US President Joe Biden Urges Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Take Measurable Actions to Mitigate Civilian Casualties and Ensure the Safety of Aid Workers

In a phone conversation on Thursday, US President Joe Biden expressed strong disapproval of the strikes targeting humanitarian workers and the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, deeming them as “unacceptable.” Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take decisive and measurable actions to mitigate civilian casualties and ensure the safety of aid workers.

According to a readout of Biden’s call with Netanyahu, the US President made it clear that the US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by their assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps. Biden also emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians. He urged Netanyahu to empower his negotiators to quickly reach a settlement to bring the hostages home.

The two leaders also discussed public Iranian threats against Israel and the Israeli people. Biden made it clear that the United States strongly supports Israel in the face of those threats.

According to Israeli estimates, 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. In Gaza, the health ministry, which is run by Hamas, has said that over 33,000 Palestinians have passed away, most of whom were women and children. Israel has been accusing Hamas of utilizing civilians as human shields.

Israel has taken responsibility for the attack, and the deaths of the World Central Kitchen aid workers, and has called it a “grave mistake.” This attack on aid workers by Israel has sparked outrage from world leaders. Netanyahu said that Israeli forces had “unintentionally struck innocent people in the Gaza Strip.” World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated the convoy’s movements with the Israeli military

Live updates on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is presently incarcerated in Tihar Jail in the national capital until April 15. His judicial custody was extended by the Rouse Avenue court in Delhi on April 1. The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest, with the court seeking the Enforcement Directorate’s response on the matter today.

The Enforcement Directorate, on Tuesday, informed the Delhi High Court that Kejriwal was the “kingpin” and “key conspirator” in the “excise scam,” asserting that there were grounds to believe, based on available evidence, that he was involved in money laundering.

Recent developments include:

– On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court entertained Kejriwal’s petition contesting his arrest in the Delhi excise policy case, with Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma presiding over the bench.

– Senior advocate AM Singhvi represented Kejriwal, while ASG SV Raju appeared for the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Singhvi argued that the timing of the arrest suggested “unconstitutional actions” without sufficient evidence under Section 50 of the PMLA.

– Kejriwal was apprehended by the ED on March 21, marking the fourth arrest of an Aam Aadmi Party leader in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case.

– In a significant turn, the Supreme Court granted bail to AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Tuesday in a money laundering case linked to irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. This decision followed the ED’s choice not to contest Singh’s bail plea.

Allegations surfaced today from Atishi, a Delhi minister, claiming that four more senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are slated for arrest within the next two months, as part of what she alleges is the BJP’s concerted effort to suppress AAP by utilizing central agencies. Atishi accused the BJP of attempting to coerce her, along with Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, AAP MP Raghav Chadha, and party MLA Durgesh Pathak, into joining their ranks, threatening arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) if they refuse.

According to Atishi, a BJP representative approached her with the offer, stating that the BJP’s intention is to dismantle AAP’s leadership by imprisoning its key members. She cited previous arrests, including those of Satyendra Jain, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and even Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, as evidence of this alleged strategy. Atishi disclosed that she had received information suggesting potential raids by the ED on her and her relatives’ residences in the near future, but vowed resilience, asserting their commitment to Kejriwal’s cause.

Atishi also referenced statements made by Arvind Kejriwal to the ED implicating herself and Bharadwaj, suggesting that these agencies might be targeting the next tier of AAP leadership. In response, the BJP dismissed Atishi’s claims as groundless and suggested internal strife within AAP, implying a power struggle between factions led by Sunita and Arvind Kejriwal, and Bharadwaj and Atishi.

These allegations and counter-claims mark the latest exchange in the ongoing tensions between AAP and BJP following Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with a money laundering case related to Delhi’s former liquor policy. Kejriwal has been remanded in judicial custody until April 15 and transferred to Delhi’s Tihar jail, with the ED alleging non-cooperation in their investigation.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of the Opposition regarding the Katchatheevu island controversy. He highlighted that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, expressed a willingness to give away the island to Sri Lanka. The issue resurfaced after Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai obtained information through an RTI request regarding the 1974 pact under the Indira Gandhi government, which accepted the island as Sri Lankan territory.

Dr. Jaishankar referenced former External Affairs Minister Swaran Singh’s 1974 parliamentary address, emphasizing the assurance given at the time. However, he noted that by 1976, a subsequent agreement was reached, effectively relinquishing India’s fishing rights around the island. He highlighted the adverse consequences, including the detention of Indian fishermen and the seizure of fishing vessels by Sri Lankan authorities over the years.

The External Affairs Minister emphasized the persistence of the Katchatheevu issue in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, with continuous efforts by various parties to address it. He criticized the Congress and DMK for their handling of the matter, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities. Dr. Jaishankar outlined India’s historical claim to the island and the subsequent agreements that led to the loss of fishing rights.

Quoting statements from Nehru and Indira Gandhi expressing indifference towards the island, Dr. Jaishankar portrayed a dismissive attitude from the Congress towards Katchatheevu. Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments, condemning the Congress for its role in relinquishing the island and accusing the DMK of inaction.

In response, Congress’s Manickam Tagore dismissed the BJP’s accusations as a diversionary tactic, arguing that the decision to cede the island was made to protect Tamil interests. DMK’s A Saravanan criticized the BJP for raising the issue, attributing it to their apprehension of electoral losses in Tamil Nadu.

Today, Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan is abuzz with the INDIA bloc’s “Loktantra Bachao (Save Democracy)” rally, marking a significant moment as the Opposition unites on a common platform following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This rally not only symbolizes a display of opposition strength but also serves as a litmus test for their ability to present a unified front and rally behind a cause. Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Arvind Kejriwal, will convey the CM’s message from Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody.

Addressing concerns at the Constitution Club, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, likening his actions to those of a dictator who suppresses democracy. Rahul Gandhi echoed similar sentiments during his recent address, emphasizing the significance of the rally. He denounced the PM’s alleged attempts to stifle democracy, suggesting that the country is being governed not by a legitimate government but by a “criminal gang”.

Among the notable attendees are Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sunita Kejriwal, Kalpana Soren (wife of Soren), and Farooq Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference, along with other senior Congress leaders.

New Delhi: Following India’s summoning of an American diplomat over their comments regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case, the US reiterated its stance on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for “fair, transparent, timely legal processes.”

In response to questions about India’s summoning of Gloria Berbena, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We continue to closely monitor these developments, including the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.”

The meeting at the foreign ministry’s South Block office, lasting nearly 40 minutes, saw India expressing strong objection to the US remarks concerning Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest. Miller also addressed queries regarding the frozen bank accounts of the Congress party, stating, “We are also aware of the Congress party’s allegations regarding tax authorities freezing some of their bank accounts in a manner that may hinder effective campaigning in the upcoming elections.” He reiterated the US stance, advocating for “fair, transparent, and timely legal processes” for all such issues.

Regarding diplomatic conversations, Miller refrained from disclosing details but reiterated the public stance, saying, “We encourage fair, transparent, timely legal processes. We believe nobody should object to that.”

Mr. Kejriwal’s recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) marked the third instance of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, after Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, being taken into custody in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.

On Tuesday, the US State Department had expressed its monitoring of Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest and urged New Delhi to ensure “a fair and timely legal process” for the detained Chief Minister.

India responded critically, cautioning against “unhealthy precedents” and emphasizing respect for sovereignty and internal affairs, particularly among fellow democracies.

The US comments followed similar remarks from Germany’s Foreign Office, which had emphasized Mr. Kejriwal’s entitlement to a fair and impartial trial. In response, the Indian government summoned the German envoy, denouncing their statement as “blatant interference in internal matters.”

The excise policy, aimed at reforming the liquor business in Delhi, was scrapped after a probe was ordered into alleged irregularities by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The ED alleges that bribe money from the policy was used to fund AAP’s election campaigns, referring to Mr. Kejriwal as a “conspirator” in the case.

Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest, just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, has sparked protests from the opposition.

The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) made a surprising move on Wednesday by announcing candidates for 17 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, with one unexpected inclusion – Sangli.

This particular seat in Maharashtra has been
a focal point of discussions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), with both the Congress and Sena UBT laying claim to it. If Thackeray doesn’t retract his candidate, it could lead to a friendly contest, where the two parties would maintain their alliance in the rest of the state but compete separately in Sangli.

The contention revolves around two potential candidates: Chandrahar Patil backed by Sena UBT, and Vishal Patil, supported by the Congress. From the onset of negotiations, both parties have insisted on the Sangli seat.

Sena UBT argues that if they are conceding the Kolhapur seat to the Congress, the Congress should reciprocate by relinquishing the Sangli seat. Thackeray had previously assured a ticket to wrestler Chandrahar Patil, a commitment reaffirmed with his inclusion in the initial candidate list unveiled on Wednesday. However, this decision has sparked discontent among Congress leaders in the state.

Congress state president Nana Patole and senior leader Balasaheb Thorat have expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing that the announcement of candidates for Sangli and Mumbai South Central disregards ongoing discussions within the alliance. They urge Sena UBT to reconsider, highlighting the importance of maintaining alliance protocols.

Meanwhile, Vishwajeet Kadam, an MLA from Sangli district and former state minister, has led a delegation to Delhi to consult the party’s central leadership on the matter. Kadam is expected to provide insights into the political landscape of Sangli, advocating for Congress’s claim over the seat.

Sangli has historically been a stronghold of the Congress until 2014 when it was wrestled away by the BJP candidate. Despite efforts in 2019, the Congress faced defeat again, with the BJP retaining the seat. Vishal Patil, grandson of former Maharashtra CM Vasantdada Patil, had contested but lost to the BJP candidate.

The absence of Congress leaders at recent rallies and meetings within the MVA, including a significant encounter between Sharad Pawar and Thackeray, hints at underlying tensions within the coalition. These developments underscore the delicate balancing act required to uphold the alliance’s unity amidst competing interests.

The Delhi High Court is set to consider Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s petition challenging his detention and custody by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the excise policy case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma will preside over the hearing. Currently, Kejriwal remains in ED custody until March 28, subsequent to his arrest by the central agency regarding the Delhi excise policy case.

Despite his detainment, Kejriwal, as promised, continues to manage governmental affairs. Recently, he issued directives ensuring the availability of medicines and necessary tests at all government hospitals and Mohalla Clinics, as conveyed by the city’s health minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj. This proactive approach underscores Kejriwal’s ongoing concern for the welfare of Delhi’s residents, despite his legal predicament, according to the minister.

The case revolves around alleged irregularities and money laundering associated with the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy in 2022, which was subsequently annulled. Kejriwal is the third prominent AAP figure to face arrest in connection with this case, following Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh.

Previously, Sisodia, who served as Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister at the time, was apprehended by the CBI on February 26 of the preceding year, after extensive questioning. He was later taken into custody by the ED concerning a separate money laundering investigation. Additionally, on October 5 of the same year, the ED arrested Sanjay Singh, a sitting Rajya Sabha MP, in connection with the same case.