First Time in History, Namaz on Eid Was Offered Inside Mosques, Not On Roads in Delhi: Lt Governor
New Age Islam News Bureau
12 April 2024
Thousands
offer Id-ul-Fitr namaz at Jama Masjid on April 11. | Photo Credit: SHASHI
SHEKHAR KASHYAP
-----
·
First
Time In History, Namaz On Eid Was Offered Inside Mosques, Not On Roads In
Delhi: Lt Governor
·
Buddhism,
Sikhism, Jainism Separate From Hinduism; Gujarat Govt Asks Hindus To Seek Permission
To Convert
·
Three Teenagers,
Two Girls And One Boy, Suspected Of Planning An Islamic Extremist Attack
Arrested In Germany
·
Eid
al-Fitr Celebrated In Beijing’s Historical Nanxiapo Mosque
·
Pakistan
Designates Zainebiyoun Brigade As Terrorist Group
----
India
·
BJP
Doesn't Discriminate Between Hindus, Muslims, Christians, And Jews: Defence
Minister
·
'Free
Palestine' Protest During Eid Prayers Leads To Minor Altercation With Police In
Aligarh
·
BJP
Ramnagar candidate reaches out to Muslims on Eid-ul-Fitr, seeks support for
bypoll
·
Eid-ul-Fitr
celebrated in Assam, People Pray For Formation Of Inclusive Govt
·
6,000
workers from India to be brought to Israel during April-May
·
India
ready to assist Pakistan in combating terrorism: Rajnath Singh
·
Border
blurs at Zero Point in Jhakuatari on Eid, as locals from India, Bangladesh
gather for Namaz
----
Europe
·
Russia,
Germany And UK Urge Restraint As Iranian Threat Puts Middle East On Edge
·
Germany
warns of regional war amid heightened Israel-Iran tensions
·
Europe
turning blind eye to Hamas and Hezbollah networks in its territory, experts say
·
‘Gaza War
Didn’t Come Out Of The Blue’: French PM Defends Israel In Parliament
·
Israel
Holocaust survivors get German pay-out amid Gaza war
·
San
Francisco man arrested after allegedly vandalizing mosque, leaving community
'living in fear'
------
Southeast
Asia
·
Malaysian
Advisory Group Applauds Decision To Abolish 1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law
·
Suspected
Israeli Mobster Pleads Not Guilty To Firearms Offenses In Malaysia
·
Religious
Tourism Destinations during Eid Holidays in Bandung: Visit Al Jabbar Mosque and
Bandung Grand Mosque
·
Malaysia
strongly condemns attack by the Israeli regime during Aidilfitri
·
Thai FM
visits border town following clashes in Myanmar
·
Indonesian
Super Hercules lands home after Gaza humanitarian mission
·
S'poregovt
committed to protect all minorities, including Muslims, Jews: Shanmugam on Gaza
conflict
-------
Pakistan
·
Muslims
across US remember Palestine, Pakistan in Eid prayers
·
Man
gunned down in Karachi for resisting robbery during Eid-ul-Fitr
·
'Jailed
Qureshi hopeful for justice after IHC judges letter'
·
'88
terrorists killed in 2024 so far': IG KP on security situation in province
·
In call
with Iran's president, Zardari vows to boost Pak-Iran bilateral cooperation
------
Mideast
·
Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps & Quds Force - Leading Iran's Fight Against
Israel
·
UN
Security Council Calls For ‘Transparent’ Investigation Of Gaza Aid Worker
Deaths
·
Israel
threatens to invade Rafah, return to Khan Younis after carnage
·
President
Raeisi: Killing of Haniyeh family members sign of Israel's desperation
·
Israeli
settlers set fire to Palestinian home, car in occupied West Bank
·
Gaza
death toll exceeds 33,500 as Israeli attacks continue
·
Turkey’s
ban on exports to Israel deals fresh blow to war-battered building industry
·
Israel
expects Iranian attack within upcoming 48 hours - WSJ
----
North
America
·
Netanyahu
‘One Of The Most Destructive Public Servants’ Of Last Quarter Century: US
Senator
·
Rival
'Factions' Of 'Young People' Exchange Gunfire In Crowd Of 1,000 Gathered For
Muslim Celebration In Philadelphia: Police
·
Afghanistan
Withdrawal Probe Sparks Anxiety Within Biden Administration: US’s McCaul
·
After
ISIS attack in Moscow, FBI chief warns similar plans may be brewing in US
·
Argentina
court blames ‘terrorist state’ Iran for 1990s attacks
·
CAIR-SFBA
Condemns UC Berkeley Professor’s Alleged Assault on Palestinian Muslim Law
Student
·
CAIR-NY
Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Anti-Muslim Subway Station Attack
·
Resolution
condemning attacks on temples and Hinduphobia introduced in U.S. Congress
----
Arab
World
·
From
Ardah To Samri: Diriyah Festivities Bring Saudi Culture To Life
·
Saudi
foreign minister discusses Gaza in calls with US, Algeria
·
Donations
to national charity campaign in Ramadan exceed SR1.8 billion
·
Saudi
Arabia Announces the Inaugural Protected Areas Forum ‘HIMA’
·
Presidency
of Religious Affairs of Two Holy Mosques Enriches Visitors’ Experience During
Eid Al-Fitr
·
Saudi
minister praises security personnel for successful Umrah season
---
South
Asia
·
US Emphasizes
UN Special Envoy Appointment For Afghanistan
·
Taliban Claims
Killing Two ISIS Members In Eastern Afghanistan
·
Muttaqi
Condemns Israeli Strikes, Expresses Solidarity with Hamas
·
Officials:
Over 20,000 Afghan Children Expelled from Iran in Last Year
·
Eid
brought sorrow for Bangladeshis: Fakhrul
·
AL comes
to power to give while BNP to take: PM
-------
Africa
·
Pray For
Nigeria’s Economic Turnaround,Christ Apostolic Church Cleric Prophet OluAlo
Urges Muslims
·
Christian
Elders To Tinubu: Nigerian Under Invasion From Foreign Elements, Religious
Extremists
·
Kenya
proposes maritime treaty to defuse Ethiopia-Somalia tensions
·
Eid-el-
Fitr: Reps minority caucus tasks Muslims on national unity
·
Sudan's
civil war enters its first year: Famine looms large
·
Muslim
Community In Rivers Visits APC Chairman, Honours Him With Yoruba Honorary
Title, Gbobaniyi
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/namaz-eid-mosques-delhi-roads/d/132127
-----
First Time In History, Namaz On Eid Was Offered Inside
Mosques, Not On Roads In Delhi: Lt Governor VK Saxena
Thousands
offer Id-ul-Fitr namaz at Jama Masjid on April 11. | Photo Credit: SHASHI
SHEKHAR KASHYAP
-----
11.04.24
Lt Governor VK Saxena said this year's Eid was perhaps
for the first time in the history of Delhi that 'Namaz' was offered inside
mosques and not on the roads, and added that it was an excellent example of
harmony and co-existence.
Saxena greeted people on the occasion of Eid on
Thursday and said this showed that all the issues could be solved with mutual
discussions and goodwill.
In a series of posts on X, Saxena said nowhere in
Delhi Namaz was offered on the road and that there was no "untoward incident"
anywhere.
"Reiterating the greetings of Eid-ul-Fitr, I
heartily thank the Imams of all the mosques and Eidgahs of Delhi and all our
Muslim brothers for offering prayers inside the mosque premises," L-G
Saxena wrote on X in Hindi.
He said that by organising and offering prayers inside
the mosque premises, albeit at staggered timings, the 'imams' and members of
the Muslim community "ensured that traffic on the roads was not affected,
and no untoward incident took place and the common people did not face any
problem.
"This is perhaps the first time in the history of
Delhi that people offered 'Namaz' entirely inside the mosques and Eidgahs and
not on the roads. By doing this today, Delhi has set a great example of harmony
and cooperation for the country," he said.
The L-G said that on April 4, he had discussed and
appealed in this regard in a meeting with several 'imams' of Delhi. The
community welcomed his suggestion of staggered timings of 'Namaz' and assured
him that it will be implemented.
"Today, 'Namaz' was not offered on the streets
anywhere in Delhi nor did any untoward incident occur. Everything was completed
in a cordial atmosphere. It is clear that all issues can be resolved through
mutual discussion and goodwill," he added.
Source:
telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/first-time-in-history-namaz-on-eid-was-offered-inside-mosques-not-on-roads-in-delhi-lt-governor-vk-saxena/cid/2012705
---
Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism Separate From Hinduism; Gujarat
Govt Asks Hindus To Seek Permission To Convert
Several Dalit Hindus in
Gujarat convert to Buddhism at mass events every year (Pixabay)
------
April 12, 2024
In an April 8 circular, the Gujarat government
delineated Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism as distinct from Hinduism, mandating
Hindus desiring to convert to any of these three religions to seek permission
from the relevant district magistrate under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion
Act, 2003.
The circular, issued by the Gujarat Home department
and signed by Deputy Secretary Vijay Badheka, was prompted by observed
discrepancies in handling conversion applications to Buddhism, particularly by
Dalit Hindus during mass conversion events in Gujarat.
It highlighted concerns regarding district magistrate
offices’ varied interpretations of the state’s Religion Act, often neglecting
prescribed procedures for conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism. Some offices,
citing Article 25(2) of the Constitution, erroneously included Sikhism,
Jainism, and Buddhism within Hinduism, thereby exempting applicants from
requiring prior permission for conversion.
Emphasizing the potential legal complications arising
from hasty decisions on religious conversion matters, the circular underscored
the necessity of adhering to legal provisions, invoking the Gujarat Freedom of
Religion Act’s requirement for prior permission for conversions from Hinduism
to Buddhism, Sikhism, or Jainism.
The move has been welcomed by the Gujarat Buddhist
Academy (GBA), a prominent organisation that hosts conversion events in the
state.
Ramesh Banker, Secretary of GBA, told Indian Express
(IE) that the circular has made it clear that Buddhism has nothing to do with
Hinduism. He also said that the organisation always took prior permissions, but
“confusion was created by (some in the) administration while misinterpreting
the law.” “We believed from the beginning that Buddhism is not a part of
Hinduism and for conversion to Buddhism, prior permission of the district
magistrate is mandatory in a prescribed format. It was our demand (to issue
such a clarification), which has been fulfilled,” Banker told IE.
Here’s what the legal experts say about it:
Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism are recognized as
separate religions under the constitution, said ApekshaLodha, Partner,
Singhania& Co. However, Supreme Court’s Advocate on Record Rishi Sehgal
said as part of the wider Hindu community which has different sects, sub-sects,
faiths, modes of worship and religious philosophies, Sikhs and Jains are
recognized as sects and sub-sects of Hindu religion in statutes like the Hindu
Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act.
Talking to LiveMint, Apeksha said that Article 25 of
the constitution allows all persons to have freedom to profess, practice and
propagate any religion, and therefore converting to another religion by free
will is legal in India. “No special permission is required to change religion
in India. Everyone is free to change religion in India however the legal
procedure is to be followed,” she said. To which, Sehgal said states such as
Gujarat have enacted anti-conversion laws, to keep a check upon forcible
conversion. “States, including, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand,
Uttarakhand have enacted Anti-conversion laws, to keep a check upon forcible
conversion from one religion to another, with penal consequences,” he told
LiveMint.
Source:
muslimmirror.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://muslimmirror.com/eng/buddhism-sikhism-jainism-separate-from-hinduism-gujarat-govt-asks-hindus-to-seek-permission-to-convert/
----
Three Teenagers, Two Girls And One Boy, Suspected Of
Planning An Islamic Extremist Attack Arrested In Germany
Representative Photo
------
April 12, 2024
BERLIN (AP) — Three teenagers suspected of planning an
Islamic extremist attack have been arrested in western Germany, prosecutors
said Friday.
The trio — two girls who are 15 and 16, and a
15-year-old boy — come from various parts of North Rhine-Westphalia state,
Germany’s most populous. They were arrested after a court issued warrants over
the Easter weekend, prosecutors in Duesseldorf said.
They are suspected of having declared themselves
prepared to carry out an “Islamist-motivated terror attack” and planning such
an attack, prosecutors said in a statement. They didn’t specify how advanced
the plans were, and said they couldn’t give further details because of the
suspects’ young age and the ongoing investigation.
The three are in detention pending possible charges of
declaring themselves ready to commit murder and manslaughter and preparing a
serious act of violence.
German news agency dpa, citing unidentified security
sources, reported that the teenagers had set up a chat group and that they
hadn’t yet drawn up a concrete attack plan with a time and place.
Source:
apnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://apnews.com/article/germany-islamic-extremism-teenagers-arrest-7cc675a05c8b34302729a04511b3d4f
------
Eid al-Fitr Celebrated In Beijing’s Historical
Nanxiapo Mosque
Photo: Tehran Times
-----
April 12, 2024
BEIJING- Most of Muslims around the world celebrated
Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting,
on April 10.
Muslims all over the world mark the end of the fasting
period through a celebratory feast named Eid al-Fitr.
For Muslims, it not only signals the breaking of the
fast, but also signifies the attainment of religious virtue, characterized by
sacrifice, self-discipline and acts of charity.
In the morning of Eid, Muslims gather together to
perform Eid prayer, and then celebrate this auspicious day.
In China, Muslims also do this in the morning of Eid.
The historical mosque of Nanxiapo was one of the
places in Beijing which hosted Eid al-Fitr prayer and celebration.
On the morning of Eid (April 10), Chinese Muslims and
also Muslims from many other countries gathered in this magnificent place to
celebrate the end of holy month of Ramadan.
Thanks to the admirable hospitality of the Chinese
Muslims, who had prepared a lot of fruits, sweets and foods, as well as a very
warm and friendly environment in the mosques, all Muslims participating in the
ceremony enjoyed a lot accompanying their Muslim brothers and sisters.
Nanxiapo Mosque is located outside Chaoyangmen Gate
closed to Yabao Road market in Beijing with a history of over 300 years.
The building was built by the Hui people during the
Guangxu Period of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
The layout of Nanxiapo Mosque is east-west arrangement
with the prayer hall located in the center. Covering 132 square meters, the
prayer hall is typical of traditional Chinese architecture from outside but
Arabic inside.
The south and the north side halls with side rooms
occupy a total area of 68 square meters.
The building is structured in simplicity and elegance.
The main hall, well carpeted and equipped with heating facilities, can hold 800
people for prayer.
The place has served as a place of prayer for the
local Muslim people.
Nanxiapo Mosque hosted Muslims every day during
Ramadan.
Some Muslim ladies, as volunteers, cooked delicious
foods at their home or in the highly hygienic kitchen of the mosque during this
holy month and together with the volunteer Muslim men, they served the foods
during Iftar (breaking the fasting) time.
Every day in Ramadan, Muslims, who were Chinese or
from other countries, gathered together in this place for Iftar, prayer, and
accompanying in a very friendly and hospitable environment.
Source:
tehrantimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/496976/Eid-al-Fitr-celebrated-in-Beijing-s-historical-mosque
------
Pakistan Designates Zainebiyoun Brigade As Terrorist
Group
Flags of the Zainebiyoun
Brigade, also known as Liwa Zainebiyoun
------
Fidel Rahmati
April 11, 2024
Pakistan has listed the Zainebiyoun Brigade, a semi-military
force associated with the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,
in the list of “terrorist” groups.
The Ministry of Interior of Pakistan has stated that
the Zainebiyoun Brigade is involved in activities that undermine the peace and
security of Pakistan.
The Zainebiyoun Brigade is a semi-military group
composed of Shia Pakistanis created by the Quds Force of the Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran to fight in Syria.
The Zainebiyoun Brigade was labeled a terrorist group
by the Ministry of Interior of Pakistan on March 29 and established by the
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran in 2013.
Both the Zainebiyoun and Fatemiyoun are semi-military
forces linked to the Quds Force, purportedly organizing Afghan and Pakistani
volunteers to fight Bashar al-Assad’s opponents and ISIS in Syria, as reported
by Afghanistan International.
Human rights groups previously alleged Iran was
sending Afghan and Pakistani migrants to Syria to support Bashar al-Assad.
Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department linked
“Mohammad Mehdi” to an attack on Tariq Usmani, Pakistan’s Grand Mufti, a former
Supreme Court judge, and an Islamic Cooperation Organization member, targeted
in 2022 attack, aiming to disrupt peace and stir sectarian tensions. As of now,
Iranian authorities have not commented on the matter.
Source:
khaama.com
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-designates-zainebiyoun-brigade-as-terrorist-group/
---
India
BJP Doesn't Discriminate Between Hindus, Muslims,
Christians, And Jews: Defence Minister
April 11, 2024
Rewa (MP): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on
Thursday that the BJP does not discriminate between Hindus and Muslims and that
the respect of women is of paramount importance to it, citing the ban on triple
talaq.
He was addressing a public meeting in the Rewa Lok
Sabha seat, where his party has fielded sitting MP Janardhan Mishra against
Congress' Neelam Mishra. Singh also batted for the 'one nation, one election'
idea and called the track record of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government
"remarkable".
"People say the BJP always talks of Hindus and
Muslims. I want to say that we do not discriminate between Hindus, Muslims,
Christians, and Jews," Singh asserted.
The defence minister said his party goes along with it
all.
"We believe all born in Bharat are the children
of Bharat Mata. We don't discriminate," he said.
The allegations of bias against the BJP grew sharper
after it declared its intention to ban triple talaq. "We did not end it
(instant triple talaq) by fooling people. It was our resolve and word," he
said.
Be it Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, or Parsis,
the BJP treats its "sisters equally." "Our ancient practice and
that of the BJP is to respect women," said the former Uttar Pradesh chief
minister.
"After marrying someone, if anybody leaves her
saying 'talaq, talaq, and talaq', the BJP won't tolerate it even if it loses
the government. We won't allow women to be disrespected on our soil," he
said.
Singh also batted for the 'one nation, one election'
idea and said he had earlier expressed concerns that the people of MP who had
voted in the assembly polls just four months ago would cast their ballot again
in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The 29 Lok Sabha seats in MP will go to the polls in
four phases between April 19 and May 13, and votes will be counted on June 4.
"Now, after four months, they will vote again. I
have also said that the country should have a 'one nation, one election'
system. It should happen in one go," said Singh.
After 'one nation, one election', local body polls
should take place in the country. "But it should be held at the most in
two batches," Singh said.
Calling the track record of the Modi government at the
Centre "remarkable," Singh
said it also pulled 25 crore people out of poverty, provided LPG cylinders to
women under the Ujjwala Yojana, and took the country's economy from 11th place
to 5th place in the world.
By 2026, the defence minister said, India's economy
will be in third place in the world, and by 2047, the country will become a
developed nation. While approaching 2070, it will become the biggest power in
the world, he claimed.
Singh said that during Modi's tenure, the nation's
standing in the world has increased. The Russia-Ukraine war was stopped for
four and a-half hours on the intervention of PM Modi for the safe exit of
Indian students from there, he said.
He also cited India's diplomatic victory linked with
Qatar, saying eight former Indian Navy officers who were awarded capital
punishment by a court there were set free after Modi requested that country's
leadership.
Singh said India has become a major force in the world
in the past 10 years under Modi's leadership and added that it now not only
manufactures weapons and fighter planes but also exports them.
In the 2019 general elections, the BJP had won 28 of
the 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with former chief minister Kamal Nath's
son Nakul Nath emerging as the lone victorious Congress candidate.
Source:
ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-doesn-t-discriminate-between-hindus-and-muslims-women-s-respect-most-important-to-us-rajnath-5419288
---
'Free Palestine' Protest During Eid Prayers Leads To
Minor Altercation With Police In Aligarh
April 11, 2024
A heated exchange took place on Thursday between
police and some people attending Eid prayers at an eidgah here who had put up a
banner with the slogan "free Palestine", police said.
Policemen posted there objected to the banner causing
a minor altercation with the demonstrators but the matter was quickly defused,
they said.
