The new regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising aims to get Europe up to speed with the radically changed environment of political advertising, which is now cross-border and increasingly online. It aims to enhance the integrity of election campaigns and help fight disinformation and foreign interference.
When: Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 14.30 CET
Where: European Parliament in Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201)
How: Accredited media representatives can attend the press conference physically. Journalists wishing to ask questions remotely need to connect via Interactio (https://ep.interactio.eu/1dxr-tkkf-mpje).
The press conference will also be web streamed live and recorded on the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.
Interpretation will be available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Polish.
In the digital age, ensuring the security of our devices has become paramount, especially for iPhone users. iPhones are renowned for their robust security features, yet they are not impervious to spyware attacks. Spyware, malicious software designed to gather your personal information covertly, can significantly compromise your privacy and security. It can track your location, steal sensitive data, and even listen to conversations.
Given the potential for Spyware to significantly compromise your privacy and security, it is crucial to understand how to detect and remove it from your iPhone. Fortunately, steps can be taken to mitigate these risks and safeguard your device. As highlighted by cybersecurity experts, one of the first steps to protect your iPhone is to remove spyware from the iPhone. By staying informed about the dangers of Spyware and learning how to combat it effectively, iPhone users can enjoy their devices with peace of mind, knowing their data is secure.
Apple logo in a dark background – artistic impression. Image credit: Duophenom via Pexels, free license
Spyware represents a significant threat to iPhone users, undermining privacy and personal data integrity. Spyware is malicious software designed to infiltrate your device, operating stealthily to collect sensitive information without your consent. The impact of Spyware on iPhone users can be profound, ranging from minor annoyances to severe personal and financial data breaches.
There are several types of Spyware, each with its own method of infection and data collection techniques. Adware, for instance, bombards users with unwanted ads and can serve as a conduit for more malicious Spyware tracking personal information and activities. Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate applications, deceiving users into installing them. Once installed, they can steal information ranging from passwords to banking details. Keyloggers are another invasive spyware; they record every keystroke, capturing everything from casual messages to sensitive login credentials. Tracking cookies and web beacons, while not always malicious, can be used to monitor online behavior extensively, often without explicit user consent. More insidious forms like infostealers, system monitors, rootkits, and stalkerware delve deeper, extracting a wide array of personal data and exerting control over the device’s functions, often without any visible signs to the user.
The varied nature of these spyware types illustrates the multifaceted risks they pose to iPhone users, emphasizing the need for vigilance and robust security measures to protect personal information and maintain privacy.
Signs Your iPhone May Have Spyware
Recognizing the presence of Spyware on your iPhone is crucial for maintaining its security and privacy. Some common signs that may indicate a spyware infection include overheating your device, even when not in heavy use, which suggests malicious background activity. A suddenly drained battery is another red flag, as spyware operations can consume significant power. An increase in unexpected pop-up ads can also signal adware, a type of Spyware. Additionally, a surge in data usage might indicate Spyware transmitting data from your device. If new apps appear without your knowledge, or if there are forced redirects and changed settings in your browser, these could be symptoms of spyware presence. Paying attention to these indicators can help identify and remove potential threats to your iPhone’s security.
Signs Your iPhone May Have Spyware
Identifying Spyware on your iPhone is critical to safeguarding your personal information. Several indicators may signal an infection. If your iPhone frequently overheats without heavy use, this could point to Spyware running in the background. A battery that drains more quickly than usual is another common symptom, as spyware processes can consume significant power. An increase in unexpected pop-up ads can also suggest the presence of adware, a spyware variant.
Additionally, noticing an unusual surge in data usage might indicate Spyware is sending information from your device. Other signs include:
Finding new apps that you still need to download.
Experiencing forced redirects to unwanted websites.
Discovering unauthorized changes to your browser settings.
Being alert to these signs can help detect and address spyware infections early.
Removing Spyware From Your iPhone
Ensuring the security of your iPhone against Spyware requires a proactive approach. Follow these steps to remove existing threats and safeguard your device against future infections.
