01 JANUARY 2024, (TON). We will continue sharing the truth, no matter what happens. All articles published under Inside Story were removed from 10 December to 31 December 2023. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will try to share the same article published on Linked In on the dates published. Thank you. 

By Afshain Afzal

Despite a tense geopolitical environment due to intense diplomatic lobbying and coercion through indirect threats on attacks in pursuance to eliminating suspected Hamas elements in their countries, to some extent this time the rights of Palestinians and respect to international law was acknowledged. In a breakthrough on 8 December 2023, the UN General Assembly at its emergency special session “on Israeli actions in occupied Palestinian territories” overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza leading to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers. The 193-member of the United Nations Organization adopted the resolution by a vote of 120-14 with 45 abstentions. But unfortunately, this resolution is not binding.

In another breakthrough, two days earlier, on 6 December 2023, the UN Secretary-General wrote a letter to the President Security Council dated 6 December 2023 (S/2023/962), invoking Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations. The Muslim and Western world leaders trusted Turkey and Saudi Arabia to perform the lead role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian deadlock but countries including UAE and Qatar hijacked and tried to sideline them. Even though we witnessed Russia, US Iran visiting Saudi Arabia and Turkey in connection with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, wittingly or unwittingly a weak draft resolution was tabled as an eyewash on the “Palestinian question” to defeat the opportunity provided at UNSC. It is difficult to comment if the Palestine issue was intentionally derailed or it was a matter of misfire due to lust to become the leader of the Muslim nations. Veto by the US on 8^th December draft resolution on Palestine, no doubt, has put a dent on US credibility in the Muslim world and peace-loving countries around the world.

If we recall, soon after the tweet of UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 6 December, “I've just invoked Art.99 of the UN Charter - for the 1st time in my tenure as Secretary-General,” UAE Mission to UN tweeted at 10:52 pm on 6 December 2023, the tweet read; “The UAE calls for a humanitarian ceasefire resolution to be adopted urgently and has just submitted a draft to the UNSC. The situation in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic and close to irreversible. We cannot wait. The Council needs to act decisively to demand a humanitarian ceasefire… The UAE draft resolution has the support of the Arab and OIC groups. This is a moral and humanitarian imperative and we urge all countries to support the call of the Secretary-General.” UAE insisted voting on its own authored draft resolution on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question” for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire on 8 December.

Interestingly, a day later on 7 December, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said, “Frankly, if the war were stopped today, Hamas would continue to pose a threat, which is why we’re not in place yet of asking Israel to stop or for a ceasefire.” If we critically, examine Mr Jon Finer's statement, we would easily comprehend that Washington wants assurance from Muslim leaders, to be conveyed to Israel, that Hamas would carry out peaceful negotiations and would not pose a threat to Israel. Over the insistence of UAE the draft resolution was tabled in haste, which can be judged from the fact that the Council was expected to vote on a draft resolution in the morning but it was postponed to 5:30 pm to provide time for further negotiations and finally, the vote was subsequently moved up to 3 pm.

The US is justified that the horrific terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, condolences, and condemnation of their murderers were not made part of the Resolution. The statement of US Ambassador Robert Wood, with few exceptions, is justified as Washington has categorically assured, “The United States will continue the hard work of diplomacy to free hostages, to increase protection of civilians, to expand humanitarian aid and to create an opportunity for Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security.” The efforts of all members of the United Nations must be respected but why these members could not have a consensus before tabling the resolution? The Resolution could always start with “We condemn the horrific terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, unjustified killings of civilians and instance sexual violence and kidnapping, reportedly by Hamas or whosoever committed these acts of terrorism and also express condolence with all those killed including Israelis and Palestinians post 7^th October attacks. We demand these incidents must be investigated and condemned and those civilians kidnapped must be released unconditionally” and must also come up with the solution of the Palestinian question.”

