Pakistani Court Sentences 22-Year-Old To Death And Teenager To Life In Prison For Insulting Islam's Prophet
New Age Islam News Bureau
12 March 2024
While authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy, just the accusation can provoke riots. Image used for representative purpose only. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
------
·
Pakistani Court Sentences 22-Year-Old To Death
And Teenager To Life In Prison For Insulting Islam's Prophet
·
President of the All India Muslim Jamaat
Endorses CAA, Assures Indian Muslims of Unaffected Citizenship Status
·
CAA Puts Dhaka In The Same Bracket As Pakistan
And Afghanistan
·
Israeli Strikes Kill At Least 67 Palestinians
In Gaza As Ramzan Begins
·
UK Govt Working Group On Anti-Muslim Hatred
Paused For 4 Years
-----
Pakistan
·
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Claims Gross Violation
Of Human Rights In Pakistan
·
FIA opposes right to appeal in cypher
conviction
·
‘Iddat’ case: Court seeks arguments on pleas of
IK, Bushra
----
India
·
Uproar In India Over Fears Of Hyderabad-Made
Killer Drones Use In Gaza
·
Indian Union Muslim League Challenges CAA
Implementation In Supreme Court
·
CAA Implementation: Security Beefed Up Around
Jamia Millia Islamia, Police Patrol Northeast Delhi
·
Security Tightened, Flag Marches Conducted In
Delhi After CAA Implementation
·
Madhya Pradesh High Court Orders ASI Survey Of BhojshalaTemple-Kamal
Maula Mosque Complex
·
India assails ‘disguised veto’ at UNSC
anti-terrorism panel protecting Pak-based terrorists
·
Relief & hope among Pak Hindu refugees in
Delhi as CAA rules notified
----
South
Asia
·
Islamic Emirate Rejects US Gen. Kurilla's
Remarks on TTP
·
Iran expels over two thousand Afghan migrants
·
Internal Disagreement Cause of UN's
Ineffectiveness in Afghanistan: Faiq
·
Myanmar conflict: 29 BGP members cross into
Bangladesh
·
Deputy PM Asserts Public Service as Islamic
Emirate’s Duty
·
Muttaqi urges world to step up engagement with
IEA
·
IEA PM’s message on the occasion of the arrival
of the Holy month of Ramadan
----
Mideast
·
Nearly 35,000 Palestinians perform Tarawih
prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque
·
Hunger threat for 40 million across Middle East
this Ramadan, says UN
·
Ramadan Begins In Gaza With Hunger Worsening
And No End To The War In Sight
·
'Killing, bombing, bloodshed continue in Gaza'
despite Ramadan: UN chief
·
Palestinians pray in ruins of Gaza mosque
destroyed by Israeli strike
·
Gazans break fast without ‘joy of Ramadan’ as
Israel-Hamas war grinds on
·
2,000 medical staff in northern Gaza lack meals
to break Ramadan fast: Health Ministry
----
Europe
·
British Muslims Ramp Up Boycott Of Israeli
Dates During Ramadan
·
French Court Upholds Decision To Deport
Moroccan Imam Accused Of Hate Speech
·
Italy mulls Israel’s extradition request for
arrested Palestinian terror suspect
·
Chefs, Volunteers Gather At London Mosque To
Prepare And Serve 250 Meals Daily For Ramadan
·
Scotland's Humza Yousaf meets Council of Arab
Ambassadors
----
North
America
·
Biden Says No Plans To Address Knesset Amid
Deepening Public Spat With Netanyahu
·
CAIR Sues U.S. Military Officials for Placing
Muslim Incarceree in Solitary Confinement Over Refusal to Shave Religious Beard
·
CAIR Condemns Israeli Attack on Worshippers at
Al-Aqsa Mosque During First Night of Ramadan
·
US military confirms Yemen’s Houthis targeting
of vessel Pinocchio
·
President Biden extends Ramadan prayers to
Muslim community amid ‘uncommitted’ protest over war in Gaza
--------
Australia
·
Israel Must Change Course In Gaza To Keep
International Support, Says Australia
----
Africa
·
South African Leader Commiserates With
Palestinians, Other Muslims Fasting In Conditions Of War
·
Haiti PM agrees to leave in regional push to
end crisis
·
Pray for Nigeria to overcome challenges, govs
tell Muslims
·
Sultan Bello Mosque not for Sheikh Gumi’s
lineage, but for the Muslim community – JNI
·
Don’t Be Like Buhari, Allow Me Negotiate With
Bandits – Gumi Tells President Tinubu
----
Southeast
Asia
·
Penang Consumer Group Urges Public To Avoid
Food Wastage During Ramadan, Says 90,000 Tonnes Dumped Last Year
·
Malaysia and Germany call for lasting ceasefire
in Gaza, says PM Anwar during meeting with Scholz in Berlin
·
Enliven Mosques, Suraus, Foster Fellowship
Among Muslims This Ramadan: Fahmi
----
Arab
World
·
Grand Mosque In Makkah Fitted With 25,000 New
Carpets For Ramadan
·
Old Doha Port to host cultural festivities in
Ramadan
·
US, Britain launch fresh missile attacks on
Yemen’s Hudaydah
·
Saudi foreign minister discusses developments
in Gaza with his British counterpart
·
Saudi passport, railways ready for smooth Umrah
in Ramadan
Compiled by New Age
Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pakistani-court-sentences-teenager-prophet/d/131900
------
Pakistani
Court Sentences 22-Year-Old To Death And Teenager To Life In Prison For
Insulting Islam's Prophet
While authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy,
just the accusation can provoke riots. Image used for representative purpose
only. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
------
12 Mar
2024
MULTAN:
A Pakistani court sentenced a 22-year-old student to death and gave a teenager
a life sentence in two separate cases after finding them guilty of insulting
Islam's Prophet Muhammad, a defence lawyer and officials said Monday.
Both had
denied the charges and have the right to appeal.
Aslam
Gujar, a lawyer who represented student Junaid Munir, told The Associated Press
that the judge in the city of Gujranwala in Punjab province announced the death
penalty for his client last week.
The
trial stemmed from charges brought in 2022 that Munir shared blasphemous
content via WhatsApp.
Also
last week, 17-year-old Abdul Hanan was convicted and sentenced to life in
prison in a separate case in the same court, according to court documents.
Hanan's
lawyer and family were not immediately available for comment.
Munir's
father, Munir Hussain, denied the charge against his son, saying he was in
contact with his legal team to file an appeal, as "my son is innocent and
he was implicated in a false case."
Hussain
said by phone that he was living in hiding along with other members of his
family.
"I
cannot give you any information about my exact location, as some people in our
village believe that I should also be killed as I am the father of a boy who
allegedly insulted Islam's prophet," he said.
"We
are Muslims. We love our prophet. No Muslim can even imagine to insult our
beloved prophet, and my son is innocent," he said.
Under
Pakistan's blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting the religion or
religious figures can be sentenced to death.
While
authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy, just the
accusation can provoke riots.
Domestic
and international human rights groups say blasphemy allegations have often been
used to intimidate religious minorities and to settle personal scores.
In
August 2023, Muslims attacked churches and homes of Christians in the city of
Jaranwala, in the eastern Punjab province, over allegations that a Christian
man had desecrated Islam's holy book, the Quran.
The mob
demolished the man's house, burned churches and damaged dozens of other homes,
drawing condemnation from the government and rights groups.
In
December 2021, hundreds of people descended on a sports equipment factory in
the Sialkot district, killing a Sri Lankan man and burning his body publicly
over allegations of blasphemy.
Source: thehindu.com
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original Story
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistani-court-sentences-youth-to-death-and-another-to-life-in-prison-for-insulting-islams-prophet/article67940037.ece
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President
of the All India Muslim Jamaat Endorses CAA, Assures Indian Muslims of
Unaffected Citizenship Status
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim
Jamaat,
------
Riya
Pokhriyal
March 12, 2024
The
notification of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by the Indian government
and the subsequent endorsement by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President
of the All India Muslim Jamaat, marks a significant moment in India’s
legislative and social landscape. The CAA, which aims to provide Indian
citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and
Afghanistan, has been a subject of intense debate and controversy since its
introduction and passage in Parliament in 2019.
Maulana
Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi’s support for the CAA and his reassurance to the
Muslim community that their citizenship status would not be impacted is a
notable development. It highlights a call for understanding and unity amidst
fears and misunderstandings that have led to widespread protests and unrest
across the country. His message underscores the importance of distinguishing
between the provision of citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring
countries and the status of Indian Muslims, which remains unaffected by the
CAA.
The
Union Home Ministry’s notification of the rules for the implementation of the CAA,
just days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections schedule,
further underscores the government’s commitment to enacting the law despite the
delays and controversies surrounding it. The requirement for applications to be
submitted in a completely online mode through a designated web portal is a step
towards streamlining the process and ensuring transparency and accessibility.
The
backdrop of significant protests, loss of lives, and the delayed implementation
of the CAA rules highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved in
addressing issues of citizenship, national identity, and human rights. The
empowerment of district magistrates and home secretaries across nine states to
confer Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act of 1955 to non-Muslim
minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and the exclusion of
politically sensitive regions like Assam and West Bengal from these
authorities, points to the nuanced and region-specific approaches taken by the
government in implementing the CAA.
The
grant of Indian citizenship to over 1,400 individuals from non-Muslim minority
communities between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, under the Citizenship
Act, 1955, reflects the practical outcomes of the CAA and its associated policies.
However, the ongoing debate, the need for clear communication, and efforts to
address the concerns of all communities remain critical in navigating the path
forward.
As India
continues to grapple with the implications of the CAA and its impact on the
nation’s secular fabric, the call for unity, understanding, and constructive
dialogue stands out as a crucial element in fostering a cohesive and inclusive
society. The coming months and the implementation of the CAA will be closely
watched by both national and international observers, as they will offer
insights into India’s commitment to balancing humanitarian concerns with its
national interests and identity.
Source: newsx.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.newsx.com/national/maulana-shahabuddin-razvi-endorses-caa-assures-indian-muslims-of-unaffected-citizenship-status/
----
CAA Puts
Dhaka In The Same Bracket As Pakistan And Afghanistan
Bangladeshi Islamic party members hold posters and shout slogan during a
protest rally against the communal violence in New Delhi Photo: Getty Images
------
Seema
Guha
March
12, 2024
Bangladesh,
India’s closest friend in the region will not be amused that it has been
singled out together with Afghanistan and Pakistan as a country where
minorities get a bad deal.
The CAA
allows Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Parsis, and Buddhist minorities facing
persecution in these three Muslim-majority nations easy access to Indian
citizenship. In 2019, when the CAA was passed in Parliament, Home Minister Amit
Shah spoke in the Lok Sabha of the oppression of minorities in the three
countries. But realising that Dhaka was unhappy at this reference, he amended
his words while speaking in the Rajya Sabha, by adding that in Bangladesh
minorities faced persecution in the past, especially under the military regime.
After
the Home Ministry notification on Monday, which will bring the CAA into force,
BJP party spokespersons across television channels frequently used the terms
oppression, persecution, and discrimination of minorities in Pakistan,
Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Dhaka will have noted this with concern and
disappointment. Luckily for the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, national
elections are done and dusted and the opposition is too weak to make a dent on
the ruling party’s fortunes.
Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina takes pride in Bangladesh’s secular credentials. During
her three terms in office, she is now on her fourth, all communities in the
country have enjoyed equal rights. Religious festivals including Durga Puja and
Christmas are celebrated with as much enthusiasm as Eid. In 2021, Hindus came under attack in Comilla,
on social media allegations of blasphemy at a Durga Puja pandal. At least four
people were killed and several injured when mobs attacked several pandals in
the town. The Prime Minister took swift action and warned that no one would be
allowed to disturb the peace. Several arrests were made and the rioting was
quickly quelled.
Dhaka
has been a good friend to India and has kept a discreet silence despite
provocative statements by BJP leaders and party workers. Bangladeshi migrants were regularly raked up
at election time through the last ten years, especially in the northeast and in
Bengal. In 2019, when Kashmir’s special status was revoked and the Citizenship
Amendment Act passed, Bangladesh, unlike Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, and
several other Muslim countries did not issue any statements, though raised the
matter behind closed doors. Though the talk of extending the National Register
of Citizens (NRC) that was specially designed for Assam across the country was
of particular concern to Bangladesh, the government did not raise the matter
publicly.
The
concern was that those regarded as illegal migrants would be sent back to
Bangladesh. Several high-profile visits by Bangladeshi ministers were deferred
or dropped, but nothing was said publicly. The Jamaat and the opposition
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) attacked and humiliated the Sheikh Hasina
government dubbing her as a stooge of India. A few protests, by religious
elements and the Jamaat did take place, but the government came down heavily on
protestors. New Delhi on its part, took care to assure Dhaka that the NRC was
an internal matter and Bangladesh had no reason to worry.
However,
despite all this, the CAA coming into force will cast a brief shadow on
bilateral ties.
Source: outlookindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.outlookindia.com/international/caa-puts-dhaka-in-the-same-bracket-as-pakistan-and-afghanistan
----
Israeli
Strikes Kill At Least 67 Palestinians In Gaza As Ramzan Begins
Photo:
Euro News
-----
March
12, 2024
With no
end to the war sight, Palestinians in Gaza began fasting Monday for the holy
month of Ramzan as hunger worsens across the strip and pressure is raised on
Israel over the growing humanitarian crisis.
The
United States, Qatar and Egypt had hoped to broker a cease-fire ahead of the
normally joyous month of dawn-to-dusk fasting that would include the release of
Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of much more
humanitarian aid. But the cease-fire talks stalled last week.
Gaza's
Health Ministry said the bodies of 67 people killed by Israeli strikes were
brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours, bringing the Palestinian death
toll to more than 31,112 since the war began. The ministry doesn't
differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but says that
women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.
The war
began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing
some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostage. Hamas is
still believed to still be holding around 100 captives and the remains of
others.
Five
months of war have forced around 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million people from their
homes and pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine.
A U.N.
envoy warned Israel that her finding of “clear and convincing information” that
some hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack were subjected to sexual
violence “does not in any way legitimize further hostilities.”
“In
fact, it creates a moral imperative for a humanitarian cease-fire to end the
unspeakable suffering imposed on Palestinian civilians in Gaza and bring about
the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” Pramila Patten told
the U.N. Security Council on Monday where Israel's foreign minister sat listening.
“Continuation
of hostilities can, in no way, protect them,” she said of the hostages. “It can
only expose them to further risk of violence, including sexual violence.”
Patten,
the U.N. envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict, spoke at a council meeting
sought by Israel and called by the United States, United Kingdom and France to
focus on her recent report.
Israel's
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he came to the council “to protest as loud as
I can against the crimes against humanity” committed by Hamas in order to deter
and scare Israeli society.
He
strongly criticized the Security Council's failure in over 40 meetings since
Oct. 7 to condemn Hamas' actions, saying the U.N.'s most powerful body should
declare the extremist group a terrorist organization and pressure it to
immediately release the hostages.
ISRAEL
AIRSTRIKES HIT DEEP INSIDE LEBANON, WOUNDING 6, HEZBOLLAH SAYS
Israeli
airstrikes late Monday near Lebanon's northeastern city of Baalbek wounded at
least six people, a Hezbollah official said. The official, speaking on
condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said the locations of the
airstrikes, the deepest in Lebanon since Feb. 26, have not yet been specified.
In late
February, Israeli airstrikes near the historic city of Baalbek killed two
Hezbollah members. State-run National News Agency said one of the strikes hit a
building in the village of Ansar just south of Baalbek. It gave no word on
casualties.
Hezbollah's
Al-Manar TV reported at least two airstrikes one striking a building on the
outskirts of the village of Taraya and another near Baalbek on the outskirts of
Ansar. Israel's military and Hezbollah fighters have been trading fire since
the Israel-Hamas was began on Oct. 7. More than 220 Hezbollah fighters and
nearly 40 civilians were killed on the Lebanese side, while in Israel, nine
soldiers and 10 civilians were left dead in the attacks.