Step 1: Update iOS
Keeping your iOS system up-to-date is crucial for protecting your iPhone against spyware attacks. Apple frequently releases updates that patch security vulnerabilities, making it harder for malicious software to infiltrate your device. To update iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it. This simple action can prevent many spyware attacks, as many exploit outdated software vulnerabilities.
Step 2: Clear Browsing Data and History
Clearing browsing data and history is a vital step in removing traces of Spyware from your iPhone. To do this in Safari, the default browser on iOS, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app and scroll down to Safari.
Tap ‘Clear History and Website Data.’
Confirm by tapping ‘Clear History and Data.’
This process will remove your browsing history, cookies, and other cached data, potentially eradicating spyware-collected information. Remember, this action will log you out from websites and remove your browsing history across all devices signed into your iCloud account.
Step 3: Factory Reset
If Spyware persists, performing a factory reset may be necessary. This action erases all content and settings, returning your iPhone to its original state. Before proceeding, ensure you back up your data using iCloud or iTunes to prevent data loss. To factory reset:
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ and follow the instructions.
After the reset, you can restore your data from the backup. While drastic, a factory reset can eliminate any hidden spyware.
Step 4: Use Antivirus Software
Finally, installing reputable antivirus software can provide additional protection against future spyware infections. Applications like Norton and TotalAV offer comprehensive security solutions designed for iOS, including real-time protection, virus scans, and web protection. By regularly scanning your device, these apps can detect and remove Spyware, safeguarding your personal information against unauthorized access.
Implementing these steps will significantly enhance your iPhone’s security, protecting your privacy and data from spyware threats.
Preventing Future Spyware Infections
To safeguard your iPhone from future spyware infections, adopt a proactive approach to digital hygiene. First, be cautious of suspicious links and downloads. Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading apps from outside the App Store, as these are common ways Spyware is installed. Utilize secure Wi-Fi connections; public networks often lack robust security, making them hotspots for spyware distribution. Always connect to trusted networks and consider using a VPN for an added layer of security. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts adds a crucial security layer, making unauthorized access significantly more challenging. By implementing these strategies, you enhance your defenses against the sophisticated tactics employed by spyware developers, keeping your personal information secure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting your iPhone from Spyware is essential to ensuring your personal information remains secure and your privacy intact. From understanding what Spyware is and recognizing the signs of its presence to actively removing it and taking preventive measures against future infections, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools necessary to defend your device. Keeping your iOS updated, clearing browsing data, performing a factory reset if needed, and using reliable antivirus software are all critical steps in maintaining your iPhone’s security. Moreover, adopting good digital hygiene practices, such as avoiding suspicious downloads, using secure Wi-Fi, and enabling two-factor authentication, further fortifies your defense against Spyware. By remaining vigilant and proactive, you can enjoy your iPhone’s benefits without compromising security or privacy.
We can all agree that pets are good for the soul. They comfort us, make us laugh, are always happy to see us, and love us unconditionally. Even though cats can sometimes be hard to tell because they have a more independent and often aloof nature, you can be sure that your purring friend loves and cares for you! It’s just that some cats express their love in certain ways.
Having a pet is also good for children as it can teach them a number of things:
Time spent outside
It’s true that cats don’t go out like dogs, but if you live in a house with a yard or you’ve taught your purring companion to walk on a leash and you take him on your walks in the mountains – what better way to have your child accompany you! This is a great incentive to put down the phone and enjoy some fresh air in the company of the purring friend!
Building trust and a stronger bond with another living being
Studies show that children often believe that pets are better confidantes than people and take comfort in having a four-legged friend to talk to. If you have more children – the purring friend can contribute to their good relationship, as they will have a common interest in playing and caring for the cat.
Learning responsibility
Everyone knows that caring for an animal is a responsibility! Raising a pet will inculcate in the child responsibility, habits and care – giving food, changing the water, cleaning the cat toys or putting them away.
