Save the Children reports over 180 children killed or injured in Syria due to landmines since December. UN notes 1.2 million Syrian returns, with concerns over explosive remnants. Meanwhile, U.S. engages in Iraqi oil exports negotiations, and Israel’s government moves to dismiss Attorney General Baharav-Miara amid legal disputes.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance in Syria have claimed the lives or caused injuries to at least 188 children since December, according to the charity Save the Children. Of these, over 60 children have been reported dead, highlighting the ongoing danger for returning families in the conflict-ridden country. In total, these remnants of war have resulted in 628 casualties since the government change, which represents a significant portion of the total casualties reported in 2023.
The United Nations reported that approximately 1.2 million people returned to Syria in the past three months, with over 885,000 previously internally displaced. Bujar Hoxha, the charity’s Syria director, emphasized that explosive remnants constitute a severe threat, noting that an average of two children fall victim to these dangers each day. The organization urges greater action from authorities and international donors to expedite the clearance of mines.
A prior report by Humanity and Inclusion assessed the risks posed by unexploded munitions left from the civil war, estimating that up to 300,000 of the one million munitions used remain undeclared. Additionally, there was a recent incident where at least eight civilians, including three children, were killed due to an explosion of unexploded munitions in northwestern Syria. This ongoing humanitarian crisis calls for urgent attention to dangerous leftovers from prolonged armed conflict.
On an international scale, a planned meeting in Baghdad may lead to the reestablishment of Kurdish oil exports through the Turkish pipeline amid U.S. encouragement. These discussions have faced delays due to disagreements between the Iraqi oil ministry and oil firms. The U.S. presence aims to facilitate negotiations that would benefit all parties involved.
In Israel, developments have arisen regarding the government’s effort to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara due to claimed disagreements on her legal advice. Baharav-Miara’s criticisms, specifically regarding legislative changes that could harm judicial independence, have made her a target of the current administration, showcasing the contentious relationship between governing bodies and legal authorities.
The situation in Syria remains precarious with the continued threat of landmines impacting the safety of returning families, particularly children. Concurrently, political tensions in Israel highlight the struggle for judicial independence against governmental interests. Meanwhile, discussions in Iraq regarding Kurdish oil exports reflect the U.S.’s strategic interests in the region as they seek to stabilize oil supply amid geopolitical tensions. These narratives underline the complexities in global diplomatic relations affected by conflict and governance challenges.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