The UN Secretary General's letter is also seen with concern, the draft Resolution voted on 8 December had many flaws and we cannot blame any single country including the US for failing to get the draft resolution passed at the UNSC. We should not take an expelled Hamas leaders like Ismail Haniyeh as statements from Hamas.  We still have time to develop a consensus over the draft Resolution before re-tabling at UNSC at some appropriate date. Let us hope to re-phrase and re-table for peace in the Middle East and beyond. Exaggerated figures of killing, injuries and crimes would never resolve the issue, however, hope is still there and one feels optimistic that in days to come we the peace-loving people of the world will be able to come to a consensus.

By Afshain Afzal 

The United Nations Organization has, at last, played its due role for peace in the world. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, urging the UN Security Council to act on the war in Gaza. The Article allows the secretary-general to bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. out new threats to international peace and security

There can be no second opinion that due to the Israeli genocide of Muslim Palestinians in Gaza and other Israeli-occupied territories, the situation is likely to aggravate directly hinder the maintenance of international peace and security.

UN News website reports, “In his letter to the Council president, Mr. Guterres said the more than eight weeks of fighting overall had created appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

He highlighted the more than 1,200 “brutally killed” by militants on 7 October, including 33 children, and the 130 people still being held captive.

“They must be immediately and unconditionally released. Accounts of sexual violence during these attacks are appalling”, the UN chief added.

As Israel continues to target Hamas fighters, he said civilians throughout the Strip face grave danger, with over 15,000 reportedly killed, over 40 per cent of them children.

Around 80 per cent of Gazans are displaced, over 1.1 million seeking refuge in UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) shelters.

Now it is right time to carry out trial of the Israeli regime at Tel Aviv and the Israel Defence Forces for the genocide of orthodox Muslim Palestinians and censuring those in alliance with Israel.  

By Afshain Afzal
After the 4 December-Hamas announcement of refusal of direct talks with Israelis denying handing over control of Gaza to the Israeli authorities, Tel Aviv has intensified aerial bombing at three locations martyring 3 Palestinian women and 2 men while 13 people were injured. Meanwhile, on 5 December several drone attacks and armour/ artillery shelling was reported at Gaza, however, the intensity of damage or causalities was not immediately known.
In another development, Israeli authorities claimed that Hamas security personnel guarding Gaza targeted Israel Armed Forces at multiple locations killing 7 Israeli soldiers and four injuring.  Hamas, on the contrary, confirmed that they had arrested at least four Israeli personnel while two Israelis surrendered before Hamas authorities. There was, however, no word from Hamas of any encounter or fighting with the Israelis.
Israel Defence Forces have released the names of 6 personnel killed during the last 24 hours including Major General Ben Zussman ex 401 Brigade and Sergeant Binyamin Yehoshua Needham ex 601 Battalion Combat Squad, however same could not be confirmed from independent sources.
Hamas authorities have rejected the fake video clip of an encounter and other fighting between the Palestinian armed group and 601 Battalion Combat Squad.  The Hamas authorities in control of Gaza said these are cheap tactics of Israelis to make it a plea of further genocide of orthodox Palestinian Muslims.  Hamas added, “Our peaceful struggle for independence of Palestinian territories will continue.”

SWITZERLAND, 5 DECEMBER 2023 (TON): The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has convened the 12th Olympic Summit for Tuesday, 5 December 2023. This meeting will be held at Olympic House, Lausanne, Switzerland. IOC President Thomas Bach has convened the 12th Olympic Summit, which he will chair.

Discussions will focus on several topics of interest to the Olympic Movement, including the unifying mission of the Olympic Games in the international community, the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024, updates on other forthcoming editions of the Olympic Games, e-sports within the Olympic Movement, and digital engagement as well as the protection of athletes.

The Olympic Summit brings together leading representatives of the Olympic Movement. It forms part of the ongoing dialogue and consultation on important issues and subjects of significance for the future of the Olympic Movement.

