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  • Israel attacked 2,500 targets in Gaza since Oct 7: What we know about day 30

    Israel attacked 2,500 targets in Gaza since Oct 7: What we know about day 30

    Blinken meets Abbas

    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

    Abbas called for an “immediate ceasefire” and allowing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

    While Blinken reassured America’s commitment to ensure humanitarian assistance and resuming essential services in the besieged Gaza, he did not call for a ceasefire.

    Arab world versus the US on ceasefireA press conference was held in Amman on Saturday where US Secretary of State Blinken dismissed his Jordanian and Egyptian counterparts, Ayman Safadi and Sameh Shoukry, calling to urge Israel for an immediate ceasefire.

    “We don’t accept that this is self-defence,” Safadi said. “It cannot be justified under any pretext and it will not bring Israel security, it will not bring the region peace.”

    But Blinken believes that a ceasefire would “leave Hamas in place to regroup and repeat attacks”.

    Attack on Maghazi refugee camp

    According to Wafa news, 51 Palestinians have been killed as Israel bombed Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp.

    Infectious diseases reported in UNRWA shelter

    The UN’ has revealed that overcrowding in UNRWA shelters is leading to diseases.

    “Overcrowding conditions continue to create severe health and protection risks,” the UN stated.

    More than 530,000 Palestinians are said to be seeking refuge.

    A number of cases of acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and chicken pox have been reported in UNRWA shelters.

    Additionally, due to overcrowdedness in the shelters, people are sleeping in the streets around UNRWA shelters.

    Israel bombs Azhar University in Gaza

    Israel has bombed Al-Azhar University in Gaza.

    A video was posted by Palestine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Amal Jadou on X (formerly Twitter).

    Israeli army attacked 2,500 targets in GazaThe Israeli army has claimed to have attacked more than 2,500 targets inside the Gaza Strip since October 7.

    Chad cuts ties with Israel

    Chad is the latest country to recall its ambassador from Israel in the light of “the unprecedented tide of deadly violence” inside Gaza.

    “In front of such tragedy, Chad condemns the loss of numerous innocent civilians and calls for a ceasefire for a durable solution to the Palestinian issue,” the statement read.

    Thousands take to streets in Washington DC

    On Saturday, tens of thousands of people gathered in Washington DC to protest against US President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

    “Biden, Biden, you can’t hide; we charge you with genocide,” the protesters chanted on Saturday.

  • Saudi opens ‘Riyadh Season’ with Shakira performance amidst harsh criticism for concerts during Palestinian genocide

    Saudi Arabia opened its exclusive entertainment event ‘Riyadh Season’ with a performance by Colombian-Lebanese artist Shakira. This was the fourth edition of the festival, with many celebrities including Portuguese football player Christiano Ronaldo, rappers Eminem and Kanye West.

    Pictures and videos of the event circulated on social media, causing an uproar. Questions were raised as to Saudia’s celebration of a festival when the Palestinians are being bombed in Gaza with more than 9000 killed in Israeli airstrikes.

    Many also expressed outrage after a man named Farkhan was removed from Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou event for waving the Palestinian flag.

  • World Cup 2023: India defeats South Africa by 243 runs

    World Cup 2023: India defeats South Africa by 243 runs

    In the 37th match of the World Cup, India defeated South Africa by 243 runs after a one-sided match and won the event for the eighth consecutive time.

    In the match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa. India scored 326 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in the allotted 50 overs, Virat Kohli remained unbeaten with 101 runs.

    Apart from this, Shreyas Iyer played an innings of 77 runs which included 2 sixes and 7 fours. Captain Rohit Sharma 40, Shubman Gill 23, and Suryakumar Yadav scored 22 runs, KL Rahul was dismissed with eight runs while Ravindra Jadeja was not out with 29 runs.

    For South Africa, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Kesho Maharaj, and Tabriz Shamsi took one wicket each.

    In pursuit of India’s target of 327 runs, South Africa’s batting line proved to be a wall of sand and none of the batsmen could stand up to the Indian bowlers.

