Meta's Global Ban on Russian State Media

Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia-Ukrain War

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Image Source : STR/Nur

Meta Expands Action Against Russian Media

Meta announced a global ban on Russian state media outlets, including Rossiya Segodnya and RT, among others, from using the services of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Threads. Meta argued that these outlets were involved in covert operations to spread disinformation with a view to manipulating political discourse across different regions. This is a very significant ramping up of actions by Meta, whose earlier measures merely worked to limit the reach of those outlets and their advertising capabilities. It comes as the world is increasingly concerned about the role state sponsored media plays in manipulating public opinion and meddling in democratic processes.

Hezbollah's Role in the Conflict

The representative further added that the Hezbollah, a Lebanon based Shia Muslim militant group, had maintained a pace of some of the gravest attacks against northern Israel since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 assault by Hamas. The war between the Israelis and the militant groups in Gaza saw almost 60,000 residents from northern Israel relocated for safety. Their safe return was henceforth at the top of the agenda of the Israeli government. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, "This may well involve military action," adding that this is a "complicated, multi dimensional conflict" with involvement by both Hezbollah and Hamas.

Image Source : STR/Nur

Escalation and International Concerns

This conflict has many worried that a larger regional war is possible. US officials have issued stark warnings about the consequences of further escalation not only for Israel and Lebanon, but for the stability of the entire world. The Biden administration imposed sanctions on RT and other Russian state media for what it termed covert actions to undermine democratic processes and spread propaganda. These actions are part of a broader international attempt to counter Russian influence operations, which reflect greater international sensitivity to the risks created by such conflicts.

Challenges in Achieving Objectives

Israel's goals in this conflict include ridding itself of Hamas, retrieving hostages, and retaining security for northern Israel. This issue is complicated by the fact that the Hezbollah is closely related to Hamas and has really increased its attacks. Further complicating this situation is internal political pressures within Israel, a factor added to the international diplomatic effort. All these goals are particularly hard to achieve given the changing character of the conflict; military action is difficult to pursue, as are diplomatic solutions.

Impact on Meta and Russian Relations

The diplomatic hostilities between Meta and the Russian government have been on an upward trajectory since the action against Russian state media. Moscow branded it an "unprecedented" politically driven move that cuts down Meta's credibility. That follows Russia naming Meta an extremist organization in March 2022 and blocking Facebook and Instagram in the country. The government of Russia has further criticized Meta's move, a reflection of the ongoing row over information control between Western governments and Russia in the larger geopolitical struggle.

Returning people to the north is Israel's new war objective

Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff

D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Israel Gaza war

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Image Source : Reuters

Israel has set a new war objective: to guarantee the safe return of northerly residents

The statement issued by the prime minister's office has formally established the safe repatriation of Israeli citizens to the northern portion of the country as a primary objective in its continuous military operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security council made the decision during a meeting held on Monday. Israel's war objectives have shifted with this decision, broadening its attention from the ongoing fight in Gaza to addressing security concerns in the north, where tensions have increased as a result of Hezbollah's participation.

Operational evacuations in Northern Israel

Since Hezbollah, the Iran-supported militant organization operating in Lebanon, intensified its operations, some 60,000 Israeli inhabitants have been forcibly removed from towns and villages in the northern region. The frequent assaults over the border have generated a perilous atmosphere, particularly with the intensification of hostilities on October 8, 2023. A day after Hamas terrorists initiated a catastrophic assault on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, the fighting escalated, leading Hezbollah to fire at Israeli positions as a demonstration of sympathy with the Palestinians.

The violent assaults across the border and the following removal of people have exerted further pressure on Israel to tackle the security situation in the northern region. The Netanyahu government has officially designated the repatriation of these displaced inhabitants as a formal war goal, in addition to its wider military actions.

Declaration issued by the Prime Minister's Office

Netanyahu's office issued a communiqué on Monday, providing further clarification on the revised war goals. "The Security Cabinet has revised the aim of the war to encompass the objective of safely repatriating the inhabitants of the northern region to their residences," the statement stated. Additionally, it underscored Israel's commitment to persist in achieving this objective by means of its continuous military campaigns, with a specific emphasis on safeguarding the northern region against potential future dangers presented by Hezbollah.

 Military Intervention as a Resolution

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of Israel reiterated the prime minister's dedication to this new objective during a meeting with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. Gallant highlighted that military intervention would be necessary to guarantee the secure repatriation of inhabitants from the northern region. He pointed out that Hezbollah, which has aligned itself with Hamas in the wider struggle, has shown no indication of ceasing its aggressive actions. According to Gallant, the prospects of reaching an accord are diminishing as Hezbollah persists in aligning itself with Hamas and refuses to resolve the dispute. Consequently, the Israeli administration has reached the conclusion that military involvement is the sole feasible approach to guarantee the security of northern towns.

In addition to fueling speculation about tensions inside the Israeli government, Gallant's comments also sparked rumors indicating differences between Gallant and Prime Minister Netanyahu on the handling of the Gaza war. While some reports have suggested that Netanyahu may be contemplating replacing Gallant as a result of these conflicts, no official actions have been taken in this regard.

Additional concerns regarding further escalation

The possibility for more escalation in the region has raised fears among U.S. officials as Israel deliberates on its military alternatives. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cautioned about the potential repercussions of a prolonged battle, not only for Israel and Lebanon but also for the wider Palestinian and Arab region. The significance of diplomatic endeavors was reiterated by Austin in a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Defense. He stressed the need of a truce and a potential hostage agreement, urging Israel to provide diplomacy sufficient time to achieve success. Austin's communication emphasized the potential hazards of adding more military intensity, which might result in catastrophic outcomes for the people residing on both sides of the border.

 Hezbollah's involvement in the conflict

In Lebanon, Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim militant group, has exerted substantial political and military power, which has greatly contributed to Israel's security worries in the northern region. While the group has abstained from publicly commenting on the latest developments, their participation in the fighting has increased since Hamas launched an onslaught on southern Israel on October 7. Israeli military cautions that they may be compelled to initiate a military campaign with the objective of relocating Hezbollah from the border in order to ensure the security of northern Israel.

The group's continuous strikes, together with its backing of Hamas, have sparked concerns over the potential for a multi front war, given Israel's high level of involvement in Gaza. The tension has further contributed to the intricacy of Israel's overarching military strategy, which once aimed to eradicate Hamas but has now broadened its scope to include dangers posed by Hezbollah.

Israel's Widening Military Objectives

The recently declared purpose of repatriating northern inhabitants to their residences is a substantial augmentation to Israel's earlier declared military goals. These goals, established in reaction to the unparalleled Hamas assault, embrace:

1. Israel has initiated a thorough military operation with the objective of eradicating Hamas, the governing terrorist group in the Gaza Strip since 2007.

   
   

2. The successful repatriation of captives: More than 250 individuals were illegally held captive during Hamas' attack on October 7th. Although diplomatic efforts have encountered several challenges, the Israeli government has given priority to ensuring their release.

Efforts are being made by Israel to eliminate the Gaza Strip as a potential future danger, especially in light of the Hamas led assault that caused the loss of around 1,200 Israeli lives.

Having officially designated the northern security situation as a war objective, Israel's military policy now focuses on ensuring security on several fronts. Current figures indicate that over 41,220 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict, as Israel persists in its military operations against Hamas while making preparations for possible measures against Hezbollah.

 Conflict Induced Humanitarian Crisis

The continuous violence has not only forced the relocation of an enormous number of inhabitants but has also worsened an already severe humanitarian catastrophe in both Israel and Gaza. In addition to the danger to northern inhabitants, the situation in Gaza has persistently worsened, characterized by extensive devastation, scarcities of essential commodities, and the forced relocation of substantial numbers of civilians.

At the northern region, the military clashes have resulted in substantial destruction of infrastructure, such as homes and roads, which has further complicated the efforts to provide assistance to those impacted by the conflict. The long-term consequences of the battle, particularly on civilians who are still in the midst of the fighting, have been cautioned by international organizations.

As Israel advances with its broadened war goals, the area remains acutely vigilant, with ongoing military and diplomatic operations taking place. The method by which northern inhabitants will be repatriated, whether by military intervention or diplomatic negotiations, is yet uncertain. However, this circumstance highlights the intricate nature of the current crisis and the obstacles that now await.

More than 200 people die in Myanmar from mudslides and floods

Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff

D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source : AP photo

The number of deaths in Myanmar has exceeded 220 after the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi

The military administration reports that the death toll in Myanmar has exceeded 220 following Typhoon Yagi, with around 80 individuals still unaccounted for. In early September, a formidable storm ravaged northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, causing widespread devastation in the area. According to official sources, the storm has caused major floods and mudslides that have resulted in the deaths of over 500 individuals in these countries.

In Myanmar, the storm resulted in extensive destruction, destroying whole villages and causing the deaths of a minimum of 226 people. However, the ongoing rescue operations have been hindered by blocked highways, damaged bridges, and broken communication lines, therefore posing significant challenges to relief efforts. An estimated 630,000 people have been impacted by the floods, which covers nine states and regions in the country, including the capital Naypyidaw and the Irrawaddy River basin, the largest waterway in the nation, according to the United Nations (UN).

Image Source : AP photo

Furthermore, apart from the significant loss of human lives, the floods have also wrecked vast expanses of agricultural land, raising apprehensions about food scarcity in the already devastated nation. An estimated 500,000 people in Myanmar are in immediate need of food, drinking water, shelter, and clothing, according to the United Nations. Mandalay in the north, Magway in the west, Bago in the south, and Shan, Mon, Kayah, and Kayin states are among the areas that have been severely affected by the floods.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war since 2021, at which point the military took control, toppling the democratically elected state. A multitude of armed resistance groups persist in their struggle against the governing military junta, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions. A combination of the unstable political climate and the extensive destruction wrought by the floods has posed challenges for humanitarian organisations in reaching many afflicted areas.

Image Source : Marga Ambulance & Rescue

In Shan State, predominantly under the occupation of a rebel force, a volunteer rescuer has documented the complete submersion of entire residences due to mudslides. "So far, we have successfully retrieved more than 100 corpses, encompassing both children and Senior citizens," stated the rescuer. "Our ongoing search encompasses over 200 additional individuals."

Furthermore, inhabitants in other areas, such as Kayin State (previously known as Karen State) in the southeast, are also experiencing severe circumstances. Khon Matia, a top authority in the region, stated that there is a pressing need for food among the people. "International aid is not available, and the floods and ongoing conflict have obstructed access to numerous areas, so providing assistance very challenging."

Unusually, the governing military dictatorship sought international assistance during the weekend. India has been the sole nation to provide assistance, including food, clothing, and medicine, to support the relief operations thus far.

Ten fatalities were recorded in Thailand and one in Laos as a result of the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in adjacent nations. A total of 292 lives have been lost in Vietnam due to the storm, while 38 individuals remain unaccounted for. The hurricane resulted in significant destruction of over 230,000 residences and ravaged 280,000 hectares of agricultural land, greatly affecting the country's primary industrial centers.

The floods in Myanmar are regarded as among of the most severe in the country's recent past, and the complete magnitude of the destruction is still evolving. Aid organisations are still facing difficulties in accessing affected regions due to restricted entry, while the country confronts the simultaneous issues of a natural catastrophe and a persistent civil war.