Hamas and Israel have agreed to release 50 hostages in exchange for a four-day truce. It is not yet known who will be freed.
The agreement reached on November 21 stipulates that 50 hostages could be released during a four-day truce. The agreement ratified by the Israeli government remains fragile. The slightest skirmish could jeopardize it.
The first hostages will not leave Gaza until November 23. In Israel, many families are regaining hope, but remain anxious.
The international community welcomes the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas. US President Joe Biden said he was “extraordinarily satisfied” with the imminent release of hostages kidnapped in Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, under an agreement to which Israel gave the green light on Wednesday. The agreement provides for the release of 50 hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a truce in the Gaza Strip. A spokesman for the UN Secretary-General described the agreement as “an important step forward”, but said that “much remains to be done”.
Hamas reacts to the “humanitarian truce“: “The provisions of this agreement have been formulated in accordance with the vision of resistance and determination, which aim to serve our people and strengthen their tenacity in the face of aggression”. “We confirm that our hands will remain on the trigger and that our triumphant battalions will remain on the alert”, warned the Palestinian Islamist organization.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at 8.15pm, a few hours after the agreement was announced, about the ongoing diplomatic efforts to free the hostages and the difficult decisions he had to make. He also repeatedly paid tribute to his armed forces, while insisting that the war would continue: “Citizens of Israel, I want to be very clear tonight, this war continues, this war continues, we will continue this war in order to achieve all our objectives. The return of the hostages, annihilating Hamas” and making sure that after Hamas, there won’t be a government of terrorists paying to educate children.”
The UN chief said on Monday that in the current conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza, with thousands of children killed in the past few weeks, the world is witnessing a level of violence unprecedented during his time as Secretary-General.
In reply to a question at apress conference dealing with the latest emissions report, Secretary-General António Guterres said that in all the reports issued during his tenure, on children in conflict, it was clear that the current war in Gaza has seen thousands of child deaths – compared with hundreds, in conflicts in Yemen and Syria.
Without entering into discussing the accuracy of the figures released by the health ministry in Gaza, which are regarded by UN agencies as reliable, he said that “what is clear is that we have had in a few weeks thousands of children killed.”
WHO – Children walk through a temporary camp in southern Gaza.
Latest reports from health authorities indicate that more than 13,000 civilians in total have died in the enclave since the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, and subsequent Israeli offensive.
“This is what matters. We are witnessing a killing of civilians that is unparalleled and unprecedented in any conflict since I have been Secretary-General.”
Opportunity out of tragedy
Also addressing how the region can move forward once the fighting stops, the UN chief said that it was “important to be able to transform this tragedy into an opportunity.”
“For that to be possible, it is essential that after the war we move in a determined, irreversible way to a two-State solution“, he told correspondents.
“It means also that after the war – and this is my opinion – I believe it to be important after the war to have a strengthened Palestinian Authority to assume responsibilities in Gaza.”
He said a humanitarian ceasefire was a crucial first step, along with unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, “the liberation of hostages” and an end to violations of international humanitarian law and protection of civilians.
He said the Palestinian Authority which administers the West Bank, and which was forced out of Gaza in 2006 by Hamas, could clearly not assume control while Israeli tanks remain, meaning there must be a “transition period”.
Gaza: ‘Thousands of children killed’ within a few weeks, says UN’s Guterres 2
UN protectorate, no solution
“I do not think that a UN protectorate in Gaza is a solution. I think we need a multi-stakeholder approach in which different countries, different entities, will cooperate. For Israel, of course, the US is the main guarantor of its security. For Palestinians, the neighbouring and Arab countries of the region are essential”, Mr. Guterres said.
“So everybody needs to come together to make the conditions for a transition, allowing for a strengthened Palestinian Authority, to assume responsibility in Gaza and then, based on that, to finally move…in a determined and irreversible way to a two-State solution based on the principles that have been largely established by the international community and which I have time and time again outlined.”
‘Unliveable’
Meanwhile, in Gaza a tweet by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNWRA on Monday, described the situation in shelters as “unliveable”. It said that Gazans had “no options”, echoing repeated warnings from UN humanitarians nowhere is safe for civilians in Gaza.
