Israel plans.... to block return of
Palestinians to Jenin, Tulkarm,
Nur Shams camps: Report
August 27, 5:30pm
(PressTV)
Israel plans to bar tens of thousands of Palestinians displaced from
3 refugee camps in the northern West Bank from returning, while
maintaining a military presence in the devastated areas,
according to a report.
The Israeli army told the regime’s so-called Supreme Court, that
Palestinians displaced from the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams
refugee camps would not be permitted to return, Israeli
newspaper Haaretz reported on Thursday.
The army said it intends to maintain its presence in the camps,
claiming this is necessary to preserve what it describes as
“operational and security control.”
Israeli forces have also carried out extensive demolition
and engineering work in the camps, including widening
roads and opening new routes for military vehicles,
Haaretz reported.
The measures come after tens of thousands of Palestinians
were displaced from the three camps during Israel’s large-
scale military onslaught in the northern West Bank.
Palestinian residents and aid organizations have described
the evacuations as abrupt and deeply disruptive, leaving
families dependent on limited humanitarian assistance.
The widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, has
further undermined living conditions in the camps, making it
increasingly difficult for displaced residents to return... or
remain there.
The developments come amid a broader Israeli campaign in
the northern West Bank involving raids, demolitions and
restrictions on Palestinian movement.
Human Rights Watch has described Israel’s forced displacement of
Palestinians and destruction of their property in the West Bank as
serious violations of humanitarian and international law.
Since October 7, 2023, when the regime launched its genocidal
assault on Gaza, the Israeli army and settlers have killed 1,183
Palestinians, and wounded 12,635 in the Occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlement leaders call for starvation in Gaza
Heads of several Israeli settlement councils toured Gaza on
Wednesday alongside senior military commanders, calling
for tighter restrictions on Palestinians in the besieged
Palestinian territory.
Israeli media quoted Alon Davidi, mayor of Sderot in the occupied
western Negev, as saying after the tour, “The solution here is to
keep striking [Palestinians] all the time, and we must consider
the yellow line as a starting point.”
Davidi further called for continued attacks on Palestinians and
explicitly advocated restricting food supplies, saying, “This is
the only way to win, even if we have to apply pressure by
preventing food from entering.”
Meanwhile, Athena Rayburn, the Executive Director of the
Association of International Development Agencies, told
a UN panel on Wednesday that aid restrictions in Gaza
remained severe.
Rayburn warned that US President Donald Trump’s so-called
Board of Peace was failing to protect Palestinian civilians
from Israeli attacks.
“This is not success. Any reported improvements
do not dilute the responsibility that still sits in
this room,” Rayburn said.
She stressed that children who escape starvation can
still be killed by Israeli soldiers and said that Gaza
remained in an extremely dangerous situation.
Rayburn also highlighted restrictions on medical supplies,
revealing that wheelchairs and crutches, had repeatedly
been rejected by the Israeli regime as “dual-use” items.
Restrictions on engine oil had pushed its price up by 45 percent,
while watermelons and onions had also been rejected under
an undisclosed “humanitarian policy,” She added.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli regime has killed at least 73,438
Palestinians and wounded another 174,447 in Gaza, most of
them women and children.
__________________________________
Iran vows response --- if US moves
to seize its oil at sea: Nour News
August 27, 1:20pm
(Al Mayadeen English)
Senior Iranian security official warns of swift retaliation
if Washington seizes Iranian oil tankers and cargoes
under "prize courts".
Iran will respond swiftly and decisively to any US attempt
to revive a mechanism known as “prize courts” to detain
oil tankers and seize Iranian oil shipments, a senior
Iranian security official stated on Thursday.
According to Nournews, the official said that if Washington
uses the mechanism to detain Iranian oil tankers and
confiscate their cargoes, the Islamic Republic of
Iran would take “serious and swift measures”
to impose reciprocal costs on US interests
in the Gulf.
“If America is going to detain Iranian oil at sea --- and then
confiscate it under the title of war prize, it must also be
prepared to expose US interests --- to corresponding
retaliatory measures,” the official warned.
The official said US interests in shipping, energy, insurance,
finance, and Gulf-related infrastructure would not be
insulated from the consequences of such action.
He added that companies and institutions involved in owning,
financing, insuring, or operating US interests in the region
have been identified and are being monitored.
Iran warns against escalation in Gulf
The official further stressed that Iran does not seek to harm
regional trade or disrupt the activities of neutral states, but
cautioned that this should not be mistaken for an inability
to respond.
“If the Americans believe they can take advantage of the
complexities of the maritime navigation network and
intermediary companies to avoid bearing the
consequences of their actions at the
hands of Iran, they are ..mistaken
in this belief,” the official said.
He added that, if necessary, Iran would establish a
proportionate response for each level of US action.
“Beginning the organized detention and confiscation of Iranian oil
will mean the beginning of a two-way process,” the official said,
warning that “America cannot grant itself the right to
confiscate ...while simultaneously expecting its
interests in the Gulf to remain immune from
any reciprocal response.”