Showing tenderness
Caring for a pet teaches children to respect all animals and treat them with kindness and compassion. It is important to teach them to:
• Be gentle when shaving the cat.
• Always pet or cuddle the animal when it allows and respect its personal space.
• Avoid picking up the cat when it doesn’t want it. It is important for the child to know that this is not a stuffed toy, but an animal that has emotions, feelings and pain.
Sure, kids and cats can get along and get along great, but it has to happen with conversation and training on both sides. The purring friend needs to be trained to follow certain rules, and children must learn to care for and respect the purring friend’s boundaries.
Illustrative Photo by Jenny Uhling: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blonde-child-with-dog-in-mountains-17807527/
In a landmark move, the European Union has taken a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of air pollution. Late this evening, a consensus was reached between the Parliament and the Council on the new Air Quality Directive, aiming to drastically cut pollution limits across the EU by up to 2.5 times lower than the current targets by the year 2030. Despite the ambitious initiative, the agreement has been met with mixed reactions, as it does not fully align with the more stringent recommendations provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Nicolae Ștefănuță, serving as the Greens/EFA Group Shadow Rapporteur for the file, expressed a bittersweet sentiment towards the agreement. “This deal is a step forward in reducing air pollution in Europe by 2030,” Ștefănuță stated, acknowledging the progress made. He highlighted significant advancements introduced by the Directive, including groundbreaking rights for individuals affected by air pollution. “Thanks to our efforts, the Directive will introduce the right for people who get cancer to claim compensation if their authorities are not complying with the new pollution limits. It also includes the right for citizens to bring non-compliant authorities to court,” he elaborated.
Despite these achievements, Ștefănuță voiced concerns over the deal’s shortcomings. “However, Europe will not be able to breathe easy until we take much bolder steps to tackle the kind of pollution we are witnessing right now in places like Milan. This deal is a missed opportunity to put the Directive on track to meeting the recommendations made by the World Health Organization for air quality,” he lamented. The MEP did not shy away from criticizing the current political climate, which he believes undermines environmental protection efforts. “It is disgraceful that every year, hundreds of thousands of people die prematurely from air pollution in Europe. The current reactionary attack on the Green Deal and environmental protection measures is undermining efforts to get a grip on pollution.”
The new directive promises to usher in a new era of air quality management within the EU. It sets forth stricter limits for harmful particles, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero pollution by 2050. Furthermore, it empowers citizens, especially those residing in heavily polluted areas, with unprecedented rights. For the first time, individuals will be able to seek justice and demand compensation for health damages attributable to the inaction of public authorities regarding air quality standards.
As the EU embarks on this ambitious journey towards cleaner air, the mixed reactions to the new Air Quality Directive underscore the challenges ahead. While the agreement marks a significant step forward, the call for more robust action in line with global health standards remains louder than ever. The path to achieving zero pollution by 2050 is fraught with obstacles, but the directive’s provisions offer a glimmer of hope for those affected by air pollution, advocating for a healthier future for all European citizens.
Jacobroecker, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This month, our ‘Christian Heritage month by month’ column presents the church of Saint Elisabeth, the 20th century “blue church” in the Archdiocese of Bratislava, in Slovakia.
Originally planned as a small chapel adjacent to the royal Catholic grammar school of one of the growing districts of Bratislava at the time, the Church of Saint Elisabeth – today known as the “blue Church” – is an exemplary feature of the cultural and architectonic Christian landscape of the Slovak capital.
Although the religious building was meant to only serve the needs of school students and staff, it became clear at the beginning of the 20th century that such a church also had to be designed to welcome the rising number of city dwellers in the area.
To celebrate the 700th anniversary of the birth of Saint Elisabeth of Hungary, the first stone was laid in 1909 and the works to build a place of contemplation and prayer in honour of the Saint began, supported by modest citizens and noble families alike. Later consecrated in 1913, the church was built in Hungarian-Secessionist style and in its specific colour, obtained by tiny blue ceramic plates, both on the external walls and on the roof.