31 out of 36 premature babies were safely evacuated from Al-Shifa Hospital in #Gaza city through a mission by @UN and @PalestineRCS.
Since Hamas’s terror attacks on Israel on 7 October that claimed around 1,200 lives with nearly 240 hostages captured, hundreds of thousands of Gazans have fled south, following an evacuation directive from the Israeli military.
Astonishing exodus
Satellite images of the exodus showed a mass of people moving across a landscape of shattered buildings, while photographs taken at ground level showed families carrying their belonging on foot and a woman dragging two babies in car seats behind her.
In an update on Sunday, Tom White, Director of UNRWA Affairs, told US network ABC that 13 UNRWA sites where people had been “sheltering under the UN flag” had been “directly hit” since 7 October, while “countless other shelters” had suffered “collateral damage” – many of them in the south of Gaza, where civilians had been told to flee.
Dozens killed in shelters
Mr. White said that 73 people had been killed in UNRWA shelters to date, “a large proportion of them in the south”.
“The reality is the Gazans have got nowhere to go for safety and they are all exposed to the threat of fighting and particularly airstrikes,” the UNRWA official said.
According to the UN agency, more than 880,000 internally displaced have sought shelter in 154 UNRWA installations across all five of Gaza’s governorates. Out of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, 1.7 million are now displaced.
To date, 104 UNRWA staff have been killed along with at least 11,000 people in Gaza according to health authorities.
“Houses have been hit all across the Gaza Strip,” said UNWRA’s Mr. White, who said that people’s main concern was, “If they’re in the north or in the south, are they safe?”
“Elections are the only path and the only imperative to restore democratic institutions in Haiti. Only democracy and the rule of law can form the basis from which Haiti can progress towards development and growth,” she said.
The envoy, who also heads the UN Office in Haiti, BINUH, underlined the “enormous significance” of the Council’s recent resolution authorizing the deployment of a multinational support mission to assist the national police, and welcomed another on an arms embargo.
The rampant gang violence – mainly affecting the capital, Port-au-Prince – is another shock to Haiti, where nearly half the population, roughly five million people, needs humanitarian aid. In recent years, the Caribbean nation has been hit by a cholera epidemic, earthquakes and cyclones, as well as the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
Ms. Salvador reported that major crimes are rising sharply and reaching new record highs. Incidents include the broad daylight kidnapping last week of the head of the High Transitional Council – the body tasked with preparing the long-overdue elections – by gang members dressed as police officers.
“Killings, sexual violence, including collective rape and mutilation, continue to be used by gangs every day and in the context of ineffective service support for victims, or a robust justice response,” she said.
Activities by vigilante groups have added further complexity to the security crisis. BINUH has registered the lynching of nearly 400 alleged gang members by the so-called ‘Bwa Kale’ movement between late April and the end of September.
Path to the polls
Meanwhile, Ms. Salvador has continued engagement towards “a path to elections to fully re-establish democratic institutions and the rule of law.” Although inter-Haitian consultations have resumed under the auspices of regional bloc CARICOM, she was concerned that “efforts towards elections are not moving at a desired pace.”
She stressed that re-establishing control by the Haitian National Police is a prerequisite for holding a credible and inclusive vote, and the deployment of the multinational force brings hope that that things will improve.
“The Haitian National Police can only achieve lasting results when public security is restored, and the State resumes its functions, especially in disadvantaged neighbourhoods prone to gang activity,” she said.
Child recruitment and sexual violence
Roughly two million people in Haiti live in areas under the control of armed groups, who are expanding their operations, the head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in her briefing to the Council.
Catherine Russell reported that children are being injured or killed in the crossfire, even on their way to school. Others are being forcibly recruited into gangs or joining them out of sheer desperation, while women and girls are facing extreme levels of gender-based and sexual violence.
Rape ‘now commonplace’
Ms. Russell visited Haiti last June where she met a pregnant 11-year-old at a centre for survivors of sexual violence. Five men had abducted the girl last year while she was walking on a street, and three took turns raping her.