The official stressed that the final decision on the nature and scale
of any Iranian response would depend on the conduct of the other
side. However, he warned that if Washington escalates its
economic and maritime confrontation with Tehran,
Iran also possesses the means to increase
the cost of such a policy.
US reportedly weighs revival of 'prize courts'
The warning follows reports by US media on Wednesday evening
that the US Department of Justice is working to revive “prize
courts,” an old mechanism that could allow Iranian oil
tankers to be detained and their oil and other
confiscated cargoes converted into
US-owned assets.
According to Nournews, the seized cargoes could subsequently
be sold, with the proceeds transferred to the US Treasury.
The reported move comes amid the economic war Washington
waged against Tehran .....amid its inability to achieve its
so-called objectives militarily.
In a letter to UN Chief Antonio Guterres, Iranian Foreign Minister
Abbas Araghchi accused the US of waging an "economic
terrorism" campaign against Iran, using secondary
sanctions --- to pressure other governments into
cutting legitimate economic ties with Tehran.
Source: Nour News
______________________________________________________________
US Navy set to punish sailor
who attempted suicide......
amid USS Lincoln scandal
August 27, 11:14am
(PressTV)
A US Navy sailor who jumped off the USS Abraham Lincoln amid
harsh conditions has been charged with disciplinary action,
sparking sharp reactions from his family and advocates.
The sailor, who jumped overboard in what his wife described as
an attempt to end his life, is now facing disciplinary charges,
according to media reports published on Thursday.
He is accused of malingering, pretending to be ill, and absence
without leave for jumping off the ship. His salary could be cut
as part of the punishment.
The sailor's family has voiced anger - at US President Donald
Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the military's
mistreatment of mentally ill service members, in particular,
and all US servicemen in general.
Families of sailors aboard the Lincoln have denounced Trump
and Hegseth for failing to care for the well-being of the crew.
The sailor's wife has condemned the charges, arguing that
someone experiencing a mental health crisis needs help,
not punishment.
She told CNN that her husband is facing non-judicial
punishment for violating articles of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
The sailor's father told CNN about his son's jump and the
mental health issues that emerged during the ship's
eight-month deployment supporting US operations
during the war of aggression against Iran.
He cited the record duration of the mission, extreme heat, high
humidity, and shortages of essential supplies - as key factors
damaging the health of those aboard.
The controversy comes after Lincoln's deployment was repeatedly
extended to a record length during the US war on Iran, raising
concerns over crew fatigue, prolonged time at sea, and
deteriorating conditions caused by extreme weather
and shortages of essential needs.
The sailor jumped overboard on August 3. He was evacuated from
the ship to Naval Base San Diego ten days later. His first therapy
appointment came on August 26.
Since then, the USS George Washington has replaced the Lincoln,
which is reportedly heading back to Naval Base San Diego, the
principal homeport of the US Pacific Fleet.
According to charging documents reviewed by MS NOW, the sailor
has been accused of violating Article 83 for "malingering",
defined as a service member -- "intentionally faking an
illness or hurting themselves -- to avoid work, duty or
service", and Article 86 for "absence without leave."
"I think they're insane for doing this to people who need mental
help," the wife told MS NOW. "Instead of giving them help, this
is just another huge stressor."
The couple, both 19, share a 3½-year-old son and welcomed
a daughter in February while the sailor was deployed. His
wife said he repeatedly requested paternity leave and
was denied each time.
Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes managers, and
reporter for exposing Abraham Lincoln scandal
The Pentagon fires the editor-in-chief, publisher, and
a top reporter of the Stars & Stripes newspaper
on Friday, over “insubordination.”
_________________________________________
Pakistan rejects unilateral US sanctions
against Iran, pledges continued trade
with Tehran
August 27, 10:13am
(PressTV)
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to bilateral trade with Iran
in accordance with international law, saying it will not abide by
unilateral US sanctions against Tehran.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi made the
remarks during his weekly press briefing in Islamabad on
Thursday, while responding to IRNA about the US
economic war against Iran.
Pakistan has consistently rejected unilateral measures
and does not accept unilateral sanctions, he said.
He added that such sanctions have negative consequences, and
Pakistan does not recognize them under international law.
The spokesman described the economic war against Iran as part of
a broader conflict between Tehran and Washington, stressing the
importance of solving issues through diplomacy and dialogue.
Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s serious determination and commitment
to continue trade with Iran ---- in accordance with the agreements
between the two countries.
The Pakistani diplomat’s remarks came after the United States on
Monday unveiled its new wave of illegal sanctions against Iran
under the so-called “Operation Economic Outcast,”
threatening secondary penalties.... against any
country or entity maintaining trade ties with
Tehran - in a failed attempt to achieve
through economic coercion... what
its military aggression couldn't.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new
"economic terrorism" campaign, absurdly comparing it
to the D-Day Normandy landings of World War II.
Bessent claimed the measures target Iran’s financial
networks worldwide and warned that no partner is
beyond Washington’s reach.
He said the Trump administration has identified entities
dealing with Iran and will impose deadlines for them
to cut ties ---------- or face exclusion from the US
dollar system. (Boo hoo!)
