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The inaugural session of the 18th Punjab Assembly will be conducted at 10am tomorrow (Friday), Geo News reported on Thursday. The recently elected members of the provincial assembly, who won the February 8 general elections, will take oath in tomorrow’s session. Punjab Governor Baligh Ur Rehman has issued a notification to convene a meeting of the Punjab Assembly, while Speaker Sibtain Khan will administer the oath to the newly elected members. Khan would be administering the oath to the newly elected lawmakers as the speaker withholds his position till a new speaker is elected by the new house. With the summons, the Punjab Assembly also becomes the first legislative body that will take oath post-election. The announcement comes a day after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) held its parliamentary meeting at the Jati Umra in Lahore. According to the PML-N sources, 218 members — including independent members, PML-N MPAs as well as members nominated for reserved seats — attended the meeting presided over by Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz. Sources said 137 successful candidates of PMLN, 58 women nominated for specific seats and more than 22 independent members, who joined the PMLN after the elections, were present. It merits a mention that 186 members were required to form the government. Among the newly elected members, Maryam will be one of the new entrants to step foot inside the provincial legislature as an elected member. She is also nominated as the party’s candidate for the chief minister slot after her victory from both the national and provincial assembly seats — NA-119 and PP-159, respectively — in the February 8 polls. During the meeting on Wednesday, Maryam pledged to serve the province in a way that would “set records” of good governance in the country. Revealing her game plan for Punjab in a media talk, the CM-hopeful said: “A new era will usher in Punjab. I congratulate the PML-N for securing victory [and gaining a majority in the Punjab Assembly].” If voted into power, Maryam will become the first woman to be elected as a chief minister in Pakistan’s seven-decade-plus history. She will take over the province with a population of more than 127 million people, more than half of Pakistan’s population. “This was a tough election, I thank the people of Punjab for providing us with a clear majority. We will set records of service; I haven’t rested since the election results, all of us will have to work as a team,” she added. Maryam, who holds the portfolios of PML-N’s senior vice-president and chief organiser, said it was a “huge honour” for her to be nominated as Punjab’s first chief minister and dedicated it to the “daughters, mothers, sisters, and reserved seats’ women”. The CM nominee said the province faces “major challenges” in the health care and education sectors as well as the local government. “There’s also a huge issue of sewage, clean water in rural areas.” Maryam told the newly-elected MPAs that they would have to view Punjab’s 297 constituencies as 297 districts in order to ensure development in every lawmaker’s constituency. Source:https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1160325-newly-elected-members-to-take-oath-in-first-punjab-assembly-session-tomorrow

Gaza has become a death zone”: WHO chief says “inhumane” health and humanitarian situation worsens. Palestine Red Crescent Society warns of dire situation at al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis as Israeli siege continues for 30th day. Medical charity MSF “outraged” by Israeli attack on its shelter in al-Mawasi that killed two family members of staff and injured six. Residents of northern Gaza Strip have only animal feed to eat for past three weeks, says head of Gaza’s government media office. At least 29,313 Palestinians killed and 69,333 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The revised death toll in Israel from the October 7 attacks stands at 1,139. Hamas says Jerusalem shooting ‘natural response’ to Israeli massacres Hamas has said the attack on a highway near the Maale Adumim settlement in the occupied West Bank is a “natural response to the [Israeli] occupation’s massacres and crimes in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank”. We reported earlier that at least three people were killed and eight wounded during the shooting this morning, with Israeli police saying two gunmen were killed and a third arrested. Hamas also raised concerns about Israel’s planned restrictions for Arabs at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. Click here to share on social media Iran says ICJ opinion can set ground for saving thousands of innocent people Raza Najafi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, says at the ICJ that “we remain at a turning point in the history of mankind”. “The opinion of this court can set the ground for saving the lives of thousands of innocent women and children and contribute to the legitimate demand of the people deprived of their inherent right to self-determination,” he said. Najafi then listed a series of measures that, he said, constitute the ongoing violation by the Israeli occupying regime: Prolonged occupation Altering demographic composition in the occupied territories Altering the character and the status of the Holy City Discriminatory measures Violations of the rights of Palestinian people to permanent sovereignty over their natural resources Click here to share on social media China calls for two-state solution at ICJ Ma Xinmin, a Foreign Ministry legal adviser, says that China “has consistently supported the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate right”. “Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed on multiple occasions that China calls for a