israel approves entry
|

Israel approves entry of International Stabilizati…

ByJustpaste.in

The Israeli security cabinet has voted to approve the entry of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) into Gaza, advancing a key component of the US-backed peace plan for the enclave despite opposition from a far-right minister .

The decision, announced on Sunday, paves the way for the deployment of a multinational force under the Board of Peace (BoP) plan, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council in November 2025 . The ISF is intended to oversee security and support reconstruction efforts in the war-torn territory .

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was the sole dissenting voice in the cabinet vote . According to Israeli media, Ben-Gvir argued that Hamas has failed to meet its commitments to demilitarize and disarm, meaning Israel is not obligated to proceed with the plan . He reportedly advocated for encouraging the migration of Palestinians out of Gaza as an alternative solution .

Following the approval, a senior Israeli official outlined key conditions for the ISF’s operation. The force will receive legal immunity under Israeli law and will operate in “full coordination” with the Israeli military in areas outside the military’s control zones .

Stringent conditions have also been placed on which nations can contribute troops. The security cabinet decided that only countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and do not act against it in international forums will be eligible to participate . This clause reportedly excludes nations like Indonesia, which had previously shown interest . The initial force is expected to comprise approximately 200 personnel from “friendly” nations such as Uganda and Morocco .

Israeli officials have further stressed that the military will continue to hold the “yellow line” demarcating its controlled areas in Gaza and will not withdraw further unless Hamas is fully disarmed and the Strip is demilitarized . The ISF deployment is part of a scaled-back pilot project initially focused on a humanitarian zone near Rafah in southern Gaza .

Similar Posts

  • | |

    NCLEX programme under fire: only 7 nurses pass out…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A Government backed programme designed to help Pakistani nurses qualify for international jobs came under strong questioning in the National Assembly after lawmakers raised concerns over the transparency, student selection and results of the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training questioned how a Rs 150 million programme selected its training partner and why only seven nurses had cleared the NCLEX exam out of 500 trainees so far. The committee supported opportunities for Pakistani nurses to work abroad but demanded complete transparency regarding the programme’s planning, the selection of the implementing partner, and the use of public money. The issue was discussed during the 25th meeting of the committee, where members reviewed the performance and implementation of the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme launched by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). NAVTTC Executive Director Muhammad Amir Jan informed the committee that before this initiative, Pakistani nurses had to travel to countries such as Dubai, Bahrain, Turkey and Thailand to appear in the NCLEX examination. He said that with support from SIFC, NAVTTC was given responsibility to bring the examination system to Pakistan for the first time through Pearson VUE during 2024 and 2025. Officials informed the committee that the programme was designed to train 500 nurses. The training phase has been completed, 182 nurses have applied for the NCLEX examination and seven nurses have successfully cleared the test. However, members questioned the low success rate and asked whether the programme was producing the expected results. One committee member pointed out that seven successful candidates out of 500 trainees represented a very small percentage and questioned whether the programme needed improvements before more public funds were spent. NAVTTC officials defended the programme, saying that NCLEX is a difficult international examination and nurses who pass the test still require additional time before moving abroad for employment. Officials said nurses might need eight to eighteen months after passing the exam before they can travel for work opportunities. The committee also raised questions about the selection of the implementing partner, the Institute of Contemporary Studies. Members questioned whether a public advertisement was issued before selecting the organisation or if other institutions were given an opportunity to compete. They said programmes funded through public money must follow transparent procedures to maintain public confidence. NAVTTC officials explained that the programme was developed under an industry led model and was based on a proposal received from the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council. They said such programmes do not always follow open advertisement procedures because they are based on specific industry requirements. However, members questioned whether a government body could recommend a specific private organisation without a competitive process. The committee also raised concerns about the role of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council. Members noted that in previous discussions, representatives of the council had stated they were not fully aware of the nurse selection process and training arrangements. NAVTTC officials responded that the council had formally approached NAVTTC for the project and that decisions taken by government bodies should be accepted by all stakeholders involved. Financial matters also came under discussion. NAVTTC informed the committee that the total project cost was Rs 150 million and that Rs 87 million had been released so far. Officials clarified that the remaining funds would be released only after achieving agreed results under a performance-based payment system. They said a bank guarantee was also available to protect government funds. The committee also questioned the quality and locations of the training centres. MNA Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro raised concerns about some training locations, including Matta in Swat, and asked how proper facilities and monitoring were ensured in those areas. NAVTTC officials responded that Khyber Medical University conducted training in Matta and promised to provide complete details of nurses trained there. Questions were also raised about trainer qualifications. Members asked how individuals with nursing degrees could provide NCLEX preparation training. Officials explained that trainers must themselves be NCLEX qualified according to programme requirements. The committee further discussed the selection of nurses for training. NAVTTC officials said their role was to set eligibility criteria, not directly select candidates. They explained that under the pay for success model, the training provider selects participants because the provider is responsible for results. At the conclusion of the meeting, the committee decided to invite the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council in the next session to clarify the selection process of nurses and the appointment of the training partner. Chairperson Mahtab Akbar Rashdi said that every concern must be properly addressed because public funds were involved and the programme was created to provide international opportunities for Pakistani nurses.

