Turkiye condemns Israel for blocking aid to Gaza, calls it ceasefire violation
Ankara: Turkiye has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling it a violation of the ceasefire deal and international law. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Monday, described the move as a deliberate act of collective punishment against Palestinians and a blatant breach of international law, according to Xinhua news agency.
The ministry warned that such actions could jeopardise diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. "This decision undermines the chances of peace and prolongs the suffering of innocent civilians," the statement read.
Turkiye called on the international community to take immediate steps to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. "It is imperative that Israel fulfils its obligations and allows humanitarian assistance to reach those in need," the ministry added.
Israel began blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza on Sunday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming it was to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has warned of severe consequences. The agency’s media advisor, Adnan Abu Hasna, stated that the blockade would worsen "the tragedy and immense suffering" endured by Gaza’s over two million residents for the past 15 months of war.
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PM Modi to flag off Meerut Metro, Namo Bharat train on Feb 22
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will visit Meerut and flag off the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat station in the western Uttar Pradesh town.
From there, the prime minister will undertake a metro ride till Meerut South station and at around 1 pm, he will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore in Meerut.
Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.
The prime minister will dedicate to the nation the entire 82 Km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor. He will inaugurate the remaining sections of India's first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which include the 5 km section between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21 km section between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.
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With a design speed of 180 km per hour, Namo Bharat is India's first regional rapid transit system. It will connect major urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut with Delhi at a faster pace, the statement said.
The Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of the corridor, is one of the four Namo Bharat stations to be commissioned with this inauguration.
It is strategically located as a major multi-modal hub, seamlessly connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, Delhi Metro's pink line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and the ring road. The other three Namo Bharat stations, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, being commissioned are in Meerut.
The prime minister will also inaugurate the Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram, operating on the same infrastructure as Namo Bharat, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
The Meerut Metro will be India's fastest metro system with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph. The metro will cover the entire stretch in just 30 minutes, with all scheduled stoppages en route.
This seamless integration of Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro on the same infrastructure will ensure high-speed intercity travel and swift intra-city movement, setting a benchmark for integrated urban and regional transit in India. It will decongest road traffic and consequently lead to a significant reduction in vehicular carbon dioxide emissions.
These projects will provide further impetus to the prime minister's vision of transforming urban mobility and ensuring seamless, efficient, modern and sustainable public transport systems that improve ease of living for citizens, the statement said.
