Bassam Alahmad’s Post

October 9, 2024, marks the passage of five years since the "#Peace_Spring" Operation launched by the Turkish army along with factions of the opposition Syrian National Army (SNA). This operation resulted in the direct military control over the areas of #Ras_al_Ayn/Serê Kaniyê and #Tall_Abyad/Girê Spî, displacing more than 150,000 indigenous people, including tens of thousands of women and children. On this occasion, Synergy Association for Victims, Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ), Dar Association for Victims of Forced Displacement, Rights Defense Initiative (R.D.I), and PÊL - Civil Waves Organization, are organizing a joint virtual event to discuss the ongoing consequences of forced displacement. Turkey justified its military operation by claiming the establishment of a "Safe Zone." However, since then, the area has experienced a severe lack of safety and has become the site of widespread and ongoing violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearances, illegal property seizures, and demographic changes. The event will also address the prospects for the safe and dignified return of the displaced, as well as possible avenues to accomplish justice and redress for the victims. Additionally, it will emphasize Turkey’s obligation to assume its legal responsibilities as an occupying power. The session will be held through Zoom platform, on Tuesday, corresponding to October 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM Syria time (3:00 PM CET - 9:00 AM EDT). Simultaneous Interpretation in Arabic and English will be provided. https://lnkd.in/gN4EzJ4z

October 9, 2024, marks the passage of five years since the "#Peace_Spring" Operation launched by the Turkish army along with factions of the opposition Syrian National Army (SNA). This operation resulted in the direct military control over the areas of #Ras_al_Ayn/Serê Kaniyê and #Tall_Abyad/Girê Spî, displacing more than 150,000 indigenous people, including tens of thousands of women and children. On this occasion, Synergy Association for Victims, Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ), Dar Association for Victims of Forced Displacement, Rights Defense Initiative (R.D.I), and PÊL - Civil Waves Organization, are organizing a joint virtual event to discuss the ongoing consequences of forced displacement. Turkey justified its military operation by claiming the establishment of a "Safe Zone." However, since then, the area has experienced a severe lack of safety and has become the site of widespread and ongoing violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearances, illegal property seizures, and demographic changes. The event will also address the prospects for the safe and dignified return of the displaced, as well as possible avenues to accomplish justice and redress for the victims. Additionally, it will emphasize Turkey’s obligation to assume its legal responsibilities as an occupying power. The session will be held through Zoom platform, on Tuesday, corresponding to October 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM Syria time (3:00 PM CET - 9:00 AM EDT). Simultaneous Interpretation in Arabic and English will be provided. https://lnkd.in/gN4EzJ4z

Today marks the day of one year of war in Gaza. The long-term impact of this extreme violence on children, youth, and future generations is impossible to predict with certainty, and we are deeply concerned about the future. 🚨 The devastating and expanding violence on children, in blatant violation of International Law, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon and the region, must stop now. As part of the Terre des Hommes International Federation we call together for: 1️⃣ Immediate ceasefire and de-escalation in the whole region 2️⃣ Unconditional release of hostages and individuals arbitrarily detained 3️⃣ Safe humanitarian access 4️⃣ Protection of civilians, including children by the implementation of international law Read the complete statement at https://lnkd.in/ecBAnyuk #CeaseFireNow

With the Regime's Fall, Who Will Stop the Bloodshed? At a historic moment when millions of Syrians celebrated the fall of the Assad Regime and breathed a sigh of relief, dangerous escalations emerged in #Northern_Syria. In #Manbij, a city long known for its coexistence of Kurds and Arabs, violent clashes erupted as Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (#SNA) factions attacked the Syrian Democratic Forces (#SDF). The assault left dozens dead, including civilians, and was marked by arrests and serious human rights violations, forcing thousands to flee, including most of the #Kurdish population. Meanwhile, 11 civilians, including 6 children, were killed while others were injured in a Turkish drone strike on al-Mastariha Village, in the town of #Ain_Issa, North of #Raqqa. Additional casualties were reported due to Turkish shelling on villages in Abu Rasin, Northern #Hasakah. These attacks come as the United Nations and the international community urge all armed parties to show restraint and de-escalate tensions. UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, emphasised the need to maintain law and order, protect civilians, and preserve public institutions. He also called for prioritizing dialogue and national unity while respecting International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights as key step to toward rebuilding Syrian society. Amid these developments, while many celebrate a new phase of freedom, we must ask: who will stop this violence? The new Syria we dream of cannot be built on bombings, fear, and displacement. No community or minority should live in terror or face the threat of forced displacement! We are at a critical moment requiring collective efforts to build a nation that guarantees the rights of all its people without discrimination and ends the ongoing bloodshed. This violence must stop now, and a shared vision for a just and safe #Syria for all must be established. Let us all be voices for peace and justice for every Syrian! #HevdestiSynergy

- Armed resistance by people under occupation is a right. Not debated. (Geneva Convention and other legal tools) - Killing or taking non army /non combatant persons hostage is not within that right. Also not debated. - Who is “not army/non combatant” is debatable. For example army reservists and armed settlers is unclear. - Is it an effective strategy for the Palestinians to get freedom and justice? Debatable - among Palestinians also. - Did Hamas and others conduct armed resistance according to the book? There were mistakes because of limited capacity or because matters went out of their control or lack of good judgement. Some mistakes also happened in the armed resistance in South Africa, Algeria and so many other places but that did not deny their right nor their identity as freedom fighters. - How is Hamas different from Qaeda and ISIS and others? Qaeda and ISIS are not people under occupation, and the Geneva convention and other laws do not give them the right to armed resistance. - Are other resistance strategies more promising than armed resistance? No. Palestinians tried them all with their limited capacity as victims of occupation and apartheid over so many years, and they too have not worked yet. Occupation and settlements continued and Palestinian refugees did not return. Ps: Susan Abulhawa is a Celebrated writer and the author of Mornings in Jenin.

The State of Israel shall, in conformity with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by civilians in the Rafah Governorate: (a) By thirteen votes to two, Immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (b) By thirteen votes to two, Maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance; (c) By thirteen votes to two, Take effective measures to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide; (3) By thirteen votes to two, Decides that the State of Israel shall submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order, within one month as from the date of this Order. #WEARENOTANUMBER #icc #icj #gaza #gazagenocide #gazachildren #gazapalestine #AllEyesOnRafah

The State of Israel shall, in conformity with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by civilians in the Rafah Governorate: (a) By thirteen votes to two, Immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (b) By thirteen votes to two, Maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance; (c) By thirteen votes to two, Take effective measures to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide; (3) By thirteen votes to two, Decides that the State of Israel shall submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order, within one month as from the date of this Order. #WEARENOTANUMBER #icc #icj #gaza #gazagenocide #gazachildren #gazapalestine #AllEyesOnRafah

Since yesterday, some voice messages have been circulating among Syrians about the top officials of the regime and how they allegedly fled Syria, saving themselves and their families from accountability. The source of these messages is unidentified, and I would classify them as rumors and unverified information. A time will come when scenarios like these will be based on facts and clearly presented to all Syrians. For now, rebuilding trust, the economy, and security in the country are the crucial steps. We have also heard that the new interim authorities in Syria will soon publish "a first list of the names of the most senior people involved in torturing the Syrian people." Additionally, there are calls to show tolerance toward those whose hands are not stained with the blood of the Syrian people and to grant amnesty to those who were in compulsory military service. However, I came across a claim that some senior officials from the previous regime, including Maher Al-Assad (the brutal brother of Bashar Al-Assad), provided information to the Israeli occupation before fleeing as part of their ongoing relationship. Whether this happened exactly as described or not, many of us understood the regime's duplicity long ago. The way this regime handled the Palestinian issue, its treatment of Palestinians in Syria, the constant Israeli bombardment of Syrian territory without retaliation, and Bashar's reported offer to sell out his allies to the U.S. in exchange for retaining power are all small but telling signs of their collaboration. I sincerely believe that putting an end to Israel’s violations starts with overthrowing this regime. Syrians have already taken a significant step; they have freed their country and saved detainees who will finally see accountability and justice prevail. #Syria

Syria: Ensure Transition Respects Human Rights (Dec. 10, 2024) – The leadership of any Syrian transitional government that emerges should take urgent steps to ensure respect for human rights obligations and lay the foundation for a new government based on democracy and the rule of law, DAWN said today. DAWN urged the emerging leadership in the country to establish a civilian-led transitional council, deploy its forces to protect vulnerable people from possible reprisals, abide by human rights obligations with respect to the treatment of detainees, and secure weapons facilities throughout the country before it seeks to demilitarize armed groups and merge them into a single, unified military force. DAWN urged the international community to support Syria to transition to democratic rule and end foreign military interference in the country. "The new Syrian government should recognize that its victory over the Assad regime is the result of the sacrifices of millions of Syrians who have suffered for over a decade in their struggle for democratic rule and respect for human rights," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director of DAWN. "It should urgently issue public commitments that it will respect the rights of the Syrian people to justice and immediately seek to establish democratic governance in the country." Read more: https://lnkd.in/e4qtQKaR