The US excludes the last major Russian state bank from SWIFT

Russian Patriarch Kirill Had A Hard Word For Halloween

A toxic holiday that revives paganism, the spiritual leader believes

In a speech, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church warned against what he called attempts to “revive paganism,” saying neo-paganism had infiltrated certain “military circles” in Russia.

Patriarch Kirill criticized the former chief prosecutor of Crimea and member of the State Duma Nataliya Poklonskaya, who posted on her Telegram channel photos of herself dressed in Celtic clothing and face paint to celebrate the Gaelic festival of Samhain.

The Orthodox high priest also complained that Russian schools continue to celebrate Halloween, with some even disguising the “toxic” Western holiday with another Slavic name.

“This replacement of values, the falsification of national history and the belittling of the role of Christianity in the construction of our nation’s statehood is, in a sense, a challenge to the true values of the Russian world,” Patriarch Kirill said.

Devastating Fatwa: Top Islamic Scholar in Gaza Criticizes Hamas for October 7

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Newsroom

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18 November 2024

А prominent Islamic scholar in the Gaza Strip has issued an atypical and strong fatwa condemning the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war in the enclave.

Prof. Dr. Salman al-Dayah, former dean of the Faculty of Sharia and Law at the Hamas-affiliated Islamic University of Gaza, is one of the region’s most respected religious authorities, so his legal opinion carries considerable weight among Gaza’s population of two million. the Palestinian Territory, which is made up mostly of Sunni Muslims.

A fatwa is a non-binding Islamic legal ruling by a respected religious scholar, usually based on the Qur’an or the Sunnah – the sayings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad.

Hamas has violated the Islamic principles of jihad

Dr. Dayah’s fatwa, published in a detailed six-page document, criticized Hamas for “violating Islamic principles governing jihad,” ie. the internal spiritual struggle and that against the enemies of Islam.

“If the pillars, reasons or conditions of Jihad are not fulfilled, it should be avoided so as not to destroy people’s lives. This is something that is easily guessed by the politicians of our country, so the attack should be avoided,” the professor believes.

For Hamas, the fatwa represents a disturbing and potentially damaging criticism, especially given that the group often justifies its attacks on Israel with religious arguments to win support from Arab and Muslim communities. In the October 7 attack, hundreds of armed fighters from the Gaza Strip invaded southern Israel. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage in the enclave. In response, Israel launched a military campaign to destroy Hamas, during which more than 43,400 people have already been killed in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Dr Dayah argued that the significant number of civilian casualties in Gaza, along with the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the humanitarian catastrophe that followed the October 7 attack, meant that it was in direct conflict with the teachings of Islam. According to him, Hamas has failed in its obligations to “keep the militants away from the homes of defenseless civilians and their shelters and to ensure security and safety as much as possible in the various aspects of life… security, economy, health and education , as well as to keep sufficient supplies for them’.

The professor points to verses from the Qur’an and Sunnah that set strict conditions for waging jihad, including the need to avoid actions that provoke an excessive and disproportionate response from the adversary. His fatwa emphasized that, according to Islamic law, a military incursion should not provoke a response that exceeds the intended benefits of the action.

It also emphasizes that Muslim leaders have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of non-combatants, including by providing food, medicine and shelter to those not engaged in combat. “Human life is more precious to God than Mecca,” declared Dr. Dayah.

What is the influence of Prof. Dr. Dayah?

In the Gaza Strip, he is seen as a key religious figure and a fierce critic of Islamist movements, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

His moderate Salafi beliefs put him in direct opposition to Hamas’s approach to armed resistance and its ties to Shiite-ruled Iran. Salafis are fundamentalists who seek to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad and the first generations who followed him.

Dr. Dayah has consistently advocated the creation of an Islamic caliphate that adheres strictly to Islamic law, rather than to systems based on political parties, a solution supported by Hamas. “Our role model is Prophet Muhammad who founded a nation and did not create political parties to divide the nation. That’s why parties in Islam are forbidden,” he said in a sermon he delivered in a mosque a few years ago, the BBC recalled.

