Muslim Organisations Denounce Red Fort Blast: “The Heinous Act Is An Assault On Our Nation”, And Call For Calm As Hate Speech Rises

New Age Islam News Bureau

14 November 2025

Police personnel search for evidence near the Red Fort on Thursday. 

PTI

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·         Muslim Organisations Denounce Red Fort Blast: “The Heinous Act Is An Assault On Our Nation”, And Call For Calm As Hate Speech Rises

·         Ricin Terror Plot: Gujarat ATS Seizes ‘Hazardous’ Liquid In Drum From Hyderabad ‘Workshop’, Heads To UP

·         Mali Sees Record Surge In Foreign Kidnappings By Jihadist Groups

·         Israeli Forces To Uproot Olive Trees And Seize Palestinian Land In Qalqilya

·         Hackney Muslims On Whether Islamophobia Exists And Is Getting Worse

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India

·         Terror Module, The Beginning: Kashmir Cleric’s Chance Visit To Hospital, Where Accused Doctor Worked

·         UP Govt Schoolteacher Booked, Suspended For Objecting To Singing Of Vande Mataram

·         BJP MP Anil Bonde Objects To Posters ‘Ask About Islam’ In Amravati, Lodge Police Complaint

·         CM Stalin To Participate In The Mahalla Jamaats Conference In January

·         Complaint Filed Against Online Campaign Defaming Imam and Khatib of Delhi Jama Masjid

·         Akhilesh Slams UP CM Over Singing Vande Matram - He Becomes Communal To Save His Chair

·         Red Fort car blast case: Security forces demolish Umar Nabi’s house in J&K’s Pulwama

·         'Every resident of Jammu and Kashmir not a terrorist': Omar Abdullah after Delhi blast

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Africa

·         Nigeria Regaining Credibility On Security — Southwest Muslims Reject Trump’s Claim

·         Okpebholo Calls On Edo Muslims To Support Tinubu Ahead Of 2027 Elections

·         Sudan's unsung heroes, risk lives to feed and heal amid civil war

·         Ramaphosa criticizes Trump’s G20 boycott over land and genocide claims

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Mideast

·         Israel Quizzed At UN Over Torture Of Palestinian Detainees

·         How Gaza’s survivors are rebuilding lives and memories among the rubble

·         Gazans Begin To Restore Historic Fort Damaged In War

·         UN agency for Palestinian refugees asks for more funding

·         Syrian authorities arrest Sednaya Prison guard linked to torture

·         France pushes for Lebanon ceasefire implementation amid rising Israeli attacks

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Europe

·         'Far Right' Group Was Planning An 'Imminent Attack' On Galway Mosque, Court Hears

·         Azerbaijan Counts Up Home-Run Non-Islamic Religious Communities

·         All Churches Live As Brethren In Azerbaijan - Caucasus Muslims Office's Chairman

·         France remembers Bataclan attacks but knows enemy has not gone away

·         Russian Su-30 fighter plane crashes near Finnish border

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South Asia

·         Australia Moves Toward Targeted Sanctions Over Human Rights Abuses in Afghanistan

·         Pakistan Says Facing ‘Two-Front War’ With India and Afghanistan After Islamabad Suicide Attack

·         Afghanistan Wushu Team Departs for Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh

·         Yousuf Kargar Honoured in Kabul for FIFA Committee Membership

·         Higher Education Minister, OIC Delegation Discuss Expansion of Academic Cooperation

·         ICT-1 sets Nov 17 for verdict in case against Hasina

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North America

·         CAIR Says Arson Attack on West Bank Mosque is Continuation of Israel’s ‘War on Islam’

·         Ya’akub Ira Vijandre A Muslim Artist Detained By ICE Is Being ‘Punished’ For His Social Media Posts, His Lawyers Say

·         CAIR-MI Welcomes Arrest of Illinois Man Who Allegedly Threatened Dearborn Heights Mosque

·         Texas GOP county chair running for Railroad Commission to 'stop the Islamic invasion'

·         Pentagon top brass offer Trump new military options for Venezuela – CBS

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Arab World

·         Saudi Doctors Separate Jamaican Conjoined Twins Azaria And Azura In Complex Operation

·         AlUla launches project to document inscriptions

·         Saudi Water Authority to host conference in Jeddah

·         Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia launches joint business council

·         Saudi Arabia’s AI authority announces details of 2026 GAIN summit

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Southeast Asia

·         Malaysia, Julius Baer In Talks To Settle US$112m SRC International Lawsuit

·         AI Chatbot Rolled Out To Boost Digital Public Services

·         School building 90% destroyed in fire, cleaner suffers burns

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-organisations-blast-heinous-nation/d/137633

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Muslim Organisations Denounce Red Fort Blast: “The Heinous Act Is An Assault On Our Nation”, And Call For Calm As Hate Speech Rises

Pheroze L. Vincent

14.11.25

Police personnel search for evidence near the Red Fort on Thursday. 

PTI

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Muslim groups in India and abroad have condemned the terror attack near Red Fort that claimed 12 lives on Monday and called for a thorough probe into the incident.

The statements by Muslim groups come at a time when two prominent Hindutva fundamentalists have stirred the communal pot over the car blast.

The Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Syed Imam Bukhari, said in a statement: “The Muslim community that remains filled with the spirit of patriotism, stands on this critical moment with their compatriot Indians like a wall reinforced with lead.”

Mahmood Madani, who heads a faction of the cleric body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, had said soon after the incident: “Heartfelt #Condolence to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate occurrence and prayed for patience, strength, and steadfastness for the bereaved families. Hopeful that the authorities will ascertain the facts behind the incident and extend all possible support to the affected families. We appeal to the public to remain calm and united, and not to pay heed to unverified information or rumours.”

Conservative Islamic organisation Jamaat-e-Islami Hind echoed this view early on Tuesday. Its president, Syed Sadatullah Hussaini, wrote on X: “We express deep sorrow over the tragedy and extend heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in this horrific incident. We also express solidarity with the injured and pray for their speedy recovery. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind calls upon authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and ensure such tragic incidents do not recur.”

Two Hindu preachers, however, muddied the waters the next day.

Yati Narsinghanand, the mahant of Uttar Pradesh’s Dasna Devi Mandir near Delhi, is heard saying in a viral social media video: “Terrorist dens like Al Falah University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia and Darul Uloom Deoband should be blown up with cannons by sending in the army....”

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Madhya Pradesh’s Bageshwar Dham said in Haryana’s Palwal on Wednesday: “There is a strange thing that whenever such blasts happen, somewhere or the other, people with extremist religious ideologies are involved, targeting India, Bharat Mata and Sanatan Dharma. No matter how much you try to scare Indians or Sanatanis, we will not be scared...”

The victims of the Red Fort blast are both Hindus and Muslims.

Former chief election commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, former Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, former deputy chief of army staff Lt Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah, who had also served as AMU vice-chancellor, former MP Shahid Siddiqui, and industrialist Saeed Shervani issued a statement under the Citizens For Fraternity banner.

They said: “The heinous act is an assault on our nation and the shared heritage that belongs to every Indian. As Muslims, we utterly condemn and denounce this inhuman deed. Indian Muslims stand united against all forms of terror. Such crimes cannot and must not be linked to any community or to our Kashmiri brethren, who have themselves borne immense suffering and are an inseparable part of the Indian family.”

The Mecca-based Muslim World League “denounced” the act of terrorism and “reaffirmed the MWL’s firm stance shared by all Muslim peoples under its umbrella in rejecting and condemning all forms and manifestations of violence and terrorism, regardless of their motives or justifications”.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/muslim-groups-condemn-red-fort-blast-and-urge-transparent-probe-amid-communal-tensions-prnt/cid/2132781#goog_rewarded

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Ricin terror plot: Gujarat ATS seizes ‘hazardous’ liquid in drum from Hyderabad ‘workshop’, heads to UP

by Brendan Dabhi

November 14, 2025

The seizure of these items, including seed oil press machine, the liquid and other machinery that point to a crude level home based operation. Express Photo

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A blue drum containing “hazardous substance”, seed oil press machine, sieves, funnel, bottles of acetone were among the stuff seized from the home of 35-year-old Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed in Hyderabad by a team of the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). Saiyed is the main accused in an alleged bioterror plot using the deadly chemical agent Ricin. A team of the ATS is now headed to Uttar Pradesh to find out more on the other two accused — Azad Suleman Sheikh, 20, a tailor from Shamli, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan, a 23-year-old resident of Lakhimpur Kheri.

In photographs put out by the ATS of the items seized from Saiyed’s home, a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) from China, what is visible is a blue barrel filled with an “unknown” mysterious liquid they claimed was hazardous, several chemicals, at least six bottles of Acetone — an industrial solvent, a seed oil press machine, and other equipment such as sieves, funnels, smaller containers with more liquid and something that looks like a mixer. It wasn’t immediately clear whether castor beans, whose waste mash is used to make Ricin, was found at the premises.

While a full accounting of the seized items from Saiyed’s home in Fortview Colony, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, was not immediately available, the premises has been previously described as a “workshop” by the Gujarat ATS authorities where the main accused in the Ricin terror plot was said to be trying to isolate and process concentrated Ricin from Castor beans (Ricinus communis), allegedly to carry out a major terror attack in India.

Speaking on the contents of the blue drum, a senior official said they had information that it contained a hazardous substance which is why they had refrained from even opening it and had directly transported it to the ATS headquarters in Ahmedabad for an accounting and from there, dispatched it to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

Ricin The blue drum containing “hazardous substance”.

It is important to note the ATS had earlier seized 4 litres of Castor Oil from Saiyed’s possession along with two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges, during his arrest earlier in November.

According to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ricin is listed in Schedule-1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) it implements and monitors. There is currently no antidote for Ricin intoxication anywhere in the world.

The seizure of these items, including seed oil press machine, the liquid and other machinery that point to a crude level home based operation, have further bolstered the claim of investigators that the accused was trying to formulate Ricin, which is a highly toxic substance earlier used in assassinations and threats to two US Presidents and the Pentagon, but not in any mass casualty event reported till date. However, in 2018, German officials had arrested a couple from Cologne for allegedly producing Ricin for a mass terror attack.

Notably, the Indian Express has previously reported that ATS officials believe the accused had not yet decided on a delivery mechanism for the Ricin attack and so he may not have successfully managed to process or refine it at the time of his arrest.

However, officials stressed that the real nature of the seized items, including the supposedly “hazardous” liquid, could be confirmed only after the FSL gave its results.

Regarding the two people from Uttar Pradesh, while announcing their arrest on November 9, ATS DIG Sunil Joshi had said, “Both individuals were found to harbour extremist ideology. It was revealed that these individuals had obtained the cache of weapons from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. During preliminary interrogation, it came to light that they had conducted reconnaissance of several sensitive locations in Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. When questioned about the source of the weapons, they disclosed that their handler sends the arms consignment via drone across the Pakistan border.”

Notably, the places the two men had allegedly reconnoitred included the RSS office in Lucknow, the Azadpur vegetable Mandi in Delhi and the Naroda fruit market in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The Gujarat ATS had, on November 8, arrested Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed (35), Azad Suleman Sheikh, (20), and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan (23), and has declared wanted, Abu Khadija, who is based in Afghanistan and associated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). All have been booked under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Arms Act.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/ricin-terror-plot-gujarat-ats-seizes-hazardous-liquid-in-drum-from-hyderabad-workshop-heads-to-up-10364382/

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Mali sees record surge in foreign kidnappings by jihadist groups

November 14, 2025

French journalist Olivier Dubois arrives at the VIP lounge at the airport in Niamey, Niger, on March 20, 2023.

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Copyright © africanews

Judith Besnard/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved.

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Mali is facing a dramatic escalation in insecurity as jihadist groups have carried out a record number of kidnappings targeting foreigners this year. According to data from ACLED, at least 22 to 26 foreign nationals were abducted between May and October 2025 — the highest figure ever recorded in the country.

The number nearly doubles the previous record of 13 kidnappings in 2022. Victims include Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, Emirati, and Iranian nationals, as well as several people from the Balkans — a Serbian, a Croat, and a Bosnian. These abductions are attributed largely to the JNIM, the Al-Qaeda-linked coalition operating across the Sahel.

