“Denying citizenship to U.S.-born children is not only unconstitutional — it’s also a reckless and ruthless repudiation of American values. Birthright citizenship is part of what makes the United States the strong and dynamic nation that it is. This order seeks to repeat one of the gravest errors in American history, by creating a permanent subclass of people born in the U.S. who are denied full rights as Americans. We will not let this attack on newborns and future generations of Americans go unchallenged. The Trump administration‘s overreach is so egregious that we are confident we will ultimately prevail,” said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Archiv: unübliche Aktivität (Parlamente / -Verfassungsgerichte / -Gewerkschaften / sonstige Statisten) / unusual activity (parliaments / constitutional courts / unions / other extras)
ACLU files lawsuit against Trump order that seeks to end birthright citizenship
A collection of advocacy groups led by the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit late Monday challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order to halt the automatic granting of citizenship to children born in the United States.
German Government Collapses at a Perilous Time for Europe
The collapse of the government, just nine months before parliamentary elections had been scheduled, was an extraordinary moment for Germany. The elections, now expected on Feb. 23, will be only the fourth snap election in the 75 years since the modern state was founded, reflecting a new era of more fractious and unstable politics in a country long known for durable coalitions built on plodding consensus.
Germany’s Coalition Collapses, Leaving the Government Teetering
Mr. Scholz vowed to keep governing until the end of the year and then to demand a confidence vote in Parliament in January, a test he may fail. That would open the way for early elections, a rarity in Germany since World War II, possibly in March.
Ende der Ampelkoalition: „Über Nacht in den Wahlkampfmodus“
…Als Politikwissenschaftlerin kann man natürlich nicht geheim halten, dass das alles hochinteressant und spannend ist und man sich darüber freut, das beobachten zu können. Als Bürgerin des Landes gebe ich aber auch offen zu, dass das bewegende Zeiten sind und weitreichende Zeiten, und insofern ist es ein gemischtes Gefühl, mit dem man auf das schaut und sich schon fragt, wenn wir in den USA gestern früh anfangen und hier in Deutschland, in Berlin gestern Abend enden, was so an einem einzigen Tag alles an Bewegungen stattfinden kann und uns jetzt über Monate, womöglich Jahre beschäftigen wird. …
Waffenlieferungen an Israel stoppen
(October 11, 2024)
Mehr als 40 000 Menschen wurden im Gazastreifen durch die israelischen Sicherheitskräfte getötet, rund 70 Prozent davon waren Frauen und Kinder. Der Gazastreifen wurde in Schutt und Asche gelegt und gezielt unbewohnbar gemacht. Es wird versucht, die palästinensische Bevölkerung zu vertreiben. Das dürfen Demokraten niemals akzeptieren.
(Beifall beim BSW sowie der Abg. Nicole Gohlke (Die Linke))
Der Internationale Gerichtshof ermittelt wegen des Völkermordes gegen Israel. Und auch die Bundesregierung steht wegen Beihilfe zum Völkermord durch die umfangreichen Waffenlieferungen an Israel am Pranger.
(Andrea Lindholz (CDU/CSU): Unerträglich, ehrlich! – Gitta Connemann (CDU/CSU): Das ist eine Täter-Opfer-Umkehr!)
Mit Ihrer Ankündigung gerade, Herr Bundeskanzler Scholz, erneut Waffen nach Israel liefern zu wollen, setzen Sie Deutschland wieder mit auf die Anklagebank des IGH.
(Christian Dürr (FDP): Unglaublich! – Britta Haßelmann (BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN), an die CDU/CSU gewandt: Ihr Koalitionspartner in Thüringen und in Sachsen!)
Deutschland weitet Rüstungsexporte nach Israel aus
Laut Auswärtigem Amt wurden seit August Ausfuhren im Wert von 94,05 Millionen genehmigt. (…)
Die neue Zahl geht aus einer Antwort des Auswärtigen Amts auf eine Anfrage der BSW-Abgeordneten Sevim Dagdelen hervor, die der Nachrichtenagentur dpa vorliegt.
German arms exports to Israel increase, contradicting government reports
Germany‘s arms exports to Israel are much higher than the government said they were, with new numbers showing the government approved exports worth €94 million since August alone.
Last week, Berlin said it had approved €45 million worth of arms exports to Israel for the entire year up to 13 October — a significantly lower sum than before, all amid rumours that the government had stopped approving arms export permits altogether.
The new numbers were made available in response to a query from an MP of the left-wing nationalist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).
