a gazette notification on April 27, officially recognising him as mayor.

Source: thedailystar.net

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

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/ishraque-supporters-continue-protest-block-part-gulistan-bangabazar-road-3898926

---------

2 more cases filed against Hasina

May 20, 2025

Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alongside 61 Awami League leaders and activists, has been sued over the death of Sajal Mia, 20, a shoe factory worker, during student protests in the Shimrail area of Narayanganj on July 20 last year.

The accused include former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, AL General Secretary ObaidulQuader, former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor Selina Hayat Ivy, former lawmakers Shamim Osman and Nazrul Islam Babu, as well as Shamim's son Imtinan Osman Ayon and nephew Azmeri Osman.

The case was filed by the victim's mother, Runa Begum, at Siddhirganj Police Station in Narayanganj on Friday night, said Officer-in-Charge Shahinur Alam.

According to the case statement, Sajal joined the anti-discrimination movement on July 20 last year, when AL men allegedly opened fire on students near the Dutch-Bangla Bank area on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway. Sajal was shot in the abdomen and later died at a local hospital.

The complaint claims the attack was carried out under the direction of top AL leaders, including Hasina and the other accused.

Meanwhile, Kamrul Hasan from Bhuyapur yesterday filed a case with the court of Tangail Judicial Magistrate Rumelia Sirajam, accusing Hasina and 193 others of organising a "dummy election" and vote rigging in 2024.

Former minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, former lawmaker Soto Monir, former CEC KaziHabibulAwal, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and former Tangail deputy commissioner Mohammad Shahidul Islam are among the 193 accused.

Source: thedailystar.net

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

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/2-more-cases-filed-against-hasina-3898781

---------

Arrest of NusraatFaria 'mockery' of judicial process: NCP

May 19, 2025

The arrest and jailing of actress NusraatFaria over an attempted murder case has turned the judicial process of the country into a mockery, said the National Citizen Party (NCP) today.

In a statement issued today, the party referred to NusraatFaria's recent arrest and subsequent imprisonment, and said, "NCP thinks incidents like this have turned the judicial process into a mockery."

"We have witnessed how, earlier this month, former president Abdul Hamid, who was accused of orchestrating attacks and shootings during the July uprising, left the country without any obstacles. The identities of 626 individuals who took shelter in various military cantonments following the uprising remain undisclosed. Moreover, the fallen fascist regime and its supporters, who were directly involved in the July massacre, continue to operate freely in public spaces and on social media," reads a statement of the party.

The NCP said the arrest and imprisonment in such a showpiece case where people were made accused sweepingly, have set a precedent of undermining the judicial process into the July massacre.

"The NCP believes that a faction within the current state structure and administration is deliberately engaging in activities to question the July killing and its judicial proceedings," the statement added.

The NCP also demanded visible progress into the trial of the July killings by next July, urging the interim government to take immediate and appropriate measures in this regard.

The party also called upon the law enforcement agencies to remain cautious in accepting cases, taking into account the widespread misuse of cases and the growing trend of turning legal proceedings into a commercial enterprise.

Source: thedailystar.net

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

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/arrest-nusraat-faria-mockery-judicial-process-ncp-3898496

--------

Africa

 

At least 58 corpses found in Libyan hospital, ministry says

May 20, 2025

TRIPOLI: At least 58 unidentified corpses were found on Monday in a hospital in Tripoli that was under the control of a militia whose leader was killed last week, the interior ministry said.

The corpses were found in a morgue refrigerator in Abu Salim Accidents Hospital in the densely populated Abu Salim neighborhood, following a report from the hospital, the ministry said in a statement.

Pictures of corpses with numbers and censored faces were posted by the ministry, showing remains in various states of decomposition on steel carriers and beds. Some of the remains were burnt. An investigation was underway to establish the identities of the deceased.

“So far, 23 corpses have been examined, and all necessary legal procedures have been taken, including documenting data and collecting samples,” the ministry said.

Abu Salim was home to a militia known as the Stabilization Support Apparatus, whose chief, AbdulghaniKikli, widely known as Ghaniwa, was killed in unconfirmed circumstances last Monday.

Kikli’s killing led to the sudden defeat of the SSA by factions aligned to internationally recognized Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al-Dbeibah of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

On Tuesday, Dbeibah ordered armed groups to be dismantled, triggering the fiercest clashes Tripoli had seen in years between two armed groups. The clashes killed at least eight civilians, according to the United Nations.

The corpses found on Monday are the second set of unidentified remains discovered in recent days. On Saturday, officials said nine corpses had been found in a morgue refrigerator in Al-Khadra hospital, another SSA-controlled hospital in the Abu Salim neighborhood.

