Iran successfully launches satellite into space

Iran successfully launches satellite into space
Iran on January 28 said it simultaneously launched three satellites into orbit, nearly a week after the launch of a research satellite by the Revolutionary Guards drew Western criticism. (File/AFP)
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Updated 14 September 2024
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Iran successfully launches satellite into space

Iran successfully launches satellite into space
  • The Chamran-1 satellite has a weight of 60kg and it reached a 550km orbit in space
  • Testing space hardware and software is the main mission of the satellite, report says

TEHRAN: Iran Saturday sent a research satellite into orbit with a rocket built by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
The report said the Chamran-1 satellite has a weight of 60 kilograms and successfully reached in 550-kilometer (341 miles) orbit in space. It said testing space hardware and software is the main mission of the satellite.
IRNA said land stations received signals from the satellite, too.
It said the satellite-carrier rocket Qaem-100, using solid fuel, was designed and made by the Guard aerospace division. Iran says it has 13 more satellite launches in a row.
Though Iran has long planned to send satellites into orbit, this is the first launch under reformist President Masoud Pezezhkian after his hard-line predecessor Ebrahim Raisi died in a May helicopter crash.
In January Iran said it successfully launched three satellites into space with a rocket.
The program is seen by the West as part of the improvement of Tehran’s ballistic missiles. The launch also comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, sparking fears of a regional conflict.
The United States has previously said Iran’s satellite launches defy a UN Security Council resolution and called on Tehran to undertake no activity involving ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. UN sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic missile program expired last October.


Middle East is being reshaped and what will emerge is unclear, UN chief tells Security Council

Middle East is being reshaped and what will emerge is unclear, UN chief tells Security Council
Updated 35 sec ago
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Middle East is being reshaped and what will emerge is unclear, UN chief tells Security Council

Middle East is being reshaped and what will emerge is unclear, UN chief tells Security Council
  • Antonio Guterres presents detailed vision for immediate action needed in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria to build on ceasefires, relieve suffering and embrace political processes
  • He urges Israel to end its presence in Lebanon, warns any attempt to annex West Bank would violate international law, and calls for inexorable path toward a 2-state solution

NEW YORK CITY: The Middle East is undergoing a “profound transformation” marked by both uncertainty and potential, the UN secretary-general told a high-level meeting of the Security Council on Monday. 

Antonio Guterres praised Egypt, Qatar and the US for their efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Hamas and Israel. The deal reached last week came into effect on Sunday, when the first phase of hostage releases by both sides took place and the number of trucks entering Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to the starving population began to ramp up.

Guterres urged all parties to honor their commitments, fully implement the agreement, and ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in the territory.

He called for the wider effects of the deal to include an assurance that all UN agencies are able to perform their duties “without hindrance,” including the Relief and Works Agency, the largest aid agency for Palestinians, which is under threat from an imminent Knesset ban on operating in Israel.

“The UN must have rapid, safe and unimpeded access through all available channels and crossings to deliver food, water, medicine, fuel, shelter, and materials to repair infrastructure across Gaza, including the north,” said Guterres.

The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, said that after 15 months of “relentless war, the humanitarian needs in Gaza are staggering and there is no time to lose.”

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Monday that the entire population of Gaza, more than 2 million people, depends on aid basics to survive.

“Children account for about half of the Strip’s population, with many surviving on just one meal a day,” he added. “Our partners working on children’s welfare say the provision of food, water and medical supplies are being prioritized.”

The World Health Organization has a 60-day plan to increase bed capacity at some hospitals in northern and southern Gaza, Haq said, and to send in additional health workers from abroad to staff them. He noted that about 30,000 people in the territory sustained life-changing injuries during the conflict and need specialized care.

Enabling a surge in the amount of desperately needed relief supplies entering the territory requires that visas and permits for humanitarian workers be granted quickly, and that steps are taken to ensure safe conditions and conducive operating environments are in place, Guterres told members of the Security Council.

This includes the provision of necessary technical and protective gear, coordination between all parties and UN operatives on the ground, and the restoration of public order and safety to prevent the looting of humanitarian aid, he added. Commercial supplies must also be allowed to enter Gaza to help meet the “overwhelming needs of the population.”

Guterres also called for medical evacuations for those who need to travel for treatment, and urged UN member states to take in patients from Gaza.

In addition, people returning to homes they were forced to abandon during the war must be able to do so safely, he said.

“Explosive ordnance must be removed. The recovery of human remains must be conducted with dignity and respect,” Guterres added, and the international media must be allowed into Gaza to report “on this crucial story.”

He highlighted the need for intensifying collective efforts to establish effective governance and security arrangements in Gaza that will ultimately enable the enclave and the West Bank to reunify, as he underscored the Palestinian Authority’s desire to assume its role there.

In the West Bank itself, Guterres said the situation was growing worse, with clashes, airstrikes, the relentless expansion of illegal settlements, and demolitions of Palestinian properties. This is causing deep concern about an “existential threat” to the integrity and continuity of the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank, he added.

“Israeli administrative changes over the past two years have streamlined and accelerated the settlement-approval process,” Guterres said.