comprehensive ceasefire and the early solution to the question of Palestine on the basis of a two-state solution through negotiation,” he said. “In pursuit of the right to self-determination”, he states, the Palestinian people’s use of force to “resist foreign oppression” and complete the establishment of an independent state is an “inalienable right”. Click If you’re just joining us It’s 11:30am (09:30 GMT) in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel. Here are some of the latest developments: Three people were killed and eight wounded in a shooting attack near the Maale Adumim settlement in the occupied West Bank. Turkey pushed for a ceasefire and two-state solution at the G20 meeting. A report by US intelligence assessed with “low confidence” that a handful of UNWRA staff participated in the October 7 attacks on Israel, according to the Wall Street Journal. US official Brett McGurk and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh visited Cairo amid efforts to broker a truce deal. The Israeli military said it intercepted air attacks from the Red Sea. Click Missile attack causes fire on vessel off Yemen coast: UK agency We now have more information on the attack reported off Yemen’s coast. The missile attack targeted a vessel transiting the Gulf of Aden and caused a fire on board, the British maritime security agency said. “A vessel was attacked by two missiles, resulting in a fire onboard,” the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said, adding that “coalition forces are responding”. Gaza death toll rises The death toll from Israel’s war on Gaza has increased to 29,410 since October 7, the Gaza Health Ministry said in a statement. At least 69,465 people have been wounded. Click Israeli minister says ‘our right to life overrides the Palestinians’ freedom of movement’ Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has said Palestinians’ freedom of movement should be restricted, following a shooting attack on a highway near the Maale Adumim settlement in the occupied West Bank that we reported on earlier. “Our right to life overrides the Palestinians’ freedom of movement,” Ben-Gvir said, according to Israeli media reports. “I will fight for barriers around the villages that will limit the freedom of movement of the residents of the Palestinian Authority.” At least three people were killed and eight wounded during the shooting this morning, with Israeli police saying two gunmen were killed and a third arrested. Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/22/israels-war-on-gaza-live-gaza-has-become-a-death-zone-says-who-chief

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari will be the prime minister and president, respectively, as both allies are set to form the next government. After days-long parleys and much uncertainty, top leaders from both parties confirmed that they were once again joining forces to form the government “in the nation’s interest”. While the politicos did not reveal much, sources told Geo News that the Senate chairman and Punjab governor would be from PPP, while Sindh and Balochistan’s governors and National Assembly’s speaker would be from the PML-N. “The Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz now have complete numbers and we are in the position to form the next government,” PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari told a press conference in Islamabad alongside top leaders from both the parties late Tuesday. No political party secured a simple majority in the February 8 elections, forcing parties to join hands in their bid to come into power, but the delay of an agreement had raised eyebrows. After the Feb 8 polls, the PTI-backed independent candidates controlled the most National Assembly seats (92) followed by the PML-N (79) and the PPP (54). While parties were wheeling and dealing over the government formation, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had allied with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to ensure it gets the required numbers through reserved seats in the assemblies. However, the PPP chief told reporters that the SIC did not have sufficient numbers to form the next government in the Centre. Bilawal said Shehbaz would be the next prime minister and Zardari would be the joint candidate for both parties for the president’s slot. He added that both parties would form the next government to pull the country out of the ongoing crises and expressed hope that they would be able to deliver. To a question regarding PML-N leader Ishaq Dar’s nomination as Senate chairman, Bilawal replied that decisions were taken in the meetings, but would be announced separately by each party. “If we look at the past, we have announced the coalition and made decisions with consensus very quickly compared to previous tenures,” he continued. PPP Co-chairman Zardari said that he wants to assure people that their struggle is for “you, Pakistan, and the coming generations”. “We have come to terms on the point that we have to ensure Pakistan’s success for the coming generations,” he added. ‘Middle point’ Speaking on the occasion, PML-N’s Shehbaz said that he had asked the PTI-backed winning candidates to prove their majority and form the government, but they didn’t have sufficient numbers. “We have sufficient numbers to form the next government,” he added. The PML-N stalwart also thanked Bilawal and Zardari for their cooperation. Shehbaz said that both parties decided that Zardari would be fielded as the joint candidate for the post of president. Responding to a question about whether the PPP was getting any portfolios, Shehbaz said that the Bilawal-led party hasn’t demanded any ministry from the first day. “Parleys take place between two parties and issues are resolved through [mutual consultation]. It doesn’t mean that we accept their demands or they