4 ‘Illegal’ Mazars, One Of Them Nearly 1,000 Years Old, Demolished In UP
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 June 2025
The demolition began on Sunday night and continued until Monday morning. (Express/Representational)
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· 4 ‘Illegal’ Mazars, One Of Them Nearly 1,000 Years Old, Demolished In UP
· Pakistan’s UNSC Posts Present Diplomatic Challenge For India’s Fight Against Terror
· Sydney Cleric Being Sued For Alleged Antisemitism Says Case Is An Existential Battle ‘Between Islam And Unbelievers’
· Trump Must Tell Netanyahu ‘Enough Is Enough’: Ex-Israeli PM Ehud Olmert
· Trump’s New “Muslim Ban” Wipes Out Hope for 250,000 Afghans Seeking Refuge in US
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India
· Jamiatul Ulema-e-Hind and Jamiatul Ahle Hadees Decide To Challenge Loudspeaker Circular In Bombay HC
· 330 Deported To Bangladesh: Assam CM Cites 1950 Law To Say District Collectors Can Push ‘Foreigners’ Back
· Detained While Paying Tribute To Birsa Munda, Adivasi Activists, Allege ‘Forced Silence, Erasure Of Sacred Spaces’
· ‘Be Like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: BJP’s Minority Wing To Spread Message At Shaheen Bagh Chaupal Today
· Zero Marks, Modi Government Surviving On Publicity: “What Happened ToBring Back Black Money, Ache Din Ayega Promise To Create 2 Crore Jobs?”
· Allahabad HC Grants Bail To Professor Over Her Remarks, “Saffron Terrorists” On Pahalgam Attack
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Europe
· Foreign Office Staff Told To Consider Resigning If They Disagree Over Gaza
· 'Called-in' Abergavenny mosque decision to be considered at special meeting
· Zia Yusuf says Reform will deport all illegal immigrants
· Paternity leave is outdated and unequal, MPs say
· Italian citizenship referendum void after low turnout
· UK ‘100%’ helping Ukraine to stage terrorist acts – Lavrov
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Mideast
· British parliamentarians demand sanctions on Israel in letter to PM
· Israeli left-wing leader calls for immediate end to Gaza war
· Gaza-bound aid boat with Greta Thunberg on board arrives in Israel after its seizure
· Israeli military calls on civilians to flee three Yemeni ports
· A convoy sets off for Gaza from North Africa to protest Israel’s blockade
· How the easing of sanctions is aiding Syria’s path back into the Arab fold
· UN says most flour delivered in Gaza looted or taken by starving people
· Trump says Iran is involved in Gaza hostage negotiations
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North America
· CAIR-MA to Host Historic Legislative Briefing and Muslim Lobby Day at the State House, Advocating for Muslim Commission Bill H.3351/S.2134
· Perfect storm as Trump's mass deportation drive collides with city of immigrants
· Jurors in Harvey Weinstein trial reportedly fighting among themselves
· Newsom says Trump 'deranged' as more troops deployed to LA protests
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Africa
· ‘Mischievous, Utterly False’ – Buratai Denies Boko Haram Attack
· Land Convoy Leaves Tunisia For Gaza, In An Effort To Break Israel's Siege
· Group Demands Removal Of Sharia Provisions From 1999 Constitution
· Proposal to establish Muslim-based schools stirs debate in WES
· ‘Nigerians Are Not Concerned About Tinubu’s Identity’ – Presidential Aide Attacks Peter Obi
· ‘Tinubu’s Brain Is Very Alert, He Is Smarter Than His Opponents, Including Peter Obi’ – Atiku’s Ally, Sowunmi
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Southeast Asia
· Spouse Of Polish President, Agata Duda Enjoys Lake Cruise In Putrajaya
· Malaysia Condemns Israeli Obstruction Of Madleen Flotilla Aid Mission To Gaza
· Tears, Prayers In Terengganu As UPSI Students Buried Following Fatal Gerik Crash
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South Asia
· High-Level Afghanistan Delegation Heads to Uzbekistan for Investment Conference
· Afghanistan’s pilgrims successfully complete Hajj Rituals
· Explosion in Paktia, Afghanistan kills one, injures four
· Yunus-Tarique meeting in London on June 13: Fakhrul
· Father, daughter drown while swimming during Eid vacation
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Arab World
· Thousands Of Pilgrims Continue Spiritual Journey To Madinah
· Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage
· Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs
· Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj
· Saudi interior minister commends security forces for Hajj efforts
· Makkah exhibition welcomes pilgrims among its visitors
· Saudi Arabia to resume Umrah visas from June 10
· Islamic Affairs Ministry Begins Distribution Of King's Gift Of Qur'an Copies To Pilgrims
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/illegal-mazars-nearly-demolished-up/d/135830
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4 ‘Illegal’ Mazars, One Of Them Nearly 1,000 Years Old, Demolished In UP
by Manish Sahu
June 10, 2025
The demolition began on Sunday night and continued until Monday morning. (Express/Representational)
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The state forest department, in an operation with the Bahraich district administration and the district police, demolished four old mazars (shrines) located in the Murthia Range of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, citing “illegal construction on forest land.” Forest department officers said that the shrines were situated within a protected area and classified them as “encroachments”.
Among the four demolished shrines was the Dargah of Hazrat Sayyed Mohammad Hashim Ali Shah, also known as Lakkad Shah Baba, where fairs had been regularly organised in the past. Recently, the forest department denied permission for the fair there, following which the shrine management committee raised an objection.
Forest officers said that permission was denied because the proposed fair site falls within the core area of the forest, where public access is “strictly prohibited”.
The other three shrines — Bhavar Shah, Chaman Shah, and Shahenshah — which were demolished were located in the range of around half-a-kilometre.
The demolition began on Sunday night and continued until Monday morning.
On Sunday night, a large-scale operation was launched by the forest department with support from the local police and administration. Heavy police presence, including personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary, was deployed at the site. Public access was restricted, and bulldozers were used to demolish all four shrines.
Forest officers said that access to the area was limited due to the risk of wildlife attacks.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, B Shivshankar said the forest court had declared the structures as “encroachments on forest land”.
Forest staff, Special Tiger Protection Force, local police, and Provincial Armed Constabulary have been deployed at the site, he said.
Asked why mediapersons were kept off the site, Shivshankar said, “The area falls in a jungle zone where the presence of wild animals could lead to human-wildlife conflict, hence access was restricted.”
District Magistrate Monika Rani, however, directed that mediapersons may be allowed limited access to the site under the forest officials’ supervision.
According to the forest department, in response to the notice issued by the forest department, the shrine committee objected and submitted documents claiming the land was Waqf property.
To support their claim, the shrine committee presented documents showing that the land was registered with the Waqf Board in 1986.
However, forest department officials claimed that the committee failed to provide any proof of ownership prior to 1986, while the Indian Forest Act predates that registration. The DFO said the construction was determined to be an encroachment on forest land.
An eviction order was issued on June 5 and when the encroachment was not removed voluntarily, a demolition drive was carried out last night.
Secretary of the shrine committee, Esrar Ahmed, claimed that the Lakkad Shah Baba shrine was nearly 1,000 years old and that gatherings were held every Friday, along with a Basant Panchami fair attended by people from across the district and beyond.
He added that the committee received a notice from the Forest Tribunal on April 30, declaring the land on which the shrines stood as “forest land” and terming the structures as “encroachments”.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/illegal-mazars-demolished-forest-area-bahraich-10057622/
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Pakistan’s UNSC Posts Present Diplomatic Challenge For India’s Fight Against Terror
Jun 9, 2025
Written by Shivam Shekhawat
After being elected to the UNSC in June last year, Pakistan started its tenure as a non-permanent member on January 1.
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On June 5, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Pakistan’s appointment as chair and vice chair of two important United Nations Security Council (UNSC) committees: The Taliban Sanctions Committee formed through Resolution 1988 and the Counter-Terrorism Committee, which monitors the implementation of Resolution 1373, formed after 9/11. Islamabad is now also a co-chair of two working groups: One on documentation and procedural issues with Denmark and another, newly formed one with Greece tasked with analysing the effectiveness of UN sanctions. Pakistan is also set to preside over the council next month. In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and India’s efforts to engage with the international community to highlight Pakistan’s nefarious role in fomenting terrorism, the appointments have raised concerns about their possible implications for New Delhi.
After being elected to the UNSC in June last year, Pakistan started its tenure as a non-permanent member on January 1. Its term will end on December 31, 2026. Marking its eighth stint at the UNSC, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikar Ahmad, restated the country’s commitment to utilise the platform to highlight the Kashmir issue and work towards preventing the adverse impacts of terrorism. There can be no doubt that Islamabad will leverage its membership to further its anti-India agenda. The statement released by the Security Council condemning the Pahalgam terror attack was relatively watered down from previous iterations of support to India. Then, on May 5, the UNSC held a closed-door consultation on the “India-Pakistan Question”, the first time after 2019.
Thus, cognisant of the possible role Pakistan can play in the UNSC, India’s post-conflict outreach to the world focused on reaching out to permanent and non-permanent members except Pakistan, China and Somalia. Similar to India’s outreach, Pakistan also sent its delegation to the UN headquarters in New York, as well as to Washington DC, Moscow, Brussels and London. These delegations, led by senior current and former ministers, are urging for the immediate resumption of the Indus Waters Treaty.
While the all-party delegations sent by New Delhi have made a clear case for India’s imperative to target terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and the threat it faces from its western neighbor, the road ahead, to win the narrative war, will not be easy. India has been urging a rethink of the financial support offered to Pakistan by the IMF and the World Bank, and its possible utilisation by Rawalpindi to fund activities against India. India has also decided to revamp its push for Pakistan’s re-inclusion in the FATF’s grey list after it was removed in 2022. For India, this is important to prevent Pakistan from strengthening its terror-military scaffolding further.
While ties between Kabul and Islamabad plummeted in the last few months, they have now decided to elevate their relationship to the ambassadorial level, the agreement for which was reached during the informal meeting between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan and China, further changing the dynamics in the region. Both sides have had continued communications, even when the conflict between India and Pakistan broke out. While the Taliban is trying to play both sides, China’s close strategic partnership with Pakistan and its openness to engaging with Kabul makes the situation difficult for India.
There has been a close synchronisation between Islamabad and Beijing against India at the UNSC and other international platforms. Pakistan will leverage the platform to propagate false claims of India’s support for terrorist attacks in the country, particularly the attacks by Baloch outfits. Islamabad has also tried to pin the blame for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s actions on both Afghanistan and India. While the UNSC posts will not offer Pakistan a lot of leeway directly, it will give it more space to bring up issues that align with its own interests and deflect attention from India’s concerns. Pakistan will also vehemently oppose India’s permanent membership bid at the UNSC.
The writer is a junior fellow with ORF’s Strategic Studies Programme
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pakistans-unsc-posts-present-diplomatic-challenge-for-indias-fight-against-terror-10057082/?utm_
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Sydney cleric being sued for alleged antisemitism says case is an existential battle ‘between Islam and unbelievers’
Ben Doherty
9 June 2025
Sydney preacher Wissam Haddad is being sued for alleged antisemitic sermons. He asserts he has a right to free speech and that he delivered his sermons in ‘good faith’Photograph: PR IMAGE
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A Sydney Muslim cleric being sued in the federal court for alleged racial discrimination of Jewish people has described his case as an existential battle “between Islam and unbelievers”.
Wissam Haddad, also known as Abu Ousayd, is being sued by Australia’s peak Jewish body over a series of lectures he gave in November 2023, in which he is alleged to have maligned Jewish people as “vile”, “treacherous” and cowardly.
The lectures quoted ayat from the Qur’an and hadith about Jews in Medina in the 7th century and, the federal court claim alleges, made derogatory generalisations about Jewish people, including that they are “wicked and scheming” and “love wealth”.
The claim, brought by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, alleges Haddad breached section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act – prohibiting offensive behaviour based on race or ethnic origin – during the sermons delivered at the Al Madina Dawah Centre (AMDC) in Bankstown in November 2023, speeches subsequently broadcast online.
But, Haddad’s defence case argues, his sermons were delivered in “good faith” as religious and historical instruction. If his sermons are found to breach 18C, then, he argues, the law is unconstitutional because it restricts the free exercise of religion.
On Tuesday morning, the long-running dispute, which failed to find resolution at conciliation, comes before Justice Angus Stewart in the federal court, in a case set to test the limits of religious expression and hate speech under Australian law.
The court is likely to be asked to adjudicate whether Haddad’s sermons, in which he quotes the Qur’an and offers interpretation of it, amount to incitement or are protected religious expression.
Ahead of the trial, Haddad, argued on Instagram that the case was existential for the practice of Islam in Australia.
“What I am currently facing in the federal court is not an issue of Abu Ousayd or Al Madina Dawah Centre versus the Jewish lobby … rather, it’s a battle between Islam and kuffar,” he said, using an Arabic word usually translated as “unbelievers”.
He said the claim against him sought to criminalise Islamic scripture.
“They wish to take and make those ayat and hadith and historic accounts that speak about the Jews: to what they see as insulting, they seek to make it criminal.”
Ayat are verses in the Qur’an, the Islamic holy book, while hadith are reports attributed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Two prominent members of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Peter Wertheim and Robert Goot, have sought an injunction from the court ordering the speeches still online be removed, and banning Haddad and his centre from publishing similar content online in the future.
The ECAJ claim has also asked the court to order Haddad’s centre to publish a “corrective notice” on its social media pages. It has applied for the cost of its legal action to be covered, but it has not sought damages or compensation.
In a statement, Wertheim said the ECAJ had attempted “in good faith” to resolve the matter by conciliation through the Australian Human Rights Commission, but that attempts to broker a resolution failed.
He said the ECAJ took the matter to court “to defend the honour of our community, and as a warning to deter others seeking to mobilise racism in order to promote their political views”.
“We are all free to observe our faith and traditions within the bounds of Australian law, and that should mean we do not bring the hatreds, prejudices and bigotry of overseas conflicts and societies into Australia.”
In his defence documents, Haddad argues his lectures “were not reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate Jewish people in Australia” given their context and audience.
He said his sermons were delivered in “good faith” and “for the genuine purpose of … delivering religious historical and educational lectures … to congregants of the AMDC”.
He said he had given some of the addresses in response to requests from the Islamic community “to provide sermons which address the Gaza War, and engaging in political commentary on the Gaza War from a religious perspective”.
However, his defence states, if the court finds his sermons have breached section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, he argues the law is unconstitutional under section 116 of the constitution, which protects the “free exercise of any religion”.
Both Haddad and the ECAJ will rely on lay witnesses and expert testimony in the week-long court case. The ECAJ has enlisted professor of theology at Notre Dame University, Gabriel Reynolds; Haddad will call Sheikh Adel Ibrahim from the Greenacre Prayers Hall in Sydney to give evidence.
