As tensions rise in the West Asia region, 40 countries, including India, have condemned the recent Israeli attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon. In a recorded video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the withdrawal of UNIFIL troops from Hezbollah strongholds to prevent them from being used as human shields. India, along with other nations, has expressed concern for the safety of UN personnel and urged for the inviolability of UN premises to be respected.
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel have escalated once again, this time involving the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Here's a comprehensive overview of the situation:
UNIFIL has been present in southern Lebanon since 1978, following the Israeli invasion of the country. The mission's primary mandate is to maintain peace and security along the border between Lebanon and Israel, and to support the Lebanese government in restoring authority in the south.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization designated as a terrorist group by several countries, has a strong presence in southern Lebanon. Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL personnel and facilities as human shields.
On July 28, 2022, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Some of the attacks reportedly occurred near UNIFIL positions, resulting in damage to vehicles and injuries to peacekeepers.
The attacks on UNIFIL have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. Over 40 countries, including India, have censured Israel's actions and emphasized the need to respect the safety of UN personnel.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and called for an investigation into the attacks. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern and urged both sides to exercise restraint.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's actions, claiming that Hezbollah had been using UNIFIL as cover for its operations. He called for the withdrawal of UNIFIL troops from Hezbollah strongholds to prevent similar incidents in the future.
1. What is UNIFIL's role in Lebanon? UNIFIL is responsible for maintaining peace and security along the Lebanon-Israel border and supporting the Lebanese government in restoring authority in the south.
2. Why has Hezbollah been targeted by Israel? Israel has accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL personnel and facilities as human shields and of launching attacks from within civilian areas.
3. What is India's position on the recent attacks? India has condemned the attacks on UNIFIL and expressed concern for the safety of UN personnel.
4. Has UNIFIL been accused of bias in the past? Hezbollah and some Lebanese officials have accused UNIFIL of being biased towards Israel. The UN has denied these allegations and maintains that its mission is impartial.
5. What is the future of UNIFIL in Lebanon? The future of UNIFIL is uncertain, as tensions between Lebanon and Israel continue. The Security Council will likely continue to monitor the situation and consider whether UNIFIL's mandate should be renewed.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chilean President Gabriel Boric at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the already "strong" bilateral ties between the two countries. President Boric also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, emphasizing the shared fundamental values between India and Chile. This is President Boric's first visit to India since taking office and he is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, media, and prominent Chileans.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric is set to begin a five-day state visit to India on Tuesday, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit will focus on reviewing bilateral ties and discussing international issues of mutual interest, with meetings scheduled between Boric and Modi, as well as President Droupadi Murmu. Additionally, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will launch a portal providing comprehensive data on socio-economic and fiscal parameters of Indian states, while the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea challenging the validity of a provision of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has announced her plans to visit India and meet the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team during her trip. Williams, who has Indian roots, shared her excitement about returning to her father's home country and expressed admiration for India's beauty from space. She also mentioned her interest in the upcoming ISRO mission and its Indian astronauts.
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus recently visited China and urged Beijing to extend its economic influence to the country, mentioning that India's northeastern states being landlocked could be seen as an opportunity. The remark, made during Yunus' trip, has sparked controversy on social media. Yunus also called Bangladesh the only guardian of the ocean in the region, and stated that this could be a huge opportunity for China to extend its economy.
During an Eid al-Fitr prayer speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan used strong language, calling for the destruction of Israel. He also referred to Allah as "al-Qahhar" and wished for mercy upon martyrs and a speedy recovery for veterans. In his nationwide holiday message, Erdogan criticized the ongoing violence in Gaza and called for action from Western countries. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to Erdogan's statements, condemning him as antisemitic and dangerous to the region and his own people.
Inspector Rakesh Tripathi and his team were met with hostility from villagers during a motorcycle recovery operation in Telenga village, Odisha. The suspects managed to escape, prompting an intensified manhunt from authorities. The incident illustrates ongoing tensions within local communities and the need for cooperation to ensure justice is served.
The Arab countries of UAE and Saudi Arabia have officially declared the start of Eid-ul-Fitr today, concluding the holy month of Ramadan. In India, Eid is likely to be celebrated tomorrow, with the exact date depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. As families and friends come together to celebrate, here are some WhatsApp messages to share with loved ones.
After a month of fasting during Ramadan, the crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, signaling the end of the holy month. Muslims living in Gulf countries will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on March 30, 2025 with traditional prayers, charity, gift-giving, feasting, and visiting relatives. More than just a religious holiday, Eid ul Fitr is a celebration of love, gratitude, and family unity that Muslims around the world look forward to every year.
In response to two devastating earthquakes hitting Myanmar, India has launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to send 15 tonnes of relief material. The aid was transported by an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft and includes tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medicines. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered assistance and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar shared visuals of the aid arriving in Yangon. India acted as a “first responder” to assist the people of Myanmar in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
In British Columbia, a young woman's marriage to a member of an India-based "cult group" has been annulled by a judge, who ruled that she did not truly consent to the 2023 wedding. The woman claimed to have been manipulated and overwhelmed by the man and his family's constant advances, which even included bringing a religious gift to her workplace. The ruling sheds light on the often-hidden issue of forced marriages in certain religious communities and the legal recourse available to those who have been coerced into marriage.