https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:39:48 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-brazilians-remember-beirut-port-tragedy-at-copacabana-beach/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:13:11 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658185 READ: Lebanon marchers mourn port blast victims three years on, angry at stalled probe]]> 658185 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-brazil-president-supports-accession-of-saudi-arabia-uae-to-brics/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:41:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657845 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expressed his support for more countries joining the BRICS group. Lula said in the capital, Brasilia, yesterday that he supports countries such as Argentina, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joining the group. BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is due to hold a summit in Johannesburg from 22-24 August. He also described the seven leading industrialised countries as a "club" that should not exist, considering that its form in terms of geopolitical affairs is outdated. The UK, US, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Germany make up the group of Western industrialised countries, known as the G7. Some 22 countries have "formally" asked to join the BRICS group, while […]]]> 657845 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-brics-endorses-the-defunct-two-state-compromise/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:09:43 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655015 The BRICS Summit in South Africa has given further unwarranted validation to the two-state compromise for Palestine-Israel. The Palestinian Authority's official news agency Wafa promoted the reaffirmation by international diplomacy as calling for "the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital." While BRICS is seen as an economic alternative – 22 countries have formally applied to join the bloc, while another 20 have expressed interest – its diplomacy for Palestine only promises more of the same defunct premises which have accelerated Israel's settler-colonial expansion on Palestinian territory. Economic inequalities may be addressed through BRICS, although the number of countries applying or expressing interest will inevitably veer the group away from the alternative economic policies which […]]]> 655015 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-arabic-art-inspires-brazilian-women/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:00:31 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654705 According to the International Organisation for Migration, there are more than 13 million people of Arab descent living in Brazil. Those across the whole of Latin America are an example of a sizeable group of migrants who have integrated successfully into their host societies. Arabic culture and artists have had a strong influence on the cultural and arts in Brazil. Music, poetry, calligraphy, the performing arts, crafts, design, architecture and digital arts have all been affected by Arabic culture. Brazilian women have built bridges between Brazil and the Arab world and achieved professional success by demonstrating that Arab and Brazilian cultures have much in common, especially when it comes to artistic impact. Many believe that cultural exchange between Arab countries […]]]> 654705 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230722-algeria-president-country-applied-to-join-brics-offered-1-5bn/ Sat, 22 Jul 2023 09:02:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654442 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced on Friday that his country had submitted a request to be a shareholder in the BRICS group to the amount of $1.5 billion. President Tebboune revealed, for the first time, the value of the contribution in an interview with China Central Television broadcast on Friday. Tebboune disclosed: "We officially applied to join the BRICS group, we sent a letter asking to be shareholder members of the bank… Algeria's first contribution to the bank will be $1.5 billion." The BRICS Bank, formerly referred to as the New Development Bank, is run by BRICS countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with its headquarters in Shanghai, China. READ: Algeria President to pay 2-day visit to Turkiye The […]]]> 654442 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230721-south-africa-22-countries-officially-requested-to-join-brics-group/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:06:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654338 Some 22 countries have "formally" asked to join the BRICS group, while an equal number has informally expressed interest in joining the bloc, South Africa announced yesterday. BRICS, a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is due to hold a summit from 22-24 August in South Africa and has previously hinted that it was open to expansion. South Africa's top diplomat in charge of relations with the bloc, Anil Sooklal,  told reporters in Johannesburg that 22 countries have officially asked to join the BRICS group while there was "an equal number of countries have informally expressed interest in becoming BRICS members … [including] all the major global south countries." READ: BRICS summit issues special resolution in favour of […]]]> 654338 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230721-brics-summit-issues-special-resolution-in-favour-of-palestine/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 11:35:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654329 The BRICS summit called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Wafa news agency reported. BRICS, a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, issued a resolution following its conference in the South African capital, Pretoria, yesterday calling for the implementation of United Nations and UN Security Council resolutions related to the Palestinian issue, including Resolution No. 2334 on the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict within the framework of the two-state solution, by establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. A