- Respect for laws of war ‘urgently needed’: Red Cross chief
GENEVA, Oct 26 (AFP) – Amid a proliferation of brutal armed conflicts, Red Cross chief Mirjana Spoljaric decried the disregard shown for the internationally-agreed laws of war, with disastrous consequences on the ground, in an interview with AFP.
“What we see are constant violations of international humanitarian law in a fast-rising number of compiling conflicts,” Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, told AFP this week.
“We need to come back to acknowledging that the key to bringing peace is respect for humanity.”
But that respect appears to be in short supply amid a record number of armed conflicts — more than 120 raging around the world, the ICRC chief said.
In numerous conflicts, including the crushing civil war in Sudan, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and Israel’s escalating wars targeting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, there seems to be little effort to spare civilians.
“The numbers of civilian casualties that we see today (and) that high and fast rising number of displaced people are unacceptable,” Spoljaric said.
“Better compliance with international humanitarian law… is urgently needed.”
– Reduce ‘senseless suffering’ –
Known as the laws of war and enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, international humanitarian law (IHL) consists of a set of rules that seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict, protecting civilians and civilian objects and imposing limits on the means and methods of warfare.
This is “a very practical set of norms”, Spoljaric said, including requiring “the respect for medical facilities” and proper treatment of prisoners of war.
“It also requires that when civilian populations are requested to evacuate, that they can do so in safety, (and are) provided with the possibility to go to places where they will find security (and) access to food and water, to shelter and to medical assistance,” she said.
“There are a lot of measures enshrined in the humanitarian treaties that allow for the reduction of unnecessary and senseless suffering of the civilian population in times of armed conflict.”
The ICRC, which is the caretaker of the Geneva Conventions, will next week co-organise an international conference with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, set to focus heavily on how to boost compliance with international law.
– ‘Hollowing out’ international law –
It should be “a no-brainer,” Spoljaric said, pointing out that “all states have ratified the Geneva Conventions, and committed to preserving humanity when things become very complicated.”
“Unfortunately, that is not the reality on the ground.”
In line with the ICRC’s mandate to act as a neutral intermediary between belligerents in a conflict, Spoljaric did not point fingers.
But she voiced serious concern about a growing tendency in conflicts, including in the Middle East, Sudan and Myanmar, where there has been a “collapse of entire health systems”.
“Why is this necessary in achieving military goals?” she asked, stressing that this raises serious questions about how parties are interpreting the “principles of distinction and proportionality in the conduct of military operations”.
She slammed the “undermining and hollowing out (of) international humanitarian law to the extent where it allows you anything in the conduct of hostilities to achieve your military goals”.
One of the biggest challenges at the moment, she said, was “the notion that the enemy has to be completely defeated, and that the enemy can be completely defeated”.
“It’s against the spirit of international humanitarian law to assume that you are allowed to dehumanise the other in the interest of your own safety and security and preserving the safety of your own people,” she insisted.
She pointed out that the Geneva Conventions were adopted in 1949, to help avert a repeat of the brutality witnessed during World War II.
“We don’t want to go back there,” Spoljaric said.
“We don’t want to go back to a situation where you can destroy the other no matter how much it costs.”
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02 PM Modi, German Chancellor Scholz express ‘deep concern’ over Ukraine conflict, reiterate need for “lasting peace”
New Delhi [India], October 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed “deep concern” over the raging conflict in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences while reiterating the need for achieving a “just and lasting pace” in line with international law.
The two leaders expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives in the Ukraine conflict. They also called for the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza.
They also shared the view that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is “unacceptable.”
The joint statement was released following the 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations on Friday.
In the joint statement, PM Modi and Olaf Scholz reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. They reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the joint statement read.
The two leaders also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least-developed countries.
“In the context of this war, they shared the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. They underscored the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterated that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state,” it added.
PM Modi and Chancellor Scholz expressed their shared interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East and condemned the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year.
The two leaders raised concern over the loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They called for the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas and an immediate ceasefire as well as the urgent improvement of access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza.
“The leaders expressed their shared interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. They unequivocally condemned the Hamas’ terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and expressed concern over the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the statement read.
“They called for the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas and an immediate ceasefire as well as the urgent improvement of access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza. The leaders underscored the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region. In this regard, they called on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint,” it added.
The two sides emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and facilitate safe, timely, and sustained humanitarian relief to civilians, and in this regard urged all parties to comply with international law. The two leaders expressed deep concern about the “rapidly deteriorating situation” in Lebanon.