"Three or four youths had put up a banner with
'free Palestine' slogans and were making an appeal to raise funds for their
drive," Circle officer (City) Abhay Pandey said in an official statement.
Police has secured CCTV footage of the incident,
Pandey said.
Delhi Gate police are investigating the matter and
appropriate action will be taken on the basis of evidence, he said.
District authorities said Eid was celebrated
peacefully in the city. Congregational prayers at the Shahjamal Aligarh Eidgah
complex were held amid tight precautionary measures to maintain law and order.
Source:
outlookindia.com
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https://www.outlookindia.com/national/free-palestine-protest-during-eid-prayers-leads-to-minor-altercation-with-police-in-aligarh
----
BJP Ramnagar candidate reaches out to Muslims on
Eid-ul-Fitr, seeks support for bypoll
Debraj Deb
April 11, 2024
Agartala mayor and BJP Ramnagar Assembly bypoll
nominee DipakMajumder on Thursday appealed to the minority community to vote
for him.
During a visit to the South RamnagarJame Masjid on the
occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, he assured members of the minority community that he
would work for the development of the constituency, including the
Muslim-dominated South Ramnagar area, if he gets elected.
“I pray to Allah on this Holy Eid for all your
well-being. Please keep your faith in me. I shall work for you and I have faith
that you will pray for me so that I can participate in developmental activities
for the Ramnagar constituency,” the 64-year-old BJP leader said.
Tripura Minority Affairs Minister SuklaCharanNoatia
also extended greetings to the Muslim community. After visiting the Gedu Miah
Masjid in Agartala, he said, “I wish for peace, and prosperity for them (Muslim
devotees) on the occasion of Eid. Our government is always with everyone and
this is the outlook of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our state government
led by Chief Minister Dr ManikSaha also follows the same principle.”
Former MLA and incumbent Tripura Wakf Board chairman
Mobossor Ali said, “Eid brings happiness for all beyond caste, creed or
religion. We pray that the day brings happiness for everyone.”
Unakoti district Congress President Mohammad
Badruzzaman said, “We hope that all sections of people take part in the
festivities keeping communal harmony intact… and create a beautiful Tripura.”
Later in the day, Tripura Congress President Ashish
Kumar Saha, who is also the Opposition INDIA Bloc’s candidate for the West
Tripura parliamentary constituency, wished the residents on the occasion of
Eid.
DipakMajumder has been pitted against INDIA Bloc
candidate Ratan Das in the Ramnagar bye-election. The bypoll was necessitated
following the death of sitting MLA Surajit Dutta in December last year. Voting
for the bypoll will be held along with the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls
on April 19.
Source:
indianexpress.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-ramnagar-candidate-muslims-eid-ul-fitr-support-bypoll-9264818/
---
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated in Assam, people pray for
formation of inclusive govt
11th April 2024
Lakhimpur: Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across Assam
with traditional fervour and gaiety on Thursday, with Muslims offering prayers
in mosques and Eidgahs.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan
when the believers fast from dawn to dusk.
The festival is celebrated this year ahead of the Lok
Sabha election, making it different from other years.
As national award-winning filmmaker Merajur Rahman
Baruah offered namaz at his home town in North Lakhimpur on Thursday, he prayed
that the concept of equality, be it of religion or race, is ‘re-conceived and
re-enforced’ as the country prepares to elect a new government.
Local businessmen Iftikhar Ahmed and Abdul Qadir also
echoed Baruah as they urged political parties to ensure that an inclusive
government is formed after the elections.
Baruah, whose documentaries focus on social issues,
said that Assam was known as the land of ‘Shankar-Azan’, referring to the
Vaishnavite saint SrimantaSankardeva and Muslim peer Azan Fakir.
For the Film and Television Institute of India
graduate who has spent the last few decades working outside the state, his
identity of being an Assamese overrides all other identities.
“When I went for my studies outside Assam, I
introduced myself only as an Assamese as religion is not important for us,” he
said, maintaining that the religious equality and tolerance that was a hallmark
of the state is being eroded at some level.
He claimed that Azan’s name is getting sidelined, and
the ideology and philosophy of Shankardeva are being ‘diminished’ in its true
form.
“We need to re-conceive and re-enforce the concept of
Shankar-Azan,” he added.
“Today we celebrated Eid while Bihu, the national
festival of Assam, is next week. And after that, there are the elections, which
is another festival so to speak. We have to ensure that we re-discover
ourselves,” Baruah added.
Ahmed also made an appeal for a government focused on
growth and inclusive development.
“Elections are also a kind of festival for everyone,
and an important one at that. Whichever political party may form the
government, I would request that they work for all sections, especially the
minority people, and take care of everyone’s rights and development,” he added.
Another local business Abdul Qadir also hoped that the
election would bring in stability and peace.
“We don’t know what the results of elections will be.
But we do hope it is conducted peacefully,” he added.
Source:
siasat.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.siasat.com/eid-ul-fitr-celebrated-in-assam-people-pray-for-formation-of-inclusive-govt-3007235/
---
6,000 workers from India to be brought to Israel
during April-May
April 11, 2024
More than 6,000 Indian workers will arrive in Israel
during April and May to help the country's construction sector meet a labour
shortage following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
They will be will be brought to Israel on "air
shuttle" following a joint decision by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office
(PMO), Finance Ministry and the Construction and Housing Ministry on
subsidising charter flights, a statement issued by the Israeli government late
Wednesday said.
The construction industry of Israel employs workers in
specific fields where there is a lack of Israeli workers.
The largest group of about 80,000 workers came from
the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank and another 17,000 from the Gaza
Strip. But a huge majority of them had their work permit revoked after conflict
started in October.
The statement said this is the “largest number of
foreign workers arriving in Israel for the construction sector in a short
time".
"Thanks to the joint financing of the PMO, the
Finance Ministry and the Construction and Housing Ministry, it was agreed
approximately one week ago on the arrival of over 6,000 workers from India
during April and May on an 'air shuttle' following the subsidising of charter
flights," it said.
The statement was released after Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting at the PMO here amid an acute shortage of
workers that has stalled several projects, causing concerns of increasing cost
of living and also friction between various government bodies and businesses.
The workers from India are being brought to Israel
under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between to the countries.
India urges
Israel to ensure safety and well-being of Indian workers
On Tuesday last week, 64 construction workers from
India arrived in Israel under the agreement. There will be a series of arrivals
in the coming weeks, a total of 850 by mid-April.
A little over 900 construction workers have arrived
from India during the last few months through the B2B route, involving human
resources agencies in both countries.
Talking to PTI, sources in the construction sector had
said after three months, during which more than 20,000 workers from India and
Sri Lanka were approved for jobs through screening tests conducted by the
Israeli Contractors Association (ICA), only about 1,000 workers had arrived.
They had blamed "bureaucratic procedures",
including obtaining various permits, for the delay.
Most of the selected workers are said to have resigned
from their jobs and waiting to receive a visa to work in Israel, the sources
had claimed.
"The Israeli government has repeatedly reported
its intention to speed up these procedures but has not done so," a source
claimed and added that all involved stakeholders in Israel are said to have
proposed several plans in their discussions with the government to fast-track
the process.
Last week, the ICA had told PTI: "The task
assigned to us by the government was carried out at a record pace. It has been
weeks since we completed three rounds of selection of workers in which
professional approval was given to employ more than 20,000 workers, half of
them in the government track and half in the business track."
"We call on the government to act immediately to
bring here the workers who have already (been) approved and to create a
fast-track (process) for the approval and flight of the workers. The delay in
the arrival of the workers from India and Sri Lanka hurts all concerned,"
it had said.
Mr. Netanyahu during a telephonic conversation with
his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in December last year had discussed
advancing the arrival of Indian workers to Israel.
Besides those from India and Sri Lanka, a group of
about 7,000 workers have come from China and around 6,000 from Eastern Europe.
Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, during his
trip to India in April last year had spoken to officials and his counterpart in
Delhi, about hiring Indians in various sectors, including in the construction
sector. The discussions had revolved around bringing in almost 1,60,000 people.
There are about 18,000 Indians working in Israel,
mostly as caregivers. Most of them decided to stay back in Israel during the
war because "they felt quite secure" and "also because the
salaries are quite attractive".
Israel and India also inked an agreement in May last
year during then Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's visit to Delhi to allow 42,000
Indians to work in the Jewish state in fields of construction and nursing, a
move that was then seen to help deal with the rising cost of living and assist thousands
of families waiting for nursing care.
A statement released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry
then had said 34,000 workers will be engaged in the construction sector and
another 8,000 for nursing needs.
In the last six months, about 800 workers from India
have also joined the agricultural sector in Israel.
The Government Press Office in a statement said,
"Pursuant to a directive from the prime minister, intensive staff work —
led by Prime Minister's Office Director General Yossi Shelly — was carried out
in order to facilitate a large increase in the quantity of foreign workers in
Israel, lower the cost of living and significantly reduce the bureaucracy and
friction between it and the business sector while improving supervision and
oversight of the employment of foreign workers and safeguarding of their
rights."
Following discussions, Mr. Netanyahu instructed that a
decision on the issue be submitted to the government next week.
This decision will determine the scope of foreign
workers in Israel and an adjustment mechanism in case of severe unemployment in
the economy that would affect the employment of Israelis, the statement said.
"It was also determined that the government will
authorise a committee of director generals, chaired by the PMO director general
to allocate the quota between the various branches of the economy according to
the need raised by government ministries from economic officials," it
said, amid gaining chorus from various sectors of the economy regarding
shortage of workers.
The Minister of Finance, Interior, Welfare and Social
Affairs, and Construction and Housing, the Cabinet Secretary and PMO officials
were among those who attended in the discussions.
Officials from the ministries of foreign affairs,
economy, interior, justice, transportation, labour, and housing and
construction, the National Economic Council and the Agriculture and Population
and Immigration Authority also participated.’
Source:
thehindu.com
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-----
India ready to assist Pakistan in combating terrorism:
Rajnath Singh
11 Apr 2024
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday
offered India's assistance to Pakistan in combating terrorism.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Rajnath said
that India will not allow terrorists to operate in the country and warned
Islamabad of consequences if it tries to destabilise India.
The Defence Minister said, "If Pakistan thinks
that it is not capable of controlling it, if they feel they are not capable,
then India is a neighbour, if they want to take India's help, they should.
India is ready to provide all assistance to combat terrorism."
"They are our neighbours, and if their intention
is clear that terrorism should end, they should do that themselves or take help
from India...we both can end terrorism. But this is their call, I am just
giving a suggestion," the minister further added.
"We won't allow terrorists to operate within
Indian borders. We will do everything to stop it," he added.
Rajnath's latest remarks come after his comments a few
days back that India would enter Pakistan if terrorists ran away to the
neighbouring nation after carrying out attacks here.
"If they run away to Pakistan, we will enter
Pakistan to kill them," Singh had told a news channel.
He was asked about a report published in The Guardian
claiming that Indian intelligence agencies were behind the killings of people
associated with terrorist organisations or radical groups.
"India always wants to maintain good relations
with its neighbouring countries ... But if anyone shows India the angry eyes
again and again, comes to India and tries to promote terrorist activities, we
will not spare them," Singh said.
However, the ministry of external affairs denied the
claims. It quoted S Jaishankar's earlier statement asserting that targeted
killings in other countries were "not the government of India's
policy".
Relations between India and Pakistan declined after
the 2019 Pulwama suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
convoy. After the attack was traced to Pakistan, India had carried out
airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakot.
Since then, a number of people having terror links
have been killed in Pakistan under mysterious circumstances.
Source:
newindianexpress.com
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---
Border blurs at Zero Point in Jhakuatari on Eid, as
locals from India, Bangladesh gather for Namaz
12 April, 2024
Cooch Behar (West Bengal) [India], April 12 (ANI):
Sending out a larder message that land borders were no bar when it comes to
propagating bonhomie, people from Dighaltari in Coochbehar district came out in
their hundreds on Thursday to offer Eid prayers along with their counterparts
across the border at a 200-year-old Jama Masjid in Kurigram, which falls on the
other side of the India-Bangladesh border.
Though the mosque is located in Bangladesh, hundreds
of Muslims from India cross over to offer Namaz every year on the occasion of
Eid.
Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Mohammad Alamgir Hussain,
a Bangladesh native and the president of this mosque, said, “This mosque goes
back 200 years. For several years now, people from both countries come together
on Eid to offer Namaz. The tradition has continued through time. There is no
greater happiness than to be able to come together here on Eid and offer
prayers. It doesn’t feel like we are from two different countries. We live
happily and in peace on both sides of the border. We are one family. On the
Bangladesh side, this area is called Bansjani, Jhakuatari.”
Hussain, an Indian who routinely offers Namaz at this
mosque across the border, told ANI, “This mosque is situated at the zero point.
We all come together to offer to Namaz. Earlier, this place was home to just
two families. The village goes by the name Jhakuatari on both sides of the
border. We are all delighted to be here together on the occasion of Eid today.
We all know each other by face and, hence, don’t need permission to step across
the border. One of my brothers is in India while the other is based in
Bangladesh.”
This mosque was built before the ‘MuktiJuddha’ or the
liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan (post the war with India in 1971). It
was a part of Pakistan before the liberation war.
The village is known by the same name, Jhakuatari, on
both sides of the border.
Since there is no mosque in this village, people from
Dighaltari in the Coochbehar district, step across the border to offer namaz.
(ANI)
Source:
theprint.in
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---
Europe
Russia, Germany and UK urge restraint as Iranian
threat puts Middle East on edge
April 11, 2024
MOSCOW: Russia, Germany and Britain on Thursday urged
countries in the Middle East to show restraint and Israel said it was preparing
to “meet all its security needs” in a region on edge over an Iranian threat to
strike Israel.
The German airline Lufthansa, one of only two Western
carriers flying to Tehran, extended a suspension of its flights to the Iranian
capital and Russia warned against travel to the Middle East.
Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike on
its embassy compound in Damascus that killed a top Iranian general and six
other Iranian military officers, ratcheting up tension in a region already
strained by the Gaza war.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack,
but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Israel
“must be punished and it shall be,” saying it was tantamount to an attack on
Iranian soil.
The “imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime”
might have been avoided had the UN Security Council condemned the strike and brought
the perpetrators to justice, Tehran’s mission to the United Nations said on
Thursday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was
keeping up its war in Gaza but making security preparations elsewhere.
“Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared
to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and
offensively,” he said in comments released following a visit to an air force
base.
A view of the consular annex of Iran's embassy in
Damascus, Syria, that was demolished by an Israeli airstrike on April 1, 2024,
killing at least 13 people, including two Iranian Revolutionary Guards generals
and five personnel from the force. (AP)
Iran has signalled to Washington that it will respond
to Israel’s attack in a way that aims to avoid major escalation and it will not
act hastily, Iranian sources said.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told US
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that Israel would respond directly to any
attack by Iran, Gallant’s office said.
Conflict has spread across the Middle East since the
eruption of the Gaza war, with Iran-backed groups declaring support for the
Palestinians waging attacks from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. Tehran has avoided
direct confrontation with Israel or the United States, while declaring support
for its allies.
German Foreign Minister AnnalenaBaerbock called on her
Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian to urge “maximum restraint” to
avoid further escalation.
Russia’s foreign ministry told citizens they should
not travel to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the
Palestinian territories.
“Right now it’s very important for everyone to
maintain restraint so as not to lead to a complete destabilization of the
situation in the region, which doesn’t exactly shine with stability and
predictability,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news briefing.
‘Potential for miscalculation’
British foreign minister David Cameron said on
Thursday he had made clear to Amirabdollahian that Iran should not draw the
Middle East into a wider conflict.
“I am deeply concerned about the potential for
miscalculation leading to further violence,” Cameron said on X.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said
Secretary of State Antony Blinken called counterparts including the Turkish,
Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers “to make clear that escalation is not in
anyone’s interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate.”
US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday Iran was
threatening to launch a “significant attack in Israel,” and that he had told
Netanyahu that “our commitment to Israel security against these threats from
Iran and its proxies is iron-clad.”
The US expects an attack by Iran against Israel but
one that would not be big enough to draw Washington into war, a US official
said late on Thursday.
Iran is the third-largest oil producer in the OPEC
group and oil prices stayed near six-month highs on Thursday.
Late on Wednesday, an Iranian news agency published an
Arabic report on the X platform saying the air space over Tehran had been
closed for military drills, but then removed the report and denied it had
issued such news.
Lufthansa said it would probably not fly to Tehran
before April 13. Austrian Airlines said it was still planning to fly on
Thursday but was adjusting timings to avoid crew having to disembark for an
overnight layover.
Iranian air space is also a key overflight route for
Emirates’ and Qatar Airways’ flights to Europe and North America.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot
and Air Arabia, among the airlines that fly to Tehran, did not immediately
respond to requests for comment.
Source:
arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2491686/middle-east
---
Germany warns of regional war amid heightened
Israel-Iran tensions
Anadolu Staff
11.04.2024
Amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv,
Germany’s Foreign Minister AnnalenaBaerbock on Thursday warned of a regional
war during a phone conversation with her Iranian counterpart Hossein
Amir-Abdollahian.
“All actors in the region are called upon to act
responsibly and exercise restraint. With this in mind, I spoke to my Iranian
counterpart today,” Baerbock said at a news conference with her Chilean
colleague Alberto van Klaveren.
“These days, all diplomatic telephone lines are
running hot to prevent regional escalation in the Middle East. Nobody can add
any more fuel to the fire now. Really no one can have an interest in a
conflagration with completely unforeseeable consequences,” she added.
Israel’s foreign minister threatened Wednesday that
his country’s military would strike Iran directly if Tehran launched an attack
from its territory against Israel.
His remarks came in the wake of heightened tensions
between the rival powers in the aftermath of the killings of Iranian generals
in a bombing at the Iranian Consulate in Syria earlier this month.
“If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will
respond and attack in Iran,” Israel Katz said in a post on X in both Farsi and
Hebrew.
On Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei vowed to retaliate against the Jewish state over the attack on its
consulate in Damascus.
Tehran holds Israel responsible for the strike that
leveled the building, killing 12 people. Israel has not acknowledged its
involvement, though it has been awaiting an Iranian response to the attack.
The strike killed Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior
figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard who led the group’s elite Quds
Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016. The 11 others who died included six
Revolutionary Guard members, four Syrians and a Hezbollah member.
Source:
aa.com.tr
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---
Europe turning blind eye to Hamas and Hezbollah
networks in its territory, experts say
GIANLUCA
PACCHIANI
12.04.2024
A stash of weapons was found hidden under a pine tree
in southern Bulgaria last week. The arms were linked to four suspected Hamas
members arrested in Germany and the Netherlands in December on suspicion of
preparing an attack against Jewish targets in Europe, according to the German
magazine Der Spiegel.
During the same month, seven people with links to
Hamas were arrested in Denmark on similar charges.
The arrests shone a light on the oft-overlooked
activities of anti-Israeli jihadi terror groups in Europe and raised questions
about their networks of influence and operations in the West.
“Hamas has been in Europe for about 30 years. It’s an
open secret,” said Lorenzo Vidino, director of the program on extremism at
George Washington University. “But investigations have been, for the most part,
unsuccessful.”
The prosecution of top Hamas figures has been a
“complete disaster,” the researcher commented, as European countries have
preferred to allocate their limited resources to what they perceive to be more
direct security threats.
Israeli intelligence veteran Danny Citrowicz made
similar observations with regard to Hezbollah, warning against underestimating
the expanding network of the Lebanese Shiite terror group on European soil.
“In Europe, the main terror threats are considered to
be Sunni groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS. You don’t really see them acting
against Shiite radicalism,” said Citrowicz, a Research Fellow at the Institute
for National Security Studies and a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic
Council. “They think they have bigger fish to fry.”
‘Visible’ and ‘less visible’ operations
Vidino is an expert on the European and North American
networks of the Muslim Brotherhood, the tentacular trans-national Islamist
movement out of which Hamas was born.