delegation from the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), headed by Azzam Al-Ahmad, and senior Palestinian diplomat Salman Al-Harfi attended yesterday's session. On the sidelines of the conference, the delegation […]]]> 654329 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230718-latin-america-has-not-forgot-jenin-or-its-people/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:00:26 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653239 In full view of the world, Jenin refugee camp was subjected to an extensive military offensive that resulted in the martyrdom of 12 Palestinians, including four children, as well over 100 wounded and hundreds of families being forced to leave their homes. However, communities in Latin America came together to denounce the Israeli occupation's actions in the refugee camp, highlighting the strong solidarity with Palestine in many countries in the region. In a statement, the Palestinian Federation of Latin America (UPAL) strongly condemned the Israeli occupation's aggression on Jenin. It said: "The Israeli attack aimed to eliminate the Palestinian resistance, which heroically defended themselves with their voices, stones, lives, and hand-made weapons in the face of the Israeli warplanes and […]]]> 653239 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230716-muslim-slaves-taken-to-brazil-were-expensive-and-worked-to-earn-their-freedom/ Sun, 16 Jul 2023 08:00:35 +0000 , Middle East Monitor , Middle East Monitor , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652091 During our trip to Salvador in May, we tried to contact people and institutions with information about the 19th-century slave uprisings in the Brazilian state of Bahia, especially the Malê Revolt (January, 1835). The Beninese Yoruba heritage is remarkable in the Bahia Candomble and its Brazilian religious syncretisms. Benin tragically became known as the "Slave Coast". The Malê prompt questions about the religious-political determination of the revolt, aiming for more than just liberation; the intention was to defeat local Roman Catholicism. There are still gaps in our knowledge of the African influence on the American revolutions against slavery, the academic focus of which tends to revolve around the French Revolution. We needed to interview the griot Nanci de Souza Silva, […]]]> 652091 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230712-russia-vetoes-extending-cross-border-aid-delivery-to-syria/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:15:49 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651592 Russia yesterday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at extending cross-border aid delivery to Syria from Turkiye through the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing. The move blocks millions of residents of the area from accessing aid. Switzerland and Brazil had initially proposed the mechanism be extended for 12 months, but Russia insisted on only a six-month extension. On Tuesday, 13 Security Council members voted in favour of a compromise resolution drafted by Switzerland and Brazil to extend the mechanism for nine months. China abstained and Russia vetoed. In a rival resolution, Russia insisted on only a six-month extension, but that was voted down. Resolutions need nine votes to get through the Council and no veto by permanent members: Russia, China, […]]]> 651592 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230711-israel-envoy-you-can-be-pro-palestine-and-a-friend-of-israel/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:55:01 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651434 Deputy Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean at Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonathan Peled said in an event hosted by the Wilson Center in Washington that Israel "today is to ensure, convince, and persuade governments in Latin America that the relationship with Israel is not a zero-sum game." Peled clarified how Israel's influence and reach extends well beyond its immediate region and "nowhere is that more true than in the Americas." He said that Latin American countries were the "most important force" in supporting the creation of Israel and described support for Israel on the continent as "a matter of faith" for many in the region. Peled described Israel´s longstanding and historic friendship with the Western Hemisphere where there […]]]> 651434 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230711-unsc-postpones-vote-on-extending-cross-border-aid-delivery-to-syria/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:12:46 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651377 The UN Security Council yesterday postponed a vote to renew a cross-border mechanism that allows the use of the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing through Turkiye to deliver humanitarian aid to northwestern Syria, Anadolu news agency reported. The 15-member Council was scheduled to vote on a resolution drafted by Switzerland and Brazil seeking to extend the humanitarian corridor for 12 months. But Russia insisted on a six-month extension and submitted a rival resolution. With the exception of Russia, which has the right of veto, there is a broad consensus to extend the mechanism for a period of 12 months. Local sources told Anadolu that 79 humanitarian aid trucks entered the Idlib governorate yesterday, the day when the current authorisation expired. According to the sources the […]]]> 651377 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-brazils-firmino-leaves-liverpool-to-join-saudi-side-al-ahli/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:50:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649741 Roberto Firmino has left Liverpool to join Saudi side Al-Ahli, the English Premier League team announced yesterday. The Brazilian attacker agreed to a three-year deal with Al-Ahli, after his free-agent move. Si Señor ??