“Both sides also emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and facilitate safe, timely and sustained humanitarian relief to civilians, and in this regard urged all parties to comply with international law. The leaders were also deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon, called for an urgent cessation of hostilities and agreed that a solution to the conflict in Gaza and in Lebanon can only be reached by diplomatic means,” the joint statement read.
“The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 outlines the path towards a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine, living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in dignity and peace with Israel, taking into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns,” it added.
PM Modi and Scholz condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations and termed terrorism a serious threat to international peace and stability.
The joint statement reads, “Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and stability.”
“They further called for concerted action against all terrorist groups, including groups proscribed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee. Both sides also called upon all countries to continue to work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure as well as to disrupt terrorist networks and financing in accordance with international law,” it added.
German Chancellor Scholz is in India for a two-day state visit. This marks Scholz’s third visit to India since he became Chancellor in 2021.
Last year, he visited India twice – for a bilateral state visit in February and to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September.
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03- Israel hits Iran missiles, bases in retaliatory strikes
JERUSALEM, Oct 26 (AFP) – Israel said it conducted air strikes against Iran on Saturday that hit military bases and missile sites in retaliation for the Islamic republic’s attacks, warning it would “pay a heavy price” if it responds.
The Israeli military said its strikes hit Iran’s missile manufacturing facilities, missile arrays and other systems in several regions.
Iran confirmed an Israeli attack had targeted military sites in the capital Tehran and other parts of the country, but said it had caused “limited damage”.
Israel had vowed to hit back at Iran for its October 1 missile strike, the second-ever direct attack by the Islamic republic on its arch-foe.
The rapid escalation of violence has heightened fears across the region and beyond of a wider war, pitting Israel against Iran and the allies it dubs the “axis of resistance” on multiple fronts.
“Based on intelligence, IAF (air force) aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at the State of Israel over the last year,” Israel’s military said in a statement.
“Simultaneously, the IDF (military) struck surface-to-air missile arrays and additional Iranian aerial capabilities,” the army said, adding that the “retaliatory strike has been completed and the mission was fulfilled”.
Since the deadliest attack in its history on October 7, 2023, Israel has been fighting Hamas in Gaza, and since late last month, it has been at war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Both Hezbollah and Hamas are allies of Iran, as are armed groups in Yemen and Iraq and the government in Syria.
In a statement announcing the operation, the Israeli military said it was conducting “precise strikes on military targets in Iran”, in response to what it said were “months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran”.
“The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7th — on seven fronts — including direct attacks from Iranian soil,” the military said.
Iran on Saturday suspended all flights until further notice, the aviation authority announced.
Iran in April launched its first-ever direct assault on Israeli territory in retaliation for a deadly strike on Iran’s consular annex in Damascus.
– ‘Fully mobilised’ –
Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza killed 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed 42,847 people, the majority civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry which the United Nations considers reliable.
Israel has since broadened the scope of its operations to Lebanon, vowing to secure its northern border after nearly a year of attacks launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah in support of Hamas.
At least 1,580 people have been killed in Lebanon since September 23, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures.
Iran’s October 1 strike came after an Israeli air raid killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guards general Abbas Nilforoushan in Lebanon on September 27.
The killing of Nasrallah, which dealt Hezbollah a seismic blow, followed the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Iran in an attack widely blamed on Israel.
Iran’s air defence force confirmed an Israeli attack had targeted several military bases in Tehran and other areas.
“This fake regime (Israel) attacked parts of military centres in Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam provinces,” it said in a statement, adding that the attack “caused limited damage” while being intercepted.
Earlier, Iranian state television reported blasts around the capital, saying they were due to the “activation of the air defence system” against an Israeli attack.
An AFP reporter in Tehran also heard explosions.
– US informed –
Iran had in recent weeks warned that any attack on its infrastructure would provoke an “even stronger response”, while Revolutionary Guards general Rassul Sanairad said an attack on nuclear or energy sites would cross a red line.
US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said the “targeted strikes on military targets” are “an exercise of self-defence and in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1.”
The United States was “informed beforehand and there is no US involvement,” a US defence official told AFP, on condition of anonymity.
The official did not say how far in advance the United States had been informed or what had been shared by Israel.
Syrian state news agency SANA said Israel conducted an air attack on Saturday from the occupied Golan Heights and Lebanon, targeting military positions in Syria.
Citing an unnamed military source, the agency said the attack at around 2:00 am (2300 GMT) had targeted positions in central and southern Syria.
The attack prompted Syria to activate its air defences, SANA said, as Israel announced it was launching “precision strikes” in neighbouring Iran.
