Proposed bill in Congress to combat illegal immigrants squatting would make practice a deportable offense
FIRST ON FOX: A proposed bill put before Congress on Wednesday would make squatting by illegal immigrants a deportable offense and would permanently bar offenders from admission into the United States. The legislation, titled the ‘‘Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living, and Dwelling Act’’ or the “SHIELD Act,” was introduced by Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Penn., amid a rash of incidents in which illegal immigrants have brazenly taken over homes, frustrating homeowners and calling attention to the strengthening of property rights laws. Most notably, several Venezuelan migrants in New York City were found last month with drugs and guns in one Bronx dwelling and a Venezuelan TikTok user urged his fellow migrants to unlawfully take over homes across the U.S. BLUE STATE SQUATTERS PUT ON NOTICE WITH ‘AGGRESSIVE’ LAW AND ORDER BILL: ‘PEOPLE ARE GETTING KILLED’ “The dramatic increase in the number of illegal immigrants squatting in American homes is yet another example of how the disastrous situation at our southern border is impacting communities across the country,” Meuser said in a statement announcing the bill. “This legislation will serve as a deterrent to illegal aliens contemplating violating the homes and properties of American citizens.” Migrants will “think twice” before attempting to trespass or illegally take over someone’s property, he added. Under the terms of the bill, any illegal immigrant convicted or admits to squatting inside a home is eligible for deportation and would be permanently barred from entering the U.S. SQUATTER’S PARADISE? AMERICA’S BIGGEST CITY ‘PLAYING WITH FIRE’ OVER THIS NEW RULE, ATTORNEY SAYS Legal loopholes have frustrated property owners as more cases of squatters have received media attention in recent weeks. In New York City, eight migrants were recently busted at a Bronx home last month on gun and drug charges after police received a call about a gun at the home. One of the migrants, 24-year-old Hector Desousa-Villata, had previous charges for attempted murder after allegedly shooting a fellow migrant in the leg in August during an argument over a woman. All eight migrants initially entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border. New York state Sen. John Liu introduced a bill this week that would define the term “squatter” and would make it clear that squatters do not get any rights or protections after 30 days. “It’s gotten a huge amount of visibility and stirred quite a bit of outrage because of some of these egregious and blatant acts of squatting, which is why it’s necessary to make it crystal clear in the law that a squatter is not a tenant and does have the rights that are afforded to tenants in the state of New York,” Liu told Fox News Digital.
With an eye on Amarillo courthouse, U.S. senators push to stop federal judge shopping
Judge shopping has made a federal courthouse in Amarillo with a Trump-appointed judge a destination for conservative litigants challenging Biden administration policies.
Gun groups slam Biden admin over new ATF rule: ‘Weaponizing every tool’
Second Amendment advocates are slamming a new rule from the Biden administration that will require thousands of additional firearms dealers across the nation to run background checks on buyers at gun shows or other places outside brick-and-mortar stores. The rule aims to close a loophole that has allowed tens of thousands of guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who do not perform background checks to ensure the potential buyer is not legally prohibited from having a firearm. The National Association for Gun Rights told Fox News Digital the new rule will “outlaw virtually all private sales of firearms between individuals.” “And as we saw in the Bryan Malinowski case in Little Rock, the ATF is willing to use outrageously excessive force – including murder – to punish violators,” the group’s president, Dudley Brown, said in a statement. “This rule brings us one step closer to Biden’s dream of Universal Gun Registration enforced by the ATF’s jackbooted thugs.” TENNESSEE LAWMAKERS PASS BILL ALLOWING TEACHERS TO CARRY GUNS AT SCHOOL 1 YEAR AFTER DEADLY NASHVILLE SHOOTING The Second Amendment Institute told Fox News Digital the ATF’s new rule is “another example of them going beyond their statutory authority for political purposes. “It infringes upon the rights of law-abiding citizens and adds unnecessary burdens to those seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” the organization said. The Gun Owners of America’s Director of Federal Affairs Aidan Johnston accused the Biden administration of “weaponizing every tool in their tool box to intimidate, harass, and criminalize gun owners with unlawful executive actions.” “This Backdoor Universal Registration Check rule is nothing more than a move to criminalize the sale of a single gun without a background check. By doing so, the government hopes to ensure that they are fully involved in every firearm transfer, and eventually the records of all those transfers will end up in their records database, which we have confirmed the existence of through FOIA requests, leaks, and congressional inquiry,” Johnston said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Second Amendment Foundation founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb called the new rule “a continuation of the Biden war on guns.” “It is another attempt to get around Congress to make new laws without congressional approval,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “The president is claiming this will keep guns out of the hands of felons, and he knows better. If history has taught us anything, it would be that criminals do not obtain the guns they use through legitimate channels, and that gun control laws have never prevented criminals from obtaining a firearm.” BLUE STATE HIGH-CAPACITY MAGAZINE BAN IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL, JUDGE RULES, BUT LAW REMAINS ON BOOKS FOR NOW Gottlieb argued that the new rule will only “place yet another burden on honest citizens wanting to exercise their second amendment.” The National Rifle Association said in a statement that it is “already working to use all means available to stop this unlawful rule.” The National Shooting Sports Foundation, an industry trade group, also has warned of a court challenge if the rule was finalized as written. Lawrence Keane, the foundation’s senior vice president and general counsel, said Thursday that the organization was reviewing the regulation after contending previously that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was overstepping its legal authority. The new rule marks the Biden administration’s latest effort to combat gun violence. President Biden has said the measure will “keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and felons.” “And my administration is going to continue to do everything we possibly can to save lives. Congress needs to finish the job and pass universal background checks legislation now,” he said. The rule, which was finalized this week, makes clear that anyone who sells firearms predominantly to earn a profit must be federally licensed and conduct background checks, regardless of whether they are selling on the internet, at a gun show or at a brick-and-mortar store, Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters. Biden administration officials said they are confident the rule, which drew more than 380,000 public comments, would withstand anticipated lawsuits from gun rights groups. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
New York budget sees another delay over housing proposal negotiations
New York’s state budget is poised for another delay as backroom negotiations over a sweeping proposal to drive new housing construction continue to hold up the spending plan. Lawmakers in the state Senate passed a stopgap bill Thursday that will keep government funded and extend the budget deadline until April 15. The Assembly is expected to approve the measure on Friday, sending it to the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul for a signature. The budget has been delayed a handful of times this year as Hochul and the Democratic leaders of the Legislature work through dozens of competing demands in private talks. KATHY HOCHUL, NEW YORK DEMOCRATS UNDER FIRE FOR USING LUXURY SUITE TO WATCH BILLS GAME: ‘ABUSED THEIR POWER’ Housing has emerged as the major stumbling block in budget negotiations, with top officials trying to balance the demands of developers, tenants and labor to reach an agreement that will lead to more housing units. A deal is expected to include a tax break for developers to spur construction, a wage agreement for laborers and protections for tenants against some rent increases and evictions, among other things, though the specifics remain unclear. Hochul, a Democrat, has made increasing the housing stock a top priority. Last year, she was unable to push through a plan to create 800,000 new homes in the state after pushback from suburban lawmakers axed the proposal. Now, the governor is pushing to use commercial properties and state lands for more housing, and a tax incentive for developers to include affordable housing in new buildings. “I can’t force the private sector to build,” Hochul told reporters last week at the Capitol. “They will not do it if the conditions are not right for them. So, I have to look at that factor.” Hochul also said she open to some kind of tenant protection proposal, which is key for the leaders of the Assembly and Senate. “We want to be able to build, and we want to be able to protect tenants,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat. Hochul’s plan to shift how the state doles out money to school districts — which would have resulted in some schools getting less money — had also been a point of contention at the bargaining table and among school administrators. The governor told reporters last week she was backing off the proposal and would instead revisit it next year. Legislative leaders are also still pushing back against the governor’s effort to increase criminal penalties for assaulting retail workers, an initiative that is part of her wider strategy to address criminal justice concerns in the state. And there are ongoing negotiations over how officials can better crack down on unlicensed marijuana shops, which have become ubiquitous in New York City as bureaucratic hurdles and lawsuits have stalled the legal market. Hochul last month ordered a comprehensive review of the state agency that regulates legal marijuana in New York. The budget, which was originally due April 1, is expected to top $230 billion.