Haddad has never been charged with any terrorism-related offences, but has previously boasted of his friendship with Australian Islamic State fighters Khaled Sharrouf and Mohamed Elomar, and Briton Anjem Choudary, an extremist preacher jailed for life in the UK last year.
A former Asio spy who infiltrated Haddad’s organisation between 2016 and 2023 told the ABC’s Four Corners program that young people in Haddad’s prayer centre were being indoctrinated into supporting Islamic State.
Section 18C is the most contested and controversial section of the Racial Discrimination Act. Several high-profile cases have seen it argued the section restricts freedom of speech and political communication in Australia.
Source: yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/sydney-cleric-being-sued-alleged-150026213.html
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Trump Must Tell Netanyahu ‘Enough Is Enough’: Ex-Israeli PM Ehud Olmert
June 10, 2025
US President Donald Trump should tell Israel’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu “enough is enough,” a former Israeli prime minister told AFP. (REUTERS)
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PARIS: US President Donald Trump should tell Israel’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu “enough is enough,” a former Israeli prime minister told AFP, denouncing the continuation of the war in Gaza as a “crime” and insisting a two-state solution is the only way to end the conflict.
Ehud Olmert, prime minister between 2006-2009, said in an interview in Paris that the United States has more influence on the Israeli government “than all the other powers put together” and that Trump can “make a difference.”
He said Netanyahu “failed completely” as a leader by not preventing the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas that sparked the war.
He said while the international community accepted Israel’s right to self-defense after October 7, this changed when Netanyahu spurned chances to end the war in March and instead ramped up operations.
Netanyahu “has his personal interests which are prioritized over what may be the national interests,” Olmert charged.
Analysts say Netanyahu fears that if he halts the war, hard-line members of his coalition will walk out, collapsing the government and forcing elections he could lose.
“If there is a war which is not going to save hostages, which cannot really eradicate more of what they did already against Hamas and if, as a result of this, soldiers are getting killed, hostages maybe get killed and innocent Palestinians are killed, then to my mind this is a crime,” said Olmert.
“And this is something that should be condemned and not accepted,” he said.
Trump should summon Netanyahu to the White House Oval Office and facing cameras, tell the Israeli leader: “’Bibi: enough is enough’,” Olmert said, using the premier’s nickname.
“This is it. I hope he (Trump) will do it. There is nothing that cannot happen with Trump. I don’t know if this will happen. We have to hope and we have to encourage him,” said Olmert.
Despite occasional expressions of concern about the situation in Gaza, the US remains Israel’s key ally, using its veto at the UN Security Council and approving billions of dollars in arms sales.
Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Militants abducted 251 hostages, 54 of whom remain in Gaza, including 32 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed 54,880 people, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, figures the United Nations deems reliable.
Along with former Palestinian foreign minister Nasser Al-Qidwa, Olmert is promoting a plan to end decades of conflict between Israel and the Palestinians to create a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.
Both sides would swap 4.4 percent of each other’s land to the other, according to the plan, with Israel receiving some West Bank territory occupied by Israeli settlers and a future Palestinian state territory that is currently part of Israel.
Ahead of a meeting this month in New York co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on steps toward recognizing a Palestinian state, Olmert said that such a plan is “practical, is doable, is relevant, is valid and is real.”
Olmert spent over a year in prison from 2016-2017 after being convicted in corruption scandals that ended his political career and efforts to forge peace.
A longtime political rival of Netanyahu even though they both emerged from the same Likud right-wing party, he also faces an uphill struggle to convince Israeli society where support for a Palestinian state, let alone land swaps, is at a low ebb after October 7.
“It requires a leadership on both sides,” said Olmert. “We are trying to raise international awareness and the awareness of our own societies that this is not something lost but offers a future of hope.”
Al-Qidwa, who is due to promote the plan alongside Olmert at a conference organized by the Jean-Jaures Foundation think tank in Paris on Tuesday, told AFP the blueprint was the “only game in town and the only doable solution.”
But he said societies in Israel and the Palestinian territories still had to be convinced, partly due to the continuation of the war.
“The moment the war comes to an end we will see a different kind of thinking. We have to go forward with acceptance of the co-existence of the two sides.”
But he added there could be no hope of “serious progress with the current Israeli government and current Palestinian leadership” under the aging president Mahmud Abbas, in office now for two decades.
“You have to get rid of both. And that is going to happen,” he said, labelling the Palestinian leadership as “corrupt and inept.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603991/middle-east
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Trump’s New “Muslim Ban” Wipes Out Hope for 250,000 Afghans Seeking Refuge in US
By Arash Azizzada , TRUTHOUT
June 9, 2025
Afghan refugees who had been removed by force from Pakistan arrive near the Afghanistan-Pakistan Torkham border in Nangarhar province on April 10, 2025.
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During Donald Trump’s first term, the Afghan American community dodged a bullet. This time, we weren’t so lucky. The new “Muslim ban 2.0,” the successor to Trump’s original Muslim ban, went into effect today, with 12 countries on its list, including Afghanistan.
When President Trump began his second term in office on January 20, he issued an executive order asking for a 60-day review of vetting requirements for certain nationalities. As of 12 a.m. ET on June 9, Afghans are now barred from entering the U.S. This news comes as most of our community celebrates Eid-al-Adha and many Muslims around the world finish the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
While some of this policy is framed as legal language in the name of “national security,” it is clear that this masking was done in an attempt to help the order pass challenges in the courts. Despite its narrow exception for Special Immigrant Visa holders, this policy is clearly a sweeping expression of racism and anti-Muslim prejudice.
The U.S.’s Role in Creating This Crisis
Afghanistan isn’t merely a Muslim country that happens to be a target of this administration’s ire. The U.S.’s role goes back to the 1970s, when the CIA covertly supported and armed the Afghan mujahideen fighting back against the Soviet invasion, part of a Cold War era-proxy war. This was followed by USAID-funded school textbooks in Dari and Pashto produced by the University of Nebraska that taught young Afghan students violence in refugee camps across Afghanistan and Pakistan. Years later, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in the fall of 2001 in the wake of the September 11 attacks and fought a war against elements of al-Qaeda and the Taliban. During this 20-year war, the U.S. funded endemic corruption, backed notorious human rights violators and helped build an aid-reliant government that was essentially a house of cards. The war killed almost 180,000 people and culminated in bringing back a regime in 2021 that has instilled what many now call “gender apartheid.” Afghanistan today is the only country on the planet where women and girls are barred from education past the 6th grade.
This 40-year history means that the U.S. owes Afghans and Afghan Americans a huge debt. Instead of repaying this debt and undoing the harm it has caused over four decades, Muslim ban 2.0 has been yet another deep betrayal and abandonment.
First the U.S. bombed Afghans, then it abandoned Afghans. Now it has barred Afghans.
The decision to ban Afghans will mean that they will be left to fend off a regime that has targeted anyone that has stood alongside the U.S. for 20 years. That is not even to talk about the continued deportations of Afghans by the Pakistani and Iranian governments or the fact that Afghanistan is enduring a humanitarian crisis in which millions of people do not have access to more than one meal a day, a situation caused and exacerbated by U.S. sanctions policy.
How This Will Further Harm Afghan Refugees
According to recent estimates, this ban will impact almost 200,000 Afghans who had a pathway to refuge in the United States as well as 50,000 other Afghans in third countries, where they were encouraged to go by U.S. authorities in 2021 in order to make it to the U.S. This decision also is a de facto partnership with an awful regime that targets, detains, rapes, and extrajudicially kills Afghans, especially ones who are queer, women, or from other marginalized communities like Hazaras.
This order will deeply impact those who have already arrived since 2021, fleeing the conditions in Afghanistan that made them seek safety here in the first place. Under Operation Allies Welcome, started by the Biden administration, at least 200,000 Afghans have sought safety across the country. They are pillars and leaders of their respective communities, from San Diego to small towns in Vermont. I’d often come across newly arrived Afghan families at major airports, on their anxious new journey to some city somewhere in the U.S. I’d say a quick “salaam,” or “peace be upon you” in Arabic, commonly used by Afghans, and wish them best of luck on their new life here, a journey they were forced to make by U.S. policy and did not choose. While displacement is horrible, there was the beautiful sight of an Afghan speaking my native tongue in random places anywhere I went. Allowing Afghans to seek safety and build a new home, to us, is a form of reparative policy for all the harm the U.S. has caused us over four long decades.
That all now comes to a grinding halt. Families will not be reunited, and people will die. It is guaranteed that others will be targeted, detained, and possibly deported. Afghan women and girls are disproportionately impacted by this new ban, due to the horrid conditions for them in Afghanistan. Some have already been deported under the Trump administration to third countries like Costa Rica or Panama. If an empire like the U.S. — whose power stretches around the world and which brags about being exceptional every day — does not want refugees, why won’t it stop waging wars and bombing countries like Afghanistan?
This ban is not unjust and painful. It is evil, crass, and racist. It serves no one, including veterans who’ve fought to reunite with the Afghans who bled alongside them or the Afghan Americans who are trying to bring back family and other loved ones.
Today is a grim day in U.S. history, and I question if we made the right choice in coming to seek safety in America in the first place. The truth, however, is that the entire world has turned its back on Afghan refugees — and nowhere is safe for us.
Source: truthout.org
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https://truthout.org/articles/trumps-new-muslim-ban-wipes-out-hope-for-250000-afghans-seeking-refuge-in-us/
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India
Jamiatul Ulema-e-Hind and Jamiatul Ahle Hadees Decide To Challenge Loudspeaker Circular In Bombay HC
Jun 10, 2025
Mumbai: Stepping up their opposition to the police's move to remove loudspeakers from mosques, Muslim groups have decided to challenge the police circular of May 11, 2025, in High Court.
Led by former minister Arif Naseem Khan, several Muslim organisations, including Jamiatul Ulema-e-Hind and Jamiatul Ahle Hadees, met at Sakinaka on Monday. It was decided to file a petition against the May 11, 2025, circular of the additional DGP regarding seeking permission for loudspeakers by places of worship.
"The circular wants places of worship (mosques, temples, gurudwaras, churches) to submit property cards, proof of legal construction of the structures, and whether they are registered with the Waqf Board or charity commission. Though the circular claims to reiterate orders of the Supreme Court and High Court, the courts' orders do not demand proof of whether the structures are legal or not," said Khan.tnn
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/muslims-decide-to-challenge-loudspeaker-circular-in-hc/articleshow/121736251.cms
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330 Deported To Bangladesh: Assam CM Cites 1950 Law To Say District Collectors Can Push ‘Foreigners’ Back
by Sukrita Baruah
June 10, 2025
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Monday announced in a special one-day session of the Assam Assembly that the state government has decided to bring a 1950 Act into action to “push back” into Bangladesh anyone who District Collectors prima facie find to be foreigners — without going through the state’s existing system of Foreigners Tribunals. The CM claimed the state had been empowered to do so by the Supreme Court.
He said this will be implemented in addition to the ongoing “pushbacks” of people who have been declared foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs); around 330 such declared foreigners have been pushed into Bangladesh in the past couple of weeks.
Speaking in the Assembly, Sarma referred to the October 2024 judgment of the Supreme Court in which a majority of a five-member Constitutional Bench headed by then Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, which makes March 24, 1971 the cut-off date for citizenship in Assam.
“Four judges said 1971 is the cut-off date. But one thing the Supreme Court said repeatedly was that the people brought after 1971 should not be spared in any way. They will have to be deported… In that judgment, the Supreme Court gave the Assam government a sweeping power… The Supreme Court in this judgement affirmed that the 1950 expulsion Act remains valid and operative. That means for expelling foreigners, the government does not have to go to tribunals. The 1950 Act says that if the DC says that prima facie this person is a foreigner, he can be evicted from the state of Assam,” Sarma said.
“By the order of the Supreme Court, every Deputy Commissioner is empowered to evict anybody whom he feels is a foreigner. This is the law of the land… This power has been given to the state of Assam by the Honourable Supreme Court… It says in the Act itself that it will not be applicable to those who came for reasons like religious persecution,” he said.
Sarma was speaking after multiple Opposition MLAs, including Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia and AIUDF MLA Ashraful Hussain, spoke at length in the Assembly during Zero Hour and Special Mention raising concern over the manner in which these pushbacks have been taking place, alleging that in multiple instances, Indians are being “persecuted” in the name of a drive against foreigners.
“These pushbacks will be intensified. Because the way Pakistani elements have entered our state, Bangladesh fundamentalist elements have entered, to save itself, the state has to become more proactive than before. That’s why the state government has decided that we will bring the Illegal Expulsion Act into action, and whoever the DCs think are foreigners, we will push back without referring to tribunals… Deportation will now be a reality. Even if their names are in the NRC,” he said.
Sarma’s statements led to a furore in the assembly, with opposition MLAs questioning the validity of the actions. Congress MLA Zakir Hussain Sikdar asked on what basis the DCs would identify “foreigners” under this course of action, to which Sarma replied, “The DC has to be satisfied about it.” This drew more opposition, with Sikdar shouting, “That can’t be the system.”
Speaking in the Assembly after Sarma, Leader of Opposition Saikia said the Act in question “does not mention anything about pushback”.
“We are a state of India and in Parliament Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar had said it is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad. This is, however, subject to an unambiguous verification of their nationality. This is not a policy practised only in India; it is a generally accepted principle in international relations. Therefore, if Bangladeshis come to India, they have to go back, Bangladesh has to accept them and they have to be proved to be Bangladeshis,” he said.
He said that even when the Act had first been introduced in 1950, it did not remain in force for very long. “The Act they are talking about had been used for only a couple of days in Assam because at that time, it invited trouble for many Bengali Muslims and after an old resident was asked to leave his residence in Upper Assam town within a few days, Nehru was furious and wrote to Gopinath Bordoloi (the then Chief Minister) on April 10 to suspend the enforcement of the Act. It was in force for only a few days, and it was stopped,” he said.
The system at present and the 1950 Act
Under the existing system in the state, the identification and declaration of “foreigners” is done through Foreigners Tribunals (FTs).
FTs are quasi-judicial bodies that determine whether a person presented before them — usually referred by the border police or listed as ‘D-voters’ in electoral rolls — is a “foreigner” or an Indian citizen. Those declared foreigners by these tribunals have the option to appeal against the order by approaching the Gauahti High Court and the Supreme Court.
One of the 13 questions that had been framed for and deliberated by that Constitutional Bench had been: “Whether the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950 being a special enactment qua immigrants into Assam, alone can apply to migrants from East Pakistan/Bangladesh to the exclusion of the general Foreigners Act and the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964 made thereunder.”
In the judgment, after upholding the validity of Section 6A, the court had issued a set of six directions, of which one was: “The provisions of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950 shall also be read into Section 6A and shall be effectively employed for the purpose of identification of illegal immigrants.”
The Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950 had commenced from March 1, 1950 and stated that if any person had been an ordinary resident of a place outside India and entered Assam, and the Central government is “of opinion… that the the stay of such person or class of persons in Assam is detrimental to the interests of the general public of India or of any section thereof or of any Scheduled Tribe in Assam”, then the central government may “direct” them to “remove himself or themselves from India or Assam within such time and by such route as may be specified in the order.” It states that the Central government can delegate this power to any officer of the Central government or the Assam government.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/330-deported-to-bangladesh-himanta-cites-1950-law-to-say-district-collectors-can-push-foreigners-back-10057454/
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Detained While Paying Tribute To Birsa Munda, Adivasi Activists, Allege ‘Forced Silence, Erasure Of Sacred Spaces’
Shubham Tigga
June 10, 2025
All India Adivasi Mahasabha president Geetashree Oraon, the daughter of the late Congress leader Kartik Oraon, and other activists were detained by police on Monday while paying tribute to freedom fighter Birsa Munda in Ranchi on the occasion of Birsa Munda Shahadat Diwas.
The detentions took place at the historic Bhagwan Birsa Munda Shahadat Sthal, located near the old Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi, where the tribal icon is believed to have died in British custody on June 9, 1900.
According to Oraon, the police and administrative officials arrived at the site ahead of the scheduled visit of the Jharkhand Governor and asked them to vacate the area, citing security concerns.
“We were peacefully paying tribute to our icon with our traditional customs and in the presence of our Pahan, the tribal priest. But the ADM told us we don’t have the right to pay homage to Birsa Munda here,” Oraon told The Indian Express. “There were people from various parties sitting nearby like JMM, BJP, yet only we Adivasis were detained and taken to Namkum police station.”
Oraon said the tribute ceremony was being conducted under Adivasi customs. “We were not protesting. We were observing a sacred day, and we were doing so as per our faith,” she said.
Adivasi groups have expressed outrage over the detentions, calling them disrespectful and symbolic of the state’s growing insensitivity to tribal rights and identity, even under a government led by a tribal Chief Minister.
This also comes amid growing discontent among tribal communities in Jharkhand, particularly in and around Ranchi. In recent days, Adivasi organisations have raised objections to the inauguration of the Siramtoli Flyover, which reportedly encroaches upon a Sarna religious site — sacred to tribal communities. The flyover’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 5.
“We’re witnessing a pattern — cultural disregard, forced silence, and erasure of sacred spaces,” Oraon said. “Even in an Adivasi-ruled state, Adivasis are being pushed to the margins.”
When contacted, ADM (Law and Order) Raj Shekhar Alok said the detentions were made to ensure smooth movement and security arrangements for the Governor’s official visit, adding that no permission had been granted for any gathering at the site during that time.
“There was a scheduled programme at the Shahadat Sthal involving the Governor and the Chief Minister. The Adivasi group was asked to either finish their tribute before the VVIPs’ arrival or wait until the programme concluded. However, they refused to cooperate, saying more of their people were yet to arrive. Since they did not vacate the space despite repeated requests, they were removed and taken to the police station,” he said.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/detained-in-ranchi-while-paying-tribute-to-birsa-munda-adivasi-activists-allege-forced-silence-erasure-of-sacred-spaces-10057444/
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‘Be like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: BJP’s minority wing to spread message at Shaheen Bagh chaupal today
June 10, 2025
In an attempt to motivate Muslim women to join the Indian Army, the BJP’s Minority Morcha will be organising a ‘minority chaupal’ in Shaheen Bagh, Tuesday. The initiative marks the first such event in the Capital as part of a nationwide campaign by the minority wing to mark the Narendra Modi government’s first anniversary of its third term in office
The chaupal, according to party organisers, is aimed at encouraging Muslim women — particularly young girls — to consider careers in the Indian Army, including under the Agniveer recruitment scheme. The event will also include the distribution of copies of the Indian Constitution and information sessions on various government programs.
“Through this chaupal, Minority Morcha National President Jamal Siddiqui will inspire Muslim girls to join the Army, taking inspiration from officers like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi,” said Ashu Chaudhary, Delhi State Executive Member and programme coordinator. “Muslim women will also be informed about their rights and achievements of the Modi government over the past 11 years.”
Colonel Qureshi was the Indian Army officer who had briefed the media during Operation Sindoor.
Siddiqui will be the chief guest at the event. A camp for one-stop registration under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana will be set up as part of the programme.
Shaheen Bagh, which gained national attention during the 2019–20 anti-CAA protests led largely by Muslim women, has been chosen for the pilot chaupal under this campaign. In preparation for the chaupal, the Minority Morcha has reached out to residents through phone calls, text messages, and posters inviting them to attend, a party source said.
Sources also said that the event is part of a broader campaign by the minority wing to reach minority communities across the country. “State units have been tasked with forming teams at the district level to organise similar Chaupals nationwide, aimed at increasing awareness of central government initiatives and encouraging participation in civic and national programmes,” a minority morcha leader said.
The campaign also comes in the backdrop of criticism faced by the party after BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Minister of Tribal Welfare, Kunwar Vijay Shah, had made remarks about Colonel Qureshi. Shah, an important tribal leader in the BJP ranks and a controversial figure, had said at an event near Mhow last month that “India had taught a lesson to those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack using their own sister (unki samaaj ki behen ke zariye)”, triggering a backlash from the Congress that alleged he referred to Col Qureshi.
While the party has not officially responded to the incident, the minister later apologised and said that the comment was misunderstood and was a “linguistic error.”
While announcing the minority chaupal on Monday, the minority morcha stated, “In the chaupal, while discussing with the daughters, they will be told about Colonel Qureshi and they will be inspired to be like her.”
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/be-like-colonel-sofiya-qureshi-bjps-minority-wing-to-spread-message-at-shaheen-bagh-chaupal-today-10057510/
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Zero Marks, Modi Government Surviving On Publicity: “What Happened ToBring Back Black Money, Ache Din Ayega Promise To Create 2 Crore Jobs?”
10 Jun 2025
MYSURU: As the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre completes 11 years in office, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave it “zero marks”.
Speaking to media in Mysuru on Monday, the CM said that the NDA government has merely survived on publicity and came to power on false promises. He criticised the state BJP leaders for the “injustice done to Karnataka” by the Modi Government.
“What happened to his promise to bring back black money? Who benefited from demonetisation? What happened to the Ache Din Ayega promise to create 2 crore jobs? What about eradication of poverty?” Siddaramaiah said.
The CM said that the Centre had promised that farmers’ income will be doubled and their problems addressed. “But then why did farmers stage a year-long protest if their demands were met?” he asked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party have managed to get wider publicity from the media when their achievements and their performance have been zero in 11 years, Siddaramaih said.
Recalling that Modi, as Gujarat CM, had demanded devolution of 50% taxes, Siddaramaiah said, “What did he (Modi) do after he became the PM?” He alleged that the media had not highlighted this.
“Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promised to give Rs 5,300 crore, did they give it? The 15th Pay Commission recommended Rs 11,495 crore for the state, was that given?” he said.
The BJP leaders should stop making baseless allegations against the State Government and see that the Centre’s releases funds to Karnataka, the CM said.
Siddaramaiah said that theCentre that campaigned that the guarantee schemes can not be implemented in Karnataka has copied the same in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2025/Jun/10/zero-marks-modi-government-surviving-on-publicity-says-siddaramaiah
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Allahabad HC Grants Bail To Professor Over Her Remarks, “Saffron Terrorists” On Pahalgam Attack
Namita Bajpai
09 Jun 2025
LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court on Monday granted interim anticipatory bail to Madri Kakoti, an assistant professor in the linguistics department of Lucknow University over her remarks on the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
A single judge bench, of Justice Rajeev Singh, granted relief to Kakoti in the FIR filed against her at the Hasanganj police station in Lucknow based on a complaint by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leader Jatin Shukla in April, this year.
In his complaint, Shukla accused Kakoti of targeting India’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty through posts on her X (formerly Twitter) handle. He in his complaint alleged that Kakoti frequently used terms such as “saffron terrorists” on her platforms and added that some of her posts had reportedly been shared by Pakistani media channels.
Kakoti was subsequently booked for several offences, including endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives and left 17 others injured. In the wake of the attack, several states—including Assam—launched crackdowns on individuals accused of making statements perceived as pro-Pakistan.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jun/09/allahabad-hc-grants-bail-to-lucknow-university-professor-over-her-remarks-on-pahalgam-attack
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Europe
Foreign Office staff told to consider resigning if they disagree over Gaza
Jun 10, 2025
More than 300 Foreign Office staff who raised concerns about potential UK "complicity" in Israel's conduct in Gaza were told if they profoundly disagreed with government policy they could consider resigning.
The staff letter, seen by the BBC, was sent to Foreign Secretary David Lammy last month.
In it, officials questioned the UK's continued arms sales and what they called a "stark… disregard for international law" by Israel.
The Foreign Office said it had systems for staff to raise concerns and added the government had "rigorously applied international law" in relation to the war in Gaza.
The reply to the staff letter was sent from Sir Oliver Robbins and Nick Dyer, the two most senior civil servants in the Foreign Office.
They told the signatories: "[I]f your disagreement with any aspect of government policy or action is profound your ultimate recourse is to resign from the Civil Service. This is an honourable course."
The response was met with "outrage" according to one official who signed the letter.
"[There is] frustration and a deep sense of disappointment that the space for challenge is being further shut down," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The officials' letter signed on 16 May was at least the fourth such document sent by concerned civil servants to ministers and Foreign Office managers since late 2023.
The BBC understands the signatories represent a wide range of expertise across Foreign Office departments, embassies and missions including in London and overseas.
The letters have reflected the scale of the civilian death toll in Gaza, Israel's restrictions on aid supply and Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence in the occupied West Bank, among other issues.
Staff are also said to feel disquiet that many of their warnings have not been acted on, and those whose jobs it is to implement decisions could be liable in any future legal proceedings against the UK government.
The 16 May letter said: "In July 2024, staff expressed concern about Israel's violations of international humanitarian law and potential UK government complicity. In the intervening period, the reality of Israel's disregard for international law has become more stark."
It went on to list the killing by Israeli forces of 15 humanitarian workers in March and Israel's suspension of all aid to Gaza in the same month "leading many experts and humanitarian organisations to accuse Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war".
It said the UK government's position had contributed to "the erosion of global norms", citing continued weapons exports and the visit to London in April by Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar "despite concerns about violations of international law".
It added that, "supported by the Trump administration, the Israeli government has made explicit plans for the forcible transfer of Gaza's population".
In their response on 29 May, Sir Oliver and Mr Dyer told the staff the department wanted to see "healthy challenge" as part of the policy-making process and had already set up a "bespoke Challenge Board" and regular listening sessions with employees to hear concerns in this policy area.
They wrote that officials were entitled to their personal views, but added it "might be helpful" to "remind" them of mechanisms available to those uncomfortable with policy.
It went on to list a series of ways staff could raise issues, before adding that resignation was an "ultimate recourse" and "honourable course" for those with profound disagreements over government policy.
"[T]he bargain at the heart of the British Civil Service is that we sign up to deliver the policies of the Government of the day wholeheartedly, within the limits imposed by the law and the Civil Service Code," it said.
A former official who saw the correspondence described the response as "obfuscation".
"This… simply provides the government with supposed 'plausible deniability' for enabling breaches of international law," said the former official who also spoke on condition of anonymity.
They said that the FCDO and broader civil service seemed unable to learn the lessons of the past, referring to the 2016 Chilcot Report recommendations following the inquiry into the Iraq war.
Chilcot criticised the emergence of an "ingrained belief" within senior levels of the UK policy community over the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. His recommendations led to civil service reforms designed to challenge "groupthink" and empowering officials to speak out about policy concerns.
The UK government's position is that Israel is "at risk" of breaching humanitarian law. Israel has previously said it operates according to international law. Palestinian rights groups have rejected this, taking evidence to several legal cases brought internationally.
In September, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of around 30 arms export licenses to Israel, out of a total of about 350, citing a "clear risk" they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
It came weeks before the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant as well as the military commander of Hamas.
Israel's government has consistently rejected allegations it has committed war crimes in Gaza, calling the ICC's decision "antisemitic", while the US Department of State last week announced sanctions against four ICC judges for "transgressions against the United States and Israel".
In a statement, the FCDO said the job of civil servants was to deliver on government policies and provide professional, impartial advice as set out in the Civil Service Code.
"There are systems in place which allow them to raise concerns if they have them," said the spokesperson. They added: "Since day one, this government has rigorously applied international law in relation to the war in Gaza. One of our first acts in government was to suspend export licences that could be used by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza…
"We have suspended direct exports of F-35 parts for use by Israel, and we categorically do not export any bombs or ammunition which could be used in Gaza," added the spokesperson.
On 19 May the UK issued a joint statement with France and Canada threatening "concrete actions" against Israel if it did not stop its renewed military offensive and lift aid restrictions.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8nzx1475ro
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'Called-in' Abergavenny mosque decision to be considered at special meeting
9th June 2025
A DECISION to allow a former library building to be used as a mosque could be placed on hold this week.
Monmouthshire council’s ruling cabinet agreed in May to grant a 30-year lease to the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association who plan to use the vacant building as a mosque and cultural centre. It would be the county’s first mosque.
However three councillors have “called in” the decision meaning it will be reviewed at a special meeting of the council’s place scrutiny committee.
The nine member, cross party committee, will have to decide whether to accept the cabinet’s original decision to grant the lease or if they agree there were flaws in the decision making process they can ask the cabinet to look at the decision again.
The committee also has the power to refer the decision to the full council, which would then have to look at how the decision was made and decide whether to accept it or send it back to the cabinet to reconsider.
If the cabinet does have to take the decision again it must do so within ten working days and will be asked to consider the comments made but can stick by its original decision, amend it or overturn it.
Conservative councillors Louise Brown and Rachel Buckler, who represent Shirenewton and Devauden in the south of Monmouthshire, and Llanelly Hill independent Simon Howarth called the decision, made by the Labour-led cabinet, in for review.
Their request highlights three grounds for doing so which are a claimed “lack of proper scrutiny/due process and community consultation”, how the building was marketed and their concerns over “best value” at the £6,000 a year lease.
When the cabinet agreed to grant the lease it was stated the accepted bid was the highest scoring on the application process that was intended to explore opportunities to maximise social benefit and generate a financial return from an otherwise empty building.
The cabinet was also told 30-year leases were common and the cabinet had declared the building, that was last used as a pupil referral unit, as surplus in November when it granted the council’s landlord services permission to market the building as available to lease.
It was built by Scottish American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, though it closed as a library in 2015 when the service transferred to the town hall.
Councillors were also told commercial uses, which could be allowed under the restrictions of the building’s covenant, had been considered and the agreed rent was said to be in the context of “significant investment” required, from the lease holders, in the 120-year-old grade II listed building.
