UN Security Council To Meet On India’s Involvement In Kashmir
The UN Security Council will meet behind closed doors at the behest of China and Pakistan on Friday. Recently, India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This prevented them from creating their own laws. It also allowed non-citizens to purchase land. The Himalayan region has frequently been the subject of debate between Pakistan and India.
However, due to both countries being backed by China and the US respectively, it is unlikely that the UN security council will take action. But, UN peacekeepers have been stationed between the two countries since 1949 to observe a ceasefire. In addition, the UN has made several resolutions to help prevent disputes over the region.
Israel Bans US Lawmakers From Visiting
Israel is currently blocking two US Democratic lawmakers from visiting the country. Both Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib planned to visit the occupied West and East Bank of Jerusalem next week. However, since both of them are big critics of the Israeli government, the government blocked them from entry.
This is due to the Israeli government banning any person who calls for a boycott that targets Israel. A statement from country confirming the ban said it was “inconceivable that those who wish to harm the state of Israel while visiting would be granted entry”.
Syrian Rebels Counter-attack Government Forces
A Syrian rebel group backed by Turkey will send more soldiers to the front line following the Syrian government’s offensive on Thursday. Recently, the Syrian army has advanced towards the town of Khan Shiekhoun. This is a part of a move to contain the southern part of the rebel army.
In addition, government airstrikes have destroyed an ambulance center, killing a paramedic, a driver, and a rescue worker. Mark Cutts, a U.N. official, condemned the strike and said it “highlights again the horror of what’s going on in Idlib and northern Hama”.
Gibraltar Orders Release Of Iranian Oil Tanker
Gibraltar ordered the release of an Iranian oil tanker they detained last month. Despite a last-minute plea by the US, Gibraltar freed the tanker after they detained it on suspicion of sanctions-busting. However, Iran has promised that the tanker would not stop in Syria, which is currently under UN sanctions.
Mexico City Prison Fire Kills 3, Injures 10
A fire at a prison in eastern Mexico City killed 3 and injured 10 more early Thursday morning. Currently, officers are working to determine the cause of the fire. Prison guards detected the fire in the sleeping area of the prison at 5:25 AM, local time. The 7 injured were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation treatment.