Tens of
thousands of people have been displaced on both sides of the border.
ISRAEL
SETS AGE LIMITS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO PRAY AT AL-AQSA MOSQUE
The
Israeli government said Monday that younger children and older adults will be
the only West Bank Palestinians permitted to enter a major Jerusalem holy site
for the important first Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan this
week.
Militant
groups have called on Palestinians to come to Al-Aqsa Mosque, which has often
been a flashpoint of Israeli-Palestinian violence, to confront Israel over the
war in Gaza.
When
Ramzan began Sunday night, COGAT, the Israeli defense body in charge of
civilian affairs in the West Bank, had yet to announce restrictions on prayers
at Al Aqsa.
The
rules announced Monday would limit West Bank Palestinians' access to the
compound for Friday's prayers to men over 55, women over 50 and children under
10, COGAT chief Ghassan Elian said in a post on Facebook. All Palestinians from
the West Bank will also need a permit, he added, without elaborating.
Palestinians
from the Israeli-occupied West Bank have been unable to visit Jerusalem under
Israeli government restrictions put in place immediately after the Oct. 7 Hamas
attack. Last Ramzan, there was no age restriction on women from the territory
entering Jerusalem.
The
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. Jews consider the compound
the most sacred site in Judaism, the Biblical Temple Mount.
Source: outlookindia.com
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original Story
https://www.outlookindia.com/international/at-least-67-palestinians-killed-in-gaza-as-ramadan-begins
----
UK Govt
Working Group On Anti-Muslim Hatred Paused For 4 Years
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael
Gove. (Getty Images)
------
March
11, 2024
LONDON:
A UK government working group tackling anti-Muslim hatred has not met for four
years despite a surge in Islamophobic hate crimes across Britain since last
year, The Guardian reported on Monday.
The
group’s last official meeting took place in January 2020, before all government
working groups were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The
group was set up in 2012 during David Cameron’s premiership, in an attempt to
tackle rising anti-Muslim hatred and monitor the growth of Islamophobia in
Britain.
Cameron
and his successor Theresa May are said to have been “supportive” of the scheme,
but group members have expressed alarm over the inability of Communities
Secretary Michael Gove to restart it amid a surge in Islamophobic hate crimes
in Britain.
Since
the Gaza conflict broke out last October, British authorities have recorded a
335 percent increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes across the UK.
The
group’s chair, Akeela Ahmed, said: “At this time of heightened fear, anxiety
and tensions, government should be doing its utmost to fulfil its statutory
obligations and responsibilities towards all communities. Yet when it comes to
British Muslims, this simply isn’t happening.”
She
added: “Since Theresa May’s premiership, the government’s reluctance to address
Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred has become increasingly outlandish.”
She
highlighted the case of Conservative MP Lee Anderson, who was suspended by the
government last month after claiming that Islamists had “got control” of Sadiq
Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor.
Ahmed
said when condemning Anderson for his remarks, “(Prime Minister) Rishi Sunak
was unable to name either (Islamophobia or anti-Muslim hatred). Politicised
discussions about terminology have stalled the real work needed to address
prejudice, bigotry and discrimination against British Muslims.
“Personally,
I use the terms interchangeably, as I’m not precious about labels. But we do
need to develop a robust definition.”
In 2022,
the government’s last independent expert adviser on defining Islamophobia, Imam
Qari Asim, was removed from his post.
Despite
repeated assurances to group members that Asim’s position would be filled, it
has remained vacant for two years. The Guardian reported that Gove is now
compiling a shortlist of candidates to fill the role.
A
government spokesperson said in a statement: “We are taking action to ensure that
no extremist organisations or individuals are being given a platform by their
actions and interactions with government. We will set out further details
shortly.”
Source: arabnews.com
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original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2474896/world
----
Pakistan
Pakistan
Tehreek-i-Insaf Claims Gross Violation Of Human Rights In Pakistan
March
12, 2024
IkramJunaidi
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan on Monday alleged
that violation of human rights was at its peak in Pakistan, announcing that
police would be summoned in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
He also
claimed that Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan, was
confined to a small room in Banigala. He termed the president’s election from
an incomplete house unconstitutional and urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan
(CJP) to take notice of the situation.
Addressing
a news conference along with PTI’s candidates for Islamabad Advocate Shoaib
Shaheen, Advocate Ali Bukhari and Aamir Mughal, Mr Ayub said that “PDM-1
targeted PTI and Imran Khan” and then “PDM-1’s ancillary government”, which was
the caretaker government, also continued the same policy.
“During
elections Form-45s were changed and PTI, which had won 180 seats in the
National Assembly, was deprived of almost 50 per cent [of its] seats,” he said.
Says
Bushra Bibi confined to one small room; police to be summoned before Public
Accounts Committee
He
pointed out that prices of edible items and utility bills had been increasing
for the last two years, and warned that the prices would further rise in the
coming days. He also claimed that since the houses in the Centre and Punjab
were not complete, the prime minister and the chief minister of Punjab were
illegal.
While
commenting on the protests held on March 10, Mr Ayub said that in Punjab, first
information reports (FIRs) under the sections of terrorism were registered to
suppress their voice. He criticised Punjab police for detaining PTI senior leaders
Salman Akram Raja and Latif Khosa.
He said
that Islamabad police also registered cases against Advocate Shaheen, Mr
Mughal, and Mr Bukhari, who contested elections from the federal capital. He
asserted that Islamabad police were involved in the worst human rights
violations, alleging that they were dacoits in police uniform.
Mr Ayub
accused IGP Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, SSP Operations Malik Jamal Zafar,
and District Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon of violating human rights and
committing torture against PTI workers.
He vowed
that the police would be held accountable for their “transgressions and human
rights abuses”, adding that the party would conduct an audit of their accounts
by summoning them to PAC, the privileges committees, human rights committees
and the interior committee.
“We will
see if, during this period, they fulfilled their primary duty of protecting the
public,” he added. However, Mr Ayub stated that instead of fulfilling their
primary duty and working against dacoits and crimes, they had only one mission:
to crush the PTI.
Similarly,
he added, the KP government would conduct an audit of the provincial police’s
performance. “We will check their audit paras and performance; the abuses they
committed against the people of PTI.”
About
the IMF loan programme, Omar feared that the “illegitimate and
unconstitutional” government would waste the loan taken from the IMF because
the current government neither has the legitimacy, guts, nor the moral power to
make much-needed tough and correct decisions to appropriately utilise the fund,
which was taken as a last resort to fix the economy.
Talking
about President Asif Ali Zardari’s oath, the PTI secretary general stated that
the presidential election was illegal because he was elected by an incomplete
house.
He
lamented that the former first lady, Ms Bushra, was confined to a small room,
adding that her meal issues have not yet been resolved. He made it clear that
Ms Bushra should not be viewed as Imran Khan’s weakness; rather, she was his
strength, and Ms Bushra was not being given the constitutionally and legally
entitled facilities. He said that she should be given all facilities.
Mr Ayub
vowed that the PTI’s topmost priority was to ensure the earliest release of its
leadership, including Mr Khan, Ms Bushra, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Pervez
Elahi.
Meanwhile,
the PTI spokesperson has rejected the newly sworn-in federal cabinet, stating
that the cabinet is “fake and unconstitutional” because it is based on a
“stolen mandate”. He noted that the inclusion of people like Mohsin Naqvi in
the federal cabinet puts a stamp on the “biased and unconstitutional” role of
the caretaker government and the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Core
committee meeting
The core
committee of PTI on Monday decided to observe March 15 as a day to criticise
Islamophobia and also announced plans to celebrate Pakistan Day on March 23.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1820899/pti-claims-gross-violation-of-human-rights-in-pakistan
-----
FIA
opposes right to appeal in cypher conviction
March
12, 2024
Fiaz
Mahmood
ISLAMABAD:The
Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday ordered detailed arguments on the Federal
Investigation Agency’s (FIA) contention that the appeals against the conviction
of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and senior leader Shah Mahmood
Qureshi in the cypher case were inadmissible.
A
two-member division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice
Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb, asked the FIA prosecutor to inform the court how the
appeals were not admissible and sought counterarguments from the lawyers for
the appellants.
During a
hearing of the appeals, FIA Special Prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah raised the
objection that the appeal was not filed under the Official Secrets Act, as the
law granted no such right to appeal. He added that the Criminal Procedure Code
(CrPC) was also silent in this regard.
Secondly,
the prosecutor continued, the two-member bench could not hear the appeal.
However, Barrister Salman Safdar, the lawyer for the PTI founder, told the
court that the same objection was raised on the bail application, but then the
court had decided that it could hear the matter.
The
court remarked that even if the objection was sustained, the proceedings would
not end, but the appeal’s status would change.
The
chief justice remarked that no one could be left without compensation. Justice
Aurangzeb said that the court would first decide the main objection.
The
chief justice further remarked that the question raised by the prosecution had
to be seen, as there were many issues in this case about the first impression.
He sought detailed arguments and adjourned the hearing until March 13.
Separately,
the District and Sessions Judge of Islamabad, Shahrukh Arjumand, sought
arguments on March 20 on a separate application for suspending the punishment
of Bushra Bibi in the Iddat Nikah case. During a hearing, Bib’s first husband,
Khawar Manika, sought grant of time to engage a lawyer.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459114/fia-opposes-right-to-appeal-in-cypher-conviction
-----
‘Iddat’
case: Court seeks arguments on pleas of IK, Bushra
2024-03-12
ISLAMABAD:
A local court, on Monday, summoned arguments on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)
founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi’s appeals against the recent
verdict in the “Iddat” case during the next hearing to be held on March 20.
District
and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, while hearing the case, approved the
request of the complainant [Khawar Maneka, former husband of Bushra Bibi]
seeking to grant him time for appointing his counsel.
The
court adjourned the hearing of the case till March 20 and sought arguments from
both parties.
A local
court on February 3 awarded Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi seven years’
imprisonment each for allegedly solemnizing Nikkah during Bushra Bibi’s Iddat
period. The court in its verdict said the complainant [KhawarManeka, former
husband of Bushra Bibi] has been able to prove that the respondents [Imran Khan
and his wife Bushra Bibi] have gone through an unlawful marriage ceremony on
January 1, 2018, with dishonest and fraudulent intention and as such has
established the charge against the respondents for an offence within the
meaning 496 Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The complainant, Maneka appeared before
the court without counsel. PTI lawyers Usman Gull, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry,
Sheraz Ranjha as well as prosecutor Hassan Raza appeared before the court. At
the start of the hearing, the compliance report regarding the delivery of
notices to the prosecutor and Maneka was submitted before the court.
At the
start of the hearing, Maneka requested the court that due to a shortage of
time, he failed to engage a lawyer. He pleaded to the court to grant him time
for appointing his counsel. The court granted time to Maneka and directed him
to submit a power of attorney to his counsel till 12:30 pm before the court.
The court took a short break.
PTI
counsel requested the court to suspend the sentence of Bushra Bibi till a
decision over the appeal and order her release.
Source: brecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40293170/iddat-case-court-seeks-arguments-on-pleas-of-ik-bushra
----
India
Uproar
In India Over Fears Of Hyderabad-Made Killer Drones Use In Gaza
March
11, 2024
NEW
DELHI: Indian activists are calling on their government to cease military ties
with Israel amid fears India-made combat drones are set to be used in attacks
on Gaza.
The
Hyderabad-based Adani Elbit, a joint venture between one of India’s largest
conglomerates Adani Group and Israel’s defense electronics company, supplied
the Israeli military with 20 Hermes 900 drones last month, according to
reports.
The
facility in southern India is the first outside of Israel to manufacture the
Hermes 900, a type of drone which has been actively used in the ongoing Israeli
onslaught on Gaza that has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians and displaced
an estimated 1.7 million people.
“The
Human Rights Forum (HRF) strongly condemns Adani’s recent agreements with
Israel that include the sending of advanced drones with the clear potential to
be deployed in aid of the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza,” the HRF
said in a statement issued over the weekend.
“We
demand that the Indian government cancel, with immediate effect, all such deals
with Israel.”
India
has strong defense ties with Israel, as New Delhi is also one of the largest
buyers of Israeli military equipment, and reportedly purchased about $2 billion
worth of weapons from Tel Aviv over the last decade.
Palestine
has been a “laboratory for war technologies,” the HRF said, adding that Israel
has been marketing its “genocidal ‘success’” globally.
Many
parts of Gaza, including residential areas and previously busy shopping
streets, have been left ruined and reduced to rubble. Israeli air raids have
relentlessly targeted crucial public facilities over the last five months,
including universities, hospitals, and refugee shelters.
“We want
the Indian government (to issue) an outright rejection of what is being done by
Zionist Israel towards Palestinians, particularly in Gaza,” V.S. Krishna, who
signed the HRF letter, told Arab News on Monday.
“We are
already at a historic low, morally, not having actively opposed what Israel is
doing … I think India should have a drastic change of course in policy that we
historically (already had), but over the years it has changed,” he added,
referring to India’s historic support for Palestine.
Pamela
Philipose, a journalist and senior fellow at the Indian Council of Social
Science Research, also called attention to India’s historic closeness to
Palestine.
“It is
time that the people of India woke up to what is happening … Whether it was
from Gandhi to Nehru to Mrs. Gandhi, all of them have stood out and said that
the rights of the Palestinians need to be protected and India stands by
Palestine,” Philipose told Arab News.
She said
the Adani Group’s drone export to Israel is “very disturbing,” especially when
India is not adequately supporting Palestine but actually contributing to the
attacks on Gaza, which the International Court of Justice has characterized as
a plausible genocide.
“Given
this, it is important for people of the country to speak out and it is good
that civil society organizations also begin to speak out because we need people
to be engaged with this issue.”
Aban
Raza, an artist and activist, said India is “also complicit” and “very
responsible” for Israel’s onslaught on Gaza.
“If you
are supplying weapons to a country that is committing genocide, then nothing
can be more shameful,” Raza told Arab News.
“As a
citizen I would like to demand that it cease all ties with Israel, especially
the military. It should completely declare the deal between Adani and Elbit as
void and in fact, it should take action to help with the humanitarian aid.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2474886/world
----
Indian
Union Muslim League challenges CAA implementation in Supreme Court
March
12, 2024
Aday
after the Centre notified the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA),
the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Tuesday filed a petition in the
Supreme Court seeking stay on the implementation of the controversial law.
In its
petition, the IUML said that the Citizenship Amendment Act, which seeks to
grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslims who migrated to India from
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh before December 31, 2014, is
“unconstitutional and discriminatory”.
Hindus,
Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians — but not Muslims — will be able
to apply for Indian citizenship under the CAA.
The
Muslim body’s top court move comes a day after the Union Home Ministry notified
the rules for the CAA’s implementation, more than four years after the law was
passed in December 2019.
Meanwhile,
the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has appealed to people of the
community to maintain peace and said that its legal committee was studying the
full notification.
“We have
come to know that this notification has been issued and my appeal to all the
community members is that we all should maintain peace and our legal committee
will study the full notification and then any statement can be given…,”
AIMPLB’s Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said.
AIMIM
chief Asaduddin Owaisi also criticised the government over the implementation
of the CAA, saying the law was inspired by the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi’s
killer Nathuram Godse and that it was meant only to target the Muslim
community.
“Our
objections to CAA remain the same. CAA is divisive and based on Godse’s thought
that it wanted to reduce Muslims to second-class citizens. Give asylum to
anyone who is persecuted but citizenship must not be based on religion or
nationality,” Asaduddin Owaisi wrote on X.
He
further demanded that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government explain why
these rules were notified after a delay of five years.
“The
government should explain why it kept these rules pending for five years and
why it’s implementing them now. Along with National Population Register (NPR) –
National Register of Citizens (NRC) , CAA is meant to only target Muslims. It
serves no other purpose. Indians who came out on the streets to oppose CAA,
NPR, and NRC will have no choice but to oppose it again,” Owaisi added.
