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Senior Hamas Official Says He ‘Cannot Reassure Anyone’ That Hostages In Gaza Are Safe
A top Hamas official told CNN that he cannot guarantee the safety of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, but he denied a United Nations special representative’s conclusion that there is “clear and convincing evidence” that some of them had been sexually abused.
“I cannot now reassure you, anyone, because all these war prisoners are facing the same bombardment and starvation our people (are) facing on the ground,” said Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, while “absolutely” denying sexual assault claims.
Naim spoke to CNN on Wednesday in a lengthy and occasionally contentious Zoom interview from his office in Istanbul, Turkey, about the state of the ceasefire negotiations with Israel, the fate of the 130 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, and Hamas’ contribution to the extensive destruction the Israeli military wreaked in Gaza in response to the terrorist attacks on October 7 that claimed more than 1,200 lives.
During the interview, Naim denied that Hamas’ acts are terrorism, arguing that his organization does not target civilians. Instead, he accused Israel of carrying out “state terrorism” in Gaza and renewed Hamas’ appeals for Palestinians to join in “armed resistance” against Israel during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began Sunday night.
Senior Hamas Official Says He ‘Cannot Reassure Anyone’ That Hostages In Gaza Are Safe
Israel has denied targeting people, accusing Hamas of hiding behind civilian infrastructure. More than 31,000 Palestinians have been murdered in Gaza since the Israeli military operation began, with the majority of them being women and children, according to the enclave’s health ministry.
The fate of hostages and sexual violence allegations
A week after, a United Nations team led by U.N. special representative Pramila Patten said it found “clear and convincing information” that some women held hostage by Hamas had been raped or sexually abused and that there were “reasonable grounds” to believe the sexual violence was ongoing, Naim said he “absolutely” denied the allegations.
“She was not able to show any proof and solid evidence from an eyewitness,” he stated. “She hasn’t met any of the victims.”
Patten’s team conducted 34 interviews, including personal testimonies from liberated hostages as well as testimony from survivors, bystanders, health and support providers, and first responders to the October 7 attack.
“Based on the first-hand accounts of released hostages, the mission team received clear and convincing information that sexual violence, including rape, sexualized torture, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment occurred against some women and children during their time in captivity,” according to the U.N. report.
Hamas has denied international agencies access to the remaining captives in captivity to assess their well-being.
While Naim refuted the charges of sexual abuse, he claimed Hamas was unable to account for the hostages’ well-being due to the ongoing bombardment of Gaza. A ceasefire, he claimed, was required to “collect more data” regarding their fate.
The likelihood of a ceasefire accord materializing needs to be investigated.
For weeks, mediators have presented the accord as a multi-phase agreement, with the first stage involving a six-week ceasefire in fighting and the release of approximately 40 Israeli hostages and a substantial number of Palestinians.
Hamas’ most recent, long-awaited ceasefire proposal calls for Israel to release 700 to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Hamas releasing Israeli women, including IDF soldiers, children, the elderly, and wounded and sick hostages, according to a diplomatic source familiar with the talks, confirming earlier Reuters reporting.
The proposal anticipates a permanent truce following the initial exchange of hostages and detainees, as well as a timeframe for Israel’s disengagement from Gaza.
Hamas has continuously requested a lasting cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops as a condition for any agreement, which the Israeli government has rejected.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office branded the latest plan “ridiculous” and stated on Thursday that “Hamas is continuing to hold unrealistic demands,” yet an Israeli delegation is being dispatched to Doha, Qatar, for additional negotiations.
“Our impression is it is not going to be easy to convince the Israelis of this,” the diplomat said.
Senior Hamas Official Says He ‘Cannot Reassure Anyone’ That Hostages In Gaza Are Safe
When asked why Hamas would not accept a temporary ceasefire despite the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the U.N. believes half a million people are on the verge of starvation, Naim blamed the Israeli government and said Hamas would be “naive” to agree to one. Naim talked with CNN before the specifics of the latest Hamas proposal were made public.
“Do you believe that we are so naive to accept going for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire for six weeks or two months to give the Israelis all what (they are) looking for?” Naim stated. “I think any, any rational politician around the world, he will expect to reach a permanent quiet, a permanent ceasefire so that we can go from this point out to relieve the people on the ground to rebuild the Gaza Strip again.”
