Month: January 2024

avalanche rescue army LOC

J-K: Army Showcases Avalanche Rescue Prowess On LoC In Gulmarg

By LokMarg

In a display of remarkable resilience and expertise, an Indian Army unit deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Gulmarg sector of the Baramulla district showcased its exceptional capabilities in avalanche rescue operations in high snow levels and inclement weather conditions.

In a remarkable display of resilience and expertise, an Indian Army unit deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Gulmarg Sector of the Baramulla district of North Kashmir showcased their prowess in avalanche rescue operations and domination of the area during the winter snow season.

Daring harsh and challenging winter terrain, the unit seamlessly integrated avalanche dogs, an avalanche rescue team, Ski-patrol and an efficient casualty evacuation mechanism into avalanche rescue protocols to ensure the safety of their personnel.

The heart of this training lies in the collaboration with highly trained avalanche dogs, adept at locating buried individuals under snow. These canine heroes, working in tandem with the Avalanche Rescue Team, navigate treacherous snow-covered landscapes to swiftly identify and pinpoint potential avalanche victims.

The Ski-Patrol, specially trained and equipped with avalanche safety gear, demonstrated their mastery in alpine environments, effectively reaching remote locations where traditional means might fall short. Their agility and skill were paramount in accessing areas inaccessible to standard rescue teams.

Additionally, the unit showcased a streamlined casualty evacuation process, ensuring that any injured personnel are rapidly and safely transported to the nearest available medical facilities.

This comprehensive approach not only reinforces the unit’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its personnel but also highlights their proficiency in handling complex scenarios, particularly in the unforgiving winter conditions of the LoC.

This awe-inspiring demonstration not only reinforces the military’s dedication to excellence but also sheds light on the crucial role played by specialized units in ensuring the security and welfare of our forces in challenging environments. (ANI)

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India-Maldives row Alliance Air

Alliance Air starts additional flights to Lakshadweep

By LokMarg

Amid the ongoing India-Maldives row, Alliance Air the only airline that operates to Lakshadweep has started additional flights.

Due to a surge in the number of passengers willing to visit Lakshadweep, Alliance Air, the only Indian airline that operates to Lakshadweep, has started additional flights Kochi-Agatti-Kochi. A senior official of Alliance Air informed that the additional flights will operate two days a week i.e on Sunday and Wednesday.

Alliance air, the only airline that runs in Lakshadweep, runs flights between Kochi in Kerala and Agatti island, which has a regional airport serving Lakshadweep.

The airlines operate 70-seater aircraft to the island daily. It is running in full capacity and all tickets till March have been sold out, an official of the airline informed.

“We are getting lots of queries on phone and social media regarding tickets. Following to the huge demand for tickets, an additional flight has been added to the route. If required frequency of the flight will be increased,” the official said.

Recently in an Annual General Meeting, Ajay Singh, CEO of SpiceJet also informed that the airline have exclusive rights under Refional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for Lakshadweep and that they will soon launch flights to Lakshadweep.

However, travel portals have reported that they are getting a record number of queries for Lakshadweep.

India’s smallest Union Territory, Lakshadweep came into the spotlight after Prime Minister Modi shared delightful images from his visit to the Union Territory on January 22 and called for harnessing beach tourism in the island cluster.

However, in a social media post that was deleted later, Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi’s visit to the Indian island cluster.

Amid an outpouring of anger on social media over the disparaging references to PM Modi, with #BoycottMaldives a top trend across online forums, leading faces from the Indian film industry as well as top celebrities came out in support of the call to promote beach tourism in Lakshadweep. (ANI)

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Kar-Sevaks. Ram Sharad Kothari Ram Janambhoomi

We Have Waited For 33 years: Sister Of Martyrs For The Cause Of Ram Janambhoomi

By LokMarg

As the nation awaits the Pran Pratishta ceremony that will mark the inauguration of the Ram Janambhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, there is one family for whom this occasion is even more special. The Kothari family of Kolkata has waited for this day for long, after all two brothers of the family Ram and Sharad were among the first to hoist the saffron flag on the disputed Babri Mosque on October 30 1990.

Later on November 2 1990, the then Mulayam Singh government ordered Police forces to open fire on the Kar-Sevaks. Ram and Sharad Kothari were killed becoming martyrs for the cause of Ram Janambhoomi Mandir.

