France crackdown on muslims
A French politician has denounced the government’s planned ban on the wearing of abaya dresses by Muslim girls in school, describing it as policing of clothing. The remarks were made by Clementine Autain, a member of France’s left-wing opposition Unbowed party. This, after French education minister Gabriel Attal said the garment violated the country’s strict secular laws in education. Autain slammed Attal's announcement as unconstitutional, saying it was symptomatic of the French government's obsessive rejection of Muslims. The ban is being pushed by the right and far-right figures, while the leftist politicians say it encroaches on civil liberties. Muslim girls in French schools are also banned from wearing the Islamic headscarf.
Rejecting Israel normalization
Libya’s Government of National Unity has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush pending an investigation. This, after reports said Mangoush had met with Israel’s foreign minister Eli Cohen in Italy last week. Libya’s Foreign Ministry said Mangoush had rejected a meeting with Cohen and what happened was a casual encounter. The ministry added that the interaction did not include any discussions, agreements or consultations. It also reiterated Libya’s rejection of any normalization with Israel, reaffirming the country’s support for the Palestinian cause. Libya’s High State Council has voiced its surprise at the reports, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. News of the meeting sparked protests in several Libyan cities. Protests erupted Sunday evening on the streets of Tripoli and its suburbs in a sign of refusal of normalization with Israel. In the northwestern city of Zawiya, young people set Israeli flags on fire and waved the Palestinian flag.
Hamas warning
Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has warned Israel against targeting its leaders, pledging a crushing response to any foolish act by the regime. Senior Hamas official Ismail Radwan issued the warning in response to a threat by the Israeli prime minister. On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to assassinate the deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, Saleh al-Aruri. The movement also issued a separate statement, describing Netanyahu’s threat as EMPTY remarks that will not intimidate the resistance. Hamas reaffirmed steadfastness of Palestinian people and the resistance leaders in their fight against the Israeli occupation. It said the resistance against Israel will continue until Palestinians achieve all their rights and liberate al-Quds and al-Aqsa Mosque.