Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian vowed today before the UN Security Council that his country would “make Israel regret” any attack against it, reported AFP.
“Iran’s self-defense actions and countermeasures have ended, so the Israeli terrorist regime must stop any further military adventure against our interests,” Abdolakhian told a meeting of the Middle East Security Council.
“In the event of the Israeli regime using force and violating our sovereignty, the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate for a second to defend its rights, respond decisively and adequately and make the regime regret its actions,” he added.
Israel has said it reserves the “right to defend itself” against Iran after Iran’s attack this weekend saw more than 350 drones and missiles fired at Israel. Almost all of them were intercepted in flight. However, Israel did not provide information on the means, date and goals of a possible operation, summarizes AFP.
Tehran presented its attack as a response to the deadly attack attributed to Israel on the Iranian consulate in Damascus earlier this month, BTA reported.
Abdolakhian spoke to the UN Security Council after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said earlier today that Tehran may review its “nuclear doctrine” following Israeli threats, Reuters noted.
At the meeting of the UN Security Council dedicated to the Middle East, the Secretary General of the world organization Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint.
“It is high time to end the bloody cycle of retaliation. It is high time to stop,” Guterres said.
“The international community must work together to prevent any action that could push the entire Middle East over the edge, with a devastating impact on the civilian population,” he urged.
Earlier, Israel’s permanent representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan, criticized Abdollahian’s presence in the Security Council.
“He’s here to mock you. He’s here to show you all – in your suits and with your diplomatic niceties – that his country can attack another member state on Saturday, and then he can come here on Thursday to teach you about human rights and international law,” Erdan said.
They sentence 28 years in prison to the murderers of 4 environmentalists in Peru
#Portraits #Inspiring #Journeys #Women #Morocco
Aayla Ghouli, Head of Fintech GreenTech and startups Africa/BNP Paribas.
Recognized as the “Most Influential Digital Woman in 2023 in North Africa” by the prestigious Africa Bank Awards 4, Aalya Ghouli embodies the success of Moroccan women in the economic field. With more than 25 years of experience in various positions of responsibility in the Moroccan and African financial and banking sector, Aalya Ghouli is a champion of the evolution of the Moroccan ecosystem of mobile payment, financial inclusion and the digitalization of financial services, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of women. Her visionary leadership plays an important role in the evolution of the Moroccan ecosystem of mobile payment, financial inclusion and the digitalization of financial services, with a particular focus on the empowerment of women.
Beyond her professional achievements, Aalya Ghouli is a strong advocate for diversity, actively engaging in initiatives aimed at promoting the socio-economic inclusion of women in Morocco. She is an active member of Enactus Morocco, an NGO dedicated to revealing the entrepreneurial potential of young people. “Greater economic and financial inclusion of women and their better representation in governance bodies undoubtedly remain a subject in which I will remain invested in the years to come to consolidate all the efforts made by Morocco,” she underlines.
Board member of the Ifran Africa Forum, Aalya Ghouli helps shape an integrated vision for a more prosperous Africa. Her commitment to diversity also extends to the defense of interreligious coexistence as co-president of the Moroccan NGO Salam Lekoulam.
Through her leadership, Aalya Ghouli embodies the success and commitment of Moroccan women in the business world, demonstrating that diversity and inclusion are essential assets for economic and social development. KA
Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli, Researcher specializing in nuclear physics.
Specializing in nuclear physics, Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli figures prominently this year in the Forbes “50 over 50” ranking, which highlights personalities who have brought added value, over the age of 50, to their field of work. Ranked among the 200 most influential researchers in the world in 2022, according to the Alper Dodger scientific index, the scientist received the prestigious International Women in Nuclear (WiN) Award of Excellence in September 2023. A graduate in nuclear physics, Rajaa Cherkaoui quickly understood the crucial importance of research for the socio-economic development of Morocco. She thus walked the corridors of academic and governmental institutions, tirelessly pleading for increased investment in research and development. Its clear vision and ambitions have won over many decision-makers, facilitating the adoption of policies favorable to scientific innovation. Professor at the Faculty of Sciences of Rabat, head of the nuclear physics laboratory at the same faculty, resident member of the Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Technology, Rajaa Cherkaoui has devoted her life to science.