Experts say the practice has become a key pillar of JNIM’s so-called “economic jihad”. Ransoms have reportedly reached staggering levels; in one case, the group is believed to have secured up to 50 million dollars for the release of an Emirati hostage and his entourage.

Beyond financing militant operations, these kidnappings aim to undermine foreign investment and further destabilize Mali’s already fragile political and economic landscape. With international actors increasingly targeted, the crisis poses growing risks for diplomacy, development projects, and regional security across West Africa.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2025/11/14/mali-sees-record-surge-in-foreign-kidnappings-by-jihadist-groups/

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Israeli forces to uproot olive trees and seize Palestinian land in Qalqilya

November 13, 2025

Israeli army vehicles close off the entrance to the West Bank city of Qalqilya. (File / AFP)

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LONDON: Israeli forces issued two military orders on Thursday to uproot olive trees and confiscate land in the eastern part of the Palestinian city of Qalqilya, located in the northern occupied West Bank.

The initial order requires the removal of olive trees in the eastern section of Qalqilya city, spanning about 1.97 acres. The second order modifies a previous military directive that authorized the confiscation of 0.56 acres, increasing it to 1.26 acres, which is more than double the initial area.

The lands impacted by the new amendment belong to the Khalif and Radwan families from the nearby town of Azzun, located east of Qalqilya, as well as to the Abu Hamed family from the city itself, according to Wafa news agency.

Wafa reported that the confiscation of these plots is for the construction of a fence.

In October, Israeli authorities approved the expansion of the Mitzpe Yeshai settlement and confiscated 9 acres of land from the Palestinian village of Kafr Qaddum, which is located east of Qalqilya.

Thousands of Palestinian families who depend on harvesting olive trees for their livelihoods have faced increasing attacks since late 2023 from settlers, entry restrictions to their fields imposed by soldiers, and land confiscation policy.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2622514/middle-east

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Hackney Muslims On Whether Islamophobia Exists And Is Getting Worse

13TH NOVEMBER

By Saeed Ibrahim

East London Mosque: Muslims in Hackney gave their views on whether Islamophobia is getting worse (Image: Google)

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Muslims in Hackney gave their views on whether Islamophobia exists and is getting worse.

November is Islamophobia Awareness Month - and recent data from monitoring organisation Tell Mama and the Metropolitan Police shows there was a surge following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.

The month is held to combat anti-Muslim prejudice by challenging stereotypes, promoting understanding, and celebrating the contributions of Muslim communities.

But do Muslims in east London feel it is a problem? We asked people on the streets of Homerton.

Ahmed Hussein, 53, a butcher said: “I think is not that bad. It used to be worse many years ago but I think over the last few years it is creeping back in. I have not received any verbal attack in public, but I get the feeling people are judging me differently now.

“The look at I appearance, the way I dress and look. I can tell they may feel uncomfortable. But at the same time people are very polite and friendly.”

Teacher Layla Muhmood, 29, said: “I do sometimes feel that Islamophobia is going on in this area but have not had any personal attacks myself. I do hear gossip from other people that they have suffered name calling like ‘go back to where came from’ or 'terrorist'.”

“I do see segregation though. When I walk past cafes. I just see all white people there. Even though there is a large black Asian community here.”

Abdi Raheem, 35, a cleaner, said: “I don’t see any Islamophobia at all. Yes, I read things and heat things but do not se anything. But overall people are friendly and polite to each other.”

“There is a lot of white middle class people moving into the area. They seem to mix with each other but not with other communities. Whether that is anything to do with Islamophobia I don’t know. But they are friendly.”

Source: times-series.co.uk

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https://www.times-series.co.uk/news/25620440.hackney-muslims-experience-islamophobia/

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India

 

Terror module, the beginning: Kashmir cleric’s chance visit to hospital, where accused doctor worked

by Bashaarat Masood

November 14, 2025

It was a chance meeting between Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, who had accompanied a patient to a hospital, and Muzammil Ahmad Ganai in 2023 that led to an “ideological bonding” which would transform into a close-knit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) module, investigators believe, based on the probe so far and the questioning of the accused in the Red Fort blast case.

Ganai is one of the four accused from the terror module busted this month; the others are Umar Nabi, who was driving the car that exploded at Red Fort and was his colleague from Faridabad Al Falah School of Medical Sciences & Research Centre; Adeel Majeed Rather, who was employed at a private hospital in Saharanpur; and Lucknow resident Dr Shaheen Shahid Ansari, who also worked at the Faribad institute. While Nabi and Ganai are from the same village, Koil, in Pulwama, Rather hails from Qazigund.

Investigators said Wagay and Ganai kept in touch after the latter left the Valley to pursue a job in Haryana, while the former stayed back as a cleric in Srinagar.

“We believe we have arrested the key members of this module,” said a senior police officer. “There may be some forward and backward linkages, and we are working on untangling those.”

According to investigators, Wagay proved to be the crucial — and only — link that would connect the October crackdown on Jaish-related posters in Kashmir and the terror module busted the following month.

“In October, when some posters related to the Jaish-e-Mohammad cropped up and J&K Police started a probe, we got some clues from CCTV footage. We picked up two youths and they led us to a man in Ganderbal,” said a source. “This man led us to Mufti (Irfan). It was during Irfan’s questioning that the mention of the Faridabad doctor first came up. But even he did not know that they had gone so far (in terms of planning a terror attack),” the source said.

Sources familiar with the questioning of the accused said they believe Shaheen was providing financial support to the group and letting Ganai use her vehicle, which has been recovered from Faridabad.

The arrested doctors are learnt to have told investigators that they were “moved by the plight” of Muslims in J&K and across the world.

The arrested doctors are learnt to have told investigators that they had not picked a target or date for a potential attack. “They told us they didn’t know anything about the Red Fort attack since they did not plan it. One of them said they were still in the planning phase when the module was busted. It seems Nabi felt vulnerable and acted in haste,” said a source. DNA tests have confirmed he was the Red Fort bomber.

Digital devices seized from the arrested doctors and their family members have been sent to Delhi for technical analysis.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/link-to-red-fort-car-explosion-terror-net-origin-jk-cleric-meeting-faridabad-doctor-10364432/

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UP govt schoolteacher booked, suspended for objecting to singing of Vande Mataram

by Maulshree Seth

 November 13, 2025

An assistant teacher at a government school in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh has been booked and suspended after he allegedly refused to sing Vande Mataram and entered into a scuffle with other teachers over the singing of the national song, said police.

State Education Department officials said the suspension of Shamshul Hasan, a teacher at the Shahpur Qutub Primary School, and the inquiry have been initiated based on the testimony of five teachers at the school. They have recorded his statement, in which he has admitted to opposing the singing of the national song.

An FIR has also been registered against Hasan on a complaint lodged by colleague Chandrapal Singh, under BNS sections 351 (2) (criminal intimidation with imprisonment of up to two years), 352 (intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of peace), and (public nuisance), SHO (Roravar) Shiv Shankar Gupta said.

Earlier this week, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that singing the national song “Vande Mataram” would be made compulsory in schools to mark the 150th anniversary of the song. He had called the opposition to the national song “unjustified”.

“There are directions by the government to ensure singing of Vande Mataram after morning assembly in every school to mark its 150th year. We have passed on the instructions to every school, which are following them. However, none is compelled to sing it,” Rakesh Kumar Singh, District Basic Education Officer, Aligarh, who suspended Hassan, said.

“In this case, this particular teacher did not sing the national song, and also objected to others singing it. He entered into a fight with other teachers, maintaining that he would not allow them to sing the song as it is against his religion,” Singh said.

Officials conducting an inquiry into the incident on Wednesday recorded the statements of Sushma Rani and five other assistant teachers, who have alleged that Hasan objected to the chanting of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” after morning prayers at the school.

Sources said Rani and the other assistant teachers informed officials during an inquiry that Hasan also “threatened them to call his community members if it was not stopped”.

They said that when one of the teachers at the school asked the students to shout “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, a heated conversation broke out between that teacher and Hasan. Hasan reportedly told the teacher that Muslim students study in the school, and thus, such chants should not take place.

Meanwhile, Hasan told officials that he had politely objected when the slogan “Vande Mataram” was raised as it conflicted with their religious beliefs. He told the officers that a heated argument broke out only after one of the teachers started using abusive words against him.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/up-govt-school-teacher-suspended-opposing-vande-mataram-education-dept-fir-10363066/

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BJP MP Anil Bonde objects to posters ‘Ask about Islam’ in Amravati, lodge police complaint

November 13, 2025

BJP MP Anil Bonde has taken strong objection to a huge poster–Ask about Islam–which was put up at Amravati recently. The poster allegedly put up by IIC (Islamic Information Centre) which emerged in Amravati has upset the BJP.

Bonde raised the issue with city police. Speaking to media, Bonde said, “By putting up such posters, there is a larger motive of conversion.” Such posters have come up in dense localities dominated by Hindus, he said.

The Rajya Sabha MP said, “We have urged the police to look into the matter and expose those behind it. At present there is nobody’s name on it.”

“When I contacted on the phone number mentioned on poster, I was told it was International Islam Centre. And its objective was to inform people about Islam,” he said.

However, he argued, “The police should get to the roots and find out the real objective.”

A month ago, several cities including Amravati saw ‘I love Muhammad’ posters. This led to clashes between two groups in the city. To counter it, I love Mahadev, posters were put up in city.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bjp-mp-anil-bonde-objects-posters-islam-amravati-lodge-police-complaint-10364180/

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CM Stalin to participate in the Mahalla Jamaats conference in January

November 13, 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will be participating in the Mahalla Jamaats (local mosque committees) Conference to be held at Swamimalai, Thanjavur district, on January 28, according to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) National President K.M. Kader Mohideen.

In a statement on November 13, the IUML National President has said that over 7,000 ‘mahallas’ were expected to participate in the conference where subjects such as strengthening of Mahalla Jamaats network, issues/problems faced by Indian Muslim community and the stand to be adopted by the community in the forthcoming Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly elections would be deliberated.

Source: thehindu.com

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/cm-stalin-to-participate-in-the-mahalla-jamaats-conference-in-january/article70275208.ece

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Complaint Filed Against Online Campaign Defaming Imam and Khatib of Delhi Jama Masjid

Nov 14, 2025

Bengaluru: A complaint was filed with cybercrime police against a group of unidentified persons allegedly spreading false and malicious information online against Maulana Mufti Mohammed Masood Imran Rashadi, the imam and Khatib of Jamia Masjid.

Masjid teacher Masood Alam told police he found a few posts on social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp channel, on Nov 8, in which the accused circulated fabricated claims that Maulana Rashadi was involved in a Rs 30-lakh fraud in a DJ Halli case.

Alam said these are false accusations and part of a coordinated online campaign aimed at tarnishing Maulana Rashadi's image and creating communal unrest.

The complainant said similar attempts were made earlier when writer Banu Mushtaq was invited for Dasara celebrations in Mysuru. A few individuals tried to stir up a controversy and tension in the community. Following that, the group allegedly began circulating fake posters and AI-generated videos.

Source: indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/complaint-filed-against-online-campaign-defaming-jamia-masjid-imam/articleshow/125309129.cms

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Akhilesh Slams UP CM Over Singing Vande Matram - He Becomes Communal To Save His Chair

Maulshree Seth

November 14, 2025

Amid the ongoing debate over singing of national song, Vande Mataram, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday took a swipe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying that the BJP leader resorted to speaking on “communal lines” whenever he felt threatened to lose chief ministership.

Speaking to media persons in Bareilly, the SP chief, when asked about UP government making singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in schools across the state, said: “Jab unki kursi hilti hai to who communal ho jaate hain (He becomes communal to to save his chair)… His language becomes such. He has nothing to do with history or with any vision. He just has to sow division.”

Maintaining that during his school days, he and his colleagues used to sing either Janna Ganna Manna, Vande Mataram or Sare Jahan Se Acha every day and it is already being sung at every Sainik School, Akhilesh said that if BJP leaders are such “rashtra bhakts” (patriotic) as they claim to be then they should first inform the people what was the area of the country in 2014 and what is it today.

