Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been confirmed dead by both Hamas and the Israeli military. Israel claims that Sinwar was killed during an operation, with the Israeli military stating they had positively identified his body on Thursday, following his death the previous day. Hamas confirmed Sinwar’s death on Friday evening. Iran’s delegation to the United Nations referred to Sinwar as a “martyr,” highlighting his role in the battlefield and claiming that his example would bolster the “spirit of resistance.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the mission noted how Sinwar’s visible presence on the battlefield, in combat attire and out in the open, rather than hiding, would inspire others to continue resisting. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported from Gaza on how Palestinians were reacting to the news. Even those who disagreed with Sinwar’s tactics viewed his death as honorable, seeing it as that of a warrior fighting against oppression. Throughout Israel’s year-long military campaign in Gaza, Sinwar had remained active, taking full leadership of Hamas following the assassination of its politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in July, an act widely attributed to Israel. Under his leadership, Hamas continued its military activities, launching attacks on Israeli targets while also maintaining civil administration within Gaza, despite being targeted by Israeli forces. Sinwar had long been a target of the Israeli military, with multiple previous reports of his capture or death later proven false. Israeli officials had accused him, alongside Mohammed Deif (the commander of Hamas’s Qassam Brigades) and Marwan Issa (Deif’s deputy), of orchestrating the October 7 attack on Israel. In February, the Israeli military shared images it claimed showed Sinwar and his family inside a tunnel complex in Khan Younis, reportedly taken just after the October 7 attack. Israeli spokesperson Daniel Hagari also revealed during a briefing that Israeli forces had captured and were interrogating several members of Sinwar’s family, as well as the families of other Hamas leaders. There have been numerous reports, including from the United Nations, accusing Israel of using torture during interrogations. Sinwar, along with Haniyeh and Deif, was under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes committed from at least October 7, 2023. All three have now been killed by the Israeli military. Remaining on the ICC’s list of individuals under investigation are Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Yahya Sinwar, also known as Abu Ibrahim, was born in 1962 in a refugee camp in Khan Younis. His family had been displaced during the 1948 Nakba. Originally from the Palestinian village of al-Majdal, their land was razed, and the Israeli town of Ashkelon was built in its place. Sinwar was first arrested in 1982, before the age of 20, by Israeli authorities for his involvement in Islamic activities. Daniel Byman, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described Sinwar as a skilled leader, noting that his previous release as part of a prisoner exchange made him a significant figure for Israel. Analysts like Lovatt argue that while Sinwar was prominent in public, Deif was likely the true architect of the October 7 attack. However, Deif had not been seen publicly for years, and Israel claimed to have killed him in a July attack, although Hamas has yet to confirm his death. Before the assassination of Haniyeh, Sinwar was believed to have been involved in negotiations between Hamas and Israel regarding ceasefires and prisoner exchanges.

The Israeli military has launched a significant operation in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, which has resulted in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israeli forces described the effort as a "counterterrorism operation," targeting the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm. Israeli security forces reported the deaths of "five armed terrorists" during both air and ground assaults. Additionally, four others were killed in an airstrike in the al-Faraa refugee camp, near Tubas.

Local reporters have indicated that the scale of the operation is unprecedented in the West Bank since the second Palestinian intifada (uprising) two decades ago. The current rise in violence across the region began following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, and the subsequent war in Gaza. Israeli forces have escalated their raids in the West Bank, claiming the operations are intended to curtail Palestinian attacks on both Israeli civilians and soldiers.

Israeli media has reported that hundreds of Israeli troops were involved in operations in at least four cities in the northern West Bank: Jenin, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Nablus. The Palestinian health ministry said that bodies were brought to the governmental hospitals in Tubas and Jenin. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported nine deaths across the West Bank, revising an earlier death toll of 10. Three were killed by drone strikes in Misilya, a village near Jenin, and four others by a drone strike in the al-Faraa refugee camp. The governor of Jenin earlier claimed at least 11 fatalities.

Israeli forces have sealed off most entrances to Jenin, allowing access through only one entry point, and checkpoints have been established. The health ministry accused Israeli forces of surrounding Jenin's government hospital, the nearby Ibn Sina hospital, as well as the offices of the Palestinian Red Crescent and the Friends of the Patients society. It also warned that any attempt to storm the hospitals could put patients and medical personnel at risk. A local journalist inside the hospital described the situation as tense, with patients being allowed to leave only after their IDs were checked by Israeli forces.

The health ministry has also accused Israeli forces of obstructing ambulance services, which it claims is a breach of international law. Troops have been conducting searches in the Jenin refugee camp, a known hub for armed groups, though local residents have not observed any active confrontations with Israeli forces as of yet.