When asked to respond to Naim’s remarks, an Israeli government source stated: “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has released 112 prisoners to date and is dedicated to freeing all hostages. “Once Hamas’ delusional demands are realized, there may be another humanitarian pause for a hostage release deal,” the official stated.
Israel has restricted the flow of humanitarian aid into crucial areas of the Gaza Strip and is obligated under international humanitarian law to ensure that Gaza’s civilian population does not starve.
What about Hamas’s responsibility?
“First and foremost, we bear full responsibility for our people. As a result, from the beginning, we sought to put an end to this assault and the death of our people. And we have contacted all of the mediators in order to secure a definitive, complete cease-fire. But you’re condemning Hamas, as if we’re the ones doing all of these crimes and preventing humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza,” Naim remarked.
In recent weeks, many Gazan people have increasingly blamed Hamas for the growing food shortage. When discussing aid distribution, displaced people accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid intended for civilians to its soldiers.
Naim refuted the allegations, claiming that Hamas was “fighting for the people, not against them.”
Senior Hamas Official Says He ‘Cannot Reassure Anyone’ That Hostages In Gaza Are Safe
Ramadan and the ‘Month of Jihad’
The conversation occurred during the first week of Ramadan when the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was particularly tense. This year, it takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli crackdowns on Palestinian militant groups in the occupied West Bank, and Hamas’ incitement for further assaults.
Ahead of the interview, Hamas issued a statement urging Palestinians in the occupied West Bank “to continue clashing with the Zionist occupation in support of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and our steadfast people in Gaza, especially as we experience the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan, the month of jihad and resistance.”
Naim stated that Palestinians have the right to pursue “freedom and dignity” and an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital through both diplomatic and “armed resistance.”
When asked if Hamas is attempting to incite terrorist attacks against Israel during Ramadan, Naim denied that description.
Naim further claimed that Hamas only targets armed Israeli settlers and those involved in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Hamas massacred hundreds of civilians, including women and children, during its October 7 onslaught, and it has been targeting civilians for years in addition to attacking the Israeli military.
SOURCE – (CNN)
News
Trudeau Accused of Sowing Divisions Between Sikhs and Hindus
Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of sowing “divisions” that culminated in the violent altercation between Sikh separatists and Hindu devotees outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.
Justin Trudeau initiated the question period by condemning Poilievre’s reticence regarding the violence in South Asian communities as “deafening.”
Poilievre refuted the assertion by accusing Trudeau of exploiting the matter to divert attention from domestic economic concerns.
“Consequently, he implements divisions in his residence.” Poilievre stated, “These divisions are the consequence of his actions.”
“Currently, sectarian riots are occurring on the streets of Brampton.” This has never occurred before the tenure of this prime minister. Is he accountable for the divisions he has incited and the ensuing violence?
Trudeau Must Assume Responsibility
Mr. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, requested that the Prime Minister assume responsibility for the divisions and violence in Canada. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Poilievre’s refusal to obtain security clearance to review foreign interference documents.
Trudeau, who has frequently employed a phrase in the question period recently, urged Poilievre to undergo the security clearance procedure to receive a briefing from Canada’s intelligence and security agencies regarding potential threats to the country.
Trudeau’s remarks exacerbate an already precarious police situation, which has the potential to further deteriorate the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India.
Police dispersed a second day of demonstrations outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, on Monday. The temple has been the site of violent clashes that have resulted in arrests and a public safety alert.
During the Indian consular officials’ visit to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton on Sunday at midday, violence erupted.
Peel Regional Police issued a public safety alert on Monday evening regarding the presence of weapons at a demonstration near a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont. The demonstration had been the site of violent clashes between demonstrators the previous day.
Canada India Tensions
Social media videos depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Pro-Khalistan separatism, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in physical altercations with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.
Later, an off-duty Sergeant of the Peel police in Brampton, Ontario, was identified as one of the pro-Khalistan protesters.
In the interim, the violence prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
“I unequivocally condemn the intentional destruction of a Hindu temple in Canada.” “The cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats are equally appalling,” he shared on social media.
No amount of violence will ever undermine India’s resolve. We anticipate that the Canadian government will maintain the rule of law and ensure justice.
Last September, Trudeau expressed that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which marked the beginning of the deterioration of relations between the two countries. India has vigorously denied the charge.
News
Police Officer Suspended for Joining Pro-Khalistan Protest
A Brampton, Ontario, police officer was suspended on Monday following the viralization of a video on social media that showed him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple.