„Vorwürfe wie Putin-Versteher ziehen immer weniger“ – Impressionen von der Friedensdemonstration am 3. Oktober
Von einer „Revitalisierung der Friedensbewegung“ spricht Reiner Braun vom zehnköpfigen Organisationsteam der Demonstration an der Siegessäule in seiner Rede. Der Blick über die dichtgedrängten Menschenmassen, darunter viele junge Leute, lassen diese Aussage realistisch erscheinen. Eine Reportage von Ramon Schack.
Großdemo in Berlin: Bündnis „Nie wieder Krieg“ protestiert gegen Waffenlieferungen
Mehrere Tausend Menschen haben am Tag der Deutschen Einheit in #Berlin an einem #Sternmarsch für den #Frieden teilgenommen. Sie demonstrierten u.a. gegen die militärische Unterstützung von Israel und der Ukraine und gegen die Stationierung von US-Mittelstreckenraketen in Deutschland. Außerdem forderten sie das Ende des Gaza-Kriegs. Die Initiatoren sprachen von rund 42.000 Teilnehmenden, die Polizei von einer „unteren fünfstelligen Teilnehmerzahl“.
Iraq requests urgent Arab League meeting on Lebanon
Qahtan Al-Janabi, Iraq’s permanent representative to the League, told the official Iraqi News Agency (INA) yesterday: “Iraq has requested an urgent meeting at the level of permanent representatives in the Arab League.”
“The meeting will address the situation in Lebanon, particularly concerning the displaced and refugees, and providing assistance to the country.”
Earlier yesterday, the Ministry of Migration announced that 144 Lebanese citizens had entered Iraq via the Al-Qa’im border crossing with Syria, including some wounded.
Eklat im Thüringer Landtag – Verfassungsrechtler Brenner: Treutler hat Kompetenz eines Alterspräsidenten überschritten
Nun, es stehen sich eigentlich zwei unterschiedliche Rechtsauffassungen gegenüber. Die AfD ist der Auffassung, dass die Geschäftsordnung des alten Landtages weiter gilt. Und sie vertritt die Auffassung, dass, bevor ein Landtagspräsident gewählt werden kann, zunächst einmal darüber befunden werden muss. Sie sagt also: Der Landtagspräsident kann erst gewählt werden, wenn der Landtag sich konstituiert hat.
Die Auffassung der anderen Fraktionen geht dahin, dass es das Selbstverwaltungsrecht des Parlamentes ist, sich jederzeit selbst verwalten zu können, selbst organisieren zu können. Und das schließt auch das Recht ein, Anträge zur Änderung der Geschäftsordnung einzubringen, über die heute nicht abgestimmt werden durfte.
Eklat im neuen Thüringer Landtag
In der ersten Sitzung des Thüringer Landtags sollte eigentlich ein Landtagspräsident gewählt werden. Stattdessen stand der Alterspräsidenten von der AfD und seine Sitzungsleitung im Mittelpunkt.
NEWS: Sanders and Colleagues Move to Block Arms Sales to Israel
The Senate will vote on these resolutions when it reconvenes in November. Let me explain why these arms sales must not proceed.
Israel clearly had the right to respond to Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on October 7th, which killed 1,200 innocent Israelis and took hundreds of hostages. But Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist government has not simply waged war against Hamas. It has waged all-out war against the Palestinian people, killing more than 41,000 Palestinians and injuring more than 95,000 – 60 percent of whom are women, children, or elderly people. Netanyahu has bombed hospitals and schools, starved children, destroyed infrastructure and housing stock, and made life unlivable in Gaza. The United States must end its complicity in this atrocity.
Sending more weapons is not only immoral, it is also illegal. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act lay out clear requirements for the use of American weaponry – Israel has egregiously violated those rules.
Sanders Unveils Resolutions to Block US Arms Sales as Israel Rejects Cease-Fire Call
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and a pair of his Senate colleagues on Wednesday formally introduced resolutions aimed at blocking a series of proposed arms sales to the Israeli government as it bombards Gaza and Lebanon, deepening humanitarian crises there and pushing the region to the brink of all-out war.
The six Joint Resolutions of Disapproval, five of which were backed by Sens. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), would together prevent the sale of $20 billion of U.S. weaponry to Israel. The Biden administration approved the massive sale of Joint Direct Attack Munitions, tank ammunition, F-15 fighter jets, and other military equipment last month.