Since the Central government and the BJP began celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song, penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the UP chief minister has made several remarks, from calling the opposition to the national song as a “conspiracy to give birth to a new Jinnah”, to saying that those who oppose Vande Mataram are opposing Bharat Mata herself.

SP MP from Sambhal Zia-ur-Rahman Barq recently said that he has never sung the national song and it cannot be used to question his “deshbhakti (patriotism)”.

Clarifying his reluctance to sing the national song, Zia-ur-Rahman has said, “It (Vande Mataram) has a word which is against the preachings of Islam… We love the land of our country and are loyal towards it but we cannot pray before it as it is against our religion.”

‘EC officers working for BJP’

Alleging misuse of government machinery in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, SP chief on Thursday alleged that officers being used by the Election Commission work for the BJP, and added that his “PDA prahari” would act as CCTV to monitor the exercise.

PDA refers to Pichda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak (OBC, Dalits and Muslims) – a word used by the SP chief.

Earlier this week, he had alleged large-scale irregularities in the ongoing revision of electoral rolls as he accused officials of acting under political pressure and questioned the poll panel’s preparedness in conducting the exercise.

‘Delhi blast an intel failure’

The former chief minister on Thursday called the Delhi car blast near the Red Fort an “intelligence failure”.  “Such an incident (Delhi blast) could only happen when the intelligence system fails. The people now want change,” he said.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/jab-kursi-hilti-hai-wey-communal-ban-jaate-hai-akhilesh-slams-adityanath-over-singing-vande-matram-10364549/

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Red Fort car blast case: Security forces demolish Umar Nabi’s house in J&K’s Pulwama

14.11.25

Security forces have demolished the Pulwama residence of Dr Umar Nabi, the man who drove the explosive-laden vehicle involved in the Delhi blast, officials said on Friday.

According to officials, the demolition was carried out during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.

The blast near Red Fort on Monday night killed 13 people and left several others injured.

Investigators said Umar was behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 packed with explosives, and his identity was confirmed after DNA samples collected from the blast site matched those of Dr Umar’s mother.

Once regarded as an academically accomplished professional, Umar had allegedly become radicalised over the last two years, officials added. They noted that he had joined multiple radical messaging groups on social media during this period.

Authorities said further details are awaited.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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'Every resident of Jammu and Kashmir not a terrorist': Omar Abdullah after Delhi blast

13.11.25

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday demanded the harshest punishment for those behind the Delhi blast but delivered a pointed warning against branding all Kashmiris as terrorists.

His remarks came amid rising tension following the Red Fort car explosion that killed 13 people and injured several others on November 10.

“Every resident of Jammu and Kashmir is not a terrorist. Not every Kashmiri is on the side of terrorists. It is only a handful of people who have tried to disturb the peace and harmony here,” Abdullah said, calling for restraint and reason as national outrage grows.

The blast, triggered by an explosives-laden car driven by Dr Umar Nabi of south Kashmir’s Pulwama, has exposed an expanding terror network spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Hours before the explosion, police recovered 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate and a cache of arms and ammunition from a rented flat in Faridabad.

The tenant, another Kashmiri doctor, Muzammil Ganaie, was later arrested along with seven others, most of them from Kashmir.

“These few people are responsible for this attack. Those who are guilty should be given the strictest punishment, and innocent people should not get caught in it,” Abdullah asserted, making it clear that justice must not turn into collective punishment.

He urged the country to distinguish between perpetrators and ordinary citizens.

“When we begin to look at every Kashmiri Muslim through the same lens and try to give the impression that every Kashmiri Muslim is a terrorist, it becomes very difficult to keep things on the right track,” he said.

Abdullah also questioned the administration’s past handling of suspected terror links, pointing to the detention of Dr Arif Nisar Dar from Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital, who was dismissed in 2023 by the Lt Governor for alleged terror connections.

“If you believed he had terror links and you had evidence, why didn’t you take that evidence to court? Why was he not prosecuted? Merely dismissing someone from service doesn’t end the matter—and today, we are seeing the result of that,” he said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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Africa

 

Nigeria regaining credibility on security — Southwest Muslims reject Trump’s claim

by Toba Adedeji, Osogbo

November 13, 2025

The Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) has dismissed the recent claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging genocide in Nigeria, describing it as baseless and misleading.

According to the group, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is making steady progress in restoring Nigeria’s international credibility through ongoing reforms and developmental efforts.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to herald MUSWEN’s 10th General Assembly, themed “Nigeria’s Economy: Any Hope for the Masses?”, the organisation’s President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, described Trump’s claim as “abnormal” and ill-timed.

Oladejo said, “The recent designation of Nigeria by the United States President as a Country of Particular Concern came to us as both a surprise and an abnormality. It is coming at a time when Nigeria is regaining credibility after years of insecurity, corruption scandals, and image erosion.”

He condemned the re-designation as “unfortunate and misplaced,” accusing the U.S. of double standards in international diplomacy, particularly in its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Citing Article II of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and Article 6 of the Rome Statute, Oladejo argued that Nigeria does not meet the criteria to be tagged as a “country of particular concern.”

He further stated that the timing of Trump’s comments “calls for serious concern,” adding that his motive appears “neither altruistic nor sincere, but rather driven by ulterior economic and political interests.”

“There is nothing like genocide against a particular faith in Nigeria. If there is anything, both major religious groups, Christianity and Islam, suffer equally from the unfortunate onslaughts of the bandits and insurgents.”

He held that Muslim are most affected by insurgency in Niger, Kaduna, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kwara states.

Speaking about the forthcoming event of the Muslim Ummah, Oladejo, he disclosed that it will be held in Osun State which will be attended by President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries.

He added, “We shall be raising a N2b fund, aimed at Economic Empowerment; Scholarships/Bursay Awards; training in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Informatics to make our youths employable.

He said part of the fund will be utilised in the construction of the body’s modern Headquarters, provide health – care facilities with the state-of-the-art medical diagnostics and other infrastructures for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah across the six South West States.

Source: thenationonlineng.net

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Okpebholo Calls On Edo Muslims To Support Tinubu Ahead Of 2027 Elections

November 13, 2025

By Doris Ijeoma Israel

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged the Muslim community in the state to continue their prayers and back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Naija News reports that he made the appeal during a special Walimah celebration marking the first anniversary of his administration, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City.

The event, titled “365 Days in Office Celebration Walimah of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” brought together members of the Muslim faith, who were acknowledged for their loyalty and prayers over the past year.

In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo described their support as essential to the achievements of his administration in its first year.

He stated that his government is committed to serving all residents of Edo State, regardless of religion or background, with appointments and policies based on competence and capacity.

Okpebholo said the unity and welfare of the state remain his top priorities, adding that governance should focus on service and collective interest rather than personal gain.

The governor also expressed his full support for President Tinubu, pledging both political and moral backing ahead of the 2027 elections.

He announced plans to deliver a significant number of votes from Edo State to the president, saying that the administration would continue to align with leaders who value integrity, unity, and competence.

Okpebholo assured the Muslim community of ongoing engagement and collaboration with religious and traditional leaders across Edo State.

The Edo Governor highlighted the importance of listening to their concerns and seeking their counsel in governance matters.

During the celebration, a documentary showcased the achievements of the first year of his administration, including developments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, and economic initiatives.

Former Edo State Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen praised the governor for his people-centered approach, describing his leadership as inclusive and compassionate.

The event concluded with an award presented to Governor Okpebholo for his dedication to service, humility, and inclusive governance.

Source: naijanews.com

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Sudan's unsung heroes, risk lives to feed and heal amid civil war

November 14, 2025

As Sudan's brutal civil war enters its second year, creating the world's worst humanitarian crisis, a generation of young volunteers has chosen to stay and confront the devastation, operating soup kitchens and medical aid stations to save their communities from starvation and collapse.

In a nation where 12 million are displaced and 21 million face acute hunger, the clanging of pots and pans signals the day's only meal for many: lentil soup prepared by young volunteers.

This work is perilous; one of volunteer Jihad A.-Din's friends was killed by militias while purchasing food for the neighborhood.

"In this area, we have four volunteers who have died," Jihad stated. "We are doing this for them."

Medicine and hope for the abandoned

Beyond food, these unsung heroes run vital medical aid stations, supplying medicine to elderly and vulnerable individuals abandoned by the war.

The demand is relentless, with volunteers fielding calls for assistance every few minutes.

Their efforts provide a fragile but critical healthcare lifeline in a country where the formal medical system has largely crumbled.

"Who will help these people?": the choice to stay

Faced with the option to flee, these young Sudanese have made a conscious decision to remain and serve.

Their motivation is rooted in a profound sense of duty to family and community. "Because my people are in need... We have to help my brothers," Jihad explained.

Echoing this sentiment, volunteer Momen Wad Zeinab asked, "If we leave, if we do nothing, who will help these people? We should help these people by staying for them."

Their defiance in the face of overwhelming suffering embodies a resilient hope for Sudan's future.

Source: africanews.com

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Ramaphosa criticizes Trump’s G20 boycott over land and genocide claims

November 14, 2025

South African leaders across the political spectrum have condemned the U.S. decision to boycott the upcoming G20 summit, with President Cyril Ramaphosa calling the move a "loss" for Washington and opposition figures decrying the baseless claims about the country that prompted the snub.

President Ramaphosa responded firmly to the U.S. absence, stating, "In my experience in politics, boycotts never really work.

They have a very contradictory effect." He assured that the summit would proceed without the U.S., emphasizing that "all other heads of state will be here... and their absence is their loss."

The boycott was announced by former President Donald Trump, who cited widely rejected claims of violent persecution and land confiscation targeting South Africa's white minority.

Cross-party condemnation of U.S. justification

The U.S. rationale for the boycott was uniformly criticized by South African political leaders.

John Steenhuisen, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, expressed concern that Washington was acting on incorrect information, stating it would have been good for U.S. leaders "to see what they're being fed... is not the reality."

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, noted that Trump "knows there is no genocide in South Africa," attributing the claims to a "tiny minority" peddling lies.

Deepening diplomatic rift at a pivotal moment

The boycott marks a new low in U.S.-South Africa relations, which are at their worst since the end of apartheid in 1994.

The dispute is compounded by South Africa's genocide case against Israel—a key U.S. ally—at the UN's top court.

With the U.S. set to assume the G20 presidency from South Africa at year's end, the diplomatic schism threatens to undermine international cooperation on critical global economic issues, highlighting how misinformation can fuel geopolitical fractures.

Source: africanews.com

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Mideast

 

Israel quizzed at UN over torture of Palestinian detainees

November 14, 2025

GENEVA: Israel was questioned at the UN this week over multiple reports alleging the torture of Palestinian detainees, in particular since the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.

Israel was undergoing its periodic review before the UN Committee against Torture.

“The committee has been deeply appalled by the description we have received, in a large number of alternative reports, of what appears to be systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of Palestinians, including children,” the body’s rapporteur, Peter Vedel Kessing, said.

“It is claimed that torture has become a deliberate and widespread tool of state policy ... from arrest to interrogation to imprisonment.”

The Committee against Torture comprises 10 independent experts who monitor the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by member countries.

Citing reports before the committee, Kessing said that since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which sparked the retaliatory war in Gaza, torture and ill-treatment have escalated, reaching “unprecedented levels” and carried out with impunity.

Those reports, he said, came from various UN bodies, Israeli, Palestinian, and international nongovernmental organizations, and other sources.

“Many of those detained and subsequently released have reportedly been subject to torture and other ill-treatment,” said Kessing.

“Severe beatings, including on the genitals; electric shocks; being forced to remain in stress positions in prolonged periods; deliberate inhuman conditions and starvation; waterboarding; and widespread sexual insults and threats of rape,” he said, giving examples.

In July 2024, the UN human rights office published a report stating that Palestinians detained by Israel during the Gaza war have largely been held in secret and in some cases subjected to treatment that may amount to torture.

Similar accusations have been levelled against Hamas regarding its treatment of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Daniel Meron, rejected the allegations, branding them “disinformation,” particularly, he said, on the part of the UN-mandated Commission of Inquiry, and Francesca Albanese, the UN’s independent special rapporteur on rights in the Palestinian territories.