The scholar also condemned extremism, opposing jihadist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

Prof. Dr. Dayah refused to leave his home in the northern Gaza Strip, despite the Israeli military’s constant evacuation orders for civilians as they cleared the area of Hamas structures.

Nigeria: 33 million could face hunger next year

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United Nations News

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17 November 2024

Nigeria: 33 million could face hunger next year

The figure represents a sharp increase from the 25 million who need assistance today, the World Food Programme (WFP) said in a joint statement alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“Never before have there been so many people in Nigeria without food,” Chi Lael, WFP Spokesperson for the country, told journalists at the UN in Geneva.

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Avert potential disaster

A recent assessment found that immediate support is needed to avert a potential food and nutrition disaster in the face of triple-digit increases in food prices, the aftermath of devastating floods, and 15 years of insurgency in the northeast.

Nigeria faces a monumental hunger crisis in the second half of 2025, particularly in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, home to some five million people who are facing acute food insecurity.

Other areas including emerging hunger hotspots in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states are also at risk.

Young lives at risk

Ms. Lael said 5.4 million children and 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women face the threat of acute malnutrition or wasting.

She warned that of this number, an alarming 1.8 million children could suffer severe acute malnutrition and may require critical nutrition treatment.

“What worries us most is the speed of deterioration over the past year, the scale – in terms of number of people at risk, the geographic scope of food insecurity, and the very real risk of a significant worsening in the coming months,” she said.

Stem this crisis

She stressed the need for “immediate and massive” collective response that spans prevention, mitigation and life-saving assistance.

This includes preventative action in rural areas to halt hunger from spreading, such as providing vulnerable farmers with cash, seeds and fertilizer. Meanwhile, urgent assistance in areas such as nutrition, health support, food supply and water and sanitation will reduce the depth of the crisis.

“We have it within our grasp to stem this crisis, and avert catastrophe in Nigeria. If we respond now, it is manageable, at full stretch, but it can be done,” she said.

Rights experts call for immediate end to post-election violence in Mozambique

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United Nations News

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16 November 2024

Rights experts call for immediate end to post-election violence in Mozambique

Weeks of violent protests have marked the outcome of the disputed 9 October presidential elections, which saw ruling party Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo emerge the winner amid widespread allegations of fraud. Frelimo has been in power since 1975.

Multiple news reports indicate that violent and repressive measures were used by security forces against protesters who were taking part in peaceful demonstrations which continued until 7 November, causing at least 30 deaths – including a child – and injuring a further 200.

At least 300 protesters have also been arrested in connection with these demonstrations.

According to reports, authorities deployed the military last week to stop the protests, while protest leaders have announced multiple phases of demonstrations, including at provincial capitals and border crossings.

Protesters have also allegedly carried out reprisals against suspected police officers, including at least one killing, according to authorities.

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Violence very disturbing

“The violations of the right to life, including of a child, deliberate killings of unarmed protesters and the excessive use of force by the police deployed to disperse peaceful protests across Mozambique are very disturbing,” the Human Rights Council-appointed independent experts said.

“We call on the Mozambican authorities to promptly and impartially investigate all the unlawful killings.”

Questions on electoral integrity

The protests emerged as citizens questioned the integrity of the elections, which were marked by accusations of irregularities.

“Authorities need to take steps to halt the violence and ensure an environment in which all Mozambicans, including women and girls, can participate fully and equally in the political processes and express themselves without fear,” the experts said.

Restrictions to media freedoms have also been widely reported, including attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists, and intermittent internet and mobile network blockages.

Human rights defenders reporting on the irregularities of the election process or participating in protests have been intimidated and threatened.

Rights must be upheld

The rights experts also emphasised that law enforcement personnel “have a duty to respect and protect” those who are exercising right to peaceful assembly and that they remain neutral and impartial during protests.