The call in also states “community engagement is required” as no planning permission is needed as there is no change in the use class of the building.
The special meeting will take place, at Monmouthshire County Hall in Usk, on Wednesday, June 11 at 5.30pm.
Source: monmouthshirebeacon.co.uk
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https://www.monmouthshirebeacon.co.uk/news/called-in-abergavenny-mosque-decision-to-be-considered-at-special-meeting-801213
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Zia Yusuf says Reform will deport all illegal immigrants
Jun 09, 2025
Vivek Mishra
ZIA YUSUF has said that Reform UK would deport every illegal immigrant in Britain if the party came to power.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Yusuf stated, “We will deport everybody who is here in this country illegally, which is roughly about 1.2 million people.”
Yusuf, who resigned as Reform chairman last week before returning two days later, said he wanted to be “crystal clear” on the party’s stance.
Addressing recent criticisms within the party, he added, “I am Muslim. I don’t therefore think that Islam is a ‘threat to the country’,” but said “resentment” was building due to “two-tier policing.”
He said Islamist terrorism remained a major concern for intelligence agencies and pointed to issues of assimilation. Yusuf described his resignation as a result of “exhaustion” and regretted a tweet criticising new MP Sarah Pochin’s comments on a burqa ban.
Nigel Farage is expected to present Yusuf as a potential cabinet minister while also pledging to reopen some coal mines in south Wales.
Richard Tice, Reform deputy, said Yusuf had faced “horrendous online abuse” and added the party was reorganising to manage growth. Nick Candy will take over Yusuf’s former responsibilities.
Source: easterneye.biz
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https://www.easterneye.biz/zia-yusuf-reform-illegal-immigrants/
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Paternity leave is outdated and unequal, MPs say
Jun 10, 2025
The UK's statutory parental leave system is "one of the worst in the developed world" and has "fundamental flaws", a group of cross-party MPs has said.
A report published today by the Women and Equalities Committee said paternity leave rules "entrench outdated gender stereotypes".
It added that "bold" action is needed, but warned any changes would require significant investment.
A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said the government is carrying out a review to see how it best can support working families.
Introduced in 2003, statutory paternity leave allows most new fathers and second parents in the UK to take up to two weeks off work.
It applies to all partners, regardless of gender, after the birth, surrogacy or adoption of a baby.
Those eligible receive £187.18 a week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever is lower.
This works out as less than 50% of the National Living Wage and fathers are ineligible for statutory paternity leave if they are self-employed or earn less than £123 a week.
The report says this is "completely out of kilter with the cost of living" and suggests the government should consider increasing paternity pay to 90% or more and paternity leave to six weeks in a phased approach.
It recommends both aspects should be done during this Parliament.
Highlighting how paternity leave has not changed noticeably since its introduction more than two decades ago, the report says: "We now have one of the worst statutory leave offers for fathers and other parents in the developed world."
In Spain, new dads can take 16 weeks off work at full pay.
New rules introduced in France in 2021 mean working dads can now spend 28 days at home while being paid.
Families in Sweden are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave, with 90 days reserved for fathers.
As part of Your Voice, Your BBC News we are covering the stories that matter most to you and several dads have been in touch about paternity leave.
James Yeates, from Haverhill, Suffolk, says it was "horrible" having to return to work just two weeks after his son, Luca, was born in September 2024.
Although he says the birth of his son was "the happiest moment of my life", he soon felt as though he was leaving his partner "in the lurch".
"There would be times when my partner was struggling and I'd have to leave to go to work," he said.
"I felt like I was letting her down and letting my son down."
James works for the NHS, who topped up his statutory paternity pay to 100% of his usual salary, but feels as though he was prevented from being "a more present parent".
The WEC report also looked at shared parental leave, which was introduced in 2014 and allows parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay after the birth or adoption of a child.
But the review found many families considered it "unnecessarily complex" and "burdensome".
It is used in fewer than 2% of all births and a government review from 2023 suggests almost half (45%) of all dads were not even aware shared parental leave was an option.
The report has been released on the eve of the world's first dad strike.
Hundreds of fathers are expected to picket outside the Department for Business and Trade in London on Wednesday to call for an overhaul of the UK's parental leave policies.
New research by The Dad Shift and Shaun Davies MP suggests that just 3% of money spent on parental leave in the UK supports fathers and non-birthing parents.
Information provided by employers to HMRC shows that £3.3bn was spent on statutory maternity pay in 2023/24.
Across the same period, £69m was spent on paternity pay and £34.4m statutory shared parental pay.
George Gabriel, co-founder of the Dad Shift, said paternity leave laws mean dads often have to go back to work before their two-week paternity leave ends.
"The pie is small and the crumbs left for dads and non-birthing parents are honestly pretty pitiful," he said.
Kathy Jones, chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, said she welcomed many of the findings of the report, but said "families shouldn't have to wait until the next Parliament for this to come in".
The government said its forthcoming review, which is due before mid-July, would look at all current parental leave entitlements.
A spokesperson added it is already in the process of ensuring dads no longer need to be employed for 26 weeks to be entitled to paternity leave.
"This government is committed to making sure parents receive the best possible support to balance their work and home lives," they said.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmk07jyjmxo
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Italian citizenship referendum void after low turnout
Jun 10, 2025
A referendum in Italy on easing citizenship rules and enhancing workers' rights has been declared invalid.
Around 30% of voters participated - well short of the 50% threshold required to make the vote binding - in the poll, which began on Sunday and ran until 15:00 (14:00 BST) on Monday.
The ballot featured five questions covering different issues, including a proposal to halve the length of time an individual has to live in Italy before they can apply for citizenship from 10 to five years.
The referendum was initiated by a citizens' initiative and supported by civil society groups and trade unions, all of whom campaigned for the Yes vote.
For them, the outcome - which saw turnout levels as low as 22% in regions like Sicily and Calabria - will come as a blow.
Reaching the 50% threshold was always going to be a struggle - not least because the Italian government, led by hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, largely ignored the referendum or actively discouraged people from voting.
"Whether just above 30% or just below 30%, this is a low figure, below the expectations and targets set by the promoters," Lorenzo Pregliasco, the founder of political polling company YouTrend, told Italy's SkyTG24.
Last week, Meloni announced she would boycott the vote, declaring Italy's existing citizenship law as "excellent" and "very open". She visited a polling station in Rome on Sunday but did not cast a vote.
But activists argued that a 10-year wait to apply for citizenship was far too long, and that reducing the requirement to five years would bring Italy in line with many of its European neighbours.
Shortly after polls closed, Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI) party posted an image of opposition leaders on Instagram with the caption: "You've lost!"
"The only real objective of this referendum was to topple the Meloni government. In the end though Italians toppled you," the post read.
Pina Picierno of the opposition Democratic Party (PD), said the referendum had been a "deep, serious and avoidable defeat," and called the failure to reach the 50% threshold a "huge gift to Giorgia Meloni and the right".
Half a million signatures are required to call a referendum in Italy. However, there are now calls for that threshold to be increased to reduce the number of votes put to the public.
"We spent a lot of money sending... millions of ballots abroad for Italian [expats] to vote, and they've been wasted," said foreign minister Antonio Tajani on Monday.
Only about half of the 78 referendums held in Italy since World War Two have attracted enough votes to make them binding.
The first one, held on 2 June 1946, saw 89% of Italians go to the polls and just over half of those vote to replace the monarchy with a republic.
In later years, referendums on abortion and divorce were also held successfully.
The last referendum to reach the required threshold was a 2011 vote against a law privatising water services.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crr7vg1zdklo
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UK ‘100%’ helping Ukraine to stage terrorist acts – Lavrov
9 Jun, 2025
There is no doubt that Britain is helping Ukraine to carry out terrorist attacks inside Russia, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.
There have been several sabotage incidents on Russian railways since the start of the month. The worst occurred on June 1 when a bridge collapsed in front of a moving passenger train in Bryansk Region, killing seven people and injuring more than 100 others.
The same day, Ukraine targeted Russian airbases across the country – from Murmansk in the Arctic to Irkutsk in Siberia – in a coordinated assault which involved explosive-laden drones taking off from commercial trucks. According to Moscow, most of the incoming UAVs were shot down, and none of the affected Russian planes were damaged beyond repair.
Speaking during the ‘Forum of the Future 2050’ in Moscow on Monday, Lavrov acknowledged that the “risk of the rise in the level of terrorist threat exists” in Russia.
“It is obvious that all this is being done by the Ukrainian side, but it would have been helpless without the support... from the British,” he said.
Such activities were previously backed by both the US and the UK, but “now we would have to do solely with the British,” Lavrov claimed.
The diplomat was referring to the fact that the UK remains one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters, despite the US changing course under the administration of US President Donald Trump towards trying to restore dialogue with Moscow and to broker a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict.
“Although who knows, maybe there are still some special services in the US that are participating in such activities by inertia, but the British are 100% involved in them,” Lavrov stressed.
Last week, Moscow’s ambassador to London, Andrey Kelin, similarly accused the UK of participating in Ukrainian drone raids on Russian airbases.
“This kind of attack involves, of course, provision of very high technology, so-called geo-spatial data, which can only be done by those who have it in possession. And this is London and Washington,” Kelin told Sky News. He added that he did not believe that the US was somehow involved due to Trump denying any knowledge of Kiev’s plans.
Downing Street has neither confirmed nor denied the UK’s participation, with a government spokesman saying: “We never comment on operational matters at home or abroad.”
Source: rt.com
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Mideast
British parliamentarians demand sanctions on Israel in letter to PM
June 09, 2025
LONDON: A group of 96 British parliamentarians have demanded sanctions on Israel in a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The letter calls for the imposition of targeted sanctions, a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, and a suspension of the trade agreement between the two countries.
“We write to express our grave concern over the relentless violence against Palestinians throughout the Occupied Palestinian territory and urge the United Kingdom to respond to Israel’s widespread and systematic violations of international law,” it says.
Citing escalating Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, the letter warns that recent British decisions to sanction settler organizations linked to human rights abuses “fall short of what is needed.”
The UK also risks complicity in Israeli violations of international law due to “continued diplomatic and economic transactions, and ties with Israeli institutions and settler organizations,” it adds.
The signatories called on the government to “move beyond sanctioning individual settlers but sanction state officials, including ministers, and introduce sanctions in respect of the State of Israel.”
The UK must also implement a total ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the letter says, adding that such a move is mandatory based on decisions by the International Court of Justice and the UN, of which the UK is a member state, with both organizations clearly defining settlement-building in the occupied territories as illegal.
London should also suspend the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, the signatories said, citing the deal’s highlighting of respect for human rights as an “essential element.”
Israel’s breaching of that term means the UK has the “legal right to suspend or terminate its provisions, in whole or in part,” the letter says.
The Council for Arab-British Understanding’s head of parliamentary affairs, Joseph Willits, said: “This letter shows that there is increasing parliamentary support for the UK to take tougher action against Israel.
“As Palestinians face violent erasure, including Israeli imposed genocide, starvation and ethnic cleansing, the UK government simply is not doing enough, and an increasing number of parliamentarians are also coming to this realization.
“What will it take for UK government action to match up with the horrifying situation and systemic violence on the ground, and to act on what parliamentarians, the British public, and most importantly, Palestinians have long been saying?”
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Israeli left-wing leader calls for immediate end to Gaza war
June 09, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israeli left-wing opposition leader Yair Golan called on Monday for an immediate end to the Gaza war and said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government no longer represented most Israelis.
“Today the government of Israel does not represent the vast majority of Israelis,” said Golan, chairman of the Democrats party and a former deputy army chief, days before a planned parliament vote which the opposition hopes would trigger a general election.
He told journalists in a briefing that after more than 20 months of fighting, Israel “should end the war as soon as possible.”
Golan’s party, a conglomeration of left-wing factions, has only four seats in Israel’s 120-member legislature, making it one of its smallest political groups.
But in a country where coalition building is essential to achieving a political majority, even relatively small parties can wield considerable power.
Golan, a former deputy minister in a short-lived administration that replaced Netanyahu in 2021-2022, said that the current government — one of the most right-wing in Israel’s history — was a threat to democracy.
The opposition leader said he represents those “who want to save Israeli democracy ... from a corrupted future” and the “messianic-like and nationalistic and extremist vision of a very small faction in the Israeli society.”
“The vast majority wants to keep Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people and at the same time a free, egalitarian and democratic state,” Golan said.
He said that the vast majority of Israelis wanted to see an immediate end to the war in Gaza, the return of all hostages held by Palestinian militants in a single exchange deal, and the establishment of a national commission of inquiry into Hamas’s unprecedented 2023 attack, arguing that the Netanyahu government was opposed to these objectives.
“I believe that we can reach a hostage deal in a matter of days,” Golan said.
“I believe that by ending the war and freeing the hostages, we will be able to build an alternative to Hamas inside the Gaza Strip.”
Criticizing the government’s Gaza war policies, the former army general has recently drawn condemnation in Israel for saying that “a sane country ... does not kill babies for a hobby.”
Golan on Monday also said that most Israelis support legislation that would require ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, who are currently largely exempt from military service, to enlist.
The issue has sparked tension between Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties in his government, with lawmakers threatening to topple the prime minister if no agreement is reached this week.
Some opposition parties are seeking to place a bill to dissolve parliament on Wednesday’s plenary agenda, hoping to capitalize on the ultra-Orthodox revolt.
“The vast majority wants new elections as soon as possible,” Golan said.
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Gaza-bound aid boat with Greta Thunberg on board arrives in Israel after its seizure
June 10, 2025
JERUSALEM: A Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists arrived at an Israeli port Monday after Israeli forces stopped and detained them — enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the Israel-Hamas war.
The boat, accompanied by Israel’s navy, arrived in Ashdod in the evening, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. It published a photo on social media of Thunberg after disembarking.
The 12 activists were undergoing medical checks to ensure they are in good health, the ministry said. They were expected to be held at a detention facility in Ramle before being deported, according to Adalah, a legal rights group representing them.
The activists had set out to protest Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which is among the deadliest and most destructive since World War II, and its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid. Both have put the territory of around 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, said the activists were “kidnapped by Israeli forces” while trying to deliver desperately needed aid.
“The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food and medical supplies — confiscated,” it said in a statement.
It said the ship was seized in international waters about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Gaza, and Adalah asserted that Israel had “no legal authority” to take it over.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry portrayed the voyage as a public relations stunt, saying on social media that “the ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel.”
It said the activists would return to their home countries and the aid would be sent to Gaza through established channels. It circulated footage of what appeared to be Israeli military personnel handing out sandwiches and water to the activists, who were wearing life vests.
Israel says boat was carrying minimal aid
Israeli officials said the flotilla carried what amounted to less than a truckload of aid.
“This wasn’t humanitarian aid. It’s Instagram activism,” Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said. “Meanwhile, Israel has delivered over 1,200 truckloads in the last two weeks. So who’s really feeding Gaza and who’s really feeding their own ego? Greta was not bringing aid, she was bringing herself.”