Meron said Israel was “committed to upholding its obligations in line with our moral values and principles, even in the face of the challenges posed by a terrorist organization.”

Kessing said “the fact that one of the parties to the armed conflict violates and disregards obligations under these rules cannot be used as an excuse for the other party” to do likewise.

He told the Israeli delegation that the committee was aware of allegations of acts of torture and war crimes committed by Hamas against Israeli soldiers and civilians.

“This is, of course, very disturbing and something we will take up ... with the state of Palestine” in a future session.

The committee’s 83rd session, running from Nov. 10 to 28, is conducting periodic reviews of Albania, Argentina, Bahrain and Israel’s efforts to implement the convention’s provisions.

The committee is set to publish its findings on Israel on Nov. 28.

Source: arabnews.com

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How Gaza’s survivors are rebuilding lives and memories among the rubble

ANAN TELLO

November 13, 2025

LONDON: After the Gaza ceasefire came into effect on Oct. 10, thousands of Palestinians returned to their rubble-strewn neighborhoods, passing roads that reeked of death, expecting to find little more than debris where their homes once stood.

Those who found any walls still standing shared videos of themselves on social media attempting to clear the rubble and clean what remained, using whatever tools they could find.

Among them was content creator Hadeel Ahmed, who posted a video of her family surveying the ruins of their home.

The video showed a floor strewn with rubble and broken furniture, the walls blackened by smoke and stripped to their frames. Almost everything was either charred or buried under a thick layer of ash.

“A whole house with its furniture and belongings. From bedrooms, dining table, sofas, and two salons ... a complete home, this is what remains,” she wrote in the caption. “The kitchen was the least affected by the fire, but everything else is gone.”

She added: “The loss is great, and the memories are heavier than words can describe. While we laugh in the video, our hearts are full of sorrow for all that we’ve lost.”

Ahmed and her family were able to salvage remnants of their past — a few kitchen utensils, some pottery, and baking trays that survived the bombardment and resulting fire.

“These dishes are all we’ve managed to save, but the memories will stay with us forever,” she wrote.

A few miles away, another content creator, Sara Zaqout, found her family home in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City still standing — but on the brink of collapse.

In a video shared on Instagram, Zaqout visited the wrecked apartment with her father, explaining that even their brief visit was dangerous, as the ceiling could collapse at any moment.

The floor was buried under rubble and shattered furniture, yet faint traces of color and pattern hinted at the home’s former warmth.

“This was the home where I grew up, studied for exams, drank coffee from little pink cups, and laughed with my siblings,” Zaqout wrote in the caption. “For 20 years, this apartment held our life. Now the roof hangs open to the sky, ready to collapse.”

While the ceasefire offered a pause in fighting, Zaqout said it did not bring safety. Her family’s goal, she wrote, “is no longer just to survive — it’s to rebuild. To create a home with walls that hold, a roof that won’t fall, a space where my family can sleep, eat, and begin to heal.”

Many Gazans were even less fortunate. Where homes once stood, built over generations, only piles of rubble remained.

At least 90 percent of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023, leaving some 1.9 million Palestinians without a safe or permanent place to live, according to UN figures.

The war in Gaza was triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which saw 1,200 killed and 250 taken hostage. The resulting Israeli assault has killed at least 67,000, according to local health officials.

A classified Israeli military database reviewed by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call indicated that the vast majority of those killed were civilians.

A US-brokered ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, halting major Israeli operations and freezing battle lines, though Israeli forces retain control of more than half of Gaza.

Under the deal, Hamas agreed to return 20 living hostages and the remains of 28 deceased, while Israel committed to releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners and the bodies of detainees who died in custody.

The agreement also allowed large humanitarian convoys into Gaza and the limited return of displaced residents.

But the ceasefire has not held consistently. Frequent Israeli airstrikes and shelling in southern and central Gaza have continued. On Oct. 28, at least 104 Palestinians were killed in one such strike, the BBC reported.

The Israeli military said it hit “dozens of terror targets and terrorists” in response to Hamas ceasefire violations. Israel’s defense minister accused Hamas of killing an Israeli soldier and breaching the deal’s terms on returning hostages’ bodies.

Hamas denied involvement in the attack, saying Israel was seeking to undermine the truce.

Since October 2023, Israel’s campaign has destroyed much of Gaza’s infrastructure, including hospitals and residential towers. The UN says nine out of 10 homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Many Palestinians now grieve not just for lost loved ones but for the homes where they had built their lives and memories.

Chef Samah Haboub shared an Instagram reel contrasting her home before the war and after the ceasefire. Once filled with elegant furniture and warm decor, her apartment now lies in ruins.

The footage cuts between scenes of comfort and destruction. Haboub, through tears, lifts a cuddly toy from the rubble, a poignant symbol of everything lost.

Yet even amid the devastation, Haboub expressed resilience. “I will rebuild again, even from the ashes,” she wrote in the caption.

Similarly, content creator Moayad Harazen recalled how his family’s home in Gaza City’s Shuja’iyya neighborhood once stood “modern, well-built, newly constructed — about 10 years old — and well-preserved.”

“The building itself was modern — and I’m not just saying that because it was ours,” Harazen told Arab News. “Most homes in Gaza were like that. Almost every item was valuable, had meaning and a story.”

During a previous ceasefire in January, Harazen and his family cleared debris and stayed briefly in their home, even though structural damage made it dangerous.

“That visit changed everything for me,” he said. “It had been a year and a half — imagine being away from a place you love that long, and finally returning. We were excited, really eager to see our home.”

But their excitement faded once they saw the devastation. “Our whole neighborhood — everything around us — was gone, flattened. Around 70 percent of the area was destroyed.

“Our house, by some miracle — maybe because it was tucked in a bit — was still standing. We went in, cleaned it, and tried to fix it. There were so many shell holes, walls blown open, everything exposed and broken.

“Still, we tried to clean it and make it livable. We managed to clean the house and stay there for about two months.”

When fighting resumed, they fled again.

“Our neighborhood is close to the border (with Israel), so when the new offensive began, we were hit first,” he said, referring to renewed fighting that broke out on March 17.

He evacuated to his uncle’s house in Al-Nasr, western Gaza, before Israeli forces ordered civilians to move south.

By the time the latest truce took effect, Harazen said the entire neighborhood had been “wiped out.”

“While we were still at my uncle’s house, I could still visit my home sometimes — it was still standing,” he said. But before the October ceasefire was announced, “the Israelis erased the entire area.”

“Every single one of the 30 houses left in my neighborhood was flattened,” he said. “I went there and saw it myself. I was shocked. It was pure cruelty. This isn’t war — it’s revenge.”

Others, like Mariam, a water, sanitation and hygiene expert from Khan Younis, found nothing at all to return to — not even during previous truces.

“We didn’t find any homes to go back to,” she told Arab News.

“I did go back during the November 2023 truce, but my family’s house was completely destroyed. I only managed to collect a few belongings from there. I didn’t find much, not even clothes. Just a few items.

“We couldn’t even live there for half a day — it was unlivable.”

Her siblings’ homes were gone as well. “My sister’s house was completely destroyed, beyond repair, and my brother’s house too,” Mariam said.

“Ever since we were displaced from Khan Younis to the central area, we haven’t gone back. Most of the houses there were destroyed … If anyone still has a house, it’s in the central area — some are in Khan Younis or Gaza City.

“But none of my family went back to their homes; they’re all displaced in the central area, in Deir Al-Balah and around there.

“That experience of returning and cleaning the house, we didn’t live through that, because there was never a chance to. Even during the truce, my family wasn’t in Khan Younis at all.”

Harazen believes outsiders misunderstood Gaza before the war. “People think we were poor, that we always needed help,” he said. “But before the war, we were proud and dignified. Everyone had a home. You rarely saw anyone living in a tent.”

Despite years of blockade and economic isolation, Gaza had a vibrant social life — bustling markets, family-friendly neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and beaches where families gathered to fish, relax, and socialize.

“Gaza was full of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tourist places,” said Harazen. “The biggest proof are videos by content creators from before the war.”

Sixteen years under Israeli blockade and movement restrictions cost Gaza nearly $36 billion in lost gross domestic product between 2007 and 2023, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development.

Harazen sees little room for hope. “The future in Gaza feels very uncertain,” he said. “I sit here wondering if I’ll keep living in the south, in a tent, or if I’ll ever be able to return north.

“So many thoughts spin in my head. What should I do? Will things ever get better? Will there be reconstruction? Will life improve? I don’t know.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Gazans begin to restore historic fort damaged in war

November 14, 2025

GAZA CITY: One bucket at a time, Palestinian workers cleared sand and crumbling mortar from the remains of a former medieval fortress turned museum in Gaza City, damaged by two years of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

A dozen workers in high-visibility jackets worked by hand to excavate the bomb-damaged buildings that remain of the Pasha Palace Museum — which once housed Napoleon Bonaparte during a one-night stay in Gaza — stacking stones to be reused in one pile and rubble to be discarded in another.

Overhead, an Israeli surveillance drone buzzed loudly while the team toiled in silence.

“The Pasha Palace Museum is one of the most important sites destroyed during the recent war in Gaza City,” Hamouda Al-Dahdar, the cultural heritage expert in charge of the restoration works, said, adding that more than 70 percent of the palace’s buildings were destroyed.

As of October 2025, the UN’s cultural heritage agency, UNESCO, had identified damage at 114 sites since the start of the war in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, including the Pasha Palace.

Other damaged sites include the Saint Hilarion Monastery complex — one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the Middle East — and Gaza City’s Omari Mosque.

Issam Juha, director of the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation, a nonprofit organization in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, who is helping coordinate the castle’s restoration at a distance, said the main issue was obtaining materials for the restoration in Gaza.

“There are no more materials, and we are only managing debris, collecting stones, sorting these stones, and have minimal intervention for the consolidation,” said Juha.

Israel imposed severe restrictions on the Gaza Strip at the start of the war, causing shortages of everything, including food and medicine.

After a US-brokered ceasefire deal came into effect in October, aid trucks began flowing in greater numbers, but each item crossing into Gaza must be approved by strict Israeli vetting, humanitarian organizations say.

Juha said the ceasefire had allowed workers to resume their excavations.

Before, he said, it was unsafe for them to work and “people were threatened by drones that were scanning the place and shooting.”

Juha said that at least 226 heritage and cultural sites were damaged during the war, arguing his number was higher than UNESCO’s because his teams in Gaza were able to access more areas. Juha’s organization is loosely affiliated with the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Antiquities, he said.

“Our cultural heritage is the identity and memory of the Palestinian people,” Dahdar said in Gaza City.

“Before the war, the Pasha’s Palace contained more than 17,000 artifacts, but unfortunately, all of them disappeared after the invasion of the Old City of Gaza,” he said.

He added that his team had since recovered 20 important artifacts dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras.

Gaza’s history stretches back thousands of years, making the tiny Palestinian territory a treasure trove of archeological artifacts from past civilizations, including Canaanites, Egyptians, Persians, and Greeks.

“We are ... salvaging the archeological stones in preparation for future restoration work, as well as rescuing and extracting any artifacts that were on display inside the Pasha Palace,” Dahdar said.

As the pile of excavated rubble already several meters high grew, one craftsman carefully restored a piece of stonework bearing a cross mounted with an Islamic crescent.

Another delicately brushed the dust off stonework bearing religious calligraphy.

“We are not talking about just an old building, but rather we are dealing with buildings dating back to different eras,” said Dahdar.

Source: arabnews.com

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UN agency for Palestinian refugees asks for more funding

November 13, 2025

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which is no longer receiving US funding, on Thursday asked other donor nations for more money, warning that its operations could suffer without a cash infusion.

“We run week by week, month by month. I know that as of today, we will be able to process our salaries in November, but have no idea if or no visibility if we will be able to process our salaries in December,” chief Philippe Lazzarini told a press conference.

Israel has barred UNRWA from operating on its soil after accusing some of its employees of participating in the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, which triggered the bloody conflict in Gaza.

Following those allegations, the United States — historically the agency’s biggest donor — suspended its support.

In the wake of Israel’s decision, UNRWA was forced to repatriate its international staff from Gaza and the West Bank, limiting its food aid distribution abilities.

