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Saturday, October 4, 2025

'Bug-Infested Cell; Little Food, Water': Thunberg Alleges Harsh Treatment In Israeli Custody

<p>Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has told Swedish officials she is facing harsh conditions in Israeli detention following her arrest during a flotilla mission to deliver aid to Gaza, according to correspondence reviewed by The Guardian.</p> <p>Thunberg, who was taken into custody after Israeli forces intercepted the vessel she was travelling on, reportedly described being held in a cell infested with bedbugs, receiving inadequate food and water, and enduring long hours seated on hard surfaces.</p> <p>“The embassy has been able to meet with Greta,” read an email from Sweden’s foreign ministry to her close associates. “She informed of dehydration. She has received insufficient amounts of both water and food. She also stated that she had developed rashes which she suspects were caused by bedbugs. She spoke of harsh treatment and said she had been sitting for long periods on hard surfaces.”</p> <p>The correspondence also detailed claims that another detainee witnessed Thunberg being forced to pose with flags while Israeli personnel took photographs. The identity of the flags remains unclear. Thunberg reportedly questioned whether such images had been circulated.</p> <p>The 22-year-old climate campaigner is among 437 activists, parliamentarians and lawyers who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a coalition of more than 40 vessels seeking to challenge Israel’s 16-year maritime blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian supplies.</p> <p>Between Thursday and Friday, Israeli forces intercepted all participating boats and arrested everyone on board. Most detainees, including Thunberg, are being held at Ketziot Prison, also known as Ansar III, in Israel’s Negev desert. The facility is primarily used to house Palestinian security prisoners, many of whom face allegations of involvement in militant activity.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/greta-thunberg-israeli-custody-flotilla-gaza-aid-arrest-bug-infested-cell-little-food-water-1804091

Friday, October 3, 2025

Trump Orders Israel To Halt Gaza Bombing After Hamas Agrees To Parts Of Peace Plan

<p>US President Donald Trump on Friday directed Israel to stop its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip after Hamas announced it would accept certain elements of his proposal to end the nearly two-year conflict and release the remaining hostages captured in the October 7, 2023, attacks.</p> <p>Hamas stated it was ready to free the hostages and transfer authority in Gaza to other Palestinian representatives but emphasised that several components of the US plan would still require internal Palestinian consultations. Senior Hamas officials indicated that significant disagreements persist and more negotiations would be needed to reach a final deal.</p> <p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded that Israel was ready to proceed with what he described as the “first stage” of Trump’s plan, in an apparent referance to the release of hostages. His office reiterated that Israel’s conditions for ending the war remain unchanged, without directly addressing the points of contention with Hamas.</p> <p>Trump welcomed Hamas’s response, declaring, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.”</p> <p>In a social media post, he added: “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out.”</p> <p>According to Hamas, any decisions concerning Gaza’s future and broader Palestinian rights must come from a “unanimous Palestinian stance” based on consensus among its factions and grounded in international law. The group’s statement, however, did not address disarmament, a central demand from both Israel and Washington included in Trump’s proposal.</p> <h3>Trump's Ultimatum To Hamas</h3> <p>Earlier in the week, Trump had warned Hamas to accept the terms by Sunday night or face severe consequences. “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” he wrote on social media. “THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”</p> <p>Trump’s plan calls for an immediate halt to the fighting and the release of the remaining 48 hostages, around 20 of whom are believed to still be alive, within three days. In exchange, Israel would pause its offensive, withdraw from much of Gaza, free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow large-scale humanitarian aid and reconstruction to begin.</p> <p>The proposal would shelve the controversial relocation plans for large segments of Gaza’s population and place the territory of about two million Palestinians under international administration.</p> <p>The transitional governance would reportedly be overseen by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The plan, however, does not outline a framework for eventual reunification between Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank under a single future Palestinian state.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-orders-israel-to-halt-gaza-bombing-after-hamas-agrees-to-parts-of-peace-plan-1803946

Hamas Accepts Parts Of Gaza Plan, Agrees To Free All Israeli Hostages After Trump's Ultimatum

