EU Leaders Call for Urgent Review of EU-Israel Agreement Amid Gaza Conflict
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar jointly urge the European Commission to conduct an urgent review of the EU-Israel agreement.
- They express serious concerns over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and potential violations of human rights and international law.
- Sánchez and Varadkar emphasize the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to prevent further harm to the civilian population of Gaza.
- The leaders highlight reports of a possible Israeli ground operation in Rafah, which they warn could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
- They call for accountability and stress the importance of the two-state solution in resolving the conflict, urging the EU to take action.
France to Restrict Birthright Citizenship in Mayotte to Curb Immigration
- France plans to amend its constitution to limit citizenship in Mayotte to individuals born to immigrants, as part of efforts to control immigration to the Indian Ocean territory.
- The announcement has sparked controversy, with far-right factions welcoming the move while socialists oppose it, arguing that birthright citizenship is a fundamental principle.
- Leftist leaders express concerns that the constitutional change could set a precedent for similar measures in mainland France, potentially leading to broader implications.
- Mayotte residents have voiced discontent and protests in response to the proposed amendment, highlighting divisions within the territory over immigration policies.
- The decision reflects France's ongoing struggle to manage immigration and integration issues, particularly in its overseas territories.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/14/why-is-france-revoking-birthright-citizenship-in-mayotte
France Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Settlers for West Bank Violence
- France announces sanctions against 28 Israeli settlers accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
- The sanctions include banning the individuals from entering France, reflecting a stance against settler violence.
- The move aligns with similar actions by the US and UK, as concerns rise over settler attacks on Palestinians.
- The United Nations records over 516 settler attacks since October 7, amid heightened tensions following Israel's assault on Gaza.
- Israeli security forces are accused of often standing by during settler attacks, contributing to a sense of impunity among settlers.
NATO chief says Europe meeting spending targets after Trump criticism
- Days after former US President Donald Trump implied that Washington might not defend nations that did not spend enough, NATO said on Wednesday that Europe was fulfilling an alliance spending objective and that the US needed allies.
Port of Antwerp Operations Paralyzed by Farmers' Protest
- Hundreds of farmers on tractors block roads surrounding the port, demanding improved pay and working conditions.
- Port operations severely affected, with freight delivery and pickup halted, causing losses in millions of euros for companies.
- Delays compound existing issues, as shipping companies avoid the Suez Canal due to security concerns, opting for longer routes.
- Already disrupted supply chains face further strain, with ships unable to unload cargo at the port.
- Farmers' protests extend beyond Belgium, with French farmers warning of potential resumption of protests if demands are not met.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/port-antwerp-disrupted-by-belgian-farmers-protests-2024-02-13/
India, Poland ink pact for issuing summons search warrant taking evidence of witnesses
- India has signed an agreement with Poland for issuing summons, search warrant to any person or taking the evidence of witnesses residing in either country in relation to criminal matters.
U.S. Official Confident in Certifying Australia and Britain for AUKUS Exemptions
- Under Secretary for Arms Control Bonnie Jenkins expresses confidence in certifying Australia and Britain as eligible for exemptions under the AUKUS.
- The AUKUS project, aimed at countering China's influence, involves sharing U.S. nuclear technology with Australia and other technology with Britain, subject to strict U.S. regulations.
- Certification requires President Biden's approval by mid-April, including AUKUS-related funding, to reinforce U.S. submarine production capabilities, currently held up in Congress due to debates over border security measures.
UK issues Serious Crime Prevention Orders against 9 criminals Indian descent
- The UK authorities have issued Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) to nine Indian-origin criminals who were found guilty of smuggling goods and migrants in an effort to deter future offenses.
UK’s Rwanda bill ‘incompatible with human rights obligations
- The UK government’s controversial Rwanda legislation that deems the African country as a safe place to deport people to is fundamentally incompatible with Britain’s human rights obligations and places it in breach of international law, according to a damning parliamentary report.
Sweden Expects Hungary to Soon Approve NATO Membership Application
- Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom anticipates Hungary's approval of Sweden's NATO membership application following Turkey's completion of the ratification process.
- Hungary is the sole NATO member yet to approve Sweden's application, with the ruling nationalists citing Swedish allegations of democracy erosion as a reason for their hesitation.
News bits compiled by:
Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
