#UN chief urges immediate action to prevent #Israel-#Gaza conflict spillover
The UN chief raised alarm over clashes along the Blue Line, the demarcation between Israel and Lebanon, as well as reported attacks from southern Lebanon.
“I appeal to all parties – and those who have an influence over those parties – to avoid any further escalation and spillover,” he told reporters at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
UN humanitarian affairs office official in the enclave, Hamada El Bayari, said there was "not one immune centimetre in Gaza where people can feel secure."
He said around 340,000 civilians were now displaced, around 65 per cent of them doing their best to shelter from Israeli airstrikes, at UN relief agency (UNRWA) schools or designated shelters.
"What we are witnessing is really beyond imagination. The toll this war is taking is really huge and seems unprecedented."
At this point of time, every minute that passes, makes it worse", he said.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142177
The UN chief raised alarm over clashes along the Blue Line, the demarcation between Israel and Lebanon, as well as reported attacks from southern Lebanon.
“I appeal to all parties – and those who have an influence over those parties – to avoid any further escalation and spillover,” he told reporters at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
UN humanitarian affairs office official in the enclave, Hamada El Bayari, said there was "not one immune centimetre in Gaza where people can feel secure."
He said around 340,000 civilians were now displaced, around 65 per cent of them doing their best to shelter from Israeli airstrikes, at UN relief agency (UNRWA) schools or designated shelters.
"What we are witnessing is really beyond imagination. The toll this war is taking is really huge and seems unprecedented."
At this point of time, every minute that passes, makes it worse", he said.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142177
#Ethiopia: Public discourse begins before government ratifies controversial property tax law
After months of anticipation, the long-awaited property tax law bill was recently presented for public deliberation. The draft framework aims to standardize property tax collection across the country and grant regional governments and municipalities the authority to collect designated property taxes.
The proposed tax is expected to generate revenue of 30 billion birr annually, alleviating pressure on the federal government's budget for regional subsidies. The draft law proposes implementing property taxes on urban land usage rights and ownership of buildings or houses, and tax rates would be reviewed annually.
However, the bill has faced criticism, with concerns raised about its timing amidst ongoing inflationary pressures.
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-public-discourse-begins-before-government-ratifies-controversial-property-tax-law/
After months of anticipation, the long-awaited property tax law bill was recently presented for public deliberation. The draft framework aims to standardize property tax collection across the country and grant regional governments and municipalities the authority to collect designated property taxes.
The proposed tax is expected to generate revenue of 30 billion birr annually, alleviating pressure on the federal government's budget for regional subsidies. The draft law proposes implementing property taxes on urban land usage rights and ownership of buildings or houses, and tax rates would be reviewed annually.
However, the bill has faced criticism, with concerns raised about its timing amidst ongoing inflationary pressures.
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-public-discourse-begins-before-government-ratifies-controversial-property-tax-law/
Addis Standard
News Analysis: Public discourse begins before government ratifies controversial property tax law - Addis Standard
News Analysis: Public discourse begins before government ratifies controversial property tax law Addis Standard News Analysis -
News: Diaspora leaders engage US lawmakers, diplomats to promote peace and transitional justice in #Ethiopia
Ethiopian diaspora leaders met with members of the #US Senate and Congress, as well as the Department of State, to discuss promoting peace and transitional justice in Ethiopia.
They presented a road map for peace and stability to Congresswoman Sara Jacobs and other officials. The coalition also addressed concerns regarding political prisoners, media freedom, corruption, aid distribution, national dialogue, and implementing sanctions.
Their goal is to support peace, justice, and empowerment for all in Ethiopia and the Horn of #Africa.
https://addisstandard.com/news-diaspora-leaders-engage-us-lawmakers-diplomats-to-promote-peace-and-transitional-justice-in-ethiopia/
Ethiopian diaspora leaders met with members of the #US Senate and Congress, as well as the Department of State, to discuss promoting peace and transitional justice in Ethiopia.
They presented a road map for peace and stability to Congresswoman Sara Jacobs and other officials. The coalition also addressed concerns regarding political prisoners, media freedom, corruption, aid distribution, national dialogue, and implementing sanctions.
Their goal is to support peace, justice, and empowerment for all in Ethiopia and the Horn of #Africa.
https://addisstandard.com/news-diaspora-leaders-engage-us-lawmakers-diplomats-to-promote-peace-and-transitional-justice-in-ethiopia/
Addis Standard
News: Diaspora leaders engage US lawmakers, diplomats to promote peace and transitional justice in Ethiopia - Addis Standard
Ethiopian diaspora leaders held discussion with the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer (Photo: Faisal Roble) Addis Abeba – Ethiopian diaspora leaders have met and discussed with selected members of the two houses of the US Senate…
News: #Ethiopian gov’t strongly criticizes #UN adviser’s remarks on current situation
The Ethiopian government strongly criticized Alice Wairimu Nderitu's recent statement on the situation in Ethiopia, calling it "irresponsible and reckless."
