US vetoes draft UNSC resolution calling for humanitarian ceasefire in #Gaza calling it unrealistic and dangerous as “it would simply leave Hamas in place, able to regroup and repeat.” UK abstains. Remaining 13 council members vote yes to the draft put forward by UAE Mission to the UN

Berlin restaurant politely announcing that they will no longer take card payments in 2024 because they don’t want to pay taxes.

On the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of #HumanRights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein considers the need for renewed multilateral cooperation from leaders to protect rights and ensure dignity, equality and freedom for all. Learn more: theelders.org/human-rights-a… #UDHR75

Debate in #UNSC consultations got heated. #Russia not only concerned with delays but also with the fact that the text is being watered down and members don't even know what it looks like. #US and #UAE said that they are really close to reaching an agreement. Main issues remain

Beaking: Sigrid kaag is the leading candidate to be the special UN "Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator" in #Gaza. She is the former Dutch FM, also the former head of the joint OPCW-UN mission in Syria (2013). The resolution requested (OP4) the UNSG to "appoint a

NEW: UN chief appoints Sigrid Kaag of the Netherlands as new Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for #Gaza. ‘In this role, she will facilitate, coordinate, monitor, and verify humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza.’ Starts on 8 January. un.org/sg/en/content/…

Finding some surprises while cleaning the canals of Amsterdam. x.com/Solocuriosos_1…

As Russians Steal Ukraine’s Art, They Attack Its Identity, Too nytimes.com/2023/01/14/wor…

This morning an electronic billboard on my way to work is displaying this Putin quote: “Russia’s borders do not end anywhere.”

WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus refutes Israeli accusations the UN agency ‘is in “collusion” with Hamas and is “turning a blind eye” to the suffering of hostages being held in Gaza’ calling such claims harmful and dangerous. Full statement:

Northern Ireland Has a Sinn Fein Leader. It’s a Landmark Moment. via @NYTimes nytimes.com/2024/02/03/wor…

Alexei Navalny’s message to his supporters in the event he is killed - in excerpt from ‘Navalny’ documentary. tiktok.com/t/ZT8wPufRg/

The New York News Daily, The Chicago Chronicle and D.C. Weekly might all sound like good places to get local news. But they are not news organizations at all. They’re mock news sites created to push Russian propaganda: via @NYTimes nytimes.com/2024/03/07/bus…

Here she is: Yulia Navalnaya waiting in line to vote outside the Russian embassy in Berlin

.U.S. Mission to the UN will bring its #UNSC #Gaza resolution that "Determines the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire" for a vote Friday morning. If it fails to be adopted, elected council members will bring their own version for a vote afterwards.

NOW: #UNSC adopts resolution on #Gaza that "demands an immediate #ceasefire for the month of #Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian

Blinken had a meeting yesterday with Malta FM

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UN envoys of Palestine, #Ireland, #Spain and #Norway posed for a celebratory picture at the #UNSC stakeout, hours after the 3 countries recognized the State of #Palestine.