But it still employs 12,000 people in the Palestinian territories, and its services are vital to Palestinians, Lazzarini insisted.

“About 75,000 people were sheltered in 100 of our premises across the Gaza Strip,” he told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.

“We have, over the last two years, provided more than 15 million primary health consultations. Today, the average is about 14,000 a day,” he added, also noting the agency’s joint vaccination campaign with UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

UNRWA predicts that its budget shortfall between the last quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 will be about $200 million.

“Unlike in previous years, the projected income in the first quarter of 2026 is too low to absorb a large deficit from 2025,” Lazzarini said.

“In the absence of a significant influx of new funding, the delivery of critical services to millions of Palestine refugees across the region will be compromised.”

While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said UNRWA will have no role in postwar Gaza, Lazzarini noted that since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold, “we have expanded our services.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Syrian authorities arrest Sednaya Prison guard linked to torture

November 13, 2025

LONDON: Syrian authorities have arrested a former guard accused of involvement in torture and executions at Sednaya Prison, as part of their efforts to deliver justice for victims and hold officials of the Bashar Assad regime accountable for crimes against civilians.

The Interior Ministry on Thursday announced the capture of Mahmoud Ali Ahmad in Aleppo governorate, in the north of the country.

While at the prison Ahmad was part of a special security detachment and later assigned to its notorious Red Section, where political prisoners and opponents were held, tortured and killed.

He is accused of taking part in the torture and execution of prisoners and transporting and burying the bodies of victims in mass graves.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to pursuing all individuals implicated in human rights abuses during the Assad regime, which fell in December last year, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

Amnesty International has described Sednaya Prison as a “human slaughterhouse,” where an estimated 30,000 people have been detained since 2011. Of those, only about 6,000 have been released, with the rest still missing.

Syria’s new authorities have initiated a process to close the prison near Damascus which was operated by the Ministry of Defense during the Assad era.

Since December they have invited several Western, UN and rights groups officials to visit the facility and witness the inhumane conditions that detainees endured.

Source: arabnews.com

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France pushes for Lebanon ceasefire implementation amid rising Israeli attacks

NAJIA HOUSSARI

November 13, 2025

BEIRUT: France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to Lebanon’s stability and pledged increased support for its armed forces and reconstruction efforts, as Israeli attacks in the country’s south continue to escalate.

During an official visit to Beirut, Anne-Claire Legendre, adviser to the French president on Middle East and North Africa affairs, said Paris would continue to support Lebanon and “work to stabilize the southern area.”

Her visit comes as Israel steps up air raids on Hezbollah-linked sites, raising fears of a broader conflict.

During a meeting with senior Lebanese officials, Legendre reaffirmed France’s intention to organize two international conferences to support Lebanon’s aid and reconstruction efforts and strengthen the Lebanese army.

She also pledged to activate the Cessation of Hostilities Oversight Committee (Mechanism), in response to Lebanon’s request to implement the ceasefire framework.

The French envoy’s visit was seen as part of urgent diplomatic efforts to ease mounting Israeli security pressure on Lebanon and revive momentum behind the stalled Nov. 2025 ceasefire agreement to implement UN Resolution 1701, originally drafted to end the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israel’s continued breaches of the cessation-of-hostilities pact included strikes on what it claimed to be Hezbollah targets in the south, fueling concerns in Lebanon that Israel may be laying the groundwork for a new war under the pretext of halting the group’s alleged re-armament.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told Legendre that Israel’s ongoing hostilities and its occupation of five strategic positions are preventing the Lebanese army from fully deploying south of the Litani River, as outlined in the ceasefire agreement.

Daily Israel hostilities, he said, are also impeding Lebanon’s post-war reconstruction efforts.

According to his media office, Aoun affirmed that the Lebanese army is continuing its operations in the areas where it has deployed south of the Litani River, seizing weapons and ammunition and inspecting tunnels and warehouses.

He added: “The army is fulfilling its duties with precision, despite the propaganda Israel is spreading to undermine its capabilities and role — a role that continues to have the support of all Lebanese.”

He said about 12 soldiers have been killed so far while on duty.

Aoun reiterated to the French envoy that the option of diplomatically negotiating with Israel, which he proposed weeks ago, offers the most viable path to restoring stability in the south and across Lebanon.

But he confirmed that his country “has not yet received a response to its proposal for negotiations.”

In a statement from his media office Aoun said: “Continued aggression will yield no results. Past experiences in many countries have shown that negotiation is the only sustainable alternative to futile wars.”

He underlined that international support, particularly from France and the US, can help advance negotiations with Israel. The Mechanism Committee is among the bodies capable of sponsoring such talks, he said.

Aoun emphasized to the French envoy that the international conferences France aims to organize, alongside the US and Saudi Arabia, could help the Lebanese army to secure much-needed military equipment for its deployment and facilitate the return of southern residents to their destroyed homes and villages.

He welcomed “any European contribution to maintaining stability following UNIFIL’s withdrawal from the south, in coordination with the Lebanese army units, which will increase to 10,000 soldiers by the end of this year.”

Israel raids on southern Lebanon continued on Thursday.

An Israeli drone struck a car in Toul, near Nabatieh, killing its driver. Several air raids also struck facilities in Aitaroun and Tayr Felsay.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee claimed that “the Israeli army raided a weapons depot and Hezbollah infrastructure located near civilian residences, based on intelligence directives.”

Meanwhile, the 13th meeting of the Mechanism Committee, presided over by US Gen. Joseph Clearfield, was held on Wednesday in Ras Naqoura.

The meeting included a Lebanese presentation that outlined recent Israeli violations, including the renewed use of evacuation warnings issued before targeting several buildings — actions described as a blatant breach of the ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassim said that the group intends to retain its weapons north of the Litani River, a position that breaches the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

After Qassim’s statement that “there is no threat or danger to northern settlements,” many have questioned the rationale behind Hezbollah maintaining its weapons north of the Litani River.

In response, the Phalangist Party said reassuring Israel its northern settlements face no threat, while expressing a willingness to clear the south of weapons, raises serious questions about the purpose of retaining those arms.

The party asked: “Where is the so-called ‘resistance against Israel’ if its priority today is to reassure Israel rather than confront it?”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2622511/middle-east

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Europe

 

'Far right' group was planning an 'imminent attack' on Galway mosque, court hears

Michael O'Toole

14 Nov 2025

A far right group calling itself the Irish Defence Army was planning an imminent terrorist attack on a mosque before gardai intervened, a court has heard.

The claim was made by a detective garda in a contested bail application at Portlaoise District Court on Thursday of one of two men charged after the alleged seizure of explosive substances in the Co Laois town last Tuesday.

Lithuanian national Karolis Peckauskas, 38, with an address in Drogheda, Co Louth, failed in his bid for bail and was remanded in custody to appear in court again on December 11.

Detective Garda Joe Fahy, of Portlaoise Garda Station, told Judge Andrew Cody that as part of the investigation, gardai seized documents from the boot of Mr Peckauskas’ car at O’Moore Place in the town last Tuesday night.

The detective added: “There was a manifesto document outlining the intention to attack a mosque. We firmly believe an attack was imminent in relation to that mosque.”

Mr Peckauskas, of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda and who the court has lived in Ireland since 2006, faces one charge of knowingly having in his possession an explosive substance at O’Moore Place, Portlaoise on November 4.

It’s alleged he had in his possession four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide in suspicious circumstances.

He first appeared in court last Friday, when he did not make a bail application and was remanded in custody.

He was back in Portlaoise District Court on Thursday and made a bail application this time - but Judge Andrew Cody declined to release him after gardai objected.

Det Garda Fahy told the court Mr Peckauskas had strong links to Lithuania, where he had friends and family, and may not remain in Ireland to face the charge - if he was granted bail.

He also cited concerns that Mr Peckauskas may engage in further crimes and pose a threat to public safety if released. And he added that the charge the accused was facing carried a jail term of up to 14 years for anyone convicted of that offence.

As part of the bail hearing, Judge Cody cleared the court to view a video which gardai seized during the arrest operation at O’Moore Place in the town that led to Mr Peckauskas and Garret Pollock, 35, of Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down being charged.

The judge later said the footage showed four masked men and added that gardai had well founded suspicions that one of them was Mr Peckauskas.

Judge Cody said: “I am satisfied that Detective Garda Fahy’s opinion (that) one of those persons is the accused is well founded.

“Two men read a typed statement. It is apparent that the video is the practice of a statement being released subsequent to a successful terrorist attack.

“In this statement which is addressed to all citizens in the north and south of Ireland, they say that they are taking a moment to speak honestly, recognising that everyone in the country has had enough, particularly children, women and the elderly who have been left homeless, starving, cold and under threat due to the number of migrants that have flooded into this country by the government.

“They describe this as a threat to our sovereignty and could potentially be a hostile take over.”

He added that the people in the video claimed to be from the IDA - or Irish Defence Army. And he said that the men in the video said there would be other attacks, including on IPAS centres.

Judge Cody said the men in the video were laughing and joking and it seemed clear to him they were making a practice recording - before filming a second video they planned to release claiming responsibility for an attack on a Mosque in Galway that was being planned.

The judge said that video was to be released after the planned attack.

Earlier, defence barrister Niall Storan BL had challenged Det Garda Fahy’s assertion that he concluded four threaded pipe ends and six bottles of hydrogen peroxide allegedly found in Mr Peckauskas’s car car were intended for the construction of an explosive device

Mr Storan told the court the items could be used for a variety of purposes unconnected to explosives. He added when the items were found there was no accelerant discovered.

But Det Garda Fahy and Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told the court that such material had previously been used to build IEDs, or improvised explosive devices.

The gardai also told the court documents allegedly found in Mr Peckauskas’s car included the manifesto which it is alleged showed intent to imminently attack a mosque in Galway.

The court was also told the alleged manifesto and explosive substances in a vehicle at O’Moore Place, Portlaoise - and that the vehicle was registered to the accused.

Det Garda Fahy added: “He was sitting in the driver seat of the vehicle. (The alleged items) were found in the boot of his vehicle.”

He said the examination of devices seized as part of the investigation indicate the planning of a terrorist attack on behalf of a "right-wing violent extremist grouping".

He said that gardai had seized "a manifesto document outlining an intention to attack a mosque" on behalf of the right-wing group.

Judge Cody refused the application for bail and remanded Mr Peckauskas in custody to appear before the court again on December 11th. He will appear via video link.

Source: irishmirror.ie

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https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/far-right-group-planning-imminent-36243366

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Azerbaijan counts up home-run non-Islamic religious communities

13 November 2025

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 13. A total of 38 non-Islamic religious communities currently operate in Azerbaijan, and the U.S. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the 39th to join them, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations Gunduz Ismayilov said at the opening of the church's Baku office, Trend reports.

He pointed out that, just like every other state-registered religious community, this church's activities will be backed by the letter of the law.

"This religious community is the latest non-Islamic religious community to be registered with the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations. The church began its official activities in July 2024 after undergoing state registration. The opening ceremony was evaluated as a clear example of freedom of conscience in the country.

The fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been officially registered in our country and is operating freely is an indicator of the importance given to religious diversity, tolerance, and multicultural values in Azerbaijan," he added.

Today, Azerbaijan's Baku has hosted the opening of the U.S. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ office. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally registered in Azerbaijan in 2024.

Source: trend.az

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https://www.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/4116953.html

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All churches live as brethren in Azerbaijan - Caucasus Muslims Office's chairman

13 November 2025

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 13. All churches live as brethren in Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade said at the opening of the U.S. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ office, Trend reports.

"I'm very happy that today a new family is joining our family. This is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have a big family in Azerbaijan.

Of course, the state is the one who created this. We are trying to improve relations between religions. The foundation for this was laid by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. He's the founder of this propaganda," he added.

Today, Azerbaijan's Baku has hosted the opening of the U.S. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ office. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally registered in Azerbaijan in 2024.

Source: trend.az

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https://www.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/4116943.html

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France remembers Bataclan attacks but knows enemy has not gone away

14 November 2025

Hugh Schofield

Just as France marks the 10th anniversary of the Bataclan massacres, another reminder has come of the permanence of the jihadist threat.

