Europe is getting ready for an event that will have a profound impact on its future: the European Parliament Elections in June 2024. After facing the challenges brought about by the pandemic and wars, this election presents a unique opportunity for member states of the European Union (EU) to come together and redefine their collective path, even if the Parliament is still unable to legislate by itself.
The European Parliament Elections in June 2024 hold importance as Europe moves forward in the post-pandemic world and the Russian aggression against Ukraine. With pressing issues like climate change, digitalization and socio-economic disparities in focus these elections will provide a platform for EU citizens to express their concerns and choose representatives who will shape policies and guide the direction of the European Union.
As Europe embarks on this journey, towards its future it is crucial to recognize how these elections will influence power dynamics within the European Parliament. The results will determine how the parliament is composed, where each member state contributes seats based on their population. This democratic process ensures that smaller states have a say in decision-making making promoting a sense of togetherness and unity among member states.
The European Parliament Elections go beyond being a political event; they are like an energetic dance that showcases the liveliness and diversity of Europe’s political landscape. Political. Candidates from all over the EU participate in an exciting campaign that captures citizens’ attention and sparks their imagination. Through debates, speeches and rallies candidates get the chance to connect with voters motivating them to engage in democracy and express their opinions.
This electoral spectacle doesn’t stay confined within boundaries; it transcends them as citizens of one member state can vote for candidates, from another state. This cross-border involvement nurtures a sense of identity and solidarity reminding us that despite our differences we are part of something bigger. The democratic dance of the European Parliament Elections demonstrates how democracy brings people together and shapes Europe’s future.
In the job market of Europe, certain occupations have emerged as highly rewarding. As we move forward in 2023 it is clear that having a skillset in technology, finance, healthcare and strategic business positions can result in some of the highest salaries across the continent. Let’s delve into an analysis of the top ten most well-compensated professions, in Europe for last year, according to some reports.
1. Investment Banker
Investment bankers play a role in the corporate realm using their financial expertise to guide mergers and acquisitions capital raising and the intricacies of initial public offerings (IPOs). Due to the complexity of markets and the profound impact of their work investment bankers enjoy generous compensation. Salaries can vary widely with seasoned professionals receiving bonuses that surpass their base pay.
The average salary for investment bankers fluctuates significantly across Europe. Is influenced by factors such as professional experience, company size and specific market conditions. Here are some figures, for 2023:
In Germany, the average salary for an Investment Banking Analyst is approximately €109,000 per year1.
In London, average salaries and bonuses for banking analysts range from £65,000 to £95,000, with an average of around £70,000 to £85,0002.
Across the European Economic Area (EEA), the average compensation for bankers can be as high as €1,080,507, with significant variations depending on the country3.
2. Software Developer
In this paced digital era software developers play a crucial role as the masterminds behind its advancements. These tech-savvy experts are responsible for designing, coding and implementing software applications. Proficiency in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing and mobile app development can even lead to higher earnings. As technology continues to permeate every industry the demand for developers remains consistently high.
The expected salary for software developers in Europe by 2023 can differ significantly depending on factors, like the country and level of experience. Based on the information available:
The average remote developer salary in Europe is approximately $110,640.88, with a range from $23,331 to $256,500 per year^1.
Western European developers generally earn at least $40,000+ a year, while developers in Eastern Europe can expect around $20,000+ annually^2.
In the higher end of the spectrum, software programmers in countries like Switzerland can earn about €100,000 a year^3.
3. Medical Professional
Healthcare continues to be a service and within the medical profession specialists like surgeons, cardiologists and neurologists are considered the highest level of expertise. Their extensive training and experience play a role in saving lives and enhancing patient outcomes. In Europe, medical professionals can anticipate salaries, especially for specialists who earn more due to their specialized knowledge.
The average income for professionals in Europe in 2023 differs significantly based on factors such, as the country and the level of expertise they possess. Here are some examples:
In the UK, the average annual gross salary for General Practitioners (GPs) is approximately €73,408, while specialists earn significantly more^1.
In Germany, resident doctors can expect a starting salary of around €50,000 to €60,000 per year, with variations based on region and specialty^2.
In Poland, a person working in Health and Medical typically earns around 11,300 PLN (Polish Złoty) per month, which translates to approximately €2,500 based on current exchange rates^3.
