Pentagon Press Secretary John F Kirby.(photo:John F Kirby Twitter)
Welcoming India’s efforts to investigate the matter, Kirby also said that the recent developments will not impact the India-US relationship…reports Asian Lite News
The White House said that while it continues to strengthen strategic partnership with India, it takes the allegations that an Indian was involved in a foiled bid to kill a Sikh separatist leader on its soil “very seriously”.
The response came closely after New Delhi reacted to the US indictment of an Indian individual in a plot-to-kill charge, and said it is a “matter of concern” and also “contrary to the government policy”.
“I would just say two things. India remains a strategic partner and we’re going to continue to work to improve and strengthen that strategic partnership with India. At the same time, we take this very seriously,” John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, said in respose to a question at a news conference.
Welcoming India’s efforts to investigate the matter, Kirby also said that the recent developments will not impact the India-US relationship.
“These allegations in this investigation, (we) take it very seriously. And we’re glad to see that the Indians are too by announcing their own efforts to investigate this. And we’ve been clear that we want to see anybody that’s responsible for these alleged crimes to be held properly accountable,” he said, adding that it will not impact India-US relationship.
India constituted a high-level Enquiry Committee to look into all the relevant aspects of the matter, and said it will take necessary follow-up action based on the findings of Committee.
While speaking to reporters travelling with him to Tel Aviv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the Indian government’s announcement of an investigation “good and appropriate” and said that they “look forward to seeing the results”.
The US prosecutors on Wednesday announced murder-for-hire charges against Indian national Nikhil Gupta for involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun allegedly on behalf of an Indian government employee.
New York-based Pannun, who was not named in the indictment, is a designated terrorist in India and the legal counsel of banned Khalistan group, Sikhs For Justice.
Gupta was arrested by Czech authorities on June 30 in response to a request by the US under an extradition treaty, according to a statement issued by the office of the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams.
A resident of India, Gupta is alleged to be involved in international narcotics and weapons trafficking.
This Christmas, add a bit of spice to your festivities with Opihr London Dry Gin. As well as making delicious winter cocktails, Opihr’s beautiful gift box is the perfect and affordable present for the gin lovers in your life and will add a touch of style to any home drinks bar. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Opihr London Dry Gin is infused with exotic hand-picked botanicals, spices and herbs from the Ancient Spice Route, including cardamom from India, coriander from Morocco, grapefruit from Turkey and orange peel from Spain.
Suggested Festive Serve: Opihr Spiced Apple
50ml Opihr London Dry Gin | 50ml Cloudy Apple Juice | Ginger Beer
Fill a copa glass with ice and add all ingredients, stir gently. Garnish with some freshly grated cinnamon and a cinnamon stick to finish.
Opihr London Dry Gin with Glass Gift Pack
For the Opihr lover in your life, give them the beautiful glass gift pack. In this year’s ou get a full size 70cl bottle of Opihr London Dry Gin and a branded copa glass to enjoy your G&T in.
Opihr has two further expressions which both build on the original flavour of Opihr London Dry Gin.
Opihr Aromatic Bitters Gin
This gin brings the addition of Cascarilla bark to the original Opihr recipe, further building out the fragrant and herbaceous flavour profile.
Suggested Festive Serve: Opihr Aromatic Garden
40ml Opihr Aromatic Bitters Gin | 15ml Sweet Vermouth | 75ml Cloudy Apple Juice | 10ml Pomegranate Syrup or Grenadine | 3 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
Shake all ingredients over ice and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with one mint leaf and a sprinkling on freshly grated nutmeg
Opihr London Dry Gin is elevated through the marriage of citrus and spice, with powerful bursts of black lemons and heightened by the rich citrus flavour of Timut peppers to create Opihr Black Lemon Gin.
Suggested Festive Serve: Opihr Lemon Fizz
20ml Opihr Black Lemon Gin | 15ml Apricot or Peach Liqueur | 1 Dash Peychaud’s Bitters | Small Pinch of Sea Salt | Prosecco
Add all liquid ingredients with the exception of the Prosecco, add a tiny pinch of sea salt and stir gently. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with a sprig of thyme
Abdul Rahim, who has been held in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in the past 17 years, was arrested in Lahore before being shifted to the US military prison….reports Asian Lite News
The Taliban regime in Kabul has asked the US to release the only Afghan prisoner still held in the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba, local media reported on Thursday.
