August 7, 2024

*) Hamas appoints Yahya Sinwar as new political bureau chief Palestinian resistance group Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as its new political chief. Sinwar will replace Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in Tehran after he attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new Iranian president on July 31. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Hezbollah congratulated Sinwar on becoming the resistance group’s new political chief, saying it shows Israel’s goals in assassinating his predecessor, Haniyeh, have failed. *) B’Tselem report reveals Israeli torture of Palestinians A report by Israeli human rights group B’Tselem reveals widespread torture of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, with most held without trial. The report details deaths and abuses, with 60 Palestinians dying in custody since October, yet no prosecutions have followed. Testimonies document severe violence, starvation, and denial of medical care, highlighting ongoing human rights violations. *) Muhammad Yunus to head transitional government in Bangladesh Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and an end to her 15-year rule, Bangladesh’s lone Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus will serve as the head of the country’s transitional government. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin said the decision was reached after consultations with all stakeholders. Yunus will fill the vacuum left by Hasina, who resigned and fled the country after student-led countrywide protests against the quota system turned violent. *) Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as running mate for US election Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Walz, a 60-year-old US Army National Guard veteran and former teacher, was elected to a Republican-leaning district in the US House of Representatives in 2006 and served 12 years before being elected governor of Minnesota in 2018. He is known for his support for Israel throughout his career, while also advocating for more aid to the Palestinians and recently calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution. And finally… *) More countries issue travel advisories as UK far-right riots continue As the far-right riots continue in the UK, more and more countries are issuing travel warnings for their citizens. The UAE, Kenya and India are the latest in the list to have issued warning and advisory to their nationals already in the UK or those intending to travel. Previously, Nigeria, Malaysia, Australia and Indonesia also issued warnings against UK travel amid riots.