“Several women at the centre spoke of armed men breaking in, raping them – in one case, in front of her children – and then setting their homes on fire. In some areas, such horrific abuses and crimes are now commonplace,” said Ms. Russell.
Food and nutrition crisis
Armed groups have also strangled major routes from the capital to the rest of Haiti, where most of the population resides, destroying livelihoods and restricting access to essential services.
Ms. Russell said this “life-threatening mix of conditions” has caused a food security and nutrition crisis that is deepening, with more than 115,000 children suffering from severe wasting – a 30 per cent increase over last year.
Nearly a quarter of all children in Haiti are chronically malnourished, and the ongoing cholera outbreak is further putting young lives at risk.
Although the violence is also compromising humanitarian workers on the ground, Ms. Russell said UNICEF and partners continue to deliver in Haiti. Last week they were able to secure the safe release of nearly 60 children held by armed groups occupying a school in Port-au-Prince.
She said the multinational support mission will play a critical role in improving security and urged the force to give special care and attention to the protection of children, women, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Illicit weapon flows
The gang violence being enabled by “sophisticated firearms” that are being brought into Haiti illegally, Gada Waly, head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) told the Council.
Demand is linked to criminal groups needing to enforce the lucrative trade in illegal drugs, as the country remains a transit destination primarily for cocaine and cannabis.
“Halting the flow of illicit firearms into Haiti and establishing a robust regulatory framework for firearms are imperative steps for the Haitian authorities to assert control and re-establish normalcy,” she said.
By land and sea
Ms. Wady urged the international community to support Haiti in achieving these aims, in parallel to the deployment of the multinational support mission.
The latest UNODC report has identified four major sea and land routes for illicit flows of firearms and ammunition into Haiti, which are mainly coming from the United States, including via direct shipment in containers to Port-au-Prince.
Weapons are also sent from the US to northern regions and transported overland to coastal cities and onward to docks controlled by gangs or traffickers before eventually landing in the capital.
Another land route is through two border crossings with the Dominican Republic, used mainly for trafficking ammunition. The final route is via Cap-Haitien, a city on the north coast, where smaller quantities of weapons are hidden in the personal items of people crossing the border by car or on foot.
National and European partners tested their crisis plans and possible responses to potential EU cybersecurity incidents affecting the elections.
The exercise is part of the measures being implemented by the European Union to ensure free and fair elections in June 2024. It took place in the European Parliament and was organised by the European Parliament’s services, the European Commission and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). The drill allowed participants to exchange experiences and best practices, and will help them enhance their capacity to respond to cybersecurity incidents as well as to contribute to the update of existing guidelines and good practices on the cybersecurity of technology used in the election process.
European Parliament Vice-President Dita Charanzová underlined that “European democracy and the European Elections in particular, are faced with serious hybrid threats ranging from cyberattacks and other cyber-enabled incidents to disinformation and information manipulation. Today’s exercise, in which the European Parliament played a key coordinating role, allowed us to test and strengthen our capacity to react to these hybrid threats. It also served to underline that Member States and EU institutions are already working on the basis of well-established structures, networks and collaborations that will serve to secure free and fair European Elections in June 2024.”
Representatives from national electoral and cybersecurity authorities, together with observers from the European Parliament, the European Commission, CERT-EU and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), participated in the second edition of the exercise. While the main responsibility for protecting the integrity of the elections lies with EU Member States, this exercise helped fine-tune their common preparedness when facing potential cyber and other hybrid threats and their ability to swiftly develop and maintain situational awareness at national and EU level if a serious cybersecurity incident were to occur.
All is in place to ensure that European citizens can trust the EU electoral process. Risks to elections can take various forms from information manipulation and disinformation to cyber-attacks that compromise infrastructures.
