International Law at Breaking Point Amid Global Conflicts, Study Finds
A comprehensive study released on February 3, 2026, by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights concluded that international law, designed to limit the effects of war, is at a breaking point. The study, which examined 23 armed conflicts over the past 18 months, revealed that more than 100,000 civilians have been killed, with torture and rape committed with near impunity, according to The Guardian.
Meanwhile, in other news, the United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, renewed calls for Israel to immediately allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. His appeal came as over 100 sick and injured Palestinians gathered at the reopened Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, seeking medical treatment, Al Jazeera reported. However, Israeli authorities were reportedly blocking most medical evacuees at the crossing. Patrick Griffiths of the Red Cross, who was preparing to leave Gaza, expressed hope that the Rafah crossing's opening would allow Palestinians to heal but emphasized that more needed to be done. He stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to ensure the needs of people in Gaza are met.
In Iran, several former leaders, including those imprisoned or under house arrest, issued damning statements regarding the killing of thousands during nationwide protests. These statements drew threats from hardliners, Al Jazeera noted. The Iranian government claimed that 3,117 people were killed during the anti-establishment protests. Former Iranian Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi, under house arrest since 2009, described the killings during protests in January as a "catastrophe" that would be remembered for decades, if not centuries.
On a different note, Eluned Morgan, the Welsh first minister, suggested that the public should reduce their Netflix consumption and instead visit local pubs to support struggling businesses. Speaking in Wales' parliament, the Senedd, Morgan's comments followed her government's announcement of a one-year business rate discount of 15% for pubs, restaurants, cafes, and live music venues, according to BBC Business. She stated that the government could not be expected "to step in and do the work that the public should be doing."
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