UIAM DAN IDFR JALIN KERJASAMA PINTAR
Oleh Muhammad Na’im Mohd Fadil
Gombak – Institut Diplomasi dan Hubungan Luar Negeri (IDFR) menjalin kerjasama strategik menerusi pemeteraian memorandum persefahaman (MoU) dengan Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) yang berlangsung di UIAM Kampus Gombak.
Kerjasama strategik ini ianya bertujuan untuk mengukuhkan lagi kolaborasi bagi memperkasa serta membangunkan kerjasama akademik, pintar budaya dan diplomasi serta penerbitan dan penyelidikan bagi manfaat bersama.
Ketua Pengarah IDFR, Dato’ Syed Mohamad Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman ketika ditemui berkata, IDFR melatih para diplomat serta pegawai-pegawai kanan sebelum mereka di tempatkan bertugas di lapangan. IDFR memerlukan kerjasama dari universiti untuk sama-sama membantu dalam berkongsi kepakaran ilmu bagi berkongsi maklumat terkini dalam ilmu pengetahuan untuk dipraktikkan.
“UIAM mempunyai kepakaran dalam pelbagai aspek bidang di Kulliyyah-kulliyyahnya menjalankan pelbagai inisiatif, dapat memberikan impak kepada komuniti sekitarnya, untuk merealisasikan hala tuju strategiknya dalam “Memanusiawikan Pendidikan untuk Ummah” selaras dengan “Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari (SDGs)”.Katanya.
Menurut Rektor UIAM, Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, kerjasama ini dilihat dapat memberi nilai tambah kepada kedua-dua pihak dalam pelbagai aspek.
“MoU ini merupakan komitmen bersama yang akan mewujudkan hubungan akademik dan budaya kerjasama yang akan memperkayakan landskap pendidikan tinggi negara”.Ujarnya.
IDFR merupakan sebuah agensi dibawah Kementerian Luar Negeri (KLN) Malaysia yang mengendalikan program-program latihan bagi pegawai-pegawai diplomatik Malaysia serta pegawai-pegawai dari kementerian-kementerian dan agensi-agensi kerajaan yang lain.
Selain daripada kursus teras yang ditawarkan oleh pihak IDFR iaitu kursus latihan diplomatik, IDFR juga menyediakan latihan kemahiran professional bagi membantu pegawai-pegawai kerajaan yang sedang berkhidmat.
Hadir sama pada majlis MoU ini, Ketua Pengarah IDFR, Dato’ Syed Mohamad Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman, Pengarah Bahagian Perkhidmatan Pengurusan IDFR, Puan Yang Terutama, Sarimah Akbar, Rektor UIAM, Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Pengarah Pejabat Strategi dan Perubahan Institusi, Prof. Madya TPr Dr. Muhammad Faris Abdullah, serta jawatankuasa pengurusan universiti (UMC) UIAM serta pegawai-pegawai dari IDFR pada majlis ini.
###
Bubur Lambuk bersama Tengku Ampuan Pahang
Iftar with Students from Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih
Courtesy visit from Ambassador of Bangladesh and Charge d Affairs of Afghanistan
Milestones of Excellence Our University’s Pride in Seven Alumni-Shaping Government Dynamics
In a resounding affirmation of our university’s dedication to cultivating leaders of exceptional calibre, we stand tall with immense pride as seven
distinguished alumni take centre stage in the political arena.
Their recent appointments to pivotal government positions not only underscore the quality of education our institution provides but also reflect the enduring impact our graduates make on the national stage.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement as our university basks in the glory of its accomplished alumni ascending to crucial roles in public service.
These seven outstanding individuals serve as a living testament to the rich legacy of leadership and excellence fostered by our university. It is a source of
immense pride to witness our alumni stepping into roles that demand vision, integrity, and a profound commitment to the welfare of our society.
As our university revels in this collective achievement, we acknowledge that the success of these alumni serves as a guiding light for current and future
generations of students.
Their journeys exemplify the transformative power of education, demonstrating the limitless possibilities that unfold when knowledge is coupled with passion and dedication.
In the archives of our university’s history, this moment stands as a beacon of accomplishment and a source of inspiration for all who pass through our hallowed halls.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im Haji Mokhtar, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Fadhlina Dato’ Sidek, Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, Wong Kah Who and Mohamad Alamin.
May their journey in public service continue to reflect the values of our alma mater and inspire generations to come.
As they embark on their respective journeys to shape the nation’s future, our university stands proud, knowing that its legacy of producing visionary leaders continues to make a lasting impact on the fabric of society.