House Republicans turn up heat on Biden to broker ‘expedient release’ of Hamas hostages, support Israel
FIRST ON FOX: A group of House Republicans exhorted President Biden to “ensure the expedient release” of U.S. citizens being held hostage by Hamas terrorists and voice Israel’s “inviolable right to self-defense.” “We write today to express our full support for the State of Israel in its fight against Hamas. Specifically, we urge your administration to do everything in your power to ensure the safe and expedient release of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza in the wake of the vicious October 7th attack,” the letter from Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., to the White House said. “Further, we implore the White House to show unwavering support for Israel and to spare no effort to assist the Jewish state in its mission to 1) defeat Hamas and 2) ensure the release of these hostages during this particularly trying time in Israel’s history,” the letter said. Fry was joined by 15 GOP lawmakers to demand support for Israel. NETANYAHU NOT CONSULTED ON STRIKE THAT KILLED HAMAS LEADER’S 3 SONS, ISRAELI MEDIA REPORTS The unexpected and overwhelming assault by at least 1,500 Hamas fighters, who poured into Israel by land and sea, killed about 1,200 people on Oct. 7, 2023. More than 250 people were taken hostage and moved to Hamas’ Gaza stronghold. “While we recognize the magnitude and complexity of this situation, we must not forget that these savage terrorists have raped and pillaged their way across Israel’s southern communities,” the letter said. Among the hostages, U.S. officials have said that five are American citizens, though it is unclear whether they are alive. “As you know, five American citizens are still believed to be hostages of Hamas: Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Omer Neutra, Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Keith Siegel,” the letter said. “As this situation evolved, it quickly became evident that unthinkable acts, such as severe sexual and psychological abuse, had been perpetrated against these hostages.” The group of GOP lawmakers urged the White House to be “aligned” with Israel and that “deviations” from supporting Israel only “harden” Hamas’ resolve. I JUST CAME BACK FROM ISRAEL AND SAW THESE TWO IMPORTANT THINGS “We strongly believe that the United States should be Israel’s greatest ally and advocate in the fight to bring these individuals home, particularly considering the international community’s consistent and callous minimization of the condition of these hostages,” the letter said. “With this in mind, it is of utmost importance that the United States be aligned with Israel in its goals, as any deviations between Washington, D.C., and Jerusalem only serve to harden Hamas’s resolve and decrease the chances for hostage negotiations.” The letter urged Biden to use the “voice, status and power” of the U.S. to bring the hostages home. “As such, the United States must use its voice, status, and power on the world stage to amplify the plight of these innocent hostages who were ripped from their homes by a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO). As a nation, we must continue to stand with Israel and ensure Jerusalem has everything it needs to execute its right to self-defense against Gaza, Iran, and its other adversaries in the Middle East,” the letter said. TALK OF LOW HOUTHI WEAPON SUPPLY IS ‘PREMATURE,’ EXPERT WARNS The letter pointed to Hamas leadership living in Qatar, urging the White House to pressure the opulent country to stop supporting the terrorist group. “The United States must also pressure Qatar to end its duplicitous role in this crisis. We urge you to pressure Doha to expel the leadership of Hamas from Qatar and to cease its support for the terrorist group,” the letter said. “The United States cannot partner with countries that provide a haven to FTOs that continue to kill and entrap innocent individuals. An honest assessment of U.S.-Qatar relations is vital to the safe return of these hostages as well as an end to the Israel-Hamas war.” In a statement to Fox News Digital, Fry said that the letter to Biden came after he witnessed first-hand the aftermath of the attacks. “During our time in Israel, my colleagues and I witnessed first-hand the aftermath of the October 7th attacks and the heartbreaking destruction and disruption of life Israelis have faced,” Fry said. “The Biden administration should not be turning our back on our greatest ally in the Middle East,” he said. “The United States must do everything it can to support Israel to defeat Hamas and other terrorists and help ensure the safe release of all hostages taken by Hamas.” On Thursday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, affirming the U.S.’ support of Israel. In a press briefing Thursday, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said that the U.S. support of Israel was “ironclad.” “Secretary Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart this afternoon. Minister Gallant to discuss the current situation in the Middle East and to reaffirm the U.S. ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies.” Ryder said that the U.S. is in “close contact” with Israel as the Iran threat continues.
