Conflicts & Crises

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

My mother's death on Oct. 7th shook me awake

By Hannah Long-Higgins

Activist Vivian Silver dedicated her life to building a path to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. On Oct. 7, she was killed in the Hamas attacks. Yonatan Zeigen talked with Blue Marble about his mother's life and the impact of her death.

Why one ICJ judge voted against every approved provisional measure in South Africa's genocide case against Israel

By Hope O'Dell

Julia Sebutinde of Uganda voted no on more measures in the ICJ's ruling than the judge Israel appointed to the UN court for this case.

3 minute read

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

Why is Sweden telling its citizens to prepare for war?

By Hope O'Dell

As the country moves closer to joining NATO, member countries, including Poland and Germany, have said that within the next decade Russia could attack nations that have joined the military alliance. 

 

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

Explainer: How US ties in the Middle East are preventing a regional war (so far)

By Hope O'Dell

The U.S. has official relationships with nearly every country in the Middle East. Israel, a close U.S. ally, has official ties with only five.

4 minute read