The militia had not reported the corpses to the relevant authorities, the interior ministry said.

Dbeibah said on Saturday that eliminating militias was an “ongoing project,” as a ceasefire after last week’s clashes remained in place.

The GNU posted a video on Monday showing bulldozers demolishing the so-called 77 camp, one of the biggest facilities that was under control of SSA. The camp is to be turned into a national park.

Libya has had little stability since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising ousted longtime autocrat Muammar Qaddafi. The country split in 2014 between rival eastern and western factions, though an outbreak of major warfare paused with a truce in 2020.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601371/middle-east

----------

Enugu Muslims seek fairness in board appointments

MAY 20, 2025

Some Muslims have urged Governor Peter Mbah to ensure fairness in appointments to the state’s welfare board.

Musa Ani, director of the Islamic Centre in Uwani, Enugu, raised the concern during a news conference on Monday.

He said speculations were circulating that some individuals had already received appointment letters from the governor without wider consultation.

Ani urged the governor to involve all segments of the Muslim community in Enugu in the appointment process.

“The governor should have consulted the Council of Ulama, Muslim leaders and imams to guide the selection,” he said.

Ani acknowledged divisions within the Muslim community but stated that the Uwani Islamic Centre remains the central office in Enugu.

“We’ve heard that some Muslims have already been issued appointment letters into the board. We are still waiting for the governor to speak with us on this matter,” he said.

He noted that despite writing several times, the governor had yet to grant the centre an audience over the last two years.

Also, Mohammed Lawan, coordinator of the Council of Ulama and Imams, Enugu chapter, said the board’s role was not political.

“Pilgrimage to Hajj is a pillar of Islam, so appointees must be knowledgeable in Islamic teachings,” he said.

He, however, urged all Muslims in Enugu to remain calm and peaceful.

Similarly, Yusuf Sarki, a community member, called on the governor to reject those pushing for personal nominees.

“I urge our governor, a man of integrity, to act justly in this matter. Let the appointments be peaceful and not lead to any crisis,” he appealed.

Source: gazettengr.com

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

https://gazettengr.com/enugu-muslims-seek-fairness-in-board-appointments/

----------

2027: Youth Coalition Demands Muslim-Christian Ticket For Equity, Unity

MAY 20, 2025

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has issued a passionate appeal to political parties and stakeholders across the country to adopt a Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim presidential ticket in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, describing it as a necessary step toward national unity, equity, and inclusion.

In a press release signed by its President General, Comrade GoodluckIbem, the coalition, which claims to represent millions of young Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, said the aftermath of the 2023 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket had left many Christians feeling “alienated, sidelined, and underrepresented” in national governance.

“While the decision in 2023 may have been based on political calculations, it undeniably left a deep sense of marginalisation among many Nigerians, particularly Christians,” the statement read.

“Nigeria is a country founded on diversity and mutual respect, and our leadership must reflect that.”

CONYL emphasised that a religiously balanced ticket is not just a political strategy, but a moral obligation, particularly in a country where faith plays a defining role in citizens’ identities.

According to the group, a balanced presidential ticket in 2027 would:Reassure marginalized groups that they are part of Nigeria’s future;Promote peace, interfaith harmony, and national cohesion; Set a precedent for future administrations to uphold fairness and inclusion.

“Young Nigerians are tired of politics that divide,” the group stated. “We want leadership that unites. As the largest voting bloc, we are demanding a ticket that reflects the collective identity of the nation.”

The coalition also warned that failing to address the religious imbalance seen in 2023 may deepen divisions and erode public trust in the democratic process.

CONYL called on all political actors to “heed the voice of the youth” and commit to presenting a ticket that embraces Nigeria’s diversity, strengthens democracy, and fosters inclusive governance.

“A united Nigeria is a stronger Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

Source: leadership.ng

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

https://leadership.ng/2027-youth-coalition-demands-muslim-christian-ticket-for-equity-unity/

---------
Crew killed in Egyptian military training jet crash

May 19, 2025

CAIRO: An Egyptian military training aircraft crashed during an air force exercise on Monday, killing its crew, the military said.

“A training aircraft crashed in one of the training areas due to a technical malfunction, resulting in the killing of its crew,” military spokesman Gharib Abdel Hafez said in a statement.

The spokesman did not provide further details about the number of casualties, the location of the incident or the type of aircraft.

The Egyptian air force operates aircraft from various countries, including France, Russia and the United States.

In November last year, two air force officers were killed when a helicopter crashed during a training exercise.