The leitmotif of the roses is also evidently present and it is a powerful reminder of the story of St Elisabeth, patron of charity, who tenaciously helped the poor and the emarginated by generous acts of charity.
Today, the church has become a sightseeing attraction, due to its unconventional colour. Yet, it also powerfully reminds both tourists and faithful of the generosity of Saint Elisabeth and the devotion of the citizens of Bratislava to the Hungarian Saint.
From January 1, 2023, Croatia adopted the Euro as its national currency. Thus, the country that entered the European Union last became the twentieth country to introduce the single currency.
The country has chosen four designs for the national side of the euro coins, with the distinctive Croatian chess motif in the background. All coins also feature the 12 stars of the European flag.
The 2 euro coin features a map of Croatia and the poem “Oh beautiful, oh dear, oh sweet freedom” by the poet Ivan Gundulić is written on the edge.
A stylized image of the small predator zlatka adorns the 1 Euro coin (in Croatian the animal is called kuna).
The face of Nikola Tesla can be found on the 50, 20 and 10 cent coins.
The 5, 2 and 1 cent coins are inscribed with the letters “HR” in Glagolitic script.
The €2 coin depicts a mythological scene from a mosaic in Sparta (3rd century BC), showing the young princess Europa abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull. The inscription on the edge is ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ (REPUBLIC OF GREECE).
The €1 coin reproduces the Athenian owl design that appears on the ancient 4 drachma coin (5th century BC).
The 10, 20 and 50 cent coins depict three different Greek statesmen:
10 cents: Rigas-Ferreos (Velestinlis) (1757-1798), forerunner of the Greek Enlightenment and Confederation and visionary of the liberation of the Balkans from Ottoman rule; 50 cents: Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776-1831), the first governor of Greece (1830-1831) after the Greek War of Independence (1821-1827) (20 cents), and Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936), a pioneer of social reform who played a key role in the modernization of the Greek state.
The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins depict typical Greek ships: the Athenian trireme (5th century BC) on the 1 cent coin; the corvette used during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1827) on the 2 cent coin and the modern tanker on the 5 cent coin.
Austria
Austria’s euro coins are designed around three main themes: flowers, architecture and famous historical figures.
In addition to public consultation through opinion polls, a group of 13 experts selected the winning designs by the artist Josef Kaiser.
The €2 coin features the portrait of Bertha von Suttner, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905.
The €1 coin features the portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the famous Austrian composer, accompanied by his signature.
The 10, 20 and 50 cent coins depict architectural works in Vienna: the towers of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (10 cent), a masterpiece of Viennese Gothic architecture; the Belvedere Palace (20 cents), a jewel of the Austrian Baroque style, and the Secession building in Vienna (50 cents), a symbol of Austrian modernism and the birth of a new era.
The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins depict alpine flowers representing Austria’s obligations and commitment to the environment: gentian (1 cent); the edelweiss (2 cents), a traditional symbol of Austrian identity, and the primrose (5 cents).
Austrian euro coins have the peculiarity of showing the nominal value on the national obverse as well.
There are two different series of Spanish Euro coins in circulation.
The €1 and €2 coins depict the image of the new head of state, His Majesty King Felipe VI, in profile to the left. To the left of the image, round and in capital letters, the name of the issuing country and the year of issue “ESPAÑA 2015”, and to the right the mint mark.
Spain has updated the design of the Spanish national face on the €1 and €2 coins, which have been produced since 2015, to illustrate the change in the position of the head of state. The €1 and €2 coins from previous years with the old Spanish national face will remain valid.
The 10, 20 and 50 cent coins depict the bust of Miguel de Cervantes, author of “Don Quixote of La Mancha”, a masterpiece of Spanish and world literature.
The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins show the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a jewel of Spanish Romanesque art and one of the most famous places of worship in the world.