accept ours; they have their views but reaching a middle point is the real political success,” he said. The former prime minister added that the decisions on the “offices” would be made mutually later under the guidance of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and the PPP’s top leadership. Shehbaz also thanked the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, who will be part of the next government. He vowed the upcoming coalition government would restore the country’s economy and fight against the menace of terrorism. The PML-N leader said that the alliance would bring economic progress and development to the country. He said they would take measures to increase agricultural and industrial production in the country. Source:https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1159717-bilawal-addresses-presser-after-days-long-ppp-pml-n-govt-formation-meeting

A European Space Agency satellite is expected to reenter and largely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday morning. The agency’s Space Debris Office, along with an international surveillance network, is monitoring and tracking the Earth-observing ERS-2 satellite, which is predicted to make its reentry at 11:32 a.m. ET Wednesday, with about a 4.5-hour window of uncertainty. The ESA is also providing live updates on its website. “As the spacecraft’s reentry is ‘natural’, without the possibility to perform manoeuvers, it is impossible to know exactly where and when it will reenter the atmosphere and begin to burn up,” according to a statement from the agency. The exact time of the satellite’s reentry remains unclear due to the unpredictability of solar activity, which can change the density of Earth’s atmosphere and how the atmosphere tugs on the satellite. As the sun nears its 11-year cycle’s peak, known as solar maximum, solar activity has been ramping up. Solar maximum is expected to occur later this year.  Related article‘Odie’ lunar mission takes off, aiming for historic US moon landing The sun’s increased activity already had an impact on speeding up the reentry of the ESA’s Aeolus satellite in July 2023. The ERS-2 satellite has an estimated mass of 5,057 pounds (2,294 kilograms) after depleting its fuel, making it similar in size to other space debris that reenters Earth’s atmosphere every week or so, according to the agency. At around 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth’s surface, the satellite is expected to break apart and the majority of the fragments will burn up in the atmosphere. The agency said that some fragments could reach the planet’s surface, but they won’t contain any harmful substances and will most likely fall into the ocean. ERS-2’s backstory The Earth-observing ERS-2 satellite first launched on April 21, 1995, and it was the most sophisticated satellite of its kind at the time to be developed and launched by Europe. Along with its twin, ERS-1, the satellite collected valuable data on the planet’s polar caps, oceans and land surfaces and observed disasters like flooding and earthquakes in remote areas. The data gathered by ERS-2 is still used today, according to the agency. In 2011, the agency decided to end the satellite’s operations and deorbit it, rather than adding to the swirl of space junk orbiting the planet. The satellite executed 66 deorbiting maneuvers in July and August of 2011 before the mission officially concluded later that year on September 11. The maneuvers burned through the rest of the satellite’s fuel and decreased its altitude, setting ERS-2’s orbit on a trajectory to slowly spiral closer to Earth and reenter the atmosphere within 15 years. The chances of an individual person being injured by space debris each year are less than 1 in 100 billion, about 1.5 million times lower than the risk of being killed in an accident at home, according to the agency. Source:https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/19/world/ers-2-european-space-agency-satellite-reentry-scn/index.html

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) hears arguments from 52 countries and three international organisations this week – the largest number of parties to participate in any single World Court case. The 15-judge panel is asked to review Israel’s “occupation, settlement and annexation” as well as policies “aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem”. The six-day hearings are based on a request by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for a nonbinding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel is not taking part in this week’s oral arguments and reacted angrily to the 2022 UNGA request of the ICJ with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it “despicable” and “disgraceful”. US concludes remarks advocating for two-state solution The ongoing suffering in Gaza and the rise in violence in the West Bank reinforces the US’ resolve to urgently achieve a “final peace”, which requires the “full realisation of Palestinian self-determination”. This means a Palestinian state living alongside an Israeli state, Visek says. “The lack of meaningful progress in a negotiated end to the conflict cannot and must not persist,” he added. “This conflict cannot be resolved through violence or unilateral actions. Negotiations are the path to a lasting peace.” Click More from Visek The US representative says that international law has a central and important role to play within the established framework set forth by the Security Council and General Assembly. The challenge for the court, he says, is how to provide its advice in a way that “promotes the framework” rather than “disrupting its balance, potentially making the possibility of negotiations even more difficult”. He says that under the established framework, “a movement towards Israel’s withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza requires consideration of Israel’s very real security needs” he says. We were all reminded of those security needs on October 7, and they persist,” he says before adding, “Regrettably, those needs have been ignored by many of the participants in asserting how the court should consider the questions before it”. Click ‘Land for peace’ remains only possible framework: US Visek argued the UN has already established the principle by which the withdrawal of Israeli forces relies on “the termination of belligerence and respect of Israel’s right to live peacefully in the region”. This principle is recognised as “land for peace” and was also adopted by Israelis and Palestinians in the Oslo Accords, he said. “This remains the only basis to achieve a lasting peace and the framework for ongoing US efforts.” The World Court can play a role in promoting this framework without “undermining the maintenance of peace and security”. “The US is by no means suggesting there is no role for the court or that it should not rule on violations of international law, but in exercising its advisory role it must take into consideration the extent to which the UN Security Council has already taken action to address the matter, including in its Resolution 2720 in December that reiterated the need for a two-state solution,” said the State Department official. Richard Visek, left, at the World Court in 2019 [File: Peter Dejong/AP] Click here to share on social media Richard Visek of the US State Department takes the floor Since the UN General Assembly first requested the ICJ’s advisory opinion, the international community has confronted “the horror of the terrorist attacks of October 7” and ensuing war on Gaza that has had “severe widespread and tragic consequences for Palestinian civilians”. The United States is “engaging intensively with the Palestinians, with Israel and with other states in the region” not only to address the current crisis, but “to advance a political settlement that will lead to a durable peace in the region that includes lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians, and a path to Palestinian statehood”. “There is broad international support for achieving a negotiated solution to the conflict that will give rise to a Palestinian state,” said Visek. UAE delivers concluding remarks The UAE’s Nusseibeh requested the following from the ICJ’s advisory: Israel must end its siege of Gaza, let aid in and stop the forcible transfer of the Palestinian population. “In practical terms, it must mean a ceasefire,” she said. Israel must dismantle settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and prevent acts of violence perpetrated by settlers. States must cooperate to bring Israel’s breaches to an end. “Israel’s administration of East Jerusalem constitutes annexation of territory on which the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination. International law is unequivocal in this respect. All measures by Israel that affect or aim to alter the status of East Jerusalem are null and void and have no legal effect.” “Israelis and Palestinians must thrive side by side in their own independent, prosperous and secure states,” she said. Click here to share on social media Israel hinders access for Muslims and Christians to holy places: UAE Lana Nusseibeh is now focusing on Israel’s actions in occupied East Jerusalem. “Israel has, in agreements with Jordan and with the Holy See, committed to the historic status quo and freedom of access to the holy places in Jerusalem. It is, therefore, gravely disconcerting that Israel has taken, and continues to take, measures which undermine the special character of Jerusalem and erase its cultural heritage.” Israel is in breach of its obligations by “repeatedly interfering with the holy places and hindering freedom of access to them”. Since the start of Israel’s occupation in 1967, “Muslims and Christians have been impeded from worshipping at their holiest sites.” Israeli forces stop Muslim worshippers at Lion’s Gate as they make their way to Al-Aqsa Mosque [File: Ahmad Gharabli/AFP Click Israeli violations ‘worsening at an alarming pace’ Nusseibeh outlined how the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories rapidly deteriorated over the past year. “The level of human suffering for people in Gaza is on a level rarely seen in human history. Israel has imposed a policy of collective punishment on the Palestinian people,” she said. Last

The Ukrainian Air Force said that it shot down two Russian fighter jets in the east of the country, and the armed forces said they held off a series of Russian attacks in the southeast. Meanwhile, amid growing international concern about Ukraine’s dwindling supplies of weaponry, Sweden said it would provide a record aid package to Kyiv. And, in Russia, a US-Russian dual citizen was arrested by security services on treason charges, according to authorities. Here are the latest headlines: Ukraine downs 2 Russian jets: The Ukrainian Air Force shot down two Russian fighter jets — an Su-34 and an Su-35S — in the eastern part of the country, it reported Monday. Ukraine repels attacks: Ukraine’s armed forces said they held off Russian attacks toward the southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia during a “difficult” night, repelling 11 attacks near Malynivka and Robotyne. Sweden pledges $683 million to Ukraine: Sweden announced its largest support package to Ukraine. “As global military stocks dwindle we will focus more on donations,” Defense Minister Pål Jonson said, outlining Sweden’s commitment to “stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” US dual citizen arrested in Russia: The FSB security service arrested a dual US-Russian citizen on charges of treason for collecting funds for Ukrainian organizations and openly supporting Kyiv. FSB