Source : Alumni Relations Division
UN Security Council demands immediate Gaza ceasefire as US abstains
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demands an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages as the United States abstains from the vote.
The remaining 14 council members voted in favour of the resolution, which was proposed by the 10 elected members of the council. There was a round of applause in the council chamber after the vote on Monday.
The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends in two weeks, and also demands the release of all hostages seized in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7.
“The bloodbath has continued for far too long,” said Amar Bendjama, the ambassador from Algeria, the Arab bloc’s current Security Council member and a sponsor of the resolution. “Finally, the Security Council is shouldering its responsibility.”
The US had repeatedly blocked Security Council resolutions that put pressure on Israel but has increasingly shown frustration with its ally as civilian casualties mount and the UN warns of impending famine in Gaza.
Speaking after the vote, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield blamed Hamas for the delay in passing a ceasefire resolution.
“We did not agree with everything with the resolution,” which she said was the reason why the US abstained.
“Certain key edits were ignored, including our request to add a condemnation of Hamas,” Thomas-Greenfield said. She stressed that the release of Israeli captives would lead to an increase in humanitarian aid supplies going into the besieged coastal enclave.
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour addresses the UN Security Council [Andrew Kelly/Reuters]
The White House said the final resolution did not have language the US considers essential and its abstention does not represent a shift in policy.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the US failure to veto the resolution is a “clear retreat” from its previous position and would hurt war efforts against Hamas as well as efforts to release Israeli captives held in Gaza.
His office also said Netanyahu will not be sending a high-level delegation to Washington, DC, in light of the new US position.
US President Joe Biden had requested to meet Israeli officials to discuss Israeli plans for a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than 1 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering.
White House spokesperson John Kirby said the US was “disappointed” by Netanyahu’s decision.
“We’re very disappointed that they won’t be coming to Washington, DC, to allow us to have a fulsome conversation with them about viable alternatives to them going in on the ground in Rafah,” Kirby told reporters.
He said senior US officials would still meet for separate talks with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who is currently in Washington, on issues including the captives, humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in Rafah.
Last week, Netanyahu promised to defy US appeals and expand Israel’s military campaign to Rafah even without its ally’s support.
‘Crisis not over’
Al Jazeera’s diplomatic editor James Bays said the vote is still a “very, very significant” development.
“After almost six months, … the vote, almost unanimous,” has demanded a lasting and immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“The US has used its veto three times,” Bays said. “This time, the US let this pass.”
“Resolutions of the Security Council are international law. They are always seen as binding on all the member states of the United Nations,” he added.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a post on X that the resolution “must be implemented”, adding that “failure would be unforgivable”.
The vote came amid international calls to bring the nearly six-month-long conflict to an end as Israeli forces pummel Gaza and humanitarian conditions in the besieged strip reach critical levels.
More than 90 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and conditions under Israeli siege and bombardment have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, the UN said.
More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli assault since October 7, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Israel began its military offensive in Gaza after Hamas led an attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and seizing about 250 others as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Palestinian leaders welcomed the adoption of the resolution, saying it was a step in the right direction.
“This must be a turning point,” Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the UNSC, holding back tears. “This must signal the end of this assault, of atrocities against our people.”
In a statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on UNSC member states to fulfill their legal responsibilities to implement the resolution immediately.
‘Vote in favour of peace’
The ministry also stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire that extends beyond Ramadan, secure the entry of aid, work on the release Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and prevent forced displacement of Palestinians.
Hamas welcomed the resolution and said in a statement it “affirms readiness to engage in immediate prisoner swaps on both sides”.
France called for more work on securing a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“This crisis is not over. Our council will have to remain mobilised and immediately get back to work. After Ramadan, which ends in two weeks, it will have to establish a permanent ceasefire,” French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere said.
The latest vote was held after Russia and China vetoed a US-sponsored resolution on Friday that would have supported “an immediate and sustained ceasefire”.
Russian Ambassador Vasily Alekseyevich Nebenzya said his country hopes Monday’s resolution will be used in the “interests of peace” rather than advancing the “inhumane Israeli operation against Palestinians”.
“It is of fundamental importance that the UN Security Council, for the first time, is demanding the parties observe an immediate ceasefire, even if it is limited to the month of Ramadan,” he said. “Unfortunately, what happens after that ends remains unclear.”
Russia tried to push for the use of the word “permanent” in regards to the ceasefire. It had complained that dropping the word could allow Israel “to resume its military operation in the Gaza Strip at any moment” after Ramadan, which ends on April 9.
“We are disappointed that it did not make it through,” Nebenzya said.
