Israel and Hamas have begun a 72-hour ceasefire, during which talks to end the fighting will continue. Israel withdrew its ground troops, also announcing that it destroyed all of Gaza’s cross-border tunnels.
A minister if the UK foreign office, Baroness Warsi resigned, citing the UK’s policy on the Gaza crisis.
Insurgent forces in eastern Ukraine have threatened medical staff, stolen and destroyed medical equipment and hospital furniture, and compromised the ability of civilian patients to receive treatment. Insurgent forces have also expropriated ambulances and used them to transport active fighters. Such acts are strictly prohibited under the laws of war.
The right messages are not being sent to the African strongmen invited to this week’s US-African Leaders Summit. A close look at U.S. policy and practice in Africa shows that Washington too often prioritizes security and trade at the expense of good governance and respect for human rights.
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, a self-proclaimed moderate, hinted during his election campaign that he favored a freer media environment. It opened up for a bit – the ruling elite could access social media and foreign correspondents have reported from Iran. But Iran is cracking down again.
An inquiry by the US attorney’s office accused the New York City Department of Corrections of rampantly using unnecessary and excessive force against male teenagers imprisoned in Rikers. It noted a “staggering” number of injuries among young inmates, excessive use of solitary confinement, and guards who didn’t fear punishment.