    The entire South African team was all out for just 83 runs in the 28th over, with Marko Jansson scoring 14 and van der Dussen scoring 13. Captain Timba Bavuma and David Miller scored 11 runs each while Aiden Markram scored nine runs and Keshav Maharaj scored seven runs.

    On behalf of India, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed five players, Mohammad Shami and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each while Mohammad Siraj took one wicket.

  • Pakistan’s cotton production surge offers hope for forex reserves 

    Pakistan’s cotton production surge offers hope for forex reserves 

    Cotton production this year is proving to be a silver lining for Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, with an impressive 83 per cent increase in production for the 2023-24 season, totalling 6.79 million bales. 

    According to an estimate by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Forum, cumulative production in the current season may reach around 9 to 9.5 million bales, a significant improvement from the previous year’s production of 5 million bales. This can be attributed to favourable weather conditions. 

    However, it’s worth noting that the production is still below the government’s target of 11.5 million bales. 

    According to Express Tribune, the recent 193 per cent increase in gas prices has exacerbated challenges faced by textile manufacturers and exporters, reducing the country’s competitiveness among regional textile exporters. 

    Another discouraging factor is for the farmers, as the market is offering them Rs7,000 per 40 kilogrammes, falling short of the government’s announced support price of Rs8,500 per 40 kilogrammes.

    The government has yet to fulfil its promise of purchasing cotton to stabilise market prices.  

    The Caretaker Prime Minister has urged the activation of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan, but this action is contingent on approval from the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet, which has not yet occurred. 

    Ginners has mentioned that the increase in cotton production will save the country approximately $1 billion in import costs. 

  • Israel Minister Reprimanded Over Gaza Nuclear ‘Option’ Comment

    Israel Minister Reprimanded Over Gaza Nuclear ‘Option’ Comment

    An Israeli minister was suspended from government meetings “until further notice” Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said, after suggesting in an interview dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza.

    The comments by Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu advocating a fierce military response to Hamas’s October 7 attacks even at the cost of the lives of hostages believed to be held in Gaza also drew rebuke from families of the captives.

    Eliyahu, an ultranationalist politician part of Netnayahu’s ruling coalition, told Israel’s Kol Barama radio he was not entirely satisfied with the scale of Israel’s retaliation in the Palestinian territory after Hamas fighters carried out their deadly attacks inside southern Israel.

    The attacks killed 1,400 people, mostly civilians, Israeli officials say.

    Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since October 7 has killed 9,488 people, most of them women and children, the Hamas-run health ministry says.

    When the interviewer asked whether the Israeli minister advocated dropping “some kind of atomic bomb” on the Gaza Strip “to kill everyone”, Eliyahu replied: “That’s one option”.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly responded in a statement, describing Eliyahu’s remarks as “disconnected from reality” and adding that Israel was trying to spare “non-combatants” in Gaza.

    In a follow-up question about the estimated 240 hostages held in Gaza, Eliyahu said that “in war we pay a price.”

    “Why are the lives of the hostages… more important than the lives of the soldiers?” he said.

    “International law, along with fundamental principles of human morality and common sense, strictly prohibits the use of mass destruction weapons,” it said in a statement, calling for the release of all the hostages.

    Following the outcry over his remarks, Eliyahu said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that his statement about the atomic bomb was “metaphorical”.

    He also said that Israel was “committed to doing everything possible to return the hostages safe and sound”.

    Israel has never admitted to having a nuclear bomb.

    The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, representing relatives of people snatched to Gaza by Hamas militants, slammed Eliyahu’s “reckless and cruel” statement.

  • PCB’s management committee tenure extended for three months

    PCB’s management committee tenure extended for three months

    The tenure of the management committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headed by Zaka Ashraf has been extended by 3 months.

    According to sources at the Prime Minister’s House, the Federal Cabinet approved the extension of the period of the Circulation Summary Management Committee. In the summary, special reference has been made to the limited powers of the PCB Management Committee.

    Sources in the Prime Minister’s House say that according to the summary, the management committee will deal with the day-to-day affairs. However, the management committee will not have any appointment authority.