His research work, alongside other Moroccan researchers, within the framework of the international ATLAS collaboration, and his participation in the historic discovery of the Higgs Boson, allowed him to be among the researchers who marked the history of science. “Entering into such a collaboration helped us, as Moroccan researchers, to position ourselves internationally, and this is what helped us to now be ranked among the first,” recalls with emotion Pr Cherkaoui.
A tireless activist, she dedicates herself body and soul to promoting scientific research in the Kingdom. Her ability to unite and inspire makes her an essential figure in the research movement in Morocco. It organizes conferences, workshops and events, encouraging dialogue and collaboration between the different actors of the scientific community. She now hopes to be able to inspire more young girls and women to enter the field. SB
Jinane Zouaki, Specialist in medical biology.
The first Moroccan woman to specialize in medically assisted procreation and reproductive genetics, Dr. Jihane Zouaki is one of the Moroccan scientists who have established themselves thanks to their brilliant career. A graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Granada, Jihane Zouaki specialized in medical biology and medically assisted procreation (MAP) and reproductive genetics, a field in which she excelled. Returning to Morocco after teaching for a few years at the same university, this determined scientist set up her own laboratory and installed a PCR platform there in 2017, which will be of great use to her during the health crisis. She is firmly part of the fight against the pandemic within the molecular biology laboratory of the Tetouan Saniat Rmel hospital. This commitment and dedication to public health and medical research have earned him international recognition. She was thus named corresponding academic member of the Royal Academy of Pharmacy of Catalonia, a first for a Moroccan and African woman.
At the end of 2022, Jihane Zouaki became the first Moroccan and African to receive the medal of privilege from the University of Granada. This prestigious recognition crowns an exceptional journey that began in 1994, illustrating his continued dedication to biomedical research.
Jihane Zouaki devotes his career to the early detection of diseases threatening the fertility of couples, as well as hereditary diseases and cancers. The scientist who firmly believes in the power of genetics as a science of the future, is working to push her knowledge even further with the aim of advancing science and promoting Morocco internationally. ST
Sarah Kerroumi, Secretary General of Ynna Holding.
Appearing on several occasions in the Choiseul 100 Africa ranking of the 100 most influential young African leaders in Africa in the making, and distinguished on several occasions by prestigious awards, such as the “Women Leaders of Morocco” Trophy or the “Moroccan Women Leaders” Prize. Young Manager of the Year”, Sarah Kerroumi was one of the first women to support the “Morocco for diversity” program. At the head of a group which was a finalist for “Gender Leader of the Year” with more than 40% women employees, and which has more than 20,000 employees, and 26 subsidiaries in 5 sectors of activity creating added value for the country, Sarah Kerroumi works tirelessly for parity.
This winner of Al-Akhawayne University is used to challenges, because as soon as she graduated, she entered the professional world, but a few months later, she decided to continue her studies in the United States at Johnson & Johnson University. Wales to get an MBA there, and then work there. Back in Morocco, she experiences this know-how acquired in Uncle Sam’s country, and puts into practice this American-style management which has since constituted her signature.
In 2023, it launches an award to celebrate female leadership within the Ynna Holding group, and kicks off the “YWA – Ynna Women Awards” platform, a concept through which the group devotes efforts and commitment of employees in the development of their socio-economic environment through 9 awards. F ST
Lamia Tazi, PDG de Sothema.