said the 33-year-old Los Angeles resident was detained in the city of Yekaterinburg. Kremlin hits back at Navalny accusations: The Kremlin dismissed Yulia Navalnaya’s accusation that Russian President Vladimir Putin is behind the death of her husband Alexey Navalny. The opposition leader’s mother on Tuesday issued an appeal to Putin to release his body. US journalist to remain in Russian jail: The Moscow City Court upheld a decision to keep US journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russian detention until March 30. Gershkovich, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested in Russia in March 2023 on spying charges. “Let me finally see my son.” Mother of Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny addresses Putin in video From CNN’s Anna Chernova Lyudmila Navalnaya, left, the mother of late Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny, and lawyer Vasily Dubkov arrive at the regional department of Russia’s Investigative Committee in the town of Salekhard in the Yamal-Nenets Region, Russia, on February 17. Maxim Shemetov/Reuters Lyudmila Navalnaya, Alexey Navalny’s mother, has released a video appealing directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin to “let me finally see my son.” Navalnaya filmed the video standing outside the penal colony in Siberia where her son died. “Behind me is the IK-3 “Polar Wolf” colony, where my son, Alexey Navalny, died on February 16. I haven’t been able to see him for five days. They won’t give me his body. They don’t even tell me where he is,” she says, directly staring at the camera. “I am addressing you, Vladimir Putin. The solution to the issue depends only on you. Let me finally see my son. I demand that Alexey’s body be immediately handed over so that I can bury him humanely.” Some context: The opposition figure died while serving a sentence in a Russian penal colony. The cause of his death remains unclear, and a Navalny spokesperson said Monday that the body won’t be released to the family for at least 14 days. Russia arrests dual US-Russian citizen on charges of treason for collecting funds for Ukraine From CNN’s Sebastien Shukla, Nathan Hodge and Anna Chernova Russia’s FSB security service has arrested a dual US-Russian citizen on charges of treason for collecting funds for Ukrainian organizations and openly supporting Kyiv. FSB said Tuesday that a 33-year-old Los Angeles resident was detained in Russia’s city of Yekaterinburg for “providing financial assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of our country.” The funds raised were used to “purchase tactical medicine, equipment, weapons and ammunition by the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the FSB said. The FSB said the US citizen took part in public actions that supported what it called the “Kyiv regime.” “Operational search activities and investigative actions continue. The court chose a preventive measure in the form of detention for the accused,” the statement said. The statement did not specify her alleged actions in support of Kyiv. CNN has reached out to the US Embassy in Moscow for comment. Moscow court rejects US journalist Evan Gershkovich’s appeal against extending his detention From CNN’s Anna Chernova US journalist Evan Gershkovich, appears inside a defendants’ cage before a hearing to consider an appeal on his extended pre-trial detention, at the Moscow City Court in Moscow, Russia, on February 20. Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP/Getty Images The Moscow City Court has upheld a decision to keep US journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russian detention until March 30. Gershkovich, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested in Russia in March 2023 on spying charges. The FSB, Russia’s main security service, accused him of trying to obtain state secrets – a charge Gershkovich, his employer and the US government have strenuously denied. The Moscow City Court said it considered the appeal but would support the decision made earlier by the Lefortovo District Court to extend Gershkovich’s period of detention. Already, he has had his pre-trial detention extended twice since his arrest, once in May and again in August. If convicted of spying, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Kremlin says Yulia Navalnaya’s accusations that Putin killed Navalny are unfounded From CNN’s Anna Chernova and Radina Gigova Alexey Navalny, center, his wife Yulia, center right, and other demonstrators march in memory of murdered Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov in downtown Moscow, Russia, on February 29, 2020. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP/Getty Images The Kremlin has dismissed Yulia Navalnaya’s accusation that Russian President Vladimir Putin is behind the death of her husband Alexey Navalny as “absolutely unfounded” and “boorish.” Navalny, Russia’s highest-profile opposition leader, died in prison on Friday. Days later, Navalnaya released a video message in which she said “Vladimir Putin killed my husband.” CNN asked Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to comment on her statement during a call with journalists Tuesday. “No, we leave this without comment,” he said. “Of course, these are absolutely unfounded, boorish accusations against the head of the Russian state. But given that Navalnaya became a widow just a few days earlier, I will

