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Middle East Israeli Intelligence: 50,000 deaths in Gaza ‘necessary’
Leaked recording reveals ex-Israeli military intelligence chief calling 50,000 deaths in Gaza ‘necessary’ Jerusalem (CNN) — In leaked audio, the former head of Israeli military intelligence can be heard saying the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are “necessary and required for future generations.” “For everything that happened on October 7, for every one person on October 7, 50 Palestinians must die,” said Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva in the recordings released by Israel’s Channel 12 news on Friday. “It doesn’t matter now if they are children.” “The fact that there are already 50,000 dead in Gaza is necessary and required for future generations,” Haliva said in the recordings. It’s unclear when he was speaking, but the number killed in Gaza surpassed 50,000 in March. “There is no choice — every now and then, they need a Nakba in order to feel the price,” Haliva said. The Nakba, or “catastrophe” in Arabic, is a seminal event in Palestinian history when roughly 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes by armed Jewish groups in 1948 during the establishment of the State of Israel. Haliva was head of Israeli military intelligence on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 more kidnapped. He resigned his position in April 2024 over his “leadership responsibility,” becoming the first senior IDF officer to do so. The lengthy recordings appear to be from long conversations with Haliva, but Channel 12 does not identify the person with whom the retired officer is speaking. Haliva’s central claim throughout the recordings is that the Israeli military is not the only organization responsible for the failures that led to the October 7 attacks. He places blame on Israel’s political leadership and Shin Bet, the internal security service, for believing Hamas would not carry out an assault. In a statement to Israel’s Channel 12, Haliva said the recordings were said in a “closed forum, and I can only regret that.” He called the recordings “fragments of partial things, which cannot reflect the full picture — certainly when it comes to complex, detailed issues, most of which are highly classified.” Israel is facing mounting criticism over the war in Gaza and its new plans to occupy Gaza City. Last week, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christoper Luxon said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “lost the plot” and the takeover of Gaza City would be “utterly, utterly unacceptable.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in an interview with the Jyllands-Posten newspaper that “Netanyahu is now a problem in himself.” In a statement, Hamas condemned Haliva’s remarks and said the audio recording “confirms that crimes against our people are high-level decisions and official policy from the enemy’s political and security leadership.” A United Nations Special Committee report released last November found Israel’s conduct in Gaza “is consistent with the characteristics of genocide.” Last month, two Israeli human rights groups also accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Israeli military said the conclusion was “entirely unfounded.” Israel has repeatedly denied accusations of genocide, saying it is acting in accordance with international law. . Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-08-18 -
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Report The Cemetery of living men
Trump deportees tell of abuse in secretive mega-jail Arturo Suárez recounts the harrowing experience he faced upon arriving at El Salvador’s Cecot prison. Greeted with brutality, he claims guards beat him until he lost consciousness. When he awoke, he was met with a chilling message from the jail’s director, Belarmino García: "Welcome to hell. Welcome to the cemetery of living men." Cecot, the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism, is notorious for housing El Salvador’s most dangerous offenders. Built to tackle the nation’s rampant gang violence under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, the realities inside have remained largely concealed since its 2023 opening. Recently, the release of 251 Venezuelan inmates has shed light on the grim conditions within Cecot. Their testimonies, shared after their return to Venezuela, offer a glimpse into life behind its walls. Deported after a deal between the US and El Salvador, these individuals describe the brutal treatment they endured. After arriving back home, eight of the former inmates spoke with BBC News Mundo. They described regular beatings, lack of legal representation, and deprivation of basic necessities. One individual recounted being sexually abused, while others mentioned sleeping on bare metal bunks and having to eat with their hands. These men were initially residing in the United States, some legally, others undocumented. Accused of gang affiliations, they vehemently deny any criminal connections, believing their tattoos led to wrongful assumptions of ties to the Tren de Aragua, a violent gang originating in Venezuela. Despite US assurances of careful vetting, questions remain about the evidence used against them. These men were shackled and flown to El Salvador without any knowledge of where they were being taken. Upon arriving at Cecot, they were subjected to humiliating rituals. Forced to kneel and have their heads shaved, they donned prison-issued clothing. Mervin Yamarte, who once worked at a tortilla factory in Texas, described being beaten while naked, stating, "They wouldn't let me put on my clothes." The BBC sought responses from the Salvadoran government regarding these allegations, but officials have yet to respond. These accounts highlight significant human rights concerns and raise questions about the treatment of deportees and prison conditions in El Salvador. As stories of abuse and neglect emerge, the focus intensifies on how prisoners, particularly those deported from abroad, are treated within such facilities. The exposed conditions at Cecot have brought renewed attention to President Bukele's controversial approach to crime and punishment. While intended to curtail violence, critics argue that such harsh measures violate human rights and fail to address the root causes of crime in El Salvador. As these released inmates adjust to life in Venezuela, the impact of their time at Cecot remains with them. They hope sharing their experiences will bring about change and highlight the need for reform in how deportees and prisoners are treated. Their stories cast a spotlight on the complexities and consequences of international deportation agreements, showing that the pursuit of security should not come at the cost of human rights. As global scrutiny increases, the calls for transparency and accountability in El Salvador's detention practices grow louder, urging reforms that ensure humane treatment and justice for all. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The BBC 2025-08-18 -
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Report Myanmar Schedules First Election Since 2021 Coup
Myanmar is set to conduct its general elections on 28 December, as declared by its military government. This election, the first since the 2021 coup, has been widely criticised as a manoeuvre by the junta to entrench its power. The coup led to the ousting of democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country into chaos. Since the coup, Myanmar has been engulfed in a civil war, marked by intense clashes between the military and ethnic armed groups. Many of these groups have announced they will not permit voting in their controlled regions, complicating the election logistics. Previous plans to hold elections were delayed due to the military's ongoing struggle against a growing opposition insurgency, which has gained control over significant parts of the nation. Despite these challenges, approximately 55 parties have registered for the upcoming polls, with nine intending to compete for seats on a national level. The election commission stated, “The first phase of the multi-party democratic general election for each parliament will begin on Sunday, 28 December 2025, with subsequent phases to be announced later.” This phased approach underscores the difficulty in organizing elections across a country divided by conflict. Organising this election is a monumental logistical challenge, as large areas of Myanmar remain under opposition control and in turmoil. Nonetheless, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing insists the elections must proceed, threatening severe punishment for anyone who criticises or disrupts the process. Historic political forces such as the National League for Democracy, led by the imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi, have been banned from participating. Critics argue that the junta aims to maintain its grip on power through proxy parties that support its rule. Although the planned elections have been rejected as illegitimate by many, they have received backing from China, Myanmar's powerful neighbour. China views stability in Myanmar as a vital strategic interest, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis. UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews has labelled the elections a "mirage," urging the international community to reject them as fraudulent. He emphasised that the junta's attempt to gain legitimacy through these elections should not be recognised. Since the coup, thousands have died, and Myanmar’s economy has deteriorated, leading to severe humanitarian issues. Recent challenges include a devastating earthquake in March and international funding cuts, which have worsened the plight of vulnerable populations struggling to survive. Human Rights Watch described the upcoming election as lacking credibility, insisting that all violence must end, detainees should be released, and genuine political participation should be allowed. Without these steps, any election process is seen as a mere façade. As Myanmar faces these internal and external pressures, the planned elections remain under intense global scrutiny. The international community continues to watch closely, questioning whether this election will lead to any legitimate change or simply reinforce the military’s dominance. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The BBC 2025-08-18 -
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Middle East Israeli Media Ignored Gaza Starvation—Is That Changing Now?
A growing focus on hunger in Gaza in the global media has led some Israeli outlets to report on it for the first time Images of emaciated Palestinian children and grieving families in Gaza have stirred international outrage. However, the response within Israel has been notably subdued. A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute revealed that 79% of Jewish Israelis are "not very troubled" or "not troubled at all" by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Anat Saragusti, a media expert, explains that many Israelis remain unaware due to a lack of coverage. “With few outlets like Haaretz covering the crisis, Mainstream media have largely ignored the dire situation,” she said. Until recently, reports from Gaza have often been filtered or overlooked, leaving Israelis in the dark about the realities faced by Palestinians. In response to growing international pressure, some Israeli media have started reporting on Gaza's hunger crisis. Yet, these reports often frame the issue as debatable, reflecting broader national narratives centred on security concerns. Public discourse in Israel continues to focus on the hostages captured by Hamas and military objectives in Gaza, sidelining humanitarian concerns. Following the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023, the media and public conversation have largely adopted the government's perspective on the conflict. Many view the military operations in Gaza as legitimate self-defence. This viewpoint overshadows the severe humanitarian impacts and distances many Jewish Israelis from the plight of Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that reports of widespread starvation are part of a "Hamas-orchestrated campaign", denying any deliberate policy of starvation. Despite these claims, reports from aid agencies and the UN highlight severe food insecurity in Gaza, contradicting the official narrative. The UN World Food Programme reports that one-third of Gaza’s population experiences severe hunger, with half a million residents on the brink of starvation. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has called for an urgent ceasefire to address the "widespread starvation" affecting the territory. Despite these alarming statistics, Israeli media outlets often reflect Netanyahu's stance, showcasing a significant divide between international perceptions and domestic narratives. Recent reports note several more deaths related to starvation, further illustrating the deepening crisis. Internationally, voices like former US President Donald Trump, a key Netanyahu ally, have acknowledged the severity of the imagery coming from Gaza. However, Netanyahu has dismissed these images as fake, claiming they are part of a plot against Israel. This reinforces narratives that keep Israeli public consciousness distanced from Gaza's humanitarian plight. Protests in Tel Aviv have emerged, with demonstrators urging the government to cease hostilities against Palestinians. Protesters, such as Lenny Kadmon and Gal Alkalay, express horror at the situation, calling for an end to the war to address starvation and secure the return of Israeli hostages. Though more Israeli intellectuals are speaking out against the government’s actions in Gaza, they remain a minority. Prominent figures like author David Grossman have used strong language, calling the situation "genocide," a term that few are willing to adopt openly within Israel. Despite growing awareness, many Israelis still align with the government’s narrative due to longstanding security concerns and historical contexts. In Jerusalem, where tensions between Arabs and Israelis are especially sharp, the government’s narrative continues to dominate among Jewish residents. The crisis in Gaza challenges Israeli media and public opinion, highlighting the vast gulf between international outrage and domestic narratives shaped by security priorities. As the situation evolves, the potential for change hinges on increased awareness and dialogue within and outside Israel. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-18 -
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Middle East Protests Erupt in Israel Amid Frustration Over Gaza War
A wave of protests swept across Israel on Sunday as citizens demanded the government secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. This demonstration represents the largest in the 22-month conflict, with organizers claiming participation from hundreds of thousands of people nationwide. The protests emerged from growing frustration over Israel's plans to launch a military offensive in Gaza's most populated areas. The concern among many Israelis is that such action could further endanger the 50 hostages still held by Hamas. Of these hostages, only 20 are believed to be alive, heightening the urgency for their release. Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is a hostage, expressed the desperation felt by many families: "We are stuck between a terrorist group and a government not acting for our children." Demonstrations erupted in various locations, including outside politicians’ homes, military bases, and on major highways. Protesters blocked roads and lit bonfires, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the country. In solidarity, multiple businesses, including restaurants and theatres, chose to close their doors. Police reported 38 arrests during the protests, illustrating the scale and intensity of the civil unrest. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces immense pressure, balancing the call for military aggression against Hamas with public demands for the hostages' freedom. Netanyahu warned against an abrupt cessation to the conflict without first defeating Hamas, referencing the group’s past attacks, including the devastating 2023 ambush that triggered the ongoing war. He argued that an incomplete resolution could jeopardise negotiations for the hostages' release and lead to repeated violence. In a previous ceasefire agreement that saw some hostages released, far-right cabinet members threatened to topple Netanyahu’s government, demonstrating the fragility of his coalition. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called the current protests a "harmful campaign" that he claims play into Hamas’s hands, suggesting that it jeopardises Israeli security by encouraging the enemy. The prospect of a new military offensive would require the mobilisation of thousands of reservists, causing concern among many Israeli citizens who fear the conflict's expansion. In Gaza, reports from hospitals and eyewitness accounts on Sunday indicated that Israeli forces killed at least 17 aid-seekers, including nine individuals awaiting UN assistance near the Morag corridor. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 61,900 deaths in the conflict so far, attributing roughly half to women and children. While Israel disputes these figures, it has yet to provide an alternative count. The United Nations has highlighted the severe level of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza, reporting conditions at their worst since the conflict began. Most humanitarian aid has been blocked since Israel imposed a total blockade in March, following the end of a ceasefire. Although aid deliveries have partially resumed, the assistance falls significantly short of what's needed for Gaza’s population. Aid organisations insist that current flows are inadequate to address the humanitarian disaster unfolding. The hostages' situation and the new offensive plans have amplified internal tensions within Israel, prompting introspection and debate over the nation's approach to the conflict. The ongoing demonstrations reflect a deep divide in Israeli society, balancing national security concerns with humanitarian imperatives. As Israel grapples with these challenges, both domestic and international observers watch closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritises safety, justice, and peace for all parties involved. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Independent 2025-08-18 -
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UK-Politics 25 Lies - How is Starmer still in office
If you listen to some posters, you'd be forgiven for believing that he's a cross between Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot. In US terms a liberal.
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