From that point on, the year mark appears on the inside of a coin, along with the mint mark and the name of the issuing country. The twelve stars in the outer ring are depicted as on the European flag, without relief around them.
Estonia
The design of the national side of the Estonian euro coins was chosen after a public competition. A jury of experts pre-selected the 10 best designs.
The winning design was chosen by telephone voting, which was open to all Estonians. It was created by the artist Lembit Lemos.
All Estonian euro coins contain a geographical image of Estonia accompanied by the word “Eesti” and the year “2011”.
The inscription on the edge of the €2 coin is “Eesti” repeated twice, once upright and once inverted.
Estonian euro coins have been in circulation since 1 January 2011.
Italy
Italian euro coins carry a different design for each denomination, chosen from masterpieces of the country’s cultural heritage. The final choice was made by the public through a television program broadcast by RAI Uno, Italy’s largest television station.
The €2 coin reproduces the portrait painted by Raphael of the poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), author of the Divine Comedy. The inscription on the edge repeats “2” six times, alternating upright and inverted numerals.
The €1 coin features the Vitruvian Man, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous drawing showing the ideal proportions of the human body.
The 50 cent coin reproduces the pavement design of the Piazza del Campidoglio with the equestrian statue of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.
The 20-cent coin features a sculpture by Umberto Boccioni, a master of the Italian Futurist movement.
The 10-cent coin depicts a detail from The Birth of Venus, Sandro Botticelli’s famous painting, and a triumph of Italian art.
The 5 cent coin depicts the Colosseum in Rome, the famous amphitheater built by the emperors Vespasian and Titus, opened in AD 80.
The 2 cent coin depicts the Mole Antonelliana tower in Turin.
The 1 cent coin depicts “Castel del Monte” near Bari.
In 2005, the Central Bank of Cyprus launched a competition to select the design of the Cypriot euro coins, which were to have three different motifs reflecting the specifics of the country in terms of culture, nature and the sea.
The winning projects, approved by the Council of Ministers of Cyprus, were jointly created by Tatiana Soteropoulos and Eric Mael.
The €1 and €2 coins reproduce the Pomos Idol, a cross-shaped idol dating from the Chalcolithic period (c. 3000 BC), representing the country’s contribution to civilization since prehistoric times.
The 10-, 20-, and 50-cent coins depict the Kyrenia (4th century BC), a Greek merchant ship whose remains are believed to be the oldest of the Classical period discovered to date. It is a symbol of the insular nature of Cyprus and its historical importance as a commercial center.
The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins feature the mouflon, a type of wild sheep representative of the island’s wildlife.
Belgium
There are two different series of Belgian Euro coins in circulation.
All notes of the first series issued in 2002 show the face of His Majesty Albert II, King of the Belgians, surrounded by the twelve stars of the European Union with the royal monogram (capital ‘A’ and crown) to the right. The Belgian euro coins were designed by Jan Alphonse Koistermans, director of the Turnhout Municipal Academy of Fine Arts, and selected by a committee of high-ranking officials, numismatic experts and artists.
In 2008, Belgium made a slight change in the design of its national sides to comply with the general guidelines recommended by the European Commission. The new national sides continue to bear the effigy of His Majesty Albert II, King of the Belgians, surrounded by twelve stars, but the royal monogram and date of issue are depicted on the inner part of the coin – not the outer ring – along with two new elements: the signs of the mint and the country name abbreviation (“BE”).
From 2014, the second series of Belgian coins shows on each note the face of the new head of state, His Majesty Philippe, King of the Belgians, in profile to the right. To the left of the effigy, the Issuing Country designation ‘BE’ and the Royal monogram above. Below the statue, the mint master notes to the left and the mintmark to the right the year of issue.
The outer ring of the coin features the 12 stars of the European flag.
The inscription on the edge of the €2 coin “2” is repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.
Coins from previous years with the old Belgian national face remain valid.