The Saudia Airlines flight from Bangladesh Tuesday made an emergency landing in the port city after a passenger’s health worsened mid-flight. The Riyadh-bound flight, SV 805, departed from Bangladesh’s capital city, Dhaka, at 3:57am and was in the Indian airspace when the 44-year-old Bangladeshi passenger fell sick during the flight, according to airline sources. Abu Tahir, the Bengali passenger, was in a bad condition with high blood pressure, and continuously vomiting due to his health, airline sources said. Following the passenger’s health, the pilot diverted the aircraft towards Mumbai and sought permission from the Air Traffic Controller in Mumbai for a humanitarian landing. By the time the air traffic controller could issue permission, the plane had taken the landing approach towards Mumbai. The ATC sought the nationality and other details of the affected passenger and refused to offload the Bangladeshi Muslim passenger. The Saudi plane was refused entry into the Indian territory, citing the presence of Bengali passengers who were on board the flight. After receiving instructions from the Mumbai ATC, the pilot sought Karachi Air Traffic Controller for permission to land a flight in the port city after which the aircraft was flown towards Karachi and touched down at the Jinnah International Airport at 7:28am. The Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) medical team took emergency measures at the airport with doctors arriving to treat the patient as soon as the plane landed. The Bengali passenger on board the plane was examined by the doctor present at the spot who provided medical aid to him. Following the check-up, the plane flew to Riyadh from Karachi. Source:https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1159598-flight-from-dhaka-lands-in-karachi-after-passengers-health-worsens

Oral proceedings continue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. South Africa, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Bangladesh and Belgium present early arguments. More than 50 states and at least three international organisations will address judges at the United Nations’ top court until February 26. A nonbinding legal opinion is expected after months of deliberation by the judges. On Monday, Palestinian representatives presented their arguments on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. The occupation is illegal and must be brought to an immediate, unconditional and total end, they argued. Israel is not attending the hearings but sent a five-page written statement saying an advisory opinion would be “harmful” to attempts to resolve the conflict because questions posed by the UN General Assembly are prejudiced. Israel cannot rely on self-defence to justify its actions The representative of Bangladesh Riaz Hamidullah is stressing that the principle of self-defence does not offer legal grounds for prolonged occupation. Israel’s occupation runs counter to three basic tenants of international law: The right to self-determination; the prohibition to acquire territory by force; the prohibition of racial discrimination and apartheid. As mandated by international law, any occupation must be temporary and acquiring territory is illegal. Israel’s prolonged occupation, coupled with the acquisition of territory, violates international law. The right to self-defence does not justify the violation of international law, including the right to self-determination. Israel cannot rely on self-defence to justify its actions. There is broad consensus that Israel, through its denial of self-determination of the Palestinian people, has violated peremptory norms of international law while also hindering the prospects for a just and lasting peace. Click What Israel is saying about the UN court proceedings Israel rejects accusations of committing “apartheid” against the Palestinians and usually dismisses UN bodies and international tribunals as unfair and biased against it. Israel isn’t making an oral statement during the hearings, taking place against the backdrop of the war in Gaza that has killed more than 29,000 Palestinians. Israel sent a five-page written statement saying an ICJ advisory opinion would be “harmful” to attempts to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians. The hearings are “designed to harm Israel’s right to defend itself from existential threats”, and “dictate the results of a diplomatic settlement without any negotiations”, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said. Relatives mourn loved ones killed in Israeli attacks in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza [Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency] Click More from the Netherlands’ representative More on the remarks made by the Netherlands’ representative René J.M. Lefeber. The occupying power shall not deport or transfer part of the population in the territory it occupies, which constitutes a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Once an occupation has occurred, the occupying power has the duty to respect and protect civilians. A serious breach of a peremptory norm should be dealt with in the context of the United Nations, but if this fails, states shall cooperate to bring the unlawful situation to an end. They shall not recognise as lawful the situation created by such breach and shall not render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation. Click The Netherlands presents its arguments The representative for the Netherlands, René J.M. Lefeber, has presented his arguments before the court. The court has jurisdiction to give advisory opinion. All people have a right to self-determination as per the UN Charter. There is a duty to abstain from actions that contravene this right. The right to self-determination is applicable to people under occupation and colonial domination, as well as people living in independent states. A prolonged occupation obstructs the principle of self-determination. The occupation of foreign territory can be legitimate in response to an armed attack provided the principles of necessity and proportionality are respected. An occupation that fails to fulfil these requirements may lose its legal basis and therefore violate the prohibition of the use of force. Click More from Algerian