Israeli Aggression Continues

On the 136th day of the Israeli war on Gaza, the aggression against the Gaza Strip is ongoing, leading to more humanitarian crises. At the same time, the International Court of Justice has started hearings on the legal consequences of the occupation of Palestinian territories in 1967.

Palestinian Hospitals Struggle

The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that the water desalination plant at Al Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis was damaged by Israeli forces, leaving the hospital with only 3 days' worth of drinking water. Hospitals in northern Gaza are also without electricity due to the occupation preventing fuel delivery.

Diplomatic Tensions

Brazil's President withdrew the country's ambassador from Israel after accusing Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza. In response, Israel summoned the Brazilian ambassador for a reprimand.

Field Updates

The Al-Qassam Brigades targeted an Israeli force in Khan Yunis, while the Al-Quds Brigades bombed Israeli soldiers in the Netzarim area. The Israeli government continues efforts to release prisoners in Gaza, claiming Hamas uses hospitals for military purposes.

Settler Attacks

Israeli forces arrested 25 citizens in the West Bank, and settlers attacked homes and vehicles in Burqa. Palestinians in Ramallah threw stones at occupation vehicles, leading to clashes.

Israel Faces International Justice

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the International Court of Justice's hearings on the legal consequences of the occupation. The court sessions will continue with the participation of 52 countries and international organizations.

Targeting Lebanon

Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah weapons depots in Ghaziyeh, Lebanon, in response to a drone attack. Hezbollah retaliated by targeting Israeli sites in Lebanon. The European Union launched a defensive mission in the Red Sea to protect ships from Houthi attacks. 

Imprisonment and Hope for Freedom

 Major political figure in Pakistan, Imran Khan, was imprisoned last August and has been facing further challenges. His supporters remain steadfast in their belief that he will soon be released from prison and his record will be cleared. They vehemently assert that all accusations leveled against him are baseless fabrications designed to thwart his political ambitions.

A bunch of legal experts say that the decisions against Imran Khan can still be changed, and his lawyer is working hard to prove that he's innocent. But it might take some time because the military in Pakistan is making things difficult for him. 

Support from the People

When reporters went around Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, they found out that a lot of different people really like Imran Khan. They think he's a hero and a great guy. Even people from other political parties feel bad for him because they think he's been treated unfairly.

Some people believe that the recent elections in Pakistan were rigged to make it seem like Imran Khan's supporters didn't win as many seats as they actually did. They say that the results were messed with at the last minute to make it look like Imran Khan's party didn't do as well as they really did.

Protests and Hope for Justice

There have been protests in Pakistan against the election results that brought Imran Khan down. His supporters are fighting for him to be released from prison and for the truth to come out. They believe that the courts will prove that he's innocent.

Even regular people in Pakistan, not just his supporters, think that Imran Khan will be set free soon. They believe that the accusations against him are all lies and that he will be proven innocent.

Political Rivalry and False Accusations

A lawyer named Arif Chaudhry thinks that Imran Khan will be free soon. He says that all the cases against him are just made up to stop him from being a part of politics. Chaudhry has been a lawyer for a long time and he's sure that Imran Khan will be cleared of all charges.

Chaudhry also says that Imran Khan is really popular in Pakistan because he cares about the people and tries to help them. He built hospitals, schools, and universities to make life better for everyone. People believe in him and support him because they know he's a good leader.

Dr. Sajid Iqbal, a distinguished Professor of Islamic and Civil Law at the University of Business Administration and Technology in Lahore, shared his insights on the recent electoral process during a meeting in Islamabad. He expressed concerns about the numerous manipulations that marred the electoral process, leading to inaccurate results in various constituencies across the country. Dr. Iqbal highlighted the objections raised against multiple results in different regions.

Despite his affiliation with the Jamaat-e-Islami, a political rival to the PTI, Dr. Iqbal voted for its candidate in Lahore. He criticized the authorities for obstructing Imran Khan's supporters, preventing them from achieving favorable results in the elections. Dr. Iqbal emphasized that despite these obstacles, Imran Khan's party secured the highest number of votes, suggesting that fair elections would have resulted in even greater support.

In response to the charges against Imran Khan, Dr. Iqbal dismissed them as politically motivated and lacking legal merit. He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would dismiss the charges, leading to Imran Khan's release from prison.

Political analyst Asima Wadud echoed concerns about military interference in politics, which she believes has hindered democracy and weakened government institutions. In an interview with Al Jazeera Net, Wadud criticized the army's attempts to influence the election outcome and prevent Imran Khan's supporters from forming the government.

Wadud lamented the army's interference in coalition government formation, which she viewed as a strategy to undermine the will of the people. She emphasized the need to respect the voters' choice and allow for a fair and transparent electoral process.

Inflicting Heavy Losses

Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, recently stated that the Mujahideen of the Brigades are causing significant damage to the Israeli occupation army. Despite efforts to protect them, Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip are facing large losses.

Abu Ubaida shared in an exclusive speech on Al Jazeera that the Al-Qassam Brigades are continuously causing heavy losses to the Israeli occupation army. They are destroying armor, setting up precise ambushes, and professionally sniping officers. The fighters are always ready and strike when the enemy least expects it.

Field Achievements

Abu Ubaida mentioned that the Al-Qassam Brigades are not concerned with refuting the enemy's claims. The occupation army's statements are seen as false propaganda that will be proven wrong in the future.

The spokesman emphasized that the political goals of the occupation leaders will lead to their downfall and disgrace. The Al-Qassam Brigades are focused on their mission and will continue fighting until the last soldier leaves Gaza.

Situation of Occupation Prisoners

Abu Ubaida expressed concern for the Israeli prisoners in Gaza, stating that their losses are significant and they are struggling to survive. Despite warnings, the occupation leadership continues to ignore their plight.

The Al-Qassam Brigades have tried to protect and care for the enemy's prisoners to achieve a humanitarian goal of liberating their own oppressed prisoners. The prisoners are suffering, and the responsibility lies with the enemy's leadership and army. It is important to note that Abu Ubaida's last public statement was a month ago, where he discussed the removal of a thousand Israeli military vehicles during the 100 days of the Israeli war on Gaza. Source: Al Jazeera

Previous Clashes

Before, there were fights between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces between Omdurman and Khartoum.

Meeting of Forces

Military sources in the Sudanese army told Al Jazeera that army forces from northern Omdurman met with Corps of Engineers forces that were under siege by the Rapid Support Forces south of Omdurman. This meeting gives the Sudanese army a chance to control more parts of Omdurman.

Army Chief's Statement

The Sudanese Army Chief of Staff, Muhammad Othman Al-Hussein, said that this meeting is a step towards getting rid of the Rapid Support Forces from Omdurman.

Progress Update

The Sudanese army shared a video on Facebook showing their forces making progress in the areas north of Omdurman. They destroyed enemy vehicles and killed many Rapid Support Forces.

Recent Developments

Last week, the Sudanese army announced that they were making gains against the Rapid Support Forces in Omdurman. They are determined to achieve victory and defeat the Rapid Support Forces soon.

Failed Negotiations

Despite efforts by Saudi Arabia, the United States, and African organizations to bring peace, negotiations between the army and the Rapid Support Forces have not been successful. The war has caused many casualties and displaced millions of people.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies

Israel's Attack on Iranian Gas Pipelines

Last Wednesday, Israel reportedly carried out attacks on two main natural gas pipelines inside Iran, disrupting the flow of heat and cooking gas to several provinces. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing secret war between Israel and Iran, involving air, land, sea, and cyber-attacks.

Impact of the Attacks

The attacks targeted points along gas pipelines in Fars and Chahar Mahal Bakhtiari provinces, causing service outages in residential homes, government buildings, and major factories across at least five provinces in Iran. These pipelines transport gas from the south to major cities in the north, such as Tehran and Isfahan.

Consequences of the Attacks

Energy experts estimate that the attacks halted about 15% of Iran's daily natural gas production, affecting the country's vital infrastructure. The attacks required deep knowledge of Iranian infrastructure and careful coordination, according to Western officials and military strategists.

Disruption of Gas Flow

Iranian Oil Minister Jawad Oji stated that the enemy's plan was to disrupt gas flow in the winter to major cities and provinces in Iran. While Oji did not directly blame Israel, he mentioned that the aim was to damage Iran's energy infrastructure and incite domestic discontent.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Attacks

It remains unclear how the pipelines were struck, whether by drones, explosives, or other means. No party has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Iranian officials suspect Israel due to the complexity and scope of the operation.

Response and Denials

Iran denied involvement in attacks against American and Israeli targets in the region, emphasizing that it does not seek direct war with the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the attacks.

Previous Incidents

Last December, Iran executed individuals accused of sabotage and links to Israeli intelligence. This hidden war between Iran and Israel has seen accusations of attacks on nuclear and missile programs, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.

Source: New York Times

------

Palestine

-------------------------------------

On the 133rd day of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, significant developments unfolded. Palestinian resistance operations persisted, encompassing rocket launches and ground skirmishes. Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, declared that their fighters were successfully engaging the Israeli occupation forces, marking a historic achievement for the Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, the Israeli forces continued to threaten a potential incursion into Rafah, as US President Joe Biden called for a temporary ceasefire to release the civilians caught in the crossfire.

The Al-Quds Brigades, affiliated with the Islamic Jihad Movement, retaliated by launching missiles at Ashkelon and other targets in response to the Zionist aggression against Palestinians.

Simultaneously, the Al-Qassam Brigades reported intense clashes with Israeli forces in Khan Yunis, with ongoing attacks using various munitions to target enemy personnel and vehicles. The situation remains volatile as both sides escalate their military actions in the region.

Losses incurred during the occupation

In a tragic turn of events, the Israeli occupation army reported on Friday morning that one of its soldiers had been killed and another seriously injured in battles in the Gaza Strip. This brings the total number of officers and soldiers announced by the occupation forces to 572 since Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and the war on Gaza began on October 7th, with 241 casualties since the start of the ground operation on the 27th of the same month.

In a concerning development, Minister in the Israeli Military Council, Benny Gantz, issued a threat on Friday to continue the war on Gaza even during the holy month of Ramadan and to expand it to the city of Rafah, located in the south of the Gaza Strip, if Israeli detainees are not returned from Gaza.

Warnings against storming Rafah

International voices have strongly advised against the Israeli occupation launching a ground attack on Rafah, located in the south of the Gaza Strip. French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that an Israeli assault on Rafah would result in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and mark a significant turning point in the conflict. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that any attack on Rafah would have devastating consequences for the 1.5 million Palestinians residing in the city.

Kiryat Malachi Operation

Turning our attention away from Gaza, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that two Israelis were killed and four others were left in moderate to serious condition following a shooting attack at a bus station north of the city of Kiryat Malachi. In response, the Hamas movement stated that the commando operation in Kiryat Malachi was a natural reaction to the genocidal actions of the occupation army against the Palestinian people, as well as the ongoing crimes committed by terrorist settlers in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

On a different note, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced on Friday his intention to expand the policy of allowing Israelis to arm themselves.

Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah issued a stern warning to Israel following the recent attacks on Lebanese civilians in Nabatieh and Al-Sowanah. Nasrallah emphasized that Israel would face consequences for its actions, including the threat of bombing Eilat in retaliation for Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant's aggressive statements towards Beirut.

Nasrallah made it clear that Israel would pay a heavy price for its attacks on civilians, stressing that the targeting of innocent people in southern Lebanon must come to an end. He emphasized that the repercussions would not be limited to military equipment and surveillance devices.

In response to the escalating tensions, Hezbollah carried out strikes on Israeli military sites, including Al-Malikiyah and Ruwaisat Al-Alam in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms. These attacks resulted in direct hits, demonstrating Hezbollah's capability to defend Lebanese territory.

Simultaneously, reports from the Lebanese News Agency indicated that Israeli aircraft had targeted several towns in southern Lebanon, including Aita al-Shaab, Barkat Bint Jbeil, Yater, and Beit Lev. The Israeli army also fired heavy machine-gun shells towards the town of Kafr Kila from the Metulla settlement, near the border with Lebanon.

The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in retaliatory actions, raising concerns about further escalation in the region.

Source: Agencies

Italian Jews Call for an End to the War on Gaza

A group of 54 Italian Jews have written an open letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to stop the war on the Gaza Strip. They also want Jews around the world to understand the serious consequences of this tragedy for the future. The letter was published in Italian newspapers, including "Il Fatto Quotidiano," on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Expressing Concern over Netanyahu's Actions

In their letter titled "What is the value of memory if it does not stop in Gaza and the West Bank?", the authors, who describe themselves as secular Jews involved in the Jewish Voices for Peace organization, express their deep concern. They believe that Netanyahu is prolonging the war to maintain his power and accuse him of lacking a political solution. They are disappointed that some Israelis and Jews worldwide fail to recognize the tragedy and its long-term effects.

Discussion on War Crimes and Genocide

The signatories argue that debating whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide will not alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian victims and their families. They emphasize that International Holocaust Remembrance Day should not be reduced to a mere ritual. Instead, it should serve as an opportunity to reflect on preventing such atrocities from happening again to any people.

Rejecting Victim Rhetoric and Anti-Semitism

The letter criticizes Israel's use of victim rhetoric and the manipulation of anti-Semitism to justify its actions. The signatories firmly believe that the resistance attack cannot be an excuse to ignore the pain of others, dehumanize the weak, or resort to violence against them. They distance themselves from the Union of Jewish Communities in Italy, which labels any criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism, stating that they understand the true meaning of anti-Semitism and will not tolerate its misuse.

Source: Italian press

The Boycott's Effect on Company Finances

The boycott against companies supporting Israel in the aftermath of the Gaza Strip war has had significant financial consequences. Many international companies targeted by the boycott are experiencing a decline in their financial conditions.

McDonald's: A Major Victim

One of the companies hit hard by the global boycott is McDonald's, the American fast food giant. Although they saw a nominal increase in revenue of 8 percent to $6.41 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, it fell short of market expectations set at $6.45 billion. McDonald's attributed this setback to a slow 0.7% increase in sales in its International Development Markets division, which mainly covers the Middle East, China, and India. The company aimed for a 5.5% increase in this division between December and January. McDonald's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, acknowledged the decline in sales in Muslim-majority countries, including the Middle East, Malaysia, and Indonesia, but hopes for a recovery after the conflict in Gaza stops. It's worth noting that McDonald's Turkey took a different stance by pledging $1 million in humanitarian aid to support war victims in Gaza, especially women, children, and the elderly.

Starbucks: Feeling the Impact

The famous American coffee chain Starbucks also felt the repercussions of the boycott, particularly in the Middle East. CEO Laxman Narasimhan mentioned weak sales and decreased traffic at their cafes in the United States due to the boycott. Despite an 8 percent increase in revenue to $9.4 billion in the last quarter of 2023, Starbucks did not meet expectations. The market prompted the company to revise its annual sales growth goals downward by about 4-6 percent.

Dominos Pizza: Sales Decline

Dominos Pizza, another American giant, faced the boycott directly, especially in Asia, where store sales fell by 8.9 percent in the second half of last year. The company received major backlash on social media after pictures circulated showing them distributing free meals to Israeli soldiers. Donald Jeffrey Meig, the company's general manager, acknowledged the boycott's impact on sales in Asia.

KFC and Pizza Hut: Feeling the Effects

Yum, the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, also experienced lower-than-expected revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023. With total revenues reaching $2.04 billion, an increase of 1 percent year over year, it fell short of market expectations set at $2.1 billion. KFC and Pizza Hut sales in the Middle East witnessed a decline during the last quarter of 2023, with KFC's sales falling by 5 percent and Pizza Hut's by 3 percent. Yum's CEO, David Gibbs, attributed the sales decline to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The Ongoing Impact

The effects of the boycott are evident across various global companies, and their financial situations continue to unravel. The international community is closely watching these companies as they navigate the complexities of geopolitical tensions amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Source: Anadolu Agency