Marta FOR Europe | #TeamMarta’s Post

My latest article published by DVB today. From 2021 to 2023, the Myanmar military launched over 1,400 airstrikes, illustrating its brutal tactics not only to crush resistance but also to demoralize the civilian population. Internationally, it portrays the resistance as the cause of the populace’s suffering, arguing that oppressive measures are necessary to restore order and ensure the economic prosperity of neighboring countries. This narrative suggests that the resistance prolongs the people’s suffering and negatively impacts regional commerce. Furthermore, by intentionally disrupting and delaying humanitarian aid, the military heightens the humanitarian crisis, depicting the situation as too chaotic for the resistance to manage effectively. This strategy is designed to erode the morale of the resistance and diminish international support. The military aims for a “negotiated solution” that would entail only superficial concessions, thereby maintaining the status quo with minimal change. https://lnkd.in/g-5J8FQg

On 23 September, #Israel launched a large-scale airstrike campaign over #Lebanon, claiming it was targeting Hezbollah and supporting the return of displaced Israeli citizens to the North. Since then, Israel’s attacks have killed over 560 people, including more than 50 children, making it one of Lebanon’s deadliest weeks in recent history. The offensive has also wounded more than 1,800 people and displaced half a million people, including #Syrian and #Palestinian refugees. Among those killed are two members of the United Nations’ refugee agency, UNHCR, in Lebanon and several journalists. This rampage has also led to widespread destruction of houses and buildings in South Lebanon, Bekaa and Beirut, burying people under the rubble. Aside from the considerable material damage, tactics such as the use of sonic booms and the detonation of communication devices can be described as psychological warfare. Minority Rights Group strongly condemns these actions and the flagrant disregard for even the most basic principles of #internationalhumanitarianlaw that they betray. Israel’s indiscriminate and disproportionate targeting of civilians may amount to #warcrimes. MRG is particularly concerned about the situation of Syrian and Palestinian refugees within the country, many of whom are already living in poverty and #statelessness. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that 45 Syrian refugees have been killed in Lebanon in the past 24 hours alone. The impunity that Israel enjoys in its attacks on Lebanon is the same impunity that has allowed it to enact a ferocious campaign of mass violence that risks amounting to genocide against the Palestinian people since 7 October 2023.

Last week, we had the privilege of bringing together distinguished leaders from civil society and the private sector in Ukraine, alongside representatives from GIWPS' Global Women Leaders Network, President Grybauskaité and Ambassador Melanne Verveer. The discussions were insightful and highlighted women’s indispensable role in advancing peace and security in Ukraine and navigating the path to recovery. We identified common challenges, priorities, and calls to action for a gender-inclusive humanitarian response. One resounding message from Ukrainian women leaders: Russia must be held accountable for war crimes. Moreover, humanitarian aid and recovery efforts must be gender-sensitive, localized, and women-led. We are proud to continue our work together with Ukrainian women leaders toward justice, accountability, and a gender-inclusive recovery for Ukraine. #LocalizationofAid #JusticeforRussianWarCrimes #UkraineRecovery

As the U.S. transitions to new leadership, the Afghan American Foundation (AAF) reaffirms its commitment to advocating for Afghan-American rights, safety, and prosperity. With each change in government comes a renewed opportunity to make our voices heard. AAF is calling on the new administration to prioritize protections for Afghan allies, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipients, and support the Afghan Adjustment Act to ensure stability and safety for those who have made the United States their new home. We also urge policymakers to press the Taliban to end its oppressive restrictions on Afghan women and girls, securing their fundamental rights to education, employment, and freedom. Our work is non-partisan, rooted in resilience and purpose. As we advance Afghan-American interests, we encourage our community to stay engaged, champion the rights of Afghan Americans, and shape a future where our voices are recognized and respected. ➡️ Join us in our mission. Connect with AAF to stay informed, support advocacy efforts, and uplift Afghan-American voices. See full statement here: https://lnkd.in/grmwepqJ #AdvocacyMatters #ThisIsHome #AfghanAmericans

Human Rights Watch reports Israel is committing war crimes, crimes against humanity. 😳 These findings are SERIOUSLY disturbing, and can't be ignored, but I feel must be addressed. Amnesty International UK As a historian, with knowledge of Counter-Insurgency (COIN), different global contexts and historical periods, I see no HOLDING. I'm clueless, what Israel is doing. Defense News Agency The Army Times Publishing Co reports David Petraeus made suggestions for Israeli COIN, citing #Vietnam, #Iraq, #Afghanistan. Those were failures. No. Complete disasters. CODEPINK: Women for Peace Antiwar.com United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) I would like to add: The Baltimore Sun reports #ISIS killed 33,000 civilians, within 3 years. Reuters reports Israel Defense Forces have killed 41,500 within a year, mostly women and children. I ask U.S. Department of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to cease supplying Israel completely. In consequence, cease abetting war crimes, crimes against humanity please. And, please follow international and human rights laws, you demand of the entire world community, please 🙏 António Guterres Emmanuel Macron The Guardian Middle East Eye NHK, Japan Broadcasting Corporation NBC News MontrealTimes United States Institute of Peace Women, Peace and Security Network-Canada (WPSN-C) swisspeace Peace Boat #Gaza #Palestine #Israel #warcrimes #humanrights #internationallaws #empire #humankind #peace #genocide #bigotry https://lnkd.in/dSMPby7q

I am deeply concerned by the escalating violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by the Israeli government against the people of Gaza. The sheer scale and indiscriminate nature of the military bombardment, resulting in the deaths of countless civilians, including children, is absolutely devastating. This callous disregard for Palestinian lives is a profound moral and humanitarian tragedy that demands urgent action from the international community. The people of Gaza are suffering immensely, trapped in a cycle of violence and denied their most basic rights and freedoms. A just and lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through a genuine commitment to protecting human rights and upholding international law. The United Nations and world leaders must exert diplomatic pressure, impose meaningful sanctions, and hold the Israeli government accountable for these potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. free for peace 🇵🇸 🤍 #freepalestine #lebanon #un #unrwa #humanrights #gaza #gazastrip https://lnkd.in/gJtxuSwg

🇺🇸 Diversity Lessons Humanitarian Organizations Can Learn from the US Government 🔴 While humanitarian organizations often emphasize the importance of diversity, their actions (or lack of) often fall short, occasionally tainted by a pinch of saviorism and paternalism. On the other hand, despite its flaws, the US Government not only talks about diversity but has made notable strides in promoting it within its ranks.   🔴 Case in Point: When observing the situation in the Middle East and Sudan, one can't help but notice the stark contrast between US government officials and humanitarian and UN employees. The US Government delegation encompasses a diverse array of leaders from various backgrounds: 🔹An Irish immigrant leading USAID 🔹An Indian American leading the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) 🔹An African American leading the Defense Department. 🔹A Jewish American leading the State Department. 🔹An "army brat" serving as Ambassador to Qatar. 🔹A White American from Maryland appointed as the special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues in Gaza. 🔹An African American serving as the US Ambassador to the United Nations. 🔹A White American from Virginia newly appointed as the Special Envoy to Sudan. 🇺🇸The US Government should serve as a powerful example for humanitarian organizations to emulate. We can criticize some of the US government policies, but they are doing way better than us on this issue! #diversity #humanitarianaid #inclusiveleadership #diversityandinclusionmatters

In the wake of the Hamas 7th October attacks on southern Israel, the Palestinian population living in the Gaza Strip have been subjected to an unprecedented level of destruction that has decimated every aspect of Palestinian life. The ongoing Israeli military invasion has been considered a ‘plausible case of genocide’ by the International Court of Justice, and the humanitarian catastrophe has been compounded by major restrictions on access to humanitarian aid. Accusations of supporting ‘terror’ have been levied against UNRWA, the major provider of humanitarian services in Gaza, leading to an initial suspension of donor support to the organisation by many western governments. In this article, Caroline Lund and I consider the Israeli government’s tactics used to delegitimise those involved in providing humanitarian and lifesaving support for the Palestinian population, concluding that the construction and dissemination of narratives that depict them as being ‘terroristic’ or having ‘terrorist’ connections is a sophisticated additional layer of the settler colonial logic of elimination and erasure. We hope it is of use to the movement as we work towards the inevitable liberation of Palestine. https://lnkd.in/eXAmh-vX

The Truth about Middle East Policy of US and Israel… We’re deeply living the consequences of GREATER MIDDLE EAST initiative of US which means “GREATER ISRAEL” from the very beginning‼️‼️‼️ The Greater Middle East Initiative, often referred to as the “Greater Middle East (Israel) Project,” is a strategic policy framework introduced by the United States in the early 2000s, particularly during the George W. Bush administration. The initiative aimed to promote political, economic, and social reform in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South Asia. ⁉️🌍⁉️🌍⁉️🌍⁉️ Its stated goals included spreading democracy ‼️, advancing human rights ‼️, fostering economic liberalization‼️, and combating terrorism‼️ in these regions. The Greater Middle East Initiative is seen as part of a broader U.S. foreign policy strategy to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East in a way that aligns with American interests. This includes securing energy resources, ensuring the stability of pro-Western governments, and countering extremist groups. The initiative also encompassed efforts to encourage educational reforms, empower women, and support civil society organizations in the region. The term “co-chair” (or “equal partner”) of the Greater Middle East Project refers to the role certain countries or leaders play in cooperating with the U.S. to advance the initiative’s objectives. For example, 🇹🇷Türkiye🇹🇷 was often mentioned as a “co-chair” or key partner in implementing the initiative due to its strategic location, its influence in the Muslim world, and its alignment with some Western policies. Being a co-chair typically implies that the country is actively involved in shaping and executing the policies and reforms promoted by the project. It also suggests a degree of endorsement and commitment to the goals set out by the initiative. ⛓️💥🌊⛓️💥🌊⛓️💥🌊⛓️💥 Kenneth O'Keefe is an Irish-Palestinian citizen, activist, former U.S. Marine, and Gulf War veteran. In 2001, he declared that America was a terrorist country committing war crimes, burned his passport, and renounced his U.S. citizenship. In 2008, he captained one of the ships sent by the Free Gaza Movement to break the blockade on Gaza, and was granted Palestinian citizenship. He later led a voluntary Human Shield Action to stop the Iraq War and in 2010, served as a protector on our humanitarian aid ship Mavi Marmara, which was carrying aid as part of the Gaza Flotilla. The ship was attacked by the Israeli military, leading to an armed conflict in which 10 Turkish citizens were killed. During the clash, O'Keefe neutralized two Israeli commandos.

There can be no peace without women. United Nations Peacekeeping supports women's participation in peace efforts. The peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, works with the Kosovo Women’s Network to champion women's empowerment, rights & participation, as the voice of 140+ women's organizations. #WomenPeaceSecurity