They must “prevent harm and protect the right to life, liberty and security” of those involved, the experts said.

“We urge Mozambican authorities to facilitate access to information for all and strongly condemn the widespread disruption of internet services,” they continued.

The UN experts – who are not UN staff, receive no salary and do not represent any government or organization – warned that enforced disappearances and acts of violence linked to electoral disputes could have enduring consequences on the country’s democratic framework.

They confirmed ongoing dialogue with Mozambican authorities and pledged to closely monitor the evolving situation.

Pay attention to the gender pay gap

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15 November 2024

Statement on European Equal Pay Day

Equal pay for equal work is one of the EU’s founding principles. And yet, imagine if you stopped getting paid for the year today? Instead of getting paid for a full year, you only get paid for 10 and a half months. For women in the EU, who earn on average 13% less than their male counterparts, this gender pay gap represents their reality.

Today is the EU’s Equal Pay Day. It is the day of the year on which women in Europe symbolically stop to be paid compared to men. We mark it every year in order to keep raising awareness about the fact that female workers still earn less on average.

The day changes depending on the latest figure of the EU gender pay gap, with it falling on 15 November in 2024. Over the past ten years, progress has been slow in Europe, with only a 3-percentage point gap reduction since 2014.

The EU is working to close this pay gap by creating new legislation and monitoring its implementation. This includes a dedicated directive on equal pay, as well as legislation on pay transparency, the work-life balance and gender balance on corporate boards.

For more information

Equal Pay Day

EU action for equal pay

Actions for gender equality

Middle East: Gaza food markets ‘in decay’ as starvation looms

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United Nations News

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14 November 2024

Middle East: Gaza food markets ‘in decay’ as starvation looms

In an alert, the World Food Programme (WFP) described markets “in decay” across the enclave. “Fresh foods, eggs, and meat barely exist and the prices of any food available have reached record highs,” the UN agency said on X, just days since UN-backed hunger experts warned that famine thresholds may have already been crossed in northern Gaza, or will be soon.

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Starving the north

“So far in November, every attempt by the UN to access besieged areas of north Gaza governorate with food and health missions to support tens of thousands of people remaining there was either denied or impeded,” the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, noted in its latest update.

The development comes amid continuing Israel Defense Forces strikes in northern Gaza into Wednesday, where UN aid teams have reiterated how people fleeing attacks and evacuation orders in Beit Hanoun for Gaza City now shelter in unsafe schools that could collapse at any time. In October alone, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recorded 64 attacks against schools, “the majority sheltering displaced people”.

According to OCHA, up to 130,000 people have been displaced from northern Gaza amid intensifying Israeli attacks targeting residential buildings and repeated evacuation orders.

UN humanitarians have told UN News that dogs have been seen setting upon dead bodies left lying in open ground, while healthcare access across Gaza remains precarious, with the UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, together with partners, pointing to a recent rise in premature births and maternal deaths.

‘Relentless struggle’

“Over 155,000 expectant and new mothers are caught in a relentless struggle marked by exhaustion, trauma, and severe hunger,” UNFPA said, a situation made worse by the fact that fewer than half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functional, along with just 47 out of 133 primary health centres, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

Since Hamas-led terror attacks and hostage-taking in Israel that sparked the war in Gaza 13 months ago, more than 43,469 people have been reportedly killed in Gaza; most are civilians and at least 10,000 remain trapped under the rubble of their homes and shelters, the WHO noted.

Israeli strikes kill dozens a day in Lebanon

In Lebanon, meanwhile, UN aid agencies warned that at least 241 people have been killed and 642 injured the week to 11 November “due to Israeli airstrikes”.

Citing the Lebanese authorities, OCHA’s latest update on the emergency added that a total of almost 3,300 people have been killed – including 203 children and 644 women – with 14,222 injured since 8 October 2023.