AN OPEN LETTER TO SAG-AFTRA AND SISTER GUILD LEADERSHIP
To Our Guild Leadership and Staff:
We are proud rank-and-file union and trade association members from every corner of our industry — working on screen, stage, set, and in the field — united in solidarity with the global call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a just, lasting peace. As artists and storytellers, we cannot stand idly by as our industry refuses to tell the story of Palestinian humanity.
Following SAG-AFTRA’s statement in sympathy with Israel regarding October 7, many SAG-AFTRA and sister guild members have watched in horror as the Israeli government wages a war of collective punishment on the civilian population of Gaza — killing over 40,000 Palestinians, injuring over 90,000 more, forcibly displacing 2 million people, and openly targeting members of the press and their families. As the IDF continues its assault on “safe zones,” schools, and hospitals, and as civilians in Gaza die from starvation, dehydration, and lack of medical supplies and fuel, major human rights groups have labeled these acts as war crimes, human rights atrocities, and even genocide. The UN has described Gaza as a “graveyard for children” — and estimate that by mid-July “half of the population — more than a million people — could face death and starvation.” As of now, there is no end in sight — only escalation, death, and destruction.
Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef and More Call on SAG-AFTRA Leaders to Protect Pro-Palestine Members From Being Blacklisted (Exclusive)
SAG-AFTRA members Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Barrera and Cynthia Nixon are among the hundreds of union members calling on their organization’s leadership to keep people from being blacklisted for their views on Palestine.
In a statement provided with an open letter from organization SAG-AFTRA and Sister Guild Members for Ceasefire, members claim their numerous attempts to communicate with leadership about their concerns and work on a ceasefire statement together have been consistently ignored. When asked, SAG-AFTRA declined to comment on the claim or the letter.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy Joint Press Availability
QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Foreign Secretary. Secretary Blinken, could I ask you about a couple of aspects on the Middle East? The Israel Defense Forces just a moment ago released an investigation, or released a preliminary – some preliminary findings to the death of an American citizen, Ms. Aysenur Eygi. Could you say – they said that she was killed most likely by Israeli fire, but unintentionally. Are you confident of that assessment? Does the United States want to see anything further? Are you confident with the assessment that this was unintentional, and what more do you want Israel to do? Could there be repercussions?
For both of you, could I ask you about the International Criminal Court? The – it seems that in the coming days there could be a formal decision on whether to seek an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu, among others. Mr. Foreign Secretary, the Labor government, of course, has taken a slightly different stance from your predecessors, from the Conservatives, on this. Could you say what your position is, whether you support going ahead? And is there unity between the two allies on this? Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Shaun, thank you very much. With regard to the tragic killing of Aysenur, I think what we saw of this investigation is it seems to show what eyewitnesses have said and made clear: that her killing was both unprovoked and unjustified. No one – no one – should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views.
In our judgment, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement. We’ve long seen reports of the security forces looking the other way when extremist settlers use violence against Palestinians. We’ve seen reports of excessive force by Israeli security forces against Palestinians. And now we have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. It’s not acceptable. It has to change. And we’ll be making that clear to the senior-most members of the Israeli Government.
Now, we’re looking carefully at the results of this investigation, but even on an initial read and even accepting it at face value, it’s clear that there are serious issues that need to be dealt with. And we will insist that they be dealt with.
FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: I think the important thing to stress in great democracies such as ours is our belief in the separation of powers. There is an important forum for lawyers and the judiciary and our courts, and then there is also an important forum for politicians and those who represent the people.
We’ve always been clear in the UK in our belief in the international rule of law, the rules-based order, and in IHL issues which are fundamentally important. And we took a decision last week in relation to arms exports that were quasi-legal on the basis of our law as they stand. We believe in international law, we believe in the Statute of Rome, but these must be decisions for the international courts to determine. I don’t want to comment on the assessment that they will reach. I’m qualified as a lawyer in part because of the great Harvard Law School. But I’m going to leave it to the lawyers to determine these very complex matters.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you.
FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: Thanks a lot.
Blinken slams Israel after IDF says its forces likely shot slain American activist
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has called for “fundamental changes” to the way Israeli forces operate in the occupied West Bank after the killing of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi at a protest last week.
Blinken’s sharply worded rebuke came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that it was “highly likely” that Eygi was “hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire.”
UK: Independent pro-Gaza MPs announce formal alliance as parliamentary group
Corbyn told Middle East Eye on Monday: „We were elected to Parliament to represent our communities – and today‘s announcement is about making sure their demands are properly represented.
