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GLOBAL OUTCRY AS ISRAEL MOVES TO TAKE CONTROL OF GAZA CITY Saturday, 9 August, 2025 | 14 Safar, 1447
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HAMAS CONDEMNS PLAN TO EXPAND FIGHTING AS A ‘NEW WAR CRIME’
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CLOSE ALLY GERMANY TAKES UNPRECEDENTED STEP OF HALTING CERTAIN MILITARY EXPORTS TO ISRAEL
SAUDI ARABIA REJECTS GAZA CITY TAKEOVER PLAN, CALLING IT ‘STARVATION’ AND ‘ETHNIC CLEANSING’ OF PALESTINIANS
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 32 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
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Israel’s expansionist actions threat to regional peace: FO
TEL AVIV
ISLAMABAD
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SRAEL’s military will “take control” of Gaza City under a new plan approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, drawing swift criticism from inside the country and abroad. Nearly two years into the Gaza war, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to secure a truce that would ease famine conditions for the territory’s more than two million people and free hostages held by Palestinian militants. Hamas condemned the plan to expand fighting as a “new war crime,” while close ally Germany took the unprecedented step of halting certain military exports to Israel over concerns they could be used in Gaza. Under the approved strategy to “defeat” Hamas, the Israeli army “will prepare to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside combat zones,” Netanyahu’s office said. Before the decision, Netanyahu told US network Fox News that Israel wanted a “security perimeter” in Gaza but did not intend to govern it, preferring to hand control to “Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us.” Netanyahu’s office said the cabinet adopted “five principles,” including the territory’s demilitarisation and creation of an alternative civil administration “neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.” Domestic reactions Opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the plan as “a disaster that will lead to many other disasters,” warning it could endanger hostages and cost Israel diplomatically and financially. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum accused the government of “abandoning” captives.
OPPOSITION LEADER YAIR LAPID DENOUNCES PLAN AS ‘A DISASTER THAT WILL LEAD TO MANY OTHER DISASTERS’
staff report
Some Israelis backed the move. “As they take control of Gaza, they will eliminate Hamas completely — maybe not completely, but at least a good percentage,” said Chaim Klein, a 26-year-old yeshiva student. On the ground The Israeli army says it controls 75% of the Gaza Strip, mostly along the border. Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s 2023 attack, 49 remain in Gaza — including 27 confirmed dead. Gaza residents fear renewed fighting. “They tell us to go south, then back north, and now south again. We are human beings, but no one hears us,” said Maysa al-Shanti, a 52-year-old mother of six. International agencies warn of worsening famine. The UN says Gaza needs at least 600 trucks of aid daily; current deliveries average 70–80. The WHO reports at least 99 deaths from malnutrition this year, likely an undercount. The Hamas-run health ministry says Israel’s offensive has killed at least 61,258 Palestinians since 2023. The 2023 Hamas attack on Israel killed 1,219 people,
according to official figures. Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli plan Saudi Arabia rejected Israel’s Gaza City takeover plan, calling it “starvation” and “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians.
Pakistan on Friday once again condemned Israel’s aggressive and expansionist policies, stating that they will escalate tensions in the region. “Israel’s actions, including the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its expansionist tactics, are a clear violation of international law and pose a grave threat to regional peace,” Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said, emphasising that these actions undermine regional peace and are in violation of international law. He reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to a peaceful and just resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in line with United
Nations Security Council resolutions. Addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Khan expressed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly in light of the recent Israeli military aggression. During the visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari condemned Israeli aggression and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Palestine. The Iranian President thanked Pakistan for its consistent stance against Israeli aggression and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in highlighting the Palestinian cause on international platforms. Furthermore, the Iranian President met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral trade ties. The Iranian President’s visit was a testament to the growing diplomatic collaboration between the two nations, with a shared focus on regional peace and stability.
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PM Shehbaz slams Israeli cabinet’s Gaza takeover plan ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday blasted the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a plan to occupy Gaza City as a “dangerous escalation.” Earlier in the day, Israel’s political-security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, nearly two years into its invasion of the Palestinian territory. The approval came hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel intended to take military control of the entire strip, American news agency Reuters reported.
“We strongly condemn the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a plan to take illegal and illegitimate control of Gaza City. This tantamounts to a dangerous escalation in an already catastrophic war against the people of Palestine,” the prime minister said in a post on X. He added that the expansion of military operations will only worsen the already existing humanitarian crisis and derail any prospect for peace in the region. “We must not lose sight of the root cause of this ongoing tragedy: that is, Israel’s prolonged, illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. As long as this occupation endures,
peace will remain elusive,” the premier added. “Pakistan reiterates its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in line with relevant UN and OIC resolutions.” PM Shehbaz called upon the international community to intervene urgently to bring an immediate halt to Israel’s unwarranted aggression, ensure the protection of innocent civilians, and ensure the direly needed delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
Pakistan phasing out US-made Cobras for China’s Z-10ME gunships BEIJING
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Pakistan is moving forward with a major shift in its military aviation strategy by phasing out its decades-old U.S.-made AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters in favor of China’s advanced Z-10ME gunships. This transition marks a significant change in Pakistan’s defense capabilities and its growing defense ties with China. The decision comes after several attempts to modernize Pakistan’s helicopter fleet with U.S. AH-1Z Vipers and Turkey’s T-129 helicopters failed due to sanctions and logistical issues. With the induction of the Z-10ME, Pakistan aims to modernize its attack helicopter fleet to improve its defense preparedness. The Z-10ME, an export-oriented ver-
sion of China’s Z-10 attack helicopter, was first showcased at the 2016 Zhuhai Airshow and later revealed in full form in 2018. As part of the deal signed in 2021, Pakistan is set to receive at least 30 Z10ME helicopters, with deliveries already underway since 2023. Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, confirmed that China is committed to sharing its defense technology with friendly nations like Pakistan. He emphasized that China-Pakistan defense cooperation is aimed at maintaining regional and international security and stability, rather than targeting any third party. This development represents a key milestone in the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, as both nations continue to enhance their defense and security collaboration.