After its 2½-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month, but humanitarian workers and experts have warned of famine unless the blockade is lifted and Israel ends its military offensive. About 600 trucks of aid entered daily during the ceasefire that Israel ended in March.
An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after two drones attacked the vessel in international waters off Malta, organizers said. The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the ship’s front section.
Rights group questions Israel’s seizure
The Madleen set sail from Sicily a week ago. Along the way, it stopped on Thursday to rescue four migrants who had jumped overboard to avoid being detained by Libya’a coast guard.
“I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” Thunberg said in a prerecorded message released after the ship was halted.
Adalah, the rights group, said in a statement that “the arrest of the unarmed activists, who operated in a civilian manner to provide humanitarian aid, amounts to a serious breach of international law.”
Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent, was among those on board. She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israeli policies toward the Palestinians.
She was among six French citizens on board. French President Emmanuel Macron called for consular protection and the repatriation of the French citizens.
“Most of all, France calls for a ceasefire as quickly as possible and the lifting of the humanitarian blockade. This is a scandal, unacceptable, that is playing out in Gaza. What’s been happening since early March is a disgrace, a disgrace,” Macron said
Next week, Macron co-hosts a conference at the UN on a two-state solution and recently said France should move toward recognizing a Palestinian state.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the crew and passengers were aware of the risks, Swedish news agency TT reported. Stenergard said the ministry’s assessment is that no one was in danger and there was no need for consular support.
An 18-year blockade on Gaza
Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. Israel says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms, while critics say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza’s Palestinian population.
Israel sealed off Gaza from all aid in the early days of the war ignited by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, but later relented under US pressure. In early March, shortly before Israel ended a ceasefire with Hamas, the country again blocked all imports, including food, fuel and medicine.
Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages. Most have been released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Hamas still holds 55 hostages, more than half believed to be dead.
Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said that women and children make up most of the dead.
The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90 percent of the population, leaving people almost completely dependent on international aid.
Efforts to broker another truce have been deadlocked for months. Hamas says it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Israel has vowed to continue the war until all the captives are returned and Hamas is defeated, or disarmed and exiled.
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Israeli military calls on civilians to flee three Yemeni ports
June 10, 2025
JERUSALEM: The Israeli military on Monday called on civilians to leave three Yemen ports as it prepares strikes against installations held by Houthi rebels who have fired missiles at Israel.
“Because of the use of maritime ports by the Houthi terrorist regime, we call on all people present” in the ports of Ras Issa, Hodeida and Salif “to evacuate them immediately for their own security,” Col. Avichay Adraee, an Israeli army spokesman, posted in Arabic on X and Telegram.
Israel has staged several attacks on Yemen after missiles were fired. The Houthis say their attacks are to support Palestinians in Gaza.
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A convoy sets off for Gaza from North Africa to protest Israel’s blockade
June 09, 2025
TUNIS, Tunisia: A convoy of buses and private cars departed for Gaza from Tunisia’s capital Monday as part of efforts to spotlight Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid to the territory, even as Israeli authorities stopped a high-profile flotilla from landing there.
The overland effort — organized independently but moved up to coincide with the flotilla — is made up of activists, lawyers and medical professionals from North Africa. It plans to traverse Tunisia, Libya and Egypt before reaching Rafah, the border crossing with Egypt that has remained largely closed since Israel’s military took control of the Gaza side in May 2024.
The Tunisian civil society groups behind the convoy said their aim is to demand “the immediate lifting of the unjust siege on the strip.” They asserted that Arab governments haven’t pushed enough to end the 20-month war between Israel and Hamas.
After a 2½-month blockade of Gaza aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel started allowing in some basic aid last month. Experts, however, have warned of famine in the territory of over 2 million people unless the blockade is lifted and Israel ends its military offensive.
The convoy set off as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an aid ship that set sail from Sicily earlier this month, was seized by Israeli forces in what activists said were international waters. Those aboard, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were detained.
The overland convoy drew widespread attention in Tunisia and Algeria, where it began Sunday, with some people waving Palestinian flags and chanting in support of the people of Gaza.
“This convoy speaks directly to our people in Gaza and says, ‘You are not alone. We share your pain and suffering,’” Yahia Sarri, one of the convoy’s Algerian organizers, wrote on social media.
The North African activists do not expect their convoy to be allowed into Gaza. Regardless, it provides “a message of challenge and will,” said Saher Al-Masri, a Tunis-based Palestinian activist.
Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. Israel says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms, while critics say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza’s population.
The convoy plans to gather supporters in towns south of Tunis before crossing into Libya, where clashes between rival militias have turned deadlier in recent months. Organizers said they planned the land crossings with relevant authorities leading up to the convoy’s departure.
Source: arabnews.com
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How the easing of sanctions is aiding Syria’s path back into the Arab fold
ANAN TELLO
June 09, 2025
LONDON: Syria’s slow return to the Arab fold is set to pick up pace. After Arab states cautiously reengaged following Bashar Assad’s fall in December, plans by the US and EU to lift sanctions have turned hesitation into opportunity.
As these barriers begin to ease, old allies are moving to renew ties — not only reviving diplomatic channels but also launching a high-stakes race to shape Syria’s postwar recovery and revival.
Leading the charge is Saudi Arabia, which has positioned itself as the key broker of Syria’s regional reintegration. Riyadh has hosted members of Syria’s new leadership and convened high-level meetings to coordinate Arab and international support for reconstruction.
A turning point came on May 14, when Saudi Arabia hosted a landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa — the first such encounter between American and Syrian leaders in more than 25 years.
The meeting, facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, took place just one day after Trump’s surprise announcement that Washington would lift all sanctions on Syria.
“This shift in US policy came after President Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio became convinced that Syria could spiral back into chaos and civil war — something regional allies did not want — if economic conditions remained frozen and sanctions continued to block governance,” Sameer Sabounji, policy officer and director of legal affairs at the Syrian American Council, told Arab News.
That decision has triggered a wave of normalization efforts across the region. With Saudi Arabia taking the lead, Arab states are ramping up economic, diplomatic and security cooperation, signaling a new phase in efforts to stabilize and rebuild the war-torn country.
“Arab states are invested in Syria’s recovery,” said Sabounji. “Which is why I think they helped ‘warm’ the Trump administration to Al-Sharaa and gave the US the confidence to be bold in Syria.”
Signs of this momentum also emerged on May 20, when Jordan and Syria signed an agreement to form a Higher Coordination Council, highlighting deepening bilateral ties. Talks focused on expanding energy cooperation and linking electric grids to support Syria’s reconstruction and transition.
The effort is multilayered. In April, Saudi Arabia announced plans to pay off Syria’s $15 million World Bank debt — a move intended to unlock international reconstruction grants and further integrate Syria into the region’s economic framework.
According to Sabounji, regional powers have strong incentives to push for sanctions relief. “Arab countries and Turkiye stand to gain immensely from Syria’s reconstruction, but sanctions were deterring serious investment,” he said.
He added that stronger regional trade routes and cross-border pipeline projects — connecting Gulf Cooperation Council countries to Iraq, Turkiye, the Mediterranean and even Azerbaijan — could boost regional economies, promote self-sufficiency and incentivize greater cooperation from Israel.
Echoing that view, Ghassan Ibrahim, founder of the Global Arab Network, likened sanctions relief to “the fall of the Berlin Wall” for Syrians.
“These restrictions were the wall separating Syria from the rest of the world,” he told Arab News. “Now, Syrians feel more open and optimistic — there’s a growing sense that Syria is a land of opportunity.”
“It’s because of the location of Syria and the potential of Syria in the region, and in the regional aspiration of the Saudis and the economic prosperity that Syria could contribute to this — Syria is at a very sensitive spot on the map,” he told CNN last month.
“Stabilizing Syria could help stabilize the Middle East.”
This optimism is not only economic but also geopolitical. Ibrahim Al-Assil, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, highlighted Syria’s pivotal geography in broader regional ambitions.
Al-Assil argued that a revitalized Syrian economy would directly benefit neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkiye by enabling refugee returns and unlocking cross-border development.
“Any improvement in the Syrian economy would be felt directly in Lebanon, would be felt directly in Jordan, and that would also open the doors for the Syrian refugees to go back to their countries, similar for Turkiye, also,” he said. “Syria connects Turkiye and Europe to Arabia, and the rest of the Middle East.”
Beyond economic considerations, security remains a critical concern. Syria’s location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa has long made it a key player in regional dynamics. But that same geography has also facilitated the spread of captagon, a powerful amphetamine that has flooded Gulf markets.
Syria’s southern border with Jordan — particularly the Nassib crossing — has become a key route for drug smuggling. Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia, consider the captagon trade a serious threat to social stability and security. Allegations that the Assad regime used the drug trade as leverage to regain regional acceptance have only added urgency to normalization efforts.
“The Assad regime flooded the region with drugs like captagon, sparking addiction crises in the region, and causing chaos and instability, driving displacement, which added strain to the region,” said Sabounji.
A more stable Syria would help curb drug smuggling and reduce the flow of illegal weapons. “It would also help curb or even prevent a resurgence of Daesh,” said Sabounji. “The interim Syrian government’s efforts to disrupt and apprehend smuggling networks also helps promote border security and reduces the illegal flow of weapons.”
Though territorially defeated in 2019, Daesh remains active in Syria, with about 2,500 fighters operating primarily in the east and northeast. Persistent instability and a diminished foreign military presence have allowed the organization to regroup, especially in areas near the Euphrates River and major cities like Damascus.
Addressing this threat requires coordinated counterterrorism and stronger governance — something regional actors now see as achievable through reintegration rather than isolation.
Sabounji also highlighted another strategic dimension: countering Iranian influence. “Re-welcoming Syria into the Arab fold would counterbalance Iran’s position and influence in the region,” he said.
Ibrahim of the Global Arab Network agreed, suggesting that many regional powers view sanctions relief as a way to shift Syria away from reliance on Iran and, to a lesser extent, Russia — toward more moderate Arab and global partnerships.
“One of the key impacts of lifting sanctions is improved security — both inside Syria and across the region,” he said. “It’s also likely to influence the government’s behavior, encouraging it to choose more constructive partners.
“When Syria was under heavy sanctions, it had limited options and would engage with anyone willing to offer support. But now, with sanctions being lifted quickly, the government is being pushed to align itself with more moderate actors.”
Iran’s regional role has long been a point of contention. Its support for proxy groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, pursuit of nuclear capabilities, and efforts to undermine state institutions through militias have alarmed both Arab and Western policymakers.
“Arab countries welcome the chance to build a more stable and prosperous Syria,” said Sabounji. “They think Al-Sharaa can accomplish that. He needs help, though, and sanctions relief is a prerequisite.”
e added that regional actors are exhausted by conflict and are eager for a future focused on growth and stability. “This is a bold and refreshing Middle East foreign policy,” said Sabounji. “The Trump administration is signaling that regional problems need regional solutions.”
That shift reflects a departure from traditional US interventionism. “Instead of dictating policy, the US listened to what Arab countries and Turkiye were saying to it. They want to stabilize Syria and want the US to lift sanctions to enable them to do that.”
And then there is the possibility of doing business. “I’m sure President Trump also did not want US companies to be held back by sanctions and not be able to compete for lucrative deals in Syria’s reconstruction,” said Sabounji.
The new policy recalibrates US-Arab relations and sends a message. “Israel is no longer the only voice Washington listens to in the region,” he said.
“The administration is clearly pushing for harmony in the region, but it is also not waiting on Israel anymore. It has decided to strike ahead with improving or cultivating closer relations with each country, such as Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iran, even if dialogue or normalization with Israel stalls.”
Syria’s path back to the fold began with a long exile. In November 2011, the Arab League suspended Syria in response to the Assad regime’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests.
Still, Syria remained central to Arab diplomacy. Over time, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia shifted their approach, seeking to curb Iranian and Turkish sway.
These evolving dynamics paved the way for Syria’s return to the Arab League in 2023, after 12 years of isolation, despite lingering concerns about the Assad regime’s conduct.
Following Assad’s ouster in December 2024, Saudi Arabia quickly emerged as the lead Arab player in Syria’s reentry. In January 2025, Riyadh hosted Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, marking the first high-level meeting since the leadership change.
That same month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Damascus, highlighting support for Syria’s recovery. Then, in February, Al-Sharaa made his first official foreign trip to the Kingdom, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss deepening diplomatic and economic ties.
Other Gulf states have since followed suit, pledging support for Syria’s reconstruction. The international community is watching closely to see how the new government treats minorities and maintains stability.
After more than a decade of turmoil, Syria’s return to the Arab world may finally be within reach. But its success hinges on the careful balancing of regional interests, global engagement and a genuine commitment to rebuilding a fractured nation.\
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UN says most flour delivered in Gaza looted or taken by starving people
June 10, 2025
UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations said on Monday that it has only been able to bring minimal flour into Gaza since Israel lifted an aid blockade three weeks ago and that has mostly been looted by armed gangs or taken by starving Palestinians.
The organization has transported 4,600 metric tons of wheat flour into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, the only entry point Israel allows it to use, Deputy UN spokesperson Fahan Haq told reporters.
Haq said aid groups in Gaza estimate that between 8,000 and 10,000 metric tons of wheat flour were needed to give each family in Gaza a bag of flour and “ease the pressure on markets and reduce desperation.”
“Most of it was taken by desperate, starving people before the supplies reached their destinations. In some cases, the supplies were looted by armed gangs,” Haq said.
According to World Food Programme guidelines, 4,600 metric tons of flour would provide roughly eight days’ worth of bread for Gaza’s 2 million residents, based on a standard daily ration of 300 grams per person.
Haq called for Israel to let in far more aid via multiple crossings and routes.
The UN has mostly delivered flour along with limited medical and nutrition items since Israel lifted the 11-week blockade in mid-May. Experts warn Gaza is at risk of famine, with the rate of young children suffering acute malnutrition nearly tripling.
Israel and the United States want the UN to work through the controversial new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but the UN has refused, questioning its neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarizing aid and forcing displacement.
Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the UN-led operations, which the militants deny.
The GHF uses private US security and logistics firms to operate. It began operations in Gaza on May 26 and said on Monday so far it has given out 11.4 million meals.
Israel makes the UN offload aid on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, where it then has to be picked by the UN and aid groups already in Gaza. The UN has accused Israel of regularly denying access requests.
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Trump says Iran is involved in Gaza hostage negotiations
June 10, 2025
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Monday Iran is involved in negotiations aimed at arranging a ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas.
“Gaza right now is in the midst of a massive negotiation between us and Hamas and Israel, and Iran actually is involved, and we’ll see what’s going to happen with Gaza. We want to get the hostages back,” Trump told reporters during an event in the White House State Dining Room.