A former girlfriend of the only jihadist to survive the November 2015 attacks has been arrested on suspicion of plotting her own violent act.

The woman - a 27 year-old French convert to Islam named as Maëva B - began a letter-writing relationship with Salah Abdeslam, 36, who is serving a life sentence in jail near the Belgian border following his conviction in 2022.

When prison guards discovered that Abdeslam had been using a USB key containing jihadist propaganda, they traced its origin to face-to-face meetings that the prisoner had with Maëva B.

Detectives then looked into Maëva B's own computer and telephone, where they found evidence she may have been planning a jihadist attack, and on Monday she was placed under judicial investigation along with two alleged associates.

With France commemorating 10 years since the worst attack in its modern history, the arrest has focused minds on the enemy that never went away.

Six plots have been thwarted this year, says Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, and the threat level remains high.

"Unfortunately, no one can guarantee the end of attacks," President Emmanuel Macron said at the inauguration of the Jardin du 13 Novembre 2015 memorial garden.

"But we can guarantee that for those who take up arms against France, the response will be uncompromising."

On the evening of 13 November 2015, jihadist gunmen and suicide bombers conducted a sequence of co-ordinated attacks that culminated in a bloody raid on the Bataclan concert hall in eastern Paris.

Before that, three suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the Stade de France where a football international was under way. Then others in the gang opened fire with Kalashnikovs on people drinking in bars and cafés not far from the Bataclan.

There, a performance by American group The Eagles of Death Metal had just started, when three jihadists burst in and fired indiscriminately into the auditorium. They took hostages and then blew themselves up as police moved in.

Overall 130 people were killed, 90 in the Bataclan, and more than 400 treated in hospital. Countless others suffered psychological trauma.

The word Bataclan has since become a byword in France for extreme Islamist attacks, in much the same way that 9/11 did in the US.

Though there have been other attacks since, like the Nice lorry massacre of July 2016 and the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty in October 2020, the scale and organisation of 13 November 2015 set it apart.

Ten years on, much has changed. The disappearance of the Islamic State (IS) group as a major force in Syria and Iraq means that the wherewithal to conceive, plan and carry out complex terrorist projects is greatly diminished.

The Bataclan attackers were young men of mainly North African origin, recruited in Belgium and France, trained in IS territory in the Middle East, who then returned to Europe hidden among a vast flow of migrants.

Everywhere they could draw on a network of supporters offering shelter, transport and cash.

According to leading Middle East expert Gilles Kepel, intelligence services have also become highly effective in controlling online radicalisation.

"They now have access to IT resources… which allow them to detect a lot of individual initiatives, often not very sophisticated ones... and stop them before they hatch," he said in an interview with Le Figaro.

But according to Mr Kepel, the danger now comes from what he calls "ambient jihadism".

"The threat is now home-grown and a lot younger. It feeds on friendships and social networks of the like-minded, without there ever necessarily being people having to give and obey orders," he said.

The threat is all the more concerning, he believes, because it is so porous - with events in Gaza and Israel having a "traumatic effect" on the minds of many citizens and being "exploited by the entrepreneurs of anger".

France's current political crisis is also stoking the danger, he argues, with an impotent presidency giving way to a partisan parliament where extremists of left and right hold increasing sway.

"If what separates us becomes more important than what unites us as French people and fractures the national consensus, then there will open a chasm beneath our feet and violence will have fewer and fewer restraints," he said.

Thursday's commemorations will be held throughout the day at the various attack sites, culminating with the opening of the new 13 November garden in central Paris.

When night falls, the Eiffel Tower will be bathed in the red, white and blue of the French flag.

French media have been full of accounts and memories, with survivors describing how their lives have changed.

In an unexpected development, Salah Abdeslam has let it be known through his lawyer that he would be prepared to co-operate in any effort at "restorative justice" - a procedure where victims and perpetrators meet to discuss the impact of a crime.

The idea has been mooted by some families - but others are vehemently opposed.

According to Laurent Sourisseau, a cartoonist also known as Riss, who was shot and wounded in the Charlie Hebdo attack a few months before the Bataclan massacres, Abdeslam's offer is "perverse".

"Restorative justice exists for other types of crime - common crimes," he said.

"But terrorism is not a common crime. Salah Abdeslam wants to make us think his crime was like any other. But it was not."

Source: bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6291204278o

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Russian Su-30 fighter plane crashes near Finnish border

14 Nov, 2025

A Su-30 fighter jet crashed during a training flight in a remote area of northwestern Russia on Thursday evening, killing both pilots, the Russian Defense Ministry has said.

The incident took place in Karelia Region, which borders Finland. According to the ministry, the plane was flying without a payload.

Karelia Governor Artur Parfenchikov said the pilots belonged to the 159th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment based in Besovets.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives,” Parfenchikov wrote on Telegram.

Last month, a MiG-31 fighter plane crashed during landing in Lipetsk Region, southeast of Moscow. Both pilots ejected safely.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/russia/627773-russian-su-30-crashed-karelia/

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South Asia

 

Australia Moves Toward Targeted Sanctions Over Human Rights Abuses in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

November 13, 2025

Australia is moving to impose targeted sanctions and travel bans on individuals accused of serious human rights abuses in Afghanistan.

Australia is preparing to update its autonomous sanctions regime, paving the way for targeted travel bans and asset freezes against individuals implicated in serious human rights abuses in Afghanistan.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the proposed reforms would empower Canberra to impose penalties on those involved in the suppression of women, girls, and minorities, as well as those undermining the rule of law and good governance.

Australia’s foreign ministry earlier confirmed the completion of consultations on the sanctions reforms, which would create a special Afghanistan sanctions list and include restrictions on arms transfers and related services.

HRW’s Australia Director, Daniela Gavshon, said it was essential for Canberra to act against those responsible for systematic repression in Afghanistan, calling the reform “a significant step toward accountability.”

The organization added that these changes would align Australia with other countries already implementing measures in response to Afghanistan’s deteriorating human rights situation.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, women and girls have been banned from schools, universities, and public life, prompting widespread condemnation from the United Nations and international rights groups.

HRW also noted that journalists, civil society activists, and minority groups—particularly Hazaras and LGBTQ+ Afghans—face intimidation, arrests, and violent attacks, while the threat of ISIS-linked assaults remains persistent.

Human Rights Watch urged Australia to finalize and implement the sanctions swiftly, saying stronger international coordination is crucial to increase the cost of ongoing abuses and to pressure authorities in Kabul to uphold basic rights.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/australia-moves-toward-targeted-sanctions-over-human-rights-abuses-in-afghanistan/

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Pakistan Says Facing ‘Two-Front War’ With India and Afghanistan After Islamabad Suicide Attack

By Fidel Rahmati

November 13, 2025

Pakistan’s defense minister warned the nation faces a “two-front war” with India and Afghanistan following a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad.

Pakistan’s defense minister warned the country is facing a “two-front war” with India and Afghanistan after a deadly suicide bombing rocked the capital.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told Pakistani media that Islamabad is “fully equipped and ready” to confront challenges from both its eastern border with India and its western frontier with Afghanistan.

He alleged that certain elements inside Afghanistan were working against Pakistan’s interests, linking recent cross-border attacks to groups operating from the country’s territory.

Asif said Pakistan remains open to dialogue but stressed that “sincerity and genuine cooperation” from Kabul are essential to prevent further terrorist incidents.

The remarks came after a suicide blast in Islamabad left at least twelve people dead, heightening fears of growing instability across Pakistan.

Local reports said security agencies have intensified operations near the Afghanistan border amid concerns of renewed militant infiltration and cross-border attacks.

Despite multiple rounds of talks between the two neighbors, diplomatic and security tensions remain high, threatening to derail regional peace and trade cooperation.

Analysts noted that Asif’s warning underscores Pakistan’s deepening security dilemma, as domestic insurgencies and cross-border violence continue to test its stability.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-says-facing-two-front-war-with-india-and-afghanistan-after-islamabad-suicide-attack/

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Afghanistan Wushu Team Departs for Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh

November 13, 2025

The Afghanistan national Wushu team has departed for Saudi Arabia to participate in the ongoing 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, being hosted in the city of Riyadh.

According to Mohammad Khalid Hotak, Secretary General of the Afghanistan Wushu Federation, three Afghan athletes will represent the country in these prestigious international competitions, which bring together athletes from across the Islamic world.

The Afghan delegation includes Shamsuddin Haji Zada in the 60-kilogram weight category, Jafar Sultani in the 70-kilogram category, and Asadullah Ehsan competing in the 85-kilogram division. All three athletes have undergone intensive training in Kabul in preparation for the event and are hopeful of achieving strong results on the international stage.

The Islamic Solidarity Games, which have been underway for more than ten days, are a major multi-sport event organized under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The competition promotes friendship, unity, and athletic excellence among Muslim-majority nations.

Officials from the Afghanistan Wushu Federation expressed optimism that participation in such events not only enhances Afghanistan’s presence in international sports but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes in the country.

Wushu — a martial art that combines combat techniques and performance — has gained growing popularity in Afghanistan over the past decade, and Afghan competitors have achieved success in several regional tournaments.

The Afghan athletes will compete later this week as part of the Riyadh games’ combat sports segment. The Kabul Times

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/afghanistan-wushu-team-departs-for-islamic-solidarity-games-in-riyadh/

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Yousuf Kargar Honored in Kabul for FIFA Committee Membership

November 13, 2025

The General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports of Afghanistan held a special ceremony in Kabul to honor Mohammad Yousuf Kargar, head of the Afghanistan Football Federation, for his recent appointment as a member of the Technical and Development Committee of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

Kargar has become the first official representative from the Afghanistan Football Federation to join a formal FIFA committee, marking a historic milestone for Afghan sports. His term will span four years, from 2025 to 2029.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials including Mawlawi Abdul Nasir Hashimi, Head of Finance and Administration of the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports; Dad Mohammad Payinda Akhtari, Head of Olympic Affairs; Qari Hayatullah Rahmani, Sports Advisor; Atal Mashwani, Head of Publications; Mohammad Yousuf Iftikhar, Planning Advisor to the Sports Directorate; and a number of athletes and football enthusiasts.

In his remarks, Mawlavi Hashimi congratulated Kargar and described his appointment as “a major achievement for Afghan sports,” emphasizing the Islamic value of strength and effort, quoting the Prophet Mohammad: “A believer should be strong and diligent, striving in all endeavors that serve faith and the people.”

Dad Mohammad Akhtari also praised the achievement, calling it “a source of pride for the nation and the Afghan sports community,” and encouraged unity and collaboration among athletes.

Kargar expressed gratitude for the continued support of the sports authorities and said his FIFA committee membership “belongs to all Afghans,” expressing hope that it will help advance football development in the country. The Kabul Times

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/yousuf-kargar-honored-in-kabul-for-fifa-committee-membership/

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Higher Education Minister, OIC Delegation Discuss Expansion of Academic Cooperation

November 13, 2025

KABUL: Mawlavi Neda Mohammad Nadeem, the country’s Minister of Higher Education, inn a meeting with Dr. Tarek Ali Bakhit, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the organization’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, discussed academic cooperation, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed Afghanistan’s higher education system, including the expansion of master’s and doctoral programs in Afghan universities, the completion and equipping of modern laboratories, and the establishment of academic cooperation with member countries of the OIC, the statement said.

They also exchanged views on resuming the construction of the Islamic University in Nangarhar province, a project seen as an important step toward enhancing Afghanistan’s academic capacity and fostering educational ties among Muslim nations, according to the statement.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/higher-education-minister-oic-delegation-discuss-expansion-of-academic-cooperation/

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ICT-1 sets Nov 17 for verdict in case against Hasina

Nov 14, 2025

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday announced that it will deliver its verdict in the case against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her two top aides on November 17.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, fixed the date amid tight security and a packed courtroom.

 After announcing the date within five minutes of the proceedings, the tribunal went into a 10-minute recess.

In the case, Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are accused of crimes against humanity during last year's July uprising.

 Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun later turned approver in the case.

The tribunal completed hearing arguments and concluded trial proceedings on October 23 before setting yesterday as the day to announce the date for judgement.

Security was beefed up around the tribunal since early morning. Members of the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, Armed Police Battalion and police were deployed, with armoured personnel carriers from both army and police stationed nearby.