<p>Hamas announced on Friday that it is willing to accept certain elements of US President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the Gaza war, including the release of hostages and the transfer of Gaza’s administration. However, it also expressed its plans to negotiate other terms of the deal.</p> <p>In a statement obtained by Reuters, Hamas outlined its initial response to Trump’s 20-point peace plan. The US President had given the group until Sunday evening to either accept or reject the proposal. It remains unclear, however, whether Trump intends for the plan to be open to negotiation.</p> <p>Notably, the group did not say whether it would comply with a major US-Israeli demand that it disarm, a condition it has consistently refused in the past.</p> <p>Hamas said that it was ready to “immediately engage in negotiations through mediators to discuss details of this matter.”</p> <p>It also said it “appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of US President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, (and) the immediate entry of aid,” among other terms.</p> <p>The group also confirmed its “approval of releasing all occupation prisoners — both living and remains — according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange.”</p> <p>However, it emphasised its intention to move forward through dialogue, adding, “In this context, the movement affirms its readiness to immediately enter, through the mediators, into negotiations to discuss the details.”</p> <p>Hamas further reiterated that it is prepared “to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing.”</p> <h3>Trump's Peace Plan</h3> <p>Earlier this week, Trump had outlined a 20-point proposal calling for an immediate halt to the ongoing war with Israel but also lays out a framework for Gaza’s postwar governance.</p> <p>Trump’s plan, which has received backing from Israel as well as several Arab and European nations, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of all hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional administration led by an international body.</p> <p>Trump on Friday issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the group is "militarily trapped" and that it has been given a last chance to agree to a peace deal.<br /><br />In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Hamas has been a ruthless and violent threat, for many years, in the Middle East! They have killed (and made lives unbearably miserable), culminating with the October 7th MASSACRE, in Israel, babies, woman, children, old people, and many young men and women, boys and girls, getting ready to celebrate their future lives together."</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/hamas-accepts-parts-of-gaza-plan-agrees-to-free-all-israeli-hostages-after-trump-s-ultimatum-1803945

2 Indian tourists sentenced to jail for robbing, assaulting sex workers in Singapore hotels

<p>Singapore, Oct 4 (PTI): Two men from India, accused of robbing and assaulting two sex workers in hotel rooms while holidaying in Singapore, were each sentenced to five years and one month in prison, along with 12 strokes of the cane on Friday.</p><p> Arokkiyasami Daison, 23, and Rajendran Mayilarasan, 27, pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt while robbing the victims, reported The Straits Times.</p><p> The court heard that Arokkiyasami and Rajendran arrived in Singapore from India on April 24 for a vacation. Two days later, while walking in the Little India area, an unknown man approached them and asked if they were interested in hiring prostitutes for sexual services.</p><p> The man then provided them with the contact information for two women before leaving.</p><p> Arokkiya told Rajendran that they needed money and suggested they contact the women and rob them in a hotel room, to which Rajendran agreed. They arranged to meet one of the women in a hotel room around 6 pm that day.</p><p> Once inside the room, they tied the victim's hands and legs with clothing and slapped her. They robbed her of her jewellery, SGD 2,000 in cash, her passport, and her bank cards.</p><p> Later that night, around 11 pm, they set up a meeting with the second woman at another hotel. When she arrived, they dragged her by her arms to rob her, and Rajendran covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming.</p><p> They stole SGD 800 in cash, two mobile phones, and her passport, threatening her not to leave the room until they returned.</p><p> The actions of Arokkiyasami and Rajendran were exposed when the second victim confided in another man the following day, prompting the police to be called.</p><p> During mitigation, both men, who were unrepresented, pleaded with the judge for leniency and a lighter sentence.</p><p> Arokkiyasami, speaking through an interpreter, stated, "My father passed away last year. I have three sisters, one of whom is married, and we have no money. That is why we did this." Rajendran added, "My wife and child are alone in India, and they are financially suffering." Those who voluntarily cause injury during a robbery can be sentenced to between five and 20 years in prison and face a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane, according to the report by the Singapore daily. PTI GS MPL MPL</p><p><i>(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)</i></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/2-indian-tourists-sentenced-to-jail-for-robbing-assaulting-sex-workers-in-singapore-hotels-1803944

'Imran Khan In Solitary Confinement, Denied Human Contact', Claims PTI

<p>Lahore: Pakistan's incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan has been in a 'solitary confinement' and his cell door remains shut at all times, his party alleged on Friday, calling such a treatment "unlawful".</p> <p>The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo has been in jail since August, 2023, in multiple cases against him. He is currently lodged in the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.</p> <p>"Unlike the rest of the prisoners, the cell door of <a title="Imran Khan" href="https://ift.tt/xePS6cY" data-type="interlinkingkeywords">Imran Khan</a> remains shut at all times and he is denied any human contact," the PTI said, adding that his cell's electricity is also cut and newspapers withheld.a</p> <p>"Both Mr Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are held in solitary confinement," it said, questioning what "greater form of psychological torture" can there be than placing someone in solitary confinement and denying him or her basic facilities provided to ordinary prisoners. The PTI said that Khan's meetings with visitors are suspended for days at a stretch, and his television has been disconnected for the past seven months, a facility available to prisoners.  Besides, he is not allowed to speak to his children by phone, it added.</p> <p>"All of this is not only unlawful but also in violation of prison regulations," the party said.  Khan is directly holding Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for his plight and "fake cases" against him.  In his recent post on X, the patron-in-chief of PTI said there has been an "Asim Law" in Pakistan.  "If you stand with Asim Law, miracles can take place," he said, adding that under the "umbrella" of Asim Law "you remain untouchable".</p> <p>"But if you stand against Asim Law, then fabricated cases are concocted against you, you are thrown into prison, and you and your family are subjected to every conceivable form of injustice unprecedented in this nation’s history," Khan said. </p> <p><em><strong>(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)</strong></em></p> <p> </p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/pti-claims-imran-khan-in-solitary-confinement-rawalpindi-jail-1803941

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Charlie Kirk, US Tariffs On India, Paper Tigers, Tomahawks: What Putin Said At Valdai Forum

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a sweeping address on Thursday at the annual Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, touching on global security, energy markets, the Ukraine war, and relations with the West. Speaking before an audience of Russia experts, Putin’s remarks underscored Moscow’s combative stance on NATO, its view of U.S. foreign policy, and its economic outlook.</p> <p><strong>Here are the key highlights from his speech:</strong></p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-won-t-accept-humiliation-modi-would-never-putin-warns-us-against-pressure-on-russian-oil-trade-1803699">'India Won't Accept Humiliation, Modi Would Never...': Putin Warns US Against Pressure On Russian Oil Trade</a><br /></strong></p> <h2>On U.S. Weapons For Ukraine</h2> <p>Putin warned that the deployment of American Tomahawk missiles in Ukraine would represent a dangerous turning point. "Using Tomahawks without the direct participation of American military personnel is impossible," he said. "This would mark a new, qualitatively different stage of escalation, including in relations between Russia and the United States."</p> <h2>On Trump’s "Paper Tiger" Comment</h2> <p>Responding to the U.S. President Donald Trump’s description of Russia as a "paper tiger," Putin retorted, "A paper tiger. What follows then? Go and deal with this paper tiger. Well, if we are fighting with the entire NATO bloc, moving forward and feeling confident, and we are a paper tiger, then what does that make NATO itself?"</p> <h2>On The Killing Of Charlie Kirk</h2> <p>Putin condemned the murder of U.S. conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which was livestreamed online. "This is a disgusting atrocity, especially since it was broadcast live. We all saw it. Horrific," he said, extending condolences to Kirk’s family and loved ones.</p> <p>He added that the crime reflected a "deep rift" within American society, suggesting Washington should focus on its domestic turmoil rather than external escalation.</p> <h2>On Nuclear Tests And Arms Limits</h2> <p>The Russian leader said Moscow would mirror any new nuclear tests carried out by other countries; "Some people are preparing these tests. We see it, we know it. And if they happen, we’ll do the same."</p> <p>Regarding the New START treaty, he noted, "There are people in the U.S. who say they don’t need any extension. If they don’t need it, then we don’t need it either. We’re confident in our nuclear shield and know what to do tomorrow and the day after."</p> <h2>On Global Energy Markets</h2> <p>Putin stressed that the world economy depends on steady access to oil, gas, coal, and uranium. "No matter what happens, I am convinced that the international energy sector will function," he said. "It’s impossible to imagine that a drop in Russian oil production will keep global energy and the economy stable."</p> <h2>On Europe’s "Hysteria"</h2> <p>Putin criticised European leaders for exaggerating the threat of war with Russia. "They repeat this nonsense over and over again. They are either incompetent if they truly believe it, or simply dishonest," he said.</p> <p>On Germany’s push to expand its military, he warned that Russia will not sit idle: "No one doubts that such measures will force Russia to act, and Russia’s countermeasures will not be long in coming."</p> <h2>On The Ukraine War</h2> <p>Putin thanked nations such as BRICS members, Belarus, North Korea, and the UAE for seeking peace but blamed Europe for escalating the conflict.<br />"Our troops are confidently advancing along practically the entire line of contact," he said.</p> <h2>On U.S.-Russia Relations</h2> <p>Putin acknowledged deep divisions between Moscow and Washington but said dialogue remained possible. "The U.S. administration states its interests directly and bluntly, without unnecessary hypocrisy," he remarked. "Russia also reserves the right to be guided by its national interests, one of which is restoring full relations with the U.S."</p> <h2>On NATO’s Role In Ukraine</h2> <p>"All NATO countries are fighting us, and they’re no longer hiding it," Putin declared, accusing the alliance of feeding intelligence and weapons to Kyiv.</p> <h2>On Gaza And The Middle East</h2> <p>Putin said Russia is open to supporting Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza if it leads to the creation of both an Israeli and Palestinian state, something Moscow has long supported.</p> <h2>On India’s Energy Ties With Russia</h2> <p>Putin dismissed U.S. calls for India to cut Russian energy imports: "If India refuses our energy, it will suffer losses. And Prime Minister Modi would never allow such humiliation."</p> <h2>On Nuclear Plant Strikes</h2> <p>Accusing Ukraine of reckless attacks near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Putin warned: "If they play so dangerously, they should remember they also have operating plants. What’s stopping us from retaliating in kind?"</p> <h2>On Trade And Uranium Exports</h2> <p>Despite tensions, Russia continues to supply uranium to the United States. Putin said sales could reach $1.2 billion by the end of 2025.</p> <h2>On Trump Summit In Alaska</h2> <p>Putin downplayed his meeting with Trump, saying they focused narrowly on Ukraine and the possibility of improving U.S.-Russia ties.</p> <h2>On France Seizing A Russian Tanker</h2> <p>Calling the French move "piracy," Putin warned of risks to maritime security: "What do you do with pirates? You destroy them. This doesn’t mean a global naval war, but the risk of clashes will increase significantly."</p> <h2>On Russia’s Economy</h2> <p>Putin urged further strengthening of Russia’s financial system, acknowledging that inflation control has come at the cost of rapid growth. "The central bank raised the key rate, which affects the economy as a whole," he said.</p> <h2>On Sweden And Finland Joining NATO</h2> <p>Finally, Putin criticised the Nordic countries’ NATO accession: "Finland and Sweden joining NATO was stupid. We never had problems with them. Both have now lost the advantage of neutrality."</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/putin-delivers-sweeping-address-at-valdai-forum-in-sochi-on-war-charlie-kirk-and-india-s-energy-ties-1803702

'India Won't Accept Humiliation, Modi Would Never...': Putin Warns US Against Pressure On Russian Oil Trade

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday slammed Donald Trump's administration for pressuring its India to reduce its energy trade with Moscow, warning that the strategy would ultimately backfire on Washington.<br /><br />Addressing the annual Valdai Discussion Forum in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, where security and geopolitical experts from more than 140 countries, including India, were in attendance, Putin argued that attempts to penalise Russian trade partners through tariffs would push up global energy prices. The Russian leader warned that such moves would force the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates elevated, slowing America’s own economy.</p> <p>During his speech, Putin highlighted India’s independent stance on energy policy and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for resisting external pressure.</p> <p>"...the people of a country like India will closely monitor decisions made by the political leadership and will never allow any humiliation in of anyone... I know PM Modi; he himself would never take any steps of this kind", Reuters quoted Putin as saying.</p> <p>Putin further noted that if India stopped purchasing Russian crude, it would suffer an estimated loss of $9–10 billion. He emphasised that India had no reason to comply with outside demands, stressing that New Delhi had long maintained stable ties with Moscow. "If India refuses our energy supplies, it will suffer a certain loss," he said.<br /><br />The Russian President called PM Modi a friend, remarking that their relationship was built on trust and mutual respect. “I know Prime Minister Modi; he himself would never take any steps of this kind,” he added, calling attempts to isolate Moscow on energy trade “pointless from an economic perspective.”</p> <h3>Putin Warns Of Rising Oil Prices</h3> <p>Putin’s comments come after Trump urged key economies, including Europe, India, and China, to halt Russian energy imports in an effort to cut Moscow’s funding for the war in Ukraine. In response, Putin warned that slashing Russian supplies would set off a ripple effect across global markets, likely pushing crude prices above $100 per barrel and dealing a major blow to worldwide growth.</p> <p>The Russian leader also called for deeper cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi, saying trade and payment hurdles could be resolved within the BRICS framework or through bilateral arrangements.</p> <h3>Putin On Ukraine Conflict And US 'Hypocrisy'</h3> <p>Putin accused NATO of openly fighting Russia, alleging Western involvement in combat operations, training missions, and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. He blamed Europe for prolonging the conflict but expressed gratitude toward BRICS nations, Arab states, North Korea, and Belarus for their peace initiatives and support.<br /><br />"All Nato countries are fighting us, and they're no longer hiding it. Unfortunately, there are instructors (in Ukraine), and they're actually taking part in combat operations. A centre was created specifically in Europe, and it essentially supports everything the Ukrainian armed forces do. It feeds information, transmits intelligence from space, and supplies weapons and gives training," he said.</p> <p>Putin pointed to what he described as Washington’s double standards saying that while the US was pressuring India and other nations over Russian oil, it relies heavily on Russian uranium for its nuclear power industry. “The United States is one of the largest states using nuclear power plants... Russia is the second-largest supplier of uranium to the American market,” he noted.<br /><br />Putin also revealed that Russia is preparing steps to address the growing trade imbalance with India, caused largely by the surge in crude oil imports. Ahead of his scheduled visit to New Delhi in December, he directed his government to explore ways to enhance Russian purchases of Indian goods, particularly agricultural products and pharmaceuticals.</p> <p>"The losses faced by India due to punitive US tariffs would be balanced by crude imports from Russia, plus it will gain prestige as a sovereign nation," Putin said.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-won-t-accept-humiliation-modi-would-never-putin-warns-us-against-pressure-on-russian-oil-trade-1803699