February 16, 2024

*) Israeli attacks in Gaza fuel 'catastrophic' medicine shortage The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has issued a warning this week regarding a scarcity of medicines and medical supplies. They highlight the inability to provide over 60 percent of essential primary healthcare drugs. Approximately 350,000 individuals in Gaza with chronic illnesses lack access to medication, raising concerns about severe health complications. In Rafah, more than half of Gaza's population, roughly 1.4 million Palestinians, endure harsh living conditions and are exposed to disease, states the United Nations. The Health Ministry emphasises the heightened risk of respiratory, skin, and infectious diseases due to overcrowding and cold weather, particularly hepatitis A. *) Prabowo leads Indonesia presidential race by a wide margin Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto is leading the country's presidential election by a significant margin, according to results from the election commission released on Friday. With 50 percent of the votes counted, the 72-year-old former general is poised to succeed the current popular leader, Joko Widodo. While the official outcome is anticipated in late March, early indications suggest Prabowo is set to win decisively. Currently, he holds 56.89 percent of the votes, more than double that of his closest competitor, ensuring a first-round majority, as per the election commission's website. *) South Africa says Israel not complying with world court's interim ruling As Israel prepares for a possible ground offensive in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, South Africa has accused it of disregarding previous orders from the UN's top court to prevent genocide in Palestine. South Africa's Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, expressed horror at the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, particularly in Rafah on the Egyptian border. She stated that Israel's actions support their allegations of ongoing genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories, as presented to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). *) US warns Russia to 'stay out of our elections' after Putin remark The US issued a stern warning to Russia, instructing them to refrain from interfering in American elections, in response to President Putin's recent comments seemingly favouring President Biden's re-election. During a press briefing, White House National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby emphasised the administration's efforts to counter Russia's negative influence globally and within Ukraine. Kirby reiterated the US's readiness to push back against Russian actions, particularly in Ukraine, and urged Putin to respect American elections. And finally… *) Nepal pursues sacred statues of Hindu deities once smuggled abroad Several sacred statues of Hindu deities, previously stolen and smuggled abroad, are now being repatriated to Nepal as part of a global initiative to return such artefacts to their countries of origin. Last month, the United States returned four idols and masks of Hindu gods, including a 16th-century statue of Uma-Maheswora, an incarnation of Shiva and Parvati, stolen four decades ago. Devotees in Patan, near Kathmandu, joyously welcomed the return of these artefacts, with crowded alleys witnessing offerings of money and flowers. Traditional drummers and chanters in customary attire marked the occasion with celebratory prayers.