Concerning its activities in Europe, Hamas follows the
Brotherhood’s model, Vidino explained, which is based on an “outer” and an
“inner circle.”
“The outer circle is composed of a vast network of
‘fellow travelers’ who support the cause,” he said, referring to people who are
ideologically sympathetic to Hamas’s agenda, including local activists,
intellectuals and politicians.
“While the ‘inner circle,’ very secretive, tight and
elitist, is made up of just a couple of dozen Palestinians with long-standing
family connections to Hamas,” he added. “These are very charismatic individuals
that have long operated in these countries, who are well set and most of the
time obtain political asylum.”
Hamas’s duplicity is also evident in the type of
activities it runs. There is a “visible” public diplomacy outreach, and a “less
visible,” illicit side, which includes fundraising for its terror operations,
conducted mostly under the cover of charitable organizations. Vidino
co-published a comprehensive report in December on the subject, titled
“Tackling Hamas funding in the West.”
Concerningly, the dark side of Hamas’s illicit
activity in Europe of late also appears to include the planning of attacks
against Jewish and Israeli targets, as the December arrests revealed.
The propaganda arm
The legal, more visible side of Hamas’s presence is
the staging of public events, annual gatherings and street protests, which have
dramatically increased in frequency and intensity since October 7, Vidino said.
“Of course, they don’t call themselves Hamas,” he
added, noting that the terror group has been outlawed throughout the European
Union. “They will have names like Conference of Palestinians Abroad,
Palestinians in (country name), Palestinian Students Abroad, and so on.”
“But when you dig a bit, you find out who the people
are behind these associations, and what their connections are back home [in the
Palestinian territories]. It’s always the same cluster of 20-25 people. Their
propaganda, their social media patterns, everything is Hamas. And it’s very
public and visible,” said Vidino.
“This is a typical Muslim Brotherhood tactic,” he
added. “They come up with a million different names for their organizations,
for two reasons: Firstly, they want to give the impression that it’s a broad
movement, so that when they organize a public event, there will be 50
participating organizations, or if they publish a public letter, there will be
50 signatory groups. Secondly, if one of these groups is taken down by law
enforcement, well, there’s all the other ones.”
These “visible” propaganda arms target both the local
Muslim communities in European countries to mobilize their support but also to
lobby with European civil society and politicians and engage with local public
opinion by writing op-eds in newspapers, holding interfaith dialog and so on.
A suspicious new NGO in Belgium
The main hubs of Hamas presence in Europe are in the
continent’s west, according to Vidino, in large countries like the United
Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, as well as small ones like the Netherlands,
Austria and Belgium.
Belgium in particular has long been known to be a
hotbed for jihadi terror in Europe.
Belgium MP Michael Freilich is the only Jewish member
in the Belgian federal Parliament. In an interview with The Times of Israel, he
recalled that in January, he submitted a parliamentary inquiry to Belgian
Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt about a recently established lobbying group
in Brussels named EUPAC — European Palestinian Council for Political Relations.
The group lists among its Board of Directors Majed
Al-Zeer, a man accused by German authorities of being the “Hamas representative
in Germany” and a key liaison in Europe, according to Der Spiegel.
Al-Zeer is known to have been close to Hamas leader
Ismail Haniyeh, who once publicly congratulated him on acquiring consultative
status at the United Nations for an NGO Al-Zeer led at the time, the
London-based Palestinian Return Center (PRC). PRC denied claims of affiliation
with Hamas. Al-Zeer and Haniyeh also appear in an undated picture standing
beside each other at an event.
After living in the UK and Germany, Al-Zeer was
involved in the establishment of EUPAC in Brussels in May 2022. The NGO aims to
“raise awareness” for the Palestinian cause with “actors in the European arena”
through conferences, seminars, campaigns and media interventions, according to
its website.
In response to MP Freilich’s inquiry on the activities
on Belgian soil of an individual considered by German authorities to be a key
Hamas member, the Belgian Justice Ministry refused to disclose whether there
was an open investigation, but acknowledged, to Freilich’s dismay, that Belgian
security services “know that Hamas is active in Belgium through different
associations, focused on lobbying and fundraising.”
“The lobbying activities are aimed at preserving the
image of Hamas, often under the guise of support for the Palestinian cause. No
extremist message coming from organizations linked to Hamas has so far been
detected in Belgium,” the Justice Ministry said in its response.
Freilich was puzzled by his government’s laissez-faire
approach toward the terror group.
“Why would you admit [that Hamas is active in the
country], and then say, well, we’re allowing them to operate, because in
Belgium they are not doing anything extreme? You just said they are
fundraising, and that is supposed to be illegal for such an organization. It
doesn’t make sense to me,” he said.
Difficult to prosecute
Vidino said that law enforcement authorities in
European countries have long known who these core Hamas members in Europe are,
but appear to be unable or unwilling to invest the necessary resources to
prosecute them.
“We looked at investigations conducted against Hamas’s
funding networks in the West over the last 25-30 years, and we found that it’s
basically been a complete disaster. Investigations have been, for the most
part, unsuccessful,” he said.
“Some of these key individuals have been investigated.
At times, they get arrested, they get charged, but then it never sticks – with
a few exceptions,” Vidino said, citing the arrest of a Hamas member and his
daughter in the Netherlands last June on suspicion of sending 5 million euros
($5.4 million) to the terror group.
“The main issue is that Hamas has not really been a
priority for European law enforcement. Security forces have limited resources.
A country like Belgium would rather invest its resources in tracking down ISIS
members, who pose a more direct security threat,” he added. (Belgium has been
the largest source of Islamic State fighters per capita in Europe.)
In addition, opening legal procedures against
suspected Hamas leaders abroad can have unpleasant ramifications.
“They will accuse you of Islamophobia and launch
campaigns, and they have their political backers, their ‘fellow travelers’ and
‘useful idiots,’” Vidino said, citing as an example former British Labor leader
Jeremy Corbyn, who famously referred to Hamas and Hezbollah as “friends.”
Hamas is very skilled at forging opportunistic
alliances with whoever will advance its cause, the researcher added.
“They have people they work with and with different
degrees of intensity. They will work with other Islamists when necessary. But
when they organize events — protests in the streets or even fundraising — they
have no problem doing them with leftists because they obviously bring out big
numbers.”
Legal obstacles in halting money
While the approach of European security and
intelligence services vis-à-vis Hamas may be changing after October 7 given the
threat of attacks on European soil, there are still obstacles when it comes to
dismantling networks.
“A lot of their activities are in the public domain.
Protests, social media campaigns, Facebook pages, all of this mobilization is
not illegal, it’s freedom of speech,” Vidino said.
“Even when it comes to fundraising, a lot of the legal
cases in the past fell through because the route the money follows is hard to
prove,” he added. “Firstly, in many cases the money is sent in cash, so good
luck tracing that. In many cases, the funds are sent to welfare organizations,
such as schools, hospitals, orphanages, zakat [Islamic charity] committees, which
are controlled by Hamas, but it’s complicated to prove.
“[European] cooperation with Israel has gotten much
better, but at the end of the day, the devil is in the details,” he said. “You
need to have evidence that you can admit in court, prove the chain of custody.
If the Israelis come up with some papers they found in a raid of a mosque in
Gaza, a defense lawyer in a Swedish court can argue that Israel has fabricated
the evidence.”
Hezbollah’s diffused presence
Europe also represents fertile ground for the
operations of the Lebanese Iran-sponsored terror group Hezbollah, particularly
when it comes to collecting financial resources.
“Hezbollah as an organization has been growing, it has
salaries to pay, stipends for the families and the widows of its fighters, and
so on. There is a cap to how much aid it can get from Iran, so it does a lot of
its fundraising abroad — including in Europe,” said Danny Citrinowicz, an
expert on the Lebanese terror group.
According to a 2018 State Department assessment, Iran
provides Hezbollah at least $700 million a year. However, the Iranian economy
is in dire straits, hit by sanctions and dependent on fluctuating gas and oil
prices. To gain a stable flow of cash independent from Tehran, Hezbollah has
built a stunningly sophisticated global network of drug trafficking and money
laundering.
In a 2017 statement in the House of Representatives
quoted by the Washington Institute, a DEA Special Agent described one of these
networks as follows: “Cocaine was shipped from South America to Africa; sold in
Africa, Europe and the Middle East; the cash was then brought to Beirut and
placed in money exchange houses; then, through the Lebanese Canadian Bank, the
money was sent to buy used cars from companies in the US; the cars were sent to
Africa for resale; much of those profits, according to officials, went to
Hezbollah.”
Europe serves as a major hub of fundraising for the
Lebanese group, not only for its illicit activities but also through charities
acting as front organizations, similar to Hamas. For instance, in 2014, Germany
outlawed an NGO named “Lebanon Orphan Children Project” that collected 3.3
million euros ($3.5 million) in donations allegedly destined to Lebanese
children, after it uncovered ties to the terror group.
A changing modus operandi
Hezbollah has carried out terror activities in Europe
in the past. In 2012, a French-Lebanese Hezbollah member conducted an attack
against Israeli tourists in Burgas, Bulgaria, in which six were killed. In
2015, a Hezbollah member was found with eight tons of bomb-making materials in
his home in Cyprus, destined for use in terror attacks against Israeli targets
on the island.
But today, the modus operandi has changed, and the
terror group prefers to remain under the radar. Consequently, its European
presence has become much more insidious.
The movement has infiltrated Shiite congregations and
indoctrinated mosque-goers to its ideology, intending to create a potential
pool of tens of thousands of supporters that it can use for its purposes,
Citrinowicz said.
The aim of proselytizing Shiite Europeans — hailing
mainly from Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan — is not to “give
them the gun and go shoot at some Israeli.”
Rather, the indoctrination aims to create “platforms”
of supporters that can be activated when necessary, for instance, to transfer
cash to the Middle East through couriers, or rent safe houses, cars or
apartments for Hezbollah members arriving from Lebanon, Citrinowicz explained.
Some of these proselytes also participate in the terror group’s economic
operations.
“Hezbollah and Iran don’t use their own people for
this type of activity. When they need to recruit so-called ‘external terror
capabilities,’ they will turn to their mosques or religious centers,”
Citrinowicz said.
Security forces in some countries are beginning to
wake up to the threat. In November, German police launched a vast country-wide
operation against Shiite jihadis, raiding 54 sites as part of an investigation
into a Hamburg Islamic center with alleged links to Iran and Hezbollah.
However, the Shiite terror threat is still largely
underestimated in Europe, Citrinowicz argued, as law enforcement focuses on
Sunni jihadi groups like ISIS, which unlike Hezbollah actively recruits
fighters on European soil.
Furthermore, while the military wing of Hezbollah is
outlawed throughout the EU, its political arm is still legal in various
countries such as France, which aims thus to retain diplomatic leverage with
its former Middle East protectorate Lebanon.
“But we know that there is no difference between the
military wing and the political wing,” Citrinowicz said. “It’s only an
artificial distinction.”
Source:
timesofisrael.com
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----
‘Gaza war didn’t come out of the blue’: French PM
defends Israel in parliament
11 April 2024
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal came to Israel’s
defense during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, resoundingly condemning
the Hamas terror group and its supporters when asked if Paris would consider
banning arms exports to Israel in light of the war in Gaza.
The question was presented to Attal by lawmaker
Frédéric Mathieu of the far-left La France Insoumise, whose members Attal
chastised for apparently asking the same thing at each Prime Minister’s
Questions session.
“Before answering your question, I want to remind you
— and I deplore and regret that it is necessary to do so each time in response
to questions from La France Insoumise — that the dramatic situation being
experienced in Gaza follows an absolutely vile, barbaric terrorist attack
committed by Hamas on Israeli soil,” said Attal, who is of Jewish descent on his
father’s side.
“Listening to you and your interruptions, it is as if
the idea for Israel to operate in Gaza just came out of the blue one morning,”
Attal continued.
“You never say a word about the victims of the Hamas
attack. You never talk about our hostages, who are still being held — today in
Gaza there are three French hostages,” Attal said before being cut off by
applause from lawmakers agreeing with his statement.
Israel’s war with Hamas began on October 7 with the
shock Hamas terror assault in southern Israel, in which some 1,200 people were
slaughtered, most of them civilians, and 253 were seized as hostages. Of that
number, 129 remain in Gaza six months later, and the IDF has confirmed the
deaths of 34 of those who are still there.
Addressing not only the nature of the question but
also the facts presented as evidence to support introducing an arms ban on
Israel, Attal slammed Mathieu: “Week after week, month after month, while the
minister of the Armed Forces SébastienLecornu has systematically responded to
your questions, you continue to relay false information.”
Reminding him that in 2022, France’s exports to Israel
made up just 0.2 percent of the country’s total exports, Attal told Mathieu
that those sales are “essentially components that serve the Israeli defense
system’s Iron Dome, to protect its own people.”
“That’s the reality. SébastienLecornu has repeated it
many times,” Attal added.
Nonetheless, left-wing activists and politicians have
intensified their calls for an Israel arms embargo, claiming that the IDF is
using French weapons to commit war crimes in Gaza.
In March, investigative websites Disclose and Marsactu
reported that the Marseille-based firm Eurolinks had sold Israel M27 links,
metal pieces used for machine gun ammunition.
Such ammunition “could have been used against
civilians in the Gaza Strip,” the investigative outlets claimed.
The reporting was supported by photos of the links
that they said were taken on October 23.
However, Lecornu told reporters in Paris that Eurolinks’
license to export to the Israeli firm IMI Systems “only covers re-export to
third countries,” rather than use by the Israeli army.
A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute, which studies conflicts and arms, found that 69% of
Israel’s arms purchases come from US firms, 30% from Germany and 0.9% from
Italy.
Only one helicopter in the Israeli Air Force was built
by France’s Airbus Helicopters.
Since the start of the war in Gaza, through which
Israel has vowed to defeat Hamas and eradicate it from the Strip, the Hamas
health ministry has claimed that more than 33,000 people have been killed — 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.
Israel has come under pressure from its allies in
recent weeks in light of the increasingly dire circumstances for Gaza’s
civilian population. The United Nations and other international bodies have
warned of looming famine in northern Gaza, while the US has said that 100% of
Gazans are suffering from acute food insecurity as the humanitarian operation
has collapsed amid the fighting.
Earlier this week, France’s foreign minister said that
pressure, and possibly sanctions, must be imposed on Israel in order to push it
to increase the amount of humanitarian aid that enters the Palestinian enclave
each day.
He walked back his remarks a day later, however,
saying that there is no immediate plan to impose sanctions.
Source:
timesofisrael.com
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----
Israel Holocaust survivors get German payout amid Gaza
war
12 Apr 2024
FRANKFURT, April 12 — Germany said yesterday it is
providing €25 million (RM128 million) for Holocaust survivors in Israel to help
them cope with the impact of the attack by Hamas and Gaza war.
Each of the 113,000 Jewish survivors in Israel will
receive a one-off payment of €220, according to the Claims Conference, an
organisation that seeks damages for Holocaust survivors and which worked with
the German government on the scheme.
“Many Holocaust survivors were hit particularly hard
by the Hamas attacks,” a German finance ministry spokeswoman said, pointing to
the loss of homes or support systems in the form of care.
The additional funds were aimed at helping them “in
this frightening war situation”, she said.
Gideon Taylor, president of the Claims Conference,
praised the payout as a “message of solidarity” from Germany to Israel’s
Holocaust survivors.
The payments are being distributed in Israel in
cooperation with the Claims Conference and the Holocaust Survivors Rights
Authority of the Israeli government, the ministry said.
Germany is a staunch supporter of Israel and its
response to the Hamas attacks and ensuing conflict has been driven by its own
dark past, and the slaughter of six million Jews by the Nazis during the
Holocaust.
The war in the Gaza Strip broke out after Palestinian
group Hamas launched an October 7 attack against Israel, which left 1,170
people dead, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,545
people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run
territory’s health ministry. — AFP
Source:
malaymail.com
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----
San Francisco man arrested after allegedly vandalizing
mosque, leaving community 'living in fear'
April 12, 2024
Andrew J. Campa
A San Francisco man suspected of vandalizing a Nob
Hill mosque was arrested Wednesday evening while visiting the scene of his
alleged crime for the second time in as many days.
San Francisco resident Robert Gray, 35, was booked on
one felony count of vandalism with damage of more than $400 and a misdemeanor
violation of civil rights by damaging another property. He currently sits in a
county jail.
Neither Gray nor a representative were reached for
comment.
San Francisco Police officers responded to a call from
congregants of Masjid al-Tawheed mosque around 7:55 p.m. on Wednesday.
Mosque-goers told police that Gray was the man who had vandalized their
sanctuary on April 4, having recognized him for security footage.
Arriving officers detained Gray after they concluded
he matched the description of the suspect wanted in the attack.
“Through the course of their investigation, officers
developed probable cause [for] arrest,” Police spokesperson Paulina Henderson
said in a statement.
Henderson said the investigation was still active and
police were looking for more information.
Surveillance video obtained by the San Francisco
Standard shows a man with a skateboard smashing multiple mosque windows on
April 4.
The man returned to the mosque, according to the
Standard, on Tuesday and Wednesday. During the latter incident, mosque
congregants confronted Gray and distracted him long enough to call police, who
arrived in time to arrest him.
"Community members were living in fear for the
last two weeks," said Yemeni American Aseel Fara, 24, a Masjid al-Tawheed
mosque member and a San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commissioner.
Fara said the incident shocked many community members
who emigrated to San Francisco because of its pluralistic society.
He said he received a call from another Bay Area
mosque that suffered similar vandalism incident wanting to review surveillance
footage to see if Gray was involved.
Read more: Dianne Feinstein made history. Now she
could get honored with a post office?
"You don't expect this here," he said.
"This has been very divisive and hopefully we can begin to heal thanks to
this arrest."
The news of Gray’s arrest was celebrated by the
Council on American-Islamic Relations Bay Area chapter.
“We are relieved that an arrest has been made in these
distressing incidents,” CAIR Bay Area Executive Director Zahra Billoo said in a
statement. “It's important for our community to see tangible actions being
taken to protect our places of worship, where everyone has the right to feel
safe and secure.”
Billoo said that the number of complaints of
Islamophobia made nationwide is at a 30-year high.
There were 8,061 reports received by CAIR last year.
The organization said nearly half of those complaints took place in the last
three months since the Oct. 7 Hamas' assault on Israel that sparked a war,
resulting in the killing of 30,000-plus Palestinians by Israeli forces. That
number of Islamophobic complaints represents a 56% increase in incidents from
2022 to 2023, according to the organization.
“This arrest sends a clear message that hate-driven
behaviors will not be overlooked and serves as a reminder of the ongoing
challenges we face in combating Islamophobia,” Billoo said.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Source:
yahoo.com
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----
Southeast
Asia
Malaysian advisory group applauds decision to abolish
1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law
12 Apr 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 — The Malaysian Advisory Group
on Myanmar applauded the decision made in the Second People’s Assembly convened
by Myanmar’s National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) to abolish the
notorious 1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law.
Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar chair Tan Sri Syed
Hamid Albar said the landmark decision to abolish the discriminatory Myanmar
Citizenship Law (1982) demonstrates a significant move towards inclusivity and
equality in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Federal Democracy Charter.
He said the law had systematically excluded the
Rohingya people from their right to nationality for decades.
“We commend the significant strides made during the
Second People’s Assembly.
“The assembly represents a crucial step towards
fostering inclusivity, strengthening democratic processes, and formulating a
new vision for a future Myanmar according to the will of the people,” he said
in a statement.
Syed Hamid said the Assembly had also agreed to a
strategic approach to combat the military junta's illegal conscription law
through collaborative efforts with the people and revolutionary forces.
He said the key decision from the Assembly also
included a commitment to harmonise mechanisms among revolutionary forces to
ensure accountability in ground administration, defence, and security, aligning
with the principles of the Federal Democracy Charter.
“The Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar acknowledges
the outcome and recommendations made during the Assembly.