“We are in contact with the US to release Abdul Rahim. He is the only Afghan who has been languishing in Guantanamo. He is innocent and should be freed,” Xinhua news agency quoted the local media citing the Taliban’s chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid as saying.
Mujahid claimed that Rahim was “arrested without any crime andhas been there for a long time and has suffered cruelty”.
“He should be released as soon as possible,” he added.
According to the media report, Abdul Rahim, who has been held in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in the past 17 years, was arrested in Lahore before being shifted to the US military prison.
Abdul Rahim’s son Mohammad Daud told the local media that he was two months old when his father was arrested and urged Americans to set his father free.
The family has claimed that Rahim sold honey in Lahore.
As of March 2022, of the 780 people detained in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp since January 2002 when it first opened after the 9/11 attacks, 741 have been been transferred, nine died while in custody and 30 still remain imprisoned.
Aster Medcity unveils advanced Neuropathology and Diagnostic Neuroradiology teams, a milestone in delivering state-of-the-art brain, spine, and nerve care…reports Asian Lite News
Aster Medcity, a beacon of healthcare innovation, proudly introduces its fully-fledged Neuropathology and Diagnostic Neuroradiology teams, led by the esteemed Dr. Vani Santhosh and Dr. Harish Babu, respectively.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a pivotal moment in the hospital’s unwavering commitment to delivering state-of-the-art services in brain, spine, and nerve care.
The spectrum of services spans advanced neurosurgery, spine surgery, neurology, neuroradiology, neuropsychology, and neuro-rehabilitation, catering to patients of all ages.
Dr. Dilip Panikar, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery at Aster Medcity Kochi, expressed, “With the introduction of dedicated neuropathology services, Aster Medcity continues to set benchmarks in healthcare, striving to enhance and revolutionize neurological services in Kerala and beyond.”
At the helm of the neuropathology team is Dr. Vani Santhosh, a former Senior Professor of Neuropathology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS). Dr. Santhosh’s groundbreaking research in neuro-oncology has significantly advanced the understanding of the biology of glioblastoma (GBM) and other gliomas.
Joining the ranks is Dr. Harish Babu, a distinguished Neuroradiologist specializing in diagnosing brain scans, who now leads the Neuroradiology Team. Dr. Babu emphasised, “Neuroradiology plays a pivotal role in neurosurgery by providing detailed anatomical and functional information that guides surgeons in planning and executing precise and effective interventions for various neurologic conditions.”
To augment neuropathology capabilities, Aster Medcity is launching a new center for Neuropathology. This center will process specimens from various Aster hospitals, leveraging the expertise of the accomplished neuropathology team in Kochi.
Dr. Shyam Sundar S, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery, Aster Medcity, Kochi, highlighted, “The collaboration between neurosurgeons, diagnostic neuroradiologists, and neuropathologists ensures a comprehensive understanding of neurological conditions, leading to more accurate diagnoses, better treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.”
The Global Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences integrates departments such as Neurology, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Centre, Acute Stroke Care Centre, Pediatric Neurology, Epilepsy Care Centre, Spine Care Centre, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Neuropsychology. Aster Medcity is poised to advance neurological care through these integrated efforts, setting new standards in healthcare excellence.
UK Parliament Members praised India’s anti-terrorism commitment, emphasizes peace…reports Asian Lite News
Acknowledging the ramifications of terror attacks in India, UK Parliament members praised the nation for its committed anti-terrorism endeavors. They underscored the vital importance of promoting peace and prosperity in the region.
On being asked about the terror attacks by neighbours, the member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament, Lord Rami Ranger, said that they should be “ashamed” of themselves and should focus on their future generations.
Lord Ranger was speaking to ANI at a solemn event organized by the High Commission of India in London to pay tributes to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the Gandhi Hall, India House in London.
The 2008 Mumbai attacks (commonly referred to as the 26/11 attacks) were a series of terrorist attacks that took place in November 2008, when heavily armed terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) created havoc on the city’s streets, attacking multiple key public installations and indiscriminately firing on unarmed civilians. The attacks resulted in over 166 deaths, including foreigners, and left more than 300 injured.
