Latest news with #anti-Arab
Morocco World
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Israel Prepares to Assassinate Palestinian Civil Defence Spokesperson
Rabat_ In an ongoing effort to silence anyone who dares to expose or document its genocide in Gaza, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have accused Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal of being a Hamas fighter—an outright attempt to justify their plan to kill him. In a statement that effectively serves as a death threat, the IOF claimed Bassal, who has served in Civil Defence since 2008, has misused his role as a spokesperson by 'spreading false and unverified information to international media, falsely attributing war crimes to Israel, and presenting fabricated data.' The IOF then revealed their true intent by acknowledging that Bassal's disclosures reached the global media and caused 'a severe distortion of the reality on the ground,' undermining their narrative, delegitimizing him, and isolating him before executing their final step. Their 'evidence'? A list written in Arabic, which they claim is a 'Hamas membership list'—a fabrication that exposes their blatant disregard for truth and their willingness to manufacture whatever is necessary to legitimize further crimes. This pattern has become increasingly evident since October 2023, as Israel's impunity and the unconditional support from Western powers embolden its efforts to spread propaganda. It has been enough for Israel to produce any document in Arabic for Western media to run it as 'evidence,' regardless of its credibility. This tactic echoes the November 2023 storming of Al-Rantisi Hospital in Gaza, when the IOF baselessly claimed the hospital was a Hamas base. During that raid, former IOF spokesperson Daniel Hagari displayed a list he claimed was a Hamas rota for guarding Israeli captives—only to reveal a calendar with days of the week written in Arabic, a relic of decades of anti-Arab propaganda and Islamophobia. The IOF's recent statement not only targets Bassal but also aims to tarnish the entire Civil Defence in Gaza. Familiar with Israel's playbook of smear, isolate, and assassinate, the Civil Defence issued a firm response, condemning the accusations as incitement. 'We reject the inciting Israeli allegations against the Civil Defence and its official spokesperson, and we warn of their malicious intent,' declared the press release. The organization also revealed that it has received numerous messages from international media outlets, stating that Israel has contacted them directly, urging rejection of the Civil Defence's narrative. 'We strongly warn against falling for the dangerous smear campaign orchestrated by the Israeli occupation army, which seeks to bring our institution and its official spokesperson under a calculated smear campaign, the consequences of which we deeply fear.' The Civil Defence called for urgent intervention from the International Civil Defence Organisation, human rights bodies, and press freedom advocates to prevent this campaign of lies from succeeding. 'We urge them not to fall for Israeli black propaganda or its inciting media [ ] Our mission is clear: to provide humanitarian service to those enduring a genocidal war for many months,' they affirmed. This smear campaign mirrors Israel's tactics against UNRWA, a vital lifeline for Palestinian rights. Israel falsely accused UNRWA personnel of involvement in the October 7 attacks, without providing substantial evidence, leading to cuts in Western funding—further crippling Palestinian resilience. In October 2024, Israel accused Hossam Shabat, who had been one of the last journalists reporting on the atrocities in northern Gaza, of being a Hamas member—before intentionally killing him in March, revealing once again the genocidal intent behind Israel's actions. As Israel's campaign of genocide in Gaza intensifies, every Palestinian with a phone has become a journalist, exposing Israel's true face to the world as a genocidal, apartheid state that has long maintained a façade of being 'the only democracy in the Middle East' while systematically erasing Palestinian existence. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Israel has so far killed at least 184 journalists in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon since October 2023—the deadliest period for journalists since records began in 1992. Their absence is painfully felt across social media and news outlets, as many Palestinians are too starved, injured, or silenced to document their own annihilation amid Israel's unchecked brutality.