Bilawal calls on PM Shehbaz, discusses political situation ISLAMABAD
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‘Another Setback’: Three PTI MNAs removed from key parliamentary posts ISLAMABAD
staff report
The National Assembly (NA) secretariat removed on Friday three Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders from key parliamentary posts following the disqualification of several party lawmakers. Omar Ayub was stripped of the position of opposition leader, while Zartaj
Gul lost her role as parliamentary leader, and Ahmad Chattha was removed as deputy parliamentary leader. A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad, earlier this month, sentenced top PTI leaders to up to 10 years in prison in cases pertaining to the May 9 protests. Opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, opposition leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul, MNA
Sahibzada Hamid Raza and former MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafiq were among the 108 PTI leaders convicted out of the 185 implicated in the cases, while 77 others were acquitted. The chamber allocated to the opposition leader was also taken back from the party. The speaker informed the House of the members’ disqualification under assembly rules. Consultations are under-
way between the opposition and the speaker for the appointment of a new opposition leader. PTI-backed independents will be required to submit new nominations for the posts of parliamentary leader and deputy parliamentary leader. Ayub was also delisted from the public accounts committee and finance committee. NA also withdrew memberships of 15 standing committees from seven lawmakers belonging to PTI, removing three senior leaders from key posts. Sahibzada Hamid Raza was stripped of the chairmanship of the standing committee on Human Rights, while Zartaj Gul lost her membership in the same committee.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday along with a delegation to discuss overall political situation of the country, Radio Pakistan reported. The meeting discussed the political and law and order situation in the country. Bilawal also discussed matters related to the power sharing between the PPP and the PML-N with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office. Bilawal Bhutto condoles with PM on death of his cousin Mian Shafi and prayers were also offered for the eternal peace of Mian Shafi. Senator Sherry Rehman and Member of National Assembly Aseefa Bhutto Zardari were also present with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Public Affairs Unit Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Member of National Assembly Saira Afzal Tarar, and Speaker of Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan were also present in the meeting.
33 ‘Indian-sponsored terrorists’ neutralized in Zhob operation: ISPR RAWALPINDI
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Security forces killed 33 terrorists of “Indian proxy Fitna al-Khwarij” attempting to infiltrate across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan’s Zhob on Friday, the military’s media wing said in a statement. In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “A large group of terrorists belonging to the “Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij” were trying to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border when they were detected by the security forces in the Sambaza area of Balochistan’s Zhob district on the night of August 7 and 8.” The statement added that the troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate, adding, “As a result of precise, bold and skillful engagement, thirty-three Indian-sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell.” A large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered, it added.
“The security forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation’s frontiers and to eradicate the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country,” the statement concluded. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praise security forces for foiling the infiltration bid of terrorists in Balochistan. President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces of Pakistan for the recent operation on the Pak-Afghan border in Zhob district. The president paid tribute to the Pak army over terminating 33 active terrorists under Indian funding in Zhob district. The president said that the courage, skills and timely action by the Pak army for the defense of the motherland are praiseworthy. The nation is proud of its brave army, which crushed the evil missions of the enemies. “Every attempt to invade Pakistan’s land
will face a befitting reply. Pakistan will terminate the Indian-supported terrorists, as the whole nation is standing with their armed forces and this war will continue till the complete end of terrorism,” PM Shehbaz said in a statement, paying tribute to the Pak army for stopping the terrorists and executing a successful operation. The prime minister said that the soldiers of the security forces risked their lives to counter the terrorist invasion and crushed their evil mission. In the war against terrorism, the whole nation is standing with its security forces. Mohsin Naqvi also expressed his gratitude towards the security forces for killing terrorists near the Pak-Afghan border. Naqvi said that the timely action of the Pakistan security forces killed 33 terrorists, and it is a great success for the security forces to have achieved by terminating the terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij to a terrible end. The Interior Minister also said that the fate of the terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij is
a terrible death, and we will not spare the terrorists and their supporters. I salute the security forces for crushing the evil plans of the terrorists. The nation takes these successful operations as a point of pride, and they are also proud of the professional skills and
courage of their security forces. The nation is standing with its security forces. Pakistan has been grappling with an alarming rise in terror activities, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.