„A collective voice is a stronger voice. We will ensure the government knows the true scale of public disgust over its continued, shameful refusal to end arms sales to Israel.
How to watch the eastern German elections like a pro
BERLIN — Populist parties on the far-right and far-left ends of the political spectrum are expected to surge in regional elections to be held in eastern Germany this Sunday. If the current forecasts are borne out, the result on Sunday will send political shockwaves across Germany and illustrate the degree to which voters in the east of the country are rebelling against mainstream political parties.
Pro-Palestinian protests sweep Europe
German police broke up a protest by between sixty and eighty pro-Palestinian activists who had occupied a courtyard on Freie Universität Berlin’s campus on Tuesday, May 7.
“An occupation is not acceptable on the FU Berlin campus,” university president Guenter Ziegler said.
Wahl für neue Berliner SPD-Parteispitze: Landeschef Saleh ist aus dem Rennen
Saleh hat die Politik der SPD in den vergangenen Jahren maßgeblich gestaltet und die Partei auch in das schwarz-rote Bündnis geführt.
Die SPD-Mitglieder hätten gegen eine „Weiter so“ entschieden, kommentierte Hikel das Ergebnis am Samstag. Das Ergebnis sei ein Einschnitt und bringe die Partei in eine „neue Ära der Sozialdemokratie“. Ähnlich äußerte sich seine Co-Bewerberin Böcker-Giannini, die an die Einigkeit der Partei appellierte. (…)
So stellten Hikel und Böcker-Giannini etwa das kostenlose Kita-Essen für alle Kinder infrage, Niroomand und Bertels sprachen sich hier gegen Änderungen aus.
SPD Berlin Mitgliederbefragung zum Landesvorsitz
Drei Kandidat*innen-Teams nahmen im ersten Wahlgang an der Mitgliederbefragung teil:
Jana Bertels und Kian Niroomand: 3020 Stimmen (36,11%)
Nicola Böcker-Giannini und Martin Hikel: 4034 Stimmen (48,24%)
Luise Lehmann und Raed Saleh: 1309 Stimmen (15,65%)
Damit kommt es zu einer Stichwahl zwischen den beiden bestplatzierten Teams.
Deutschrussen in Untersuchungshaft: „Agententätigkeit für Putins Verbrecher-Regime“
Kiesewetter sprach sich auch dafür aus, „extremistische Bereiche“ in den Blick zu nehmen. Konkret nannte er „AfD-Sympathisanten, die sich Russland freiwillig andienen“ sowie deutsche Kämpfer bei russischen Söldner-Truppen oder anderen russischen Kampftruppen, die nach Deutschland zurückkehrten.
U.S. allows U.N. cease-fire vote, but it’s too late for many in Gaza
We are already halfway through Ramadan, a month-long holy period marked by pronounced grief and suffering in the Palestinian territories. The Israeli campaign in Gaza has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians, including many women and children, forced the overwhelming majority of people in Gaza to flee their homes and plunged more than half of Gaza’s population into a de facto famine. Small children are dying of malnutrition in what U.N. officials describe to be the broadest and most severe food crisis in the world.
WATCH: UNSC Chamber Bursts Into Applause As Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Is Adopted | Dawn News English
Amid growing global pressure for a truce in the fighting that has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians, the US abstained from the vote to allow the Security Council to demand an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramazan, which ends in two weeks.
It also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Gaza: UN Security Council demands ‚immediate‘ ceasefire for first time, US abstains
(25.03.2024)
After more than five months of war in Gaza, the UN Security Council for the first time on Monday, March 25, demanded an immediate ceasefire after the United States, Israel‘s ally which vetoed previous draft resolutions, abstained. Drawing unusual applause in the often staid Security Council, all 14 other members voted in favor of the resolution which „demands an immediate ceasefire“ for the ongoing Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Regierungserklärung von Scholz: „Russland ist nicht so stark, wie man denkt“
Dem SPD-Fraktionschef Rolf Mützenich warf Merz wegen seiner These vom Einfrieren des Krieges indirekt Feigheit vor: „Friedfertigkeit kann das Gegenteil von Frieden bewirken.“ Mit Blick auf Kremlchef Wladimir Putin ergänzte er: „Einem solchen skrupellosen Kriegsverbrecher kann man nicht mit Feigheit begegnen, sondern nur mit Klarheit und Entschlossenheit.“
Geheimnisverrat-Vorwurf: 105 Personen bei Taurus-Sitzung
Die «Rheinische Post» beruft sich dabei auf einen Brief der Ausschussvorsitzenden Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP) an Bundestagspräsidentin Bärbel Bas (SPD). Darin heißt es demnach, an der fraglichen Sitzung hätten insgesamt etwa 105 Personen teilgenommen, «darunter zahlreiche Vertreterinnen und Vertreter der Bundesregierung und der Landesvertretungen».