“At least one child was killed and 10 children were injured every day in Lebanon, in October 2024 alone,” the UN agency continued, highlighting the UN children’s agency UNICEF’s appeal to the warring parties “to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect children”.

Despite such appeals, Israeli strikes have continued across Lebanon targeting Hezbollah fighters, along with strikes on Israel by the Lebanon-based group. The violence continues to “claim lives, uproot communities and destroy homes and critical infrastructure”, OCHA said.

“Intensified Israeli airstrikes have had major impacts in South Lebanon, Nabatieh, Bekaa, Baalbeck-Hermel and Mount Lebanon governorates.

An airstrike on a residential building in Lebanon’s northern Akkar on 11 November reportedly killed at least 18 people and injured 14, it added, citing the Lebanese authorities. “On 10 November, a strike on a home sheltering displaced families in Aalmat town in Jbeil, Mount Lebanon Governorate, killed at least 23 people, including seven children.”

Homes ‘repeatedly targeted’

In previous weeks residential buildings hosting displaced people have been “repeatedly targeted”, the UN humanitarian coordinators insisted, citing a strike in Aito-Zgharta, north Lebanon and in Barja-Chouf, Mount Lebanon, “which together claimed over 40 lives”.

The UN peacekeeping mission that monitors the Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel, UNIFIL, has also reported “numerous violations” since the escalation of violence in late September. “This includes more than a half a dozen direct attacks on peacekeepers,” OCHA reported.

The most recent incident occurred on 8 November, when two Israeli army excavators and one bulldozer reportedly destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a UNIFIL position in Ras Naqoura.

Attacks on healthcare providers

In addition to attacks on areas sheltering civilians, airstrikes on health facilities and workers continue to be recorded by WHO, interrupting operations in 127 health facilities and eight hospitals, reducing the functionality of nine hospitals. In the first week of November there were attacks on health services, and two deaths and seven injuries among health workers, according to WHO.

Since mid-September 2024, the surveillance system for attacks on health care (SSA) reported 44 attacks against healthcare resulting in 63 injuries and 91 deaths, bringing the total of attacks against health care to 103 incidents resulting in 123 injuries and 145 deaths since 8 October 2023.

Peacekeeping chief visits UNIFIL headquarters

UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix met some of the thousands of ‘blue helmets’ serving in southern Lebanon with the UNIFIL mission on Wednesday.

“He spoke to peacekeepers who had been injured in direct attacks and exchanges of fire between the IDF and Hezbollah,” said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

“He visited UN positions in Mansouri and the Mission’s headquarters in Naqoura.
He also met UNIFIL staff who continue supporting the mission’s work in Naqoura and with the mission’s senior leadership. He also expressed his gratitude to both the military and civilian staff of UNIFIL for their dedication and commitment to the important work of the Mission during this exceptionally challenging time.”

On Tuesday he met Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati together with the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the Head of the Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon, General Aroldo Lázaro.

“The three stressed the criticality of UNIFIL’s role and highlighted the importance of resolution 1701,” Mr. Dujarric added.

Borrell Addresses Transatlantic Relations Post-Trump Election: A Call for European Unity and Preparedness

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14 November 2024

Brussels, November 13, 2024 – In a pivotal speech delivered at the European Parliament plenary session, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell addressed the implications of Donald J. Trump’s re-election for transatlantic relations and European security. Borrell emphasized the need for Europe to prepare for a new geopolitical landscape shaped by the American electorate’s choice, which he described as indicative of a profound transformation in U.S. politics and society.

Opening his remarks in Spanish, Borrell stated, “This election is not fortuitous; it demonstrates a deep political and cultural transformation in American society.” He expressed concern over the implications of this shift, noting that the evolving political climate in the U.S. has significant repercussions for Europe, given the interconnectedness of the two regions.