Trump did not elaborate and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for details of Iran’s involvement. Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The United States has proposed a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it would abide by the terms but Hamas thus far has rejected the plan.
Under the proposal 28 Israeli hostages — alive and dead — would be released in the first week, in exchange for the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 dead Palestinians.
The United States and Iran are also separately trying to negotiate a deal on Tehran’s nuclear program.
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North America
CAIR-MA to Host Historic Legislative Briefing and Muslim Lobby Day at the State House, Advocating for Muslim Commission Bill H.3351/S.2134
June 9, 2025
On Tuesday, June 10, the Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will host a lobby day on Beacon Hill.
The day-long civic engagement event will run from Lobby Day 9 AM – 1 PM and Legislative Briefing from 1:20 PM – 2:30 PM . The day brings together 150 participants from across the Commonwealth, including interfaith and community partners, to meet with legislators and advocate for H.3351/S.2134, also known as the Muslim Commission Bill.
H.3351/S.2134– Will establish a permanent commission on the status of American Muslims in the state of Massachusetts. The commission shall draft an annual report to the Governor and to the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives. This bill is being filed in response to data collected by CAIR-MA showing 48% of Muslim students in Massachusetts were bullied last year, a rate that is twice the national average, and that 35% of hijab-wearing students in Massachusetts experienced physical harassment in 2024.
Safe Communities Act
This bill stops local police from acting as immigration agents and sharing information with ICE. It protects immigrant families from being detained or deported just for interacting with local law enforcement. Many Muslim communities would benefit from.
Dress and Grooming Protections Bill
This bill ensures dress codes do not target people based on religion, race, or gender. It protects Muslims—especially hijab-wearing women—from being punished for how they dress.
Opening remarks will be given at 10:00 a.m., featuring:
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Perfect storm as Trump's mass deportation drive collides with city of immigrants
June 10, 2025
This weekend, tensions boiled over in the Los Angeles area after a week of immigration sweeps in the region sparked violent protests against the Trump administration and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
President Donald Trump's decision to send 700 US Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area to support the federal response to the unrest has opened a volatile chapter in his mass deportation campaign.
The location of the raids and subsequent protests – a liberal-leaning city in a state controlled by Democrats – also gave the White House an ideal public foil as it seeks to show progress on removing illegal immigrants and instilling law and order.
Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and prominent critic of the president, wrote on X that the troop deployment was a "deranged fantasy of a dictatorial President".
The raids in America's second-biggest city are unfolding against the backdrop of an aggressive push to raise arrest and deportation numbers, as the administration has been disappointed with its current pace.
ICE has ramped up its enforcement actions in recent weeks as it faces pressure to show progress on Trump's signature policy initiative.
The agency arrested 2,200 people on 4 June, according to NBC News, a record for a single day.
The network reported that hundreds of those arrested were enrolled in a programme known as Alternative to Detention, which allows for the release and monitoring of individuals not deemed an immediate threat.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the man widely seen as the intellectual architect of the deportation policy, has repeatedly said the White House hopes that ICE can scale up to 3,000 arrests a day, up from 660 or so during the first 100 days of Trump's presidency.
"President Trump is going to keep pushing to get that number up higher each and every single day," Miller told Fox News in late May.
Yet for much of the first 100 days of the administration, deportations were on par with, and at times below, those recorded during the last year of Joe Biden's presidency.
The White House stopped publishing daily deportation figures early in 2020.
"I'm not satisfied with the numbers," the administration's border tsar, Tom Homan, told reporters at the White House at the end of May. "We need to increase."
Homan added that the Trump administration had "increased the teams a lot" and that "we expect a fast increase in the number of arrests".
Several senior ICE officials - including Kenneth Genalo, its top deportation official - have left their roles at the agency in recent months.
In February, ICE also moved two top officials overseeing deportations, as well as the agency's acting director, Caleb Vitello.
At the time of the more recent reshuffle, the agency characterised the move as organisational realignments that will "help ICE achieve President Trump and the American people's mandate of arresting and deporting illegal aliens and making American communities safe".
The Department of Homeland Security said in a press release that the immigrants detained in the recent Los Angeles raids included individuals convicted of sex crimes, burglary, and drug related charges, among other offences.
Local immigration advocates and community members, however, say that families have been torn apart and nonviolent immigrants detained.
At a rally on Monday, Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado said that a Friday raid at a warehouse in the Fashion District "was not about public safety, it was a fear driven, state violence designed to silence, to intimidate, to disappear".
While opinion polls show that Trump's immigration policies are popular with a majority of Americans, some of his backers have expressed concern about tactics.
The co-founder of Latinas for Trump, for example, Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia, wrote on X that "this is not what we voted for".
"I understand the importance of deporting criminal aliens, but what we are witnessing are arbitrary measures to hunt down people who are complying with their immigration hearings - in many cases, with credible fear of persecution claims - all driven by a Miller-like desire to satisfy a self-fabricated deportation goal," she added.
Federal authorities have conducted more frequent immigration raids across the US, in states that lean both towards Democrats and Republicans. Some Republican-controlled states, like Tennessee, have assisted federal authorities.
"California was willing to resist," said John Acevedo, an associate dean at Emory Law School, who studies free speech and protests in the US.
Images of violence and resistance on the streets of Los Angeles gave Trump a catalyst for the deployment of the National Guard.
"For his base, it does quite a bit. It shows he's serious, and allows them to show he will use all means necessary to enforce his [immigration] rules," Prof Acevedo said.
Protesters in Los Angeles - which calls itself a sanctuary city, meaning it limits co-operation with federal immigration enforcement - did not relish the role they believed the administration had chosen for their city.
"This is my people, you know, I'm fighting for us," said Maria Gutierrez, a Mexican-American who protested for two days in Paramount, a city in LA County that saw protests after residents spotted ICE agents in the area.
The unrest there involved looting and at least one car burning. Authorities used rubber bullets and tear gas.
She said there are some protesting in LA, including those in the nearby city of Compton, that share a belief that they were protecting the city from immigration enforcement and saw the Trump administration's threats as a challenge.
Ms Gutierrez believed undocumented immigrants who commit violent offences should be targeted, but not those who she believes work hard and aspire to a better life.
"This is our city. We're angry, we know how to protect ourselves and this isn't going to scare us," she said.
But the community is not united in support for the protests that have captured national attention.
Juan, who lives near Paramount, came to the US illegally and later became a citizen, but supports ICE's actions.
"ICE agents have a job to do, just like you and I," said Juan, who asked the BBC to withhold his last name given the federal operations in the area.
He said he worked for years as a day labourer, but gained citizenship and has four children who graduated from college.
"It's hard," he said. "I have family who don't have papers, too.
"But you can't really fight it if you're here and you're not supposed to be."
"A crime is a crime," he said.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3d47v7394go
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Jurors in Harvey Weinstein trial reportedly fighting among themselves
June 10, 2025
The New York jury deciding whether to convict disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein of sex crimes appears divided, with some jurors reportedly launching verbal attacks against each other and also considering information not brought up in the recent retrial.
Five male and seven female jurors have deliberated for three days over whether to find Weinstein guilty of rape and criminal sex acts. His 2020 conviction was thrown out last year.
Monday morning in court began with a note from the foreperson that read: "I need to talk to you about a situation which isn't very good."
Weinstein's lawyers then filed for a mistrial, which the judge denied, and details emerged about the unfolding drama.
After discussions with attorneys on Monday, Judge Curtis Farber later called the jury's foreperson back to the court's robing room to discuss the issue.
The foreperson told him that, even though juries are only supposed to consider evidence and testimony presented during the trial, some jurors were trying to convince others of their point of view by bringing up parts of Weinstein's public history, according to a court transcript.
"They are pushing people, talking about his past," the foreperson said.
Jurors were "not on the same page" and some were "attacking" others, trying to change their minds, the foreperson added, according to the transcript.
Judge Farber said he would give jurors a new instruction telling them that their deliberations relate only "to the three crimes".
"That is the only thing that it can be used for in their deliberations, only the evidence introduced at this trial," he told the attorneys, according to the transcript.
Weinstein was convicted of sex crimes in New York in 2020. The case was overturned last year when an appeals court found the 73-year-old did not receive a fair trial because a judge allowed testimony from women who made allegations against him beyond the charges at hand. Prosecutors then filed sexual assault charges again in September.
The appeals ruling hung over the retrial, making the court extremely cautious about allowing allegations against Weinstein from outside the realm of the case.
The drama comes after one juror told the judge last week that others had been speaking badly outside the courthouse about a fellow juror, and that they had "shunned" the person.
"It's playground stuff," he said.
The young man asked to be dismissed because he did not think deliberations were "fair and just", but the judge kept him on the jury.
The jury also sent a note Monday morning asking Judge Farber to reread the concept of reasonable doubt and rules of deliberation "especially in terms of avoiding a hung jury".
Typically in New York, if a jury in a criminal trial is not able to reach a unanimous verdict - as is required to convict or acquit the defendant - the judge may give them an Allen charge, an instruction to go back to deliberations to try once again to reach a verdict.
Eventually, a hung jury can result in a mistrial.
The jurors left at the end of Monday without a verdict, but sent a note saying they were "making progress", and requesting to revisit some evidence and be given "coffee for the morning for energy".
The trial centred on three women - a former television production assistant, an aspiring actress, and a model - who accused Weinstein of using his power in Hollywood to sexually abuse them.
In total, Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct, assault and rape by more than 100 women. While not all reports resulted in criminal charges, a separate sex crimes conviction for Weinstein in California means he is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison.
The decision by his accusers to come forward, and his subsequent conviction in New York, galvanised the #MeToo movement against sex abuse by powerful men.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgr8vd7kxgo
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Newsom says Trump 'deranged' as more troops deployed to LA protests
June 10, 2025
Ana Faguy
President Donald Trump's administration has sent thousands more troops to Los Angeles on a fourth day of chaotic protests against immigration raids, as the unrest spread to other US cities.
Some 700 US Marines have been deployed to the Los Angeles area and the contingent of National Guard troops mobilised to help quell the disorder has been doubled to 4,000.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said the move was fulfilling "the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president".
The state is suing the president for sending in troops without the governor's permission. It is highly unusual for the American military to have any domestic law enforcement role.
It is the first time since 1965 that a president has sent National Guard troops to a US city without a governor's approval.
US Marines were previously deployed domestically for major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the 11 September 2001 attacks.
But the Trump administration has so far not invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow the troops to directly participate in civilian policing.
The 700 members of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, from Twentynine Palms, California, will help protect federal property and personnel, including immigration agents, said the US military.
On Monday evening, Los Angeles police officers fired stun grenades and gas canisters to disperse hundreds of demonstrators who gathered outside a federal detention centre in downtown LA where undocumented immigrants have been held.
National Guard forces formed a cordon to keep protesters out of the building in the heart of America's second largest city.
LAPD said late on Monday afternoon some demonstrators had thrown objects at officers.
Protests also sprang up in at least nine other US cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Austin and San Francisco.
Demonstrators took to the streets of LA on Friday after it emerged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were raiding Latino areas.
The protests unravelled into looting, self-driving cars being torched, rocks thrown at law enforcement and a major freeway blocked by demonstrators.
LAPD say they arrested 29 people Saturday night and made 21 more arrests on Sunday.
Suspects face charges ranging from attempted murder with a Molotov cocktail and assault on a police officer to looting.
The LAPD also says more than 600 rubber bullets and other less-than-lethal rounds were used over the weekend.
At the White House on Monday, Trump said his decision to send in the National Guard had stopped the city from "burning down".
"You watch same clips I did: cars burning, people rioting, we stopped it," the president said. "I feel we had no choice."
The Republican president said he supported a suggestion that California's governor should be arrested over possible obstruction of his administration's immigration enforcement measures.
Newsom, who has engaged in a war of words in recent days with Trump, responded on X that "this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism". He said the troop deployment was "about stroking a dangerous President's ego".
Trump meanwhile posted a warning to protesters in LA who confront police and federal forces.
He wrote on social media: "IF THEY SPIT, WE WILL HIT, and I promise you they will be hit harder than they have ever been hit before. Such disrespect will not be tolerated!"
His border tsar, Tom Homan, who has been conducting ICE raids, applauded Trump's show of force in LA.
"I was there for two nights," Homan said on Fox News on Monday. "It was out of control. The city was burning. Governor Newsom did nothing."
But at a press conference on Monday evening, LA Mayor Karen Bass said the deployment of troops was a "deliberate attempt" by the Trump administration to "create disorder and chaos in our city".
The city leader also said she was aware of at least "five raids by ICE throughout the region" on Monday, including one near her grandson's school.
On Monday, Governor Newsom's administration sued the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard.
The lawsuit argued that the president was violating the US Constitution and state sovereignty.
Trump has argued that Democratic President Joe Biden's administration allowed millions of immigrants to enter the country illegally.
He has pledged to deport record numbers of undocumented migrants, setting a goal of at least 3,000 daily arrests.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyvmz3egr7do
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Africa
‘Mischievous, Utterly False’ – Buratai Denies Boko Haram Attack
June 9, 2025
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
Former Chief of Army Staff and ex Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Tukur Buratai, has dismissed as ‘fake news’ reports that Boko Haram insurgents attacked his convoy in Borno State.
Naija News reports that the lawmaker representing Borno, Senator Ali Ndume, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, June 8, 2025, claimed that Buratai’s convoy came under heavy gunfire from insurgents.
While raising concerns about the escalating insecurity in the Northern region, Ndume said the retired army general and his accompanying soldiers were ambushed near a frontline military base.
The lawmaker further disclosed that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued between the attackers and the troops escorting Buratai.
He said, “We are in a dire security situation. Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno. His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets.”
But in a swift denial through former Army spokesperson, SK Usman, Buratai described such claims as mischievous and utterly false.
He stated that he was not attacked in any way, contrary to what has been falsely reported by some online media outlets.
The statement reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, he celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja, in the company of family, friends, and well-wishers, and I have remained within the Federal Capital Territory since then.
“This baseless rumour is a product of the reckless imagination of the purveyors of fake news, individuals whose sole aim is to malign him, spread fear, confusion and misinformation. The fabricators of these actions are not only mischievous but also deeply irresponsible and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
“I sincerely extend my heartfelt and profound appreciation to the countless patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians, friends, associates and admirers of His Excelkency, who reached out with genuine concern, prayers and goodwill. Your overwhelming show of love and support is deeply cherished and speaks volumes about the enduring respect and affection we are privileged to receive from across the country and beyond.
“Let this serve as a reminder to the harbingers of fake news, that truth will always prevail. No amount of falsehood or malicious propaganda can tarnish the image of a man who has devoted his life to the service of our great nation.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/06/09/mischievous-utterly-false-buratai-denies-boko-haram-attack/
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Land convoy leaves Tunisia for Gaza, in an effort to break Israel's siege
June 10, 2025
Hundreds of volunteers left Tunisia on Monday in a land convoy heading towards Gaza, hoping to break Israel’s blockade on the territory.
