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Conflict Weekly
The Ceasefire Conundrum in the Middle East, Protests against Gender Violence in Australia and Biden’s Speech on Holocaust Memorial

  IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #227, 10 May 2024, Vol.5, No.19
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

 

Shamini Velayutham, Akhil Ajith Sayeka Ghosh and Neha Tresa George


The Ceasefire Conundrum in the Middle East: Hamas accepts a deal, Israel rejects
Shamini Velayutham

In the news
On 8 May, according to a senior administration official, US President Joe Biden's administration stopped sending weapons to Israel last week because of what appeared to be military actions by Israeli troops to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah. US President Joe Biden stated: "I made it clear to the Israelis that if they go into Rafah…, I'm not supplying the weapons."  On 9 May, following Biden's above statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone. If we need to, we will fight with our fingernails. But we have much more than fingernails."

On 6 May, Hamas said it had accepted a truce proposal that Qatar and Egypt brokered. For Netanyahu, however, the agreement did not satisfy Israel's objectives. On the same day, tens of thousands of Palestinians were told to evacuate Rafah by the Israeli army as tensions over a possible ground invasion of the southern Gaza city where 1.4 million displaced by Israel's bombardment on Gaza have taken refuge. According to an Israeli military spokesperson, around 100,000 residents of eastern Rafah were advised to evacuate to "an expanded humanitarian area" on the coast. The directive was issued just before Hamas approved a ceasefire agreement.

Issues at large
First, the ceasefire conundrum. The proposal accepted by Hamas includes a three-stage truce, each lasting 42 days. In the first phase, indirect negotiations through mediators would resume on the exchange of captives and prisoners. A withdrawal of some Israeli troops from certain areas would also take place along with the unhindered return of displaced families to their homes and the flow of aid and fuel into Gaza. In the second phase, there would be a complete and permanent halt to military activity in Gaza. The final phase would focus on beginning reconstruction in post-war Gaza, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and United Nations agencies. However, Israel said that the terms of the Hamas ceasefire differed from previous proposals it had seen. 

Second, increased hostilities in Rafah. Following international mediators' acceptance of a ceasefire plan, Israeli forces took control of the Rafah border crossing. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported on 6 May that since Israeli tanks and troops advanced into the city's eastern neighbourhood, 80,000 residents have left Rafah.

Third, the rift between the US and Israel. In recent months, the Biden administration has publicly and privately criticized Israel for how it is handling its war against Hamas on multiple occasions. Netanyahu's dilemma stems from his pledge to the Israeli people of a victory over Hamas. Nonetheless, the US has made it clear that it will not back a full-scale invasion, even despite its unwavering backing for Israel during the Gaza War. 

In perspective
Hamas has been pressing for the end of the war to occur during the first 40 days of the agreement, not during the second or third phases, and has been harder in its demands in recent days. In contrast, Israel has consistently stated that it will not accept a hostage deal that ends the war in any way and will continue to fight to achieve its two main objectives in the conflict: the recovery of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas's ability to rule and assemble an armed force. 

The recent increase in the ground operation in Rafah jeopardizes hopes of securing a deal between Israel and Hamas. As Israel continues to hold strong opinions about the ceasefire, the ceasefire once again remains elusive.


Australia: Protests against gender violence 
Akhil Ajith 

In the news
On 30 April, during the protests against gender violence, Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, and Minister for Public Service in a statement stated: "The Albanese Government is committed to combatting the crime of homicide, as well as ending violence against women and children in a generation. We want to see the number of intimate partner homicides falling each year."

On 28 April, protests took place across Australia in response to the growing violence against women. Prime Minister Anthony stated: "Society and Australia must do better. We need to change the culture and attitudes. We need to change the legal system." So far, more than 15 "No More: National Rally Against Gender-Based Violence" have been held across Australia, including cities such as Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

On 14 April, an assailant stabbed and killed six people at a crowded shopping centre in Sydney before being neutralized by the police. The police chief, Anthony Cooke, said that the suspect was suffering from mental issues and showed no signs of terrorism. Six people, including five women and one man, aged between 20 and 55, were killed in the attack. Another 12 were injured and were admitted to the hospital.