Borrell highlighted the potential geopolitical consequences of Trump’s policies, stating, “This decision by American voters will mark the development of the world as it will be for our grandchildren.” He urged European leaders to remain vigilant and prepared, avoiding a state of paralysis in the face of uncertainty. “We must not show that we are frightened or divided,” he cautioned, acknowledging the varied reactions to Trump’s victory across European capitals.

A significant portion of Borrell’s speech focused on the potential economic ramifications of Trump’s proposed tariffs, which could impose a 10% duty on all European products and a staggering 60% on Chinese goods. He warned that such measures would not only affect European competitiveness but could also lead to inflationary pressures and increased interest rates in the U.S., with ripple effects felt globally.

Turning to security issues, Borrell underscored the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine amid concerns that the new U.S. administration might condition military aid. “We must continue to uphold our commitments to Ukraine and provide the support they need to defend themselves,” he asserted, referencing his recent visit to Kyiv where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and military leaders. He emphasized that Europe currently provides more comprehensive support to Ukraine than the U.S., a situation that could change if American assistance diminishes.

Borrell identified three critical areas for European focus: Ukraine, the Middle East, and relations with China and Taiwan. He stated, “The way this war ends matters,” stressing that any resolution must involve Ukraine’s participation and agreement. He warned against a potential U.S.-Russia agreement that sidelines Ukraine, stating, “Nothing should be decided without the participation and agreement of Ukraine, which is paying the highest price for this war.”

Reflecting on the broader implications of Trump’s presidency, Borrell called for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. “The European Union is not just an economic union; it has military responsibilities,” he noted, urging member states to enhance their defense capabilities and adhere to the Strategic Compass, a framework for EU defense policy.

In his closing remarks, Borrell reiterated the need for a united European response to the challenges posed by the Trump administration. “This is not the end of the world, but the beginning of a different world,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties while preparing for a potentially more isolationist U.S. stance.

As he concluded, Borrell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in the debate and encouraged continued efforts toward a more united and resilient Europe. “Our prosperity is linked to that of the U.S., and the fight for freedom and democracy continues,” he affirmed.

Borrell’s speech serves as a clarion call for European leaders to navigate the complexities of a changing geopolitical landscape while reinforcing their commitment to collective security and transatlantic cooperation.

Parliament pays homage to the victims of the floods in Spain

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14 November 2024

20241113pht25401 Original Valencia Victimas Homenaje Parlamento Europeo — MEPs hold a minute's silence for the victims of the floods in Spain © European Union 2024 - EP

President Metsola opened the 13-14 November plenary session in Brussels with a minute of silence for the victims of the flood tragedy in Spain.

Following the devastating floods that swept through towns in Valencia and other regions in Spain two weeks ago and have taken at least 223 lives, President Metsola led MEPs in a minute’s silence in honour of the victims. She said that Europe was in shock and in mourning, and that the EU was ready to help in any way during the process of recovery and rebuilding, including through more flexibility to get financial assistance moving.

Changes to the agenda

Wednesday

The European Council and Commission statements on Conclusions of the European Council meetings of October and November 2024 are removed from the agenda, due to the absence of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

A Commission statement on the devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis is added as the first item on Wednesday’s agenda.

The European Council and Commission statements on EU-US relations in light of the outcome of the US presidential elections are changed into a Commission statement.

A Commission statement on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud is added to the agenda, and MEPs voted to wind up the debate with a resolution to be voted at the next part-session.

A Commission statement on Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans is added as fifth item.

Thursday

Two requests for urgent procedure are added to the voting session, pursuant to Rule 170 (5), for the following legislative files:

Regional Emergency Support: RESTORE,
Specific measures under the EAFRD for Member States affected by natural disasters.

The sitting is extended to 22:00.

Corrigenda

Under Rule 251(4) of the EP Rules of Procedure, two corrigenda will be deemed approved unless a request is made by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold for them to put to the vote. You can find the relevant list on the plenary website.

Scientology Mission of Bergamo, Italy, celebrates 35 years since first opening

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14 November 2024