Situated in Amsterdam, the museum shares the narratives of 102,000 Jews deported from the Netherlands during World War II, emphasizing the structural persecution they faced under German occupation. Dutch King Willem-Alexander highlighted that the museum gives a voice to Jewish victims and exposes the devastating impact of antisemitism.

Against the backdrop of Israel’s actions in Gaza, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near the museum, expressing opposition to Herzog’s presence. The Jewish Cultural Quarter, overseeing the museum, expressed concern about the ongoing conflict’s consequences.

The museum, located in a former teacher training college, features exhibits portraying historical events and discriminatory laws against Jews. It aims to vividly portray the experiences of those persecuted during this dark period in history.

Assange, an Australian national, has been held in solitary confinement at London’s Belmarsh prison for nearly five years while awaiting a judgment on an appeal to block his extradition to the United States. The charges against him include espionage, stemming from the publication of classified information exposing US war crimes overseas.

The motion’s passage is seen as a powerful political signal to the UK and US governments, reflecting growing concern over Assange’s plight. Despite diplomatic efforts, including a recent meeting between Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus and his US counterpart Merrick Garland, no clear resolution has been reached.

The fate of Assange, who faces a potential 175-year sentence in the US, hinges on an upcoming appeal against extradition scheduled for February 20 and 21 in London. Supporters argue that Assange is being targeted for exposing wrongdoing, emphasizing the case’s significance for press freedom.

Insiders claim that Biden feels Netanyahu’s refusal to consider a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza is causing significant challenges. The president is said to be disappointed that the Israeli leader has turned down several “good deals” proposed by Biden to reach a resolution.

Allegedly, Biden’s frustration has led to private name-calling, with the president reportedly referring to Netanyahu as an “assh*le” on multiple occasions, as disclosed by his confidants. At a recent fundraiser, Biden is said to have told a small group of donors that Netanyahu has been “a pain in [his] ass lately,” while emphasizing his continued belief as a “Zionist” that Hamas must be destroyed and Israel protected.

Last week, Politico reported Biden’s description of Netanyahu as “a bad f**king guy,” a claim denied by his spokesperson, Andrew Bates. NBC’s sources maintain that the president considers being “too harsh on Netanyahu publicly” as counterproductive.

However, Biden recently criticized Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza as “over the top” and urged restraint in moving forward with a planned ground assault on the southern city of Rafah until a credible plan to safeguard Palestinian civilians is in place.

The article highlights the severe impact of four months of continuous Israeli bombing, resulting in the displacement of over 85% of Gaza’s residents. Many Palestinians are now concentrated in a hastily constructed tent city in Rafah. Despite calls from Israeli politicians to resettle Palestinians outside Gaza, plans for a ground invasion of Rafah persist, even as the enclave’s inhabitants have limited options for refuge.

The U.S. has consistently supported Israel, supplying the Israel Defense Forces with substantial weaponry, despite accusations of genocide in international courts. The Biden administration has recently suggested the potential halting or slowing of arms sales to pressure Israel to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza.

Since a last October, Israel has reported killing over 28,000 Palestinians in Gaza, predominantly women and children, while the militant group’s raid resulted in 1,200 Israeli casualties. The conflict continues amid diplomatic tensions and humanitarian concerns.

The action followed the initial airstrikes by the U.S. and Britain against Houthi rebels. The first day of strikes hit 28 locations, with over 60 targets, prompting President Biden’s warning of potential further strikes.

The latest strike focused on a Houthi radar site, conducted by the navy destroyer USS Carney using Tomahawk land attack missiles.

The situation heightened tensions in the region, with the U.S. navy warning American-flagged vessels to avoid specific areas.

The strikes were a response to the Houthis’ recent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

The Houthi spokesperson vowed retaliation, raising concerns about a wider conflict. The U.S. military assessed the strikes aimed at degrading Houthi capabilities, with the UK also reporting strikes on Houthi-controlled sites.

The Red Sea route’s strategic importance and potential disruptions to global trade were highlighted, with oil prices reacting to the events.

The situation compounded the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where the Houthi rebels control significant territory, leading to a humanitarian crisis.

The U.S. administration faced criticism for the strikes, and there were international reactions, including an emergency UN Security Council meeting.

Russia accused the U.S., UK, and allies of “blatant armed aggression” against Yemen, while U.S. and UK ambassadors emphasized the defensive nature of the attacks and urged Houthi de-escalation to protect shipping lines.

The South African legal team, led by John Dugard, portrayed the dire situation of Palestinians in Gaza facing siege, relentless air strikes, and a deadly ground invasion by the Israeli military.

With over 23,000 deaths, including nearly 10,000 children, South Africa seeks an emergency order to address the ongoing crisis. While the ICJ may take years for a final verdict, initial proceedings focus on South Africa’s plea for urgent intervention.

Adila Hassim, an advocate for South Africa, suggests that the court need not reach a final verdict immediately but can acknowledge that some of Israel’s actions align with the genocide convention.

The five alleged “genocidal acts” include:

Mass killings of Palestinians

The initial charge presented by Adila Hassim during the ICJ proceedings is the mass killings of Palestinians, characterized as the “first genocidal act.” Hassim illustrated this accusation with evidence, displaying images of mass graves where bodies, often unidentified, were laid to rest. She highlighted Israel’s use of highly destructive 2000-pound bombs in areas of Gaza that had been declared safe by the Israeli authorities. The grim consequence has been the loss of multiple family members for over 1,800 families, with some families left without any survivors. Hassim emphasized that this devastating impact has spared no one, including infants and, notably, children.

Severe Physical and Psychological Toll on Gaza’s Population

The second accusation outlined by Adila Hassim pertains to bodily and mental harm, characterized as the “second genocidal act.” According to Hassim, Israel has inflicted severe mental and physical harm on the people in Gaza. She highlighted that close to 60,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, have been wounded and maimed in an environment where the health system has collapsed. Hassim brought attention to the arrest of a significant number of Palestinians, including children, who were reportedly undressed and transported on trucks to undisclosed locations. She emphasized the undeniable suffering experienced by the Palestinian population, encompassing both physical and mental dimensions.

Forcing Starvation and Displacement

The third alleged genocidal act, as asserted by Adila Hassim, involves forced displacement and a food blockade imposed by Israel. According to Hassim, Israel has intentionally created conditions that cannot sustain life, strategically aiming for the destruction of Gaza through the forced displacement of a significant portion of the population. She pointed out that thousands of families have experienced multiple displacements, leaving half a million people without homes to return to. Hassim cited instances where Israel issued orders for entire hospitals to evacuate within 24 hours, providing no assistance for moving the injured or transporting medical supplies. Similar directives were allegedly applied to large parts of northern Gaza, affecting over one million people who were asked to relocate on short notice.

“The order itself was genocidal,” Hassim said.

Adila Hassim asserted that the directives themselves were genocidal, referring to Israel’s actions in the fourth alleged genocidal act. She emphasized that Israel has blockaded food and water from the Strip, leading to widespread hunger. Additionally, Hassim claimed that Israel has hindered the distribution of available resources by restricting the movement of aid workers. She presented a clip illustrating hundreds of Palestinians running after a truck carrying aid into Gaza. Hassim contended that Israel deliberately imposed conditions that deprived Palestinians in Gaza of adequate shelter, clothing, bedding, and other critical non-food items. She pointed out the absence of safe water for drinking, cleaning, and cooking, leading to a surge in disease cases, including diarrhoea. Hassim expressed concern that more Palestinians may succumb to hunger and disease, yet the siege persists.

Israeli Assault on Gaza’s Medical System

Adila Hassim identified the fourth alleged genocidal action as Israel’s military assault on Gaza’s healthcare system, rendering life there unsustainable. Hassim argued that Gaza’s healthcare was already severely impaired due to years of attacks by Israel, and the current onslaught has left it incapable of coping with the overwhelming number of injured individuals in need of life-saving treatment. The destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza is presented as a critical factor contributing to the dire conditions and the inability to provide essential medical care.

Population Control: Israel’s Barriers to Palestinian Births

Adila Hassim concluded her presentation by highlighting the fifth alleged genocidal act, asserting that Israel is obstructing life-saving treatment required for childbirth. She argued that this action amounts to preventing births in Gaza and constitutes an act of genocide. Hassim referenced Reem Alsalem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, who had previously issued a warning. Alsalem had expressed concern that the “reproductive violence inflicted by Israel on Palestinian women, newborn babies, infants, and children… could be qualified as acts of genocide.” The prevention of essential healthcare for childbirth is positioned as a critical element contributing to the overall accusations of genocidal intent.

What next?

On Friday, Israel will present its case with British Lawyer Malcolm Shaw leading the presentation. Legal experts anticipate Tel Aviv to argue self-defense, citing the October 7 attacks by Hamas, resulting in 1,139 deaths and over 200 hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized South Africa’s suit, denouncing it as hypocritical and dishonest.

To counter, the South African legal team must not only prove ongoing mass killings as genocide but also demonstrate an intent by Tel Aviv. Genocides aren’t declared in advance, asserts advocate Hassim, relying on detailed Israeli actions as evidence. Lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi cites Netanyahu’s statements, emphasizing the destruction of Palestinian life as articulated state policy.

Several nations and international organizations, including Malaysia, Bolivia, and Turkey, support South Africa. The United States, Israel’s primary weapons supplier, and diplomatic patron backs Tel Aviv. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators and pro-Israeli protesters gathered as proceedings commenced on Thursday.

The aim of this delegation is to engage directly with the newly elected Taiwanese government, marking a departure from the usual diplomatic channels. A White House official noted that a face-to-face meeting is considered the “most effective way” to convey US policy and contribute to peace and stability in the region.

However, the lack of details from the Biden administration has raised eyebrows. The Financial Times suggests the potential leadership of Steinberg and Hadley, though confirmation is pending. The decision to form a delegation aligns with the ‘One China policy,’ emphasizing that the visit will only occur after the presidential elections, ensuring the US is not perceived as endorsing any specific candidate or party.

Predictably, Beijing responded with concern, urging the US to “refrain from intervening” in Taiwan’s elections to avoid damaging China-US relations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized China’s firm opposition to any official exchange between the US and Taiwan, reiterating Taiwan’s integral status within China.

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, has governed itself since 1949. The island’s desire for autonomy clashes with Beijing’s goal of reunification, a point reinforced by President Xi Jinping predicting Taiwan’s eventual reunification with the mainland during a recent New Year address. Despite officially adhering to the One China policy, the US maintains substantial ties with Taipei, providing military support and signing security agreements.

The proposed delegation adds another layer of complexity to an already tense relationship. China’s willingness to consider military action if Taiwan pursues formal independence contrasts with the US commitment to safeguard the island. This development may exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions, recalling the strain in 2022 following a visit to Taipei by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, triggering multiple rounds of wargames by China, including a simulated blockade of the island. As the situation unfolds, observers await further details on the composition and objectives of the impending US delegation.

The investigation focused on the implementation of enhanced end-use monitoring (EEUM) procedures, specifically for highly sensitive and sophisticated equipment, including shoulder-mounted missile systems, kamikaze drones, night-vision devices, and other hardware.

According to the report, the US and its partner nations supplied Ukraine with approximately $1.699 billion worth of EEUM-designated hardware. Despite efforts by the Pentagon and the Ukrainian military to conduct required inventories, “significant personnel limitations and accountability challenges remain.” As of June 2, 2023, the report states that 59% of the total value, just over $1 billion, remains improperly tracked.

The lack of proper accountability is highlighted as it “may increase the risk of theft and diversion” of the sophisticated EEUM-designated equipment. However, the inspector general’s scope did not extend to determining whether the untracked hardware had actually been stolen.

The report reveals ongoing investigations by the Pentagon inspector general into allegations of criminal conduct related to US security assistance to Ukraine. The inspector general currently has personnel stationed in Ukraine to continue these investigations.

Concerns about the misuse and theft of military hardware sent to Ukraine have persisted since the conflict between Moscow and Kiev began in February 2022. Sophisticated weapons, including US-made ‘Switchblade’ kamikaze drones and NLAW shoulder-fired anti-tank missile launchers, have reportedly been available for purchase on the Darknet.

Furthermore, instances of weaponry destined for Ukraine surfacing in conflicts globally have been reported, including the ongoing escalation in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The revelations from the Pentagon’s report raise questions about the effectiveness of monitoring and ensuring the proper use of military aid in complex geopolitical situations.

“As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its second winter, Ukrainians can count on Canada’s support—for as long as it takes,” Trudeau declared on New Year’s Day.

This assurance followed Russia’s deployment of 90 Shahed-type drones into Ukraine at the onset of the new year, coupled with President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to “intensify” attacks on the neighboring country.

The conversation between Trudeau and Zelenskyy, as per a statement by the Ukrainian president, primarily focused on security matters. Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s air defense, particularly in response to brutal Russian air assaults.

Zelenskyy informed Trudeau about recent missile and drone attacks that damaged civilian infrastructure in various Ukrainian regions. Expressing gratitude, Zelenskyy acknowledged Trudeau’s commitment to assist in safeguarding the Ukrainian sky, including the provision of additional National Advanced Surface to Air Missile (NASAMS) systems and missiles.

The leaders also discussed preparations for the fourth Peace Formula meeting of advisors in Davos in January, signifying ongoing cooperation.

Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Canada’s support, both military and financial, ensuring it will continue throughout the year. He emphasized the value of collaboration with Canada and acknowledged every step taken in support of Ukraine’s statehood and independence.

Amid escalating tensions, President Putin hinted at more deadly strikes on Ukraine after the shelling of the Russian border city, Belgorod, during a New Year’s Day visit to a military hospital.

We’re starting the year with active work to further strengthen Ukraine, particularly our air defense, in the wake of brutal Russian air attacks.

I just had my first call this year with @JustinTrudeau. We focused primarily on security. I informed him about Russia’s most recent… pic.twitter.com/DpYx9wJaYe

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 1, 2024

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its second winter, Ukrainians can count on Canada’s support—for as long as it takes. That’s the message I shared on the phone with @ZelenskyyUa this morning.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 1, 2024

A senior Hamas official, based in Beirut, informed The Associated Press that the group insists on a permanent ceasefire as the initial condition for any further release of Israeli and foreign hostages—a stance conflicting with Egypt’s recent proposal for a phased conclusion to the conflict.

Israel is likely to reject this demand, emphasizing its commitment to continue the extensive air and ground offensive until it achieves the dismantling of Hamas. Some consider this goal challenging due to the deep-rooted presence of the militant group in Palestinian society. The United States has been diplomatically supportive of Israel and has maintained the supply of weapons.

Israel contends that ending the war at this stage would signify a victory for Hamas, a position echoed by the Biden administration. However, the Biden administration also urges Israel to take additional measures to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians.

Since the initiation of the conflict triggered by the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, over 21,600 Palestinians have lost their lives, with 165 casualties reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. The ongoing fighting has led to the displacement of approximately 85 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, prompting a surge of people seeking refuge in areas designated as safe by Israel, despite military bombings. This situation has left Palestinians with a pervasive sense that nowhere in the enclave is safe.

Recent movements of Israeli forces advancing into the southern city of Khan Younis and the central Gaza camps have prompted tens of thousands of Palestinians to migrate to the already congested city of Rafah at the southernmost end of Gaza.

Rafah’s outskirts are now adorned with thousands of tents and makeshift shacks, emerging alongside UN warehouses. Displaced individuals made their way to Rafah either by foot or using trucks and carts laden with piled mattresses. For those unable to secure space in overwhelmed shelters, setting up tents along roadsides became the only option.

In a sprawling tent camp, Nour Daher, a displaced woman, shared the dire conditions, stating, “We are facing a scarcity of water and insufficient food.” She highlighted the challenges, revealing, “The children wake up each morning with the desire to eat and drink. It took us an hour to locate water for them. Bringing flour proved impossible. Even facilitating their access to toilets required an hour-long journey.”

Additional U.S. Armaments Approved for Israel

On Friday, the U.S. State Department announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Congress of his approval for a $147.5 million sale of equipment, including fuses, charges, and primers, necessary for the 155 mm shells previously acquired by Israel. This marks the second instance this month where the Biden administration has circumvented Congress to greenlight an emergency weapons sale to Israel, citing the “urgency of Israel’s defensive needs” as the rationale for approval. Earlier, on December 9, Blinken made a similar decision to approve the sale of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel, valued at over $106 million.

These actions come amidst a stalled congressional debate on President Joe Biden’s request for a nearly $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other national security needs. The delay is attributed to discussions around U.S. immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers have proposed tying the proposed $14.3 billion American assistance to Israel with specific measures by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the conflict with Hamas.

Challenges in Aid Delivery

Over a week after a UN Security Council resolution urged the unimpeded delivery of aid on a large scale to the besieged Gaza Strip, UN agencies have cautioned that conditions have deteriorated further.

Aid officials have reported that the assistance reaching Gaza remains severely insufficient. The distribution of goods faces significant obstacles, including prolonged delays at two border crossings, persistent hostilities, Israeli airstrikes, frequent disruptions in internet and phone services, and a breakdown of law and order that complicates the security of aid convoys.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees), emphasized that nearly the entire population relies entirely on external humanitarian aid. According to UN daily reports, a quarter of the population is experiencing starvation due to the inadequate number of trucks delivering food, medicine, fuel, and other essentials—sometimes falling below 100 trucks per day.

UN monitors revealed that operations at the Israeli-managed Kerem Shalom crossing came to a halt for four days this week due to security incidents, such as a drone strike and the confiscation of aid by desperate residents in Gaza.

Although the crossing reopened on Friday, only a total of 81 aid trucks entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom and the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border. This represents a mere fraction of the typical prewar volume of 500 trucks per day.

Hostage Exchange Dynamics: Complex Negotiations Amidst Gaza Crisis

Gaza’s health ministry reported on Saturday that the Palestinian death toll since the beginning of the war has reached 21,672, with an additional 56,165 people wounded. The ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians but has indicated that approximately 70 percent of those killed were women and children.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have pledged to repatriate over 100 hostages still held in Gaza, following the militants’ seizure of more than 240 individuals in the October 7 assault, which also resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, predominantly civilians.

The military announced on Saturday the deaths of two additional soldiers in Gaza, bringing the total number of troops killed since the initiation of the ground offensive to 170.

Mediator Egypt has proposed a multistage plan, commencing with a hostage-for-prisoner swap, accompanied by a temporary ceasefire—similar to an exchange during a weeklong truce in November. In a subsequent phase, discussions would begin on establishing a transitional Palestinian government of experts to govern both Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israel and Hamas currently maintain significant differences regarding the terms of a ceasefire and future swaps. Hamas’s senior official in Beirut, Osama Hamdan, asserted on Saturday that a complete ceasefire is the initial step, diverging from the Egyptian plan. However, he noted ongoing discussions and mentioned receiving ideas from Qatar, without providing a final response. The resolution of these matters may take time, emphasizing the importance of delving into the details, as the proposed idea could evolve or be abandoned.

In a letter addressed to the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — all members of the alliance — Milei said the moment was not “opportune” for Argentina to join as a full member. The letter was dated a week ago, Dec. 22, but released by the Argentine government on Friday, the last working day of 2023.

Argentina was among six countries invited in August to join the bloc made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to make an 11-nation bloc. Argentina was set to join Jan. 1, 2024. The move comes as Argentina has been left reeling by deepening economic crisis.

Milei’s predecessor, former centre-left president Alberto Fernandez, endorsed joining the alliance as an opportunity to reach new markets. The BRICS currently account for about 40 per cent of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the world’s GDP.

But economic turmoil left many in Argentina eager for change, ushering chainsaw-wielding political outsider Milei into the presidency.

Milei, who defines himself as an “anarcho-capitalist” — a current within liberalism that aspires to eliminate the state — has implemented a series of measures to deregulate the economy, which in recent decades has been marked by strong state interventionism.

In foreign policy, he has proclaimed full alignment with the “free nations of the West,” especially the United States and Israel.

Throughout the campaign for the presidency, Milei also disparaged countries ruled “by communism” and announced that he would not maintain diplomatic relations with them despite growing Chinese investment in 25017.

However, in the letter addressed to his counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva in neighboring Brazil and the rest of the leaders of full BRICS members — Xi Jinping of China, Narendra Modi of India, Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Matamela Ramaphosa of South Africa — Milei proposed to “intensify bilateral ties” and increase “trade and investment flows.”

Milei also expressed his readiness to hold meetings with each of the five leaders.