  • | | |

    Europe to witness rare total solar eclipse today

    ByJustpaste.in

    A total solar eclipse is set to occur today, offering skywatchers across parts of Europe an opportunity to witness a rare astronomical phenomenon, according to Arab media reports. The eclipse is being described as the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe since 1999. The event will be particularly prominent in western Spain and Iceland, where observers will have the chance to see the Moon completely cover the Sun for a brief period. The total phase is expected to begin at around 6:27pm local time in the areas where the eclipse will be visible. Near Iceland, the period of totality is expected to last approximately two minutes and 18 seconds, making it one of the key locations for viewing the phenomenon. However, the eclipse will not be limited to areas experiencing totality. Several major European cities are expected to witness a significant partial eclipse. In Madrid and Barcelona, around 99% of the Sun’s disc will be obscured, while Paris is expected to experience approximately 92% coverage. London will see about 91% of the Sun covered, while Berlin is expected to experience an eclipse of around 85%. The exact appearance and timing of the eclipse will vary depending on the location of observers. Parts of Africa, Canada and the United States are also expected to witness the eclipse in its partial form, although the degree of visibility will differ from one region to another. Eclipse not visible in Pakistan Pakistanis will not be able to observe the solar eclipse, as the astronomical event will take place outside the country’s visible path. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that the eclipse will begin at approximately 8:34pm Pakistan Standard Time. It is expected to reach its maximum phase at around 10:46pm before ending at approximately 12:58am. Since the entire event will occur during nighttime in Pakistan, the eclipse will remain below the horizon and therefore cannot be seen from the country. The Meteorological Department has also indicated that another major astronomical event is expected later this month. A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 28, but this event, too, will not be visible from Pakistan. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and temporarily blocks some or all of the Sun’s light from reaching certain parts of the Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the visible disc of the Sun for observers located within the narrow path of totality.

  • |

    Trump signs new executive orders seeking to restrict US birthright citizenship

    ByJustpaste.in

    US President Donald Trump has signed two new executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, five weeks after a 6-3 Supreme Court decision rejected his administration’s broader attempt to end automatic citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. The newly issued directives attempt a narrower approach by targeting specific exceptions under the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. The primary focus of the orders is a total ban on birth tourism, a practice where pregnant foreign nationals travel to the US to give birth so their children acquire automatic citizenship. The directives also place restrictions on children born in the US to foreign government employees, foreign combatants classified as alien enemies, and residents of US territories pending potential congressional legislation. Speaking alongside White House aides Stephen Miller and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during an Oval Office ceremony, Trump criticised the high court’s prior 30 June ruling and argued that non-citizens were taking advantage of constitutional protections established following the Civil War. Legal experts and civil rights advocacy organisations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and UnidosUS, noted that the executive actions do not carry the authority of statutory law and will face immediate challenges in federal court for attempting to bypass constitutional precedent and Supreme Court authority.

  • | |

    NDMA issues 48-hour flood alert as Chenab rises

    ByJustpaste.in

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of an elevated flood risk in several parts of Pakistan as heavy monsoon rains continue across the country. The authority has placed relevant departments on alert and warned that the next 24 to 48 hours could bring flooding in riverine, urban and mountainous areas. The NDMA said medium-level flooding has been recorded in the Chenab River at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. The Palkhu Nullah in Wazirabad is also experiencing medium-level flooding. Low-level flooding has been reported at several other locations. These include Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River. Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab are also experiencing low-level flooding. Similar conditions have been observed at Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River and Nowshera on the Kabul River. The situation along the Chenab remains a major concern. The NDMA said water levels are expected to rise further over the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Water levels at Trimmu Barrage are also expected to reach medium flood levels during the same period. The authority has warned of possible flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of northern Balochistan over the next two days. Several cities are also facing the risk of urban flooding due to continued heavy rainfall. The areas at risk include Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore. The NDMA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas. Motorists have been urged to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. The authority has directed provincial and district administrations to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable locations. Emergency response teams have also been asked to remain ready for immediate deployment. Authorities have been instructed to restore roads quickly if flooding or other weather-related incidents cause closures. The NDMA also warned about landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods in mountainous areas. People have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, steep slopes and narrow mountain passages where landslides or falling rocks could occur. Citizens have also been warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, streams or rapidly moving water. The authority stressed that even shallow floodwater can sweep away vehicles and people. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued similar warnings. It said most major rivers are currently flowing at normal or low flood levels, while the Chenab at Qadirabad and Chiniot remains at medium flood level. The weather department also warned that southeastern Sindh could face urban or rainwater flooding over the next 24 to 36 hours. Flash flooding is also possible in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.

  • |

    Trump’s Board of Peace plan draws global attention and criticism

    ByJustpaste.in

    United States President Donald Trump has announced that his Board of Peace has secured an agreement aimed at the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, along with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory. Trump described the agreement as a historic breakthrough and said it would be carried out in stages, with Israeli troops leaving Gaza as disarmament progresses. The Board of Peace was first proposed by Trump in September last year as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza. He later expanded the initiative, saying it would also work to address conflicts in other parts of the world. The board is intended to coordinate peace efforts and oversee reconstruction projects, a role that has traditionally been led by the United Nations. According to its charter, countries joining the board normally serve three year terms. However, nations that contribute one billion dollars toward its activities are eligible for permanent membership. Trump serves as chairman of the initiative and has broad executive authority, including the power to veto decisions and remove members under certain conditions. The White House named Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and presidential adviser Jared Kushner as members of the board’s founding executive team. More than two dozen countries have joined the initiative. Alongside the United States, members include Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar, all of which have played important roles in recent Middle East diplomacy. Other participating countries include Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Outside the region, Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan and Vietnam have also joined. Several major countries and international partners have declined to participate. Britain, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the European Union have all decided not to join the initiative. Brazil, Mexico, India and South Africa have also remained outside the board, while China and Russia have chosen not to participate. The Vatican has argued that responsibility for handling international conflicts should remain with the United Nations. Canada also lost its invitation after a diplomatic disagreement between Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this year. The Board of Peace received international recognition after the United Nations Security Council approved a United States drafted resolution acknowledging its temporary role in Gaza. Under the resolution, the board will coordinate funding for reconstruction and oversee a temporary international stabilisation force in Gaza through 2027. It must also report its progress to the Security Council every six months. China and Russia abstained from the vote, saying the resolution did not clearly define the United Nations’ role in Gaza’s future administration. Despite official backing, the initiative has attracted widespread criticism from human rights organisations and political observers. Critics argue that the board resembles a colonial style governing structure because it is designed to supervise Gaza without including Palestinian representatives. They have also questioned the inclusion of Tony Blair because of his role in the Iraq war and criticised the participation of countries with poor human rights records. The decision to include Israel on a body responsible for overseeing Gaza has generated additional controversy. Opponents argue that Israel’s ongoing military campaign has left much of Gaza destroyed and displaced its population. Israel maintains that its military actions were carried out in self defence following the Hamas attack in 2023 that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken. Since its launch, the Board of Peace has focused mainly on plans for rebuilding Gaza. Trump said member countries have already pledged around seven billion dollars toward reconstruction, although experts estimate that restoring the territory after more than two years of conflict could cost as much as 70 billion dollars. The board has also reportedly held discussions with international companies on future infrastructure and supply chain projects as planning for Gaza’s recovery continues.

  • |

    Nigerian President Bola Tinubu authorises up to 80% salary increase for military personnel

    ByJustpaste.in

    Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced a major pay review for the country’s armed forces, granting salary increases of up to 80 per cent for junior military personnel as part of broader efforts to boost morale amid widespread security threats. The wage adjustment represents the second military pay rise within a month. Under the new structure, monthly earnings for privates, the lowest-ranking soldiers, will increase from $73 to $132 starting in September, up from $36 earlier this year. The pay review is scaled hierarchically across all operational ranks. Privates up through staff sergeants will receive the maximum 80 per cent increase, while warrant officers up to colonels will see a 50 per cent boost. Senior leadership, from brigadier generals to full generals, will receive a 30 per cent pay adjustment. These adjustments will raise the military’s annual wage expenditure from $484 million to $678 million. The announcement follows recent defence initiatives aimed at expanding military capacity, including the planned recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers and the establishment of four new army divisions, bringing the national total to 12. Government forces continue to face complex security challenges, including persistent insurgencies in the north-east, widespread armed banditry and kidnapping networks in central and north-western regions, and separatist movements in the south-east.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *