Muslim Silence Speaks Amid Poll Noise In UP; No Party Wants Us to Be The ‘Face’

New Age Islam News Bureau

18 April 2024

 

·         Muslim Silence Speaks Amid Poll Noise In UP; No Party Wants Us to Be The ‘Face’

·         The Taliban Suspend Noor TV and Barya TV in Afghanistan over Ideological Differences

·         Google Fires 28 Employees Who Staged Anti-Israel Protests at Company Offices

·         Indonesia, China Vow Support for Palestine's UN Membership

·         Saudi Heritage Announces Discovering New Scientific Result in Umm Jirsan Cave, in Madinah

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India

·         Indian Government Sets Up Panel to Make Recommendations to Ensure LGBTQ Persons Do Not Face Any Threat

·         In Masjid and Market, Dr Abdul Salam BJP’s Sole Muslim Candidate Is Treated as Haram

·         Forget Jobs, Being Alive A Blessing: Safety Concerns Override Unemployment And Price Rise For Muslims

·         BJP refuses to even mention word ‘minorities’ in its manifesto: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi

·         Where India’s trade with Israel and Iran stands, and whether regional tensions could impact it

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South Asia

·         UK MPs Reject Plan to Protect Afghan ‘Heroes’ From Deportation

·         Doctors Without Borders concerned over deportation of Afghans from Pakistan

·         Habib Rahman Hekmatyar: Taliban closes Barya TV over ideological differences

·         Islamic Emirate’s Qatar Office Seeks to Reshape Afghan Global Image

·         Myanmar Conflict: Fighting flares up across the Teknaf border

·         Deputy PM Hanafi Encourages Afghans Living Abroad to Return Home

·         Deputy PM Kabir Emphasizes Openness of IEA Offices to People During Meeting with Nuristan Influential Figures

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North America

·         US House Resolution Condemns Chant ‘From the River to The Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’

·         US secretly pressing countries into nixing Palestinian statehood: Cables

·         US approves Rafah op. in exchange for no Israeli counterstrikes on Iran - report

·         Biden urges Congress to act on Israel aid, says Iran aims ‘to destroy Israel forever’

·         US asks Taliban to ensure Afghan soil not used by terrorists

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Southeast Asia

·         Minister stresses Indonesia's support for Palestine in meeting with VP

·         ‘Allah’ socks: High Court quashes technician’s conviction over offensive Facebook posting

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Arab World

·         Qatar Re-Evaluating Its Role as Mediator in Gaza Cease-Fire Negotiations

·         Saudi Shoura Council speaker holds meetings during official trip to Jordan

·         Saudi artist embraces the unconventional with anti-aesthetic artworks

·         Saudi, UN officials discuss aid efforts in Sudan

·         Al-Aqsa Support Committee calls on Yemenis masses to demonstrate in major demonstration next Friday

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Pakistan

·         Imran Khan Accuses Pak Army Chief of Direct Involvement in His Wife's Imprisonment

·         Imran assails civil authority’s ‘surrender’ in Bahawalnagar

·         7 terrorists killed during infiltration attempt at Afghan-Pakistan border in North Waziristan: ISPR

·         PTI censures Sher Afzal Marwat over claims of Saudi involvement in Imran’s alleged ouster

·         Faiz Hameed made pact with TLP before showing it to PM, Ahsan told dharna commission

·         FIA cites cipher audios during appeal hearing

·         Saudi delegation’s visit: Tarar optimistic about diplomatic, economic endeavours

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Mideast

·         Iran Not After Tension, Informed US Of Retaliatory Operation Against Israel: Foreign Minister

·         520 Palestinians killed, injured, missing in central Gaza Strip within week

·         2 more Hezbollah fighters killed in border clashes with Israel

·         Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 33,899

·         Jordan says Israeli retaliation for Iran strikes risks wider regional war

·         Hezbollah’s attack on Israeli military command centre injures 14

·         Thousands of frozen Gaza IVF embryos destroyed by Israeli strike

·         Hamas leader to visit Turkey for talks with Erdogan

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Africa

·         Muslim Youth Group Dedicates 50th Anniversary to Promotion Of Unity, Selflessness

·         Heavy punishment awaits persons threatening Nigeria’s unity – Tinubu

·         UN chief appeals for more attention for eastern DRC

·         Under Lagos Bridges, Accuses Sanwo-Olu Government Of Criminalising Poor People

·         Al-Sunni: Any initiatives presented must be effective and practical and can be implemented within a specific timetable

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Europe

·         Pope Francis Invites Faithful To Pray For People Caught In Wars

·         Families slam ‘partial justice’ as mosques fireball attacker avoids jail

·         UK, Italy call on Israel to stop any move fuelling tensions in West Asia region

·         Israeli Military’s New Killing Tactic: ‘Drones Luring Palestinians To Their Death’

·         On Israel visit, German FM urges ‘restraint’ after Iran’s massive attack

·         Swiss lawmakers vote to ban Nazi symbols including flags, gestures and speech

·         British Muslims Attacked ByIsraeli Forces During Prayer At Al-Aqsa Mosque

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:     https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-silence-speaks-poll-face/d/132160

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Muslim Silence Speaks Amid Poll Noise In UP; No Party Wants Us to Be The ‘Face’

  

 Apr 18, 2024

A blazing sun rained misery from a clear sky above as a group of men, sweating and breathless, waved BJP flags and sought votes for the party from a clearing at a corner of Meerut’s Ghanta Ghar. A bunch of teenagers who had trooped out of a metal works factory to see the parade dithered for a moment before scurrying back into the building. “It’s best to keep away,” one of the boys who introduced himself as Muzammil Abbas said.

As UP readies for LS polls, with eight seats in its western belt voting on April 19, one aspect of the elections that is impossible to miss is the relative silence of the Muslim voter — in political rallies, posts on social media or discussions around village chaupals. “Unlike previous years, there aren’t too many nukkad debates with Muslims participating, even in places like Deoband with a big minority presence,” said Md Kamran, 38, who runs a computer training institute in Aligarh.

“Our morale is low. There is fear, of course. Who knows what will be misinterpreted and reported to the police. We are always anxious, careful. Moreover, while once Muslim votes were a decisive factor in many seats here, that influence seems to be waning,” Kamran added.

Sitting behind a large glass-topped desk in his Meerut office, the director of a bustling charitable hospital asked, “Have Muslims gone quiet in UP? Certainly. Go anywhere, Shamli, Baghpat, Agra, you will find that our voices are muffled. We don’t want to attract unnecessary attention. We don’t want to come to the forefront anymore. And no party wants us to be the ‘face’ either. It’s wise to be tactical, not vociferous.”

A businessman who owns large mango orchards in Siyana, Bulandshahr, agreed. “Iss time pe Muslim ki zubantoh band hi hai (Our lips are sealed). Plus, where are the local leaders or candidates? Who’s giving us tickets? So, who do we root for?”

Saharanpur, Nagina, Bijnor, Kai rana, Pilibhit, Rampur, Moradabad and Muzaffarnagar – all of which vote this Friday – have large Muslim numbers. Most of these constituencies, barring Pilibhit, have over 35% minority community populations.

While the Congress has fielded Imran Masood in Saharanpur, in Kairana there is the Samajwadi Party’s Iqra Hasan and Mohibullah Nadvi in Rampur. Mayawati, who has put up Irfan Saifi to contest in Moradabad, said during a rally last week in Muzaffarnagar that she wanted a Muslim candidate to fight from her party, the BSP, but “couldn’t find anyone… They are too scared”.

Screenshot 2024-04-18 063842

Salman Gauri, who is pursuing his PhD at Aligarh Muslim University, said, “In a way, Muslims have been forced to keep their mouths shut. Who wants to go to jail? And with so many poor among us, it’s just not worth it to take unnecessary risks by speaking up. More importantly, we don’t want polarised polls. That would mean handing an already powerful BJP a readymade victory.”

But many community heads and clerics, like Deoband-based Mufti Arshad Farooqui, said that disenchantment with the current political dispensation does not mean a disinclination to vote. “The democratic process has become more precious to us in current times,” he said. “Let me make that clear. An appeal to Muslims to cast their votes has been made from idgahs, mosques, seminaries, and those pleas will continue.”

The director of the charitable hospital concurred. “Hamara masla development ka nahihai. Wajood ka hai (our principal issue isn’t development. It is existence, identity). The Muslim understands that now. He will vote accordingly. Don’t be surprised if (Chandrashekhar) Azad (of the Azad Samaj Party) wins in Nagina (a reserved seat with sizeable Muslim inhabitants).”

Kadeem Alam, the west UP vicepresident of BJP minority cell, has a theory. “Muslims this time seem like they are in deep slumber because they are confused. Who do they vote for? Where is the opposition?”

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/muslim-silence-speaks-amid-poll-noise-in-up/articleshow/109386621.cms

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The Taliban Suspend Noor TV and Barya TV in Afghanistan over Ideological Differences

 

The son of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar says that the Taliban shut down Barya TV station, affiliated with the Hezb-e- Islami on Tuesday.

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April 18, 2024

The Taliban have suspended the activities of two TV stations in Afghanistan, alleging they failed to “consider national and Islamic values.”

An official from the Information Ministry's Media Violations Commission, Hafizullah Barakzai, said a court will investigate files on the two Kabul-based stations.

Noor TV and Barya TV cannot operate until the court gives its verdict.

“Despite repeated warnings and recommendations, Noor TV and Barya TV did not follow journalistic principles, they did not consider national and Islamic values,” Barakzai said on Tuesday.

He gave no further details on the alleged violations.

Many journalists lost their jobs after the Taliban takeover in 2021, with media outlets closing over a lack of funds or because their staff left the country.

Women journalists face additional hardships because of work bans and travel restrictions.

There was no immediate comment from the two broadcasters.

Noor TV, which began broadcasting in 2007, is backed by the country's former Foreign Affairs Minister and leader of Jamiat-e-Islami party, Salahuddin Rabbani.

Barya TV began operations in 2019 and is owned by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the former prime minister, and the warlord leader of Hizb-e-Islami party who is still based in Kabul.

The Afghanistan Journalist Center called the suspensions an illegal act by the Taliban-controlled government. It also said the suspensions were another step toward further media restrictions in the country.

In its annual report from 2023, the center said it documented at least 168 instances of violations of journalists' rights, including one death and 61 arrests.

Although the numbers reflected a decrease compared to 2022, when the center recorded 260 incidents, the center noted that eight media outlets were banned in 2023 Five were temporarily barred from operating, while three remained banned outright.

Despite promising a more moderate rule, the Taliban have imposed their interpretation of Islamic law, or Shariah, in many aspects of daily life.

During their first time in power, in the late 1990s, the Taliban barred most television, radio and newspapers in the country.

Source: thehindu.com

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-taliban-suspend-two-tv-stations-in-afghanistan-for-neglecting-islamic-and-national-values/article68077112.ece

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Google Fires 28 Employees Who Staged Anti-Israel Protests at Company Offices

 

Google’s New York City office. (No Tech For Apartheid)

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18.04.2024

Google said Wednesday it fired 28 employees who staged a sit-in and protests in company offices the previous day to demand the tech giant end its business dealings with the Israeli government.

In a statement following media reports of the development, Google only mentioned that it had terminated the employees for violating company policies — without mentioning the nature of the protests.

Protesters demonstrated on Tuesday at Google offices in several locations, while in New York and California, they held a 10-hour sit-in. Demonstrators held signs saying “No more genocide for profit,” “No cloud for apartheid,” and “Googlers against genocide.”

Many of the protesters wore masks and Palestinian headscarves. Nine people were arrested for trespassing during the protests.

They were organized by the No Tech for Apartheid organization, which posted images of the events on social media.

The protests aimed to demonstrate opposition to Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion project with Amazon.com Inc. to supply artificial intelligence and cloud services for the Israeli government.

The rallies came against the background of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip that started when the Palestinian terror group Hamas led a devastating October 7 cross-border attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages.

Among the locations targeted by the Google demonstrators was the sixth floor of the company’s Sunnyvale bureau where Google’s Cloud chief executive officer Thomas Kurian has his office.

“Physically impeding other employees’ work and preventing them from accessing our facilities is a clear violation of our policies, and completely unacceptable behavior,” Google said in a statement. “After refusing multiple requests to leave the premises, law enforcement was engaged to remove them to ensure office safety.”

“We have so far concluded individual investigations that resulted in the termination of employment for 28 employees, and will continue to investigate and take action as needed.”

Protests were held in Google offices in New York City, Seattle, and Sunnyvale in California, Bloomberg reported.

Google vice president of global security Chris Rackow sent a companywide memo, obtained by the New York Post, that said “They took over office spaces, defaced our property, and physically impeded the work of other Googlers. Their behavior was unacceptable, extremely disruptive, and made co-workers feel threatened.”

“Behavior like this has no place in our workplace and we will not tolerate it,” Rackow wrote. “It clearly violates multiple policies that all employees must adhere to – including our code of conduct and policy on harassment, discrimination, retaliation, standards of conduct, and workplace concerns.”

The fired workers said in a statement reported by the Post, “This evening, Google indiscriminately fired 28 workers, including those among us who did not directly participate in yesterday’s historic, bicoastal 10-hour sit-in protests.”

“This flagrant act of retaliation is a clear indication that Google values its $1.2 billion contract with the genocidal Israeli government and military more than its own workers — the ones who create real value for executives and shareholders.”

“Sundar Pichai and Thomas Kurian are genocide profiteers,” the statement added, referring also to Google’s CEO.

“We cannot comprehend how these men are able to sleep at night while their tech has enabled 100,000 Palestinians killed, reported missing, or wounded in the last six months of Israel’s genocide — and counting,” the fired worker said.

A spokesperson for the New York Police Department told the Post that about 50 people were involved in the protest in that city and that “four arrests were made for trespassing inside the Google building.”

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety said that around 80 people were involved in the protest there and that five who refused to leave the Google office were “arrested without incident for criminal trespassing,” booked, and then released.

UPDATE as of 20 minutes ago: Google ordered cops at Sunnyvale and NYPD to arrest Googlers who occupied both buildings simultaneously for ten hours demanding Google to drop IDF cloud computing software Project Nimbus, per/via @NoTechApartheid. pic.twitter.com/Wgwf1654mp

One worker claimed to Bloomberg that protesters did not violate company policies and had left the building when they were asked to without causing any disruption.

A worker told Bloomberg that in the wake of the demonstrations, there was debate on Google’s internal forums between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel supporters while others argued the topic was not suitable for the workplace. Moderators eventually locked down some of the threats, the employee said.

In March, Google fired an employee after he interrupted a speech by the tech firm’s managing director in Israel with pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel declarations during a conference in New York City.

Israel responded to the Hamas attack with a military offensive to destroy the terror group, replace its de facto regime in Gaza, and free the hostages.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 33,000 people in the Strip have been killed in the fighting so far, a figure that cannot be independently verified and includes some 13,000 Hamas gunmen Israel says it has killed in battle. Israel also says it killed some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7. Two hundred and sixty IDF soldiers have been killed in the Gaza offensive.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/google-fires-28-employees-who-staged-anti-israel-protests-at-company-offices/

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Indonesia, China Vow Support for Palestine's UN Membership

 

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi hold a joint press statement after a bilateral meeting in Jakarta on April 18, 2024. (Photo Courtesy of the Foreign Affairs Ministry)

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Jayanty Nada Shofa

 April 18, 2024

Jakarta. Indonesia and China pledged their support for Palestine to become a member of the United Nations (UN) as the premier decision-making body will soon hold votes on its membership.

Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is currently in Jakarta -- a visit which he kicked off by meeting his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi. The Gaza conflict was among the key themes both diplomats had discussed in their bilateral talks.

“And just like what Mr. Wang Yi has said, both China and Indonesia will fully support Palestine’s full membership at the UN,” Retno told reporters following the meeting.

The UN Security Council will cast votes on a draft resolution that recommends Palestine’s membership at 3 p.m. (1900 GMT) Friday, according to Reuters.

The UN Security Council has 15 members: five permanent and 10 non-permanent. China, the US, the UK, France, and Russia are all permanent members, meaning they have the power to veto a resolution. A resolution will only pass if it amasses nine votes in favor and no vetoes. Once Palestine gets the council’s recommendation, it will need a two-thirds majority vote of the 193-member UN General Assembly before it can become a full member.

Israel is already a UN member, while Palestine today only serves as an observer to the international body. Palestine’s non-member observer status means that it can speak at General Assembly meetings, but it cannot vote on resolutions.

During the presser, Wang Yi did not hold back on his criticisms of the US’s stance on the Gaza conflict. The body has seen the US -- a key ally and military backer of Israel -- using its veto power to block ceasefire resolutions. In late March, the US finally abstained, allowing the UN Security Council to pass the 2728 resolution, which called for an immediate ceasefire during the remainder of Ramadan.

“But the US called the [2728] resolution ‘non-binding’, and the world was very shocked by what the US said. This shows that to the US, international law is only a tool they use as they want. The UN Charter has stated that the security council’s resolutions are binding to all UN members,” Wang Yi said.

He added: “The US should put aside its ego, and listen carefully to what the international community says. I believe American government officials should learn basic knowledge.”