Source: thestatesman.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/indian-union-muslim-league-challenges-caa-implementation-in-supreme-court-1503278601.html
----
CAA
implementation: Security beefed up around Jamia Millia Islamia, police patrol
northeast Delhi
12.03.24
Heavy
police force was deployed around Jamia Millia Islamia on Tuesday morning while
security was tightened in Delhi with paramilitary personnel conducting patrols
and flag marches after the Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act,
2019.
A
section of Jamia Millia Islamia students held a protest against CAA
implementation on the campus on Monday evening, following which security was
beefed up and paramilitary personnel deployed, a senior police officer told
PTI.
The CAA
bill was passed in Parliament on December 11, 2019, leading to protests across
the country, including Delhi which witnessed months-long anti-CAA protests in
2019-2020 with Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh being the epicentres of
the stir.
In early
2020, the city witnessed communal riots in its northeastern parts over the
issue in which 53 people were killed and over 500 injured.
After
the Centre implemented the CAA on Monday, notifying the rules four years after
the contentious law was passed, police in Delhi's northeast district identified
43 hotspots and conducted patrols there.
These
areas include Seelampur, Jaffrabad, Mustafabad, Bhajanpura, Khajoori Khas and
Seemapuri, an official said.
Paramilitary
personnel conducted night patrols and flag marches in Shaheen Bagh, Jamia Nagar
and many parts of northeast Delhi on Monday. The patrolling will continue on
Tuesday also, he said.
"Police
and paramilitary personnel are keeping a strict vigil to maintain law and
order. We have identified 43 hotspots in northeast Delhi and night patrolling
was comparatively high at these locations," Deputy Commissioner of Police
(northeast) Joy Tirkey said.
"The
safety of every person in Delhi's northeast district is our
responsibility," he told PTI.
The
Delhi Police's cyber unit is also monitoring social media platforms to prevent
provocative posts and rumours, police said.
Another
officer said Delhi Police has held at least 29 meetings with peace committee
members so that people do not "fall for rumours". He said patrolling
will be increased in several parts of northeast Delhi with the arrival of more
paramilitary personnel on Tuesday.
In
southeast Delhi, paramilitary personnel carried out a flag march as local
police conducted patrolling on bikes.
With the
unveiling of the CAA rules that came days ahead of the announcement of the Lok
Sabha elections, the Modi government will now start granting Indian nationality
to persecuted non-Muslim migrants -- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis
and Christians -- from the three countries. The rules come into force with
immediate effect, according to a gazette notification.
Except
for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff
and has been published from a syndicated feed.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/caa-implementation-security-beefed-up-around-jamia-millia-islamia-police-patrol-northeast-delhi/cid/2006346
----
Security
tightened, flag marches conducted in Delhi after CAA implementation
12th
March 2024
Marziya
Sharif
New
Delhi: Security was tightened in many parts of Delhi with paramilitary
personnel conducting night patrols and flag marches in the northeastern parts
of the city, Shaheen Bagh, Jamia Nagar and other sensitive areas after the
Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.
The CAA
bill was passed in Parliament on December 11, 2019, leading to protests across
the country, including Delhi which witnessed months-long anti-CAA protests in
2019-2020 with Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh being the epicentres of the
stir.
In early
2020, the city witnessed communal riots in its northeastern parts over the
issue in which 53 people were killed and over 500 injured.
After
the Centre implemented the CAA on Monday, notifying the rules four years after
the contentious law was passed, police in Delhi’s northeast district identified
43 hotspots and conducted patrols there.
These
areas include Seelampur, Jaffrabad, Mustafabad, Bhajanpura, Khajoori Khas and
Seemapuri, an official said.
“Police
and paramilitary personnel are keeping a strict vigil to maintain law and
order. We have identified 43 hotspots in northeast Delhi and night patrolling
was comparatively high at these locations,” Deputy Commissioner of Police
(northeast) Joy Tirkey said.
“The
safety of every person in Delhi’s northeast district is our responsibility,” he
told PTI.
The
Delhi Police’s cyber unit is also monitoring social media platforms to prevent
provocative posts and rumours, police said.
Another
officer said Delhi Police has held at least 29 meetings with peace committee
members so that people do not “fall for rumours”. He said patrolling will be
increased in several parts of northeast Delhi with the arrival of more
paramilitary personnel on Tuesday.
In
southeast Delhi, paramilitary personnel carried out a flag march as local
police conducted patrolling on bikes.
With the
unveiling of the CAA rules that came days ahead of the announcement of the Lok
Sabha elections, the Modi government will now start granting Indian nationality
to persecuted non-Muslim migrants — Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and
Christians — from the three countries. The rules come into force with immediate
effect, according to a gazette notification.
Source: siasat.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.siasat.com/security-tightened-flag-marches-conducted-in-delhi-after-caa-implementation-2990698/
----
Madhya
Pradesh High Court orders ASI survey of Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque
complex
March
12, 2024
The
Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday directed the Archaeological Survey of India
to carry out within six weeks a scientific survey of the Bhojshala temple-Kamal
Maula mosque complex in Dhar district, PTI reported.
The
11th-century building, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, is
claimed by Hindus and Muslims. While the Hindus consider the Bhojshala to be a
temple dedicated to the deity Vagdevi (Saraswati), for the Muslim community, it
is a mosque.
The
direction came on a plea by a group called the Hindu Front for Justice, who
have argued that the mosque was constructed after “destroying” Hindu temples
centuries ago.
On
Monday, a bench of Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Devnarayan Mishra
said that a comprehensive report of the survey, prepared by a five-member
expert committee, should be submitted within six weeks.
“Complete
scientific investigation, survey and excavation, through the adoption of latest
methods, techniques and modes of GPR-GPS [ground penetrating radar and global
positioning system] survey of the site in question constituting the disputed
Bhojshala Temple-cum-Kamal Maula Mosque complex, as also the entire 50 m of
peripheral ring area surrounding/constituting the circular periphery from the
boundary of the complex be conducted,” said the bench.
It also
ordered the Archaeological Survey of India to adopt the “carbon dating method
for ascertaining the age, life of various structures both above and beneath the
ground; permanent, movable and immovable structures both beneath as well as
above the ground, constituting the walls, pillars, floors, surfaces, upper top
and sanctum sanctorum of the entire complex”.
The High
Court has also said that “efforts should be made” to include the contesting
parties in the case in the expert panel.
Dhar
city’s head cleric Waqar Sadiq has said that the Kamal Maula mosque committee
will challenge the High Court direction in the Supreme Court.
The case
Under an
arrangement made by the Archaeological Survey of India on April 7, 2003, Hindus
perform prayers on the premises on Tuesdays and Muslims offer namaz in the
complex on Fridays.
In the
past, if Hindu festivals such as Basant Panchami fell on Friday, the Hindus
were allowed to pray at the premises from dawn to noon and then again from 3.30
pm to dusk, according to The Print. The Muslims offered namaz between 1 pm and
3 pm on such days.
In May
2022, the Hindu Front for Justice filed a public interest litigation against
the Archaeological Survey of India’s 2003 arrangement. The group has argued
that the Kamal Maula mosque was constructed during the reign of Alauddin Khilji
between the 13th century and the 14th century by “destroying and dismantling
ancient structures of previously constructed Hindu temples”, reported The
Indian Express.
The
group has also said in the petition that a survey by the Archaeological Survey
of India is a statutory duty, which should have been done at the inspection
stage when the “mystery and confusion” about the true character of the
structure arose.
Source: scroll.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://scroll.in/latest/1065063/madhya-pradesh-high-court-orders-asi-survey-of-bhojshala-temple-kamal-maula-mosque-complex
-----
India
assails ‘disguised veto’ at UNSC anti-terrorism panel protecting Pak-based
terrorists
12th
March 2024
Marziya
Sharif
United
Nations: India has assailed the secretive “subterranean” working of the
Security Council sanctions committee on terrorism, accusing it of allowing a
system of “disguised veto” in blocking the listing of Pakistan-linked
terrorists.
“For
genuine, evidence-based listing proposals for globally sanctioned terrorists to
be blocked. without giving any justification, is uncalled for and smacks of
doublespeak when it comes to the council’s commitment in tackling the challenge
of terrorism,” India’s Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj said on Monday.
Speaking
at a meeting of the Council on its working methods, she said that “while we do
get to know of the decisions of these committees on listing, the decisions on
rejecting listing requests are not made public”.
“This”,
she declared, “is a disguised veto”.
China
has repeatedly blocked the listing of Pakistan-linked terrorists as international
terrorists subject to UN sanctions.
The most
recent action was blocking last year the designation of Laskhar-e-Taiba’s Sajid
Mir, the mastermind of the 26/11 terrorist attack on Mumbai in 2009, as a
global terrorist by the body named the 1269 Committee for the Council
resolution setting it up to sanction those with al-Qaeda, the Islamic State or
related terror groups.
Calling
for transparency in the working of the Council committees known as subsidiary
bodies which were “inhabiting a subterranean world with their own custom-made
working methods and obscure practices, which do not find any legal basis in the
charter or any of the Council’s resolution,” Kamboj said that the selection of
chairs of the panels should an open process with “exhaustive consultations”.
She
pressed the case for Council reforms that expands both permanent and elected
membership.
In a
reference to the Council’s veto-wielding permanent membership frozen in the
post-World War 2 era of the 1940s, she pointed out that “with both feet firmly
fixed in the past” it has been unable to act on the wars raging in Ukraine and
Gaza.
The
“need is a Security Council that better reflects contemporary realities, the
geographical and developmental diversity of the multipolar world of today,
including the voices of the developing countries, and underrepresented regions
like Africa, Latin America, and the vast majority of Asia and the Pacific,”
Kamboj said.
“We ask
those blocking progress on this vital issue to heed calls for genuine reform
and contribute to making this Council truly fit for purpose for the 21st
century,” she added.
The main
hurdle to reforms is the position of a minority group, Uniting for Consensus,
led by Italy and includes Pakistan as a leading member.
“We can
no longer hide behind the smokescreen of the Intergovernmental Negotiations
(for reforms) by delivering entrenched national positions in a process which
has no timeframe and no text,” she said.
The
backdrop of Ukraine and Gaza and as such, the question as to how much the Security
Council has been able to deliver on peace and security, with both feet firmly
fixed in the past is a larger question.
She said
the negotiations should be based “on text and not through speaking as each
other or past each other as we have done for the past three decades”.
Source: siasat.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.siasat.com/india-assails-disguised-veto-at-unsc-anti-terrorism-panel-protecting-pak-based-terrorists-2990680/
---
Relief
& hope among Pak Hindu refugees in Delhi as CAA rules notified
11th
March 2024
Marziya
Sharif
New
Delhi: Pakistani Hindu refugees residing in Delhi expressed a sense of hope and
relief on the implementation of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act on
Monday, saying they are elated they “will be finally called Indian citizens”.
Ahead of
the Lok Sabha election, the Centre announced the implementation of the CAA 2019
for granting citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan,
Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.
Dharamveer
Solanki, who is considered the chief of the Pakistani Hindu refugee families in
Delhi, told PTI that around 500 from the community will receive citizenship
now.
“I and
my family have been waiting for this for over a decade now. We are extremely
happy that we will be finally called Indian citizens. I am glad I decided to
return to my homeland in 2013,” Solanki said.
“It
feels like a huge burden has been lifted from our shoulders. With the
implementation of this act, around 500 Pakistani Hindu refugee families who
live here, will get citizenship,” Solanki told PTI.
With the
CAA rules being notified, the Modi government will now start granting Indian
nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from the said countries. These
include Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians.
Sona
Das, another Pakistani Hindu refugee, said he has been waiting for being granted
Indian citizenship since 2011 and the implementation of CAA will give them “a
new life” in India.
“This
news seems like us getting a whole new life in India. I moved here from
Pakistan in 2011 and been waiting for citizenship since then. Extremely happy
that I’ll finally be called an Indian citizen now,” Das told PTI.
The CAA
was passed in December 2019 and subsequently got the president’s assent but
there were protests in several parts of the country against it.
The law
could not come into effect as rules had not been notified till now.
Kanhaiya,
who moved to India from Pakistan in 2012, expressed his gratitude to the
Centre. “Getting citizenship is like a dream come true,” he said.
“I want
to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Centre for allowing us to get
citizenship again. I moved to India in 2012 with my family and have been
waiting for papers since then. It is like a dream come true,” Kanhaiya told
PTI.
Krishan
Mal is a Pakistani Hindu refugee who has been waiting to get Indian citizenship
for 14 years.
“We have
been yearning for this day since 14 years. The fact that we will be called
Indian citizens is like a dream come true. I’m grateful to the Indian
government that they understood our pains and problems. And I hope we too get
to do something for our nation,” Mal told PTI.
Source: siasat.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.siasat.com/relief-hope-among-pak-hindu-refugees-in-delhi-as-caa-rules-notified-2990618/
----
South
Asia
Islamic
Emirate Rejects US Gen. Kurilla's Remarks on TTP
MitraMajeedy
The
Islamic Emirate rejected the recent remarks of US Centcom commander Gen.
Michael Erik Kurilla about the unwillingness of the "Taliban" to act
against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The
deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, HamdullahFitrat, told TOLOnews that no
one has permission to act against other countries from Afghanistan.
“The
Islamic Emirate has full domination and control in Afghanistan and no group is
allowed to have activities and threaten other countries from Afghanistan,” he
said.
Earlier,
the Express Tribune reported that Michael Erik Kurilla speaking to the US
Senate Arms Services Committee voiced the unwillingness of the “Taliban” to
curb the militant groups, including the TTP, in Afghanistan.
According
to the report, the chief of Centcom claimed that the safe havens of the
extremist groups in Afghanistan will increase the conflict in the region. The
inability or unwillingness of the “Afghan Taliban” to contain them can
destabilize Central and South Asia, the report reads.
“The
Centcom chief said that the presence of safe havens in Afghanistan were
increasing the risk of violent extremist organizations (VEOs) inciting regional
conflict,” the report said.
The
chief of Centcom was also quoted in the report as saying: “The Taliban’s
inability, or unwillingness, to rein in VEOs could destabilize Central and
South Asia."
“The
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan must start working as soon as possible and hold
meetings with the countries that are concerned about the presence of groups in
Afghanistan,” said Sadiq Shinwari, a military analyst.
“Pakistan
in this way wants to form a pretext for the interference of the world in
Afghanistan,” said Sarwar Niazim, a political analyst.
The Pakistan
Army yesterday in a statement expressed concerns over the use of Afghan soil
against Pakistan which was again dismissed as unfounded by the Islamic Emirate.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187783
----
Iran
expels over two thousand Afghan migrants
Fidel
Rahmati
March
11, 2024
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations has recently announced that over two
thousand Afghan migrants returned to the country after being expelled from
Iran.
On
Monday, the ministry stated in a newsletter that approximately 2,103 Afghan
migrants residing in Iran returned to the country after being expelled again.
The
ministry’s newsletter mentioned that these migrants entered the country through
the Islam Qala border in Herat province after being expelled.
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations has clarified that the return of
migrants was both voluntary and forced.
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations reports the return of migrants from Iran
at a time when both Iran and Pakistan have imposed strict restrictions on
Afghan citizens.
Meanwhile,
Pakistan forcibly deported over 200 Afghan migrants from the country just
yesterday.
Pakistan
and Iran consistently cite a lack of residency documents as the primary reason
for expelling migrants from their countries.
Amidst
the ongoing dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Afghan refugees in
Pakistan and Iran face severe challenges.
Many
fled their homeland seeking safety and refuge but now find themselves living in
precarious conditions, often without proper documentation or access to basic
services. Discrimination and limited economic opportunities exacerbate their
plight, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The
forced deportation of Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan amid harsh winter
conditions further compounds their suffering. Returning to a country grappling
with conflict, economic instability, and humanitarian crises, these individuals
are thrust into a situation of heightened vulnerability.
