Tag: #palestine

  • Bangladesh drops ‘except Israel’ from passports

    Bangladesh drops ‘except Israel’ from passports

    The Bangladeshi passport had a note written on it that said it was acceptable for travel to all countries of the world except Israel.

    But a few months ago, Bangladesh dropped the words “except Israel” from the new electronic passports.

    Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen confirmed the country’s support for the struggle of Palestinians and condemned the Israeli aggression against civilians.

    Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said the words “except Israel” have been withdrawn from the passports for “administrative convenience”.

    “This move will not affect our position . We are strong supporters of Palestine,” said Momen.

    Gilad Cohen, the Israeli foreign ministry’s deputy director-general for Asia and the Pacific, said on Twitter: “Great news! #Bangladesh has removed travel ban to Israel. This is a welcome step.”

    The Bangladeshi foreign ministry statement, however, clarified that the removal of the observation has been done to maintain global standards.

    “The ban on travel of Bangladeshi passport holders to Israel remains unchanged. The Government of Bangladesh has not deviated from its position on Israel and Bangladesh remains firm on its long-standing position in this regard,” it added.

  • Pakistani celebs laud Dua Lipa for clapping back at NYT

    Pakistani celebrities including Ahsan Khan, Ali Rehman Khan and Ayesha Omar has appreciated Dua Lipa for clapping back at New York Times for accusing her of anti-Semitism.

    “I utterly reject the false and appalling allegations that were published today in the New York Times advertisement taken out by the worlds value network,” wrote Dua.

    “This is the price you pay for defending Palestinian human rights against an Israeli government whose actions in Palestine, both Human Rights Watch and the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem accuse of persecution and discrimination,”  she added.

    “I take this stance because I believe that everyone — Jews, Muslims and Christians have the right to live in peace as equal citizens of a state they choose,” she continued.

    Dua Lipa further wrote: “The World Values Network are shamelessly using my name to advance their ugly campaign with falsehoods and blatant misrepresentations of who I am and what I stand for.”

    “I stand in solidarity with all oppressed people and reject all forms of racism.”

    Dua Lipa, also shared the same statement on her Instagram story and Pakistani celebrities lauded her for slamming New York Times over the accusations.

    Ayesha Omar said that legal action needs to be taken against New York Times for the accusations.

    Ahsan Khan shared the statement, with the caption, “Love Her”.

    Ali Rehman Khan along with re-sharing the story also re-shared the screenshot of the advertisement published by NYT and wrote, “This Disgusting AD is a clear example of those “Deep Pockets”.

  • Former Israeli defense minister shows Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital as Hamas headquarters

    Former Israeli defense minister shows Islamabad’s Shifa Hospital as Hamas headquarters

    Israel’s former defence minister Naftali Bennett, in a video posted to YouTube on the Gaza situation, referred to Pakistan’s Shifa International Hospital as Hamas Headquarters where the Al-Qassam Brigade of Hamas has been operating.

    “Ever heard of Shifa Hospital? It is the largest medical complex in Gaza. It’s also where Hamas’ headquarters is located while they are conducting terror actions against Israel”, he explained while showing a picture of the Shifa Hospital building in the background.

    Read more – Gaza’s largest bookshop destroyed by Israeli airstrikes

    Shifa International Hospital is a care healthcare facility in Islamabad providing medical services to local as well as international patient communities for over 25 years.

    Social media users soon started calling out the ex-minister for the blunder.

  • Stand for Palestine

    The UN Security Council (UNSC) welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. UNSC members also stressed “the immediate need for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly in Gaza.”

    According to Al Jazeera, the Palestinian death toll on Saturday stood at 248, including 66 children, with more than 1,900 people wounded from Israeli air and artillery attacks.

    Barely a few hours after the ceasefire was reached, Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and used stun grenades and rubber bullets against Palestinians after Friday prayers. Journalists covering the incident were also attacked.

    Such highhandedness by Israel is nothing new. The Israelis have not just occupied land in Palestine but the atrocities committed by them against unarmed Palestinians are horrific and countless. Imagine being expelled from your homes and then also being attacked. And to add insult to injury, they are portrayed as being the aggressors instead of Israel, whom the world community says acts in so-called ‘self-defence’. How an oppressor gets away with war crimes is disturbing at so many levels.

