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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Iran's football federation stated on Tuesday that the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for its World Cup group games, accusing the co-host of obstructing Iranian supporters' attendance amid a diplomatic dispute. The federation claims the US has created bureaucratic hurdles, including refusing visas for some support staff. With less than three days until the 2026 World Cup, the Iranian football body said the US has again acted to prevent Iranian supporters from attending the national team's three group stage matches. FIFA regulations dictate that participating federations should receive eight percent of tickets for each match for distribution to their supporters. Iran had reportedly begun ticket sales for matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, all to be held in the US, after receiving its quota. However, the federation stated that the allocation was unexpectedly withdrawn, making it impossible to provide tickets to supporters. The federation described this as contrary to the spirit of international competitions and the principle of equality, urging FIFA and tournament organizers to ensure fair conditions for Iranian supporters. Neither FIFA nor US organizers have publicly commented on the accusation. This is the latest dispute, following visa issues that Tehran says have prevented about 15 administrative and management staff from entering the US. Rising tensions also led Iran to move its World Cup training base to Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Tucson
The Joint Health Sector Unions has indicated a potential for new industrial action due to the Federal Government's failure to implement the Consolidated Health Salary Structure adjustment. Kabiru Minjibir, National Chairman of JOHESU and President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, stated this during an interview at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Minjibir highlighted that the unresolved salary adjustment has been a concern for over a decade, stemming from a 2016 provision that mandated a review of one salary structure if another was adjusted. He noted that while the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for medical doctors has been reviewed three times, the corresponding adjustment for health workers under CONHESS has not been implemented. JOHESU previously went on an 84-day strike last year over this issue, leading to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government that promised implementation by April 2026. Minjibir stated that this agreement has not been honored, leading to renewed agitation among health workers. He urged the Federal Government, particularly the Minister of Labour and Employment and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, to finalize the negotiation and extend the adjustment to all health workers for fairness. Minjibir warned that neglecting workers' remuneration could negatively impact health sector productivity and emphasized that healthcare delivery is a collaborative effort,
The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a new generation of international talent, with 20 emerging players highlighted by BBC Sport. These young stars, ranging from teenagers to slightly older prospects, are making their mark at club level and are poised to define the next stage of their careers on football's biggest stage. Notable players include Yan Diomande Ivory Coast, a 19-year-old winger for RB Leipzig valued at over 130m euros, and Gilberto Mora Mexico, a 17-year-old midfielder from Tijuana nicknamed 'The Mexican Pedri'. Other talents include Johan Manzambi Switzerland, a versatile midfielder for SC Freiburg, and Ricardo Pepi United States, a striker for PSV Eindhoven who scored 19 goals last season. Nico Paz Argentina, a midfielder for Como, and Gessime Yassine Morocco, a right-winger for Strasbourg, are also on the list. The selection features players like Lucas Herrington Australia, the youngest Australian in a World Cup squad, and Kerim Alajbegovic Bosnia-Herzegovina, an 18-year-old winger for Red Bull Salzburg. Can Uzun Turkey, a midfielder for Eintracht Frankfurt, and Armando Gonzalez Mexico, a striker for Chivas de Guadalajara, are also included. Ayyoub Bouaddi Morocco, an 18-year-old midfielder for Lille, and Houssem Aouar Algeria, a midfielder for Al-Ittihad, bring experience. Alessandro Circati Australia, a centre-back for Parma, and Ali Jasim Iraq, a left-winger for Como, are set to impress. Mohamed Amoura Algeria, a striker for Wolfsburg, and Luis Suarez Colom