Theme

Conflict and Peace

Stories related to violent conflicts, diplomatic tensions, and conflict prevention, mediation and resolution.

Editor's choice
News
Too little, too late, but Arabs hope UNSC resolution dents US-Israel relations

Too little, too late, but Arabs hope UNSC resolution dents US-Israel relations

The situation in Palestine continues to cast a shadow over the Ramadan festivities in the Arabian Peninsula and across the Arab and Moslem worlds. On Monday (26 March), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) finally adopted resolution 2728, demanding an immediate ceasefire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started on 10 March, leading to a “lasting sustainable ceasefire”. The resolution, which was put forward by the Council’s elected members, also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain. Resolution 2728 emphasises the need to expand humanitarian assistance and reinforce the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip. It also reiterates the Council’s demand to lift “all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale”. Arab and Muslim governments have generally welcomed the adoption of UNSC resolution 2728. But amongst a wary public in the GCC and beyond, there is widespread frustration and cynicism, and many consider it as being too little, too late. Palestinian envoy to the UN, Riyad Mansour, speaking in New York yesterday, reflected this mood, saying it had taken “six months, over 100,000 Palestinians killed and maimed, 2 million displaced, and famine for this Council to finally demand an immediate ceasefire.” Palestinians have been killed “in their homes, in the streets, in hospitals and ambulances, in shelters, and even in tents,” he added. “This must come to an end now. There can be no justification for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.” Acceptance of any justification for such crimes would be a renunciation of humanity and destroy the rule of international law beyond repair, Mansour said.

Filter archive

Publication date
Editor's choice
News
Eastern government recognises Libya's unity government

Eastern government recognises Libya's unity government

The eastern-based government of Libya officially recognised the new Government of National Unity (GNU). A delegation of the GNU, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Al-Gatrani, arrived in Benghazi, and received the office location from the now-former eastern government. The handover processes will occur on Wednesday and Thursday. 
Editor's choice
News
Saudi Arabia proposes peace initiative for Yemen

Saudi Arabia proposes peace initiative for Yemen

In line with the regional and international efforts to bring peace to Yemen, Saudi Arabia’ foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, announced yesterday an initiative to end the war in Yemen. The initiative comes at a tense time for the Saudis as the Houthis upscale their attacks on vital energy and logistics infrastructure in the Kingdom. In Yemen itself, no side is winning in the multiple front lines across Yemen and the ramifications on the populations could not be worse.
Editor's choice
News
Aliyev addresses Azerbaijani people on the occasion of the Novruz holiday from the city of Shusha

Aliyev addresses Azerbaijani people on the occasion of the Novruz holiday from the city of Shusha

In an emotional address to the nation on the occasion of the start of the traditional Novruz holiday, Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev addressed his countrymen from the city of Shusha in Nagorno-Karabakh, which has recently reverted back to Azerbaijani control following the 44-day Karabakh war.
Editor's choice
News
Civilians suffer most from escalation in Yemen fighting

Civilians suffer most from escalation in Yemen fighting

The recent military campaign in the Yemeni province of Marib threatens local populations first and foremost. The military operations, which mostly are hit and run operations, threaten to displace at least 385,000 people, said the UN migration agency. Marib is home to about 800,000 IDPs who fled during various stages of the 5 six-year-old conflict.