“As a result, control over many aspects of planning and daily life in Area C of the West Bank has been transferred to Israeli civilian authorities.”

Israeli officials now openly speak about their desire to annex the West Bank in the near future, but Guterres warned that “any such annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law.”

Greater stability in the Middle East requires “irreversible action” that moves toward a two-state solution “with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions and previous agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states,” he said.

Guterres had just returned from a solidarity visit to Lebanon, where he said a “new dawn is rising” for the country, with hopes for the establishment of a state that will be able to represent all Lebanese people and guarantee their security.

While there he visited southern Lebanon, where peacekeepers from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon are stationed on the demarcation line between the country and Israel. He saluted the peacekeepers for their efforts and thanked the countries that contribute troops.

Although the ceasefire with Israel there is fragile, “it is holding,” said Guterres, and the UN peacekeepers are making “vital efforts to nurture this process” in cooperation with the Lebanese army.

He stressed that the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon needs to end, as stipulated in the recent ceasefire agreement, and that the Lebanese Armed Forces must be present in all parts of the country.

“Resolution 1701 is clear: The area between the Blue Line and the Litani River must be free of all armed personnel, assets and weapons, other than those of the government of Lebanon and UNIFIL,” he said, referring to a resolution adopted by the Security Council in 2006 with the aim of resolving the conflict that year between Israel and Hezbollah.

Regarding the situation in neighboring Syria, Guterres said a country that has been “a crossroads of civilizations” now stands at “a crossroads of history.”

He added: “Following the fall of the brutal previous regime, and years of bloodshed, there is a possibility of promise for the people of Syria.”

However, he warned that “we cannot let the flame of hope turn into an inferno of chaos,” as he called for “much more significant work in addressing sanctions and designations,” given the country’s “urgent economic needs.”

He also underscored the fact that an inclusive political transition would be “the most effective means to ensure that Syria receives more support.”


Israel buries soldier killed in Gaza more than 10 years ago

Israel buries soldier killed in Gaza more than 10 years ago
Updated 20 January 2025
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Israel buries soldier killed in Gaza more than 10 years ago

Israel buries soldier killed in Gaza more than 10 years ago
  • Oron Shaul was 21 years old when he was killed during an Israeli military operation in Gaza City in 2014

JERUSALEM: An Israeli soldier killed during the 2014 war in the Gaza Strip was buried on Monday in Israel after his remains were recovered from the Palestinian territory by the army over the weekend.
Oron Shaul was 21 years old when the military vehicle he was in was blown up during an operation in Gaza City on July 20, 2014, claiming his life and those of six other soldiers.
Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, whose remains are still in Gaza, have been the focus of indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas for years.
Shaul’s body was retrieved by Israeli forces during a special military operation over the weekend, according to the army.
Goldin and two civilians presumed to be alive who have been held in Gaza since 2014 and 2015 respectively are among the hostages at the center of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that took effect on Sunday.
Israel counts them in addition to the 91 people still being held in Gaza after they were abducted by Hamas militants during their unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The two civilians are also included among those set to be freed in hostage-prisoner exchanges during the ongoing first stage of the ceasefire.


Kuwait’s eighth aid plane to Syria arrives at Damascus Airport

Kuwait’s eighth aid plane to Syria arrives at Damascus Airport
Updated 20 January 2025
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Kuwait’s eighth aid plane to Syria arrives at Damascus Airport

Kuwait’s eighth aid plane to Syria arrives at Damascus Airport
  • Al-Salam charity’s support in line with instructions of the Kuwaiti political leadership to help Syrians

LONDON: Kuwait sent its eighth aid plane to Syria on Monday with 10 tonnes of food and essential supplies to help Syrians cope with the harsh winter.

It was part of the Kuwait Is By Your Side campaign launched by the Al-Salam Association charity, in coordination with the ministries of Social Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Defense.

The aircraft landed at Damascus International Airport carrying food aid and winter supplies, including blankets and heavy clothing.

The volume of Kuwaiti aid sent to Syria since last December has reached 200 tonnes of various relief materials, including food and medicine, in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent organization.

Hamad Al-Oun, the general manager of Al-Salam, told Kuwait News Agency that another aid plane was set to depart for Syria next Thursday as part of the association’s initiative.

Al-Salam’s support was in line with the instructions of the Kuwaiti political leadership to help those in need in Syria, he added.


Xi emphasizes China’s unwavering support for Lebanon sovereignty

Xi emphasizes China’s unwavering support for Lebanon sovereignty
Updated 20 January 2025
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Xi emphasizes China’s unwavering support for Lebanon sovereignty

Xi emphasizes China’s unwavering support for Lebanon sovereignty
  • Xi Jinping said that China will provide assistance to the Lebanese in terms of economic development
  • Israeli forces intensify activity in the south five days before withdrawal deadline

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun received a written message from Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Monday, who affirmed his “readiness to work with Lebanon to develop the friendly relations between the two countries and to support cooperation in a way that better serves both peoples.”

The Chinese president emphasized in the message, delivered by the Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Qian Minjian, “the unwavering support of his country for Lebanon in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as providing assistance to the Lebanese side in economic development and improving the living conditions of its people.”