In 2022, the military said a fighter jet had crashed during a military exercise but it reported no casualties.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2601336/middle-east

---------
El-Rufai Alleges Widespread Corruption In Nigerian Judiciary

May 19, 2025

By EnioluwaAdeniyi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Nigerian judiciary of being plagued by corruption, citing widespread dishonesty among judges and lawyers.

Speaking on Monday during the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch, in Abuja, El-Rufai voiced concerns about public distrust in the judicial system due to delayed justice and biased rulings.

El-Rufai stated that the public’s confidence in the judiciary has significantly eroded, asserting that justice in Nigeria often favours the rich and powerful.

He explained that many Nigerians perceive the system as corrupt, with the influential using their power and wealth to manipulate judicial outcomes.

“The rise in ‘forum shopping’ and the weaponisation of ex parte orders in political matters have exacerbated the situation. The public increasingly believes that justice is for sale and available only to those with money or influence,” he noted.

Naija News reports that the former governor also criticised the frequent use of ex parte orders, particularly in political cases, accusing some lawyers of exploiting the courts for personal or political gains.

El-Rufai called for a fundamental reflection by legal professionals on their roles within the judicial system, urging them to ensure that justice is served impartially and without undue influence from the executive arm of government.

“In parallel, our judiciary, meant to be the bedrock of fairness and order, is under intense scrutiny. Concerns about delayed justice, procedural inefficiencies, and in some cases, judicial compromise (to put the matter delicately), erode public confidence,” he said.

El-Rufai emphasised the growing divide between law and justice in Nigeria, suggesting that the law is often administered based on the wishes of the executive, rather than on principles of fairness and justice.

He urged members of the legal profession to introspect and reflect on whether justice is truly blind, as symbolised by the scales of justice held by the statue of Justitia.

“The demand on you, as practitioners in the Temple of Justice, is a sober introspection as you contemplate whether indeed Justitia is blind and whether she holds the scales of justice in fine balance,” El-Rufai concluded.

Source: naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2025/05/19/el-rufai-alleges-widespread-corruption-in-nigerian-judiciary/

---------

Southeast Asia

Penang exco calls for clear policy on construction of non-Islamic places of worship

By OpalynMok

 20 May 2025

GEORGE TOWN, May 20 — The Penang state government needs to establish a clear policy regarding the construction or renovation of non-Islamic places of worship in the state, said state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim.

The social, welfare, and non-Islamic affairs committee chairman said such a policy would make it mandatory for places of worship (RIBI) to apply for planning permission and building plan approvals through the state’s One-Stop Centre.

“This is to ensure that the building design, structure, and location adhere to the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) and the approved land use plan,” she said in response to a question by Amir Hamzah Abdul Hashim (PAS–PermatangPasir).

As of May, Penang has a total of 136 illegal RIBI, with 115 on the island and 21 in SeberangPerai, Lim revealed.

She said the number of illegal RIBI has decreased due to continuous monitoring and updates by both city councils.

“Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 43 illegal RIBI were identified by the SeberangPerai City Council, while the Penang Island City Council recorded 149 sites,” she said.

Lim added that the state government will continue holding engagement sessions with RIBI association representatives to emphasise the importance of submitting official applications before constructing or renovating structures.

“The state government’s approach includes collaborating with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) to encourage every RIBI to register their information so that the state has an official record of their existence,” she said.

On enforcement, Lim said action was taken against six illegal structures, most of which were small shrines or structures encroaching on government reserve land.

The six structures include one in North SeberangPerai, two in Central SeberangPerai, two in South SeberangPerai, and one in the northeast district of the island.

Source: malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/20/penang-exco-calls-for-clear-policy-on-construction-of-non-islamic-places-of-worship/177406

---------

Malaysia’s ASEAN leadership aligns with growing demand for pragmatic alliances

Bernama

20-05- 2025 0

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and as ASEAN chair for 2025, is pushing for a neutral, trade-focused course, seeking economic cooperation with multiple nations while avoiding confrontation.

While there are exceptions, the overarching policy remains intact.

Malaysia’s chairmanship comes at a strategically opportune moment, as the country hosts the first-ever ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)–China Economic Summit, signalling growing demand for multilateralism.

Taylor’s University School of Law and Governance senior lecturer Julia Roknifard said ASEAN and the GCC are not seeking to replace one dominant power with another; rather, they are focused on establishing a new balance in which cooperation among regional powers reduces dependence on any single nation.

“China, aware of the risks of foreign entanglements, has intentionally avoided the aggressive tactics seen in other parts of the world, including economic coercion or military interventions,” she said in a statement.

Rocknifard elaborated that aggressive tactics seen in other parts of the world, such as economic coercion and military interventions, have often proven ineffective, as demonstrated by situations like nuclear proliferation and ongoing control conflicts.

An expert in Middle Eastern studies and international security, Roknifard has extensive academic and consultancy experience with international organisations.

She noted that geopolitical tensions and destabilising actions by certain global powers have further fragmented the international order and disrupted global trade systems.

“In response to these shifts, regional blocs like ASEAN, the GCC, and China have distanced themselves from what is increasingly perceived as self-destructive behaviour by the United States.

“These organisations are not formal alliances, but pragmatic collaborations designed to enhance their collective leverage against larger powers,” she said.

The combined population of ASEAN, GCC, and China exceeds two billion, forming a vast consumer market.

Together, these regions also possess significant energy and commodity reserves, while China contributes global manufacturing strength and technological advances, particularly in renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Roknifard opined that while the future of a multipolar world remains uncertain, the trend is clear: regional and intergovernmental organisations are rising as new power centres, focused on safeguarding their interests and resisting external pressure.

“In the short term, such cooperation is expected to help mitigate trade and supply chain disruptions, offering hope for greater stability and economic cooperation,” she added.

Source: thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/malaysia-s-asean-leadership-aligns-with-growing-demand-for-pragmatic-alliances-HE14105222

----------
Most JS-SEZ investors agree to RM3,500 minimum salary for Malaysians, says Johor MB

20 May 2025

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 20 — Foreign investors in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) have agreed to offer premium salaries starting from RM3,500 to local workers.

Johor MenteriBesar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the agreement was reached following discussions facilitated by the Johor branch of the Malaysian Investment Facilitation Centre and the Johor Talent Development Council.

“One of the key matters discussed was the need to set a minimum salary of RM3,500 and above for diploma holders, while degree holders should be offered at least RM4,000,” he said.

“Alhamdulillah, I am pleased to report that the majority of investors choosing to invest in Johor have agreed to this proposal,” he added during the Johor legislative assembly sitting at Kota Iskandar today.

He was responding to a question from Datuk ZulkarnainKamisan (BN–Sri Medan), who had asked about the state government’s requirements for foreign investors regarding the hiring of local workers and the setting of salary levels comparable to those in Singapore.

However, Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, noted that investors have set two key conditions: workforce productivity and technical skills must be aligned with the salaries being offered.

On the hiring of local workers, he said the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry at the federal level has stipulated that the workforce composition in the manufacturing sector must comprise 80 per cent local workers and 20 per cent foreign workers.

Meanwhile, he shared that in a meeting yesterday with representatives of a Chinese company, it was revealed that the firm had already invested RM500 million in Johor during its first phase. This investment is expected to reach RM3 billion over several subsequent phases.

“The Chinese investor has expressed a strong commitment to hiring skilled local talent and has also agreed to establish a Research and Development centre in collaboration with UniversitiTun Hussein Onn Malaysia,” he said.

“This is part of the Johor government’s continued efforts to ensure that economic development directly benefits the people, particularly by creating high-income job opportunities for local talent,” he added. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/20/most-js-sez-investors-agree-to-rm3500-minimum-salary-for-malaysians-says-johor-mb/177435

---------
Dzulkefly among three Malaysians honoured with WHO’s ‘World No Tobacco Day Award’

20 May 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — For the first time in the country’s history, three Malaysians have been honoured with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) ‘World No Tobacco Day Award’ during the opening session of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday.

The recipients are Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad; the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Disease Control Division deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan; and the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) president Associate Professor Dr MurallitharanMunisamy.

MCTC secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, in a statement, said the award was presented by WHO director-general Dr TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31.

“This annual global award recognises the contributions of individuals, organisations, and government agencies worldwide in advancing tobacco control efforts. It is the first time the award has been presented to recipients from Malaysia.

“This award acknowledges their roles in the development and implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, an initiative pursued since Malaysia ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005,” he said.

Dzulkefly, in the same statement, described the award as a victory for all Malaysians and a testament to the nation’s commitment to protecting current and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and vaping products.

“Bringing this law through Parliament required us to overcome numerous legal, economic, and social challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and several changes of government. Although the law has been passed, our tobacco control efforts remain ongoing and are being further strengthened, especially in light of emerging issues such as the recent concerns surrounding vaping,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Noraryana said the award reflects the collective efforts and spirit of teamwork among the Ministry of Health, government agencies, and the public, especially civil society organisations.

