Middle East crisis

Political situation in Somalia
EU urges “respect for Somalia’s sovereignty” after Israel’s recognition

The EU is calling on the international community to respect Somalia’s sovereignty, AFP reports. This comes after Israel recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state on Friday.

“This is crucial for peace in the entire region,” EU foreign policy spokesman Anouar El Anouni wrote in a statement.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not been recognized by any other UN member. Egypt, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have condemned Israel’s recognition.

The UN Security Council has been called to an emergency meeting on the recognition on Monday at Somalia’s request, according to the Times of Israel.

Gaza War
Israeli Teacher Threatened with Firing for Opposition to Gaza War

The 52-year-old Israeli elementary school teacher Yael Levkovitz is being threatened with dismissal – because she opposes her country’s occupation and warfare in Gaza. This is reported by Haaretz.

Yael Levkovitz participates in demonstrations against the war and spreads information about the suffering of the Gazans on social media.

– It is my way of maintaining a certain humanity, she tells the newspaper.

A parent from her school documented her protests and sent them to a right-wing politician. He spread them further, and she has now become a national celebrity and the subject of television debates.

The education minister ordered an investigation and disciplinary action, and at a recent meeting at the education ministry she was threatened with dismissal under a regulation that prohibits teachers from expressing “insulting” criticism.

“I have nothing to apologize for. They should apologize to me and to the entire society,” says Yael Levkovitz.

According to a Haaretz investigation, at least 25 principals and teachers have been punished in various ways for criticizing the war.

Seven arrested in Italy – believed to have financed Hamas

Italian police have arrested seven people suspected of having collected millions of euros for the terrorist group Hamas, AFP reports. Police are also issuing international arrest warrants for two suspects believed to be abroad.

The suspects are accused of having sent the equivalent of just over 75 million kronor to organizations linked to Hamas. More than 71 percent of the funds are said to have gone to direct financing of Hamas or related entities, according to the police.