According to CBC News, the suspended Peel Regional Police officer, Harinder Sohi, was videotaped brandishing a Khalistan flag while other participants in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He was not wearing a police uniform.
Sohi served as a Sergeant for the Peel Regional Police.
In an email to CBC News, Media Relations Officer Richard Chin informed the organization that it is “aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an off-duty Peel Police officer participating in a demonstration.”
“This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” according to him.
“We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete.”
Peel Regional Police have previously stated that three individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that occurred during the visit of Indian consular officials to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Sunday.
Social media videos appear to depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in a physical altercation with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.
The videos appear to depict fist battles and individuals striking each other with poles on the grounds outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.
According to Peel police, the event was ultimately relocated to two additional locations in the neighboring city of Mississauga, where additional demonstrations were also conducted.
Peel police acknowledged the protest on Sunday at noon and announced that they had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to preserve public safety and order.
“We acknowledge the right to peacefully and safely protest; however, we will not tolerate criminal activities or violence,” stated Chief Nishan Duraiappah in response to the videos’ dissemination.
“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged.”
The violence elicited condemnations from Canadian political leaders at all levels of government and also prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern regarding the “deliberate attack” and requested accountability from the Canadian government, which Justin Trudeau heads. He anticipated that the government would uphold the rule of law and ensure justice.
PM Modi expressed his strong condemnation of the deliberately targeted assault on a Hindu temple in Canada in a post on X. The contemptible endeavors to intimidate our diplomats are equally repulsive. No amount of violence will ever be able to undermine India’s resolve.
In the interim, the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its “profound concern” regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, and it anticipates that those who engage in violence will be prosecuted.
The Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, was the site of violent acts committed by separatists and extremists yesterday. We condemn these actions. “We urge the Canadian government to guarantee that all places of worship are safeguarded from such attacks,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the MEA.
Related News:
India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attack
India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attacking Canadian Hindus
News
Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs Attack Hindu Temple in Brampton
Police in Brampton, Ontario, were summoned to the Hindu Temple after a group of pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attacked Hindu worshipers on Sunday. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, supporters of the Khalistaani movement in Canada helped to carry out the “attack.”
Following its posting on X, a video of the attack with demonstrators brandishing Khalistan flags at the Hindu Temple’s front entrance quickly became viral, inciting indignation among the Hindu community in Canada and India.
Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP from Canada, denounced the violence and claimed that under the country’s “freedom of expression,” extremists are getting away with it.
According to Arya, he began to think there might be some truth to the claims that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated Canada’s law enforcement forces and political machinery.
Today, Canadian Khalistani fanatics have crossed a line. The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian worshipers within the Hindu Sabha temple’s grounds demonstrates the extent and blatantness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada.
In a post on X, he stated, “I start to believe that there is a sliver of truth in the reports that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated not only our political apparatus but also our law enforcement agencies.”
It is understandable why Khalistani fanatics are receiving a free pass in Canada under the guise of “freedom of expression.” As I’ve been saying for a while, Hindu Canadians must stand up, defend their rights, and hold politicians responsible for the safety and security of our community,” he continued.
Peel Regional Police said they were aware of the demonstration in the city’s northeast and are investigating the situation.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, “We respect the individual right to protest, but it is still our duty and responsibility to maintain public order and ensure everyone’s safety. ” Therefore, we request the public’s help participating in and supporting a nonviolent and legal protest.
Peel police warned that any acts of violence, threats of violence, or vandalism would be looked into and said they would be more visible and present to keep an eye on the situation.
Taking his X account, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also conveyed his dissatisfaction after learning of the “acts of violence” outside the Hindu Sabha.
“In Canada, religious freedom is a fundamental virtue. In their house of worship, everyone ought to feel secure. Brown stated in his letter that he is “completely confident that Peel police will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence.” “I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship,” Brown added.
“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted on X.
Every Canadian has the right to freely and securely follow their religion. “Swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident” was how he praised the cops.
As Ottawa frequently rejected New Delhi’s demands for tough measures against Khalistani radicals in Canada, the incident took place during a time of poor relations between India and Canada. Instead, it sparked a huge diplomatic dispute by accusing India of targeting Khalistani people inside its borders.
India Accuses Trudeau of Harboring Pro-Khalistanis Criminals
India Accuses Trudeau of Harboring Pro-Khalistan Criminals in Canada
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