Noting that his message to the neighbours is very simple, Lord Ranger said, “You have been creating terrorists instead of experts. You’ve been creating terrorists instead of doctors, engineers, and businessmen.”
He said that it’s about time they change their focus and develop their people to do positive things.
“The country was created with one million people losing their lives and tens of millions becoming refugees to give you a country. What mess have you made of that country? You should be ashamed of yourself and you should think of the future generation, that they should not suffer as the past and present generations have suffered,” Lord Ranger said.
He further added, “Therefore, I’m a victim of partition. My father was killed, and I became a refugee. So I feel very sad that the leadership needs to wake up.”
He emphasised that the leadership needs to give a new direction to the country and to the people because this is not the way to progress in a global village where all the people are interdependent on one another.
Virendra Sharma, a British MP of Indian origin, stressed that terrorism brings destruction that damages nations, adding, “We have witnessed that 15 years ago.”
“We are witnessing that even today, those nations that believe in terrorism and those who believe in aggression don’t prosper,” he said, stressing, “I salute India even in those days.”
Sharma further emphasised that India is still working and trying its level best to finish terrorism and bring peace and prosperity.
“India is working on working with those communities, those nations, to come together to be part of the development so that we can have peace, which will bring prosperity,” he said while speaking to ANI.
Another member of the British Parliament, Catherine West, at the event, emphasised the need to respect one another and resolve differences through talking and understanding, not violence.
Underscoring the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, West said, “Today it is very important that we reassert the right of citizens to enjoy their lives in peace and not to live in fear and terror of an attack, which is exactly what happened in 2008.”
She further expressed pleasure in joining a number of Parliamentarians from the UK Parliament and also with the High Commissioner, where they listened to music, laid some flowers, and remembered all those who tragically lost their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
“We need to respect one another and we must resolve differences through talking and understanding, not through violence. So, we recommit ourselves to the simple message of remembrance and security, stamping out hatred, promoting understanding and promoting peaceful coexistence,” she added. (ANI)
Canada has secured its place as the 12th global location for Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the 6th largest jewelry retailer worldwide and the second in North America…reports Asian Lite News
Malabar Gold & Diamonds has made history as the first Indian jewellery retailer to open in Canada with their new store in Mississauga, at Heartland Town Centre within the Greater Toronto Area.
With this, the brand marks its extensive brand presence, with 335 stores spread across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, KSA, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, the USA, the UK, Canada, and India. Currently ranked as the world’s 6th largest jewellery retailer, Canada has become the 12th country on Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ global operational map and the 2nd country in North America.
The store was virtually inaugurated by M.P Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group. Nina Tangri, the Associate Minister of Business for Ontario, performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director, International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Ameer CMC, Director of Finance & Administration, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Joseph Eapen, Regional Head – North America, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; and other Malabar Gold & Diamonds management team members, customers and well-wishers.
“The opening of our first store in Canada brings me immense pride and joy, marking a significant milestone for us as the first Indian international jewellery brand to begin operations in Canada. Located at Heartland Town Centre in Mississauga within the Greater Toronto Area, our new store stands as the largest jewellery store in the country. The expansion into Canada presents us with a unique opportunity to showcase our jewellery to a diverse customer base that truly appreciates the artistry and craftsmanship of Indian jewellery. On behalf of Malabar Group, I would like to thank all our customers, management team members, shareholders and other stakeholders for being an integral part of helping us craft this historic moment and move one step closer towards our goal of being crowned as the world’s no. 1 jewellery retailer,” said Malabar Group Chairman, M.P. Ahammed.
Spread across 7,800+ sq. ft., the new outlet is the largest jewellery store in Canada, housing over 30,000 designs across 25 exclusive brands and collections in gold, diamond and precious gem jewellery. The new store will also showcase an extensive collection of bridal jewellery, along with a wide range of options for occasional wear, daily wear and office wear.