The lack
of adequate shelter, food, and healthcare resources exacerbates their already
dire circumstances, raising concerns about their safety and well-being.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.khaama.com/iran-expels-over-two-thousand-afghan-migrants/
----
Internal
Disagreement Cause of UN's Ineffectiveness in Afghanistan: Faiq
MitraMajeedy
Naseer
Ahmad Faiq, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Afghanistan Permanent Mission to the
UN said that disagreement among the members of the UN regarding Afghanistan and
the lack of a coherent political view have caused the efforts of this
organization to be unsuccessful.
Naseer
Ahmad Faiq told TOLOnews if there is no coordination among the members of the
UN, the functions of the organization will be in trouble.
“Until
the member countries provide the necessary cooperation and support to the
mission and activities of the UN, unfortunately, the functioning of the UN will
face problems, the same is the case with the issue of Afghanistan,” he added.
The
United Nations has held three meetings on Afghanistan in less than one month,
the Doha meeting on Afghanistan on February 18 and 19 and two meetings of the
UN Security Council on Afghanistan on February 26 and March 6.
“Russia
and China also called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan; just on the
human rights issue, Russia and China don’t want themselves to be asked, they
consider human rights an internal issue,” said Tariq Farhadi, an international
relations analyst.
Meanwhile,
the Islamic Emirate said that without the presence of the caretaker government,
no international meeting on Afghanistan will be bear results.
“The
fact that the meetings ended without result is because Afghanistan did not play
a role in these meetings and is not present at the meetings to guide their main
direction, these meetings will not have any practical result,” said Zabihullah
Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.
The
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres invited civil society
activists and the Islamic Emirate to the second meeting in Doha on Afghanistan,
but the Islamic Emirate did not participate because its conditions were not
met.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187785
----
Myanmar
conflict: 29 BGP members cross into Bangladesh
Mar 11,
2024
Twenty-nine
members of Myanmar's Border Guard Police (BGP) crossed the border in Bangladesh
this morning amid fighting between the Myanmar junta and the rebel Arakan Army
in Rakhine State.
Border
Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam confirmed the
development in the afternoon.
He said
29 BGP members from Angthapaya Camp of Myanmar's BGP have taken shelter in
Bangladesh through Jamchari Border Out Post (BOP), the border area under 11
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion in Naikhongchhari.
Locals
said these BGP members entered Bangladesh through the Jamchari border area
around 9:00am today.
Earlier,
on February 15, a total of 330 Myanmar nationals, who crossed the border and
took shelter in Bangladesh to escape the fighting in Myanmar, were sent back to
their country.
They
included 302 BGP members, four BGP family members, two army personnel, 18
immigration members, and four civilians.
The
Myanmar nationals started fleeing to Bangladesh on February 4 as the ongoing
fighting between the Myanmar junta and the Arakan Army escalated across the
border at Bandarban and Cox's Bazar.
The BGB
members disarmed them and took them into their custody.
At least
68 -- of whom 15 were bullet-hit – took refuge in Bandarban on February 4, and
the rest entered on different dates until February 7.
Amid the
ongoing fighting between the Myanmar junta force and rebel Arakan Army along
the bordering areas, a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man were killed when a
mortar shell fired from Myanmar exploded in Bandarban'sGhumdhum union.
Source: thedailystar.net
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original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/myanmar-conflict-29-bgp-members-cross-bangladesh-3564271
----
Deputy
PM Asserts Public Service as Islamic Emirate’s Duty
2024-03-12
KABUL
(BNA): Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative
Affairs, underscored the government’s commitment to public service during a
meeting with Sheikh Mohammad Qasim Khalid, the governor of Nimruz province.
According
to a statement from Arg, Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi and Sheikh Mohammad Qasim
Khalid convened in Kabul.
During
the meeting, Khalid briefed Hanafi on the social, economic, and security
conditions in Nimruz, highlighting the issues faced by returnees and the
activities of the local administration in the province.
It was
noted that officials and mujahideen in Nimruz are consistently striving to
serve the people and ensure security.
The
governor of Nimruz further emphasized the need to improve healthcare
facilities, enhance educational conditions, and align developmental projects in
the province during his meeting with Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi.
Mr.
Hanafi reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to serving the people across
various sectors.
He urged
local officials to make every effort to establish security, welfare, and
comfort for the people, particularly addressing and resolving the issues faced
by returnees in different areas to the best of their abilities.
The
Deputy Prime Minister stressed the implementation of the suggestions put forth
by the governor of Nimruz, assuring that the Islamic Emirate will address the
issues using the resources available.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-asserts-public-service-as-islamic-emirates-duty/
----
Muttaqi
urges world to step up engagement with IEA
March
12, 2024
Highlighting
the importance of stability in Afghanistan, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs
Amir Khan Muttaqi has called on countries to increase their engagement with the
Islamic Emirate.
In a
meeting with foreign ministry employees, the video of which was released
Tuesday, Muttaqi noted that stability in Afghanistan benefits the region and
stability in the region benefits countries beyond.
“During
the last 45 years, it was experienced that neither the big powers nor the
domestic political parties were able to manage Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate
has controlled the situation and the whole world should appreciate this
achievement,” Muttaqi said.
He said
that the Islamic Emirate wants positive interaction and political and economic
relations with all countries.
“We are
happy that today no power wants to support the opposition. This is good news
for Afghanistan. We are happy that no dissidents have been banned from entering
the country because they have no place in Afghanistan, but anyone can come home
and live freely,” Muttaqi said.
He
expressed hope that large projects will be inaugurated in the country in the
next six months.
Source: ariananews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.ariananews.af/muttaqi-urges-world-to-step-up-engagement-with-iea/
----
IEA PM’s
message on the occasion of the arrival of the Holy month of Ramadan
March
12, 2024
Esteemed
Muslim nation of Afghanistan and all Muslim brothers of the world! May the
peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you! It was a customary practice
of the Messenger of Allah to provide guidance and encouragement to the
Companions and other Muslims before the onset of the month of Ramadan. In the
spirit of this practice, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Muslims
worldwide, particularly the Muslim people of Afghanistan, on the occasion of
the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. This sacred month is a time for
repentance and devoted worship, during which all righteous actions are rewarded
manifold compared to other periods. May Allah bestow His blessings upon you and
all of us throughout this auspicious month, enable us to engage in sincere
repentance, seek forgiveness, practice remembrance, adhere to obedience, and do
worship and may Allah grant us the strength and well-being to fulfill the
duties of fasting with excellence and perseverance. Amen, In the sacred month
of Ramadan, the Holy Quran was revealed. This month presents a significant
opportunity for self-purification, turning towards Allah Almighty, fostering
sympathy and unity among Muslims, and promoting peace and compassion for the
vulnerable and the impoverished. I hope that, reflecting upon the value of
Ramadan, all Muslims will benefit themselves of these spiritual moments,
seeking reward and forgiveness. I earnestly call upon the scholars, preachers,
and Imams of the mosques to organize religious education, da’wah, and
translation or interpretation sessions of the noble Quran during the month of
Ramadan along with Taraweeh prayers so that ordinary Muslims are enlightened
about the meaning and purpose of the Divine word. I also encourage Muslim
brothers to actively engage in lessons on the translation and interpretation of
the Holy Quran. Ramadan Mubarak conveys a message of compassion and peace, and
it makes people to cultivate awareness of one’s hunger. I hope that all
citizens, irrespective of their roles as government officials, ordinary
individuals, or investors, will extend their assistance to the less fortunate
and impoverished Muslims. It is crucial to extend our support, particularly to
citizens affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters, returned
refugees, families of martyrs, as well as widows and orphans. It often happens
that with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the prices of food and
essential items in the markets are suddenly increased by some opportunistic
people. I urge them to mitigate the price hikes to help impoverished citizens.
I implore all responsible authorities to exercise strict supervision and
implement necessary measures to curb price escalations, ensuring affordability
and accessibility of essential goods for the benefit of the entire community.
This year, the month of Ramadan arrives at a time when the Zionist aggressors
are inflicting oppression upon helpless Muslims in Palestine, an inseparable
part of the Islamic world, particularly in Gaza, and the world is witnessing it
with open eyes. Once again, we call upon the global community, particularly on
international organizations and Islamic countries, to fulfill their shared
responsibility in putting an end to the ongoing cruelty and brutality against
the oppressed Muslims in Gaza. The situation unfolding in Gaza represents a
dark stain on the history of humanity, and nations either contributing to this
cruelty or failing to make genuine efforts to prevent it are deemed complicit
as criminal partners of the Zionist invaders. Finally, on the occasion of the
holy month of Ramadan, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to the entire Islamic
Ummah. May the blessings of this sacred month foster complete unity and empathy
among Muslims. I pray that Allah, in His infinite mercy, protects and aids the
helpless and oppressed Muslims. During these auspicious nights and days, I
implore all Muslims to specifically remember the Palestinian Muslims in their
prayers and extend support to them in every possible way
Source: thekabultimes.com
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original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/iea-pms-message-on-the-occasion-of-the-arrival-of-the-holy-month-of-ramadan/
---
Mideast
Nearly
35,000 Palestinians perform Tarawih prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Ahmed
Asmar
12.03.2024
Thousands
of Palestinian worshippers performed tarawih prayers Monday at Al-Aqsa Mosque
in occupied East Jerusalem for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, despite
Israeli restrictions on access to Islam’s third holiest site.
Tarawih
prayer is a voluntary prayer that is performed during the fasting month after
Isha, the last evening prayer.
According
to a statement by the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem cited by the
official Palestinian news agency WAFA, nearly 35,000 Palestinians performed the
prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The
agency, however, quoted eyewitnesses as saying that Israeli forces prevented
many young men from entering the mosque and beat at least one Palestinian near
Bab Al-Zahra, one of the gates leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque, before detaining him.
Asked
about Israeli forces blocking hundreds of Palestinians on Sunday wanting to
perform the first Tarawih prayer from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque, UN spokesperson
Stephane Dujarric said: "We're always very concerned about any provocation
in the holy sites in Jerusalem."
Al-Aqsa
Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the
Temple Mount, claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
Israel
occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli
War. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the
international community.
Tensions
have been running high across the occupied West Bank since Israel launched a
deadly military offensive against the Gaza Strip after a cross-border attack by
the Palestinian group Hamas last October.
At least
420 Palestinians have since been killed and more than 4,600 others injured by
Israeli weapons fire, according to the Health Ministry.
Israel
stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in an
interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take
measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in
Gaza, where more than 31,000 people have been killed.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/nearly-35-000-palestinians-perform-tarawih-prayer-at-al-aqsa-mosque/3161925
---
Hunger
threat for 40 million across Middle East this Ramadan, says UN
Robert
Tollast
Mar 11,
2024
The
Middle East began Ramadan amid one of its worst food crises in recent years,
the UN’s World Food Programme said on Monday, warning that a "severe
funding crunch" has hit efforts to ease the situation.
Forty
million out of the region’s 400 million people now face acute food insecurity,
with 11 million of those people unable to find sufficient food for their
families on a daily basis.
In
particular, the WFP highlighted the continuing crisis in Gaza, where “the
embattled strip’s entire population are now in desperate need of food
assistance, with more than half a million people facing catastrophic hunger and
starvation and the risk of famine increasing by the day”.
For
months, Gaza has received less than half of its required food supply due to an
arduous Israeli approval process for aid lorries, which has pushed the supply
down to a trickle. Israel has been widely accused of deliberately withholding
food from the enclave of 2.3 million people.
High
inflation in countries including Lebanon, Egypt and Iran, the remnants of civil
war in Syria and Yemen, and continuing wars in Gaza and Sudan have cancelled
out a recent stabilisation of food prices globally.
Food and
fuel prices, the latter of which also impacts food, had been elevated since
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – both countries are major grain exporters. That
happened as the global economy was still recovering from Covid-19.
But in
the past year, prices had begun to stabilise after food-producing regions
ramped up harvests, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation,
which recorded a drop in its food price index through 2023.
“Despite
global food prices easing in recent months, domestic food inflation in
countries facing currency devaluation and high inflation will hardly be
impacted,” the WFP said.
The WFP
said the combination of armed conflict and domestic economic turmoil in these
countries was “toxic”.
Corinne
Fleischer, the WFP's regional director for the Middle East, North Africa and
Eastern Europe said: “Traditionally a time of generosity where food takes
centre stage, Ramadan has become a huge burden on millions across the region
who face high food prices that continue unabated while incomes remain
stagnant.”
She said
conflict and food shortages were “transforming the purposeful religious
practice of fasting – the cornerstone of the Holy month of Ramadan – to be a
harsh daily reality for millions of people”.
Syria
was an outlying situation, the WFP said, noting that, in addition to the
lingering conflict following years of bloodshed after the 2011 revolt against
the rule of Bashar Al Assad, a devastating earthquake had compounded recovery
challenges.
Some of
the hardest-hit countries – Sudan, Yemen and Syria – are also the hardest-hit
by climate change and post-conflict damage. It is an ominous sign for Gaza,
which was already suffering a severe water crisis before the current
devastating conflict.
"Existing
scholarship has pointed out that armed conflict and climate hazards may
interact and mutually reinforce to generate vicious cycles," says Paola
Vesco, senior researcher in peace and conflict at Sweden's Uppsala University.
"Armed
conflict and droughts are some of the biggest drivers of food insecurity and
these shocks may compound such that the total impact is larger than the sum of
the individual effects. For example, armed conflict may affect access to health
infrastructure, deteriorate access to water and sanitation, and force people to
flee their homes," she says.
The WFP
says many of the worst-affected in the region were "refugees and asylum
seekers – at emergency or worse levels of food insecurity". That meant
they were struggling to feed themselves or their families.
"In
turn, refugees that live in precarious shelters may be more exposed to the
impacts of climate shocks such as floods or droughts," Ms Vesco says.
Climate
crisis
Climate
change, which has caused water levels to plummet in the Euphrates and sharply
curtailed crop output, has worsened the food crisis. Syria was hit by a massive
earthquake in February 2022 which also affected southern Turkey, killing around
60,000 people across both countries. Parts of northern Syria, still prone to
conflict between the government, remaining rebel groups and Kurdish militias,
were badly hit.
“An
additional 780,000 people are now food insecure, bringing the total number of
food insecure people in the country to 12.9 million,” the WFP said.
Finally,
the Syrian pound has collapsed amid sanctions, conflict damage to productive
sectors and high levels of corruption. Lebanon has also been hit by
hyperinflation, a crisis largely blamed on gross mismanagement and corruption
among the ruling elite.
Peter
Harling, who has spent decades working with NGOs and international
organisations in the Middle East, said one reason for mounting food insecurity
in the region was the gradual collapse of state involvement in the agricultural
sector, which has left a vacuum.
"Agriculture
in the region doesn't feed societies. It is split between capitalistic
agriculture focused on cash crops to export, on one hand, and small scale
farming that barely covers the needs of farmers themselves, on the other."
"Regimes
have relied heavily on imports to feed their societies, switching from what
used to be state-subsidised agriculture to a market-based approach that hands
all costs down to customers. As economies collapse, that is leading directly to
malnutrition at best," he says.
Inflation
has also stalked the region: it is at 70 per cent in Turkey, and at 39 per cent
in Iran and Egypt, which has also faced a 48 per cent drop in the value of its
currency.
The WFP
says its work to help 30 million people across the region has had to be cut
back amid a severe funding shortfall.
“Limited
humanitarian funding adds to the struggles of millions in the region, with WFP
unable to maintain its level of assistance in several countries, leaving
vulnerable populations without vital food,” added Ms Fleischer.
“Cutting
assistance will have untold consequences for millions and is jeopardising years
of work fighting hunger and malnutrition and we already see alarming levels of
food insecurity.”
Source: thenationalnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/2024/03/11/hunger-facing-40-million-people-across-middle-east-this-ramadan-says-un/
---
Ramadan
Begins In Gaza With Hunger Worsening And No End To The War In Sight
March
12, 2024
Palestinians
began fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Monday with cease-fire
talks at a standstill, hunger worsening across the Gaza Strip and no end in
sight to the war between Israel and Hamas.
Prayers
were held outside amid the rubble of demolished buildings. Fairy lights and
decorations were hung in packed tent camps, and a video from a
UN-school-turned-shelter showed children dancing and spraying foam in
celebration as a man sang into a loudspeaker.
But
there was little to celebrate after five months of war that has killed over
30,000 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins. Families would ordinarily
break the daily sunrise-to-sundown fast with holiday feasts, but even where
food is available, there is little beyond canned goods, and the prices are too
high for many.
“You
don't see anyone with joy in their eyes," said Sabah al-Hendi, who was
shopping for food Sunday in the southernmost city of Rafah. “Every family is
sad. Every family has a martyr."
The
United States, Qatar and Egypt had hoped to broker a cease-fire ahead of the
normally joyous holiday that would include the release of dozens of Israeli
hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of a large amount of
humanitarian aid, but the talks have stalled.
Hamas is
demanding guarantees that any such agreement will lead to an end to the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected that demand, vowing to
continue the offensive until “total victory” against the militant group and the
release of all the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu
said Monday that Israel had killed “Hamas' number four” leader and added that
more targeted killings were to come. “Three, two, and one are on the way. They
are all dead men. We will reach them all," he said.
Netanyahu
was likely referencing the assassination of Saleh Arouri, the deputy political
head of Hamas and a founder of the group's military wing, who was killed in a
blast in Beirut in January. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast,
although it did not take responsibility.
UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Hamas to honour the spirit
of Ramadan by “silencing the guns” and releasing all the hostages.
“The
eyes of the world are watching. The eyes of history are watching. We cannot
look away,” he said. “We must act to avoid more preventable deaths. … Desperate
civilians need action — immediate action.”
The war
began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7,
killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostage.
Hamas is still believed to be holding around 100 captives and the remains of 30
others following an exchange last year.
The war
has driven around 80 per cent of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people from
their homes and pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine. Health
officials say at least 25 people, mostly children, have died from malnutrition
and dehydration in northern Gaza.
Israeli
forces have largely sealed off the north since October, and aid groups say
Israeli restrictions, ongoing hostilities and the breakdown of law and order
have made it nearly impossible to safely deliver desperately needed food in
much of the territory.
Israel
has vowed to expand its offensive to the southern city of Rafah, where half of
Gaza's population has sought refuge, without saying where civilians would go to
escape the onslaught. President Joe Biden has said an attack on Rafah would be
a “red line” for him, but that the United States would continue to provide
military aid to Israel.
Biden
acknowledged in his annual Ramadan message that the holy month comes “at a
moment of intense pain."
“As
Muslims gather around the world over the coming days and weeks to break their
fast, the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many.
It is front of mind for me,” he said.
The
United States and other countries have begun airdropping aid, but humanitarian
groups say such efforts are costly and insufficient. The US military has also
begun transporting equipment to build a sea bridge to deliver aid, but it will
likely be several weeks before it is operational.
A ship
belonging to Spanish aid group Open Arms was expected to make a pilot voyage to
Gaza from nearby Cyprus, though it was not clear when it would depart. The
United States has provided crucial military support to Israel and shielded it
from international calls for a cease-fire while urging it to do more to avoid
harming civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid.
Gaza's
Health Ministry said Monday that at least 31,112 Palestinians have been killed
since the war began, including 67 bodies brought to hospitals in the past 24
hours. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in
its count, but it has said women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.
Israel
blames the civilian death toll on Hamas because the militants fight in dense,
residential areas and position fighters, tunnels and rocket launchers near
homes, schools and mosques. The military has said it has killed 13,000 Hamas
fighters, without providing evidence.
Speaking
on Saturday to MSNBC, Biden said Israel had the right to respond to the October
7 attack but that Netanyahu “must pay more attention to the innocent lives
being lost.” He added that “you cannot have 30,000 more Palestinians dead.”
Source: outlookindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.outlookindia.com/international/ramadan-begins-in-gaza-with-hunger-worsening-and-no-end-to-the-war-in-sight
-----
'Killing,
bombing, bloodshed continue in Gaza' despite Ramadan: UN chief
MerveGülAydoğanAğlarcı
11.03.2024
As
Muslims began the holy month of Ramadan, the UN chief on Monday reiterated his
call for a cease-fire in Gaza, and urged actions to avoid further
"preventable" deaths.
"Yet
even though Ramadan has begun – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in
Gaza," Antonito Guterres said at a press encounter.
"My
strongest appeal today is to honor the spirit of Ramadan by silencing the guns
– and removing all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the
speed and massive scale required," said Guterres.
He also
called for an "immediate release of all hostages" taken by Hamas.
"We
must act to avoid more preventable deaths," he said.
We have
witnessed month after month of civilian killing and destruction at a level that
is unprecedented in all my years as Secretary-General," he added.
On
life-saving aid, Guterres said it is "coming in trickles – if it comes at
all," and asserted that "international humanitarian law lies in
tatters. "
He
further warned of the dire consequences of a potential Israeli assault on
Rafah, cautioning that such an action could further exacerbate the suffering of
the people in Gaza.
"For
months, leaders have appealed for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the
immediate release of all hostages. But the most compelling calls have come from
the families of the victims of this war," he said.
Guterres
called on all parties to "hear and heed" the voices of those families
of victims and stressed that "desperate civilians need action – immediate
action."
'Cessation
of hostilities in Sudan'
Turning
to Sudan, the UN chief reiterated his call for "a Ramadan cessation of
hostilities in Sudan."
"The
fighting there must end for the sake of the Sudanese people who face hunger,
horrors and untold hardships," he said, adding that "it is time for
peace" in Gaza, Sudan and beyond.
The war
between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
that began in April 2023 has killed thousands, displaced million and caused a
food security crisis.
He
called on "political, religious and community leaders everywhere to do
everything in their power to make this holy period a time for empathy, action
and peace."
"It
is time to end the terrible suffering. Now is the time to do it."
Israel
has waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7
cross-border attack led by the Palestinian group Hamas in which nearly 1,200
people were killed.
More
than 31,100 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in
Gaza, and over 72,700 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of
necessities.
Israel
has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its
population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of
starvation.
According
to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 27 people have died of
malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade.
The
Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid
a crippling blockade of most food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the
enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.
Israel
stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim
ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to
guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/killing-bombing-bloodshed-continue-in-gaza-despite-ramadan-un-chief/3161670
----
Palestinians
pray in ruins of Gaza mosque destroyed by Israeli strike
March
12, 2024
Dozens
of Palestinians in Gazan offered prayers on the first day of Ramadan, in the
middle of the ruins of a mosque hit by an Israeli air strike just days ago.
Standing
in rows before a prayer leader with their hands folded, the Palestinian men
were entering a fasting month unlike any they had experienced before.
Many of
those not attending prayers were out in the streets looking for whatever food
they could find for their families living in makeshift camps across the
war-ravaged territory.
"I
wish the planes would bomb me and I die," said Zaki Hussein Abu Mansur,
once the proud owner of a house he had built for his family in Khan Yunis —
where Israeli forces are engaged in a sweeping ground operation against the
Hamas resistance group.
"It
is better to die than live this life," the 63-year-old told AFP.
"Sometimes
we see that the things that we need are in the market but we can't buy
them."
Deprivation
is normal in Gaza this Ramadan. Markets in Rafah are short on food items and
few stores have qatayef, a dessert traditionally sold during Ramadan.
The
bright lights and decorations that usually adorn streets during the fasting
month are glaringly absent, though some stalls display Ramadan lanterns.
"We
can't even afford vegetables, let alone fruit," said Maisa al-Balbissi, a
39-year-old displaced from northern Gaza and now sheltering in Rafah.
"Everything
is too expensive. My children and I are unable to buy anything. Prices of even
the simplest items have skyrocketed," the mother-of-two told AFP by her
tent.
'Don't
feel joy'
Palestinians
are observing Ramadan this year amid the brutal offensive and the invasion
launched by Israel. For those forced to stay in overcrowded camps for the
displaced, the bleak reality of food shortages and unhygienic living conditions
has dampened the holy month's festive mood.
Around
1.5 million people have sought refuge in Rafah, according to the United
Nations, largely without access to food, water and medicines.
"I
suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems," said Abu
Mansur, describing his daily battle to find medicines.
"I
cannot eat canned food items."
Despite
Israel and Egypt's long-running blockade of Gaza, in previous years the goods
needed for Ramadan were still available.
"This
Ramadan is different from last year when everything to do with Ramadan was
available — be it electricity, food, water," said Abdelrahman Ashur, 19.
"Nothing
is available anymore. We don't feel that joy. Every Ramadan we used to be at
home and now we are sitting in tents that we built with our own hands."
'Real
test' coming
As the
sun rose on the first day of Ramadan, smoke from air strikes was visible over
Rafah.
Awni Al
Kayyal, 50, said he saw ambulances carrying dead bodies as soon as he woke up.
"The
start of Ramadan has been sad and covered in darkness, with the smell of blood
and stench everywhere... I woke up in my tent and started crying at our
situation," he told AFP.
Late on
Sunday, worshippers performed evening prayers at Al Hadi mosque, damaged in an
Israeli strike.
Its
classic Islamic arches are now chipped and cracked, while the concrete columns
supporting the ceiling inside are dangerously askew.
According
to Gaza's government press office, Israeli forces have targeted more than 500 mosques
since the beginning of the war, with 220 of them destroyed.
Meanwhile,
in occupied east Jerusalem, fears of clashes during Ramadan prevail among
Palestinians.
Every
year, tens of thousands of Muslims perform Ramadan prayers at the Al Aqsa
mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam.
This
year Hamas has called on "our people" to mobilise and march towards
Al Aqsa from the start of Ramadan.
"For
now it's more or less quiet. We will see on Friday," said Ali, a resident
of the Old City, referring to Friday prayers, when large congregations gather
at the mosque. "That will be (the) real test," he said.
Source: trtworld.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/palestinians-pray-in-ruins-of-gaza-mosque-destroyed-by-israeli-strike-17316672
---
Gazans
break fast without ‘joy of Ramadan’ as Israel-Hamas war grinds on
March 12, 2024
– The
first day of Ramadan came and went in Gaza, with residents marking a joyless
iftar against a backdrop of famine, disease and displacement as the war in the
besieged territory ground on more than five months after it began.
As the
Muslim world welcomed the start of the holy month on Monday, Gazans faced
continued Israeli bombardments and a spiralling humanitarian crisis.
With the
flow of food and other assistance slowed to a trickle, a UN report citing the
territory’s Hamas-run health ministry said 25 people have now died from
malnutrition and dehydration, most of them children.
In
Gaza’s southern border city of Rafah, where 1.5 million people have sought
refuge, the usual generous iftar meal marking the end of the day’s fast was
replaced by “canned food and beans”, said displaced Khan Yunis resident
Mohammad al-Masry.
“We
didn’t prepare anything. What do displaced people have?” al-Masry said.
“We
don’t feel the joy of Ramadan… Look at the people staying in tents in the
cold.”
Om
Muhammad Abu Matar, also displaced from Khan Yunis, told AFP that this year,
Ramadan had “the taste of blood and misery, separation and oppression”.
Aid
groups have been warning of the risk of famine in Gaza for weeks, and the
United Nations has reported particular difficulty in accessing the territory’s
north for deliveries of food and other aid.
“We are
running out of time,” Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Programme (WFP),
said Monday. “If we do not exponentially increase the size of aid going into
the northern areas” of Gaza, she said, “famine is imminent”.
–
‘Destruction and rubble’ –
UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Monday for “silencing the guns”
during the Muslim holy month and said he was “appalled and outraged that
conflict is continuing”.
In Gaza
City, surrounded by collapsed buildings, one family gathered around a table
next to the ruins of their home to break the fast on Monday.
“Today
is the first day of Ramadan. We decided to come and break the fast here in our
home that was struck, despite the destruction and the rubble,” said Om Shaher
Al Qta’a.
Earlier
in the day, Zaki Abu Mansour told AFP in Rafah that his last meal before the
fast began had been meagre, and he didn’t know what his next one would be.
“Here’s
my kitchen,” the displaced Khan Yunis resident added, gesturing to a corner of
his tent. “I have only a tomato and a cucumber — that’s all I have, and I have
no money to buy anything.”
With aid
entering Gaza by truck far below pre-war levels, and Gazans increasingly
desperate, foreign governments have turned to airdrops and are now trying to
open a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus.
A senior
US administration official has said the Cyprus initiative provides a platform
at the port of Larnaca for “screening by Israeli officials of Gaza-bound
goods”.
The
cumbersome screenings are a major reason current shortages are so glaring, aid
workers say, though Israel blames problems on the Palestinian side.
The
United States and other countries again airdropped supplies into northern Gaza
on Monday, but aid workers have said land deliveries would be much more
effective.
–
Lebanon strikes –
The
October 7 Hamas attack that started the war resulted in about 1,160 deaths in
Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official
figures.
The
militants also took around 250 hostages, dozens of whom were released during a
week-long truce in November. Israel believes 99 hostages still in Gaza remain
alive and 31 have died.
Israel’s
retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive has killed 31,112 Palestinians,
mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Rear
Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesman, on Monday said a weekend
air strike on an underground compound in central Gaza had targeted Marwan Issa,
deputy head of Hamas’s armed wing, though it was unclear if he was killed.
Israel
on Monday also carried out strikes against Hamas ally Hezbollah deep inside
Lebanese territory, with the governor of the local Baalbek-Hermel region saying
one man had been killed.
The
Israeli military later confirmed its jets had hit two sites in the area “in
retaliation to Hezbollah aircraft attacks launched towards the Golan Heights”.
– ‘Our
neck is on the line’ –
Weeks of
talks involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators failed to bring about a truce
and hostage exchange deal ahead of Ramadan.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from desperate families of
hostages as well as critics of his government, and has also come in for
increasingly sharp criticism from key backer the United States.
Asked
about the apparent friction between him and US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu
said in an interview with Fox News on Monday that “we have our agreements on
the basic goals, but we also have disagreements on how to achieve them”.
“Ultimately,
it’s Israel that has to decide. Our neck is on the line… I’m telling you that
we’re not getting off the gas.”
Netanyahu
has steadfastly insisted since the start of the war that Israel will press on
until Hamas has been eradicated.
But in
an annual threat assessment report released Monday, US national security
officials suggested that goal would be difficult to achieve, predicting Israel
would likely “face lingering armed resistance from Hamas for years to come”.
Source: iraqinews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.iraqinews.com/arab-world-news/gazans-break-fast-without-joy-of-ramadan-as-israel-hamas-war-grinds-on/
----
2,000
medical staff in northern Gaza lack meals to break Ramadan fast: Health
Ministry
Anadolu
staff
12.03.2024
The
Palestinian Health Ministry said Monday that 2,000 medical staff working at
hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip had no meals to break their fasting with
while on duty on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"The
medical personnel are too exposed to the starvation that hits the northern Gaza
Strip," Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement.
He
called on international relief organizations to move urgently to provide meals
for the medical staff.
On
Monday, Palestinians in Gaza, like most Muslims worldwide, marked the first day
of Ramadan under continued Israeli bombing across the Gaza Strip, making it the
toughest month for them as they suffer displacement and lack food, water and
most basic items.
Israel
has waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 cross-border
attack led by the Palestinian group Hamas in which nearly 1,200 people were
killed.
More
than 31,100 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in
Gaza, and over 72,700 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of
necessities.
Israel
has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its
population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of
starvation.
According
to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 27 people have died of
malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade.
The
Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid
a crippling blockade of most food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the
enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.
Israel
stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim
ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to
guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/2-000-medical-staff-in-northern-gaza-lack-meals-to-break-ramadan-fast-health-ministry/3161927
---
Europe
British Muslims
ramp up boycott of Israeli dates during Ramadan
March
11, 2024
LONDON:
British Muslims usually check supermarket labels to ensure their purchases are
halal. This Ramadan, however, they are also checking to see where their dates
are grown.
Muslims
typically break their fast with the sweet fruit, following in the tradition of
the Prophet Muhammad. This year, against the backdrop of the war in Gaza,
British Muslims are keen to avoid buying Israeli dates.