It also expressed reservations about the International Commission of Human Rights Experts' report and objected to Nderitu's characterization of the Pretoria peace agreement as a failure.
The government urged Nderitu to retract her remarks and emphasized its commitment to transitional justice and national dialogue.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-government-strongly-criticizes-un-advisers-remarks-on-ethiopias-current-situation/
The Ethiopian government strongly criticized Alice Wairimu Nderitu's recent statement on the situation in Ethiopia, calling it "irresponsible and reckless."
It also expressed reservations about the International Commission of Human Rights Experts' report and objected to Nderitu's characterization of the Pretoria peace agreement as a failure.
The government urged Nderitu to retract her remarks and emphasized its commitment to transitional justice and national dialogue.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-government-strongly-criticizes-un-advisers-remarks-on-ethiopias-current-situation/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopian gov't strongly criticizes UN adviser's remarks on current situation - Addis Standard
News: Ethiopian gov't strongly criticizes UN adviser's remarks on current situation Addis Standard News -
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In a rare public statement concerning the Red Sea, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlights the critical significance of this vital water body for Ethiopia's survival.
His remarks were featured in a promotional video for an upcoming documentary noscriptd "From a Drop of Water to a Sea Water," produced by the state-affiliated FBC. However, the complete context of the prime minister's speech remains partially undisclosed.
Watch!
His remarks were featured in a promotional video for an upcoming documentary noscriptd "From a Drop of Water to a Sea Water," produced by the state-affiliated FBC. However, the complete context of the prime minister's speech remains partially undisclosed.
Watch!
Nigerian government officials summoned to address detention of #Nigerians in #Ethiopia
Yesterday, the Nigerian House of Representatives decided to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to elucidate the steps being taken to address the detention of Nigerians in Ethiopia.
The two officials are expected to appear before House committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, as well as Human Rights. The resolution, proposed by Kingsley China, the Minority Leader of the House, was successfully passed by the House of Representatives.
Currently, approximately 250 Nigerians are serving prison sentences in Ethiopia. The Minority Leader highlighted that the majority of these individuals are travelers who utilize the Ethiopian airport as a transit point.
https://dailypost.ng/2023/10/12/reps-move-to-save-250-nigerians-in-ethiopian-prison-summon-tuggar-dabiri/
Yesterday, the Nigerian House of Representatives decided to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to elucidate the steps being taken to address the detention of Nigerians in Ethiopia.
The two officials are expected to appear before House committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, as well as Human Rights. The resolution, proposed by Kingsley China, the Minority Leader of the House, was successfully passed by the House of Representatives.
Currently, approximately 250 Nigerians are serving prison sentences in Ethiopia. The Minority Leader highlighted that the majority of these individuals are travelers who utilize the Ethiopian airport as a transit point.
https://dailypost.ng/2023/10/12/reps-move-to-save-250-nigerians-in-ethiopian-prison-summon-tuggar-dabiri/
Daily Post
Reps move to save 250 Nigerians in Ethiopian prison, summon Tuggar, Dabiri
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM,
#Ethiopia: Ancient human species settled African highlands 2 million years ago
A reanalysis of an ancient fossil has shed new light on the adaptive behaviour of ancient humans in #Africa.
The fossil – of an infant jawbone – was uncovered in 1981 at the #Melka_Kunture archaeological site in the #Ethiopian Highlands southwest of #Addis_Abeba. But it has since been subject to extensive debate as to its “taxonomic affinity”.
Basically, archaeologists weren’t sure which hominid species the jaw belonged to, with at least four early human species considered possible.
***
Now, an extensive cross-institutional study published today in the journal Science has reevaluated the fossil and proposed a new perspective on the movements of ancient humans in this part of Africa.
https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/archaeology/ancient-human-species-settled-african-highlands-2-million-years-ago/
A reanalysis of an ancient fossil has shed new light on the adaptive behaviour of ancient humans in #Africa.
The fossil – of an infant jawbone – was uncovered in 1981 at the #Melka_Kunture archaeological site in the #Ethiopian Highlands southwest of #Addis_Abeba. But it has since been subject to extensive debate as to its “taxonomic affinity”.
Basically, archaeologists weren’t sure which hominid species the jaw belonged to, with at least four early human species considered possible.
