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Category: Middle East

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Lebanon’s national identity is exploited to justify violence against it

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rayyan Dabbous, PhD student, Centre for Comparative Literature, University of Toronto

    The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah confirmed on Sept. 28 that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut a day earlier. Nasrallah is the highest-ranking Hezbollah leader to have been killed since Israel began targeting the group’s leadership.

    Several Hezbollah commanders, and hundreds of Lebanese civilians, have been killed in Israeli attacks in recent weeks. On Sept. 20, Israel launched its heaviest aerial bombing on Lebanon since 2006, killing hundreds of civilians. The attack followed the Sept. 17 coordinated explosions of hand-held wireless pagers allegedly carried by members of Hezbollah (but still also carried by many medical professionals). That assault maimed thousands of Lebanese people.

    Israel says the violent strikes were necessary to preemptively thwart Hezbollah from launching rockets into northern Israel. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Lebanese population: “Israel’s war is not with you, it’s with Hezbollah,” which has long “been using you as human shields.”

    The Telegraph in the United Kingdom proclaimed Israel’s war against Hezbollah as a brave move on behalf of the “West” to “uphold civilization.” Other news outlets, both western and Israeli, also framed the conflict as one for civilization. They also mentioned religion.

    Wars have always required these types of false dichotomies: Christian and Muslim, civilization and barbarism, West and East.

    Generations of Orientalists from the “West” constructed the “East” as a place with distinct cultural identities and values, and one over which the West must triumph.

    The way East and West has historically been framed in Lebanon can help us understand the way the conflict there is being discussed in the Global North. To do this, I briefly outline three time periods to attempt to shed some light on how this framing can be used to justify violence against the nation.

    1. Premodern times: Caught between two empires

    Lebanon has frequently been a battleground between West and East. For aristocracies and clergies in France and Italy, Lebanon first became part of the East under Byzantium (the eastern half of the Roman empire). Later, Lebanon became part of the Islamic and Ottoman empires. It was not religion that defined these West/East splits but aspirations for wealth, resources, power and hegemony.

    Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, in which modern-day Lebanon was situated, economic and political power remained in Christian hands but was transferred from Rome to Constantinople (modern day Istanbul). After eight major waves of Crusades, notorious for their pillages and “collateral damage” even in Christian cities, Western observers came to regard the East as a “treasure” that had been regained.

    In his seminal book Europe and Islam, first published in French in 1978, pre-eminent Tunisian historian Hichem Djaït showed how Christianity in Europe was, from its inception, a political project aimed to both unite against and catch up to Islamic cultural, scientific and economic advancement.

    The East, Djaït emphasized, was regarded as a deformed West, a “parvenu” and “a primitive newcomer” whose civilization was an aberration in Medieval Christian eyes. They regarded Islam’s prophet Muhammad as an internal traitor rather than an external threat. For example, in Dante’s Inferno Muhammad is punished for contributing to the West/East schism.

    Western interest in the East was also, for Djaït, rooted in an envy for how diverse groups co-existed for centuries in the east but not the west.

    II. Caught within colonial expansion

    Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War, Lebanon came under French rule. By this point, the Ottomans had been regarded as “the Sick Man of Europe” since at least the mid-19th century. Global powers exploited this characterization of Lebanon and were activated to send missionaries, build missionary schools, and revamp ports. The French also intervened with the work of sectarian groups. Therefore, especially in the 1920s, the French led a rapid modernizing of Lebanon, characterized as a trade-off between West and East.

    The Syrian playwright Saadallah Wannous dramatized this trade-off in The Drunken Days in a dialogue between an old Lebanese man in his Eastern headwear, the tarbush, and a young Lebanese woman urging him to wear a Western hat:

    Him: The tarbush is a symbol of religion.

    Her: The hat is a symbol of urbanization.

    Him: The tarbush indicates devotion.

    Her: The hat indicates civilization.

    Lebanese intellectuals at the time were aware of this dangerous equation of West with civilization. Palestinian-Lebanese writer May Ziadeh actively worked in the 1920s and 1930s to dispel the false dichotomy between West and East. She encouraged her students to “learn Western languages without forgetting their own” and she believed that “not a single nation in the world has been able to create itself without the input of others.”

    Ziadeh belonged to a time referred to as the Nahda, or Arab Renaissance, when Arab writers wanted to revive the human flourishing once experienced in the medieval Islamic world. These intellectuals favoured a balanced approach between West and East and recognized the modernity the West ushered as a continuation of Eastern achievements.

    III. 1975-2005: Caught between civil war and 9/11

    Whereas questioning the West/East divide united a previous generation of Lebanese Christians and Muslims, the generations that went through the Lebanese civil war (1975–1990) affirmed that divide.

    Western media capitalized on the newly divided allegiances of Lebanese Christians and framed them as torn in a West/East clash.

    Some Lebanese political leaders also promoted this narrative and appealed to the West for support. Meanwhile, the emergence of Hezbollah after Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon became synonymous with a resistance against the West.

    But this narrative obscures the realities of how and why these divides were created. These divides are created by Lebanese groups, including Hezbollah, as well as the West. They boosted, hindered and created each other. For example, in 2018, western media ignored claims of election fraud in Lebanon and instead sensationalized Hezbollah’s victory.

    In a 1985 piece for the London Review of Books, Edward Said, author of Orientalism, cautioned against seeing Beirut as the Paris of the Middle East and Lebanon as its Switzerland, comparisons popular since the 1960s. Such comparisons have been recently recirculated and mourned by both Israeli and Lebanese media.

    For Said, this representation of Lebanon threatened solidarity movements with Arabs and Palestinians by characterizing it as something fundamentally different from the rest of the Arab world.

    But two years after the end of the Lebanese Civil War, American political scientist Samuel P. Huntington promoted the simplistic logic Said warned against and declared a clash of civilizations. The aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks saw a resurgence of Huntington’s theory. It revived in the West the Medieval Christian view of the East, and a desire to act as crusaders who export human rights and defend the world against terrorists.

    We need to once and for all dispose of the West and the East as a clash of civilizations. Militaries and militias should not have to race to eliminate either side. They should instead realize that their fate is as intertwined as their past, and that only dialogue can solve conflict.

    Rayyan Dabbous does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How Lebanon’s national identity is exploited to justify violence against it – https://theconversation.com/how-lebanons-national-identity-is-exploited-to-justify-violence-against-it-239697

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hezbollah confirms top commander killed in Israeli strike

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Hezbollah confirmed on Sunday that the group’s senior leader Ali Karaki, head of the southern front, was killed, along with top leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in the Israeli airstrikes targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: It would be a mistake for Israel to invade Lebanon – here’s why

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Vanessa Newby, Assistant Professor, Leiden University

    The death of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 27 has left the militant Lebanese organisation leaderless at a critical time. Two days earlier in a speech broadcast around the world, the head of the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) northern command, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, had told his soldiers to prepare for a possible incursion into Lebanon.

    There is every reason to believe Friday’s airstrike, which targeted Hezbollah’s headquarters building in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, was in preparation for a possible incursion. It came after days of strikes which Israel claims have eliminated much of Hezbollah’s senior leadership.

    Halevi told his troops on September 25 that they would “go in, destroy the enemy there, and decisively destroy” Hezbollah’s infrastructure. As Hezbollah is embedded within the Lebanese population, this strategy promises the deaths of innocent civilians.

    Since 2006, both Hezbollah and the IDF have sought to avoid a direct confrontation. For years, they have played tit-for-tat with the rationale of proportionality to prevent an all-out war.

    Although the horrific October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas triggered a resumption of hostilities, until last week both sides were calling for restraint. What has changed? Is a ground invasion now inevitable? And if so, what would that mean for Hezbollah and Lebanon?

    Israel has a track record of engaging in military adventures in Lebanon that have only ever served to make its opponents stronger in the long term. The destruction of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) did not prevent the emergence of Hamas – indeed, it helped to create it. Similarly, Israel’s pursuit of the PLO in south Lebanon triggered the creation of Hezbollah. Despite five invasions since 1978, Israel has shown itself incapable of successfully occupying even the smallest sliver of Lebanese land.

    While both sides have been preparing for a new conflict for years, the trigger for the escalation began on September 18, when Israel struck the first blow by detonating thousands of pagers and mobile devices owned by Hezbollah operatives, killing at least 32 and injuring several thousand people.

    This technological attack had been years in the making and could be described as a strategic masterstroke to disable the enemy. The timing appears to have been because Hezbollah was becoming suspicious about the devices, so the IDF had to act or lose the “surprise”. This suggests operational considerations are taking precedence over strategic and political ones, which research suggests is rarely a good idea.

    Nonetheless, these strikes are believed to have crippled Hezbollah’s command in the short term, and emboldened the IDF’s leadership. On September 18, Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, told Israeli troops: “We are at the start of a new phase in the war — it requires courage, determination and perseverance.” While he made no mention of the exploding devices, he praised the work of Israel’s army and security agencies, noting their results were excellent.

    A tactic used in recent days by the IDF is one that has been developed over many years on the “Blue Line” – the de facto border that divides Israel and Lebanon. Emboldened by the failure of the IDF to defeat it in the July war of 2006, Hezbollah’s senior operatives have been active and visible on the Blue Line, which is monitored closely by the IDF.

    This has enabled the IDF to photograph, identify and track senior Hezbollah leadership, which is why since October 7 we have seen a succession of assassinations of its key operatives, including Ibrahim Aqeel, a commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force, and more recently, Mohammed Sarour in Beirut, as well as many others.

    The IDF now believes it has Hezbollah on its knees – or at least, on one knee. The escalation we are currently witnessing is because the IDF is driving home its advantage and applying the same strategy as in Gaza: bombing any area it can plausibly claim to be a Hezbollah target.

    This has had devastating consequences for the Lebanese population. The Health Ministry stated on Friday that 1,540 people had been killed since October 8 2023, with thousands of innocent civilians injured. Over 70,000 civilians have reportedly registered in 533 shelters across Lebanon, with an estimated 1 million people having been displaced from their homes.

    Can Hezbollah fight back?

    The death of Nasrallah has left Hezbollah temporarily leaderless, while the killing of several of its senior figures has deprived it of seasoned commanders, many of whom had recent combat experience in Syria. And the bombing of south Lebanon is reducing Hezbollah’s supply of rockets and other weapons.

    However, Israel should not assume that Hezbollah is out of the game or underestimate the group. Hezbollah’s real strength has always lain in its ability to melt into the population – and it will be ready to commence a war of attrition with hit-and-run tactics if the IDF makes the mistake of putting boots on the ground again. The fact that all five previous invasions failed should be an indication that the outcome may be a repeat of what occurred between 1982 and 2006.

    Furthermore, while Iran’s response to the escalation has been muted thus far, it is unlikely to abandon Hezbollah. A long, drawn-out, low-intensity conflict would favour the kind of asymmetric tactics used by the “axis of resistance”, which also includes Lebanon’s neighbour, Syria.

    By bombing and displacing the Lebanese population, the IDF aims to reduce morale. It is now destroying private homes and public buildings on the grounds they are Hezbollah ammunition and weapons depots.

    In Lebanon, the Palestine issue has always been regarded as the primary cause of the civil war that took place from 1975 to 1990. As such, the IDF is banking on Lebanese people turning against Hezbollah for bringing a new war down on them as a result of its rocket barrages into northern Israel, in solidarity with Hamas since the October 7 attack.

    But, while there are many people in Lebanon who do not support Hezbollah and its activities in south Lebanon, the IDF should remember the past. Even if sentiment against Hezbollah is high today, indiscriminate bombing of the kind we are currently witnessing in Lebanon will not be tolerated by the population indefinitely.

    It’s worth noting that in 1982, when the IDF invaded south Lebanon, some Lebanese welcomed them with rice and flowers – viewing them as liberators from the PLO. But that welcome did not last long.

    In 2006, the IDF applied a similar strategy, targeting civilian evacuation convoys and UN compounds. And once again, the tide of public opinion swiftly swung back in favour of “al-muqawimah” (the resistance).

    The stated IDF aim is to drive Hezbollah back north of the Litani river, to force it to comply with UN resolution 1701 and allow displaced people in northern Israel to return to their homes. But it is naive of Israel and the IDF to think that an invasion or a bombing campaign, no matter how successful in the short term, will enable Israeli civilians to live in peace along the Blue Line for the long term.

    Ultimately, the only way forward is for both parties to come to the table and negotiate. The human cost of Israel’s current strategy in Lebanon is appalling to contemplate, and in all likelihood will create more hatred – fostering a new generation of anti-Israel fighters, rather than creating the basis for a durable peace.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    This article was written with assistance from John Molloy, lt. col. (rtd.) Irish Defence Forces and former senior Unifil political & civil affairs officer, 2008-2017.

    – ref. It would be a mistake for Israel to invade Lebanon – here’s why – https://theconversation.com/it-would-be-a-mistake-for-israel-to-invade-lebanon-heres-why-240028

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: APOSTOLIC JOURNEY – Pope in Belgium: “The mission of the baptized is a gift, not a title of boast”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Sunday, September 29, 2024

    Vatican Media

    Brussels (Agenzia Fides) – “We all, with Baptism, have received a mission in the Church. But it is a gift, not a title of pride”. The Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to Belgium, the 46th outside Italy, ends with the Holy Mass at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. In front of 35 thousand people, and the royal family, the Pontiff presides over the rite of beatification of Anna of Jesus, born Anna de Lobera, of the order of Discalced Carmelites and announces the start of the beatification process of King Baudouin, the monarch who resigned for a few days so as not to sign the pro-abortion law. Greeted by applause and cheers, before donning the sacred vestments, he greets the crowd in the popemobile who acclaims him, blessing the children and dispensing rosaries and caresses. In the homily, delivered in Italian and with several off-the-cuff additions, he reflects on three key words: openness, communion and testimony. Commenting on today’s Gospel episode, which takes place in Capernaum, where the disciples want to prevent a man from casting out demons in the name of the Master, because – they say – “he did not follow us”, Francis states: “They think like this: ‘Whoever does not follow us, whoever is not one of us cannot perform miracles, he has no right to do so’. But Jesus surprises them, as always, and rebukes them, inviting them to go beyond their schemes, not to be ‘scandalized’ by God’s freedom. He tells them: ‘Do not prevent him […] whoever is not against us is for us’. Hence the reflection on the mission of the baptized, which is “a gift”, “not a title of boast”. The community of believers, in fact, the Bishop of Rome emphasizes, “is not a circle of privileged people, it is a family of saved people, and we are not sent to bring the Gospel to the world for our merits, but by the grace of God, by his mercy and by the trust that, beyond all our limitations and sins, He continues to place in us with the love of the Father, seeing in us what we ourselves cannot see. For this reason he calls us, sends us and accompanies us patiently day by day”. “If we want to cooperate, with open and caring love, in the free action of the Spirit without being a scandal, an obstacle to anyone with our presumption and rigidity, we need to carry out our mission with humility, gratitude and joy. We must not resent it, but rather rejoice in the fact that others can do what we do, so that the Kingdom of God may grow and so that we can all find ourselves united, one day, in the arms of the Father,” adds the Pope. “The Word of God is clear: it says that the ‘cry of the poor’ cannot be ignored” or “cancelled”, as if it were “the wrong note in the perfect concert of the world of well-being, nor can they be muffled with some form of superficial welfare”, he then says, reflecting on the second key word, namely “communion”. On the contrary, Francis underlines, they “are the living voice of the Spirit” and “remind us who we are: we are all poor sinners, the first self, and they call us to convert”. Hence the reflection on the third word, “testimony”: “We can take inspiration, in this regard, from the life and work of Anna of Jesus, on the day of her beatification. This woman was among the protagonists, in the Church of her time, of a great reform movement, in the footsteps of a ‘giant of the spirit’, Teresa of Avila”. Finally, recalling the meeting he had the other evening in the Apostolic Nunciature in Brussels with a group of victims of abuse by the Belgian clergy, he states: “I felt their suffering as abused people and I repeat it here: in the Church there is room for everyone, everyone, everyone” but “there is no room for abuse, for covering up abuse”. “I ask the bishops: do not cover up abuse”, adds the Pontiff, whose words are greeted with a long applause from the faithful present. “Evil cannot be hidden, it must be brought out into the open with courage”. Francis asks that abusers be “judged”, “whether they are lay people, priests or bishops”. The victims’ “lament is one that rises to heaven and makes us ashamed”. At the Angelus, prayed at the end of the celebration, the Pontiff’s thoughts go to the Middle East, in particular to Lebanon, shocked by the spread of the conflict: “I continue to follow with pain and with great concern the spread and intensification of the conflict in Lebanon. Lebanon is a message, but at this moment it is a tormented message, and this war has devastating effects on the population: many, too many people continue to die day after day in the Middle East”. “Let us pray for the victims, for their families, let us pray for peace. I ask all parties to immediately cease fire in Lebanon, in Gaza, in the rest of Palestine, in Israel. Let the hostages be released and humanitarian aid be allowed”, the appeal of the Pontiff, who also asks to pray for Ukraine: “Let us not forget the tormented Ukraine”. (FB) (Agenzia Fides 29/9/2024) Share:

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Central Command Conducts Targeted Strikes Against Terrorist Groups in Syria

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    Sep. 29, 2024

    Release Number 20240929 – 01

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Forces conducted two targeted strikes in Syria, killing 37 terrorist operatives, including multiple senior leaders of the terrorist organizations of ISIS and Hurras al-Din, an Al Qaeda affiliate.

    The airstrikes are part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.

    On Sept. 24, CENTCOM Forces conducted a targeted strike in northwest Syria, killing nine terrorist operatives, including Marwan Bassam ‘Abd-al-Ra’uf, a senior Hurras al-Din leader responsible for overseeing military operations from Syria. Hurras al-Din is an Al Qaeda-affiliated organization based in Syria with global aspirations to conduct attacks against U.S. and Western interests. The successful strike against Marwan Bassam ‘Abd-al-Ra’uf comes a month after a successful strike that killed another Hurras al-Din senior leader, Abu-‘Abd al-Rahman al Makki.

    Additionally, on the early morning of Sept. 16, CENTCOM forces conducted a large-scale airstrike on a remote ISIS training camp in central Syria, killing at least 28 ISIS operatives, including at least four senior leaders. The airstrike will disrupt ISIS’ capability to conduct operations against U.S. interests, as well as our allies and partners.

    “These strikes against leadership and operatives of ISIS and the Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din, represent CENTCOM’s commitment to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility and our support to regional stability,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

    There is no indication any civilians were harmed in either strike.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM attends general debate of UNGA

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivers a speech at the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a speech at the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday. 

    Wang warned against any expansion of the Ukraine crisis. “The top priority is to commit to no expansion of the crisis, no escalation of the tension and no provocation by any party,” he said, urging efforts to push for the de-escalation of the situation at an early date.

    He said China is committed to playing a constructive role, as well as engaging in shuttle mediation and promoting peace talks regarding the crisis.

    On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Wang said there must not be any delay in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire in the Middle East, and the fundamental way out lies in the two-state solution.

    China always supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights and supports Palestine’s full UN membership, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP launches emergency food operation to reach one million people affected by the conflict in Lebanon

    Source: World Food Programme

    BEIRUT – The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched an emergency operation to provide food assistance for up to one million people affected by the recent escalation of the conflict in Lebanon. The agency is distributing ready-to-eat food rations, bread, hot meals and food parcels to families in shelters across the country.

    A further acceleration of the conflict this weekend underscored the need for an immediate humanitarian response. This comes after thousands of people had already been displaced, compounding the fragility of a population burdened by accumulated crises. 

    WFP, which has been on the ground providing assistance since the first day of the crisis, has to-date reached more than 66,000 people in shelters across the country. WFP has been working with donors and partners for several months to stockpile food supplies in strategic areas across the country and was able to significantly expand its assistance thanks to comprehensive preparations.

    “In just a few days WFP assistance has reached thousands of newly displaced people,” said Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Country Director in Lebanon. “Today, I listened to stories of families forced to flee their homes, leaving everything behind in search of safety. As the crisis deepens, we are preparing to assist up to one million people through a mix of cash and food support. However, we urgently need additional resources to sustain and scale up our response.”

    To continue these critical operations, WFP urgently requires USD 105 million until the end of the year and calls on the international community to mobilize resources and support the humanitarian response.

    Kitchens and hot meal operations have been set up in north and central Lebanon to prepare light meals for those seeking safety in shelters. These facilities will boost WFP’s ability to provide hot meals in response to the growing number of displaced people.

    Partners from the food security sector have also contributed by providing hot meals to nearly 14,000 displaced people in collective shelters, demonstrating a coordinated effort to address urgent humanitarian needs.

    “Lebanon is at a breaking point and cannot endure another war,” said Corinne Fleischer, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. “A further escalation would be highly detrimental to the people of this region, who have gone through so much already. Additionally, it would massively stretch the humanitarian community’s collective operational and financial capacities. WFP is on the ground, but we urgently need funds.  More urgently, the people in the region need peace.”

    WFP is monitoring the situation and, with currently available resources, can scale up to reach up to one million people affected by the recent escalation for one month. 

    #                 #                   #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Filling critical teacher gaps

    Source: Australian Education Union

    30 September 2024

    State and territory efforts to encourage more people to take up teaching degrees received a boost from the federal government this year with new federal scholarships and financial support during practicums.

    Applications for the second round of Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships will open later this year, with another 1000 on the table.

    The government is also putting $2.4 million into a strategy to attract and retain more Aboriginal teachers and Torres Strait Islander teachers.

    Meanwhile, the new Commonwealth Practicum Payment will help support teaching students from 1 July 2025 while they are undertaking their placements.

    Scholarships offered by state and territory governments and not-for-profit organisations, such as the Public Education Foundation, are already helping to smooth the way for aspiring teachers, but more support is needed.

    The federal Department of Education predicts a shortage of 4100 teachers by 2025. Fewer people are choosing to enrol in teaching degrees and dropout rates are significant, with only about half the students completing their degree.

    About 20 per cent of graduates leave the profession within the first three years, according to federal government data, and many experienced teachers are leaving before retirement age.

    The AEU’s latest research has revealed teacher shortages at almost 83 per cent of 953 schools. While that’s less than last year’s record highs, it remains at almost triple historic rates.

    About 40 per cent of principals in the 2024 AEU State of our Schools survey reported an increase in pre-retirement resignations from teachers over the past year. Some are moving to a non-education role (26.8 per cent) or to a private school (18.5 per cent). Others are taking a break from employment (21.1 per cent).

    More than half of the principals (51 per cent) surveyed said it had become much harder to suitably fill staff vacancies across all areas of the curriculum, and another 30 per cent said it was harder.

    Some schools were forced to run classes without a teacher, split or merge classes, or reduce the range of specialist classes offered.

    Almost one third of 12,381 teachers surveyed (30 per cent) said they planned to leave teaching before retirement, and only 15 per cent were certain that they would not leave.

    Heavy workloads (68 per cent) and the burden of admin and compliance work (43 per cent) were the main reasons for wanting to leave, but teachers are also finding student management issues increasingly cumbersome.

    The National Teacher Action Workforce Action Plan, developed in 2022, called on state and territory governments to act on teacher shortages.

    The federal government is taking further steps to mitigate the crisis, building on initiatives such as the Workload Reduction Fund and HECS relief.

    Commonwealth scholarships

    The federal government is hoping to encourage more people to undertake initial teacher education (ITE), offering a total of 5000 scholarships to students commencing full-time studies in the years 2024 to 2028. The scholarship offers undergraduates $40,000 spread across four years. Postgraduates receive $20,000 spread across two years.

    The scholarships include a “commitment to teach” in public schools or early learning settings. The commitment will be the equivalent to the years of study undertaken, up to four years for undergraduates and up to two years for postgraduates.

    Scholarship recipients who complete their final practical experience placement in a remote location may be eligible for a top-up payment of $2000.

    Commonwealth Practicum Payments

    Helping to prevent “practicum poverty” is behind another new initiative aimed at addressing teacher shortages.

    AEU federal president Correna Haythorpe says students have carried the financial burdens of their practicums for too long.

    “They’ve often had to give up part-time work and experienced placement poverty for weeks on end while finishing their studies,” she says.

    Students who are women, mature-age, lower socio-economic, and/or from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait background often carry the heaviest burdens as they juggle study with paid work and caring responsibilities.

    From 1 July 2025, eligible students will be able to access $319.50 per week while they are undertaking an unpaid mandatory placement.

    The payment will be means-tested and will not replace any existing support currently available to students via state and territory governments.

    First Nations Teacher Strategy

    Attracting and retaining Aboriginal teachers and Torres Strait Islander teachers is another area being targeted by government. It has allocated $2.4 million to develop and implement the First Nations Teacher Strategy.

    The strategy will be developed in partnership with a First Nations organisation and aims to improve ITE completion rates; successfully transition and support Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people into teaching roles; and build cultural responsiveness across education settings.

    In 2020, an estimated 6577 Aboriginal teachers and Torres Strait Islander teachers were registered nationally. Just under half the registered teachers (48 per cent) were based in regional and remote areas.

    Dyonne Anderson, a Githabul woman who is chief executive of the Stronger Smarter Institute and president of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Principals’ Association (NATSIPA), says at least 77 per cent of schools have Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled, 84 per cent of those are in government schools.

    “Yet we form 1.4 per cent of the professional teaching workforce and even less if you are a principal of a school,” she says. Anderson stresses the importance of increasing the number of Aboriginal teachers and Torres Strait Islander teachers given the growth in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student population. Numbers are up by 46 per cent since 2018 compared with a 12 per cent increase for all other students.

    “Non-Aboriginal teachers will, at some time in their career, be exposed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and it very much concerns me that we are not setting up teachers to be culturally responsive,” says Anderson.

    “There are teachers with bias who don’t even know that their own upbringing and their white middle-class views can be harmful and they have misinformation around our students.”

    There is also a need to increase mentoring support to prevent graduate teachers from leaving within the first five years, says Anderson.

    “We have an increasing number of First Nations principals who are coming to the end of their careers so there’s going to be a gap in regard to the supports and mentoring that needs to occur to set First Nations teachers up for success.”

    A First Nations mentoring scheme was introduced by the NSW Department of Education in partnership with NATSIPA. The scheme linked experienced principals with Aboriginal teachers and Torres Strait Islander teachers who had up to six years’ experience.

    Anderson says the aspiring leaders need support from educators who know the system but also understand the additional challenges of Culture and cultural responsibilities and racism.

    Coaching and mentoring modules based on a Stronger Smarter Approach framework were designed and delivered, resulting in a significant shift, says Anderson.

    “Middle leaders moved into principalship roles while others were promoted to additional executive roles including director.”

    After visiting 92 schools, many in remote communities, in her role on the National School Reform Agreement expert panel, Anderson advocates recognising alternative pathways to boost teacher numbers.

    “Some of the First Nations support teachers were the most outstanding teachers I have seen. They were able to instruct in language and then in English, English being their third, fourth language and they had so much respect from the children within the classrooms. With alternative pathways and recognition of prior learning we would not be facing a teacher shortage.”

    Full funding is vital

    While the AEU has welcomed the latest federal government initiatives, it is urging the government to do more to support the teaching workforce by fulfilling its promise to fully fund every child across Australia.

    Haythorpe says the teacher shortages are directly connected to funding shortfalls. Australia’s 6712 public schools are underfunded by $6.5 billion this year and by at least $6.2 billion every year to 2028, a total of $31.7 billion over five years to 2028.

    “The failure to invest in our schools across the past decade has meant that we’ve got an attraction and retention problem, so it’s no accident that this is where we’re at,” she says.

    Haythorpe says more needs to be done including to address chronic workloads and to fully fund professional development and mentoring programs to support teachers as they begin their careers.

    Full funding would allow for smaller class sizes and increased support staff in classrooms, reducing the immense pressure felt by teachers and trainee teachers across the country.

    Scholarship fuels career change

    When Catherine Spencer made a career change from the corporate world to special education teaching, a scholarship helped smooth the way.

    She was feeling her way into a new career when she came across the Teacher Education Scholarships offered through the NSW Department of Education.

    The scholarship currently offers up to $7500 per year, a $6000 appointment allowance, and a permanent teaching position following the successful completion of studies.

    To be eligible you must be enrolled in an ITE degree, or studying to become a secondary teacher, or inclusive/special education teacher.

    Spencer saw special education teaching as a chance to give back. Her son had faced some challenges at school and the amazing support he received from his public school led her to consider a teaching career.

    The scholarship helped cement her decision: “It provided me with an opportunity to study and then work in the public school system with students who have complex support needs.”

    She was hooked from her first practicum: “It was a mainstream prac but as soon as I did it, I knew this is what I want to do.”

    Now an assistant principal and Year 7 and 9 teacher at William Rose School, a special education school in Sydney’s north-west, and on the verge of completing her Masters in Education with a focus on special education, she has no plans to leave the teaching profession any time soon.

    Mentoring is the added bonus

    Larissa Boyes tells anyone who will listen how much she loves the Teacher Intern Placement Program (TIPP) in Tasmania.

    “I highly recommend it to anyone I speak to,” she says.

    The program for pre-service teachers offers a $30,000 scholarship with recipients completing their final year of study in a Tasmanian public school.

    During that year they work alongside an experienced mentor teacher and there is the potential for paid employment in Terms 3 and 4 on a limited authority-to-teach. The mentor is given dedicated time to support the recipient’s development and the recipient is given time to study.

    Now teaching Year 3/4 three days a week at Burnie Primary School in Tasmania’s north-west, Boyes raves about the guidance provided by her mentor, Year 1 teacher Kendall Sandman. From policies and resources to practical pointers, the mentoring has proved invaluable.

    “So many little helpful tips and tricks – I’ve come into the classroom already having a good idea of how I want to handle things, how to set up group work, how to set up routines, and expectations and behaviours,” says Boyes.

    “We are constantly talking about my practice, about how lessons have gone, what would I want to do to further improve them.”

    As a teacher’s aide in a kindergarten class for four years, Boyes worked with a lot of teachers new to the profession: “So many of them have told me that they weren’t prepared, they didn’t know what to expect heading into the classroom.”

    Refugee support and mentoring

    Rasha Alzahri missed four years of her primary school education when her family left war-torn Iraq and moved to Australia via Jordan.

    It’s an experience that has given her empathy for other children in a similar position and fuelled her desire to become a teacher.

    “I just wanted to be around children and help them as well,” she says.

    Having recently successfully completed her first practicum with Year 3 students in Sydney’s western suburbs she’s determined to keep going with her full-time studies.

    A $12,000 scholarship via the Public Education Foundation, a national not-for-profit organisation, helps cover the cost of her studies, paying for a laptop, tutoring fees, and transport. She is grateful that the financial support allows her to focus solely on her studies.

    “It’s very hard to work and maintain a job while doing full-time university, and because it is in another language it’s really hard. I need extra time to study and to do my assignments,” she says.

    When she graduates, she’s keen to teach in Sydney’s western suburbs, where many children have a refugee or migrant background.

    “I want to be surrounded by children and help them grow and develop from what I can provide for them,” she says.

    Leadership goals

    Second year university student Yara Salman has appreciated having the help of a scholarship as she’s taken her first steps towards a career in teaching.

    “I’d like to have a class at the start and then the more experienced I get, I’d like to be in leadership roles in schools.”

    Like Alzahri, she missed four years of her primary school education when her family left Iraq and she’s now making up for lost time.

    “When I came to Australia and saw the education system and the teachers here I was inspired to become a teacher and be a role model for children,” she says.

    A $12,000 Public Education Foundation scholarship spread across three years has helped cover the cost of a laptop, printer, university tuition and fees, and travelling expenses.

    She encourages other students to apply for a scholarship. “Sometimes students are scared to apply, even me, what if it’s not accepted?”

    The scholarship also connects recipients with support of another kind: a mentor.

    “You can schedule monthly meetings. You can speak to them, seek advice, have a little chat,”
    Salman says.

    By Christine Long

    This article originally appeared in the Australian Educator, Spring 2024

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Steve Cannane, RN Breakfast, ABC Radio

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    STEVE CANNANE:

    With interest rates not budging and the Reserve Bank Governor remaining cautious about the sticky inflation figures, the federal government has been eager to find some good economic news, and today, no doubt, they’ll be talking up the Final Budget Outcome for last financial year, which confirms the government has delivered the first back‑to‑back budget surpluses in almost 2 decades, with a surplus of $15.8 billion, which is higher than expected.

    The latest update comes as the federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has returned from Beijing where he co‑chaired the Australia‑China Strategic Economic Dialogue, and he joins us now. Treasurer, thanks for coming on.

    JIM CHALMERS:

    Thanks for the opportunity, Steve. How are you?

    CANNANE:

    I’m very well, thanks. We’ll come to the economy and your trip to China in a moment. But, first, we have seen an escalation over the weekend in the Middle East with attacks from Israel on targets in Lebanon and now Yemen. How concerned are you and the government about a broader regional conflict breaking out in the Middle East?

    CHALMERS:

    Very concerned. We don’t for one second mourn the death of a leader of a terrorist organisation, but we do mourn the deaths of innocent victims, and too many innocent lives have been lost already. That’s why we need a ceasefire so that the senseless killing of families stops.

    Our primary concern here is the human cost, but obviously a broader regional war, the escalation of this very troubling regional conflict, will have economic consequences as well.

    CANNANE:

    You are just back from China, and China has a series of economic challenges – the housing market is slumping, property developers have been going bust. It seems like the country may not meet its economic growth targets of 5 per cent. Did you see any evidence while you were there that they have got a sensible plan on how to deal with those problems?

    CHALMERS:

    Yes, I did. There couldn’t have been a more important time for us to restart our Strategic Economic Dialogue with China. It’s a really important part of stabilising the relationship, which is full of complexity and full of economic opportunity.

    While I was there the Chinese authorities announced some quite substantial steps when it comes to supporting growth in the Chinese economy. We’ve made it really clear that weakness in the Chinese economy has been a big concern for us. It’s a big part of the global economic uncertainty that we’re dealing with. The government’s efforts to support more economic activity in the Chinese economy, they are good for Australia and they’re very welcome.

    CANNANE:

    Steelmakers have been struggling in China. What impact will that continue to have on iron ore prices and the budget bottom line in Australia?

    CHALMERS:

    Already in the course of last week there were 2 key days – Tuesday and Thursday – and through the course of the week the iron ore price recovered a little bit, not a lot, but it recovered a little bit. That is a sign of the very positive response to the announcements made by the Chinese government, the Chinese authorities.

    They’ve got issues in the property sector which they are trying to address and trying to deal with. There are obviously issues with consumption, and so these efforts that they’re putting in to boost their economy, to support more activity in the economy, it’s a good thing for Australia.

    If you look at our Treasury forecasts in the Budget, we’re anticipating the weakest few years of Chinese growth really since that economy opened up in the late 1970s. That’s been a big concern for us. We’ve been upfront about that. Any efforts to try to turn that around in China is a good thing for us.

    CANNANE:

    We haven’t heard any announcements on the lifting of trade restrictions on Australian lobsters. Why is China being so stubborn around that export market?

    CHALMERS:

    A little bit more work to do, but we shouldn’t forget that of the $21 billion in trade restrictions, about $20 billion of those have been lifted because of the good work of the PM, Trade Minister Farrell and Foreign Minister Wong. Most of those trade restrictions have been lifted. That’s a good thing. We’ve got a bit more work to do on lobster, but I was able to convey directly to Chinese leaders that we want to see the speedy resolution of those issues.

    CANNANE:

    So why are they being stubborn on that particular market?

    CHALMERS:

    I wouldn’t necessarily describe it in that way. They’ve said –

    CANNANE:

    Except that you believe in free trade, so –

    CHALMERS:

    That’s why I welcome the fact that 20 of the $21 billion in restrictions have been lifted already. I want to see these trade restrictions lifted on lobster, no question about it. I conveyed that very directly to the Chinese leaders that I met with. There’s a little bit more work that our agencies are doing, our agriculture and trade authorities on both sides of the equation are working to try to get those last remaining restrictions lifted.

    CANNANE:

    Let’s move on to the Final Budget Outcome. In May you were predicting a budget surplus of $9.3 billion. The Final Budget Outcome for ’23–4 turned out to be a larger surplus of $15.8 billion. Why the difference?

    CHALMERS:

    The difference was explained entirely by less spending, not more revenue. We actually collected less revenue than we were anticipating at budget time, but spending was substantially down, and that’s what explains the bigger surplus that Katy Gallagher and I are releasing today.

    These 2 surpluses are an important demonstration of the responsible economic management which is a defining feature of our Albanese Labor government. These will be the first consecutive surpluses in almost 2 decades. In dollar terms we’re talking about the biggest budget improvement ever in a parliamentary term, and that’s because we’ve turned 2 very big Liberal deficits into 2 big Labor surpluses, and that’s a good thing.

    CANNANE:

    You said less spending. So what decisions have you made since May that have reduced spending?

    CHALMERS:

    There are a whole range of contributors to that lower spending figure. A large amount of it is demand‑driven programs. But what we’ve also shown over the course of our two‑and‑a‑bit years in government is we found almost $80 billion in savings.

    The key to these 2 surpluses is the fact that when we’ve got upward revisions to revenue because the labour market has been a bit stronger or our exports have been performing well, we’ve banked almost all of those upward revisions to revenue. If we hadn’t shown that spending restraint we wouldn’t be anywhere near these 2 consecutive surpluses for the first time in almost 2 decades.

    CANNANE:

    So, is it just underspending by certain government departments, or is it actual decisions that you’ve made since May to reduce spending?

    CHALMERS:

    The $80 billion in savings are decisions. The spending restraint is a decision. A substantial amount of the improvement since May is in demand‑driven programs. There is some underspending, and we detail that when we release all of the figures today.

    CANNANE:

    And to what degree is it as a result of higher than expected commodity prices? Because in that May Budget you did low ball the commodity prices estimates, didn’t you?

    CHALMERS:

    We always take a deliberately conservative approach to commodity prices, and that’s been warranted. In fact, in the last few months our commodity prices have been quite low. Sometimes they’ve actually been below the assumptions that we’ve put in the Budget.

    The improvement from our expectations of a surplus in May to the Final Budget Outcome that we’re reporting today is not about more revenue, it’s not about higher commodity prices, it’s not about more taxes. It’s about less spending. Our revenue has actually gone down from what we expected in May.

    CANNANE:

    So when you talk about these demand‑driven savings, are you talking about, for example, fewer welfare payments because employment is so strong? The unemployment rate is very low at the moment?

    CHALMERS:

    The unemployment rate has ticked up a bit since the middle of last year, but broadly, as we’ve expected, the economy is creating a lot of jobs.

    That’s a good prompt to remember that these 2 surpluses today are really important. They mean that there’s less debt and less interest to repay on that debt. But it’s part of a bigger story of progress that Australia has made in the last couple of years.

    We’ve created in this parliamentary term around a million jobs, inflation has halved, real wages are growing again, we’ve got tax cuts flowing to every taxpayer. These are all good developments, and we know that people are still doing it tough but the fact that we’re making progress, cleaning up the budget, providing cost‑of‑living relief, investing in housing and skills and energy and a Future Made in Australia, all of this together justifies the responsible approach that we are taking to the budget and to the economy.

    CANNANE:

    Okay. Let’s talk about the forecast for next year. There’s a forecast for a deficit of $28.3 billion. Is there any readjustment, and will you be trying to make that closer to a surplus to put more downward pressure on inflation and interest rates?

    CHALMERS:

    The numbers we’re releasing today are for the last year, not for the year that we’re in right now. We’ll update this year’s figure in the mid‑year budget update toward the end of the year in the usual way.

    But already this $28 billion deficit we’ve got currently for this year, that’s about $19 billion better than what it was expected to be when we came to office. It was a $47 billion deficit when we came to office. It’s now a $28 billion deficit, so even where –

    CANNANE:

    But those figures were based on coming out of a pandemic. So is that the kind of baseline you should be measuring yourself against?

    CHALMERS:

    Every government measures itself compared to what it inherited from its predecessors. We’ve made really quite extraordinary progress on the budget when it comes to cleaning up –

    CANNANE:

    But a pandemic is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime event. It’s not necessarily the fault of a previous government.

    CHALMERS:

    No, but for the year that we’re talking about, Steve, they’re talking about the forecasts for the post‑pandemic period. The year that we’re in now was not anticipated by our predecessors or by us to be impacted by the pandemic, which was at its worst a few years ago.

    We are talking here about a $172 billion improvement in just 2 years in the budget. That’s because we’ve shown spending restraint. We’ve banked upward revisions to revenue. We’ve found $80 billion in savings. We’ve taken the right economic decisions for the right economic reasons. Today’s Final Budget Outcome is a demonstration of that.

    CANNANE:

    Treasurer, can you just clear it up who asked for the Treasury advice on changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax and the policy implications of that?

    CHALMERS:

    As I made clear last week in Brisbane and then later in the week in Beijing, it’s not unusual for people in my job as treasurer to get advice on contentious issues. And I think –

    CANNANE:

    So you asked for it?

    CHALMERS:

    I get advice all the time on all the various issues in the economy, including negative gearing. That’s not especially unusual. I’ve said that already. I said that on Wednesday in Brisbane, said it on Friday in Beijing, saying it to you on Radio National Breakfast.

    CANNANE:

    But you’re not answering the question about whether you asked for that advice.

    CHALMERS:

    Sometimes the advice comes unprompted. Sometimes it’s sought by me.

    On this occasion, when there’s a contentious issue in the public domain and we’ve got a severe shortage of housing, of course treasurers get advice from their department on these sorts of issues. That’s what’s happened here. But as we’ve made very clear, Steve –

    CANNANE:

    So should we all assume that you did ask for it, then?

    CHALMERS:

    I get advised on it all the time. Sometimes it’s sought by me. Sometimes it’s provided in the course of things like the Tax Expenditure Statement that we release every year. But what I’m trying to convey to your listeners, Steve, is that this is not an unusual thing. This is a treasurer doing his job.

    We’ve made it really clear that we’ve got a housing policy already, and this isn’t part of it.

    CANNANE:

    So why is it a state secret about whether you asked for that advice or not?

    CHALMERS:

    It’s not. I’ve made it clear on a number of occasions now in the course of the best part of a week that I got this advice because it was a contentious issue, it was in the public domain and it was a big part of the parliamentary debate as well.

    CANNANE:

    Okay. Treasurer, we thank you for your time this morning.

    CHALMERS:

    Thanks for your time, Steve. All the best.

    CANNANE:

    Thanks a lot. Jim Chalmers, the Treasurer, talking to us there on Radio National Breakfast.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 105 killed, 359 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon on Sunday

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Photo taken on Sept. 26, 2024 shows the rubble of buildings damaged in Israeli airstrikes in Saksakiyeh, South Lebanon. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least 105 people were killed and 359 others injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 4 killed, 49 wounded in Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    At least four people were killed and 49 others wounded on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported, citing health sources.

    The al-Masirah TV described the attacks as “Israeli aggression,” detailing that the port in the Ras Issa area and power stations in the districts of Al-Hali and Al-Katheeb were attacked.

    “Four people were killed, including a port worker and three engineers at Al-Hali electricity power station,” the television said, adding that 49 others were injured and rescue operations are still ongoing.

    Earlier in the day, Israel’s military said it had conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Hodeidah, striking power plants and a seaport which it alleged the Houthis used for transferring weapons, military supplies, and oil.

    The air raid involved dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets, mid-air refueling planes, and intelligence aircraft, with the targets located approximately 1,800 km from Israel.

    A pro-government Yemeni official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that more than ten airstrikes targeted key infrastructure, including oil tanks, airport, and other port facilities along the Red Sea coast.

    Meanwhile, residents said they heard jets roaring overhead, and ambulances were seen rushing through the streets. They added that Houthi fighters have cordoned off the targeted areas.

    Meanwhile, the Houthi group issued a statement, informing residents in areas under its control that “it has already taken the necessary measures for any emergency and that the fuel supply is stable.”

    The Israeli military said that “the strikes were carried out in response to recent attacks by the Houthis against Israel,” referring to two missiles launched toward central Israel from Yemen — one fired at a military target in the Jaffa area of Tel Aviv on Friday and the other targeting the Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv, on Saturday. Both missiles, intercepted by Israel’s aerial defenses, caused no injuries.

    The Israeli airstrikes on Houthi targets expanded its confrontation with Iran’s allies in the region after killing Hezbollah’s top leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, on Friday in an escalating conflict in Lebanon.

    Yemen’s Houthis have launched sporadic attacks on Israel and disrupted “Israeli-linked” shipping in the Red Sea since November last year, allegedly to support Palestinians in their conflict with Israelis.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can Australia prosecute foreigners for genocide overseas? Here’s how our atrocity laws work

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alister McKeich, Lecturer and Researcher in Law, Criminology and Indigenous Studies, Victoria University, Victoria University

    Shutterstock

    The onslaught in the Middle East has brought to the world’s attention once again the “crime of crimes”, genocide.

    Both the the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court (ICC) have brought allegations of genocide against Israel as a state and Israeli and Hamas leaders as individuals.

    The Australian government’s response to the Gaza crisis has included temporarily freezing of A$6 million of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine. Though funding has been flowing again since March, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been referred to the ICC by a law firm for being “an accessory to genocide”.

    Against this backdrop, Australia’s own genocide legislation is under parliamentary scrutiny. A bill tabled by independent Senator Lidia Thorpe (for whom I work as a casual legal researcher) seeks to change the way Australia deals with genocide.

    So what do our current laws say and what’s the case for changing them?

    What do our laws say?

    Australia ratified the Genocide Convention in 1949.

    Yet it was not until 2002, once the ICC was established, that the Commonwealth Criminal Code was amended to create a new division of atrocity crimes.

    Through this legislation, Australia may prosecute any person accused of a Rome Statute crime (such as genocide) under Australian law.

    At the moment, written consent from the attorney-general is required before legal proceedings about genocide and other atrocity crimes can commence. This is called the “attorney-general’s fiat”.

    Further, the attorney-general’s decision is final. It “must not be challenged, appealed against, reviewed, quashed or called into question”.

    Thorpe’s bill seeks to overturn these two measures.

    The explanatory memorandum in the 2002 amendment did not say why the attorney-general’s consent was necessary.

    Consent from an attorney-general (or similar position) is not an international requirement.

    Australia is only one of a handful of other countries (including the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada) where the fiat also exists.

    Why is it a problem?

    The Australian government has justified the rule on the basis that prosecutions for atrocity crimes against individuals could affect Australia’s international relations and national security.

    However, submissions from legal experts and community groups to a senate inquiry looking at the issue point out flaws.

    They say this rule prevents access to justice for victims and survivors of atrocity crimes. It can also create the potential for government bias.

    Submissions also say the lack of explanation or appeal process ignores fundamental principles of jurisprudence.

    Has the rule been used?

    The attorney-general’s fiat has been used in a limited number of cases.

    In 2009, Palestinian rights groups Australians for Palestine issued a request for consent for the prosecution of former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, who was visiting at the time.

    The Australian Centre for International Justice states in its submission how then-attorney-general Robert McClellend denied the request. He cited matters of international state sovereignty and the difficulties of pursuing such a case in an overseas jurisdiction.

    Then, in 2011, Arunchalam Jegastheeswaran, an Australian citizen of Tamil
    background, sought the attorney-general’s consent for the prosecution of then Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was due to visit Australia.

    McClellend again denied the request, saying Rajapaska was protected under “head of state immunity”. This concept is controversial in international law, given it’s often heads of state who commit atrocity crimes.

    Head of state protection was also offered to former Myanmar (Burma) leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was in government when the 2017 genocide against the Rohingya was committed.

    With Suu Kyi due to be in Australia for an ASEAN conference in 2018, the Australian Rohingya community sought a prosecution. It was denied by then attorney-general Christian Porter.

    And in 2019, retired Sri Lankan General Jagath Jayasuriya visited Australia. Despite concerted efforts to raise evidence to prosecute Jayasuriya of war crimes, delays with the Australian Federal Police meant the case never reached the point of attorney-general consent.

    First Nations plaintiffs such as Paul Coe and Robert Thorpe have also sought to bring cases of genocide before the domestic courts, with no success.

    What would changing the laws mean?

    As it’s unlikely an attorney-general would consent to prosecutions against its own government, submissions to the inquiry argue the rule creates a direct conflict of interest.

    For First Nations people seeking justice for crimes of “ongoing genocide” perpetuated by the Commonwealth, any government is hardly going to rule in their favour.

    Some Indigenous community groups argue the high rates of First Nations children in protection, deaths in custody, hyper-incarceration and cultural, land and environmental damage amount to genocide crimes.

    Submissions to the inquiry recommend instead of requiring the consent of the attorney-general, claims of genocide should be directed to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. This would ensure greater independence from government.

    The director has a mandate for this sort of work. It already investigates similar crimes such as people smuggling, human trafficking, slavery and child exploitation.

    Internationally, the implications of this bill, if passed, will be consequential. The Australian Centre for International Justice estimates up to 1,000 Australian citizens have returned to Israel to fight as part of the Israel Defense Forces. Israel has been accused of serious atrocity crimes in Gaza.

    Should any of those citizens return, there could be attempts to mount a case. The government would then have to consider Australia’s political and economic ties with Israel.

    Whether the bill is passed will depend on parliament. But the situation highlights a paradox: the state itself will be deciding whether to remove its own inbuilt protections against charges of genocide.

    Alister McKeich is a casual legal researcher with the office of Senator Lidia Thorpe.

    – ref. Can Australia prosecute foreigners for genocide overseas? Here’s how our atrocity laws work – https://theconversation.com/can-australia-prosecute-foreigners-for-genocide-overseas-heres-how-our-atrocity-laws-work-236394

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sanitary, living conditions across Gaza ‘inhumane’: UN agency

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A temporary shelter is pictured in the northern Gaza Strip city of Jabalia, on Sept. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The health and living conditions in the Gaza Strip are “inhumane,” the UN agency for Palestine refugees said Sunday.

    “Sanitary and living conditions across Gaza are inhumane,” The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said on social media platform X.

    “Mountains of garbage are piling up in Gaza’s middle areas as sewage leaks onto the streets,” it said.

    “Families have no choice but to live beside the accumulated waste, exposed to the reek and the threat of a looming health disaster,” it said, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

    Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others taken hostage.

    The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza has risen to 41,595, with 96,251 others injured, local health authorities said Sunday in a statement.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Foreign Minister completes successful week of international engagements

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today wrapped up a week of high-level engagements at the United Nations in New York and in Papeete, French Polynesia.

    “Our visit to New York was about demonstrating New Zealand’s unwavering support for an international system based on rules and respect for the UN Charter, as articulated by then Prime Minister Peter Fraser at the UN’s founding on behalf of New Zealand people,” Mr Peters says.

    “The UN Security Council remains at the centre of the international peace and security system. Our bid for a seat on the Security Council for the 2039-40 term is both important and necessary. As a small state and country of the Pacific, we look forward to again bringing a constructive voice to the top table.”

    While in New York, Mr Peters also engaged in several high-level meetings and held talks with a range of counterparts, including from Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Sweden, Kiribati, Maldives, Palestinian Authority, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

    “Our talks in Papeete today with President Moetai Brotherson, French High Commissioner Dominique Sorain, former Presidents Édouard Fritch and Oscar Temaru, Members of Parliament, and business leaders reinforced the warm and enduring relationships between New Zealand, French Polynesia and France”, Mr Peters says.

    Mr Peters is aiming to visit all 17 other Pacific Islands Forum countries in 2024. French Polynesia was the 15th he visited, leaving only New Caledonia and Kiribati to go. 

    Mr Peters returns to New Zealand later today.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Release 30 September 2024 Major international drought conference seeks to increase resilience

    Source: World Meteorological Organization

    Experts, policymakers, and practitioners will gather at the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization at the Drought Resilience +10 Conference – so called because it marks a decade since the High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy.

    The conference provides an opportunity for global stakeholders to reflect on a decade of advancements in drought preparedness, response, and adaptation while exploring new ways to turn knowledge into practical solutions that can help countries become more drought-resilient.

    “Droughts are an insidious and dangerous climate-related hazard, which undermines food human security and is a major cause of internal displacement in worst-hit countries. It can wreak a devastating impact on the environment and economies and reverse progress in sustainable development,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

    “We need sustainable solutions, based on scientific knowledge and tailored policies that promote integrated drought management practices and policies. We have the knowledge and the tools but we all too often lack the necessary political will and financial investment to build drought-resilient societies,” said Celeste Saulo.

    The Conference will focus on the escalating drought-related risks posed by climate change and increasing structural vulnerabilities in many societies. It will examine how to accelerate the shift in approach from a reactive, crisis-driven one to a more proactive approach, which leverages climate services such as seasonal forecasts, and anticipatory action tools, including innovative financing mechanisms.

    The conference will examine drought monitoring and forecasting advances and will discuss how to strengthen drought monitoring for early warnings for food security and health, and how to embed policies into the international Early Warnings for All initiative. There will be a heavy emphasis on case studies and community-led actions.

    It will also look at scientific and policy-making developments, including progress in satellite technology and artificial intelligence tools, which bring new perspectives to forecasting, monitoring and impact assessment.

    Drought is not a new phenomenon and has historically occurred as a consequence of natural climatic variability. However, climate change is intensifying the water cycle. This brings more intense rainfall and associated flooding, as well as more intense drought in many regions, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

    Changes in land use and land cover are compounding the challenge.

    “Healthy economies depend on healthy lands. We must urgently recognize that our land and natural systems are allies in our responses to climate change and drought, and we must leverage them for integrated, proactive drought management. Drought Resilience +10 is a crucial opportunity to exchange knowledge and build momentum for UNCCD COP16, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December”, remarked the UNCCD Deputy Executive Secretary Andrea Meza.

    Drought Resilience +10 Conference

    State of Climate

    Between 1970 and 2019 drought caused approximately 650,000 reported deaths. Poverty and poor land use can increase vulnerability to drought and intensify their impact, according to the WMO Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes.

    In Africa, 1 839 disasters attributed to weather, climate and water extremes were reported between 1970 and 2021. They caused 733 585 reported deaths and US$ 43 billion in economic losses. Droughts accounted for 95% of reported deaths.

    WMO State of the Climate reports report on the occurrence and impact of droughts.

    For instance, a prolonged La Niña event led to five consecutive failed rainfall seasons in the Horn of Africa, culminating in a massive humanitarian, food security and displacement crisis in 2023 in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.

    With the transition to El Niño in 2023-2024, Southern African nations became the focus of the drought crisis – especially countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi.

    Enhanced drought resilience

    Despite the challenges, progress has been made in integrated drought management.

    The Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) is a joint initiative between WMO and the Global Water Partnership (GWP), which works with over 45 partners to support countries and states, by providing them with policy and management guidance for handing droughts.

    There are a number of success stories. These examples underscore the importance of strong drought management policies and early warning systems. They highlight the need for governments to adopt forward-looking approaches that integrate climate data and resource management into their drought preparedness strategies.

    Brazil’s Northeast region, which historically faces frequent and severe droughts, provides a prime example of the benefits of proactive drought management policies. Recent policy responses focused on developing a comprehensive drought management system that integrates early warning systems, sustainable water management practices, and integration of climate change scenarios into infrastructure planning. Coordination between federal, state, and local governments was also enhanced to facilitate timely and efficient responses.  

    Similarly, in the USA, a proactive approach helped mitigate the effects of a severe water shortage in the State of Washington in 2024. With water supplies falling below 75% of normal levels in April, the state issued an early emergency drought declaration, unlocking funding for drought relief measures. This early action allowed communities and public entities to access funding for drought relief in advance, giving them time to implement mitigation strategies such as securing alternative water supplies and preparing for reduced irrigation.

    Drought Resilience +10 Conference

    Conference themes

    Discussions at DR+10 will focus on nine topics, each addressing key aspects of drought management and reflecting the central challenges and opportunities for building drought resilience globally.

    It will include national and regional case studies
    These include:

    • Drought resilience and global mechanisms
    • Drought risk governance: the regional, national and local challenges
    • Drought monitoring, impact assessment and forecasting
    • From policies to action
    • Ecosystems
    • Social inclusion and climate justice
    • Drought finance
    • Public-private civil society partnerships
    • Health

    There will be a high-level closing session: Turning Drought Resilience Challenges into Action.

    The Conference’s final declaration will include recommendations for countries to accelerate drought resilience efforts over the next decade. It will focus on policy implementation, drought resilience in countries’ preparedness plans, and adaptation strategies. It will also seek to mobilize resources to support vulnerable countries facing drought-related challenges.

    The outcomes of the Conference will inform the global drought community as well as the high-level discussions at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh in December 2024.

    Logos of the World Meteorological Organization, Drought Resilience High-Level Meeting on National Drought Policy, and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science and meteorology.

    WMO monitors weather, climate, and water resources and provides support to its Members in forecasting and disaster mitigation. The organization is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving public safety and well-being through its work.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/LEBANON – Cardinal Raï on the assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah: “It has opened a wound in the hearts of the Lebanese”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Beirut (Agenzia Fides) – “The assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has opened a wound in the hearts of the Lebanese”. But “the incessant martyrdom of Christian and Muslim leaders who believed in the cause of truth, justice and the defense of the weak strengthens the unity of the Lebanese, a unity of blood, belonging and destiny”, said Maronite Patriarch Béchara Boutros Raï on the death of the leader of the Shiite Hezbollah movement, killed by the Israeli army in Beirut on Friday evening. He did so during the homily during Sunday Mass on September 29 at the Patriarch’s summer residence in Dimane. A Mass – said the Lebanese Cardinal – celebrated to implore repose for the souls of the victims of these days and to ask for peace.”Martyrdom for the common homeland,” continued the Maronite Patriarch, “is the martyrdom chosen by believers of all Lebanese components who have united in it and left us an invitation to loyalty and fidelity to their sacrifice for a homeland they loved, even if they had different ideas about how to manage it and how to conduct politics.””The blood shed by those who sacrificed themselves for the Lebanese homeland,” continued Cardinal Raï, referring to the political-institutional crisis that has paralyzed the country for years, “calls us to defend Lebanon against any aggression and to elect a President of the Republic who will give Lebanon back its place among the nations.” The post of Head of State, which in the Lebanese institutional system belongs to a Maronite Christian, has been vacant for almost two years due to cross-party and sectarian vetoes.In his homily, the Lebanese Cardinal – who in the recent past had also been critical of the strategies of the Hezbollah militias – affirmed that “the international community is called to take serious measures to stop the cycle of war, death and destruction here and to prepare the ground for a just peace that guarantees the rights of all peoples and components of the region”. “It is time”, added the Maronite Patriarch, “for all Lebanese to understand that they have no one to help and support them except themselves, united and in solidarity with each other, committed to managing the affairs of the Lebanese home in the spirit of the National Pact, in a state of law and institutions”. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 29/9/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 21 startups transforming education with AI

    Source: Google

    Picture a world where students, regardless of their background, can learn in a personalized way. Imagine teachers with tools that anticipate their needs, freeing them to focus on what they do best: inspiring and guiding their class. This isn’t a distant dream, but a reality being shaped by entrepreneurs in the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Education program.