Fox News Politics: Any time, any place
Welcome to Fox News’ Politics newsletter with the latest political news from Washington D.C. and updates from the 2024 campaign trail. What’s happening? – Trump challenges Biden to debate – GOP moves to terminate ‘rotten’ DEI programs – Latinos favor Trump over Biden EXCLUSIVE: The Trump campaign is calling for additional 2024 presidential debates and for them to take place “much earlier” than initially proposed by the debate commission, with former President Trump telling Fox News Digital that he is “totally committed” to debating President Biden “anytime, anywhere, anyplace.” Fox News Digital exclusively obtained a letter Trump co-campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita sent Thursday to The Commission on Presidential Debates co-chairs Frank Farenkopf Jr. and Antonia Hernandez. Wiles and LaCivita told the commission they were writing “in agreement with the pending letter,” reported by The New York Times, “from television networks advocating for presidential debates to occur in 2024.” BIDEN TAKES AIM: Biden moves to require more gun dealers to run background checks …Read more NEWS YOU CAN USE: Republicans call federal NPR funding into question after allegations of liberal bias …Read more DEI IS DOA: House Republicans move to terminate ‘rotten’ DEI programs in federal government …Read more ‘WAR ON AMERICAN ENERGY’: Republicans unveil effort blocking Biden’s crackdown on oil, gas drilling …Read more ‘ANY TIME, ANY PLACE’: Trump campaign demands Biden debate him ‘much earlier’ and more often …Read more BIDEN FALLING BEHIND: Latinos favor Trump over Biden on economy, support president shutting down border, poll finds …Read more BORDER CRISIS CRACKDOWN: GOP governor signs bill allowing local authorities to arrest certain migrants, ‘enforce immigration laws’ …Read more WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT: America First Policy Institute rolls out abortion, life agenda to ’empower women’ with resources, support …Read more ‘LEAVE OUR HOUSE’: Pro-Palestinian protester derails dinner at UC Berkeley law school dean’s home, refuses to leave …Read more Subscribe now to get Fox News Politics newsletter in your inbox. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
FBI Director Christopher Wray cites increased foreign threats in FISA reauthorization plea: ‘Rogue’s gallery’
FBI Director Christopher Wray told the House Appropriations subcommittee on Thursday that there is an increasing concern of a potential coordinated attack in the U.S., similar to the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) attack last month at a concert hall in Russia. Wray, who spoke before lawmakers to discuss the FY25 budget, said his agency needed additional funding to protect Americans from terrorism, adding that there has been a heightened risk of violence in the U.S. since Hamas-led terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. “Since then, we’ve seen a rogue’s gallery of foreign terrorist organizations call for attacks against Americans and our allies,” Wray said. “Given those calls for action, our most immediate concern has been that individuals or small groups will draw twisted inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks here at home. But now, increasingly concerning, is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the ISIS-K attack we saw at the Russia Concert Hall a couple of weeks ago.” On March 22, Moscow’s Crocus City concert hall was attacked by terrorists, leaving 137 people dead and over 180 wounded. The gunmen who conducted the attack were identified by Russian media as Tajik nationals. After walking in with automatic weapons, the terrorists indiscriminately opened fire on the 6,200-seat venue. The Islamic State’s affiliate in Afghanistan, known as ISIS-K, claimed responsibility for the brutal attack. Wray told members of the Congressional subcommittee that he would be “hard-pressed” to think of a time when so many threats to public safety and national security were all elevated at once, adding that it was the case as he sat before them. “This is by no means a time to let up or dial back,” he said. “This is a time when we need your support the most. We need all the tools, all the people, and all the resources required to tackle these threats and keep Americans safe.” FBI DIRECTOR WARNS OF ‘ELEVATED’ PUBLIC, NATIONAL SAFETY; PUSHES FOR INCREASED FUNDING One of the tools is Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which some GOP lawmakers say does not go far enough to safeguard Americans’ data. In fact, House Speaker Mike Johnson backed a bill to renew the controversial tool set to expire April 19, but over a dozen House GOP privacy hawks blocked the effort. Wray told the committee the most indispensable tool Congress could give the FBI to fight foreign adversaries was the reauthorization of Section 702. “It is critical in securing our nation, and we are in crunch time with our 702 authorities set to expire next week,” Wray said. “So, let me be clear: Failure to reauthorize 702 or gutting it with some new kind of warrant requirement would be dangerous, and put Americans lives at risk.” HOUSE BRACES FOR BATTLE OVER RENEWING CONTROVERSIAL FISA SURVEILLANCE TOOL According to the FBI director, Section 702 is crucial to identifying terrorists in the U.S. who are working with foreign terrorist organizations who publicly call for attacks on the country. The tool helps the FBI find who the terrorists are working with to allow the FBI to stop them before they kill Americans, Wray said. He also said Section 702 is crucial as China and Iran target Americans, the latter of which is known for kidnappings and assassinations. The tool also allows the FBI to fend off cyber threats, as well as threats to electricity, water and medical facilities. Wray said if Congress allows Section 702 to lapse, which it is set to do next week, it will “massively increase the risk of missing crucial intelligence during a time of heightened national security threats across a whole multiple of fronts.” FBI DIRECTOR SAYS CHINESE HACKERS ARE ‘POISED TO ATTACK’ AS INFILTRATIONS REACH ‘FEVER PITCH’ “Now is not the time for us to hang up our gloves, to take away tools we need to punch back. And failing to reauthorize 702 or gutting it with some kind of warrant requirement would be dangerous and put American lives at risk,” he said. “I think if FISA were to expire, it adds one more challenge to our ability to secure us from foreign threats, including border-related threats.” “This is not a time for panic; it is a time for heightened vigilance,” Wray added. Among the GOP lawmakers who blocked the bill were: House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good, R-Va.; Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.; Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo.; Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La.; Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas; and Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., among others. The fight has put Johnson in a difficult spot between the House Judiciary Committee and its allies, and the U.S. intelligence community and national security hawks in Congress. The former have cast Section 702 as a tool of exploitation and privacy infringement, while the latter have maintained it’s a narrowly-focused tool critical to preventing terror attacks. Section 702 is a provision that allows the federal government to conduct warrant-less surveillance of a foreign national outside the U.S. if they’re suspected of ties to terrorism — even if the person on the other end of the communications is an American citizen. The House Judiciary Committee backed an amendment that would force U.S. officials to seek a warrant before querying communications made by an American, which national security-minded Republicans have largely opposed. One GOP lawmaker compared the amendment’s effects to forcing a police officer to seek a warrant before querying a license plate in their database. They explained that if a suspected terrorist overseas is communicating with a U.S. citizen at home, a Section 702 search would already pick up their specific communications with that U.S. citizen. The amendment would force authorities to seek a warrant before seeing the contents of that communication, which critics have warned could waste valuable time in the event of a serious threat. Elizabeth Elkind and Chris Massaro of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Conservative activist subpoenaed by Dems in SCOTUS ethics probe refusing to comply: ‘Politically motivated’
