israeli court halts
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Israeli court halts Ben-Gvir plan to place crocodi…

ByJustpaste.in

An Israeli court has temporarily blocked National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s plan to install crocodiles around Ketziot Prison in southern Israel’s Negev desert, where Palestinian detainees from Gaza are being held, according to Israeli media reports on Monday.

Israeli authorities had already begun digging trenches around the section of the prison holding Palestinians detained from Gaza over alleged involvement in the events of October 7, 2023. Under the plan championed by Ben-Gvir, crocodiles would be placed inside these trenches as a security measure.

Israel’s public broadcaster reported that the Jerusalem District Court issued a temporary injunction on Sunday evening after the animal rights group Let the Animals Live filed a legal petition challenging the plan, which has the backing of the National Security Ministry and the Israel Prison Service. Judge Avraham Rubin ordered authorities to halt any action based on a decision by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman to classify crocodiles as tended wild animals, a legal designation that would have permitted their transfer to and use at the prison facility.

According to the broadcaster, the ruling followed an administrative petition the organization filed against Silman, Ben-Gvir and the Israel Prison Service just hours earlier. The temporary order will stay in place until authorities file their formal response, which the court expects by mid August.

The dispute centers on a decision Silman made on July 15 that was designed to allow crocodiles to serve as what officials described as a deterrent and security measure inside prisons. The petition filed against the plan argues that the decision effectively strips crocodiles of protections normally applied to wild animals by removing the licensing and oversight mechanisms that would otherwise govern their care and control.

Let the Animals Live told the broadcaster that the Israel Prison Service had already started infrastructure work, including digging a canal around the prison, and said the National Security Ministry had set aside 21 million shekels, or roughly 6.9 million dollars, to fund the pilot project. The group said the decision was made without adequate legal authority and disregarded expert and legal warnings about risks to the animals themselves, to the public and to the surrounding environment.

Officials have not yet submitted the government’s formal position to the court, though a response is expected as part of the proceedings tied to the injunction request.

Representatives from Let the Animals Live and the Environmental Justice and Animal Rights Clinic at Tel Aviv University said the court’s order prevents irreversible construction work from moving forward for now and protects the animals’ welfare while they continue pursuing a permanent cancellation of the plan.

Since taking office in late 2022, Ben-Gvir has overseen a broader tightening of detention conditions for Palestinian prisoners, including measures involving food deprivation, denial of medical care, mistreatment and prolonged isolation. Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations report that approximately 9,500 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, are currently held in Israeli facilities under harsh conditions, with dozens reported to have died as a result of starvation, mistreatment and medical neglect.

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    Netflix has responded to reports claiming it considered postponing the release of its upcoming Michael Jackson documentary, firmly rejecting suggestions that the streaming giant planned to backtrack just days before the film’s debut. The company has described the reports as inaccurate, insisting that the documentary remains on schedule and that there were never any plans to pull or delay its release. (deadline.com⁠) Speculation began circulating after media reports alleged that Netflix executives were reconsidering the documentary’s launch due to concerns over potential backlash and renewed scrutiny surrounding the late pop icon’s legacy. The rumors quickly gained traction online, with fans questioning whether the streaming platform was preparing to make a last-minute change to its release strategy. (deadline.com⁠) However, Netflix has dismissed those claims outright. In a statement provided to several entertainment outlets, the company said the reports were false and emphasized that the documentary’s rollout has remained unchanged. The streamer reaffirmed its commitment to the planned release, making it clear that there had been no internal decision to shelve or postpone the project. (variety.com⁠) While Netflix has not shared extensive details about the documentary, the project has attracted considerable attention because of Michael Jackson’s lasting influence on music and pop culture. Widely known as the “King of Pop,” Jackson remains one of the best-selling artists of all time, with timeless hits including Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat It, and Man in the Mirror. His career transformed the music industry, but his legacy has also remained the subject of public debate for years following allegations of child sexual abuse, which he consistently denied during his lifetime. (britannica.com⁠) The latest rumors surrounding the documentary underscore the intense public interest that continues to surround any project connected to Jackson. Social media users have closely followed every update, with supporters eager to see new insights into his life while others have questioned how the documentary will address the complexities of his legacy. Despite the online speculation, Netflix appears determined to move forward as planned. By publicly denying reports of a potential delay, the company has sought to reassure viewers that the documentary’s release strategy remains intact. As anticipation continues to build, audiences will soon have the opportunity to judge the documentary for themselves. Whether it sparks celebration, debate, or renewed discussion, the project is already proving that Michael Jackson’s cultural impact continues to generate worldwide attention years after his death.

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    Alex Cooper’s drink company reportedly shutting …

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    Alex Cooper’s venture into the beverage industry may be coming to an end. The Call Her Daddy host’s Unwell Beverage business is reportedly shutting down after less than two years on the market. According to a Bloomberg report cited by People, the company is expected to end its beverage operations after releasing a final collection of Halloween-themed drinks this fall. Neither Cooper nor Target, the brand’s main retail partner, has publicly confirmed the report. (People.com⁠) The reported closure marks an unexpected turn for a business that Cooper created after noticing what she believed was a gap in the hydration market. The idea for Unwell Hydration came to her while she was on her 2024 Unwell Tour. Cooper said she often struggled to find hydration and energy drinks that felt designed for women rather than men. She wanted to create something convenient for people with busy lifestyles while also offering lower-sugar options. Cooper previously explained that she would often feel exhausted while traveling and performing. She said many of the drinks she found either tasted unpleasant or contained more sugar than she wanted. That experience helped inspire the concept behind Unwell Hydration. (People.com⁠) The beverage line was developed in partnership with Nestlé and officially launched in 2025. It initially focused on electrolyte drinks before expanding into additional products, including Unwell Focus, Unwell Protein and Unwell Energy. The products were primarily sold through Target stores and online. (People.com⁠) Cooper’s goal was to bring her huge female audience into a category that had traditionally been associated with sports and performance. The company’s branding was closely connected to the wider Unwell media network, which Cooper has continued to expand through podcasts, entertainment projects, merchandise and other ventures. However, the beverage business reportedly struggled to establish a long-term position in an increasingly crowded functional-drinks market. The Cut noted that the brand moved from its original hydration focus into protein and energy products, potentially making its overall identity less clear to consumers. (The Cut⁠) The reported shutdown does not mean Cooper’s larger Unwell business is disappearing. Her media company continues to operate across several areas, and recent reports indicate that Unwell itself has secured new investment that values the broader company at around $500 million. (TMZ⁠) For now, fans may still see Unwell beverages on shelves as retailers sell through their remaining inventory. The final Halloween-themed release could become the brand’s last major product launch. While the drink company may have had a short run, Cooper’s attempt shows how quickly major digital creators are moving beyond social media and podcasts into consumer products—and how difficult it can be to turn a huge online following into a lasting beverage brand. (People.com⁠)

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    20,000 flee as fast-moving wildfire engulfs British Columbia

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    Sindh plans PPP model to transform Keti Bandar into deep-sea port and economic hub

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    KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the provincial Investment Department to urgently formulate a comprehensive public-private partnership (PPP) framework for transforming Keti Bandar into a modern deep-sea port and a major commercial, industrial and energy centre. The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House on Saturday, where officials discussed a broader plan to develop Sindh’s coastal belt and unlock the economic potential of the Indus Delta. The proposed project is being planned in line with the vision associated with Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and aims to establish Keti Bandar as an important maritime gateway connecting port operations with industrial, logistics, fisheries and energy-related activities. Integrated economic corridor planned Chairing the meeting, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said Keti Bandar should be developed as part of an integrated maritime and economic corridor rather than as a standalone port project. He directed the relevant departments to prepare detailed proposals covering port infrastructure, industrial estates, transportation and logistics networks, fisheries, energy facilities and tourism. The chief minister also called for a phased implementation strategy that would identify the project’s immediate, medium-term and long-term development requirements. According to the proposed plan, the Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor would become a major engine for economic activity, employment generation and investment in Sindh. The project is also expected to provide a platform for attracting domestic and foreign investors to the province’s coastal areas. PPP framework to attract private investment The Sindh government intends to develop the project through a PPP model, allowing private-sector investors to participate in financing, construction, development and operation of various components. Under the proposed framework, Keti Bandar could eventually host a deep-sea port alongside logistics and warehousing facilities, industrial zones, energy infrastructure, fisheries-related businesses and tourism projects. The government believes that bringing private capital and expertise into the development process could help accelerate infrastructure construction while reducing the immediate financial burden on the provincial government. Officials have been directed to develop an investment-oriented model that clearly identifies potential projects, financing requirements, revenue opportunities and possible areas of private-sector participation. $1 billion to $2.5 billion investment potential According to the Sindh budget 2026-27, the proposed Keti Bandar Maritime, Fisheries and Petroleum Economic Corridor has an estimated investment potential of between $1 billion and $2.5 billion. The planned corridor would include a modern fishing harbour, seafood processing and export facilities, petroleum-handling terminals, logistics infrastructure and industrial support zones. The development of seafood-processing facilities is expected to create opportunities for value addition and increase the potential for exports from Sindh’s coastal areas. Similarly, improved port and logistics infrastructure could facilitate the movement of goods and provide industries with better access to domestic and international markets. Keti Bandar as future energy gateway Chief Minister Shah has also instructed officials to explore the potential of Keti Bandar as a future energy gateway. The proposed energy infrastructure would include facilities for the import and handling of LNG, RLNG and LPG, along with other supporting infrastructure required for energy-related operations. The development of such facilities could allow Keti Bandar to play a role in meeting future energy requirements while creating opportunities for investment in storage, transportation and related industries. A feasibility study has already identified approximately 4,000 acres of land for the proposed development. Officials have been asked to incorporate the identified land into the broader planning process and determine the infrastructure requirements for different components of the corridor. Focus on coastal and industrial development The proposed project is expected to have a broader impact beyond port operations. The provincial government plans to combine maritime infrastructure with industrial development, logistics, fisheries, energy and tourism to create an integrated economic zone. The Indus Delta and surrounding coastal areas have significant potential for fisheries and other maritime activities, but inadequate infrastructure has historically limited their commercial development. The government believes that modern transport links, processing facilities, storage infrastructure and port connectivity could help unlock this potential and generate new employment opportunities for local communities. The development of tourism facilities is also being considered as part of the wider strategy, with officials tasked with identifying suitable investment opportunities along the coastal belt. Long-term economic vision The proposed Keti Bandar project forms part of Sindh’s broader ambition to strengthen its position as a maritime and logistics centre in the region. The provincial government aims to use the coastline’s strategic location to attract investment, expand trade-related infrastructure and promote industrial activity. For the plan to succeed, however, authorities will need to complete detailed feasibility studies, establish an effective PPP structure, address infrastructure and connectivity requirements and ensure that environmental and coastal considerations are incorporated into the development process. The chief minister has directed the Investment Department and other relevant agencies to move quickly on the project and prepare a comprehensive roadmap. If successfully implemented, the Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor could transform the coastal area into a major maritime gateway while creating new opportunities in port operations, logistics, fisheries, energy, manufacturing and tourism.

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