Source: jakartaglobe.id

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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-china-vow-support-for-palestines-un-membership

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Saudi Heritage Announces Discovering New Scientific Result in Umm Jirsan Cave, in Madinah

 

Saudi Heritage Commission unveils new discovery in Umm Jirsan cave

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17 Apr, 2024

The Saudi Heritage Commission has announced the discovery of new evidence of human settlement in Umm Jirsan cave "Harrat Khaybar", located in Madinah Region. The research was conducted by the Heritage Commission of the Ministry of Culture with participation some archaeologists of the commission and in collaboration with King Saud University, the Max Planck Institute, and the Saudi Geological Survey through the "Green Arabian Peninsula project," which focuses on multidisciplinary field research, the Saudi Heritage Commission said in a news release.

According to the statement, the study was published in the journal "PLOS ONE," represent the first comprehensive study of archaeological research in caves in the Kingdom. The study involved archaeological surveys and excavations in Umm Jirsan cave, revealing ancient evidence of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period, around 10,000-7,000 years ago, encompassing the Copper Age and Bronze Age periods. The cave was shown to have been utilized by pastoral groups, using Radiocarbon c14 that supported the discovery of animal remains such as bones dated back to 4100BC, as well as human skulls dated back to 6000BC, and other artifacts including wood, cloth fragments, and stone tools. In addition to rock art facades depicted scenes of grazing animals and hunting activities.

The discoveries provided evidence of human occupation within the cave, which remarkably preserved thousands of animal bones, including those of striped hyenas, camels, horses, deer, caribou, goats, cows, and wild and domestic donkeys, in good condition despite the passage of time. Furthermore, an analysis of human skeletal remains using radioactive isotopes indicated a dietary shift over time, with ancient human groups primarily relying on a meat-based diet and gradually incorporating plants, suggesting the emergence of agriculture.

The study also highlighted the feeding habits of animals such as cows and sheep, which primarily consumed wild grasses and shrubs, and the region exhibited significant animal diversity throughout different historical periods.

The scientific study underscored the importance of caves utilized by ancient human groups and the ancient volcanic magma paths within Saudi Arabia.

Source: alriyadhdaily.com

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https://alriyadhdaily.com/article/3ddb94edb0f444f4bd58bc68766643c6

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India

 

Indian GovernmentSets Up Panel to Make Recommendations To Ensure LGBTQ Persons Do Not Face Any Threat

18.04.24

G.S. Mudur

The Centre has set up a panel of administrators to make recommendations to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) persons do not face any threat of coercion, harassment, violence or discrimination in access to goods, services and social welfare entitlements.

A gazette notification from the Union law ministry announcing the six-member committee to be chaired by the cabinet secretary said the panel would also submit recommendations to ensure that LGBTQ persons are not subjected to involuntary medical treatment or surgery.

Members of the LGBTQ community have applauded the panel’s announcement amid expectations that it will lead to fresh government initiatives to curb what some describe as continued discrimination against them.

The panel members include the secretaries of the health, home, law and justice, social justice and empowerment, and women and child development departments. The notification follows a Supreme Court directive to the Centre seeking a committee to examine issues relating to the LGBTQ community.

A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court, in its ruling on October 17, 2023, had by a 3:2 majority refused to accord legal recognition to same-sex marriage and said only Parliament could confer such a right. The majority also overruled the minority opinion that members of the LGBTQ community had the right to adoption like a heterosexual couple or parent.

But the Supreme Court had in the judgment also noted an assurance from the Centre’s solicitor-general that the government would constitute a committee chaired by the cabinet secretary to define and elucidate the scope of entitlements of LGBTQ couples who are in unions.

“The committee shall include experts with domain knowledge and expertise in dealing with the psychological, social and emotional needs of persons belonging to the (LGBTQ) community as well as members of the (LGBTQ) community,” the court had also noted.

The six-member committee may co-opt experts and others, the April 16 gazette notification said.

“The law has changed, but our society hasn’t,” said Yashwinder Singh, with the Faridabad (Haryana)-based Pahal Foundation, a non-government group engaged in LGBTQ community issues. “LGBTQ persons continue to face bullying, forced marriages, harassment at workplaces — and increasingly, with the emergence of dating apps, we’re also seeing cyber-bullying and blackmail,” Singh told The Telegraph.

The formation of this high-level government committee is a “recognition of the need for more change,” said Sudhanshu Latad, an advocacy manager with the Mumbai-based Humsafar Trust, a support group for members of the transgender community.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/centre-sets-up-panel-of-administrators-to-make-recommendations-to-ensure-lgbtq-persons-do-not-face-any-threat/cid/2014001

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In Masjid and Market, Dr Abdul Salam BJP’s Sole Muslim Candidate Is Treated As Haram

 Apr 18, 2024

KOCHI: For Dr Abdul Salam, BJP’s sole Muslim candidate in the state, each day of campaigning in the Malappuram constituency 'where over 68.3% of voters are from the Muslim community' is a trial. During an interaction with voters in a remote village near Pulikkal, he recounted his bitter experience after attending Eid Namaz at Madin Masjid in Malappuram town.

“After the Namaz, I came outside the mosque and while extending Eid wishes, a 60-year-old man insulted me and called me a traitor. Those around me remained silent. I was heartbroken. I’m also a Muslim, but they treat me this way because I joined BJP,” Salam said.

Salam, a popular academic and former VC of Calicut University, faces challenges not just from his own community but also from his party’s disorganized machinery in Malappuram, he says.

Nevertheless, as a devoted admirer of PM Narendra Modi, Salam focuses on the developmental projects implemented by the NDA government in his campaign speeches.

On Tuesday, his campaign started with a visit to a convent in Kolathur near Kondotty, where he met Sister Ancy of Nirmala Bhavan. After a conversation, he left for a meeting in Moothedathu village.

When he approached a local RSS leader’s house for a family meeting, only about 25 people were present, half of whom were children.

As he concluded his speech, he expressed disappointment about holding campaign meetings solely in BJP-RSS strongholds.

A group of Mahila Morcha leaders asked him to attend their convention in the evening, but he was hesitant. “I’m not feeling well,” he said. When local BJP leaders mentioned he needed to visit two temples in the area, Salam replied, “What’s the point of such visits? They’re a waste of time.” He returned to his hotel room, but the persistence of the Mahila Morcha leaders prevailed.

He returned to Kondotty in the evening and attended the convention. On his way back, when he handed his candidate card to a group of women at Kottakunnu park, some promised to vote for him, while others even declined to accept the card.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/in-masjid-market-bjps-muslim-candidate-is-treated-as-haram/articleshow/109387695.cms

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Forget jobs, being alive a blessing: Safety concerns override unemployment and price rise for Muslims

 18.04.24

Imran Ahmed Siddiqui

Rustam Ali is all of 19 years of age but his words rang loud and clear.

“Zinda rahengetabhi to naukri ki zarooratpadegi (One needs a job only if he remains alive),” says Ali, a student of Darul Uloom Deoband, the country’s oldest Islamic seminary situated in western Uttar Pradesh, stressing that safety concerns override critical issues of unemployment and price rise for Muslims in “New” India.

“Muslims are very scared and fear for their lives in Modi’s New India as attacks on members of the community have risen ever since the BJP came to power in 2014. The hate crimes against the minorities are on the rise and the whole Muslim community has been demonised,” he says as the call to the evening prayer rings out through the crowded, bustling streets.

A resident of Araria in Bihar, Ali, who wears a skull cap and sports a beard, says his parents spend a sleepless night whenever he boards a train from his hometown

for Saharanpur.

“They keep calling on my mobile phone every hour just to check whether I am safe. They offer shukrana namaz (prayer of gratitude) as soon as I reach my alma mater Deoband,” he says, adding that last year’s incident — in which an RPF constable shot dead three Muslim passengers on board the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express — flashes across his parents minds every time he boards a train.

The 157-year-old institute, situated on the Muzaffarnagar-Saharanpur highway, has considerable influence among Muslims in Uttar Pradesh.

Three-way fight

In Saharanpur, a three-cornered fight is unfolding. The BJP has fielded Raghav Lakhanpal while Imran Mas­ood is the candidate of the INDIA bloc. Mayawati’s BSP has dropped its incumbent MP Haji Fazlur Rehman and fielded a little-known local Muslim, Majid Ali, hoping to secure yet again the Muslim and Dalit votes.

The combined Muslim and Dalit vote in this parliamentary constituency is almost 64 per cent — Muslims comprise 42 per cent and Dalits 22 per cent. Besides, there are large pockets of Gujjars.

Sitting inside his perfume shop opposite Darul Uloom, Salim Ahmed Kidwai, 50, says polarisation remains the dominant theme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi even after being in power for 10 years.

“In his speeches, he never speaks about the pressing issues of daal roti and the gap between promises made and delivery on the ground. Instead, he talks about the Ram temple. The poor belonging to both Hindus and Muslims are suffering because of price rise and unemployment,” he says.

Kidwai says there is a concerted effort to isolate the community at every level of society and the lingering fear has now become deeply ingrained in the minds of common Muslims, forcing them to change their appearance to look “less Muslim”.

“Desh chalanahai to mohabbat se chalaiyeh. Nafrat ki siyasat se kisi ka bhalanahi hone walahai (He should run the government with love and compassion. Hate politics will not benefit anyone).”

With despair in his voice, he says: “The general sense is that Modi’s third term is almost an inevitability at this stage.”

Outside his shop, van driver Ram Kumar, a Dalit, says the government’s free ration scheme has helped the poor. “But the biggest concern is injustice being meted out to Dalits and Muslims. The BJP is a party of upper caste Hindus and it only cares about them.”

Winning formula?

Anurag Singh, a school teacher, says the BJP’s formula in Uttar Pradesh revolves around Modi, religious polarisation, mobilisation of OBCs, and a split in the minority votes.

The BJP is banking on its traditional votes of Brahmins, Thakurs, a section of Gujjars, and non-Yadav backward castes such as Kashyaps and Sainis.

Muslims say they will vote for Masood, the INDIA bloc candidate, as Mayawati’s BSP is “hand-in-glove” with BJP.

“The BJP has done nothing for the poor, educated youths and farmers in the past ten years. This is why they have again resorted to polarising voters along communal lines. I think people have now realised that Modi is working for the rich and powerful corporates and industrialists,” says Singh.

Manoj Sharma, a student of IIT Roorkee (Saharanpur campus), says there is no Modi wave in this election.

“In fact, there is unprecedented anger and despair among youths and poor people. The Modi government has failed to provide jobs to educated youths and the problem has intensified in the past ten years. Farmers are also in distress and the price rise has created havoc in the people’s day-to-day life,” he says.

He, however, blames the absence of credible opposition for allowing Modi to get away with it. “The state of the Opposition in the country is worrisome. I think Hindus need to decide what kind of country they want for their children.”

A local BJP leader, Mahesh Sharma, said the party cadres were working overtime to consolidate Hindu votes. “Cadres of the BJP and RSS are going door to door in Hindu-majority areas to ensure Modi’s victory,” he says.

The Darul Uloom, which has considerable influence among Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, has not made any public announcement of support for any political party.

“Ours is an educational institution and we have nothing to do with politics,” said a teacher. “The time has come for Hindus in this country to ponder over where this country is heading. This climate of hate will devour everyone. Both Hindus and Muslims should vote for secular parties to protect the idea of India.”

Pointing towards a temple in the neighbourhood, he says temples and mosques have co-existed for centuries in several parts of the country.

“Isi nishaani ko Modiji khatam karnachahte hain (This is the idea of India Modiji wants to wipe out),” says the maulana.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/elections/lok-sabha-election-2024/forget-jobs-being-alive-a-blessing-safety-concerns-override-unemployment-and-price-rise-for-muslims/cid/2014012

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BJP refuses to even mention word ‘minorities’ in its manifesto: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi

18.04.24

Alleging that the BJP has hatred towards minorities, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the saffron party even refused to mention the word "minorities" in its manifesto, instead saying it as "marginalised".

Owaisi said AIMIM’s alliance in Uttar Pradesh with Anupriya Patel’s Apna Dal (K) will continue even in the Assembly polls and the party will support Prakash Ambedkar in Akola and Anand Ambedkar in Amaravati in Maharashtra.

"I have seen the BJP’s advertisement on April 17 in various newspapers. Please see when they talk about giving loans or help to start a business from the government, it says ST and OBC. The BJP is even refusing to mention word minorities forget about Muslims. The word minorities is mentioned in the Constitution of India and the BJP has a great hatred for the word M," Owaisi told PTI videos on Wednesday.

"They have not mentioned the word minorities. They say scholarships will be given to marginalised communities," he said.

He claimed that there are highest number of school dropouts among Dalits and Muslims and that the BJP has deliberately ensured that the dropout rate is increased in the Muslim community.

Alleging that there is a high unemployment rate in the country due to lack of jobs, increased hatred towards minorities and that there is threat to the Constitution, the Hyderabad Lok Sabha member appealed to people to keep in mind the issues before they vote for any party.

Owaisi said the BJP might talk about making the country the third-largest economy in the world, but one has to consider the per capita income when it comes to growth.

He said though there were discussions between his party and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu earlier, they did not take off as the latter was part of NDA then. However, since the Palaniswami-led party came out of the NDA and also stated that it would oppose CAA and NRC, it would become the most powerful party in the southern state during Assembly polls and also is expected to perform well in the Lok Sabha polls, he said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/bharatiya-janata-party-refuses-to-even-mention-word-minorities-in-its-manifesto-aimim-chief-asaduddin-owaisi/cid/2014107

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Where India’s trade with Israel and Iran stands, and whether regional tensions could impact it

April 18, 2024

 Harikishan Sharma

Iran’s attack on Israel earlier this week has sparked tensions in the Middle East and beyond. India, which has friendly ties with both the countries, has expressed “serious concerns” about escalation of hostilities.

An escalation could also worry traders in the region and spook markets. How does India trade with these two countries? And what could be the impact of renewed regional tensions on the Indian economy? We explain.

First, India-Israel trade has doubled in the last five years.

India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992. Since then, trade between two countries has been rising significantly, from around $200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily of diamonds), to $10.7 billion (excluding defence) in the Financial Year 2022-23.

A sharp rise has happened in the last four years, when trade doubled — from $5.56 billion in 2018-19 to $10.7 billion in 2022-23. Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, trade increased by 36.90 per cent — from $7.87 billion to $10.77 billion.

In 2022-23, India’s exports to Israel were worth $8.45 billion, while New Delhi’s imports from Israel stood at $2.3 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $6.13 billion in India’s favour.

In FY 2023-24, the bilateral trade reached $5.75 billion during the first 10 months (April-January). Composing 0.92 per cent of India’s total trade of $1,167 billion during FY 2022-23, Israel was India’s 32nd biggest trading partner that year.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) brief on foreign relations, India is Israel’s second largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh largest globally.

What are the main components of India’s trade with Israel?

Based on India’s 8-digit Harmonized System code, under which trade items are classified, the most valued items exported by India to Israel included diesel, diamonds, aviation turbine fuel, radar apparatus, Basmati rice, T-shirts, and wheat.

Two items, diesel and diamonds, accounted for 78 per cent of total exports during 2022-23.

On the other hand, India imported items such as space equipment, diamonds, potassium chloride, mechanical appliances, turbo jets of a thrust > 25KN, and printed circuits.

Value of India-Iran trade came down in the last five years.

In 2022-23, Iran was India’s 59th biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $2.33 billion.

India’s trade with Iran has seen a contraction in recent years, before an uptick in the FY 2022-23. It increased by 21.77 per cent — from $1.94 billion in 2021-22 to $2.33 billion in 2022-23.

However, in the three preceding years (2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22) it saw a contraction in the range of 9.10 per cent to 72 per cent year-on-year, in the wake of US sanctions on Tehran. Trade with Iran also dwindled from the high of $17 billion in 2018-19 to $4.77 billion in 2019-20, and further to $2.11 billion in 2020-21.

Of the $2.33 billion trade in 2022-23, India’s exports to Iran accounted for $1.66 billion, while New Delhi’s imports from Tehran stood at just $0.67 billion, leaving a trade surplus of about $ 1 billion. In FY 2023-24, the bilateral trade Iran reached $1.52 billion during the first 10 months (April-January).

During FY 2022-23, bilateral trade was 0.20 per cent of India’s total trade. India mainly exported agricultural goods and livestock products. These included meat, skimmed milk, buttermilk, ghee, onions, garlic, and canned vegetables.

India imported methyl alcohol, petroleum bitumen, liquified butanes, apples, liquified propane, dates, and almonds from Iran.

Israel and Iran do not have significant FDI in India

As far as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is concerned, Israel is not a very significant source of investment for India. The country accounts for just 0.4 per cent of the total FDI inflows between April 2000 and December 2023.

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), FDI from Israel to India stood at just $288 million in this period.

As compared to Israel’s FDI in India, Indian firms have made a higher investment in Israel. “Cumulative Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) from India to Israel from April 2000 to May 2023, was around US$ 383 million. Indian companies are marking their presence in Israel through mergers and acquisitions and the opening of branch offices. Indian companies are also making a mark in the Israeli innovation ecosystem,” according to the MEA.

As far as investment ties with Iran are concerned, India is developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar, for improving India’s connectivity and trade ties with the Middle East and Central Asia.

