Australian cricketer Travis Head tweets against Israel's bombing on Rafah
Melbourne: Several prominent Indian celebrities have publicly condemned the recent Israeli bombardment in Gaza's far-southern Rafah region, which resulted in the deaths of 45 individuals, according to Palestinian officials. This attack, which Gaza medics report left hundreds of civilians with shrapnel and burn wounds, has drawn significant international criticism.
In response to the international outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the strike as a "tragic accident" but reaffirmed that he will continue the military campaign against Hamas, following the group's October 7 attack and the hostage crisis.
Australian cricketer Travis Head who is riding high after a successful IPL stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad which played the final of the tournament and lost to KKR in the mega event, posted in support of Rafah on his X (formerly known as Twitter) handle.
Head shared an “All eyes of Rafah” post and in another post wrote “Freedom is a human right. All lives are equal!” with an image of the same lines written on his shoes.
After a successful IPL where he amassed 567 runs in 15 outings, Head is set to represent Australia in the T20I World Cup set to begin next week in USA and West Indies.
Freedom is a human right.
— Travis Head 🇦🇺 (@ImTravisHead) May 28, 2024
All lives are equal!#AllEyesOnRafah pic.twitter.com/G4ucJyM8aA
#AllEyesOnRafah pic.twitter.com/jn7XlYOSky
— Travis Head 🇦🇺 (@ImTravisHead) May 28, 2024
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Pakistan comments on Kogilu slum demolition; India rejects remarks
Bengaluru: Pakistan has reacted to the demolition of slum homes at Kogilu in north Bengaluru, prompting a strong response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which rejected the comments and questioned Pakistan’s own record on minority rights.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office reportedly issued a statement alleging that Muslim homes were being demolished in Bengaluru with state backing and also referred to alleged attacks on Christians, calling the developments a matter of “serious concern”, The New Indian Express reported on Wednesday.
In a strong reply, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reportedly said, “We reject the reported remarks from a country whose abysmal record on this front speaks for itself. Pakistan’s horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities of various faiths is a well-established fact. No amount of finger-pointing will obfuscate it.”
Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar said senior national leaders would respond to Pakistan’s comments. On questions about the evicted residents possessing identity cards from multiple states, he said officials would verify the details.
Asked if all evictees will be accommodated, Shivakumar said, “We will rehabilitate only genuine and eligible evictees. We will provide housing only to eligible locals.”
The controversy arose after Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) demolished around 160 houses at Fakeer Colony and Wasim Layout in Yelahanka, reclaiming about five acres of land valued at ₹80 crore. BSWML plans to set up a biogas plant and animal rendering unit in the space.
According to the report, the demolition soon turned into a political issue, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accusing the Karnataka government of bringing “bulldozer raj” to Bengaluru and alleging suppression of minorities and Dalits. CPIM from Kerala too started visiting the demolition site.
In a sort of damage-control exercise, All-India Congress Committee General Secretary KC Venugopal, who is said to be a chief ministerial candidate if the United Democratic Front wins in Kerala, asked the Karnataka government to mitigate the problem, ahead of Kerala going to the polls in April-May of next year.
Following the developments, the Karnataka government has decided to provide accommodation to eligible evictees under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation scheme and temporary shelter at Byappanahalli, officials said.