“We look forward to the continued coordination and
dialogue among leading political organisations in Myanmar, in line with the
Federal Democracy Charter.
“We also welcome the decision to convene the People’s
Assembly biannually, fostering sustained engagement and democratic progress.
“The Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar remains
committed to supporting Myanmar’s journey towards a peaceful, inclusive, and
democratic future,” he said.
He also urged the Malaysian government and governments
in the region to take heed of the Assembly and its outcomes to deepen the
engagement with the diverse stakeholders involved in support of democracy and
justice in Myanmar.
Syed Hamid added that the Assembly, that was held from
April 4 to 9, saw the participation of 204 delegates, 104 special invitees, and
128 observers, showcased a commendable commitment to gender balance, with 34.3
per cent of female representation among participants.
“We also note that a number of Rohingya
representatives were engaged as equal participants at the Assembly, including
members of the Convening Committee for the establishment of a Rohingya
Consultative Council,” he said.
Source:
malaymail.com
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----
Suspected Israeli mobster pleads not guilty to
firearms offenses in Malaysia
April 12, 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – An Israeli man, who was
arrested in Malaysia last month carrying six guns and dozens of bullets,
pleaded not guilty in a Kuala Lumpur court on Friday to charges of unauthorized
trafficking and possession of firearms, his lawyer said.
Shalom Avitan, 38, faces two charges of illegally
trafficking six guns and unauthorized possession of 158 bullets, the lawyer,
Jeffrey Ooi, told Reuters.
Avitan arrived in Malaysia from the United Arab
Emirates on March 12 on a French passport, police said. He was detained by
police at a Kuala Lumpur hotel with a bag containing the weapons on March 27
and produced an Israeli passport upon questioning, officials have said.
Security was tight around the Kuala Lumpur Court
Complex on Friday. Avitan was escorted into court by more than a dozen police
officials.
Malaysia has harsh penalties for gun offenses. If
convicted, Avitan could face up to 40 years in prison, and no less than six
strokes of the cane.
Police are investigating Avitan’s motives and have not
ruled out the possibility that he could be part of an Israeli crime ring, or a
spy. Officials have said Avitan claimed he was in Malaysia to hunt down another
Israeli citizen over a family dispute.
A married Malaysian couple was charged earlier this
week with supplying the firearms to Avitan. Police have detained eight other
people, including two Turkish nationals and a Georgian man, in connection with
the case, state media reported.
Authorities beefed up border security following
Avitan’s arrest, given the country’s criticism of Israel’s actions in the Gaza
war. Malaysia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations.
Source:
timesofisrael.com
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---
Religious Tourism Destinations during Eid Holidays in
Bandung: Visit Al Jabbar Mosque and Bandung Grand Mosque
12 April 2024
Nabiha Zain
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Eid holidays have arrived,
signaling a long holiday with family being celebrated. Tourist destinations
have also begun to be filled with people enjoying the Eid holiday. One of the
cities that is always visited during the holiday season is Bandung.
Bandung is one of the most popular vacation
destinations in West Java. Lembang is the main destination because it provides
interesting tours with beautiful and cool natural beauty. However, Bandung also
provides religious tourism that the general public can enjoy.
Bandung religious tourism provides the beauty of
mosques that can be enjoyed while worshipping. Here are some mosques that can
be used as religious tourism in Bandung:
1. Al Jabbar Grand Mosque
Al Jabbar Grand Mosque is located in Gedebage
District, Bandung City. This mosque went viral because it was seen floating in
a lake, and eventually, this mosque became known as the Gedebage Floating
Mosque. This mosque was designed by Ridwan Kamil, who was still the mayor of
Bandung and was inaugurated in 2020.
Al Jabbar Mosque is a religious tour where visitors
can worship and increase knowledge with the facilities provided. According to
aljabbar.jabarprov.go.id, this mosque provides many spaces for learning, such
as thematic parks that tell the prophets and history museums. The history
museum contains the history of the development of Islam in the country and the
history of Islam in West Java.
2. Bandung Grand Mosque
Bandung Grand Mosque, or Bandung Great Mosque, is the
provincial mosque in West Java. It is located in Bandung Square or, more
precisely, on Jalan Asia-Afrika, the center of Bandung. The Bandung Grand
Mosque is an old mosque built in 1810 but was only inaugurated on June 4, 2003,
because it underwent eight renovations.
Like other provincial mosques in other cities, the
Bandung Grand Mosque is a religious tourist spot often visited by Muslims from
outside the city. The Mosque offers spacious and comfortable worship
facilities, a library, a cooperative, a polyclinic, and multi-purpose hall that
can be utilized by many people, and a large garden for those who want to relax.
3. Trans Studio Grand Mosque
The Trans Studio Grand Mosque is a magnificent mosque
in the Trans Studio Bandung tourist area. The Trans Studio area is the largest
tourist area and includes malls, factory outlets, 6-star hotels, playgrounds,
and others. With its location close to tourism, people can not only enjoy the
beauty of the Trans Studio Grand Mosque but also enjoy other tours provided by
TSB.
4. Lautze 2 Mosque
Lautze 2 Mosque is a unique religious tourism visit
because it has a building with Chinese accents. This mosque was indeed built by
H. Ali Karim (son of Abdul Karim OeiTjengHien) who is a Chinese Muslim. In
addition, Lautze 2 mosque is also the oldest Chinese Muslim mosque in Bandung.
Unlike the previous mosque, Lautze Mosque does not have a knowledge room like a
museum, but the Chinese ornaments in this mosque can be a new experience for
Muslims to worship.
5. Al Imtizaj Mosque
Just like the Lautze 2 Mosque, Al Imtizaj Mosque is a
mosque that has buildings and ornaments with Chinese nuances. The purpose of
building this mosque is to carry out blending between ethnic Chinese Muslims
and other non-Chinese Muslims.
Source:
tempo.co
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---
Malaysia strongly condemns attack by the Israeli
regime during Aidilfitri
11 Apr 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 — Malaysia unreservedly
condemns Israel’s continuous, indiscriminate as well as targeted attacks
against the Palestinians, including the airstrikes on the Shati refugee camp in
northern Gaza while Palestinians and more than two billion Muslims worldwide
celebrate Aidilfitri.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (Wisma Putra) today, the barbaric and senseless acts of the Israeli
regime clearly exhibit their abhorrence and culture of impunity, going against
every principle of humanity, peace and compassion that this holy occasion
symbolises.
It said Malaysia stands firm against these acts of
state-sponsored terrorism and genocide.
Israel’s continuous aggression will severely hamper
the remaining prospects for a ceasefire and peaceful settlement of the
conflict, and seriously call into question its intention, if any, for such an
objective.
The international community must take resolute and
concrete actions to stop these atrocities and the man-made catastrophe in Gaza,
and bring to account those responsible for such war crimes and crimes against
humanity.
The United Nations Security Council, the International
Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court must fulfil their
responsibilities. The Security Council must consider establishing an
international criminal tribunal to prosecute and bring to justice those
responsible for such crimes.
Malaysia remains resolute in its pursuit of a peaceful
resolution to the longstanding conflict, which has claimed far too many lives
and caused so much misery and destruction over the past 75 years, and firmly
uphold the principle that Palestinians unequivocally deserve the establishment
of their own independent and sovereign state, based on the pre-1967 borders,
with East Jerusalem as its capital. — Bernama
Source:
malaymail.com
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---
Thai FM visits border town following clashes in
Myanmar
12 Apr 2024
MAE SOT (Thailand), April 12 — Thailand’s foreign
minister arrived for a visit to the Myanmar border today, the ministry said,
following days of clashes that have dislodged junta troops from their positions
in a vital trade hub in the neighbouring country.
Fighting between Myanmar’s military and ethnic
minority armed groups has rocked the border town of Myawaddy this week, sending
people rushing into Thailand, from where the boom of artillery shells and
gunfire could be heard.
The conflict in Myanmar sparked by the military’s 2021
coup regularly sends people fleeing across the two countries’ shared
2,400-kilometre border.
Foreign minister ParnpreeBahiddha-Nukara will visit
two “Friendship bridges” that link the Thai town of Mae Sot with Myawaddy,
Thailand’s foreign affairs ministry said.
The Karen National Union (KNU) told AFP on Thursday
that displaced junta troops were sheltering near the terminus of one of the
bridges on the Myanmar side.
AFP reporters said it appeared calm this morning at
the Moei river that divides the countries.
A Thai soldier standing guard at the border told AFP
today that he had heard gunshots and blasts in Myanmar during his night watch.
Over the border a loudspeaker blared out Buddhist
prayers.
Seven Thai armoured cars carrying soldiers arrived
Friday morning to relieve the night watch, kicking up dust on the road.
A handful of trucks arrived on the Thai side from
Myanmar over the “2nd Friendship Bridge”, AFP reporters said.
No trucks were seen driving into Myanmar.
One truck driver arriving at a checkpoint in Thailand
told soldiers he was “happy”, adding “I thought I wouldn’t be able to get
back.”
Battlefield losses
The complete capture of Myawaddy would be a
humiliating defeat for the junta, which has suffered a string of battlefield
losses in recent months that have prompted rare criticism of its top brass by
its supporters.
Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed to local media
late Thursday that junta soldiers “had to withdraw” from their base in
Myawaddy, saying it was for their families’ safety.
He said that the junta and Thai authorities were in
discussion over the soldiers, but did not give any details about how many were
involved.
AFP has contacted the Thai government for comment.
During his one-day visit, ParnpreeBahiddha-Nukara will
also view preparations for a further influx of people fleeing fighting in
Myanmar, according to the foreign affairs ministry.
On Thursday, Thai Prime Minister SretthaThavisin said
the kingdom “won’t allow anyone to get in our airspace”, referring to the
recent clashes in Myawaddy.
In 2022 Thailand scrambled jet fighters after
Myanmar’s air force breached its airspace during operations against anti-coup
fighters.
Earlier this week Thailand said it was prepared to
accept 100,000 people fleeing from Myanmar. — AFP
Source:
malaymail.com
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----
Indonesian Super Hercules lands home after Gaza
humanitarian mission
April 12, 2024
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force's C-130J
Super Hercules aircraft, bearing tail number A-1340, landed in Jakarta, on Thursday
(April 11), after delivering humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza under
Solidarity Path Operation.
Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces
(TNI) General AgusSubiyanto personally welcomed the aircraft at Halim
Perdanakusuma Air Base at around 5 p.m. local time.
"The C-130J Super Hercules has finally arrived in
Indonesia after concluding a 14-day mission, starting from March 29, flying to
Jordan to deliver humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza," Head of
TNI's International Information Colonel TediRudianto noted in a statement
received here on Thursday.
He said TNI's participation in Solidarity Path
Operation had proven its interoperability with military institutions from other
countries and served as a testament to Indonesia's success in military
diplomacy.
General Subiyanto symbolically awarded the 27
personnel deployed to the humanitarian mission during the welcoming ceremony in
Jakarta.
During the mission, the Super Hercules crew, led by
Colonel Noto Casnoto, collaborated with the Royal Jordanian Air Force to
airdrop 20 packages of food, mineral water, and medicines each weighing 160
kilograms donated by Indonesian people.
The aircraft flew to the southern part of Gaza from
the King Abdullah II Air Base in Zarqa, Jordan.
It was a challenging mission for the Indonesian Air
Force since unlike Jordan, Indonesia has no diplomatic relations with Israel
currently besieging the Gaza Strip.
The instruction to directly distribute humanitarian
assistance to Gaza was stated by President Joko Widodo on March 8, 2024.
Indonesia has become the second country from Southeast
Asia that managed to carry out direct aid distribution to Gaza after Singapore.
Source:
antaranews.com
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---
S'poregovt committed to protect all minorities,
including Muslims, Jews: Shanmugam on Gaza conflict
April 12, 2024
Daniel Seow
"We have made a clear commitment to protect all
our minorities which, in Singapore’s context, includes Muslim and Jewish
communities, and we take a firm view against any expression of violence,"
said home affairs and law minister K Shanmugam.
He was speaking at a pre-Passover celebration
organised by the Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) on Apr. 11, which was attended by
various community and religious leaders in Singapore.
He highlighted the impact of the Gaza conflict on how
Jewish communities around the world are perceived, and emphasised the Singapore
government's commitment to protect the different communities here.
Both sides have dehumanised one another: Shanmugam
In his speech, Shanmugam noted that the world is
"going through a very difficult time", noting the impact of conflicts
including in Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and other places,
which have seen "tremendous loss of life and suffering".
Shanmugam highlighted that one impact of the Gaza
conflict is the rise of Islamophobia and anti-semitism around the world.
He also pointed out that "both sides have
dehumanised each other" in the conflict and "that can only be bad
news for peace or any hope".
Shanmugam added that the situation in the Middle East
is "sad on many levels", and quoted a BBC report which says evidence
is accumulating that both Hamas and Israel have committed war crimes.
He noted that Israel has rejected charges at The Hague
that it is guilty of genocide.
Shanmugam recalled that Israel was "seen as the
underdog" in the 60s and 80s as it struggled for survival amid attacks
from "larger forces around the region".
He noted that sympathy toward Israel "has eroded
somewhat", because of the policies of different Israeli Governments
towards the Palestinians.
He pointed to previous statements made by Singapore on
the matter, including at the United Nations, and said that while Singapore's
"very strong" relationship with Israel "will not preclude us
from taking a principled view on the actions of the different actors in the
Middle East, at any point in time."
He said that "recent actions by Israel have been
a cause for concern" to Singapore, as well as other countries in the
international community, including the United states.
He added:
“It is sad to see that a country like Israel, whose
people have suffered so much during the Holocaust and centuries before that,
should be accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice."
"These will have an impact on the perception of
Jewish communities around the world," he said.
Govt wants to protect local Jewish community from
anti-semitism
He pointed out the Singapore government wants to
"insulate" and protect the local Jewish community from these impacts.
"[The] government's fundamental duty is to
maintain law and order, [and] protect everyone. That is the first order of
business for the government," he added.
He said this was why the government "took a
strong stance" on a controversial post put up on the Embassy of Israel in
Singapore's official page.
"It risked inflaming tensions, can undermine the
peace and harmony we enjoy in Singapore, and can also put the Jewish community
here at risk – if the anger spills over into the physical realm,"
Shanmugam explained during his Apr. 11 speech.
Uploaded on Mar. 24, the post claimed that Israel was
mentioned 43 times in the Quran, the central religious text of Islam, while
Palestine was not mentioned.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) told the Israeli
embassy to take down the post immediately.
It was deleted the same day, and the Israel embassy
has stated that the person involved will face disciplinary action.
Singapore takes "firm view" against
violence: Shanmugam
Shanmugam said Singapore has "tried hard"
not to import "tensions, conflicts and arguments" into society here.
But he noted that "some impact" has been
felt amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
"Thankfully, the level of tension and friction is
much less, compared with most other places," he said, pointing to
Singapore's laws, and its "firmness" in making it clear that
enforcement of these laws will be enforced equally.
Shanmugam also highlighted the Singapore government's
efforts to allow people to practise their religion freely and to increase
understanding between communities.
"We have made a clear commitment to protect all
our minorities which, in Singapore’s context, includes Muslim and Jewish
communities, and we take a firm view against any expression of violence, and
obviously any actual violence," Shanmugam added.
Shanmugam pointed out that Jews "have a very long
history in Singapore", have "played a vital role in building
Singapore up through the years" and "are a vibrant and valuable part
of our society".
He added that Singapore is one of the places where
Jews can openly profess their faith in this region, and where one can find
mosques, synagogue, church and temple in vicinity of one another.
Every community in Singapore is equal, will be
protected
"We have to ensure people feel completely free
and confident and comfortable to practise their faith and do what they wish, as
long as you do not go out there to protest without a permit," he said.
Shanmugam ended his speech by reaffirming the
government's commitment to protect every community in Singapore.
"We look towards and pray for a better future,
for both Israelis and Palestinians. For an end to the endless cycles of
violence, oppression, and suffering, and for wisdom to prevail," he said.
"There is a reason why a cabinet minister is
here, speaking with you – to send a message to everyone that every community in
Singapore is equal and will be protected."
Source:
mothership.sg
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https://mothership.sg/2024/04/shanmugam-singapore-government-protect-minorities-jews-gaza/
--
Pakistan
Muslims across US remember Palestine, Pakistan in Eid prayers
April 11, 2024
Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
DALLAS: Muslims across the United States (US) marked
Eid-ul-Fitr with prayers for the people of Palestine, seeking their freedom
from Israeli oppression, and for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.
With the Muslim community observing the auspicious
occasion, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, with religious
fervour and zeal Eid prayers offered in hundreds of mosques in the US state of
Texas in Houston, Dallas and other cities.
Mufti Dr Abdul Wahid led the Eid prayers at Darul
Uloom Houston, whereas Allama Babar Rahmani led the prayers at Carlton's Madina
mosque.
Large number of people, including women and children,
participated in Eid prayers in Epic Irving, Masjid Valley Ranch, Dar El Eman
Arlington, and other mosques.
Meanwhile, Eid prayers at more than 60 mosques were
organised in Dale country alone.
Following the prayers, as per the tradition, people
embraced and greeted each other; whereas, some even visited the cemeteries to
offer prayers at the graves of their loved ones.
All public and private offices and educational
institutions in Texas granted holidays to Muslim employees and students on the
auspicious occasion of Eid.
However, Eid celebrations in Pennsylvania were marred
by violence after multiple people were injured in a firing incident at the
Clara Muhammad Square park in Philadelphia.
The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon when
two groups opened fire at each other at the site where around 1,000 people were
gathered to celebrate Eid.
Although no casualties have been reported so far, as
many as three people are said to have sustained injuries in the incident which
saw around 30 rounds being fired, Fox29 News reported.
Meanwhile, the police have taken five people into custody
and have confiscated five weapons from the incident site.
Source:
thenews.com.pk
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-----
Man gunned down in Karachi for resisting robbery
during Eid-ul-Fitr
April 12, 2024
Syed Daniyal Hussain
KARACHI: Another man fell victim to street crimes as
he lost his life for resisting robbery in Karachi's Gulshan-e-Iqbal Chowrangi
area during Eid-ul-Fitr, police said Friday.
The deceased was identified as Turab Zaidi and further
investigation into the incident is taking place, according to the law
enforcement officials.
On the other hand, four other people were injured in
different areas of Karachi including Shah Latif Town, Nazimabad and Korangi in
robbery incidents, said the police.
Karachi has been gripped by street crimes as at least
59 people have lost their lives while 200 were injured due to resisting robbery
this year so far.
According to Geo News, as many as 6,780 criminal
incidents were carried out in Karachi in the holy month of Ramadan in which 20
vehicles were snatched and more than 130 others stolen.
Moreover, 830 motorcycles were also snatched with
4,200 others stolen in the same month. Meanwhile, 19 people were lost their
lives in Ramadan while 55 were injured.
A few days back, the Sindh High Court (SHC) had given
a one-month ultimatum to the provincial authorities to restore law and order in
the province amid rising incidents of street crime in Karachi.
SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi ordered the
provincial authorities to restore law and order across the province within a month.
He also directed strict actions against “influential persons” who were involved
in sabotaging the law and order situation.
Source:
thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1177584-man-gunned-down-in-karachi-for-resisting-robbery-during-eid-ul-fitr
----
'Jailed Qureshi hopeful for justice after IHC judges
letter'
April 11, 2024
RAWALPINDI: Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s daughter Shehrbano Qureshi said
Thursday that the "brave step" of six Islamabad High Court (IHC)
judges to write a letter on alleged interference of intelligence agencies in
the judicial matters boosted the morale of her father.
Shehrbano, speaking to journalists outside
Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail after meeting her father today, said that she also met
Qureshi last Monday and he was in good health.
“Qureshi is very hopeful and seeing justice being done
in the country,” the PTI leader said, adding that the bravery showed by six
judges of the IHC boosted the courage of her father — who alongside the party
founder Imran Khan is facing 10-year jail term in the cipher case.