4. Business Development Manager
Business development managers play a role in companies as they are responsible for finding new business prospects and establishing strategic alliances. They have an impact on generating revenue and increasing market reach making their role pivotal in the company’s success. Their compensation typically consists of a fixed salary along with performance-based bonuses reflecting the value they bring to the organization.
The average salary of Business Development Managers, in Europe varies across countries in 2023. Here are some examples:
In the Netherlands, the average salary for a Business Development Manager is approximately €75,045 per year^1.
In Germany, the average salary is around $107,250^2.
In the United Kingdom, Business Development Managers can expect to earn an average of $99,188 annually^2.
5. Lawyer
The legal field has always been known for its prestige and income potential. Lawyers who focus on law, mergers and acquisitions and intellectual property tend to earn particularly well. Their ability to navigate legal systems and safeguard their client’s interests is incredibly valuable which is why they receive such generous compensation.
In 2023 the average salary of lawyers, in Europe differs from country to country. For instance:
In France, the average salary for a lawyer is approximately $60,173 per year^1.
In Germany, lawyers can expect to earn an average of $70,000 annually^2.
In the UK, the salary range for a paralegal, which can be considered an entry-level legal position, is between £20,000 and £50,000 per year for a permanent role^3.
6. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Being in the position of executives CEOs hold the utmost accountability for a company’s performance, strategic trajectory and organizational values. This role necessitates a blend of leadership, expertise and foresight. CEO compensation packages frequently encompass elements such, as base salary, bonuses, stock options and various other perks.
The average salary for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Europe in 2023 varies by region and the nature of the company. For example:
The average base compensation among European CEOs in private equity-backed companies was reported to be $447,000 in 2023, with an average cash bonus received in 2022 of $285,000, totalling an average cash compensation of $732,000^1.
In Brussels, Belgium, the average salary for a CEO is reported to be $100,000 per year^2.
In Germany, the average salary for a CEO is €131,547^3.
7. IT Manager
IT managers play a role in ensuring the seamless operation of technological systems within a company while also aligning them with business objectives. As companies undergo transformations their responsibilities have become even more vital. IT managers oversee teams manage projects and make decisions regarding technology investments. Due, to the significance of their role they often receive salaries and additional performance incentives.
The average salary for an IT Manager in Europe in 2023 can vary, but here are some data points:
In Germany, the average salary for an IT Manager is reported to be $80,000 per year^1.
While a general figure for Europe is not provided, an IT Manager in the United States has an average salary of $92,083, which could be comparable to certain European countries depending on the cost of living and demand for IT professionals^2.
Additionally, for managerial positions in the tech sector across Europe, the average yearly salary is around $98,000, with a minimum base salary of $69,000^3.
8. Pilot
Pilots play a role in guiding aircraft through the skies prioritizing the well-being of numerous passengers daily. Their training is comprehensive. They bear a tremendous amount of responsibility. Commercial pilots employed by airlines are known to be among the top earners in the transportation industry. Their income is commensurate, with their knowledge, the intricate nature of their tasks and the often unpredictable schedules they adhere to.
The average salary for a pilot in Europe in 2023 can vary significantly depending on the airline and the level of experience of the pilot. Some data points include:
Air France pilots can earn an average salary of €150,000^1.
A British Airways captain can make over £100,000 per year^1.
9. Sales Manager
Sales managers play a role in generating a company’s revenue. They are responsible, for leading and inspiring sales teams establishing goals and creating strategies to achieve those objectives. Their income often depends on their performance with bonuses and commissions making up a part of their earnings. Exceptional sales managers who consistently meet or surpass their targets have the potential to earn amounts of money.
The average salary for a Sales Manager in Europe in 2023 varies by country:
In France, the average salary for a Sales Manager is €75,000 per year^1.
While specific figures for other European countries aren’t provided, we can look at the average salary for an International Sales Manager in Germany, which can serve as a rough comparison. A senior-level International Sales Manager with over 8 years of experience earns an average salary of €143,019^3.
10. Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers play a role in advancing artificial intelligence research and its practical application. They are responsible for creating systems that have the ability to learn from data and make decisions. The demand for these experts has surged as various industries strive to harness the power of AI to gain an edge over their competitors. Due to their expertise in data science and AI algorithms, they are among the earners, in the technology sector.
The average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer in Europe in 2023 can vary, but here are some specific figures from Germany, which can be indicative for the region:
Junior Machine Learning Engineer in Berlin, Germany: €52,000 per year^1.
Machine Learning Engineer in Germany: €68,851 per year^2.
Senior Machine Learning Engineer in Germany: €85,833 per year^1.
“…We must move away from this, and clearly know that there is no evil except one sin, and there is no good except one virtue and pleasing God in everything. Joy comes not from drunkenness, but from spiritual prayer, not from wine, but from an edifying word. Wine produces a storm, but a word produces silence; wine causes noise, but a word stops confusion; wine darkens the mind, but the word enlightens the darkened; wine instills sorrows that were not, but the word drives away those that were. Nothing usually leads to peace and joy as much as the rules of wisdom – to despise the present, strive for the future, not to consider anything human permanent – neither wealth, nor power, nor honors, nor patronage. If you have learned to be wise in this way, then you will not be tormented by envy when you see a rich man, and when you fall into poverty, you will not be humbled by poverty; and thus you will be able to celebrate constantly.
It is common for a Christian to celebrate not in certain months, not on the first day of the month, not on Sundays, but to spend his whole life in a celebration appropriate to him. What kind of celebration is appropriate for him? Let us listen to Paul about this, who says: let us celebrate in the same way, not with the leaven of alcohol, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but without the leaven of purity and truth (1 Cor. V, 8). So, if you have a clear conscience, then you have a constant holiday, feeding on good hopes and being comforted by the hope of future blessings; if you are not calm in your soul and are guilty of many sins, then even during thousands of holidays and celebrations you will feel no better than those who cry.
So, if you want to benefit from the beginning of new months, then do this: at the end of the year, thank the Lord for preserving you until this limit of years; Contrite your heart, count the time of your life, and say to yourself: the days run and pass; the years are ending; We have already completed a lot of our journey; what good have we done? Are we really going to leave here without everything, without any virtue? The court is at the door, the rest of life tends to old age.
So be wise at the beginning of new months; Bring this to memory during annual circulations; Let us begin to think about the future day, lest someone say about us the same thing that the prophet said about the Jews: their days perished in vanity, and their years were spent with care (Psalm LXXVII, 33). Such a holiday as I have spoken about, constant, not awaiting the cycle of the years, not limited to certain days, can be celebrated equally by both rich and poor; because what is needed here is not money, not wealth, but one virtue. Don’t you have money? But there is the fear of God, a treasure better than all riches, which is not damaged, does not change and is not exhausted. Look at the sky, at the heaven of heavens, at the earth, the sea, the air, the various animals, the various plants, the whole of human nature; thoughts about angels, archangels, higher powers; remember that all this is the wealth of your Master. It is impossible for the servant of such a rich Lord to be poor if his Lord is merciful to him. Observing the days is inconsistent with Christian wisdom, but this is a matter of pagan error.
You have been assigned to the highest city, accepted into the local citizenship, entered into the society of angels, where there is no light turning into darkness, no day ending in night, but always day, always light. We will strive there continuously. Seek those on high, says (the apostle), where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God (Colossians III, 1). You have nothing in common with the earth, where there is the flow of the sun and the rotation of the seasons and days; but if you live righteously, then the night becomes day for you, just as for those who spend their lives in debauchery, drunkenness and intemperance, the day turns into night darkness, not because the sun has darkened, but because their mind is darkened by drunkenness . Noticing the days, finding special pleasure in them, lighting lamps in the square, weaving wreaths, is a matter of childish senselessness; and you have already emerged from this weakness, reached manhood and are inscribed in heavenly citizenship; Do not illuminate the square with sensual fire, but illuminate your mind with spiritual light. Thus, said (the Lord), let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matt. V, 16). Such light will bring you great reward. Do not decorate the doors of your house with wreaths, but lead such a life as to receive the crown of righteousness on your head from the hand of Christ…”
Source: St. John Chrysostom, From the Sermon for the New Year, January 1, 387.