  • Zaka Ashraf announced reward of Rs one million for Fakhar Zaman

    Zaka Ashraf announced reward of Rs one million for Fakhar Zaman

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Zaka Ashraf has announced a reward of Rs 1 million for Fakhar Zaman.

    Zaka Ashraf also spoke to Fakhar Zaman on the phone after the match against New Zealand and praised his aggressive innings. Zaka Ashraf also expressed his best wishes for the upcoming matches, he said that he hopes you will play more such innings.

    It should be noted that in the 35th match of the ICC ODI World Cup today, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs under the Duckworth-Louis (DLS) method.

    Fakhar Zaman played an unbeaten innings of 126 runs off 81 balls, his innings included 11 sixes and 8 fours. Fakhar Zaman also equaled Shahid Afridi’s record for most sixes in an innings.

    Earlier, Shahid Afridi hit 11 sixes in his record-breaking innings against Sri Lanka in 1996.

  • Turkey recalls ambassador from Israel amidst Blinken visit

    Turkey recalls ambassador from Israel amidst Blinken visit

    Turkey has taken a diplomatic step against Israel on Saturday, recalling its ambassador back on the eve of US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken’s visit.

    In a statement issued by the Turkish foreign ministry, it was said that ambassador Sakir Ozkan Torunlar was being recalled for consultations “In view of the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Gaza caused by the continuing attacks by Israel against civilians, and Israel’s refusal (to accept) a ceasefire.”

    Turkish President Erdogan personally told reporters that he holds Netanyahu responsible for the huge death toll in Gaza. “Netanyahu is no longer someone we can talk to. We have written him off,” Erdogan said in a statement quoted by the media. He also suggested to Netanyahu to “take a step back and stop this”.

    However he reiterated that “Completely severing ties is not possible, especially in international diplomacy,” adding that is why MIT intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin has been appointed to lead talks with both sides to mediate an end to the war.

  • The rising call of #CeasefireNow in Europe and America

    The rising call of #CeasefireNow in Europe and America

    As the War on Gaza is entering its fifth week, calls for a ceasefire and an end to genocide can be heard all around the world but the most striking is the response from the Western countries where people are principally supporting Palestine. However, their governments are either responding diplomatically or are siding with Israel.

    USA

    Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s testimony before the Senate committee was interrupted by protestors calling for “ceasefire now”. Blinken was there to ask for emergency funding for Israel by the administration. The demonstrators kept shouting “Save the children of Gaza, cease-fire now. Where is your pride in America. Stop the brutal massacre.”
    Their hands were painted red. Protesters also chanted in unison, “From Palestine to Mexico, all the walls have got to go.” They were arrested and dragged out of the hall.


    This isn’t it. Hundreds of protestors have come to protest outside White House and inside the Capitol Hill building while many more are on the roads marching and protesting against Biden’s administration, questioning the aid of $14.5 billion that has been given from taxpayer money.

    United Kingdom

    The UK is seeing a very hostile political environment. Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition, is under fire for siding with Israel’s destructive tactics. He said, “I understand the calls for a ceasefire, at this stage, I do not believe that is the correct position.” Protestors gathered outside his residence and got their disapproval registered.

    More than 60 Labour MPs have called for a ceasefire while one of the Labour MPs Andy McDonald has been suspended because of seeming “deeply offensive” comments at a pro-Palestinian rally.
    Masses are protesting in huge numbers on the road and criticising the politicians who are opposing the ceasefire.

    France

    France has banned citizens from pro-Palestine marches but according to the leading newspaper France24, thousands of demonstrators have joined the pro-Palestinian march in Paris, calling for an urgent ceasefire even though the President of the country flew to Israel to show his solidarity with its government. They remain uninhibited by the country’s official allegiance with Israel.

    https://youtu.be/18OPeZtWgX0?si=NYF1oRB1qQW36nwx

    Germany

    Germany sees the pleas of Palestinians as synonymous with the activities of Hamas because it has banned all activities of Hamas from the country. This is the government’s attempt to hamper all the pro-Palestinian marches and protests. Additionally, schools in Berlin have been given permission to ban the traditional Palestinian headdress, the keffiyeh. Palestinian activists however have dubbed this as coming from a place of “historic guilt”.

