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Israel says will establish 22 new Jewish settlements in occupied West Bank

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Israel on Thursday announced plans to establish 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including the legalization of unauthorized outposts.

This decision follows Israel’s capture of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war—territories the Palestinians seek for their future state. The international community largely considers these settlements illegal and a barrier to resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Defense Minister Israel Katz described the move as a step to “strengthen our grip on Judea and Samaria,” the biblical name for the West Bank, asserting it reinforces Israel’s “historical right” to the land and serves as a “decisive response to Palestinian terrorism.”

Katz added that the settlements are a “strategic effort to block the creation of a Palestinian state that could threaten Israel.”

Currently, over 500,000 Israeli settlers live in more than 100 settlements across the West Bank, ranging from small outposts to developed communities with residential complexes, commercial centers, and public amenities.

The 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank live under Israeli military control, with the Western-backed Palestinian Authority managing urban centers, while settlers hold Israeli citizenship.

Settlement expansion has intensified in recent years, predating Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack that sparked the ongoing Gaza war. This growth has increasingly confined Palestinians to fragmented areas, diminishing prospects for a viable independent state.

During his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Israel’s claims to occupied territories, legitimizing settlements—a departure from decades of U.S. policy. Former President Joe Biden opposed settlement growth but took minimal action to curb it.

In 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a non-binding ruling declaring Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories unlawful, urging an immediate halt to settlement construction. Israel rejected the 15-judge panel’s opinion, claiming the territories are part of the Jewish homeland.

Israel dismantled its Gaza settlements in 2005, but some current government officials advocate re-establishing them and resettling much of Gaza’s Palestinian population elsewhere through what they term “voluntary emigration.” Palestinians view this as a plan for forced displacement, and experts argue it would likely breach international law.

According to Yaakov Garb, a professor at Ben Gurion University, Israel now controls over 70% of Gaza, including border buffer zones, the largely depopulated southern city of Rafah, and other evacuated areas.

The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and abducted 251, continues to escalate tensions.

Hamas still holds 58 hostages, about a third believed alive, after most were freed in ceasefire deals or rescued, with dozens of bodies recovered. Israel’s military response has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, per Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties.

The settlement announcement, set against the backdrop of the Gaza conflict and stalled peace efforts, further complicates the path to a two-state solution, drawing renewed attention to the contentious issue of Israeli expansion in the occupied territories.

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Blasts outside defence establishments in Punjab within 2 hours trigger security alarm

Two explosions near defence-linked locations in Punjab within two hours have triggered alarm and heightened security across the state.

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Two explosion incidents reported within a span of around two hours near key defence-linked locations in Punjab have raised serious security concerns and triggered political reactions.

The first incident took place near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar, where a blast involving a delivery scooter was reported in a populated area. The proximity of the explosion to a sensitive security installation immediately drew the attention of authorities.

Shortly after, another blast was reported near a military-linked area in Amritsar, further heightening concerns over security preparedness in the border state. Police and security agencies responded swiftly, deploying bomb disposal squads and forensic teams at both locations.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in either incident. However, the back-to-back nature of the explosions caused panic in nearby areas and prompted authorities to place the state on high alert.

Political leaders reacted strongly, questioning the handling of security and pointing to possible lapses. They urged authorities to take preventive steps to avoid such incidents in the future.

Punjab, being a strategically important border state, remains sensitive to such developments. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the explosions and whether there are any links between the two incidents.

Security has been tightened around key installations, with agencies assessing whether the blasts were isolated events or part of a broader threat.

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Retired bureaucrats appointed by Mamata Banerjee barred from Bengal offices ahead of BJP government formation

Retired bureaucrats appointed under Mamata Banerjee have been barred from government offices as West Bengal prepares for a BJP-led administration.

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In a significant administrative development following the West Bengal Assembly election results, several retired bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of Mamata Banerjee have reportedly been barred from entering state government offices.

The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to form its first government in the state after securing a decisive mandate. The move is seen as part of the transition process as the outgoing administration makes way for the incoming regime.

Officials indicated that the restrictions apply specifically to retired personnel who had been given contractual or advisory roles under the previous government. These individuals have now been asked not to access offices or handle official work.

The development follows a broader directive issued by the state administration to ensure that no official documents or records are removed, damaged, or tampered with during the transition period. Authorities have emphasised strict accountability, placing responsibility on departmental heads to safeguard files and maintain proper records.

The political backdrop to this move is the sweeping victory of the BJP in the 2026 West Bengal elections, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape after years of Trinamool Congress rule.

With the new government expected to take charge soon, administrative reshuffling and tightening of access to government infrastructure are being viewed as measures to ensure a smooth and transparent handover of power.

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Vijay expresses gratitude to Modi, Rahul Gandhi for congratulatory messages after poll victory

Vijay thanked PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi after his party’s strong Tamil Nadu poll performance, promising governance focused on public welfare.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for congratulating him on his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), acknowledged the wishes shared by both leaders following the party’s impressive electoral debut, which has significantly altered the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the Prime Minister on social media platform X, Vijay said that his party’s focus would remain on public welfare and development. He emphasised that governance should rise above political differences and aim at improving the lives of the people.

“The well-being of our people remains our only goal… we shall focus on the state’s progress and welfare,” he said, while also expressing hope for support from the Union government in achieving these objectives.

The TVK has emerged as a major political force in the state, breaking the long-standing dominance of traditional parties and marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

According to early developments, the party has staked claim to form the government and may seek additional support if required to prove its majority in the assembly.

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