The move came amid heightened tension, with the Awami League declaring a "lockdown" programme for the day, and incidents of crude bomb explosions and arson attacks on vehicles reported in the days leading up to yesterday.

After the trial proceedings, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told reporters, "We hope the court will exercise its wisdom and prudence and do justice to the nation's long-awaited quest for justice."

He added that the prosecution had sought the highest punishment for the accused. "Through a rightful judgment, the tribunal will bring an end to the crimes against humanity committed in Bangladesh and set a precedent for the future."

Tajul warned that any attempt to derail the judicial process would amount to obstruction of court proceedings. "Those inciting unrest or attempting violence are being dealt with under the law, and that will continue," he said, hoping that whatever isolated incidents have occurred will have no impact.

State defence counsel Amir Hossain, representing Hasina and Asaduzzaman, voiced confidence that his clients would be acquitted.

"I have drawn out crucial facts through witness testimonies and cross-examinations, and even challenged the prosecution's documents where necessary. Given the evidence and the controversies that emerged, I am confident my clients will be acquitted."

Amir added that the trial had been fair and transparent, with no interference.

He, however, noted the difficulty of defending absent clients, saying their presence could have strengthened the case by providing documents or clarifications.

Replying to a query, Amir said former IGP Mamun turned approver merely to save himself by implicating his clients.

The three accused face five counts of crimes against humanity.

Count-1 accuses them of murder, attempted murder, torture, and other inhumane acts by law enforcement and armed Awami League cadres. The prosecution alleges that, following Hasina's July 14 press briefing, Asaduzzaman, Mamun, and other officials abetted and facilitated attacks on unarmed student protesters.

Count-2 charges ordering the use of lethal weapons, helicopters and drones to subdue student protesters, where the accused are allegedly guilty of superior command responsibility, complicity, facilitation and conspiracy.

Count-3 relates to the murder of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed on July 16, where they issued orders, incited, abetted, facilitated, conspired and were complicit.

Count-4 accuses the defendants of orchestrating the murder of six unarmed protesters in the capital's Chankharpul on August 5 by direct order, incitement, abetment, facilitation, complicity, and conspiracy.

Count-5 concerns shooting dead five protesters and injuring one. It also accuses the three of burning the five dead bodies and another protester alive, in which the defendants are involved by way of complicity, facilitation and instigation.

Following the recess, ICT-1 continued to record the statement of the investigating officer over the August 5 Chankharpul killings. Recording of the testimony was then adjourned till November 18.

Meanwhile, the ICT-2 recorded the statement of Nayek Abu Bakkar Siddique as the 16th prosecution witness in the killing of Abu Sayed.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/ict-1-sets-nov-17-verdict-case-against-hasina-4034531

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North America

 

CAIR Says Arson Attack on West Bank Mosque is Continuation of Israel’s ‘War on Islam’

November 13, 2025

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said a reported arson attack on a West Bank mosque by illegal Israeli settlers is a continuation of Israel’s ongoing “war on Islam.”

Illegal Israeli settlers reportedly torched and vandalized the Hajja Hamida Mosque near the Palestinian town of Deir Istiya in the occupied West Bank. Copies of the Quran were reportedly burned and racist graffiti was sprayed on the house of worship.

Earlier this year, CAIR said Israel was continuing its “war on Islam” with raids on mosques in the occupied West Bank on the first Friday in Ramadan, during which a prominent mosque was set on fire. In August, CAIR also said an official Israeli government call to “remove” Muslims from Europe was another part of that terror state’s war on the Islamic faith.

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“Israeli settlers burning a historic mosque and copies of the Quran are not isolated incidents of hate or the acts of rogue extremists. Israeli settlers receive weapons, funding and protection from the Israeli government. This violence is only the latest targeting of the Palestinian people and the Islamic faith itself.

“The Israeli apartheid government has spent years shutting down or outright destroying mosques and enabling illegal settlers to attack mosques as part of a war on Islam in the Holy Land. Our nation must stop funding and silently watching this violence, as well as attacks on Palestinian Christians and Israeli Jews who protest the government’s oppression.

“It is long past time for meaningful action, including sanctions, to stop Israel’s ongoing campaign of terror and to protect all holy sites in the region.”

On Sunday, CAIR condemned a reported attack on journalists and Palestinians harvesting olives by illegal Israeli settlers in the illegally-occupied West Bank.

Earlier this month, CAIR said the Trump administration should restore sanctions on Israeli settlers due to their attacks on Palestinian farms during the crucial olive harvest in the West Bank. 

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-says-arson-attack-on-west-bank-mosque-is-continuation-of-israels-war-on-islam/

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Ya’akub Ira Vijandre A Muslim Artist Detained By ICE Is Being ‘Punished’ For His Social Media Posts, His Lawyers Say

Ulaa Kuziez

November 13, 2025

(RNS) — Attorneys for Ya’akub Ira Vijandre, a Filipino artist being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Georgia, are challenging his detention in court, arguing he is being “punished for his faith, his speech and his political beliefs.”

A Muslim filmmaker and activist whose legal name is Jacob, Vijandre was detained at gunpoint by ICE officers while leaving his Dallas-area home for work on Oct. 7. His lawyers say officers unjustly targeted him based on his social media activity, which immigration enforcement officials claim “glorify terrorism,” according to a recent legal filing calling on the government to release him.

“By detaining Mr. Vijandre for his activism and journalism, the United States government is mirroring the tactics it has long criticized abroad: suppressing voices that dare challenge those in power, intimidating journalists, and chilling public debate,” Maria Kari, an attorney representing Vijandre, said in a statement Thursday (Nov. 13).

Vijandre, 38, is one of several immigrants who have been detained this year after speaking out against the war in Gaza, including Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk, Dallas community leader Marwan Marouf and Sami Hamdi, a British journalist who was detained and released this month.

Civil rights groups have criticized these detentions as violating constitutional protections for freedom of speech.

Vijandre posted publicly about his opposition to U.S. foreign policy, the policies of the Israeli government and abuse of prisoners accused of terrorism—speech that his lawyers say is protected by his First Amendment rights. “Equating such speech to ‘terrorism’ to justify detention would risk criminalizing a broad array of protected speech critical of U.S. government policy engaged in by citizens and non-citizens alike,” his lawyers wrote in a habeas corpus filed last month.

In an updated filing, the lawyers wrote that government officials have not shown that Vijandre “has done anything more than express ‘his beliefs’” and “have not pointed to any actions Mr. Vijandre has taken to showing he is a ‘terrorist’ or ‘terrorist supporter,’ as they claim.”

“The government is detaining a longtime resident because of his social media posts criticizing and reporting on prison conditions and due process violations,” said attorney Eric Lee, who is part of a team representing Vijandre. “If this constitutes ‘domestic terrorism,’ then who will be jailed next?”

The Nov. 10 filing cites a Department of Homeland Security deportation officer, Lonnie Felps, who identified three social media posts as reasons to initiate the process of stripping Vijandre’s protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program — commonly known as DACA — in September and then detain him.

The first is an Instagram post that Vijandre liked depicting an image of the Shahada, or Muslim declaration of faith, along with an unattributed quote that Felps claimed is from an ISIS publication. The other posts include a religious statement and a martial arts video Vijandre posted with a BB gun demonstrating Texas’ stand your ground law. Vijandre “presents a threat to the national security interests of the United States,” Felps said on Oct. 24.

In a statement to Religion News Service on Oct. 15, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Vijandre was a subject of interest in a Dallas Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation. Vijandre’s lawyers maintain he was targeted in part because he refused to work as an informant for the FBI when asked in 2023.

Vijandre was born in the Philippines and lawfully settled in the U.S. as a child through his father’s nonimmigrant visa. Young Vijandre was later granted protection under DACA; that status is valid through May 2026. He has not been charged with a crime, according to the filing.

His friend Mohammed Ayachi told RNS in October that Vijandre is a beloved storyteller and photographer recognized for documenting local pro-Palestine demonstrations and community events and posting his coverage on his social media accounts.

“When ICE is not able to find criminals, they start picking up innocent, good people and trying to paint them as criminals to justify what they’re doing,” Ayachi said last month.

Vijandre is being held at Folkston ICE Processing Center in Folkston, Georgia. His next hearing is set for Nov. 20 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.

Source: religionnews.com

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https://religionnews.com/2025/11/13/muslim-artist-detained-by-ice-is-being-punished-for-his-social-media-posts-his-lawyers-say/

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CAIR-MI Welcomes Arrest of Illinois Man Who Allegedly Threatened Dearborn Heights Mosque

November 13, 2025

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil right and advocacy organization, today welcomed the arrest of an Illinois man who allegedly made threats targeting a Dearborn Heights mosque.

That suspect was taken into custody November 10, and faces multiple charges, including: False Report or Threat of Terrorism, Hate Crime — Using Force, Causing Bodily Injury, Stalking, or Damaging Property, Aggravated Stalking (Felony).

In a statement, CAIR-MI Executive DirectorDawud Walid said:

“We welcome the swift action taken by law enforcement authorities to apprehend the suspect accused of making threats against a Dearborn Heights mosque. No community should have to live in fear of hate-motivated violence. We urge state and federal authorities to continue taking such threats seriously and to ensure that all houses of worship are protected from acts of hate and intimidation.”

He noted that in October, CAIR-MI called for stepped-up police protection for mosques and Islamic institutions in that state after law enforcement authorities identified a person of interest from Texas who allegedly made threatening calls to the Islamic Institute of America in Dearborn Heights.

That statement came just one day after CAIR-MI welcomed terrorism charges filed against a Virginia-based white supremacist who allegedly threatened to “kill Muslims” at a Michigan mosque.

Walid urged community leaders to increase security protocols for all mosques and Islamic institutions.

Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers a “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship.

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

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.           

Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.                  

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Source: cair.com

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Texas GOP county chair running for Railroad Commission to 'stop the Islamic invasion'

David Edwards

November 13, 2025   

The Republican Party chair of Tarrant County, Texas, aims to "stop the Islamic invasion" by quitting his job to run for the state's Railroad Commission.

Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French announced his new campaign in a post on X this week.

"Today I resigned as TCGOP Chairman, and am running for the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the Texas oil and gas industry," French wrote. "This will be the best way that I can defend Texas, stop the Islamic invasion, and defeat the left."

"With Iran and radical Islamists attacking our allies in the Middle East, the Chinese Communist Party pushing its agenda worldwide, and the radical Green New Scam artists waging war on domestic energy production, our state needs a strong leader who will fight back. I'm running for Railroad Commissioner to put American citizens, American interests, and American energy first," French said in a statement.

In a call for donations, French said that "our birthright is being taken from us."

Commission Chair Jim Wright will face off against French in the Republican primary. The winner is likely to defeat Houston state Rep. Jon Rosenthal (D) in the general election since no Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994.

Source: rawstory.com

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Pentagon top brass offer Trump new military options for Venezuela – CBS

13 Nov, 2025

Top Pentagon officials on Thursday briefed US President Donald Trump on potential military operations against Venezuela, CBS News has reported, citing a number of sources familiar with the meeting.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine were among those who presented Trump with new options, including air strikes against unspecified targets across the country. No final decision regarding military action was made at the meeting, two sources told the outlet.

Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan government of aiding “narcoterrorists,” alleging that the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, personally leads a drug-trafficking organization. Washington has also increased its bounty on Maduro to a massive $50 million. The US leader ordered naval forces into the region last month, hinting that he could authorize strikes.

Since early September, the US military has carried out over a dozen strikes on small boats in international waters, claiming the vessels are being used by drug smugglers. More than 70 people are believed to have been killed in the attacks, according to media reports.

Maduro has strongly denied being somehow involved in drug trafficking, accusing Washington of merely “fabricating a new war” and inventing a pretext for a potential regime-change operation. 

Venezuela has placed its military on high alert amid the American buildup in the region and held a series of drills. “We are ready to defend the Homeland on any terrain and under any circumstances,” Maduro said on Wednesday as he posted photos from the latest exercise online.

Source: rt.com

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Arab World

 

Saudi doctors separate Jamaican conjoined twins Azaria and Azura in complex operation

RASHID HASSAN

November 13, 2025

RIYADH: Jamaican conjoined twins Azaria and Azura Elson were successfully separated after a five-hour operation, according to an official statement.