The "Soumoud" convoy, which means "steadfastness" in Arabic, aims to alleviate the suffering of besieged Gaza residents, and to show support for the Palestinian cause.
Several Tunisian organisations participated in the initiative, including youth groups.
"This is a noble initiative to raise youth awareness, to say that we are conscious youth and that we deliver our message in a noble way. And may God help our brothers in Gaza", said Yahya Shalabi, head of We Run Nabeul running club.
The convoy left Tunis, with its members including doctors, lawyers, activists and journalists from all around North Africa.
All have in mind the fate of the Madleen aid boat, boarded by activists including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg and Franco-Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
Israel intercepted the ship on Monday morning, as its passengers attempted to bring aid to Gaza.
"This Convoy of Steadfastness, like that ship, is a message of challenge and will, and this is what the extremist right-wing government [of Israel] fears", Saher Al-Masri, representative of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Tunis
Israel is facing mounting international pressure to let more aid into Gaza.
The Convoy of Steadfastness plans to go through Libya and Egypt to reach the Rafah border crossing.
Egyptian authorities have yet to authorise the group’s entry into their territory.
Additional sources • Middle East Monitor, Middle East Eye, FRANCE 24
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2025/06/09/land-convoy-leaves-tunisia-for-gaza-in-an-effort-to-break-israels-siege/
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Group demands removal of Sharia provisions from 1999 constitution
Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja
9 Jun 2025
A civic group under the aegis of the End Sharia Now Campaign has called for the urgent removal of all Islamic references from Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The group said the existing provisions are a direct threat to the country’s secular identity.
The convener, Benson Sunday, in a statement on Monday, argued that the constitutional entrenchment of Islamic legal systems in sections of the document contradicts Section 10, which he said expressly prohibits the adoption of any religion as state religion.
According to Sunday, analysis conducted by the campaign reveals that the term Sharia appears 73 times in the Constitution, Grand Kadi 54 times, Islam 28 times, and Muslim 10 times.
These references, he claimed, are backed by legal instruments empowering 12 northern states to operate full-fledged Sharia systems with religious police (Hisbah) and courts that, in some instances, affect even non-Muslims.
The group specifically referenced Sections 260–264 and 275–279 of the Constitution, which established the Sharia Courts of Appeal at both federal and state levels, and Section 277(1), which restricts appointments as a Kadi to persons of Islamic faith.
He said, “Nigeria is a proud, diverse nation of over 200 million people of different faiths, ethnicities, cultures, and philosophies. At independence, we were promised a country governed not by any religion or tribal ideology, but by law, equity, and democracy.
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) opens with the words We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having firmly and solemnly resolved to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under God.
“That Constitution, in Section 10, also makes a clear declaration: The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
The group warned that the implications of a dual legal system are far-reaching, saying such systems cause religious discrimination, suppress freedom of belief, and create fertile ground for persecution.
While demanding the abolition of any law or court that gives legal authority to any religious belief over citizens, Sunday noted that “this is not just a northern issue. This is not a Christian versus Muslim issue, but this is a Nigerian issue.
“Every citizen whether Muslim, Christian, traditionalist, or atheist, deserves the protection of one Constitution, not religious rules dictated by one faith group. We call on civil society, religious leaders, political representatives, student groups, traditional rulers, and every freedom-loving Nigerian to join this campaign.”
Source: guardian.ng
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https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/group-demands-removal-of-sharia-provisions-from-1999-constitution/
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Proposal to establish Muslim-based schools stirs debate in WES
June 10, 2025
By Emmanuel Mandella
A proposal by Western Equatoria State Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement, James Severino, inviting the Muslim community to open private schools in the region has stirred mixed reactions among locals.
The suggestion, made by the state minister during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Yambio on Friday, encouraged Muslims to establish schools offering instruction in both Arabic and English to improve access to education and curb youth delinquency.
“Muslims form a large community in South Sudan. Opening schools is both a business opportunity and a service to our children to keep them away from crime and idleness,” Morris said.
He emphasized that inclusive education should reflect the country’s religious and cultural diversity. However, some locals have brushed off the idea.
Sagako Louis, Yambio-born resident of the United States, warned that introducing Muslim-run schools should be handled in a way that they don’t sneak in politics.
“The introduction of such schools risks shifting the focus into political influence. If they hae to exist, they must separate business and politics. And if possible, investing in other development initiatives,” Sagako argued.
His comments reflect a growing anxiety among some citizens who fear that the move could shift Western Equatoria’s socio-political balance.
In contrast, members of the local Muslim community in Yambio have lauded the state government’s gesture, describing it as both inclusive and long overdue.
“It is a good idea. Our children have been out of school for nearly two years because of language barriers. We are ready to sit with the government to make this happen,” said Ahmed Omer, a Muslim trader.
Mr. Omer highlighted the pressing need to address the rising cost of education, which has left many Muslim families unable to afford formal schooling for their children.
Ali Muhammad Kebir also supported the proposal, backing it up with the point that there has been an influx of displaced families from Sudan to the region, majority of who can benefit from such schools.
“We are planning to open Sudanese-style schools to accommodate those fleeing conflict in Sudan. This will ensure their children continue learning,” he explained.
Another community member, Adam Silman Bashar, said the plan would be transformative.
“This is 100% right. We have no Arabic schools in Yambio, and this will help our community greatly.”
Muslim leader Jamal Yosa echoed the sentiments, praising the state’s gesture for inclusion.
“This initiative is long overdue. The government has given us a green light, and we believe both Sudanese and South Sudanese Muslims will benefit. We are one people,” Yosa stated.
“There’s no difference between Sudanese and South Sudanese. These schools will serve both communities equally,” he added.
Whether the state proceeds with the initiative or retreats under pressure remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the conversation has just begun, and it cuts to the very heart of South Sudan’s pluralistic nature.
Source: cityreviewss.com
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https://www.cityreviewss.com/proposal-to-establish-muslim-based-schools-stirs-debate-in-wes/
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‘Nigerians Are Not Concerned About Tinubu’s Identity’ – Presidential Aide Attacks Peter Obi
June 10, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Presidential aide, Tope Fasua, has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s identity as irrelevant, insisting that Nigerians are more interested in the results his administration is delivering than in lingering certificate or identity controversies.
Naija News reports that Fasua made the remarks on Monday while reacting to an old video clip of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, challenging Tinubu to publicly clear the air over questions about his personal records.
In the resurfaced clip, Obi had called on Tinubu to “reintroduce” himself to Nigerians, stating that transparency was necessary to protect the country’s image globally.
Obi had said, “Uninformed outsiders now see Nigerians as fraudsters, certificate forgers or identity thieves. The controversy is unnecessary, just as the implicit global embarrassment could be avoided. “In my opinion, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu should have saved the nation and himself this.”
“Bola Tinubu should reintroduce himself to the nation he governs and tell the nation who he is, where he is from, where he went to school, and his real name. It’s a simple task that will take only a few minutes. And he must perform this task immediately.”
However, in a sharp rebuttal posted on his official Facebook page, Fasua described Obi’s comments as “a focus on the irrelevant,” questioning the timing and purpose of raising the issue.
“This video is being hailed in some quarters as an act of bravery. I think it’s a focus on the irrelevant. Is this the best our man can do at this moment?” he asked.
Fasua argued that Nigerians were more interested in the outcomes of government policies than in questions surrounding Tinubu’s past.
“Nigerians are not concerned about Tinubu’s identity. It’s the results that matter. He could as well be from planet Mars,” the presidential aide said.
He also took a jab at the former Anambra State governor’s oratory, saying, “Mr Obi struggles to sound intellectual but just can’t be in this lifetime.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/06/10/nigerians-are-not-concerned-about-tinubus-identity-presidential-aide-attacks-peter-obi/
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‘Tinubu’s Brain Is Very Alert, He Is Smarter Than His Opponents, Including Peter Obi’ – Atiku’s Ally, Sowunmi
June 10, 2025
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has opined that President Bola Tinubu is smarter than his opponents, including the Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Naija News reports that Sowunmi, a close ally to the 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, made this known after a recent visit to the President at his Bourdillon residence in the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos state during the Eid celebrations.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, June 9, 2025, Sowunmi stated that those who do not understand what it takes to design a futurist idea that could work should stop demonising Tinubu’s policies.
Speaking on the recent visit, Sowunmi said, “Having been in office for two years, it’s not a bad time to have a conversation with the President. I was concerned that this democracy was faltering and I don’t think it was his fault. I do not understand after about 24 years, political parties would just suddenly assume that they have an escape route of blaming others for their woes. I didn’t like that.
“I began to be a little bit uncomfortable with the demonising of all policies by those who don’t understand what it takes to design futuristic ideas that could work.
“I decided to engage him since people talk about his frailty. So, I jumped on that investigation.”
The PDP chieftain also praised President Tinubu’s mental agility and his differences from other political opponents.
He added, “His brain is very alert, he is fit. You know when you are asking someone questions and he is answering without looking at the book. Do you know the difference between Bola and them? He doesn’t have one approach to dealing with everybody. By miles, Tinubu is smarter than them. He is smarter than Peter Obi, he is smarter than them.
“I just believe that there comes a time in the life of a nation where you must try to be sure whether the direction a leader is going is the right direction or at least whether it is the intended direction and I guarantee you, he is smart — above average.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/06/10/tinubus-brain-is-very-alert-he-is-smarter-than-his-opponents-including-peter-obi-atikus-ally-sowunmi/
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Southeast Asia
Spouse of Polish President, Agata Duda enjoys lake cruise in Putrajaya
Bernama
10-06- 2025
PUTRAJAYA: Agata Kornhauser-Duda, spouse of Polish President Andrzej Duda, went on a cruise around Putrajaya Lake here today.
Arriving at 10.30 am, she was welcomed by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Agata Duda spent about 45 minutes in friendly conversation with Dr Wan Azizah while admiring the iconic buildings surrounding the national administrative centre.
She also took the opportunity to create a batik design using a canting tool and later took a photo with the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque in the background.
President Duda and his wife arrived in Putrajaya yesterday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation.
This is President Duda’s first visit to Malaysia since taking office in August 2015, which coincides with significant moments: Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship and Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025.
The special aircraft carrying Duda, his wife and delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang at 8.21 pm, where they were greeted by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/spouse-of-polish-president-agata-duda-enjoys-lake-cruise-in-putrajaya-GF14227742
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Malaysia condemns Israeli obstruction of Madleen flotilla aid mission to Gaza
10 Jun 2025
PUTRAJAYA, June 10 — Malaysia is deeply concerned over the detention of individuals aboard the Madleen flotilla bound for Gaza.
In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, stated that the very purpose of this peaceful humanitarian mission was to pave the way for the delivery of critically-needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, who continue to be subjected to mass starvation because of the inhumane blockade imposed by the Zionist Israeli regime.
“The interception and harassment of the flotilla’s crew exposed a deliberate and ruthless obstruction of humanitarian aid that could potentially bring some relief to the most vulnerable, including children, women, and the elderly.
“The blockade of Gaza is a brutal and barbaric act, and the international community should detest it for the sake of compassion and human dignity,” the statement stated.
Malaysia once again calls on the international community to demand the Zionist Israeli regime to cease the blockade and to allow an unimpeded delivery and access of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, the statement added.
Anadolu Ajansi reported that the 18-metre sailing boat Madleen set sail for Gaza on June 1 from the Port of San Giovanni Li Cuti in Catania, Sicily, Italy, as part of the latest mission organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver aid to the region.
A total of 12 people are on board the Madleen, including 11 activists and one journalist.
The ship is carrying urgently-needed supplies for the people of Gaza, including baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, women’s sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches and children’s prosthetics, according to its organisers. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/06/10/malaysia-condemns-israeli-obstruction-of-madleen-flotilla-aid-mission-to-gaza/179800
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Tears, prayers in Terengganu as UPSI students buried following fatal Gerik crash
10 Jun 2025
JERTIH, June 10 — Three more Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who were killed in the road crash on the East-West Highway (JRTB) near Gerik, Perak, on Monday were laid to rest early today.
The remains of Fatin Nasrien Fadil, 22, were buried at the Kampung Kerandang Cemetery here at 4.10 am.
Around 100 people, including family members, friends, villagers, and Jabi state assemblyman Datuk Dr Azman Ibrahim-who is also the Terengganu State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Food Security and Commodities Committee chairman-were present to pay their final respects.
Meanwhile, the remains of Fakhrul Arif Rosdi, 20, and Sufea Adela Maslihaizan, 21, were buried at the Kampung Pasir Akar Muslim Cemetery and the Kampung Gong Penaga Muslim Cemetery, respectively, at about 4.30 am.
Earlier, funeral prayers for Fatin Nasrien, Fakhrul Arif, and Sufea Adela, along with 10 other UPSI students, were held at Masjid Hadhari here after the bodies arrived from the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh, Perak, at 2.55 am.
It is understood that another eight bodies will also be buried early this morning.
Meanwhile, the bodies of Nurul Fatihah Abu Setaman, 22, and Nurul Izyanti Muhamad Azhar, 21, are scheduled to be buried around 9 am today at the Kampung Gong Duek Cemetery and the cemetery at Jalan Hospital Jerteh, respectively.
The remains of Wan Nur Suhaila Wan Muhammad and Muhammad Adib Hazim Halim were laid to rest earlier.
Wan Nur Suhaila was buried at the Kampung Amer Muslim Cemetery in Kampung Raja, Besut, at 11.37 pm last night, while Muhammad Adib was buried at the Kampung Pasir Badak Islamic Cemetery in Hulu Besut at 12.15 am. Both bodies were brought from Gerik Hospital.
In the crash that occurred between 12.30 am and 1 am, 15 UPSI students were killed when a chartered bus travelling from Jertih to Tanjung Malim overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza on the JRTB near Tasik Banding.
The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and his assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers of the Alza. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/06/10/tears-prayers-in-terengganu-as-upsi-students-buried-following-fatal-gerik-crash/179792
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South Asia
High-Level Afghanistan Delegation Heads to Uzbekistan for Investment Conference
2025-06-09
KABUL(BNA): A high-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has departed for Uzbekistan to participate in the 4th Tashkent International Investment Conference. The delegation is led by Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Industry and Trade, alongside Mawlavi Ahmadjan Bilal, the Director General of Emirate Companies.
The visit comes at the official invitation of Uzbekistan and aims to follow up on decisions and commitments made during previous meetings between the two countries.
During the conference, the Afghanistan delegation is expected to engage in discussions with Uzbek officials and representatives from other countries to enhance and expand economic and trade relations. The initiative underscores Afghanistan’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and attracting investment in its economy.