“In 2021, India provided six mobile harbor cranes to the port. Since the operationalization in December 2018, the port has handled cargo from Russia, Brazil, Germany, Bangladesh, Thailand, Romania, UAE, Kuwait and Australia among other countries,” according to the MEA.

The FDI inflows from Iran to Iran were recorded at just $1 million from April 2000 to December 2023.

How could Middle East tensions impact the Indian economy?

According to the think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), there is unlikely to be any rise in petrol prices in India as a result of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Although, there could be some impact due to tensions in the Red Sea, which lies at the crucial trade route connecting Europe and Asia. Roughly 12 percent of global trade is dependent on this route.

Since November 2023, Yemen-based militants called the Houthis have fired at some ships passing through this region. They say it is in opposition to Israel’s military action in the Gaza Strip, while Israel accuses Iran of backing the Houthis.

“India’s trade problems due to shipping disruption in the Red Sea could get worse because of the new conflict between Iran and Israel. However, this conflict might not affect petrol prices in India. The conflict makes the situation in West Asia very unstable, which could force projects like the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to remain on paper for a long time,” said Ajay Srivastava, founder, the GTRI.

On the impact on petroleum prices, Srivastava said, “The ongoing conflict is unlikely to disrupt crude oil and gas production significantly since major producers like the USA, Russia, and North Sea operators are not in the conflict zone, and Saudi Arabia has not been directly involved.”

“However, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea, which have forced longer routes around Cape of Good Hope for trade with Europe and North America’s east coast, might lead to higher oil and gas prices. In India, the impact on consumers may be minimal as the government could offset price increases by reducing taxes,” he added.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/india-israel-iran-trade-oil-prices-tensions-9277472/

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South Asia

 

UK MPs reject plan to protect Afghan ‘Heroes’ from deportation

Fidel Rahmati

April 17, 2024

Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK have opposed a proposal aimed at safeguarding Afghan veterans who worked alongside British troops from being deported to Rwanda.

On Monday, a proposed amendment to the contentious Rwanda bill was defeated by a vote of 312 to 253. The amendment sought to prevent agents, allies, and employees of the UK from facing deportation to Rwanda, as reported by the Independent. 

Stephen Kinnock and Luke Pollard, two opposition party representatives, also called for the implementation of this amendment in a letter.

The letter states that this is the third time the British House of Lords has voted for the exemption of former government army personnel from deportation to Rwanda, a decision the government has rejected.

Parliamentarians have asked relevant ministers to reconsider their decision before the amendment returns to the House of Lords for further consideration.

This amendment is supported by certain former Afghan army personnel who entered Britain unlawfully after the Taliban’s takeover. It also includes translators who worked with British forces in Afghanistan.

The exemption amendment for former Afghan forces from deportation to Rwanda was proposed by Des Browne, the former UK defense secretary, and put to a vote.

The British House of Lords has demanded several amendments to the Sonke Review scheme, Britain’s Prime Minister’s initiative concerning the deportation of “illegal” asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Support for exempting Afghan veterans from potential deportation to Rwanda has garnered strong backing from top levels of Britain’s military establishment.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/uk-mps-reject-plan-to-protect-afghan-heroes-from-deportation/

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Doctors Without Borders concerned over deportation of Afghans from Pakistan

Fidel Rahmati

April 17, 2024

The organization Doctors Without Borders has expressed serious concern over the start of the second phase of Afghan migrant expulsions from Pakistan.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the organization stated that many of the migrants being expelled from Pakistan are Afghans who have been there for decades.

The Doctors Without Borders statement mentioned that for many Afghans, this return entails packing belongings and transporting them by horse, cart, motorbike, and collectively traveling to a country currently grappling with widespread poverty, inadequate health services, and increasing restrictions on women.

Following extensive coverage by Pakistani media outlets on Monday, April 15, the start of the second phase of mandatory expulsion of migrants and asylum seekers labeled “illegal” from Pakistan was reported.

Reports indicate that approximately 800,000 Afghan migrants will be returned to their country in the second phase of expulsions from Pakistan.

It is also expected that the third phase of this process will result in the expulsion of holders of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identity cards.

Previously, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, and nine other organizations expressed concerns over the second phase of Afghan migrant expulsions from Pakistan.

According to statistics, Pakistan has accommodated around 4.4 million Afghans, of which 500,000 have returned to their country so far.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/doctors-without-borders-concerned-over-deportation-of-afghans-from-pakistan/

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Habib Rahman Hekmatyar: Taliban closes Barya TV over ideological differences

Fidel Rahmati

April 17, 2024

The son of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar says that the Taliban shut down Barya TV station, affiliated with the Hezb-e- Islami on Tuesday.

The Taliban did not approve of its programming despite Barya being “religious and Islamic” in its broadcasts.

The Taliban’s Media Violations Commission announced on Tuesday that the broadcast of programs on “Noor” and “Barya” TV stations has been temporarily suspended due to their failure to adhere to “national and Islamic principles and values.”

Noor TV is led by Salahuddin Rabbani, the leader of the Jamiat Islami Party, founded in Kabul on August 18, 2007. Barya TV also started operating five years ago in 2019 in Kabul, affiliated with the Hezb-e-Islami Party under the leadership of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, usually broadcasting his speeches and the party’s news.

Recently, critical remarks by Hekmatyar regarding the Taliban were aired on this television station, which received coverage in the media and on social networks.

Habibur Rahman Hekmatyar reacted to the Taliban’s decision on Tuesday. He wrote on his social media platform X that the Taliban disagreed with the content of Barya’s “religious and Islamic” broadcasts because it raised different values from those of the Taliban.

He stated that “interpretation and reading” of religion, which, according to him, is accompanied by “superstitions.” Hekmatyar’s son wrote that their interpretation of religion supports “consultation, rights, education, and knowledge.”

He also added, “Religion regards the ruler as a servant and accountable to the people; religion says the ruler must be openly among the people, religion regards the treasury as being accountable to the people.” He added that the television affiliated with this party considered “religious and national values” rather than Taliban values.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, half of the media outlets have ceased their activities due to suspension, leading to thousands of journalists becoming unemployed or leaving the country.

According to NIA and other supporting journalists organizations reports, over 90% of female journalists have lost their jobs or been dismissed due to the Taliban’s harsh oppressive policies, and over half of them have left the country.

According to reports, the Taliban have detained dozens of journalists over the past three years and imposed extensive restrictions on the free operation of the media.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/habib-rahman-hekmatyar-taliban-shuts-down-barya-tv-for-disagreeing-with-talibanism/

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Islamic Emirate’s Qatar Office Seeks to Reshape Afghan Global Image

April 17, 2024

The head of the Islamic Emirate’s political office in Doha, Suhail Shaheen, told TOLOnews that the office is striving to portray a "true" image of Afghanistan through international media.

Shaheen mentioned that this office works to coordinate and improve relations between the Islamic Emirate and other countries.

According to Shaheen, the political office of the Islamic Emirate in Qatar also plays a constructive role in providing newly printed passports and banknotes and transferring them to the country.

Suhail Shaheen said: "The political office is active in the diplomatic sector and discusses various issues, including economic, political, and educational matters with delegations from different countries, striving to attract investment and economic aid."

A number of political analysts emphasized strengthening the internal and foreign policy of Afghanistan's interim government.

"The Islamic Emirate should formalize and legislate its internal and foreign policies to address the questions that arise in the region and beyond," Mohammad Matin Mohammadkhil, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

"The internal and foreign policy of the Islamic Emirate is economically focused, and the Islamic Emirate endeavors to strengthen its economic and investment relations with countries worldwide," said Shamsur Rahman Ahmadzai, a political analyst.

The Islamic Emirate's political office in Doha was opened on June 17, 2013, with the initial aim of facilitating peace talks and resolving Afghanistan's problems peacefully.

According to Islamic Emirate officials, this office has now become a bridge connecting Afghanistan to the global community.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-188351

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Myanmar Conflict: Fighting flares up across the Teknaf border

Apr 18, 2024

Mokammel Shuvo

The fighting in Myanmar between the military junta and the Arakan Army across the border from Teknaf of Cox's Bazar intensified yesterday, heightening anxiety on the Bangladesh side. 

The sounds of explosions heard in Teknaf municipality, and WhykongHnila, and Shah PorirDwip unions were louder and more frequent since yesterday morning, locals and a union parishad member said.

Nasir Uddin, a resident of the Teknaf municipal area, said, "There have been loud explosions on the other side of the border since morning and it seems like there is a war going on next door."

Mohammad Alam, UP member of Ward-8 of Whykong union, said, "Loud sounds of bombs and mortar shells have been heard on the border since morning. Compared to other days, the sounds today [yesterday] were louder and scarier."

The fighting in Myanmar's Rakhine State has triggered a fresh influx of Myanmar troops into Bangladesh.

On Tuesday night, 46 more members of Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) took shelter in Bangladesh amid the ongoing conflict. Yesterday, one more BGP member crossed over into Bangladesh, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

A total of 261 Myanmar border guards are currently in custody of BGB, he said.

BGB members also seized the weapons of the BGP personnel who crossed into Bangladesh through different points of the border in Bandarban'sNaikhongchhari upazila, Shariful said.   

Concern is growing among the people living along the Naf river in Teknaf as they have been hearing sounds of loud explosions coming from the other side for the last one month.

The conflict between the Myanmar junta and the rebel Arakan Army (AA) intensified from the start of February along the Ghumdhum border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban.

Myanmar troops had to retreat and many fled to Bangladesh due to the heavy intensity of the attacks by the rebel group.

On February 15, a total of 330 Myanmar nationals who had entered Bangladesh were returned to their country. Among them were 302 BGP members and four of their family members, two army personnel, 18 immigration officials, and four civilians,

Meanwhile, BGB and Bangladesh Coast Guard have increased day and night patrolling on the border road and the 54-kilometre stretch of Naf river from Whykong to Shah PorirDwip.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/myanmar-conflict-fighting-flares-across-the-teknaf-border-3589521

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Deputy PM Hanafi Encourages Afghans Living Abroad To Return Home

2024-04-17

KABUL (BNA): The Deputy PM for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has called on Afghan professionals and experts residing abroad to return to the country and contribute to its development and prosperity.

ARG in a statement said that Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi raised this request during a meeting with a group of academic, cultural figures, and representatives of Afghans residing abroad.

During the meeting, Afghan expatriate representatives, along with academic and cultural figures, expressed satisfaction with the Islamic Emirate’s achievements, including security improvements, anti-corruption efforts, drug control, and major development projects.

They further stated that with the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate in the country, numerous opportunities have emerged across various sectors, especially in trade and investment, ensuring the safety and financial security of all citizens.

They also urged the Islamic Emirate to pay special attention to enhancing the quality and quantity of education and training and healthcare services, increasing employment opportunities for professionals in government offices, and utilizing existing economic capacities.

In response, Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy PM for Administrative Affairs, reiterated that providing security, bolstering economic stability, and facilitating necessary amenities for citizens are top priorities of the Islamic Emirate, and in this regard, every effort will be made without hesitation.

He emphasized that Afghanistan is the common home of all Afghans, and officials of the Islamic Emirate are committed to eradicating administrative corruption and providing better services for all citizens.

At the end, the Deputy PM for Administrative Affairs, urged all Afghan professionals and experts living abroad to return to their homeland and actively participate in its prosperity and development of their country.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-hanafi-encourages-afghans-living-abroad-to-return-home/

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Deputy PM Kabir Emphasizes Openness of IEA Offices to People During Meeting with Nuristan Influential Figures

2024-04-17

KABUL (BNA): During a meeting with influential figures from Nuristan province, Deputy Prime Minister Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, responsible for Political Affairs, affirmed that the offices of officials and institutions within the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) are accessible to the people. He reiterated the commitment to addressing the issues faced by the public.

The meeting, held at Sapidar Palace and reported by an Arg statement, saw the dignitaries and influential figures from Nuristan pledge their support and cooperation to the Islamic Emirate. They also shared the challenges encountered by the people of Nuristan, along with their recommendations, with the Deputy PM.

The attendees expressed satisfaction with the governance of the Islamic system in the country, showcasing appreciation for the approach of the Islamic Emirate. Furthermore, they called for the implementation of developmental and infrastructure projects in Nuristan.

Deputy PM Kabir extended gratitude to the elders and influential figures of Nuristan, acknowledging the region’s significance in the country’s history of jihad and the resilience displayed by its people through various hardships. He assured the attendees that the offices of officials and IEA institutions remain open to the public, with dedicated efforts to address their concerns.

Deputy PM Kabir also pledged to provide necessary instructions to the relevant authorities to facilitate the resolution of issues faced by the residents of Nuristan, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving the well-being of all Afghan citizens.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-kabir-emphasizes-openness-of-iea-offices-to-people-during-meeting-with-nuristan-influential-figures/

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North America

 

US House resolution condemns chant ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’

17 April 2024

The United States House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday condemning the popular pro-Palestinian chant “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as antisemitic.

The motion passed by a vote of 377 to 44, and was the result of a bipartisan effort led by Democratic Reps. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Jared Moskowitz of Florida, along with Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito from New York. The motion was opposed by 34 Democrats and one Republican.

The resolution posits that the pro-Palestinian chant often heard at protests calling for a ceasefire in Israel’s war against the Hamas terror group is an “antisemitic call to arms with the goal of the eradication of the State of Israel, which is located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.”

The slogan “seeks to deny Jewish people the right to self-determination and calls for the removal of the Jewish people from their ancestral homeland,” the resolution text continues, alleging that it is a “rallying cry” that promotes violence against both the State of Israel and Diaspora Jewry, and “does a disservice to Israelis, Palestinians and all those in the region who seek peace.”

Presenting the motion to the House, D’Esposito charged that “this slogan communicates one thing and one thing only. It is not human rights, and it is certainly not peace. It is the violent destruction of the State of Israel.”

Among those who rejected the resolution were Progressive House Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush, who have all been outspoken in criticism of Israel amid its war with Hamas in Gaza. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, a self-described libertarian, also voted against the motion.

Tlaib, who is the first Palestinian-American to serve in Congress, was censured by the House in November 2023 for her rhetoric in the wake of the October 7 Hamas massacre in southern Israel, including for her use of the term “from the river to the sea.”

She had previously claimed that she uses the phrase to describe a democratic outcome for all in the region, saying she sees it as “an aspirational call for freedom, human rights and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction or hate.”

Following the motion’s successful passage on Tuesday, Gottheimer praised the resolution for making it clear that “the slogan calls for the total eradication of the Jewish, democratic state of Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish people.”

“As members of Congress, we have a right — and a responsibility — to condemn disgusting, divisive and dehumanizing chants. I will never stop fighting against prejudice and hate — in any form,” he added.

He noted that prominent Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee, have also condemned the chant as antisemitic.

Not all Jewish organizations, however, agreed with the move to define the protest chant as antisemitic. Americans for Peace Now, the US sister organization of the left-wing Peace Now group in Israel, accused those who voted for the motion of “feeding red meat to trolls.”

“Absolute failure by everyone who voted for this,” the organization wrote on X. “Disagree or dislike the phrase as much as you would like, but you can’t legislate a slogan away.”

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-resolution-condemns-chant-from-the-river-to-the-sea-palestine-will-be-free/

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US secretly pressing countries into nixing Palestinian statehood: Cables

 17 April 2024

The United States is reported to be secretly pushing members of the UN Security Council into rejecting Palestine’s bid to become a full member of the world body.

The revelation was reported on Wednesday by The Intercept, an online American news organization, which cited “unclassified US State Department cables” for its report.

Opposing the statehood on the part of the Council’s member states would obviate a US veto of the prospect, the cables showed.

“We…urge you not to support any potential Security Council resolution recommending the admission of ‘Palestine’ as a UN member state, should such a resolution be presented to the Security Council for a decision in the coming days and weeks,” one cable read.

The countries being railroaded into rejecting the statehood include Malta, the Council’s rotating president.

Ecuador in particular is being asked to lobby Malta and other nations, including France, to oppose UN recognition.

Another cable said, “Ecuador would not want to appear isolated (alone with the United States) in its rejection of a ‘Palestine’ resolution.”

Since 2011, the Security Council has rejected the Palestinian Authority’s request for full member status.

A vote on the statehood could be held on April 18, brought forth by Algeria, which represents Arab nations on the Security Council.

Washington’s drive comes as the Israeli regime’s October 7-present genocidal war on the Gaza Strip has increased sympathy towards Palestinians and international calls for the recognition of the State of Palestine.

On Friday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended her remarks that she made earlier this week that was seen as a hint that Australia could recognize the Palestinian statehood in the near-term.

Last Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that Spain was “ready to recognize the Palestinian state.”

Ireland is also pushing for recognition of the Palestinians' rights with Taoiseach Simon Harris advocating for Palestine’s statehood.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/04/17/723883/Palestine-Israel-United-States-United-Nations-Security-Council-Palestinian-statehood

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US approves Rafah op. in exchange for no Israeli counterstrikes on Iran - report

APRIL 18, 2024

The US has approved a potential Israeli Rafah operation in exchange for the Jewish state not conducting counterstrikes on Iran, according to a Thursday report from the Qatari newspaper The New Arab.

A senior official told The New Arab that "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu managed to obtain American approval for a military operation in Rafah, in exchange for [Israel] refraining from carrying out a wide military operation against Iran in response to its recent attack."

