Thousands Protest in Support of Gaza

There were these really big demonstrations in Europe recently. People came out in huge numbers to show their support for Gaza and to demand that the war there stops. Can you believe it? This has been going on for 121 days already!

London and Vienna

In London, thousands of people gathered to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Over in Vienna, there was a silent march to show support for Gaza too. It's amazing to see so many people coming together for a cause.

Strasbourg and Germany

Now, in Strasbourg, France, people carried torches and marched in solidarity with Gaza. They held banners calling for an end to the war and condemning the crimes committed by Israel. In Germany, several cities saw large demonstrations too. People were showing their support for Gaza and speaking out against Germany's support for the Israeli government.

Cologne and International Support

In Cologne, people gathered in front of a historic cathedral with the slogan "Freedom for Palestine." They were really upset about the Israeli attacks on Gaza and wanted to raise awareness about it. Not just Palestinians, but also Turkish and German citizens, and people from other countries, joined in the demonstration. It's great to see people from all over the world standing up for what they believe in.

Geneva and Istanbul

Over in Geneva, Switzerland, a pro-Palestinian demonstration took place. The demonstrators called for the protection of the Palestinian people, an immediate end to the aggression against Gaza, and holding the occupation accountable for its attacks on civilians. In Istanbul, Turkey, dozens of people marched to protest the Israeli attacks. They chanted slogans and demanded that the children of Gaza be protected.

Other European Cities

But wait, there's more! The cities of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Italy also had massive marches. People there demanded an end to the war, accountability for the occupation's crimes, the lifting of the siege on Gaza, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. It's heartwarming to see so many people coming together to support a just cause.

Source: agencies

Communication Crisis in Sudan

There are concerns that communication services in Sudan might be cut off. An expert and former official in the Sudanese Communications Authority revealed that the Rapid Support Forces have ordered two major communication companies, Sudanese and MTN, to disconnect communication and internet services for 36 million subscribers in the country. This decision was made because Sudatel, another company, was unable to maintain the fiber optic network cable for Darfur due to the ongoing war. As a result, several states in Darfur have lost access to telecommunications and the internet.

Control Over Communication Servers

The former official also mentioned that the Rapid Support Forces have control over the areas where the main servers of the two communication companies are located. This poses a bigger problem than just interrupted communication and internet services. It could also affect banking applications, as the main servers could be closed or sabotaged, making it difficult to operate them again. If this happens, Sudan might be completely cut off from the rest of the world for a long time.

Challenges Faced by Telecommunication Companies

Workers in telecommunication companies in Sudan have reported security and logistical problems that have led to the suspension of two major companies in the country. Additionally, entire states have lost coverage and are unable to access telecommunication and internet services.

A Dangerous Development

The former official also expressed concern that the largest operator in Sudan, Zain, might join the South African companies, Sudani and MTN. This would be a dangerous development in the ongoing war and a clear violation of human rights.

The Conflict in Sudan

Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army, led by President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), have been engaged in a war. This conflict has resulted in more than 13,000 deaths and over 7 million people being displaced as refugees, according to the United Nations.

Source: Al Jazeera

The Israeli Aggression Continues

On the 115th day of the Israeli war on Gaza, the Israeli army is still committing massacres against civilians. However, the resistance factions, led by the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, are fighting back on multiple fronts in the Strip.

Additionally, the occupation authorities are targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which provides vital support to over 5.5 million Palestinian refugees. Several donor countries have stopped funding this agency, putting the lives of many refugees at risk.

Gaza Massacres

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that within 24 hours, the Israeli occupation forces committed 14 massacres, resulting in the death of 215 people and injuring 300 others.

Since October 7, the number of victims of the Israeli aggression has risen to 26,637 martyrs and 65,387 injured.

Recently, the Israeli bombing of citizens' homes in the Nuseirat camp and a school belonging to UNRWA in the Al-Rimal neighborhood caused the deaths of 33 Palestinians.

The occupation army continues to besiege hospitals and bomb residential buildings in Khan Yunis.

Resistance Operations

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, fired missiles towards Tel Aviv and other cities in response to the Israeli massacres against civilians.

They also released footage showing battles between their fighters and the Israeli army, resulting in the destruction of Israeli tanks.

The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, announced the destruction of an Israeli tank and the bombardment of enemy soldiers and vehicles in Khan Yunis.

Gaza Bombs

The Israeli army has dropped more bombs on the Gaza Strip in four months than Russia used in its war on Ukraine over two years.

According to estimates, the quantity of bombs used by the Israeli army in Gaza exceeds those used by Adolf Hitler during World War II.

West Bank Casualties

In the West Bank, five Palestinians were killed by Israeli occupation army bullets in Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem. The occupation forces also continued their arrests, and armed clashes occurred in various cities and towns.

Among the victims was a 16-year-old child who died during clashes near Bethlehem.

Lebanon Front

Lebanese Hezbollah targeted Israeli barracks with missiles, causing injuries among Israeli soldiers. In response, Israel intensified its bombing in southern Lebanon.

Houthi Attack

In Yemen, the Houthi group targeted a US Navy logistical support ship with a naval missile in the Gulf of Aden.

A spokesperson for the groups involved in the Israeli war on Gaza stated that they launched a missile as a victory for the Palestinian people and in response to the American-British aggression against Yemen. They emphasized that the Yemeni armed forces are committed to preventing Israeli navigation towards the occupied ports of Palestine in the Red and Arab Bahrain.

Israeli Bombing in Syria

According to Syrian media, an Israeli bombing targeted a farm near the Sayyida Zeinab area in Damascus, resulting in the death of four people. The Syrian media reported that the Israeli attack involved three missiles and was met with a response from air defenses.

Conference on Annexing the West Bank and Gaza

The Hamas movement expressed concern over a conference held by the ruling coalition in Israel, where they discussed the annexation of the West Bank and Gaza. Hamas sees this as a plan to displace and ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people, disregarding recent decisions made by the International Court of Justice. Hamas called on the international community and the United Nations to condemn this conference and take necessary measures to protect the Palestinian people.

Potential Agreement Framework

John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, believes that there is a framework for a new agreement between Hamas and Israel. The security mini-ministerial council, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, will hold a meeting to discuss proposals for a possible deal. Kirby described the talks in Paris as constructive and stated that reaching an agreement could lead to the release of more hostages, increased aid delivery, and a reduction in violence.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani mentioned progress in laying the foundation for moving forward on the detainee issue. He stated that the talks are improving and may lead to a permanent ceasefire in the future. However, he warned that the current escalation in Gaza will not contribute to progress in the return of detainees. Qatar's role is to mediate and bridge the gap between the parties involved, without putting pressure on them.

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Agencies

Is America on the Brink of Civil War?

The British writer and historian Zoe Strimpel recently expressed her concerns about the state of America. She believes that the country has become divided, with some areas being so frightening that they could give you nightmares.

A Troubled Past

Strimpel recalls growing up in Massachusetts during the 1980s and 1990s, a state she considered to be relatively enlightened. However, even then, she witnessed disturbing instances of police brutality and racism. She saw how black individuals were harassed and mistreated by reckless and unprofessional police forces.

Escalating Horrors

Strimpel wonders why, despite progress in some areas, the horrors seem to have multiplied in America. She points to recent events, such as the execution of a man in Alabama using nitrogen gas, a method that hasn't been used in civilized countries for decades. She also mentions how some states have imposed severe penalties for crimes, including the complete ban and criminalization of aiding or inciting drug addiction.

A Deteriorating Situation

Strimpel argues that things have only gotten worse under President Joe Biden, who was expected to bring civility and experience to the country. Instead, she believes that internal problems have escalated, pushing the United States to the brink of collapse.

The Return of Trump

Strimpel predicts that Donald Trump will likely become the next president, whether Biden runs for re-election or not. In her opinion, this would lead to civil war and the end of the American republic as we know it.

An Immigration Nightmare

According to Strimpel, the immigration situation in America has turned into a nightmare. While she acknowledges that the United States is a nation of immigrants, she believes that there should be a balanced approach to immigration. She argues against simply allowing millions of dreamers to enter the country without proper regulations.

A Bleak Future

Strimpel concludes by stating that as long as Biden remains in office, the world will be under the shadow of Trump's rule for at least four more years. She sees this as a tragic and frightening future for a country that was once loved by many.

Source: Telegraph

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Human Rights

Last Friday, the International Court of Justice made a decision that has serious implications for Israel. The court asked Israel to take action to prevent genocide in Gaza. This decision should not be ignored, and it is important for the Israeli government, parliament, president, army, and citizens to understand the severity of the situation and comply with the court's directives.

What the Court Ordered

As a signatory to the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide, Israel was ordered by the International Court of Justice to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. This includes easing the almost complete blockade of humanitarian aid to prevent irreparable harm to the population. However, the resolution did not call for a complete cessation of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The Consequences of Inflammatory Statements

The court case, filed by South Africa on behalf of the residents of Gaza, put the Israeli government to the test. The laxity of the government's judicial advisor and the attorney general in dealing with inflammatory statements made by senior officials has cost Israel dearly. The court cited these statements in its ruling, highlighting the need for action against the instigators.