The outcomes of this conference are anticipated to strengthen ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, paving the way for future collaboration in various sectors.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/high-level-afghanistan-delegation-heads-to-uzbekistan-for-investment-conference/
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Afghanistan’s pilgrims successfully complete Hajj Rituals
By Fidel Rahmati
June 9, 2025
Around 30,000 Afghan pilgrims successfully completed the Hajj this year, with smooth arrangements and no major incidents reported.
The Ministry of Hajj, and Religious Endowments of Afghanistan announced that this year’s Hajj pilgrimage for Afghan pilgrims was conducted smoothly and without major issues. The ministry confirmed that all rituals were completed in an orderly manner and in a peaceful environment.
According to an official statement, approximately 30,000 Afghan citizens participated in the Hajj ceremonies this year. The ministry emphasized that every stage of the pilgrimage—from departure, accommodation, performing rituals, to return—was carefully planned and monitored.
Officials highlighted the important role played by Saudi authorities and Afghanistan service teams in facilitating the pilgrims’ comfort and safety throughout the journey. Their cooperation ensured a smooth experience for Afghan participants during the spiritual event.
No significant accidents or problems were reported during the pilgrimage, according to the ministry’s update. Afghan pilgrims were able to perform the religious rites with ease and security in the holy city of Mecca.
The ministry also noted that once all pilgrims have returned safely, a comprehensive report on this year’s Hajj will be published. This documentation aims to provide detailed insights into the organization and execution of the pilgrimage.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, attracting millions of Muslims worldwide annually to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Afghanistan receives a quota for its pilgrims, which is managed by the Ministry of Guidance, Hajj, and Religious Endowments.
The successful completion of this year’s pilgrimage reflects the effective coordination between Afghanistan and Saudi authorities, underscoring the commitment to fulfilling religious duties while ensuring the safety and comfort of Afghanistan citizens.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/afghanistans-pilgrims-successfully-complete-hajj-rituals/
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Explosion in Paktia, Afghanistan kills one, injures four
By Fidel Rahmati
June 9, 2025
An explosion in Paktia killed a 12-year-old child and injured four others, exposing risks from leftover war explosives in Afghanistan.
Local sources in Paktia province report that a 12-year-old child was killed and four others injured in a mine explosion. The incident occurred in the village of Hasan Khil in Dand-e-Patan district on Sunday. According to reports, the children were playing with a mortar shell when the explosion happened.
Locals attribute the explosion to a roadside mine, while the Taliban claim it was caused by leftover munitions from Afghanistan’s long-standing conflicts. The injured children were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where their condition has been reported as stable.
Explosions from unexploded ordnance (UXO) continue to pose a serious threat, especially to children in Afghanistan. These remnants of past wars frequently cause casualties in civilian areas, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by local communities.
Humanitarian organizations have long warned about the risks UXOs present, urging for increased clearance efforts and education to protect vulnerable populations. According to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Afghanistan remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world.
Efforts by NGOs and international agencies aim to reduce UXO-related casualties, but challenges remain due to the country’s rugged terrain and ongoing conflict.
The tragic death of a child in Paktia province underscores the urgent need for enhanced mine clearance and awareness programs. Preventing further civilian casualties requires sustained international support and cooperation.
Without immediate action, unexploded ordnance will continue to threaten the safety and lives of Afghan civilians, especially children, prolonging the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/explosion-in-paktia-afghanistan-kills-one-injures-four/
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Yunus-Tarique meeting in London on June 13: Fakhrul
Jun 10, 2025
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said today that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, currently visiting the United Kingdom, is scheduled to meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on June 13.
Speaking to journalists at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan this morning, Fakhrul said the meeting is expected to take place between 9:00am and 11:00am (London time) at the hotel where Yunus is staying.
"The chief adviser has invited our acting chairman. The meeting will be held at the hotel where Yunus is staying," Fakhrul told reporters.
In response to a question, he confirmed that discussions around the meeting had begun after Yunus decided to travel to London.
"This issue was discussed in last night's standing committee meeting. He has been formally invited for the meeting. The standing committee has welcomed this initiative," he said.
He added that the party's standing committee has given acting chairman Tarique Rahman the authority to make decisions on any matter.
Fakhrul expressed hope that the meeting could have significant implications for the country's political landscape.
"We hope this meeting will play a positive role in overcoming Bangladesh's political crisis. Personally, I believe that in the current political context, this could be a turning point," he said.
Describing it as a "major political event", Fakhrul added, "Many issues could be resolved. A new dimension will emerge. Possibilities will be created."
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/yunus-tarique-meeting-london-june-13-fakhrul-3913906
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Father, daughter drown while swimming during Eid vacation
Jun 9, 2025
A man and his daughter drowned while swimming in a pond in Hamidpur village of Moulvibazar's Juri upazila this afternoon.
The deceased were identified as Babul Ahmed Babu, 60, a brick-field owner, and his 18-year-old daughter Halima Mohammad of Hamidpur village under Jaifor Nagar union in the same upazila, said Juri Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Murshedul Alam Bhuiyan.
Halima, a student of Viqarunnesa Noon School and College, was scheduled to sit for this year's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations, said the OC.
OC Murshedul also said Babul, who lived with his family in Dhaka, went to his ancestral home to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha. Around 4:00pm today, he took his daughter to the pond at their residence to teach her how to swim.
Halima slipped and went into deep water while learning to swim. Her father also drowned while attempting to save her.
Relatives rescued both and rushed them to Kulaura Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared them dead, he said.
The bodies were handed over to the family, the police official added.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/accidents-fires/news/father-daughter-drown-while-swimming-during-eid-vacation-3913706
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Arab World
Thousands of pilgrims continue spiritual journey to Madinah
June 09, 2025
MADINAH: As pilgrims bid farewell to Makkah on Monday after completing Hajj — the fifth pillar of Islam — many departed for Madinah with cherished memories.
Hajj authorities in Madinah have begun implementing their operational plans for the second season, expecting thousands of pilgrims in the coming days.
The Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security have completed preparations to receive the pilgrims, as part of a comprehensive plan to ensure their safe and smooth arrival, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The field plan focuses on regulating pilgrim movement, facilitating entry and exit from Madinah, maintaining traffic flow, and reducing congestion.
Preparations include increased security presence on major routes, providing assistance and guidance, and ensuring emergency teams are ready to respond to health cases and other situations.
Government and volunteer bodies have raised readiness levels to support reception centers, entry points, and historical sites, while enhancing efforts in transport, guidance, hospitality, and healthcare through an integrated, 24/7 system.
These efforts reflect the leadership’s commitment to serving pilgrims and ensuring their safety during their journey between the holy sites and Madinah, the SPA reported.
Meanwhile, 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, also traveled to Madinah after completing Hajj.
During their stay, they will pray at the Prophet’s Mosque, visit Quba Mosque, and explore significant historical landmarks.
The pilgrims expressed gratitude for the services provided by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which met their needs and facilitated smooth movement between sites.
They shared their joy at completing the Hajj rituals, including standing at Mount Arafat, staying in Muzdalifah, the days of Tashreeq in Mina, stoning the Jamarat, and concluding with the farewell Tawaf.
A coordinated program is in place to transfer pilgrims from their accommodations to Madinah airport, overseen by the Hajj and Visit Committee and relevant authorities to ensure timely flight departures.
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport recorded a successful pre-Hajj phase, receiving pilgrims smoothly and efficiently. During the arrival period, the airport handled 719,400 pilgrims — 49 percent of all air-arriving pilgrims this Hajj season — via 1,910 flights from 196 cities in 53 countries.
The General Directorate of Passports confirmed its readiness to finalize departure procedures at the Kingdom’s international air, land, and sea ports, supported by modern security systems and trained personnel.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser also inspected King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to assess its readiness for pilgrim departures.
He reviewed procedures for receiving and dispatching pilgrims, including departure hall operations, service performance, and overall efficiency, aiming to ensure a smooth travel experience that meets international standards.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603938/saudi-arabia
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Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage
AFSHAN AZIZ
June 09, 2025
JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith.
In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light.” At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.
The mountain’s distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.
Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: “There’s something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it’s not just a climb, but it’s a spiritual awakening.”
To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider’s web and a dove’s nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.
Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da’wah and the great spiritual responsibility.
Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay’ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.
Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma’la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet’s beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.
“Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,” Khan added.
Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.
Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: “We’re planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage. It’s a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.”
Further west of the Prophet’s Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam’s critical battles.
Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.
Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi’ Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions. Located near the Prophet’s Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam’s formative years.
Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet’s leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.
Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: “I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur’anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.”
Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like “Hala,” launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.
Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: “Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603960/saudi-arabia
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Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs
June 09, 2025
MAKKAH: Throughout their profound journey of faith, especially as Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts.
They flock to the malls and markets of Makkah, particularly those around the Grand Mosque. This tradition expresses their spiritual fulfillment and prepares them for their return home, blessed by Allah for having performed the sacred rites, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
Gift buying represents joy at Hajj’s successful conclusion and strengthens social bonds between relatives, SPA added.
Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance. Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an.
Pilgrims also frequently buy perfumes like incense and musk, along with various types of dates — ajwa dates being especially sought after.
The markets of Makkah and Madinah see a significant boom after Hajj, bustling with pilgrims of diverse nationalities.
These vibrant markets include modern malls in the Haram area, the traditional Aziziyah Market, the Hijaz Market, and bazaars near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Merchants actively meet this demand, offering a wide range of products, special offers for pilgrims, and often discounts on bulk purchases.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603949/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs’ families during Hajj
June 09, 2025
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior, through the Agency for Military Affairs, is supporting the families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with a humanitarian program reflecting the leadership’s commitment to citizens.
A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry’s expense, along with providing psychological, medical and social care throughout the year.
One beneficiary speaking from Mina, Ibrahim bin Abdulkarim Al-Zahrani — injured in the line of duty and brother to two martyrs — expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s support.
He said such care reassures families that the Kingdom stands by them and gives them strength to continue serving, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
Al-Zahrani added that the ministry’s efforts, under Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, represent the state’s respect for the sacrifices of martyrs and its commitment to their families.
Chief Sgt. Salem Al-Qahtani of the General Department for the Care of Martyrs and Injured Families shared his 14-year experience serving the group, highlighting the department’s close, familial bond with their families.
“We have followed the children of the martyrs since their early years, watching them grow — some are now our colleagues, while others are performing Hajj through this program under the leadership’s close supervision,” he said.
The department develops support programs for beneficiaries, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to honoring those who gave their lives for the nation and continuing support for their families.
It also reflects the leadership’s approach to supporting citizens and honoring the sacrifices of martyrs.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603945/saudi-arabia
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Saudi interior minister commends security forces for Hajj efforts
June 09, 2025
MAKKAH: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has conveyed greetings and congratulations from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to personnel involved in implementing Hajj security plans following the successful completion of the season.
This includes members of the Ministry of Interior, the Presidency of State Security, and supporting military agencies from the Ministry of National Guard, Ministry of Defense, and General Intelligence Presidency.
The minister’s remarks were made during a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Makkah with senior officials, commanders of security sectors, Hajj security forces, and supporting military and security agencies.
Prince Abdulaziz affirmed that following the directives of the leadership — who provided all necessary resources and ensured coordination among government and security bodies — the approved plans for this year’s Hajj were successfully executed.
Prince Abdulaziz, as chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee, praised the security and military sectors for their unity, sincerity, and dedication during this year’s season.
He emphasized that their work reflected a strong sense of national and religious responsibility, honoring the privilege of serving pilgrims.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603943/saudi-arabia
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Makkah exhibition welcomes pilgrims among its visitors
June 09, 2025
MAKKAH: The third Wahat Exhibition, which is being organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in Makkah, is continuing to welcome visitors — including Hajj pilgrims, citizens, and residents — from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The exhibition runs until June 15, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It features a section devoted to the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, as well as rare manuscripts from the Makkah Library.
The exhibition also includes historic photographs of Makkah along with a documentary film which showcases past Hajj experiences and the development of services for pilgrims.
Visitors have praised the high-quality content, commending the ministry’s efforts in raising awareness, advancing technology, and improving communication and services for pilgrims.
They have said the exhibition reflects the Kingdom’s comprehensive efforts to serve pilgrims, promote religious awareness, and uphold the values of moderation and tolerance.
The Hadiyah Charity Association organized an exhibition in Mina during Hajj to showcase the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims to reflect the rich cultural and geographical diversity of the Islamic world.
As a vibrant representation of global Islamic cultures, the exhibition underscored the Kingdom’s message of unity and hospitality toward pilgrims from all nations, the SPA reported.
Through immersive displays, it highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering harmony among civilizations and promoting mutual respect and appreciation.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia to resume Umrah visas from June 10
June 09, 2025
Dubai: Saudi Arabia will resume issuing Umrah visas on Tuesday, June 10, paving the way for international pilgrims to return to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina—just days after concluding one of the safest and most efficiently managed Hajj seasons.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah earlier confirmed the start of the new Umrah season, noting that the first wave of foreign pilgrims is expected to arrive on Wednesday, June 11.
According to the ministry’s official calendar, visa issuance will begin on June 10 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446). Umrah companies and international agents were instructed to finalize their service agreements no later than May 27 (29 Dhul Qadah 1446).
Umrah season follows successful Hajj
The announcement comes on the heels of a successful Hajj season that saw participation from more than 1.6 million pilgrims from around the world.
Umrah open year-round, extending into 2026
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not restricted to specific dates and can be performed year-round. The upcoming Umrah cycle will extend into 2026 (1447H). Further updates are expected in the coming months regarding pilgrim quotas, travel guidelines, and health protocols.
Visa pause supports Hajj operations
Saudi Arabia traditionally suspends Umrah visa issuance several weeks before the Hajj season to ensure the smooth organization and execution of the annual pilgrimage.
This pause enables authorities to dedicate their full logistical, health, and security resources to managing the significantly higher influx of Hajj pilgrims, who arrive over a much shorter period.
Source: gulfnews.com
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https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-to-resume-umrah-visas-from-june-10-1.500157643
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Islamic Affairs Ministry begins distribution of King's gift of Qur'an copies to pilgrims
June 09, 2025
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance started on Sunday distribution of gifts of copies of the Holy Qur'an from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to the Hajj pilgrims.
The number of copies allocated for distribution during this year's Hajj account for 2,521,380 copies of the Holy Qur'an, published by the King Fahd Complex for Printing of the Holy Qur'an in Madinah in various sizes and with translations of their meanings in several international languages, ensuring that this blessed gift reaches all nationalities.
These efforts reflect the care and attention of the wise leadership for the Holy Qur'an and its keenness to bid farewell to the pilgrims with the most glorious gifts, expressing the attention and care they have received ever since their arrival in Makkah until their departure. This embodies Saudi Arabia's mission to serve pilgrims and care for their affairs at the highest levels.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/652575/SAUDI-ARABIA/Islamic-Affairs-Ministry-begins-distribution-of-Kings-gift-of-Quran-copies-to-pilgrims
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/illegal-mazars-nearly-demolished-up/d/135830