Israeli defence minister says evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza combat zones will start again
Deir-Al Balah (Gaza Strip), Mar 19 (AP): Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that Israel will start urging Palestinians to evacuate from Gaza combat zones soon.
He warned that Israel is preparing to step up its new offensive.
In a statement, Katz said that if hostages held in Gaza are not freed, “Israel will act with an intensity that you have not seen.”
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AIMPLB calls for nationwide 15-minute lights-off protest against Waqf Act on April 30 at 9 PM
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which has launched a nationwide campaign against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has called for a symbolic protest named “Batti Gul” on April 30. As part of the protest, people across the country are urged to switch off lights in their homes and commercial establishments for 15 minutes at 9 PM.
This decision follows a massive public rally titled “Save Waqf, Save Constitution” held recently in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). The rally saw participation from thousands of people, along with representatives from several political parties including the Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, YSR Congress Party, and DMK.
The first phase of the “Save Waqf” campaign is scheduled to culminate on July 13 with a large gathering at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Leading up to this, the AIMPLB plans to organize state and district-level programs to raise awareness about the new law and put pressure on the government for its repeal.
The Board has issued detailed guidelines to its units across states and districts regarding the nature of the campaign and precautions to be taken. Emphasizing peaceful conduct, the Board has directed that all events be carried out in a disciplined and non-violent manner.
“In states governed by the BJP and its allies, where cooperation with the campaign is unlikely and the environment is not conducive, we have decided not to hold street rallies or public demonstrations,” said Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson of the AIMPLB.
Ilyas expressed concern that discontent over the passage of the bill in Parliament could lead to provocations or disruptions during street events. To avoid such risks, indoor programs similar to the recent one held at Delhi's Talkatora Stadium will be preferred in such states. These will include roundtable discussions, public meetings, and dialogue-based events.
One such program was held in Parbhani, Maharashtra, on Sunday.
The Board’s guidelines also instruct that the protest should not remain confined to the Muslim community. Prominent figures from other religious communities who support the campaign should be encouraged to participate.
Calling the Waqf Amendment Act discriminatory and violative of constitutional fundamental rights, Ilyas reiterated that the Board is firmly opposed to it. He also stated that in states showing support for the protest, public rallies and human chains would be organized.
The AIMPLB has submitted a memorandum to the President of India seeking the repeal of the law. Reiterating the April 30 call, Ilyas and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi have urged people to join the protest by switching off lights at 9 PM for 15 minutes under the banner of “Batti Gul.”
Earlier, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the Board had temporarily suspended its campaign for three days as a mark of respect.