***
Now, an extensive cross-institutional study published today in the journal Science has reevaluated the fossil and proposed a new perspective on the movements of ancient humans in this part of Africa.
https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/archaeology/ancient-human-species-settled-african-highlands-2-million-years-ago/
Cosmos
A human jawbone from Ethiopia is 2 million years old
A reanalysis of an ancient fossil has shed new light on the adaptive behaviour of ancient humans in Africa.
#UNICEF appeals for urgent funding as humanitarian needs mount in #Ethiopia
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted a funding shortfall that is severely hampering its humanitarian response to the escalating crisis in Ethiopia. UNICEF's latest report on the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia reveals that its $674.3 million appeal remains 72% unfunded, leaving vulnerable populations without critical support.
Out of the required funds, only $187.7 million is currently available, including carryover from the previous year. This represents a mere 28% of the necessary resources to provide life-saving aid to children and their families.
https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/unicef-ethiopia-humanitarian-situation-report-no-8-30-september-2023
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted a funding shortfall that is severely hampering its humanitarian response to the escalating crisis in Ethiopia. UNICEF's latest report on the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia reveals that its $674.3 million appeal remains 72% unfunded, leaving vulnerable populations without critical support.
Out of the required funds, only $187.7 million is currently available, including carryover from the previous year. This represents a mere 28% of the necessary resources to provide life-saving aid to children and their families.
https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/unicef-ethiopia-humanitarian-situation-report-no-8-30-september-2023
#Ethiopia: Drone attacks coinciding with #Irreechaa result in a dozen of fatalities in West Oromia
Multiple drone attacks by government forces in Ethiopia's #Oromia region reportedly left over 12 people dead during the Irreechaa celebrations.
The attacks took place in the Horro Guduru Wollega zone, specifically in the Hababo Guduru and Kombolcha districts.
Local residents also reported other incidents of violence between Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) factions and government troops, resulting in civilian casualties."
https://addisstandard.com/news-drone-attacks-coinciding-with-irreechaa-result-in-dozen-of-fatalities-in-west-oromia/
Multiple drone attacks by government forces in Ethiopia's #Oromia region reportedly left over 12 people dead during the Irreechaa celebrations.
The attacks took place in the Horro Guduru Wollega zone, specifically in the Hababo Guduru and Kombolcha districts.
Local residents also reported other incidents of violence between Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) factions and government troops, resulting in civilian casualties."
https://addisstandard.com/news-drone-attacks-coinciding-with-irreechaa-result-in-dozen-of-fatalities-in-west-oromia/
Addis Standard
News: Drone attacks coinciding with Irreechaa result in a dozen of fatalities in West Oromia - Addis Standard
News: Drone attacks coinciding with Irreechaa result in a dozen of fatalities in West Oromia Addis Standard News -
#Syria says Damascus and Aleppo airports hit by #Israeli missiles
Syrian state media has reported that Israeli forces targeted Syria's two main international airports, causing damage to their runways and rendering them temporarily unusable. The airports in #Damascus and #Aleppo will divert flights to Latakia in northwest Syria.
A military source quoted by Syrian state media claimed that Israeli strikes had "desperately" damaged landing strips at the two airports, suggesting it was an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing conflict in #Gaza.
#Hamas' surprise attack on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Israelis, while Palestinian officials claim over 1,400 people have been killed in the bombings.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67093081
Syrian state media has reported that Israeli forces targeted Syria's two main international airports, causing damage to their runways and rendering them temporarily unusable. The airports in #Damascus and #Aleppo will divert flights to Latakia in northwest Syria.
A military source quoted by Syrian state media claimed that Israeli strikes had "desperately" damaged landing strips at the two airports, suggesting it was an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing conflict in #Gaza.
#Hamas' surprise attack on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Israelis, while Palestinian officials claim over 1,400 people have been killed in the bombings.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67093081
BBC News
Syria says Damascus and Aleppo airports hit by Israeli missiles
Israel has previously hit targets in war-torn Syria linked to Iranian arms supplies.
#israel-#Hamas conflict latest
Civilians flee to southern #Gaza after Israel warning
Civilians are fleeing northern Gaza by car, on the back of trucks and on foot after an Israeli warning that civilians should move south
Key summary
About 1.1 m people living in northern areas have been told to leave in the next day
The Israeli military said it knew it would take longer than that to move everyone but blamed Hamas for telling people to ignore the call
The #UN urged Israel to withdraw its order, warning of "devastating humanitarian consequences"
Hamas fighters kidnapped at least 150 people and took them into Gaza during brutal attacks on Israel at the weekend that killed 1,300 people
More than 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, which continue
A total blockade is being enforced with fuel, food and water running out. Israel says it won't lift the restrictions unless Hamas frees all hostages.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67096916
Civilians flee to southern #Gaza after Israel warning
Civilians are fleeing northern Gaza by car, on the back of trucks and on foot after an Israeli warning that civilians should move south
Key summary
About 1.1 m people living in northern areas have been told to leave in the next day
The Israeli military said it knew it would take longer than that to move everyone but blamed Hamas for telling people to ignore the call
The #UN urged Israel to withdraw its order, warning of "devastating humanitarian consequences"
Hamas fighters kidnapped at least 150 people and took them into Gaza during brutal attacks on Israel at the weekend that killed 1,300 people
More than 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, which continue
A total blockade is being enforced with fuel, food and water running out. Israel says it won't lift the restrictions unless Hamas frees all hostages.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67096916
News: #IMF indicates progress in talks on assisting Ethiopia’s economic program
The IMF has reported progress in discussions with #Ethiopia over potential support for its economic program.