Based on various scenarios featuring potential cyber-enabled threats and incidents, the exercise allowed participants to:
Deepen their knowledge of the level of critical aspects of European elections, including an assessment of the level of awareness among other stakeholders (e.g. political parties, electoral campaign organisations and suppliers of relevant IT equipment);
Enhance cooperation between relevant authorities at national level (including elections authorities and other relevant bodies and agencies, such as cybersecurity authorities, Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs), Data Protection Authorities (DPAs), authorities dealing with disinformation issues, cybercrime units, etc.) as well as at EU level, such as the Commission services in charge of enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA);
Verify existing EU Member States’ capacity to adequately assess the risks related to the cybersecurity of European elections, promptly develop situational awareness and co-ordinate communication to the public;
Test existing crisis management plans as well as relevant procedures to prevent, detect, manage and respond to cybersecurity attacks and hybrid threats, including disinformation campaigns;
Identify all other potential gaps as well as adequate risk mitigation measures which should be implemented ahead of the European Parliament elections.
On Tuesday, Parliament adopted its negotiating position with 445 votes in favour, 152 against and 30 abstentions.
MEPs want strong CO2 emissions reduction targets for medium and heavy trucks, including vocational vehicles (such as garbage trucks, tippers or concrete mixers) and buses. The targets would be 45% for the period 2030-2034, 65% for 2035-2039 and 90% as of 2040.
They agree with the Commission proposal to allow the register only of zero-emission new urban buses from 2030 and they propose a temporary exemption (until 2035) for urban buses fuelled by biomethane, under strict conditions.
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Rapporteur Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA, NL) said: “The transition towards zero-emission trucks and buses is not only key to meeting our climate targets, but also a crucial driver for cleaner air in our cities. We are providing clarity for one of the major manufacturing industries in Europe and a clear incentive to invest in electrification and hydrogen. We are building on the Commission’s proposal by expanding the scope and adapting several targets and benchmarks to catch up with reality, as the transition is moving faster than expected.””
Press conference
Rapporteur Bas Eickhout will brief journalists after the vote on Tuesday, 21 November, at 13.30 CET, in the Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201) in Strasbourg). You can watch the livestreaming and a recording of press conference on Parliament’s website.
Next steps
Parliament is now ready to start talks with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.
Background
On 14 February 2023, the Commission tabled a legislative proposal to set CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles from 2030 onwards to help reach the EU’s objective for climate neutrality by 2050 and lower the demand for imported fossil fuels. Heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, city buses and long-distance buses, are responsible for more than 25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road transport in the EU and account for over 6% of total EU GHG emissions.
In adopting this report, Parliament is responding to citizens’ expectations to tackle pollution and to promote the purchase of electric vehicles and investments in the development of other non-polluting technologies, as expressed in proposals 2(2) and 4(3) of the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
During a formal sitting in Strasbourg, President Ruto demanded new forms of cooperation between the EU and Africa based on mutually beneficial strategies. “Europe has been an ally and partner to Africa for many years,” he said.
Noting that rising living costs, fiscal strain, and migration challenges are weakening international solidarity, he called on the EU to work together with African countries on migration management by addressing the root causes of irregular migration. President Ruto also stressed that world leaders, including Africa’s, must remain alert to the risk of tensions and disagreements escalating rapidly and with costly consequences.
President Ruto paid particular attention in his address to the challenges caused by climate change, making everyone equal “in the face of a shared global challenge, transcending all divides North-South, East-West, developed and developing.”
It is increasingly clear that the international political structures established in the 20th century are no longer fit for purpose, he said, calling for a fundamental redefinition of international cooperation that would move beyond arrangements that perpetuate cycles of indebtedness and dependence.
With 462 votes in favour, 134 against and 30 abstentions, MEPs signal their recommendations for the EU’s strategic objectives ahead of the UN COP28 Climate Change Conference, marking the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
The resolution calls for an end of all direct and indirect fossil fuel subsidies, at national, EU and global levels, “as soon as possible and by 2025 the latest”. MEPs also support a global target to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030, together with a tangible phasing out of fossil fuels as soon as possible, and halting all new investments in fossil fuel extraction.
The text asks all countries to strengthen their climate commitments and contribute their fair share to increase international climate financing.
MEPs emphasise the importance of protecting, conserving and restoring biodiversity and want a significant reduction of the climate impact and emissions from methane and sectors such as international shipping and aviation, agriculture, and defence.
