The conflict between Israel and the Islamist group has been ongoing since Hamas' surprise attack. In Mayotte, the population was alarmed by a night of violence. Elsewhere, tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea have rekindled. In response to the attacks in France and Belgium, Europe calls for vigilance. Let's have a look at what's happening around the world to help you better plan your travels or adjust to the situation in your expat country.
The conflict Hamas-Israel
Hamas fired its first rockets into Israel at 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023. In addition to air strikes, Hamas commandos infiltrated the country by taking hostages. More than 100 civilians and soldiers are being held by them. Israel reacted quickly and declared war. The population was caught between the two groups amidst the violence.
The situation is still critical two weeks later. Civilians are the first victims of this conflict. The most recent example is an attack on a hospital in Central Gaza. An explosion at the Ahli Arab Hospital on Tuesday, October 17, killed over 200 people. The inhabitants had taken refuge in the hospitals to escape the bombings. Hamas appealed to the international community and accused Israel of being responsible for the attack. Israel denies the accusation and claims that Palestinian armed groups had bombed the hospital. Israel aired an audio recording claiming that the Palestinian fighters were responsible -- which the Palestinians denied.
Conflicts in the Middle East
Conflict is spreading to neighboring countries. Following the hospital strike, pro-Palestinian demonstrations occurred in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan. In Turkey, around sixty people were injured in anti-Israel protests. In Iran, demonstrators gathered outside the French and British embassies, reportedly shouting their hostility against these two countries, "accused" of supporting Israel. In Middle Est countries, the population seems to have chosen sides.
A similar position was taken at the diplomatic level. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, as well as Morocco, condemned "the Israeli attack". However, these three countries had signed the Abraham Agreement in 2020, a historic agreement on reconciliation and "trade normalization". Under this agreement, Israel had suspended its plans to take over the occupied Palestinian territories. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan are also blaming Israel, just like Qatar (which has aligned with Hamas), Kuwait, Oman, Algeria and Iraq.
Could things be getting worse?
Israel relies on the support of the United States. President Biden, who arrived in Israel on Wednesday, October 18, blamed Hamas for the deadly attack on the hospital. The visit was watched closely by the whole world under high tension. Hamas accused Washington of being "a partner in Israel's massacre". Joe Biden promised to work with Israel to prevent civilians from becoming victims of further "tragedies".
The European Union (EU) recalls the obligation to respect humanitarian law. While condemning the Hamas attacks, the EU "does not accept" that the people of Gaza should be deprived of water; suspending supplies would be contrary to international law. This tragedy has even shocked China and Russia. President Putin called for a rapid end to the war during a visit to China. On the other hand, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling for an end to "all attacks on health facilities".
Mayotte: a night of violence
The inhabitants still can't get over that horrible night. From Monday night to Tuesday last, Sada, a town in the South West of Mayotte, was the scene of violent clashes. Around a hundred young people are suspected to be behind the tragedy. Throughout the night, they opposed the security forces, causing serious damages: cars were ransacked, fires were set on the road, etc. The next day, Sada bore the aftermaths of the previous night's clashes. The citizens are not hiding their confusion. The investigation is ongoing. The residents of the village are still shocked. Sada has been renowned for its tranquility and has always been preserved from any demonstrations of violence.
According to local newspaper Gazeti, a love affair was behind the night of chaos. Five young men showed up in Sada to "settle scores with local thugs". Targetted by "around a hundred delinquents", the 5 young people, said to be from the commune of Dembéni (17km from Sada), were apprehended in time by the police, leading to violent clashes. Although things have got back to normal, travelers and expats are advised to remain alert.
When water crisis leads to social crisis
Even though the night of chaos is not linked to Mayotte's economic and social situation, it has put the French department back in the spotlight. The population has been experiencing another crisis, and some are even claiming that the French government has neglected the region. Drinking water is now only available one out of every 3 days or even 4 days, for a total of 18 hours, making the "water crisis" even more critical since early October. Only the neediest groups, estimated at 50,000 people, are eligible for free water bottles. The others must manage with chronic water shortages. Residents have had enough. According to them, such a situation would never occur in France.
According to the authorities, these "historic" droughts and periods of torrential rain are due to climate change. These events have weakened the water supply, making it unsafe for consumption. Since June, the authorities have cut off water supply. Both demand and prices of bottled water are rising. Water can cost up to €11 per pack. To prevent a social crisis, the French government froze water prices twice, first in July and then in September.
However, the INSEE (Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques - French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies) points out that despite being stable, prices are still high: a 1.5-litre water bottle costs, on average, €1.40. The water budget alone makes up "16% of the island's median monthly income of €260", at a rate of one bottle per day. The residents are outraged, pointing out that water, which is a basic necessity, is much more expensive in Mayotte than in France. In response, the authorities began distributing water packs on Tuesday, October 10. The packs are available "for eligible families". There will likely be more beneficiaries.
Conflict between the Philippines and China
The Philippine coastguard removed a Chinese floating barrier in the South China Sea during the week of September 18. This region is the conflict zone between the two countries. The Philippines accuses China of wanting to curtail its influence far beyond the Law of the Sea. The Philippine President defended his right, claiming that the floating barrier violated international law. There were new conflicts on October 13. According to the Philippine government, a Chinese navy ship attempted to block the path of a Philippine navy ship that was refueling. The incident happened near the island of Thitu, a Philippine territory, despite China's continuous claim. China has been at war with neighboring countries since the end of World War II, even if it means defying international law. The Court of The Hague even gave a judgment in favor of the Philippines in 2016.
Attack by the Burmese army
Twenty-nine people were killed in an attack on an IDP camp in northern Burma by the Burmese army. This information was provided to Agence France-Presse (AFP) by Naw Bu, spokesman and head of the ethnic rebel group, Kachin Independence Army (KIA). According to Naw Bu, the attack took place on the night of Monday, October 9, in a camp near the Chinese border. The area has been marked by clashes between the Burmese army and the KIA. Since the coup d'état by the Burmese army on February 1, which reestablished the military junta and ousted the civilian government (arrest of the head of government Aung San Suu Kyi, overthrow of President Win Myint), tensions have remained high.
France and Belgium raised their emergency alert
Emotions have been running high since the terrorist attack on a secondary school in Arras, northern France, on Friday, October 13. While protecting his students, Dominique Bernard, a high-school teacher, was shot dead by the attacker. Three other people who intervened were injured. Belgium was also targeted by a terrorist attack on Monday, October 16. Two Swedes were killed in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State. The French government tightened border controls with Belgium and increased its Vigipirate plan. The primary suspect, who was charged on Tuesday, October 17, had "pledged allegiance" to the Islamic State. Belgium also raised its vigilance level. Overall, Europe is reuniting to fight terrorism effectively.
Whether you're an expat in one of these countries or you're planning to travel there soon, it's recommended that you remain on your guard. Keep an eye on the latest media updates (but don't get carried away by psychosis), and follow the advice and information provided by your embassy or consulate in your host country.