On Friday, South Africa filed an application against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for “genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza”, accusations which were immediately dismissed “with disgust” by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Pretoria also asked the UN’s main judicial body to take urgent measures to “protect the Palestinian people in Gaza”, in particular by enjoining Israel to “immediately cease all military attacks”.
“Israel rejects with disgust the defamation (…) propagated by South Africa and its recourse to the International Court of Justice”, Lior Haiat, spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, immediately reacted on X.
South Africa, a fervent supporter of the Palestinian cause, is one of the countries most critical of the massive and deadly Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, in retaliation for the bloody Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7. It considers that “Israel, particularly since October 7, 2023 (…) has engaged, is engaging and is likely to continue to engage in acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza”, according to the ICJ.
Pretoria asserts that Israel’s “acts and omissions are genocidal in character, as they are accompanied by the requisite specific intent (…) to destroy the Palestinians of Gaza as part of the larger national, racial and ethnic group of Palestinians”, stressed the Hague-based court. “These acts are all attributable to Israel, which has failed to prevent genocide and is committing genocide in clear violation of the Genocide Convention,” the text said.
The ICJ, which judges disputes between states, is expected to hold hearings in the coming weeks. But while its decisions are final, it has no means of enforcing them. It can also order emergency measures pending full resolution of cases, which can take many years.
South Africa specified in its application that it had turned to the court to “establish Israel’s responsibility for violations of the Genocide Convention”, but also to “ensure the fullest and most urgent protection possible for the Palestinians”.
The International Criminal Court (ICC), which is also based in The Hague and tries individuals, also received a request last month from South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti to investigate the situation in the “State of Palestine”. The ICC has also opened investigations in 2021 into possible war crimes committed in the Palestinian Territories by both Israel and Hamas.
The law enforcement agencies will chase the offenders with Ferrari, Bentley, Porsche and a bunch of other German vehicles
Turkish authorities recently arrested Hakan Ike, a notorious gangster and drug kingpin who earned the nickname “Australia’s Most Wanted Man”. During the operation, the police confiscated 23 luxury cars. All of them have now been converted into patrol cars, including the Ferrari, Bentley and Porsche Taycan. In order to show off this acquisition, the Turkish police also made a promo clip with the patrol cars, the total cost of which is $3.5 million.
Turkey’s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, posted the video on his personal account on X, known as Twitter, along with details about it – 23 cars have been confiscated as a result of Istanbul police’s successful crackdown on organized crime.
From the video, we see the Ferrari 488 in the center of the exhibition, and next to it are the Bentley Continental, Porsche Taycan and Audi RS6. These cars alone are over a million, and in Turkey much more because of the high taxes. We also see several Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover and Volvo models.
All these cars belonged to Hakan Ajak, a drug trafficker based in Sydney, Australia. He was the leader of a gang called the Comanchero. He left Australia in 2010 and has been wanted ever since. During his arrest in Turkey, 37 people and assets worth about $250 million were arrested with him.
Illustrative Photo by jay pizzle: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-car-steering-wheel-3954452/
Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop of Constantinople Bartholomew dedicated his Christmas message to the theology of peace. He begins with the words of the 14th century hesychast, St. Nicholas Cavàsila, that through the incarnation of the Lord, people for the first time knew God in three Persons. The acceptance of human nature by the Son and the Word of God and the opening of the way to man for deification by grace gives him unsurpassed value. Forgetting this truth leads to a weakening of respect for the human person. The denial of man’s high purpose not only does not free him, but also leads him to various limitations and divisions. Without the consciousness of his divine origin and the hope of eternity, man hardly remains human, being unable to cope with the contradictions of the “human condition”.
The Christian understanding of human existence offers a solution to the problems that violence, war and injustice create in our world. Respect for the human person, peace and justice are a gift from God, but achieving the peace that Christ brought with His incarnation requires the participation and cooperation of human beings. The Christian position on the issue of the struggle for peace is determined by the words of Christ the Savior, who preaches peace, greets with “peace to you” and calls people to love their enemies. The revelation of Christ is called the “Gospel of Peace.” This means that for us Christians the path to peace is peace itself, that nonviolence, dialogue, love, forgiveness and reconciliation take precedence over other forms of conflict resolution. The theology of peace is clearly described in the text of the Ecumenical Patriarchate “On the Life of the World” (from 2020), where it is said: “Nothing is more contrary to God’s will for His creatures, created in His image and likeness, than the violence that man exercises against his neighbor… We can rightly claim that violence is a sin par excellence. It is the complete opposite of our created nature and our supernatural calling to seek loving union with God and neighbor…”.
In the face of the threat to peace, vigilance and the will to solve problems through dialogue are needed. The great heroes of politics are the fighters for peace. We continue to emphasize that religions have a peacemaking role at a time when they are criticized because instead of showing strength for peace, support and reconciliation, they foster fanaticism and violence “in the name of God” – this is a distortion of religious faith, and it doesn’t belong to her.
… With such thoughts and sincere feelings, with the full confidence that the life of the Church as such represents resistance to inhumanity, wherever it comes from, we call all of us to the good fight to build a culture of peace and reconciliation in which one will see in the face of one’s neighbor, brother and friend, not the enemy and the enemy, and which reminds all of us, brothers and children, that the Nativity of Christ is a time of self-knowledge and gratitude, of revealing the difference between the God-man and the “man-god”, of realizing the “great miracle” of freedom in Christ and of healing the “great trauma” of alienation from God.
Parliament supported on Thursday the recognition of parenthood across the EU, irrespective of how a child was conceived, born or the type of family they have.
With 366 votes against 145 and 23 abstentions, MEPs backed draft legislation to ensure that, when parenthood is established by an EU country, the rest of the member states will recognise it. The aim is to make sure that children enjoy the same rights under national law regarding education, healthcare, custody or succession.
No changes to national family laws
When it comes to establishment of parenthood at national level, member states will be able to decide whether to e.g. accept surrogacy, but they will be required to recognise parenthood established by another EU country irrespective of how the child was conceived, born or the type of family it has. Member states will have the option not to recognise parenthood if manifestly incompatible with their public policy, although this will only be possible in strictly defined cases. Each case will have to be considered individually to ensure there is no discrimination, e.g. against children of same sex parents.
European Certificate of Parenthood
MEPs also endorsed the introduction of the European Parenthood certificate, aimed at reducing red tape and facilitating recognition of parenthood in the EU. While it will not replace national documents, it can be used in their stead and it will be accessible in all EU languages and in electronic format.
Quote
“No child should be discriminated against because of the family they belong to or the way they were born. Currently, children may lose their parents, legally speaking, when they enter another member state. This is unacceptable. With this vote, we come closer to the goal of ensuring that if you are a parent in one member state, you are a parent in all member states,” said lead MEP Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques (S&D, PT) following the plenary vote.
Next steps
After having consulted the Parliament, EU governments will now decide – by unanimity – on the final version of the rules.
Background
Two million children may currently face a situation in which their parents are not recognised as such in another member state. While EU law already requires parenthood to be recognised under a child’s EU rights, this is not the case for the child’s rights under national law. Parliament called for cross-border recognition of adoptions in 2017 and welcomed the Commission’s initiative in its 2022 resolution. The Commission proposal for a regulation aims to close the existing loopholes and ensure that all children can enjoy the same rights in each member state.
Bulldozers in refugee camps, detainees stripped naked and spat at, farmers robbed of their harvest: against the backdrop of the war in Gaza the situation in the occupied West Bank is “rapidly deteriorating” amid levels of violence not seen in years, UN rights chief Volker Türk warned on Thursday.
Commenting on a new report on the West Bank released by his office, OHCHR, Mr. Türk expressed concern at the use of military means and weapons by law enforcement, movement restrictions affecting Palestinians and a sharp rise in settler violence resulting in the displacement of herding communities.
“The dehumanization of Palestinians that characterizes many of the settlers’ actions is very disturbing and must cease immediately,” Mr. Türk said, calling on Israel to investigate the incidents, prosecute perpetrators and protect Palestinian communities against any form of forcible transfer.
#UN report: Türk warns of rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the West Bank, calls for end to violence.
The UN rights chief said that the new reports of violations repeat patterns documented in the past but with a strengthened intensity. Since the start of Israel’s bombing of Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’ deadly terror attacks on 7 October, in the occupied West Bank OHCHR verified the deaths of 300 Palestinians including 79 children, the vast majority killed by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) while eight were killed by settlers.
Prior to 7 October, a record-high 200 Palestinians had already been killed in the West Bank this year. In its latest update UN humanitarian affairs coordination office OCHA stressed that 2023 is “the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank” since the UN began recording casualties in 2005.
Violence against detainees
OHCHR’s report notes a “sharp increase in airstrikes as well as in incursions by armoured personnel carriers and bulldozers sent to refugee camps and other densely populated areas in the West Bank” since 7 October. It also highlights the arrest of more than 4,700 Palestinians, including about 40 journalists, by ISF, “in most cases not linked to the commission of a criminal offence”.
Some of the detainees were subjected to ill-treatment, the report says: “stripped naked, blindfolded and restrained for long hours with handcuffs and with their legs tied, while Israeli soldiers stepped on their heads and backs… spat at, slammed against walls”. OHCHR’s report recalls that on 31 October, Israeli media reported that “dozens of pictures and videoclips were published by Israeli soldiers depicting themselves abusing, degrading and humiliating Palestinians apprehended in the West Bank”.
The report also documents cases of sexual and gender-based violence “including one detainee who was beaten in the genitals, forced nudity of several detainees as shown in videos, sexual slurs against one woman, … two pregnant women threatened with rape while in detention, ‘As Al-Qassam [the armed wing of Hamas who carried out the 7 October terror attacks] did with Israeli women’”.
Settler attacks doubled
Settler violence against Palestinians has surged in the occupied West Bank, the report says, highlighting that between 7 October and 20 November, OCHA recorded 254 settler attacks at an average of six incidents per day, compared with three since the beginning of the year. These included shootings, burning of homes and vehicles and uprooting of trees, OHCHR said.
“In many incidents, settlers were accompanied by ISF, or were themselves wearing ISF uniforms, and carrying army rifles,” the report said. The findings include armed settler attacks against Palestinians harvesting their olives, “forcing them to leave their land, stealing their harvest and poisoning or vandalizing their olive trees, depriving many Palestinians of a vital source of income”.
The OHCHR report notes that after 7 October “ISF… reportedly distributed 8,000 army rifles to civilian ‘settlements defence squads’ and ‘regional defence battalions’ established to protect settlements in the West Bank” after many Israeli troops were redeployed to Gaza.
Mr. Türk deplored the “continued lack of accountability for settler and ISF violence” and urged Israel to grant his Office access to the country, adding that “it was ready to report similarly on the 7 October attacks”.
Gaza death toll rises
Meanwhile in Gaza, the latest death toll as of midnight on Thursday stood at 21,110 according to the Strip’s health authorities with over 55,243 Palestinians injured in the enclave.
OCHA reported that heavy Israeli bombardment from air, land and sea, continued across most of the territory on Wednesday while Palestinian armed groups continued firing rockets into Israel.
According to the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) 1.9 million people in Gaza, or nearly 85 per cent of the population, are estimated to be internally displaced, many repeatedly. On Thursday the agency stressed that new Israeli evacuation orders in Middle Gaza are exacerbating displacement as “over 150,000 people – young children, women carrying babies, people with disabilities and the elderly – have nowhere to go”.
‘Public health disaster’
OCHA noted that the lack of food and basic essentials as well as poor hygiene are making the “already dire living conditions” of displaced people even worse and fuelling disease.
UN emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths wrote on social platform X that while infectious diseases are spreading fast in overcrowded shelters, “hospitals are barely functioning” and hundreds of people with war injuries are deprived of care.
“Gaza is a public health disaster in the making,” he warned.
Hospital aid deliveries
According to UN health agency WHO as of Wednesday only 13 hospitals in Gaza were partially functional. WHO noted that four of them in the north face shortages of medical staff and supplies including anaesthesia and antibiotics, as well as fuel, food and drinking water, while those in the south are at three times their capacity.
WHO teams deliver supplies to hospitals in Northern and Southern Gaza – New mass displacement of Palestinians fleeing fighting, health facilities crammed with people seeking refuge, food
WHO teams have undertaken high-risk missions to deliver supplies, with partners, to… pic.twitter.com/aHwZMpFu5D
Earlier this week WHO teams with partners delivered essential supplies to two hospitals, Al-Shifa in the north and Al-Amal Palestine Red Crescent Society in the south. The UN health agency said that its staff witnessed “intense” fighting near the facilities and high patient loads. According to Gaza’s health authorities, occupancy rates are reaching 206 per cent in inpatient departments and 250 per cent in intensive care units, while tens of thousands of displaced people seek refuge at the facilities.
‘Hunger and desperation’
WHO reiterated that hungry people stopped its convoys on Tuesday “in the hope of finding food” and stressed that its ability to supply medicines, medical supplies, and fuel to hospitals “is being increasingly constrained by the hunger and desperation of people en route to, and within, hospitals we reach”.
While UN Security Council resolution 2070 adopted last week called for immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to Palestinian civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that “based on WHO eyewitness accounts on the ground, the resolution is tragically yet to have an impact”.
“What we urgently need right now is a ceasefire to spare civilians from further violence and begin the long road towards reconstruction and peace,” Tedros said.
Photo: Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi.Japanese magazine "Historical Photograph, March 1934 issue" published by Rekishi-Shasin Kai.
A wristwatch that once belonged to the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, which inspired the Oscar-winning film “The Last Emperor,” has sold at an auction in Hong Kong last May a record for $5.1 million.
An anonymous customer bought a rare example of a Patek Philippe watch that belonged to Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi.
It is the “highest result” achieved at auction for a wristwatch that belonged to an emperor, Thomas Perazzi, head of watch sales at Phillips Age auction house, told Reuters.
The watch is one of eight known examples of the “Patek Philippe Reference 96 Quantieme Lune” model. It was given by the emperor to his Russian translator when he was held in a Soviet prison, the auction house said. At bidding, the lot easily surpassed the original estimate of US$3 million.
Other watches belonging to emperors and sold at auction include the Patek Philippe of the last Ethiopian emperor, Haile Selassie, which sold in 2017 for US$2.9 million. A Rolex belonging to the last emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai, sold for five million dollars at auction in 2017.
The last Chinese emperor was born in 1906 and ascended the throne when he was only two years old. After the end of World War II in 1945, Pu Yi was arrested by the Soviet Army at China’s Shenyang Airport, held as a prisoner of war, and sent to a camp in Khabarovsk, Russia, for five years.
Journalist Russell Working interviewed the emperor’s translator Georgiy Permyakov in 2001. and says the emperor gave the watch to Permyakov on his last day in the Soviet Union, shortly before he was extradited to China. “He sometimes made such gestures towards people who were dear to him,” Working said.
On December 29, 2023, according to the Orthodox calendar, the Holy 14 thousand infant martyrs killed by Herod in Bethlehem are honored.
These innocent Jewish babies suffered for the baby Jesus at the behest of King Herod of Judea, who was afraid that the newborn would take away his kingdom.
God’s judgment – according to the ecclesiastical writers – reached Herod through terrible diseases that ended his life for the illegal slaughter of the innocent
These innocent Jewish babies suffered because of the beginningless Christ Child – Son of God by order of the Jewish king Herod.
When he saw himself mocked by the wise men, who worshiped the Christ Child, but did not return to him, but went away to their own country, Herod became very angry, and, fearing lest the new-born King of the Jews should take away his kingdom, commanded to kill all the infants in Bethlehem and all its borders from two years old and below. Then what was said by the prophet Jeremiah came true:
“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and wailing and a great cry. Rachel wept for her children, and would not be comforted because they were gone” (Matt. 2:17-18).
Thus the cruel Herod sacrificed thousands of infants to his unbridled lust for power, not knowing that Jesus Christ was born to establish a kingdom not of earthly rule, but of eternal salvation;
that all the wiles of men are powerless and in vain for the almighty providence of God, who powerfully and unobstructed arranges the salvation of the world;
that the life of Herod himself, who presumptuously took care of himself, would last no more than a year, and that his fate depended on God!
God’s judgment – in the words of the church writers – reached Herod through terrible diseases that ended his life for the illegal slaughter of the innocent.
The infant martyrs entered the Kingdom of Heaven not through the door of St. Baptism, but through martyrdom for Jesus Christ, which he himself called “baptism” (Mark 10:10). And with this baptism, in case of need, the sacrament of water baptism itself is replaced.