The UK
is reportedly the second-biggest importer of Israeli dates in Europe, and, in
2020, imported more than 3,000 tons of dates from Israel, worth about £7.5
million ($9.6 million), according to statistics released by Friends of Al-Aqsa.
For more
than 14 years, FOA has led the #CheckTheLabel boycott campaign to raise
awareness among consumers who are unknowingly buying Israeli dates.
The
campaign has focused on Muslims during Ramadan — a time of surging Israeli date
sales in Europe.
As part
of its campaign, the advocacy group has encouraged imams in local mosques to
address the boycott in their sermons during the holy month.
“Mosques
are very important during Ramadan to push that message of unity and encourage
people to be ethical consumers,” ShamiulJoarder of FOA said.
“The
campaign is always received really well. No one wants to knowingly break their
fast with Israeli dates, with produce that helps sustain the illegal occupation
of stolen land,” he added.
Israel’s
illegal occupation has forced many Palestinians to work under degrading
conditions on settlement farms.
Human
Rights Watch has documented the exploitation of Palestinian labor in the
Israeli date industry, including children as young as 11 exposed to harmful
pesticides and women enduring long hours in harsh conditions.
The
boycott movement has gained momentum in the UK over the years, especially in
the context of Israel’s brutal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 30,000
people since October 2023.
Abbas, a
London-based Iraqi designer, told Arab News about the prevalence of Israeli
dates in the UK.
“I’d
always assumed they were produced in Arab countries,” the 21-year-old said,
adding that social media in recent months had helped him become aware of the
importance of checking labels.
Meanwhile,
Joarder warned that Israeli exporters are hiding the origins of dates to
“deliberately mislead” consumers.
“I stick
to buying my dates from one company I know that is Saudi. That way, I don’t end
up accidentally buying from Israeli brands,” Soha, a 52-year-old British
Muslim, told Arab News.
Equally,
there has been a push in the UK to promote Palestinian date consumption, which
has been adversely affected by the growth of the Israeli date industry.
Islamic
charity Penny Appeal has been selling dates ethically sourced from Jericho,
which helps to provide a crucial livelihood to Palestinian farmers.
“We are
certainly noticing that Muslim consumers are much more careful about buying
dates. We receive calls and emails every day asking us to prove our dates are
Palestinian,” Ahmad Bostan of Penny Appeal told Arab News.
Zaytoun,
a UK-based nonprofit that supports Palestinian farmers, said that the
proliferation of affordable medjoul dates in the UK has prompted consumers to
compare pricing.
“Farming
and trading under occupation results in higher costs, and Palestinian growers
lack the economies of scale that typically reduce production costs,” the
organization told Arab News.
Despite
this, Zaytoun has experienced an “overwhelming surge in support” for its
Palestinian products, which are now featured in major UK retailers like
Selfridges, Fenwicks and Whole Foods Market.
“Beyond
the direct cultivation of dates, the date sector creates employment
opportunities in related industries such as sorting, processing, packing,
printing, packaging, refrigeration, haulage, logistics and more,” the
organization said.
“By
contributing to the growth of the date sector, consumers actively contribute to
the broader economic development of Palestine, fostering resilience in the face
of challenging conditions.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2474946/world
----
French
court upholds decision to deport Moroccan imam accused of hate speech
12 March
2024
A Paris
administrative court on Monday upheld a decision to deport French-born Moroccan
imam Hassan Iquioussen. Sent back to Morocco in 2023 after being accused of
hate speech, Iquioussen says he will appeal the verdict.
The
court "rejects Mr. Iquioussen's request for the annulment of the expulsion
decision taken by the Minister of the Interior on July 29, 2022".
In a
statement, the court said that the imam had "committed repeated acts of
explicit and deliberate provocation to discrimination, hatred or violence
against Jews, women and non-Muslims."
Iquioussen's
lawyer Lucie Simon said the court decision did not take into account any of her
client's arguments, nor the context, "retaining comments more than ten to
twenty years old."
Eighteen
months prior to his deportation, Iquioussen had been flagged by French
intelligence as a "fiche S" – the classification used to monitor
individuals who are considered a threat to national security.
He was
also the subject of a European arrest warrant.
Iquioussen
initially fled to Belgium before being expelled in January 2023 to Morocco.
He stood
accused of "a proselytising speech interspersed with remarks inciting
hatred and discrimination and carrying a vision of Islam contrary to the values
of republic", according to the expulsion document.
Deportation
'justified'
On 26
February, France's top administrative court examined an appeal for "excess
of power" against the expulsion order in which the 59-year-old applicant
is seeking a residence permit.
Born in
France, Iquioussen decided when he came of age not to opt for French
nationality.
Source: yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/french-court-upholds-decision-deport-
072946745.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKeh-biyGASAmDQ_1e1dSar3Z__kk6Aoi2oBkCCXjl9gDiMHT3z0PxAcNamboGn_CMwaMegvUzoZGHakOP_GejRlAw3uVhIECqoVtgHMdLLzwfcBWTi9ChRI52MKlvAl_hWjFAnO7WaJt6ViZNKn0LBWjJVsoZmbuDDiyk0IFOdC
----
Italy
mulls Israel’s extradition request for arrested Palestinian terror suspect
11 March
2024
ROME —
Italian police have arrested three Palestinians based in central Italy who they
said were planning attacks in an unspecified country, a police statement said
on Monday, with Israel requesting the extradition of one of them.
The
three men, living in l’Aquila, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of
Rome, had set up a cell linked to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the statement
said.
The
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades is an armed offshoot of Palestinian Authority
President Mahmoud Abbas’s secular nationalist Fatah party. It is considered a
terrorist group by Israel, the European Union, and the United States.
Police
said the three Palestinians had been charged with criminal conspiracy for
terrorism purposes or subversion of the democratic order, which carries jail
terms of up to 15 years.
“The
suspects engaged in proselytism and propaganda… and planned attacks, including
suicide attacks, against civilian and military targets on foreign territory,”
police said.
One of
the three men is wanted by Israel, which is at war with the Palestinian terror
group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and an Italian court is examining an extradition
request for him, the statement added.
In a
separate statement, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi hailed the arrest of
“three dangerous terrorists” and said Italy was always on high alert against
extremism and radicalization.
There
was no immediate comment by the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.
Source: timesofisrael.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/italy-mulls-israels-extradition-request-for-arrested-palestinian-terror-suspect/
---
Chefs,
volunteers gather at London mosque to prepare and serve 250 meals daily for
Ramadan
Mar 11,
2024
Chefs
and volunteers at the London Muslim Mosque are preparing to organize hearty
meals for more than 250 people each day in its gym.
While
the chefs are paid, dozens of volunteers will help with setting tables and washing
dishes for the iftar, the evening meal that marks the breaking of the fast.
"The
mosque does it because it is a service for our community, especially around
this time of year to make everyone feel at home," said Hashem Ramadan,
treasurer on the board of directors at the mosque in the southwestern Ontario
city.
Students,
taxi drivers, single people and anyone in need are encouraged to come for a
meal, which will include three different dishes each week such as chicken legs,
beef stew and kofta, a meatball dish, with rice, salad and occasionally hummus.
Ramadan
is a sacred month of fasting for Muslims. They abstain from food and water from
dawn to sunset, work to improve themselves spiritually and participate in
giving to those in need. According to the moon cycle, Monday was the first day
of the fast in North America.
"It's
very important to feel for the people that don't have the time to cook,
especially the students," said Ali Chabar, director of outreach at the
mosque. "But we are welcoming anyone, either Muslim or non-Muslim to join
us."
Chabar
said serving iftars is an important part of giving back to the community and
the need has been great some years.
"It's
a very warming feeling, let's put it that way."
Source: cbc.ca
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-mosque-volunteers-serve-250-meals-ramadan-1.7140091
-----
Scotland's
Humza Yousaf meets Council of Arab Ambassadors
Soraya
Ebrahimi
Mar 12,
2024
Scotland’s
First Minister Humza Yousaf was invited to meet representatives from countries
from across the Arab world, including the UAE, Algeria, Libya and the
Palestinian territories, in London on Monday evening.
During
the meeting with the Council of Arab Ambassadors, Mr Yousaf discussed
Scotland's commitment to promoting human rights, its "economic
potential" and the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
He also
spoke with the ambassadors about Scotland’s renewables industries, tourism and
universities.
“This
evening, the First Minister attended a roundtable discussion, on invitation,
with the Council of Arab Ambassadors in London,” his spokesman said.
“The
First Minister delivered opening remarks which focused on Scotland’s economic
potential, specifically with regards to renewable energy, our world-renowned
education institutes that welcome international students from across the globe,
and Scotland’s growing tourism industry.
“The
First Minister also outlined Scotland’s role in the world as a global citizen –
citing the Scottish government’s unwavering commitment to promoting human
rights, tackling inequality, and our calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.”
Scotland's
Humza Yousaf through the years - in pictures
On
Monday morning, Mr Yousaf posted a picture of his suhoor meal on X and said he
hoped the first day of Ramadan went well for everyone.
"My
suhoor [the meal just before fasting starts] at 4am this morning," Mr
Yousaf said in the post.
"Granola,
yoghurt, honey and, of course, plenty of water.
"I
hope the first day of Ramadan [always the toughest, as you would expect] goes
well for you and yours."
Source: thenationalnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2024/03/11/scotlands-humza-yousaf-meets-council-of-arab-ambassadors/
---
North
America
Biden
says no plans to address Knesset amid deepening public spat with Netanyahu
March
12, 2024
JACOB
MAGID
US
President Joe Biden told reporters he does not have any plans to address the Knesset,
after saying over the weekend that he may do so to directly appeal to the
Israeli public regarding his concerns over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s
prosecution of the war in Gaza.
After
telling MSNBC that he might take the far-reaching step, he declined to provide
any additional information.
On
Monday, a member of the White House pool asked him if he has plans to address
the Knesset. “No, not at this moment,” Biden responded.
Asked
whether he has scheduled a meeting with Netanyahu, who he last spoke with
roughly two weeks ago, Biden said, “no.”
Pressed
whether he plans to schedule such a meeting, Biden added, “We’ll see what
happens.” In hot mic comments last week, the US president said he needed to
have a “come to Jesus” talk with the premier.
Biden
regularly takes questions from the White House pool while traveling to and from
events. Over the past several months, a wildly disproportionate number of
questions have been about Israel.
In the
footage aired by MSNBC of its interview with Biden, nearly eight of the ten
minutes were of questions regarding Israel.
The US
president’s latest comments came as he has taken an increasingly critical tone
toward Netanyahu over the military campaign that Israel launched against Hamas
following the October 7 terror onslaught. In an interview Monday, Netanyahu
pushed back against Biden, saying the US criticism was encouraging Hamas and
that Israelis were united behind the war’s aims.
Separately
Monday, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the process of
transferring a massive shipment of flour sent by the US to Gaza has started,
after it was held up by Israel for nearly two months.
Miller
did not specify when trucks carrying this flour capable of feeding 1.5 million
Gazans for five months began entering Gaza, but said during a briefing that
Israel recently agreed to release flour from its Ashdod port and was “mak[ing]
its way into Gaza — something we’ve been support for some time.”
Netanyahu
privately informed the Biden administration that Israel approved the shipment
in early January. The White House announced the development on January 19.
The
shipment arrived at the port in Ashdod, but Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich
blocked its transfer to UNRWA, which came under fire in January over
allegations that 12 of its staffers participated in the October 7 atrocities.
On
February 22, a US official told The Times of Israel that the new arrangement,
with Israel’s agreement, will allow for the flour shipment to move forward,
after Smotrich blocked its transfer for over a month.
The
flour is to be ferried into Gaza by the World Food Program, rather than via the
UNRWA relief agency for Palestinian refugees, the official said.
The
delay has angered the Biden administration, which has repeatedly noted in
recent weeks that Israel is violating the commitments it made to the president.
Miller
said the release of the flour was one of several modest improvements seen in
the Gaza humanitarian operation over the past several days.
He also
said trucks carrying aid have been able to move around southern Gaza more
freely than they were in recent weeks. There have also been convoys that
successfully reached northern Gaza, where aid access has been particularly
limited, Miller added.
Gaza aid
distribution ground to a halt last month, in the wake of a breakdown of law and
order. After dozens of Palestinians were killed while trying to collect aid in
northern Gaza on February 29, the Biden administration began airdropping aid
into Gaza and announced the establishment of a marine corridor, which it aims
to have up and running in two months.
Source: timesofisrael.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/biden-says-no-plans-to-address-knesset-amid-deepening-public-spat-with-netanyahu/
----
CAIR
Sues U.S. Military Officials for Placing Muslim Incarceree in Solitary
Confinement Over Refusal to Shave Religious Beard
Ismail
Allison
March
11, 2024
The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil
rights and advocacy organization, and co-counsel at the Wyche Law Firm have
filed a lawsuit against U.S. military officials for their unlawful punishment
of a U.S. Air Force Airman and Muslim former incarceree at U.S. Consolidated
Naval Base Charleston over his refusal to shave a beard worn for religious
reasons.
READ THE
COMPLAINT.
The
lawsuit, filed in federal district court in South Carolina, explains that the
Airman is a devout Muslim who, in accordance with his faith, maintains a beard.
He has every right to do so. In Holt v. Hobbs (2015), the Supreme Court
unanimously reaffirmed that prisons may not forbid inmates from maintaining a
beard for religious purposes.
But officials
at the U.S. Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, where the Airman was
incarcerated, placed him in administrative and disciplinary segregation to
punish him for his exercise of his faith. For almost one year, the Airman was
isolated from the prison population. He spent many of those months in complete
solitary confinement, confined to his cell for 22 hours every day.
There is
no excuse for this illegal treatment of a Muslim Airman incarceree. Prison
officials knew that the Airman is a Muslim. And they knew that he had a pending
request for waiver in support of religious practice which, if granted, would
authorize him to maintain a beard. But, despite that knowledge, they continued
to subject him to punishment.
In 2022,
CAIR called on the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense to immediately cease the
unconstitutional, illegal, and shameful treatment of the incarceree.
“The
military’s abusive treatment of this American Muslim airman is a clear-cut
violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” said CAIR Deputy
Litigation Director Gadeir Abbas. “He deserves justice for the months he
suffered in solitary confinement, and the law entitles him to it.”
“The
defendants’ choice to punish the Muslim Airman instead of accommodating his
religious practice is exactly what RFRA forbids,” said CAIR National Litigation
Director Lena Masri. “We look forward to vindicating the Airman’s rights in
federal court.”
In 2020,
CAIR expressed support for the U.S. Air Force’s new guidelines allowing
personnel to request a waiver to wear religious apparel, including turbans and
hijabs (Islamic head scarves), and to grow beards for religious reasons.
In 2014,
CAIR welcomed an updated Pentagon policy on religious accommodation for
military personnel.
CAIR
offers an educational toolkit, called “A Correctional Institution’s Guide to
Islamic Religious Practices,” to help correctional officers and administrators
gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original
Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-sues-u-s-military-officials-for-placing-muslim-incarceree-in-solitary-confinement-over-refusal-to-shave-religious-beard/
---
CAIR
Condemns Israeli Attack on Worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque During First Night of
Ramadan
Ismail
Allison
March
11, 2024
The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil
rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an attack on worshippers at
the Al-Aqsa Mosque by forces of the far-right Israeli government last night,
the first night of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Video
shows Israeli forces beating worshippers as they tried to enter the Al-Aqsa
Mosque in Jerusalem, one of Islam’s holiest sites. Israeli forces reportedly
prevented them from participating in prayers at the mosque. They also
reportedly arrested 20 people.
In a
statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“Not
even in this sacred month of peace and prayer does the genocidal Israeli
government give any respite to the Palestinian people, whether in Gaza or the
West Bank.
“Ramadan
after Ramadan, the Israeli government’s occupation forces desecrate Al-Aqsa
Mosque and beat unarmed, innocent civilians seeking to enter the site for
prayer, leading to wider conflict.
“The
barbarism and inhumanity of this far-right government is now clear to the
entire world. When will it be clear to our own government? When will we stop
bankrolling the slaughter of innocent people, including thousands of children?