Luxembourg
The national faces of Luxembourg were designed by Yvette Gastauer-Claire in agreement with the Royal Household and the national government.
All Luxembourg coins bear the profile of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri in three different styles: a new linear for the €1 and €2 coins; traditional linear for the 10, 20 and 50 cent coins and classic for the 1, 2 and 5 cent coins.
The word “Luxembourg” is written in Luxembourgish (Lëtzebuerg).
The inscription on the edge of the €2 coin is “2” repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.
Illustrative Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pile-of-gold-round-coins-106152/
Netherlands: ETZ to renew Tilburg hospital with financing from EIB and BNG- Phot creditg EIB.org
BRUSSELS – The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed off on €100 million in financing to support a comprehensive modernization program by the Elisabeth-TweeSteden (ETZ) hospital group in Tilburg, Netherlands. An additional €15 million is being supplied by Dutch bank BNG.
The total €115 million in funds will enable ETZ to fully upgrade its existing St. Elisabeth hospital site in two major phases running from 2024 until 2031.
“This agreement is crucial for the realisation of this new construction project. The obtained financing allows us to start on time, so that the project can be delivered during 2026,” said Gerard van Berlo, Boardmember of ETZ. “We appreciate the care and professionalism shown by EIB and BNG in bringing these agreements about. Therefore, we are confident that with EIB and BNG we have reliable and valuable partners at our side.”
The first phase includes construction of a new acute care center housing the emergency department, intensive care, helicopter landing pad and more. The second phase will add extra hospital beds, operating theaters, radiology, nuclear medicine, parking and other facilities.
EIB Vice President Robert de Groot emphasized the bank’s goal of funding projects that enhance lives. “The EIB’s mission is to improve people’s lives by making available favorable long-term financing. This project with ETZ is a clear example of that,” he said.
“Not only is the EIB glad to back ETZ in its continuous drive to deliver the best possible healthcare in its catchment area, but we also attach great importance to the excellent environmental performance of the new buildings.”
ETZ has set ambitious sustainability targets, committing to cut CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and by 95% by 2050 against a 2010 baseline. The new facilities will slash energy use far below legal minimums thanks to steps like eliminating gas heating, adding LED lighting, boosting insulation and collecting rainwater.
As Europe’s climate bank and the world’s largest multilateral lender, the EIB emphasizes investments that drive innovation, sustainability and regional cohesion. This ETZ hospital renewal program embodies the type of essential public infrastructure project that merits the EIB’s backing.
The extensive renovations will optimize ETZ’s healthcare delivery while cementing its position as a leader in low-carbon, high-efficiency hospital infrastructure.
“This morning a food convoy waiting to move into northern Gaza was hit by Israeli naval gunfire; thankfully no-one was injured,” said Tom White, Director of Affairs for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
Accompanying the post on X, formerly Twitter, two photographs showed a stationary flat-bed truck parked in front of a UN vehicle with a gaping hole where part of its cargo and protective tarpaulin had been.
Several boxes of relief supplies lay scattered on the roadside, but it was not immediately clear what they contained nor where the truck was.
UNRWA’s bid to reach the beleaguered north came as the World Food Programme (WFP) reported last Friday that it, too, had been unable to reach northern Gaza City for the third time in a week.
“We only managed four convoys in the month of January, that’s around 35 truckloads of food (and) enough for almost 130,000 people,” said the WFP Country Director for Palestine, Matthew Hollingworth.
“(It’s) really not enough to prevent a famine, and we know levels of hunger in Gaza are getting at that level now,” the WFP officer said.
In a video post on X from central Gaza, Mr. Hollingworth described how “desperately hard” it is for aid convoys to move around the shattered enclave after almost four months of non-stop Israeli bombardment.
“There’s more damage everywhere, rubble, roads are closed, but there’s also kinetic active fighting in various areas on the Strip,” he said. Getting through checkpoints and simply moving through Gaza from the southern governorate of Rafah was now extremely difficult, as there were “literally a million and a half people stuck in Rafah; they’re all desperate, and they’re all asking for assistance”.