She expressed her thoughts that they want to see a
strong and stable Pakistan despite going through a tough time.
Regarding the case against the former foreign
minister, Shehrbano said that appeals against Qureshi’s sentences in the cipher
case would be heard on April 16.
The politico expressed hopes that the prosecution
would not find more excuses in the next hearings. She claimed that the
prosecution has no concrete arguments left in the cipher case.
In January, a special court judge Abul Hasnat
Zulqarnain had sentenced Khan and Qureshi to 10 years, each, in the cipher
case.
The case pertains to allegations that the former prime
minister had made public contents of a secret cable sent by the country's
ambassador in Washington to the government in Islamabad.
The FIA, in its challan, sought trial and sentence of
the former prime minister and the former foreign minister as they were found
guilty in the matter.
Both politicians had pleaded not guilty to their
involvement in the offence related to the alleged misuse of diplomatic cable
for political purposes.
What is ciphergate?
The controversy first emerged on March 27, 2022, when
Khan — less than a month before his ouster in April 2022 — while addressing a
public rally waved a letter before the crowd, claiming that it was a cipher
from a foreign nation that had conspired with his political rivals to have PTI
government overthrown.
He did not reveal the contents of the letter nor did
he mention the name of the nation it came from. But a few days later, he
accused the United States of conspiring against him and alleged that Assistant
Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs Donald Lu had sought his
removal.
The cipher was about former Pakistan ambassador to the
US Majeed's meeting with Lu.
The former prime minister, claiming that he was
reading contents from the cipher, said that "all will be forgiven for
Pakistan if Imran Khan is removed from power".
Then on March 31, the National Security Committee
(NSC) took up the matter and decided to issue a "strong demarche" to
the US for its "blatant interference in the internal affairs of
Pakistan".
Later, after his removal, then-prime minister Shehbaz
Sharif convened a meeting of the NSC, which came to the conclusion that it had
found no evidence of a foreign conspiracy in the cable.
In the two audio leaks that took the internet by storm
and shocked the public after these events, the former prime minister,
then-federal minister Asad Umar, and then-principle secretary Azam could
allegedly be heard discussing the US cipher and how to use it to their
advantage.
Source:
thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1177538-jailed-qureshi-hopeful-for-justice-after-ihc-judges-letter
----
'88 terrorists killed in 2024 so far': IG KP on
security situation in province
April 11, 2024
Shakeel Farman Ali
PESHAWAR: As Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to battle
the scourge of terrorism, the province's Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Akhtar Hayat Khan Thursday said as many as 88 terrorists have been neutralised
in various anti-terror operations since January 1, 2024.
Speaking to Geo News, IG Khan said that several
high-value targets were among those killed in various operations, which have
also resulted in apprehension of several militants.
Stressing that the law and order situation has
improved in Dera Ismail Khan and the merged districts of the erstwhile
Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), the KP police chief said that the
militants will continue to be pursued via intelligence-based operations (IBOs).
On the sacrifices rendered by the police in the fight
against terrorism, the officer said that 41 police personnel have embraced
martyrdom in the ongoing year as part of the police force's fight against
terrorism.
"The security of foreigners has been
improved," he said while addressing the issue of security threats faced by
foreign nationals in the province that also saw five Chinese citizens,
including a woman, being killed in a suicide attack in Shangla'sBesham city
last month.
His remarks come as KP, along with Balochistan, has
witnessed a significant surge in terrorist attacks in recent months.
Both provinces accounted for over 92% of all
fatalities and 86% of attacks — including incidents of terrorism and security
forces operations — during the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.
These numbers were quoted in the Q1 2024 Security
Report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
As per the report, Pakistan witnessed 432
violence-linked fatalities and 370 injuries among civilians, security personnel
and outlaws resulting from as many as 245 incidents of terror attacks and
counter-terror operations. This includes 281 fatalities among civilians and
security forces personnel.
Individually, KP suffered 51% and Balochistan 41% of
all fatalities in Q1, 2024. The data indicated that the remaining regions were
relatively peaceful, suffering less than 8% of all fatalities.
Source:
thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1177522-88-terrorists-killed-in-2024-so-far-ig-kp-on-security-situation-in-province
----
In call with Iran's president, Zardari vows to boost
Pak-Iran bilateral cooperation
April 12, 2024
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, on a phone call
with his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, vowed to boost bilateral
cooperation between the two countries.
"Pakistan would continue to work with Iran in all
areas of mutual interest to further boost bilateral cooperation," said a
statement was issued by the President’s House on Thursday.
The two leaders held a telephonic conversation and
exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
During the call, Zardari also stressed on the need to
enhance the exchange of information to overcome the security challenges being
faced by the two countries.
"President Asif Ali Zardari offered his heartfelt
condolences and sympathies with the Iranian leadership and the bereaved
families who lost their dear ones in the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy
in Damascus," said the statement.
Recently, Israel attacked the Iranian embassy in the
Syrian capital Damascus, killing 13 people. Those killed in the strike included
a senior commander of Iran's elite Quds Force and other military figures.
The attack came amid Israel's ongoing aggression in
Gaza which has killed more than 34,000 people.
President Zardari also expressed his concern over the
humanitarian crisis and the genocide being committed by the Israeli forces,
calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
"The president also wished the Iranian President
and his family continued well-being, health and happiness," said the
statement, adding that he also extended an invitation to the Iranian president
to visit Pakistan.
Source:
thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1177595-in-call-with-irans-president-zardari-vows-to-boost-pak-iran-bilateral-cooperation
---
Mideast
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps & Quds Force -
leading Iran's fight against Israel
April 12, 2024
HananLischinsky
Unlike most other nations, the Islamic Republic of
Iran has two parallel armed forces. Besides its regular army, there is a
second, much more powerful force: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),
or in Persian, Sepah-e Pasdaran.
This shadowy organization was founded explicitly to
defend the regime’s ideology against enemies from outside and within, and to
export the Islamic Revolution to all ends of the earth.
The IRGC was created by the regime’s first leader,
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, after the successful revolution against the
pro-Western Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979.
Instead of having to rely on the regular army, which
under the toppled Shah had very close relations with Western nations (including
Israel), the new regime decided to found an armed force of ideologically loyal
men to shield itself.
Over time, the IRGC has become one of the most
important centers of power in the state, which controls several economic
sectors and has outsized political influence through former officers occupying
key positions in the regime.
In addition, the formerly independent Basij
paramilitary volunteer militia was put under IRGC control in 2008. The
“Basijis” serve as an additional internal security force, are found at the
forefront of violent regime repressions of demonstrators and dissidents, and
assist the regime’s morality police in carrying out its duties.
The IRGC’s armed forces are organized like any other
army, including an Air Force, Navy and ground forces. As the body tasked with
exporting the Islamic Revolution, the IRGC has become one of the regime’s most
important foreign policy tools.
For example, it controls Iran’s large ballistic
missile program, which is used to threaten and intimidate its neighbors and arm
regional proxies.
The IRGC was responsible for the missile attacks
against Saudi Arabia’s oil processing facility in 2019, and two U.S. bases in
Iraq in 2020, in response to the killing of senior IRGC commander, Qassem
Soleimani, shortly before.
Soleimani commanded the IRGC’s secret foreign arm, the
elite Quds Force, which U.S. General Stanley McChrystal once called “an
organization roughly analogous to a combination of the CIA and JSOC in the
United States.”
The Quds Force is named after the Arabic name for
Jerusalem, al-Quds, and is tasked with one of the regime’s most important
foreign policy goals: The eradication of Israel.
To reach this goal, the Quds Force, under the command
of Soleimani, began setting up dozens of Shia Muslim proxy militias throughout
the Middle East that are backed and supported by Iran, called the “Axis of
Resistance.”
Forming a “ring of fire,” the regime seeks to surround
Israel with enemies on all sides to prepare for a future showdown, leading to
Israel’s destruction.
The Quds Force continues to train and supply these
groups and guides their activity against Israel and other enemies of the
regime. The unit was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. soldiers
during the Iraq War, before shortly allying with the U.S. to defeat ISIS.
Outlasting the Western alliance, today Iraq is seen as a client state of Iran.
Soleimani also led the Iranian forces and allied
groups in the civil war in Syria, ensuring the Iranian takeover of a second
country bordering Israel, after Lebanon.
Hezbollah is the original template for this strategy,
as the group was founded with Iranian support. Today, it is the largest and
best-armed Iranian proxy militia, and with it being comprised wholly of Shia
Muslims, it is completely loyal to Iran’s supreme leader.
The Palestinian terror groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad
(PIJ) are a special case in the Quds Force’s axis, as they are Sunni Muslims
and were founded independent of Iranian influence. However, in recent years
they were heavily funded and backed by Iran, especially PIJ, and coordinated
closely with the regime.
Reports following the recent elimination of a senior
Quds Force officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Damascus, Syria,
revealed a glimpse of the modus operandi of the Quds Force that is usually
shrouded in secrecy.
Zahedi served in Syria as one of the many
"military advisors" deployed by the IRGC. In reality, he commanded
the Quds Force’s Unit 1800, responsible for running the Iranian operations
against Israel through proxies in Lebanon and Syria.
As part of this position, Zahedi sat on Hezbollah’s
eight-member directing council, and facilitated the smuggling of ammunition and
precision weapons to Hezbollah, as well to other terror groups in Syria and
Judea and Samaria.
Other militias in Iraq and the Yemeni Houthi rebels,
who have attacked Israel during the Gaza War of 2023-24, are also supplied by
Iran.
The IRGC’s Quds Force is also under U.S. sanctions for
its worldwide terror and criminal activities. Together with its allies,
especially Hezbollah, it is constantly at work to carry out terror attacks
against Israeli and Jewish institutions, with the most famous being two
bombings in Argentina in 1992 and 1994.
Through the IRGC and Hezbollah, Iran has also worked
to build political, commercial, and military ties with revolutionary Marxist
countries in Latin America, with its activities like drug and weapons trading.
The IRGC has paid a heavy price for its activities
since Oct. 7, with Israeli and U.S. airstrikes severely degrading its presence
in Syria. In addition to Zahedi and his deputy, another alleged airstrike
killed a third brigadier general, Razi Mousavi, in December 2023. Another five
officers were killed in January 2024, and in March, a wave of strikes killed
dozens of its operatives.
As of April 2024, the Houthis in Yemen and the Iraqi
militias had suffered significant, if not yet crippling losses from Western
airstrikes.
With the Gaza Strip taken out of Iran’s sphere of
influence, an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah would be ruinous to
Israel, but would also risk the complete destruction of the IRGC's crown jewel,
as well as the elimination of its influence in Syria, which is sure to be
dragged into such a war.
The Gaza War of 2023 has put the IRGC’s ambitious
plans for the Middle East at a crossroads. After an initial devastating blow to
the Israeli enemy, the following months have increasingly put its achievements
of the past decades at risk.
Source:
allisrael.com
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----
UN Security Council calls for ‘transparent’
investigation of Gaza aid worker deaths
April 11, 2024
LONDON: There must be “transparent” accountability for
the deaths of humanitarian aid workers in Gaza, the UN Security Council has
said, noting its “deep concern over the human toll of the conflict, the
catastrophic humanitarian situation, and the threat of imminent famine in
Gaza.”
In a statement, the UNSC said it “expressed grave
concern over the Israeli air strikes” that killed seven members of the World
Central Kitchen, bringing the total number of aid workers killed in Gaza since
the start of Israel’s campaign in the enclave to at least 224.
The council added that an Israeli investigation into
the air strikes on April 1 needs to be “full, transparent and comprehensive,”
calling for all findings to be made public.
The UNSC also demanded that the protected status of
humanitarian workers, facilities and operations under international law be
respected by all sides in Gaza.
It praised the “outstanding and admirable efforts of
all humanitarian, medical and United Nations workers serving in Gaza,” adding
that the situation on the ground is “extremely difficult and dangerous,” requiring
“tremendous courage.”
The UNSC called for all “barriers to the delivery of
humanitarian aid” into Gaza to be removed, noting Israel’s decision to open the
Erez crossing into the enclave, and to permit aid to be delivered via the port
at Ashdod.
However, the council said more still needs to be done,
and “insisted on the need to immediately and fully … allow, facilitate and
enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance
at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza
Strip, consistent with Resolution 2720 (2023).”
The UNSC reiterated its call for international law to
be respected by all parties, and for a “lasting, sustainable ceasefire, and for
the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
The council also reaffirmed support “for the work of
(the) Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza (and) the
lifesaving efforts of all UN personnel and agencies, including UNRWA, that are
working to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.”
The UNSC condemned “all violence and hostilities
against civilians, and all acts of terrorism.”
Source:
arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2491636/middle-east
----
Israel threatens to invade Rafah, return to Khan
Younis after carnage
11 April 2024
Israel’s Benny Gantz says the regime will proceed with
the ground invasion of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
The minister for military affairs said on Thursday,
“We will enter Rafah. We will return to Khan Younis. And we will operate in
Gaza.”
Rafah borders Egypt and more than 1.5 million
Palestinians are now sheltering in the city.
The regime faces deep division from within regarding
the military operation in Rafah.
During a meeting of the regime’s ministers, Yariv
Levin, one of the ministers, said, “Regarding Rafah, I recommend not discussing
the timing of entry. Once the enemy understands exactly when and how it will
happen, it will translate into casualties (for Israeli soldiers), more
explosive devices and booby-trapped houses.”
Foreign minister Israel Katz intervened in the
discussion. “Why are we waiting? We should already be there (in Rafah).”
Bezalel Smotrich, a key member of Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu’s far-right regime, has said the military must intensify operations
in central Gaza, as well as in Rafah.
Israel has pulled most of its troops out of southern
Gaza apparently to recuperate.
Israel also faces tremendous international pressure to
end its campaign of death and destruction in Gaza and allow more humanitarian
aid into the starving territory.
Several countries, the United States included, have
urged Israel to abandon plans for the Rafah operation.
On Thursday, the Israeli military announced the launch
of a new “targeted” operation in central Gaza.
Before the ground troops started the incursion,
warplanes and artillery struck the outskirts of the Nuseirat refugee camp.
In one recent Israeli airstrike near a cemetery east
of Rafah, five people were killed. Three people were also killed in Janayna,
Wafa news agency reported.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks
across the Gaza Strip have killed 63 people and wounded 45 more over the past
24 hours.
At least 33,545 Palestinians have been killed and
76,094 injured in Israel's military invasion on Gaza since Oct. 7, it said in a
statement.
The Israeli savagery has pushed 85 percent of Gaza’s
population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water
and medicine.
Source:
presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/04/11/723490/Israel-Rafah-Khan-Younis
---
President Raeisi: Killing of Haniyeh family members
sign of Israel's desperation
11 April 2024
Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says Israel has
revealed its desperation in the face of the Palestinian resistance with its
killing of three sons and four grandchildren of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in
the Gaza Strip.
Raeisi called Haniyeh on Thursday to offer condolences
over the loss in an Israeli airstrike which targeted the car in which the
members of Haniyeh's family were driving in Gaza's al-Shati camp.
"This crime further revealed the brutality and
child-killing nature of the atrocious Zionist regime and indicated the
helplessness, desperation and failure of the Zionists in facing the resistance
front," Raeisi said.
"The pretenders of human rights are accomplices
of this hated regime with their silence and cowardly support of such
crimes," the president added, apparently referring to the Western
governments.
The three sons and four grandchildren were making
family visits during the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday in Shati,
their home refugee camp in Gaza City, on Wednesday when they were targeted.
President Raeisi "praised the patience and
sacrifice of the head of the political bureau of Hamas in this painful
ordeal", saying the leaders of the resistance are in the front line of the
liberation of the occupied al-Quds with their sacrifices.
Haniyeh thanked the Iranian president for his
expression of sympathy, saying "With these bloods, we build hope, future
and freedom for our nation and ideals and the ummah."
"The Zionist criminal enemy thinks that by
targeting the children of resistance leaders, it can harm our determination and
our nation, while these bloods make us stronger in the path of
resistance," he added.
Haniyeh stressed that the Palestinian resistance will
neither hesitate nor back down in the path of liberating the holy al-Quds and
al-Aqsa Mosque.
"The blood of my children and grandchildren is a
sacrifice for the liberation of al-Quds al-Sharif and al-Aqsa Mosque," he
said.
Source:
presstv.ir
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---
Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian home, car in
occupied West Bank
11 April 2024
A group of Israeli settlers have set ablaze a
Palestinian home and a vehicle in a village near the city of Nablus in the
occupied northern West Bank.
The mayor of Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya village, Yaqoub
Ewais, said the settlers stormed the village and set fire to Palestinian
property.
The incident took place in the early hours of
Thursday, Anadolu news agency reported.
Ewais said the Palestinian villagers confronted the
settlers and pushed them out of the village.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa said at least one
Palestinian was injured in the settler attack.
Since the start of Israel’s bloody campaign in Gaza,
over 450 Palestinians have been killed and around 5,000 others wounded by the
regime in the West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry says.
United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said
last month that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories
have expanded by a record margin and risk eliminating any practical possibility
of a Palestinian state.
“Settler
violence and settlement-related violations have reached shocking new levels and
risk eliminating any practical possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian
state,” Turk said in a statement that accompanied a 16-page report about the
growth in Israeli housing units in the West Bank.
As the Israeli onslaught on Gaza continues for the
seventh month with more than 33,500 people killed by the Zionist regime,
Israeli forces have dramatically increased the use of administrative detention,
a form of arbitrary detention, of Palestinians across the West Bank.
The number of Palestinians arrested in the West Bank
since October 7 exceeds 8,000, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club and
local media.
Source:
presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/04/11/723493/Israeli-settlers-Palestinian-home-car-West-Bank
---
Gaza death toll exceeds 33,500 as Israeli attacks
continue
Ahmed Asmar
11.04.2024
A total of 33,545 Palestinians have been killed in
Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since last October, the Health Ministry in
the besieged enclave said on Thursday.
The Gaza-based Health Ministry made the statement as
the Israeli deadly onslaught on Gaza entered its 188th day.
The ongoing offensive has also injured 76,094 Palestinians,
it added.
The ministry's statement said: "63 martyrs and 45
injuries arrived at (Gaza) hospitals in the past 24 hours as a result of the
Israeli occupation aggression on the Gaza Strip,”
"Many people are still trapped under rubble and
on the roads and rescuers are unable to reach them," it added.
Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since a cross-border
attack by Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people.
The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the
territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food,
clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been
damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.
Israel stands accused of genocide at the International
Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop
genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is
provided to civilians in Gaza.
Hostilities have continued unabated, however, and aid
deliveries remain woefully insufficient to address the humanitarian
catastrophe.
Source:
aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/gaza-death-toll-exceeds-33-500-as-israeli-attacks-continue/3188618
---
Turkey’s ban on exports to Israel deals fresh blow to
war-battered building industry
SHARON WROBEL
11 April 2024,
Turkey’s ban on some exports to Israel is poised to
hit Israel’s construction industry hard at a time when the sector has already
been badly damaged by the war with the Hamas terror group.
The imposed trade restrictions, mostly affecting goods
upon which Israeli builders are dependent, will force importers to seek
alternative suppliers from other countries, thereby incurring additional costs
that will mean higher prices for consumers and businesses.
“It is a significant step by Turkey and a change in
policy because until now, Turkey did not touch economic relations with Israel.
Even during periods of high tensions on the political level, economic relations
continued almost uninterrupted,” Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior researcher at
the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), told The Times of Israel.
“The action creates uncertainty in the business realm, which is never good for
business relations.”
“There is a fear that there are other actors
internationally that are silently boycotting Israel and that this is not only a
bilateral crisis between countries but that it could also have ramifications on
Israel’s trade relations in general,” Lindenstrauss cautioned.
Lindenstrauss noted that Israel and Turkey have free
trade agreements since the mid-1990s that are now being violated. As the
restrictions are affecting contracts between private entrepreneurs in Turkey
and importers in Israel, there are likely to be economic and legal
ramifications. Beyond Turkey, there is concern that the growing criticism over
how the war in Gaza is being conducted will prompt other countries such as
Norway or Ireland to follow suit with boycott actions.