Afshain Afzal

“A clear message…” selected extracts of the issued statement runs as follow:-

“Bismillah Hir Rahman Nir Raheem; Ashaduallaa Ilaha Illallah Wahdahu La Sharika Lahu Wa Ashadu Anna Mohammadan Abduhoo Wa Rasooluhoo Wa Khatamun Nabiyeen; Nasrum Minallahi Wa Fathun Qareeba.”

“Israeli regime and its forces are war criminals and terrorists. Our leadership is not authorized to hold any talks with Israel, directly or indirectly, “Israel must be tried for war crimes, and it is engaged in crime against humanity, why sanctions have yet not been slapped over the entire Israeli regime and members of Israel forces? “…With the grace of Allah we are fighting and resisting well. Israelis are destined to face humiliating defeat. They will not tell what they suffered in Gaza during the siege. We are thankful to the whole world for raising their voice against Israeli genocide of Palestinians and for the plight of innocent Palestinian women and children. The massacre of innocent civilians in Gaza and Palestinian territories is unprecedented and is a crime under International Law. We are thankful to UN Secretary General and his organization for speaking and expressing concern of war crimes, barbarities and human rights violations by the Israeli forces and drone operators from across the borders. We strongly condemn all acts of violence attacks on schools and hospitals and kidnapping of women and children from Gaza to unknown locations,” “We request UN to take into account of political prisoners in Israel and ensure the recovery and release of girls and orphans whose parents killed in Israeli attacks, who might have been transported to other countries and handed over to people of other faiths and NGOs.”

“Palestinian nation in Gaza and other territories have expressed full confidence over the political authority of Hamas and we have a strong position in Gaza and still hold political authority. All the Palestinians of Gaza have unanimously rejected the Israeli and international community call to immigrate Gaza and move out to safer locations, no matter if all of them are killed by Israelis. We giving tough resistance to Israelis and would never allow them to occupy an inch of Gaza or territories in our control. Any Israeli military personnel as hostage will be treated well and will be released on assurance of peace.”

“We demand peace, the right to the self-determination to the Palestinians and acceptance of Muslim Palestinians and a small faction of Coptic Christians and Jewish minorities as the indigenous people of Palestine including occupied territories. Peace cannot be restored unless Israel guarantees the return of Palestinian-occupied territories, recognizes Hamas as the political authority controlling Gaza and other arrangements in West Bank controlled by Palestinians as legitimate political authority etc. We intend to establish a political democratic government in Palestine including occupied territories; all Palestinians including minorities would be given guarantees, safeguards and rights. We are ready to sign the Charter of the United Nations Organization as a member of the organization, abide by International Law and normalize ties with Jews living in Palestine on the condition of recognition of Palestine as an independent sovereign state.”

“We are prepared to negotiate a plan of partition of provinces on the lines of UN partition plan of 29 November 1947 with necessary readjustments including sovereignty over contagious land, space and sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and hereditary ownership rights which people of Palestine holds… “We demand the expulsion of all settlers post 1948, at least they would not enjoy complete rights unless negotiations for independent and sovereign Palestine State is not completed …”

Although a complete statement of Hamas leadership could not be acquired and they refused to share the country of their exile but message is quite clear. However, despite Hamas’ disapproval of making any contact with Israeli authorities, they expressed confidence in the leadership of Turkish and Saud Arabia to negotiate with United Nations Organizations to formally grant Palestine membership of the United Nations based on the Resolution this world organization already passed. It is, indeed, high time that the United Nations should play its role and bar Israel from any further attack on Gaza or an authorized mandate to Turkey and neighboring countries to send forces to Israel and Palestine to stop further genocide of Palestinians.

