
Hamas faces financial crisis amid ongoing conflict with Israel: Report
The London-based newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat has reported that Hamas is facing a severe and unprecedented financial crisis as the ongoing war with Israel continues to erode both its leadership and operational capabilities. Citing unnamed sources within the organization, the report revealed that the group is struggling to pay salaries to its members and operatives.Hamas has only been able to distribute 900 shekels, nearly USD 240 USD, over the past four months which sparked anger and dissatisfaction among its ranks, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported citing sources.advertisementThe economic collapse is said to be the worst in the group's history, leaving many operatives unpaid and raising questions about its ability to maintain internal cohesion.
The report also highlights the impact of the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) ongoing targeted operations against Hamas leadership. The systematic elimination of key figures has reportedly created a leadership vacuum within the group's so-called governing structure, further weakening its control and coordination abilities.Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, tensions remain high as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. On Saturday, Gaza's civil defence agency reported that an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis killed nine children from the same family. The victims were the children of two married doctors. The Israeli military responded that it had targeted "several suspects" near its troops and is reviewing the incident.advertisementIsrael has intensified its military operations in Gaza in recent days, prompting renewed international criticism and calls for increased humanitarian aid. While Israel partially eased its total blockade on March 2, aid groups have warned that the flow of essential supplies remains insufficient for the population's needs.As both the humanitarian and political crises deepen, the future of stability in Gaza remains uncertain.Must Watch

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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
India-EFTA trade pact likely to be implemented from September: Piyush Goyal
India and EFTA's trade agreement may start in September. Piyush Goyal mentioned this after the agreement was signed on March 10, 2024. India will receive USD 100 billion investment in 15 years. Approvals are in progress. Goyal is in Switzerland to boost trade. Swiss firms are interested in pharma and cybersecurity sectors. There is excitement for India. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the four-nation European bloc EFTA is likely to come into force from September, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on two sides signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on March 10, 2024. Under the pact, India has received an investment commitment of USD 100 billion in 15 years from the grouping while allowing several products such as Swiss watches, chocolates, and cut and polished diamonds at lower or zero European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland."It will enter into force by September," Goyal told said the agreement has received approval from the Parliaments of all four countries. In Switzerland, there is an objection period open until July 10. July and August are holiday months is here for an official visit to meet leaders and businesses to promote trade and investments between India and said he held bilateral meetings with over a dozen companies here and most of them are keen to invest in Swiss firms have shown interest in sectors such as pharma, cybersecurity, and machinery manufacturing, he said."Lot of excitement here for India," he said.


Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
MEA slams 'fake' reports on Saudi visa issue, says temporary restrictions on short term visas during Haj
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday termed media reports of Saudi Arabia suspending issuance of block work visas for citizens from 14 countries, including India, as "fake", asserting that the Saudi government has not issued any notification on the matter. "This CLAIM is FALSE. FACT: The Saudi Government has not issued any notification on this matter. As a matter of practice, during the Haj season, there are temporary restrictions on short term visas to avoid overcrowding during this season, which end with the conclusion of Haj," the MEA's official FactCheck account posted on X. Earlier in the day, foreign policy experts had debunked reports and claims made by some opposition leaders about Saudi Arabia visa halt, asserting that the "temporary decision" would not affect the sturdy relationship between both nations. Government sources had made it clear that Saudi Arabia's move to temporarily halt Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries, including India, from April to June 2025, was to manage the massive Haj crowds and ensure safety. "The suspension is a result of logistical, not political, compulsions as restrictions have been imposed on granting short-term visas to avoid overcrowding during the Haj season," said an official. Saudi authorities, which strictly controls Haj, have stated that multiple-entry visas were being misused. Some travellers entered the country on long-term visas but remained illegally for work or performed Haj without proper authorization. The over-crowding has also become a serious issue due to unauthorised pilgrims using long-term visit visas to bypass restrictions. This issue became particularly alarming in June 2024 when over 1300 pilgrims died due to overcrowding and extreme heat as temperatures exceeded 50 degree Celsius. Saudi authorities believe unregistered pilgrims significantly contributed to the crisis, necessitating tighter visa regulations. By restricting travel to single-entry visas, the Saudi government aims to ensure that only authorized pilgrims perform Haj, reducing risks associated with unregulated attendance. Saudi Arabia has called this suspension a temporary measure, but no timeline has been provided for a review. The Saudi government will monitor the impact before making further decisions. Despite such temporary restrictions, the Saudi government remains focused on expanding tourism with India under the Vision 2030 initiative. The bilateral trade between the two countries touched USD $43.36 billion in FY-2023-24. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country last month, India and Saudi Arabia signed USD $100 billion worth of agreements in energy, infrastructure, security, and innovation sectors, strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations. India's fifth-largest trading partner, Saudi Arabia continues to align its economic priorities amidst global market turbulence and energy realignments.


Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Abrego Garcia's return should not end Trump contempt probe, lawyers say
* Maryland man was wrongly deported to his native El Salvador * Abrego Garcia indicted for migrant smuggling, lawyer calls charges 'fantastical' * Trump administration says courts are intruding on foreign policy NEW YORK, - The return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. last Friday after his wrongful deportation to El Salvador in March should not end a judge's investigation into whether Trump administration officials should be held in contempt for violating a court order, Abrego Garcia's lawyers said. In a court filing on Sunday, Abrego Garcia's lawyers disputed the administration's assertion that it was in compliance with Greenbelt, Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis' order to facilitate his return from El Salvador because it had brought him back to face criminal charges of migrant smuggling in Tennessee. "Until the Government is held accountable for its blatant, willful, and persistent violations of court orders at excruciating cost to Abrego Garcia and his family, this case is not over," Abrego Garcia's lawyers wrote. "The executive branch's wanton disregard for the judicial branch has left a stain on the Constitution." Spokespeople for the White House, the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Abrego Garcia's March 15 deportation to his native El Salvador, despite a 2019 immigration court ruling that he not be sent there because he could be persecuted by gangs, has emerged as a flashpoint for Republican President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration policies. Trump critics say the deportation of Garcia, a 29-year-old who had a work permit and whose wife and young child in Maryland are U.S. citizens, was a sign that the administration was disregarding civil liberties in its push to step up deportations. Critics also said the administration's failure to bring him back, even after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Xinis' order that it facilitate his return, suggested the Trump administration was willing to defy unfavorable court rulings even though the judiciary is a co-equal branch of government under the U.S. Constitution. Xinis on April 15 demanded U.S. officials provide documents and answer questions under oath about what it had done to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return, in an investigation that could result in officials being held in contempt. Trump administration officials have accused the judiciary of overstepping and interfering with the executive branch's ability to conduct foreign policy. They also alleged Abrego Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang, though he had not been charged with a crime at the time of his deportation. Officials on Friday portrayed Abrego Garcia's criminal indictment as vindication for their approach to deportations. A grand jury in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 21 indicted him on charges of transporting undocumented migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to locations around the country. Abrego Garcia has not yet entered a plea and is detained pending his next court hearing on Friday. His lawyer has called the criminal charges "fantastical." In their filing on Sunday, Abrego Garcia's lawyers said his immigration case would need to be handled as it would have been if he were not deported in order for the administration to be in compliance with Xinis' order. It was not immediately clear when Xinis would rule.