Turkey this week announced export trade restrictions
to Israel on 54 products including cement, steel, aluminum, iron construction
materials and equipment in response to the war that has been raging in the Gaza
Strip for more than six months.
Israel imports about 70 percent of iron construction
materials and about a third of its cement needs from Turkey mainly for the use
in the local construction and building industry, as well as sanitary products
for bathrooms, according to the Israel Builders Association. Israel is also one
of Turkey’s top steel destinations.
“Turkey is not the only producer of basic manufactured
construction materials, but they are cheaper, also due to the geographical
proximity,” said Shay Pauzner, deputy director general of the Israel Builders
Association. “Now Israeli importers will need to look for alternative suppliers
which will make the cost of construction even more expensive.”
“That’s as 40% of the construction sector is at a
standstill since the outbreak of the war on October 7, grappling with a massive
labor shortage due to the absence of Palestinian workers, which in turn is
already causing a delay and slowdown in the building of housing needed to meet
the shortage in supply in the real estate market,” Pauzner said.
Lindenstrauss similarly believes that although the
sector will find substitutes, the expectation is that it will cause an increase
in construction prices.
“Less so for households and more for larger
infrastructure projects due to the disruptions,” she said.
The economic impact will not only be felt by consumers
and businesses in the immediate term but also in the government coffers, as a
large part of state revenue comes from real estate taxation, according to
Pauzner.
Turkey, which openly supports Hamas and is one of the
harshest critics of Israel during the Gaza war, in recent weeks accused Israel
of failing to “allow adequate and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into
Gaza” and threatened that it would be taking measures after Israel rejected its
request to take part in an aid airdrop for Gaza.
“The Turkish excuse or justification that Israel is
not allowing airdrops doesn’t resonate well as Turkey is very high on the list
of those providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip,” said
Lindenstrauss.
Turkey and Israel normalized ties in 2022 by
reappointing ambassadors after years of tensions. But those links quickly
deteriorated after Hamas stormed into Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200
people and taking 253 hostages to Gaza, where about half of them remain.
Since the start of the war, more than 33,000
Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
These figures can not be verified and do not differentiate between civilians
and combatants. Israel says it has killed more than 13,000 gunmen in Gaza and
another 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7. As of Sunday, 260 IDF
soldiers have been killed during fighting in Gaza.
Turkey said that the trade sanctions will remain in
place unless Israel declares a ceasefire immediately. Meanwhile, Israel buys
more from Turkey than it sells to the Islamic country, which could mean that
Turkey’s economy could take a bigger hit than Israel from its own actions.
Turkey is Israel’s fifth-largest source of imported goods and Israel’s
10th-largest export market, according to data by the Central Bureau of
Statistics.
However, even before the outbreak of the Gaza war,
trade with Turkey started to decline. Last year, Turkey’s exports to Israel
amounted to $5.4 billion, down from $7.03 billion in 2022, according to data by
Turkey’s Trade Ministry. That’s after export volume more than doubled over the
previous decade, despite the long-strained diplomatic ties between the two
countries. From Israel, Turkey buys chemicals, metals, and other industrial
products that are part of its plastic and paint industries.
“We already saw a decrease in trade levels of about
30% in 2023, compared to 2022, including a decline in the exports of
construction materials to Israel probably due to a slowdown in the Israeli
economy and the uncertainty caused by the political instability which also
impacted the building sector,” said Lindenstrauss.
Prof. IlanAlon, dean of the School of Economics at the
College of Management, reckoned that although prices are likely to increase,
overall the economy is going to be resilient enough to deal with any kind of
Turkish embargo.
“However, as a country we do have to think about what
it is that we want to manufacture inside Israel, what it is we could live with
and what it is we could live without, and what are the costs that we are
willing to take as consumers,” Alon said.
DafnaKaplansky, head of foreign trade at the
Manufacturers Association of Israel, said Turkey’s boycott action exemplifies
why it is essential for Israel to reduce its dependence on imports.
“It is very important in routine times and even more
during a state of emergency for Israel to have a strong and independent local
manufacturing industry,” said Kaplansky. “We see what is happening as a
testcase for the Israeli public and Israeli decisionmakers to take the
necessary steps to give more power to the Israeli industry by buying Israeli
products over the cheaper alternative in public tenders and giving priority to
local factories.”
Israel has one local cement factory that could produce
more if there were more demand, she suggested.
In response to the unilateral step by Turkey to
restrict exports, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the
government was working on an “extended list of additional products that Israel
will prevent Turkey from exporting” to the country. Israel said it will appeal
to pro-Israel countries and organizations to curtail investments in Turkey and
prevent the import of Turkish products.
“The question of how to react to Turkey’s action is
not only discussed with regard to Israel’s relationship vis-a-vis Turkish
exports, but the issue is, how will Israel’s response look so other countries
will not follow Turkey’s lead,” Lindenstrauss noted.
Facing domestic political pressure, Ireland’s
sovereign investment fund, earlier this month announced that it will pull
investments from Israel’s largest banks and a supermarket chain over their
activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
McDonald’s Corp. said it will buy up Alonyal, the
owner of 225 McDonald’s restaurants in Israel, which have been hit by calls for
a boycott over the war with Hamas in Gaza. The boycott calls, which the
fast-food chain said have hurt sales, were set off after the franchised
restaurants in Israel offered thousands of free meals to Israeli soldiers.
“The longer the war continues and the civilian
casualties in Gaza mount, the more difficult it would be for Israel to stand
alone, economically, politically, and diplomatically, but Israel should not
stand silent against all these attacks,” said Alon. “We need to make it clear
to other countries that if they hurt Israel, there will be consequences that
harm their economy.”
Source:
timesofisrael.com
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/turkeys-ban-on-exports-to-israel-deals-fresh-blow-to-war-battered-building-industry/
----
Israel expects Iranian attack within upcoming 48 hours
- WSJ
APRIL 12, 2024
Iran is expected to attack Israel between the next 24
to 48 hours, with an exclusive Thursday report by the Wall Street Journal
saying that the Jewish state is "preparing for a direct attack" on
the north or south of the country.
The report cited an individual who was briefed by
Iranian regime leadership stated, "no final decision has been made"
as attack plans have been discussed.
The attack is in response to the alleged Israeli
strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, which killed several
members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force. Tehran then
publicly threatened to respond to the attack.
A previous Wednesday report from Bloomberg, citing US
intelligence reports, said that the US and allies predicted that an Iranian
attack on Israel "could be imminent." However, the WSJ cited a source
saying that the attack could be "within Israel's borders."
Earlier this week, the IRGC contacted the country's
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with options to strike Israeli interests,
the Journal reported, citing an adviser to the paramilitary force, with the
report also saying that in recent hours, IRGC-associated social media accounts
posted videos showing simulated missile attacks on Israel’s Haifa airport in
the north of the country, and its nuclear facility in Dimona which is in the
south.
The report also notes Khamenei's concern if an attack
could backfire, for example, in a scenario where Israel would intercept its
projectiles and then retaliate with strikes on Iranian strategic
infrastructure, with an advisor saying that "he is still weighing the
political risk." Scenarios of Iran attacking include utilizing its proxies
in Iraq and Syria, the report noted, or attacking the country's embassies in
other countries, notably those located in Arab countries.
Israel plans to respond
Israel, however, made it clear that it would respond
to any Iranian attack, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Whoever
harms us, we will harm them,” during a visit to the Tel Nof Air Base.
Spokesperson Rear-Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters on
Thursday night that Israel is "on a high state of alert and
preparedness." Additionally, Israel has threatened to disrupt Iran's cyber
infrastructure.
The same day, the US Embassy in Israel told its staff
not to travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba areas amid
the Iranian threat and would be restricted from doing so.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he had warned
Iran not to attack Israel in a conversation with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
Additionally, the German and British foreign ministers, AnnalenaBaerbock and
David Cameron, called on their Iranian counterpart to ask Tehran not to attack
Israel, the Journal sourced British and Iranian officials as saying.
A couple of days earlier, on Sunday, Iranian nuclear
scientist Mahmoud Reza Aghamiri said that the construction of a nuclear weapon
is not complicated for a nation like Iran.
Source:
jpost.com
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https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-796680
-----
North
America
Netanyahu ‘one of the most destructive public
servants’ of last quarter century: US senator
April 11, 2024
LONDON: A senior US senator has described Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as one of the “most destructive public
servants” of the last quarter century, The Guardian reported on Thursday.
Tim Kaine, who ran alongside Hillary Clinton as a vice
presidential candidate and is a top foreign policy voice within the Democratic
Party, accused Netanyahu of making Israel “dramatically less safe.”
The Israeli leader has hurt his country’s longstanding
relationship with the US, said Kaine, adding: “Benjamin Netanyahu, in my view,
has made Israel dramatically less safe during his long tenure as prime
minister.
“He’s going to end up being one of the most successful
politicians and most destructive public servants to be on the world stage in
the last quarter century, because he’s successful if you measure it by
maintaining his own position.
“But, in terms of what he has done that has made
Israel less safe and less secure, there’s a real lesson there.”
Kaine, a member of the Senate foreign relations and
armed services committees, said: “You can be successful as a candidate and as a
politician but end up being unsuccessful or even destructive as a public
servant.”
In December last year, the Virginia senator questioned
the Biden administration’s decision to transfer weapons to Israel without
oversight from the US Congress.
Amid mounting criticism of Biden from within his own
party, Kaine said the president had been “played” by Netanyahu during the first
few months of the Gaza conflict.
But Kaine claimed that Biden’s unconditional support
for Israel “ain’t going to happen any more.”
Biden has now also realized the limits of his
influence over Netanyahu, Kaine told The Guardian, adding: “I think President
Biden has turned the corner and realized he’s not going to be able, through the
force of the relationship, to convince Benjamin Netanyahu to be anything other
than who he is.”
Biden had miscalculated in his dealings with Netanyahu
based on a belief that “true compassion” for Israel would “lead him to be
listened to,” said Kaine, adding: “I think he is enormously frustrated that
he’s been trying to give advice, not like a foe would give it — ‘I think this
is better for you if you listen to me. I’m not just saying this is better for
me; I’m saying this will be better for you.’”
Source:
arabnews.com
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2491521/middle-east
---
Rival 'factions' of 'young people' exchange gunfire in
crowd of 1,000 gathered for Muslim celebration in Philadelphia: Police
APRIL 11, 2024
A celebration near a Philadelphia park to mark the end
of Ramadan, a month of daily fasting for Muslims, turned violent when members
of rival "factions" began shooting at one other despite the crowd.
On Wednesday afternoon, an estimated 1,000 people
gathered in and around Clara Muhammad Square in West Philadelphia for an Eid
al-Fitr event. Families put up tents as people of all ages, including babies,
enjoyed the beautiful spring day together.
Suddenly, around 2:30 p.m., people at the event began
shooting at one another. Some police officers happened to be issuing parking
tickets at a nearby gas station when the gunfire erupted. The officers guessed
that 30 shots were fired, sending the celebration attendees into a panic.
"I just saw everybody just running and
frantic," recalled one witness. "The kids, people's strollers getting
turned over, everybody screaming."
"Everybody just ran away like it was an elephant
stampede."
A total of four people were reportedly injured as a
result of the incident. Nhashon "Tawfiq" Richards, 22, was shot in
the stomach during the exchange of gunfire. His father, Corey Taylor, said that
while Richards is stable and alert, he will likely need surgery.
Two teens suffered gunshot wounds as well. One teen
who attended the event arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the
hand, likely during the incident, and is in stable condition.
Then, a 15-year-old boy who was reportedly carrying a
rifle was shot in the shoulder and leg by a police officer after he allegedly
ignored two commands to drop his weapon. After the officer discharged her
weapon, she quickly corralled the boy into her police cruiser and drove him to
the hospital. His is now in stable condition, and his weapon was reportedly
recovered. The officer has been placed on administrative duty pending the
outcome of the investigation into the shooting.
Finally, a 15-year-old girl attempting to flee the
area suffered a broken leg when she was accidentally struck by a police
vehicle. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel claimed that members of
the department have offered their prayers for her continued healing and will
soon visit with the girl's family.
Thankfully, despite the number of shots fired and the
chaos that ensued, there were no fatalities.
Though Police Commissioner Bethel is grateful there
were not more casualties, he is frustrated that a happy event attended mainly
by "good people who wanted to have a good time" was spoiled by
"two factions" who were "beefing and going at each other."
"Once again, we have young people engaging in
gunfire who just really destroyed the sanctity of what happened," he
claimed.
Corey Taylor, the father of shooting victim Tawfiq
Richards, also condemned the unnecessary violence. He claimed people need to
"stop hating one another over what someone else got or dislike over a
female or some type of hood affiliation or whatever.
"It’s stupid. And it’s nonsense," Taylor
continued. "People’s lives are priceless. Appreciate and value your
life."
Police arrested a total of five individuals, including
the 15-year-old allegedly with the rifle, in connection with the incident. Four
other males and one female were apprehended as they attempted to escape the
area. Police reportedly confiscated a total of four weapons.
Bethel cautioned that the details he shared at the
press conference are preliminary and subject to "change." An
investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Source:
theblaze.com
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https://www.theblaze.com/news/rival-factions-of-young-people-exchange-gunfire-in-crowd-of-1000-gathered-for-muslim-celebration-in-philadelphia-police
---
Afghanistan withdrawal probe sparks anxiety within
Biden administration: US’s McCaul
April 12, 2024
US Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the
House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, believes the probe into
America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan has sparked anxiety within the Biden
administration.
“Are we going to get scalps? I don’t know, but are we
going to hold people accountable? Yeah. And I think at the end of the day, my
intent is to make sure that this never happens again,” McCaul told Axios in an
interview.
US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee
launched an investigation into America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan several
months ago.
Democrats have slammed Republican investigations like
the Biden impeachment inquiry as witch hunts. But Republicans argue the
Afghanistan probe has yielded evidence that’s hard for the White House to
ignore.
Meanwhile, Daily Mail has reported that hours of
private testimony by two of the top State Department officials who oversaw the
evacuation from Afghanistan lays bare the confusion at the heart of the
operation, and how they failed to respond to warning signs that the Islamic
Emirate was sweeping across the country.
Brian McKeon, Deputy Secretary of State for Management
and Resources, until he stepped down in December 2022, admitted that officials
were never able to confirm how many Americans were on the ground and would need
help.
Source:
ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/afghanistan-withdrawal-probe-sparks-anxiety-within-biden-administration-uss-mccaul/
----
After ISIS attack in Moscow, FBI chief warns similar
plans may be brewing in US
ANDREW GOUDSWARD
11 April 2024
WASHINGTON, DC (Reuters) — The FBI is concerned about
the possibility of an organized attack in the United States similar to the one
that killed scores of people at a Russian concert hall last month, the bureau’s
director is set to tell a House of Representatives panel on Thursday.
“Looking back over my career in law enforcement, I’d
be hard-pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety
and national security were so elevated all at once,” Christopher Wray is
planning to tell lawmakers during a budget hearing. “But that is the case as I
sit here today.”
The March 22 attack on a concert hall in suburban
Moscow killed at least 144 people, the deadliest in Russia in 20 years. A
branch of the Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility, but Russian
President Vladimir Putin, without citing evidence, has sought to blame Ukraine.
US officials have been worried about the possibility
of an attack carried out by an individual or small group inspired by the war
between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. But the FBI is growing concerned about a more
coordinated attack following the concert massacre in Russia, Wray will say
during testimony.
Of increasing concern “is the potential for a
coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the ISIS-K attack we saw at
the Russia Concert Hall a couple weeks ago,” he will say.
Wray also plans to press lawmakers to renew a US
surveillance program set to expire this month, calling it an indispensable tool
against US adversaries. A modest overhaul of that program was blocked in the
House on Wednesday amid concerns from members of both parties that it did not
go far enough in curbing the government’s surveillance powers.
“It’s critical in securing our nation, and we’re in
crunch time,” Wray plans to tell lawmakers.
Source:
timesofisrael.com
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-isis-attack-in-moscow-fbi-chief-warns-similar-plans-may-be-brewing-in-us/
---
Argentina court blames ‘terrorist state’ Iran for
1990s attacks
April 12, 2024
BUENOS AIRES: Over three decades after deadly attacks
in Buenos Aires targeted Israel’s embassy and a Jewish center, an Argentine
court placed the blame Thursday on Iran and declared it a “terrorist state,”
according to local media.
The ruling, cited by press reports, said Iran had
ordered the attack in 1992 on Israel’s embassy and the 1994 attack on the
Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish center.
The court also implicated the Iran-backed Shiite
movement Hezbollah and called the attack against the AMIA — the deadliest in
Argentina’s history — a “crime against humanity,” according to court documents
cited by media reports.
“Hezbollah carried out an operation that responded to
a political, ideological and revolutionary design under the mandate of a
government, of a State,” Carlos Mahiques, one of the three judges who issued
the decision, told Radio Con Vos, referencing Iran.
In 1992, a bomb attack on the Israeli embassy left 29
dead. Two years later, a truck loaded with explosives drove into the AMIA
Jewish center and detonated, leaving 85 dead and 300 injured.
The 1994 assault has never been claimed or solved, but
Argentina and Israel have long suspected Lebanon’s Shiite Hezbollah group
carried it out at Iran’s request.
Prosecutors charged top Iranian officials with
ordering the attack. Tehran has denied any involvement.
Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin
America, with some 300,000 members.
It also is home to immigrant communities from the
Middle East — from Syria and Lebanon in particular.
The judges ruled Thursday that the AMIA attack was a
crime against humanity, and put blame on then-president Ali Akbar HashemiBahramaie
Rafsanjani as well as other Iranian officials and Hezbollah members.
The decision was welcomed by the president of the
Delegation of Israelite Associations of Argentina (DAIA), Jorge Knoblovits.
He told Radio Mitre the ruling “is very important,
because it enables the victims to go to the International Criminal Court.”
Former Argentine president Carlos Menem, who died in
2021 and was the president at the time of both attacks, was tried for covering
up the AMIA bombing, but ultimately acquitted.
His former intelligence chief Hugo Anzorreguy was
sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for his role in obstructing the
probe.
He was among some dozen defendants who faced a slew of
corruption and obstruction of justice charges in the case, including the former
judge who led the investigation into the attack, Juan Jose Galeano, who in 2019
was jailed for six years for concealment and violation of evidence.
Source:
arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2491841/world
----
CAIR-SFBA Condemns UC Berkeley Professor’s Alleged
Assault on Palestinian Muslim Law Student
Ibrahim Hooper
April 11, 2024
The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest civil rights and
advocacy organization, today condemned the alleged assault on MalakAfaneh, a
Palestinian Muslim University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley) law student,
by UC Berkeley law professor Catherine Fisk.
The incident reportedly occurred during a dinner for
graduating law students at the home of Fisk and her husband Erwin Chemerinsky,
the law school’s dean.
At the dinner, Afaneh, a leader of the Berkeley Law
Students for Justice in Palestine, reportedly stood to greet other attendees
with the Arabic as-salamualaykum (peace be upon you) and to speak about the
importance of Ramadan to Palestinians and Muslims and the university’s
financial investments in Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
While Afaneh was speaking, Fisk allegedly grabbed her violently to prevent her
from sharing her views.
In a statement, Afaneh said:
“Fisk’s assault was a symbol of the deeper
Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism and religious discrimination that runs
rampant within the UC administration. I was attacked not only for speaking
about Palestine but also because I was a Muslim woman who dared to wear a hijab
and a keffiyeh and speak in my native tongue of Arabic, equating my identity
with something that should be feared and someone who deserved to be silenced.”
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra
Billoo said:
“Students at UC Berkeley have reported being targeted
and harassed for their Palestine advocacy for many months now, not just by
fellow students but also faculty and administrators. Dean Chemerinsky has
unfortunately perpetuated an atmosphere of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian
racism for too long.