Conservative activist Leonard Leo has been subpoenaed by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee related to an investigation into Supreme Court ethics in what he calls a “politically motivated” move that he will not abide by. “Today, I received an unlawful and politically motivated subpoena from U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin,” Leo said in a statement on Thursday. “I am not capitulating to his lawless support of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and the left’s dark money effort to silence and cancel political opposition.” Leo was subpoenaed by the committee in what is the latest back and forth between Senate Democrats and Leo as the Senate has continued summoning information regarding trips and events that Supreme Court justices have taken and participated in over the years. FRIEND OF JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS SAYS HE NEVER BROKE ETHICS RULES AND HAS RECEIPTS TO PROVE IT For decades, Leo has been a part of the Federalist Society, which has long been criticized by liberal activists for its involvement in helping advise and lobby former President Trump through the nominations of Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. The senators have previously asked for an itemized list of gifts and payments from Leo or groups he is associated with dating back decades and related to any Supreme Court justice he has associated with amid public outcry from Democrats accusing Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of ethics violation, which have been dismissed by many as politically motivated. In a Thursday letter to Durbin, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary, Leo’s lawyer David Rivkin Jr., reiterated Leo is “not complying” with the “unlawful and politically motivated subpoena.” FRIEND RIPS MEDIA’S ‘DESPICABLE’ EFFORT TO ‘SMEAR’ CLARENCE THOMAS FOR GOP DONORS’ PAYMENT TO SCHOOL The senators’ demands stem from ProPublica’s reporting on the travel habits of Justices Thomas and Alito. Specifically, ProPublica reported on an Alaskan fishing trip that Justice Alito took with hedge fund billionaire, Paul Singer, who would later have business matters before the high court. Conservatives have widely criticized by pointing out that many of the “experts” cited in the various reports have undisclosed ties to Democratic causes. The committee has also previously authorized a potential subpoena for GOP donor Harlan Crow related to gifts he gave Thomas and called the two subpoenas “key pieces of our legislative effort to establish an effective code of conduct” for the Supreme Court. Conservatives have called out ProPublica for being primarily funded by organizations and donors who support liberal causes, including court-packing and removing conservative justices from the court. Alito has defended himself against ProPublica’s reporting, and Leo has released a statement dismissing the idea that the fishing trip was somehow kept from the public. “By selectively targeting Mr. Leo for investigation on a politically charged basis, while ignoring other potential sources of information on the asserted topic of interest who are similarly situated to Mr. Leo but have different political views that are more consistent with those of the Committee majority, your inquiry appears to be political retaliation against a private citizen in violation of the First Amendment,” Rivkin previously wrote to the committee. SCHUMER BLASTS SUPREME COURT’S NEW ETHICS CODE FOR ONE ‘GLARING OMISSION’ Leo and his legal team have also pointed out that trips taken by former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and money received by late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have not resulted in inquiries from the committee. “Since July 2023, Leonard Leo has responded to the legitimate oversight requests of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a blanket refusal to cooperate,” Sen. Durbin told Fox News Digital in a statement. “His outright defiance left the Committee with no other choice but to move forward with the compulsory process. For that reason, I have issued a subpoena to Mr. Leo.” The statement continued, “Mr. Leo has played a central role in the ethics crisis plaguing the Supreme Court and, unlike the other recipients of information requests in this matter, he has done nothing but stonewall the Committee. This subpoena is a direct result of Mr. Leo’s own actions and choices.” An aide for Durbin told Fox News Digital that while the senator “certainly expects the subject to acknowledge the gravity of a Congressional subpoena” there are “options available to the Senate to enforce a subpoena in the event of noncompliance.” Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response. In November, the Supreme Court adopted a modified ethics code in response to pressure from Durbin’s committee and others.