jurist Ahmed Laraba A violent contrast exists between theoretical appearances sketched out by Israel with a very broad brush and the reality Algeria considers. The situation created in 1948 and continuing shows up starkly in the misuse and abuse of the concept of occupation by Israel in occupied Palestinian territories. The establishment of Israeli legal rules in the West Bank and successive phases of planned military occupation is followed by the beginning of colonisation. The most striking feature of the West Bank resides in the spectacular increase in the establishment of settlements between 2012 and 2022, the numbers went from 520,000 settlers to 700,000. All historians of colonisation stress the compelling importance of the dispossession of land in establishing an accelerated colonisation. That to Algeria is a particularly striking example. Click here to share on social media First statements at ICJ very damaging for Israel Step Vaessen So far the statements made in front of the 15 judges of the ICJ have been absolutely damaging for Israel. South Africa was focusing on the apartheid regime that Israel has imposed on the Palestinian people, calling it a colonial system, and all three speakers demanded the court put an end to the occupation and have illegal settlements removed. They also called for reparations for the Palestinian people to be put in place. They also talked about the bloody assault taking place in Gaza. South Africa played a key role in an earlier case brought to the same court accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel was given provisional measures to avoid such a scenario. Click here to share on social media More from Saudi Arabia’s envoy Ziad al-Atiyah Israel has committed the most egregious violations of its fundamental international obligations regarding its treatment of the Palestinians. It has ignored multiple UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions condemning its conduct. These violations include measures preventing the Palestinian people from exercising their right of self-defence through various policies and practices. These include the continuing illegal

At least nine terrorists were killed in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), in which one soldier embraced martyrdom, the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday. In a statement, the military’s media affairs wing said that an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted by the security forces in Tank District. During the IBO, two terrorists, including a high-value target (HVT) Rehmat Ullah alias Badar Mansur, were killed. “In another operation conducted in South Waziristan District, after intense fire exchange, seven terrorists were sent to hell.” The ISPR further said that weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists. The slain militants remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area against the security forces as well as extortion and target killing of innocent civilians, it added. However, during the operation, Sepoy Shahzeb Aslam, 29, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR added. Source:https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1158686-soldier-embraces-martyrdom-as-security-forces-kill-9-terrorists-in-kp

Armed rebels have killed 15 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s troubled Ituri province, local sources said on Sunday, in the second such attack in days. The sources said the CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) militia, which claims to defend the interests of the Lendu ethnic group, again targeted people from the rival Hema tribe. CODECO fighters ambushed users of a road near the village of Tali where they stopped 15 people, including one woman, on Saturday afternoon, said Jules Tsuba, a civil society leader in Djugu, a town in the area. The militiamen tied them up and undressed them before killing them while some victims “had their throats cut, others were shot dead”, he said. According to a humanitarian source, “the bodies of the victims bear the marks of torture”. Ruphin Mapela, the territory’s administrator, confirmed the toll of 15 dead and said the attack came after months of peace. CODECO was among several Congolese armed groups that signed a peace deal last year after negotiations in Nairobi. The United Nations has said there are as many as 120 armed groups in eastern DRC. Efforts to reduce violence in the DRC have seen the deployment of thousands of South African troops as part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission to fight against armed rebel groups in the east. Gold-rich Ituri suffered a conflict between ethnic-based militias from 1999 to 2003 that killed thousands before the intervention of a European force. Fighting flared again in 2017, killing thousands of civilians and triggering mass displacement. Violence has been on the rise in the conflict-hit region in recent weeks, with many blaming attacks on the M23 rebel group that has been fighting Congolese soldiers in the region for years. Kinshasa says M23, one of more than 120 armed groups in the region, is receiving military support from neighbouring Rwanda. Experts from the United Nations and the European Union have said there is evidence backing this but Rwanda denies the allegations. But M23 has indicated in recent statements that it is amid an onslaught in eastern Congo, leading to fears the group is again targeting Goma, which it once seized 10 years ago. Tsuba said he wanted the government to “accelerate the peace process” through a programme of disarmament and reintegration of militia fighters into their communities. On Tuesday, a suspected CODECO attack left seven panners dead on mining sites in Djugu territory Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/19/codeco-rebel-attack-kills-15-people-in-eastern-drc