    We have seen how the world community rallies behind Israel. While Pakistan has been consistent in raising its voice for the cause of Palestine, most Muslim countries just pay mere lip service and move on. We have not seen them stopping trade with Israel or cutting off diplomatic ties in protest. The Palestinians are on their own, it seems. But this cannot go on forever. Before social media, Israel could hide behind its false narrative of being provoked. Now the world can see actual footage of its crimes. We have seen hundreds of videos where children are scared of continuous bombing; buildings being flattened and innocent people standing on the rubble, nursing their wounds. The stories coming out of Palestine are horrific. One man said he “did the strangest thing” when he exchanged how children with his brother’s. “I took two of his children, and gave him two of mine. So in case I get bombed, one of mine will survive and if he gets bombed, one of his will live on.”

    These are not just stories; these are lived realities. We hope the Palestinians can one day find peace in their own land and not live in constant fear. These injustices must stop!

  • Celebs support SMQ after CNN reporter calls him ‘anti-Semitic’

    Osman Khalid Butt and Yashma Gill have extended support and defended Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi after CNN’s Senior Global Affairs Analyst and anchorperson Bianna Golodryga labelled him “anti-Semitic” while interviewing him on the ongoing violence in Gaza.

    “Please stop using antisemitism as an excuse to silence voices of dissent and to absolve Israel of blame,” said Butt. “Yet another attempt to paint Israel and its zionist ideology as victims.”

    Yashma Gill also lashed out at the CNN anchorperson saying: “Accusing Israel of ‘controlling the media’ is no way an attack on the Jews or their religion.”

    “It is a political statement from one person of influence to another,” said Yashma. “And Bianna Golodryga wasting an entire interview where she could have allowed CNN viewership to hear another side of political issues is an example of controlling the media by spinning a story.”

    “If it is so simple for her to do it [spinning the story, then] why not Israel?” questioned Gill.

    Omair Rana also tweeted in support of Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    Earlier, Sheheryar Munawar had also called out international media outlets for their “biased” coverage of Israeli atrocities against the people of Palestine

  • Christian Betzmann under fire for insensitive take on Palestine issue, criticising Pakistan

    Christian Betzmann under fire for insensitive take on Palestine issue, criticising Pakistan

    German travel vlogger Christian Betzmann is at the receiving end of flak for his insensitive take on the Palestine issue and criticism on Pakistan.

    The Israeli armed oppression against the defenseless Palestinians has been making headlines all over the world. The catastrophic bombing in Gaza is being fearlessly conducted by the Israeli forces while the poor Palestinians continue to suffer from the worst humanitarian crisis. Amidst the ongoing violence in the Palestinian region, many common people, celebrities and social media influencers all across the world have shown support for the Palestinians.

    Christian shared his views on his Instagram stories and people were not happy with his take on it. One of the netizens used foul language with the YouTuber and Christian, instead of ignoring him, insulted Pakistani people and the country as a whole.

    Meanwhile, in a conversation with an influencer Muznah, the Vlogger shared his opinion regarding the Palestine issue, saying he believes that social media has never helped in any political event.

    He further added the strikes of third world countries are useless and waste of time , while also commenting that this thought is “naïve.”

    The German Vlogger even openly wrote that you have no power and concluded his statement, saying: “It’s better to go pray as praying is the only thing third world countries can do.”

    Whereas, “first world countries are based on doers,” he declared. 

    Christian who recently embraced Islam said: “Prayers do nothing” and “you can’t do anything.”

    The Vlogger also said that the people of Pakistan must enjoy as long they can because “you never know your country might be next.”

    Here is the conversation of the two:

    Tiktoker Romaisa Khan also confronted Betzmann regarding his statement

    Romaisa explained that Pakistan has its own sets of problems but they can’t be wrongfully compared to what the Palestinians are going through, as Christian had. She even called Christian a selfish man who now is talking trash about the country which warmly welcomed him with love.

    The Tiktok star also shared how she was unfollowed by Christian even though he was the one who had initially followed her on Instagram.

    Instagram influencer Khaqan Shahnawaz, who is soon to be seen in Mahira Khan’s Baarwan Khiladi also bashed the Vlogger and asked him to go back to his country if he hates this “Third World Country” so much.

    “If you don’t want to protest, then don’t. But don’t you dare say anything about my country, otherwise I will eat you alive,” said Khaqan jokingly.

    Christian responded to the backlash by saying that he condemns whatever is happening in Palestine but choosing to not speak about an issue should not be treated as an opportunity to insult him.

    He continued to press upon his own point of view and said in his own words, ”calling people bad words just because they don’t want to share their opinion is stupid.” He further said that if social media was as powerful as people were saying it was then it would have helped Pakistanis to fix their issues too.

    Later, Betzmann said that he stands with the people of Palestine.

