Israel

By Muhammad Abubakar 

Prominent conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson sparked intense global reaction after publishing a lengthy essay alleging that the U.S. administration is facing pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider a nuclear strike against an underground Iranian target.

In a detailed piece released over the weekend, Carlson claimed U.S. officials are weighing an attack on Pickax Mountain—a reinforced facility in central Iran where Israeli intelligence allegedly contends uranium enrichment operations have resumed. Carlson argued that conventional U.S. bunker-busting munitions cannot penetrate the 300 feet of solid granite shielding the complex, leaving a nuclear option as the primary military alternative.

According to Carlson, the push for military action is tied to Israeli domestic politics. He asserted that Prime Minister Netanyahu faces political jeopardy following recent Israeli elections and requires ongoing U.S. military backing to preserve his coalition. The essay named several high-ranking U.S. defense and diplomatic figures, claiming some key officials favor resuming major combat operations over diplomatic efforts.

Carlson issued stark warnings regarding the potential economic and ecological fallout of such an attack. Pointing to severe disruptions in global energy markets and recent damage to commercial oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, he claimed a surface-burst nuclear strike in central Iran could trigger widespread fallout, threatening Persian Gulf water supplies for up to 100 million people. He further argued that an American nuclear strike would dismantle global non-proliferation norms, risking escalations in other active conflict zones including Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula.

Despite the dire forecast, Carlson noted that decision-makers within the administration remain divided. He wrote that key advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, are urging caution and advocating for a negotiated diplomatic settlement with Tehran. Carlson indicated that a final determination regarding military or diplomatic action could come as early as Nov. 7.

U.S. officials have not confirmed the specific military scenarios detailed in Carlson’s essay. Administration representatives reiterated that Washington maintains a range of options regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities but declined to comment on confidential operational planning. Tehran has repeatedly denied carrying out covert enrichment activity at the Pickax Mountain site.

By Hassana Abdullahi

A dispute over restrictions on Islamic headscarves in Azerbaijan has sparked criticism from Turkish officials and Islamist groups, raising tensions between the two countries known for their close political and military ties.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s chief adviser, Oktay Saral, condemned the restrictions as “unacceptable” and urged Azerbaijan to reverse the decision, insisting that wearing a headscarf was a requirement of Islamic faith.

Several lawmakers from Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) also criticised the measures, while protests were held outside Azerbaijan’s diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.

The controversy has drawn a sharp response from Azerbaijan’s ruling New Azerbaijan Party, which accused Turkish officials of spreading defamatory claims and warned against interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had earlier cautioned outsiders against interfering in the country’s way of life.

The disagreement is particularly sensitive because Turkey and Azerbaijan describe their relationship as “one nation, two states”. Turkey provided strong support to Azerbaijan during its 2020 war with Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

However, the headscarf controversy has also exposed differences over Azerbaijan’s close relationship with Israel. Baku buys Israeli weapons and supplies oil to Israel, while Ankara’s relations with Tel Aviv have deteriorated sharply over the war in Gaza.

The tensions became more visible on Thursday when delegations from Turkey, Iran and other countries reportedly walked out of a regional security summit in Baku during an address by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Azerbaijan has sought to maintain relations with both Israel and other regional powers, but the growing dispute highlights the diplomatic challenges facing its efforts to balance competing political and religious interests.

By Hassana Abdullahi

South African jurist Navi Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her contributions to international law, human rights and the prosecution of war crimes and genocide.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 9, praising Pillay’s role in advancing international justice and strengthening the global rule of law.

Pillay, 85, previously served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.

Her judicial work contributed to establishing that rape and sexual violence could constitute crimes against humanity and genocide. She also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel rejected the commission’s findings.

The Nobel Committee recognised Pillay’s longstanding efforts to hold individuals and states accountable for international crimes and to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts through international law.

Born in Durban during apartheid, Pillay built a distinguished legal career defending human rights and challenging discrimination. Her award highlights the role of international justice institutions in addressing atrocities and protecting human dignity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, a regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has travelled to Israel as part of efforts to draw international attention to killings and insecurity affecting communities in Plateau and other parts of Nigeria.

Dachomo announced his arrival in Israel on Friday, October 2, through his Facebook account, describing the trip as his first international Christian advocacy tour.

The cleric said he plans to use the visit to raise concerns over attacks in Plateau and the wider Middle Belt while seeking an audience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He also said he intends to engage Christian leaders and prayer groups from different countries to mobilise greater international attention and prayers for Nigeria.

Dachomo has been vocal about attacks on communities in Plateau State and has described some of the violence as persecution and “genocide” against Christians.

In a message announcing his arrival, the cleric said he was in Israel to pray for Nigeria, its leaders and citizens.

“Today, I am in Israel praying for Nigeria, our leaders, and our people. I believe in miracles, and I believe God can change what looks impossible,” he said.

In an accompanying video, Dachomo said he also prayed for Israel, its people and its leadership, including Netanyahu, his cabinet and the Israel Defence Forces.

He said his prayers also covered President Bola Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other African leaders.

