Foreign
Israeli PM’s wife says hostage gave birth to baby in Hamas captivity
Israeli PM’s wife says hostage gave birth to baby in Hamas captivity
A female hostage held by the Islamist terrorist organisation Hamas has given birth to a baby, according to Israeli reports.
Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wrote about this in a letter to the wife of the U.S. President, First Lady Jill Biden, on Wednesday.
She was writing mother-to-another-mother, Netanyahu said in the letter.
Sara Netanyahu wrote in the letter that 32 children were among the hostages.
One of them was 10 months old.
“One of the kidnapped women was pregnant,” she also wrote, adding: “She gave birth to her baby in Hamas captivity.
“You can only imagine, as I do, what must be going through that young mother’s mind as she is being held with her newborn by these murderers.”
Read Also: Passengers deported did not meet entry requirements – Saudi Embassy
Netanyahu appealed to Jill Biden to work with her on behalf of the abducted children.
“We must speak out on behalf of these children.
“We must call for the immediate release of them and all those being held,” she wrote.
She also said the Red Cross must be allowed to see the hostages.
“This nightmare that began over a month ago must end,” Netanyahu wrote.
“These children need our help,” he continued.
Islamist Hamas killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel on Oct. 7.
The terrorists also kidnapped some 240 people and took them to the Gaza Strip, where they have since been held.
According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 11,500 people have been killed in Israeli counter-attacks.
Israeli PM’s wife says hostage gave birth to baby in Hamas captivity
Breaking News
Putin Signs Decree to Boost Russian Armed Forces Personnel by 180,000
Putin Signs Decree to Boost Russian Armed Forces Personnel by 180,000
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to increase the staffing levels of the country’s armed forces, raising the total number of personnel to 2.38 million, including 1.5 million military personnel. The decree, published on the government portal, represents an increase of 180,000 personnel across the Russian armed forces.
The new staffing levels, set to take effect on December 1, 2024, reflect Russia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its military amid global tensions and geopolitical challenges. This adjustment marks a rise from the previous staffing levels of 2.2 million, which included 1.32 million military personnel.
The decree is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country’s defense capabilities as Russia continues to prioritize military readiness.
Foreign
Pakistan Police Arrest Key Lawmakers from Imran Khan’s Party Amid Ongoing Crackdown
Pakistan Police Arrest Key Lawmakers from Imran Khan’s Party Amid Ongoing Crackdown
Authorities in Pakistan have arrested several prominent lawmakers and leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the political party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Party officials confirmed the arrests on Tuesday following a series of late-night raids in Islamabad. While a police spokesperson stated that four individuals were detained, PTI officials claim that 13 members were arrested from various locations, including outside the parliament.
The arrests come in the aftermath of a large PTI rally held on Sunday, calling for the release of the 71-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician, who has been in jail for over a year. Among those arrested was PTI president Gohar Khan. The crackdown reflects ongoing tensions since Khan’s ousting as prime minister in 2022, following a fallout with military leaders, who often hold significant influence in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Footage broadcasted by local media showed police officers forcibly detaining lawmakers outside parliament, prompting condemnation from opposition leaders. Omar Ayub Khan, a senior opposition figure, described the arrests as “despicable,” while PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari denounced the detentions as illegal in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Bukhari further reported that senior PTI members Shoaib Shaheen and Sher Afzal Marwat were also among those taken into custody. Despite a strong showing in February’s general election, where PTI-backed candidates secured the most seats, the party was unable to form a government due to a coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Foreign
Iraq Denies Allegations of Smuggling Oil to Iran
Iraq Denies Allegations of Smuggling Oil to Iran
The Iraqi Oil Ministry has strongly refuted allegations made by several U.S. Congress members, who claimed that Iraq is smuggling oil to Iran to help the country bypass U.S. sanctions. The ministry labeled these accusations as “fabrications with no foundation.”
The rebuttal comes in response to a letter reportedly sent by five U.S. lawmakers to President Joe Biden, accusing Iraqi officials, including Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, of facilitating illegal oil sales to Iran. The letter further urged Biden to block Ghani’s planned visit to Washington until an investigation into the matter is completed.
In a statement, the Iraqi Oil Ministry expressed “astonishment and condemnation” at the allegations, stressing that its oil operations are under the scrutiny of international inspectors. The ministry also pointed out that Iraqi waters are strictly monitored by naval forces to prevent any illegal activity.
-
Health5 months ago
Only 58,000 doctors renewed licence out of 130,000 registered doctors – MDCN
-
Business1 year ago
New Rates: ‘I borrowed money to finance this business…’ – Petroleum Marketer cries out over Non-supply of products by the NNPCL
-
Entertainment2 months ago
BBNaija Season 9: TAMI Duo Evicted After Low Vote Count
-
Defence & Security1 month ago
Organisers Demand IGP’s Dismissal Over Fatal Protest Crackdown
-
Defence & Security1 month ago
“Defence Chief Praises Strong Inter-Service Cooperation for Operational Successes”
-
Business2 years ago
New Naira Notes: We Have No Information On The Supreme Court Ruling – CBN
-
Weather2 months ago
NiMet Forecasts 3 Days Thunderstorms, Rain Nationwide
-
Opinion2 years ago
Addressing Nigeria’s food security challenge through eco-friendly agriculture