AJK police accuse banned JAAC of armed violence, b…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that public support for Israel has declined in the United States, attributing the shift largely to the influence of social media and online misinformation. His remarks came during an interview with ABC News, where he also discussed the war in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear programme, and Israel’s relationship with the United States. Netanyahu admitted that attitudes toward Israel among Americans have changed in recent years and said the trend was a matter of concern. He argued that the rapid growth of social media platforms, along with the use of coordinated online campaigns and automated accounts, has shaped public opinion against Israel. According to him, misleading portrayals of the conflict in Gaza have contributed significantly to the fall in support. Recent surveys suggest that American views of Israel have become increasingly critical. A July poll by the Pew Research Center found that unfavorable opinions of the Israeli people have risen compared with previous years, while support for the Israeli government has also declined. The findings reflect growing concern among Americans over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian impact of the conflict. During the interview, Netanyahu said he wanted Israel to continue receiving support from both major political parties in the United States. He described bipartisan backing as an important part of Israel’s national security and argued that the debate surrounding Israel extends beyond the Middle East. He claimed that those who oppose Israel often also oppose American interests and values. The Israeli leader also discussed Iran, saying Israel and US President Donald Trump share the same objective of preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. He said Israel would support any approach that successfully ends Iran’s nuclear programme, whether through diplomacy, economic sanctions, or military action. However, he stressed that decisions regarding American policy ultimately rest with the US president. Netanyahu accused Iran of repeatedly acting in bad faith during previous negotiations, claiming its leaders have used talks to delay action while continuing their nuclear ambitions. Iran has previously rejected such accusations and argued that inconsistent policies and broken commitments by the United States have undermined diplomatic efforts. He also warned Iran against carrying out any future attacks on Israel, saying such actions would be met with a strong military response. Although he believes Iran’s leadership has become weaker in recent years, Netanyahu said the current government remains in power and predicted that it could eventually collapse. Addressing his relationship with President Trump, Netanyahu dismissed suggestions that either leader was directing the other. He described the two countries as close allies and said the United States remains the senior partner while Israel continues to work closely with Washington on security matters. The prime minister also rejected reports claiming he had underestimated the consequences or duration of military action against Iran. He insisted those reports misrepresented his earlier assessments and said President Trump independently viewed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a serious threat. Netanyahu strongly denied allegations that Israel had committed war crimes or genocide during its military campaign in Gaza. He argued that Israeli forces had taken steps to reduce civilian casualties by issuing warnings through phone calls, text messages, and leaflets urging people to leave areas of fighting. He also accused Hamas of preventing civilians from evacuating. The Israeli leader again ruled out the creation of an independent Palestinian state, arguing that it would pose a security threat to Israel. His comments come despite ongoing international calls for a two state solution. The conflict remains under intense international scrutiny. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict. Israel rejects the accusations, while military operations in the territory have continued despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.

A youth led protest movement in India has vowed to continue demonstrations demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after violent clashes with police in New Delhi left nearly 180 people injured. The movement, known as the Cockroach Janta Party, cancelled plans for another march to parliament but said protests would continue at the Jantar Mantar demonstration site. Organisers said they wanted to avoid further injuries after Monday’s confrontation with security forces. The campaign began as an online satirical movement but has rapidly grown into one of the biggest public challenges facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his third term in office. It has attracted widespread support from young people angered by repeated examination paper leaks and allegations of corruption in India’s education system. Thousands of protesters from Delhi and nearby regions gathered outside parliament on Monday to demand accountability over a national medical entrance examination leak that affected more than two million students earlier this year. The exam had to be conducted again after question papers were leaked, while reports of several student suicides linked to the controversy intensified public outrage. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators after violence broke out during the march. According to Delhi Police, more than 118 police and security personnel, along with around 60 protesters, were injured during the clashes. Most of those hurt received medical treatment and were later discharged from hospital. Authorities also detained around 70 protesters and said legal action would be taken against them. Police accused demonstrators of ignoring restrictions on public gatherings and behaving aggressively despite repeated warnings. On Tuesday, around 500 protesters gathered peacefully at Jantar Mantar despite light rain and heavy security across central Delhi. Paramilitary forces remained deployed while barricades were placed on several roads to prevent further unrest. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke apologised to supporters for the violence they faced during Monday’s protest. He expressed particular concern over female demonstrators who he claimed were assaulted by male police officers during the clashes. Dipke announced that while the movement would continue its campaign, organisers would not attempt another march towards parliament because they feared more young people could be injured. The protest movement gained significant momentum after social activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the campaign with a hunger strike in late June. Wangchuk was later moved to hospital by authorities, a move that further fuelled criticism of the government among supporters. The group’s demands include the resignation of the education minister, the release of Wangchuk and financial compensation for the families of students who reportedly died by suicide following the examination leak. Government officials have indicated they are open to discussions. Health Minister JP Nadda recently met representatives of the movement and requested time to consider their demands. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also called for calm and said ongoing talks should not be disrupted. Opposition parties criticised the government’s handling of the protests and accused authorities of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party rejected those claims and argued that the violence appeared to have been deliberately provoked. Political analysts believe that even if negotiations reduce immediate tensions, the wider frustration among India’s younger generation is unlikely to disappear. Concerns over unemployment, repeated examination scandals and growing distrust in public institutions continue to drive dissatisfaction, making youth unrest an increasingly important political issue for the government.