"41 Dead as Israeli Forces Begin Ground Offensive in Gaza City"

A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has determined that Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza, with senior officials—including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—accused of incitement, according to a report by Reuters.

The Commission cited extensive evidence, including mass civilian casualties, obstruction of humanitarian aid, forced displacement, and the deliberate destruction of infrastructure such as a fertility clinic, to support its findings. These conclusions align with assessments made by various human rights organizations.

“Genocide is occurring in Gaza,” stated Navi Pillay, chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and former judge at the International Criminal Court.

She added: “The responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons, who have orchestrated a genocidal campaign for nearly two years with the specific intent to destroy the Palestinian group in Gaza.”

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Fakhrul claims efforts are underway to undermine press freedom.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused a group of "reckless instigators" of attempting to destroy press freedom in the country, calling it something no patriotic or conscientious citizen should accept. He urged those involved to refrain from such self-destructive actions and to support efforts to institutionalize democracy.

Speaking at a program in the capital, Fakhrul lamented the troubling rise in assaults on the press and freedom of expression, values for which the nation has always fought. He pointed out that it was Khaleda Zia who "first freed the press in 2001" and that press freedom was most respected during her tenure under the BNP government. "This is the reality," he said.

Fakhrul also called for patience, noting that the current government is an interim one and cannot resolve all issues immediately. "We are not against reforms, but challenges like these cannot be addressed without elections," he emphasized.

Expressing concern over the current state of the country, Fakhrul cautioned that the country’s enemies, who have retreated from the forefront, are now trying to destabilize it from behind. "We must remain vigilant," he urged, calling for patience from the people.

The BNP leader stressed the importance of tolerance, saying, "It is unfortunate that the people of our country lack tolerance. We must exercise patience." He added, "Today, we need to support this government. If it fails, the revolution will fail, and we will once again be plunged into darkness. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to approach these issues with a positive mindset."

 

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Israel launches a series of attacks on Beirut as its cabinet prepares to discuss a potential Hezbollah ceasefire agreement.

 

Israel intensifies airstrikes on Beirut as the cabinet prepares to discuss a potential Hezbollah ceasefire agreement.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched extensive attacks on Hezbollah targets in the Beirut area, following new evacuation orders for residents in the city's southern suburbs.

The IDF issued an urgent warning to those living or working in specific buildings in the southern suburbs, advising them to evacuate immediately due to their proximity to Hezbollah facilities. The evacuation notice, shared on X, urges residents to stay at least 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from these buildings for their safety.

On Tuesday morning, the IDF had already targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut after issuing a similar warning.

Meanwhile, a massive explosion was reported in central Beirut, with no prior warning from Israel's military, according to Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega. Israeli airstrikes had caused large plumes of smoke to rise over southern Beirut.

Reports indicate that Israel’s security cabinet is set to approve a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah later today. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib expressed optimism that a deal could be reached by tonight. Despite ongoing airstrikes and Hezbollah's rocket fire into northern Israel, there is hope for a ceasefire agreement.

The proposed plan involves Israeli forces withdrawing from southern Lebanon within 60 days, while the Lebanese army would take over the region. Hezbollah would also cease its armed presence within 30 kilometers (20 miles) of the Israeli border. While some Israeli far-right ministers oppose the deal, it is expected to be approved by the security cabinet.

Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized that the country would demand strong UN enforcement of any ceasefire agreement, maintaining a stance of "zero tolerance" toward violations.

Earlier, the IDF confirmed airstrikes on six Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut, including infrastructure used by Hezbollah’s missile units and command centers in the Dahieh area, a region controlled by the militant group. The IDF stated that steps were taken to minimize civilian harm, referring to the evacuation orders that were issued before the strikes.

Hezbollah has yet to comment on the latest attacks.

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Imran Khan's supporters arrive at the center of Islamabad, bypassing barricades.

 

Imran Khan's party announced plans to hold a sit-in at D Chowk, near Islamabad's parliamentary buildings, until their demands—chiefly the release of Khan from jail—were met.

However, within hours, the area was cleared, and protesters began to disperse to nearby parts of the city.

Security forces swiftly regained control of D Chowk, and by 7:07 PM, BBC reporters at the scene confirmed that the area was deserted, with only police and paramilitary forces present. It remains unclear where the protesters, or their leaders, have gone.

The PTI confirmed that police had taken control of the site and were shutting down nearby markets. The party's media coordinator expressed uncertainty about the whereabouts of protest leaders, including Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife. "I don’t know; the internet is a big issue," the spokesperson said.

As reported earlier, large groups of protesters had marched to Islamabad in support of the jailed former prime minister. Khan had issued a "final" call for his supporters to remain in the capital until the government addressed their demands, including his release.

One protester explained they were there at Khan's request, not just for him, but for the sake of the nation. "Imran Khan told us to come here, not for him, but for our country’s future," he said. "We’ll stay here until Khan is with us and tells us what to do next."

Another protester, Abdul Rashid, told AFP, "This is not our government; it is made up of traitors. Long live Imran Khan."

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CM Gandapur pledges to reach Islamabad's D-Chowk as his convoy approaches the protest site.

 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reaffirmed his commitment to reaching Islamabad's D-Chowk for the PTI's highly anticipated power show, despite reports of heavy tear gas shelling by security forces to disperse the protest.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he called an "attack by protesters," which, according to the interior minister, resulted in the deaths of at least four security personnel.

The developments come as PTI convoys, which have been traveling across the country since Sunday, converge in Islamabad to demand the release of Imran Khan and address other issues.

As CM Gandapur’s convoy—expected to be the largest—neared D-Chowk, the PTI leader reiterated his determination to reach the protest venue. “We must reach D-Chowk,” he declared to protesters nearby, who responded with chants of “D-Chowk.”

“Until Imran Khan gives the orders, we must protect him,” Gandapur said, flanked by National Assembly opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan. “We are peaceful. Let us hold our sit-in peacefully,” he added.

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan urged the government to "refrain from firing at innocent people" amid reports of heavy tear gas shelling on protesters. On social media, he called for peaceful protests, expressing hope for the early release of Imran Khan.

Images from around 3pm showed PTI protesters near D-Chowk, with many climbing containers placed to block their path. Army personnel were seen on top of one of the containers.

D-Chowk, a major roundabout in Islamabad’s fortified Red Zone, has long been a focal point for political protests, located near key government buildings such as Parliament House, the Supreme Court, the Pakistan Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Later visuals showed protesters gathering about 550 meters from D-Chowk, where multiple layers of containers were erected to block their advance.

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Bushra Bibi reaffirms call for Imran's release as PTI's KP convoy reaches Islamabad's boundaries.

 

Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, reiterated her call for the release of the PTI leader during a brief address to rally participants as the convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa entered the limits of Islamabad on Monday.

Addressing supporters near the Hazara Interchange, she said, "My brothers, as long as Imran is not with us, we will not end this march. I will stay here until my last breath, and I need all of you to support me. This is not just about my husband; it's about our country and its leader."

Bushra Bibi is traveling with the convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur. PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed to Dawn.com that the convoy entered Islamabad via the Sangjani toll plaza, with footage of the procession shared by the party showing its arrival in the capital.

Multiple PTI convoys are converging on Islamabad, according to PTI leader Muhammad Basharat Raja. Earlier, Bushra Bibi had posted a video calling on those still in other areas to join the march, emphasizing the high morale of the protesters. “Those who consider Islamabad their fiefdom and block it for the citizens of Pakistan should take notice!” the party warned.

Meanwhile, as PTI MNA Zartaj Gul Wazir’s convoy from South Punjab neared Islamabad, she claimed all of Imran Khan's demands were justified. She called for the release of all innocent prisoners, including their leader, and mentioned that thousands were part of the South Punjab convoy, which also included PTI South Punjab President Aon Abbas Buppi. Some convoys had already reached Islamabad, while others were still en route.

"Our ultimate goal is to reach Islamabad, where our leader will be exonerated,” Wazir stated. Buppi also confirmed his convoy's arrival near Islamabad, reassuring supporters that the time to act was near.

PTI leader Sanam Javaid Khan shared an update from her convoy, mentioning they had reached Hassanabdal, and listed the party leaders traveling with her, including Bushra Bibi, Gandapur, and others.

PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai reported that although the convoys had departed for Islamabad, their progress was slow due to their large size and police barriers. However, he claimed the police had retreated upon seeing the scale of the rally. He reiterated that Gandapur's convoy aimed to reach D-Chowk "peacefully, but at any cost."

Yousafzai added that PTI workers from several regions, including Shangla, Hazara, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swabi, were converging on the motorway near the Burhan Interchange. He also alleged that party workers had been targeted by police shelling. The protest would continue, Yousafzai said, until "innocent political prisoners," including Imran Khan, were released.

The PTI also criticized the government, accusing it of incompetence and seeking to "crush PTI" with roadblocks and violence. "We are slowly moving towards our destination, and God willing, the truth shall win," Yousafzai declared.

In a statement shared on X, Barrister Gohar responded to a question about the protest, emphasizing that this was Imran Khan's "final call" and that the march would not be called off.

Meanwhile, sources reported that all roads leading to Islamabad's Red Zone, except for Margalla Road, were blocked by security forces.

In response, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari questioned the effectiveness of PTI's protest. Speaking to the media in Lahore, she pointed out the ongoing violence in Kurram and criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's CM for focusing on Islamabad instead of addressing the crisis in his province. She also noted that approximately 80 people had been arrested during the protest in Punjab on Sunday, and she expressed doubt that the rally would result in any substantial change, calling it a potential "disappointment."

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Biden's Last-Minute Authorization for Strikes Deep Inside Russia Sparks Division in Europe

 

Biden’s Last-Minute Authorization for Strikes Deep Inside Russia Sparks Division Across Europe

President Biden's last-minute decision to authorize Ukrainian forces to strike deep inside Russia has sparked a split among European leaders.

In a dramatic move, North Korea has deployed 11,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine has been mounting a counter-offensive since August.

Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing to inform member states that they may redirect up to 372 billion euros ($392 billion) in unspent subsidies from Brussels to military purposes, according to a report from the Financial Times last week, citing EU officials. Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has also confirmed the upcoming policy shift.

These funds, originally allocated for the Cohesion Fund to support growth in poorer EU regions, could now be used for dual-purpose infrastructure—such as roads and bridges with military significance—or for military equipment like drones and vehicles, the FT reported.

In parallel, the Biden administration is moving quickly to draw down $7.1 billion in military supplies, including equipment and ammunition, from US stockpiles to be sent to Ukraine almost weekly before the transition of power to President Trump on January 20.

The most contentious move, however, has been Biden's reversal of a previous ban on using US-made weapons 300km (185 miles) inside Russian territory. According to the Washington Post and New York Times, unnamed officials have confirmed that Ukraine is now authorized to use US Army Tactical Missiles (ATACMS) in Russia's Kursk region, where approximately 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops are engaged in staving off the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

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