Singapore calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, immediate hostage release
Singapore: Singapore has urged all parties involved in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict to establish a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and to unconditionally release all hostages. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed the nation’s “deep concern” over the Israeli Parliament's recent legislation that prohibits the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, a law passed on October 28.
Balakrishnan highlighted that this legislation could impede the essential work of UN agencies providing relief in Gaza. He commended the contributions of UNICEF, UNRWA, and other agencies for their critical support to those in need.
At a ceremony, Singapore announced a humanitarian assistance package of SGD700,000, the fifth tranche of aid to Gaza. This funding comes from the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation’s ongoing fundraising campaign, supplemented by a US$200,000 contribution from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To date, Singapore has committed approximately SGD18 million in humanitarian support to the affected populations in Gaza.
Dr. Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s stance, conveying to the Israeli government that its military response has exceeded acceptable limits. He affirmed that Singapore remains dedicated to offering humanitarian assistance, working closely with international partners to ensure timely delivery.
The Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, remarked on the emotional toll of the conflict on Singaporeans, noting the collective efforts of various community groups to provide aid to those affected. He highlighted the Harmony-in-Action fundraising campaign launched by interfaith groups to support the relief efforts.
In collaboration with Egypt and Jordan, Singapore has successfully delivered previous aid tranches, including food supplies. Balakrishnan indicated that further assistance is being explored, promising continued support for Gaza’s humanitarian needs.
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FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand under POCSO Act
Lucknow (UP) (PTI): An FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari over allegations of sexual abuse of two persons, including a minor over the past year, including during the Magh Mela.
The action was taken on Saturday after an order passed earlier in the day by the Special Judge (POCSO Act), Prayagraj, directed that a case be registered on an application moved by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj and others.
According to officials, the FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the BNS.
Besides Avimukteshwaranand and Mukundanand Brahmachari, two to three unidentified persons have also been named in the complaint.
As per the FIR, the complainants include Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, a disciple of Swami Rambhadracharya, and two persons -- one of them a minor -- who alleged sexual abuse at a gurukul and during religious congregations, including the Magh Mela.
The complaint alleges that the accused, posing as religious preceptors, subjected the minor and another youth to repeated sexual assault on multiple occasions over the past year.
It further alleges that the acts were carried out under the guise of "guru seva" and by misusing religious authority. The complainants claimed that written representations were earlier submitted to Jhunsi police and senior officials but no FIR was registered, prompting them to approach the court.
Following the court's direction, Jhunsi Police Station registered the FIR late Saturday night and initiated further investigation. There was no immediate police statement on arrests.
Avimukteshwarananda recently hit the headlines for his confrontation with the organisers of the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. He accused the administration of preventing him from taking a bath on Mauni Amavasya.
Responding to the court order on Saturday, Avimukteshwaranand said the case against him was false and that those responsible for the acts alleged must be punished.
He added, however, that facts of the matter would only come to light after a case is filed.
"Therefore, it is necessary. We would like to ask that the court not delay this process for a long time and act at a faster pace, because many people are watching this," he told reporters.