«Es ist also nicht zwingend, dass die Informationsweitergabe aus dem parlamentarischen Raum erfolgt ist», schreibt die FDP-Politikerin demnach weiter. Sie bittet Bas, eine Ermächtigung zur Strafverfolgung wegen Verletzung des Dienstgeheimnisses und einer besonderen Geheimhaltungspflicht zu erteilen.
Schumer said out loud what many of Israel’s friends are thinking
“I spent two months thinking about this and wrestling with it,” Schumer told me in an interview Friday. Far from being an attack on Israel, Schumer said, it was an attempt to shore up support for the Jewish state, particularly among young Americans who have known Israel only under Netanyahu’s leadership.
Biden Embraces Schumer’s Speech Castigating Netanyahu
(15.03.2024)
But sometimes in Washington, the most telling indicator is not a public statement but the absence of one. Mr. Biden could have asked Mr. Schumer to hold back, so that he did not endanger the president’s future ability to deal with Mr. Netanyahu, with whom he now barely speaks. He could have said the United States should not express an opinion on the inner workings of Israel’s democratic processes. He did none of that.
Lawmakers and aides who have spoken with Mr. Biden in recent weeks say his anger at Mr. Netanyahu is now eating away at his reluctance to go public with his critiques.
Biden backs Schumer‘s criticism of Bibi
What they are saying: „I‘m not going to elaborate on his speech,“ Biden said in response to a question at the top of his meeting with the prime minister of Ireland at the White House.
„He made a good speech, and I think he expressed serious concern shared not only by him, but by many Americans,“ Biden added.
Schumer‘s anti-Netanyahu speech stuns Israel
(14.03.2024)
Behind the scenes: Schumer told senior White House officials on Wednesday that he was going to give a speech about Israel, but he didn‘t give them a copy of the speech or ask for their permission, U.S. officials told Axios.
(…)
„I don‘t know if people in Israel really understand how big of a step it is for him to do this,“ one U.S. official said.
Full speech: Sen. Schumer calls for new elections in Israel
(14.03.2024)
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., delivered an address on the Senate floor to call for a two-state solution amid the conflict in Gaza and new elections in Israel.
US-Senator Schumer fordert Neuwahl in Israel
Netanyahu sei „vom Weg abgekommen, indem er sein politisches Überleben über die besten Interessen Israels gestellt hat“. Die vom israelischen Regierungschef eingegangene Koalition mit weit rechts stehenden Extremisten habe zur Folge, dass Netanyahu „zu sehr bereit“ sei, „die zivilen Opfer im Gazastreifen zu tolerieren“. Dieses Handeln lasse die weltweite Unterstützung für Israel auf einen Tiefstand sinken. Das Land könne aber nicht überleben, wenn es zu einem „Paria“ – einem Ausgestoßenen – werde, warnte Schumer.
A speech that sent shockwaves from Washington to Jerusalem
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s warning that Israel risked becoming a “pariah” and his call for new elections marked a momentous moment in modern US-Israel relations.
Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, warns Netanyahu has ‚lost his way‘
(14.03.2024)
„As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7. The world has changed — radically — since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past,“ he said.
„At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government,“ he said.
(…)
He also called for a two-state solution.
(…)
Schumer also called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to step aside.
„We will not be complicit in Israel’s grave violation of international law.“
(01.03.2024)
We, the undersigned parliamentarians, declare our commitment to end our nations’ arms sales to the State of Israel.
Our bombs and bullets must not be used to kill, maim, and dispossess Palestinians. But they are: we know that lethal weapons and their parts, made or shipped through our countries, currently aid the Israeli assault on Palestine that has claimed over 30,000 lives across Gaza and the West Bank.
We cannot wait. Following the interim ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Genocide Convention case against the State of Israel, an arms embargo has moved beyond a moral necessity to become a legal requirement.
We will not be complicit in Israel’s grave violation of international law. The ICJ ordered Israel not to kill, harm or “deliberately [inflict] on the [Palestinians] conditions of life calculated to bring about… physical destruction.” They have refused. Instead, they press on with a planned assault on Rafah that the Secretary General of the United Nations has warned will „exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare.“
Today, we take a stand. We will take immediate and coordinated action in our respective legislatures to stop our countries from arming Israel.