In addition to military action on the ground, Israeli armoured bulldozers have reportedly destroyed the main street of the Jenin camp and blocked the entrance with rubble. The IDF, Israel's Shin Bet security agency, and the Israel Border Police released a statement that "three armed terrorists" who posed a threat in Jenin were eliminated via airstrike. In Jenin and Tulkarm, two additional "armed terrorists" were killed, and Israeli forces detained suspects, seized M-16 rifles, ammunition, and military equipment.

Additionally, in the al-Faraa refugee camp, four "armed terrorists" were killed by an airstrike, according to Israeli sources. They also confiscated weapons during the operation. Masoud Naaja, a local resident, lost two of his sons in the strike while providing water to men near his home. Naaja recounted to Reuters the swift and destructive impact of the strike, which left him and his family injured.

Elsewhere, residents of Tubas have reported an influx of Israeli military vehicles and bulldozers into the al-Faraa refugee camp, and there is widespread concern about potential escalations. An IDF spokesperson noted that their forces were targeting a mix of "terror groups and cells," though the length and scope of the operation remain undisclosed.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a statement emphasizing the importance of dismantling the "Iranian-Islamic terror infrastructures" in Jenin and Tulkarm, accusing Iran of attempting to build an eastern front of terrorism by smuggling advanced weapons from Jordan. Katz called for addressing the West Bank situation with the same resolve as the Gaza conflict, even suggesting the "temporary evacuation" of Palestinian residents, a stance not previously seen in official statements.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s spokesman condemned the escalating Israeli raids, warning of "dire and dangerous results" that could impact the entire region. Hamas, which opposes Abbas’s Fatah movement, condemned the Israeli operations, framing them as part of the broader conflict in Gaza.

The UN Human Rights Office raised concerns about the operation, stating that such military actions risk exacerbating an already catastrophic situation. It pointed out that the use of airstrikes and military tactics in law enforcement operations violates human rights standards.

According to the UN, 622 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 7 October, with the vast majority of deaths attributed to Israeli forces. Meanwhile, at least 15 Israelis, including soldiers and settlers, have died due to Palestinian attacks during the same period.

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has expressed strong disapproval over the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan, describing it as a serious setback to judicial independence. The amendment, which was passed by both houses of parliament with a two-thirds majority, introduces significant changes to the judiciary, including curbing the Supreme Court’s suo motu powers and altering the process for appointing the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP).

Key Amendments Passed in Parliamentary Session

Pakistan's political landscape witnessed another high-stakes weekend as the ruling coalition successfully pushed through the much-discussed Constitutional Package. On Sunday, the Senate approved the bill, which originally contained 22 clauses, with a two-thirds majority. Following Senate approval, the National Assembly (NA) held an extraordinary session that extended into the early hours of Monday morning, where the bill was passed with a two-thirds majority after incorporating several Senate-proposed changes, increasing the bill’s clauses to 27.

After parliamentary approval, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent his advice to President Asif Ali Zardari, who subsequently gave his assent, officially enacting the legislation as the “Constitution (26th Amendment) Act, 2024,” according to a notification published in the Gazette.

Major Judicial Reforms Under the 26th Amendment

Under the new law, the power to appoint the Chief Justice of Pakistan has shifted from the judiciary to a Special Parliamentary Committee, which will nominate the CJP from among the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court. The prime minister now plays a decisive role in this process, along with the parliamentary committee.

The amendment also limits the term of the Chief Justice to three years and removes the Supreme Court’s ability to take suo motu action, which previously allowed the court to act independently on matters of public interest.

ICJ Raises Concerns Over Judicial Independence

The ICJ voiced its strong concerns, calling the amendment "a blow to judicial independence, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights." ICJ Secretary General Santiago Canton emphasized that the changes grant an extraordinary level of political influence over judicial appointments and the judiciary’s internal operations.

“The judiciary's ability to act as an independent check on government excesses has been eroded, weakening its capacity to protect human rights,” Canton stated. He added that the rapid and secretive manner in which the bill was passed—within 24 hours and without public consultation—was alarming.

Political Influence in Judicial Processes

One of the ICJ’s primary concerns revolves around changes to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). The amendment reshapes the composition of the JCP, reducing the proportion of judicial members and potentially increasing political influence over the commission’s decisions. Additionally, the ICJ criticized the amendment’s provision allowing the JCP to create constitutional benches, which could be used to form politically motivated judicial panels.

The process for appointing the Chief Justice was another point of contention. The ICJ argued that the new parliamentary committee system lacks clear criteria for nominations, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.

