The Board of Directors of First Bank has appointed Segun Alebiosu, the Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer, as the acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following the sudden resignation of Adesola Adeduntan.

Alebiosu, with over 28 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, will serve in this interim role until clearance from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is obtained. The decision came after a board meeting convened to address the rapid developments following the cancellation of an extraordinary general meeting and Adeduntan's unexpected resignation.

Adeduntan, who communicated his resignation from Washington, is expected to formally hand over to Alebiosu on April 29 upon his return from the World Bank/IMF spring meetings.

Speculation surrounding Adeduntan's departure suggests a connection to the cancellation of the planned extraordinary general meeting aimed at approving capital raise plans. Despite expectations for Adeduntan to assume a Managing Director position at the HoldCo level, uncertainties arise due to regulatory approval status. Notably, Adeduntan's tenure faced scrutiny in 2021 when former directors voted for his retirement, only for him to be reinstated after the board's dismissal by the CBN Governor at the time, Godwin Emefiele.

Fleeing residents from Bini community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara sought refuge at the Government House in Gusau, urging the government to protect them from bandits.

The villagers, predominantly women and children, fled their homes after the withdrawal of military security personnel from the area.

Umar Salisu, one of the fleeing villagers, recounted how the absence of security forces prompted their exodus, citing ongoing threats from bandits. Aisha Usman and Wakkala Gurgu echoed the urgent need for government intervention to address the escalating security concerns in their community. Commissioner for Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, reassured the villagers of the government's commitment to restoring security, emphasizing its refusal to negotiate with bandits. Madawaki pledged efforts to facilitate the safe return of the displaced villagers with the accompaniment of security personnel, underscoring the administration's resolve to resolve the state's security challenges.

ISRAEL’S REPORTS

IDF: Following the initial report regarding a shooting incident at the Beit Einun Junction, a short while ago, two terrorists arrived at the junction. One of the terrorists attempted to stab IDF soldiers that were in the area, who responded with live fire and neutralized him.

At the same time, the other terrorist opened fire at the soldiers, who responded with live fire and neutralized him too.

No IDF injuries were reported.

IDF soldiers are deployed in the area.

Attached is a photo of the gun used by one of the terrorists: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/ANC210420248934765

** IDF: Overnight, IAF fighter jets struck a number of Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon, including an observation post in the area of Odaisseh, and two military structures in the area of Khiam.

During one of the strikes, a terrorist was identified operating inside a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Tayr Harfa. Shortly after the identification, fighter jets struck and destroyed the structure.

Attached is video footage of the strikes: https://bit.ly/3UoX3eU

** IDF: On Sunday, terrorists fired shots toward Kibbutz Meirav. No injuries were reported and light damage was caused to a compound. IDF soldiers are blocking off routes and searching for suspects in the area. During searches in the town of Jalbun, terrorists hurled an explosive device toward the soldiers operating in the area. No injuries were reported and no damage was caused.

IDF soldiers are continuing the searches for the terrorists.

** IDF: The IDF Netzah Yehuda Battalion soldiers are currently participating in the war effort in the Gaza Strip. The battalion is professionally and bravely conducting operations in accordance to the IDF Code of Ethics and with full commitment to international law. In recent years, the battalion's soldiers have been at the heart of operational duties working around the clock in order to protect Israeli civilians, while being a leading battalion with regards to recruitment of ultra-Orthodox citizens to the IDF.

 

The reports regarding sanctions against the Netzah Yehuda Battalion are not currently known to the IDF. Should such a decision be made on the matter, its consequences will be reviewed. The IDF remains committed to continue to examine exceptional incidents professionally and according to law.

** IDF: Earlier today, two launches from Lebanon were identified crossing toward the area of Rosh HaNikra in northern Israel. The IDF struck the sources of the fire. In response to the launches, IDF fighter jets struck terrorist infrastructure in the area of Qotrani.

Furthermore, earlier today, IDF fighter jets struck two Hezbollah military compounds where terrorists were operating in the area of Ayta ash Shab as well as Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in the areas of Naqoura and Majdal Zoun.