“It is concerning to see his and Professor Fisk’s
violent response to a student speaking out against the Israeli genocide in
Palestine. It is reprehensible for UC Berkeley to claim to champion free speech
while its leaders commit such deplorable acts of physical censorship.”
The UC administration has reportedly invested $2
billion in weapons manufacturers and financiers, including Boeing, Blackrock,
Lockheed Martin, RTX, and others. Boeing has been identified as a supplier of
F-15 fighter jets, Apache AH-64 attack helicopters, and unguided small-diameter
bombs for Israel, which have been used to kill over 33,000 Palestinians since
October 2023. The UN special rapporteur recently concluded that the threshold
of the crime of genocide has been met in Gaza and is calling for an arms
embargo and sanctions on Israel.
UC Berkeley has been a site of consistent protest
since Israel’s brutal onslaught on Gaza began in October. Upon Israel’s
targeting of Rafah in February, where over 1.4 million Palestinians are
currently seeking refuge, students have obstructed UC Berkeley’s iconic Sather
Gate for nearly two months. Students are using banners that state “UC You Have
Blood on Your Hands” and “No Peace Until Divestment,” urging the UC to divest
from all entities making arms sales to Israel.
Billoo added, “CAIR-SFBA stands firmly with all
Americans’ unequivocal right to engage in non-violent discourse and will
continue to advocate against any form of censorship or oppression—violent or
otherwise—that threatens those who are advocating for a ceasefire in Palestine.
We are dedicated to supporting and protecting the voices of those who
courageously speak out on matters of injustice and human rights.”
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest
Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance
understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower
American Muslims.
Source:
cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-sfba-condemns-uc-berkeley-professor-alleged-assault-on-palestinian-muslim-law-student/
----
CAIR-NY Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Anti-Muslim
Subway Station Attack
Ibrahim Hooper
April 11, 2024
The New York chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on state and federal law
enforcement authorities to investigate an alleged anti-Muslim attack targeting
a woman at a subway station as a hate crime.
A man allegedly threw a can at the 22-year-old victim
while shouting “f—ing Muslims.”
“We urge law enforcement authorities to investigate
this alleged attack as a hate crime and call on political and religious leaders
to speak out against the growing bigotry that inevitably leads to such acts of
violence,” said CAIR-NY Executive Director AfafNasher.
Earlier this month, CAIR-NY welcomed the conviction of
a man who assaulted a Muslim man on New Year’s Eve.
Yesterday, CAIR’s San Francisco Bay area office
condemned repeated vandalism targeting a San Francisco mosque during the month
of Ramadan.
Also yesterday, CAIR’s New Jersey chapter condemned
vandalism targeting the Muslim Chaplaincy house at Rutgers University (A.K.A.
CILRU, Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University).
CAIR recently released its 2024 civil rights report,
which reveals the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its
30-year history.
SEE: New CAIR Civil Rights Report Reveals Highest
Number of Complaints in Group’s 30-Year History
CAIR-NY’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance
understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY esproteger las libertadesciviles,
mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a
losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.
Source:
cair.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-of-anti-muslim-subway-station-attack/
----
Resolution condemning attacks on temples and
Hinduphobia introduced in U.S. Congress
April 12, 2024
Celebrating the contributions of Hindus and Hinduism
to the U.S., a prominent Indian-American Congressman has introduced a
resolution in the House of Representatives condemning Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu
bigotry, hate and intolerance.
The resolution that was introduced by Congressman Shri
Thanedar on April 10 has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and
Accountability.
The resolution reads that despite their positive
contributions to the United States, Hindu Americans face stereotypes and
disinformation about their heritage and symbols, and have been the targets of
bullying in schools and on college campuses, as well as discrimination, hate
speech, and bias-motivated crimes.
According to the FBI’s Hate Crimes Statistics Report,
anti-Hindu hate crimes targeting mandirs and persons are annually on the rise
while in parallel Hinduphobia in American society is unfortunately rising, the
resolution said.
Noting that the United States has welcomed more than
four million Hindus from all corners of the world since the 1900s, representing
diverse racial, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds, the resolution asserts that
the country has greatly benefited from contributions by Hindu Americans in
every aspect of the nation's economy and every industry.
About a fortnight ago, Indian-American Congressman
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Thanedar, Ami Bera and Pramila Jayapal had
written to the Department of Justice to request a briefing from them on the
status of investigations concerning an alarming increase in incidents of
vandalism at houses of worship across the country including at Hindu temples to
better understand existing law enforcement coordination between local agencies,
the FBI, and the Civil Rights Division.
"Attacks at mandirs from New York to California
have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans. Leaders
from these impacted communities have expressed there are unfortunately “no
leads” on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation.
Our communities remain concerned about law enforcement coordination regarding
these bias-motivated crimes, and they are left wondering if there is
appropriate federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law,"
said the letter dated March 29.
Also Read | Dangerous hybridisation of hate against
Hindus globally, says U.S.-based research organisation
“The number of incidents and the closeness of the
timing of incidents raise troubling questions about linkages and the intent
behind them. It takes relatively few coordinated acts of hate to create fear
nationally within a community that has often been marginalised or neglected,
and we must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic,
racial, and cultural minorities in America.
"We therefore request that you provide us with an
understanding of what the Department’s strategy is specifically concerning hate
crimes targeting Hindus in the United States," said the letter.
KhanderaoKand, Chief of Policy and Strategy from the
Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies said that in the first quarter
of this year, there has been a sudden spike in vandalism as well as thefts in
temples in America intimidating devotees.
"On the background of local officials often
failing to investigate the cases to find culprits, we thank the Indian-American
House of Representatives for asking the FBI and DOJ to investigate. We hope
that the FBI/DOJ will investigate to find any campaign or conspiracy that
exists behind such attacks to assure peace-loving Indian diaspora / South
Asians about their safety and freedom of religion," he said.
Source:
thehindu.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/resolution-introduced-in-us-congress-condemning-attacks-on-hindu-places-of-worship-and-hinduphobia/article68056908.ece
----
Arab
World
From Ardah to Samri: Diriyah festivities bring Saudi
culture to life
April 11, 2024
RIYADH: The historic town of Diriyah has been
transformed into a festive wonderland as the Diriyah Gate Development Authority
has revealed an exciting lineup of events and activities for residents and
visitors to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, festivities are
set to take place across various locations, including the historic UNESCO World
Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the premium culinary destination of Bujairi
Terrace, and Diriyah mosques.
The Eid Al-Fitr celebrations at At-Turaif will embody
traditional Saudi hospitality. Visitors will be greeted with the rich aroma of
Saudi coffee and dokhon, promising an unforgettable experience.
The festivities will feature a series of events,
including captivating performances of the Saudi Ardah, the traditional
celebratory dance, and the lively Samri folklore dance, the SPA reported.
In addition to activating the Nuzul experience, it
transports visitors back in time to immerse them in the daily life of At-Turaif
during the First Saudi State.
Through a series of theatrical performances, guests
get a glimpse of life as it was 300 years ago. Each mudbrick house along Nuzul
Street represents a different aspect of that era, inviting visitors to step
inside and experience history like never before.
From shopping in the souq to schooling and visiting
the doctor, the Nuzul experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with the
past in a truly immersive way.
Visitors can partake in activities such as the
purebred Arabian horse show, the Diriyah coffee workshop, and calligraphy
stalls offering beautifully written Arabic names.
The DGDA decorated five mosques across the city to
elevate the festive spirit for the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. These mosques
hosted special breakfast tables on the first day of Eid, creating a warm and
welcoming environment for everyone.
The Huwamah event also featured several buses touring
Diriyah’sneighborhoods in the evening, allowing families and visitors to
partake in the Eid activities.
Nearly 25,000 gifts, including chocolate boxes, were
distributed at various sites, adding to the festivities, the SPA stated.
Souq Al-Mawsim also welcomed visitors for the first
time during Eid Al-Fitr, offering a range of exciting activities.
Visitors to Bujairi Terrace were able to indulge in a
variety of activities, including live music performances, engaging storytelling
sessions, curated workshops for children, and a range of traditional games and
activities.
The authority remains committed to fostering strong
connections with the local Diriyah community, extending a heartfelt welcome to
residents and visitors on all occasions throughout the year.
Source:
arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2491541/saudi-arabia
----
Saudi foreign minister discusses Gaza in calls with
US, Algeria
April 11, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal
bin Farhan on Thursday received a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony
Blinken, the Kingdom’s ministry said.
The parties reviewed regional developments and ways to
reduce the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
They also focused on issues of common interest, most
notably Sudan, developments in the Gaza Strip, and the importance of
introducing more humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Prince Faisal also made a telephone call to Algerian
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf to discuss regional developments and
the conflict in Gaza.
Source:
arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2491701/saudi-arabia
---
Donations to national charity campaign in Ramadan
exceed SR1.8 billion
April 11, 2024
RIYADH — The National Platform for Charitable Work
(Ehsan) has proudly announced that the donations for the fourth National
Campaign for Charitable Work soared past SR1.8 billion during Ramadan, spanning
from the 5th to the 30th of the holy month. This remarkable achievement was
kickstarted with significant donations from the Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin
Salman, who collectively contributed SR70 million.
Over the course of the campaign, the generosity of
donors was evident in more than 16 million transactions, highlighting the
widespread participation and commitment to charitable endeavors. A substantial
portion of these funds, exceeding SR854 million, bolstered the Ehsan Endowment
Fund, supporting over 1,700 civil society organizations.
Moreover, the campaign facilitated the collection of
Zakat Al-Fitr, amounting to more than SR36 million through more than 390,000
transactions on the platform's app and website. This contribution further
underscores the community's engagement in fulfilling their religious obligations
and supporting those in need.
Cumulatively, the Ehsan platform has channeled over
SR6.8 billion in donations, positively impacting over 4.8 million beneficiaries
across a diverse range of sectors including education, healthcare, social
welfare, food aid, housing, religious support, and assistance for the
insolvent.
Source:
saudigazette.com.sa
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/642013/SAUDI-ARABIA/National-charity-campaigns-donations-exceed-SR18-billion-during-Ramadan
----
Saudi Arabia Announces the Inaugural Protected Areas
Forum ‘HIMA’
11 Apr, 2024
Saudi Arabia announces the Inaugural Protected Areas
Forum ‘‘HIMA’’, a groundbreaking event in the region dedicated to the
conservation and preservation of natural habitats and wildlife. Under the
patronage of Engineer AbdulRahman Al-Fadli, the Minister of Environment, Water,
and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Wildlife
(NCW), this forum organized by the National Center for Wildlife will be held in
Riyadh from April 21-24, marking a significant milestone with both local and
international participation.
The forum will feature a comprehensive agenda filled
with panel discussions and presentations by renowned experts in the field of
protected areas from around the globe. Attendees will include representatives
from protected areas, educational
institutions, major projects, companies, and the
non-profit sector, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental
conservation and sustainability.
Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for
Wildlife, emphasized that the organization of the "HIMA" forum stems
from the Kingdom's leading position in global environmental initiatives and
closely aligns with NCW's mandate as the
national authority for the wildlife sector. This
initiative is part of a strategic plan to enhance the national system for
protected areas, setting a clear direction for the Kingdom's efforts to
safeguard vital natural sites for biodiversity.
Dr. Qurban highlighted the Kingdom's ambitious 30×30
initiative, aimed at protecting 30% of Saudi Arabia's land and sea area by
2030. This initiative, announced during the Green Saudi Initiative, underscores
the Kingdom's dedication to
global biodiversity goals and environmental
sustainability. The roadmap includes specific targets for the protection of
land and marine areas by 2025 and 2030, demonstrating a proactive approach
towards conservation.
The forum serves as a platform for global leaders in
protected area management to exchange knowledge and best practices, fostering
collaboration and ensuring alignment with international standards.
Since its establishment in 2019, the National Center
for Wildlife has been dedicated to implementing strategic plans to address the
challenges facing wildlife and marine ecosystems. With a vision for flourishing
and sustainable wildlife
and biodiversity, the NCW is committed to preserving
environmental systems and enhancing community engagement to achieve long-term
environmental sustainability and maximize societal and economic benefits.
Source:
alriyadhdaily.com
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://alriyadhdaily.com/article/f1dacc0e5b4d4a9b96e4d1db3a74f42e
---
Presidency of Religious Affairs of Two Holy Mosques
Enriches Visitors’ Experience During Eid Al-Fitr
11 Apr, 2024
During the first day of Eid al-Fitr, many visitors and
worshipers gathered at the Two Holy Mosques, surrounded by a spiritual
atmosphere and a faith-filled environment.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Grand
Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque utilized all of its energy and resources to
ensure that worshipers and visitors could easily perform their rituals.
The presidency's efforts aimed to guide and educate
them religiously and answer their questions through designated websites that
are run by scholars and supported by qualified translators.
The presidency executed its Eid plan, translating the
Eid sermon at the Two Holy Mosques into various languages to enrich the
experience of worshipers and visitors, inform them of the sermon's preaching,
and broadcast it through the "Manarat Al-Haramain" platform and smart
applications.
The goal was to convey the moderate message of the Two
Holy Mosques, Islam's tolerance and mercy, and its moderate approach to the
world.
The crowds of worshipers at the Grand Mosque and the
Prophet's Mosque performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer amid a spiritual and
faith-filled atmosphere full of joy, safety, and reassurance.
Source:
alriyadhdaily.com
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://alriyadhdaily.com/article/efaaa61d3e814a66afd919abfc74c013
----
Saudi minister praises security personnel for
successful Umrah season
11th April 2024
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz
bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz has praised security personnel for their
successful efforts during the Umrah season, the Saudi Gazette reported.
This season, Saudi Arabia saw a significant increase
in the number of pilgrims with millions flocking the holy city Makkah
al-Mukarramah to perform the Islamic pilgrimage.
Prince Abdulaziz while officiating a meeting with
senior security officials in Riyadh greeted them on behalf of the leadership
and expressed gratitude for their commitment to preserving a safe and
comfortable environment for Umrah pilgrims in the Kingdom.
He further emphasized the importance of government
agencies working together as well as the use of technology and artificial
intelligence (AI) applications to improve security operations. He also praised
the security officials for their ability to manage crowds professionally and
meticulously.
Source:
siasat.com
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.siasat.com/saudi-minister-praises-security-personnel-for-successful-umrah-season-3007282/
---
South
Asia
US emphasizes UN special envoy appointment for
Afghanistan
Fidel Rahmati
April 11, 2024
A day after the Taliban rejected the UN’s appointment
of a special envoy, the US State Department said that it continues to support
the appointment of a special representative for Afghanistan.
The US State Department said that the members of the
UN Security Council requested the appointment.
HamdullahFetrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban,
responded on Tuesday to the remarks of the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson,
stating that appointing a special envoy for Afghanistan is unnecessary. He
emphasized that there is no need for a new special envoy with the presence of
UNAMA in Afghanistan. The UN spokesperson stated that the issue of appointing a
special envoy is under discussion.
A spokesperson for the US State Department said that
according to UN Security Council Resolution 2721, the council requests the UN
Secretary-General to appoint a special representative for Afghanistan. He
stated, “We continue to support this issue and await his appointment.”
Representatives of Western countries have stated that
appointing a special envoy to coordinate global relations with the Taliban is
essential. However, a diplomatic source told the Pakistani newspaper Express
Tribune that the likelihood of the Taliban backing down from their position regarding
accepting a special envoy for Afghanistan is low.
Citing its sources, Express Tribune reported that Roza
Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA, will initiate “serious discussions” with Taliban
officials after Eid to persuade the group to accept a special envoy.
According to the newspaper, one proposal is for the
Secretary-General to appoint a special coordinator instead of a special envoy.
The UN Security Council resolution on “Independent
Assessment and Recommendations” of FeridunSinirlioglu, the organization’s
special coordinator, was adopted on January 9th with 13 in favor and 2
abstentions from Russia and China.
Mr. Sinirlioglu had advocated for appointing a special
representative for the UN in his report.
Source:
khaama.com
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/us-emphasizes-un-special-envoy-appointment-for-afghanistan/
----
Taliban claims killing two ISIS members in Eastern
Afghanistan
Fidel Rahmati
April 11, 2024
According to a report from the media outlet, Taliban
forces conducted an operation in Kunar province, eastern Afghanistan, resulting
in the killing of two ISIS members.
In a report released by the Taliban-controlled state
news agency on Thursday, April 11, another ISIS member was detained in the
operation.
Further information about the identities of these
individuals has not been disclosed yet.
The Bakhtar News Agency, citing officials from the
Taliban’s media office in Kunar province, reported that the operation was
launched on Thursday night in the Diwgal Valley of Chawkay district.
According to the report, two rifles were also
discovered and confiscated during the skirmish.
Recent reports reveal that ISIS has intensified its
attacks in Afghanistan, with a recent attack in Kandahar resulting in the
deaths of over 40 people and injuring dozens more.
ISIS-K, the primary rival of the Taliban, has posed a
significant threat to the Taliban-led government since its takeover of
Afghanistan in August 2021.
The escalation of attacks by ISIS in Afghanistan,
particularly in regions like Kandahar, underscores the ongoing insecurity in
the country. Despite the Taliban’s control, the persistent threat of ISIS-K and
other insurgent groups continues to destabilize the country, posing significant
challenges to the region’s peace and security.
Source:
khaama.com
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-claims-killing-two-isis-members-in-eastern-afghanistan/
----
Muttaqi Condemns Israeli Strikes, Expresses Solidarity
with Hamas
Zabihullah Sarir
April 11, 2024
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Minister of Foreign
Affairs, in a telephone conversation with Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's
political bureau, expressed sympathy and condemned the continuation of Israeli
attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that as a result of these
sacrifices, Palestine will also be freed like Afghanistan.
Yesterday (Wednesday), seven members of Ismail
Haniyeh's family, including three of his sons, were killed in an Israeli
airstrike in the north of the Gaza Strip.
This attack was carried out on the Al-Shati camp.
One of the relatives of the head of Hamas's political
bureau said about this attack: "(We will pray for) the sons of leader
Ismail Abdel Salam Haniyeh, head of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas.
This group of martyred mujahidin are part of this people - part of these people
who sacrificed and offered martyrs."
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have bombed the Nuseirat
refugee camps in the center and the Al-Shati camp in the north of Gaza.
NidalAbdeh, father of a victim, said: "As you can
see, the occupation's planes, its barbarism and arrogance, killed our children.
One child, the second, the third, and their mother, in such a barbaric way. I ask
the American administration, Biden, to feel just a bit of shame and to not
support this zionist occupation that kills our defenseless children in their
homes."
The residents of the Gaza Strip, who are facing severe
shortages of food and other basic necessities of life, say that Eid al-Fitr is
meaningless to them.
"I lost my children. I lost myself. How can this
be Eid for me? As you can see we're hungry, no food or drink. What has become
of our lives? God is our suffice and the executor of our affairs over all who
wronged us. May God take revenge on the Jewish (Israelis) just like they
displaced us and killed our children." said Naeema Al-Dah, a displaced
Palestinian.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, also
expressed his condolences in a telephone call for the death of seven members of
the family of the head of Hamas's political bureau.
Source:
tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://tolonews.com/world/international-188253
---
Officials: Over 20,000 Afghan Children Expelled from
Iran in Last Year
Abdul Ghafar
Azizi
April 11, 2024
Local authorities in Nimroz reported the expulsion of
over twenty thousand Afghan children from Iran in the past year.
They said that these children were returned to the
country alone and had gone to Iran through illegal means due to poverty.
Mohammad Haroon Wahedi, the border commander of the
Nimroz Directorate of Refugees, said: "Nearly thirty to forty
unaccompanied children are returned from Iran to Nimroz daily. Last year,
twenty thousand expelled children were registered with us, and partner
institutions at the Silk Road border are collaborating with them in health,
transportation, and other issues."
Atiqullah, a twelve-year-old recently returned from
Iran to Nimroz province, said that the Iranian police deported him without his
family.