The ICJ also flagged concerns about new provisions for the removal of "inefficient" judges. The amendment fails to define what constitutes inefficiency or provide clear criteria, leading to fears that these vague terms could be misused for political purposes.

ICJ: Reform Needed but Approach Problematic

While acknowledging that some reforms might be necessary to improve the efficiency and accountability of the judicial system, the ICJ asserted that these particular amendments threaten the independence of the judiciary. “These changes appear to be an attempt to place the judiciary under executive control, which undermines fundamental principles like the separation of powers and the rule of law,” Canton said.

Government Celebrates Passage of Amendment

Despite the backlash, the government hailed the passing of the 26th Amendment as a significant political and legislative milestone. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated parliament on what he called a "historic achievement," praising the unity of the coalition in securing the required votes.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed this sentiment, praising the pivotal role played by JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose influence was critical in garnering support for the amendment.

The government managed to secure 225 votes in the National Assembly, one more than the required 224 for a two-thirds majority. Opposition to the amendment came from 12 members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Sunni-Ittehad Council (SIC), who staged a walkout during the voting process.

RIYADH: In just a few months after its debut, Beast House has grown to be one of the most valuable assets in the Saudi music scene. It does this by utilizing MDLBEAST's all-encompassing approach to provide the Saudi music business with a strong foundation.

With an inventive tripod model that blends music, architecture, and technology to accomplish its distinct mission in the nation, Beast House represents MDLBEAST's first investment in the music facilities sector in Saudi Arabia. The project is motivated by a vision to provide a fertile ground in which to cultivate the region's music culture.

 

Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene, a place where creativity is nurtured and talents from the local and international scenes can grow. Our vision is to revolutionize the way music is experienced in the region by fostering connections in the creative community through the power of music.”

 

With live music events, workshops, studio spaces, and communal dining areas, the multitiered members-only location offers an immersive experience for music producers, industry professionals, creatives, and enthusiasts to interact and learn.

 

“Beast House creates a platform for local artists to both showcase and hone their talents. In this space, members can collaborate with other artists through our diverse programming designed to elevate the experience of artists. It’s a welcoming space for anyone still finding their creative path,” Alharatani said.

 

The studio features a mix room with a Solid State Logic Origin mixing console, a Neve recording room with a modern vibe, and two music production rooms with recording booths.

 

According to Alharatani, Beast House Studio uses a combination of contemporary digital and analog technology to serve artists of all skill levels. We provide practical expertise with all aspects of production, including mixing, mastering, and recording.

 

“Our backline includes Fender guitars, Yamaha drums, and world-class microphones like Neumann, Royer, and AKG, alongside high-end outboard gear such as Neve, Bricasti, and UA 1176 compressors. We also provide a comprehensive selection of synths and drum machines from renowned brands like Roland, Moog, and Sequential, along with top-tier software and plugins including Pro Tools, Ableton, and Waves, offering artists endless sonic possibilities.”

 

Beast House is all about engaging the senses in a friendly environment with its design, carefully crafted playlists, refreshments, and dynamic live concerts, according to the CEO, who also stated that these places are vital for a burgeoning music scene and supporting the industry.

 

He said: “By offering insight into songwriting, production, and the music business, we’re enabling the growth of local talent and opportunities. This fosters job creation, draws in tourism, and stimulates local businesses, which are key components in building a robust music infrastructure.”

 

However, adding more venues to the Kingdom is just one aspect of MDLBEAST's agenda.

 

“Our strategy is built on three pillars — music and artists, live events, and venues — and through these three pillars, we can create a vivid music scene and opportunities for local and global artists to constantly engage with their audience,” Alharatani said. “All this leads to two main goals: support the innovative economy and entertainment tourism in the Kingdom, and guarantee the sustainability of our events.”

 

Since this is the first private members' club of its kind in Saudi Arabia, and some people in the country may not be familiar with it, Alharatani thinks that educating the public will be essential to encouraging people to commit to memberships.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry has made it clear: they have no intention of permanently holding onto the Russian territory seized during their recent offensive. However, Ukraine now faces a critical decision—whether to hold its ground for strategic gains or to pull back.

Some voices within Ukraine might advocate for withdrawal, suggesting that the country has already achieved its goal. They argue that President Putin’s war of choice has been challenged, and the recent military actions have demonstrated Ukraine’s capability to execute a sophisticated, combined arms assault. This could be the moment to withdraw with honor, after having dealt a significant blow to the Kremlin, before Russia can muster enough forces to trap or counterattack the Ukrainian troops.

