Hamas Releases Third Round of Hostages
This emphasizes the Palestinian goal in this ceasefire: to support the population through the transport of aid into the country. In return for this aid, Hamas agreed to release 50 Israeli hostages.
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Middle East
With All Eyes on Gaza, Violence in the West Bank Goes Unchecked
Violence in the West Bank has never been more palpable, and Israel risks its own security by letting violence on this scale fester. If they want to prevent the opening of a second front in their war with Hamas in the West Bank, not to mention the northern threat of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the government must hold settlers accountable for their crimes.
Read MoreAl-Shifa Under Attack: Israeli Aggression targets Gaza Hospital System
As Israeli forces advance their attacks on the hospital and surrounding areas, the international community has raised concerns for the sick, injured, and displaced. According to Al Jazeera, Israel’s total siege of the area has depraved over 650 patients, 500 medical staff, and approximately 5,000 to 7,000 displaced individuals sheltering in Al-Shifa of electricity and fuel.
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U.S. Opens Investigation into Israeli Killing of American Journalist
On November 14, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would be opening an investigation into the May 11 killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American Al Jazeera journalist, who was shot and killed while covering an Israeli military raid in the West Bank.
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One Year After Afghanistan: A New Terror Landscape Emerges
The Taliban’s quick rise to power sparked “joy” and celebration amongst a variety of militant groups that admired the Taliban’s commitment to their ideological goals. The international community’s concerns that Afghanistan will become a safe haven for terrorist activity, as in the 2000s, remains steadfast.
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Pakistan Receives International Aid After Devastating Floods
Since mid-June Pakistan has been devastated by floods with an estimated 1,400 dead, and over 30 million people displaced, according to The New York Times. The nation’s Minister of Finance, Miftah Ismail, estimates that there have been around $10 billion in damages caused by the flooding, however, others believe that there could be up to twice that amount and that the damages will only continue to rise, reports Al Jazeera.
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U.S. Allies Doubt Iran Nuclear Deal Revival is Imminent
With the latest effort to revive the Iranian nuclear deal, U.S. allies have stated that they have “serious doubts” that Iran and the U.S. will strike a deal, reports Reuters. President Biden promised to restore the nuclear agreement during his 2020 presidential campaign, yet negotiations appear to be delayed ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
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Water Scarcity and Armed Conflict Shaping Migration Patterns in the Middle East and North Africa
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), water scarcity, worsened by climate change, has contributed to a rise in global migration. Climate change, environmental degradation, and water stress drive extreme migration patterns throughout the MENA region. As climate change intensifies in states with weakened central government authority, armed groups, and extremist organizations exploit these challenges and weaponize water.
Read MoreTaliban Continue Efforts to Bar Women from Public Life Amid Worsening Crisis
The Taliban have heightened restrictions limiting women’s access to freedom and public society, prohibiting girls from returning to secondary school and women from traveling by airplane without a male companion, Reuters reports.
Read MoreU.S. Launches Sanctions Against Houthi Financers
On February 23, the United States took a major step in supporting allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates by announcing sanctions against key members of an international financing network accused of diverting funds for Yemen’s Houthi rebels, reports The Independent. The sanctions were launched in response to recent conflict escalation by the Houthis, who have launched an increasing number of missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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