Atiqullah told TOLOnews: "Out of necessity, I had
gone to Iran to work. I was busy working in a bakery, where I would take four
or six loaves of bread home daily. I was attending school but had to leave due
to the bad economic situation and went to Iran. I live with my parents and a
younger brother."
"On the way to Iran, I was caught. I wanted to go
there for labor work (water carrying and grazing), but I was caught and
transferred to Afghanistan, and now I have no money and don't know what to
do," said Mohammad, a returned child from Iran.
According to these children, many of their families
are in Iran, and they have no one in Afghanistan.
"We went to Iran due to economic problems, we had
no money, we were forced to work, but the Iranian government arrested me, and I
want the United Nations to cooperate with us," said Zubair, a returned
child from Iran.
"We ask the government and the United Nations to
provide us with financial assistance so we can reach our homes," said
Momen, another returned child from Iran.
Alauddin Amiri, the head of labor at the Directorate
of Labor and Social Affairs in Nimroz, said: "In the past year, we have
been able to transfer nearly three thousand unaccompanied children who were
sent from Iran to Nimroz to their families in different provinces."
Local authorities in Nimroz said that daily, twenty to
thirty Afghan children are returned from Iran to this province. Many of these
children, whose families are in Iran, face an uncertain fate.
Source:
tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/provincial-188251
----
Eid brought sorrow for Bangladeshis: Fakhrul
Apr 11, 2024
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
today said that this year's Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of
Muslims, has brought no joy for the country's ordinary people due to exorbitant
prices of all products.
He said this after paying homage to BNP founder late
President Ziaur Rahman at his graveyard at ChandrimaUdyan.
Fakhrul said this year's Eid brought sorrow for
Bangladeshis.
"Usually, people try to buy new clothes for their
family members, and arrange a good meal during Eid day. But this year, the
people with limited income failed to meet their Eid needs as prices of almost
all necessary items went beyond their purchasing capacity," he said.
The government is responsible for this situation, the
BNP secretary general further said.
It is destroying the economy of Bangladesh as part of
their deep-rooted plan, he alleged.
Over the last 15 years, the economy of Bangladesh has
turned into a dependent economy, he claimed.
Fakhrul offered his Eid greetings to the people of the
country on behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting BNP chairman
Tarique Rahman.
He said the country is going through a tough time. Not
only BNP leaders and activists are kept in prison, other political party
supporters and workers have been imprisoned too.
The ruling quarter has killed and made to disappear a
significant number of BNP leaders and activists. Besides, they filed about 1.5
lakh cases against 50 lakhs leaders and activists of the BNP, he said.
Despite the inhuman torture, the people of the country
have been continuing their movement against this oppressive government to
restore democracy and establish their right to vote, he added.
Fakhrul said, "We believe that this horrible
situation would change with the support of the people of the country."
The BNP will restore democracy, people's economic
freedom, and their right to vote, he said.
Source:
thedailystar.net
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/eid-brought-sorrow-bangladeshis-fakhrul-3586381
---
AL comes to power to give while BNP to take: PM
Apr 11, 2024
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh
Hasina has said her party comes to power to give something to the people while
BNP assumes to take.
"Awami League always stands beside the people and
works for their welfare," she said.
The premier was exchanging greetings with people of
all strata of life including party leaders and workers, different
professionals, judges, foreign diplomats and civil and military officials at
her official GonoBhaban residence in Dhaka on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr this
morning.
She thanked the countrymen for voting her party to
power time and again.
Sheikh Hasina also appreciated the partymen for
distributing Iftar among the people instead of holding Iftar parties during the
month of Ramadan following her directive.
She said that BNP held 1,000 iftar parties during the
month of Ramadan and enjoy foods while Awami League distribute Iftar items
among the people.
"Awami League always give something to the people
while BNP takes. AL comes to power to give while BNP to take," she said.
The primer wished the countrymen a happy and joyous
Eid on behalf of herself, her sister Sheikh Rehana and her family members.
"May the Eid will bring unbounded delight, joy
and happiness to the people including those who come to GonoBhaban today,"
she said.
Sheikh Hasina reiterated her commitment to arrange
food, clothing, accommodation, education and treatment for the countrymen
following the path of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman.
Sheikh Rehana, younger daughter of Father of the
Nation and sister of the prime minister, and AL General Secretary and Road
Transport and Bridges Minister ObaidulQuader were present.
Source:
thedailystar.net
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/accidents-fires/news/elephant-kills-teen-mirpur-zoo-3586391
----
Africa
Pray For Nigeria’s Economic Turnaround,Christ
Apostolic Church Cleric Prophet OluAloUrges Muslims
SegunShowunmi, Ibadan
April 11, 2024
AChrist Apostolic Church (CAC) cleric, Prophet Sam
OluAlo, has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country’s economic
recovery and to get over her security challenges.
The cleric, who is the Planter, Christ Apostolic
Church (CAC), Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, said with
prayers and the right actions, the country’s multifaceted challenges would be
addressed.
A statement by Alo’s personal assistant, Hon.
DejiOgunbusuyi to congratulate Muslims in Nigeria on the celebration of
eid-el-fitr, appealed to Muslims not to derail from tenets of Islam as they
displayed during the fasting period.
While rejoicing with Muslim faithful in the country,
especially those in Ekiti state for witnessing this year’s Eld-el-fitr in good
and sound health, Alo called on Nigeria leaders to continue to seek the face of
God in putting an end to all the challenges facing the country.
Speaking on the Naira appreciation against the US
dollar with no significant change in the rising prices of goods and services in
Nigeria, he said: “That is the nature of our country. The price of anything
that goes up, to come down will be very difficult because of the attitude of
our people. When we shout about the government being responsible for our
challenges as a nation not all everything is from the government.
“Lack of love among the citizenry is responsible for
most of these problems we are facing in Nigeria and as a result, these things
are bringing retrogression to our country today. President Bola Tinubu and all
other leaders cannot do it alone and solve every one of our problems.
“If we are united things will change for the better
and go on smoothly. Presently, prices of commodities have skyrocketed and
people are shouting and complaining about the situation, but I am believing God
and strongly in my heart that with the prayers being offered by the children and
men of God for the Country, before the end of the year, things will get back to
normal and reprieve will come to Nigerians to live a comfortable life by the
grace of God.”
He urged Muslims across the country to pray for
President Tinubu and others at the helm of affairs for Allah to give them the
required knowledge to lead the country right.
The cleric, who congratulated President Bola Tinubu,
Ekiti state governor, BiodunOyebanji, Oba AyorindeIloriFaboro, said Ramadan was
centred on humanity, kindness, peace and love which should reflect in the
conduct of every Nigerian for the country to progressively attain developmental
height in all facets.
He advised Muslims not to go back to the bad
behaviours that they have endured in the month.
He enjoined Muslims to always live by the discipline
of showing kindness, caring for the aged and the less privileged, feeding the
poor, clothing the naked and sharing what they have with one other and the
other good deeds that they practised during Ramadan fast.
He added that with those attributes from the Muslim
faithful, they will be making the world a better place for all, discouraging
criminal activities and other social vices that had become the norm in the
society.
He however appealed to parents and guardians to continue
to uphold and discharge their God-given responsibilities to their children and
wards.
“Let us remember that evil communications corrupt good
manners and the child that receives improper upbringing today will be a
liability to society as an adult.
“Our youths must learn patience, tolerance, hard work,
respect for elders, humility and other good virtues needed to live a good life.
They should shun the urge for get-rich-quick that is now prevalent among them”
The Cleric urged all Muslims to ensure that the
lessons they had learnt during the Ramadan season and their act of devotions
remained a consistent way of life even after the 30-day exercise.
Alo noted that Ramadan as a pillar of Islam was a
season of several teachings that centred on humanity, kindness, peace and love,
saying if these lessons were imbibed many of the problems in the country would
be reduced.
He however urged Nigerians to always sustain their
support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and South West Governors.
Source:
thenationonlineng.net
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click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thenationonlineng.net/eid-el-fitr-pray-for-nigerias-economic-turnaround-prophet-olu-alo-urges-muslims/
----
Christian elders to Tinubu: Nigerian under invasion
from foreign elements, religious extremists
Jerry Wright-Ukwu
April 12, 2024
The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has called
upon President Bola Tinubu to appoint a special investigator to probe killings
in Nigeria since 2009.
The appeal was made during a State of the Nation press
conference held in Abuja on Thursday.
Dr. Samuel Gani, Chairman of the Forum and former
deputy governor of Taraba State, spoke on behalf of the group, emphasizing the
urgent need for action.
Gani highlighted the complexity of the challenges
facing Nigeria, asserting that indigenous ethnic groups did not initiate the
ongoing killings.
He pointed to evidence suggesting an organized
invasion by foreign elements and mercenaries posing as religious extremists.
Despite this, he questioned why the current
administration had not taken decisive action against the perpetrators.
“NCEF is calling on the indigenous Muslims in Nigeria
to calmly examine these issues and take positions that will be in the long-term
best interest of their ethnic groups. What is going on is more than religion.
“That enemy is a foreign invader. The killings going
on in Nigeria were not motivated by the indigenous ethnic nationalities.
“Unfortunately, some of the local actors were
manipulated into thinking they were pursuing a religious agenda, but the puppet
masters have no religious goal in view,” he said.
The forum also urged President Tinubu to implement the
report of the 2014 National Conference without any further delay.
Source:
politicsnigeria.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://politicsnigeria.com/christian-elders-to-tinubu-nigerian-under-invasion-from-foreign-elements-religious-extremists/
---
Kenya proposes maritime treaty to defuse
Ethiopia-Somalia tensions
April 11, 2024
NAIROBI: Kenya has proposed a regional maritime treaty
to defuse tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over a deal allowing Ethiopia
to set up a naval base and giving it port access in Somalia’s breakaway region
of Somaliland, a top Kenyan official said on Thursday.
Landlocked Ethiopia agreed on Jan. 1 to lease 20 km
(12 miles) of coastline in Somaliland, a part of Somalia which claims
independence and has had effective autonomy since 1991, offering possible
recognition of Somaliland in exchange.
That prompted a defiant response from Somalia and
fueled concern the deal could further destabilize the Horn of Africa region.
The treaty Kenya is proposing in consultation with
Djibouti and regional bloc IGAD would govern how landlocked states in the
region can access ports on commercial terms, KorirSing’oei, Kenya’s principal
secretary for foreign affairs, told Reuters.
“IGAD can be able to formulate a treaty for sharing
maritime resources,” he said, referring to the bloc which brings together
countries in the region.
On Thursday Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
held a meeting with his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in the Kenyan capital
as part of efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the dispute.
“We continue to engage with all the parties with a
view to ensuring that at the end of the day the region is left all stable,”
Sing’oei said.
If accepted, Nairobi’s solution would offer Ethiopia
“stable and predictable access to maritime resources” so it can carry out its
business unhindered, while also respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity, he
added.
Somalia and Ethiopia are considering the proposal, he
said, and their leaders have been asked to consider meeting to take the process
forward.
Sing’oei said time was of the essence since Al-Shabab
militants in Somalia were using the dispute to portray the government in
Mogadishu as being unable to protect Somalia’s sovereignty.
Source:
arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2491661/world
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Eid-el- Fitr: Reps minority caucus tasks Muslims on
national unity
Favour Lashem
April 11, 2024
The minority caucus in the House of Representatives
has charged Muslims to always show true
love to one another in the interest of peace and national cohesion.
The Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers)
who stated this in a statement on
Thursday in Abuja, called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of tolerance,
sacrifice and peaceful co-existence.
Chinda urged Muslim faithful to pray for the country
to overcome poverty, hunger, killings, abductions, kidnappings and general
state of insecurity across the country
“As a caucus, we are elated and heartily rejoice with
our Muslim brethren on this auspicious occasion which marks the end of the 2024
Ramadan fast.
“We urge our Muslim brethren to continue to exhibit
the spirit of tolerance, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, mutual love, good
neighbourliness, peaceful coexistence with others.
“We hope and pray that this event will afford our
Muslim brethren the opportunity to continue to pray for the unity, peace and
progress of our dear country, Nigeria.
He urged all Nigerians to remain firm, steadfast and
resolute in playing their respective parts at ensuring the rebirth of a truly
secular, progressive and egalitarian Nigerian society of our dreams. (NAN)
Source:
newsdiaryonline.com
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https://newsdiaryonline.com/eid-el-fitr-reps-minority-caucus-tasks-muslims-on-national-unity/
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Sudan's civil war enters its first year: Famine looms
large
April 11, 2024
One year on from the start of Sudan's civil war, which
has killed thousands and forced 8 million people to flee their homes, a lack of
aid combined with precarious conditions has pushed its people to the edge of
famine.
The war broke out in mid-April last year when
simmering tensions between the country’s military, chaired by Gen. Abdel-Fattah
Burhan, and the notorious Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Gen. Mohammed
Hamdan Dagalo, imploded into street clashes in Khartoum before spreading
elsewhere across the North-eastern African country.
Eighteen months before the war, both Burhan and Dagalo
led a military coup and plunged the country into chaos. They toppled an
internationally recognized civilian government that was supposed to steer the
country’s democratic transition after the 2019 military overthrow of longtime
dictator Omar al-Bashir amid a popular uprising against his three-decade of
Islamist-backed rule.
The coup and the war were a major blow to Sudanese’s
hopes for a democratic rule after decades of military and Islamist rule that
turned Sudan into a parish state for decades.
Since October, as the conflict has been overshadowed
by the bloody war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza Strip and global attention
has been shifted, displaced Sudanese people have been fighting for survival.
In Omdurman, Sudan's second most populous city,
displaced people have been living in a former school building in makeshift
shelters.
Seham Saleh said she has struggled to adequately feed
the camp's children, with the only foodstuffs available being "lentils,
rice, porridge".
"Thanks to God, there’s now an organization that
provides meals and supplements for children below 5 years old," she said.
Meanwhile, farmers across the nation are grappling
with a lack of resources and funding, hindering agricultural production. Rising
fertilizer costs, plummeting crop prices, and insufficient irrigation
exacerbate their plight, leaving many in desperate need.
The stories of Sudan's displaced population paint a
harrowing picture of the war's impact. Families forced to flee their homes
recount tales of indiscriminate violence, including bombings, killings,
displacement, and starvation, along with horrifying instances of sexual violence
and ethnic attacks in Darfur.
In the midst of this turmoil, humanitarian aid is
crucial, yet access remains limited in many areas. Seham Saleh, a displaced
Sudanese, highlights the plight of children facing malnutrition due to
inadequate food supplies. She expresses gratitude for organizations providing
food supplements to children under five years old, offering a glimmer of hope
amidst the devastation.
Khalil Serebal, President of the Sudanese Red
Crescent, emphasizes the urgent need for aid distribution in the most affected
regions, including Khartoum and West Darfur. Relief efforts encompass medical
support, psychological assistance, and environmental initiatives to address the
multifaceted challenges facing Sudan's population.
The situation has been horrific in western region of
Darfur, where sexual violence and ethnic attacks on African tribes’ areas
allegedly by the RSF and their allied Arab militias are rampant. The
International Criminal Court said it was investigating fresh allegations of war
crimes and crimes against humanity in the region, which was the scene of
genocidal war in the 2000s.
The World Health Organization said about 3.5 million
children aged under 5 years have acute malnutrition - more than 710,000 of whom
have severe acute malnutrition.
Source:
africanews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/04/11/sudans-civil-war-enters-its-first-year-famine-looms-large/
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Muslim Community In Rivers Visits APC Chairman,
Honours Him With Yoruba Honorary Title, Gbobaniyi
Raji Adebayo
Apr 12, 2024
The members of the Muslim Community in Rivers state,
led by Chief Imam BabatundeOmotayo, the Chief Imam of the Rumuekini Central
Mosque in ObioAkpor local government area of Rivers state have paid a Sallah
visit to Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha, the Leader/Chairman of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Rivers state, at the state party secretariat.
Rivers State, stated that Chief Imam BabatundeOmotayo,
thanked Almighty Allah for the gift of life, and for being the Creator and
Maker of Mankind.
He expressed the gratitude of members of the Muslim
Community in Rivers to the Almighty Allah for the successful celebration of the
Eid- El- Fitir.
Speaking on behalf of the members of the Muslim
Community in Rivers State, Chief Imam BabatundeOmotayo expressed their deep
appreciation to Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha for his detribalized leadership style
of the APC in Rivers state.
He congratulated Chief Okocha on his double
appointment as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee (CTC) of the Rivers APC,
and as the Rivers state representative in the Management Board of the Niger
Delta Development Commission (NDDC), describing it as a reward for his
commitment to effective service delivery, excellence, hard work, and his
result-oriented disposition.
He also extended the special greeting of the members
of the Muslim Community in the state to Chief (Barr) NyesomEzenwoWike, the
immediate past Governor of Rivers state, who is the present Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He described Wike as the one who laid the foundation
for the unity of all those living and doing business in Rivers state, including
members of the Muslim community in the state, who are mostly non indigenes,
within his time as the Executive Governor of Rivers state.
They sent their appreciation to the Minister of the
FCT, His Excellency, Chief (Barr) NyesomEzenwoWike, through the Leader/Chairman
of the Rivers APC.
They prayed that the Almighty Allah will continue to
guide, protect, and increase His grace and favour on the Leader/Chairman of the
APC in Rivers state, and assured him of the continuous support of members of
the Muslim Community in Rivers state to his leadership of the APC in the state,
and to the Minister of the FCT, Chief Wike for his accommodating nature.
The Leader of the Muslim community further informed
Chief Okocha of the plan to organise a special fasting and prayer session for
guidance and protection for the leadership of the Rivers APC, and for the peace
and progress of Rivers state.
He added that the fasting and prayer will be held once
every month, and will be concluded after a year, with a Hajj, for supplication
to the Almighty Allah.
He informed the Leader/Chairman of the Rivers APC that
Hajj is a pilgrimage for acceptance of prayer, describing it as a “special
conduct” in Islam, and also one of the pillars of Islam, adding that any prayer
made during the Hajj must be accepted by the Almighty Allah.
The highpoint of the Sallah Visit was the conferment
of the title of the “Gbobaniyi of Yorubaland” on Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha by the
visiting delegation of the Muslim Community in Rivers State through her
leadership.
Responding, Chief Okocha expressed his pleasure in
meeting with members of the Muslim community in Rivers state after the success
of the Eid- El- Fitir celebration which comes to an end on Wednesday in the
Muslim calendar globally.
He added that normally, it is the tradition of Muslim
faithfuls to pay obeisance to the government, constituted authorities, and
certain individuals within this period, and that as the Leader/Chairman of the
APC in Rivers State, the gesture is a show of love towards the Rivers APC, and
a demonstration of their gratitude and appreciation for what they have
benefitted from the system, particularly from the government of Chief (Barr)
NyesomEzenwoWike when he presided over the State as the Governor
The Leader/Chairman of the Rivers APC informed the
visiting delegation that all of their kind words to the Minister of the FCT,
Chief (Barr) NyesomEzenwoWike will be delivered to him, as he is also standing
in for the Minister whose unavoidable absence is as a result of a similar event
hosted by him to Muslim faithfuls in the FCT, Abuja.
Chief Okocha thanked and congratulated the members of
the Muslim Community in Rivers State for fasting effectively, efficiently, and
profusely to pray for the Nigerian nation, and for the President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, and to pray for the prosperity and well being of Nigeria.
He expressed his delight on the large turnout,
describing it as a show of love, as according to him, “someone who doesn’t love
you won’t come to your house.”
The Leader/Chairman of the Rivers APC concluded by
saying that the Sallah Visit by the members of the Muslim Community in Rivers
State is a real show of organic and real support to the APC as a political
party in Rivers state.
Source:
independent.ng
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://independent.ng/muslim-community-in-rivers-visits-apc-chairman-honours-him-with-yoruba-honorary-title-gbobaniyi/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/namaz-eid-mosques-delhi-roads/d/132127