International Law Strained as Civilian Casualties in Conflicts Soar
A recent study revealed that international law, designed to mitigate the impact of war, is nearing its breaking point as civilian casualties in armed conflicts surge. The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights conducted an extensive survey of 23 conflicts over the past 18 months, finding that over 100,000 civilians were killed, with torture and rape occurring with near impunity.
The study highlighted a concerning trend of war crimes spiraling out of control. The report emphasized the urgent need to address the erosion of international legal norms in conflict zones worldwide.
In other global developments, a 13-year-old Australian boy, Austin Appelbee, was being hailed for his bravery after swimming for hours to seek help for his family, who were swept out to sea off Australia's west coast. According to the BBC, Appelbee swam for four hours after his mother, Joanne, brother, Beau, and sister, Grace, were left clinging to two paddleboards. "I didn't think I was a hero - I just did what I did," Appelbee told the BBC. His mother feared he would not make it to shore.
Meanwhile, in China, new regulations were introduced concerning electric vehicles (EVs). China banned hidden car door handles on EVs, becoming the first country to do so, according to BBC Technology. The new rules, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, mandate that cars must have a mechanical release both inside and outside the doors. This decision followed safety concerns raised after deadly incidents involving Xiaomi EVs, where power failures were suspected of preventing doors from opening.
In the Middle East, a small number of sick and wounded Palestinians were permitted to cross into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing on Monday, The Guardian reported. The reopening, after more than 20 months of closure, allowed a limited number of people to seek medical treatment. Egyptian officials stated that about 150 people were expected to leave the territory, and 50 to enter. However, Reuters reported that only 12 Palestinians were permitted to re-enter by nightfall.
Madagascar was grappling with the impact of Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which resulted in at least three deaths and affected nearly 30,000 people, The Guardian reported. The storm brought heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting that over 40,000 homes could be flooded in the coming days.
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