Attached is a video of IDF strikes: https://bit.ly/44ddIFp

** IDF: Earlier this evening, a surface-to-air missile was launched toward an IAF UAV that was operating in Lebanese airspace. As a result, the UAV was hit and fell in Lebanese territory. The incident is under review.

IAF fighter jets struck the launch site from which the missile was fired.

The IAF is continuing to operate in Lebanese airspace to carry out IDF missions in order to protect the state of Israel.

 

HAMAS’ REPORTS

Hamas:

- The new mass grave that was discovered in the Nasser Medical Complex, and contains the bodies of more than fifty martyrs of different ages, who were executed in cold blood and buried with military bulldozers under the soil of the complex’s courtyards, which is in addition to many mass graves that were found, especially in Hospital courtyards; It reaffirms the extent of the crimes and atrocities committed by the occupation army and raises questions about the fate of thousands of Palestinians who are still missing after the fascist occupation army withdrew from areas in the Gaza Strip.

- The horrific crimes committed by this criminal army, and the mass killings of defenseless civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, in hospitals, shelter and displacement centers and tents, and residential neighborhoods; It would not have continued, had it not been for the unlimited political and military support, and the cover that the administration of US President Biden gives to this fascist entity, which enables it to continue its war of extermination against our people for more than six months.

** Hamas: We condemn the US House of Representatives’ vote on a draft law requiring the provision of military and security assistance to the criminal entity.

- The American administration and its President Biden personally bear political, legal and moral responsibility for the war crimes committed by the criminal Zionist entity against our Palestinian people.

** Al-Quds Brigades - Jenin Battalion: As part of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" battle, and in response to the massacre in the Nour Shams camp, we carried out shooting operations at Salem camp, the "Dotan" checkpoint, and the "Merav", "Mavo Dotan" and "Shaked" settlements.

** The Al-Qassam Brigades bombed from southern Lebanon the “Shomera Military Barracks” in the western sector of the Upper Galilee, north of occupied Palestine, with 20 Grad missiles; In response to the massacres of the Zionist enemy in patient Gaza and the rebellious West Bank

** Mujahideen Brigades: After being able to communicate with our fighters... we announce fierce clashes with the occupation forces during the invasion of Al-Damj neighborhood in Nour Shams camp in Tulkarm.

 

Israel Defense Forces/Hamas Brigade al-Qassam

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

NATO members have military personnel in Kiev – Stoltenberg

NATO member states have service members stationed at their respective embassies in Kiev, performing advisory functions, NATO Secretary General Jens Soltenberg told MSNBC News on Sunday.

In an interview, Stoltenberg was asked whether NATO was planning to send additional personnel to help Kiev in its fight against Russia. “There are no plans for any NATO combat presence in Ukraine. But, of course, several NATO allies have men and women in uniform at the embassies giving advice,”Stoltenberg said.

His comment came after Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder told Politico magazine that the US is considering deploying more advisers to its embassy in Kiev. According to Politico, the additional advisers could be tasked with handling logistics and helping with the maintenance of US-supplied weapons systems.

Although French President Emmanuel Macron and several other European leaders are refusing to rule out some NATO boots on the ground in Ukraine in the future, the alliance has so far maintained that it is not a direct participant in the conflict.

The nearly $61 billion aid package passed by the US House of Representatives on Saturday was good news, however, “delay has had real consequences” on the battlefield, Stoltenberg said. “The Ukrainians have now for months been outgunned.”

The much-needed aid bill, which includes the money for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine, had remained stuck in the House for months due to political wrangling. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has complained that the petering out of American aid caused ammunition shortages on the front line, and warned that Kiev could lose if the delays continue. President Joe Biden directly blamed the fall of the Donbass stronghold of Avdeevka to Russia in February on “congressional inaction.”