China - rejects US threats of 'illegal, unilateral
sanctions' against countries trading with Iran
China says its cooperation with Iran is conducted in
accordance with international law and should not
be disrupted.
Meanwhile, China -- has also opposed US threats of
sanctions against any countries trading with Iran,
saying Beijing's cooperation with Tehran ----- is
conducted in accordance with international
law, and should not be disrupted.
Pakistan confident of constructive
outcome ------ on Hormuz Strait
Asked about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and regional
efforts to help resolve issues pertaining to the strategic
waterway, Andrabi said Islamabad is confident, that
ongoing bids will soon yield constructive results.
He, however, noted that a resolution ultimately depends on Iran
and the US ....as the ''two sides'' involved in the negotiations.
Iran restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz in response to
the illegal US-Israeli aggression on the country that began on
February 28 and came to a halt under a ceasefire on April 8.
The US attempted to undermine Iran’s sovereignty over the vital
global energy chokepoint by establishing an unsafe corridor
near the Omani shores.
The US also resumed its aerial assaults on Iran and imposed a naval
blockade of the country in violation of the war-ending deal despite
a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding (MoU)
signed between the two sides on June 17
The unlawful US measures prompted Iran to declare
the Strait of Hormuz ------- closed to all traffic.
The Islamic Republic has stressed that the reopening of the
critical waterway depends on US compliance with its
obligations under the MoU.
Pakistan ---- rejects claims about
Munir’s Tehran visit as US envoy
The spokesman also rejected media speculation about the
nature of a visit by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and
Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir,
to Tehran on Monday, saying the trip took place
within the framework of bilateral relations
and regional peace diplomacy.
Andrabi dismissed claims that the Pakistani army chief
had traveled to Iran as an envoy of US President
Donald Trump, calling such speculation....
incorrect.
He noted that Munir held highly constructive talks with senior
Iranian officials in Tehran, emphasizing that the visit showed
Islamabad’s strong commitment ---- to help find a way out of
the regional crisis.
He added that Pakistan continues its contact with its brotherly
countries and partners, asserting that all of his country’s
efforts are focused on resolving the Iran-US deadlock
and advancing diplomacy for peace.
_____________________________________________
Iran proposes ----- ‘mutual security, non-
aggression pact’ among Muslim states
August 27, 9:29am
(PressTV)
Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has proposed a “mutual
security and non-aggression pact” among Muslim countries, to
safeguard regional security amid US-Israeli acts of aggression.
Pezeshkian made the remarks on Thursday in an address to the
40th International Conference on Islamic Unity that kicked off
in Tehran, where he outlined 3 proposals for strengthening
unity among Islamic nations.
“The first [proposal] is a mutual security and non-aggression pact
among Muslim countries, under which they commit to respecting
one another’s territorial integrity,” he said.
“They should not allow their territory, airspace, or facilities.. to be
used to attack another Muslim country. They should not support
efforts to divide or destabilize one another, nor define their own
security at the cost of others' security. Instead, they should
work together to manage regional security.”
The Iranian chief executive also clarified that his offer does not
mean the formation of a military alliance or the adoption of
the same foreign policy among Islamic states.
He further said that his second proposal is to establish a
permanent mechanism for mediation and conflict
prevention in the Muslim world.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), he added,
should be able to intervene before disputes escalate
into war, rather than simply issue statements
after thousands of people are killed.
Meanwhile, Pezeshkian laid out his third proposal that includes
the "transformation of the Muslim world from a collection of
separate markets into a network of genuine cooperation."
In such an environment, Muslim scientists can work together
on joint projects in different fields and investment from
Islamic countries, is directed toward development
and technology within the Muslim world itself,
he emphasized.
Additionally, the president hailed Iran’s national unity during
the difficult time of the US-Israeli war of aggression as a
“tremendous asset,” saying Iranians came to defend
their country when they saw its existence and
territorial integrity under threat.
Iran was attacked - at a time when it had resumed negotiations
with the US, he said, stressing. “We did not start the war, but
we stood firmly against this aggression.”
“Defending Iran - does not mean being hostile toward Muslim
and neighbouring nations. No Muslim country should allow
its territory to be used as a platform for aggression
against another Muslim country, and no Muslim
country should seek its own security at the
expense of its neighbour’s security,”
he went on to say.
Islamic Unity Conference opens in Tehran;
senior cleric calls Iran-only view of US-
Israeli hostility..... ‘simplistic’.
The US and Israel launched their illegal war of aggression
against Iran on February 28 - by assassinating Leader of
the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,
along with senior military commanders.
Forty days later, on April 8, the enemies were forced to accept
a ceasefire --- amid Iran’s resistance, successful retaliatory
operations, and a powerful grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
In July, the US conducted waves of deadly air raids on Iran and
imposed a naval blockade of the country in violation of the
Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Islamic Republic, signed on June 17, to end the war.
In response, the Iranian armed forces launched devastating strikes
against strategic US targets across West Asia and declared the
Strait of Hormuz ---- closed to all traffic.