Measures taken to reduce inflation and stabilize the economy have laid a strong foundation for the success of Ethiopia's reform agenda.
Discussions will continue in the coming weeks to reach an agreement on comprehensive reforms.
https://addisstandard.com/news-imf-indicates-progress-in-talks-on-assisting-ethiopias-economic-program/
The IMF has reported progress in discussions with #Ethiopia over potential support for its economic program.
Measures taken to reduce inflation and stabilize the economy have laid a strong foundation for the success of Ethiopia's reform agenda.
Discussions will continue in the coming weeks to reach an agreement on comprehensive reforms.
https://addisstandard.com/news-imf-indicates-progress-in-talks-on-assisting-ethiopias-economic-program/
Addis Standard
News: IMF indicates progress in talks on assisting Ethiopia's economic program - Addis Standard
Finance Minister Ahmed Shide (middle) and Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, Mamo Mihretu, met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva during the joint annual meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco (Photo: Kristalina Georgieva/X) Addis Abeba – Following…
News: #ICHREE releases final report prior to termination, calls for international vigilance on #Ethiopia’s conflict
The International Commission on Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) released its final report today, detailing severe human rights violations committed during the two-year conflict before its mandate ended.
The report accuses all sides of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity, highlighting mass killings, rape, displacement, and arbitrary detentions. The commission warns that justice must prevail and calls for continued investigations and accountability.
Despite appeals, the motion to extend the commission's mandate was not renewed. Human rights organizations emphasize the urgent need for action to prevent further abuses and address the crisis.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ichree-releases-final-report-prior-to-termination-calls-for-international-vigilance-on-ethiopias-conflict/
The International Commission on Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) released its final report today, detailing severe human rights violations committed during the two-year conflict before its mandate ended.
The report accuses all sides of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity, highlighting mass killings, rape, displacement, and arbitrary detentions. The commission warns that justice must prevail and calls for continued investigations and accountability.
Despite appeals, the motion to extend the commission's mandate was not renewed. Human rights organizations emphasize the urgent need for action to prevent further abuses and address the crisis.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ichree-releases-final-report-prior-to-termination-calls-for-international-vigilance-on-ethiopias-conflict/
Addis Standard
News: ICHREE releases final report prior to termination, calls for international vigilance on Ethiopia - Addis Standard
News: ICHREE releases final report prior to termination, calls for international vigilance on Ethiopia Addis Standard News -
Pictorial: #Tigray begins three day solemn procession to honor its martyrs killed in the two year brutal war.
The first of a three-day region-wide mourning period to remember and honor those killed in Ethiopia’s two year brutal war has started this morning across Tigray with a somber ceremony attended by Tigray Interim Administration officials and the people of Tigray.
The martyrdom of the fallen is a “sacrifice paid for survival”, Getachew Reda, interim President of Tigray is quoted by regional media as saying. “…it is a sacrifice paid for existence & self determination.”
In #Mekelle, the capital city, at the at the iconic Hawelti Semaetat Monument, Tigray’s flags are seen flying at half-mast while the ceremony is being held.
The ceremony was also accompanied by a moment of silence, and the laying of wreaths in remembrance and honor of the fallen, respectively.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1713093211554529431?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
The first of a three-day region-wide mourning period to remember and honor those killed in Ethiopia’s two year brutal war has started this morning across Tigray with a somber ceremony attended by Tigray Interim Administration officials and the people of Tigray.
The martyrdom of the fallen is a “sacrifice paid for survival”, Getachew Reda, interim President of Tigray is quoted by regional media as saying. “…it is a sacrifice paid for existence & self determination.”
In #Mekelle, the capital city, at the at the iconic Hawelti Semaetat Monument, Tigray’s flags are seen flying at half-mast while the ceremony is being held.
The ceremony was also accompanied by a moment of silence, and the laying of wreaths in remembrance and honor of the fallen, respectively.
Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1713093211554529431?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA