The original 28-Point Peace Plan, which was drafted by the United States, has been fine-tuned, with additional input from both sides, and there are only a few remaining points of disagreement. In the hopes of finalizing this Peace Plan, I have directed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President Putin in Moscow and, at the same time, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainians. I will be briefed on all progress made, along with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. I look forward to hopefully meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Putin soon, but ONLY when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter, and let’s all hope that PEACE can be accomplished AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
Archiv: Sonderbeauftragte / Gesandte / Ermittler / Berichterstatter / special envoys / counsels / rapporteurs / representatives
Witkoff to meet Putin as US sends delegations to Ukraine, Russia in ‚hopes of finalizing‘ peace plan
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Washington aims to finalize a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Nov. 25.
„In the hopes of finalizing this Peace Plan, I have directed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President Putin in Moscow and, at the same time, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainians,“ Trump said in a post to Truth Social.
Witkoff To Moscow. Zelenskyy Is Wary. A Phone Call Leaks. A Ukraine Peace Plan Coalesces.
“I know what it’s going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere,” Witkoff reportedly said.
Bloomberg did not say how it obtained the recording, which was likely made by US intelligence agencies who routinely monitor and eavesdrop on foreign officials’ conversations.
UN experts urge States to act as Israeli violations threaten fragile Gaza ceasefire
The experts urged Member States to act decisively to end the pattern of systematic violations of international law and suffering in occupied Palestine and restore international peace and security.
They called for the following urgent measures:
– Guaranteeing safe humanitarian access through UN-supervised land and naval corridors, including temporary housing before winter;
– Opening humanitarian corridors toward the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel for the wounded, sick, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children;
– Imposing sanctions on Israel for continued violations of international law and illegal occupation;
– A comprehensive arms embargo on Israel;
– Full and free access to international media to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including throughout Gaza.
– Ensuring that independent, international investigations are conducted into serious violations of international law, including the killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip, and that prosecutions are initiated under universal jurisdiction;
– Considering a UN-led international intervention if attacks persist and the humanitarian situation deteriorates further.
*The experts:
– Francesca Albanese: Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967;
– George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
– Ashwini K.P., Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
– Olivier De Schutter: Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
– Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
– Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
– Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
– Paula Gaviria, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons
– Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
– Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
– Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education
– Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food
– Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation
– Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
– Siobhán Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children
– Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences
– Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues
– Michelle Small (Chair-Rapporteur), Ravindran Daniel, Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito, Joana de Deus Pereira, Andrés Macías Tolosa, Working Group on the use of mercenaries
– Carlos Duarte (Chair), Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas
– Ivana Krstić (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, Working Group on discrimination against women and girls
Ukraine: Was ist der Stand bei den Verhandlungen zum Kriegsende?
Carsten Kühntopp berichtet aus dem ARD-Studio Washington, dass mehrere Formulierungen des Papiers tatsächlich wie direkte Übersetzungen aus dem Russischen ins Englischen klingen. Das US-Außenministerium dementierte jedoch: die Russen und Ukrainer hätten lediglich Input für den US-Plan geliefert.
Hochrangige Mitarbeiter in Außenministerium und Nationalem Sicherheitsrat erfuhren laut Kühntopp von dem Plan allerdings erst aus der Presse. Die Verwirrung um die Herkunft des Plans spreche entweder für ein chaotisches Vorgehen der Regierung oder für einen Machtkampf zwischen Rubio, Witkoff, Vizepräsident JD Vance und anderen um den richtigen Kurs gegenüber Russland.
US appoints Steven Fagin as ‚civilian lead‘ for Gaza ceasefire oversight body
US State Department said on Friday that Steve Fagin, a career diplomat, will work alongside US Army Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, the military head already appointed to the hub set up after the October 10 ceasefire.
Some 200 US troops were sent to the centre, set up in a rented warehouse, where they work with soldiers from Israel and European countries, representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, and personnel from the United Nations and aid groups.
Peace Talks Progressing in Libya, Congo and Sudan, Senior Trump Advisor Says
(October 20, 2025)
US President Donald Trump’s senior envoy for Arab and African affairs said peace negotiations in Libya and the Democratic Republic of Congo were progressing, and his team was working hard to pursue a ceasefire in Sudan.
“We think it’s achievable,” Massad Boulos said in an interview in Rome of a deal in Libya, which has been mired in chaos since the ouster of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. “You can’t expect a peace process to be implemented overnight,” he added. “I hope that this process moves fast.”
Full Speech: Cheers and Boos as Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff Praises Netanyahu in Tel Aviv Rally
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — October 11, 2025: Thousands gathered at a Tel Aviv rally supporting the release of Israeli captives from Gaza, where U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff praised Prime Minister Netanyahu.
While the crowd cheered “Thank you!” for Witkoff and U.S. efforts, boos erupted when Netanyahu was mentioned. Relatives of hostages have criticized the Israeli leader for allegedly delaying negotiations for political gain.
Witkoff defended Netanyahu and his negotiator, Ron Dermer, saying both had sacrificed much for Israel and devoted themselves to the country’s service.
Netanyahu booed by thousands at Hostage Square rally as US commends him in Israel-Hamas peace deal
Thousands gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square Saturday to celebrate the recently signed peace deal between Israel and Hamas, which was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Upon mention of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s part in establishing the first phase of the deal, the crowd erupted in boos, repeatedly interrupting U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s speech. #Politics #BenjaminNetanyahu #Israel #Hamas #Gaza
Uniting for Peace in Gaza: A Test for the General Assembly
(September 17, 2025)
On 5 September 2025, a group of 45 United Nations human rights experts, composed of UN Special Rapporteurs, UN independent experts and UN Working Group members, called the UN General Assembly to invoke the Uniting for Peace resolution in order to respond to the escalating famine and genocidal conditions in Gaza. In their joint statement, the experts urged the Assembly to (i) recommend a peace operation, (ii) demand that all crossings into Gaza be opened under UN supervision, (iii) suspend humanitarian mechanisms that had proved dangerous or ineffective, (iv) call upon Mediterranean states to deploy humanitarian naval missions, (v) authorize UN-led humanitarian convoys to supervise all crossings, and (vi) demand a permanent ceasefire alongside the release of detainees and hostages.
Uniting for Peace in Gaza: A Test for the General Assembly
On 5 September 2025, a group of 45 United Nations human rights experts, composed of UN Special Rapporteurs, UN independent experts and UN Working Group members, called the UN General Assembly to invoke the Uniting for Peace resolution in order to respond to the escalating famine and genocidal conditions in Gaza. In their joint statement, the experts urged the Assembly to (i) recommend a peace operation, (ii) demand that all crossings into Gaza be opened under UN supervision, (iii) suspend humanitarian mechanisms that had proved dangerous or ineffective, (iv) call upon Mediterranean states to deploy humanitarian naval missions, (v) authorize UN-led humanitarian convoys to supervise all crossings, and (vi) demand a permanent ceasefire alongside the release of detainees and hostages.
UN experts stand in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, demand full protection of all passengers
GENEVA – United Nations experts* today urged Israel to cease all threats of harm against the Global Sumud Flotilla and ensure it proceeds unhindered in its mission to deliver humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.
“Any attempt to block the flotilla would constitute a grave violation of international law and humanitarian principles,” the experts said.
They stressed that the flotilla is a consequence of the failure of the international community to end Israel’s unlawful blockade of Gaza and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis it has produced. “Civil society activists would not be compelled to risk their lives at sea if the General Assembly or Security Council had taken decisive action to ensure safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” the experts said.
(…)
*The experts:
– Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967
– Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation
– Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food
– Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education
– George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
– Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons
– Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
– Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing
– Bina D‘Costa (Chair), Barbara G. Reynolds, Isabelle Mamadou, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
– Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues
– Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association;
– Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children
– Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences
– Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change
– Bina D‘Costa (Chair), Barbara G. Reynolds, Isabelle Mamadou, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
– Carlos Duarte (Chair), Shalmali Guttal, Davit Hakobyan (vice-chair), Uche Ofodile (vice chair), Genevieve Savigny, Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas
– Claudia Flores (Chair), Ivana Krstić (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, Working group on discrimination against women and girls
– Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
– Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito (Chair-Rapporteur), Ravindran Daniel, Michelle Small, Joana de Deus Pereira, Andrés Macías Tolosa, Working Group on the use of mercenaries
– Ashwini K.P. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
– Olivier De Schutter, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
UN experts urge US to grant visas to Palestinian officials, uphold diplomacy for peace
GENEVA – UN experts* today urged the United States to grant Palestinian leaders visas ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York in September, and lift the discriminatory suspension of processing visitor visas for all Palestinian nationals.
“The General Assembly in New York is the epicentre of global diplomacy for peace, justice and human rights. Unilaterally excluding foreign leaders strikes at the heart of this vital mission. The US should maintain its long tradition of allowing access to the United Nations’ headquarters as a neutral meeting place for peaceful dialogue,” the experts said.
(…)
*The experts:
– Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
– Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967
– George Katrougalos, Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
Albanese kommt in die jW-Maigalerie
Berlin. Francesca Albanese tritt am Donnerstag in der Maigalerie der jungen Welt in Berlin auf. Die UN-Sonderberichterstatterin für Menschenrechte in den besetzten palästinensischen Gebieten wird von der Gruppe »Besetzung gegen Besatzung« zu einer Veranstaltung unter dem Titel »Germany in the economy of genocide« eingeladen.
Gaza: UN experts urge General Assembly to respond to famine and genocide
(September 5, 2025)
GENEVA – UN experts* today issued an urgent appeal for an emergency meeting of the UN General Assembly, warning that the international community must act immediately before the 17 September-deadline for demanding an end to Israel‘s occupation of Palestine, as genocide and a man-made famine unfold in Gaza.
(…)
The experts called on the General Assembly to convene an emergency meeting to:
– Call on Member states to act under “uniting for peace” in line with General Assembly resolution 377 V and recommend a peace operation.
– Demand the opening of all the crossings to unrestricted humanitarian access under direct UN oversight.
– Demand the immediate suspension of failed or dangerous mechanisms, including those that have led to widespread killings at aid distribution points.
– Call on Member States with ports in the Mediterranean Sea to urgently deploy emergency navies carrying humanitarian aid.
– Request the authorisation of UN-led international humanitarian convoys with full UN authority to coordinate and supervise all crossings into Gaza.
– Demand an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the release of arbitrarily detained Palestinians and Israelis alike.
“The situation in Gaza is intolerable and unconscionable,” the experts said.
“The General Assembly must uphold the duty of the United Nations to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, end the violence, and guarantee that life-saving assistance reaches the people of Gaza without obstruction or delay. Anything less makes the international community complicit in these grave violations.”
The experts:
– Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories, occupied since 1967
– Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association;
– Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
– Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food
– Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues
– Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons
– Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights to safe drinking water and sanitation
– Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children
– Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
– Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences
– George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
– Claudia Flores (Chair), Ivana Krstić (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, Working group on discrimination against women and girls
– Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito (Chair-Rapporteur), Ravindran Daniel, Michelle Small, Joana de Deus Pereira, Andrés Macías Tolosa, Working Group on the use of mercenaries
– Ashwini K.P. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
– Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
– Bina D‘Costa (Chair), Barbara G. Reynolds, Isabelle Mamadou, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
– Carlos Duarte (Chair), Shalmali Guttal, Davit Hakobyan (vice-chair), Uche Ofodile (vice chair), Genevieve Savigny, Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas
– Astrid Puentes Riaño, Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
– Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
– Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
– Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing;
– Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences
– Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change
– Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education;
– Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grażyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Baldé, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez, and Mohammed Al-Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances
– Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights
– Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development
UN experts decry ‚enforced disappearances‘ of Gazans at food aid sites
(today)
Israel’s military was reportedly “directly involved in the enforced disappearances of people seeking aid”, said the statement signed by the five members of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, along with Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on rights in the Palestinian territories, and her counterpart on the right to food, Michael Fakhri.
From economy of occupation to economy of genocide – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese
(June 30, 2025)
In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 investigates the corporate machinery sustaining the Israeli settler-colonial project of displacement and replacement of the Palestinians in the occupied territory. While political leaders and Governments shirk their obligations, far too many corporate entities have profited from the Israeli economy of illegal occupation, apartheid and now genocide. The complicity exposed by the report is just the tip of the iceberg; ending it will not happen without holding the private sector accountable, including# its executives. International law recognizes varying degrees of responsibility – each requiring scrutiny and accountability, particularly in this case, where a people’s self-determination and very existence are at stake. This is a necessary step to end the genocide and dismantle the global system that has allowed it.
UN expert Albanese rejects ‘obscene’ US sanctions for criticising Israel
(July 10, 2025)
While announcing the sanctions on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio charged Albanese with waging a “campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel”.
The UN rapporteur hit back on Thursday, noting that the atrocities being committed in Gaza were not just down to “the unrelinquished territorial ambitions of Israel” and the backing of its supporters but also “companies who are profiting from it”.
Last week, she released a report mapping the corporations aiding Israel in the displacement of Palestinians and its genocidal war on Gaza in breach of international law.
The Commissioner asks the German authorities to uphold freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the context of the conflict in Gaza
(June 19, 2025)
In a letter addressed to the Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany published today, Commissioner O’Flaherty raises concerns about restrictions to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly of persons protesting in the context of the conflict in Gaza, as well as about reports of excessive use of force by police against protesters, including children.