When will we stop providing cover for the genocide of a people?
“The
Biden administration must change course now and demand an immediate ceasefire
and hold the Israeli government to account before it launches more attacks on
this and other sacred sites.”
He noted
that last week, CAIR responded to President Biden’s State of the Union Address
by welcoming improvement in his rhetoric about Palestinian suffering in Gaza
but said that the president “must stop trying to play both firefighter and
arsonist” by sending aid while enabling the Israeli government’s genocidal
military campaign.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-israeli-attack-on-worshippers-at-al-aqsa-mosque-during-first-night-of-ramadan/
----
US
military confirms Yemen’s Houthis targeting of vessel Pinocchio
March
12, 2024
CAIRO:
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group fired missiles at a Liberian-flagged
container ship in the Red Sea but did not hit the vessel, the US Central
Command said on Tuesday.
Two
anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired at the Pinocchio from Yemeni territory,
CENTCOM said, resulting in no damage or injuries.
Houthi
military spokesperson Yahya Sarea earlier on Tuesday said the group had
targeted and hit the ship, which he described as “American.”
The
Pinocchio is a Liberian-flagged container ship owned by Singapore-registered
company OM-MAR 5 INC, according to shipping databases operated by Equasis and
the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Sarea
said the Houthi group would escalate their military operations during the
Muslim holy month of Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians in response to the
war in Gaza.
US hits
targets in Yemen
US
forces said they destroyed an underwater drone and nearly 20 ballistic missiles
in a series of strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who threatened on Tuesday
to step up their attacks in the Red Sea during Ramadan.
Months
of Houthi Red Sea attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing firms to
re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa, and
stoked fears that the Israel-Hamas war could spread to destabilize the wider Middle
East.
The
United States and Britain have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and
redesignated the militia as a terrorist group.
Airstrikes
attributed to a US-British coalition hit port cities and small towns in western
Yemen on Monday, killing at least 11 people and injuring 14, a spokesperson for
Yemen’s internationally recognized government told Reuters.
CENTCOM
said it conducted six self-defense strikes on Monday in Houthi controlled areas
of Yemen. The strikes destroyed an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship
missiles — which CENTCOM said presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels
and US Navy ships in the region.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2475201/middle-east
----
President
Biden extends Ramadan prayers to Muslim community amid ‘uncommitted’ protest
over war in Gaza
March
12, 2024
LONDON:
US President Joe Biden has released a statement extending his wishes and prayers
to Muslims in America and around the globe in the holy month of Ramadan.
Biden’s
message came as Muslim and Arab American voters from several swing states
pledged to withdraw support for the president in an “uncommitted” protest vote
over his policy toward Israel.
The
protest movement is asking Biden to back a permanent ceasefire and halt aid to
Israel.
The
president’s backing of Israel and his refusal to place conditions on the supply
of military aid to the country have sparked outrage that could affect his
chances of reelection against likely Republican rival Donald Trump.
Pressure
on Biden has landed in Minnesota where activists hope a coalition of
progressive Democrats and Muslim Americans will fuel a strong protest vote.
Minnesota’s
hastily organized protest vote push comes after more than 100,000 joined a
similar protest in Michigan’s Democratic primary.
Biden
said: “The sacred month is a time for reflection and renewal. This year it
comes at a moment of immense pain. The war in Gaza has inflicted terrible
suffering on the Palestinian people.
“More
than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them civilians, including
thousands of children. Some are family members of American Muslims, who are
deeply grieving their lost loved ones today.
“As
Muslims gather around the world over the coming days and weeks to break their
fast, the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many;
it is front of mind for me.
“The
United States will continue to lead international efforts to get more
humanitarian assistance into Gaza by land, air, and sea. Earlier this week I
directed our military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary
pier on the coast of Gaza that can receive large shipments of aid.
“We are
carrying out airdrops of aid, in coordination with our international partners,
including Jordan. And we’ll continue to work with Israel to expand deliveries
by land, insisting that it facilitates more routes and opens more crossings to
get more aid to more people.
“While
we get more lifesaving aid to Gaza, the United States will continue working
nonstop to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire for at least six
weeks as part of a deal that releases hostages.”
Biden’s
reluctance to call for a permanent ceasefire has damaged his relationship with
the American Muslim community beyond repair, according to Jaylani Hussein, the
executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic
Relations.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2475106/world
---
Australia
Israel
must change course in Gaza to keep international support, says Australia
12 Mar
2024
SYDNEY,
March 12 — Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said today that Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was undermining Israel with his approach to the war
in Gaza and urged the country to change course or lose even more international
support.
US
President Biden said on Saturday that Netanyahu was “hurting Israel more than helping”
by conducting the war in a way contrary to the country’s values.
Asked
about his comments on Tuesday, Wong agreed and said international support for
Israel would continue to fray unless it addressed the “humanitarian
catastrophe” in Gaza.
“October
7th was a terrorist attack and the world was rightly very sympathetic to and in
solidarity with Israel at that time,” Wong said at the Australian Financial
Review Business Summit on Tuesday.
“I think
the world is horrified with the current situation... and I would say that
unless Israel changes its course it will continue to lose support.”
The war
was triggered by the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, in which 1,200 people
were killed and 253 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s air
and ground assault on Gaza has now killed 31,000 Palestinians, Gaza officials
say.
The
conflict has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people and the UN estimates a
quarter of the population are at risk of starvation.
Wong’s
latest comments on Israel are part of a growing chorus of voices among even its
stalwart allies calling for the country to address the humanitarian crisis in
Gaza as it plans for an assault on the southern city of Rafah.
Canada,
Australia and New Zealand called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in a
joint statement last month. Wong said the three countries united to “amplify”
their voices.
UN chief
Antonio Guterres on Monday appealed for a truce and said the threatened assault
on Rafah could put the people of Gaza in “an even deeper circle of hell.”
Israel
has said it will not stop its war until it eradicates the Hamas organisation. —
Reuters
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/03/12/israel-must-change-course-in-gaza-to-keep-international-support-says-australia/122940
---
Africa
South
African leader commiserates with Palestinians, other Muslims fasting in
conditions of war
Hassan
Isilow
12.03.2024
South
Africa's President sent well wishes Monday to Muslims observing Ramadan, the
Muslim holy month of fasting, but also spared a thought for those fasting under
conditions of war in countries like Palestine.
“We
remember that for millions of people, Ramadan is being observed under conditions
of conflict, war, displacement and oppression. Our thoughts and prayers go out
to the peoples of Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of
Congo, Western Sahara, Mali and others for whom this holy month is a time of
great hardship and suffering,” Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement.
During
Ramadan, adult Muslims – except for the sick and those undertaking journeys –
abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn till sunset. They are
also encouraged to do acts of charity by giving to the less privileged members
of their community.
“May the
message of Ramadan that preaches peace, tolerance and unity serve as an impetus
for the international fellowship of nations to do all within their means to
protect the most vulnerable and put an end to conflicts and wars everywhere,”
said Ramaphosa.
The
South African leader said as his country marks 30 years of freedom, the advent
of Ramadan gives them an appreciation of the freedom of religion, belief and
opinion enshrined in South Africa’s constitution and the richness of the
country’s diversity.
Ramaphosa
said the Muslim fasting month is a special period of spiritual devotion,
physical sacrifice and charitable outreach for Muslims. “Ramadan is also an
expression of faith that is embraced with tolerance and Ubuntu (humanity) by
all communities of faith,” he added.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/south-african-leader-commiserates-with-palestinians-other-muslims-fasting-in-conditions-of-war/3161924
---
Haiti PM
agrees to leave in regional push to end crisis
March
12, 2024
KINGSTON:
Haiti’s prime minister agreed late Monday to step aside as armed gangs plunge
his country into anarchy, as he accepted a regional push for a transition that
sets the stage for international intervention.
Caribbean
nations secured Ariel Henry’s resignation at an emergency meeting in Jamaica where
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered another $100 million to pave the
way for the security force, which will be led by Kenya.
Gangs
have taken over much of the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country and in recent
weeks the crisis has grown even more violent, with bodies strewn across the
streets, armed bandits looting basic infrastructure and fears rising of a
famine.
“The
government I lead cannot remain insensitive to this situation. As I have always
said, no sacrifice is too great for our homeland Haiti,” Henry said in a
resignation address that he posted online.
Gang
leaders had demanded the departure of Henry who, while speaking of himself as a
transitional figure, had remained in power since 2021 when Haiti’s president
was assassinated. Haiti has not held an election since 2016.
Guyana’s
President Irfaan Ali, who chairs the Caribbean regional body CARICOM, announced
after a weekend of diplomacy that Henry would leave once a new transitional
authority is in place.
Ali
saluted Henry, saying that the prime minister – stranded in Puerto Rico as
Haiti’s main airport is no longer functioning – “has assured us in his actions,
in his words, of his selfless intent.”
“And
that selfless intent was to see Haiti succeed,” Ali said. Blinken, who spent
seven hours inside the talks in a Kingston hotel, confirmed Henry’s resignation
in a telephone call initiated by the prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.
A US
official traveling with Blinken said that Henry had agreed to quit on Friday
but was waiting for the Kingston conference to sort out details of the
transition.
Also
raised were ways to prevent reprisals against Henry and his allies, with the
United States agreeing that the outgoing prime minister would be welcome to
stay on US soil if he feels unsafe in Haiti, the official said.
Seeking
new legitimacy
Senior
officials from Brazil, Canada, France and Mexico joined the talks. CARICOM, in
a statement with its partners and the United Nations, said that Haiti’s new
Transitional Presidential Council would have seven voting members who make
decisions by a majority vote.
The
seven will include representatives of major political parties, the private
sector and the Montana Group, a civil society coalition that had proposed an
interim government in 2021 after President JovenelMoise’s assassination.
Blinken
says US in demand as he mourns ‘gutwrenching’ scenes in Gaza
There
will also be two non-voting seats on the council – one for civil society and
another for the church.
Authority
has badly eroded in Haiti. A nighttime curfew was extended through Thursday –
although it is unlikely overstretched police can enforce it.
Jamaican
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the host of the crisis talks, warned that Haiti
risked all-out civil war.
US
boosts security aid
Blinken
promised another $100 million to back an international stabilization force,
bringing the total pledged by the United States to $300 million since the
crisis intensified several years ago.
Blinken
also offered another $33 million in immediate humanitarian assistance.
Escalating
violence “creates an untenable situation for the Haitian people, and we all
know that urgent action is needed on both the political and security tracks,”
Blinken said.
“All of
us know that only the Haitian people can, and only the Haitian people should,
determine their own future – not anyone else,” Blinken said.
But he
said the United States and its partners “can help restore foundational
security” and address “the tremendous suffering” in Haiti.
President
Joe Biden – who ended the US war in Afghanistan – has ruled out putting troops
in harm’s way in Haiti, which the United States occupied for nearly two decades
a century ago and where it has intervened since.
Eyes
initially turned to Canada, but it also decided a Haiti mission was too
dangerous with success uncertain.
Canada,
however, has offered $91 million for Haiti, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
promised continued support as he addressed the Kingston summit remotely.
Kenya
stepped forward but was set back by a domestic court ruling against the
deployment.
The plan
again picked up steam after Henry visited Nairobi and agreed on a “reciprocal”
exchange of forces between the two countries. But with violence soaring, Henry
was unable to return to Haiti, landing in Puerto Rico after the Dominican
Republic declined to take him.
Source: brecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40293209/haiti-pm-agrees-to-leave-in-regional-push-to-end-crisis
----
Pray for
Nigeria to overcome challenges, govs tell Muslims
12th
March 2024
ChimaAzubuike,
Tunde Oyekola, TukurMuntari and Nathaniel Shaibu
As the
Muslim month-long Ramadan fast enters day two today, state governors and other
leaders in the country have called for prayers for the nation.
The
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the Islamic spiritual leader in
Nigeria, had on Sunday declared
(Monday) March 11, 2024, as the first
day of Ramadan.
The Sultan said the declaration was based on the
sighting of the moon in almost every part of the country earlier on
Sunday, “which is the 29th day of the
Month of Shaban and thereby signifies tomorrow, 11th of March, as the first day
of Ramadan 1445.”
In a statement
on Monday by its chairman, Muhammadu Yahaya, the Northern States Governors’
Forum, urged the Muslim Ummah and the entire citizenry to use this holy month
to offer prayers for peace, development, and prosperity of the country.
Punch
Celebrates Golden Jubilee In Style, Hosts Black Tie Dinner0.00 / 0.00
Yahaya,
who is the Governor of Gombe State, said, “Ramadan, as one of the five pillars
of Islam, provides a golden opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and devotion
through supplication and worship.”
He urged
clerics to emphasise peaceful co-existence, unity and piety, “during their
Tafsir sessions and other Ta’alimat throughout the month-long fast and beyond.”
While
decrying the alarming rate of abductions of vulnerable citizens in Kaduna,
Borno, and Zamfara states, the northern governors’ chairman urged Nigerians to
support the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to solve the
country’s problems.
Also,
Governor AbdulRahmanAbdulRazaq of Kwara State, in a statement by his Chief
Press Secretary, RafiuAjakaye, appealed
to Muslims to pray for the country during the Ramadan fast.
In the
same vein, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs,
Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, urged the Muslim faithful in the Ilorin Emirate to
continue to support the nation and her leaders in order to overcome all the
challenges in the society.
He urged
Muslim Ummah to use the month of Ramadan to move closer to Almighty Allah by
engaging in good deeds, charity, humanitarian services, and supplications as
well as seeking forgiveness at all times.
Also,
the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki,
called on the Muslim faithful to foster good neighbourliness and
kindness during the Ramadan season.
“The
Ramadan season is coming at a time when many people are faced with dire
economic challenges. It is best to show love during this period as we approach
the period solemnly.
“Ramadan
provides us an opportunity to bond and show love to our friends and
acquaintances and the current season calls for such,” Obaseki said.
A former
governor of Ekiti State and ex-chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr
KayodeFayemi, encouraged Muslims to use the annual fast as an opportunity for
self-reflection, and prayer, and to deepen community spirit.
Fayemi,
in a statement by the Head, of Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, said,
“As our Muslim brothers and sisters embark on this spiritual journey, may these
virtues strengthen their faith and inspire them to be examples of peace,
justice, and service to our country.”
The
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator BarauJibrin, in a statement by his
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, urged wealthy
individuals and groups to support the needy during and after Ramadan.
Similarly,
the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Malam Jalal
Arabi, emphasised the significance of
perseverance and faith in the face of challenges in the country.
‘‘We
encourage all Nigerian Muslims to embrace the spirit of Ramadan wholeheartedly,
understanding that challenges are opportunities for growth and spiritual
development. May this month be a source of blessings, peace, and renewed
determination for everyone,” he said.
Borno
adjusts school calendar
The
Borno State Ministry of Education has directed primary and secondary schools to
adjust their calendar and closing times in view of Ramadan.
“Schools
should now close by noon, instead of 1.30 pm,” the education ministry said in a
statement on Monday by the Director of
School Services, Alhaji Mustapha Bukar,
He said,
“In light of the ongoing fasting period of Ramadan for the year 1445 AH, it is
hereby directed that all primary and secondary schools across the state adjust
their daily closing time to noon.
“Moreover,
all non-essential extra-curricular activities should be discouraged throughout
the duration of Ramadan.
“Additionally,
we kindly request all primary and secondary schools to ensure completion of
academic activities, including examinations, for the 2nd term of the 2023/ 2024
academic session by Friday, March 29, 2024,” the ministry said.
Source: punchng.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://punchng.com/pray-for-nigeria-to-overcome-challenges-govs-tell-muslims/
----
Sultan
Bello Mosque not for Sheikh Gumi’s lineage, but for the Muslim community – JNI
March
11, 2024
Chimezie
Godfrey
The
Jama’atuNasril Islam (JNI), says the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna is not for
Sheikh Ahmed Gumi’s lineage, but for the Muslim community under the
organisation’s (JNI) control.
The
Administrative Secretary of JNI, Yusuf Bida, said this on Monday in Kaduna
while addressing newsmen in respect to a write up on the social media over the
appointment of a Deputy for Sheikh Gumi.
The
write up, purportedly done by one disciple and student of Sheikh Gumi, stressed
that the new Deputy of the Mosque was not a believer or adherent of the Gumi’s
school of thoughts.
The
write up also stated that the appointment of the deputy was done by some
elements who have no link, whatsoever with the Mosque and teachings of the late
Sheikh Abubakar Gumi.
According
to Bida, the write up was done with a view to inciting people and causing chaos
in the Mosque that has been enjoying peace and tranquility for a very long
time.
Bida,
therefore, explained that the appointment of Imams and Deputies in the Mosque was based on applications by
interested candidates and subsequent examinations by the JNI.
He said
after the examinations, the best is then appointed to whichever capacity either
as Imam or deputy in the Mosque.
Bida
said, “That same process saw the emergence of Sheikh Ahmed Gumi who is the
incumbent Imam of the Mosque.
“In view
of the above, we call on the people, especially the students of Sheikh Ahmad
Gumi, worldwide, who have been hurt and troubled by the unfounded and
fabricated social media lies to remain calm and disregard the false
information.”
Bida
also called on the security agencies in the state and Mosque’s Management Board to, as a matter of
urgency, take decisive measures against the
elements who are all out to cause a crisis in the Mosque. (NAN)
Source: newsdiaryonline.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://newsdiaryonline.com/sultan-bello-mosque-not-for-sheikh-gumis-lineage-but-for-the-muslim-community-jni/
----
Don’t Be
Like Buhari, Allow Me Negotiate With Bandits – Gumi Tells President Tinubu
12 March
2024
Islamic
cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi has appealed to the federal government to allow him
dialogue with the bandits as a way of rescuing Nigerians abducted by the
bandits.
Gumi
urged President Bola Tinubu not to be like his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari,
who refused to negotiate with the bandits.
The
Kaduna-based cleric said he is ready to facilitate comprehensive discussions
between the federal government and bandits in order to secure the freedom of
all victims in the captivity of the bandits.
Gumi
also condemned the decision of the Kaduna State government not to negotiate
with the bandits who recently kidnapped 287 school children from Kuriga
Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Chikun local government area of
the state.
He
recalled how negotiations were used to rescue victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train
kidnap of March 28, 2022, and urged the government to allow the method to be
used again.
Gumi
said, “The government’s stand of no negotiation with the bandits is an
unfortunate position. My advice is that the government should dialogue with the
bandits not only for these Kuriga school children abductions but all the cases.
“Also,
the government should use the same approach it used in releasing passengers
that were abducted on Abuja – Kaduna train in 2022 to release the Kuriga school
children and others,”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/12/dont-be-like-buhari-allow-me-negotiate-with-bandits-gumi-tells-president-tinubu/
---
Southeast
Asia
Penang
consumer group urges public to avoid food wastage during Ramadan, says 90,000
tonnes dumped last year
12 Mar
2024
GEORGE
TOWN, March 12 — The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is urging the public
to avoid food wastage throughout this Ramadan, emphasising that a staggering
90,000 metric tonnes of food were discarded nationwide as trash during last
year’s fasting month.
President
Mohideen Abdul Kader underscored that studies reveal a 15 to 20 per cent surge
in food wastage during Ramadan compared to other months.
“Ramadan
is supposed to be a month of worship for Muslims but for some people, it is a
month for feasting and wasting money. Islam tells its people to avoid being
greedy, wasteful, and extravagant,” he said in a statement today.
He
pointed out that one of the purposes of fasting is to experience the hunger
faced by the poor and marginalised, thereby fostering empathy within the
community.
He
further emphasised that with over two million Palestinians currently facing
hunger, Malaysians should not be wasting so much food during the holy month.
Mohideen
also urged Muslims to refrain from breaking fast in hotels, encouraging them
instead to do so at home or in mosques with family and friends.
“Invite
non-Muslim neighbours to join in breaking fast. This can foster goodwill and
understanding among our diverse society,” he suggested. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/12/penang-consumer-group-urges-public-to-avoid-food-wastage-during-ramadan-says-90000-tonnes-dumped-last-year/122958
-----
Malaysia
and Germany call for lasting ceasefire in Gaza, says PM Anwar during meeting
with Scholz in Berlin
12 Mar
2024
BERLIN,
March 12 ― Malaysia and Germany today called for a lasting ceasefire in the
Gaza Strip, as well as the release of hostages and immediate humanitarian
assistance to the Palestine people.
In
making the call, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his
German counterpart Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the international community must
also strive for a two-state solution to solve the decades of conflict in the
Middle East.
“Sometimes
we have some differences, but I think there are issues like the war, Gaza where
we do agree on an immediate ceasefire and call for humanitarian assistance to
the people of Palestine,” he said at a joint press conference with Scholz.
Earlier,
Anwar who is here on a six-day visit to Germany, held a bilateral meeting with
Scholz, with the Gaza conflict and two-state solution to end the decades of
suffering of the Palestinian people among the issues discussed.
Anwar
said Malaysia acknowledged the concern of what happened on October 7, 2023,
when the conflict started between Hamas and Israel, but also appealed to the
Europeans and Germany in particular, to take note of the decades of atrocities,
plunder and dispossession of Palestinians.
Speaking
on the same matter, Scholz said Germany ― known as an ally of Israel ― agreed
with Malaysia that a long-lasting ceasefire was needed to find a peaceful
solution to the Gaza crisis.
The
Chancellor said they were working closely with the United States and Arab
countries to prevent the escalation of war and find a solution to the crisis.
“I wish
we can find a lasting ceasefire during this Ramadan month, the release of
hostages by Hamas. This can lead to more aid entering Gaza,” said Scholz,
adding that he was glad that Anwar chose to visit Germany on the first day of
Ramadan and had a break of fast with the Malaysian delegation.
Asked
whether today’s meeting could influence the push for an immediate ceasefire in
Gaza, Anwar said both countries could play their part in finding the solution.
“Well,
Germany has established good relations with Israel. And we have slightly better
relations with Palestine. The only solution for now is a permanent ceasefire and,
ultimately, a two-state solution. And this can be done if the international
community has the courage and the commitment,” said the prime minister.
On
Malaysia’s relationship with Hamas, Anwar said the country’s foreign policy had
been consistent over the years, citing its stand against apartheid and ethnic
cleansing.
He said
Malaysia had ties with the political wing of Hamas, stressing that the country
had no relationships with any militant outfit.
Anwar
also said atrocities that happened for decades could not be erased by looking
at one side alone.
“The
solution? Is not just releasing hostages. Yes, yes, I did express my concern
that those (hostages) must be released. But then can you say is that all? Full
stop? Period? What about the settlements?” he said. ― Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/12/malaysia-and-germany-call-for-lasting-ceasefire-in-gaza-says-pm-anwar-during-meeting-with-scholz-in-berlin/122871
----
Enliven
mosques, suraus, foster fellowship among Muslims this Ramadan: Fahmi
12-03-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged Muslims in the country to
enliven mosques and suraus in their areas and to foster fellowship amongst
themselves this Ramadan month.
“Alhamdulillah,
the holy month of Ramadan is here. Let us conduct religious activities and in
doing so, grow closer to Allah SWT. May everything we do be filled with
goodness and virtue,” he posted on Facebook today.
Several
other Unity Government ministers and deputy minister also conveyed their
Ramadan greetings on their Facebook accounts, including Agriculture and Food
Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who urged Muslims to seek blessings
and grace from Allah SWT.
“InsyaAllah,
tonight all Muslims in Malaysia will conduct their solattarawih for the first
time for 2024. Seek Allah’s grace by improving ourselves and be virtuous during
this holy month.
“Do
recite the Al-Quran, do charity and provide meals to those who fast and pray to
Allah SWT. Take this opportunity that Allah has provided us this month,” he
said.
Natural
Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
meanwhile shared that Ramadan was a special opportunity for Muslims to cleanse
their hearts and souls and wished that everyone would be blessed during this
month.
“Fasting
during the day isn’t about withstanding thirst and hunger but trains us to be
pious. Let us improve ourselves in the presence of Allah by adhering to His
teachings and avoiding sins,” he said.
Women,
Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri conveyed her
Ramadan greetings to all Muslims on behalf of her family.
“I would
like to take the opportunity to seek forgiveness for any of my mistakes and
wrongdoings. May this Ramadan bring a thousand blessings and may we conduct our
fast in perfection and filled with virtue, Insya-Allah,” she said.
Deputy
Communications Minister TeoNieChing also conveyed her Ramadan greetings to all
Muslims, while National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang wished all
Muslims the best ahead of the month-long fast that begins tomorrow.
Higher
Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir expressed his hope that all
Muslims would be blessed during this Ramadan and continue to conduct religious
activities.
“Fill
this Ramadan month with good deeds, be patient and seek forgiveness from Allah
SWT,” he said,
Finally
Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk
Seri Azalina Othman Said urged Muslims to pray to Allah and to increase their
devotion to Him.
“Alhamdulillah,
we are all given the chance to celebrate Ramadan this year,” she added.-Bernama
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thesun.my/local_news/enliven-mosques-suraus-foster-fellowship-among-muslims-this-ramadan-fahmi-HB12205211
----
Arab
World
Grand
Mosque in Makkah fitted with 25,000 new carpets for Ramadan
March
11, 2024
RIYADH:
The Grand Mosque in Makkah has been fitted with 25,000 new carpets for Ramadan,
the spokesman for the General Authority for Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques
said on Monday.
As the
holy month is a time of increased worship and spirituality, the Grand Mosque
sees an increase in people performing Umrah and attending prayers. Worshipers
also flock to the mosque to perform taraweeh prayers every evening.
The
spokesman added that 50 ablution sites are available for use inside the mosque
and 3,000 toilets in its courtyards. 15,000 Zamzam containers and 150 Zamzam
water stations are dotted around the mosque to quench the thirst of worshipers
before and after their fasts.
Spokesman
Maher bin Mansi Al-Zahrani added that the mosque is washed and disinfected 10
times a day, with 4,000 employees working under the supervision of 400
supervisors over a 24 hour period.
4,000
items of equipment and machines are being used to ensure the health and safety
of visitors, and 3,000 liters of quality air-fresheners are used to ensure a
pleasant atmosphere.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2474986/saudi-arabia
---
Old Doha
Port to host cultural festivities in Ramadan
March
12, 2024
DOHA:
Old Doha Port has announced plans to host an array of traditional and cultural
festivities throughout Ramadan to showcase Qatar’s rich heritage.
The
lineup includes the inaugural Meal Festival, which provides a journey through
Qatar’s oldest restaurants and a variety of entertainments for visitors during
iftar and sahoor, Qatar News Agency reported.
A nod to
tradition will see the revival of the Musaher Al-Mina drummers, who will patrol
the Mina District daily and signal the time for sahoor.
Mohammed
Abdulla Al-Mulla, the executive director of Old Doha Port, said: “We are
committed to providing a platform that not only reflects Qatar’s hospitality,
cultural heritage, and rich maritime tradition, but also supports various
maritime and tourist sectors and water sports.”
Other
highlights include traditional musical ensembles, itinerant dancers, and a host
of performances including acrobatics, theater plays, balloons, bubbles, science
demonstrations and caricature drawing, along with workshops focused on creating
colored sand bottles.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2475101/middle-east
---
US,
Britain launch fresh missile attacks on Yemen’s Hudaydah
11 March
2024
The
United States and Britain have carried out fresh aggression on Yemeni soil by
targeting the western province of Hudaydah amid Yemen’s indefatigable support
for Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Yemen's
al-Masirah television network reported on Monday that the American and British
warplanes had attacked al-Araj area in the Bajil district of Hudaydah with
missiles.
The
television network also reported “three raids” by the US and British air forces
that targeted Ras Issa area in Yemen’s Salif district of Hudaydah.
The
latest aggression came hours after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations
(UKMTO) claimed to have received report of the sound of an explosion near a
vessel 131km (71 nautical miles) southwest of Yemen’s port of Salif.
The
UKMTO said the vessel and its crew were safe, adding that the incident was
under investigation.
The
US-British coalition has launched several airstrikes against various areas in
the western Yemeni province over the past few weeks.
The
US-UK aggression continues in blatant violation of Yemeni sovereignty and as an
attempt to deter Sana’a from its decision to prevent Israeli-linked shipping
through the strategic Red Sea in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza
Strip.
Palestinians
have been facing a months-long genocidal war by the occupying regime that has
killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children since October
when it launched its war on the Gaza Strip after the territory’s Palestinian
resistance movements carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.
A senior
Ansarullah official says there will be no let-up in Yemeni Armed Forces’
strikes against Israeli-linked ships as well as US and British assets in the
Red Sea area as along as the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza continues unabated.
Yemenis
have declared their open support for Palestine’s struggle against the Israeli
occupation since the regime launched its devastating war on Gaza, with Yemeni
Armed Forces pledging not to stop retaliatory strikes.
The
maritime attacks have forced some of the world’s biggest shipping and oil
companies to suspend transit through one of the world’s most important maritime
trade routes.
Source: presstv.ir
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original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/11/721709/United-States-Britain-fresh-aggression-Hodeidah-
---
Saudi
foreign minister discusses developments in Gaza with his British counterpart
Ahmed
Asmar
11.03.2024
Saudi
Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Monday discussed the
developments of the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza with David Cameron, the British
Foreign Secretary.
According
to the Saudi state-run news agency SPA, bin Farhan received a phone call from
Cameron during which they discussed regional and international issues of common
interest, most notably the developments in the Gaza Strip.
Their
telephone conversation came amid ongoing efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to
bridge the differences between Israel and the Hamas group to reach a cease-fire
in Gaza and a prisoner swap deal.
On
Monday, Palestinians in Gaza, like most Muslims worldwide, marked the first day
of the holy month of Ramadan under the continued Israeli bombing across the
Gaza Strip, making it the toughest month for them, as they suffer the
displacement from their areas and lack food, water and most basic items.
Israel
has launched a retaliatory offensive on Gaza since a cross-border attack by
Hamas on Oct. 7. The offensive has killed more than 31,000 victims and injured
nearly 73,000 others amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.
Israel
has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Palestinian enclave, leaving its
population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of
starvation.
About
85% of Gazans have been displaced by the Israeli onslaught amid acute shortages
of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure
has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.
Israel
is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in an
interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take
measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in
Gaza.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/saudi-foreign-minister-discusses-developments-in-gaza-with-his-british-counterpart/3161861
---
Saudi
passport, railways ready for smooth Umrah in Ramadan
March
11, 2024
RIYADH:
The General Directorate of Passports has announced its readiness to receive
Umrah pilgrims arriving at the Kingdom’s border crossing points during Ramadan.
The
directorate ensures a smooth and streamlined process for efficient arrival and
departure procedures, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
It
stressed that all passport offices at border crossing points have been equipped
with qualified staff and equipment such as dual translation devices and mobile
passport processing counters.
The
directorate also underscored the importance of adhering to regulations and
instructions from arrival to perform Umrah until departure.
Meanwhile,
Saudi Arabia Railways announced the Haramain High Speed Railway’s readiness to
welcome worshippers and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan.
All
operational plans have been completed, and the high-speed railway is ready for
visitors at various destinations between Makkah and Madinah.
The
authorities said that over 2,700 train trips are available in Ramadan, a 9
percent increase from last year. Seat availability also rose by 26 percent,
exceeding 1.3 million.
Building
on last year’s plans, Saudi Arabia Railways remains committed to working with
its partners to ensure a smooth journey for worshippers and Umrah performers,
it said, adding that this aligns with the leadership’s focus on integrated
services for visitors to the holy sites.
The
company emphasized that the Ramadan operational plan anticipates increased
capacity, including additional staff and trips. On top of this, train schedules
will be adjusted to align with prayer times in Makkah and Madinah.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2474956/saudi-arabia
----
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pakistani-court-sentences-teenager-prophet/d/131900