The specialized medical team from the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program achieved the milestone by separating the twins in a complex procedure performed in Riyadh at the King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, affiliated with the Ministry of National Guard.

The surgery was reduced to five hours because of the absence of shared intestines, and the surgical team expedited the procedure given Azura’s critical heart condition, it added.

In an earlier statement, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who headed the surgical team, said the children arrived in the Kingdom on July 28. Al-Rabeeah is also an adviser at the royal court and leads the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief.

The twins shared a lower chest, abdomen and liver, and possibly also intestines and pericardium, Al-Rabeeah said.

One of the children has significant congenital defects and a weakened heart muscle, with its pumping capacity at only 20 percent. This increased the risk of the surgery.

Al-Rabeeah said he had explained the situation to the mother and she had agreed to the operation.

Al-Rabeeah said originally that he expected the operation to take about nine hours, in six stages, involving 25 staff members covering nursing, anesthesia, pediatric surgery, and plastic surgery.

Al-Rabeeah said this was the 67th operation conducted by the program, which has cared for 152 sets of twins from 28 countries over more than 35 years.

The family of the children thanked King Salman and KSrelief for the advanced medical care provided to their twins. They also praised the tremendous efforts made by the Saudi medical team to ensure the success of the operation and the safety of the twins.

Source: arabnews.com

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AlUla launches project to document inscriptions

November 14, 2025

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla has launched a project to analyze and document more than 25,000 inscriptions discovered across various sites in the region, dating from the Iron Age to the late Islamic period.

The RCU wants to safeguard cultural heritage and advance research into the history of writing in northwestern Arabia, it announced in a press release recently.

The project aims to establish a comprehensive digital record of AlUla’s inscriptions through linguistic analysis and 3D scanning, while connecting each finding to its historical and cultural context.

The diversity of languages ??and scripts — 10 in total — underscores AlUla’s historic role as a crossroads of civilizations and a hub for cultural exchange.

Among the most prominent sites is Jabal Ikmah, home to Dadanitic and other ancient North Arabian texts, recognized by the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2023 for their documentary value.

Jabal Al-Aqra also features a collection of early Arabic-Islamic inscriptions associated with pilgrimage routes, while the paths linking Dadan and Hegra have some of the earliest Arabic inscriptions related to trade and travel.

Several valleys including Wadi Abu Oud contain Lihyanite and rock inscriptions depicting daily life and tribal symbols, offering insight into human interaction with the natural environment across different eras.

Among the most distinguished examples is the Zuhayr inscription, dating to the 24th year after the Hijra. It provides valuable evidence of AlUla’s contribution to the early spread of Arabic writing and its role in recording the historical transformations that shaped the region.

The project also features training programs for archeology students and those interested in documentary heritage, alongside public awareness initiatives.

The findings will be published in a series of special scientific journals to support research and education in the fields of language, history, and archaeology.

Through this initiative, the release said, the RCU reaffirms its commitment to protecting cultural heritage over more than 3,000 years.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Water Authority to host conference in Jeddah

November 14, 2025

RIYADH: The Saudi Water Authority is organizing the fourth Innovation Conference on Water Sustainability 2025.

The conference, under the patronage of Prince Khalid bin Faisal, the governor of Makkah Region, is scheduled for Dec. 8-10 in Jeddah and will gather experts and innovators from more than 60 countries.

Key topics, the Saudi Press Agency reported, will include utility regulation, future water solutions, financing sustainability, the circular economy, public-private partnerships, management efficiency, digitalization, and the water-energy nexus.

The event will stage various activities to connect global innovators.

More than 100 exhibitors will display the latest smart water technologies at the accompanying exhibition, while more than 20 workshops led by experts from institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the World Bank, the Gulf Cooperation Council General Secretariat, and King Abdulaziz University, will address innovations in water management.

The conference will also host the second Water Hackathon, inviting creative minds in technology and engineering to develop solutions for enhancing the water cycle.

Participants will benefit from mentorship, project incubation, and connections with investors.

The conference aims to establish strategic partnerships and initiatives through agreements signed on site, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in water sector innovation and supporting sustainable solutions as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Source: arabnews.com

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Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia launches joint business council

RASHID HASSAN

November 13, 2025

RIYADH: Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia have established their Joint Business Council, marking a major step toward strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries while celebrating 50 years of their diplomatic relations.

Sri Lanka Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad told Arab News Thursday: “This is a historic moment in our bilateral relations. The joint business council is launched now as we commemorate 50 years of our diplomatic relations.”

The first ever Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia Business Council was launched on Tuesday by a memorandum of understanding signed in Riyadh between the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and the Federation of Saudi Chambers in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath.

The ambassador and the chairman of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Hassan Al-Huwaizi, exchanged the MoU co-signed by the president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, Keerthi Gunawardane, who participated virtually.

Chairman of the Saudi–Sri Lanka Business Council Abdul Hadi Alqarni and the executive members of the Council were also present during the launch.

Herath said that the establishment of the joint business council is a fitting tribute to the longstanding economic and business relationship between the two countries, and that the historic occasion coincides with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He added that this milestone lays the foundation to enhance private sector cooperation between the two countries.

The Sri Lankan ambassador noted that the joint business council is a long-awaited initiative and the first ever formal business-to-business forum established between the two nations, which would serve as a catalyst to enhance much-needed private sector interactions.

Alqarni pledged his commitment to promote cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest including tourism, technology, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

He also invited Saudi investors to visit Sri Lanka to explore investment opportunities.

Gunawardane highlighted the importance of this long-felt initiative and expressed Sri Lanka’s keen interest to engage and forge partnerships with the Saudi private sector.

Earlier this week Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Sri Lankan counterpart in Riyadh. They reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Prince Faisal presented him with a postage stamp commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Arabia’s AI authority announces details of 2026 GAIN summit

November 13, 2025

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) announced the fourth edition of the Global AI Summit in Riyadh will be held September 15 to 17 next year, under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The event will bring together an international gathering of government leaders, policymakers, CEOs of major technology firms, experts, innovators, and researchers from across the data and artificial intelligence sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

SDAIA President Abdullah Alghamdi thanked the Crown Prince for his continued support, saying it reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation.

He noted that this backing has helped Saudi Arabia achieve a leading position in global AI rankings.

Alghamdi said the 2026 summit comes at a critical time, as AI continues to transform modern life and redefine the future and that the event aims to support the Kingdom’s transition to a knowledge-based economy and contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Building on the success of previous editions in 2020, 2022, and 2024, the upcoming summit will feature high-level discussions, strategic agreements, and new initiatives.

Among the most notable outcomes of past editions was the establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), a UNESCO-affiliated center headquartered in Riyadh.

Alghamdi emphasized that the summit reinforces Saudi Arabia’s vision to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy and strengthen its role as a global hub for artificial intelligence.

Source: arabnews.com

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Southeast Asia

 

Malaysia, Julius Baer in talks to settle US$112m SRC International lawsuit

14 Nov 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 — Malaysia in in settlement talks with Swiss bank Julius Baer Group Ltd. over a US$112 million lawsuit filed by 1MDB’s former unit, SRC International, which alleges the bank breached its fiduciary duties in the global financial scandal.

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, chairman of the 1MDB asset recovery task force, confirmed the development to Bloomberg News.

"Mediation is ongoing,” he was quoted as saying.

Julius Baer declined to comment on the talks.

The lawsuit, filed in a Hong Kong court in 2021, claims that SRC's former management instructed Julius Baer to make "fraudulent payments" of about US$112.5 million to third parties.

SRC alleges the bank carried out these instructions between 2013 and 2016, despite international publicity about the 1MDB scandal and clear “red-flag” grounds for suspicion.

The case is part of a broader legal campaign by Malaysia to hold global financial institutions accountable for their roles in the 1MDB saga.

The government has seen mixed results in this effort. In August, JPMorgan Chase & Co. settled a similar case, agreeing to pay RM1.4 billion without admitting liability.

However, a separate US$1.1 billion suit against Deutsche Bank AG is set for trial in January, with the German bank expected to fight it.

To date, the Malaysian government has recovered RM29.7 billion in funds related to 1MDB and SRC International.

According to the Finance Ministry, a total of RM42.2 billion has been channelled to finance the massive debt repayments and other commitments left by the failed development fund.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/11/14/malaysia-julius-baer-in-talks-to-settle-us112m-src-international-lawsuit/198338

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AI chatbot rolled out to boost digital public services

14 Nov 2025

Perak government introduces AI Chatbot SUK Perak across three key portals to improve service efficiency and provide 24/7 public access

IPOH: The Perak government has launched the “AI Chatbot SUK Perak” across three websites as part of efforts to enhance digital services and improve efficiency of the civil service.

The chatbot will be available on the ePenghulu portal, state higher education loan system and the Perak Museum Board official portal.

State Communication, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Azlan Helmi said the three websites were chosen because they are among the portals most frequently used by the public.

“It will eventually be expanded to other departments and agencies,” he said.

Azlan was speaking after officiating at the “ICT Day: AI for All – Catalyst for Perak Sejahtera 2030” event at the Dewan Bankuet of the State Secretariat Building on Tuesday.

Also present were Perak Deputy State Secretary (Management) Datuk Nor Sham Rahman and Perak Digital CEO Mohamad Suhaimi Mohamad Tahir.

Azlan said the chatbot would enable faster response, minimise errors and ensure information is disseminated consistently around the clock.

“For the public, it provides easy, convenient and user-friendly access to government information and services, so they no longer need to be physically present at counters or call officers, which shortens waiting time,” he said.

He added that the chatbot would also help civil servants by reducing routine tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic duties and improving departmental productivity.

“Since the beginning of the year, the state secretariat has conducted AI lessons and training for all technical officers.

“This exposes staff to new skills and knowledge on AI adoption in their daily tasks to improve efficiency and performance.”

On ICT Day, Azlan said the programme is an appropriate platform to broaden civil servants’ understanding of the importance of AI in the digital era.

“I hope the ICT Day initiative will not stop here. AI technology must become part of our working culture to enhance service delivery to the public.

“All agencies will use data and analytics to understand the needs of the rakyat, optimise operations and provide more efficient services,” he said.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/ai-chatbot-rolled-out-to-boost-digital-public-services/#google_vignette

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School building 90% destroyed in fire, cleaner suffers burns

13 Nov 2025

A Padang Besar school building was 90% destroyed by fire, with a cleaner sustaining 30% burns. All students and staff were safely evacuated

PADANG BESAR: An eight-room building at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Melangit was approximately 90% destroyed in a fire this morning.

A private cleaning worker suffered 30% burns during the incident, according to the Perlis Fire and Rescue Department.

Perlis JBPM Assistant Director of Operations PgKB II Mohamad Azhar Yussof said they received an emergency call at 11.05am and arrived 13 minutes later.

“The fire involved a school building with eight rooms, including a store, an art room, a Design and Technology room, and a health room,” he told reporters at the scene.

Mohamad Azhar stated the fire is believed to have started in the store room before spreading to adjacent rooms.

Firefighting operations involved personnel from Padang Besar, Kangar, and Arau Fire Stations along with the Volunteer Fire Squad.

The fire was fully controlled within approximately one hour despite initial challenges.

“The operation was a bit difficult initially because water sources were limited, and the nearby fire hydrant was not working,” he explained.

Firefighters used water from a nearby pond before tanker assistance arrived at the location.

The 29-year-old cleaning worker sustained burns on his back thigh but remains in stable condition.

The victim has been sent to Tuanku Fauziah Hospital in Kangar for further treatment.

Perlis Education Director Rose Aza Che Arifin confirmed all 192 students and 18 teachers were safely evacuated to the school hall.

“This burned building was actually planned to be upgraded as the Integrated Special Education Programme block next year,” she said.

Following the incident, education authorities will reassess the need to provide more conducive facilities.

Rose Aza confirmed the school will operate as usual tomorrow since classrooms were unaffected by the fire.

She expressed appreciation to the fire department for their quick response in extinguishing the blaze.

The cause of the fire and extent of losses are still under investigation. – Bernama

Source: thesun.my

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