He claimed that "discourse of an Israeli response to Iran contradicts  the desires of the American administration, and is not realistic, given the Israeli claims that the United States played the major role in repelling the Iranian attack and preventing its success."

The source noted that "the IDF carried out airstrikes [overnight on Thursday] on several areas adjacent to the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt," adding that "the relevant officials in Egypt were notified before the execution of some of these strikes, which came in the Philadelphi axis at a space adjacent to the border with Egypt.

The report comes among pubic statements from some Israeli officials expressing desire to retaliate against Iran, with a report published by the KAN broadcasting channel claimed that Israel's ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, stated on Thursday that "Israel will react to Iran, and it won't take years - soon Iran's missiles will be equipped with nuclear warheads."

The Qatar report also noted that Egypt is exemplifying "full readiness and preparedness of [its] forces stationed in northern Sinai, along the 14-kilometer border strip with the Gaza Strip, as part of a plan to deal with the scenario of a ground invasion in Rafah."

Egyptian troops stationed in northern Sinai amid Rafah operation

 Speaking about the potential Israeli ground invasion, Egyptian law professor Dr. Ayman Salama stated that any modification in the military situation requires Egypt's approval, "and Israel will not be able to establish buffer zones on the Egyptian-Israeli border or modify the security annex of the peace treaty between the two countries under the pretext of urgent security needs in cases of direct threats."

Egypt holds a critical position amid the ongoing war in Gaza, as it shares borders with the southern Gazan city of Rafah as well as a large border with Israel.

Egyptian military officials have previously claimed that they are "ready for all scenarios" and that Israel needs to properly evacuate the city of Rafah's civilian population before any border crossings are closed.

Source: jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-797675

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Biden urges Congress to act on Israel aid, says Iran aims ‘to destroy Israel forever’

17 April 2024

JACOB MAGIDWASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden called on Congress to immediately pass an aid package for Israel and Ukraine, in an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

Legislation has been stalled for months amid opposition from House Republicans fueled by former US president Donald Trump. House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, informed GOP lawmakers on Wednesday that he will begin the days-long push to hold votes on the funding packages for Israel and Ukraine, as well as one earmarked for allies in the Indo-Pacific.

While both Israel and Ukraine “can capably defend their own sovereignty, they depend on American assistance, including weaponry, to do it, and this is a pivotal moment,” Biden wrote, pointing to strikes by Iran and Russia on Israel and Ukraine over the weekend.

Iran, he wrote, seeks to eliminate Israel: “The government of Iran wants to destroy Israel forever — wiping the world’s only Jewish state off the map.”

“After years of backing Hezbollah, Hamas and other proxies in their attacks on Israel, including Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7, Iran launched a direct attack of its own,” Biden wrote, warning that “if Iran succeeds in significantly escalating its assault on Israel, the US could be drawn in.”

“Israel is our strongest partner in the Middle East. It’s unthinkable that we would stand by if its defenses were weakened and Iran was able to carry out the destruction it intended this weekend. We can make that outcome less likely by replenishing Israel’s air defenses and providing military aid now, so its defenses can remain fully stocked and ready,” he added.

A woman walks past a mural depicting US President Joe Biden as a superhero defending Israel on a street in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Iran’s overnight attack between Saturday and Sunday saw some 350 attack drones and missiles launched at the Jewish state, the majority of which were intercepted by Israel, the US and other allied forces.

Biden noted that the US-funded David’s Sling and Iron Dome air defense systems were critical in thwarting Iran’s missile and drone strikes and pointed out that the military equipment funded by Washington would be produced by American manufacturers, thereby boosting the US economy. “We’d help our friends while helping ourselves.”

“I’ve been clear about my concerns over the safety of civilians in Gaza amid the war with Hamas, but this aid package is focused on Israel’s long-term defensive needs to ensure it can maintain its military edge against Iran or any other adversary,” the US president wrote.

“Importantly, this bill has funding that will allow us to continue delivering urgent humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza as well as others who have felt the impact of conflicts around the world.”

The bills “shouldn’t be held hostage any longer by a small group of extreme Republican House members,” he wrote. “There are moments in history that call for leadership and courage. This is one of them.”

Hours after Biden’s op-ed was published, Johnson forged ahead in the House toward a vote later this week, potentially risking his job as he did so.

Johnson said he was proposing that some of the aid for Kyiv be structured as loans, along with greater oversight, but the decision to support Ukraine at all has angered populist conservatives in the House and given new energy to a threat to remove him from the speaker’s office.

The bill for aid to Israel, meanwhile, would give it $26.38 billion in military aid, according to the text released by the House Appropriations Committee.

Some $4 billion of the funds would go to replenishing interceptor missiles for Iron Dome and David’s Sling short and medium-range air defense systems.

Another $4.4 billion would go to restocking depleted supplies of other Israeli arms, and $3.5 billion is earmarked for procuring “advanced weapons systems, defense articles and defense services,” according to a summary published by House Republicans.

The bill includes $2.4 billion to fund US forces operating in the Middle East in response to threats against Israel. It also funnels $1.2 billion to the Iron Beam program, which is developing a short-range rocket and mortar interceptor.

A Senate bill passed in February meant to fund Israeli defensive needs would have sent $14 billion to Jerusalem.

“By posting the text of these bills as soon as they are completed, we will ensure time for a robust amendment process,” Johnson wrote in his message, which was shared by two Republican lawmakers.

The votes on the package are expected Saturday evening, Johnson said. But he faces a treacherous path to get there. The speaker will almost certainly need Democratic support on the procedural maneuvers to advance his complex plan of holding separate votes on each of the aid packages.

It was not clear whether Democrats would assist Johnson. They were still awaiting the details of the legislation and have become increasingly impatient with his deliberations.

Democrats have demanded that the foreign aid bill hew closely to the $95 billion foreign aid package that the Senate passed in February. That legislation would fund the US allies, as well as provide humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and Ukraine.

In a statement separate from his WSJ op-ed on Wednesday, Biden voiced support for the bills and urged the House again to ensure that they pass.

“I strongly support this package to get critical support to Israel and Ukraine, provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, and bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” Biden said.

“Israel is facing unprecedented attacks from Iran, and Ukraine is facing continued bombardment from Russia that has intensified dramatically in the last month,” he said in a statement. “The House must pass the package this week and the Senate should quickly follow. I will sign this into law immediately to send a message to the world: We stand with our friends, and we won’t let Iran or Russia succeed.”

Meanwhile, the threat to oust Johnson from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, gained support this week. One other Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, said he was joining Greene and called for Johnson to resign. Other GOP lawmakers have openly complained about Johnson’s leadership.

“You are seriously out of step with Republicans by continuing to pass bills dependent on Democrats,” Greene wrote on the social platform X. “Everyone sees through this.”

In an effort to satisfy conservatives, Johnson said he would hold a separate vote on a border security package that contains most of a bill that was already passed by House Republicans last year.

The precarious effort to pass the foreign aid comes as lawmakers who are focused on national security warn that the House must act after waiting for nearly two months for Johnson to bring up the foreign aid.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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US asks Taliban to ensure Afghan soil not used by terrorists

April 18, 2024

WASHINGTON: The US State Department Thursday asked the Afghan Taliban to ensure that Afghanistan is not used to support terrorist groups, movement of terrorists or acts of terrorism.

The State Department said this in context to Pakistan’s repeated complaints to the Taliban that terrorists were carrying out cross-border attacks and infiltrating into Pakistan from the neighbouring country.

Talking to Geo News, a State Department spokesperson expressed support for Pakistan’s endeavours to fight terrorism in a bid to ensure the safety and security of its citizens "in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights."

The spokesperson said the Pakistani people had suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists and no country should have to suffer such acts of terror.

“We have been very clear that we will judge the Taliban by what they do, not what they say. The Taliban wants international legitimacy. This requires the Taliban to meet their commitments to the international community,” the official said.

The spokesperson said the most enduring interest for the US in Afghanistan was to ensure that it never again became a safe haven for terrorists, especially for those who wished harm to the US or its partners or allies.

"We are in regular communication with Pakistani leaders as a part of our partnership on counterterrorism issues. We continue to discuss Afghanistan in detail, including through our annual counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations."

Islamabad has time and again urged Kabul to take meaningful action against terrorists using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan.

On Tuesday, the Pakistan Army’s top commanders were briefed on how terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan pose a threat to regional and global security, besides acting as proxies against Pakistan and its economic interests, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A day ago, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces had killed seven terrorists trying to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the North Waziristan district.

In a statement, the military’s media wing had said the security forces on April 16 had detected a movement of a group of seven terrorists near the border in the Spinkai area of Ghulam Khan in the tribal district.

A large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was also recovered from the killed terrorists, the statement added.

The statement highlighted that Pakistan had consistently been asking the Taliban-led interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border.

The military had urged the interim rulers to fulfil their obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.

Last month, Pakistan carried out an intelligence-based anti-terrorist operation inside Afghanistan whose prime target was the terrorists belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group along with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group had earlier claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack.

“This group is responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in the death of hundreds of civilians and law-enforcement officials. The latest attack took place on 16 March 2024 at a security post in Mir Ali in North Waziristan and claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said on March 18 after the operation.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Southeast Asia

 

Minister stresses Indonesia's support for Palestine in meeting with VP

 April 17, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi briefed Vice President Ma'ruf Amin about Indonesia's unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their independence.

During their meeting, Retno clarified that Indonesia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel, said MasdukiBaidlowi, vice presidential spokesperson, in a written statement on Wednesday.

Earlier reports about any possibility that Indonesia would establish diplomatic relations were incorrect, Baidlowi quoted Retno as saying.

"The Foreign Minister has made it clear to the Vice President that Indonesia will be steadfast on that stance," Baidlowi said.

In response, Amin expressed his full support for Indonesia's efforts for Palestine, spearheaded by Retno, including pursuing a two-state solution to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.

"The Vice President fully supports our consistent stance that the two-state solution is final and should not change. It will remain our principle, and the Vice President also instructs it to be pursued," Baidlowi affirmed.

Retno also informed Amin about the recent escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict and Indonesia's strategies to defuse the conflict.

"The Foreign Minister reported that Indonesia's lobbying efforts with several countries, including Iran, are focused on preventing a full-scale war and retaliation from Israel," the spokesperson said.

The Foreign Ministry earlier affirmed that Indonesia has no plan to establish diplomatic relations with Israel to be accepted as a member state of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

"I emphasize that until now, we have no plan to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, particularly as Israel has yet to cease its atrocities in Gaza until now," the ministry's spokesperson, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, said in a statement on April 11.

He reiterated that Indonesia's stance will not change, and the country will persevere in supporting Palestinian independence and the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict under the framework of the two-state solution.

"Indonesia will always be consistent and will be on the front lines to defend the rights of the Palestinian nation," Iqbal stressed.

Source: antaranews.com

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‘Allah’ socks: High Court quashes technician’s conviction over offensive Facebook posting

18 Apr 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — The High Court here today quashed the conviction and six-month jail sentence of a technician who pleaded guilty to posting offensive content on Facebook related to the sale of socks bearing the word Allah.

Justice Datuk Ahmad Bache made the ruling after allowing a review application filed by Chiok Wai Loong, 35, to set aside the conviction and sentence handed down on him by the Sessions Court on March 22.

“After hearing the arguments of parties (related to the case), the court overturned the Sessions Court judge’s decision regarding the conviction and sentence.

“Therefore, the court ordered the accused to be charged again at another Sessions Court as soon as possible,” he said.

Ahmad, in his judgment, said the court had examined the evidence notes presented during the case proceedings in the Sessions Court and found that the judge did not record the accused’s guilty plea according to the correct procedure.

“There was no mention that he (the accused) understood the charge and consequences (possible punishment) after he pleaded guilty. The judge only mentioned the charge and the sentence were read to him.

“The charge against him was too long, how can (the prosecution and the court) expect a layman like him to understand? He was also not represented by a lawyer that day,” said the judge.

On March 22, Chiok was sentenced to six months in jail and fined RM12,000 in default three months imprisonment, by the Sessions Court here after he pleaded guilty to insulting Islam.

Judge Suzana Hussin also ordered the prison sentence on Chiok Wai Long, 35, to begin from the date of his arrest, March 20.

Chiok was charged with posting offensive content on Facebook related to the sale of socks bearing the word Allah under the profile name “Chiok Wai Loong” on March 18.

The charge framed under Section 231(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and punishable under subsection 233(3) of the same act, carries a penalty of up to one year in jail or a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.

The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutor Datin Kalmizah Salleh, while Chiok was represented by N. Surendran. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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Arab World

 

Qatar re-evaluating its role as mediator in Gaza cease-fire negotiations

Ibrahim Khazen 

18.04.2024

Qatar is re-evaluating its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas on reaching a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and will take an “appropriate decision,” Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Wednesday.

Al Thani’s remarks came during a press conference held in Doha with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, Qatar News Agency reported.

He said “the meeting comes at a sensitive time in the region, following the recent escalation,” referring to Iran's military response to Israel’s April 1 airstrike on its diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital.

He said consultations were held with Türkiye’s foreign minister and they agreed on “the necessity for all parties to resort to de-escalation, dialogue and resolving issues in the region logically, not through weapons and violence.”

Al Thani noted that “coordination with Türkiye is ongoing, and we appreciate Türkiye's positions in supporting Palestine.”

He added that the meeting also included “consultations on the latest developments in the war in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the importance of the international community rising to its responsibility to put an end to Israeli escalation, as well as discussing the latest developments in negotiations for a cease-fire in the Strip.”

Regarding the cease-fire negotiations in Gaza, the he said “Doha has positively contributed to building towards negotiations, attempted to bridge the gap between the parties, and it took months, and there were extensive disagreements, and we tried with partners in Egypt and the United States to bridge that gap and provide proposals.”

He noted that “the mediator's role is limited and cannot offer things that the parties themselves refrain from,” without elaborating.

“Unfortunately, there is misuse of this mediation for narrow political interests, which requires a comprehensive evaluation of the mediation role.”

Al Thani pointed out that “Doha engaged in this (mediation) process from a humanitarian, national and patriotic perspective to protect our brothers in Palestine.”

“Unfortunately, there are bids from some politicians with narrow interests as they try to conduct election campaigns...and they say completely different things behind closed doors.”

He emphasized that “Doha is committed to its role, but there are limits to this role.”

He indicated that “Qatar will take the appropriate decision (regarding this evaluation) at the appropriate time.”

Regarding the possibility of the recent escalation between Israel and Iran expanding in the region, Al Thani said “the best way to reduce the escalation is to stop the war on Gaza.”

Qatar, Egypt and the US are trying to reach a hostage swap deal and a cease-fire in Gaza, as the first pause lasted only a week in late November last year, which resulted in limited aid entering the Gaza Strip as well as exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and children detained in Israeli jails.

Through the mediation of these countries, a temporary cease-fire agreement was reached between the parties lasting for a week until the beginning of December.

Israel has waged a military offensive on Gaza since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last October which killed nearly 1,200 people.???

Nearly 33,900 Palestinians have since been killed and 76,664 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.???

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

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

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered it to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Source: aa.com.tr

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Saudi Shoura Council speaker holds meetings during official trip to Jordan

April 17, 2024

RIYADH: The Speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sheikh met Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Wednesday as part of his official visit to Jordan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The discussion emphasized the strong and deep-seated relations between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, highlighting their extensive coordination and cooperation across various sectors.

Both officials explored ways to enhance bilateral ties, with a particular focus on strengthening parliamentary relations.

Al-Sheikh also held discussions with Faisal Akef Al-Fayez, president of the Jordanian Senate, on the same day.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth and development, attributing this progress to the leadership of the Kingdom.

Al-Sheikh expressed gratitude for Jordan’s unwavering support and spoke of the consistent backing the Kingdom has provided to Jordan.

The meeting also focused on ongoing cooperative efforts between the Shoura Council and the Jordanian Senate, along with discussions on various other subjects.

Both meetings were attended by several officials from the two sides.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi artist embraces the unconventional with anti-aesthetic artworks

April 17, 2024

RIYADH: In a world fixated on beauty and aesthetic perfection, Saudi artist Asrar Al-Qarni is boldly producing anti-aesthetic and unsettling art.

Through her work, the 33-year-old challenges traditional notions of beauty and protests conformity. She compels viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and explore darker aspects of society.

This unconventional approach to art can be seen as a romantic rebellion against society’s constraints, as well as a celebration of individuality and freedom of expression.

Al-Qarni told Arab News that anti-aesthetic art encourages people to look beyond the surface and find beauty in the unexpected and the unconventional. It seeks to disrupt the status quo and provoke thought and discussion about the nature of art itself: “Instead of being visually appealing and comforting, anti-aestheticism prioritizes evoking emotions and disturbing expression within the artwork,” the artist said.

This can lead to anti-aesthetic works being labeled ugly, jarring, or anti-art by those who prefer more aesthetically focused works.

By highlighting discord and dissonance in her paintings, Al-Qarni, a self-taught artist, creates a unique and thought-provoking experience for those who encounter her work. “Incorporating elements of chaos, ugliness and discomfort forces viewers to confront their preconceived notions about what art should be,” she added.

Al-Qarni became interested in anti-aesthetic art because of its raw human expression and beauty hidden by imperfections.