#WelcomeFirmino pic.twitter.com/jZGcJXCUon — النادي الأهلي السعودي (@ALAHLI_FC) July 4, 2023 Liverpool thanked the 31-year-old for his contributions and wished him all the best for the future. Firmino, who racked up 110 goals and provided 72 assists in 361 appearances for the Reds, helped the English side bag seven trophies, including the 2019 UEFA Champions League, 2020 FIFA Club World Cup and 2020 English Premier League title. WATCH: Steven Gerrard appointed manager of Al-Ettifaq]]> 649741 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230703-united-in-solidarity-the-mission-of-the-latin-palestinian-forum/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:38:36 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=648980 We often hear voices raised in solidarity with the Palestinian people coming from organisations and individuals committed to ending Israeli apartheid in occupied Palestine. However, it is interesting that the first meeting of the Latin Palestinian Forum's Board of Trustees pointed out divisive issues. Connecting solidarity for more effective action is a sincere proposal from the entities that carry the flag of a Free Palestine, but the means to achieve such a goal need reinforcement. The forum was born out of the World League of Parliamentarians for Al-Quds (Jerusalem). It aims to add a Latin American perspective to strategic approaches to be taken. The first meeting of its trustees was held on 13 June. Forum members hailed it as an […]]]> 648980 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230626-brazil-expresses-concern-over-settlement-expansion-escalating-violence-against-palestinians/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:28:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=647342 The government of Brazil expressed, today, deep concern at Israel's recent escalation of violence following the announcement of its plans to construct illegal settlements in various areas of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, despite being considered illegal under international law. According to Wafa news agency, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry said in a statement it is "following with consternation and concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, which included the resumption of Israeli air strikes." The statement pointed out that one of the Palestinians wounded during the raid imposed by fanatic Israeli settlers into the town of Turmus Ayya is a minor and the son of a Brazilian citizen. Hundreds of Israeli settlers, last week, rampaged through Palestinian […]]]> 647342 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230626-awareness-of-the-palestinian-cause-is-growing-at-brazilian-universities/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:00:01 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=647245 Palestinian and Brazilian activists have organised a protest stand at the federal University of São Paulo (USP) against the "Israeli Kitchen" exhibition which was scheduled to take place this month. Students, labour unions and left-wing political parties came together with Palestinian flags and banners proclaiming "Free Palestine" at the entrances to the university. They condemned the establishment of the Israeli exhibition which presents food "stolen" from Palestinian culture as "Israeli". The protesters prepared dishes of Palestinian food and invited bystanders to taste the "original" versions of the food claimed to be Israeli. They declared that they would not allow Brazilian universities to be used in support of Israeli apartheid and the cultural appropriation of Palestinian culture and identity by Israel […]]]> 647245 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230624-weighing-expansion-brics-increasingly-draws-membership-requests/ Sat, 24 Jun 2023 15:36:09 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=646894 The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, continues to attract applications from numerous countries as it explores expansion opportunities, Anadolu Agency reports. Anadolu compiled the developments regarding the enlargement process of BRICS. Amid the search for a multipolar world, Brazil, Russia, India and China laid the foundations in 2009, with South Africa joining in 2010. BRICS, while criticising the unequal structures and resolutions of the Group of Seven (G-7) and the UN Security Council, calls for reforms in international structures and norms to establish a multipolar order. With a combined population representing nearly 42 per cent of the world's population, the BRICS countries control 18 per cent of global exports. The collective gross domestic product (GDP) of […]]]> 646894 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230619-tunisia-officer-killed-in-stabbing-incident-in-front-of-brazil-embassy/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:38:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=645885 The Tunisian Ministry of Interior announced the death of a security officer guarding the Brazilian Embassy in the Al-Buhaira area of the capital, Tunis. The incident occurred when the security officer was stabbed by an individual with a sharp weapon during an interrogation regarding the reasons for his presence near the Embassy, according to statements from the head of the Media and Communication Office at the Tunisian Ministry of Interior, Fakher Bouazgaia, to the Tunis Afrique Presse agency. The Tunisian official clarified that the perpetrator of the stabbing incident resulting in the security officer's death is a 53-year-old university professor with no political affiliations and does not espouse terrorist ideologies. Bouazgaia affirmed that this was a "criminal act", noting that […]]]> 645885 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230615-tebboune-urges-acceleration-of-algeria-brics-accession-process/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:49:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644998 Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has called for an acceleration of Algeria's accession process to BRICS, a bloc composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Anadolu Agency reports. During a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow on Thursday, Tebboune expressed his intentions regarding Algeria's potential membership in BRICS. He said, once Algeria becomes a member of BRICS, it would facilitate the process of switching to payments "not in dollars, not in Euros". Tebboune thanked Putin for the military cooperation, saying Russia's support is "crucial" for maintaining Algeria's independence in the current conditions. READ: BRICS foreign ministers pledge to build up New Development Bank "As for the geopolitical situation and relations here, we should touch on the Libyan […]]]> 644998 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230613-brazil-strengthens-ties-with-israel-signs-new-agreements/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:57:19 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644372 Brazil and Israel signed a letter of intent for the exchange of technologies and innovations at national ports and airports. This came on the first day of the International Mission Porto & Mar Brazil-Israel 2023, led by the Brazilian Minister of Ports and Airports Marcio Franca. The Brazilian delegation met with Israeli officials and businessmen in Tel Aviv this month. "Israel is a small country in terms of territory, but it has advanced technology. In our sector, we really want this technology for security purposes. We are having many problems with drugs, people who try to put drugs on ships and also at airports. We can provide them with what we know best, which is the issue of physical space, […]]]> 644372 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230612-iran-saudi-arabia-ties-what-comes-next-after-smooth-restart/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:00:56 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644162 Less than three months after agreeing to restore diplomatic ties, long-time regional rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia, have recently taken another significant step toward full reconciliation. In the presence of senior officials from both sides, the Iranian Embassy in the affluent diplomatic enclave in north-western Riyadh was re-opened last week, seven years after it was locked down. A day later, Iran's Consulate-General and its permanent mission to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the port city of Jeddah were also re-opened. The Consulate-General in Jeddah had been active ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, but a formal re-opening took place on Wednesday in the presence of Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Alireza Begdali, and other officials. Although Saudi Arabia is […]]]> 644162 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230611-the-myth-of-the-temple-of-solomon-ii-ostentation-in-brazil/ Sun, 11 Jun 2023 09:11:13 +0000 , Middle East Monitor , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643993 The construction of the headquarters of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, the UCKG, in Sao Paulo invokes the biblical description of the Temple of King Solomon. In the first video we showed how this work seeks to bring Brazil closer to an Israeli narrative used in Jerusalem to try to replace the ancient historical heritage represented by the Islamic Al-Aqsa Mosque with Jewish religious symbols. While this plan faces strong Palestinian resistance, in Brazil it manifested in the ostentatious Temple of Edir Macedo. The imposing set of buildings and gardens is set in a gigantic area and displays columns up to 56 metres high, which rise high above the roofs and old sheds of the old working-class […]]]> 643993 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230602-brics-foreign-ministers-pledge-to-build-up-new-development-bank/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 19:25:07 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642200 The foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – BRICS – said that building up the New Development Bank is one of their priorities, Anadolu Agency reports. In a statement on its official website, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, following the 2-day meeting in Cape Town, the ministers agreed to ensure the sustainability of operational activities of the Bank, established by BRICS countries in 2015, to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in the developing and member countries. On the second day, June 2, an expanded meeting was also held with the participation of the foreign ministries of 12 developing countries – the "friends of BRICS" – Argentina, Bangladesh, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, […]]]> 642200 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230602-brics-meet-with-friends-seeking-closer-ties-amid-push-to-expand-bloc/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:40:09 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642181 Senior officials from more than a dozen countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, were in talks on forging closer links with the BRICS bloc of major emerging economies on Friday, as it met to deepen ties and position itself as a counter-weight to the West, Reuters reports. BRICS, which now consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is considering expanding its membership, and a growing number of countries have expressed interest in joining. Once viewed as a loose association of disparate emerging economies, BRICS has, in recent years, taken more concrete shape, driven initially by China and, since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, with added impetus from Russia. In remarks opening Friday's discussions, host […]]]> 642181 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230602-brics-foreign-ministers-gather-in-south-africa/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:34:44 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642177 A meeting of foreign ministers of BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – countries was held in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday, Anadolu Agency reports. Hosted by South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Naledi Pandor, the meeting gathered Brazilian Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. The ministers addressed regional and global issues, the UN Security Council reform, protection of multilateralism, security, sustainable development, counter-terrorism, climate, energy security and mutual cooperation. Unilateral international