Commissioner O’Flaherty also observes restrictions on events, symbols, or other forms of expression in this context. He recalls that member states have little scope to impose restrictions on political speech or on debate on matters of public interest, in line with the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe standards on freedom of expression, hate speech and hate crime. He urges the German authorities to be vigilant that the working definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance is not distorted, instrumentalised or misapplied to stifle freedom of expression and legitimate criticism, including of the state of Israel.
Recalling that member states have legal obligations to refrain from undue interference with human rights and to ensure the effective enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for all, the Commissioner asks the German authorities to avoid taking measures that discriminate against persons based on their political or other opinions, religion or belief, ethnic origin, nationality or migration status.
From economy of occupation to economy of genocide – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese
In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 investigates the corporate machinery sustaining the Israeli settler-colonial project of displacement and replacement of the Palestinians in the occupied territory. While political leaders and Governments shirk their obligations, far too many corporate entities have profited from the Israeli economy of illegal occupation, apartheid and now genocide. The complicity exposed by the report is just the tip of the iceberg; ending it will not happen without holding the private sector accountable, including# its executives. International law recognizes varying degrees of responsibility – each requiring scrutiny and accountability, particularly in this case, where a people’s self-determination and very existence are at stake. This is a necessary step to end the genocide and dismantle the global system that has allowed it.
UN report lists companies complicit in Israel’s ‘genocide’: Who are they?
Are private companies liable under international law?
According to Albanese’s report, yes. Corporate entities are under an obligation to avoid violating human rights through direct action or in their business partnerships.
States have the primary responsibility to ensure that corporate entities respect human rights and must prevent, investigate and punish abuses by private actors. However, corporations must respect human rights even if the state where they operate does not.
A company must therefore assess whether activities or relationships throughout its supply chain risk causing human rights violations or contributing to them, according to the report.
The failure to act in line with international law may result in criminal liability. Individual executives can be held criminally liable, including before international courts.
‘Israel’s genocide continues because it is lucrative for many’
As we’ve been reporting, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has named more than 60 companies, including major arms manufacturers and technology firms, in a report alleging their involvement in supporting Israeli settlements and military actions in Gaza, which she called a “genocidal campaign”.
Albanese compiled the report based on more than 200 submissions from states, human rights defenders, companies, and academics.
“While life in Gaza is being obliterated and the West Bank is under escalating assault, this report shows why Israel’s genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many,” Albanese wrote. She accused corporate entities of being “financially bound to Israel’s apartheid and militarism.”
Mr. Alexander DOBRINDT Federal Minister of the Interior: Dear Minister ….
(June 6, 2025)
It is my understanding that since February 2025, the Berlin authorities have imposed restrictions on the use of the Arabic language and cultural symbols in the context of the protests. In some cases, such as an assembly in Berlin on 15 May 2025, marches have been restricted to stationary gatherings. Furthermore, protestors were allegedly subject to intrusive surveillance, online or in person, and arbitrary police checks. I am also concerned by reports of excessive use of force by police against protesters, including minors, sometimes leading to injuries.
(…)
I understand that restrictions have been justified on the basis that events, symbols, or other forms of expression “disrupt public order” or “disturb public peace”. The case-law of the European Court of Human Rights’ (the Court) establishes that freedom of expression “applies not only to ‘information’ and ‘ideas’ that are favourably received, regarded as inoffensive, or which leave one indifferent […] – it implies pluralism, tolerance and openness, without which there is no ‘democratic society’”. In assessing the necessity of the interference, member states have little scope to impose restrictions on political speech or on debate on matters of public interest, unless the views expressed comprise incitements to violence, and must always carry out such an assessment case by case.
I observe that other justifications invoked for the restrictions on rights include the prevention of antisemitism. I note with concern reports indicating that the working definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) has been interpreted by some German authorities in ways which lead to the blanket classification of criticism of Israel as antisemitic. In that regard, I urge you to be vigilant that the IHRA working definition is not distorted, instrumentalised or misapplied to stifle freedom of expression and legitimate criticism, including of the state of Israel
The Commissioner asks the German authorities to uphold freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the context of the conflict in Gaza
(June 19, 2025)
In a letter addressed to the Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany published today, Commissioner O’Flaherty raises concerns about restrictions to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly of persons protesting in the context of the conflict in Gaza, as well as about reports of excessive use of force by police against protesters, including children.
Commissioner O’Flaherty also observes restrictions on events, symbols, or other forms of expression in this context. He recalls that member states have little scope to impose restrictions on political speech or on debate on matters of public interest, in line with the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe standards on freedom of expression, hate speech and hate crime. He urges the German authorities to be vigilant that the working definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance is not distorted, instrumentalised or misapplied to stifle freedom of expression and legitimate criticism, including of the state of Israel.
Recalling that member states have legal obligations to refrain from undue interference with human rights and to ensure the effective enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for all, the Commissioner asks the German authorities to avoid taking measures that discriminate against persons based on their political or other opinions, religion or belief, ethnic origin, nationality or migration status.
Menschenrechtskommissar des Europarates kritisiert Bundesregierung wegen Einschränkung der Meinungs- und Versammlungsfreiheit
Der Menschenrechtskommissar des Europarates, Michael O’Flaherty, hat in einem am 19. Juni veröffentlichten Brief an Bundesinnenminister Alexander Dobrindt seine Besorgnis über Einschränkungen der Meinungs- und Versammlungsfreiheit in Deutschland zum Ausdruck gebracht. Explizit verweist er in dem Schreiben auf die behördliche Repression von Protesten gegen Israels Vorgehen in Gaza sowie eine Instrumentalisierung des Antisemitismusvorwurfs, „um legitime Kritik, auch am Staat Israel, zu unterdrücken.“
If aid doesn’t enter Gaza now, 14,000 babies may die. UN peacekeepers must step in
(May 22, 2025)
When the security council fails to act to a threat of peace or security because of veto, the UN charter empowers the UN general assembly to step in through what’s called the “Uniting for Peace” provision. Under this provision, the general assembly can pass a resolution calling for UN peacekeepers to accompany humanitarian convoys and deliver the necessary aid into Gaza, regardless of Israel’s plans and permissions. The UN general assembly must break the illegal blockade and stop the starvation of 2.3 million Palestinians.
Report: Witkoff Told Mediators That the US Won’t Force Israel To End Gaza Slaughter
At another meeting with hostage families this week, Witkoff was pressed on why the US didn’t force Israel to stop. “We’re not the Israeli government. We don’t disagree. The Israeli government is a sovereign government. They can’t tell us what to do, and we can’t tell them what to do,” Witkoff said, according to a recording of the meeting obtained by Haaretz.
Israel’s military operations in Gaza are entirely reliant on US military aid, meaning the US has the ability to pressure Netanyahu to end the slaughter and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, which has been under a total Israeli blockade since March 2.
Hamas Says Witkoff Personally Promised to Lift Gaza Blockade in Exchange for Edan Alexander
“It was a deal,” said Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau who has previously engaged in direct talks with U.S. officials. He said the pledge was made by “Witkoff, himself.” In an interview with Drop Site, Naim said the agreement was: “If we release [Alexander], Trump will speak out thanking Hamas for its gesture, obliging Israel on the second day to open the borders and allow aid to come into Gaza, and [Trump would] call for an immediate ceasefire and to go for negotiations to end the war.”
“He did nothing of this,” Naim added. “They didn‘t violate the deal. They threw it in the trash.”
Zelenskyy sends delegation to Istanbul headed by defense minister to meet with Russian reps
„I have decided to send our delegation to Istanbul now, but not everyone … The delegation will be headed by the Minister of Defense,“ Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Ankara on Thursday.
A positive Muscat start, but will it end well?
Iran‘s foreign ministry characterized the indirect discussions with the U.S. in Oman as „constructive“ and generally „positive“ in a statement released shortly after the talks concluded. The discussions centered on Iran‘s nuclear program and Washington’s sanctions against the country.
Emphasizing the indirect nature of the talks, the statement noted that the Iranian and American delegations were situated in separate halls for the two-and-a-half-hour negotiation, communicating through written messages. At the end of the session, Iran‘s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to West Asia Steve Witkoff had a brief face-to-face encounter and “exchanged greetings out of courtesy” as they departed.
Iran, US complete first round of ‘constructive’ nuclear talks in Oman
Middle East envoy Steve Wiktoff, alongside U.S. Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima, spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday in a nearly two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting that was mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidy.
The two sides started talking at about 3:30 p.m. local time and finished at around 5:50 p.m. They were held just outside of Muscat, the capital of Oman.
Hamas blames Israel for misinformation, says it received no new truce proposal
Hamas also announced in a statement that a delegation headed by senior official Khalil al-Hayya has departed for Cairo to meet representatives from Qatar and Egypt „as part of efforts to reach an agreement.“
Gespräche über Atomprogramm: Iran und USA wagen einen neuen Anlauf
Im Oman sollen am Samstag Verhandlungen über das iranische Atomprogramm starten. Beide Länder schicken dafür hochrangige Vertreter. Während US-Präsident Donald Trump direkte Gespräche angekündigt hat, spricht der Iran von indirekten Gesprächen.
Immerhin reden die USA und der Iran nun miteinander, irgendwie. Das stand lange infrage.