Moscow has repeatedly warned that deliveries of Western arms and equipment to Ukraine will not stop it from reaching its military goals, including the abandonment of Kiev’s hopes to join NATO. Further arms deliveries from the West only “cause more Ukrainians to die because of the Kiev regime,” and de facto make Western states party to the conflict, the Kremlin has stated.

** Units of South battlegroup fully free Bogdanovka in Donetsk People’s Republic — top brass

Units of the South battlegroup have fully freed Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), as well as repelled two counterattacks by the Ukrainian armed forces near Chasov Yar and Krasnoye, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

"Units of the South battlegroup have fully freed the Bogdanovka settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic, improved positions at the forefront and inflicted fire defeat to troops and equipment of the 53rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces near the settlement of Krasnogorovka of the Donetsk People’s Republic. Moreover, two counterattacks by formations of the 93rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces near the settlement of Chasov Yar and to the west of the settlement of Krasnoye of the Donetsk People’s Republic have been repelled," the ministry said.

The enemy lost up to 440 troops, three cars and an Osa-AKM air defense system, a 152mm D-20 weapon, a Grad multiple launch rocket system, two Nota electronic warfare stations, as well as five field ammunition depots, according to the report.

 

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine says it damaged Russian rescue ship in Crimea

Ukraine's military said on Sunday it had struck and damaged a long-serving Russian rescue vessel in Sevastopol, the headquarters in occupied Crimea of Moscow's Black Sea Fleet.

Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said the vessel, the Kommuna, had been hit in Sevastopol Bay on Sunday morning and it was "clear that the ship is no longer in a state to carry out assignments."

A post on the Ukrainian Armed Forces Telegram channel said the ship was one of the oldest operated by the Russian navy and had been launched in 1913.

News reports said the vessel had been dispatched as part of a rescue operation when Ukrainian forces sank the Russian Fleet's Moskva flagship in April 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pointed to the military's success in attacking and containing Russia's Crimea-based fleet in the nearly 26-month-old war against Russia. Crimea was seized and annexed by Russia in 2014.

Pletenchuk said earlier this month that Ukrainian operations had taken out of action about a third of the Russian fleet since the start of the war.

Sevastopol's Russia-installed governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said earlier that Russian forces had repelled an anti-ship missile attack on one of its vessels in the port.

Razvozhayev said fallen fragments caused a small fire, which was promptly extinguished.

 

RT/Tass/Reuters

Two days after I started taking the medication prescribed by Heba, I could lift myself out of the wheelchair and walk about. By the fifth day, I walked into the hospital, gingerly, but surely, and came face to face with DHeba, who was not even surprised to see me on my feet, on her way to buy a cappuccino, I guessed.

We went to the waiting area and waited to be called in to see her. She soon returned, holding a cup of her drink. She asked me certain questions and, after taking my vitals, sent me to go for a Spirometry Flow-Volume Test, known as Lung Function Test (LFT).

One interesting and commendable attribute of Saudi hospitals, not least the Saudi-German, is that you do not have to come the next day for your test results. Once they admit you, ask fundamental questions and register your vitals, they start conducting tests. It is test upon test because once a result comes out, then another test would be conducted based on that result until they narrow down and nail the ailment. Anytime they start, they can take 24 hours, each team handing your case over to the next shift. And if you got tired and ran off to return the next day, as I once did, they will begin with you from the very beginning, not from where you ran off – the syringe punches, cannula and bandages, x-rays and all! I asked why and I was told, “Anything could have happened in your system since you left that could render yesterday’s results no more tenable.”

Well, back to spirometry. After the result came out, Heba, who had earlier said she would be going for a quick break, decided to postpone it to attend to us. After studying the result, she recommended Pulmonary Rehabilitation which is physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. She decided to send me to the head of the unit whose schedule was full for the month but who decided to accept me nonetheless.

And so we met him. Small built with baldness setting in and a face full of smiles, Amjad Alqurtabi was a sportish, friendly and easy-going fellow who was ever willing to do his job.

One thing with the medical personnel at the Saudi-German Hospital is that, apart from being professional and willing to be of assistance, they are friendly, going a long way to make you feel comfortable, at home, and cared for. A man may be excused to think the female personnel have fallen for him.