Iran and Syria are allies in the so-called “axis of resistance” that also includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
“Our anti-aircraft defence is confronting hostile targets in the skies around Damascus,” state news agency SANA reported on Telegram.
SANA had previously reported the “sounds of explosions” in the vicinity of the Syrian capital.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose network of pro-Iran factions, claimed responsibility early Saturday for a drone attack against a “military target” in northern Israel, following the announcement of Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iraq suspended all air traffic Saturday at its airports until further notice after Israel its attack.
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04- US urges Iran to ‘cease attacks’ on Israel to break cycle of fighting
WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (AFP) – The United States urged Iran on Saturday to stop attacking Israel to break the cycle of violence after Israel launched strikes against the Islamic republic in retaliation for a missile barrage.
“We urge Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of fighting can end without further escalation,” US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett told reporters.
The Israeli military conducted air strikes against Iran on Saturday, hitting military bases and missile sites, and other systems in several regions.
“Their response was an exercise in self-defense and specifically avoided populated areas and focused solely on military targets, contrary to Iran’s attack against Israel that targeted Israel’s most populous city,” he added.
Stressing that the United States did not participate in the operation, he said “it is our aim to accelerate diplomacy and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region”.
A senior administration official said President Joe Biden and his national security team have worked with the “Israelis over recent weeks to encourage Israel to conduct a response that was targeted and proportional with low risk of civilian harm”.
“And that appears to have been precisely what transpired this evening,” the official told reporters.
President Biden had encouraged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “to design a response that served to deter further attacks against Israel while reducing risks of further escalation, and that is our objective”.
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05- 2 planes collide in fatal crash in Sydney’s southwest
SYDNEY, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) — Emergency services responded to a fatal plane crash in Sydney’s southwest on Saturday, police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said.
Two light planes were understood to have collided and crashed before midday in Sydney’s outer southwest.
Members of the public were urged to avoid the area and no further information was available at this stage, NSW Police said.
NSW Police, Fire and Rescue and NSW Ambulance were attending the scene, with at least two firetrucks and several ambulances present.
An investigation into the cause of the crash would be undertaken by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, NSW Police said.
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07- Russian attacks on central Ukraine, Kyiv kill 5
KYIV, Ukraine, Oct 26 (AFP) – Russian missile strikes killed three people including a child in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro while a teenager and another person died in attacks on Kyiv and the surrounding region, officials said Saturday.
Overnight strikes on Dnipro wounded 19 others and damaged multiple buildings, said Sergiy Lysak, the governor of the central Dnipropetrovsk region.
A two-storey residential building was destroyed, he said.
Images shared by Lysak showed rescuers working in a pile of rubble, while another showed what appeared to be a hospital room with its windows blown out.
“Three people were killed in Dnipro, including a child. Nineteen were injured, four of them children. Eight are hospitalised,” Lysak said.
Separate night attacks on the capital Kyiv and surrounding region left two people dead, including a teenage girl who was killed in a drone strike, according to regional authorities.
Ukrainian cities including Kyiv have been subjected to deadly drone and missile attacks throughout Russia’s invasion.
Kyiv has been asking for more air defences from its allies ahead of what is likely to be its toughest winter yet, as Moscow ramps up strikes on energy infrastructure.
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08- Two UN Agencies Renew Warning of Continued Deterioration of Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
New York, October 26 (QNA) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) renewed their warning of the continued deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where millions of people need urgent assistance.
The two agencies said, in a joint statement, that 3.7 million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition this year, stressing that if they do not receive assistance, their chances of dying from preventable diseases will increase by 11 times compared to their peers inside Sudan.
They stressed the importance of UN agencies responsible for providing aid and technical support obtaining permission to have a sustainable presence in all affected communities, noting that the reality on the ground is still fraught with logistical and administrative barriers, and that access restrictions hinder the UN’s ability to deliver life-saving supplies and protection to the most vulnerable communities.
Despite the enormous challenges, UNHCR and UNICEF renewed their commitment to supporting Sudan and all those affected by the conflict, noting that they are working to provide basic services, from emergency shelter and water to education, health care and psychosocial support.
The conflict in Sudan, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has displaced more than 11 million people, either internally or across borders, and has pushed millions more to the brink of hunger, especially children and women.
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08- Iran to resume flights after Israel strikes
TEHRAN, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) — Iran will resume its flights from 9 a.m. local time, the semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted the spokesperson for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization as saying on Saturday.
Strong explosions were heard in the Iranian capital Tehran in the early hours of Saturday. Israel confirmed that it had launched “precise strikes on military targets in Iran” in response to “months of continuous attacks” from the country.
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