Punishing the Instigators

It is crucial for Israel to take action and punish those who make inflammatory statements. The court's decision emphasized the seriousness of statements made by President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Foreign Minister Israel Katz. The court does not take these statements lightly, and Israel should not either. It is a disgrace to turn a blind eye to such statements, as they do not represent Israeli policy.

Changing the Way Israel Expresses Itself

The entire Israeli leadership needs to change the way they express themselves. If they fail to do so, the government's judicial advisor must take firm action. It is important to prioritize the well-being of civilians and provide them with conditions for a reasonable life in Gaza. This should not be done out of fear of the International Court of Justice, but rather to preserve our humanity.

The International Court of Justice's decision is a serious warning for Israel. It is crucial for Israel to comply with the court's directives and take action against those who make inflammatory statements. By doing so, we can work towards mitigating harm to civilians and preserving our humanity.

Source: Haaretz

Western Imperialism and Hypocrisy

Zweliflele Mandela, the grandson of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, believes that the war on the Gaza Strip is a clear example of Western imperialism and the hypocrisy of its countries. He points out that Western countries did not impose sanctions on Israel, the apartheid state, nor did they issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers for their war crimes, as they did with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Legal Pursuit

Mandela's grandson reveals that South Africa's legal team will continue to pursue the case he filed before the International Court of Justice. However, he is awaiting the report that Israel will submit in order to explore the available options.

Accountability for War Crimes

Zweliflele, wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, commends South Africa's legal team for their efforts to hold Israel accountable for its genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and throughout occupied Palestine.

Inspired by Mandela

The grandson recalls his grandfather's words, stating that Nelson Mandela was inspired by his experience in the struggle against occupation and apartheid when supporting the Palestinian cause. Mandela believed that the freedom of the Palestinian people is essential for the complete freedom of all.

Commitment to the Palestinian Cause

Zweliville, a representative of the African National Congress in the South African Parliament, emphasizes that this generation is committed to defending the Palestinian cause and fulfilling Mandela's commitment. However, he highlights the need for international pressure to hold those responsible for genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity accountable.

South Africa's Lawsuit

South Africa filed a lawsuit before the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The devastating war, lasting over three months, has resulted in numerous casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe.

Yesterday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip and rejected Israel's request to dismiss South Africa's lawsuit.

Source: Al Jazeera

What is UNRWA?

UNRWA stands for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. It was created after a big event called the Nakba, and its main job is to help Palestinian refugees who had to leave their homes before 1967. There are more than 5.5 million Palestinian refugees that rely on UNRWA for support.

What Does UNRWA Do?

UNRWA focuses on five important things: education, health, support, relief, and infrastructure. They use their budget to provide schools, healthcare, and other essential services to Palestinian refugees in different parts of the world, like Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and more.

The Campaign Against UNRWA

 Israel has been accusing UNRWA of some serious things. They claim that some people working for UNRWA have joined groups that are against Israel, and they say that these groups are even using UNRWA's buildings and schools for their activities.

Because of these accusations, Israel started a campaign to stop funding UNRWA. Some other countries that used to fund UNRWA also decided to stop funding them. This means that UNRWA lost about 56% of its total budget, which is a lot of money!

Why Did Countries Stop Funding UNRWA?

It's important to note that these countries stopped funding UNRWA even before any official investigation took place. They made this decision right after the International Court of Justice told Israel to let relief materials enter the Gaza Strip. So, it seems like these countries were not happy with what was happening and decided to take action.

What Does This Mean for Palestinian Refugees?

With the loss of funding, UNRWA is facing some big challenges. They might not have enough money to provide the same level of support to Palestinian refugees as before. This could affect things like education, healthcare, and other important services that these refugees rely on.

What Are People Saying?

Some people are speaking up about this situation. The United Nations rapporteur on the right to housing said that stopping funding for UNRWA is like punishing all the people living in the Gaza Strip. He believes that it's not fair to punish everyone because of the actions of a few individuals in the agency.

On the other side, the Hamas movement, which is a Palestinian group, denounced the threats made by Israel against UNRWA and other international organizations. They are calling on the United Nations and other international institutions to not give in to Israel's threats and blackmail.

So, the campaign against UNRWA is causing some big changes and challenges for Palestinian refugees. 

Source: Al Jazeera