What has allowed Israel operate an assassination policy for decades?
Sons and grandchildren of Hamas political leader killed in latest Israeli air attack in Gaza. Three sons and four grandchildren of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh were assassinated in Gaza on Wednesday. Their names added to a long list of people killed by Israeli targeted operations worldwide. So, why does Israel pursue such policy? And what is its impact? Presenter: Sohail Rahman Guests: Ilan Pappe – Professor of history at Exeter University in the UK Rami Khouri – Distinguished public policy fellow, Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut Colin Clarke – Director of research at The Soufan Group Adblock test (Why?)
Mexico calls on the International Court of Justice to expel Ecuador from UN
Mexico has appealed to the International Court of Justice to boot Ecuador from the United Nations, following a late night police raid on its embassy in Quito. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Mexico filed a complaint with the court on Thursday, calling Ecuador’s actions a violation of international law. “The court, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, should approve the expulsion, and there should be no veto,” Lopez Obrador said at a news conference. On social media, Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena echoed the president’s statement, saying Ecuador should be held “to account for flagrant violation of the inviolability of our embassy and attacks on our staff”. “The letter and spirit of international law is the guide for our steps,” she wrote. Mexico’s case centres on a controversial police raid that resulted in the capture of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been sheltering in the Mexican embassy in Quito to avoid arrest. Embassies are considered protected spaces. Although they are not “foreign soil” — a common misconception — international law places them off limits to local police. That, in turn, allows embassy employees to carry out their work without fear of arrest or harassment from local authorities. The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, for example, says: “The premises of the [diplomatic] mission shall be inviolable. The agents of the receiving State may not enter them, except with the consent of the head of the mission.” However, this “rule of inviolability” has also been used by political dissidents and other figures to avoid arrest by taking shelter in a foreign embassy. Glas, for instance, has been twice convicted on bribery and corruption charges. He was sentenced in 2017 to six years in prison and again in 2020 to an eight-year sentence. Since December, Glas had sought refuge in the Mexican embassy, and shortly before his arrest on Friday, President Lopez Obrador had offered him political asylum in Mexico. But late on Friday night, Ecuadorian police scaled the wall of the Mexican embassy, bursting through its doors and pointing a gun at one of its chief diplomatic officers. Video released by the Mexican government on Wednesday shows that officer, diplomat Roberto Canseco, being thrown to the ground as he tried to block police vehicles leaving the embassy with Glas inside. Mexico has since called for Ecuador’s suspension from the UN. It said the suspension should only be lifted once Ecuador issues “a public apology recognising its violations to the fundamental principles and norms of international law”. The administration of President Lopez Obrador also severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador as a result of Glas’s arrest. Other countries and international organisations have likewise expressed concern and outrage over the police raid, calling it a violation of international laws. On Tuesday, United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said, based on security footage of the police raid, his government believes “these actions were wrong”. The Organization of American States (OAS) also released a statement saying that “strict compliance” with the international law governing diplomatic relations is “essential”. In addition, OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro suggested the situation with Glas should have been handled differently. Neither “the use of force, the illegal incursion into a diplomatic mission, nor the detention of an asylee are the peaceful way toward resolution of this situation”, he said. Ecuador has defended its decision to storm Mexico’s embassy, though. The government of President Daniel Noboa has questioned whether Glas met the requirements to receive political asylum, and it reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption within its borders. Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld also said that a public apology “is not something that is under discussion at this moment”. Glas, meanwhile, has been on a hunger strike in his prison in Guayaquil. He was briefly hospitalised on Monday. Rafael Correa, the former president in whose administration Glas served, said the ex-vice president had attempted suicide after his arrest. Correa himself lives in exile in Belgium and faces a prison sentence in his native Ecuador, likewise on corruption-related charges. Adblock test (Why?)