“We have successfully got this law passed, which is a significant achievement. However, our work is far from over. The real challenge lies in implementing and enforcing it to ensure it makes a meaningful impact on public health,” she said.

Dr Murallitharan, meanwhile, emphasised the vital role of civil society in shaping health policy and described the award as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders.

“MCTC, for example, unites health professional organisations like the Malaysian Medical Association, community groups, and academic institutions to advance the nation’s health. This recognition belongs to all contributors - past, present, and future,” he said.

The 78th World Health Assembly, held in Geneva from May 19 to 27, themed ‘One World for Health,’ is the WHO’s highest decision-making body. It brings together representatives from 193 member states. Malaysia is expected to present several interventions, including one on the integrated lung health resolution. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/20/dzulkefly-among-three-malaysians-honoured-with-whos-world-no-tobacco-day-award/177424

---------

Anwar launches Malaysia’s first locally built tactical vehicle ‘RIBAT’ at Lima ’25

20 May 2025

LANGKAWI, May 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today launched ‘RIBAT’, the first High Mobility Light Tactical Vehicle (HMLTV) designed and fully built by local company Mildef International Technologies SdnBhd (MILDEF).

The launch was held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25) at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).

More interestingly, RIBAT was named by the Prime Minister himself, which carries high symbolic value and refers to the spirit of guarding and defending the country based on faith, patriotism and technology.

RIBAT refers to the practice of guarding and controlling the border to defend the safety of the people. It symbolises preparedness, courage and the spirit of sacrifice for the sake of the country.

At the event, Anwar witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MILDEF and major Indonesian defence company PT PINDAD, and the collaboration is set to open up opportunities for exports, technology transfer and system integration between the two regional nations.

The Prime Minister also witnessed the inking of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between MILDEF and the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (STRIDE), which is a prominent research agency under the Ministry of Defence.

The MoA is aimed at focusing efforts on the development of two more tactical vehicle platforms that will be fully designed domestically.

At the agreement signing, MILDEF was represented by its managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Nizam Kasa; PT PINDAD by SigitPujiSantosa; and STRIDE by Ministry of Defence secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Malaysian Armed Forces chief Gen Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar also witnessed the signing of the agreement.

Meanwhile, MILDEF said in a statement that the launch solidified its position as the country’s leading land defence industry, thus making it the first producer of national tactical armoured vehicles to successfully penetrate the regional and international markets.

MILDEF added that RIBAT was developed by local engineers with the support of industrial-grade engineering facilities in Seremban and Sepang, in addition to being equipped with a modular ballistic protection system and designed for missions such as patrols, convoys and special operations.

Mohd Nizam said the launch of RIBAT not only illustrated the capability of the local industry but is also a manifestation of the success of the government’s policy in empowering a self-reliant and high-impact defence ecosystem.

“RIBAT is the result of local innovation, which proves that Malaysia is not only capable of being a user of defence systems but also a creator of strategic technology trusted by both the government and the global community,” he said.

Since its establishment in 2005, MILDEF has grown from a group of young engineers to become a key player in the national defence industry with its success in building various assets, such as the high mobility armoured vehicle (HMAV) Tarantula, the Rentaka 4x4 and now the HMLTV RIBAT.

Source: malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/20/anwar-launches-malaysias-first-locally-built-tactical-vehicle-ribat-at-lima-25/177420

----------

Sultan Ibrahim appoints three judges to top courts at Istana Negara

20 May 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today granted an audience and presented instruments of appointment to three judges at Istana Negara here.

The ceremony, held at the palace’s Singgahsana Kecil (Small Throne Room), began with the presentation of the letter of appointment to Federal Court Judge Datuk Lee Swee Seng.

His Majesty also presented letters of appointment to two Court of Appeal Judges, namely Datuk Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz and Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng.

Among those present to witness the ceremony were Chief Justice TunTengkuMaimun Tuan Mat, President of the Court of Appeal Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli.

Also in attendance were Attorney General Datuk MohdDusuki Mokhtar, Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, Chief Registrar of the Federal Court Datuk Zamri Haji Bakar and Judicial Appointments Commission secretary Salinah Ismail.

Lee was previously a Court of Appeal Judge, while Hayatul Akmal and Lim were High Court Judges before their appointments to the Court of Appeal.

Following the presentation of the appointment letters, Sultan Ibrahim posed for a group photograph with the newly appointed judges. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/20/sultan-ibrahim-appoints-three-judges-to-top-courts-at-istana-negara/177418

----------

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-houses-mob-lynching-terrorism/d/135598

New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism