The following media round up on international and foreign policy issues from around the world for the period of 23 to 30 September 2024.
Guernica 37 will provide weekly media updates from the International Criminal Court, European Court of Human Rights, United Nations, European Union and other sources. Should you wish to contribute or submit a media summary, opinion piece or blog, please send to Ned Vucijak at nenadv@guernica37.com for consideration.
Israel – 30 September 2024
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has indicated the possibility of a ground invasion of Lebanon. Addressing troops stationed in the north, Gallant stated, "We will use all of our capabilities – including you," implying that ground forces could play a key role in upcoming military operations. Israel continues military operations against Hezbollah and Hamas, with reported cross-border skirmishes involving Yemen and Lebanon. The potential for a wider conflict looms as military actions and retaliations intensify between Israel and regional actors.
Democratic Republic of Congo – 30 September 2024
President Felix Tshisekedi faces mounting criticism for his administration’s human rights abuses, including violent repression of dissent and failure to protect civilians in conflict zones. Rights groups demand accountability for his government's ongoing violations, particularly in eastern Congo where ethnic violence has surged. Tshisekedi's international image as a reformer is increasingly questioned as the human rights situation deteriorates.
United States – 30 September 2024
The US government has sanctioned several Iranian individuals accused of attempting to interfere in the 2024 American elections. These individuals are believed to be part of a broader effort by Iran to undermine democratic processes through cyber operations and disinformation campaigns. The sanctions are intended to curb Tehran's influence and signal Washington's commitment to protecting its electoral integrity.
Russia – 30 September 2024
Russia’s recent drone strike on a Ukrainian hospital has been deemed a violation of international law, intensifying global outrage over its continued aggression in Ukraine. The attack targeted a civilian medical facility, raising concerns about war crimes and indiscriminate targeting in the conflict. International legal bodies are expected to further investigate this incident as part of broader efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in the war.
South Korea – 29 September 2024
South Korea has formally accused Russia (at the UN General Assembly) of engaging in illicit arms trade with North Korea in violation of international sanctions. The accusation underscores rising concerns over the destabilizing impact of North Korea’s military capabilities. This development threatens to strain diplomatic relations between Moscow and Seoul further, as global scrutiny of Russia’s arms dealings increases.
Israel – 29 September 2024
In a highly symbolic targeted attack, an Israeli airstrike killed the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, marking a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and the Lebanon-based militant group. The attack is likely to provoke retaliation from Hezbollah and destabilize the already tense situation along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Brazil – 28 September 2024
Social media company X has been ordered to pay fines before it can resume operations in Brazil, following violations of the country’s digital compliance regulations. Brazilian authorities fined the company for failing to adhere to local laws governing online misinformation and harmful content. The suspension of services highlights increasing tensions between global tech platforms and national regulatory frameworks.
Saudi Arabia – 28 September 2024
Saudi Arabia has carried out 198 executions this year, marking the highest number in decades and raising alarm over the country's human rights practices. The spike in executions, many of which are for non-violent crimes, reflects the kingdom's ongoing use of the death penalty despite international calls for reform. Rights groups have condemned the executions as part of a broader trend of repression under the Saudi government.
Ireland – 28 September 2024
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has fined Meta €91 million for breaches of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The fine follows investigations into Meta’s handling of user data, including failures to implement adequate privacy safeguards. This ruling reinforces the European Union’s stringent data protection standards and underscores the growing regulatory pressure on global tech companies.
Belarus – 25 September 2024
The Belarusian government continues its political repression, with authorities silencing dissent through arbitrary detentions, prosecutions, and restrictions on civil liberties. President Alexander Lukashenko's regime has intensified its crackdown on opposition figures and independent media. Despite international condemnation, the government remains unyielding, as efforts to stifle domestic resistance show no sign of abating.
United Nations – 24 September 2024
In a novel initiative, the United Nations has called for reforms to the global economic system to address growing inequalities and climate challenges. The proposal seeks to overhaul financial structures that disadvantage developing nations, advocating for more equitable resource distribution and greater resilience against economic shocks. This marks a significant shift in the UN's approach to addressing systemic global inequities.