    Italy

    Italy’s Georgia Meloni also paid a visit to Israel and stated that the real purpose of the Hamas attack was to create an “Unbridgeable gap between the Israelis and Palestinians, meaning that the target is all of us and we cannot fall into this trap, which would be very stupid.” Contrary to the opinion of the PM, Rome saw a protest of thousands chanting, “From River to the Sea, Palestine will be free.”

    https://youtu.be/a07wKfUm0gs?si=7a–SbnRUkHKUlPg

    Spain

    Spain is one major country from Europe which has gained the ire of Israel but has persisted in calling out the atrocities befallen by Israel on the Gaza strip. Spanish Minister of Social Rights, Ione Belorra, asked for bringing Netanyahu before the International Criminal Court for all the crimes he has committed.

    The Israeli government in response accused them of siding with Hamas. Unfazed, Spain’s premier Pedro Sanchez echoed public opinion by calling for a ceasefire. Thousands of people in different cities of the country also came out in support of Palestine.

    Ireland

    Ireland is leading the demands as always, having supported the Palestinian state since the 1980s. Irish leadership along with the Spanish heads have raised their concerns on the grander scale of the EU in favour of Palestine. Irish PM (taoiseach) Leo Varadkar has openly called out Israel for subjecting Palestinians to collective punishment. “What I’m seeing unfolding at the moment isn’t just self-defence. It looks, something more approaching revenge,” Varadkar said.

    Scotland

    Scottish First Minister Hamza Yousuf has repeatedly expressed his support for Palestine. His in-laws were trapped in Gaza leaving him fearful of the situation at the strip.

    The major showdown that happened was at the Celtic Park arena in a match between Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. The crowd of more than 60,000 went against the warnings of the administration and literally showed up as the “Green Brigade” holding flags of Palestine. They wanted to prove themselves to be on the “right side of history.”

    The response by the West has been rather calculated and gets tweaked from time to time but the purpose here is to show that the stance of the governments is hardly a testament to public sentiment when it comes to international issues. The overwhelming response of the public manifests that better sense must prevail and that an immediate ceasefire is the need of the hour.

  • World Cup 2023: Pakistan defeats New Zealand by 21 under DLS method

    World Cup 2023: Pakistan defeats New Zealand by 21 under DLS method

    In the 35th match of the ICC ODI World Cup, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs under the Duckworth-Louis (DLS) method after a high-scoring thriller.

    Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bow first.

    The New Zealand team scored 401 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 50 overs, with opener Richan Ravinder playing an innings of 108 runs. Captain Kane Williamson was dismissed for 95 while opener Devon Conway put up 35, Daryl Mitchell 29, Mark Chapman 39, and Glenn Phillips was dismissed for 41 runs. Mitchell Santner remained not out with 26 and Tom Latham scored 2 runs.

    For Pakistan, Muhammad Wasim Jr. took three wickets, while Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf took one wicket each.

    In response to New Zealand’s target of 402 runs, Pakistan lost its first wicket at 11 runs when Abdullah Shafique returned to the pavilion after scoring only four runs.

    After that, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman took over the crease. Zaman scored his 11th century with the help of 9 sixes and 6 fours off 63 balls, the fastest century by a Pakistani in the World Cup. Pakistan scored 160 runs for the loss of one wicket before the match was stopped due to rain.

    Before the rain stopped for the first time, Pakistan had scored 160 runs for one wicket in 21.3 overs, New Zealand had scored 133 runs for one wicket in 21 overs, and Pakistan was ahead by 10 runs on the Duckworth-Louis method. Pakistan was given the target of 342 runs in 41 overs after cut off.

    But the match was stopped for the second time due to rain, under the Duckworth-Louis (DLS) method, Pakistan was leading by 21 runs. In 25.3 overs, Pakistan had to score 179 runs for one wicket. The national team scored 200 runs for the loss of one wicket in 25.3 overs. Continuous rain caused the match to be abandoned and Pakistan was declared the winner by 21 runs under the DLS method.

    Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam remained unbeaten. Fakhar scored 126 on 81 balls while Babar score 66 runs off 63 balls.