The cleric stressed that his advocacy was not limited to Christian victims, saying Muslims and other Nigerians affected by insecurity also deserved attention.

“I am coming to stand for Nigeria and to pray for our nation: for Muslims being killed in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina; for Christians; for my Biafran brothers,” he said.

Dachomo also spoke about attacks in his community, alleging that armed men invaded his village and killed three people within his jurisdiction.

He expressed hope that he would be able to meet Netanyahu personally and present what he described as the suffering of Christian communities in Nigeria.

“By God’s grace, if we meet one-on-one in Israel, I will share with him the agony of Christians in Nigeria,” he said.

The Israel trip follows Dachomo’s sustained advocacy over insecurity in Plateau State, particularly after attacks on communities in the state.

He had previously alleged that nine members of his extended family were killed during an attack in Riyom Local Government Area in July.

His latest initiative takes his advocacy beyond Nigeria, with the cleric seeking to engage international Christian groups and draw greater attention to security challenges affecting communities in Plateau and other parts of the country.

Nigeria has continued to face insecurity involving terrorism, banditry, communal violence, farmer-herder conflicts and criminal activities across different regions.

Claims about the identities and motives of perpetrators, as well as the religious dimensions of individual attacks, require independent verification.

Dachomo’s Israel visit is therefore aimed at expanding his campaign for international attention to the security situation in Plateau and other affected communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Delegates from several countries staged a walkout at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address.

The protest echoed a similar demonstration during Netanyahu’s speech at the UNGA session last year.

While many diplomats left the chamber, some remained in the hall and applauded the Israeli prime minister. A section of those who stayed also chanted “Am Yisrael Chai,” which translates to “The people of Israel live”.

Netanyahu responded by attacking those who walked out, describing them as “moral cowards”.

“If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli leader also defended Israel’s military action against Iran, arguing that the operation was necessary to prevent a greater threat.

He said that if Israel had not carried out the strikes, “we’d all be dead”.

“Devastating Iran’s nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as prime minister,” he said.

Netanyahu further claimed that the collapse of the Iranian government was “only a matter of time”.

He said the Iranian people “will be free” one day.

The Israeli prime minister also criticised European countries over their decision to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

During the address, Netanyahu also criticised Turkish President Recep Erdoğan, whom he described as a “tyrant” who hosts Hamas leaders.

By Muhammad Abubakar

An international coalition of Catholic clergy known as Priests Against Genocide marched through the streets of Rome on Tuesday, calling on leaders of the Catholic Church to take a stronger stance against Israel’s war in Gaza.

The demonstrators urged Church authorities to speak more forcefully about the humanitarian crisis and suffering of civilians in Gaza. The march brought together Catholic priests from different countries who sought to draw greater attention to the conflict and its impact on the civilian population.

The protest comes amid continued international debate over the war in Gaza and calls for greater protection of civilians and humanitarian access.

CNN correspondent Christopher Lamb reported from Rome on the demonstration and the clergy’s demands for stronger action from Catholic Church leaders.

By Maryam Ahmad

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the killing of between 30 and 40 people in Gaza every night, in remarks made during a podcast interview with former Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski.

Ben-Gvir criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for reducing Israeli military strikes in Gaza and said he supported carrying out targeted assassinations on a nightly basis.

“I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night,” Ben-Gvir said. He went further, saying that the targets should not be limited to people posing an immediate threat, claiming that some Palestinians were “not worthy of life.”

Ben-Gvir, who leads the far-right Jewish Power party, is a member of Netanyahu’s coalition government but does not have direct command over Israel’s military. His comments nevertheless come from one of the most prominent hardline figures in the Israeli government and have drawn renewed attention to his calls for an intensified military campaign in Gaza.

The minister has also advocated the establishment of Israeli settlements throughout Gaza and the mass departure of Palestinians from the territory. His latest remarks have been widely criticised because of their dehumanising language and explicit advocacy of killing people beyond those posing an immediate military threat.

Israel has rejected accusations that its conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide, while statements by senior Israeli officials, including Ben-Gvir, have previously been cited in international legal proceedings concerning allegations of genocidal intent.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A fatal traffic accident claiming the life of a prominent Israeli liturgical singer has triggered a fierce online battle over the musician’s legacy.

Avishai Levy, a 30-year-old paytan (liturgical singer) from the Haredi community, was killed on August 7, 2026, on Adoniyahu HaCohen Street. Authorities report that Levy had just exited his vehicle when it unexpectedly began to roll forward. In an apparent attempt to halt the runaway car, Levy was pinned between the vehicle and a nearby utility pole.

First responders from Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah performed emergency resuscitation maneuvers, but Levy succumbed to severe trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Traffic police have launched a mechanical investigation to determine why the vehicle failed to remain parked.

While the incident is being handled as a tragic accident, it has sparked a polarized narrative on social media.

Local Hebrew-language media and religious organizations widely mourned Levy, profiling him as a former child prodigy who dedicated his career to traditional Jewish liturgical music, weddings, and faith-based albums.

