Human Rights

27 Oct 2021; MEMO: An Israeli flight landed in Saudi Arabia for the first time yesterday morning, Israeli Public Broadcaster Kan reported.

According to the Times of Israel, this came only one day after the first flight from Saudi Arabia landed in Israel.

Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have official relations, but they have been exchanging secret visits and holding talks.

27 Oct 2021; MEMO: Israeli authorities have postponed a meeting due to be held today to approve the construction of more than 3,000 new settlement units in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, Israel Hayom reported.

According to the news site, the Israeli Planning, Organisation, and Construction Council postponed its meeting following US pressure on the Israeli government related to the settlement expansion project.

27 Oct 2021; MEMO: The Israeli occupation's navy this morning confiscated two fishing boats off the Gaza coast and destroyed a third.

According to the Head of the Fishermen's Syndicate, Nizar Ayyash, the two fishing boats were owned by fishermen Abdullah Al-Bardaweel.

While the one that was destroyed was owned by Mohammad Al-Bardaweel, Ayyash said, noting that the Israeli navy also destroyed lights and other equipment used for fishing.

New Delhi, Oct 27 (PTI) The Congress on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court order of setting up an expert committee on the Pegasus spyware issue, and said it has negated alleged attempts of the government to evade and divert attention in the name of national security.

"Pseudo-Nationalism is the last refuge of cowardly fascists everywhere," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter.

26 Oct 2021; MEMO: Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid yesterday criticised the government's decision to build 1,300 new settlement units in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, local media reported.

According to the Times of Israel, Lapid said the Israeli government had done many good things successfully, but neglected many other things.

"Next time, I will be in the room during decisions on such matters," he added, referring to the construction projects.

26 Oct 2021; MEMO: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday announced that an official move is to be taken against Israel's decision to classify six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations.

26 Oct 2021; MEMO: The Israeli demolition of Al-Yusufiya cemetery in the occupied city of Jerusalem is a "heinous crime," Hamas said yesterday.

"What is happening in Al-Yusufiya cemetery is a heinous crime that is part of a series of crimes against Jerusalem's cemeteries," Hamas spokesman Mohammed Hamadeh said in a statement, describing the move as "blatant proof of the brutality of the occupation which has extended its attacks on Palestinians who are alive and dead."

26 Oct 2021; MEMO: Christians living in occupied Palestine are a community with a future more vulnerable than it needs to be, challenged by violence, migration and a lack of investment, a new study has revealed.

University of Birmingham experts worked with counterparts at the International Community of the Holy Sepulchre (ICoHS) and have published their findings in the report "Defeating Minority Exclusion and Unlocking Potential: Christianity in the Holy Land".

New Delhi, Oct 25 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday extended support to Mohammad Shami, who was subjected to a fierce online attack following the Indian cricket team's first ever loss to Pakistan in World Cup history, and urged him to forgive those trolling him as they "are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love".

India lost their T20 World Cup opener by 10 wickets on Sunday with Shami emerging the most expensive bowler on the night, leaking 43 runs in 3.5 overs.

25 Oct 2021; MEMO: Israeli media reported on yesterday that Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz surprised the Americans, UN and Europeans by declaring six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist groups, local papers reported.

According to the Jerusalem Post, Gantz's declaration has two faults: the NGOs were banned without evidence being provided for the claims against them and the US – Israel's main ally – was not informed prior to the decision.