“We are extremely thrilled to extend our operations into the 12th country globally and the 2nd country within the continent. As Canada and the USA stand out as highly appealing destinations for Indian sub-continental expatriates in the Western hemisphere, the North American market presents vast potential, and we have ambitious expansion plans in the region, covering British Columbia and Alberta in Canada. Concurrently, in the USA, we are set to expand into Naperville, Chicago; Artesia, Los Angeles; and Atlanta, Georgia. As we continue to take significant steps in our international expansion journey, both the new store in Canada and our existing ones in the USA will play a pivotal role in shaping our future initiatives in the North American region,” commented Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director- International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
The store also offers a customised jewellery designing facility, presenting customers with the option to design their own jewellery with the assistance of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ expert designers and craftsmen. The store is also equipped with a luxurious customer lounge area, enabling comfortable and hassle-free jewellery shopping.
“This is indeed a historic moment for Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The new store, with its enticing array of jewellery, transparent policies, and luxurious amenities, is strategically positioned to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of jewellery enthusiasts in Canada. In addition to being a highlight of our international expansion plan, Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ expansion into Canada will further our aim of showcasing Indian-made jewellery to a global audience, upholding the motto of ‘Make in India; Market to the World’. We have charted an ambitious and exciting plan for the future, which involves strengthening our retail presence in existing regions with more store openings and expansion into new territories,” commented Abdul Salam K.P., Vice Chairman of Malabar Group.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds is renowned globally for offering an unparalleled jewellery buying experience with convenience and customer-friendly policies, along with the ‘Malabar Promise’ of incomparable quality and service assurance. Recently, the brand further strengthened its commitment by introducing a 100% exchange value on diamonds, positioning diamonds as an investment as appealing as gold. Apart from this, the Malabar Promise also includes transparent pricing, assured lifetime maintenance from any of the stores across 12 countries, guaranteed buyback, tested and certified diamonds, 100% value on gold exchange, 916 hallmarked jewellery, responsible sourcing, a fair price policy, and fair labour practises.
“The brand continues to strengthen its expansion within India in tandem with the great strides achieved internationally. Store openings are being planned in the states of Rajasthan, Puducherry, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Goa, Assam, Tripura and Jammu & Kashmir. We aim to set new benchmarks in the jewellery trade and provide an exceptional customer experience by strictly adhering to our commitment of 100% compliance, transparency and responsibility,” commented Asher O, Managing Director – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been a primary commitment of Malabar Group since its inception in 1993, setting 5% of its net profits towards such causes in every region of operation. The group operates on the strong belief that the most successful companies are the ones that integrate responsibility and sustainability into their core business. The key focus areas of Malabar Group’s ESG initiatives are Health, Housing, Hunger Eradication, Education, Environment and women empowerment. The group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organisation.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate. With an annual turnover of $5.2 billion, the company currently ranks as the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of 335 outlets spread across 12 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centres, procurement centers, and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA & the UK. The group, owned by over 4,000 shareholders, has more than 21,000 employees from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favourite jewellery at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.
The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and lightweight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections. ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus areas of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment, and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.
Trump did not attend any of the three Republican debates, citing a commanding lead in the polls…reports Asian Lite News
Former US President Donald Trump will skip the fourth Republican primary debate scheduled to take place in Alabama next week and instead attend a fundraiser in Hallandale Beach, Florida, to raise money for MAGA, Inc., the super political action committee (PAC) supporting his 2024 candidacy to the White House.
Trump did not attend any of the three Republican debates, citing a commanding lead in the polls, reports CNN.
Instead, the former President has held an event for autoworkers in Detroit amid the union strike and put on a competing rally in Florida.
In a text message to supporters earlier this week, Trump’s campaign announced the “VIP reception” and told recipients that if they made donations, they would be automatically entered to win a trip to meet the former President at a reception on December 6, the same day as the third debate.
Earlier this month, Trump’s campaign called on the Republican National Committee (RNC) to cancel all future debates.
Even as the former President battles 91 criminal counts across four indictments, he is still the Republican primary’s frontrunner in both national and early state polling, CNN reported.
Meanwhile to appear in the fourth debate in Tuscaloosa, the Republican candidates will need to reach 80,000 unique donors with at least 200 in 20 states or territories and register at least 6 per cent in two qualifying national polls or in one national poll and two polls from separate early voting states: Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina or Nevada.
The RNC also continues to require candidates to sign a pledge committing to support the eventual Republican nominee.
The third debate earlier this month saw Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott take the stage, with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson failing to meet the RNC’s threshold.
Scott has since joined former Vice President Mike Pence in suspending his White House bid.
Vivek’s top aide quits to join Trump campaign
A top political advisor left Indian-American Republican presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign to join party rival and former President Donald Trump, according to media reports.
Brian Swensen formally resigned from his role as national political director for the Ramaswamy campaign over the weekend, CNN reported, citing Trump campaign sources as saying.
He is expected to be working on the campaign’s political operation in the early-voting states, specifically in Nevada, the report said.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Ramaswamy campaign, thanked Swensen for his work with the campaign and wished him well in the future.
“We absolutely love Brian and completely wish him the best. I think this is best for both campaigns,” McLaughlin told CNN, adding that Swensen’s responsibilities will now be overseen by senior adviser Mike Biundo.
Swensen’s departure comes weeks after Brandon Goodyear, the Ramaswamy team’s videographer, stepped away from the campaign earlier this month.
While Ramaswamy has qualified to be on stage next week in Alabama for the fourth Republican debate, he is not faring well in national polls with his single digit numbers, trailing behind fellow Indian-American Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
A 538/Washington Post/Ipsos poll of potential Republican primary voters who watched his third debate found his unfavorability rating rising 12 points to 47 per cent.
Reina rejected Dogu’s remarks as “devoid of any legal and logical basis that interim prosecutors have different functions than permanent ones.”…reports Asian Lite News
Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina on Wednesday urged the U.S. government to stop meddling in its internal affairs after U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Laura Dogu spoke out about the naming of an interim prosecutor.
The situation in the Central American country is difficult, because a very small group in Congress appointed a so-called interim prosecutor, but this person is making decisions that do not align with the interim role, the ambassador told Honduran media on Tuesday.
The envoy sought to interfere again in a sovereign and internal matter, said Reina on social media.
Reina rejected Dogu’s remarks as “devoid of any legal and logical basis that interim prosecutors have different functions than permanent ones.”
“Our Constitution makes no distinction and on the contrary, it is their obligation, as it is the obligation of all public officials, to comply with and enforce the Constitution,” he said.
“One cannot criticize or try to confuse the fact that interim officials do not comply with a function that the law gives them to prosecute crimes,” Reina said.
Earlier this month, the Honduran Congress named Johel Zelaya as attorney general and Mario Morazan as deputy attorney general. Both are to remain in office on an interim basis until the different legislative factions reach a consensus with a qualified majority.
The bill, an amended House version of the legislation, was introduced last year; however, the dialogue process has been stalled since 2010….reports Asian Lite News
A bill aimed at strengthening US efforts to push China to negotiate with the Dalai Lama’s envoys to resolve the ongoing Tibet-China dispute can now proceed to the House floor, following a unanimous vote by the US House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
The bipartisan legislation, known as the Resolve Tibet Act, received approval at a markup meeting attended by Tibetan Americans, according to the Washington-based advocacy group International Campaign for Tibet (ICT).
The Resolve Tibet Act establishes official US policy that China must resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s envoys, emphasizing the unresolved conflict between Tibet and China and Tibet’s undetermined legal status under international law.
The bill, an amended House version of the legislation, was introduced last year; however, the dialogue process has been stalled since 2010.
Introduced last year as an amended House version, the bill aims to pressure China to resume negotiations with the Dalai Lama’s envoys or democratically elected Tibetan leaders, according to the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT).
The bill will also dismiss as inaccurate the Chinese claim that Tibet has been part of China since antiquity, and it will empower the State Department to actively counter China’s disinformation about Tibetan history, people and institutions.
According to the Resolve Tibet Act, China’s policies are “systematically suppressing the ability of the Tibetan people to preserve their religion, culture, language, history, way of life and environment.”
The Resolve Tibet Act states that Tibetans “are a people with a distinct religious, cultural, linguistic and historical identity,” as per the ICT.
The approval of the bill comes just days after President Joe Biden met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, where the White House said that Biden raised concerns about China’s human rights abuses in Tibet.
The Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act states that it is US policy that the dispute between Tibet and China must be resolved in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, by peaceful means through dialogue and without preconditions, the ICT stated.
According to the legislation, the US should promote substantive dialogue without preconditions between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama, his representatives or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community.
Additionally, the US could also explore activities to improve prospects for dialogue leading to a negotiated agreement on Tibet and coordinate with other governments in multilateral efforts towards the goal of a negotiated agreement on Tibet.
Furthermore, it should encourage the Chinese government to address the aspirations of the Tibetan people regarding their distinct historical, cultural, religious and linguistic identity.
The repression in Tibet has intensified over the decades and China’s constant attacks have constantly deteriorated the lives of Tibetan people, Voice Against Autocracy reported.
Ever since China attacked the sovereignty of Tibetans in 1951, Tibetan’s lives have constantly deteriorated. And ever since the protest in 2008, over 150 people have self-immolated as a form of protest.
Even after 150 people self-immolated, the relatives of protesters were tortured. They are routinely harassed, thrown into prison for “re-education,” denied political and medical rights, and even killed outright if deemed a threat. (ANI)
Israel says it is willing to continue the ceasefire “as long as Hamas continues to release hostages”….reports Asian Lite News
Just minutes before it was set to expire, the Israeli military on Thursday announced that an agreement was reached to extend the humanitarian truce in Gaza for a seventh day. Thursday’s extension is the second of the initial four-day truce that commenced on November 24.
The original four-day truce in Gaza which was first implemented on November 24 and extended for two more days on Tuesday. It was set to expire at 7 a.m. local time on Thursday.
In a brief statement, the military said: “In light of the mediators’ efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework, the operational pause will continue.”
Hamas also confirmed the extension of the truce for a seventh day in a statement. Since the start of the pause, 210 Palestinians, 70 Israelis, and 24 foreign nationals have reportedly been released.
On Wednesday — the sixth day of the truce — 16 more hostages were released from Gaza, comprising 10 Israelis, four Thai nationals and two Israeli-Russians. Also in the day, 30 Palestinians were also freed from Israeli jails.
‘Truce Will Extend Everyday As Long As..’
Ahead of the military’s announcement, Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday said the humanitarian truce in Gaza will extend for every day the Hamas militant group releases 10 “living” hostages.
“Every day, we agreed to an extension for the release of 10 hostages, 10 living hostages… If Hamas continues to release hostages, 10 a day, we will extend the hold — the pause.”
When asked if the fighting would resume within the next 24 hours, Regev told CNN that “if Hamas fails to meet the conditions of the extension, which is to release 10 Israelis, then of course the fighting can be resumed”.
According to the senior advisor, there were are still at least 140 hostages inside Gaza. He went on to say that the Jewish nation accepted the current agreement of a humanitarian pause “to get our hostages out, that could be extended each day for a day”.
Asked about negotiations on any further agreements, Regev told CNN: “This is a humanitarian pause in our fight against Hamas, Israel is determined to destroy Hamas’ military machine and its rule over Gaza.
“We are not going to play games with the lives of our people… Hamas knows what the parameters of the deal are.”
UAE Welcomes Truce Extension
The UAE has welcomed the announcement to extend the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip by two days, and the continued exchange of detainees between the Palestinians and Israel, expressing hope this development leads to a permanent ceasefire.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) commended the efforts of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States, to extend the humanitarian pause, allowing for the exchange of hostages, detainees, and captives, and the delivery of relief aid and humanitarian assistance. The Ministry expressed its aspirations for the agreement to expedite an end to the crisis and prevent further suffering for the brotherly Palestinian people.
Furthermore, the Ministry expressed its hope that this step will facilitate the immediate, safe, sustainable, and unhindered delivery of relief and humanitarian aid, particularly to the most vulnerable groups, including the sick, children, the elderly, and women.
The UAE stresses the importance of returning to negotiations to achieve the two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The UAE will continue working alongside the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to intensify efforts aimed at providing the needed support and assistance to the endeavours aiming to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
MBZ, Biden Hold Talks
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed bilateral relations and regional developments during a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Joe Biden.
The call underscored the significance of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in mobilising global cooperation to forge effective solutions to the climate crisis, ensuring a sustainable future for all nations.
The two leaders also reviewed the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and establishing lasting and secure mechanisms for delivering humanitarian aid to its residents without hindrance.
They also underscored the imperative of charting a course towards a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace in the Middle East region, with the two-state solution serving as the cornerstone for realising regional security, stability, and peace.
