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Israel to close Aljazeera bureau in Jerusalem

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Israel to close Aljazeera bureau in Jerusalem

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Journalist bodies outcry against Tel Aviv

Qatar based Aljazeera TV network is now facing closure of its bureau in Jerusalem by Israeli authorities for its alleged role of “inciting violence”- in sync with the “move by Sunni Arab states” to close its offices and prohibiting their work.  However, Journalist bodies and activists for freedom of press have condemned the Israeli move.

On Sunday, Ayoub Kara, Israel’s Communication Minister made the announcement during a press conference in Jerusalem, where Aljazeera was barred from attending. He was quoted saying, “We have based our decision on the move by Sunni Arab states to close the Aljazeera offices and prohibiting their work.”   He further alleged that the channel is being used by groups to “incite” violence- an accusation the network has denied.

The minister further said that he expects the Knesset, the parliament, to consider his request in the next session. He said, “I will go through the [legislatorial] mechanism to create the authority in which I can act freely. We will try to end it as quickly as possible.”

Reacting to the Israeli move, Aljazeera Network denounced the decision, saying that the move comes in the context of a campaign that initiated by the earlier statement made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the network of inciting violence during its coverage of the recent developments about the Al-Aqsa mosque. It further said that this decision was made by a state that claims to the “only democratic state in the Middle East.”

The statement issued by network says that it also finds the justification made by the Israeli Minister as odd and biased as they are in unison with the actions carried out by a number of Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Jordan, that have closed the network’s bureaus, shut down its cable and satellite transmissions and blocked its websites and applications.

The TV network denied the charges of being unprofessional while covering the recent Al-Aqsa mosque unrest. It specifically raised question that the Israeli Minister could not substantiate his comments by referring to a single news bulletin or situation that proved Aljazeera had not been professional or objective during its coverage in Jerusalem.  

However it reiterated its determination by saying, ” Aljazeera will continue to cover the events of the occupied Palestinian territories professionally and accurately, according to the standards set by international agencies, such as the UK Office of Communications (Ofcom).” Its bureau offices will remain working in Gaza and West Bank.

Meanwhile Rami Khouri of the American University in Beirut, denounced the Israeli plan saying it is “very typical of regimes” in the region.  He was quoted saying, “Regimes that want to control power will almost always go after two targets – the media and the foreigners. Everybody goes after the media.”

Sharif Mansour, the Program Coordinator of Middle East and North Africa at Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has strongly criticized the Israeli move by saying, “Censoring Aljazeera or closing its offices will not bring stability to the region, but it would put Israel firmly in the camp of some of the region’s worst enemies of press freedom. Israel should abandon these undemocratic plans and allow Aljazeera and all journalists to report freely from the country and areas it occupies.”

Moreover, Aiden White, director of the London based Ethical Journalism Network, called Israeli move “a full frontal attack” on press freedom. “It is a shocking statement, and it completely undermines Israel’s claims to be the only democracy in the region, because it gets to the heart of one of the most important institutions of democracy,” he said.

In the recent months, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have shut down Al-Jazeera bureaus while network’s signals are blocked in the UAE. Egypt had blocked its reach to its population several years ago.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed their diplomatic ties along with business and travelling relations with Qatar alleging that the tiny rich country provides financial and moral support to terrorism. The 13-point demands put forwarded to Qatar by the quartet included severing ties with their arch rival Iran, closing down new Trukish army base in its territory and shutting down of Al-Jazeera news network.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Musk, Trump claim Sunita Williams was left in space due to politics

Elon Musk and Donald Trump alleged that the Biden administration delayed the return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the ISS for political reasons. Musk stated that SpaceX is now working to bring them back as soon as possible.

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Sunita Williams

Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump have accused the Biden administration of abandoning NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore at the International Space Station (ISS) for political reasons. The claims were made during an exclusive interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, where the two suggested that the astronauts’ return was postponed unnecessarily.

Musk, who is the CEO of SpaceX, stated, “At the President’s request, we are accelerating the return of the astronauts, which was postponed to a ridiculous degree.” Trump further added, “They got left in space.”

Musk: Return mission being expedited

When questioned about the SpaceX mission to bring the astronauts back, Musk confirmed that his company had been asked to take charge of their return. “We have brought astronauts back from the space station many times before, and always with success,” he said.

The mission to return Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore is expected to take approximately four weeks. Trump, addressing Musk, claimed that his administration had to intervene to ensure the mission proceeded. “You now have the go-ahead,” Trump told Musk, to which Musk responded, “Yes. Well, thanks to you.”

Was the return of Williams and Wilmore politically motivated?

Trump went a step further, asserting that the Biden administration had actively prevented SpaceX from retrieving the astronauts. “He (Biden) was going to leave them in space. I think he was going to leave them there,” he stated.

Musk agreed with Trump’s stance, describing the prolonged stay of the astronauts at the ISS as “terrible” and suggesting that it was influenced by political motivations.

What happened to Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore?

