Conflicts & Crises

On Dec. 29, South Africa brought genocide charges against Israel in the International Court of Justice. Israel said it will defend itself from the charges at hearings on Jan. 11 and 12 in The Hague. 

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." 

The U.S. has vetoed U.N. Security Council resolutions critical of Israel more than any other council member – 45 times, according to an analysis by Blue Marble. 

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. 

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

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

“The war between Israel and Hamas was effectively started with a hostage crisis,” Dr. Danielle Gilbert told Blue Marble.

Before the Taliban came into power in 2021, 23-year-old artist Atena Soltani supported herself financially through art projects. Unable to have a normal life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, she moved to Italy. Now, she transforms her challenges and concerns for girls living in Afghanistan into sketches. 

The U.S. has maintained a delicate balance between not officially recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign nation and arming the island to fend off any Chinese aggression out of concern that an expanding China could threaten its own political and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

We compiled five expert lists of recommended reading from diverse authors, viewpoints, and backgrounds to help explain the history, context, and experiences shaping the war.