NUNZIUM

News That Matters

04/12/2023 ---- 08/12/2023

PAST MONHT

month -1

HOMEPAGE

go_today

NEXT MONTH

month +1
08.12.2023
THEME: WORLD

The Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Dance of Destruction

The escalating conflict in Gaza, triggered by Israeli attacks, is intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. Thousands of Palestinian deaths have been reported, with civilians making up a significant portion of the casualties. The ground offensive launched by Israel has further worsened the situation, trapping approximately two million people in southern and central Gaza.

This crisis is not a sudden event but the climax of a long-standing geopolitical conflict between Israel and Palestine, dating back to the early 20th century. Both parties lay claim to the same land, leading to numerous wars and violent outbreaks, including the current strife.

The expanding Israeli ground offensive has forced a mass evacuation in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. The bombardment by Israeli warplanes has pushed Palestinians into an increasingly small portion of the besieged territory, exacerbating the already severe humanitarian conditions. This displacement has been reported by Thomas White, the Gaza chief of the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).

The technological infrastructure in Gaza has taken a significant hit due to the conflict. The collapse of phone and internet networks has further isolated the people trapped within the war-torn region. As the violence escalates, the Health Ministry in Gaza reports over 15,890 deaths and more than 42,000 wounded since October 7.

The Israeli military has been unyielding in their pursuit to eliminate Hamas, a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic group classified as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Israel. Their attack on Israel on October 7 resulted in the death of 1,200 people, triggering the current wave of violence. The Israeli military reportedly struck 200 Hamas targets overnight, with ground troops operating in tandem.

The conflict has created a political stalemate, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recall negotiators from Qatar due to a deadlock in discussions with Hamas. Thousands of Israeli protesters have taken to the streets, demanding Netanyahu's resignation over his handling of the Gaza situation.

The United States, under Vice President Kamala Harris, has expressed its opposition to the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the escalating tension.

The crisis has precipitated a severe humanitarian emergency, with aid trucks entering Gaza through the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing for the first time since the seven-day truce ended. The truce allowed for the release of hostages and prisoners and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, no aid convoys or fuel deliveries have entered Gaza since hostilities resumed.

This crisis underscores the devastating impact of war on civilians. As the world watches, it's crucial to remember that the crisis in Gaza is more than a geopolitical conflict; it's a humanitarian disaster that requires immediate and decisive action from the global community. Amidst the continued violence, the hope remains for a resolution that brings lasting peace and stability to the region.

READ MORE
08.12.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

COP28 Climate Summit: A Global Strive for a Sustainable Future

The 28th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Expo City Dubai until December 12, drew global attention towards the urgent need to address climate change. The conference, marked by a historic loss and damage deal, sparked worldwide optimism despite the lingering contentious issue of fossil fuel usage.

COP28 served as a platform for global leaders, scientists, and environmentalists who were united in their quest to mitigate climate change. The summit witnessed a series of pledges and declarations, with over $80 billion mobilized for climate finance. Notably, the food declaration, endorsed by over 100 countries, emphasized the importance of placing climate at the heart of agricultural practices.

The global stocktake, another significant event at the conference, assessed progress towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The science behind this goal is unequivocal, as stated by Simon Stiell, the chief of the U.N. climate agency.

Despite these advancements, the future of fossil fuels was a contentious topic. While over 100 countries, including the US and EU, advocated for a phase-out, countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia resisted such proposals, arguing for the use of carbon capture technologies instead. This disagreement led to calls for wealthy countries to lead any fossil fuel phase-out, with the G77+China bloc of developing countries suggesting a revision of the "phase-down/phase-out" language.

In a positive development, the world’s 10 largest concrete and cement companies, which account for 8% of global CO2 emissions, pledged to decarbonise their industries, targeting net-zero emissions within 25 years.

The second week of the conference saw the presidency taking a more proactive role in guiding the talks towards a successful outcome. Tom Evans, a climate change expert at think tank E3G, opined that the global stocktake decision would likely carry the most politically significant messages.

The conference also underscored the devastating impact of climate change on wildlife, citing the tragic deaths of dozens of elephants in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park due to climate change and the El Nino global weather pattern.

As COP28 concluded, the focus shifted to the future, particularly the location of the next COP29 summit. Despite Russia's resistance to any EU member as COP president, Azerbaijan emerged as a likely host, with Bulgaria and Moldova also expressing interest.

In summary, while COP28 marked significant strides towards addressing climate change, the battle for a greener future is ongoing. The world now anticipates that the decisions made at COP28 will translate into tangible action, leading to a more sustainable future.

READ MORE

PAST MONTH

month -1

HOMEPAGE

go_today

NEXT MONTH

month +1