And you do not feel any obligation or indebtedness to them. For the first time in my interactions with health workers, all the rest being back in Nigeria, of course, I never felt they were doing me a favour or there was the need to dip my hands into my pockets to “appreciate” a health caregiver.

Amjad, I learnt, is a descendant of the author of a book on fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Qurtabi, written in poetic form. It is one of those primary books studied to deepen knowledge of jurisprudence and also to learn the Arabic language. I got to know this because, out of curiosity, I told him that the name Qurtabi rang a bell, to which he opened up on his relationship with the famed author.

For those who might have read it, the book, Qurtabi, named after the town of the author, Shaykh Allama Yahya bn Ishaq bn Yahya al-Laisi, started with “Yaqulu Yahyal Qurtabiyyud dari; Almurtaji mathubatal ghaffari; Bi’ismil ilaHi abda’ul maqala; Faminhu arjul afwa wal ifdhaala,” which when translated means: “Says Yahya who lives (domiciled) in Qurtabi; A man expecting (desirous of) reward and forgiveness (from Allah); in the name of Allah, I am starting this discussion; From Him, I am expecting sympathy and greatness.”

Qurtabi was the name of Cordoba in Spain, called Andalusia at the time when the country was an Islamic nation.

Alqurtabi went through the process of physically breaking the mucus that filled my lungs so that they could get expectorated and give relief to my lungs and chest. That would also allow me to breathe easily, which will reduce the Shortness of Breath (SoB) I struggled with due to insufficient oxygen.

My ailment, found out to be Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is a non-communicable, irreversible chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes airflow blockage, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. And so one has to imbibe a lifetime habit of pulmonary rehabilitation. And that was what Amjad Alqurtabi set out to put me through.

After massaging my chest to loosen the mucus, he handed me over to Coach Khalid, the man in charge of both therapies. Even though he is more fluent in Arabic, we hit it off instantly as friends because I saw in him a man enthusiastic to nurse me back to health. I could see happiness in his eyes at my progress and pride all over his face that he was part of it.

The first set of physiotherapy consisted of sessions on the treadmill, spinner bike and exercises on deep breathing. Next was hydrotherapy, where I was made to undergo various sessions and exercises in a heated swimming pool with a Jacuzzi, leading to full swimming and holding my breath for a time underwater.

After about ten days at it, I became strong enough to perform the Umrah and after two weeks, when Heba called for another LFT, it was found out that my lung function had improved by over thirty per cent. No wonder the physiotherapy department of the Makkah Saudi-German is the best in the Saudi-German chain.

I still believe we can have hospitals with the standard of the Saudi-German. And what can hinder us from achieving such a feat? Three things make the Makkah Saudi-German great: adequate infrastructure, modern equipment for service delivery and wonderful, well-trained human resources, with the right attitude in tow.

I believe our states can build at least one great hospital and invite the Saudi-German to equip and manage them for a certain period. While doing that, our citizens will receive the best on-the-job training after graduation and may further benefit from exchange programmes with the franchise.

All these will allow them to internalise the concept of global best practices in health care delivery. That will be a win-win situation for us and will in no small measure galvanise our development individually and as a nation because a healthy nation is a wealthy one.

** Hassan Gimba is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Neptune Prime.

 

To start a company and keep it growing, leaders must get and keep customers. As I will share with students this fall in my Babson College course, Scaling Strategy: Mastering the Four Stages from Idea to $10 Billion, achieving that simple-sounding goal is challenging.

This comes to mind in considering the journey of Saviynt, a privately held El Segundo, Calif.-based provider of identity and access management products.

Founded in 2010, the 545-employee company generated $72 million in revenue, according to Zippia. Savyint defied the current venture capital winter – raising $205 million in growth financing in January 2023, VentureBeat reported.

In a March 3 interview, CEO Sachim Nayyar explained how Saviynt has been able to win and keep customers during its 13-year existence.

Founders must pick the right problem to solve – one that causes considerable pain for customers and that incumbents are not addressing. 

Saviynt aimed to solve such a problem back in 2010.

As Nayyar told me, "In 2010, there was no comprehensive solution to identity and access management. While vendors such as Oracle, SailPoint, IBM, SAP and CyberArk supplied individual pieces of the solution, customers were paying multiple times for these different products. We thought customers were looking for something more efficient; more secure and better integrated."

2. Build the industry's best solution to that problem

To win customers, a vendor must build the industry's best solution to the right problem.

Saviynt says its product and service offerings lead the industry.

"Customers perceive us as providing a world-class product with the most innovation. We offer potential customers access to the accumulated best practices of our user groups, advisory groups and customer learning. We have a deep ecosystem of over 1,000 partners certified in Saviynt which customers can access through a single marketplace."

3. Persuade potential customers to buy your product

It is not enough to build the best product; you must also convince customers to buy it.

Saviynt says that its product wins in competitive bids.

"We win 70 percent to 75 percent of the time. While Okta is a competitor, it provides light identity governance for customers who are smaller than the ones we target. We win because our product better meets the needs of our customers who want to move to the cloud, lower their total costs and reduce risk. Enterprises choose after doing a bakeoff among potential suppliers and then check references," he said.

4. Invent new products that help customers adapt to changing headwinds and tailwinds

Over time, a company's initial products mature. To keep growing, founders must track changes in the external forces creating opportunities and threats for their customers.

In so doing, startups can sustain their growth by investing in new products that will help their customers keep growing.

Saviynt's portfolio consists of some mature and some fast-growing products.

As Nayyar explained, "65 percent of our revenue is from mature products; 35 percent of our revenue is from products that are growing at over 100 percent a year. These include our privileged access management (PAM) and third-party access management products."

Saviynt started developing a PAM offering about three years ago.

As he said, "We began developing a lower-priced, agentless, cloud-based PAM product that protects Internet of Things devices. Our product works better and is less costly than CyberArk's PAM product. Our price is 70 percent of the nearest competitor's. Because of the macroeconomic pressure to do more with less, we will benefit. By 2024, we expect that the balance of our mature and fast-growing products will be 50/50."

5. Empower talent to achieve ambitious goals

Nayyar has learned important lessons about winning and keeping customers since he became a CEO.

"When I was a first-time CEO, I tried to solve everything myself. Now I know that a CEO must bring the right people to the table, give them the information they need, remove obstacles and making sure everyone understands a few key goals."

To hire that talent – winning is essential. "Winners attract winners and we grow through innovation and quality – not by cutting our price below our costs. We never cut corners with customers no matter how small they are. We want customers to refer us so we won't be penny wise and pound foolish," he said. 

Do these five things to help your company get and keep customers.

 

Inc

Dangote Industries Limited's management has refuted claims questioning the quality of its diesel, labeling such allegations as false and mischievous.

The company asserts that its refinery is engineered to produce top-tier petroleum products that adhere to rigorous international standards. Anthony Chiejina, the company's spokesperson, emphasized that recent reports suggesting substandard diesel production led to the price reductions are unfounded. Chiejina clarified that the refinery's diesel output contains significantly lower levels of Sulphur compared to previous imports, debunking claims of inferior quality.

He further dismissed assertions that the reduced price is indicative of lower quality, citing market dynamics and the company's commitment to national interest as primary reasons for the adjustment.

With a production capacity exceeding domestic demand, Dangote's refinery aims to contribute to Nigeria's energy independence while maintaining global quality standards.

Adesola Adeduntan, the Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria Limited, has announced his resignation after leading the institution for eight years.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of First Bank, Tunde Hassan-Odukale, titled ‘Notice of Retirement,’ Adeduntan, whose tenure was set to end on December 31, 2024, has voluntarily stepped down, commencing his pre-retirement leave immediately.

Adeduntan, who took on the role of CEO on January 1, 2016, cited his desire to pursue other interests as the reason for his departure.

The boards of FBN Holdings Plc and First Bank respectively accepted his resignation and expressed gratitude for his service to the financial institution.

Adeduntan's resignation comes after a tenure marked by significant transformations and achievements, positioning First Bank as a leading financial institution in Nigeria.

Despite challenges, he leaves with appreciation for the support received and wishes the institution continued success in its evolution.

Adeduntan's career in banking and finance, spanning over three decades, has been distinguished by various recognitions and awards.

Reports have it that a tragic ambush occurred on Friday in Niger State, where bandits attacked soldiers and civilians in the communities of Roro, Karaga, and Rumace in Shiroro Local Government Area of the State.

The ambush resulted in the loss of six soldiers, with an army captain reportedly abducted. Additionally, a hunter and two farmers were killed, and several properties were destroyed.

The incident occurred as the soldiers responded to a distress call, with the bandits launching their attack near Roro village. Despite attempts to reach military and police authorities for comment, there has been no official response.

However, the Commissioner for Homeland Security in Niger State, Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed the incident, pledging vigorous efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and support the affected communities.

ISRAEL’S REPORTS

Erdogan meets Hamas leader in Istanbul, discusses efforts to reach Gaza ceasefire

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid there with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during a meeting in Istanbul, state broadcaster TRT said on Saturday.

It was the first meeting between Erdogan and a Hamas delegation headed by Haniyeh since Israel began its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Haniyeh's visit to Turkey took place three days after he met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Doha.

The visit took place amid escalating regional tensions following Israel's reported attack on Iran this week.

Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz commented on the meeting between the two leaders in Turkish. 

** IDF: IDF troops struck a launching pit in the area of Beit Hanoun shortly after launches were identified from the area toward the city of Sderot on Friday

On Friday, IDF troops in cooperation with IAF aircraft struck terror targets including a launching pit in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, shortly after a launch was identified and intercepted, crossing from the area into the city of Sderot.

Over the past day, IAF fighter jets and additional aircraft struck dozens of terror targets, assisting IDF ground troops. Among the targets were military infrastructures, compounds, and armed terrorists.

IDF troops are continuing to conduct counterterrorism activities in central Gaza. During one of the incidents, the troops identified a terrorist who posed a threat to them and eliminated him.

Attached is a video of the IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip: https://bit.ly/3wb1ikN

Attached are photos of the IDF activities in the Gaza Strip: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANC200424505

** IDF: Close-quarters encounters, closing the combat circle on terrorists and targeted raids by the Nahal Brigade combat team in the central Gaza Strip;

On Friday, a situational assessment led by the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command was held in the area

The Nahal Brigade combat team continues to operate in the area of ​​the Karni Corridor, from where the soldiers carry out dozens of targeted raids on terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.

The forces eliminated terrorists in close-quarters encounters and, with the cooperation of the Brigade’s Fire Control Center, direct the IAF forces to destroy terrorist infrastructure in the area.

On Friday, the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, MG Yaron Finkelman and the Commanding Officer of the 162nd Division, BG Itzik Cohen, held a situational assessment in the area together with the forces. As part of the situational assessment, they discussed the further operating of the IDF forces in the area.

Attached is footage from the situational assessment: https://bit.ly/3JsjWrn

Attached is footage of the activity of the Nahal Brigade combat team in the area of ​​the Karni Corridor: https://bit.ly/4aHHuol

Attached are related photos: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/ANC987653

** IDF: Earlier today, IDF soldiers identified a terrorist entering a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Ayta ash Shab. IAF aircraft struck the compound and the terrorist operating from it.

Additionally, IAF aircraft struck a terrorist who operated in Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in the area of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon.

Attached is a video of the strike in Ayta ash Shab: https://bit.ly/3w2ZAlG

Attached is a video of the strike in Kfarkela: https://bit.ly/3UnFifQ

 

HAMAS’ REPORTS

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Press Statement

We strongly condemn the brutal aggression on Saturday morning against the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces at the Kalsu military base in Babil Governorate, which caused material losses and a number of injuries. We consider it an assault and violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and security, and an embodiment of Zionist barbarism, which is constantly expanding its aggression throughout the region.

We also hold the administration of US President Biden responsible for the escalation in the region, through its supply and support for the Nazi war of genocide against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and we renew our affirmation that the region will not witness stability or peace except by ending the Zionist occupation of our occupied Palestinian and Arab lands.

Islamic Resistance Movement - Hamas

Saturday: Shawwal 11, 1445 AH

Corresponding to: April 20, 2024 AD

** Targeting the occupation forces with a homemade explosive device at the entrance to Tulkarm camp.

** Al-Quds Brigades, West Bank

Within the battle of #Al-Aqsa_Flood

Al-Quds Brigades - Tulkarm Brigade: Our mujahideen continue with all strength and ability to confront and target the occupation forces with heavy volleys of bullets and explosive devices.

#Al-Aqsa Flood

** Continuing clashes with heavy weapons between resistance men and the occupation army in the Al-Mughraqa and Al-Zahraa areas, north of the Central Governorate

Prayers for the resistance

** Al-Quds Brigades: We bombed a gathering of Zionist enemy soldiers and vehicles in the “Netzarim” axis of advance, south of Gaza, with a barrage of heavy-caliber mortar shells.

#Al-Aqsa Flood

** Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades: We bombed the concentrations of Zionist enemy soldiers located in the “Netzarim” axis with heavy caliber mortar shells.

** Hezbollah: In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance, and in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on the steadfast southern villages and civilian homes, most recently in Aita al-Shaab, Kafr Kila and al-Jabayn, we targeted two buildings used by enemy soldiers in the “Shlomi” settlement with weapons. Occasion

** Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades - Tulkarm:

With God's help and strength, our fighters are engaged in fierce clashes with the Zionist enemy soldiers in several areas in the Tulkarm and Nur Shams camps with machine guns and explosive devices, causing direct casualties among the enemy's ranks.

** Hamas:

We mobilize the members of our Palestinian people stationed to ignite confrontations with the criminal Zionist occupation in all areas of the confrontations in the West Bank and Jerusalem in response to the criminal massacre in the Nour Shams camp in Tulkarm.

- The honorable martyrs of Tulkarm, who faced the occupation forces with all defiance and determination, bled. We affirm that the Zionist crime will not bring security to the occupation, and that the resistance of our people will continue, generation after generation, until victory and liberation, God willing.

We call on our people in the West Bank to commit to the general strike tomorrow, Sunday, and to turn all squares and points of confrontation into a bloc of flames in the face of the occupation, and to aim all the guns of the liberals at this occupation and its criminal settlers.

** Lions' den:

Over the past period, the Lions' Den groups have carried out dozens of shooting operations in the West Bank without announcement, and we are still insisting that the statements be silent and that the talking should be left to the guns.

And to the delusional delusional ones, we say to you, delusional, then delusional, who thinks that the resistance in the West Bank will end, delusional, then delusional, that he can end the Jenin Brigade, Tulkarm Brigade, or any of the brigades or groups that launched in the West Bank, and delusional is the one who plans, meets, conspires, communicates, threatens, carries out, and vows to end the lions’ den groups.

- The Lions' Den groups mourn the heroic martyrs of Tulkarm, their martyrs who rose, undefeated, in the battle of honor and pride, the Battle of Nour Shams.

- We call on our people in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the interior and the diaspora to go out and shout “Allahu Akbar” from the rooftops and in any square at exactly 3500 AM today. Hear the enemy that our people are alive and that our people, old and young, are with the resistance and with the martyrs, and listen to your “Allahu Akbar” to the thousands of mujahideen in Gaza who are holding onto Triggers who defended the honor of an entire nation.

- We call for a general mobilization from today in every city and village and at every point of contact. By God, we will be eaten on the day Gaza is eaten, God forbid. Leave the speeches and let the words be only the words of the guns.

 

Jerusalem Post/Israel Defense Forces/Hamas Brigade al-Qassam