International
Israel must end financial stranglehold on Occupied Territories: UN experts
Israel must end financial stranglehold on Occupied Territories: UN experts
NEW YORK: Israel’s attacks on Gaza and its broader financial control across the Occupied Territories have triggered a severe economic emergency, UN independent experts warned on Monday, calling for an immediate end to measures that are causing “catastrophic harm” to human rights.
“Economic life in Gaza has been decimated by sheer physical destruction, blockade and siege, and repeated forced displacement,” they said in a statement, citing widespread damage to commercial, agricultural and industrial infrastructure in the Palestinian enclave, with unemployment surging above 80 percent, a sharp contraction in gross domestic product, halted trade and endemic poverty. Famine has already been declared.
They said a liquidity crisis across Gaza has been exacerbated by the destruction of banks and ATMs, and Israel’s blocking of new currency inflows.
The scarcity of cash has triggered hyperinflation, with the price of cooking oil increasing by 1,200 percent and flour by 5,000 percent by mid-2025.
Humanitarian workers are losing nearly 40 percent of their salaries just to access cash, while digital payments are frequently disrupted by electricity and telecommunications outages.
“The disproportionate civilian harm caused by Israel’s blockade and siege violates international humanitarian law and the economic and social rights of Palestinians,” the experts said.
READ ALSO:
- Breaking: Tobi Amusan clinches silver at World Championships in Tokyo
- Guinness World Record confirms Hilda Baci’s largest-serving of Jollof Rice
- FCT resident doctors begin indefinite strike
They also highlighted how Israeli legislation restricting the UN Relief and Works Agency, and the US suspension of its funding, have jeopardized thousands of jobs and undermined humanitarian efforts amid Gaza’s economic collapse.
The financial pressure, they said, extends beyond Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, Israel has allegedly withheld and diverted tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority in violation of the Oslo Accords, disrupting salary payments and weakening liquidity.
“Israel has threatened not to renew the annual waiver of terrorist financing laws that allows Israeli banks to process transactions with Palestinian banks in November 2025,” the experts warned. “This would cut Palestinians off from the global financial system.”
They also noted the suspension of work permits for 100,000 Palestinian workers, eliminating a vital source of cash inflow that had accounted for nearly a quarter of gross national income.
“These measures exacerbate heavy economic losses from the illegal taking of land and the illegal exploitation of natural resources by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank,” the experts said.
They added that since 2023, purported counterterrorism measures have led to “unjustified de-risking” by international banks, resulting in account closures and blocked humanitarian transfers.
“Cumulatively, these measures seriously violate Israel’s obligations to guarantee the human rights to an adequate standard of living, work, food, water, sanitation, health, life, and freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,” the experts said.
They added that Israel, as an occupying power, is obligated under international law to sustain Palestinian economic life, not expropriate property or exploit natural resources.
The experts further emphasized that Israel’s economic restrictions impede the Palestinian people’s collective rights to economic self-determination, sovereignty over natural resources, and development.
READ ALSO:
- Abimbola Adebisi named spokesman for Lagos police command
- AFN replies Amusan, says sport kits not inferior
- Arab, Muslim leaders hold emergency talks after Israel’s Qatar attack
The economic rights of Palestinians have been affirmed by multiple international bodies, including the International Court of Justice and the UN General Assembly, most recently at the High-Level International Conference on Palestine in July, which was co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
The experts called on Israel to immediately lift the blockade and siege of civilians in Gaza, end violations of international humanitarian law, remove currency restrictions, restore cash flows, establish secure cash distribution systems and facilitate digital payments.
They added that Israel must also commit to the permanent renewal of the banking waiver in the West Bank and stop holding Palestinian tax revenues to ransom.
They also referred to the ICJ’s 2024 advisory opinion demanding an end to Israel’s “illegal occupation,” and noted that the UNGA has set a deadline of September, 17, 2025, for Israel to comply.
“The international community must act urgently to compel Israel to stop violating fundamental rules of international law, respect the economic rights of the Palestinian people, alleviate the humanitarian crisis and prevent financial collapse,” the experts said.
They include Ben Saul, special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Attiya Waris, independent expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of states on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights; George Katrougalos, independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; and Carlos Arturo Duarte Torres of the working group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas.
They are part of the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the organization’s human rights system. They work on a voluntary basis and are not paid for their work.
Israel must end financial stranglehold on Occupied Territories: UN experts
ARAB NEWS
![]()
International
Trump Makes Stunning Admission: ‘I Will Always Hate Some of My Enemies’
US President Donald Trump has declared that he cannot forgive some of his political enemies, even if doing so were necessary to enter heaven, insisting that he would rather be honest about his feelings than pretend to forgive them.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, aired on Sunday, November 8, 2026, while discussing his religious beliefs, death and political grievances.
CBS correspondent Ross Douthat asked Trump whether he would forgive political opponents, including former FBI Director James Comey and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, if forgiveness were a condition for entering paradise.
Trump questioned whether pretending to forgive people he disliked would amount to being dishonest.
“Well, then I wouldn’t be real, would I?” he asked.
Pressed for a direct answer, the president replied: “The answer is no. I want to be honest, no.”
He linked his resentment towards some political opponents to what he described as their treatment of him, including his criminal indictments and two impeachments.
READ ALSO:
- Fayose Petitions IGP, Threatens Lawsuit Over Rape, Torture Allegations
- INEC Flags 268 Voter Records Over AI-Generated Photos, Begins Cleanup Ahead of 2027 Elections
- Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally
“I do hate some of my enemies. I think they’ve been terrible. Look what they’ve put me through, the weaponisation. I got indicted, I got impeached,” he said.
When Douthat asked whether his achievements and extraordinary life could help him find it in his heart to forgive his opponents, Trump maintained that he probably could not.
“I probably cannot do that, no, because I do hate some of my enemies, and I always will,” he added.
The conversation also turned to religion and life after death, with Douthat asking Trump where he believed he would go when he died.
Describing himself as a religious person, Trump said he hoped to enter heaven.
“I’m a religious person, so in theory, I go to heaven,” he said.
Douthat also referred to Trump’s remarks at the memorial service of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, where Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, spoke about the importance of Christian forgiveness.
The exchange prompted questions about whether the president could reconcile his religious beliefs with his refusal to forgive some political opponents.
Towards the end of the interview, Douthat asked how Trump wanted his presidency to be remembered 100 years from now.
Trump said he wanted to be remembered as the president who “made America great again”, a reference to his long-standing political slogan.
His comments have attracted attention because of the contrast between the Christian message of forgiveness raised during the interview and his admission that he remains unwilling to forgive some political opponents.
Trump Makes Stunning Admission: ‘I Will Always Hate Some of My Enemies’
![]()
International
Job Seeker Steals Bugatti CEO’s £2m Car After Finding Keys Inside
A man who reportedly visited the headquarters of luxury car manufacturer Bugatti in search of employment allegedly drove away in the company chief executive’s £2 million sports car after discovering that its keys had been left inside.
The incident involved Mate Rimac, the Croatian businessman and chief executive of Bugatti, whose personal Bugatti Chiron was stolen from the company’s production and technology campus near Zagreb, Croatia.
The suspect, a Croatian man in his mid-30s, reportedly entered the facility looking for a job before spotting the high-performance vehicle with its keys inside and driving away.
Rimac disclosed the incident in a series of posts on Instagram, explaining that he had routinely left the keys inside his vehicles because he considered Croatia a safe place.
He admitted that the habit had continued for years without any incident until the Chiron disappeared.
The theft was discovered after an employee alerted colleagues that an unfamiliar person had driven away in the expensive vehicle.
Rimac immediately contacted the police and used the car’s built-in tracking and telemetry system to monitor its movements.
The tracking technology provided information about the vehicle’s location, speed and fuel level, allowing the Bugatti team to follow its journey and share updates with law enforcement officers.
READ ALSO:
- Netanyahu Faces Political Setback as Israeli President Picks Rival to Form Government
- 2027: Tinubu Challenges Atiku to Explain How He Financed University
- Afenifere Crisis: ‘There Is Only One Afenifere’, Secretary Insists Amid Breakup Allegations
After discovering that the stolen vehicle was heading towards Slovenia, Rimac jumped into a Porsche 911 and pursued it.
The pursuit continued across borders, with the Chiron eventually reaching Austria. Rimac and his team maintained communication with the police through a group chat, providing updates that helped Austrian officers locate and intercept the vehicle.
The suspect was subsequently arrested in Austria, where Rimac later met him at a police station.
According to the Bugatti boss, the man explained that he had initially visited the company’s premises to seek employment but decided to take the car after noticing that its keys were inside.
Rimac said he was not planning to press charges against the suspect. However, he acknowledged that the man could still face prosecution because of the high value of the stolen vehicle.
The CEO also revealed that he had considered giving the suspect a lift home to his family but police officers did not allow him to do so.
The recovered Chiron sustained some damage during the incident, although Rimac said it could be repaired.
The businessman thanked the Austrian police for their intervention, saying he was relieved that nobody was injured during the incident.
He also admitted that the experience had taught him an expensive lesson, promising never again to leave the keys inside his vehicles.
The Bugatti Chiron, unveiled in 2016, is one of the world’s most powerful luxury hypercars. The model has a starting price of about €2.4 million, equivalent to approximately £2 million, and a manufacturer-limited top speed of 420 kilometres per hour.
Bugatti operates under Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture in which Rimac Group holds a majority stake.
The unusual theft has attracted international attention because of the vehicle’s value, the suspect’s reported reason for visiting the facility and the extraordinary cross-border pursuit involving the Bugatti chief executive.
Job Seeker Steals Bugatti CEO’s £2m Car After Finding Keys Inside
![]()
International
Netanyahu Faces Political Setback as Israeli President Picks Rival to Form Government
Netanyahu Faces Political Setback as Israeli President Picks Rival to Form Government
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has given opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot the first opportunity to form the country’s next government, dealing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a major political setback after a closely contested general election.
Herzog announced his decision on Saturday, November 7, 2026, following consultations with political parties elected to the 26th Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, emerged with the highest number of recommendations from lawmakers, receiving the backing of representatives from factions controlling 67 seats, compared with 46 seats for Netanyahu. Representatives of another faction controlling seven seats did not recommend either candidate.
The decision followed the October 27 general election, which left neither Netanyahu’s governing bloc nor the opposition grouping with the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority in the 120-member Knesset.
Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition secured 53 seats, while the four-party opposition alliance led by Eisenkot won 48. The two Arab-led parties made significant gains, securing a combined 19 seats, placing them in a potentially decisive position in negotiations over the next government.
Eisenkot is expected to receive the formal mandate from Herzog at a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Sunday, November 8.
READ ALSO:
- 2027: Tinubu Challenges Atiku to Explain How He Financed University
- Afenifere Crisis: ‘There Is Only One Afenifere’, Secretary Insists Amid Breakup Allegations
- Illicit Donations: Adeboye Orders RCCG to Refund Billions Traced to Church Projects
Under the Israeli government-formation process, he will have 28 days to negotiate a coalition, with the possibility of a further 14-day extension.
The former military chief will face difficult negotiations because his opposition alliance does not have enough seats to govern independently. Although the Arab-led parties have endorsed him, Eisenkot has previously expressed reservations about forming a coalition with them.
One possible route is to establish a minority government with support from Arab-led lawmakers on confidence votes and key legislation. Another option would involve reaching an agreement with ultra-Orthodox parties that have traditionally aligned with Netanyahu.
However, both options could create tensions within Eisenkot’s own political alliance, particularly among members who oppose relying on Arab parties or making concessions to religious parties.
A broader national unity government involving Netanyahu’s Likud party is another possibility, although the two leaders have significant disagreements over key political and security issues.
Eisenkot has previously ruled out serving in a government alongside Netanyahu, while criticising the prime minister’s handling of the war in Gaza and his reliance on far-right political partners.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, had sought to prevent an opposition-led government from emerging with the support of Arab-led parties.
Shortly before Herzog announced his decision, Netanyahu called for a national unity government and warned against the formation of an administration dependent on what he described as supporters of terrorism, referring to the Arab-led parties.
His comments drew criticism from Eisenkot’s political camp, which accused the prime minister of using divisive language to undermine the opposition’s efforts to form a government.
The Arab-led parties, which represent a significant section of Israel’s Palestinian citizens, have indicated their willingness to support efforts to end Netanyahu’s long tenure in office.
Their combined 19 seats could provide Eisenkot with the parliamentary backing needed to overcome the deadlock, although securing a workable arrangement remains uncertain.
Eisenkot, 66, served as chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces from 2015 to 2019 before entering politics in 2022. He later served as an observer in Netanyahu’s wartime cabinet following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
He subsequently became one of Netanyahu’s most prominent critics, particularly over the conduct of the war in Gaza, the government’s security decisions and the influence of far-right politicians.
If Eisenkot fails to form a government within the stipulated period, Herzog may give another candidate the opportunity to try. If the process remains unsuccessful, Israel could be forced into another general election.
Netanyahu will remain prime minister in a caretaker capacity until a new government is sworn in.
Herzog’s decision therefore represents an important development in Israel’s political transition, but the final outcome will depend on whether Eisenkot can overcome divisions among opposition parties and secure sufficient parliamentary support.
Netanyahu Faces Political Setback as Israeli President Picks Rival to Form Government
![]()
-
News3 days agoOne Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta
-
metro3 days ago[ICYMI] Lagos Summons DisCos, Regulators Over Persistent Power Outages, Seeks 24-Hour Electricity
-
Politics3 days agoHow Buhari’s Promise Cost Me 2022 APC Presidential Ticket – Amaechi
-
Sports3 days agoMessi Breaks MLS Record, Becomes First Player To Win Back-to-Back Golden Boots
-
metro1 day ago‘Miracle’ Turns Sour as Visiting Pastor Vanishes with Congregants’ Phones During Crusade in Edo
-
Sports3 days agoU-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners
-
Auto2 days agoFour-day Abuja International Motor Fair begins tomorrow Nov 10
-
International3 days agoJob Seeker Steals Bugatti CEO’s £2m Car After Finding Keys Inside