AOC decries ‘unfolding genocide’ in Gaza, urges halting weapons to Israel
AOC decries ‘unfolding genocide’ in Gaza, urges halting weapons to Israel
Progressive US legislator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivers impassioned speech condemning abuses against Palestinians.
‘The time is now … to suspend the transfer of US weapons to the Israeli government,’ US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says [File: Kevin Wurm/Reuters]
By Al Jazeera StaffPublished On 22 Mar 202422 Mar 2024Save articles to read later and create your own reading list.
Washington, DC – Describing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as a genocide, progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on the United States to suspend weapons transfers to Israel.
In an impassioned speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, Ocasio-Cortez condemned the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which the United Nations says has put the territory on the verge of famine.
This is a mass starvation of people, engineered and orchestrated following the killing of another 30,000, 70 percent of whom were women and children killed. There is hardly a single hospital left. And this was all accomplished, much of this accomplished, with US resources and weapons,” Ocasio-Cortez, a US representative from New York, said.
“If you want to know what an unfolding genocide looks like, open your eyes. It looks like the forced famine of 1.1 million innocents. It looks like thousands of children eating grass as their bodies consume themselves, while trucks of food are slowed and halted just miles away.
“It looks like good and decent people who do nothing, or too little, too late.”https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.629.1_en.html#goog_262811010Play Video
AOC decries ‘unfolding genocide’ in Gaza, urges halting weapons to Israel
Progressive US legislator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivers impassioned speech condemning abuses against Palestinians.
‘The time is now … to suspend the transfer of US weapons to the Israeli government,’ US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says [File: Kevin Wurm/Reuters]
By Al Jazeera StaffPublished On 22 Mar 202422 Mar 2024Save articles to read later and create your own reading list.
Washington, DC – Describing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as a genocide, progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on the United States to suspend weapons transfers to Israel.
In an impassioned speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, Ocasio-Cortez condemned the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which the United Nations says has put the territory on the verge of famine.
KEEP READING
list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3
‘Moral failure’: US House approves bill that would ban UNRWA funding
list 2 of 3
Tor Wennesland: Gaza talks in Doha key for Palestinians and Israelis
list 3 of 3
US top diplomat holds talks in Israel as Netanyahu vows Rafah invasion
end of list
“This is a mass starvation of people, engineered and orchestrated following the killing of another 30,000, 70 percent of whom were women and children killed. There is hardly a single hospital left. And this was all accomplished, much of this accomplished, with US resources and weapons,” Ocasio-Cortez, a US representative from New York, said.
“If you want to know what an unfolding genocide looks like, open your eyes. It looks like the forced famine of 1.1 million innocents. It looks like thousands of children eating grass as their bodies consume themselves, while trucks of food are slowed and halted just miles away.
“It looks like good and decent people who do nothing, or too little, too late.”https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.629.1_en.html#goog_262811010Play VideoVideo Duration 28 minutes 20 seconds28:20
Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most recognised names in Congress and a rising star in President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, had previously faced criticism from the left for failing to join many of her fellow progressive in accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
The Biden administration rejects allegations that Israel is systematically committing human rights violations in Gaza. Earlier this year, it called South Africa’s petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide unfounded.
Ocasio-Cortez said on Friday that the US cannot continue to “facilitate” mass killings in Gaza in the name of honouring its alliance with Israel.
AOC decries ‘unfolding genocide’ in Gaza, urges halting weapons to Israel
Progressive US legislator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivers impassioned speech condemning abuses against Palestinians.
‘The time is now … to suspend the transfer of US weapons to the Israeli government,’ US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says [File: Kevin Wurm/Reuters]
By Al Jazeera StaffPublished On 22 Mar 202422 Mar 2024Save articles to read later and create your own reading list.
Washington, DC – Describing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as a genocide, progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on the United States to suspend weapons transfers to Israel.
In an impassioned speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, Ocasio-Cortez condemned the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which the United Nations says has put the territory on the verge of famine.
KEEP READING
list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3
‘Moral failure’: US House approves bill that would ban UNRWA funding
list 2 of 3
Tor Wennesland: Gaza talks in Doha key for Palestinians and Israelis
list 3 of 3
US top diplomat holds talks in Israel as Netanyahu vows Rafah invasion
end of list
“This is a mass starvation of people, engineered and orchestrated following the killing of another 30,000, 70 percent of whom were women and children killed. There is hardly a single hospital left. And this was all accomplished, much of this accomplished, with US resources and weapons,” Ocasio-Cortez, a US representative from New York, said.