Next steps
The resolution constitutes the mandate for Parliament’s delegation, which will attend COP28 between 8 and 12 December.
Background
COP28 takes place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016. The Global Stocktake takes place every five years, with the first-ever stocktake scheduled to conclude at COP28, aims to provide an overall picture of its implementation progress.
Photo credit: All Faiths Network UK and Minhaj Welfare Foundation
The UK has a fairly developed interfaith scene with last week named as Interfaith Week. Hundreds of events were held around the UK by interfaith and religious groups to showcase the value of interfaith in society.
One such event was hosted by Sir Stephen Timms, MP and organized by the All Faiths Network and Minhaj Welfare Foundation. The conference was held in the UK Parliament titled Interfaith Works: Living Examples.
The event highlighted the positive impact of interfaith collaboration in addressing societal challenges amidst increasing global conflicts. Speakers emphasized that faiths and interfaith organizations can contribute to improving social conditions, support communities, and provide a space for conflict resolution. It was held during UK’s Interfaith Week – a series of events held throughout the UK every year to strengthen and promote interfaith activity.
Following Sir Stephen Timms welcoming introduction where Sir Stephen emphasised his long support for religions working together, Mr Weightman, Director of All Faiths Network set the background for the conference and underscored the importance of interfaith relations in resolving social discord and building understanding.
Photo credit: All Faiths Network UK and Minhaj Welfare Foundation
Summarising the event afterwards he said, “This was a wonderful panel of speakers who approached interfaith from different angles. Academic research and implementation; on-the-ground examples of how interfaith works and how religions can work together; religions helping the wider community beyond their own members and the sharing of faith backgrounds, cultures and arts to bring about greater understanding and help to resolve conflict. There is no doubt in my mind that together we can create a better society and more constructive communities throughout the world if only we use the tools available to us through interfaith activities and have the will to do so.”
Adnan Sohail, Director of Operations at Minhaj Welfare Foundation, emphasized the role of faith-based organizations in serving humanity beyond religious boundaries. “Faith-based organisations play an important role in our societies, especially in their service to humanity because they go beyond religion, colour or creed, helping provide a better life for those living in poverty.”
Photo credit: All Faiths Network UK and Minhaj Welfare Foundation
The speakers were Dr Elizabeth Phillips, Director of Education and Engagement at the Woolfe Institue; Mustapha Field, Director of Faiths Forum 4 London; Esmond Rosen, President and Trustee of Barnet Multifaith Forum; Deepak Naik EU Trustee for United Religions Initiative; Neneng Yanti, English for Uluma and Dr. Desra Percaya, Indonesian Ambassador to the UK. The event also welcomed a delegation of 5 Imams and 10 government officials from Indonesia, seeking insights into successful interfaith models in the UK. The organisers plan to do a follow-up summarising the content of the speakers.
During the question and answers period, a question was asked as to whether the government-commissioned Blum Report would have any effect on improving the UK interfaith landscape. This report was issued earlier this year. Mr Weightman responded that whilst it had many positive proposals, such as improving education of, and cooperation between, government officials and religions, it also created an artificial categorisation of “three types of religions” which went against fundamental principles freedom of religion or belief principles and weakened the report significantly. Mr. Rosen also responded saying that it was also a missed opportunity to strengthen and build on interfaith activities in the UK. The report has not been, nor is it likely to be, adopted by UK government.
Photo credit: All Faiths Network UK and Minhaj Welfare Foundation
The conference highlighted the great potential there is for interfaith groups and religions to have a strong supporting and creative role in society but also that more open dialogue is needed between different faiths and other players to build understanding and divisiveness. Faith groups played a significant part in social action initiatives they are involved in to help vulnerable groups and that more government assistance is needed to support these activities.
Leuven, an ideal destination for a romantic getaway: places not to be missed for lovers
Located in Belgium, the city of Leuven is often referred to as a romantic gem. With its medieval architecture, cobbled streets and charming canals, this city is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Whether you have been in a relationship for a long time or have just met, Leuven offers many activities and places to discover together. Here are some places not to be missed for lovers.