To date, WFP reached around 1.4 million people with emergency rations, canned food, wheat flour and hot meals, but far more assistance is needed urgently, the UN agency insisted.
Shortages of everything
The development comes as UNRWA reported that some 75 per cent of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people have been displaced.
More than half are children who are among those who face “acute shortages of food, water, shelter and medicine”, the UN agency warned, adding that ongoing intense fighting around Khan Younis “continues to drive thousands of people into the southern town of Rafah, which is already hosting over half of Gaza’s population. Most are living in makeshift structures, tents or out in the open.”
According to the latest update on the conflict from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, residential blocks across Gaza have continued to be destroyed by Israeli forces, including in southern, eastern and central Khan Younis and in Gaza City’s Al Sabra neighbourhood. No casualties were reported in the latest incidents, the agency noted.
War objectors
Meanwhile, some 800 government officials from western nations published an open letter denouncing their countries’ support for the war at the weekend, describing it as “one of the worst human catastrophes of this century”.
The signatories are believed to be high-ranking civil servants and diplomats from the US and 14 European countries including France, Germany, the UK and Switzerland.
They protested that their governments had supported Israel “without real conditions nor responsibilities”, resulting in “tens of thousands of preventable civilian deaths” and the “deliberate” blocking of aid which has left “thousands of civilians at risk of starvation and slow death”.
Escalation fears
The development came as regional tensions continued to ratchet up, with US and UK strikes on pro-Iranian militia in Iraq and Syria last Friday after three American service personnel died in an attack on a US base in Jordan.
And amid continuing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages, concerns remained that the situation might escalate further because of events in the Red Sea, where Houthi fighters have targeted shipping with alleged links to Israel.
On Israel’s border with Lebanon, cross-border exchanges of fire with Hezbollah have also added to concerns over regional instability.
The latest death toll from the war, sparked by Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on 7 October that left some 1,200 people butchered and another 250 taken hostage, is at least 27,365 Palestinians killed in Gaza and 66,630 injured, according to the enclave’s health authorities.
OCHA also noted that 223 soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive in Gaza and 1,296 soldiers injured, citing the Israeli military.
Since the brutal 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and other militants on southern Israel and the ensuing military onslaught by Israel on Gaza, more than three quarters of the enclave’s population have been displaced from their homes, many multiple times.
There are widespread shortages of food, water and sanitation, and the health system continues to be systematically degraded, with catastrophic consequences, said the principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), the coordinating body of global humanitarian organizations.
“Diseases are rampant. Famine is looming. Water is at a trickle. Basic infrastructure has been decimated. Food production has come to a halt. Hospitals have turned into battlefields. One million children face daily traumas,” they noted in a statement on Wednesday.
A ‘death blow’ to aid efforts
The situation is particularly dire in Rafah, at the far south of Gaza.
“Rafah, the latest destination for well over one million displaced, hungry and traumatized people crammed into a small sliver of land, has become another battleground in this brutal conflict,” the IASC heads said.
“Further escalation of violence in this densely populated area would cause mass casualties. It could also deal a death blow to a humanitarian response that is already on its knees,” they warned.
— Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) (@iascch) February 21, 2024
Humanitarians at risk
The IASC principals highlighted the risks aid workers face daily in their efforts to help people in desperate need, adding that they can “only do so much.”
“Humanitarian workers, themselves displaced and facing shelling, death, movement restrictions and a breakdown of civil order, continue efforts to deliver to those in need,” they said.
“But, faced with so many obstacles – including safety and movement restrictions – they can only do so much.”
The essentials
The principals underscored that no amount of humanitarian response will make up for the months of deprivation that families in Gaza have endured.
“This is our effort to salvage the humanitarian operation so that we can provide, at the very least, the bare essentials: medicine, drinking water, food and shelter as temperatures plummet,” they said.