By Afshain Afzal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a few hours ago on 2 December 2023, issued a statement, “We have always emphasized a permanent ceasefire rather than a humanitarian pause…. We lost the chance for peace after the humanitarian pause due to Israel's uncompromising approach.” The statement was issued after renewed target drone attacks and general aerial bombardment to carry out mass genocide of Orthodox Muslim Palestinians. Israel and its Western allies plus India have estimated at least 60,000 or more killings to pave the way for the settlement of non-Palestinians in Gaza and Palestinian territories. For this purpose, they intend to establish a safe or buffer zone on the Palestinian side of Gaza's border to differentiate between friends and foes, however, the Palestinians have refused to move out of Gaza, no matter if all of them are killed by Israelis, westerns and hypocrites.

An important announcement is likely to be issued by Hamas leadership in exile next week, probably as, a “permanent peace solution”. Where no formal statement has been issued, it was reemphasized that as earlier announced, their Political authority did not detain any woman, child, or older person except the one detained on the suspicion of spying released in mid-October 2023. It is being attributed to Hamas in Gaza they claimed. “We neither arrested women projected as released by Hamas in the media recently nor there is our hand in their release”. Interestingly, each player and their roles are limited to the need-to-know basis; US – UK – Qatar - Egypt - Iran, and Israel were tight-lipped in releasing the truth behind the hostages’ drama… but how long? The reports gave further confirmation that hostages were released on whose orders and through the good offices of which country.

Recently, the UK held a meeting with Egyptian leadership and issued a statement, “UK stands ready to provide further support, recognizing that there must be no forcible displacement from Gaza and that aid must be able to reach people across the Gaza Strip.” One wonders on one side these countries are party to barbarism and other side are worried about the supply of aid”. It was neither the aid nor concern for the Palestinians but was a blackmail and pressure tactic for the release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, an Egyptian blogger who was sentenced to five years in prison for "spreading fake news" against Muslim leadership and Islam and is presently detained in Wadi al-Natrun prison in Egypt. Ironically. UK has invented a unique way that might also be followed by other countries to grant citizenship to criminals and sentenced people in other countries in absentia to ensure their release. Alaa Abdel Fattah was granted British citizenship in prison in April 2022. Interestingly, he got the citizenship because his mother who is a mathematics professor at Cairo University was born in London. It is a matter of shame that neither UK nor any other Western country regretted the cold-blooded murders of 67 journalists and media persons martyred in Gaza by Israelis and allies.

If we recall, allies and US bluffed Muslim leadership that if they agreed to “normalised ties between the Arab countries and Israel” they would ensure a solution of the Palestine issue as per the aspirations of Palestinians. But despite the assurances by Tel Aviv and Washington for a peaceful, just solution of Palestine, it never happened. It was a double cross and these countries played with the sentiments of not only the signatories of “normalised ties” but also the whole Muslim world. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly made contact with the Arab leaders after the Israel self-engineered attack on her own Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and LGBT music and dance party at Kibbutz Re'im, Israel, as assurance was given of two-state solution by resuming the peace process and ending the illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories by international law. But it was done to gain time to carry out genocide of Orthodox Muslims, their families, and supporters as well as to settle new people as lost Jew tribes, especially from India, Iran and former Persian immigrants to other parts of the world.

By now we all know that it was Israel's self-engineered attack on her own Israel Defence Forces and LGBT music and dance party at Kibbutz Re'im, Israel to derail the promises and assurances of a two-state solution by resuming the peace process and ending the illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories by international law. Now Tel Aviv has resumed attack after a pause to win public opinion and gain time to carry out genocide of Orthodox Muslims, their families and supporters as well as to settle new people as lost Jew tribes, especially from India, Iran and former Persian immigrants to other parts of the world. The leadership of Arab states in an exclusive dialogue on 1 December proposed parting way from the bluff of “normalized ties”, that not only focused on Israel but also her allies. The United Nations and international Human Rights organizations must continue their efforts, no matter how effective they are to expose the Israeli war crimes and get compensation from Israel and its allies for every victim of genocide.

