April 7, 2022

*) West ramps up sanctions against Russia The United States and Britain have announced new sanctions against Russia after international outcry over human rights abuses in Ukraine. The White House has unveiled measures targeting Russia's top banks and two daughters of President Vladimir Putin. It has also banned Americans from investing in Russia. Britain has sanctioned two banks and has vowed to eliminate all Russian oil and gas imports by year-end. *) UN to vote on suspending Russia from rights council The 193-member United Nations General Assembly will vote on Thursday on a US push to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. The draft resolution expresses "grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine," particularly at reports of rights abuses by Russia. A two-thirds majority of voting members can suspend a country from the 47-member council. *) Israel: Bennett's coalition loses majority after MP quits A key member of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's Yamina party has said she will quit his coalition government. Idit Silman's announcement has left Bennett's coalition with 60 seats — the same as the opposition. "Sadly, I cannot take part in harming the Jewish identity of Israel," she has said. Former prime minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed Silman's move. *) Al Qaeda leader dispels rumours of his death via video message A rare video has appeared of Al Qaeda's leader praising an Indian Muslim woman who in February defied a ban on wearing hijab. Rumours of Ayman al Zawahiri's death have persistently circulated, but the video reveals the first proof in months that he is alive. In the video released and translated by the SITE Intelligence Group, the reclusive Al Qaeda chief praises Muskan Khan, who defied a ban on the wearing of the hijab in schools in India’s southwestern state of Karnataka. And, finally... *) Ed Sheeran wins court battle in 'Shape of You' copyright dispute British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has won his