    Selected from a pool of more than 600 applicants from across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the 21 participating startups are all using AI to create more inclusive, engaging and effective educational pathways. From building intelligent tutors that adapt to each student’s pace, to platforms that make education accessible even in remote areas, we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have on learners around the world.

    Each founder and their team will receive three months of mentorship by Google experts, resources to help grow their technology, business and global reach, and a collaborative community of fellow founders to support one another. Learn more about the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Education cohort:

    • Angaza Elimu (Kenya): An eLearning platform that creates a more personalized and engaging experience, fostering stronger connections between learners and teachers.
    • BLISKO (Poland): An AI-powered platform that personalizes learning for children ages 0-6, that focuses on building strong relationships and creating personalized learning plans that fit each child’s unique needs, abilities and interests
    • Complori (Germany): A hybrid learning platform that equips children, ages 7-16, with hard skills such as technological understanding and programming, and soft skills through live and online group lessons.
    • Correcto (Spain): An AI-powered platform that enhances Spanish writing skills, offering tools tailored for Spanish-speaking users.
    • Digify Africa (South Africa): A high-tech learning platform, delivered via a low-tech interface, that improves access to education for low-income learners.
    • eKidz (Germany): An app that makes acquiring literacy and a new language easy and accessible for every child. Utilizing a purpose-built AI voice recognition students with precise diagnostics and support.
    • EvidenceB (France): An AI tutoring platform that works for any subject, available as a subscription service. Teachers get helpful data insights to guide their instruction.
    • ExamSolutions (UK): An AI-powered tutoring platform combining visual, auditory and textual content tailored for learning and exam preparation for math at GCSE & A-level.
    • Hawkings Education (Spain): An AI online learning system, making the experience more personalized for students and giving teachers better tools.
    • Jotit (Israel): A first of its kind, turning any standard Chromebook or tablet into an all-in-one learning space, creating a focused, distraction-free environment which keeps handwriting at its core.
    • LearnWise AI (Netherlands): A platform empowering universities and colleges worldwide to revolutionize student support through custom AI assistants.
    • MOONHUB (UK): A VR training platform that allows people to train like they were on the job from anywhere, any time to assess how people react to their observed virtual worlds.
    • Optima (UAE): An AI-powered education platform and course creation engine with a focus on data and AI engineering skills. Optima’s approach combines live interactive sessions, self-paced learning and AI-assisted tutoring.
    • OpenCyberAI (United Kingdom): An educational platform dedicated to cybersecurity, offering virtual simulations through interactive training, powered by an AI personalizing your learning path.
    • Pandatron (Finland): A platform supports talent development and helps employees adapt to digital and cultural changes by using AI-powered coaching conversations to identify underlying issues within the organization.
    • SignLab (Norway): An AI sign language digital platform that makes learning more accessible, effective, and affordable.
    • Story Spark (United Kingdom): An AI-powered story generator and reading platform for children combining innovative literacy education with engaging and personalized content.
    • ubiMaster (Germany): A live, personal online tutor platform designed to make learning with experts easy and widely available.
    • Utiva Education (Nigeria): A tech platform that helps people in Africa learn skills needed for global jobs, enabling companies to hire talent across different regions and increasing employment in the region.
    • Wilco (Israel): A platform helping both businesses and software vendors easily provide high-end training and education materials for their employees, candidates or users.
    • Wiloki (France): An online tutoring platform for children ages 7-14, using AI-powered tools to personalize the learning path according to each child’s unique educational profile and motivational triggers.

    As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI in education, one thing is certain: The path towards more personalized, effective and inspiring learning experiences has just begun.

    Learn more about our selected startups at startup.google.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA condemns ‘targeted’ assassinations, recent bombing of Lebanon

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The South African government has expressed its “profound concern” regarding the recent escalation of extrajudicial killings in the Middle East, most notably the tragic assassination of Hassan Nasrallah and other leaders in Lebanon. 

    This follows a series of widespread and indiscriminate attacks on communication and other devices used by civilians, particularly in Lebanon.

    According to reports, Hezbollah’s leader Nasrallah was killed Friday in a strike on the group’s underground headquarters, where 20 Hezbollah members were also present.

    Hezbollah is a Lebanese militant group, described as “one of the most powerful paramilitary groups in the Middle East”.

    According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, these attacks have since resulted in numerous fatalities, including those from vulnerable groups, and left hundreds in critical condition and thousands injured. 

    “The scale of injuries caused by these indiscriminate explosions is deeply troubling and warrants strong condemnation from the international community. Such attacks on civilians constitute a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law,” the statement read. 

    South Africa has since extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a swift and full recovery. 

    “We stand in solidarity with the government of Lebanon during this challenging time and express our support in the aftermath of these ongoing attacks.

    “These actions exacerbate an already tense situation in the Middle East and appear to be aimed at undermining regional international peace efforts.” 

    The government has since called on the perpetrators of these premeditated crimes to be held accountable through an international, transparent investigation.

    “South Africa unequivocally condemns these targeted assassinations and the recent bombing campaign against Lebanon, which has resulted in the tragic loss of more than 720 lives since the conflict escalated on Monday [last week].”

    Citing the United Nations (UN), the department said the number of displaced individuals from southern Lebanon has more than doubled, with over 211 000 people now displaced. 

    Additionally, at least 20 primary healthcare centres have been forced to shut down in the hardest-hit areas, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

    “South Africa urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international law to prevent a major regional military conflagration, which would have devastating consequences for all countries involved.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Slovenia, Montenegro and Portugal must not assist the MV Kathrin’s delivery of explosives to Israel 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Slovenia and Montenegro must stop the Portuguese-flagged MV Kathrin, believed to be carrying explosives bound for Israel, from docking at their ports, given the clear risk that such cargo would contribute to the commission of war crimes in Gaza, Amnesty International said. 

    According to Namibia’s government and Portugal’s Foreign Minister, the MV Kathrin’s cargo includes explosives destined for Israel. Namibian authorities refused to allow the vessel to enter its main harbour in August, citing information from the ship’s operator that its cargo includes eight containers of RDX Hexogen explosives bound for Israel. Statements from Slovenia’s Prime Minister’s office and Portugal’s Foreign Minister indicate the ship is heading for Montenegro and Slovenia’s port of Koper, where it will offload its cargo. It is unclear how the cargo will then reach Israel.  

    The deadly cargo believed to be on board the MV Kathrin must not reach Israel as there is a clear risk that such cargo would contribute to the commission of war crimes against Palestinian civilians.

    Nataša Posel, head of Amnesty International Slovenia

    “The deadly cargo believed to be on board the MV Kathrin must not reach Israel as there is a clear risk that such cargo would contribute to the commission of war crimes against Palestinian civilians,” said Nataša Posel, head of Amnesty International Slovenia.

    “Namibia rightfully upheld its international obligations by ensuring that the MV Kathrin did not transit military cargo to Israel through its port. Now it is up to Slovenia, Montenegro and all other states to do the same and avoid facilitating an unlawful transfer.” 

    International humanitarian law (IHL) prohibits all states from transferring weapons to a party to an armed conflict where there is a clear risk that doing so would contribute to the commission of war crimes or other serious IHL violations. 

    Amnesty International has documented extensive evidence of war crimes committed by all parties to the most recent escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory using a wide variety of arms. Amnesty International research shows that Israel’s military has used explosive weapons to carry out direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects and indiscriminate attacks in Gaza, blocked humanitarian assistance and collectively punished Palestinians over the past year. 

    States that continue to transfer arms to Israel are therefore acting in contravention of their obligations under Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions and must act to prevent all such transfers with urgency. 

    Furthermore, as State Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, Montenegro, Portugal and Slovenia have committed to establishing the highest possible common international standards for regulating the international trade in conventional arms for the purpose of reducing human suffering. As flag state, Portugal must not use its vessel to transfer the explosives or must remove its flag so as not to assist in the transfer. 

    “Amnesty International is calling for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and on Palestinian armed groups in Gaza due to their use of weapons to carry out war crimes and other serious violations. Any state that knowingly transfers arms to the parties in this ongoing conflict, including via transit of ships carrying arms and explosives, risks breaching their obligation not to encourage, aid or assist in violation of the Geneva Conventions. Portugal, Slovenia and Montenegro must not facilitate any such weapons transfer to Israel,” said Nataša Posel. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Qatar Airways is set to acquire 25% of Virgin Australia. Who will be the winners?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dr Rico Merkert, Professor in Transport and Supply Chain Management and Deputy Director, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney

    Peter Gudella/Shutterstock

    Qatar Airways has announced plans to buy a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia from its owner, US private equity firm Bain Capital.

    The two airlines have already had a strong relationship as “codeshare partners” since 2022. Codesharing is where airlines agree to sell seats on each other’s flights. This new announcement, however, is a big step up.

    All of this will, of course, be subject to approval from both Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). But there could be a range of winners if it goes ahead.

    Perhaps most importantly for Australian travellers, the move means Virgin Australia will be able to compete as it once did on long-haul international routes.

    This is because a proposed “wet lease” agreement – in which one airline provides full aircraft, crew and relevant services to another – could see Virgin Australia start operating its own flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to Doha as early as mid-2025.

    It’s also a win for Bain Capital, which had been trying to offload some of its stake in the airline after acquiring it in crisis in 2020.

    So with the prospect of a renewed international foothold for Virgin Australia, could we soon see more competition – and real consumer benefits – on the “Kangaroo Route” between Australia and Europe?

    Clearer skies for Qatar?

    As you might remember, Qatar Airways’ previous attempts to expand in Australia haven’t always gone smoothly.

    Today’s announcement comes little more than a year after Transport Minister Catherine King controversially blocked a request by Qatar to double the number of flights its state-owned airline Qatar Airways was allowed to fly into major Australian airports.

    Given the intense public backlash to this decision, it’s possible a renewed application by Qatar would have been more successful. A large expansion of flights by Turkish Airlines was later quietly approved.

    But this new deal may diminish the need to try again. By wet-leasing wide-body aircraft so Virgin Australia can operate its “own” long-haul routes to Doha (connecting into Europe), Qatar will effectively bypass the need to get government approval for the additional flights.



    Read more:
    What will putting the interests of Qantas ahead of Qatar Airways cost? $1 billion per year and a new wave of protectionism of legacy carriers

    The ‘Kangaroo Route’ still needs more flights

    Back in 2023, my calculations suggested Qatar’s application to expand should have been approved. Capacity on the Kangaroo Route was only back to 70% of pre-COVID levels. That meant the major players operating flights – including the Qantas–Emirates alliance – could charge significantly more than before the pandemic.

    Using the latest flight schedule data, we can show that the capacity between Australia and the Middle East is still 17% below what it was before the pandemic. If Virgin Australia’s proposed long-haul re-entry goes ahead, we could see much more capacity on these routes, and a formidable challenger to the Emirates–Qantas arrangement.



    Read more:
    What will putting the interests of Qantas ahead of Qatar Airways cost? $1 billion per year and a new wave of protectionism of legacy carriers

    Likely a win for Virgin and Qatar

    It’s easy to see why Virgin and Qatar might be excited. The deal will extend Virgin Australia’s reach – and that of its frequent flyers – into Europe and other destinations via Doha. But this goes both ways, and could also mean more demand on its domestic network.

    Similarly, the additional flights into Doha will feed Qatar Airways’ network, an airline that seems to be going from strength to strength.

    Despite historical troubles at Doha’s main airport, Qatar Airways is now one of the world’s largest airlines. It has once again been ranked as the world’s best airline by the independent air transport rating organisation Skytrax.

    Both airlines were also keen to point out benefits of the partnership they said would go beyond additional services and increasing competition in the Australian market.

    These include the potential to work together towards various sustainability initiatives and on developing Western Sydney’s aviation ecosystem, providing exciting new opportunities for employment and training.

    Not yet a done deal

    However, they’re still a long way from the finishing line. Whether this deal will actually materialise remains to be seen.

    It is worth noting this is not the first time Virgin Australia has been part-owned by an airline in the Middle East. Before Virgin Australia’s collapse into administration in April 2020, Etihad held a 21% equity stake.

    Further, it remains to be seen what aircraft Virgin Australia will actually get access to and how the service will be perceived. Qatar Airways is guaranteed a transaction win through the wet-lease, without taking on the brand and profit risks of operating these services.

    How much concern this will stir at Qantas also remains to be seen, but one thing is clear. Project Sunrise – Qantas’ plan to bypass the Middle Eastern hubs and connect Australia directly with Europe – could soon become much more important.

    Emirates is unlikely to emerge as the winner of this move, now set to face increased competition not only on services connecting Australia with the Middle East, but also across its broader network through Dubai.

    Qatar Airways acquiring a stake in Virgin Australia will also create interesting dynamics within the Oneworld Alliance, in which both Qantas and Qatar Airways are key partners. There are certainly interesting times ahead.

    Dr Rico Merkert receives funding from the ARC and various industry partners. He loves to work with and for airlines, including Qantas and Virgin Australia.

    – ref. Qatar Airways is set to acquire 25% of Virgin Australia. Who will be the winners? – https://theconversation.com/qatar-airways-is-set-to-acquire-25-of-virgin-australia-who-will-be-the-winners-240204

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Forex Expo Dubai 2024 Breaks Records with Unprecedented Attendance and Sponsors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Forex Expo Dubai 2024 is set to make history as it breaks records with the highest-ever number of attendees and sponsors in its esteemed legacy. Welcoming participants from across the globe, the event expects more than 15,000+ attendees and features 200+ sponsors, making it the largest gathering of traders, investors, and financial professionals in the Middle East. 

    Celebrating Women in the FX Industry 

    In addition to its record-breaking success, Forex Expo Dubai 2024 is proud to celebrate the growing influence of women in the online trading and financial industries. This year’s event will honour the exceptional contributions of women leading innovation and transformation in the forex sector. Our distinguished women speakers will share insights on topics ranging from trading strategies to fintech advancements, empowering the next generation of female professionals. 

    Featured speakers include: 

    • Razan Assaf, Compliance Manager, Kama Capital LLC
    • Elena Kupriianova, Chief Marketing Officer, Spotware Systems Ltd.
    • Negin Negahdari, Senior Business Development, Exness
    • Maria Gaibor, Senior Business Development Manager, VT MARKETS
    • Nilima Akter, Head of Marketing, Space World Capital
    • Luna Tajik, Chief Executive Officer, Finest 
    • And many more 

    Their participation highlights Forex Expo Dubai’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality within the financial sector. 

    A Special Thanks to Our 200+ Exhibitors 

    Forex Expo Dubai 2024 proudly showcases over 200 exhibitors from around the world, featuring the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities in the trading space. We extend our deepest appreciation to all exhibitors for their invaluable contributions, which have solidified this event as a must-attend for industry professionals. 

    To Register, Users Can Click Here: https://bit.ly/4dppQX5 

    About Forex Expo Dubai 2024 

    Forex Expo Dubai 2024 is the premier event for the global trading community, offering a platform for industry leaders, investors, and professionals to connect, learn, and explore the latest trends in online trading. With a focus on innovation, education, and networking, Forex Expo Dubai is where the future of trading comes to life. 

    Contact

    Ms
    ANJALI KUMARI
    HQMENA
    anjali@hqmena.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Meet Myriam Andaloro, a NATO cultural expert on the Middle East and Africa

    Source: NATO

    Myriam Andaloro is a Digital and Cultural Consultant at the NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub – the centre dedicated to increasing NATO’s understanding of and cooperation with partners across the Middle East and Africa. An Italian national of Lebanese descent, Myriam works to establish appropriate and respectful communication with NATO’s southern neighbours by reducing the risk for cultural misunderstandings and raising awareness about cultural sensitivities.

    Connecting cultures for a better understanding: Myriam’s impactful role

    “If I were to leave a footprint in the world, it would be to raise cultural awareness and avoid misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts.”

    Myriam Andaloro

    Born and raised in Lebanon and having lived in Nigeria and now in Italy, Myriam has a natural ability to engage with people from different cultures and religions. Her international background and fascination with multiculturalism, identity and language made her interested in pursuing a career in the area of cultural consultancy and digital communications, which she currently carries out at the NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub, located within the Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

    Myriam’s background and linguistic expertise are a valuable asset for the Hub’s mission to foster constructive relations between NATO and partners from the Middle East, North Africa, the Sahel, Sub-Sahara and adjacent areas. Myriam and her colleagues work to create a welcoming environment, where local experts share their unique perspectives in domains ranging from conflict prevention and security over countering terrorism, socio-economic developments and the Women, Peace and Security agenda to technology and innovation.

    A few examples of roots of instability, which can spill over to NATO territory, are terrorism, radicalisation, human trafficking, crime, migration and environmental problems. Once a comprehensive picture of these security challenges is formed, the Alliance can better anticipate and, where possible, address challenging issues for the benefit of all.

    Bridging NATO and its partners in the South through communication

    As a cultural consultant for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Myriam’s role is to identify and respect regional sensitivities. Myriam and her colleagues work to develop a deep understanding of the traditions of these countries, as well as their populations’ perceptions of NATO, to ensure that what is communicated on NATO’s behalf is understood.

    When Myriam first joined the Hub, her work focused on French and Arabic translations, and on the cultural overview of the Hub’s media products. Her responsibility was to help dispel misconceptions about NATO and appropriately communicate with external key audiences in the Middle East, Africa, and Allied countries, such as military organisations, regional and international experts.  Over time, Myriam started to take on more multifaceted and dynamic responsibilities, and began working on digital content production, focusing on bolstering mutual understanding and respect.

     “Every day looks slightly different. Some days I am busy translating our reports and updating our website, and on other days I am working hard on creating products for our online or in-person events. I often participate in conferences, which is very enlightening because I get to meet all the impressive experts from the Middle East and Africa.”

    While it takes years to positively impact people’s perceptions, Myriam argues that the work of the Hub has been continuously improving the relationship between the Alliance and experts in the South. Knowledge-sharing among them has increased, widening mutual understanding and the scope of future cooperation.

    Storytelling for understanding: NATO’s commitment to accurate cultural representation

    Recently, Myriam assisted NATO’s Allied Command Transformation in the production of a graphic novella titled “How we see the darkness”. The novella – which is based on the paper “Complex Conflicts in Africa” by Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Cincinnati Dr Alexander Thurston – underlines the necessity for external actors, including NATO, to exercise caution while seeking to build peace in Africa.

    Myriam’s role in the project was to ensure that the fictional story depicted an accurate representation of its chosen setting. From examining if the characters were dressed appropriately, to checking whether the architectural style of the region was authentic and religious symbols were accurate, Myriam provided cultural guidance to the graphic contractors to avoid misrepresentations.

    Additionally, Myriam translated the novella into both French and Arabic – making it available to non-English speaking audiences.

    For Myriam, NATO “means the preservation of human rights and security”, two values that the Alliance has always defended. She aims to contribute to that mission by serving as one of NATO’s cultural experts for the South and is willing to help other Alliance bodies improve their knowledge of Middle Eastern and African countries, while promoting accurate and respectful communication.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Cooperation on readmission – E-001837/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001837/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marieke Ehlers (PfE)

    With regard to the 2023 assessment of third countries’ level of cooperation on readmission (COM(2024) 340 final), it is to be noted that countries such as Afghanistan, Syria and Libya and the Palestinian Authority have been excluded from the assessment owing to the conditions on the ground and the impossibility of establishing effective operational contacts. However, they are among the main countries of origin of asylum seekers in the EU.

    • 1.Why has the Commission excluded these countries, and what steps will be taken to ensure that countries with a large number of nationals seeking asylum in the EU are effectively included in future assessments?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering alternative measures or conditions to improve cooperation with these key countries or entities on readmission and return?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 1 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with the Prime Minister of Israel.

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with the Prime Minister of Israel.

    PM Netanyahu briefs PM on the recent developments in West Asia.

    PM highlights that terrorism has no place in any form and manifestation.

    PM emphasizes the crucial need for preventing regional escalation and the safe release of all hostages

    PM says that India stands ready to support early restoration of peace and stability.

    The two leaders discuss further strengthening of India-Israel Strategic Partnership.

    PM wishes PM Netanyahu and the Jewish people around the world on Rosh Hashanah.

    Posted On: 30 SEP 2024 11:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call today from the Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu.

    PM Netanyahu briefed PM on the recent developments in West Asia. 

    PM Modi mentioned that there is no place for terrorism in any form or manifestation. Prime Minister also emphasized the crucial need to work for preventing regional escalation and the safe release of all hostages. 

    PM conveyed that India stands ready to support an early restoration of peace and stability. 

    The two leaders discussed a number of bilateral issues to further strengthen India-Israel Strategic Partnership.

    PM also conveyed his best wishes to PM Netanyahu and the Jewish people around the world on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah.

    The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.

    ****

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2060502) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor announces further investment to counter hate crime and extremism as Middle East crisis deepens

    Source: Mayor of London

    Mayor announces further investment to counter hate crime and extremism as Middle East crisis deepens

    • New £875,000 investment by Mayor will empower grassroot groups to tackle hate, intolerance and extremism in their communities.
    • Mayor calls for Londoners to stand united and not let the appalling escalation in the conflict in Lebanon and Israel lead to an increase in hate crime here.
    • Action will work to counter steep rises in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crime and the growth of far-right narratives online.
    • Latest funding forms part of the Mayor’s record £15million investment to tackle hate and extremism as new figures show record-breaking numbers of young people being arrested for terrorism offences.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a further £875,000 investment for grassroots community projects to tackle hate, intolerance, extremism, radicalisation and terrorism in the capital.

    The funding will empower grassroot groups across London to bring communities together and counter steep rises in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes1 and the growth of far-right narratives online over the past year.

    The action comes amid calls for unity from the Mayor who continues to work closely with the police and community leaders to ensure everyone in the capital feels safe and is safe amid the appalling escalation in the conflict in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and the wider region. 

    The announcement forms part of the Mayor’s record £15million investment2– more than any other mayor – to support victims of hate crime and tackle hate and extremism in London’s communities. It comes as new Home Office figures show record-breaking numbers of young people aged below 17 are being arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. 3

    The funding will support 20 groups including The Anne Frank Trust UK to deliver workshops that challenge anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate; Stand Up! – an interfaith project which brings Jewish and Muslim educators into the classroom to facilitate informal conversations with young people and empower them to act against racism and discrimination with a specific focus on antisemitism and Islamophobia; and EXIT Hate UK which works with young people aged 14-18 to help them understand the dangers posed by extreme right-wing ideologies.

    The Mayor’s Shared Endeavour Fund is working to empower Londoners of all ages to challenge hateful views in their communities, better protect those vulnerable to radicalisation and stop the spread of growing hateful ideologies including the far-right. Since the grassroots fund was launched in 2020, £4million has been invested in 95 completed projects which has included delivery in each London borough with more than 140,000 Londoners having benefited. A further 20 projects will be delivered over the next 6 months with more than 50,000 Londoners expected to benefit as a result of the Mayor’s latest investment which will deliver workshops, educational activities and interfaith community programmes.

    The latest independent evaluation of the Shared Endeavour Fund found that the Mayor’s investment is working to build Londoners’ resilience to radicalisation and extremist recruitment as well as reducing racism, intolerance, hate and extremism in the capital. 4

    The funding comes just ahead of the first anniversary of the horrific Hamas attacks on October 7th, actions of the IDF in Gaza, the devastating ensuing conflict and appalling humanitarian and hostage crisis which continues to impact so many Londoners – particularly those with family and friends in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank and the wider region. 

    It also follows recent disorder in the UK this July which was largely fuelled by misinformation, racism and extremism promoted by far-right groups online.

    The latest action is part of a package of measures by the Mayor to tackle rising hate crime and misinformation and is being delivered alongside continued work with the Met Police and community leaders to ensure all of London’s communities feel safe and are safe.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We know that an escalation in conflict in the Middle East often leads to an increase in hate crime here in London. With the appalling further escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and the region, I’m appealing to Londoners to continue to look out for their friends and neighbours whatever their faith and backgrounds and stand united against all forms of hate.

    “We have seen an abhorrent and completely unacceptable rise in hate crime over the last year – particularly antisemitism and Islamophobia which has profoundly impacted our Jewish and Muslim communities in London. I’m determined to continue to work in partnership with community, faith and police leaders to ensure everyone in the capital feels safe and is safe.

    “Hate crime comes in many forms and I’m determined to tackle it head on by investing in grassroots projects which empower our communities to stand up to hate and intolerance where they are, so that we can stop the spread of hateful narratives, reject extremist ideologies and do more to safeguard vulnerable young Londoners from radicalisation and misinformation online.

    “At a time of rising tension and online hate, this scheme will continue to build bridges across communities, embrace what we have in common and help ensure Londoners of all backgrounds and faiths feel welcome, safe and can thrive.”

    Met Assistant Commissioner, Matt Twist, said: “Nobody should feel unsafe or in fear going about their lives in this city, certainly not on the basis of their race or religion.

    “Since October last year we have seen a really concerning rise in hate crime with both antisemitic and Islamophobic offences increasing significantly. For the past year we have had a dedicated policing operation tackling hate crime in communities, responding to significant protest, countering extremism and terrorism, and working to provide reassurance particularly in parts of London with significant Jewish and Muslim populations.

    “As the situation in the Middle East becomes less certain once again, we know that fears and tensions will rise here at home too. Our work, which is underpinned by engagement with community representatives and with our key partners, will continue. Together, we are determined to demonstrate that there will be no tolerance for hate crime in London.”

    Ruth Martin, Grants Team Manager at Groundwork London, said:  “Groundwork London supports London’s diverse communities to ensure the capital is a vibrant, safe, and respectful place for everyone. We are proud to continue working with MOPAC to support the Shared Endeavour Fund, which is now in its fifth year. So far, the fund has supported over 90 initiatives across London, which has impacted over 140,000 Londoners. We look forward to working with new and returning grant recipients as they deliver their projects to counter hate, intolerance and radicalisation in their communities and reach those most in need.”

    Zaynab Albadry, Project Manager, Stand Up Education Against Discrimination, said: “The Stand Up! Education Against Discrimination project has been awarded funding by the Mayor’s Shared Endeavour Fund for 5 consecutive years. Tens of thousands of young people have participated in free anti-discrimination workshops raising awareness about racism and prejudice and empowering them to act against hate, discrimination, antisemitism, and anti-Muslim hate.

    “Our partners, the CST and Tell MAMA have warned of the growth in both anti-Muslim hate and antisemitism, with incidents targeting these communities worryingly becoming more aggressive. Thanks to this latest funding, even more young Londoners will meet our Jewish and Muslim facilitators to breakdown misconceptions and stereotypes targeting minority communities. Through this project participants will be assisted to navigate difficult climates and issues to feel empowered becoming the leaders of tomorrow, modelling a respective and welcoming environment for their communities and wider British Society.”

    Tim Robertson, Chief Executive of The Anne Frank Trust UK, said: “Educating against prejudice is an urgent national priority, and we’re experts at it here at the Anne Frank Trust UK. But finding the necessary funding is really tough right now. So I’m massively grateful to the Mayor of London’s Shared Endeavour Fund for enabling us to bring our programme to thousands of young Londoners. This is totally the right initiative at exactly the right time.”

    Nigel Bromage, Founder of EXIT Hate UK, said: “Funding from MOPAC’s Shared Endeavour Fund is crucial to combating hate, extremism and terrorism.  Through the Mayor of London’s funding we have been able to deliver impactful projects year on year which challenge Far Right hate narratives and boost the capacity of frontline practitioners and family members to keep those vulnerable to radicalisation safe.

    “This year’s delivery is more important than ever with the risk of Far Right extremism increasing in the aftermath of horrific recent disorder across parts of the country. We will be working with even more frontline practitioners and young Londoners to provide awareness raising on the dangers of Far Right radicalisation whilst also providing non-judgemental help and support to those that need it.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: ‘explosives for Israel’ ship set to dock in Montenegro and Slovenia

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The MV Kathrin, a Portuguese-flagged vessel reportedly carrying explosives bound for Israel, is currently heading for Montenegro and Slovenia

    Ship is believed to be carrying eight containers of components for aircraft bombs and missiles

    ‘The deadly cargo believed to be on board the MV Kathrin must not reach Israel’ – Nataša Posel

    Slovenia and Montenegro must stop the Portuguese-flagged vessel MV Kathrin – believed to be carrying explosives bound for Israel – from docking at their ports given the clear risk that such cargo would contribute to the commission of war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon, Amnesty International said today. 

    According to the Namibian government and Portugal’s Foreign Minister, the MV Kathrin’s cargo includes explosives destined for Israel.

    In August, the Namibian authorities refused to allow the vessel to enter its main harbour citing information from the ship’s operator that its cargo includes eight containers of RDX Hexogen explosives bound for Israel. Statements from the Slovenian Prime Minister’s office and the Portuguese Foreign Minister indicate that the ship is heading for Montenegro and also for Slovenia’s port of Koper, where it will offload its cargo. It is unclear how the cargo will then reach Israel.

    On 31 August, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, said that eight containers of explosives aboard MV Kathrin “are reportedly key components in the aircraft bombs and missiles” used by Israel against Palestinians. Albanese called on all countries to block the ship from docking at their harbours.

    Countries which continue to transfer arms to Israel are acting in contravention of their obligations under Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions and must act to prevent all such transfers with urgency. Furthermore, as state parties to the international Arms Trade Treaty, Montenegro, Portugal and Slovenia have committed to establishing the highest possible common international standards for regulating the international trade in conventional arms for the purpose of reducing human suffering. As the flag state, Portugal must not use its vessel to transfer the explosives or must remove its flag so as not to assist in the transfer.

    Amnesty has documented extensive evidence of war crimes committed by all parties to the most recent escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory using a wide variety of arms. Amnesty research shows that the Israeli military has used explosive weapons to carry out direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects and indiscriminate attacks in Gaza, blocked humanitarian assistance and collectively punished Palestinians over the past year.

    Nataša Posel, head of Amnesty International Slovenia, said:

    “The deadly cargo believed to be on board the MV Kathrin must not reach Israel as there is a clear risk that such cargo would contribute to the commission of war crimes against Palestinian civilians.

    “Namibia rightfully upheld its international obligations by ensuring that the MV Kathrin did not transit military cargo to Israel through its port.

    “Now it is up to Slovenia, Montenegro and all other states to do the same and avoid facilitating an unlawful transfer.

    “Amnesty International is calling for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and on Palestinian armed groups in Gaza due to their use of weapons to carry out war crimes and other serious violations.

    “Any state that knowingly transfers arms to the parties in this ongoing conflict, including via transit of ships carrying arms and explosives, risks breaching their obligation not to encourage, aid or assist in violation of the Geneva Conventions. Portugal, Slovenia and Montenegro must not facilitate any such weapons transfer to Israel.” 

    Timeline

    On 21 July, the MV Kathrin embarked with its cargo from Vietnam’s Hai Phong port.

    On 24 August, the Namibian authorities revoked previously-granted permission for the MV Kathrin to enter Namibia’s main harbour, citing information from the ship’s operator that some of the explosives on board were destined for Israel. This decision was based on concerns of potential complicity in war crimes in Gaza. The MV Kathrin was scheduled to dock at Namibia’s Walvis Bay on 25 August. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Lebanon, Meloni – Mikati telephone conversation

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    October 1, 2024

    The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, had a telephone conversation today with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati.

    In renewing Italy’s closeness to Lebanon and the Lebanese people and in recalling the first immediate aid to the civilian population allocated yesterday by the Government, the Prime Minister reiterated Italy’s commitment to a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the conflict that will allow the displaced to return to their homes. Italy, also as the rotating Presidency of the G7, will continue to work for a de-escalation at the regional level.

    President Meloni finally recalled the crucial role of the Italian soldiers present in southern Lebanon within the UNIFIL mission, underlining the importance of their safety.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Lebanon: President Meloni’s telephone conversation with Prime Minister Mikati

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    1 Ottobre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, had a telephone conversation today with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati. 

    President Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s closeness with Lebanon and the Lebanese people and recalled the initial emergency aid allocated yesterday by the Italian Government for the civilian population, reiterating Italy’s commitment to a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the conflict which would allow the displaced persons to return to their homes. Italy, also as current G7 President, will continue to work for a de-escalation at regional level.

    Lastly, President Meloni recalled the crucial role of the Italian military personnel present in the south of Lebanon serving in the UNIFIL mission, stressing the importance of their safety.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/HOLY LAND – Peace initiative: Cardinal Pizzaballa invites people to fast and pray for peace on October 7

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 26 September 2024

    Patriarcato Latino di Gerusalemme

    Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) – A day of prayer, penance and fasting to ask for the gift of peace in the Holy Land. Exactly one year after the renewed conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Catholic Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, invites people to take part in this initiative in a letter to the entire diocese of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.”The month of October is approaching, and with it the realization that for the past year the Holy Land, and not only, has been plunged into a vortex of violence and hatred never seen or experienced before. The intensity and impact of the tragedies we have witnessed in the past twelve months have deeply lacerated our conscience and our sense of humanity”, the Cardinal writes, calling “once again on those in authority and those who bear the grave responsibility of making decisions in this context, to a commitment to justice and respect for every person’s right to freedom, dignity and peace.””Therefore, I invite you to a day of prayer, fasting and penance on October 7 next, a date that has become symbolic of the drama we are experiencing. The month of October is also the Marian month and on October 7 we celebrate the memory of Mary Queen of the Rosary,” the Patriarch’s letter reads. “May each of us, with the rosary or in whatever form he or she sees fit, personally but better again in community, find a moment to pause and pray, and bring to the “merciful Father and God of all consolation” (2 Cor. 1:3), our desire for peace and reconciliation. Attached you will find a prayer proposal, that may be used freely.”Lord our God,Father of the Lord Jesus Christ,and Father of all mankind,Who in the cross of Your Sonand through the gift of His own life,at great cost You wished to destroythe wall of enmity and hostilitythat separates peoples and makes us enemies:Send into our heartsthe gift of the Holy Spirit,that He may purify us from every feelingof violence, hatred and revenge,enlighten us to understandthe irrepressible dignityof every human person,and inflame us to the point of consumptionfor a peaceful and reconciled worldin truth and justice,in love and freedom.Almighty and eternal God,in Your hands are the hopes of menand the rights of every people:Assist with Your wisdom those who govern us,so that, with Your help,they will become sensitive to the sufferings of the poorand of those who suffer the consequencesof violence and war;may they promote the common good and lasting peacein our regionand throughout the earth.Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope,obtain the gift of peacefor the Holy Land that gave birth to youand for the whole world. Amen.(Agenzia Fides, 26/9/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Speech by President Charles Michel at the ministerial meeting for key partners in support of UNRWA

    Source: Council of the European Union

    At the ministerial meeting on the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza, the West Bank and the region, President Charles Michel stressed the EU’s role as a reliable partner.

    MIL OSI Europe News –