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 for a mission initially planned to last only 10 days. However, after a series of technical issues with the Starliner, NASA and Boeing decided that it was too risky to bring the astronauts back using the same spacecraft.

In August 2024, NASA announced that it had assigned SpaceX the responsibility of bringing Williams and Wilmore back using its Crew-9 capsule. SpaceX has been conducting regular missions to rotate ISS crews every six months.

Despite this, Musk recently stated that the return of the astronauts was delayed unnecessarily. On January 20, Musk claimed that Trump personally requested him to expedite the astronauts’ return, accusing Biden’s administration of deliberately leaving them stranded at the ISS for months.

Political controversy deepens

The claims by Trump and Musk have added a political dimension to what was originally a technical issue with the Starliner spacecraft. While NASA had already enlisted SpaceX for the astronauts’ return, Trump’s comments suggest that political rivalries may have influenced the timeline.

As of now, neither NASA nor the Biden administration has officially responded to the allegations made by Musk and Trump. Meanwhile, SpaceX is preparing to bring Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore home, ensuring their safe return after an unexpectedly extended mission.

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Sheikh Hasina vows return, accuses Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating political conspiracy

Bangladesh’s former PM Sheikh Hasina, in a teary address, accuses Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating a conspiracy against her. Dhaka pushes for her extradition as India remains silent.

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Sheikh Hasina

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently exiled in India, has vowed to return to her country, accusing interim government leader Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating a violent conspiracy to remove her from power. In an emotional address via Zoom, she alleged that Yunus had fostered “lawlessness” and unleashed “terrorists” to overthrow her administration.

Speaking to the widows of four policemen killed during the student-led uprising in July 2024, Hasina reassured them that she would seek justice upon her return. “The killings were part of his meticulous conspiracy to throw me out of power,” she asserted. She further claimed she narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during the coup that led to her exile.

Accusations against the interim government

Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus of dissolving all inquiry committees investigating the deaths of security personnel and unrest in the country. She alleged that the interim government has been involved in suppressing political opposition through violent means.

“They are destroying Bangladesh,” she said, vowing that she would return and ensure justice is served. She labeled Yunus a “mobster” and asserted that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

Backdrop of political turmoil

The student-led protests that led to Hasina’s downfall initially began as a movement against a controversial quota system but soon escalated into demands for her resignation. The protests culminated in her government’s collapse in August 2024, forcing her to seek refuge in India. During the uprising, nearly 450 police stations were reportedly set on fire, and multiple incidents of violence were recorded.

Muhammad Yunus, the interim government leader, has acknowledged the existence of a “design and conspiracy” to remove Hasina, but he has not explicitly taken responsibility for orchestrating the movement.

Dhaka’s call for extradition

Following Hasina’s remarks, Bangladesh’s interim government reiterated its commitment to securing her return. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the government’s priority is to extradite Hasina and hold her accountable for alleged crimes under her administration.

“The people and political parties of Bangladesh will decide whether her party, the Awami League, should remain in the country’s political framework. But those responsible for killings, enforced disappearances, and other crimes must face justice,” Alam added.

Citing reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Alam emphasized that Hasina’s government had been accused of human rights violations, increasing pressure on India to respond to Bangladesh’s extradition request.

India’s silence on the extradition request

Bangladesh’s Foreign Office has formally requested Hasina’s repatriation through a diplomatic note. While New Delhi has acknowledged receipt, it has yet to provide an official response on the matter.

As Bangladesh’s political crisis deepens, the international community remains watchful of India’s stance on the situation. The ongoing tension between Hasina and the interim government is expected to shape the country’s political trajectory in the coming months.

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Prince William, Kate Middleton celebrate Valentine’s Day, share a romantic photo

“To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis, and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you,” he wrote.

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On this Valentine’s Day, as the world revels in celebrations of love, social media is awash with heartwarming images, including a particularly poignant photograph of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Shared on the official X account of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this touching image has resonated with people across the globe, sparking a wave of affectionate comments for the beloved royal couple.

The enchanting photo features the couple sitting together on a mat, surrounded by beautiful woodland scenery. Middleton is captured laughing joyfully as Prince William gives her a tender kiss on the cheek. The couple is colour-coordinated, donning outfits in similar shades that enhance their close bond.

Not only a visual delight, this photograph also serves as a tribute to what the couple has described as their “hardest year.” It is taken from a video shared last year where Kate announced her successful completion of chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis she received nine months prior. The emotional weight of the image is underscored by the single red heart emoji accompanying the post.

Earlier this month, on January 9, which marked Kate Middleton’s 43rd birthday, Prince William paid tribute to his wife, expressing admiration for her remarkable strength throughout the challenging year. “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis, and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you,” he wrote.

In her video marking the end of her cancer treatment, Kate reflected on her journey, stating, “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters.” She also shared her insights on the vulnerabilities faced during such a journey and emphasized the new perspective it brings.

The couple, proud parents to three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—continues to inspire many through their resilience and love.

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