First of all, a walk in the city center of Leuven is a must. You will be enchanted by the magnificent Gothic buildings and the lively Grand Place. Take the time to sit at one of the café terraces and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the square. Don’t miss Leuven’s famous town hall either, a masterpiece of Brabant Gothic architecture.
Then, go to the Abbaye de la Paix park. This peaceful park is ideal for a hand-in-hand stroll. You can admire the magnificent French gardens, ponds and sculptures. Take the opportunity to picnic on the grass or simply relax while contemplating the beauty of the place.
If you are art lovers, don’t miss the M museum. This museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art and regularly offers temporary exhibitions. You can discover works by renowned Belgian artists as well as international artists. A visit to the M Museum is a cultural experience to share with your loved one.
For a unique romantic experience, head to Brasserie Domus. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a traditional Belgian beer in a warm atmosphere. You can also enjoy typical Belgian dishes, such as mussels and fries, in this charming setting. Let yourself be carried away by the friendly atmosphere and enjoy an unforgettable evening for two.
If you’re looking for a more active activity, why not rent a bike and explore the surroundings of Leuven? The region offers magnificent landscapes, with its fields, forests and castles. Pedal hand in hand along the picturesque paths and enjoy moments of complicity surrounded by nature.
Finally, don’t leave Leuven without visiting the Stella Artois brewery. This famous Belgian brewery offers guided tours that will allow you to discover the secrets of beer making. You can taste different varieties of beers and learn the history of this iconic brand. A visit to the Stella Artois brewery is both a fun and interesting activity for beer lovers.
In conclusion, Leuven is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. With its medieval architecture, cobbled streets and charming canals, this city offers a unique romantic atmosphere. Whether you love art, nature walks or beer tasting, Leuven will meet all your expectations. So, don’t hesitate any longer and plan your romantic getaway to Leuven, a city that is sure to seduce you.
There are over 11,000 species of birds in the world and only one is tailless. Do you know who she is?
Kiwi
The Latin name of the bird is Apteryx, which literally means “wingless”. The origin of the term is from ancient Greek, where the first letter “a” means “lack” and the rest of the word means “wing”. The name “kiwi” comes from the Maori language, from whose homeland the bird originated.
Kiwi is the only genus in the family of Lepidoptera in the order Kiwipodidae. It is distributed only on the territory of New Zealand. The genus includes a total of five endemic species, all of which are threatened with extinction. Although they call the kiwi a “bird without wings”, this is not exactly the case. The wings of the kiwi are not completely absent, but they have adapted to a terrestrial lifestyle. The kiwi has a characteristic structure of its feathers, their hairs are connected with “hooks” and represent a complex structure that allows the bird to fly or swim, preserving its energy as much as possible.
The Kiwi is endangered
There are only about 68,000 kiwi birds left in the world. Every year their number decreases by about 2% per year. Therefore, New Zealand adopted a plan to increase the number of this species that inhabits its territory. In 2017, the New Zealand government adopted the Kiwi Recovery Plan 2017-2027, the goal of which is to increase the number of birds to 100,000 in 15 years. In the country, the bird is considered a national icon.
What does a kiwi bird look like?
The kiwi is the size of a domestic hen, it can reach up to 65 cm in length, at a height of more than 45 cm. Their weight varies from 1 to 9 kg, with an average bird weighing 3 kg. The kiwi has a pear-shaped body and a small head with a massive neck. The bird’s eyes are also small, no more than 8 mm in diameter. In addition, the kiwi has the poorest eyesight of all birds. The beak of the kiwi is specific – very long, thin and sensitive. In males, it reaches up to 105 mm, and in females – up to 120 mm. The kiwi is the only bird whose nostrils are not at the base, but at the tip of the beak.
Kiwi wings are stunted and about 5 cm long. At the end of the wings they have a small claw and are completely hidden under the thick wool. On the feet, the bird has 3 toes forward and one turned backward, like the rest of the species. The fingers end in sharp claws. The kiwi runs very fast, even faster than a human.
Photo: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC