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Statement by Special Representative Amira Elghawaby on the Fourth Anniversary of the London Family Attack - June 6, 2025 Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks four years since the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of four members of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario – an act of Islamophobic hatred that shook Canadians from coast to coast to coast. It was not only an attack on one family, or community, but on our shared values as Canadians. It is important to remember Salman, Madiha, Yumnah, and Talat, and to honour "Our London Family" by continuing the vital work of combatting Islamophobia and all forms of hate for a more inclusive Canada. We continue to hear about concerning incidents of Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab hate. One of the most recent attacks was on a Muslim woman at the Ajax Public Library where the assailant forcibly removed her hijab and attempted to set it on fire. As Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting the federal government's efforts towards promoting inclusion, advancing safety and well-being, and protecting freedom of religion and civil liberties for all. I have been hearing from families, community members and leaders, from a range of backgrounds and experiences who are dedicated to nurturing safer communities. They have been calling for more action to ensure that Canada is a place where everyone can be proud of who they are and free to worship as they wish. Their experiences and insights are key towards building community-informed solutions, including creating resources that can be utilized in workplaces, schools, and within community spaces. This year, we launched a landmark resource to support these efforts: the Canadian Guide on Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada, the first government-produced document of its kind. In memory of "Our London Family", and all those who were deliberately killed in Islamophobic attacks in our country, let us recommit to advancing awareness, understanding, and hope.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Statement by Special Representative Amira Elghawaby on the Fourth Anniversary of the London Family Attack - June 6, 2025
OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks four years since the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of four members of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario – an act of Islamophobic hatred that shook Canadians from coast to coast to coast. It was not only an attack on one family, or community, but on our shared values as Canadians. It is important to remember Salman, Madiha, Yumna, and Talat, and to honour "Our London Family" by continuing the vital work of combatting Islamophobia and all forms of hate for a more inclusive Canada. We continue to hear about concerning incidents of Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab hate. One of the most recent attacks was on a Muslim woman at the Ajax Public Library where the assailant forcibly removed her hijab and attempted to set it on fire. As Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting the federal government's efforts towards promoting inclusion, advancing safety and well-being, and protecting freedom of religion and civil liberties for all. I have been hearing from families, community members and leaders, from a range of backgrounds and experiences who are dedicated to nurturing safer communities. They have been calling for more action to ensure that Canada is a place where everyone can be proud of who they are and free to worship as they wish. Their experiences and insights are key towards building community-informed solutions, including creating resources that can be utilized in workplaces, schools, and within community spaces. This year, we launched a landmark resource to support these efforts: the Canadian Guide on Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada, the first government-produced document of its kind. In memory of "Our London Family", and all those who were deliberately killed in Islamophobic attacks in our country, let us recommit to advancing awareness, understanding, and hope. Find out more about the Special Representative's office mandate and activities by subscribing to the newsletter. SOURCE Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia View original content:
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
UMass Amherst designated ‘hostile campus' by Council on American Islamic Relations
AMHERST — The Council on American-Islamic Relations and its Massachusetts chapter has named the University of Massachusetts Amherst a 'hostile campus,' after its response to pro-Palestinian protests last spring and the year before. In a statement from the council on Tuesday, the group said UMass Amherst made discriminatory sanctions against students during their protests of the war in Gaza and demonstrated a 'pattern of neglect in addressing anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian harassment.' The council is the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. In its response, the university said in an email on Thursday that the council's claims are 'riddled with significant inaccuracies.' A spokesperson for the Islamic council did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Twenty-two universities were deemed hostile if they created a 'dangerous environment for anti-genocide students,' the council said in its statement. Harvard University in Cambridge is the only other Massachusetts school to get the hostile designation this year. Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to file a 'Report a Hostile Campus' form if they wanted the council to look into complaints reported about a university. Some of the claims against the university stem from an October 2023 protest when 57 demonstrators were arrested for protesting the war in Gaza and the university's investments in Raytheon, a weapons manufacturer. Last April and early May, students continued to protest the war, one of a number of protests around the country. A May 7 protest at UMass Amherst led to the arrests of 130 students and faculty. Participants, including community members, shortly thereafter called for the resignation of Javier Reyes, the university's then-newly minted chancellor, after he invited police to dismantle and disperse the demonstrations. In February, it was revealed that Reyes was interviewing for work elsewhere, with less than two years on the job in Amherst. Throughout the summer and into the fall, students faced academic and legal repercussions for participating in the protests. At the end of the summer, Reyes' Campus Demonstration Policy Task Force released a report on the university's updated policies and practices around student protests. The task force was made up of students, faculty and university leadership. Then in January, an independent review of the university's response to the May 7 protest and arrests found that campus administration 'acted reasonably,' but could have done more to protect its relationship with students. The Islamic council recently said in a civil rights report on unconstitutional crackdowns that Islamophobia 'continues to be at an all-time high across the country,' and 'viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.' Last April, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights also began investigating the university after a 49-page complaint filed by Palestine Legal, alleging that the university had not been responsive to student reports about anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab discrimination on campus. UMass said in its statement on Thursday that the federal Office of Civil Rights is still investigating the complaint. The Department of Education's press office has not yet responded to a query from The Republican on the state of the inquiry. In its emailed response to the 'Hostile Campus' designation, UMass said many of the Islamic council's claims are 'false,' according to Emily Gest, associate vice chancellor for news and media relations at the university. For example, she said the organization's claims that UMass Amherst created a ban on 'tents, face coverings and essential protest materials' improperly linked users to an article about UMass Boston, a sister school. 'UMass Amherst has no such policies and is an entirely separate campus,' the statement said. Gest clarified that, at UMass Amherst, there is a review process for erecting any structures, including tents. Another erroneous claim made by the organization was that police used Tasers and pepper spray on the protesters, Gest said. The university said, 'No Tasers, pepper spray or any other crowd-dispersal tools were used in any demonstration response." The university also said it did not 'criminalize peaceful demonstrations.' "As the university has stated on multiple occasions over the past year, 'Nobody's right to free speech or right to peacefully assemble was infringed upon. The university's decision to engage law enforcement was based entirely on safety.' The fortified encampments, constructed of 2,000 pounds of wood and fencing installed by demonstrators, were not protected speech," the statement said. A final claim by the Islamic organization said three students were 'banned from studying abroad, leaving them scrambling for housing and alternative academic options' also was partially informed. The International Programs Office revoked eligibility for some students to study abroad for the upcoming winter/spring terms because of the disciplinary actions against them, but those were all dealt with prior to the study abroad period. 'No student received a study abroad ban and (were) fully eligible to apply for study abroad once any disciplinary sanctions were resolved,' the university said. Lawmakers decry FirstLight dam's 300-gallon oil spill into Conn. River Island Spice food truck catches fire, rendered unusable, owner says Religion Notes: June 5, 2025 Springfield first in the state to propose regulations banning 'gas station weed' Read the original article on MassLive.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
How slaughter and starvation of Gaza's children are creating a sinister new world order
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The war of words between European and Canadian political leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provides a timely reminder of how any semblance of a positive vision for global governance continues to die in a world of division, anger, fear, and hate. October 7, 2023 is a date that will live in infamy. Israel has the right to defend itself and deal with Hamas following its attacks on that day. But Israel as a country is unfortunately hurtling towards pariah status in a world tiring of Netanyahu's apparent hatred of Palestinians and his desire to obliterate Gaza, annex the West Bank and destroy any prospects of a two-state solution. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Two other factors are placing Netanyahu on the wrong side of history. His political survival now depends on extending court proceedings about corruption charges for as long as possible and the support of far-right, anti-Arab, ultranationalists in his government. A girl appears to be in distress after receiving food at Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, earlier this month (Picture: Abood Abusalama) | Middle East Images/AFP via Getty The real pariah To suggest that Keir Starmer, Canada's Mark Carney and France's Emmanuel Macron, who called for Israel to halt its latest offensive, are in any way responsible for the tragic and brutal murders of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC and accuse them of emboldening Hamas speaks volumes about this desperate Prime Minister. Netanyahu is the real pariah in this story. Israel is a democracy, a friend and an ally. But Netanyahu is using claims of antisemitism – a real and unacceptable problem – as a shield to defend his government's indefensible actions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad People are angry and sickened by the images of destruction and death being shown nightly on TV screens worldwide, but downplayed in Israel. This is a moral issue. Netanyahu should feel emotionally challenged by emaciated children and babies being starved to death in Gaza, a young girl smashed to smithereens in her wheelchair, hospitals and medical staff bombed and denied vital medicines, humanitarian aid halted, innocents slaughtered, whole families wiped out and homes turned to rubble, while the West Bank is terrorised by Israeli settlers. And yet on Netanyahu's watch, it goes on and on. Deaths are dismissed by the Israel Defence Force as 'targeted strikes'. Within the dark recesses of Netanyahu's mind, moral bankruptcy is imperilling his impressive country – and it is spreading. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Starvation of children deemed 'desirable' In a remarkable and distressing meeting in the Israeli parliament, its Foreign Affairs and Defence Sub-committee discussed Gaza. Israeli's left-leaning Haaretz newspaper reported the proceedings in an article headlined, 'Knesset debate reveals not everyone thinks starving Gazan children is a bad thing'. Giving evidence, Dr Sharon Shaul, of Israeli humanitarian organisation Natan, said she thought that 'even everyone sitting around this table doesn't want a suffering child to be unable to receive painkillers or minimal medical treatment'. This sparked a barrage of protest from MPs. 'I'm not sure you're speaking for us when you say we want to treat every child and every woman,' said one. 'You are the sickest doctor I've ever seen,' said another. Haaretz journalist Nir Hasson wrote that 'many around the table indeed thought that the starvation and torment of Gazan children is not only legitimate but even desirable'. Even more alarming was the comment of Moshe Saada, a Likud party MP and ally of Netanyahu, who told Israel's Channel 14 he was "interested" in starving an entire nation. "Yes, I'll starve Gazans, yes, this is our obligation,' he said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The failure of the League of Nations How should the world respond? History provides little in the way of hope. The League of Nations was established in 1920, following the First World War, to promote international cooperation, encourage disarmament, improve global living conditions and prevent wars. But it faced significant challenges. Europe remained unstable and, in Germany, resentment grew over the imposition of severe reparations by the war's victors. The weak League, which infamously failed to achieve its aims and stop another world war, was dissolved in 1946. We are now a few weeks away from the 80th anniversary of the signing of the 'Charter of the United Nations', the League's successor organisation, in San Francisco in June 1945. Comprising nearly 200 nations, the UN has, for decades, played an important role in peacekeeping, human rights, international law, refugee crises, health, education and climate change. United Nations' weakness But the return of a world of sovereign nations, powerful political alliances, an emphasis on national self-interest, growing military strength and populist leaders has made pursuing and enforcing international stability difficult and, at times, impossible. The world needs Abraham Lincoln's 'better angels of our nature' to show themselves if the UN is to find success. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UN Security Council has 15 members but the five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – can veto any resolution. The International Criminal Court was designed to have global authority but has been hampered by the US, India, China, Türkiye, Russia and others not being signatories. Israel signed up but never ratified its membership, putting it outwith the court's jurisdiction. The crumbling of the international order into further chaos is likely to continue but let's hope the UN does not face the same fate as the League. And hopefully it will not take the threat or reality of a Third World War for countries to recognise again the need for order, and the benefits of peace, tolerance and respect. The prospects remain grim. Until a new way forward for international cooperation is found, we will have to depend on 'coalitions of the willing' forming in response to pressing issues in world affairs, like the statement issued by the UK, the EU and Canada on the situation in Gaza. This week US President Donald Trump has described Russia's Vladimir Putin as 'crazy' following a major attack on Ukraine, so what about Netanyahu? Does the systematic slaughter and the starvation of children in Gaza not meet the criteria for similar condemnation – or is it much worse? Welcome to the new international order.