Originally from Casablanca, Lamia Tazi has built her reputation with unfailing determination, combined with keen business intelligence. A graduate of a prestigious business school in Morocco, she quickly attracted attention for her ambition and dedication. His rise in the business world was marked by his ability to identify opportunities and boldly seize them. As CEO of Sothema, Lamia Tazi has guided the company through periods of impressive growth. Under his leadership, Sothema has become a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, both on the local and international markets. His strategic vision has enabled the company to diversify its products, explore new markets and strengthen its global presence. Lamia is recognized for her inspiring leadership and her ability to mobilize teams around common goals. His strategy and his voluntarism within Sothema have earned him several distinctions. In 2023, it was ranked 29th in the Forbes ranking of Top 100 health sector leaders in the Mena region. Firmly believing in the importance of innovation and investment in research and development to maintain Sothema’s competitiveness in the global market. His inclusive and collaborative approach has created a work environment where every employee feels valued and encouraged to contribute to the success of the company. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Lamia is actively involved in social and humanitarian initiatives. She believes in the responsibility of business towards the community and strives to implement projects that have a positive impact on society. Despite a busy schedule, Lamia always finds time to support and inspire the next generation of leaders. She regularly participates in conferences and events to share her experience and advice with young entrepreneurs and professionals. Overall, Lamia Tazi embodies the qualities of a visionary and committed leader. Her impressive career and her influence in the business world make her an emblematic figure in Morocco and beyond our borders. SB
Biden: Iran wants to destroy Israel and we will not allow the Jewish state to be erased.. We will enter the war
A cellphone with the WhatsApp logo visible on a computer motherboard. Photo/REUTERS/Dado Ruvic
GAZA – Israel’s killing of Palestinians in Gaza through an artificial intelligence (AI) targeting system assisted by the WhatsApp Meta messaging platform, according to a new report.
Earlier this month, reports revealed Israel used an artificial intelligence system called ‘Lavender’ to identify individuals in the Gaza Strip before targeting and attacking them, processing as many as 37,000 Palestinians within its scope.
Rather than simply acting as a simple targeting mechanism, these systems have intentionally high civilian casualty rates, with Israeli military and intelligence sources admitting they hit targets even when they were in their homes with their entire families.
As one source said at the time, “Israeli forces bombarded their (Palestinians’) homes without hesitation, as a first resort. It’s much easier to bomb a single-family home. This system is built to look for those in these situations.”
However, according to software engineer and blogger, Paul Biggar, one important detail in the method used by the Lavender system is the involvement of the messaging platform, WhatsApp.
The main determining factor in the system’s identification is whether someone is in a WhatsApp group containing other suspected fighters.
Besides the inaccuracy of the method and moral questions in targeting Palestinians based on shared WhatsApp groups or social media connections, there are also doubts that the platform is privacy-based and guarantees “end-to-end” encryption for messages.
Alleging WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, made it complicit in Israel’s killing of a “pre-crime” suspect in Gaza, Biggar accused the company of directly violating international humanitarian law, as well as its public commitment to human rights.
The revelation is the latest evidence of Meta aiding the suppression of Palestinian and pro-Palestinian voices, with the platform long criticized for taking significant steps to silence dissent against Israeli and Zionist narratives.
Such steps include allowing ads promoting disasters against Palestinians and even trying to flag the word ‘Zionist’ as hate speech.
However, Meta’s sharing of WhatsApp users’ private data and messages with the Israeli military and its AI targeting system reveals another level of collaboration, but potentially makes it directly complicit in Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Questioning the accuracy of the report, a WhatsApp spokesperson told MEMO, “We have no information that this report is accurate. WhatsApp has no backdoors and we do not provide bulk information to any government. For more than a decade, Meta has provided consistent transparency reports and those reports cover the limited circumstances in which WhatsApp information is requested. Our principles are firm, we carefully review, validate and respond to law enforcement requests based on applicable law and consistent with internationally recognized standards, including human rights. Our next report will come next month, just in time. We agree that privacy is more than just end-to-end encryption, which is why we work hard to protect the limited information available to us and we continue to build more features to protect people’s information.”
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Israel Uses WhatsApp Meta to Kill Palestinians in Gaza with AI System