For that, they stressed the need for 10 indispensable elements: an immediate ceasefire; protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure; immediate release of hostages; reliable entry points for aid; security assurances and unimpeded access; a functioning humanitarian notification system; roads cleared of explosive ordnance; and a stable communication network.
In addition, they called for the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA) to receive the resources it needs to provide life-saving assistance as well as a halt to campaigns seeking to discredit the UN and NGOs doing their best to save lives.
“We are calling on Israel to fulfil its legal obligation, under international humanitarian and human rights law, to provide food and medical supplies and facilitate aid operations, and on the world’s leaders to prevent an even worse catastrophe from happening,” the humanitarian leaders concluded.
Describing the move as a further sign of the junta’s “weakness and desperation”, Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews called for stronger international action to protect vulnerable populations across the country.
“While wounded and increasingly desperate, the Myanmar military junta remains extremely dangerous,” he said. “Troop losses and recruitment challenges have become existential threats for the junta, which faces vigorous attacks on frontlines all across the country.”
The junta issued an order on 10 February that he said purportedly brought the 2010 People’s Military Service Law into force.
Men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 can now be drafted into the army, though “professional” men and women up to the ages of 45 and 35, respectively, also may be conscripted.
The plan is to enroll 5,000 people per month starting in April. Those who evade military service, or help others to do so, are subject to up to five years imprisonment.
Appeal for action
“As the junta forces young men and women into the military ranks, it has doubled down on its attacks on civilians using stockpiles of powerful weapons,” Mr. Andrews said.
He added that in the face of inaction by the UN Security Council, countries must strengthen and coordinate measures to reduce the junta’s access to the weapons and financing it needs to sustain attacks on the population.
“Make no mistake, signs of desperation, such as the imposition of a draft, are not indications that the junta and its forces are less of a threat to the people of Myanmar. In fact, many are facing even greater dangers,” he said.
A child at an internally displaced persons (IDP) centre in Myanmar. (file)
Coup, conflict and casualties
The military seized power in Myanmar three years ago, deposing the elected Government. Army forces have since been battling with armed opposition groups, sparking mass displacement and casualties.
Latest UN figures show that nearly 2.7 million people remain internally displaced nationwide, which includes almost 2.4 million who were uprooted after the February 2021 military takeover.
Conflict continues to rage in various parts of the country, with a deteriorating situation in Rakhine state, located on the western coast, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, reported earlier this week.
Rakhine has seen escalating fighting between the armed forces and the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group, which has constrained humanitarian access, despite escalating needs.
Meanwhile, a ceasefire continues to hold in northern Shan state, allowing most of the people who were displaced at the end of 2023 to return home. Almost 23,000 civilians who fled the conflict escalation in the region last year remain displaced in 141 sites in 15 townships.
OCHA added that the conflict situation in northwest and southeast Myanmar continues, with armed clashes, airstrikes and mortar shelling threatening civilian safety and driving displacement.
Young people ‘horrified’
For Mr. Andrews, the junta’s decision to activate the conscription law is an attempt to justify and expand a pattern of forced recruitment that is already affecting people across the country.
He said that in recent months, young men have reportedly been kidnapped from the streets of Myanmar’s cities or otherwise forced to join the military, while villagers have reportedly been used as porters and human shields.
“Young people are horrified by the possibility of being forced to participate in the junta’s reign of terror. The numbers fleeing across borders to escape conscription will surely skyrocket,” he warned.
The rights expert called for an infusion of humanitarian aid for impacted communities in Myanmar, including through the provision of cross-border aid, as well as greater support for leaders committed to a democratic transition.
“Now, more than ever, the international community must act urgently to isolate the junta and protect the people of Myanmar,” he said.
About UN rapporteurs
Special Rapporteurs like Mr. Andrews are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and given mandates to report on specific country situations or thematic issues.
These experts work on a voluntary basis and are independent of any government or organization. They serve in their individual capacity and are neither UN staff nor are they paid for their work.