Forming the first government under Aoun remains a subject of consultations between the designated Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and the relevant parties.

Aoun has said “the swift formation of the government sends a positive signal to the outside world that Lebanon is on the right track.”

Israel, meanwhile, continued demolishing homes and infrastructure in several border areas of Lebanon.

Israeli tanks and bulldozers blocked the Wadi Saluki road on Mondah, which connects the border towns of Bani Hayyan and Qabrikha.

An Israeli tank stationed itself in the town of Tallousa, prompting the Lebanese Armed Forces to postpone redeployment in the town.

The Israeli activity has escalated five days before the expiration of the 60-day deadline for a complete withdrawal from the southern border area under the ceasefire agreement.

Israeli forces also bulldozed a cemetery in the town of Dhayra and uprooted trees in its vicinity.

Troops also advanced to Mays Al-Jabal, demolishing industrial and sports facilities, farms, and roads with bulldozers.

The Israeli military conducted an extensive sweep operation in the town of Khiam, setting properties on fire, with smoke rising in the area.

Three Lebanese farmers were arrested between Ain Arab and Wazzani, while artillery shelling targeted the Sadana area in the Shebaa Farms and the outskirts of Kafr Shuba.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese military reinforced its units in the city of Bint Jbeil, repositioning in Al-Dora area in the direction of the border town of Yaroun.

It established a presence at 10 sites along the main and secondary roads from Bint Jbeil to Yaroun, Maroun Al-Ras, and Aitaroun, areas where Israeli forces are still present.

Lebanese Army Command announced that “some units are continuing to reinforce their deployment in the towns of Ain Ebel, Dibel and Rmeish, the Bint Jbeil area in the western sector, and the towns of Bint Jbeil and Ainatha in the central sector, following the withdrawal of the Israeli forces.”

The operation was being conducted in coordination with UNIFIL and the Quintet Committee, which is supervising the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

The Army Command said specialized units were conducting engineering surveys, clearing roads, removing debris, and addressing unexploded ordnance and suspicious objects left behind by Israel.

The Lebanese Army prohibited citizens from approaching the area, urging them to “adhere to the instructions of military units until the deployment is completed.”

The municipality of Bint Jbeil has urged residents to delay their return to the city and the town of Ainata.

Civil defense teams are still working to retrieve the bodies and remains of Hezbollah fighters killed during clashes with the Israeli army in advanced positions in the south.

Remains were retrieved in Khiam, and a body was recovered in the town of Maroun Al-Ras.

The General Directorate of General Security, meanwhile, warned citizens in a statement on Monday of “the dangers of interacting with the SAWA page on Facebook, as it is likely linked to Mossad and aims to recruit Lebanese citizens to work for it.”

Last Friday, the Lebanese Army announced “the arrest of a Lebanese citizen from the southern town of Beit Lif on suspicion of being recruited by Israeli Mossad through Facebook.”

Security information indicated that the suspected agent “headed to Israel with the help of an Israeli drone that hovered above him and guided him to the path leading to crossing the Lebanese border. His mission involved photographing Hezbollah sites in exchange for monetary payments.”

A Lebanese person from the town of At-Tiri, who is a former combat medic for Hezbollah and served as a nurse at the party’s Al-Rasoul Al-Azam Hospital, was previously arrested after being recruited by Mossad through Facebook.


Sweden eyes charges against suspect over 2014 killing of Jordan pilot in Syria

Sweden eyes charges against suspect over 2014 killing of Jordan pilot in Syria
Updated 20 January 2025
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Sweden eyes charges against suspect over 2014 killing of Jordan pilot in Syria

Sweden eyes charges against suspect over 2014 killing of Jordan pilot in Syria
  • The suspect has previously been convicted for involvement in attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Brussels in 2016
  • No individuals have so far stood trial for the killing of the Jordanian pilot Mouath Al-Kasaesbeh

STOCKHOLM: Swedish prosecutors have requested the detention of a Swedish man on suspicion of war and terrorism crimes over the killing of a Jordanian air force pilot in Syria a decade ago, they said on Monday.
The man, named in Swedish court documents as Osama Krayem, has previously been convicted for involvement in attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Brussels in 2016.
The Daesh militant group, which once imposed a reign of terror over millions of people in Syria and Iraq, captured Jordanian pilot Mouath Al-Kasaesbeh in December 2014 and later published a video of him being burned alive in a cage.
“The man now requested for detention is suspected of having executed the pilot, together with other perpetrators belonging to IS,” the Swedish Prosecution Authority said in a statement.
The prosecutors said Krayem, 32, alongside others, forced the pilot into the cage. The killing of the pilot violates the laws of war, and the killing and video constitute terrorist activities, they said.
No individuals have so far stood trial for the killing of the Jordanian pilot, the prosecutors said.
Krayem’s Swedish lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Sweden will request that Krayem, who is currently held in France, be transferred to Sweden in the case of a trial in the Nordic country, the prosecutors said.
Daesh group controlled swathes of Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2017, and was defeated in its last bastions in Syria in 2019.
Under Swedish legislation, courts can try people for crimes against international law committed abroad.