She uses bold colors and abstract shapes to create pieces that challenge viewers’ preconceptions and provoke a strong emotional response.

“I use various materials for my art, including mixed media, oil paint, acrylic paint and watercolor. My choice of materials depends on the specific technique or effect I want to achieve in my artwork,” Al-Qarni said.

By breaking free from the constraints of conventional beauty, the artist is pushing boundaries and inspiring others to think outside the box.

Al-Qarni said she cultivated her style through dedicated practice. She started copying and sketching cartoons from her favorite television shows as a child. “As I got older, I got into realistic portrait painting, trying to capture the world around me, but I soon realized that realism did not allow me to express my emotions deeply enough,” she added.

The Saudi artist eventually resorted to a more liberated method, allowing her to follow her instincts and let her brush strokes guide her: “When I hold the brush against the canvas, it becomes a way to quieten the noise of life and connect with my inner self, providing a source of relaxation and tranquility.”

The artist maintains a multi-purpose space where she paints, serving as both a studio and a cozy personal area.

“It is where I sleep, read and spend most of my time. Waking up surrounded by the creative mess of my art provides me with a sense of passion and inspiration to continue my artistic journey each day.”

Ten years ago, Al-Qarni decided to pursue art professionally, and she has not looked back since. Her work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions across Saudi Arabia, earning her recognition and acclaim from critics and audiences.

Al-Qarni’s first showing was in 2016 in Jeddah with Behance, the world’s largest network for showcasing and discovering creative work.

“Facing the audience, I received both compliments and critiques. The experience was helpful and encouraging, inspiring me to create more and improve my art,” she said.

She has taken part in several art exhibitions, such as the Misk Art Institute in 2019, which provides a platform for creative individuals to influence present-day discussions.

Al-Qarni also showcased her work at Grey Art Gallery in Alkhobar, and Zawaya Art Gallery and Sensation Art Gallery in Jeddah.

The artist gives each painting a title that reflects the overarching emotion or story behind the artwork. The title can be inspired by a novel, a song, or a personal experience related to the painting.

“How someone perceives and feels about a painting can vary depending on the person looking at it,” she added. “We all bring our own thoughts and experiences, which adds to the richness and meaning of any artist’s work.”

To aspiring artists who might be intimidated to share their artwork and innermost emotions with an audience, Al-Qarni preaches that the world needs art.

“Embrace the opportunity for growth and connect with other artists through feedback and experiences, and remember that every artist starts somewhere, and sharing your work is a step toward achieving your goals.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi, UN officials discuss aid efforts in Sudan

April 17, 2024

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, recently met with Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Conference for Sudan and Neighboring Countries, organized by France and the EU in Paris.

Discussions focused on matters of mutual interest related to the relief and humanitarian situation in Sudan, along with key topics on the conference’s agenda.

Al-Rabeeah highlighted the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief in Sudan.

He said that 13 aircraft carrying supplies had been sent to Sudan, while 43 humanitarian projects worth more than $60 million had been implemented in the country and neighbor states in partnership with international, UN, and local organizations.

Additionally, the center dispatched 20 medical volunteer teams to Sudan.

Nkweta-Salami commended the efforts of the Kingdom in aiding the Sudanese people in need. She expressed hope for continued bilateral cooperation to further support humanitarian initiatives in Sudan.

On Monday, KSrelief signed two agreements with the World Food Programme, worth $1.4 million, to treat and prevent malnutrition across Sudan and South Sudan.

The agreement aims to prevent nutritional deficiencies among children, and pregnant and nursing women by providing food aid and nutritional supplements.

The funding will help more than 35,000 children, and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers affected by conflict, economic shocks, and climate events.

Source: arabnews.com

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Al-Aqsa Support Committee calls on Yemenis masses to demonstrate in major demonstration next Friday

[17/April/2024]

SANA'A April 17. 2024 (Saba) - The Supreme Committee of the National Campaign to Support Al-Aqsa held its weekly meeting today,Wednesday, headed by the Advisor to the President of the Supreme Political Council - Head of the Committee, Allama Muhammad Muftah.

The committee discussed the topics on its agenda, primarily those related to continuing the mobilization program in support of Palestine and in support of its oppressed people in Gaza Strip, and intensifying awareness of various aspects related to the Zionist occupation of Palestine and the rest of the occupied Arab territories.

The committee stressed the necessity of focusing summer school curricula on the Palestinian issue, highlighting its justice, and showing the ugly face of Zionist occupier, its fascist practices against the Palestinians, its criminal plans to expand and control the nation’s capabilities and tamper with its security and stability.

It praised the sacrifices made by the Yemeni people in the context of supporting the brothers in Gaza through their naval blockade of enemy ships and their direct confrontation with the main supporters of the enemy entity, America and Britain, which to date resulted in the martyrdom of 37 martyrs and 30 wounded.

The martyrs whose lives were lost as a result of the American-British aggression were considered martyrs on the path to liberating Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa.

It pointed out the legitimacy and legality of the attack, which came within the framework of self-defense.

The committee praised the great success achieved by the second conference, “Palestine is the nation’s central issue,” and the unprecedented amount of national, Arab, Islamic, and foreign participation in the conference, the strong positions expressed by the participants, and the valuable scientific research that was presented and discussed by the conference members.

The committee called on the national media system to continue shedding light on the conference and its important outcomes for the benefit of the Palestinian cause and confronting the Zionist enemy.

The committee approved the program for the major weekly march that will be held next Friday afternoon in Al-Sabeen Square in the capital, Sana’a, and similar marches in the provinces as part of the Yemeni people’s continued support for the oppressed in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, who are subjected to the worst forms of killing, abuse, displacement, starvation, and to denounce the American-British aggression against the Yemeni people.

It called on the masses of people to demonstrate in a major and honorable manner in Friday's marches, which come under the slogan "Our battle continues until Gaza is victorious."

Source: saba.ye

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Pakistan

 

Imran Khan Accuses Pak Army Chief of Direct Involvement in His Wife's Imprisonment

18.04.24

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and jailed former prime minister Imran Khan on Wednesday alleged that Army chief General Asim Munir was directly responsible for the imprisonment of his wife Bushra Bibi.

Bushra Bibi, 49, was convicted in a corruption case as well as in the case of illegal marriage with Khan, 71, and is currently held in detention at their Bani Gala residence in the suburbs of Islamabad.

The PTI leader in a conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail where he is currently incarcerated hurled allegations on the army chief, according to a long post uploaded on Khan's official X account.

“General Asim Munir is directly involved in the sentence awarded to my wife,” Khan said, adding that the judge who convicted her said that he was forced to make the decision.

“If anything happens to my wife, I will not leave Asim Munir, I will not leave Asim Munir as long as I am alive. I will expose his unconstitutional and illegal steps,” he threatened.

Khan said there was a law of the jungle in the country and all was being done by the “king of the jungle”. “If the king of the jungle wants, all the cases of Nawaz Sharif are forgiven, and when he wants, we are punished in three cases in five days,” he alleged.

Khan also said that the economy would stabilise not through the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans but by investment. “Due to the law of the jungle, there will be no investment in the country. It is good that Saudi Arabia is coming but investment will come once there is rule of law in the country,” he said.

He also referred to the recent reported clash between police and army in Bahawalnagar area of Punjab and said that the “police were thrashed” by violating the law, but the IG (inspector general police) and Viceroy, who oppressed our people, apologised from those who had thrashed the police.

Khan said the Viceroy said after the incident that “they (police) are our brothers”. He went on to say that “such treatment is done to slaves and not to brothers” because those having power thrashed the police and also forced to apologise.

He also said that PTI was being stopped from contesting in the by-elections. “At this time, standing in front of oppression is Jihad. Our workers have to protect each vote, guard the vote,” the former premier said.

So far the army has not responded to the serious allegations.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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Imran assails civil authority’s ‘surrender’ in Bahawalnagar

April 18, 2024

Malik Asad

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan took a potshot at the civil administration on Wednesday over the recent Bahawalnagar face-off between the police and army personnel, accusing the former of surrendering to the latter as the IGP Punjab and the “viceroy” — an apparent reference to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi — had tendered an apology over the torture of police officials.

Talking to reporters at Ad­­iala jail after a hearing, the PTI fou­nder described the Bahawalnagar incident as a reflection of the “law of jungle” and said the powerful had beaten up police officials and then also sought an apology. The viceroy, he added, acted upon the instruction and called the personnel of both the forces brothers.

“[However] a brother does not deserve such a treatment,” Mr Khan said. He also accused the establishment of being behind the conviction of his spouse, Bushra Bibi.

The ex-PM claimed that since he had named some powerful elements during the last hearing, the jail administration erected a glass wall to contain him.

IHC keen to wind up cipher case as soon as possible

It may be mentioned that the temporary court room at the Community Hall of jail has been restructured and the administration has raised the height of the separating walls to nine feet.

Initially, there was no partition and the hall was divided into three parts. One is reserved for Mr Khan and his legal team, second is for media persons and the third is for the general public.

Cipher hearing

Meanwhile, Islamabad High Cou­rt (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Wednesday said that court would decide the appeals against the conviction of Mr Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cipher case as early as possible.

Earlier, an IHC division bench comprising Justice Farooq and Ju­­stice Miangul Hassan Aurang­zeb resumed hearing on the appeals.

Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for Mr Khan, had concluded his arguments on Tuesday.

FIA’s Special Prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah commenced his arguments on Wednesday.

Justice Farooq instructed him to be brief and avoid repetition.

He remarked, “We want to conclude the case as soon as possible.”

Further hearing in the matter was adjourned to April 23.

Source: dawn.com

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7 terrorists killed during infiltration attempt at Afghan-Pakistan border in North Waziristan: ISPR

April 17, 2024

Iftikhar Shirazi

Seven terrorists were killed while trying to infiltrate the Afghan-Pakistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.

A statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the movement of the seven-member group was detected on Tuesday by security forces in the general area of Spinkai, Ghulam Khan.

“The infiltrators were surrounded, effectively engaged and after an intense fire exchange, all seven territories were sent to hell. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered,” the ISPR said.

It added that Pakistan had consistently been asking the Afghan Taliban government to ensure effective border management on its side of the border.

The ISPR said that Afghan authorities were expected to fulfil their obligations and “deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.

“Security forces of Pakistan are determined and remain committed to securing its borders and eliminating the menace of terrorism from the country.”

A day ago, the military leadership was told that terrorists having sanctuaries in Afghanistan were “acting as proxies” against Pakistan and its economic interests, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Last month, fierce clas­hes had erupted between the two countries along the bor­der, resulting in the martyrdom of one officer and injuries to three soldiers after Pak­istan conducted air strikes inside Afghanistan using jets and unmanned drones to target militants linked to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani aircraft had carried out airstrikes in Paktika and Khost provinces along the border, killing eight people.

The ISPR had said that there was “clear evidence of involvement of terrorists from Afghanistan” in the Zhob Garrison attack in July 2023. It had added that “TTP (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) terrorists armed with the latest American weapons attacked two army check posts in Chitral” in September last year.

The military’s media wing had said that the November attack on Mianwali Air Base was “also planned by the terrorists taking refuge in Afghanistan”. It said that “terrorists from Afghanistan used night vision goggles and foreign weapons” in the Dera Ismail Khan attacks in December.

“There is clear evidence of the involvement of TTP terrorists who took refuge in Afghanistan in the terrorist incident in Tank on Dec 15, 2023,” the ISPR stated.

The statement also said terrorists from Afghanistan were also involved in the Peshawar Police Lines blast in January 2023, which claimed more than 80 lives.

Source: dawn.com

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PTI censures Sher Afzal Marwat over claims of Saudi involvement in Imran’s alleged ouster

April 17, 2024

The PTI on Wednesday censured and distanced itself from remarks by party leader Sher Afzal Marwat regarding Saudi Arabia’s alleged involvement in the toppling of former prime minister Imran Khan’s government in 2022.

At the time of his ouster from the top office, Imran had claimed that the opposition’s no-trust move was part of an alleged “foreign-funded conspiracy” hatched against his government, over his refusal to have Pakistan’s foreign policy be influenced from abroad. The PTI founder had brandished a letter at a rally on March 27, 2022 — days before his ouster — claiming it contained evidence of a “foreign conspiracy” hatched to topple his government.

The former prime minister had subsequently alleged that the US was behind his exit from power based on a cable received from then-Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed, in which the envoy had reported about a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs Donald Lu.

Majeed had reportedly said that Lu warned that Imran’s continuation in office, who was set to face a vote of no confidence, would have repercussions on bilateral relations. The Pentagon and the State Department have repeatedly rejected the accusations, saying there was no veracity to it.

In an interview on GTV news programme G for Gharidah a day ago, Marwat addressed the matter and said: “These are the two countries, Saudi Arabia and the United States, with whose cooperation the regime change operation took place.”

Questioned if he was also implicating the Saudi kingdom in the ouster allegation, Marwat doubled down and said: “Definitely. Saudi Arabia played the role of a conduit.”

He had also alleged that the Saudi Arabian government “serves their (the US) purposes in the region on their directions”.

The remarks had coincided with a visit by a high-level Saudi delegation led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

This portion of the interview was not included in the full show uploaded to GTV news’ YouTube channel.

Marwat offered a clarification for his remarks today, saying they were based on his personal opinion. “I never claimed in my interview that this stance had any official backing of the PTI,” he added.

Responding to the matter, the PTI issued a statement saying that Marwat’s claims were “contrary to facts” and distanced itself from the allegations.

The PTI said the views presented by Marwat “do not represent the party’s stance nor does the party consider them factual in any way”.

It added that Marwat’s remarks may reflect his personal opinion, “which is not supported or approved by the leadership or workers of the PTI in any way”.

The party reiterated Pakistan’s strong relations with Saudi Arabia, adding that PTI founder Imran “highly valued” the Saudi government and its relations with the Pakistani people.

“The founding chairman … and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have a relationship of mutual respect, trust and brotherhood.”

The PTI said it aimed to promote close cooperation and brotherhood between the two countries and had fully played its role in this regard.

“Neither Imran Khan nor PTI holds any such opinion about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari, adding that the party had “no reason whatsoever to say or believe in any kind of intervention” from the kingdom.

Meanwhile, PTI leader Asad Qaiser said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were “united by shared values, culture, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity”.

Source: dawn.com

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Faiz Hameed made pact with TLP before showing it to PM, Ahsan told dharna commission

April 18, 2024

 Azaz Syed

Islamabad: Former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal has made a startling revelation in the Faizabad Dharna Commission that former DGC Faiz Hameed had first made a pact with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan before he showed it to then prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

In his statement to the commission, Iqbal maintained that when Abbasi was shown the agreement, he objected to the promise of Federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid’s resignation and the name of a serving officer on the agreement. However, he was told that the agreement had been made and the government could not renege on it.

Also worth mentioning here is that former interior secretary Arshad Mirza told the commission that when he was called to the PM Secretariat, he witnessed tension between Abbasi and then chief minister Shehbaz Sharif as Shehbaz was in favour of Hamid’s resignation as per the agreement and Abbasi was opposing it.

The former secretary said that the tension between the PM and Punjab CM escalated to such an extent that he felt awkward and left the room.

The commission report also contains the minutes of a meeting chaired by Abbasi on November 22, 2017, in which the civil and military leadership discussed the demand for the minister’s resignation and decided that such resignation should not come because whatever amendment was made to the law, it was made by the parliamentary committee, not the law minister.

The meeting agreed that the resignation could not be defended. According to sources, Faiz Hameed acted in violation of his authority in the entire deal.

Former defence secretary Lt-Gen Ikram ul Haq (retd) told the Faizabad Dharna Commission that in the absence of solid evidence, it was not possible to act against any service member on charge of involvement in politics, organising the sit-in or influencing the 2018 election results.

The former secretary stated before the commission the ministry complied with the Supreme Court’s orders and had written to the three services chiefs to proceed against those officials of the forces who were involved in politics in violation of their oath, adding the apex court’s order did not specifically point out any official with proof.

He told the commission an appeal had been filed with the apex court against certain observations in its decision. He was responding to the commission’s query as to what action had been taken against the defence officials or sections involved in politics or support to a political party to comply with the apex court’s instructions.

Headed by a retired senior police officer Akhtar Ali Shah, the three-member Faizabad Dharna Commission comprised of Islamabad IGP Tahir Alam and additional secretary of interior ministry Khushal Khan.

Ikram stated that no specific task was assigned to the Ministry of Defence in the Faizabad sit-in, adding a detailed report had been submitted by the ISI in the suo motu case in compliance with the instructions of the Supreme Court.

The former defence secretary stated the ISI facilitated the talks with the TLP on the instructions of the government, adding the then ISI DGC Faiz Hameed did not violate any law or SOP. Due to negotiations, the protestors ended the sit-in, Ikram added.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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FIA cites cipher audios during appeal hearing

April 18, 2024

Fiaz Mehmood

ISLAMABAD:The lawyer representing the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that in some leaked audios, former prime minister Imran Khan could be heard discussing his plan to use a classified diplomatic telegram to get political mileage.

FIA prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah resumed his arguments before an IHC division bench, hearing Imran Khan’s and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s appeals against their conviction in a case related to alleged misuse of a diplomatic cipher during the final days of the PTI government.