Simultaneously, pro-Palestinian social media accounts circulated counterclaims, alleging that Levy was an Israeli military major who utilized his platform to perform anti-Palestinian music and nationalist chants for troops.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Since I came to France for work, I have been extremely cautious about criticising Israel or Benjamin Netanyahu. Often, though wrongly, people conflate criticism of an entity or a person with criticism of an idea or of an entire ethnic or religious group.

Soon after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, I felt driven to write about the unresolved conflict. It was difficult to ignore the subject. Yet I was also concerned that expressing my views might affect my employment or even my residency status in France. To be certain, I reached out to our Human Resources department for guidance.

We essentially agreed on an important distinction. Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu are not the same as the Jewish people or Judaism. One can criticise the policies of the Israeli government or the actions of its prime minister without expressing hostility towards Jews or the Jewish faith. The same principle applies elsewhere. A person may criticise Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman without being an Islamophobe or an enemy of Islam.

This distinction is fundamental in any society that values free expression and intellectual honesty. Democracies depend on the ability of citizens to question governments, leaders and public figures. If every criticism of a political leader is interpreted as an attack on an entire religion or ethnic group, meaningful public debate becomes impossible.

I was reminded of this principle after listening to new songs released yesterday by the Nigerian political singer, Dauda Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara. The songs appear to criticise an opposition politician in Gombe State, Sheikh Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who is also a respected Islamic scholar.

Unfortunately, I have seen some people make the same mistake that often appears in discussions about international politics. They have framed criticism of Pantami as though it were criticism of Islam itself.

Pantami does not represent Islam. He is a Muslim and an influential public figure, but he remains an individual whose political choices, public statements and actions are open to public scrutiny, just like those of any other politician. Defending him is entirely legitimate, but such a defence should be based on facts, evidence and reason rather than on the assumption that any criticism directed at him is an attack on the religion he professes.

By any definition, both the singer and the governorship candidate he appears to criticise in his songs are Muslims. Neither of them represents Islam. Their political disagreements should therefore remain political disagreements. Turning them into religious disputes serves neither truth nor the public interest.

This tendency to wrap political figures in the cloak of religion is dangerous. It discourages accountability and deepens unnecessary divisions within society. Once religion becomes a shield against legitimate criticism, it becomes difficult to separate public responsibility from personal belief.

Nigeria’s diversity demands greater care in the language we use. Political competition should not be transformed into religious confrontation. Citizens should be able to disagree with politicians, governors, ministers or scholars without being accused of attacking an entire faith.

The lesson is simple. We must distinguish between people and the principles they claim to represent, between governments and the nations they govern, and between political leaders and the religions they practise. Failing to make these distinctions only fuels misunderstanding and polarisation.

Criticise ideas. Debate policies. Defend people if you wish. But let us avoid presenting political disagreements as battles for religion. In the long run, both politics and religion are better served when we keep that distinction clear.

By Sabiu Abdullahi l

At least 14 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Friday. Eight of the victims died after a drone strike hit mourners attending a funeral procession in the Nuseirat refugee camp, according to Palestinian civil defence authorities and hospital officials.

The incident was reported by Al Jazeera, which cited Gaza’s civil defence agency and Al-Awda Hospital. The hospital also said at least 20 people sustained injuries in the attack.

Witnesses said the drone struck mourners gathered outside the Ahmad Yassin Mosque in the Al-Balata market area as they prepared to begin the funeral procession for a Palestinian who had been killed earlier the same day in another Israeli attack.

“There is no regard for the ceasefire,” Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud said while reporting from Gaza City.

“The people who were participating in the [funeral] procession were coming out of the mosque [when] a drone strike targeted a group of people within the procession itself.”

The Israeli military confirmed that it carried out the strike. According to AFP, the army claimed it had targeted a “terrorist” cell in central Gaza. It added that it was “aware of the claims that several uninvolved individuals were harmed as a result of the strike. The results of the strike are under review.”

Hamas condemned the attack in a statement, describing it as a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement.

“This heinous crime takes place while the aggressor regime, through its systematic and continuous violation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, continues to kill and terrorise innocent citizens in front of the eyes of mediators and the international community,” the group said.

Elsewhere in Gaza, a 52-year-old woman was killed after an Israeli drone reportedly dropped a bomb near Abu Tammam School in Beit Lahia. Another Palestinian was killed in Az-Zawayda, while another lost his life after Israeli fire struck a shelter for displaced people in al-Sawarha.

An Israeli drone strike on an apartment in Gaza City also killed one Palestinian and injured several others, including children. Another woman later died from wounds she sustained during Israeli gunfire southwest of Khan Younis.

Despite the ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, hostilities have continued across Gaza. Research group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) reported that Israeli attacks increased in recent months, with more than 40 strikes recorded in June, the highest monthly figure since the ceasefire began.

“The skies above the Gaza Strip are filled with drones,” Mahmoud said.

“You can hear the mechanical hum of these drones everywhere … In addition to the ongoing [Israeli] destruction of remaining infrastructure,” he added.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz also reported on Friday that 274 children have been killed since the ceasefire began, stating that, on average, one child has died each day during the period.