Today their sister Poornima has been invited to be a part of the Pran Pratishta cermony on January 22.

“This is the first joy in last 33 years. We waited for 33 years after the sacrifice of my brothers, and we are very happy… I have not forgotten anything of what happened to my brothers 33 years ago…Today we are able to see the grand Ram Temple in front of our eyes. But at some time, we lost all hope we had… I thought I would never be able to witness it… I am happy and proud… The sacrifice of my brothers is getting its due respect today…” said sister of the Kothari Brothers, Poornima Kothari.

When asked if she ever thought that the sacrifice of her brothers had been in vain, Poornima Kothari, said, “Yes, it felt like that before 2014 because when questions were raised on the existence of Lord Ram, then Ram devotees were also considered chaotic… Swami Prasad Maurya recently said that they were chaotic elements… Our expectations went very low… But now the environment of the country is very good… I am very proud to be here today… If they wanted to shoot, they should have shot them in the feet, why did they kill them?… I had heard that Mulayam Singh had later regretted firing at the karsevaks… But what did he get from this? He did it just for some votes…”

Speaking on opposition leaders declining the invitation for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, Poornima Kothari, said, “This is their misfortune that they are not coming even after getting an invitation… There are lakhs of people who are sorry to not be here… There are people who are simply happy to be in Ayodhya, even if they cannot witness the pranpratishtha… They (Oppostition) are politicians and they will witness everything from that point of view…”

A close friend of Kothari brothers and Ram-Sharad Kothari Smriti Sangh Vice President Ashok Jaiswal also remembers the sacrifice of the Kothari brothers.

“Both of them were my friends, especially the younger brother, Sharad Kothari… We were in the same shakha of RSS… I used to meet Ram Kothari sometimes… When there was a call for Karseva in Ayodhya in 1990, I was younger than 18 years and Sharad was 20 years old. Due to some reasons, I could not go but both the brothers left for Ayodhya…” said Ram Sharad Kothari Smriti Sangh Vice President Ashok Jaiswal.

“On October 30, 1990, Sharad Kothari was the first to hoist the Saffron flag on the main dome and did his Karseva successfully. At that time, they had come under the radar of the Mulayam Singh government and may have also become targets. On November 2, 1990,… tear gas was used against unarmed karsevaks when they were performing Ram Dhun. After that firing started and both brothers took refuge in a nearby home… Police held them forcefully and shot Sharad… Elder brother Ram tried to rescue him when the police shot him too in the head. This is how both the brothers lost their lives on November 2, 1990, while doing karseva…” Ashok Jaiswal added.

The family has since set up the Ram-Sharad Kothari Smriti Sangh in the memory of the two brothers which undertakes various social causes. The Sangh will be undertaking provision of refreshments at Ayodhya during the Pran Pratishta ceremony. A group of about 60 people will also go to Ayodhya on behalf of the Sangh

“The main objective of this organisation is to always remember the sacrifice made by Ram & Sharad Kothari and to do whatever we can for Lord Ram. Poornima Kothari, the sister of Ram and Sharad Kothari, has received the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony… She will attend the ceremony… We have arranged a camp near the Ram Temple in Ayodhya where we will provide refreshments for 25000 people. This is fortunate for us,” said Ram-Sharad Kothari Smriti Sangh President Rajesh Aggarwal.

To ensure that more and more people from Kolkata join in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla, the organisation is also delivering Akshat (Broken yellow rice) from Ayodhya to every house.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would preside over the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22. Vedic rituals for the ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav.

A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised, in which thousands of devotees will be fed. Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees, who are expected to arrive in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh for the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. (ANI)

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Atal Setu Mumbai

Modi Inaugurates India’s Longest Sea Bridge ‘Atal Setu’ In Mumbai

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, India’s longest bridge, in Maharashtra on Friday.

Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present on the occasion.

Atal Setu is also the longest sea bridge in the country.

It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport and will also reduce travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India.

The foundation stone of the bridge was also laid by the Prime Minister in December 2016.

Atal Setu has been constructed at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore.

It is a 21.8-kilometer-long, 6-lane bridge with about 16.5 km of length over sea and about 5.5 km of length on land.

It will also improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of National Youth Day, emphasised the significance of India’s youth power, which is leading the country’s development in every field.

Inaugurating the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra’s Nashik today, the Prime Minister urged the youth of India to use local products and avoid drugs.

“From the sages and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India’s hopes rest on the character and commitment of her youth,” the PM said.

PM Modi is on a one day visit to Maharashtra. (ANI)

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Delhi Power cold

Delhi Witnesses Record Winter Power Demand Of 5701 MW Amid Cold

By LokMarg

With the mercury dropping, the power demand in Delhi surged to 5701 MW at 10:49 am on Friday, the highest ever for the winter months.

It broke the previous all-time winter high of 5611 MW recorded on January 10 and 5559 MW recorded on January 5. Since January 1, Delhi’s peak power demand has increased by over 11 per cent.

BRPL and BYPL successfully met the peak power demand of 2484 MW and 1185 MW respectively. Upto 60 per cent of the maximum ‘winter’ power demand of upto 3600+ MW in the BSES area will be met by green power.

Delhi’s peak power demand this winter was expected to cross 5700 MW.

Barring January 2, this year, Delhi’s peak power demand in the first month remained above 5000 MW.

Delhi’s plummeting temperatures continue to push up the city’s peak power demand.

Apart from long-term agreements with power plants, over 2000 MW of green power played a significant role in ensuring reliable power supply to BSES consumers during the winter months. 840 MW of solar power from SECI, 540 MW of Hydropower, 500 MW of wind power, ~ 40 MW from Waste-to Energy and ~160 MW of roof-top solar power were installed on roof-tops in South, West, East and Central parts of the national capital.

Notably, BSES uses a mix of advanced statistical forecasting models using complex algorithms, combined with state-of-the-art weather forecasting solutions, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to meet power challenges. (ANI)

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Ayodhya

Lord Ram’s Idol Will Be Taken For ‘Nagar Bhraman’: Acharya Das

By LokMarg

Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das on Friday detailed the rituals to be undertaken before the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Speaking to ANI, Acharya Satyendra Das informed that the idol of Lord Ram would be taken for either a ‘Nagar Bhraman’ or ‘Parisar Bhraman’ before the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

“Pran Pratishtha is an extensive ritual so the puja will begin from January 15-16, when Kharmas concludes on January 14…The idol will be taken for either a ‘Nagar Bhraman’ or ‘Parisar Bhraman’. After that, other rituals will also follow…All these processes will be completed before Pran Pratishtha,” he said.

He further informed that only the main event will happen at the main ceremony on January 22.

Further, he also hailed the decision of Prime Minister Narendra to observe fast and start a special ritual eleven days before the pran pratishtha.

“This is good…He knows the protocol and is doing this…It is good of him to be so devoted to Ramlalla…” Acharya Satyendra Das added.

PM Modi has started an 11-day special ritual in the run-up to the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ramlala at the temple at Ayodhya Dham on January 22.

“This is a huge responsibility. As it is also said in our scriptures, we have to awaken divine consciousness in ourselves for the Yagya and worship of God. For this, fasts and strict rules have been prescribed in the scriptures, which have to be followed before consecration. Therefore, according to the guidance I have received from some pious souls and great men of the spiritual journey and according to the ‘Yama-Niyams’ suggested by them, I am starting a special ritual 11 days from today,” the PM said in an audio message.

He further said that the ’emotional journey of his inner self is not an opportunity for expression but for experience’.

“I am overwhelmed with emotions! For the first time in my life, I am going through such feelings. I am experiencing a different feeling of devotion. This emotional journey of my inner self is not an opportunity for expression but for experience. Even though I want to, I am not able to put into words its depth, breadth and intensity. You can also understand my situation very well,” the PM added. (ANI)

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NCC cadets

Commendable Efforts In Nation-Building, CDS Chauhan Lauds NCC Cadets

By LokMarg

Lauding the NCC cadets at NCC Republic Day Camp 2024 in Delhi, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan said that he was happy to note the commendable efforts of the NCC cadets in nation-building.

“…Your training, ideals, ethos and the character of the organisation from which you are actually place you rightly to lead the youth of the country so that the nation’s aspirations to become a developed country by 2047 get fructified. I am happy to note the commendable efforts of the NCC cadets in nation-building. Your contribution to International Yoga Day, Har Ghar Tiranga, Puneet Sagar Abhiyan and similar initiatives are praiseworthy…” said Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,274 cadets from all 28 states and eight Union Territories are participating in the month-long National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2024. With 907 girls, this year’s camp saw the largest participation of girl cadets.

Camp 2024 commenced at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt, with the Sarva Dharma Puja on December 30, 2023. This diverse participation includes 122 cadets from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, apart from 171 from the North-Eastern Region, effectively portraying a microcosm of ‘Mini India’.

Earlier, on January 9, General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff, visited the National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp 2024 at the DGNCC Camp in New Delhi and urged cadets to put their hearts and minds into everything they undertake and become role models for the youth of the country.

The Chief of Army Staff reviewed an impressive ‘Guard of Honour’ by smartly turning out cadets drawn from all three wings of NCC, i.e. Army, Navy and Air Force.This was followed by a band display by NCC cadets from Scindia School.

Later, the COAS visited the ‘Flag Area’ created by the NCC cadets depicting social awareness themes and cultural activities. The cadets provided him with a detailed briefing about their respective State Directorate themes.

General Manoj Pande expressed his delight in the fact that many former NCC cadets hold high positions in the government and armed forces.

He also urged the cadets to put their hearts and minds into everything they undertake and become role models for the youth of our nation. He also highlighted the significant contribution of NCC in national building activities, including social service schemes like Blood Donation Camps, Environmental conservation, Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, etc.

Afterwards, the COAS visited the ‘Hall of Fame’, a proud possession of the NCC that displays a rich archival collection of alumni photographs, models, motivational items, and other themes from the three wings of the NCC.

The Chief of Army Staff, along with other distinguished guests, also witnessed a ‘Cultural Programme’ performed by the NCC cadets in the auditorium. (ANI)

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Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project Puri

Jagannath Puri Heritage Corridor Project To Open To Public On Jan 17

By LokMarg

Shree Mandir Parikrama’ also called Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project, of Lord Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri has been completed by the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) and handed over to the temple administration Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

SJTA chief administrator Ranjan Kumar Das said “The work is almost complete and the entire project will now remain under the supervision of the temple authorities”.

“Work was mostly done within 75 metres from the ‘Medhanada Pacheri’ (the outer boundary wall) of the 12th-century shrine,” Ranjan Kumar Das added further.

The Heritage project includes parking places, Shree Setu (a bridge), pilgrimage centres, a new road to facilitate the movement of pilgrims, toilets for male, and female devotees and servitors, clock rooms and electrical work with other visitors’ amenities.

The rituals for the dedication of the mega project began on Friday. The first phase of the ‘Yajna’ (Gua teka ritual) and the ‘Anukra Ropana’ ritual also commenced. As a part of this, Yagnya and various other rituals will be carried out for three days (January 15, 16, and 17) before the inauguration ceremony on January 17.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the project while Puri Gajapati Maharaj Divyasingha Deb will give prunahuti (final offering) at the three-day-long yagna.

The corridor aims to enhance the visual appeal and surroundings of the iconic Jagannath Temple. The inauguration comes just five days ahead of the Ram temple coronation.

Jagannath Temple is one of the four dhammas that every Hindu is advised to visit. Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, along with sister Devi Subhadra and elder brother Mahaprabhu Shri Balabhadra, are being worshipped in Puri (the Purusottama Kshetra).

Though no changes have been made in the temple, the area within the 75-metre corridor of the boundary wall of the Jagannath temple has been developed. (ANI)

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Iqbal Ansari Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid

Iqbal Ansari Gifts Miniature Model Of Ram Temple To His Gunner

By LokMarg

A new example of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb has come to the fore from Ayodhya when Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land suit, bought a miniature replica of Ram Temple to gift one of his aides.

“This is replica of the Ram Temple. People have different faith. I have also bought to gift for my gunner. The demand for these types of things has increased, so I also bought this,” Iqbal said.

Notably, Iqbal Ansari has received an invitation to attend the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony, scheduled to be held on January 22 in Ayodhya.

The invitation has been extended by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust.

Iqbal Ansari has been a key supporter of the Babri Masjid and had also received an invitation to attend the ‘bhoomipujan’ ceremony of Ram Mandir, held on August 5, 2020.

Earlier in the day, Iqba Ansaril took a pot-shot at the Congress party and said that there was no need to oppose the pran-pratishtha ceremony at the temple.

“I belong to Ayodhya and the land of Ayodhya is religious, people place their devotion into the city. All Opposition parties are opposing it. But we are not opposing it, we are clearly saying that come to Ayodhya and take a holy dip in the Saryu river – cleanse your body and mind,” he said.

Iqbal further said, “There is no need to oppose it, ‘pran pratishtha’ is going to take place. People should come and give an account to the Lord, of whatever they did in their lives, and seek his blessings.”

The Congress party on Wednesday, ‘respectfully’ declined the invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The grand old party accused the BJP of using Ayodhya as a ‘political project’ and called it a ‘BJP/RSS’ event.

The Congress said that Lord Ram is worshipped by millions of people in the country and religion is a personal matter.

“But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain,” the party said.

“While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event,” it added. (ANI)

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Netanyahu Genocide Case ICJ

We Are Fighting Lies, Terrorists: Netanyahu Slams SA At ICJ

By LokMarg

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed South Africa over its genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague during its war against Hamas in Gaza on Thursday.

“We are fighting terrorists, and we are fighting lies. Today, again, we saw an upside-down world in which the State of Israel is accused of genocide at a time when it is fighting genocide,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

He said that Israel is fighting against “terrorists,” as he referenced Hamas, and added that the group has committed horrific crimes against humanity since the October 7 assault.

Netanyahu said, “Israel is fighting against murderous terrorists who committed horrific crimes against humanity: they slaughtered, they raped, they burned, they dismembered, they beheaded–children, women, the elderly, young men and young women.”

“A terrorist organisation carried out the worst crime against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and now someone comes to defend it in the name of the Holocaust. What brazen gall! The world is upside down,” he added, as he lambasted South Africa over its ICJ case.

The Israeli Prime Minister further questioned South Africa of its case when millions of people were being murdered and uprooted from their homes in Syria and Yemen.

In his statement, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, Netanyahu said, “And the IDF, the most moral army in the world, which does everything to avoid harming non-combatants, stands accused – by the representatives of these monsters – of genocide. South Africa’s hypocrisy screams to the high Heavens.”

“Where was South Africa when millions of people were being murdered and uprooted from their homes in Syria and Yemen, by whom? By Hamas’s partners. The world is upside down. Where were you?” he questioned.

Netanyahu said that Israel “will continue to fight the terrorists” and also continue to refute the lies.

“We know where we are. We will continue to fight the terrorists. We will continue to refute the lies. We will continue to uphold our just right to defend ourselves and to ensure our future – until total victory,” Netanyahu said.

Proceedings began on Thursday in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, where Israel is being accused of committing “genocidal” acts during its war against Hamas in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported.

South Africa has lodged an urgent appeal to the ICJ to force Israel to “immediately suspend” its military operations in the Strip.

South Africa has based its accusation both on actions taken by Israel throughout the war and controversial comments made by Israeli officials regarding Palestinians in Gaza and how they should be treated.

At the ICJ, South Africa’s Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said that Palestinians have suffered at the hands of Israel since 1948.

“The violence and the destruction in Palestine did not begin on October 7, they have experienced violence for the last 76 years,” Lamola said, as per The Times of Israel.

“In the Gaza Strip since 2004 Israel exercises control over land crossings, civilian infrastructure. Entry and exit to Gaza is strictly prohibited, with Israel operating the only entry points,” he said.

“Gaza is still considered to be under occupation by international law,” he said.

He further said: “South Africa unilaterally condemned the targeting of civilians by Hamas and taking of hostages on October 7, 2023. That said, no attack, however serious, can justify breaches to the convention whether as a matter of law or morality.”

“Israel has crossed this line, and breached the [genocide] convention,” he said. “This is why South Africa has filed this case.”

The Israel-Hamas war began following the October 7 Hamas terror onslaught in which some 1,200 people in Israel were killed and approximately 240 kidnapped and held hostage in Gaza, mainly civilians.

An attorney for South Africa puts forward the accusation that Israel is committing “acts of genocide” during its war against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip.

“South Africa contends that Israel has transgressed Article II of the convention, by actions which show a systematic pattern of conduct from which genocide can be inferred,” said Adila Hassim, as per The Times of Israel. (ANI)

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