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Israel has announced its intention to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in solidarity with the United States, following President Donald Trump's declaration that America would also exit the body. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar praised Trump's decision, asserting that the UNHRC has historically shielded human rights abusers while disproportionately targeting Israel, which he described as the only nation with a dedicated agenda item. Sa'ar highlighted that Israel has faced over 100 condemnatory resolutions, more than any other country, and stated, "Israel will not accept this discrimination any longer." The announcement coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the US, where discussions included a Gaza ceasefire and broader Middle East plans. Trump criticized the UNHRC as "anti-Semitic" and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to maximum pressure on Iran, marking a significant diplomatic shift in US-Israel relations.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 5 ameznews.inDuring a meeting at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented US President Donald Trump with a golden pager and a standard beeper, referencing Israel's recent deadly pager attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack, which occurred in September, resulted in the deaths of at least 39 Hezbollah members and injured nearly 3,000 others when explosives planted in pagers detonated. Trump praised the operation, calling it "great," while he reciprocated with a framed photo of the two, inscribed "To Bibi, a great leader." Their discussions also focused on a potential Gaza ceasefire, with Trump asserting that the US would take a significant role in the region, including deploying troops if necessary. Netanyahu lauded Trump's leadership, stating he is "the greatest friend Israel has ever had," and expressed optimism about the US president's plans for Gaza, which he believes could "change history."
Published: Feb 06 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe Trump administration has unveiled a report highlighting what it describes as "ridiculous" projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This follows President Trump's recent executive order aimed at reassessing US foreign aid, which includes a 90-day pause. Among the findings, USAID allocated $500,000 to address sectarian violence in Israel shortly before the October 7 Hamas attack, and $5 million to EcoHealth Alliance, known for its bat virus research linked to the Wuhan lab. The report also claims at least $10 million in meals were sent to an Al Qaeda-affiliated group. Additionally, millions were directed towards LGBT initiatives in various countries, including $7.9 million for Sri Lankan journalists and $6 million for LGBT advocacy globally. The administration asserts that the era of unaccountable USAID spending is over, a sentiment echoed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who condemned the expenditures as a "crazy waste" of taxpayer money.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inSouth Korea's defence and trade ministries announced on Thursday that they have blocked access to work computers for the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, following concerns raised by the country's data watchdog regarding the company's user information management. DeepSeek recently launched its R1 chatbot, claiming it rivals US AI technologies at a fraction of the cost. In response to inquiries from South Korea, France, and Italy about its data practices, the trade ministry confirmed that DeepSeek has not yet responded to the Personal Information Protection Commission's inquiry. Consequently, access to DeepSeek has been restricted on military and trade ministry computers. Italy has also initiated an investigation into DeepSeek's R1 model, preventing it from processing data of Italian users, while Australia has banned the startup from government devices based on security advice. DeepSeek has stated it utilizes H800 chips, which are less advanced and were allowed for sale to China until 2023 under US export controls.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inElon Musk, the head of the newly established US Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration, has updated his X (formerly Twitter) bio to read "White House Tech Support." This change follows the renaming of the United States Digital Service to the United States DOGE Service, aimed at modernizing government computer systems. Musk, who previously referred to himself as "Chief Troll Officer," confirmed the rebranding in a tweet, emphasizing the necessity of such modernization. Recent reports indicated that Musk has been working long hours at the DOGE headquarters in Washington, D.C., even sleeping there. Although there were speculations about Musk having an office in the Oval Office, President Trump clarified that a separate office has been designated for Musk's team. The DOGE initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce government bureaucracy and could potentially save $2 trillion, a claim met with skepticism from experts.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn a stark reminder of the perils faced by those seeking the American dream, 104 Indian migrants returned to India after a harrowing journey that began with promises of work visas and ended in deportation. Many, including Harvinder Singh from Punjab, paid agents exorbitant fees—up to Rs 42 lakh—only to find themselves stranded in South America, navigating treacherous terrain and perilous seas. Singh recounted a two-day trek through mountains and a capsized boat journey that claimed lives, while others like Sukhpal Singh described witnessing death along the way. Arrested in Mexico, they spent 14 days in dark cells before being deported on a US military flight to Amritsar. Families, burdened by loans taken to finance these dangerous endeavors, now face financial ruin, calling for action against the deceitful agents who exploited their hopes for a better future.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to take control of Gaza, warning it could lead to ethnic cleansing. Trump's remarks, made during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggested long-term US ownership of the territory and implied the displacement of its residents to neighboring Jordan or Egypt. Guterres emphasized the fundamental rights of Palestinians to live in their homeland and highlighted a troubling trend of dehumanization against them. While denouncing the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, he also criticized the extensive destruction inflicted on Gaza by Israeli forces in retaliation. Following widespread backlash, Trump administration officials attempted to clarify that any displacement would be temporary. Guterres reiterated the need for a two-state solution for lasting peace, while Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour firmly rejected the proposal, asserting that Gaza is an integral part of their homeland.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 5 ameznews.inU.S. Arab American and Muslim leaders, including some who previously supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election, have condemned his recent proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza and resettle Palestinians as unrealistic and detrimental to peace efforts. Bishara Bahbah, founder of Arab Americans for Trump, expressed that while he still backs Trump, his ideas have alienated many. Trump suggested during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that Gaza could be transformed into a "Riviera of the Middle East," a notion dismissed by community leaders as exploitative. Despite frustrations over the lack of a viable peace plan, some leaders, like Rabiul Chowdhury, maintain that Trump's approach contrasts favorably with the Biden administration's support for Israel amid its military actions in Gaza. Critics, however, warn that Trump's rhetoric does not contribute to peace and may instead exacerbate the ongoing crisis.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 3 ameznews.inDuduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, appeared in court on Thursday facing charges of inciting violence during the 2021 riots that resulted in over 300 fatalities. Her lawyer confirmed that she intends to plead not guilty. Prosecutors allege that Zuma-Sambudla used social media to encourage violent acts in July 2021, following her father's arrest for defying a court order linked to a corruption inquiry. The unrest, initially sparked by anger over Zuma's imprisonment, escalated into widespread looting and destruction, causing an estimated 50 billion rand ($2.7 billion) in damages. She was released on warning until her next court appearance in March. Following his release from a contempt of court sentence in 2022, Jacob Zuma supported the formation of the uMkhonto we Sizwe party, which won 58 parliamentary seats, significantly impacting the African National Congress's political dominance.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 3 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday aimed at banning transgender athletes from competing in women's sports, a move he claims will protect female athletes. During a signing ceremony at the White House, attended by prominent Republicans and young athletes, Trump declared, "the war on women's sports is over," emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that women's sports are exclusively for women. The order empowers government agencies to withhold federal funding from schools that permit transgender athletes to participate on women's teams, citing concerns over fairness and safety. Additionally, Trump announced plans to urge the International Olympic Committee to revise its rules regarding transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This executive order is part of a broader series of actions targeting transgender rights, reflecting a significant cultural divide as Trump seeks to galvanize support in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 4 am
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