“If you want to know what an unfolding genocide looks like, open your eyes. It looks like the forced famine of 1.1 million innocents. It looks like thousands of children eating grass as their bodies consume themselves, while trucks of food are slowed and halted just miles away.
“It looks like good and decent people who do nothing, or too little, too late.”https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.629.1_en.html#goog_262811010Play VideoVideo Duration 28 minutes 20 seconds28:20
Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most recognised names in Congress and a rising star in President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, had previously faced criticism from the left for failing to join many of her fellow progressive in accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
The Biden administration rejects allegations that Israel is systematically committing human rights violations in Gaza. Earlier this year, it called South Africa’s petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide unfounded.
Sign up for Al Jazeera
Americas Coverage Newsletter
US politics, Canada’s multiculturalism, South America’s geopolitical rise—we bring you the stories that matter.Subscribe
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policyprotected by reCAPTCHA
Ocasio-Cortez said on Friday that the US cannot continue to “facilitate” mass killings in Gaza in the name of honouring its alliance with Israel.Advertisement
“The time is now to force compliance with US law and the standards of humanity, and fulfill our obligations to the American people to suspend the transfer of US weapons to the Israeli government in order to stop and prevent further atrocity,” the congresswoman said.
The US is Israel’s top weapons supplier.
Washington provides at least $3.8bn in aid to Israel annually, and Biden is working with Congress to secure $14bn in additional aid to the US ally.
Public opinion polls, however, show that the Biden administration’s steadfast support for Israel may cost the president votes as the election season gets under way, and Biden and key Democrats have in recent weeks been more forceful in their criticism of the Israeli government siege of Gaza.
US officials have repeatedly warned Israel against invading Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than one million displaced Palestinians have taken shelter.
But White House national security spokesperson John Kirby suggested on Friday that Washington will not halt its weapon transfers to Israel. US officials have said that they share Israel’s goals of eliminating Hamas in Gaza.https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.629.1_en.html#goog_262811011Play Video
AOC decries ‘unfolding genocide’ in Gaza, urges halting weapons to Israel
Progressive US legislator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivers impassioned speech condemning abuses against Palestinians.
‘The time is now … to suspend the transfer of US weapons to the Israeli government,’ US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says [File: Kevin Wurm/Reuters]
By Al Jazeera StaffPublished On 22 Mar 202422 Mar 2024Save articles to read later and create your own reading list.
Washington, DC – Describing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as a genocide, progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on the United States to suspend weapons transfers to Israel.
In an impassioned speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, Ocasio-Cortez condemned the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which the United Nations says has put the territory on the verge of famine.
KEEP READING
list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3
‘Moral failure’: US House approves bill that would ban UNRWA funding
list 2 of 3
Tor Wennesland: Gaza talks in Doha key for Palestinians and Israelis
list 3 of 3
US top diplomat holds talks in Israel as Netanyahu vows Rafah invasion
end of list
“This is a mass starvation of people, engineered and orchestrated following the killing of another 30,000, 70 percent of whom were women and children killed. There is hardly a single hospital left. And this was all accomplished, much of this accomplished, with US resources and weapons,” Ocasio-Cortez, a US representative from New York, said.
“If you want to know what an unfolding genocide looks like, open your eyes. It looks like the forced famine of 1.1 million innocents. It looks like thousands of children eating grass as their bodies consume themselves, while trucks of food are slowed and halted just miles away.
“It looks like good and decent people who do nothing, or too little, too late.”https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.629.1_en.html#goog_262811010Play VideoVideo Duration 28 minutes 20 seconds28:20
Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most recognised names in Congress and a rising star in President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, had previously faced criticism from the left for failing to join many of her fellow progressive in accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
The Biden administration rejects allegations that Israel is systematically committing human rights violations in Gaza. Earlier this year, it called South Africa’s petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide unfounded.
Sign up for Al Jazeera
Americas Coverage Newsletter
US politics, Canada’s multiculturalism, South America’s geopolitical rise—we bring you the stories that matter.Subscribe
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policyprotected by reCAPTCHA
Ocasio-Cortez said on Friday that the US cannot continue to “facilitate” mass killings in Gaza in the name of honouring its alliance with Israel.Advertisement
“The time is now to force compliance with US law and the standards of humanity, and fulfill our obligations to the American people to suspend the transfer of US weapons to the Israeli government in order to stop and prevent further atrocity,” the congresswoman said.
The US is Israel’s top weapons supplier.
Washington provides at least $3.8bn in aid to Israel annually, and Biden is working with Congress to secure $14bn in additional aid to the US ally.
Public opinion polls, however, show that the Biden administration’s steadfast support for Israel may cost the president votes as the election season gets under way, and Biden and key Democrats have in recent weeks been more forceful in their criticism of the Israeli government siege of Gaza.
US officials have repeatedly warned Israel against invading Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than one million displaced Palestinians have taken shelter.Advertisement
But White House national security spokesperson John Kirby suggested on Friday that Washington will not halt its weapon transfers to Israel. US officials have said that they share Israel’s goals of eliminating Hamas in Gaza.https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.629.1_en.html#goog_262811011Play VideoVideo Duration 02 minutes 00 seconds02:00
Asked whether the US will use its “leverage” to dissuade Israel from launching a major ground operation in Rafah, Kirby said, “We’re going to continue to approach this with Israel as we have in the past, which is to make sure that they have the tools they need to defend themselves against a still-viable threat.”
Kirby added that, at the same time, the US will use its ties with Israel and the relationship between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “urge them to minimise civilian casualties” and allow more humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Earlier on Friday, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a US-authored proposal around a ceasefire in Gaza. The measure backed the “imperative” for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides” but fell short of explicitly demanding an end to the war.
Kirby said the draft resolution signals no change in the Biden administration’s position, which has been to push for a temporary cessation of hostilities as part of a deal that would see the release of Israeli captives in Gaza.
“It is in line with our longstanding calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza over a period of at least six weeks as part of our hostage deal – nothing new there,” he said.
The White House spokesperson added that progress is being made in the talks to reach a truce agreement. “Nothing is negotiated until it’s all negotiated. But we do believe that the gaps are narrowing and we are getting closer,” he told reporters.
AOC decries ‘unfolding genocide’ in Gaza, urges halting weapons to Israel
Progressive US legislator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivers impassioned speech condemning abuses against Palestinians.
‘The time is now … to suspend the transfer of US weapons to the Israeli government,’ US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says [File: Kevin Wurm/Reuters]
By Al Jazeera StaffPublished On 22 Mar 202422 Mar 2024Save articles to read later and create your own reading list.
Washington, DC – Describing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as a genocide, progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called on the United States to suspend weapons transfers to Israel.
In an impassioned speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, Ocasio-Cortez condemned the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which the United Nations says has put the territory on the verge of famine.
KEEP READING
list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3
‘Moral failure’: US House approves bill that would ban UNRWA funding
list 2 of 3
Tor Wennesland: Gaza talks in Doha key for Palestinians and Israelis
list 3 of 3
US top diplomat holds talks in Israel as Netanyahu vows Rafah invasion
end of list
“This is a mass starvation of people, engineered and orchestrated following the killing of another 30,000, 70 percent of whom were women and children killed. There is hardly a single hospital left. And this was all accomplished, much of this accomplished, with US resources and weapons,” Ocasio-Cortez, a US representative from New York, said.
“If you want to know what an unfolding genocide looks like, open your eyes. It looks like the forced famine of 1.1 million innocents. It looks like thousands of children eating grass as their bodies consume themselves, while trucks of food are slowed and halted just miles away.
“It looks like good and decent people who do nothing, or too little, too late.”https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.629.1_en.html#goog_262811010Play VideoVideo Duration 28 minutes 20 seconds28:20
Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most recognised names in Congress and a rising star in President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, had previously faced criticism from the left for failing to join many of her fellow progressive in accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
The Biden administration rejects allegations that Israel is systematically committing human rights violations in Gaza. Earlier this year, it called South Africa’s petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide unfounded.
Sign up for Al Jazeera
Americas Coverage Newsletter
US politics, Canada’s multiculturalism, South America’s geopolitical rise—we bring you the stories that matter.Subscribe
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policyprotected by reCAPTCHA
Ocasio-Cortez said on Friday that the US cannot continue to “facilitate” mass killings in Gaza in the name of honouring its alliance with Israel.Advertisement
“The time is now to force compliance with US law and the standards of humanity, and fulfill our obligations to the American people to suspend the transfer of US weapons to the Israeli government in order to stop and prevent further atrocity,” the congresswoman said.
The US is Israel’s top weapons supplier.
Washington provides at least $3.8bn in aid to Israel annually, and Biden is working with Congress to secure $14bn in additional aid to the US ally.
Public opinion polls, however, show that the Biden administration’s steadfast support for Israel may cost the president votes as the election season gets under way, and Biden and key Democrats have in recent weeks been more forceful in their criticism of the Israeli government siege of Gaza.
US officials have repeatedly warned Israel against invading Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than one million displaced Palestinians have taken shelter.Advertisement
But White House national security spokesperson John Kirby suggested on Friday that Washington will not halt its weapon transfers to Israel. US officials have said that they share Israel’s goals of eliminating Hamas in Gaza.https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.629.1_en.html#goog_262811011Play VideoVideo Duration 02 minutes 00 seconds02:00
Asked whether the US will use its “leverage” to dissuade Israel from launching a major ground operation in Rafah, Kirby said, “We’re going to continue to approach this with Israel as we have in the past, which is to make sure that they have the tools they need to defend themselves against a still-viable threat.”
Kirby added that, at the same time, the US will use its ties with Israel and the relationship between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “urge them to minimise civilian casualties” and allow more humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Earlier on Friday, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a US-authored proposal around a ceasefire in Gaza. The measure backed the “imperative” for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides” but fell short of explicitly demanding an end to the war.
Kirby said the draft resolution signals no change in the Biden administration’s position, which has been to push for a temporary cessation of hostilities as part of a deal that would see the release of Israeli captives in Gaza.
“It is in line with our longstanding calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza over a period of at least six weeks as part of our hostage deal – nothing new there,” he said.
The White House spokesperson added that progress is being made in the talks to reach a truce agreement. “Nothing is negotiated until it’s all negotiated. But we do believe that the gaps are narrowing and we are getting closer,” he told reporters.https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=true&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1771238247449899285&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aljazeera.com%2Fnews%2F2024%2F3%2F22%2Faoc-decries-unfolding-genocide-in-gaza-urges-halting-weapons-to-israel&sessionId=6272551d1ecc2ab536f81a32760b75163b18965a&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px
However, US progressives have long argued that a temporary halt in fighting is not sufficient, calling on Washington to revise its unconditional support for Israel.
“This is not just about Israel or Gaza. This is about us. The world will never be the same,” Ocasio-Cortez said on Friday of the mounting death toll and hunger in the Palestinian territory.
“Our story must be not that we were good men who did nothing, but that we were a committed democracy that did something.”
Gaza Strip in maps: How life has changed
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20415675
UN Security Council does not pass draft US resolution on Gaza ceasefire
The United Nations Security Council has failed to pass a United States draft resolution calling for, but not demanding, a ceasefire in Israel’s continuing war on Gaza after two permanent members chose to veto it.
The draft put before the Council on Friday received 11 votes in favour, three against – from Russia, China and Algeria – and one abstention by Guyana.
Russia and China both exercised their veto against the resolution, which would have spoken of the “imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” and condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Moscow accused Washington of a “hypocritical spectacle” that does not pressure Israel.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said the draft was exceedingly politicised and contained an “effective green light” for Israel to mount a military operation in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, where more than 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Nebenzia said there was no call for a ceasefire in the resolution’s text and accused the US leadership of “deliberately misleading the international community”.
China’s representative, Zhang Jun, said the draft “dodged the most central issue, that of a ceasefire” through its “ambiguous” language.
“Nor does it even provide an answer to the question of realising a ceasefire in the short term,” he added.
No ‘demand’ for ceasefire
While the US promoted the measure as calling for a ceasefire, critics pointed out that the draft falls short of demanding an end to the war.
The proposal backs the “imperative” for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, differing from previous draft resolutions vetoed by Washington, which demanded an unconditional ceasefire.
UN Security Council does not pass draft US resolution on Gaza ceasefire
Russia and China veto US proposal that critics say fell short of demanding an end to Israel’s war on Gaza.
The United Nations Security Council meets in New York City, US, March 22, 2024 [Reuters/Mike Segar]
Published On 22 Mar 202422 Mar 2024
The United Nations Security Council has failed to pass a United States draft resolution calling for, but not demanding, a ceasefire in Israel’s continuing war on Gaza after two permanent members chose to veto it.
The draft put before the Council on Friday received 11 votes in favour, three against – from Russia, China and Algeria – and one abstention by Guyana.
KEEP READING
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US, EU ratchet up pressure on Israel over Gaza ceasefire; UN vote planned
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More than 7,350 West Bank Palestinians arrested by Israel during Gaza war
list 3 of 4
Gaza drone video shows killing of Palestinians in Israeli air attack
list 4 of 4
Tor Wennesland: Gaza talks in Doha key for Palestinians and Israelis
end of list
Russia and China both exercised their veto against the resolution, which would have spoken of the “imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” and condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Moscow accused Washington of a “hypocritical spectacle” that does not pressure Israel.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said the draft was exceedingly politicised and contained an “effective green light” for Israel to mount a military operation in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, where more than 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Nebenzia said there was no call for a ceasefire in the resolution’s text and accused the US leadership of “deliberately misleading the international community”.
China’s representative, Zhang Jun, said the draft “dodged the most central issue, that of a ceasefire” through its “ambiguous” language.
“Nor does it even provide an answer to the question of realising a ceasefire in the short term,” he added.
No ‘demand’ for ceasefire
While the US promoted the measure as calling for a ceasefire, critics pointed out that the draft falls short of demanding an end to the war.
The proposal backs the “imperative” for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, differing from previous draft resolutions vetoed by Washington, which demanded an unconditional ceasefire.
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The US draft resolution also ties the ceasefire to the ongoing talks to secure a truce deal that would see the release of Israeli captives in Gaza.
“It says it’s important that there is a ceasefire; it doesn’t seem to be demanding one,” Al Jazeera’s diplomatic correspondent James Bays, who had obtained a copy of the draft resolution, said earlier this week.
“And it’s also linking this ceasefire directly with the release of the remaining captives being held by Hamas and other groups in Gaza.”
After Friday’s vote, US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said Russia had prioritised politics over progress by using its veto, adding that both Russia and China were doing nothing meaningful to advance peace.
UN Security Council does not pass draft US resolution on Gaza ceasefire
Russia and China veto US proposal that critics say fell short of demanding an end to Israel’s war on Gaza.
The United Nations Security Council meets in New York City, US, March 22, 2024 [Reuters/Mike Segar]
Published On 22 Mar 202422 Mar 2024
The United Nations Security Council has failed to pass a United States draft resolution calling for, but not demanding, a ceasefire in Israel’s continuing war on Gaza after two permanent members chose to veto it.
The draft put before the Council on Friday received 11 votes in favour, three against – from Russia, China and Algeria – and one abstention by Guyana.
KEEP READING
list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4
US, EU ratchet up pressure on Israel over Gaza ceasefire; UN vote planned
list 2 of 4
More than 7,350 West Bank Palestinians arrested by Israel during Gaza war
list 3 of 4
Gaza drone video shows killing of Palestinians in Israeli air attack
list 4 of 4
Tor Wennesland: Gaza talks in Doha key for Palestinians and Israelis
end of list
Russia and China both exercised their veto against the resolution, which would have spoken of the “imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” and condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Moscow accused Washington of a “hypocritical spectacle” that does not pressure Israel.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said the draft was exceedingly politicised and contained an “effective green light” for Israel to mount a military operation in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, where more than 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Nebenzia said there was no call for a ceasefire in the resolution’s text and accused the US leadership of “deliberately misleading the international community”.
China’s representative, Zhang Jun, said the draft “dodged the most central issue, that of a ceasefire” through its “ambiguous” language.
“Nor does it even provide an answer to the question of realising a ceasefire in the short term,” he added.
No ‘demand’ for ceasefire
While the US promoted the measure as calling for a ceasefire, critics pointed out that the draft falls short of demanding an end to the war.
The proposal backs the “imperative” for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, differing from previous draft resolutions vetoed by Washington, which demanded an unconditional ceasefire.
Sign up for Al Jazeera
Weekly Newsletter
The latest news from around the world. Timely. Accurate. Fair.Subscribe
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policyprotected by reCAPTCHA
The US draft resolution also ties the ceasefire to the ongoing talks to secure a truce deal that would see the release of Israeli captives in Gaza.
“It says it’s important that there is a ceasefire; it doesn’t seem to be demanding one,” Al Jazeera’s diplomatic correspondent James Bays, who had obtained a copy of the draft resolution, said earlier this week.
“And it’s also linking this ceasefire directly with the release of the remaining captives being held by Hamas and other groups in Gaza.”
After Friday’s vote, US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said Russia had prioritised politics over progress by using its veto, adding that both Russia and China were doing nothing meaningful to advance peace.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield addresses a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York City, US, on March 22, 2024 [Mike Segar/Reuters]
Alternative draft resolutions
The US, Israel’s closest ally, has vetoed three resolutions demanding a ceasefire, the most recent being an Arab-backed measure supported by 13 council members with one abstention on February 20.
A day earlier, the US had circulated a rival resolution, which went through major changes during negotiations before this Friday’s vote.
It initially would have supported a temporary ceasefire linked to the release of all hostages, and the previous draft would have supported international efforts for a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal.
On Friday, Algeria’s UN ambassador, Amar Bendjama, said that had the Council passed its February resolution, thousands of innocent lives could have been saved. More than 32,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been killed since the war began last October.
These figures represent lives and “hopes that have been destroyed”, Bendjama said, adding that the US text made no mention of Israel’s responsibility for their deaths.
Speaking to reporters later in the day, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said there was “nothing new” in the US draft resolution, stressing that it expressed Washington’s long standing position of backing a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal.
Kirby accused Russia and China of rejecting the proposal “simply” for being authored in the US.
Meanwhile, the 10 elected members of the Security Council have been drafting their own resolution, which demands that an immediate humanitarian ceasefire for the holy month of Ramadan, which began March 10, be “respected by all parties leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire”.
It also demands “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages ” and emphasises the urgent need to protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip.
France will also work on a new UN resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.
“Following Russia’s and China’s veto a few minutes ago, we are going to resume work on the basis of the French draft resolution in the Security Council and work with our American, European and Arab partners to reach an agreement,” Macron said at the end of a European Union leaders summit in Brussels.
Weekend reads: More retractions at Columbia; ‘an epidemic of scientific fraud’; when articles cite retracted papers
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The week at Retraction Watch featured:
Do some IQ data need a ‘public health warning?’ A paper based on a controversial psychologist’s data is retractedControversial pyramid paper retracted when authors turn out to have radiocarbon-dated nearby dirtExclusive: PLOS ONE to correct 1,000 papers, add author proof stepPaper cited by article at center of lawsuit for criticizing Splenda earns an expression of concern
Our list of retracted or withdrawn COVID-19 papers is up past 400. There are more than 47,000 retractions in The Retraction Watch Database — which is now part of Crossref. The Retraction Watch Hijacked Journal Checker now contains more than 250 titles. And have you seen our leaderboard of authors with the most retractions lately — or our list of top 10 most highly cited retracted papers? What about The Retraction Watch Mass Resignations List — or our new list of papers with evidence they were written by ChatGPT?
Here’s what was happening elsewhere (some of these items may be paywalled, metered access, or require free registration to read):
“More Studies by Columbia Cancer Researchers Are Retracted: The studies, pulled because of copied data, illustrate the sluggishness of scientific publishers to address serious errors, experts said.”“We are in the middle of an epidemic of scientific fraud that is seriously compromising research.”A study finds that “publications citing retracted articles were more often retracted.”“If it’s the first time you’ve seen a really weird paper get published, I can see why it would capture your attention.” But “it’s all sort of mind-numbingly routine at this point.”“When I see fields that don’t have as many retractions, I’m reasonably sure that’s because nobody is looking.” Two BBC appearances by our Ivan Oransky (starting at ~46:00) and here at ~40:00.“Response to: ‘Bad bibliometrics don’t add up for research or why research publishing policy needs sound science.’” The strain saga continues.“UCLA Punished a Prominent Scientist for ‘Destructive and Harmful Conduct.’ She Says It’s ‘Unjust Persecution.’”“Stanford Math-Education Expert Has ‘Reckless Disregard for Accuracy,’ Complaint Alleges.”“Guest opinion: Scientific fraud puts Utah children’s safety at risk.”“The Latest ‘Crisis’ — Is the Research Literature Overrun with ChatGPT- and LLM-generated Articles?”“Lack of experimentation has stalled the debate on open peer review.”“Is AI ready to mass-produce lay summaries of research articles?”“Ending profiteering from publicly-funded research: Tackling the academic publishing oligopoly.”“$160K Libel Verdict for Ex-Student Based on Professor’s Research Misconduct Allegations.”“Drug company and former director are convicted of submitting falsified data to MHRA.”“Superconductor Scientist Engaged in Research Misconduct, Probe Finds.”Our Ivan Oransky appears on the Unleashed podcast.“An Influential Economics Forum Has a Troubling Surplus of Trolls.” A story on criticisms on the site in 2016.“Academics boycott Wiley gender journal after ‘anti-woke’ shift.”“The aspiring rector who wrote four paragraphs and cited himself 100 times.” Our coverage from 2022.What is publication integrity, “why does it matter, how it is safeguarded and how could we do better?”“Monitoring AI-Modified Content at Scale: A Case Study on the Impact of ChatGPT on AI Conference Peer Reviews.”“Universities need to stop hiding from research integrity problems,” says the editor in chief of Science. We and others agree.“Participant Fraud in Virtual Qualitative Substance Use Research.”“Retracted research papers not a concern, says deputy minister.”“David versus Goliath: Early career researchers in an unethical publishing system.”“Washington Monthly publishes Israeli writer’s coexistence piece retracted by leftist literary journal Guernica.”Source: https://retractionwatch.com/2024/03/23/weekend-reads-more-retractions-at-columbia-an-epidemic-of-scientific-fraud-when-articles-cite-retracted-papers/