Protests around the world call for Palestinian freedom
A protester holds a sign saying ‘Time to free Palestine’ at a demonstration in Ottawa, Canada on Sunday
People gathered in front of the US embassy building, to protest against the Israeli attacks on Gaza in Tunis, Tunisia on Saturday
People take part in the ‘All on the street for a free Palestine’ demonstration in Copenhagen, Denmark on Sunday
Pro-Palestine protesters participate in the ‘Not Another Bomb’ rally outside the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia, US, on Sunday
Colombia halts coal export to Israel over Gaza war
Colombia’s government has banned coal export to Israel, with a decree signed by the country’s president and several ministers coming into effect within five days.
“Colombian coal is used to make bombs to kill Palestinian children,” President Gustavo Petro said on X.
Colombia, which exports 5 percent of its total coal production to Israel, had also suspended diplomatic relations with the country in May.
‘Disrespect for Palestinian life disconcerting’: UN special rapporteur
Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, has criticised a recent White House statement which focused on Israel’s security as a reason to end the war on Gaza.
“40,000 ascertained casualties, yet the focus remains on Israel’s security, whatever that implies,” she wrote, demanding an immediate ceasefire.
“The disrespect for Palestinian life is disconcerting.”
40,000 ascertained casualties, yet the focus remains on Israel 's security, whatever that implies.
The disrespect for Palestinian life is disconcerting.#CeasefireNOW https://t.co/RoHoUYNRmr
— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) August 19, 2024
Army ready to set up field hospitals in Gaza, says Algerian president
Abdelmadjid Tebboune says the country’s soldiers are ready to establish three field hospitals in the Gaza Strip within a few weeks if the Israeli-occupied Rafah border crossing with Egypt is reopened.
Algeria is prepared to send “hundreds of doctors” to Gaza as well and work to “help rebuild what the occupation destroyed”, he said during a rally speech in the northeastern city of Constantine.
The 78-year-old, who is running for re-election, pledged that “we will never abandon Palestine, especially Gaza”.
This comes a day after the North African country said it will send fuel to Lebanon amid a nationwide blackout caused by fuel shortages amid rising concerns of a looming war with Israel.