An audio clip of an alleged conversation between former prime minister Imran Khan and his principal secretary Azam Khan surfaced on September 28, 2022.

In the leaked conversation, Imran was purportedly heard speaking about “playing with the United States’ conspiracy” to topple his government. Azam was then heard advising Imran to hold a meeting with Qureshi and former foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood to bring this on record by faking the minutes of the meeting.

In another audio clip that appeared on September 30, 2022, Imran Khan, former minister Asad Umar, and Azam Khan could allegedly be heard discussing the US cipher in a meeting and how to use it in their interest.

Talking with reference to the audios, Hamid Ali Shah said the FIA had discussed the alleged conversations between Imran and his lieutenants in a report submitted to the trial court.

The bench—comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb— inquired if the report confirmed that the audios were genuine. The counsel replied that in the audio, the PTI founder could be heard advising his subordinate to “play with the cipher”.

Presenting an overview of the case, the FIA counsel said after approval of the federal cabinet, former Secretary Interior Yousaf Naseem Khokhar lodged an initial complaint with the FIA against the former PM and FM in October 2022.  Secretary Interior Aftab Durrani filed additional complaints with the FIA in September 2023 to fulfill the required provisions of the Official Secrets Act, of 1923.

He said the FIA arrested Imran on August 16, 2023, and Shah Mahmood Qureshi on August 19, 2023. The trial court indicted the accused on October 23, 2023.

The IHC later annulled the court proceedings and the trial court once again indicted the accused on December 13, 2023. He said the court nominated state counsels for the accused on January 26, 2024, due to "delaying tactics" employed by the lawyers of Imran and Qureshi.

“The state counsels concluded cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses by January 27. The trial court delivered its verdict on January 30,” he said.

The bench asked the FIA’s lawyer as to why the interior secretary and not the foreign secretary lodged the complaint against the PTI leaders.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb noted that there is a need for a comparative analysis of the competence of the PTI leaders’ lawyers and the lawyers assigned to them by the Islamabad advocate general. The court later adjourned till April 22.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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Saudi delegation’s visit: Tarar optimistic about diplomatic, economic endeavours

 2024-04-18

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, on Wednesday, expressed optimism regarding Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic endeavours as the Saudi delegation showed an interest in investment in different sectors.

While highlighting the keen interest of friendly nations in Pakistan’s bilateral relations, attributing it to the country’s success, he said there were encouraging reports of economic improvement in international media, crediting the hard work of the prime minister and his team for the positive developments in this sphere.

The successful outcome of the prime minister’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia was underscored, with Tarar highlighting the subsequent high-level visit of a Saudi delegation to Pakistan. Discussions under the leadership of the Saudi foreign minister cantered around potential investments in minerals, tourism, and other key sectors.

Furthermore, Tarar revealed that a delegation from the private sector of Saudi Arabia is poised to visit Pakistan shortly, signalling promising avenues for economic cooperation between the two countries.

He said a high-level Saudi delegation will visit Pakistan in the coming months to conclude the agreements. A Saudi delegation from the private sector is also visiting Pakistan very soon, and their investments and partnerships with the Pakistani private sector will have a positive impact on the economy, he maintained.

In the upcoming days, the information minister announced the anticipation of delegation-level visits from allied nations. He highlighted that global financial institutions and independent analysts are acknowledging the government’s efforts towards economic advancement. Assuring that the fruits of this progress will trickle down to the general populace.

Talking about agriculture, Tarar announced expectations of a bumper crop of wheat in the country. To facilitate farmers, the target of wheat procurement will be augmented, with plans underway to correspond with all four provinces on this matter.

Briefing media persons about the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting, the minister said a letter would be sent to the four provinces to enhance their wheat procurement targets and set a good price for the commodity.

This letter will be written by the Ministry of National Food Security, Wednesday.

The information minister was confident that this decision would bring prosperity to the lives of farmers. He pointed out that the country has abundant stocks of wheat and a bumper wheat crop is expected this year. He said this situation will have a positive impact on the rural economy.

In a significant development, the federal cabinet has given the green light to various pivotal initiatives aimed at advancing education, fostering economic growth, and enhancing labour relations.

The establishment of the Institute of Modern Sciences in Wah Cantonment received approval during the recent Cabinet session. Additionally, the prime minister’s directives to streamline the process for establishing new universities and higher education institutions led to the formation of a committee, headed by the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training.

Furthermore, the Cabinet endorsed the Federal Public-Private Policy of Pakistan for the years 2023-2028. Emphasising the potential of public-private partnerships in accelerating economic growth, the Prime Minister urged all ministries to submit proposals under this framework.

In a move to strengthen labour relations, inspections, and professional safety and health, the Cabinet approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar’s Ministry of Labour and Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. Currently, there are three hundred thousand Pakistanis employed in Qatar, contributing 850 million rupees in foreign exchange remittances to Pakistan.

Celebrations for Eid al-Fitr were enhanced by messages of felicitation from various international leaders, highlighting Pakistan’s standing on the global stage.

In domestic affairs, Tarar noted the unsuccessful gathering of the opposition in Balochistan and criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership for its conflicting statements. Despite this, Tarar extended an invitation to the opposition to collaborate for the country’s progress.

The minister also shed light on corruption cases within the PTI, revealing that leaders of the party are serving jail time. He lamented the party’s inability to foster unity within its ranks, pointing to challenges in achieving cohesive governance.

The ECC also ratified/ approved 4th April 2024 decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet that allowed Rs 275 billion cash credit limit (CCL) to the provinces for procurement of wheat by PASSCO, Sindh, and the government of Balochistan.

The premier directed to form a committee to be headed by the Minister of Federal Education and Technical Training that would further improve the procedure for setting up new universities and higher education institutions.

The minister for petroleum, the minister of state for information technology and the attorney general would be members of the committee.

The federal cabinet, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allowed former ambassador Manzoor Ahmad Chaudhry to receive the Commandeur de I’Ordre National Award from the government of Cote d’Ivoire in recognition of his services.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the federal cabinet appointed Accountability Court-VIII Karachi as Special Court (Customs, Taxation and Anti-Smuggling-II), Accountability Court-III Hyderabad as Banking Court Mirpurkhas as well as Accountability Court-III Sukkur as Banking Court Ghotki, and Accountability Court-IV Sukkur as Banking Court Shaheed Benazirabad.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the federal cabinet gave its approval to authorise the Special Court-II (Anti-Terrorism) to hear cases reported under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Special Court II was assigned these powers as the judge of Special Court-I was gone on leave.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, the federal cabinet has granted approval for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Labour, Qatar and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis with respect to labour relations, labour inspections, occupational safety and health.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Planning and Special Initiatives, the federal cabinet has approved the Federal Public Private Policy of Pakistan 2023-2028.

Shehbaz Sharif directed all the ministries to submit their proposals regarding Public Private Partnership (PPP).

Speaking to the participants, the prime minister acknowledged ministers, secretaries and officials for making the visit of Saudi delegation a success and added that the visit would usher in a new era of economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

He added that Pakistan is grateful to Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, because of his special interest, the Saudi delegation visited Pakistan after his recent visit to the Kingdom. The premier continued that the Saudi delegation had been impressed by the preparation of the Pakistani side and this was acknowledged by the Saudi foreign minister.

The prime minister was confident that as a result of the visit of the Saudi delegation, billions of dollars in investment would be made in Pakistan.

Source: brecorder.com

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Mideast

 

Iran not after tension, informed US of retaliatory operation against Israel: Foreign minister

18 April 2024

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Tehran informed the United States of its plan to carry out strikes against Israel in retaliation for the regime's terrorist attack on the Islamic Republic's diplomatic premises in Syria.

Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks while speaking to IRNA early on Thursday upon his arrival in New York to attend a United Nations Security Council session on Palestine.

He said Tehran had informed Washington of its decision to punish Israel in line with the international law and legitimate right to self-defense following Israel's attacks against the consular section of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital of Damascus and the killing of its military advisors earlier this month.

Following Israel's bloody airstrikes, Iran told the UN secretary general that the Security Council must fulfill its duty to counter the regime's measures.

After the retaliatory response -- dubbed Operation True Promise -- on Sunday, Iran sent another message to the US through diplomatic channels to explicitly announce that it does not seek an escalation of tensions in the region, he added.

The top Iranian diplomat warned that Israel's behavior can lead to more tensions in the region.

Before the military operation against Israel, Iran told the US that it had no plan to hit American bases and interests in the region unless Washington carried out any measure to support the Tel Aviv regime's aggression, Amir-Abdollahian explained.

In a multi-pronged attack, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at the occupied territories in response to Israel's aggression on the Iranian diplomatic facilities in Damascus on April 1.

The Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus killed two generals of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, as well as five of their accompanying officers.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Amir-Abdollahian said the regional developments and the situation in the Gaza Strip have reached a "boiling point" and added that the Security Council's meeting will be an opportunity to outline Iran's stance on the necessity to establish sustainable peace and security in the region.

The Iranian foreign minister noted that he will hold talks with the UN chief and his counterparts as well as a number of senior heads of international bodies about an immediate end to Israel's war in the Gaza Strip and the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the war-stricken people.

Israel launched the brutal campaign in the Gaza Strip on October 7. The death toll from the regime’s genocidal atrocities now tops 34,000, mostly women and children.

Source: presstv.ir

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520 Palestinians killed, injured, missing in central Gaza Strip within week

Abdulsalam Fayez

18.04.2024

An Israeli army operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza has resulted in 520 killed, injured and missing people within a week, the Gaza media office said Wednesday.

Following the army’s withdrawal from the camp after an eight-day military operation, the office said “the Israeli occupation army committed a crime against humanity and against international law in the areas of Maghazi, Zahra and the New Camp north of Nuseirat.”

“The toll reached 520 martyrs, injured and missing and more than 13,000 housing units demolished within one week,” it added.

The Gaza media said “this comes within the framework of the genocide being waged by the Israeli army against Palestinian civilians, which the US administration supports and participates in.”

"During the Israeli occupation's aggression, 75 martyrs and 348 wounded were recorded who reached hospitals within a week, while 100 citizens were declared missing in the mentioned areas and have not been reached so far, especially in Maghazi,” it added.

The office pointed out that the Israeli army “destroyed 14 towers, residential buildings and dozens of homes belonging to citizens, displacing them from their towers, residential buildings, and homes under the threat of aircraft bombing and tank shells.”

The office also condemned “in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation's crimes against Palestinian civilians.”

It called on “all UN and international organizations and all free world countries to condemn this crime that the occupation has repeated hundreds of times in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the genocidal war against our Palestinian people.”

The media office held “the US administration and the international community, in addition to the Israeli occupation, fully responsible for these crimes and their consequences and effects on the lives of civilians.”

It demanded “all countries of the world to pursue the occupation and its leaders in international forums and courts and to prosecute them for the crime of genocide and their crimes against humanity.”

An Anadolu correspondent said the Israeli army completely withdrew from the northern part of the Nuseirat refugee camp, leaving behind massive destruction.

Israel has waged a military offensive on Gaza since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last October which killed nearly 1,200 people.???

Nearly 33,900 Palestinians have since been killed and 76,664 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.???

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

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

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered it to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Source: aa.com.tr

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2 more Hezbollah fighters killed in border clashes with Israel

Wassim Saifeddine

18.04.2024

Hezbollah announced Thursday the death of two of its members in the ongoing confrontations with the Israeli army in southern Lebanon.

The new fatalities brought to 278 Hezbollah fighters killed in clashes with Israeli forces since Oct. 8, 2023, according to an Anadolu tally.

On Wednesday, Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel resulted in 14 soldiers being injured, some seriously, according to a statement from the Israeli army.

Hezbollah said in a statement that “its elements targeted an Israeli enemy force while it was attempting to withdraw the military vehicle that was targeted yesterday, at the Metula site, with appropriate weapons, causing confirmed injuries.”

?Meanwhile, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli reconnaissance aircraft “intensified their flights at night and until the early hours of the morning over villages in the Tyre district, the coastal area, and over villages in the western sector.”

?In the early morning hours, gunfire was reported from the outskirts of the villages of Zahajra, Al-Bustan, and Aytat al-Shaab from Israeli positions in Birket Riche and from sites adjacent to the Blue Line in the western and central sectors, according to the news agency.

It also mentioned that the town of Khiam was subjected to intense airstrikes by Israeli warplanes after midnight, accompanied by concentrated shelling with phosphorus shells on the town.

Tension has flared along the border between Lebanon and Israel amid intermittent exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, in the deadliest clashes since the two sides fought a full-scale war in 2006.

The border tension comes amid an Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed nearly 33,900 people following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year.

Source: aa.com.tr

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Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 33,899

Apr 17, 2024

TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA) – The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 33,899, the Gaza Health Ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday.

The Israeli military killed 56 Palestinians and wounded 89 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 33,899 and injuries to 76,664.

The statement noted that some victims remained under the rubble amid heavy bombardment and a lack of rescue crews.

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

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

Source: mehrnews.com

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Jordan says Israeli retaliation for Iran strikes risks wider regional war

April 18, 2024

AMMAN: Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Wednesday an Israeli retaliation against Iranian strikes could bring a real risk of dragging the whole region into a devastating war.

In an interview released by state media, Safadi said his country was lobbying major powers against an escalation that would have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and security.

“The risks are enormous. That could drag the whole region into war, which would be devastating to us in the region and we’ll have very, very serious implications for the rest of the world including the U.S,” Safadi said.

“The situation is too dangerous. The chances of regional explosion are real, and that has got to stop. We’ve got to make sure there’s no further escalation,” he added.

Staunch US ally Jordan, with the help of American air defenses and support from the UK and France, shot down most of the Iranian drones and missiles that were flying over the country toward Jerusalem and a wide range of targets in Israel.

“Now the pressure should be on Israel not to escalate,” Safadi said, adding Tehran had said it attacked in retaliation for a suspected Israeli airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1 and would not go further unless Israel responded.

Jordan neighbors Syria and Iraq – both countries where Iranian proxy forces operate – and is next door to Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank

“We are in the middle of the fire, so both parties have to understand that we’ll do what we have to do to protect our own, and to prevent this escalation,” Safadi said.

Safadi warned that his country would act firmly in the event of another flare-up and that Jordan would not allow “either Iran or Israel to turn the kingdom into a battlefield.”

“We will take down any projectiles that threaten our peoples and violate our sovereignty, and pose a threat to Jordanians. And we made this clear to both Israel and Iran,” he said.

Iranian drones that came from the direction of Iraq and flew over southern Jordan and the city of Aqaba that were heading to Israel’s Eilat port were also intercepted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was using the confrontation with Iran to divert attention from Gaza, Safadi said. The Israeli leader should not be allowed to drag “Washington and major Western powers into a war with Iran,” he added.

Source: arabnews.com

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Hezbollah’s attack on Israeli military command center injures 14

April 17, 2024

BEIRUT: The Iran-backed Hezbollah launched on Wednesday “a combined attack with guided missiles and explosive drones on a military reconnaissance command center in Arab Al-Aramshe,” as it targeted the Israeli army south of the border with Lebanon.

The group claimed responsibility for the operation, saying that “it is in response to the killing of several resistance fighters in Ain Baal and Shehabiya in southern Lebanon.”

Israeli media outlets announced that “a kamikaze drone struck an Israeli army gathering in Arab Al-Aramshe, western Galilee, resulting in six casualties, at least.”

They added: “An Israeli army helicopter was hit while rescuing the injured in Arab Al-Aramshe.”

The Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya said that it had received 14 injured people.

Hezbollah has adopted new tactics of late. According to a security source, these “were seen last week, when it (Hezbollah) detonated explosive devices targeting Israeli soldiers on the border, injuring four Golani Brigade members.”

The source added that Hezbollah “has taken the confrontations to another level by directly targeting Israeli soldiers.”

Israeli forces launched immediate retaliation by bombing and targeting phosphorus bombs on the border area.

This region included the outskirts of Rachaya Al-Fekhar, Fardis, Al-Habbariyeh, Alma Al-Shaab, Dhahira, Marwahin, and Yarin, as well as the city of Nabatieh, where a house belonging to the Sayyed family was destroyed.

No casualties were reported in the incidents, but the border region has witnessed the Israeli military’s dramatic targeting and killing of two key figures.

Hezbollah is mourning the death of Ismail Youssef Baz, a senior commander of the organization, while the Amal Movement — an ally of Hezbollah — has been coming to terms with the death of Hussein Qasim Karsht.

Israeli media reported that Baz, who was killed in his car following a drone attack, was “the commander of Hezbollah’s coastal sector.”

It added: “He was working on promoting and planning the launching of rockets and anti-tank missiles toward Israel from the Lebanese coastline. During this ongoing war, he organized and planned to carry out various plans against Israel.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Thousands of frozen Gaza IVF embryos destroyed by Israeli strike

April 17, 2024

GAZA: When an Israeli shell struck Gaza’s largest fertility clinic in December, the explosion blasted the lids off five liquid nitrogen tanks stored in a corner of the embryology unit.

As the ultra-cold liquid evaporated, the temperature inside the tanks rose, destroying more than 4,000 embryos plus 1,000 more specimens of sperm and unfertilized eggs stored at Gaza City’s Al Basma IVF Center.