Signatories:
Just Two US Lawmakers Sign International Statement Demanding Arms Embargo on Israel
(02.03.2024)
The statement‘s signatories include legislators from Israel‘s top allies and weapons suppliers, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. Just two U.S. lawmakers—Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.)—backed the statement.
The statement includes six signatories from Germany, which is facing an International Court of Justice (ICJ) case alleging complicity in genocide against Palestinians.
The lawmakers argued that an arms embargo on Israel is both „a moral necessity“ and „a legal requirement,“ given the ICJ‘s interim ruling in late January.
200 Legislators from 13 Countries Oppose Arms Exports to Israel
(04.03.2024)
Amid the deadly war in Gaza, over 200 legislators from 11 countries unite to oppose their countries’ arms exports to Israel. In a declaration published by the Progressive International parliamentarians declared “our commitment to end our nations’ arms sales to the State of Israel.”
“Our bombs and bullets must not be used to kill, maim, and dispossess Palestinians. But they are: we know that lethal weapons and their parts, made or shipped through our countries, currently aid the Israeli assault on Palestine that has claimed over 30,000 lives across Gaza and the West Bank. We cannot wait. Following the interim ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Genocide Convention case against the State of Israel, an arms embargo has moved beyond a moral necessity to become a legal requirement.
Gaza/Israel: Statement by the High Representative on Palestinians citizens killed during a transfer of aid supplies
Last Thursday, over a hundred civilians were killed and many other wounded when desperately trying to get food from a convoy, many of them victims of the Israeli army fire during the ensuing stampede. The firing by Israeli soldiers against civilians trying to access foodstuff is unjustifiable.
We request an impartial international investigation on this tragic event allowing for a clear picture of the events and responsibilities. In any case, it is Israel‘s responsibility to comply with the rules of international law and to protect the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilian populations.
Many of those killed or wounded in Gaza stampede for aid were shot by Israeli army, EU arm says
Many of the Palestinians killed or wounded in the chaos as they tried to get bags of flour from an aid convoy were hit by Israeli army fire, the European Union’s diplomatic service said Saturday, urging an international investigation.
Pentagon chief says over 25,000 Palestinian women and children killed by Israel in Gaza
At a congressional hearing on Thursday, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said more than 25,000 Palestinian women and children had been killed by Israel since 7 October.
The remarks were in response to a question posed by Congressman Ro Khanna. The figure appears to be significantly higher than the death toll provided by the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza.
Umfragen Sachsen (#ltwsn): Wenn am nächsten Sonntag Landtagswahl wäre …
(25.01.2024)
CDU 30 %
SPD 7 %
GRÜNE 7 %
FDP –
LINKE 4 %
AfD 35 %
FW –
Sonstige BSW 8 %Son 9 %
Frischer Wind im deutschen Parteiensystem: Welche Chancen haben Bündnis Wagenknecht, Freie Wähler, Werteunion und Dava?
Die Unzufriedenheit mit der deutschen Regierung bringt neue Parteien hervor und macht Alternativen zu den etablierten Kräften stärker. Die Parteienlandschaft wandelt sich stark. Ein Überblick.
Russia has just called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting to discuss threats to international peace and security from the US strikes against Iraq and Syria. The meeting is expected to be held at 4 pm EST on February 5
Algeria calls a UN Security Council for next Wednesday after ICJ ruling on Gaza war
The ICJ decision “gives the clear message that in order to do all the things that they are asking for, you need a ceasefire for it to happen,” Palestinian Authority Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said.
“So fasten your seat belts,” he said, hinting that the Arab Group, represented on the council by Algeria, would push for one.
UN Security Council to discuss ICJ ruling in Israel genocide case
Algeria, the Arab representative on the council, requested the meeting late on Friday after a closed-door discussion of the UN’s 22-member Arab group.
“So fasten your seat belts,” Mansour said, hinting that the Arab group would push for a halt in the fighting.
Parteitag & Aufstellungsversammlung zur EU-Wahl | Berlin | 27. Januar 2024
Am Samstag, den 27.01. 2024, ist es soweit: Unser Parteitag in Berlin und die Aufstellungsversammlung zur EU-Wahl!
Erster Parteitag für das Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht
Am Vormittag soll zunächst der Parteivorstand gewählt werden: Den Vorsitz sollen Wagenknecht und die frühere Linken-Fraktionschefin Amira Mohamed Ali übernehmen. Beide werden auch beim Parteitag sprechen.
Am Nachmittag will die Partei ihr Programm zur Europawahl am 9. Juni beschließen und ihre Kandidatenliste aufstellen.
Werteunion trifft sich in Erfurt: Maaßens großer Schritt zur Parteigründung
(20.01.2024)
Mit der CDU-Führung liegt Maaßen seit geraumer Zeit im Dauerkonflikt – seit vergangenem Jahr läuft ein Parteiausschlussverfahren gegen den ehemaligen Spitzenbeamten und derzeitigem Chef der Werteunion, einem Verein, in dem auch besonders konservative Mitglieder von CDU und CSU vertreten sind.
Bei einer Mitgliederversammlung am Samstag in Erfurt soll ein erster wichtiger Schritt in Richtung Parteigründung gegangen werden:
Umfragen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (#ltwmv)
Wenn am nächsten Sonntag Landtagswahl wäre …
Growing number of Senate Democrats question Biden’s Israel strategy
(19.01.2024)
The growing willingness of establishment Democrats to criticize or push back on Israel — a move that would have come with serious political ramifications just a few months ago — signals a shift in the politics of the party since the war in Gaza began more than 100 days ago. Senators from swing states, including Georgia, Wisconsin and Minnesota, have signed on to some of these measures as polls show a notable drop in support for Biden among young, Muslim and Arab American voters over his handling of the issue.
Group of Jewish Democrats in US House slam Netanyahu for rejecting Palestinian state
(20.01.2024)
The list of 15 Jewish Democrats who issued Friday’s statement was significant for including at least seven lawmakers endorsed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s affiliated political action committee. AIPAC discourages open disagreement with Israeli governments on security issues.
Those seven are Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon, Dan Goldman of New York, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mike Levin, Adam Schiff and Brad Sherman of California.
US Democrats push Biden over possible displacement of Gaza Palestinians
(19.01.2024)
The letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, led by U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Jamie Raskin, was signed by 60 Democratic House of Representatives members, reflecting concern, especially on the left, over the steep toll on Palestinian civilians of Israel‘s campaign against Hamas.
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Separately, a group of Democratic senators said on Friday that 18 Democrats in that chamber support an amendment that would require that any country receiving funding in the supplemental use the money in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict.
New German leftist party could take up to 14% of vote, poll shows
leftist politician who quit Germany‘s Left party and this week set up her own could win as much as 14% of the vote in national elections, dealing heavy blows to both conservatives and the far right, a new poll has found.
Umfrage-Hammer: Neue Wagenknecht-Partei fast so stark wie SPD
(28.10.2023)
Die neue Partei der langjährigen deutschen Linken-Politikerin Sahra Wagenknecht würde einer Umfrage zufolge aus dem Stand auf 14 Prozent kommen.
France and Jordan airdrop aid to Gaza
The supplies dropped by France and Jordan were equipped with systems that remotely guided them to a Jordanian field hospital operating in the territory, the French presidency says.
Thursday’s mission “allows us to show that such operations are possible,” the Elysee adds, without saying whether it would be repeated.
UN Security Council to vote on new resolution demanding ceasefire, aid access to Gaza
The resolution, drafted by the United Arab Emirates, demands access to the Hamas-ruled enclave via land, sea and air routes.
The draft text, Reuters reports, currently “calls for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access.”
The US is looking to amend the language on the cessation of hostilities, diplomats tells Reuters.
‘China’s position is clear’: Foreign Minister Wang Yi pushes for one UN voice on Gaza ceasefire
The Security Council should reach another consensus, Wang told his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira in a separate meeting, according to a readout from the Chinese foreign ministry.
“We should seek a new consensus in the council to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, the release of detainees and a return to the two-state solution, which is the fundamental solution to the Palestine problem,” Wang said. (…)
Wang said Wednesday’s high-level meeting comes at a crucial time, being the last day of a temporary ceasefire. It will aim to push the council to reach a consensus on a ceasefire,…
Calendar of the Security Council activities: 29 November
Briefing (A.M.)
-Middle East
Consultations (A.M.)
-Middle East
China sends a very important message on de-escalating ??#Israel??#Palestine #Gaza conflicts. ??China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi to go #NewYork to host a high-level?? @UN Security Council meeting on Israel-Palestine issue on Nov.29.
(27.11.2023)
Indonesian FM to Tell UN Security Council to Do More to Stop War in Gaza
The UN Security Council is set to hold a high-level debate on the Israel-Hamas war this Wednesday.
