Residents continue to flee Rafah in the south and Shujayea in the north as Israeli tanks push deeper into both areas. (30 June 2024). At least six Palestinians have been
Israel’s closure of the vital Rafah border crossing last month severed key supply lines, aid groups warned. Fighting goes on in Shejaiya, Gaza City, the IDF said. (30 June 2024).
Photo Source: Kremlin By: Dr. Robert O. Freedman Johns Hopkins University In order to understand the Russian policy toward the Israel Hamas war that began on October 7, 2023, it
By Dr. Robert O. Freedman On February 7, 2024, the Israeli-Hamas war ended its fourth month. It was precipitated by a Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 Israelis and
By Robert O. Freedman, Johns Hopkins University As the war between Israel and Hamas enters its third month, with heavy fighting underway in Gaza, many have given up hope for an
By Robert O. Freedman, Johns Hopkins University In a major surprise attack on October 7th, Hamas forces, striking from land, sea, and air (with paragliders), crossed into Israel, blasting holes in
By Robert O. Freedman, Johns Hopkins University In a major surprise attack, Hamas forces, striking from land, sea and air (with paragliders) crossed into Israel, blasting holes in the security fence
By Robert O. Freedman, Johns Hopkins University As I write this blog, it is the eve of Tisha B’av, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the destruction of the first two Jewish
By Robert O. Freedman, Johns Hopkins University The abortive coup undertaken by Yevgeny Prigozhin a week ago raises as many questions as it answers. Consequently, this essay will be
By Robert O. Freedman, Johns Hopkins University INTRODUCTION Since the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948, it hashad, at best, a mixed relationship with the Soviet Union and,
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
