Conflicts & Crises

Blue Marble insights into international conflicts, crises, and peace efforts worldwide.

ICJ rules Israel must take immediate measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza Strip

By Hope O'Dell

The court did not order a cease-fire. In 63% of previous cases, it denied similar requests to stop military action.

4 minute read

From oil to Ikea furniture: Red Sea conflict and Panama Canal drought delay shipments and could increase emissions

By Hope O'Dell

Over 90% of the world's traded goods are transported by ship.

4 minute read

South Africa's case against Israel is the fifth time UN genocide law has been used this way

By Hope O'Dell

The ICJ is considering whether to approve provisional measures that would immediately order Israel to stop all military operations in the Gaza Strip.

5 minute read

Who could be criminally charged because of the Israel-Hamas war?

By Hope O'Dell

The International Criminal Court, which prosecutes individuals for international crimes, has been investigating potential crimes committed in the Palestinian territories since 2021, including those committed by Hamas militants and Israeli military members during the Israel-Hamas war.

4 minute read

What are the provisional measures South Africa is requesting in its genocide case against Israel?

By Hope O'Dell

The court could rule in a few weeks on whether to implement provisional measures that include ordering Israel to stop military actions in the Gaza Strip while the case is being determined.  

4 minute read

Young Taiwanese voters could swing the upcoming presidential election, deciding the island’s future relationship with China

By Hope O'Dell

At least a quarter of Taiwan’s eligible voters are between 20 and 40 years old, a group that overwhelmingly supports an independent Taiwan. 

5 minute read

See how 32 countries moved away from the US and Israel in latest UN cease-fire vote

By Hope O'Dell

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on Dec. 12 that called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war by an overwhelming majority of the 193-member body, receiving 153 votes, compared with 120 votes for the Oct. 27 resolution calling for a "humanitarian truce." 

3 minute read

As US universities struggle with the Israel-Hamas war, what's happening on campuses around the world?

By Laura Adamczyk

Since Oct. 7, people on college campuses across the United States have been struggling with what's happening in Israel and Gaza. Battles surrounding free speech are playing out at universities in Europe, as well. 

5 minute read

Why a rabbi decided to mourn with his Muslim neighbors

By Liza Slutskaya, Hannah Long-Higgins

When Rabbi Hody Nemes heard about the murder of 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, he was horrified. 

'Start with that human feeling': Interfaith friendship on campus

By Hannah Long-Higgins, Liza Slutskaya

Acts of antisemitism and Islamophobia have increased on U.S. college campuses since Oct. 7.