Issues at large
First, a brief note on protests on gender violence in Australia. The first protests took place in 1965, during which the exclusion of three Brisbane women from the bar led to a large-scale women's liberation movement from 1965 to 1975. This set the example for women's rights and security as key issues among the public, which did not address the overall violence against women. Gender violence in Australia has been viewed as a silent epidemic, indicating that the problem was prevalent in the past but was recently recognized as a social issue. Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that a third of all women in Australia have been assaulted physically, and a fifth of all women have been assaulted sexually. The gender-based economic inequalities also contributed to the overall gender violence, especially family abuse against women in Australia. The mass awareness about the recent casualties associated with women has led to protests against gender violence in Australia.

Second, the demands of the protestors. The protestors demanded a systemic change in the government's approach towards gender violence in Australia. Data compiled by campaign group Destroy the Joint revealed that 27 women had fallen victim to violence in the first 119 days of 2024 alone, averaging one woman's death every four days. The protestors demanded a quick and decisive trial against Joel Cauchi, who was the accused involved in the killing incident at Bondi Junction. They also demanded that the police consider the issue criminal and not civil, as they stopped the investigation due to a lack of evidence. Finally, the protestors demand a complete end to the violence as it has become normalized within Australian society.

Third, differences in legislation across jurisdictions. The Criminal Code Act 1899 in Queensland has more imprisonment years and fines imposed on the accused than the NSW Act in New South Wales. Also, there is a significant difference across jurisdictions in the approach taken to the issue of counselling and rehabilitation programs for perpetrators of domestic violence. In Queensland, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 failed to recognize the criminal offence of the accused involved in the murder of Hannah Clarke in 2020. Victoria State is at the forefront of gender violence in Australia. The Family Violence Protection Act 2008 included broad family, past relationships, and "family-like" relationships, which are not visible in states like South Australia and NSW. 

In perspective
Protestor's demands will take a long time to resolve. The protestor's demands are structural issues that will take long to resolve due to bureaucratic processes, lack of political will, etc. The issue of gender violence in Australia has been a long pending issue which remained unresolved for decades. The recent Bondi Junction killings gave an impetus for the public to pressure the government to consider this chronic issue as a serious national emergency. The public has been pressurizing the government to label the act as terrorism, which is facing hurdles due to a lack of strong action by the police. Also, the government's national plan has been unable to prevent gender violence in Australia completely. The demand can be addressed quickly only if society and institutions play a meaningful and decisive role in curbing the menace of gender violence in Australia.


Biden's Speech at the Holocaust Memorial: Four Takeaways
Sayeka Ghosh and Neha Tresa George

On 7 May, the remarks delivered by President Biden at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum's Annual Days of Remembrance Ceremony honour the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. He made the issue personal by sharing how he taught his children about the Holocaust horrors at their family dinner table and took his grandchildren to the Dachau concentration camp. He strongly condemned the recent deadly attack by Hamas on a Jewish holiday as "the deadliest day of the Jewish people since the Holocaust." Biden's agenda was to address the resurgence of antisemitism globally, honour Holocaust victims and survivors, and call for unity against hate while reaffirming his commitment to protecting Jewish communities and Israel's security. He emphasized the importance of remembering the horrors of the Holocaust, upholding democratic values, and being inspired by the resilience of those who stood up against persecution.

1. The atrocities of the Holocaust and recent anti-Semitic attacks must never be forgotten or downplayed

President Biden strongly emphasized the importance of remembering and teaching the truth about the horrors of the Holocaust, where the Nazis systematically murdered six million Jews. He pointed out that the ancient hatred towards Jews did not end with the Holocaust, citing the recent deadly attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, which he called "the deadliest day of the Jewish people since the Holocaust." He condemned those who deny, downplay, or rationalize these heinous acts, stressing that some injustices are too grievous to be buried or erased.

