International Law Strained as Conflicts Escalate; Gaza Border Reopens Amidst Global Crises
A new study revealed that international law, designed to limit the effects of war, is at a breaking point, as evidenced by the deaths of over 100,000 civilians in 23 armed conflicts over the last 18 months, according to the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Simultaneously, in the Middle East, Israel reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a key passage for Palestinians in Gaza, after it had been largely closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces captured the Gazan side, according to BBC World.
The Geneva Academy's extensive study highlighted that torture and rape are being committed with near impunity in conflict zones. The report painted a grim picture of the state of international humanitarian law, suggesting a significant erosion in its effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the reopening of the Rafah crossing offered a glimmer of hope for Palestinians in Gaza. According to BBC World, the reopening was initially slated to occur during the first phase of a ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas, which began in October. However, Israel reportedly blocked the reopening until the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza, which occurred last week. Ambulances were seen waiting on the Egyptian side of the border on Monday morning, ready to transport sick and wounded Palestinians.
In other international developments, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to send humanitarian aid to Cuba, despite efforts by the U.S. to cut off oil access to the island nation, according to The Guardian. Sheinbaum stated that Mexico was exploring all diplomatic avenues to send fuel to the Cuban people, even as Washington threatened tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba.
Adding to the global challenges, Madagascar was grappling with the impact of Tropical Cyclone Fytia. The Guardian reported that at least three people had died and nearly 30,000 were affected by flooding after the storm hit over the weekend. It is estimated that more than 40,000 homes could be flooded in the coming days. The storm, the first tropical storm of the season, brought heavy rainfall, with some areas expected to receive up to 150mm.
Separately, BBC Business reported on a previously undisclosed detail regarding a conversation between the late Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer under Gordon Brown, and Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JP Morgan, during the 2009 financial crisis. The conversation, which involved a threat to pull JP Morgan's plans for a new UK headquarters, resurfaced in light of details appearing in the Epstein files.
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