By Afshain Afzal

In the latest move, the Israeli Defence Forces, despite being signatories of the Abraham Accord, destroyed thousands of centuries-old books and historical documents located at Gaza Library. As per photos released by the Municipality of Gaza it was a deliberate attempt during so called announced “ceasefire”. As per the reports, during the Israel attacks on Gaza besides the mass genocide of Orthodox Palestinian Muslims, they destroyed hundreds of prominent historical buildings including the Municipal Public Library, Gaza City, Diana Tamari Sabbagh Library, Islamic University, Rashad El Shawa Cultural Center and many other buildings. This list does not include thousands of books and documents held by Palestinians as private collection libraries.

There are plans to create Palestine and neighborhood world's top heritage and cultural sites, attracting millions of tourists each year. Based on satellite images in five five-kilometer radius and isolated pockets, the work done decades back will be explored accidentally. These will be Indian remains buried deep down in the soil several centuries back. Those Palestinian areas where these ruins will be accidentally discovered include Beer Sabah also referred to as Beer Sheba. It would be projected as Beer Sheva linked as a land of the Hindu god, “Lord Sheva”. Unfortunately, the Western nations have also bluffed many Middle Eastern Muslim countries where the museum's main artifacts were transferred indirectly from India. In the same regard, Israel has been settling Indians as members of the Bnei Menashe community for decades; most of them are members of LGTB groups. People from different faiths from around the world are being sheltered in Israel and Palestine to bring democratic change in Palestine, in favour of Jews. These include Karak, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq etc.

As per the reports, this plan will be implemented through the UN peacekeepers and international organizations as additional support in the Israeli-Western plans for the settlement of non-Muslims in Muslim lands including through the implementation of the India Middle East Economic Corridor. Interestingly, the engineered archeological sites with their “pagan” names of the places and cities have already been changed in the world and Middle East maps to authenticate that the heritage genuinely belongs to non-Muslims.

In another development, the Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich while addressing the Knesset announced Cabinet’s approval of a NIS 30 billion for ultra-modern non-practicing Muslims and new non-Muslim settlers in the West Bank. Tel Aviv also released hundreds of millions of NIS as unimplemented political promises in West Bank including NIS 13.5 as civilian wartime needs. The release of funds to settlements comes at a juncture when many Western countries with huge funding have sent their missionaries and aid workers to transform Jews, Christians, and Muslims into modern secular Divine followers, “transgender in a religious sense. No doubt, this is a dangerous plan to turn the Orthodox Muslim majority into minorities through genocide and new settlements of non-locals in Palestine. It is high time that UNO, ICC, and ICJ must take action on their own to save the people of Palestine from this greatest sin by Israelis and Westerners.

 By Afshain Afzal

Last month Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Syed Asim Munir vowed to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country through “unabated” military operations against militants. They all are, in one way or the other, involved in activities in violation of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, including inciting sedition among army personnel from discharge of duties and creating hatred against their command. Today in an electronic and digital environmental domain, social media and various other methods and techniques through apps have replaced past methods of communication and activities.

In another development, some weeks back, Major (Retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (Retired) Haider Raza Mehdi were sentenced 14 and 12 years of rigorous imprisonment respectively through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 on the charges of inciting sedition among army personnel from the discharge of duties and violation of the provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 related to espionage and acts prejudicial to the safety and interest of the State. There are many other personnel like them who are still serving in the Pakistan Army as commissioned officers and personnel or have retired prematurely after completing colour service. These individuals are spies working for foreign governments.

As regards to the Pakistani Armed Forces and other government departments, it is the duty of every Pakistani to furnish information to the Police about deserters and those who without official permission are employees of foreign governments in Pakistan and abroad. It is law in Pakistan that Armed Forces personnel who have deserted or joined foreign governments' diplomatic or counsellor representatives including their information, public relations, trade or commercial agency, service or foundation established or maintained by any such government or by any person who is a national of the foreign country required to be immediately arrested, even by an ordinary citizen of Pakistan. Such individuals are not only criminals in the eyes of the law but have breached national trust and are enemies of Pakistan. We need to know our law that any person who apprehends or who furnishes information, which leads to the apprehension of a combatant, including a reservist, or non-combatant who is in the state of desertion or absent without leave from the Army and who does not surrender himself voluntarily will receive a reward.

Section 9 of the Pakistan Penal Court criminalizes, “Attempts, incitements, etc” as “Any person who incites to commit, conspires to commit, attempts to commit, aids or abets the commission of an offence shall be guilty of an offence”. Similarly, Section 10 provides a penalty for harbouring spies, “If any person knowingly harbours any person whom he knows or has reasonable grounds for supposing to be a person who is about to commit or who has committed an offence under section 3 or under section 3 read with section 9 or knowingly permits to meet or assemble in any premises in his occupation or under his control any such persons, he shall be guilty of an offence under this section.

Para 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, states that it is the duty of all citizens of Pakistan not to communicate anything prejudicial to the safety of the State including official documents or information or the activities of Armed Forces during peace and war to an unauthorized person. However, at the same time, the Act permits communication of the document or information to the authorized person or a Court of Justice or a person to whom it is, in the interests of the State, his duty to communicate it.

There is no doubt that any Pakistani who applies for the nationality of another country and his or her request is accepted should always remain loyal to his or her new country and nationality thereof. Similarly, any foreign national who acquires Pakistani nationality should be loyal to Pakistan. However, those holding dual nationalities should act as a bridge between the two countries; the previous nationality and the present one. We have seen some of Pakistanis, after acquiring foreign nationalities, use the foreign soil as a battleground against their former country by inciting hatred and criminal conspiracy against the government and people of the previous country. We have examples of Army Cadet College passed out David Headley (a US national involved in terrorism against India but defaming Pakistan), Captain Rana Tahawwar Hussain (Canadian national involved in terrorism), Tarek Fateh (Canadian national involved in terrorism and waffling hatred against Pakistan), Hussain Haqani (Pakistan Ambassador to US who leaves no stone unturned to create hatred against Pakistan Army and sectarian hatred inside Pakistan) and many others like them.

Since long Foreign Recruitment Centres” have been established in Afghanistan and Pakistan, through which Asians and Arabs are being offered foreign citizenship. The aim of such a recruitment is that foreign citizens, having dual nationalities will be sent back to the countries of their origin to serve as mercenaries to achieve US’ and other foreign nation’s objectives. Today foreign intelligence agencies and their front offices claim that they have brigades of Pakistanis serving and retired government officers and staff who are working for them. They include bureaucrats, Armed Forces personnel, government employees and others. One wonders, how come we have allowed these people to work for our enemies, adversaries and rivals. When we talk about the writ of the government, it really sounds meaningless that those who are the employees of foreign governments are being given red-carpet receptions while those are suspected to be extremists or agents are ruthlessly killed.

By Afshain Afzal
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Giland Erdan said before the UN, “To the UN and its agencies; Israeli women are not women, Israeli children are not children?” Let us assure everyone that if Muslims or any other has maltreated Jewish women person or their dignity was violated or raped, we the Muslims are with them. But the Israeli Ambassador Giland Erdan is lying. Please take a good look at the photo exhibited by the Israeli Ambassador before the UN, who claimed Hamas disrespected Israeli women. You will find that she is lying with her front side facing down and a person sitting on her top but please take another critical look at the knees of this lady… can any human knees look like this in an opposite direction, if her face is downwards?

One should take a good look at the photo displayed by the Israeli Ambassador. Is it possible to twist the body of a human to a level where both legs, knees, and feet are twisted to 180 degrees, without a strain of blood? Can you deny that the photo is not engineered and fake?

No doubt, it is a crime to present such fake photos as evidence against Hamas whose genocide is taking place in Gaza by Israelis. It is high time the United Nations Organization must take strict action against Israel and its Israeli Defence Forces as well as its allies in this genocide of Muslim Palestinians