Trump receives standing ovation in Israeli Parliament
Speaker calls Trump “a giant of Jewish history"
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Tel Aviv: United States President Donald Trump received an extended standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers, as he addressed Israel’s parliament, the Knesset after Hamas released the remaining 20 hostages under a Gaza ceasefire agreement on Monday.
Trump arrived in Tel Aviv to a red-carpet welcome, aboard Air Force One and was accompanied by his special envoy Steve Witkoff, daughter Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. He was greeted by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who hailed him as “a giant of Jewish history.” He was scheduled to visit Jerusalem for his address outlining his Middle East peace vision.
“Welcome to Jerusalem. Welcome to the Knesset. We’ve been longing for this day,” Ohana said, drawing applause from the chamber. In his remarks, Ohana compared Trump to Cyrus the Great, the ancient Persian ruler who allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem in the sixth century BCE, adding that “the world needs more Trumps, brave, resolute, and bold leaders who do not bow to appeasement.”
Ohana also announced that Israel would support a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Trump next year, citing his influence on the region’s recent developments.
Addressing the assembly, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, thanked Trump for his administration’s support during recent joint US-Israel military operations and for recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. “Donald Trump is the greatest friend the State of Israel has ever had in the White House. No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu said.
He credited Trump’s backing with helping Israel secure a second hostage deal “within weeks” of his election and for reversing diplomatic pressure on Israel during its conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu will not attend the upcoming ceasefire ceremony in Egypt due to the proximity of the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
By Monday afternoon, the 20 freed all male hostages had returned to Israel for medical evaluation and reunions with their families. The remains of 28 others killed in captivity are also expected to be handed over under the terms of the agreement.
Following his address in Jerusalem, President Trump is expected to travel to Egypt to participate in the formal signing of the ceasefire accord alongside regional leaders.
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Kerala not a drug hub, says DGP; Over 30,000 cases registered in 'D-Hunt' drive
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Kerala Police chief Ravada Chandrasekhar has said more than 30,000 drug-related cases were registered in the state last year as part of the government's ongoing 'D-Hunt' drive against drug abuse and trafficking.
In an interview with PTI Videos, the Director General of Police dismissed allegations that Kerala has become a drug hub. The police chief said the higher number of cases reflects stronger detection, not increased drug activity.
Speaking on the 'D-Hunt' campaign, he said it is a coordinated effort by the police and excise departments to crack down on both the supply and demand sides of the drug trade.
Chandrasekhar did not rule out a shift towards synthetic drugs, saying there were clear signs of rising demand.
"The shift towards synthetic drugs is a great possibility, as we regularly seize MDMA. That shows there is an increase in demand. We are addressing it, and we are taking very strong action," Chandrasekhar said.
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The DGP said the police force is giving greater importance to prevention, with awareness programmes organised across the state with community support.
"Our main aim is to reduce the demand side. We are organising various programmes with the help of Student Police Cadets, Janamaithri police and strong community participation," he said.
Highlighting a new initiative, he said the police had launched PODA (Prevention of Drug Abuse) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Young India chapter in Thiruvananthapuram.
"Twenty-one companies have come forward and more than 1,000 employees have voluntarily declared they will not use drugs and are ready for random checks. It is a very good initiative," he said, adding that the programme would be expanded across the state.
On enforcement, Chandrasekhar said the police have made major commercial quantity seizures, tightening pressure on drug suppliers and traffickers.
"In all commercial quantity cases, we invoke provisions of the Preventive Detention Act and also forfeit their properties. This sends a strong message to major suppliers," he said.
Dismissing allegations that Kerala has become a drug hub, Chandrasekhar said, "The allegation is unfounded. There is definitely an increase in detection of cases, which means officers are working very hard to identify and take legal action."
The police chief also said that during a special drive on Tuesday, police detained more than 1,200 people, including hundreds against whom warrants were pending.
He said the operation was conducted in the backdrop of the recent Thiruvalla parlour attack, where a woman was assaulted in broad daylight.
"We will continue such drives to take action against criminal elements and enforce preventive custody. These drives will be intensified as the state is heading for elections," Chandrasekhar added.
Chandrasekhar said the Kerala Police largely perform their duties well and receive widespread appreciation from the public, with only a few stray cases of misconduct reported.
The police chief said that in a force of around 60,000 personnel, who interact with 10,000 to 15,000 people every day, only one or two cases of aberrant behaviour come to notice, and strict action is taken in such instances.
"We have 60,000-odd police personnel. There may be a few troublemakers. Every day we touch 10,000 to 15,000 lives either directly or indirectly. One or two small aberrant behaviours come to our notice and we definitely take note of them and take appropriate action against the officers or personnel involved," the DGP said.
He said that overall, the Kerala Police have earned praise for their conduct, citing their role during major events.
"Generally, Kerala Police get a lot of kudos for good behaviour. You have seen it during the Sabarimala season, during the local body elections. In all these areas, police officers conducted themselves extremely well, and their hard work has actually earned us praise," Chandrasekhar said.
The DGP said police personnel have been clearly instructed to behave respectfully with the public, especially with those who approach police stations seeking help.
"My directive to policemen is that we should conduct ourselves with utmost restraint. Behaviour should be the standard norm and we would like to encourage that. I urge my colleagues to do the same and I request the public to support the police so that we can give better service," he said.
He said there is a strong emphasis on mutual respect between the police and the public.
"Anybody coming to a police station should be handled with respect, and all interactions with the public have to be very cordial. Police are public, and public are police. We need to respect each other. Kerala Police is a professional force and we act as per the law," the DGP said.