    Meanwhile, Christian’s fiancée and Pakistani actress Zoya Nasir has not yet commented on the matter. However, she lauded Bella Hadid for her bravery and refusing to “bow down and stand for what is right.”

    Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was announced early Friday morning, Israel ruthlessly attacked worshippers at Al-Aqsa during Friday prayers.

  • Despite a ceasefire, Israel ruthlessly attacks worshippers at Al-Aqsa

    Despite a ceasefire, Israel ruthlessly attacks worshippers at Al-Aqsa

    Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was announced early Friday morning, Israel ruthlessly attacked worshippers at Al-Aqsa during Friday prayers.

    Israel fired rubber bullets and shelled both Masjid Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock, Islam’s third holiest site.

    It is being reported that children and women have been hurt by the tear gas while praying.

    PTI’s official Twitter handle lashed out on the barbaric violence by Israel calling out their act as a ‘massacre’.

    Israel’s bombardment of Gaza killed at least 243 Palestinians, including 66 children, in 11 days and brought widespread devastation to the already impoverished territory. On the Israeli side, 12 people, including two children, were killed.

  • ‘Only gloom remains in Gaza’: Pakistani celebs react to ceasefire in Gaza

    Adnan Siddiqui, Faysal Quarishi and Iqra Aziz have reacted to the ceasefire in Gaza after 11 days of violence, saying more needs to be done.

    “Guns have fallen silent, mothers are searching for children, children for their homes,” wrote Siddiqui on social media. “The dust has settled. Only gloom remains in Gaza.”

    “Ceasefire but at what cost? I search for answers,” added the actor.

    Quraishi also shared his opinion on ceasefire saying, “A ceasefire is welcome but a lot more needs to be done.”

    “Palestine has been an open-air prison for countless people,” remarked the actor. “Every single day they have been witnessing continuous crimes against humanity with no control on staples like water and electricity.”

    “All Palestinians, Muslims, Jews or Christians need to be freed once and for all,” said Quraishi further, adding: “If the world does not take a stand now, we will keep on witnessing Kashmir and Gaza story repeated for all times to come.”

    Iqra Aziz also shared her thoughts on the situation, saying: “I pray we never face anything like this again. This was inhumane.”

    “I pray for all the lives lost in the past 11 days and hope for a better future,” expressed Iqra.

    Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced a ceasefire on Friday in Gaza after 11 days of violence, Al Jazeera has reported.

  • Gaza’s largest bookshop destroyed by Israeli airstrikes

    Gaza’s largest bookshop destroyed by Israeli airstrikes

    Gaza’s largest bookstore was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday. Established in 2008, the shop housed thousands of books, including the largest collection of English literature in Gaza, and was also part of a publishing house that focused on Palestinian writers.

    Defending the attack, the Israeli military claimed that the strike was intended to destroy Hamas tunnels.

    The two-story bookshop was built 21 years ago and was one of the Gaza Strip’s largest sellers of books for children, students, academics and anyone else who loved to read. He also printed books and published stories written by local authors.

    “The books may be under rubble but that will not stop us,” writer Nada Abu Mideen told The National. “We will keep writing to show the world that we deserve life.”

    Read more – Eleven children receiving trauma care killed in their homes by Israeli airstrikes

    A GoFundMe has also been set up to help rebuild the store.

    This wasn’t the only bookstore that was destroyed in Gaza this week. Others, including the Iqraa library, were also either completely or partially destroyed.

    Bookstore owner Shaban Aslim can be seen holding back tears as he is interviewed in front of the rubble.

    “The bookstore was like my soul,” said Mansour, 53, who was born in the Gaza Strip and said that he had built this bookstore by starving himself.

  • ‘Gaza hell on earth for children,’ says UN General Secretary

    The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday described Gaza as “hell on earth” for children, Reuters has reported.

    He also appealed Israel for rapid and unhindered aid access. The UN Secretary General also told that would launch an appeal for humanitarian funding.

    “If there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza today,” said Guterres, adding: “The hostilities have caused serious damage to vital civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including roads and electricity lines, contributing to a humanitarian emergency. Crossings into Gaza have been closed and power shortages are affecting water supplies.”

    “Access for humanitarian goods is paramount. Attacks by militant groups on areas surrounding crossing points are unacceptable,” Guterres said. “At the same time, Israel has a duty to allow and facilitate rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian aid, into Gaza.”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office yesterday, announced a ceasefire on Friday in Gaza after 11 days of violence, Al Jazeera has reported. As per media reports, Israel’s PM office issued a statement from the security cabinet called the truce “mutual and unconditional”.

    The ceasefire will be monitored by Egypt, which has been agreed upon by Israel and Hamas