The impact of that single explosion was far-reaching — an example of the unseen toll Israel’s six-and-a-half-month-old assault has had on the 2.3 million people of Gaza.

The embryos in those tanks were the last hope for hundreds of Palestinian couples facing infertility.

“We know deeply what these 5,000 lives, or potential lives, meant for the parents, either for the future or for the past,” said Bahaeldeen Ghalayini, 73, the Cambridge-trained obstetrician and gynecologist who established the clinic in 1997.

At least half of the couples — those who can no longer produce sperm or eggs to make viable embryos — will not have another chance to get pregnant, he said.

“My heart is divided into a million pieces,” he said.

Asked on Wednesday about the incident, the Israeli military’s press desk said it was looking into the reports. Israel denies intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure and has accused Hamas fighters of operating from medical facilities, which Hamas denies.

Three years of fertility treatment was a psychological roller coaster for Seba Jaafarawi. The retrieval of eggs from her ovaries was painful, the hormone injections had strong side-effects and the sadness when two attempted pregnancies failed seemed unbearable.

Jaafarawi, 32, and her husband could not get pregnant naturally and turned to in vitro fertilization, which is widely available in Gaza.

Large families are common in the enclave, where nearly half the population is under 18 and the fertility rate is high at 3.38 births per woman, according to the Palestinian Bureau of Statistics. Britain’s fertility rate is 1.63 births per woman.

Despite Gaza’s poverty, couples facing infertility pursue IVF, some selling TVs and jewelry to pay the fees, Al Ghalayini said.

At least nine clinics in Gaza performed IVF, where eggs are collected from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. The fertilized eggs, called embryos, are often frozen until the optimal time for transfer to a woman’s uterus. Most frozen embryos in Gaza were stored at the Al Basma center.

In September, Jaafarawi became pregnant, her first successful IVF attempt.

“I did not even have time to celebrate the news,” she said.

Two days before her first scheduled ultrasound scan, Hamas launched the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and launched an all-out assault that has since killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

Jaafarawi worried: “How would I complete my pregnancy? What would happen to me and what would happen to the ones inside my womb?“

Her ultrasound never happened and Ghalayini closed his clinic, where an additional five of Jaafarawi’s embryos were stored.

As the Israeli attacks intensified, Mohammed Ajjour, Al Basma’s chief embryologist, started to worry about liquid nitrogen levels in the five specimen tanks. Top ups were needed every month or so to keep the temperature below -180C in each tank, which operate independent of electricity.

After the war began, Ajjour managed to procure one delivery of liquid nitrogen, but Israel cut electricity and fuel to Gaza, and most suppliers closed.

At the end of October, Israeli tanks rolled into Gaza and soldiers closed in on the streets around the IVF center. It became too dangerous for Ajjour to check the tanks.

Jaafarawi knew she should rest to keep her fragile pregnancy safe, but hazards were everywhere: she climbed six flights of stairs to her apartment because the elevator stopped working; A bomb leveled the building next door and blasted out windows in her flat; food and water became scarce.

Instead of resting, she worried.

“I got very scared and there were signs that I would lose (the pregnancy),” she said.

Jaafarawi bled a little bit after she and her husband left home and moved south to Khan Younis. The bleeding subsided, but her fear did not.

They crossed into Egypt on Nov. 12 and in Cairo, her first ultrasound showed she was pregnant with twins and they were alive.

But after a few days, she experienced painful cramps, bleeding and a sudden shift in her belly. She made it to hospital, but the miscarriage had already begun.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2494901/middle-east

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Hamas leader to visit Turkey for talks with Erdogan

April 18, 2024

Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, will travel to Turkey at the weekend to hold talks with President Tayyip Erdogan, while Ankara’s top diplomat met the Hamas leader during a visit to Doha on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Turkey, a NATO member, has denounced Israel’s offensive in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire. Erdogan has called Hamas a “liberation movement” while slamming the West for what he calls their unconditional support of Israel. Ankara has imposed trade restrictions on Israel.

“I will host the leader of the Palestinian cause at the weekend. We will discuss a number of issues,” Erdogan told lawmakers from his AK Party in parliament.

Haniyeh’s visit to Istanbul will be his first trip to Turkey since Israel began its campaign in Gaza on Oct. 7. It also comes amid escalating regional tensions, after Iran attacked Israel at the weekend in response to an Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1.

Erdogan said on Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders were solely responsible for the regional crisis, read the report.

In Doha, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Haniyeh to discuss humanitarian aid to Gaza, ceasefire efforts and talks on hostages. Hamas said in a statement it had conveyed its views on the ceasefire negotiations and its requirements, while reviewing “the importance and centrality of the Turkish role”.

Speaking later at a press conference alongside Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Fidan said the risk of a wider regional conflict persisted amid the Iran-Israel tensions, adding that countries which supported Israel should revise their positions.

TWO-STATE SOLUTION

He added that unity among Palestinians was needed to achieve a sovereign Palestinian state and two-state solution, and that he had conveyed Turkey’s position regarding a ceasefire in Gaza during his nearly 3-hour meeting with Haniyeh.

“We see that many actors in the West who are sympathetic to this, who want to support this idea (two-state solution) have concerns about Hamas,” Fidan said, adding that Israeli “propaganda” portraying Hamas as a terrorist group had exacerbated concerns about the group in the West.

“We exchanged views on their (Hamas’) need to openly share what sort of views, what sort of expectations they have within the solution leading to a Palestinian state to alleviate these perceptions.”

Fidan said Hamas had previously vowed to shut down its armed wing if a Palestinian state in line with 1967 borders were established, adding the group would then continue only as a political party. He said this was repeated to him during his talks on Wednesday, read the report.

Source: ariananews.af

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Africa

 

Muslim Youth Group Dedicates 50th Anniversary To Promotion Of Unity, Selflessness

Apr 17, 2024

Ejikeme Omenazu

LAGOS – The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organisation in Nigeria, also known as Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Nigeria (MKAN), warned strongly against the use of political and economic powers to hoodwink youths in Nigeria into perpetrating violence.

This position of the group was expressed by the National President, Abdur Roqib Akintunde Akinyemi, during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, who said MKAN is set to use every opportunity to correct some of the noticeable wrongs in the society, especially the wrong interpretations of Islam.

Akinyemi said the group had been consistent in its messages about Islam being a religion of tolerance, adding also that as a strong youth arm of Muslims in Nigeria, they would do everything possible to keep engaging with the youths to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of nefarious actors as tools for perpetrating evil acts.

Speaking further during the event to mark MKAN’s 50th anniversary celebration, Akinyemi urged Nigerian youths to resist any attempt by politicians or any set of people to use them to perpetrate violence.

They, instead, urged the youths to ask politicians or anyone who attempted to push them in that direction some deep probing questions that touch on their conscience, saying such is the only way the youths can contribute to solving the rampant cases of violent extremism and insecurity in the country.

He said: “My advice to every Nigerian youth that is being approached to work as a thug is that they should ask the person asking them to become their thugs to give their daughter’s hand in marriage to them so that they can continue the legacy of violence they want to build.

“I am sure if few youths do this, those recruiting them for violence would have a rethink because no right thinking person would want a thug as a son-in-law.”

Akinyemi said MKAN on its part, is willing to team up with the Nigerian government to deepen unity for peaceful coexistence among citizens.

According to Akinyemi, MKAN has deliberately created a set of activities for this year’s IJTEMA, the Golden Jubilee, to promote unity, compassion and selflessness among the citizens.

This, he said, are pillars upon which Nigeria can derive speedy progress in forging peaceful coexistence for development.

According to him, MKAN is committed to spreading the true teachings of Islam, by promoting moral training, offering humanitarian services, and advocating peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths.

These ideals, Akinyemi said, are all part of what the group shall be using the opportunity of the IJTEMA 2024 to propagate.

“This convention serves as a platform for strengthening relationships, fostering love and brotherhood amongst our youth. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to extend our hands in friendship and humanity to our host community, as espoused by the beautiful teachings of Islam,” he said.

Speaking more on how the group will be relevant to Nigeria’s revival, he said, “With the theme “Unveiling the Impacts of Sustaining a Legacy for Service to Humanity,” MKAN’s intends to use the opportunity of this landmark event, which goes beyond mere gathering to showcase our earnest endeavor to address the challenges facing Nigeria today and pave the way for a brighter future.”

It is in this regard that the Muslim youth group has called upon leaders at all levels to prioritise the welfare of the people they serve, fostering an environment of inclusivity, justice, and opportunity for all.

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the group has lined up a series of activities aimed at deepening their message of compassion, selflessness and unity. These include a free medical outreach program scheduled to hold on Thursday April 18 at the Dutse, FCT. This will be followed by road procession on Saturday 20th, which the National President said is intended to be used to educate the populace on true teachings of Islam, promoting peaceful co-existence, tolerance, and showcasing the level of our commitment to national development.

The group has also planned to engage in a series of Community Development Services within the FCT including the maintenance of a major road at Dutse.

“The 50th Annual MKAN Ijtema promises to be an unforgettable event, replete with a plethora of educational, sporting, and intellectual activities; in Speech Contest, Quranic Recitation, Quiz Competition, Scrabble, and Message Delivery, Athletics, Football, Table Tennis, Arm Wrestling, among others,” Akinyemi disclosed.

Source: independent.ng

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https://independent.ng/muslim-youth-group-dedicates-50th-anniversary-to-promotion-of-unity-selflessness/

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Heavy punishment awaits persons threatening Nigeria’s unity – Tinubu

18th April 2024

Stephen Angbulu

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, promised harsh consequences for persons who pit themselves against Nigeria’s sovereignty and security.

He also said his administration had made considerable gains against banditry and kidnapping through intensified campaigns buoyed by intelligence gathering.

“Those who think they can threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria will have themselves to blame. They have a price to pay. And we are not going to relent,” Tinubu said when he received leaders of the Yoruba socio-political Organisation, Afenifere, at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

The delegation was led by the leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Oba Olu Falae, and other eminent citizens.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, AjuriNgelale, revealed the details of Wednesday’s talks in a statement titled, ‘President Tinubu receives leaders of Afenifere, says the administration is resolute in achieving economic security in a fair and equitable system for all Nigerians.’

Speaking on security, the President declared that those who threatened the sovereignty of Nigeria would pay a heavy price.

The declaration by Tinubu came days after Yoruba Nation agitators, dressed in military camouflage and armed with guns, stormed the Oyo State Government Secretariat, attempting to hoist the Yoruba Nation flag on the premises of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

The Yoruba Nation promoters are seeking the breakaway of the Yoruba people from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They contended that the interest of the Yoruba people had not been adequately protected in Nigeria, saying their welfare would be better taken care of under a separate sovereign entity to be known as Yoruba Nation.

But Tinubu speaking on Wednesday, vowed to keep Nigeria as one.

The President said, “I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy. Constitutional democracy has been reflected greatly here since we assumed office. What we face now is the challenge of terrorism.

“Security of life and property is necessary for development. I can tell you we are achieving success. We have degraded terrorism to a level that it can no longer threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“Banditry and kidnapping will be defeated. And there is no payment of ransom whatsoever. We are taking the battle to them. We are getting results more rapidly than before. We are working hard on intelligence gathering.”

The President said his administration was re-engineering Nigeria’s finances and seeking to boost citizens’ purchasing power and spread prosperity by instituting a credit system where the element of cash does not impede a significantly enhanced standard of living for all citizens.

He argued that Nigeria must first secure itself economically before achieving its more sophisticated objectives.

“We are committed to our country’s economic survival. To re-engineer our country’s finances, we must start in earnest,” he explained.

According to Tinubu, this will require first retooling, revamping the economic opportunities available, and continuing to take the necessary firm, steady baby steps.

“Education is a strong weapon against poverty. To empower the people, we must invest in the future of our youths.

“We have seen the problems parents face in training their children in school; it is why we established the National Student Loan Programme, which is taking off well,” he explained.

He assured the Yoruba leaders that his administration would emphasise the Consumer Credit Scheme and provide allowances for the unemployed to reduce the high unemployment rate.

“We must help vulnerable people by providing social security.

“We are looking at how to provide allowances for the unemployed, and we are developing ways to boost the purchasing power of citizens with the Consumer Credit Scheme.

“If we remove the cash upfront element to buy a car or a house, we will reduce the propensity for fraud and corruption across the land,” President Tinubu said.

He thanked the delegation for their prayers and support and assured them he would not relent in his resolve to advance Nigeria.

“God bless Nigeria. God bless our unity; our diversity must bring prosperity for all for the sake of Nigeria,” Tinubu concluded.

Earlier in his remarks, Oba Olu Falae commended the President for his courageous decisions, the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, and other critical ongoing projects.

Oba Falae urged the President not to relent in ensuring fairness and equity for all Nigerians while noting the importance of a constitutional amendment to devolve more powers to the states.

He said, “We are delighted about what you are doing for our country, and we assure you of our continued support.

“We thank you for visiting Akure in February 2024 and believe it is proper to reciprocate your kind gesture.

“We appreciate this relationship, and we need to make it work in the interest of Nigeria.”

Describing President Tinubu as the most important political figure in Africa, the monarch conveyed the elders’ expectations of him to lead the country with knowledge, courage and integrity.

“We have no doubt that your tenure will mark a turning point in our country’s history. Under your leadership, Nigeria will be repositioned,” he said.

The Afenifere Chief also promised firm support for the President, saying, “We will stand by you as you make all efforts to improve the Nigeria story. Be assured that Afenifere will not abandon you in fair or foul weather. As long as you remain faithful to the principles of fairness, integrity, and courage expected of you as the leader of Nigeria, we will stand by you.”

Source: punchng.com

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https://punchng.com/heavy-punishment-awaits-persons-threatening-nigerias-unity-tinubu/

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UN chief appeals for more attention for eastern DRC

APRIL 18, 2024

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Wednesday appealed for more attention to be given to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as he visited a camp for displaced people in Goma.

Thousands of Congolese have been forced to flee their homes due to a conflict between the Congolese army and M23 rebels, leading to what the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says is one of the worst displacement crises in the world.

Faida Bauma, who was displaced from Masis with her four children, bemoaned the camp’s miserable living conditions and the ongoing violence that residents suffer.

“They fired bullets that crossed here. Look at the conditions in which we live, when it rains here we suffer, look at where we sleep, when it rains we fold our mattresses. We are going to die here, people are even raped. So there are several cases of violations happening here caused by the military,” she said.

Another internally displaced woman, AminathaKasole of Kitshanga, pleaded, “May God help us so that the war ends and people return to their respective areas, because we live in poor conditions, we have nothing here. Please let this war end so we can return home.”

Turk's visit comes as the security situation in eastern DR Congo continues to deteriorate following ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels near Goma.

Turk spoke to displaced people in the camp during his visit, and said to the media: “We have to take this situation very seriously. We have a lot of conflicts in the world, and sometimes I have the impression that we forget the situation here. And I came here to bring the attention of the international community onto the tragedy that is happening here.”

An OCHA report released Tuesday stated that since the start of 2024, more than 738,000 people have been newly displaced in the DRC, bringing the total to around 7.2 million displaced people.

It specified that “women represent 51% of the displaced population”.

Since the end of 2021, the province of North Kivu has been gripped by a conflict between the M23, which Kinshasa and the UN accuse of being supported by Rwanda, and the Congolese army associated with armed groups and two foreign military companies.

The DRC accuses Rwanda and its “auxiliaries” of the M23 of wanting to take control of the minerals of eastern Congolese. M23 claims to defend a threatened segment of the population and demands negotiations, which Kinshasa refuses, excluding discussions with “terrorists”.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/04/18/un-chief-appeals-for-more-attention-for-eastern-drc/

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Under Lagos Bridges, Accuses Sanwo-Olu Government Of Criminalising Poor People

April 17, 2024

The Take It Back Movement has condemned the “callous actions” of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in its recent sweeps of the pedestrian bridges at IkateElegushi and Agungi, Ajah.

It further condemned the arrest of 12 young Nigerians, saying they were merely trying to find shelter under the bridge or in the underpass.

The group described the arrest as “not only an egregious misuse of power but also a chilling indication of the Lagos State Government’s apathy towards its most vulnerable citizens”.

“This kind of inhumane treatment can never be tolerated,” it added.

A statement by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon noted that the state government’s inability to provide affordable housing for residents is the core reason for the “dire predicament of these vulnerable individuals”.

It said, “Sky-high rents and a crippling lack of suitable housing options have pushed many young Nigerians onto the streets. Rather than address this pressing crisis, the government has opted to treat these citizens as criminals, demonizing their desperate fight for survival.

“The young Nigerians arrested in these raids are symbols of a much broader systemic problem that demands compassionate, human-centered solutions.

“They are not the root cause; they are the casualties of a broken system. To treat them as offenders, when in reality they are victims, is to perpetuate a cycle of injustice that fails to acknowledge the complexity and severity of the issue.

“The Take It Back Movement is acutely aware of the pervasive and longstanding issue of poverty and homelessness in Nigeria. However, we vehemently argue that the government must confront this crisis from a stance of human dignity and respect, rather than punishment and censure.

“The Lagos State Government must acknowledge that homelessness is not a standalone issue, but a symptom of broader societal ills, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate social safety nets. Only by addressing these root causes can real change be achieved.”

in the face of the pressing humanitarian crisis, the organisation urged the government to take a “multifaceted approach that simultaneously tackles the underlying causes of poverty and homelessness, while also providing immediate aid and support to those in dire straits”.

It said, “Without this holistic strategy, any efforts to combat homelessness will be little more than a band-aid on a deeper wound.

“The Take It Back Movement implores the Lagos State Government to refocus its efforts on creating sustainable housing options and attacking the structural issues that lead to homelessness, rather than deploying heavy-handed tactics that merely displace individuals from public spaces.

“Moreover, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of the individuals arrested in these raids, recognizing that their detention is a symptom of the larger societal injustices at play.

“In summary, the Lagos State Government’s maltreatment of these young Nigerians is a chilling illustration of a system that values superficial image over basic human dignity.

“The act of arresting and criminalizing those who are merely seeking shelter not only violates their rights but dehumanizes them, treating them as disposable.”

“This kind of behavior is not only morally reprehensible but also reveals the inherent flaws of a system that prioritizes appearance over substance,” it added.

Source: saharareporters.com

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https://saharareporters.com/2024/04/17/take-it-back-movement-condemns-arrest-detention-homeless-youths-seeking-shelter-under

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Al-Sunni: Any initiatives presented must be effective and practical and can be implemented within a specific timetable

2024-04-17

New York, April 17, 2024 (LANA) - Libya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, “Taher Muhammad Al-Sunni,” stressed that any initiatives presented must be effective and practical that can be implemented and on a specific timetable, aiming to reach agreement on the controversial and outstanding points in order to hold transparent, and fair elections with fair laws that can be applied and whose results are respected by everyone, in order to end the fragile transitional stages and build unified state, legislative and executive institutions, that derive their legitimacy from the people.

Al-Sunni said in his speech yesterday, Tuesday, before the Security Council: More than thirteen years have passed since my country was placed under Chapter Seven, and nearly nine envoys have passed by us, and the question that is always on the minds of Libyans is: How long will this situation continue? What can the Security Council do after its inability throughout these years to end its division and stop direct and indirect interference in the country, which has worsened till we have reached where we are today?

He explained that the Libyan people, who are following the Security Council sessions, have come to know in advance that nothing new will result from them, except for some repeated statements, and the continuation of the political wrestling arena, then waiting for the next session and the next, which unfortunately will not differ from the previous ones, because the decisions that are issued do not It is implemented, and because obstructionists will not be detected locally or internationally and will not be held accountable.

Al-Sunni pointed out that the time has come to lift Libya from Chapter Seven and end the series of sanctions, because there is no point or meaning for it to remain in this state, adding that perhaps then we will find for ourselves and on our own a way out of this crisis, and we can, with the determination of our children, end the foreign presence on our land.

Source: lana.gov.ly

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https://lana.gov.ly/post.php?id=305591&lang=en

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Europe

 

Pope Francis invites faithful to pray for people caught in wars

April 17, 2024

Pope Francis invited faithful on Wednesday to pray for all people suffering in conflicts around the world, and urged the liberation of prisoners of war.

"Our thought at this time, all of us, goes to the populations at war. Let's think of the Holy Land, Palestine, Israel, let's think of Ukraine, of the martyred Ukraine", he said.

"Let us think of the prisoners of war that may the Lord move the will to free them all," he continued.

He then condemned torture: "it's not human" he said, adding that it hurts "the dignity of the person."

The Pope has often called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking conflicting parties to follow the path of negotiations.

During easter Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/04/17/pope-francis-invites-faithful-to-pray-for-people-caught-in-wars/

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Families slam ‘partial justice’ as mosques fireball attacker avoids jail

17 APR 2024

Nick Horner

Relatives of a worshipper who was set alight outside a Birmingham mosque said they had been denied full justice after his attacker avoided jail. Mohammed Abbkr doused Mohammed Rayaz in petrol and set him alight after the 70-year-old left Dudley Road Mosque in Edgbaston on March 20 last year.

The attack came three weeks after Abbkr attacked 82-year-old Hashi Odowa in identical fahion as he left West Ealing Islamic Centre in west London on February 27. The 29-year-old, of Gillott Road, Edgbaston, was arrested on March 21, a day after the Birmingham attack after police tracked him heading back to Dudley Road Mosque.

He was found guilty of two attempted murders last November following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. Today, Wednesday, April 17, he was handed a hospital order rather than a life prison sentence after a judge found he was suffering from a ‘severe mental illness’ - paranoid schizophrenia - at the time of the attacks.

Abbkr’s indefinite hospital order means he will not be released without Government approval. But Mr Rayaz’s family said they had expected a life sentence given the nature of the crimes which caused ‘national outrage’.

Speaking outside Birmingham Crown Court after the sentencing hearing, Mr Rayaz's son, Mohammed Ayaz, said: “It’s difficult [what to say to dad about what happened in court on Wednesday]. Words can’t explain the decision that’s been given.

“Ideally what I would have liked in a normal situation was telling my father, he’s (Akkbr) getting a life sentence as per the sentencing guidelines. Two attempted murders is due for a life sentence. But obviously saying to father it’s not going to happen. He’s going to go to a hospital.

“I think we’ve got partial justice that for now he won’t be released. But it remains to be seen down the line what will happen next.”

He continued: “Dad is obviously not the same. He will never be the same. The two families won’t be the same. He’s got physical scars which will probably stay all of his life.

“He’s got scars on his head, hands, pigments. Also something like this is going to stay for all of our lives.”

The family’s solicitor, Shahbon Hussain, also spoke outside the court after the hearing. He said: “Although we didn’t get the result we wanted today, we’d like to thank those who have assisted the families in these difficult moments.

“The community has been left shocked by two unprovoked attacks on elderly and vulnerable worshippers. The two attacks had a striking resemblance and the hallmarks of a coward looking for his vulnerable prey. The attacks caused not only local but national outrage.”

Mr Hussain said he spoke to Mohammed Rayaz after the incident and said: “Having spoken to the victim of the Birmingham attack, the visible signs of the trauma were clear.

“The first words uttered by the victims was ‘why did he attack me? Why did he set me on fire?’ Something the victims may never get the answer to or come to terms with.

“The attacks have had a devastating effect on the families. Some of them needing counselling and taking prolonged time off work, trying to understand what motivated this individual in committing such heinous crimes.

“Had it not been for the actions of the local community of north Edgbaston I believe he would have gone on to commit further crimes.”

Mr Hussain spoke of his shock when told about the attack and said: “I was in disbelief when I received a message from Ayaz that his father had been set on fire.

“That evening it took me six hours to obtain CCTV footage of the defendant’s every step. I had two meetings with councillors and the counter terrorism unit the following morning before the defendant was apprehended by us and taken into custody.

“Justice has been served to some extent, however, the respected families will have to endure the pain and suffering of the incidents for the rest of their lives. We would like to thank West Midlands Police, the counter terrorism unit, West Midlands Ambulance and fire service for the support they have offered the respected families.

“We would also like to thank the councillors of both Edgbaston and especially the local community for apprehending the attacker. We are hoping they can now lead their lives with some normality.”

Source: birminghammail.co.uk

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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/families-slam-partial-justice-mosques-29014866

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UK, Italy call on Israel to stop any move fuelling tensions in West Asia region

18 April 2024

Britain and Italy have called on Israel to refrain from any acts that will fuel tensions in West Asia, days after Iran punished the regime for its terrorist attack against the Islamic Republic’s diplomatic premises in Syria.

Speaking on a visit to the occupied al-Quds on Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron warned that an escalation of regional tensions is in “no one's interest.”

“We hope that anything Israel does is as limited and as targeted and as smart as possible,” he said after meeting Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The top British diplomat also took to X to say that any Israeli act “must do as little to escalate this conflict as possible,” noting that the focus should be on getting more aid into the Gaza Strip and releasing Israeli captives held in the Palestinian territory.

On April 1, Israeli warplanes bombed the consular annex of Iran's embassy in Damascus. The terrorist air raid killed 13 people, including seven military advisers of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

During the weekend, Iran exercised its inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and conducted a large-scale retaliatory operation that involved firing hundreds of missiles and drones at military sites in the occupied lands.

Left humiliated by the major attack, Israel mulls next move but its allies have called for restraint amid fears of a regional war.

In remarks similar to those by Cameron, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he had spoken to his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, and urged the regime to not only de-escalate any reaction to Iran but to refrain from a planned offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

“I reiterated this message and I believe … a similar message will be sent,” during a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) nations in the Italian island of Capri, he told state-run RAI television.

Also in an interview with Italian daily La Stampa, Tajani called on Israel to halt its Gaza onslaught.

“Now a ceasefire is necessary. Israel must stop the military operations that have massively affected the Palestinian population” he said.

Israel waged a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime’s intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

So far, Israel has killed at least 33,899 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 76,664 others.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/04/18/723893/UK-Italy-Israel-tensions-Iran-West-Asia

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Israeli military’s new killing tactic: ‘Drones luring Palestinians to their death’

17 April 2024

The Israeli regime’s military has reportedly come up with a new killing tactic, which features its drones playing sounds of crying children and women to lure Palestinians out before opening fire at them.

The Middle East Eye news and analysis website carried the report on Wednesday, citing residents of the Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip, which is enduring a genocidal Israeli war.

The locals reported venturing out of their houses to find the source of the sounds before being shot at by the loitering Israeli quadcopters playing them.

"I heard a woman crying and screaming for help, saying, ‘Help me, my son was martyred.’ The sounds were coming from the street and they were bizarre," said Samira Abu al-Leil, a 49-year-old resident of the camp.

“Some men rushed out to the rescue, only to be shot by the quadcopters that kept roaming all night long," she added.

Another resident said that, over the previous three days, there had been at least 12 injuries due to quadcopter fire.

“This morning alone, we rescued six people who were wounded in the neighborhood. The injuries were serious: some were shot directly in the head,” the resident said.

According to the residents, the audio recordings also included songs in both Hebrew and Arabic, including children’s songs, sounds of clashes and moving tanks, voices of Palestinian armed men, and voices of local roaming vendors of cleaning products familiar to residents of Gaza.

Israel began taking Gaza under the war on October 7 following Operation al-Aqsa Storm by the territory’s resistance movements, which was launched in response to escalation of the regime’s decades-long campaign of occupation and aggression against Palestinians.

More than 34,000 Palestinians, mostly women, children, and adolescents, have died in the brutal military onslaught so far.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/04/17/723881/Israel-military-new-killing-tactic-drones-crying-children-women-Gaza-war

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On Israel visit, German FM urges ‘restraint’ after Iran’s massive attack

 17 April 2024

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was in Israel. She urged “prudent restraint” against the backdrop of Iran’s Operation True Promise against the occupying regime in retaliation for its April 1 bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

Baerbock on Wednesday said she had made clear during her talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, and others that West Asia must not get into a perilous situation.

“The region must not slide into a situation whose outcome is completely unpredictable,” she told reporters.

“Everyone must now act prudently and responsibly. I am not talking about giving in. I am talking about prudent restraint,” Baerbock said, before departing Israel for a Group of Seven (G7) meeting where she said she would discuss new sanctions against Iran.

The G7 foreign ministers gathered on the Italian island of Capri later in the day. The group reiterated support for Israel.

In the multi-pronged Operation True Promise on April 13, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at the occupied territories.

Operation True Promise has inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied territories. The extent of damage is yet to be specified.

The Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus killed two generals of the Quds Force of IRGC, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, as well as five of their accompanying officers.

Following Iran’s attack, Israel says it must retaliate to preserve the credibility of its deterrence.

Iran has already warned Israel against taking any retaliatory actions and also urged the United States to keep away from involvement in the conflict and signaled that it viewed the matter as “concluded.”

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/04/17/723866/German-FM-restraint-Iran-Israel

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Swiss lawmakers vote to ban Nazi symbols including flags, gestures and speech

17 April 2024

GENEVA, Switzerland — Swiss lawmakers on Wednesday voted in favor of banning the display of extremist and racist symbols, starting with those of a Nazi nature.

The National Council lower house of parliament voted 133 to 38 in favor of banning the public use of racist, violence-promoting and extremist symbols, such as Nazi symbols.

Switzerland, which stayed neutral during World War II, has come under pressure to fall in line with a number of other European countries which have banned the display or use of Nazi symbols, including Germany, Poland and several other eastern European nations.

The Swiss parliament as a whole is now in favor after the Council of States, the upper house of the Federal Assembly, voted for such a ban in December.

The plans would also cover gestures, words, salutes or flags. The National Council also voted 132 to 40 for the measures to be introduced in stages — a move the government supports.

A ban on easily identifiable Nazi symbols could be implemented quickly, while other racist and extremist symbols could be identified and banned further down the line.

A swastika drawn onto an election placard of the anti-immigrant Swiss People’s Party (SVP) in downtown Zurich, October 18, 2003. (JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP)

“We don’t want a swastika or a Hitler salute in our country, ever!” said Green lawmaker Raphael Mahaim.

“Today, in Switzerland, it is possible, it is even permitted, to display a flag with a swastika on your balcony. It is possible to put a flag bearing the image of the SS on the windshield of your car. It is possible to give the Hitler salute in public spaces.

“This situation is intolerable.”

Debate on other symbols

Justice Minister Beat Jans said the government, called the Federal Council, had hitherto relied on prevention as the main pillar against racism, but now thinks legal measures are needed.

“Antisemitic incidents, particularly those involving the use of Nazi symbols, have increased sharply in recent times,” he said. “Against this background, the Federal Council decided last week that it is positive about the gradual implementation of the motion.”

He said the government wanted to introduce a special law which would mean fines could therefore be imposed.

As for banning Nazi symbols first, Mahaim accepted that debates on other symbols “will be much more difficult.”

“For example, what about the Z symbol of Putin’s army of aggression? What about the Ku Klux Klan symbol? What about the hammer and sickle symbol?” he said.

The no votes and abstentions all came from the hard-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP), which is the largest faction in the lower chamber.

SVP lawmaker Barbara Steinemann said Switzerland had successfully been able to keep extremism down to “a base of a few meaningless weirdos.” She said a ban on symbols would not prevent the “rampant” antisemitic attitudes in universities and “intellectual milieus.”

Steinemann claimed Nazi symbolism had risen only since the October 7 Hamas terror assault in Israel and the start of the subsequent war in Gaza, and “even if you don’t like to hear it, this is the influence of immigration from non-European cultures,” she said.

“We are literally engaging in symbolic politics, and we shouldn’t be doing that,” the Zurich lawmaker said.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/swiss-lawmakers-vote-to-ban-nazi-symbols-including-flags-gestures-and-speech/

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British Muslims attacked by Israeli forces during prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Gulcin Kazan Doger 

17.04.2024

A group of British Muslims visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in East Jerusalem claimed they were forcibly removed and assaulted by Israeli forces, denouncing the incident as a restriction on worship and a blatant violation of human rights.

According to eyewitnesses Raz Ahmed, Ismail Hasan, and Syed Ibrahim, they were targeted by Israeli soldiers while performing prayers at the Bab al-Rahma prayer hall inside the mosque complex on the eve of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

"We were in Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Bab al-Rahma masjid, which is on the left side of the Dome of the Rock, and we were praying. I sat down and then a man, who was probably about 6 feet tall, came and pulled me literally with a lot of force," Syed Ibrahim said.

“He dragged me out. He put his boots on top of my feet quite hard. Then again, that same person with a baton hit me again, and hit my watch. He cracked my watch into pieces. The Israeli soldiers were causing commotion for absolutely no reason,” he added.

Ismail Hasan, who attempted to record the mosque raid, described his experience, saying: "One of the soldiers pointed me out and said, ‘Look, he's recording.’ So they grabbed me by the t-shirt, and pushed me outside, punching my back, and kicking my legs."

"I knew what they were trying to do. They're trying to intimidate me just to get a reaction. So I was just smiling, saying what did I do? What did I do? And I know the cowards, because if you look at them in the eye and ask them, they look away, they cannot answer," Hasan said.

- ‘He pointed gun in my face’

Raz Ahmed, another witness to the violence, said his prayer was interrupted due to the Israeli soldiers' raid.

“A soldier pushed me, but I did not move. He pushed me again and told me to go to the corner,” Ahmed said.

"I said listen, we are here to pray. At that point, one of the guys pointed a gun in my face, and then chest. I said what?" he said.

"And then he just put it down and said don't move. What they were doing was to intimidate us for no reason at all," he added.

Drawing attention to the fact that Muslims have not been able to worship freely in Palestine, Ahmed said: "This is something the Palestinian people face every day. This is an open apartheid system. We are experiencing it now, but the Palestinian people face this every day. And let's not forget the genocide happening in Gaza. Everything is interconnected.”

UK-based advocacy group CAGE on X urged British Foreign Secretary David Cameron to condemn the attack on these British worshipers by the Israeli soldiers.

"The apartheid entity that the govt unequivocally supports is currently under investigation by the ICJ for the intent to commit genocide as Israel continues to wage its war against the Palestinian people of Gaza," CAGE said.

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack led by Hamas in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed.

Nearly 33,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in Gaza, and over 76,500 injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

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

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in January issued an interim ruling ordering Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide, and guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/british-muslims-attacked-by-israeli-forces-during-prayer-at-al-aqsa-mosque/3194376

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