sanctions' violation of international law and their effects on the world economy were also discussed. The meeting also addressed introducing a common currency for the BRICS countries and […]]]> 642177 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230602-street-brawl-between-lebanese-and-iraqis-in-brazil/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:01:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642170 READ: Iraqs October Protest Movement and the provincial elections]]> 642170 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230522-as-19-countries-seek-to-join-brics-is-the-world-experiencing-a-change-in-the-balance-of-power/ Mon, 22 May 2023 13:13:18 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638270 Since its formation in 2006, the BRICS group has only accepted one new member in 2010. Now, 19 countries have formally or informally approached the body to become members as it prepares to hold its annual summit in South Africa. Five Arab countries are among those who have expressed their interest in joining the BRICS group, South Africa's Ambassador Anil Sooklal said in an interview. Saudi Arabia and Iran have made formal requests to join, while the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain and Algeria have joined Argentina and Indonesia and a number of African states in expressing an interest in joining. "What will be discussed is the expansion of Brics and the modalities of how this will happen," Sooklal said. "Thirteen countries […]]]> 638270 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230521-meet-the-chef-who-is-crackers-about-palestinian-flavours/ Sun, 21 May 2023 09:00:50 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637968 Since she began her night-long baking escapades following the birth of her twins, Lubna Lulu Abura's za'atar and musakhan flavour crackers have won the Palestinian chef an American fan base. In a few short years, Lubna, also known by her professional sobriquet 'Lulu', founded the first Palestinian snacks on the go, in the form of gourmet crackers infused with traditional Palestinian spices and herbs. "Us Palestinians, we have a rich culture and love to feed everyone, and what better way to share that than with a bag and crunch to go," she says. I was called crazy and pestered to forget about it. I was also told not to use a Palestinian name such as za'atar but a regular name […]]]> 637968 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230520-memo-launches-engaging-the-world-the-making-of-hamas-foreign-policy-in-portuguese/ Sat, 20 May 2023 15:05:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638134 Researcher, writer and Middle East Monitor Director, Dr. Daud Abdullah, launched the Portuguese edition of his book Engaging the World: The Making of Hamas' Foreign Policy, in Brazil this week. The book, published originally in English, tackles the Western media's narrative about the Palestinian resistance with information obtained from in-depth research and interviews with members and leaders of the Hamas movement. In week-long events organised to launch the book, Abdullah took part in activities at the Islamic Cultural Center of Bahia on 15 May as part of Nakba commemoration events. He went on to visit the cities of Cachoeira and Santo Amaro, including the local quilombo — communities of survivors of former concentrations of fugitive or freed slaves. Abdullah met […]]]> 638134 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230519-turkish-jewish-family-in-legal-battle-with-israel-authorities-over-baby/ Fri, 19 May 2023 14:58:07 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637949 A Turkish-Jewish family in Israel has been fighting a legal battle to reunite with their baby who was taken away nine months ago by Israeli authorities over alleged child abuse, Anadolu News Agency reports. Father SG, who holds both Turkish and Israeli citizenship, and his Israeli-Brazilian wife, DG, 21, took their one-month-old baby last May to the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in West Jerusalem for treatment of cerebral haemorrhage, the second-leading cause of stroke. After preliminary examination, hospital and welfare officials filed a police complaint against the parents suspecting the baby was subjected to "excessive shaking or violence". Hospital staff concluded in their tests that the baby did not have a genetic disease but he said abuse by parents. As a […]]]> 637949 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230517-brazil-mayor-ends-citys-ties-to-apartheid-israel/ Wed, 17 May 2023 11:30:14 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637462 The mayor of the Brazilian port city of Belem, Edmilson Rodrigues, has declared his city an Apartheid Free Zone, denouncing Israel's "expulsion of a people from their ancestral territory, a true apartheid", the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement announced yesterday. Belem, the capital of the state of Para in the Amazonas, has a history of bringing indigenous and other people together in the struggle for justice and building solidarity. Belem's decision follows those by the mayor of Barcelona, Spain, to suspend institutional ties with apartheid Israel and end twinning with Tel Aviv, by the Liège  city council in Belgium to cut ties with apartheid Israel and by the Oslo city council in Norway to exclude from public procurements companies that directly or indirectly contribute to Israel's illegal settlement enterprise. The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) applauded the […]]]> 637462 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230516-waves-of-solidarity-sweep-across-latin-america-on-75th-nakba-anniversary/ Tue, 16 May 2023 15:15:40 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637354 Solidarity activists across Latin America have marked the 75th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba with talks, meetings, cultural activities, media interviews and social media campaigns. The Palestinian flag has been raised and people have chanted their support on the streets. Support for Palestine has been particularly strong in Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and Chile. Palestinians and their supporters around the world mark Nakba Day every year. The day has come to symbolise the struggle of the Palestinian people for their legitimate rights to their own land, homes and property; indeed, their legitimate right to their homeland. The Palestinian "Key of Return" was never an ordinary key. It speaks of the years of refugee status and suffering that Palestinians have endured. It […]]]> 637354 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230510-brazil-condemns-israel-strikes-on-gaza-and-confirms-its-supports-for-palestine/ Wed, 10 May 2023 13:43:10 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=635572 Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Itamaraty(condemned the Israeli occupation's attacks against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip that Israel started its military offensive on 9 May, by killing three commanders of the militant group, Islamic Jihad, at their home in Gaza City. The bombing was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday morning, after which at least 22 Palestinians had been killed, including 4 children, and tens more had been wounded. Dozens of residential buildings were destroyed in the Israeli bombardment, which has been condemned by Brazil. In a statement, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "The Brazilian Government learnt, with astonishment, of the bombing carried out by the Israeli Air Force on residential areas at the Gaza […]]]> 635572 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230503-the-palestinian-cause-and-argentinas-equidistant-policy/ Wed, 03 May 2023 14:07:00 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=632759 Although geographically distant, Argentina has a history of solidarity with Palestine. Before the approval of the UN Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947, the South American country was a contender as a possible location for a "national home for the Jews". This idea appeared in Theodor Herzl's The Jewish State published in 1896. Argentina was identified as one of the options for the Zionist project, along with Palestine, due to the fertility of its lands and its small population at that time. According to the Zionist ideologue, Argentina was "one of the most fertile countries in the world, [that] extends over a vast area, has a sparse population, and a mild climate." Herzl believed that, "The Argentine Republic would derive […]]]> 632759 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230429-brazils-congress-holds-special-session-on-jerusalem/ Sat, 29 Apr 2023 10:33:09 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=632176 The Legislative Branch of the National Congress of Brazil held a special session on Jerusalem and discussed violations of the Israeli occupation against Jerusalem, Quds Press reported on Friday. According to Quds Press, the Brazil-Palestine Institute (IBRASPAL) had requested holding the session, highlighting Palestinian resistance. Federal MP Leonardo Montero headed the session, attended by several federal MPs, pro-Palestine activists and Iranian Ambassador to Brazil Hossein Gharibi. Representative of the Palestinian Arab Federation of Brazil (FEPAL) Fatima Ali spoke during the session about the Israeli apartheid and how it is condemned worldwide. "Israel's apartheid is rejected by all governments and entities worldwide due to its violations against the Palestinians," Ali asserted. She added: "The Israeli occupation regime expelled the Palestinians from their homes […]]]> 632176 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230428-brazils-president-the-un-was-so-strong-enough-to-create-israel-but-now-cant-create-a-palestinian-state/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:43:25 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=631970 Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva this week slammed the UN's inability to create a Palestinian State in the same manner that it established the state of Israel in 1948. "The UN was so strong that, in 1948, it managed to create the State of Israel. In 2023, it fails to create a Palestinian state," Lula said. Speaking during an official visit to Spain, Lula continued: "We live in the world where the UN Security Council, the permanent members, they are the ones who sell the most weapons in the world, they are the biggest participants in wars in the world." "When the United States invaded Iraq, there was no discussion in the Security Council. When France and England […]]]> 631970 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230427-palestinian-groups-ask-brazil-to-denounce-israeli-apartheid/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:38:43 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=631813 A delegation from the Front in Defence of the Palestinian People met with officials from the Brazilian Presidency's Communications Office (Secom) in Brasilia on Monday to highlight the grave situation lived by the Palestinian people under occupation and ask Luis Inacio Lula da Silva's administration to recognise and denounce Israel's apartheid policies. The delegation asked "the new government to take the lead in Latin American and the Global South in recognising the regime imposed by Israel over the Palestinian people as apartheid in the UN General Assembly and Security Council." Ricardo Zamora, Secom's executive officer, and Marcelo Cafrune, chief of staff, welcomed the delegation which included members of the Latin-Palestinian Forum (Sao Paulo) and the Palestinian Society (Brasilia). "During the […]]]> 631813 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230424-descendants-of-ottomans-in-latin-america-los-turcos/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:52:03 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630888 Many Ottomans who migrated from the Ottoman Empire to Latin American countries in the 19th century in search of a better life and were described as "Los Turcos" (Turkish people) have achieved significant success in many fields from politics to business, from art to literature. There were various waves of migration from the Ottoman Empire to Latin America from 1860 to the end of World War I, while World War II forced even more people to migrate to Latin America. Some immigrants were first greeted by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and preferred to stay in Latin America, although they set off for the US hoping to see the Statue of Liberty. Immigrants who arrived […]]]> 630888 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230413-the-rise-of-the-south-can-brics-weaken-the-dominance-of-the-world-bank-and-imf/ Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:40:28 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=628837 Who would have expected that the BRICS nations could rise and become the potential rival of the G7 countries, the World Bank and the IMF combined? That once seemingly distant possibility now has real prospects which could change the equilibrium of world politics. BRICS — an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — was supposedly coined by the Chief Economist of Goldman Sachs in 2001, as a reference to the world's emerging economies. It was then known as BRIC; the "S" came later, when South Africa formally joined the group in 2010. The group's first official summit was held in 2009. Back then, the discussion seemed largely abstract. It wasn't until 2014 that BRICS began taking serious […]]]> 628837 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230412-calls-for-brazil-to-look-for-paths-to-peace-in-jerusalem-the-middle-east/ Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:58:30 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=628606 The Council of Arab Ambassadors in Brazil condemned the Israeli occupation's attacks against Palestinians praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the continuous storming of the site by Israeli settlers and the targeting of many young people in different cities of the occupied West Bank. The Arab ambassadors, who met on Saturday in Brasilia, urged the Brazilian government to play a more active role with the international community and search for paths to peace in the Middle East after Israeli occupation forces stormed Al-Aqsa last Wednesday, fired stun grenades at Palestinians, injured dozens and arrested more than 400 worshippers. In a statement, they said: "The disproportionate use of violence by the Israeli forces is a desperate attempt by the Israeli government […]]]> 628606 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230411-uk-lawmakers-call-on-us-to-halt-assanges-extradition-process/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:29:34 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=628297 Dozens of parliamentarians from six parties as well as independent MPs and Lords in the UK have called on the US Attorney-General to drop extradition proceedings against WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, Anadolu News Agency reports. On the fourth anniversary of Julian Assange's imprisonment, 23 British MPs and 14 Lords, wrote a letter on Tuesday, demanding Merrick Garland to close Assange's extradition process. Assange, an Australian citizen, is being held in the UK, where authorities authorised his extradition to the US last year. He is wanted for his alleged role in espionage and the dissemination of classified US military information. READ: Profile: Julian Assange He was dragged out of Ecuador's embassy building in London in 2019, where he took refuge for […]]]> 628297 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230411-algeria-army-commander-visits-brazil-to-strengthen-ties/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:16:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=628269 The Algerian army's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Said Chengriha, yesterday started an official visit to Brazil, the Ministry of National Defence said in a statement. Serving as representative of the president, the supreme chief of the Armed Forces, and the minister of national defence, Chengriha will take part in the 13th Defence and Security Exhibition (LAAD-2023), organised in Rio De Janeiro from 11-14 April, the ministry added in its statement. The ministry also noted that this visit, which falls within the framework of "strengthening cooperation between the People's National Army and the Brazilian Armed Forces," will enable both parties to discuss issues of mutual interest. READ: Tunisias Salvation Front warns of imminent collapse and appeals to Algeria]]> 628269 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230404-brazils-israeli-universities-festival-has-been-cancelled-after-public-protest/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:30:37 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=626444 Palestinian and Brazilian activists have succeeded in forcing the cancellation of the "Israeli Universities Festival" which was scheduled to take place this week at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), near Sao Paulo, Brazil. Student, labour unions and organisations and left-wing political parties came together with Palestinian flags and banners proclaiming "Free Palestine" and "Unicamp – territory free from apartheid" at the entrances of university. They declared that they would not allow Brazilian universities to be used for supporting Israeli apartheid. Unicamp's administration confirmed that the festival was no longer going ahead after discussions with its organisers. The decision was taken to suspend it "for security reasons". According to the president of the Israeli Federation in the state of Sao […]]]> 626444 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230331-even-as-a-proud-brazilian-im-a-daughter-of-a-palestinian-refugee/ Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:54:14 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625579 Whenever Land Day is mentioned in Brazil, it is synonymous with one person: the Chairman of Santa Catarina Committee for Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Khader Othman. The 84-year-old Palestinian refugee was born in Beit Ur Al-Tahta, Palestine, in 1939 and then expelled from his home and forced to seek refuge in Brazil after the 1967 War. A month after his death, the Palestinian community in Brazil still feels the void he left behind. But his support for Palestine hasn't come to an end, his daughter Shahla has vowed to continue his work. Born in Brazil, Shahla has visited Palestine many times and believes that the struggle for the Palestinian people belongs to all Palestinians no matter where they are. […]]]> 625579 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230328-can-an-arab-team-win-the-world-cup/ Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:21:18 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625070 We all witnessed the great performance and deserved victory of the Moroccan team against the Brazilian team, which has won five World Cup trophies. The Moroccan win comes on the back of its excellent performance at the Qatar World Cup 2022 where it came fourth, making it the best performance of an Arab and African team in the history of the World Cup. The Moroccan national team has players of the highest caliber; many are active in the major European leagues, but no one expected them to have such a strong performance during the games and overcome some of the strongest football teams including Spain and Portugal. The first Arab victory over the Brazilian team Morocco's recent victory over Brazil […]]]> 625070 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230328-palestinian-activists-gather-from-across-latin-america-to-boost-cause/ Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:54:39 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625060 The Palestinian Latin Forum has participated in the second conference of the Palestinian National Union (UPAL) held recently in Barranquilla, Colombia. The conference lasted for three days and was attended by Palestinian and foreign delegations from various countries across Latin America, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia and El Salvador. The aim of the conference was to renew Palestinian activism in Latin America, building trust and cohesion across its broad spectrum of Palestinian society, seeking a more effective role and building a political entity that represents all Palestinian communities across the continent. The conference also attacked the Palestinian Authority and the Oslo normalisation process and affirmed its rejection and lack of recognition of both. It also stressed its refusal […]]]> 625060 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230326-we-beat-brazil-in-the-middle-of-ramadan-morocco-coach-on-historic-win/ Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:11:39 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=624686 Morocco clinched a historic victory against Brazil yesterday in a friendly international match in Tangiers, beating the five-time World Cup winners for the first time ever and during the fasting month of Ramadan. Continuing with their own ground-breaking achievement in the 2022 Qatar World Cup after becoming the first Arab and African side to reach the semi-finals, the Atlas Lions beat Brazil 2-1 having taken the lead after 29 minutes. Only ten of the 23-man squad that took Brazil to a disappointing quarter-final in Qatar were present for the friendly with Neymar absent due to injury. نهاية المقابلة بفوز المنتخب الوطني أمام منتخب البرازيل ? ?FULL TIME | It's a win !!No surprise!! Atlas Lions continue to make history ???#DimaMaghrib […]]]> 624686 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230325-israel-newspaper-accuses-sisi-of-wasting-billions-while-egyptians-starve/ Sat, 25 Mar 2023 10:45:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=624598 Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has wasted vast sums of money at a time when Egyptians are starving, according to an analysis by Israel's Haaretz newspaper. The newspaper pointed out: "Egypt needs a quick and massive influx of dollars, and is trying to enlist investors – who are in no hurry to come, and not just because of the monetary uncertainty." The Haaretz analysis stated: "Sisi can justifiably claim that he and his government are not to blame for the global crisis that has rocked the Egyptian economy, but when he directs huge sums to extravagant projects such as the new administrative capital, whose cost is estimated at $85 billion, or electrification of the trains and expanding the subway at […]]]> 624598 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230318-panama-detains-head-of-brazil-palestine-institute/ Sat, 18 Mar 2023 10:32:23 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=623017 Panamanian authorities on Thursday evening detained President of the Brazil-Palestine Institute (IBRASPAL) Ahmed Shehada at Tocumen International Airport and withdrew his Brazilian passport, Quds Press reported. Shehada was travelling to Colombia to participate in the second conference for the Palestinian Union in Latin America, taking place between 17 and 19 March in Barranquilla. Brasil 247 reported that Shehada was questioned by Panamanian intelligence, who failed to confiscate his mobile phone. According to Brasil 247, ministers from the government of Brazilian President Lula da Silva asked the Foreign Ministry to contact the Brazilian Embassy in Panama to obtain support for Shehada, who is a Brazilian citizen. Following these contacts, Panama decided to deport Shehada back to Brazil. READ: Universities are building bridges between Brazil […]]]> 623017 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230310-brics-bank-ndb-to-change-its-brazilian-head-at-governments-request/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:56:56 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=620915 The New Development Bank, the multilateral bank set up by the BRICS states, said on Friday it had agreed to elect a new Brazilian Head at the request of the government of Brazil's new President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Reuters reports. Brazil holds the rotating presidency of the NDB until 6 July, 2025. NDB said the Bank's current President, Marcos Troyjo, would step down by 24 March and the NDB's governors would elect a successor nominated by Brazil to complete the term. READ: Israel urges Brazil to undock Iranian warships Lula has proposed former Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff, to head the Bank, which the BRICS group of emerging economies set up in 2015. Lula is including Rousseff in his delegation […]]]> 620915