However, a withdrawal might undermine two key objectives of Ukraine’s incursion. First, by maintaining pressure on Russia, Ukraine could force Moscow to redirect some of its troops from the Donbas region. Second, holding Russian territory might provide Ukraine with a valuable bargaining chip in any future peace talks.

It remains uncertain whether Ukraine can sustain this pressure, as Russia is likely to intensify its efforts to reclaim the territory. The situation is fluid, and the next steps for Ukraine are still unfolding as both sides grapple with the realities on the ground.

For more insights on global conflicts and strategies, stay tuned to Realtime Brief.

A political dynasty scion who is associated with the prime minister of India has reportedly sexually attacked or raped up to 400 women while recording the incident on camera. According to reports, the scion fled the country.

Additionally, it is claimed that 33-year-old Prajwal Revanna blackmailed his victims by showing them almost 2800 tapes of the assaults. In the midst of India's six-week general election, Nerandra Modi has become engaged in a severe scandal due to the claims.

The grandson of south Indian prime politician HD Deve Gowda, who served as prime minister for nine months in 1996, Revanna is thought to be in Germany.

In Karnataka, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is partnered with his party, the Janata Dal (Secular), or JDS.

Approximately two thousand USB drives, purportedly holding videos of sexual abuse, were discovered last week scattered across park benches and bus and train seats in Karnataka. After a falling out with Revanna a year ago, her driver and assistant, only known as "Kartik," is said to have leaked them.

Modi's appearances at rallies with Revanna have been used by the opposition Congress Party to undermine his campaign. Modi's Hindu nationalism has not been well received in the southern states, thus the BJP has leveraged its partnership with the JDS to establish a presence there.

The head of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi, said that Modi and other party officials knew about the films prior to their release. Gandhi said at a Karnataka rally, "This is a mass rape, not a sex scandal." "A mass rapist has the prime minister's support." Even though Prajwal Revanna is a serial rapist, all BJP leaders remained loyal to him and supported him in the election.

Reporters were informed by one of the accused victims, a former Bangalore local councillor, that she had been beaten for three years. She said, "I denied him and said I would scream for help when he asked me to take off my clothes." Then, claiming to be holding a pistol, he threatened me.

"Then, claiming to be holding a pistol, he threatened me. If I told anyone about the video, he threatened to make it public. He used to ask me to strip during video calls. I was also raped by him multiple times."

Revanna filed a police complaint before departing for Germany, alleging that the tapes were "doctored" and were being distributed in an effort to "tarnish his image and poison voters' minds."

After one of Revanna's previous housemaids came forward and claimed that he had raped her on multiple occasions, a police complaint was made against her. The head of the Karnataka Women's Commission, Dr. Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, declared, "Watching those videos is very terrible." "Your blood boils from it." The individual in the recordings could be "clearly made out," according to her.

HD Revanna, Revanna's father, was taken into custody on Saturday after the maid reported that she had been beaten by him at a property that belonged to his assistant.

His son has been suspended by the JDS while the state government conducts an investigation.
 

A remarkable 2,492-carat diamond, the second-largest ever found, has been uncovered in Botswana at a mine owned by Canadian company Lucara Diamond. This discovery is the largest since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was unearthed in South Africa in 1905 and later cut into nine separate stones, several of which now form part of the British Crown Jewels.

The massive diamond was discovered at the Karowe mine, located about 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. According to Botswana's government, this is the largest diamond ever found within the country.

Previously, the biggest diamond discovered in Botswana was a 1,758-carat stone, also found at the Karowe mine in 2019. Botswana is among the world’s top diamond producers, accounting for around 20% of global production.

In a statement, Lucara Diamond confirmed that the gem is "one of the largest rough diamonds ever discovered." William Lamb, the head of Lucara, expressed excitement over the find, saying, "We are thrilled with the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond."

The diamond was detected using Lucara's Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, a system implemented in 2017 to help identify and protect large, valuable diamonds from damage during the ore-crushing process.

Details regarding the gem's quality and value were not disclosed. The 1,758-carat diamond discovered in 2019 was purchased by luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton for an undisclosed amount. In 2017, a 1,109-carat diamond found in 2016 at the same mine was sold for $53 million (£39.5 million) to Laurence Graff, chairman of Graff Diamonds.

Lucara Diamond holds full ownership of the Karowe mine. Recently, Botswana’s government proposed legislation requiring companies granted mining licenses to sell a 24% stake to local businesses if the government chooses not to become a shareholder, according to a report from Reuters last month.

A Former Us Central Intelligence Agency Analyst Has Been Charged by A Grand Jury in New York with Serving as A Spy for The South Korean Government in Exchange for Money, Designer Items, Travel Bags, and Elaborate Meals.

Sue Mi Terry, a Former Senior Officer in The White House National Security Council, Is Charged with Two Charges of Conspiracy to Violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act and Failing to Register as A Foreign Agent.

Court Filings Made Public in The Southern District of New York on Tuesday Reveal that Ms. Terry, a Well-Known Us Authority on North Korea, Served as An Agent for The South Korean Government for More than Ten Years without Registering as A Foreign Agent with Us Authorities.
 

According to A Representative Who Talked to Us Media, Ms. Terry Has Been Placed on Unpaid Leave by The Council on Foreign Relations, a Think Group Where She Serves as A Senior Fellow on Asia. Her Biography Has Also Been Taken Down from The Organization's Website.

Ms. Terry, 54, Is Accused of Being "unfounded" in The Accusations, According to Her Lawyer Lee Wolosky, Who Also Stated that She Denies the Charges.

According to Mr. Wolosky, the Accusations "distort the Work of A Scholar and News Analyst Known for Her Independence and Years of Service to The United States". "in Fact, She Was a Harsh Critic of The South Korean Government During Times This Indictment Alleges that She Was Acting on Its Behalf."

According to Ms. Terry's Former Employment at Columbia University, She Was Born in South Korea and Immigrated to The Us at The Age of Twelve.

She Graduated with A Doctorate in 2001 from Tufts University's Renowned Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, a Prestigious International Relations Institution in Massachusetts. Her Lectures in Korean and English Are Well-Known.

After Serving in A Number of Federal Government Positions, Including Director for Korea, Japan, and Oceanic Affairs at The National Security Council Under the George W. Bush and Barack Obama Administrations, Ms. Terry, 54, Continued Her Career as A Senior Analyst for The Cia from 2001 to 2008.

According to The Prosecution, Ms. Terry Quit Working for The Cia and The National Security Council in 2013, Which Is Roughly Five Years Ago. at That Point, She Started Acting as An Agent for The South Korean Government.

According to The 31-Page Complaint, Ms. Terry Acknowledged Being a “source” for South Korea’s National Intelligence Service to Fbi Investigators During a Voluntary Interview in 2023.

The Indictment Claims that Ms. Terry Received Gifts from The South Korean Government Including a $3,450 Louis Vuitton Handbag, a $2,845 (£2,100) Dolce & Gabbana Coat, and Dinners at Posh Restaurants.

According to Officials, the Government Also Provided Her $37,000 and Devised a Scheme to Conceal the Monies' Source, Putting Them in A Gift Fund at The Think Group Where She Was Employed.

The indictment of Ms. Terry was only made one day after Democratic Senator Robert Menendez was found guilty of providing assistance to foreign governments in exchange for opulent gifts like gold bars and a Mercedes.

 

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has launched an investigation into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and nine other individuals on allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity. These charges relate to the period from July 15 to August 5, during which a significant student-led movement took place against Hasina’s government.

On August 14, 2024, a formal complaint was filed with the Tribunal's investigative body by Bulbul Kabir, the father of Arif Ahmed Siam, a Class IX student who died during the protests. The complaint accuses Hasina, Awami League General Secretary and former Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and other key figures within the Awami League of orchestrating a violent crackdown on the protestors, leading to numerous casualties and severe human rights violations.

The Tribunal began its investigation on the night of August 14, according to Gazi M.H. Tamim, the lawyer representing the complainant, as reported by The Dhaka Tribune.

The charges against Hasina and her associates come at a time when the interim government has announced that killings occurring between July 1 and August 5 will be prosecuted by the International Crimes Tribunal.

In addition to these allegations, on August 14, 2024, a separate case of enforced disappearance was filed against Hasina and several of her former cabinet members, accusing them of abducting a lawyer in 2015. Another murder case was filed on August 13, 2024, implicating Hasina and six others in the death of a grocery shop owner during the violent clashes that contributed to the downfall of her government.

On August 15, 2024, a Dhaka court instructed police to submit a report by September 15 regarding the investigation into the death of Abu Saeed, the grocery shop owner, who was killed by police gunfire during quota reform protests in Mohammadpur on July 19.

The student-led protests, initially focused on demanding changes to government job quotas, escalated into a broader movement that ultimately led to the fall of the Hasina government in early August. The violence that ensued during this period resulted in over 230 deaths, bringing the total death toll to 560 over three weeks of unrest.

Following Hasina’s resignation, a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was established, with a commitment to pursue administrative and political reforms and ensure accountability for the violence.