Retno and fellow top diplomats from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will join the talks. According to Retno, the Muslim-majority nation representatives seek to get the council to do more to stop the war in Gaza. This includes the adoption of a stronger resolution that enables unhindered humanitarian assistance and a permanent ceasefire.
Bilateral meeting between FM Shoukry & @jmalbares FM.Discussions addressed the inevitability of ending the war in Gaza, commitment to work for the recognition of the Palestinian state & support the Arab/Islamic resolution in the UNSC & holding an international peace conference
The crisis in Gaza is growing. Israeli airstrikes are destroying residential buildings and public infrastructure. Restrictions on humanitarian aid make life even harder. Stop the bombing NOW.
24 Members of Congress Call on Biden Administration to Establish a Ceasefire, Protect Children in the Gaza Strip
(15.11.2023)
The letter is co-signed by Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Cori Bush, James McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Raúl Grijalva, Pramila Jayapal, Joaquin Castro, Delia Ramirez, Henry Johnson, Greg Casar, Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nydia Velázquez, Ayanna Pressley, Jonathan Jackson, Barbara Lee, André Carson, Jamaal Bowman, Summer Lee, Veronica Escobar, and Ilhan Omar.
The letter is endorsed by MoveOn, Amnesty International, Demand Progress, Center for International Policy, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Churches for Middle East Peace, CIVIC, Common Defense, Friends Committee for National Legislation (FCNL), MADRE, Oxfam America, Win Without War, POMED, Working Families Party, Action Corps, Adalah Justice Project, American Friends Service Committee, Americans Justice In Palestine, Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Democracy for Arab World Now, IfNotNow, Institute for Policy Studies New Internationalism Project, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Migrant Roots Media, National Iranian American Council Action, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, Pax Christi USA, Peace Action, Peace Action Montgomery, The Duty Legacy, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, Women for Weapons Trade Transparency and the Yemeni Alliance Committee.
UNSC adopts Malta’s resolution on Gaza
Approved resolution
The Security Council,
Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
Reaffirming that all parties to conflicts must adhere to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law,
Stressing that international humanitarian law provides general protection for children as persons taking no part in hostilities, and special protection as persons who are particularly vulnerable, and recalling that the taking of hostages is prohibited under international law,
Recalling that all parties to armed conflict must comply strictly with the obligations applicable to them under international law for the protection of children in armed conflict, including those contained in the Geneva Conventions of 12th August 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977, as well as the relevant conventions regarding the involvement of children in conflict situations,
Expressing deep concern at the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and its grave impact on the civilian population, especially the disproportionate effect on children, underlining the urgent need for full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, and stressing the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence and the obligation to respect and protect humanitarian relief personnel,
Rejecting forced displacement of the civilian population, including children, in violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law,
Expressing deep concern that the disruption of access to education has a dramatic impact on children, and that conflict has lifelong effects on their physical and mental health,
Commending the ongoing efforts of several regional and international actors as well as of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to address the hostage and humanitarian crises.
Demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children;
Calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable, consistent with international humanitarian law, the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other impartial humanitarian organizations, to facilitate the continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services important to the well-being of civilians, especially children, throughout the Gaza Strip, including water, electricity, fuel, food, and medical supplies, as well as emergency repairs to essential infrastructure, and to enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts, including for missing children in damaged and destroyed buildings, and including the medical evacuation of sick or injured children and their care givers;
Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children, as well as ensuring immediate humanitarian access;
Calls on all parties to refrain from depriving the civilian population in the Gaza Strip of basic services and humanitarian assistance indispensable to their survival, consistent with international humanitarian law, which has a disproportionate impact on children, welcomes the initial, although limited, provision of humanitarian supplies to civilians in the Gaza Strip and calls for the scaling up of the provision of such supplies to meet the humanitarian needs of the civilian population, especially children;
Underscores the importance of coordination, humanitarian notification, and deconfliction mechanisms, to protect all medical and humanitarian staff, vehicles including ambulances, humanitarian sites, and critical infrastructure, including UN facilities, and to help facilitate the movement of aid convoys and patients, in particular sick and injured children and their care givers;
Requests the Secretary-General to report orally to the Security Council on the implementation of this resolution at the next mandated meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, and further requests the Secretary-General to identify options to effectively monitor the implementation of this resolution as a matter of prime concern;
Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Israel-Palestine crisis: Security Council calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza
3:40 PM
The Security Council voted on the Malta resolution, with 12 members in favour, none against, and three countries abstaining, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom.