Palestinian civilians caught between Israeli forces, settlers, and Hamas, UN inquiry finds
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
A UN-mandated inquiry has found that Palestinian civilians are trapped between "mass atrocities" committed by Israeli forces and settlers, and the "brutal rule" of Hamas. The UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry stated that civilians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank are systematically subjected to severe rights violations. The report highlighted that in Gaza, Palestinians are caught between the structural violence of Israeli forces and the fear-based rule of Hamas. In the West Bank, Palestinian civilians face increasing attacks from Israeli settlers, which the commission chair, Srinivasan Muralidhar, attributed to Israeli policies that support and protect these actions. The report also noted that Hamas-affiliated forces have exploited the vacuum created by Israeli attacks. The commission, established in May 2021, found that Israel is responsible for enabling settler violence, which serves to entrench Israeli settlements, annex Palestinian territory, and displace Palestinians. The report called on Israel to end its occupation, cease settlement activities, and remove settlers. Additionally, the commission determined that Hamas-affiliated forces are responsible for serious rights abuses, including war crimes of murder and torture in Gaza, identifying 249 cases of executions and severe physical violence in 2024-2025. It recommended that de facto authorities in Gaza immediately stop extrajudicial punishments and refrain from using civilian objects like hospitals
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Jurgen Klopp, the new Germany head coach, has stated he would resign from his position if the media does not respect his family's privacy. During his first press conference after being appointed on a four-year contract, the former Liverpool manager emphasized his love for the job but affirmed he would not hesitate to leave if his family is negatively impacted by unwanted media attention. Klopp, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann, described the Germany coaching role as the pinnacle of his career and expressed his commitment to the team. The 59-year-old, who left Liverpool in 2024, is expected to lead the national team through the 2030 World Cup, with his first match scheduled against the Netherlands on September 24 in a Nations League fixture. His appointment has generated significant excitement, but he faces the task of rebuilding confidence in the national team following recent tournament struggles.
Pep Guardiola has rejected an offer to become the next head coach of Italy, a decision reportedly based on personal reasons rather than financial factors. The highly successful manager is currently taking time away from coaching to focus on his family and is awaiting the right opportunity to return to the sport. Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated that Guardiola's decision was personal and not related to a financial proposal, adding that he will return to coaching when he feels a new project is optimal. Guardiola, who has won major trophies with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, remains a highly sought-after manager. The Italian Football Federation president, Giovanni Malago, confirmed that talks had taken place with Guardiola regarding the national team coaching position. The 55-year-old is dedicating time to his family before considering his next coaching role.
Deyci Alejandra Oma帽a Ortiz, known by her stage name Amaranta Hank, has been sworn in as a senator in Colombia. She secured her seat in the March election, running on a platform to advocate for the rights and protections of adult entertainment workers. Ortiz will represent Colombia鈥檚 Norte de Santander region as part of the leftist Historic Pact bloc for the 2026-2030 parliamentary term. The Historic Pact is currently the strongest political force in the country, having secured 22.72 percent of the Senate vote, translating to 25 seats. Ortiz, who transitioned from journalism to the adult film industry before returning to public life, maintains that her past should not hinder her legislative work. She argues that women in the sexual economy contribute to the country鈥檚 finances and deserve legal recognition. In response to critics, she questioned why a woman from the adult industry cannot aspire to a popularly elected office. Her agenda in the Senate will also include initiatives for mental health and sexual abuse. Her emergence follows a previous controversy surrounding her appointment as a deputy minister in the Ministry of Equality.