2. No tolerance for antisemitism on the US campuses and the resurgence of antisemitism globally is a grave concern that must be addressed

President Biden expressed deep concern over the "ferocious surge of antisemitism in America and around the world," manifesting in various forms, such as vicious propaganda on social media, harassment of Jewish students on college campuses, and calls for the annihilation of Israel. He described this hatred as "despicable" and stated that it must stop. He emphasized that silence and denial cannot hide such injustices and urged all Americans to stand united against antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

3. Upholding democratic values, protecting minority rights, and combating hate are collective responsibilities

Biden emphasized that the lessons of the Holocaust and the fight against hate are not just the work of the government or the Jewish community alone. He stressed the need to remember and uphold the nation's basic principles, including protecting the rights of minorities and giving hate no safe harbour against anyone. While respecting free speech and peaceful protest, he firmly stated that there is no place for antisemitism, hate speech, or threats of violence anywhere in America, as these are against the law and undermine the foundations of democracy.

4. The contributions, resilience and courage of the Jewish Americans and those who stood up against hate should inspire hope and action.

Biden highlighted that despite representing only about 2 per cent of the US population, Jewish Americans have played a pivotal role in leading the cause of freedom for everyone since its founding. He acknowledged their profound contributions to enriching every single part of American life today. He also shared the story of Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who used his position to rescue about 100,000 Jews during World War II, and Tom Lantos, a Holocaust survivor who became a leading voice in Congress for civil and human rights. He highlighted the power of a single person to make a difference and the enduring story of resilience from immense pain and persecution to find hope, purpose, and meaning. He expressed his commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and the security of Israel. He urged all Americans to be inspired by the resilient hearts, courageous spirits, and eternal faith of the Jewish people.


Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups

Rohini Reenum, Akriti Sharma, Akhil Ajith, Femy Francis, Padmashree Anandhan, Dhriti Mukherjee, Shamini Velayutham, Vetriselvi Baskaran

China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: “We’ve just made it very clear to China that this is unprofessional and that it’s unacceptable,” says Australian PM on Chinese fighter jet attack
On  7 May, the Associated Press reported that Australia is protesting against Chinese fighter jets endangering Australian navy helicopters by flaring over international waters. Defense Minister Richard Marles informed that the Chinese Chengdu J-10 fighter jet released a flare in the flight path of the Australian Navy helicopter Seahawk. The flares were said to be 300 meters and they had to “take evasive action not to be hit by those flares.” Marles said: “We will not be deterred from engaging in lawful activities and activities which are there to enforce U.N. sanctions in respect of North Korea.” Australian Prime Minister Antony Albanese said: “One of the things that had broken down over some time was any dialogue. Dialogue is important. It’s always, always important to have avenues of communication.”

China: “We will not follow the Chinese coast guard and Chinese vessels down that road,” says Philippines President
On 6 May, Philippine President Ferdinand Marco Jr announced that they would use the water cannon attack tactics or any other offensive weapon in the South China Sea. He expressed that the last thing he wants is to raise tensions in the South China Sea. Marcos said: “We will not follow the Chinese coast guard and Chinese vessels down that road.” Marcos informed the media that they have no plans to install any water cannons in the vessels they use in the South China Sea. A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson in the briefing said: “If the Philippines truly wants to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea, it should immediately stop sending ships... and stop sending supplies to the illegally grounded ship.”

China: President Xi in Serbia visits the Chinese embassy hit by NATO bombings of 1999
On 7 May, Xi arrived in Belgrade and visited the Chinese embassy in the capital city, which was hit during the NATO bombings of 1999. Xi said, the “friendship of China and Serbia” was “soaked in the shared blood of the two nations.” His remarks come as he undertakes a six-day trip to Europe to visit China-friendly countries. The Guardian notes Hungary and Serbia as the key supporters of China’s Belt and Road initiative in Europe. It is believed that Xi will announce a high-speed railway train project connecting Belgrade in Serbia to Budapest in Hungary.

Hong Kong: “Glory to Hong Kong” banned by the Hong Kong court
On 9 May, The Guardian reported that the Hong Kong court banned the use of the “Glory to Hong Kong” song widely used during the pro-democracy protest. The court demanded that the song be removed from the internet, the judgment described the song as a “weapon” that could incite violence. Judge Jeremy Poon said: “It had been used as an impetus to propel the violent protests plaguing Hong Kong since 2019. It is powerful in arousing emotions among certain fractions of the society.” The judgment also stated that the song could not be performed or broadcasted as it would be considered “criminal intent.” The US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller said: “the latest blow to the international reputation of a city that previously prided itself on having an independent judiciary protecting the free exchange of information, ideas and goods.”

Australia: Workers strike disrupts future AUKUS shipyard
On 6 May, The Straits Times reported of workers protesting at Australian state-owned submarine builder ASC at Osborne port. The strike was meant for higher wages, and it is said that the protests would disrupt the maintenance services and preparation work for future AUKUS submarines. Reuters reported that around 300 workers are on indefinite strike. The collaboration between ASC and the UK’s BAE systems will build Australia’s AUKUS nuclear submarine fleet at Osborne Port. According to the assistant secretary for the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, Stuart Gordon, the Osborne port workers earn 17 per cent less compared to other port workers in the country, and the ASC company has offered only 6.75 per cent in bonus to workers. 

Australia: PM Albanese rejects China’s arguments over airspace incident
On 8 May, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected China’s arguments on the dangerous clash involving Australia's helicopter in the international airspace over the Yellow Sea. The incident comes as both sides blame each other for the Chinese fighter jet’s close manoeuvre of its J-10 fighter jet near the Australian Seahawk helicopter. The Australian officials said they had to take immediate evasive measures to avoid the flares from Chinese fighter jets. AP mentions Australia immediately accused China of its dangerous actions, while China accused Australia of flying close to Chinese airspace. 

South Asia
India: Reduction in FIRs
On 3 May, The Hindu reported that the government has considerably reduced the number of First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur a year ago, from over 11,000 to around 3,000. This decrease is attributed to the removal of duplicates and overlaps, and thousands of Zero FIRs, which are filed regardless of jurisdiction and later transferred to the relevant police station. The violence, which started on 3 May 2023, was marked by brutality, with over 4,500 weapons looted from police armouries. Despite efforts to recover or surrender these weapons, around 1,800 remain unaccounted for. The conflict is primarily between the Kuki-Zo tribal people and the Meitei community, with more than 4,500 weapons being stolen from police armouries after the violence broke out. The government has appealed to both sides to surrender their weapons and has also started deporting "illegal immigrants" from Myanmar, with the first phase of the operation recently completed. 

Pakistan: PKI announces new farmers’ protest
On 5 May, the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) declared fresh protests across the country from 10 May against the alleged wheat import scandal. PKI President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar alleged that a mafia gained massively from the wheat import scandal. Due to this, the farmers lost PKR 400 billion. He said that due to the import, wheat prices allegedly fell from PKR 2,800 to PKR 3,000 per 40 kilograms against the government-mandated rate of PKR 3,900. Separately, the Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee (PKRC) invited growers for a meeting on 9 May to devise a future strategy. The Committee’s General Secretary, Farooq Tariq, called for the arrest of former caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar and other individuals involved in the scandal. He also sought compensation for affected growers, demanding the government begin buying grains from the farmers to stabilize prices in the local market.

Pakistan: PTI to hold rallies on the anniversary of 9 May riots
On 6 May, Dawn reported that the PTI had finalized plans to hold rallies across the country on the anniversary of the 9 May riots, based on a circular signed by PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan as per Imran Khan’s instructions. Elected representatives, ticket holders, and office-bearers will lead these rallies at every provincial assembly constituency level, displaying Khan’s photo on placards and organizing prayers of PTI workers.  On 9 May 2023, Khan’s arrest triggered countrywide protests in which public and private property was damaged and mobs attacked military installations. While the PTI says over 10,000 of its workers were arrested, the government maintains that it arrested only a few thousand.

Pakistan: CTD kills two suspects involved in attack on Dolphin Police
On 5 May, according to a statement released by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), two of the four alleged militants who were engaged in an attack on the Dolphin police, were killed by the CTD in Rawalpindi. The militants were allegedly part of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and were wanted for eight additional cases in Dera Ismail Khan for their involvement in “anti-state activities.” Following the operation, officials recovered several arms and ammunition. Earlier, a shootout between the Dolphin Force officials and the suspects occurred when the suspects were returning to Tank City after receiving treatment from a private hospital. The four men were spotted by intelligence and flagged by the Dolphin Force on Murree Road, leading to a shootout. 

Pakistan: Organized Crime Unit busts international gang of drug traffickers in Lahore
On 7 May, Dawn reported that the Organized Crime Unit (OCU) of Lahore police caught an international gang, the ‘Jordan Gang,’ after a two-month covert operation. The gang members operated out of Central Asia, Mexico, Canada, and the US, and supplied highly expensive drugs in Lahore and Multan, with additional reports saying they sold drugs to select students of universities. A special team of the OCU headed by SP Furqan Bilal discovered the gang leaders’ network after some gang members arrived in Pakistan. OCU DIG Imran Kishwar stated: “Internationally, illicit substances were smuggled through reputable courier services with the complicity of corrupt officials while on the domestic front, the syndicate utilized online platforms and covert groups to facilitate the circulation of drugs within the country.”

Pakistan: Police officials arrest two ‘RAW agents’ following joint operation in Karachi
On 6 May, Korangi’s Superintendent of Police (SSP), Hasan Sardar, said that as part of a joint operation, a major terrorist bid was foiled by police and intelligence agencies as they arrested two ‘agents’ of the Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Two hand grenades, a nine mm pistol, and ammunition were also seized from them. Sardar claimed that the two individuals who had been caught were involved in the recce of a target pointed out by foreign elements, and would send images and information gathered during the recce abroad in exchange for millions of rupees from foreign banks.

Pakistan: TTP uses Afghan soil to attack, says DG ISPR
On 7 May, while addressing a press meeting in Rawalpindi, the Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized the use of Afghan soil by the TTP against Pakistan and stated that the military has "irrefutable evidence" to prove it. He further detailed that the army carried out 13,133 operations in 2024, with 239 terrorists neutralized and two officers and 60 soldiers losing their lives. He underscored, the role of the Army as a “wall against the miscreants” who were spoiling the law and order situation in Balochistan, He pointed out that the army’s primary priority is to maintain the country’s law and order and highlighted it would go to any extent to preserve it.

Afghanistan: March attack on Chinese nationals was planned in Afghanistan, alleges Pakistan Army
On 8 May, the Pakistan military alleged that the suicide bomb attack in March on Chinese nationals had been planned in Afghanistan and was carried out by an Afghan citizen. The attack that took place on 26 March in Bisham, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had resulted in the death of five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver. Army spokesman Major General  Ahmad Sharif while addressing a press conference revealed that the perpetrators had been arrested. He also hinted that the attack was an attempt “to harm the friendship between Pakistan and China.” The Chinese engineers who were killed were working on Pakistan’s biggest Dasu Dam. There is a sizeable population of Chinese people working in Pakistan on CPEC projects. Further, Sharif also blamed the TTP for a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan since January which has killed 62 security forces so far. He revealed that Pakistan has “solid evidence” of the group’s involvement.

Afghanistan:  IS group claims responsibility for bombing in Badakhshan
On 9 May, The Associated Press reported that the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a bombing in Faizabad town of the country’s Badakhshan province. In a statement, the group claimed its involvement and detailed the attack. The attack had targeted a Taliban patrol consisting of police officers who were part of an anti-poppy crop campaign. Twelve police officers were killed and wounded and a four-wheel drive vehicle was destroyed. The group has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Afghanistan including on schools, hospitals, mosques and Shiite areas throughout the country. A spokesman for the Interior Ministry, Abdul Mateen Qani, confirmed that the patrol was headed towards destroying the poppy crops in the area. The Taliban government had placed a formal ban on “country’s drug cultivation industry” leading to sporadic incidents of backlash like the one last week in Badakhshan.

Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa
Syria: IS group attack on government posts kills 13
On 3 May, according to an opposition war monitor and pro-government media, alleged members of the Islamic State (IS) group targeted three posts of the government near the central town of Sukhn and killed 13 people. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that the injured were taken to hospitals in the central province of Homs and blamed IS for the attack. However, the IS has not claimed responsibility for the attack. 

Iraq: Turkey kills 16 members of PKK
On 6 May, according to Reuters, Turkey had hit northern Iraq with airstrikes and killed 16 members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) residing in the region. The Ministry of National Defence of Turkey in a statement stated, “PKK militants had been "neutralised" in the Hakurk, Metina, and Gara regions of northern Iraq.” PKK, an insurgent group involved in confrontation against the Turkish forces since 1984 is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. 

Niger: Russian troops deployed along with the US troops
On 3 May, Russian troops have been deployed in Airbase 101 at Niger’s International Airport in Niamey where the US troops were located. This development has taken place amid Niger ordered the US troops to withdraw. Anyway, the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Russians are not posing any risk. She detailed: “The Russians are in a separate compound and don't have access to US forces or access to our equipment.” Niger decided to turn to Russia for fighting Islamist Jihadists and informed the US, that 60 Russian troops would be deployed. 

Kenya: Air and Aqua rescue operation conducted
On 6 May, Kenya started executing its air and aqua operations to rescue its citizens from the western Nyando area as the river Nyando’s flash flood. Following this, a joint team of the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Coast Guard Services, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) started using boats and helicopters. Apart from this, an owned chopper was used for the rescue operation. President William Ruto announced a provision of USD 70 to look for temporary accommodation for three months. So far, since March, 228 people have died with 72 still missing. 

Chad: Held its Presidential election
On 7 May, Chad held its Presidential voting after three years of military rule. Thereby, it became the first of Africa’s junta led country to shift to a democratic ruling. President Déby cast his vote in N’Djamena and stated: “elections that will signal a return to constitutional order.” Prime Minister Succès Masra urged "all those who have shown they want massive change must go and vote in massive numbers, peacefully." According to AFP news agency, the polling ended peacefully expect the killing of one 65-year-old man in the southern city of Moundou by unknown gunmen after barred from casting his vote as he did not have an identity. 

Ghana: SC hears anti-LGBTQ+ bill challenges
On 8 May, Ghana’s Supreme Court began hearing the challenges by lawyer and journalist Richard Dela Sky to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill which dictated a three-year jail term for persons identified as homosexual and a period of five to ten years for their advocates. Challenging this, a prosecution was filed by an academic researcher Dr Amanda Odoi filed a case against the bill and demanded that President Nana Akufo Addo not sign the bill into law.. However, the first hearing was intense. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo expressed concern about the strong language used in some of the sworn statements. Meanwhile, President Akufo Addo stated he will be waiting for the Supreme Court’s verdict before signing the bill into law. 

Europe and the Americas
Russia and Belarus: Announces nuclear drills
On 6 May, Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov commented on military drills the Russian Defense Ministry announced. Referring to the statements by the French President, UK officials, and a representative of the US Senate, about the readiness to send armed contingents to Ukraine he announced the Russian missile exercises. The Russian armed forces are expected to prepare soon in response to the threat from the West. According to the ministry, the Russian military will practice the deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons during the drills. However, Peskov called for verification of the French statements. On 07 May, Belarus President, Alexander Lukashenko announced the conducting of nuclear drills for the readiness of the army in deploying nuclear weapons. Belarus Defence Ministry reported on a surprise inspection of “its non-strategic nuclear weapons carriers” on the order from Lukashenko. The move coincides with Russia’s drills in Kaliningrad.

France: Sciences Po University closes down due to pro-Palestine protests
On 3 May, France’s Sciences Po University would be closed due to the occupation of students protesting "in solidarity with Palestinian victims" in Gaza. This comes as a part of a series of protests in many top US universities over the ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, France is home to the world's largest Jewish population after Israel, and Valerie Pecresse, the right-wing head of the Paris regional authority, condemned what she called "a minority of radicalized people calling for anti-Semitic hatred" and temporarily suspended funding to Sciences Po earlier this week in response to the protests. 

Ukraine: DW reports on the state of underground gas storage
On 1 May, Deutsche Welle reported on Ukraine’s existing gas infrastructure. According to the report, nearly four billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas can be stored in foreign companies and traders for the coming winter. In an interview with Reuters, Chief Executive of Naftogaz, Oleksiy Chernyshov stated that it would be a 60 per cent increase from 2023. He said that despite Russia’s continued attacks on the company’s infrastructure, its underground storage had remained safe and the company aims to strengthen its defence by pumping gas around vulnerable facilities. Such storage facilities deemed to be located majorly in western Ukraine have a capacity of 31 billion bcm which will be sufficient to meet the annual needs of Ukraine when sent from Europe on peak demand. Chernyshov added: “We are in a period of European shippers' meetings where we agree on the volumes of (gas) injection. They (the Russians) aim to discredit us as an energy hub with storage capacities.”

Brazil: Heavy floods kill 100 and displace 160,000
On 8 May, tremendous flooding in southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state that began a few days ago, killed 100 people and affected almost 400 municipalities. It also injured hundreds of people, led to 128 going missing, and forced 160,000 people out of their homes. As per Brazil’s National Centre for Natural Disasters, the southern part of Rio Grande do Sul was at “high risk” of more floods on the same day, though it was not expected to be significant. The rains also caused many residents to be left without access to drinking water, electricity, internet, or mobile services. State Governor Eduardo Leite also warned earlier that the human toll was likely to rise as the “emergency is continuing to develop.” Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva promised there would be “no lack of resources” to meet the residents’ needs. He added: “We understand the difficult financial situation faced by Rio Grande do Sul.”  

Canada: Spy agency says Chinese meddling could threaten “democratic institutions”
On 8 May, Canada’s main spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), said that the persistent Chinese election meddling could undermine Canadian democracy, amid multiple Chinese attempts to influence policy-making at government levels. The agency stated: “Such activity, which seeks to advance PRC national interests, has the potential to undermine Canada's democratic process and its institutions.” China and the organizations that are linked to the ruling Chinese Communist Party are also an “enduring threat to Canadian information, technology, democratic institutions, and diaspora communities.” Earlier on 6 May, the government of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a draft legislation to counter foreign interference, which proposed a registry for people lobbying on behalf of another country. Last week, the CSIS Director David Vigneault described Chinese efforts to steal technology as being “mind-boggling.”

The US: Government to introduce new regulation to reduce migrant crossings
On 8 May, Reuters cited sources who said that the administration of US President Joe Biden will introduce a new regulation to tighten access to asylum at the US-Mexico border to reduce illegal crossings. The ruling, which could be issued as soon as 9 May, would require migrants to be assessed at an asylum screening stage, where it will be determined whether they should be barred from asylum and quickly deported. They would also be assessed for asylum bars relating to criminality and security threats. This regulation, as per a US official, would improve efficiency as the screening process would be at the initial stages. 

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